Subject: Hellmann's Mayonnaise

For those who think they know everything

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.

This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.... But as we know....the great ship did not make it to New York....The ship hit an iceberg and sank....and the cargo was forever lost.... The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery....were disconsolate at the loss.... Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.... The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th....and is known....of course....as Sinko de Mayo....

The Sports Center: Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio
Predicition: Spurs in Seven

Did anyone see this bit on 60 Minutes II last night? They had pictures of American soldiers that were shocking and appalling. I could not believe my eyes.

"It was American soldiers serving as military police at Abu Ghraib who took these pictures. The investigation started when one soldier got them from a friend, and gave them to his commanders. 60 Minutes II has a dozen of these pictures, and there are many more – pictures that show Americans, men and women in military uniforms, posing with naked Iraqi prisoners.

There are shots of the prisoners stacked in a pyramid, one with a slur written on his skin in English.

In some, the male prisoners are positioned to simulate sex with each other. And in most of the pictures, the Americans are laughing, posing, pointing, or giving the camera a thumbs-up.

60 Minutes II was only able to contact one of the soldiers facing charges. But the Army says they are all in Iraq, awaiting court martial."

What the hell were those soldiers thinking?

Am I the only person tired of the Friends hoopla? Ya. Go already.

Happy Birthday Lee.

Everyone at work was very complimentary about my hair. I just kept saying, Yes. I like the cut. They'd just laugh and reassure me that it looks really good.

I fought the Red but the Red won!




Yes, I have short strawberry blonde-ish short hair. Treatment after treatment and the red would just not go away. It faded, but it's still Red.

She started a fourth attempt when I told her to stop. I don't hate this color and can live with it for a while. I figured my hair was about to start falling out. I could feel how coarse my hair felt, so I told her to do whatever she wanted with it.

Oh well, it'll grow back. Lesson learned. Again.

My mom sent me this e-mail to prove she was right during a recent "conversation". I've bolded the line in question.

You know when you're from San Antonio if.......

You know how to get to the "Ghost Tracks" from anywhere in town.
You think "pro-choice" means "flour tortillas or corn tortillas"
You've never been to the Alamo.
You think a health drink is a Margarita without salt.
You used to live in a neighborhood you wouldn't even drive through now.
You remember when Crossroads mall used to be called Wonderland.
You remember when KTSA was the #1 station in town.
You know Dan Cook coined the phrase "it ain't over 'till the fat lady
sings."
Your idea of culture is wearing a Spurs T-shirt.
You think the last supper was at MiTierra restaurant.
You do your shopping at the Eisenhower Road flea market.
You have 3 rodeo outfits but never have been on a horse.
Your subwoofer has twice the value of your car.
You remember the Captain Gus show.
Your Anglo mother learned how to make tamales and menudo from your
neighbors.
You went to get breakfast tacos at Taco Cabana on Christmas morning.
You know where "St. Joseph's Church" is.
You remember the Joske's Christmas display.
You know that Wheatley and Brackenridge is the same school.
You know who plays in the Chili Bowl and the Gucci Bowl.
You remember TG&Y, Woolworth, Woolco, and Winns.
You remember when JCPenny's had a restaurant.
You remember Dillard's in the south side.
You learned to drive at Espada Park.
You went swimming at Espada Park.
You had an elephant ride at the zoo.
You remember hamburgers at Whopper Burger.
You know all about the "Dancing Diablo" and the "Donkey Lady" bridge.
You remember the Toros.
You remember the parade sniper.
You know that the Alamo is one of the 5 missions in town.
Your senior trips were to either Astroworld or Six Flags.
Someone in your family has worked for H-E-B.
You know 1604 is also known as the "death loop".
You remember when Ingram mall wasn't even there.
You remember when loop 410 was the outskirts of town.
You've ordered Mexican food at a Chinese restaurant,
You take your vacation during Fiesta week.
You think being able to read the Taco Cabana menu makes you bilingual.
Playland Park...enough said!!!

I really do think Alias is one of the top shows on television right now. I'm just mesmerized by it. I used to encourage everyone I know to watch it, but now I tell people not to bother cause they'd never figure it out. Although, tonight I was a tad bit disappointed in the initial Vaughn/Lauren reunion. I hope there's a good showdown between the two of them before the end of the season (May 23). He deserves to let her have it.

Here's an interesting Alias site: Two Evil Monks. Check out the "unanswered questions" section.

Later: [Link has spoilers, so don't click if you don't want to know.] "TV Gal reader Kate was one of several "Alias" fans to tell me that Sydney's half-sister's name is Nadia Santos. Nadia is Aidan spelled backwards and Santos is, of course, Saint. And we all remember that Sydney dreamed about St. Aidan early this season."

from my front porch

The kids at the shelter were so cranky today. Every last one of them (ok, there were only 6-8 toddlers) was crying and whiney and tired. Seems they've been jacking around with their schedule (again!) this week so the kids' clocks are all messed up.

Nemo (again, not his real name) was out on another house visit today. He's been at the shelter five months. Almost as long as me! He wasn't even crawling the first time we met. He's grown and relaxed so much. He's turning into such a happy kid, I sure hope someone takes him home soon.

I know I'm behind on the trend, but I finally broke down and bought myself some flipflops today. Since they're on sale at Target for $2.50, I figured I could afford to find out what all the hullabaloo is about!

I have added some commentary on the books I've read this year. If you hover over the title, a pop-up box will appear.

I have been feeling puny all day. While at the store I broke into a bottle of Gatorade and drank the whole thing (yes I paid for it on my way out). I feel loads better. Guess I needed some electrolytes or something.

I went to the mall a while ago to exchange a James Avery ring I bought yesterday with a gift certificate. It was a half-size too large. I collect hearts. I also own the Tiny Hearts Band and Mother's Love (although I didn't know that was the name of it when I bought it). I love James Avery jewelry.

While I was at the mall I looked in every mirror trying to determine if the hair is too terrible to wear to work on Monday and Tuesday (pulled back in a ponytail). I think it will be ok. Although, people will definitely notice (I felt like everyone was staring at me at the mall ~ even though they weren't).

This morning we went to the King William Fair in time for the annual parade. It kind of sucked being there with all that great food and not being able to eat any (just the smell of it made me nauseous). So I came home and had some crackers and peanut butter. Whoo-hoo.

Mom and I were trying to figure out what this is that I have (since Tuesday). It dawned on me that the kids at the shelter were having a problem with this same issue last week. Or maybe not. I'll ask when I go tomorrow.

MmmmYeah. I have definitely lost my sense of humor over this today. I have an appointment with a colorist (rather than doing it myself) on Tuesday. That means I have to go to work two days with hair this color. *sigh* Even in a ponytail is still looks . . . well, not good.

Now I remember why I haven't home colored in eight years . . .


I don't think this picture truly reflects how orange the former blonde streaks are. Luckily (?) it's one of those that washes out in 28 washes. Two washes down, 26 to go before Monday . . .

My roots are terribly long and my stylist is on maternity leave. I thought I would use some "auburn" to perk things up until she comes back. Good thing I have a good sense of humor.

Sweet. I always love reading wedding blogs. Especially when the plans are true to who the couple is and not so traditional.

Today is a holiday of sorts for us. Everything downtown pretty much shutters up about 11 a.m. for the Battle of Flowers Parade. Now, if only I felt better.

Have you every tried Start Sampling? I've received some good things (note: they are sample size). If for no other reason, I enjoy getting stuff in the mail.

I've been watching 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time on Comedy Central this week. I pretty much agree, except for maybe on Woody Allen.

Bravo is letting us vote on The 100 Greatest TV Characters of All Time! And yes, I'll bet you can guess who "My favorite character in a currently running show" is. But hurry, voting closes tomorrow!

Yea!! It's the season finale schedule!

Here's an example of why I shouldn't be left at home with long periods of time with nothing to do.

A little while ago a white car pulled up in front of my house. Of course I notice it, it's in front of my house. I watch as the driver flicks his cigarette ashes out the passenger window. Mmmm. This strikes me as odd. He pulls away.

I hear the squeaky brakes stop not far away so I get up to look. Sure enough he's moved two houses down. Which again, strikes me as odd. I watch as he gets out and walks back to my neighbor's house. Which he could have parked in front of because there's no one else parked there.

I go find my binoculars. Write down the make, model and license plate number. So if he harms my neighbor I can give that to the police. Yep. I think it's time to go back to work.

I was just checking my stats and I got a hit from freepronsexpics (spelled incorrectly on purpose). Scary.

I'm home again today. It feels like it could go either way. I could truly be fine or not. About 45 minutes ago I thought about getting dressed and going into work. But once I was up and moving around my stomach started gurgling, so I decided to stay put.

I still have a crabby stomach. I came home early again and basically tried to lay still all afternoon. You know it's bad when you go to the store to buy soup and the pictures on the label make you feel like upchucking.

Today is my Godmother's 75th birthday. We went to Joe's Crabshack for dinner. It was a lovely evening. So much so that near the end I almost started crying. Her brain was "on" tonight. She spoke almost complete sentences ~ enough so that I could figure out what she was trying to say and we had what could almost pass as real conversations. I heard her call my mother by name. They had a menu with pictures, so she could pick out what she really wanted. She was in a giddy, joyous mood. I am so grateful for this night.

I finished The Secret Life of Bees several nights ago. I really enjoyed it. I'd say it ranks among my top five for the year.

As for yesterday . . . let's just say I had some gastrointestinal distress that required I leave work early and spend the evening laying very still on my couch and leave it at that.

An update on my friend's daughter (they may read funny because I cut-n-paste it from an update e-mail I've been sending):

her daughter is at home
she has no memory of the incident
she is very solemn and sad
wishes she could go back in time and not do it
she is off all meds
they tube aspirated the thing in her abdomen
it was all liquid
there were no immediate reasons for the spot/whatever it is
there were no visible bad "organisms" in the liquid
results will be available in two weeks
she has an appointment with her primary care and oncologist then
the oncologist can also help with the hepatitis
she called the the psychiatric hospital yesterday
she enrolled herself in a six-week outpatient program
orientation is today

Mom is on a roll today:

A young brunette goes into the doctor's office and says that her body hurts wherever she touches it. "Impossible," says the doctor. "Show me."

She takes her finger and pushes her elbow and screams in agony. She pushes her knee and screams, pushes her ankle and screams. Everywhere she touches makes her scream.

The doctor says, "You're not really a brunette, are you?" She says, "No, I'm really a blonde."

I thought so," he says. "You have a broken finger."


Alice was to bake a cake for the church ladies' group bake sale, but, she forgot to do it until the last minute. She baked an angel food cake, and when she took it out of the oven, the center had dropped flat.

She said, "Oh dear, there is no time to bake another cake." So, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake. Alice found it in the bathroom, a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and covered it with icing. The finished product looked beautiful, so she rushed it to the church.

Alice then gave her daughter some money and instructions to be at the sale the minute it opened and to buy that cake and bring it home. When the daughter arrived at the sale, the attractive cake had already been sold. Alice was beside herself.

A couple of days later Alice was invited to a friend's home were two tables of bridge were to be played that afternoon. After the game a fancy lunch was served, and to top it off, the cake in question was presented for dessert.

When Alice saw the cake, she started to get up to rush into the kitchen to tell her hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, one of the other ladies said, "What a beautiful cake!"

Alice sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess say, "Thank you, I baked it myself."

These episodes of Alias just get better and better. This week kept me guessing and screeching and oohing and aahing and clapping and gasping. JJ Abrams is my hero.

The Package

Yep. They could be sisters. And only three episodes left?? Waahhh!

Here's what I did today:


before . . .


Linda preparing to finish the hallway trim


and after . . . my [Vern Yip] brown bedroom!


don't know if you can tell by the pictures ...


but it looks fabulous!
And I did it all by myself. Sure, it took all day ~ minus breaks for lunch, dessert and to wash the cat ~ but I did it all by myself and I am very pleased with how it turned out. Now to figure out the finishing touches ... curtains, new bedspread, lamp covers, etc...

Last night was the second time ever that Cory has not been thrown out of my room. I was surprised when I woke up this morning and the door was still open. Either I'm just sleeping through her playing or she's figured out she can leave the room and play without waking me. Although I do remember her lunging and biting my boob, and me shoving her off the bed.

So today ... I almost came home with a greyhound from the Humane Society dealie this morning. Well, not literally because she still needs to be spayed. She's a black and white "ticked" beauty:


But I need to do a little more research first on greyhounds.

We did a couple of Fiesta events today and had a grand time. One of the homes on tour is owned by someone we used to work with. Small world!

This evening I watched the Spurs and did prep work in my room to paint tomorrow. We saw some lovely brown rooms on the tour day, so I'm excited.

I spoke with my friend this morning. Her daughter has really perked up and was able to move from ICU to a private room. She is eating, talking, showering by herself, etc... Generally where they expected her to be two days ago. However. She still has her mystery fever. We were talking on mobile phones and part of the conversation went like: "something, something, oncologist, something, something." Oncologist, what?? Yes, now on top of everything else, the gastrointerologist found a mass on her abdomen that requires an oncologist. She had cancer as a child, so no telling what this is. Oy. An oncologist.

And an exchange with my mother as we ate Whataburger:

Mom: "I wish Whataburger would warm their buns like WhopperBurger does."
Me: You mean Burger King.
Mom: "No. WhopperBurger."
Me: Burger King.
Mom (with great disgust): "There is a Whataburger and there is a WhopperBurger."
Me: Then I would like you to show me a WhopperBurger.
Mom: (thinking)
Me: Burger King makes the Whopper Burger.
Mom: "Oh. Maybe it was somewhere else."

Gotta love her.

It's an interesting thing reading about how much the presidential candidates are spending on advertising. When was the last time I saw a presidential ad on TV? I think it was four years ago while on vacation on California. No, really. I guess the democrats figure it's not worth spending the money in Texas, so the republicans don't bother either.

The first three words are the adjectives they chose for themselves, the last three are the ones I have chosen for them. I think this is an interesting exercise by Em.

So, someone asked for the male version of the Permission game. Here goes:

Question for Women: True or False
In order to ejaculate the penis has to be hard and erect.

Answer: False
The penis can ejaculate without being hard or erect.

4-play: Fondle your own genitals through your clothing.

Permission for His Eyes Only: The 3-Eyed Turtle
Right before you're about to make love, instead of manual stimulation for foreplay, use the head of your penis and rub it gently against her clitoris, first up and down, then side to side, then in little circles, make sure to use plenty of lubricant and hold back a bit (even if she begs), do not enter her until you can't take it anymore and she desires you bad!! Oh, I almost forgot, don't take your eyes off her. This exercise is call the 3-eyed turtle because all three of your eyes are on her. Get it?


Yeah, I got it. Maybe I should give this game to someone I know who is actually having sex instead of torturing myself.

ABC had previously scheduled "Alias'" third season finale for May 16 at 8 p.m. It's not clear if it will air at 9:00 p.m. that night, be bumped to May 23 or moved up to make a two-hour finale on May 2. (The network premiere of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" will fill ABC's entire Sunday schedule on May 9).

What?

An update on my friend's daughter:

My friend spent last night at hospital.
Her daughter woke up and ate about 4 bites of oatmeal at 4 a.m.
She's not been awake since (as of when we talked around noon).
She can get up and go to the bathroom. Even in her sleep.
She still has fever and elevated white cell count.
The doctors cannot find source of her fever.
She is in a lot of pain as the drugs begin to leave her body.
They called in a gastro-doc to see what's going on with her belly.
Her heart is much better. It is now responsive to her movements.
This is her third day in intensive care.
This time in ICU is considered not a normal reaction to an OD.
She is now past the 48 hour period and is considered to be getting better.

Lordy, I hope so.

ok, so here's the truth. I am in a mood. I don't know if I'd call it a bad mood. And here's why (but don't tell anyone). I ran out of Lexapro. Yeah, I know. It's on order. I really thought it would be here by now. I started rationing the meds when I saw I'd failed to mail in the new prescription, thinking it would tide me over. Eventually I plain ran out. I haven't had any this week. Bad Susan.

Apparently I am not in a very good mood today. It's been brought to my attention on several occassions. So I am having a rum & diet coke. Oh, and I lost my keys at work today. Don't ask.

From my Ya-Ya Sister Ileana:

1. If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it will always be yours. If it doesn't come back, it was never yours to begin with. But, if it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and doesn't appear to realize that you had set it free....... You either married it or gave birth to it.

2. Reason to smile: Every 7 minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.

3. They keep telling us to get in touch with our bodies. Mine isn't all that communicative but I heard from it the other day after I said, "Body, how'd you like to go to the six o'clock class in vigorous toning?" Clear as a bell my body said, "Listen fatty....do it and die."

4. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

5. The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

6. The nice part about living in a small town: When you don't know what you're doing, someone else always does.

7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

8. Amazing! ! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes!

9. Sometimes I think I understand everything, then I regain consciousness.

10.. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day.

It's that time of the year. NBA Playoffs 2004. And my Spurs are playing in round one against the Grizzlies.

You'll notice I've set-up the schedule over there on the right. And this is the first of what I anticipate will be many more articles on my team as the playoffs continue until June.

Defending champs flying under the radar
It's very easy, indeed, to overlook the Spurs. But that would be a mistake. They're the defending champs, and -- get out your radar -- the prediction here is that when June comes, they'll be champs again.

Joy! Joy! Great news! Karla did not have a hysterectomy after all. They were able to remove the grapefruit size fibroid, plus two others without having to take the uterus!

On the other hand, I spoke with my friend about an hour ago and the first thing they told her this morning was that her daughter is not doing well. She's had an inexplicable fever for 24 hours now, so they are trying to figure out what's going on. Plus there are still problems with her heart. Oh, and did I mention she already has hepatitis C? She is not coherent. She's told her mom that she loves her and that she's sorry, but not much else. Mostly she's out of it.

They told my friend that this is not a normal reaction to an overdose. The emergency room folks expected her to be "fine" by now, but she is in ICU. One of the fever possibilities is pneumonia, which would be really serious in this situation with the condition her heart is in. Did I mention that she's 18?

I had a friend call last night to tell me her daughter attempted suicide on Tuesday. On top of everything else, the daughter had developed an eating disorder, so at 80 pounds she swallowed more than 130 anti-depressants. She's occasionally conscious, but not really coherent. Oh, and the overdose has caused problems with her heart.

My other friend is having her surgery (possible hysterectomy) today.

And how's your day going? I'm exhausted already.

I receive a weekly newsletter from Cheryl Richardson. Recently, a topic focused on Cleaning Closets: The hidden meaning of old clothes.

I let it sit with me a while and yesterday I did it. Everything that is too small, too old and simply past it's prime is gone. I think I cleared out half of my wardrobe.

It included my college graduation dress (16 years ago), a few size 10s (? long ago), clothes from old boyfriends, shoes worn to the sole. I confess I kept a half dozen items I'm just not ready to part with. Two party dresses I've worn once and would love to wear again. A suit that might fit again someday (just one!).

I also found an "adult" game I've never been able to play. The Permission Game. There are questions for men and women, 4-play cards and the ultimate "Permission" card. I just drew these three cards as things I would do if my guy and I were playing:

Question for men: True or False
There is a tribe in Africa where the women remove their front teeth so they can perform fellatio better.

Answer: True
Most men prefer fellatio without the teeth being involved.

4-Play: Kiss the back of you partner's neck.

Permission for Her Eyes Only: Lusty Language
Talking dirty to your partner can be huge turn on for him, so that's what you're going to do. Jump into bed and start making whoopee. Say stuff like: harder or faster, oh you feel so good, oh you feel so hard, I feel you so deep inside me, etc ... If you have your own material, by all means now is the time to use it. Beef it up baby!

Now I just need a guy . . .

Jimbo: I'm not going bald. Just getting more head. Gotta appreciate a guy with a sense of humor.

Can someone explain this to me? William Hung set to crack Billboard's Top 30. Shouldn't his 15 minutes be up by now?

I finished The Five People You Meet in Heaven a few nights ago. It was OK.

Last night I started The Secret Life of Bees and I finally had to force myself to stop reading at midnight ~ waayyy past my bedtime.

Knit, purl, knit, purl (yes, that's how you can tell it's Wednesday).

I've just finished washing the dishes in preparation for Elizabeth to visit this weekend ~ just in time for our annual city-wide party, Fiesta.

She's coming in on Friday and we start that afternoon with our first event, Fiestas Fantasías, for lunch. She's talking about hitting Oyster Bake, but I'm going to pass on that one. On Saturday we are doing the Monticello Park Historic District Tour Of Homes and Fiesta Arts Fair at the Southwest School of Art and Craft.

For Sunday I've encouraged her to get together with other friends she should see while she's here and I think I'm going to paint (since it's looking rain-less for a while).

Wanna know one of the many things I hate about PMS? The weepies. You know, when something that would never bother you on an ordinary day can bring stoopid tears to your eyes? And you hate it because it happens and that makes them spill over your lashes and down your cheeks ~ yet there is nothing you can do to stop them? Maybe I should just go to bed and start again tomorrow.

Parents! This one is for you: Girl Foils Alleged Kidnapping Attempt with a Family Code Word

Monday Madness: 'What color is your favorite.......'

1. Vegetable::Red (oops. That's actually a fruit)
2. Beverage::Brown
3. Room::Pink, white and cranberry (but not for long!)
4. Outfit::Blue
5. Mood::Yellow
6. Season::Burnt Orange
7. Fruit::Blue
8. Dessert::Chocolate (that's a color, right?)
9. Pair of shoes::Black
10. Color????::Red

You know, I was sitting at work this afternoon being driven completely nuts by my supervisor. NUTS! We sit back to back in open cubicles and some days the talking out loud is incessant. Like today.

How do I print this .pdf? I can't find the printer icon. How will it know I only want to print this page? It's not printing. No the other print option is grayed out. Oh, the printer icon is grayed out too.

How do I save this picture (a jpeg opened into IE)? No, it won't let me save it here. Why do I have to go back to mail? But when I clicked open that's what it did. What "save" button? Oh.

I go bang my head against Ericka's desk (who, luckily, gets to overhear all these exchanges because my supervisor talks loud) before coming back to my area and reading Family of slain soldier pleads for sisters:

With three daughters serving in Iraq, John and Lori Witmer had a family Web site with photos from Baghdad, notes to home and messages of encouragement.

"Keep praying! They're almost home!" a recent entry says.

But the top notice, dated Sunday, carried grim news: "We regret to inform you that Michelle Witmer was killed in action April 9th. ..."

Then I remember my life is not so bad. Actually, it's a pretty damn good one.

Finally. He knows. Excellent episode!

For Easter lunch I fixed crab cakes, scallops wrapped in bacon, asparagus and salad. For dessert it was banana pudding. With extra banana and 'nilla wafers.

There was a lull in the rain post-lunch, so we drove to Devine to plant an Easter Lily at Phyllis' grave. She has a beautiful headstone now. As we left she said, "I sure miss her." Me too.

I took Easter cookies to the care givers at the shelter this morning. My little Diamond was gone. I'm glad for her. Really I am. I know someone is going to fall madly, deeply in love with her. She deserves it. They all do.

Earlier in the year I bought a card organizer from Hallmark so I could, you know, get organized. So guess where my Easter cards are. Yep. In the organizer!

The Carpenter's Cloth

Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. John 20:6-7

During Jesus' time there was one way a carpenter let the contractor know a job was finished. A signature, so to speak.

Imagine a hot afternoon in Galilee. Jesus has completed the final pieces of a job he has worked on for several days. The hair of his strong forearms is matted with sawdust and sweat. His face is shiny with heat. He takes a final and welcome drink of cool water from a leather bag.

Then standing to the side of his work, he pours water over his face and chest, splashing it over his arms to clean himself before his journey home. With a nearby towel, he pats his face and arms dry.

Finally, Jesus folds the towel neatly in half, and then folds it in half again. He sets it on the finished work and walks away. Later, whoever arrives to inspect the work will see the towel and understand its simple message. The work is finished.

Christ's disciples, of course, knew this carpenter's tradition. On a Sunday of sorrow, three years after Jesus had set aside his carpenter tools, Peter will crouch to look into an empty tomb and see only the linens that the risen Lord has left behind.

A smile will cross Peter's face as his sorrow is replaced by hope, for he will see the wrap that had covered Jesus' face. It has been folded in half, then folded in half again and left neatly on the floor of the tomb.

Peter understands. The carpenter has left behind a simple message.

It is finished.

I've had another successful day today.

Did some early morning shopping at Penney's. I am not short or average when it comes to slacks. Short is too short and average is too long (and forget tall!). I took some lower heeled shoes with me and found three pairs of pants that fit perfectly. That oughta round out my work attire for the rest of the year!

Then we had lunch with the Godparents. Lemme tell you, it's a lot of work. Between trying to figure out what she's saying and listening to him talk ~ it's exhausting!

We were on our way home when I said, Look, there's Darth Vader. The Jill I mentioned in the 23 questions the other day drives a black Lincoln Navigator that I nicknamed Darth Vader. Then as she passed I said, Wait! That really is Darth Vader. I did a quick u-turn as Mom asked, "Are you sure?" So I called her, Is that you? "At mom's house?" No, right in front of me on Loma Linda. She looked in her review mirror and waved. I went and watched her eat some Mexican food (a must when former San Antonians come to town) and caught up on life.

And now she's headed back to Houston and it's cold here. We saw a 30° drop today. It's in the 50s now. That's BRR for San Antonio in April!

My friend Karla is having surgery on the 15th that may lead to a partial hysterectomy (they leave the ovaries). I feel for her. It's one thing to take some time in your life to decide if and when you want children. It's something totally different to have that decision taken away from you.

I thought I would feel like I'd been beat up with a shovel this morning, but surprisingly I don't. My shoulders hurt some and the arches of my feet. I figure the sunburn that remains will be faded enough or will be easy enough to cover for work. Whew.

Check out Q&A: the photographic interview. I think I may play.

Did you know June 9 is International Webloggers' Day? Yeah, me neither.

I am someone I do not know. Gardening and being excited over the spring issue of knitty. In the same day.

I have obviously been hitting the crack pipe again because I went to the Humane Society again. There was no one there that called to my heart. Although there was one really cute dachshund . . .

I took a mental health day today. When I called this morning all bright and chipper, I told Maria that it was my official sick day call. "Oh, you don't feel good?" Laughter. "Well, I hope you feel better soon." Have a nice Easter. "You too."

Then I called mom and we went to Lowe's. I finally bought the brown paint Vern picked for me. I'd hoped to paint this weekend, but we're expecting rain. Again. Every weekend it seems. Oh, and a cold front. Monday morning is supposed to be 38°.

While at Lowe's I also bought annuals. We came home and I started digging. And digging. I pulled up the cement trimmers around the flower beds (one on each side of side walk ~ about six feet long and now 18 inches wide). I turned over dirt. I picked out roots and pecans and rocks. I reset the cement trimmers (don't know what else to call them). I know it's 18 inches from inside the trim to the sidewalk because mom used a measuring tape. No, really.

We planted impatients, marigolds, snapdragons, something else I don't remember the name of and verbena (closer to the house). It took almost four hours (hey, this is new stuff for me), including a lunch break and time spent talking to various neighbors.

I also have my first manual labor blister. It's about the size of a nickel in the palm of my hand. I didn't notice it forming until it popped. Can you say Ouch? Yeesh, I was so muddy . . . with a open wound and no band*aids. I finally rigged up some cotton with Neosporin and tape it all up ~ inside of a glove ~ so that I could finish.

Mom keeps telling me how much better it looks and I keep saying you think so? She promises in a few weeks I will love it. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to explain my newfound tan since I'm sick and it's going to rain all weekend.

from Zuly:

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. What does it say? "When we're through, we'll set a date to get together." from I ♥ Bad Boys.
2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first? A window pane.
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? The Apprentice.
4. WITHOUT LOOKING, can you guess what the time is? 9:41 p.m.
5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? 9:38 p.m.
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? ER on the television in the other room. I should go turn it off.
7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing? I walked to the store for kitten chow.
8. Before you came to this website, what did you look at? The North Shore Animal League Tour for Life Adoption Event on April 17 at the local humane society. Somebody shoot me.
9. What are you wearing? Black yoga pants and a Hallmark Kaleidoscope t-shirt from a volunteer event.
10. Did you dream last night? I'm sure I did, but I don't remember now.
11. When did you last laugh? Talking on the phone earlier with my mom. Every Thursday she visits my Godparents. When she got there tonight my Godfather was in the backyard. As she and my Godmother walked towards him, my Godmother asked, "See that guy there?" "Yes." "He's an asshole." (He is!) She may be losing her mind, but she speaks the truth. We laughed hard about it.
12. What is on the walls of the room you are in? Orange paint.
13. Seen anything weird lately? Oh, I'm sure, but nothing is coming to mind right now.
14. What do you think of this quiz? Fun.
15. What is the last film you saw? Identity with John Cusack on HBO.
16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first? First, I'd become debt free. Then probably a new car and house. For mom too.
17. Can you tell something about you that no one knows? No. Because if everyone I knew got together, they could fit the puzzle pieces together. One person may not know everything, but together they would know a lot.
18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? Parents would work hard to raise happy, healthy children and never would lay a hand on them. (I was gonna go for world peace, but that sounded too obvious.)
19. Do you like to dance? When I'm alone.
20. George Bush: is he a power-crazy nut case or some one who is finally doing something that has needed to be done for years? I think he is somewhere in the middle.
21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? Jillian - When I was younger I adored my neighbor, Jill, and swore I would name a daughter after her. If I were to have a girl, this is how I would do so.
22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? Jake - Yeah, I know Jacob is the #1 boys' name right now. (At least Jillian is #88!)
23. Would you ever consider living abroad? Yes. In the UK.

Saw the preview of the Spiderman 2 trailer on The Apprentice tonight. Definitely piqued my interest.

Tonight is the first time I've watched a full episode of The Apprentice. That Omarosa is a lying bitch, huh?

This came to me in spam at work this morning:

Gratitude is the heart's memory.

Jamie Oliver: I was naked in the kitchen and burnt my penis.

Yea! I can now knit, purl, knit, purl!

This is an interesting story on Kevin Powell from the original Real World ~ 12 years ago!

It's another knitting night. Hopefully I will learn how to purl. I'll still be a class behind most others, but oh well. Then a quickie trip to the grocery store for cat food and other items to help me finish out the week.

Cory's starting to get pissed. This is two nights in a row that I haven't been home. I can tell she misses the attention.

Pick me! Pick me!! Queer Eye for the Straight Girl!

Tonight I am going to see Nunsense with my friend Michele. She has season tickets for the Broadway Series that comes to town and I am lucky enough to receive an invitation to go with her one a season.

I quit reading Name & Address Withheld last night. I'm tired of stories that focus on characters who believe affairs are ok because it's a love-less marriage. Bullshit. Don't be sleeping with someone who doesn't know you're married and then crawl home and into bed with your wife. But alas, I read the last page and of course the scoundrel and the "other woman" end up living happily ever after. Hmfph.

Frankly, I think I have hit a reading wall. I couldn't finish this one and now the other two ( Middlesex and Atonement) are not interesting me at all.

For those of you who are keeping track of my "buy no books" New Year's resolution . . . In case you were wondering if I bought Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook ~ I paid for it with a gift card.

It was only the second time I'd been in a bookstore this year. Lemme tell you, I have to walk through really, really fast. I feel like if I pause and look over the "New" section I'd be a goner. So far this year, I have bought a two Flat Stanley books for my Godson's birthday. Everything else I've read has been from the library. Go me!

Bah. I am so bad at math that even Quicken can kick my ass. I've spent hours working on setting up a 2004 account. Hours.

What's up with Coral and Julie? Anyone?

When I woke up this morning my first thought was, I hope I'm in a better mood today.

I was in a really frustrated mood yesterday. When I went to the shelter I scanned the room and didn't see [oops ~ almost wrote her name here] my little princess. I bolstered myself withYou knew this was coming and looked for someone else to play with.

As I walked past the infant room I saw her. And she saw me. And she came straight to me with a huge grin. I am tearing up as I write this.

That little girl has stolen my heart. She's not the first. Maybe the third child I have fallen in love with in the last year. And I suspect there are more in my future. But yesterday I was really beating myself up about the foster thing. I wish I could call and ask for speed fostering classes so I can bring her home now.

Earlier in the year when I decided not to take the fostering class, it was because of the depression. Because I felt like I couldn't handle it (meals, baths, travel, etc). But now I know that's not true. I know she would become my life and everything would be ok.

I am so confused.

I got lower level! I got lower level! *doing my happy dance* Two concerts a mere 10 days apart!

We've had quite a bit of rain the last few days. Just in time for all the Final Four visitors. It is clear right now and I hope it stays that way (more rain has been predicted) so that all these folks can get out and spend their money in our fine city.

With all the rain my yard is starting to look a little overgrown. I'd really, really hoped that Dayne would continue mowing my yard this year, but I think he felt guilty about taking the money from my yard man ~ who can use it ~ but last year he saved me hundreds of dollars. Anyway, he mowed their yard earlier in the week and not mine. *sigh*

I saw my psychiatrist (not to be confused with my psychologist) this week. I told her I'd like to be back at an 8 (10 being the best) and that right now I'm a 6. We agreed to stay the course for six more weeks to let give the combination more time. We talked exactly 15 minutes for $110. Man, I am in the wrong business. (And yes, that amount includes my insurance coverage).

I'm trying to make up for the quiet week. Can you tell?

I read yesterday (boy, I sure like to start everything with I, huh?) on MSNBC how research shows that "the hormonal changes that occur when humans and dogs interact could help people cope with depression and certain stress-related disorders. Preliminary results from a study show that a few minutes of stroking our pet dog prompts a release of a number of "feel good" hormones in humans, including serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin."

Shoot. I wish I hadn't had such a bad experience with George (remind me to post pictures of the remaining damage in my bathroom some time). Maybe I need a smaller dog. Any suggestions for a low-maintenance dog?

I think another quiet issue is I've been knitting when I would normally be sitting in front of the computer. Don't worry, I'm still in the "new toy" phase and we know that will taper off.

I know I've been quietly lately. I've decided I can't think and blog at the same time.

On Tuesday I called for the foster parent class information. And I've been sick to my stomach ever since.

I've found that if something is really bothering it makes my stomach crabby. Usually it's something I'm trying to ignore. It was only last night that I made the correlation between my stomach issues and when they started and why that might be.

Last night I decided it means I am still not ready to contemplate being a foster. That no matter how much I love those kids on Sunday, I am not ready to bring one into my home. And that hurts my heart.

I've decided that I need to find other ways to be involved. So I am going to nominate myself for the Shelters Volunteer Council.

I'm waiting impatiently for 10 a.m. That's when I can buy more Prince tickets!! He'll be in San Antonio on June 9 and this time, I have someone to go with -- Kristy's old boss Gloria (yes! Gloria).

Someone asked what happened to my police officer friend. He hasn't been back. I'm guessing he remembers my personality well enough to know that what he did was out of bounds and that I would call him on it. And what man wants to face the wrath of me?

I has an interesting hit this morning from a search for "knitting serotonin." I thought it was an interesting combination, so I decided to see what they found. Apparently, it's been proven that knitting can help release serotonins that fight depression.

Good to know.