More than likely anyway. I haven't been out but it's sunny and 79 degrees already. Actually I'm sitting here with hair dye in my hair. Again. Procrastinating from housework. Again. So I thought I could ramble on here for 6 minutes just to say I blogged.

Since my last post I was approached about a director position I'm actually considering. Drove by the place yesterday, it's about ten minutes from where I live. It's a brand new facility that will be opening this summer. Not near as big as the last facility...so maybe, just maybe I'll consider it.

I'm leaving this week on a road trip to Iowa. My mother's 70th birthday is next Saturday and I want to be there for it. I've not made the drive since I moved here in '99 so....

Oh and my gay sister had a baby boy this week. Scratch your head on that one.

Alrighty then....time to rinse.

Been light years since I've last posted. I think about it ALOT...but never sit down to actually accomplish it. Hard to find a person nowadays under 60 that doesn't know what a blog is and if you do they are completely computer retarded challenged.

Ok...just a bit of a life update:

I'm still the mother of 3 and grandmother to one beautiful 4 year old girl.

I'm still doing some part time consulting in long term care for the same company I was employed as a director of nursing.

I haven't gained any weight in 3 years. Nor lost any. Damn it.

I own 33.33% interest in two adult foster care homes. This is good and bad. I'll save that for a future post.

My hair color is still Loreal's Medium Golden Brown...ok, this week and still having delusional thoughts of shaving my head.

I'm contemplating renewing the process of studying to be a nursing home administrator and taking the national and state examinations in September. Not quite sure that's a road I want to take. Thus the "contemplating".

I'm frankly quite disgusted at the price of air flights.

I've been dating someone for the past six months. Relationships are ____ . Fill in your own response here. I can come up with a new sentence every six hours.

I'm still in the top ten on Google if you do a search for "general bullshit". I probably shouldn't boast about this. But it still makes me smile.

Oh...and I've rediscovered my passion for knitting since I'm partially retired.

Well that's enough for now. Anybody out there?

I received a letter from a reader informing me that Mason Profit has a compilation CD coming out this week. Woo Hoo! Finally. Seems I've been waiting for years. I've did a couple of posts on them in the past. I continue to get a lot of hits here for people searching for info on them. I personally can understand why. I just wish I knew more then I know. Which is little of course. Some of their songs were very much anti-war, anti-government. The song Eugene Pratt was one of their biggies - mostly underground of course. I can honestly say I never heard that song on the radio, but it definitely made it's rounds.

Being a pre-teen, young teen in the Vietnam war era, I was pretty much anti everything. That's a difficult time to talk about for me anyway. To be able to put the emotions and feelings of those times into words that convey the proper perspective of what was happening. A revolution definitely took place. The words of my very conformist ex-fatherinlaw (who passed away) comes to mind: "The United States went to hell when they let those damn Beatles come over here!". Still makes me laugh. But my point is, things changed in a profound way.

So below I'll print the lyrics for Eugene Pratt by Mason Profit.

Umm...I don't think so. I'm not buying this:

Aiming straight at the nation's paunch, the U.S. government Wednesday told Americans what nutritionists have been saying for years: Count your calories, get a lot more exercise and make every mouthful pack a nutritional punch.

That's just a little too much like work.

I've been playing around with a GMail account for a few weeks and I have nothing bad to say. In fact I really like it. I finally changed this sites email address over to AlteredPerceptions@gmail.com yesterday.

Anyway I have 4 accounts to give away if anyone needs or wants one give me a holler.

What do you do or think when someone lies to you? Not a suspected lie or a gut instinct this person just lied, but a proof positive. One that didn't need to be told or offered. It wasn't a lie big enough to amount to anything that mattered like one of those I'd confront the person on the spot. But one of those lies that make you see the person in a new way.

I think I feel a little sad because automatically in my mind the person has lost some of my respect, my trust and they lost a big portion of their credibility. For why? I believe people either lie for some form of self preservation or to manipulate an outcome. Sometimes both. If someone can let a small lie flow out of their lips will big ones flow a little too easy too?

Whatever reason I find the dynamics of that relationship has shifted.

Well just because I'm bored and needed a break from mopping the kitchen floor I took the test. Now I guess I'll go investigate the bathroom floors that's about all I'm planning to change in the world on this day. Funny how exciting small talk can be when scrubbing toilets is the alternative.

Republicans Have Better Sex.

Need I say more?

Once again I haven't blogged for ages. My friend asked me Sunday if I was going to blog and my answer was "nope". Sometimes there just isn't anything there. Still isn't.

The news and TV is full of Bush and Kerry whoring themselves around the nation. If I were to vote it would be Bush. Kerry is a revised version of Clinton and Gore, convictions and beliefs can be bought. Anyway I'm not going any farther down that avenue, I've posted before I have no use for wusses.

The news bombardment about Christopher Reeve's death leaves me with undefined emotions. Sure he was handsome and a ok actor. He got lucky landing the Superman role. I guess what gets to me is how he's being called a hero. An inspiration, yes. Hero, no. I wonder how many quads would be an inspiration if they had the bank account to buy an electric wheelchair, buy a van to haul them around, buy 24 hour nursing care, extensive physical therapy without a cap from an insurance company or medicaid, a loving family with money that could care for them in the home. Hell even a family that doesn't have to sell almost everything to pay for the medical care. So the real inspiration I'm thinking is to have money if a very bad thing happens.

So, like I said, I really haven't got anything to say.

I have to go to Detroit again on Friday. Of course the only way I know into downtown closed yesterday. I'm so excited about this journey I could pee my pants.

I got this phrase from Candoor who stopped by to post on the Relationship entry. It's too good of phrase to resist commenting on. I'm not sure I'd classify myself as that but I do read alot online. My bookmarks are ungodly. I know I spend at least an hour every morning and evening reading the news and other various sites, much more on weekends. I've noticed recently if I don't have my laptop with me when I'm traveling I feel like I'm going in withdrawals. Then I have this overwhelming need to have to turn on CNN. Then with any mention of Bush or Kerry I've tuned it out in a heartbeat.

One of the best things that I just love is the Google alerts. I can have certain topics delivered right to my email, so I don't have to hunt and search as much.

One thing that really is beginning to bug me about my online reading habits is my fascination with reading about gadgets. Digital cameras, computers, cellphones, PDA's....my list goes on and on as do the bookmarks. Now I'm even reading message boards. Why oh why?

Obviously I can deduce a few things from this: I have way too much free time, I don't have a life, and I have poor memory retention. As much as I read I should be a hell of a lot smarter. And richer.

I looked at this site last night and lo and behold there was nothing on the page. It seems the only time I spend on this blog for the last 30 days is eliminating the spam comments. Yes Bob, you continue to annoy me but at least someone is spending more time on my blog then me. I have to change that.

Summer is almost over and part of me is thankful. I've spent too much time traveling this summer - I never thought I would say that. I'm ready for things to settle down and work myself into a fairly comfortable routine again. My house, my job, my spiritual well being feels like it's still trapped back in June somewhere and it's time to play catch up for all. I hate the feeling of always being behind, having to hurry and feeling things are left undone or rushed. Makes me feel undone and just tired.

My sisters wedding was last weekend, so I spent 4 days in Iowa. It seemed like a rushed 4 days of constantly having to do something or be somewhere. Living out of someone elses home, hotel, rental car and suitcases. It was good seeing the family again, it had been too long since I've seen my Mom and brother and that part has a calming effect, strangely a sense of accomplishing something that needed to be done.

I think the unsettling part of all of it was the feeling of "coming home" and "being at home" was not present this time. I felt like a stranger in a strange land. Like I always feel here in Detroit. I'm not liking this feeling.

Anyway after a few days of introspection I've come to the conclusion I've been ignoring my introverted personality and it's time to feed and soothe that angry beast, chill down and find my inner peace again. Strange how things can start "feeling out of control" when you quit paying attention.

Due to the continued harassment by Bob - who could be considered a stalker at this point, comments will be kept off. Are you happy now Bob?

I love Jack Handy and his Deep Thoughts...probably too much. I relate a little too well to Jack. I do have a Jack in my family but he's not handy. So for today I leave you this by Jack:

Maybe in order to understand mankind we have to look at that word itself. MANKIND. Basically, it's made up of two separate words "mank"and "ind." What do these words mean? It's a mystery and that's why so is mankind.

Just woke up with a song playing through your head you swear you haven't heard for years? Alice Cooper no less. Where does this stuff come from?

Baby, if you wanna, be my lover

You better take me home

Cuz it's a long long way to paradise

And I'm still on my own.

Must of been a good dream.

I'm still wondering if this is a hoax:

THE anti-depressant drug Prozac is being taken in such large quantities in Britain that it has entered water supplies.

Experts from the Environmental Agency are calling for an immediate investigation after it emerged that quantities of the medication were found in rivers and groundwater used for drinking supplies.

Now if this happened in America I'd probably believe it. Happy water sounds like a good thing to me.

So while I'm bitching about airport security I might as well throw in this little article on how to negotiate terms if you are bumped off your flight. It seems bumping is on the rise and the way to get the best deal is to volunteer to get bumped. I seem to be building up my frequent flyer miles here lately...so maybe I'll get my chance to wheel and deal. My luck I'll end up with a airport hot dog and an 8 hour wait.

So check it out.

Seventy-one degrees today, clear skies. Life is good. Got my own playlist going on Rhapsody...eased on in with the Isley Brother's "Ernies Jam" and ending with Traffic's "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys". Of course I had some Santana, Hendrix and the Allman Brothers inbetween. I think I'll start it over from the begining. Doesn't music just make your soul feel good?

You know I can dance my ass off when no one is watching. Funny how that works. Damn, the dryer just buzzed.

...this is different.

This is the second day I've called in sick to work. I feel somewhat guilty about that or maybe it's just this uneasy feeling that my work is backing up at a rapid rate. Maybe a little of both. Oh wait, maybe it's the "uncommon diarrhea" that Pepto-Bismol had maintained you must keep that hot pink chalky liquid for.

I've been consistent over the years in telling everyone I'm a princess, no one ever believes me. Guess they haven't seen me on my throne for the last couple of days. Heh.

If anyone today says I'm full of shit...ohhh, they would be so wrong. I have a new weight loss scheme. I think I'll call it the "Princess Plan". What do you think?

It's been forever since I've blogged. No excuses. I just flew home from Susan and Chris's wedding. It was fantastic. I cried. I drank too much wine, ate too much cake. Ate too many chocolate dipped strawberries decorated like a tuxedo.

Congratulations Susan and Chris....I love you both.

I stayed three days in Gettysburg, PA...which is quite charming, but a little boring after awhile. I spent alot of time wishing I had a house on a lake sitting somewhere in the hills faraway with a deck almost bigger than my apartment.

I did have a fine man escort me to the wedding. Reality can be very good.

I love that word, always have. Lust. It just rolls off the tongue leaving a smile. If you haven't lusted after someone, you haven't lived. Lust makes you feel alert, alive and completely whole when that crave is being satisfied. In my younger days, I have to admit, I could not tell the difference between lust and love. I would of argued to my death they were one and the same. Lust is like being high. Love can be like being high. How do I know what being high feels like? Well don't ask.

Thankfully over the years I've learned the difference. The hard way of course. Lust is a Hershey bar, a Ford Fiesta and a walk in the park. Love is Godivas, a Rolls Royce and gazing down at the world from Pike's Peak. Ok...I suck at analogies, but you get my drift.

Anyway...I'm all bummed out this morning to find out it's all about brain chemicals:

Dr. Fisher and a colleague, Dr. Anderson J. Thomson Jr., have studied the brains of people in love and pored over research from the last 25 years on the neurological basis of romance. Three brain systems, all interrelated, the researchers say, control lust, attraction and attachment. Each runs on a different set of chemicals. Lust is fueled by androgens and estrogens. Attachment is controlled by oxytocin and vasopressin. And attraction, they say, is driven by high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as low levels of serotonin. As a result, they say, increasing levels of serotonin with antidepressants can cripple the sex drive but also set off an imbalance among the three systems.

Somethings I just have a need not to know.

I love this. It seems to amazingly sum up my weekend of introspection, reconsideration and what comes next in life.

Curtsey to Utterly Boring whose timing is impeccable.

Seems Billy Joel did it again:

Singer Billy Joel was involved in his third car accident in two years when he slammed into a house on a wet road on Long Island.

Now I can understand once. Things can happen twice. But three times? Something just ain't right here. Why do these lyrics keep running through my head:

Captain Jack will get you high tonight

And take you to your special island

Captain Jack will get you by tonight

Just a little push, and you'll be smilin'

Sort of catchy aren't they?

Well I'm leaving in the morning for Iowa for the weekend. Have an important birthday party to attend...the little munchkin turns 2 on Saturday. So no work for me tomorrow...hallelujah, can we all say amen.

Hopefully Susan will come out of her pre-marital bliss state and share what's been going on in her life. Twenty-three more days until the big day. How about it Susan...can you come out of hiding and help me out?

I always complain about idiotic Detroit drivers on their cellphones but I think I have to admit, drivers on the east coast are worse. Who knows, better reception?

Since so many of our lawmakers hang out on the east coast...seems like they've decided to do something about it.
See the Virginia traffic sign.

Ok...so I'm kidding, my daughter sent me this. Anyway...can you hear me now?

Well I woke up 2 minutes before the alarm clock went off this morning, despite the time change. Spooky. Even though I couldn't get to sleep last night. I've been plagued with nightmares the last few nights...car accidents, drownings, and last night bugs. I really detest bugs, but let's not go there.

I start my vacation tomorrow...yippee! One day of Monday hell to get through, well almost through. I plan to slip out the back by 3 and not look back. Regardless of any God, man or drama queen disasters.

In other news...I got my hair cut Saturday. Somehow 3" became at least 6". Long layers became short ones. So the shorter my hair, the curlier it is. Thank you God for those little straightening irons, now if you would please leave the humidity down we will have a workable plan.

Tomorrow is packing day. How does one pack for almost 6 days of living out of suitcase? I'm trying to plot to get by on one suitcase. It's not happening in my mind. On a normal day I change my clothes twice...clothes for work, come in the door...bra goes off, and clothes suitable for braless comes on. Ok, then it's time to take the garbage out...so a shirt suitable for braless incase you run into a neighbor has to be put on. Well yes I do plan to wear a bra on vacation so that's not my current dilemma, but what if I spill a margeurita down the front of my clothes in the middle of the day or something. So then it's outfit #2 for the same day. Somethings are just so difficult. I guess I'll worry about that tomorrow.

Oh...and just one other thought. When is Bush going to quit playing Nam and tell those guys over in Iraq to start cleaning house for real? Excuse me, isn't it time to kick ass? Screw those raids, do some leveling. It's much easier to see the enemy when they have nothing to hide behind.

I probably shouldn't find this as amusing as I do, but I do.

A California man has pleaded guilty to residential burglary after he set up a meeting with a woman on a rape fantasy Internet chat page, but instead broke into a different woman's apartment.

The poor lady. I bet that guy really feels stupid.

We've all seen the pictures of dogs and their owners that look alike, well someone finally decided to put some time and energy into a study of the why's of it all. So they say:

Research at the University of California, San Diego indicates that when people pick a dog, they look for one that, at some level, bears some resemblance to them. And when they get a purebred dog, they get what they want.

Well for the purebred dogs I've picked and owned: miniature Doberman, Australian Shepherds (my favorite), poodles, Yorkshire Terrier, Golden Retriever, Black and Chocolate Labs, and a collie. I always wanted a Greyhound but I guess I could never catch up to one. Apparently I have an identity crisis.

As for Minnie, Blue, Daisy, Babe, Lucy, Sam, Fat Mouse, Lucky, Princess, Fergie and Hershey. All were good friends and I miss them all.

So what purebred dog do you look like? So what purebred dog would you love to own or do own?

It seems Google made some changes. Looks nice, but damn it all, I fell to number six on the general bullshit search. See what happens when you procrastinate?

I went to the dentist today to get my teeth cleaned. Now it feels like my teeth are wobbling. What's up with that? Who would of thought tartar was a stabilizer.

I'm not sure when the last time I blogged but it's obviously been awhile. Yes I could look but then I would feel this twang of guilt for being the Queen of Procrastination. No, it wouldn't last much longer than a twang...but still it would happen, then I would decide I'm just not going to think about it and move merrily along. But I hate missing a beat.

Yes the walls over here are starting to echo from just the screams of the Hugoists and their tormenters. So I guess it's time to move some furniture back in here, hang a few fluff pieces of boy wonders on the wall and restock the fridge.

I have no excuses for not blogging, I've always admitted that procrastination is my theme in life...that's my story and I'm going with what works. Well works for me, according to the people at the gas and electric companies, they are not amused with my attitude. So Friday, I decided Saturday I would soothe the hungry beasts and even get back to blogging. Well the latter didn't happen, and I did nap through getting to the bank but what the hell. I feel good. And I'm blogging. The world is again set back on it's axle for me and the sun is shining, birds are singing and somewhere over a rainbow Judy Garland is singing. I think a trip to Walgreens is in order.

Anyway, my life has been good as it travels by at the speed of light. If you don't believe that...tell me, just where did March go? Hmm? I think someone whited-out the odd days for March, because surely 28 days of this month has just flown by.

I have 27 days of vacation built up so it's time to start whittling them down. Not to mention 6 weeks of sick pay sitting there looking pretty (cough) as it's reached its cap. I have a few trips planned over the next two months: east coast for some sight seeing with a friend, PA for Susan's wedding, Iowa for the Grandbaby's 2nd birthday. Wonder how many miles I have to do with Northwest Airline before I can hit that "Elite Member" line and by pass the cattle herding lines? Just one more little goal in life to shoot for.

Anyway, life is good, I am good....ok, well a little bored, but other than that I have nothing to complain about, well...there are those little lines starting to develop on my chin... oh, nevermind.

Well blogging has been non-existent lately, but despite the snow fall this week, the short Vegas trip has me back on the road where I belong. Feeling human again.

I have several news sites I visit almost daily and had gotten in the habit if I seen something that sort of tripped my trigger, I would save it in my favorites to blog about. Well the folder has been growing and growing since I haven't been blogging. So today, I thought maybe I'd share a few...so I can clean it out, you know?

Thanks to a Canton, MI woman the courts have said it's perfectly legal to bitch, moan and groan on the web about a company, if we so choose. So if you've had shitty service, let the world know. Can you hear me now Sprint?

The Agriculture Department who manages the food pyramid will release a version next year that will allow an interactive approach to figuring out what the body needs and a little more easier to understand. Come on now, if you can't figure out that if you weigh 300# the 11 servings of bread isn't the right choice, what the hell is an interactive guide going to do? All Americans really need is a wonderful little device that will bitchslap you when you open the refrigerator I wonder how many more fad diets can be released by then? Take a clue people...cut the calories and burn off a few. This really isn't rocket science. We are fat because we eat too much...and no, that loaf of white bread is not your enemy, you are.

Not alot I can say about our Medicaid system that is favorable, but with 42.4 million people being subsidized out of our taxes last year scares the shit out of me. How long can we keep turning our backs on a healthcare system that is eroding faster than the ozone layer. Oh wait..that's not happening either.

I'm not sure what I would do with a pair of robotic legs but for some strange reason, I want some.

....was everything I always figured it would be. I lost a lot of money, just like I always knew I would. It's so ironic to think about this major glitzy cheesy tourist trap in the middle of the dessert, where people fly in from all over the world to lose money. I think the combination of the dry air and the altitude makes people lose their minds. Either that or it's some sort of rays from Area 51.

I only took 5 pictures the whole time I was there, and that was out of the hotel window. The one thing I did see that I was too dumbfounded at the time to think about the camera: I seen the largest set of boobs on a woman that I've ever seen my life. These babies were torpedos. The bad part of it all was they shot straight out of her waist. I mean like, if she had been sitting down, they'd of rested on her legs. I know anyone would think I'm exaggerating...but no shitting, that's the one site from Vegas I will never forget. I might be scarred for life. No, I was not drinking then. I think I started drinking whiskey after that though.

It was great seeing Susan again. I hadn't seen her for two and a half years but things seem to pick up without a missing a beat. A couple of things have changed over the years though...we can't seem to eat, drink or stay awake like we used too. Susan is getting older you know.

Now I think I need about 12 hours of sleep...thank God I took tomorrow off too.

I'm finally leaving for Las Vegas for some much needed R&R. In 6 hours I'll be there. Warm weather, sunshine and margeuritas. Life is good. See you next week.

Susan and I are meeting in Las Vegas Saturday morning. Yippee! I can't even begin to explain how bad I need to Get Away. I know this winter has been long, cold and bitter. It's been a tough struggle to keep any kind of positive outlook to life the last 2 months. Things are looking up.

I've decided to take a trip a month this year...maybe two come next winter. I hate to repeat past mistakes. Makes me feel like a fool and I gave the fools cap away.

Oh, and I seen my first robin finally yesterday. A damn fat thing too, must of been a good winter down south. South will definitely be on the list of travels this year. I haven't forgotten that damn fine margeurita in Houston. Funny how much sweeter Jose Cuervo is down south.

Well I finally broke down and went to a "real" grocery store today. I think I've been living out of the gas station and CVS (the local drug store chain) for about 2 months. After all, they have coffee, milk, chocolate, toilet paper...what more does anyone really need?

Anyway a couple of weeks ago I decided maybe it was time to start "thinking" about eating just a little healthier...after all healthy eating is all but literally being shoved down our throats in the last couple of months. Bad carbs, bad fat, bad sugar. Well...that's my diet.

I hate going to the "real" grocery stores...just too many options and screaming crying children. The whole experience can leave a person scarred if they're not careful. First we have the fruit section. Yeah right, fruits are carbs right? Ok, this section will kill me. Although I grab bananas and 4 mix and match apples on the way through. Where do they hide that apple dip at nowadays anyway? I grab a bag of lettuce and wonder if I'll actually eat it this time or if it will turn black and runny like the last one. I think it's all those chemicals they put on it...maybe?

So I easily skip the pop, chip and beer aisle, not my thing. Breeze by the cookies and all the other good stuff. I get through the whole damn store and decide there is nothing safe. Lucky me, Lean Cuisines on on sale 40% off. I'm now the proud owner of 12 already prepared meals. I think it's cruel they put Lean Cuisines right across the aisle from Ben & Jerry's, what's up with that? Skinny ass manager joke?

Well I top off the cart with some ribeyes, t-bones, porkchops and hamburger. I'm not giving up my meat. Oh, I did make one other sacrifice, I gave up 2% milk for 1%. It was hard, but I did it. But the coffee creamer stays....I insist.

The cashier rings up the total $169, no junk food, no chocolate. As I'm wheeling out the door I hear this little voice say "Wanna buy some Girl Scout cookies?" Shit.

Ok, so I got the shortbread cookies and the peanut butter ones. I'm hopeless.

I like this one better and I seem much more stable.

Take a test. So I did. Once again I have to give Grey Biker a curtsey for finding this site. I think I've might of done something from this site before, but I know this test is new to me.

Conscious self	Overall self

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test

I think I'm a helpful horney scientist who is calmly detached. Huh?

Well I woke up way too early this morning for whatever reason. I love those early morning arguments I have with myself in my head "you are tired, go back to bed!". "No I'm not, I'm wide awake." "Are not, go make coffee." "Make it yourself, I'm going back to sleep." "Liar." "Fine then. Just fine."

So, since I pissed myself off, I went and made coffee. I hope to hell I'm happy now. But about 4 this afternoon, we'll see which one was right. Heh.

What happens to those rejected singers on American Idol?

Well if you are William Hung and cute as hell, you get a lot of attention. Check out William Hung. I seen his performance, it really did suck, but dang he was so cute doing it.

I found this test over at Lexxiblog, go ahead and give it a go.

Even though I currently reside in Michigan, I'm an Iowan through and through. I've always maintained Iowa is part Dixie and part Yankee, because actually, we just don't give a shit what y'all do. Crazy ass redneck bastards in the south and those sissified uppity northern and eastern city people just think their shit don't stink. California? Puhleeze, those people belong out there.

Anyway I'm:

52% (Dixie). Barely into the Dixie category.

And that's right.

Wow, 42 degrees today, the sun actually visited Michigan and I went outside without my coat. Remind me of this next September when I'm bitching it's only 50 degrees outside, k?

That's right, I got my taxes done. The IRS did it again. I feel used and abused.

Well yesterday was back to work day after not being there for a week...arggh. Isn't it funny how Tuesdays can be Mondays? What's with that? Why do employees have to go nuts while the boss is away? Can anybody answer those questions?

My site meter went through the roof (my roof) since Cruel linked me. I ended up with like 1300 hits the first day, around 700 yesterday. Amazing. Wouldn't that be wonderful if I absolutely had something of value here to keep them coming back. But on a brighter note I do have that #2 spot on Google for General Bullshit search. Yes, I remain proud of that.

I'm planning a trip to Vegas next month with Susan. We've been talking about it for 2 months, now I'm starting to get excited. "I want out of here" in a loud singing voice.

A friend has been asking me for help in setting up a blog. Heh. I keep trying to explain just because I have one doesn't mean I know anything about it. Like driving my car....I put gas in and it goes. I didn't build the damn thing, scarey things are under the hood, there are some places it's just not safe to venture. Templates is one of those places.

I seen the The Grey Biker do this over at In High Cotton and figured I could steal do this. Curtsey Mr. Biker. So because I was bored, here they are:

1. WHAT TIME DID YOU GO TO BED LAST NIGHT?

At 2am, and my bed felt soooo good.

2. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I think I would like to take away the fear of trying new things, new ideas, new places, new people. I want life to be more of an adventure and not always having to worry about negative consequences.

3. PAPER OR PLASTIC?

Paper, just leave my trees alone. I'm such a hypocrite.

4. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK/MAGAZINE YOU READ?

"To The Nines" by Janet Evanovich, and I'm currently reading "Wolves of the Calla" by the Master, but not mine, Stephen King. I bought Oprah's magazine at the airport, just because I wasn't aware she even had one. It sucked.

5. A TV SHOW YOU CAN’T STAND TO WATCH?

Jerry Springer.

6. WHAT DID YOU EAT FOR LUNCH TODAY?

I skipped it in favor of a nap. Although I did eat birthday cake in my dream, it was damn good too.

7. DO YOU LIKE TO BE SURPRISED?

Hell yes, but they have to be good surprises.

8. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR TOOTHBRUSH?

Blue and white.

9. WHAT BRAND OF DEODORANT DO YOU WEAR?

Caribbean Cool by Lady Speed Stick. I had to go look...sad huh?

10. YOUR FAVORITE STORE TO SHOP?

Zales.

11. WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL?

Fall. I love October. I think it goes back to being a kid. Football games, bonfires, hayrack rides. I love those clear crisp nights with the stars shining and the full moon coming up.

12. FAVORITE DESSERT?

Damn, this is too tough. I rarely get desserts in restaurants because I never can make up my mind. It's just too stressful with all of those choices.

13. WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PREFER - MAID OR PERSONAL CHEF?

A houseboy that cooks. I guess that wasn't the question.

14. FAVORITE CANDY?

Again hard choice. Chocolate. I never eat candy unless it's chocolate.

15. REGULAR OR DECAF?

Folgers Columbian. Decaf? What's the point?

16. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Foul, this is a tough question. Before coming to Detroit I would of said a steakhouse any day. Steaks aren't the best here but damn Detroit does know how to do ribs.

17. CHARACTERISTICS YOU MOST ADMIRE?

Honesty. Bone chilling, blunt, no frills honesty. I admire that.

18. FAVORITE HOLIDAY?

I used to like them all when I was in Iowa. I loved to have cookouts and get togethers. Actually I dread them all now with my family being there and I'm here.

19. FAVORITE TIME OF DAY?

6am, the first cup of coffee, the world is quiet and none of lifes little entertainments have started yet.

20. FRUIT OR FRUIT SMOOTHIE?

That smoothie has ice cream right?

21. HOW MANY RINGS ARE YOU WEARING?

Three.

22. HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR MEAT PREPARED?

Depends what kind of course. Steak...medium well.

23. WHAT WAS THE LAST CARD YOU SENT SOMEONE?

I mailed off a late Valentines to a friend today.

24. WHAT RADIO STATION IS ON WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW?

None, but if I were it would be a rock n roll classic station.

25. ONION RINGS OR FRENCH FRIES?

French Fries...the big thick kind with lots of ketchup.

26. DO YOU LIKE TO PLAY CARDS OR BOARD GAMES?

Cards...always. Love them.

27. NAILS POLISHED OR UNPOLISHED?

Polished of course. Autobahn Perle at the moment, figure that color out.

28. DO YOU LIKE NUTS ON YOUR SUNDAES?

Well yes. Black walnut ice cream is my favorite.

29. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SODA?

Pepsi. Actually RC is better but I can't find it here.

30. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH ON TV?

Don't do that...I have nails to polish.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day and spending it as they wish.

I made it back from Houston about 1am this morning. Dang long week. Very non-productive. I'm just very glad it was their money wasted and not mine.

It feels so good to be back on the regular old PC rather than the laptop, that thing is so annoying.

Anyway, I'm glad to be home to my own bed and my own little world.

I was rudely and wonderfully awakened at 6:45am this morning when room service delivered breakfast an hour early. There is something about being woke up by someone that delivers a tray of coffee and food that can make life seem just a little better. It was a Mother's Day long ago since I've had that happen. I think I could live in this hotel. It was probably the most expensive eggs, toast and coffee I've ever had but somethings are worth the price, right?

Damn I can't wait until tomorrow morning.

Well I made it to Houston. I left the house at 10:45am and arrived at the hotel here at 7pm. Eight Detroit time. Long damn day. The airport security was at a minimum, surprised the hell out of me. Abandoned cars parked at the curb, no police or military in site in Detroit or Houston. Far different from Christmas traveling.

It has rained steadily here, so it's very humid. I have summer hair again....arrrgghhh! You can tell the natives from the Michiganders, Texans are wearing coats. We've stripped down, literally.

Twelve of us went for supper in a van that holds eight to a place called The Red Onion. A Mexican restaurant. The "Lovely Rita" margeurita was a 12 on a scale from 1-10. I feel fine. Who would of known Rita's magical skills on back problems. Now I know.

The company has postponed meetings tomorrow until 1pm due to travel difficulties. Not weather related, actually I'm not sure what is going on. We sat at Detroit airport for quite awhile before taking off, where we had a lay over, and several other planes were actually diverted from Chicago to other areas. Chicagos weather was cloudy, but no snow. No explanation is being given, just long times in the air. Bush in Chicago today or something?

Blame the laptop for the typos, I haven't used it since the Alabama trip...and it seems so strange. I definitely will not blame the margeuritas.

I was talking online to a friend earlier this morning, and as I'm whining about being awake, needing more coffee, having to go to work, having to go to Houston, eating to much pizza yesterday, not having anything to blog about. He says "blog about pizza". Huh?

So I'm thinking I guess I can do this. I mean pizza definitely isn't what it used to be 25 years ago. Back when they used real hamburger and made their own bread dough. Anybody remember those days? Remember when "fake pizza" was the Tombstone pizza you bought in the bar after you realized maybe you had just one too many pitchers of beer and needed to "sober up"? A fake Tombstone would sober anybody up.

In the Italian neighborhood I grew up in, pizza was made on the biggest cookie sheet you had. Usually on homemade bread day. Back when bread dough was actually kneaded by hand after it came out of the bowl, not the freezer or a box. The meat was cooked fresh and the cheese was grated on the spot. Mozzarella cheese was sometimes used, more often than not it was parmesan or romano. The pizza sauce was homemade. Pizza used to be a luxury meal, like everything else I guess it's become modernized. Just what are those little bullet things on pizza that they call meat at Pizza Hut? Ever notice how you can't tell the difference between the hamburger and sausage anymore? What's up with that?

I've been seeing this little thang all over the blog world lately, so I thought why not. Well in 7 days I can color in Texas, I wish I could show even a little thrill about this. I'm hope, hope, hoping I get to see more than the ride from the airport to the hotel.

create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide

I can't imagine how I'll ever get North Dakota and Wisconsin colored in.

I was shocked along with the rest of the world this morning to discover... when I woke... and heard the news that Janet Jackson has a boob. No, no...not her brother, but a "real" boob. Well at least it looked like one. Might even look like her brothers...wouldn't surprise me none.

There are benefits to being in a drug induced haze. I should of held out one more day.

Well I'm please to announce that everything that has been ailing me is slowly improving...and that's a damn good thing. I've sorely been neglecting this blog, not that I've lost interest, but this will sound stupid, but I've been trying not to have to think. Pain has a way of narrowing a persons perspective on everything. When pain is front and center, it's hard to give a damn what is going on in the world or with those around you. So I've been reading alot, watching way too much TV, movies, etc. Speaking of which, I'm really liking this "On Demand" thing. Also thanks to the drugs, I've been sleeping alot.

Anyway, I can't even say I had any intentions of posting today, but then I read Andrew's blog entry over at ...An Error Occurred about how he has 72 days of posting and 300 entries. So I told him I had 696 entries....his response "You need to get out more girl". Hmmm. Fine then.

Anybody want to go out?

It seems the main topic of non-interesting things on this blog lately has been the sorry state of my health. Whatever nasty little bug I woke up with on that fateful Sunday before Christmas has decided to hang around and kick my ass. From the ear infections, bronchitis, back pain...blah, blah, blah. Yes, I'm damn sick of it too.

As a nurse you learn to ask patients to rate their pain, usually from 1-10. That's the scale most people can relate too. Ten of course being the most unbearable pain. Well at 4am this morning I woke up in excruciating pain in my lower back. It took me 5 minutes to make it to an upright position on the edge of the bed. I think I might of woke the upstairs neighbors up with the resounding "FUCK!" scream as I made it to the edge of the bed. With my great nurse mind I spent the next 5 minutes on the edge of the bed rating my pain. I decided childbirth and waking up post op from abdominal surgery was a definite 10. My decision at that time was that 10 is definitely worthy of death. Take me now God, but it obviously doesn't work that way.

So ok this is a 9. Not good. I'm sure some people could call me a whiner, but I know I have a very high pain tolerance. I finally made it to the Motrin and swallowed down a handful and went back to bed. At 6am things were back in the manageable zone, where I've spent the past month or so.

When I got to work I cornered my doctor and said, enough. In eleven days I've got to spend a week sitting in meetings in Houston, let alone I am going to have to walk through an airport. I'm thinking if I hit a 10 sitting in one of those meetings, things could get ugly.

So he said he'd hit me with everything he's got. He did. I had an injection of cortisone and lidocaine in my back today, prescriptions for muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, more steroids, antibiotics, x-rays and a tour through physical therapy. Then back to work. Cruising at a steady 5.

Today is my birthday so my managers and the department heads had a little party at lunch, with pizza, salad and a great chocolate cake. They gave me a lab coat, some candles and 4 bottles of wine from the wine shop next door. Now if I crack the wine tonight with the muscle relaxers, I'm thinking Pain Be Gone for sure. Better not light any candles.

So anyway, that's why posting has been extra boring and light, among other things on my mind. So keep your fingers crossed that the "big guns" work. The prescriptions will be ready for pickup in about 30 minutes. Whoopee.

I ripped this test right off of the Grey Biker, curtsey to him. I have to say this test is whacked, the last time I looked behind me there was no one there. But it was fun anyway especially since I'm home bored because I was a chickenshit to make the trip on the ice this morning.

I'm not one that is usually affected by the seasonal winter blues, but this year seems to be different. This is definitely the worst winter I've seen in my almost 5 years in Michigan. I think the sun might of been out one day last week, not that I would really know since my office at work is without windows.

There is probably a good 8-10" of snow on the ground here, more a little farther up north where I work. The little weather icon is flashing that says snow, rain, sleet, freezing mix and 8" is on the way over the next 36 hours. The daily forecast for the week calls for snow every day.

One day at a time, right?

Today is monthly meeting day with the corporate type people. So I get to chill around here for awhile before I have to leave. Part of it's nice only having a 15 minute drive for once.

Tomorrow night is our awards banquet at the same hotel as todays meeting. I've wrote before how this is a major partying group. The festivities will probably begin about 2pm this afternoon. By that I mean, bar time. Could be wrong...but somehow I doubt it. To give you an idea of how this group likes to party, the banquet begins at 3pm tomorrow afternoon...officially ends at midnight.

Call me antisocial but spending 9 hours in a hotel with this group isn't anywhere near the top of my "want to do list". But on the bright side, Jose Cuervo will be there. Jose and I go way back, it will feel good to be in touch with him again. We've been parted way too long. Heh.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

---Mother Theresa

I did not see "Life is confusing" listed there anywhere. I can not figure out my DVD player, my answering machine or get the damn Nintendo hooked up, and they come with directions. So it says. So how the hell am I suppose to figure out life? Who would of thought a nun would figure it out. In the meantime anybody have a number for tech support?

Damn I'm bored. It snowed again today, kind of hard to tell how much since the snow was already piled up outside my windows. It was enough to keep me in. That and the sadistic snow cleaners throw all the snow on the cars when they clean the sidewalks off with the snowblowers. I'm not in to doing cold and wet today.

It was fine all day...now I'm getting crabby and restless. Work has called a couple of times, because two nurses are arguing and biting at each other. The words "bitch slap" just happened to slip out of my mouth....I have a feeling that will come back and bite me in the ass. Oh well.

I put a pot of chili on and I guess I'll be checking out "On Demand" tonight. Or reading. Or spending too much time on Pogo playing poker. Damn, I bore myself.

hallelujah!

We have had 6-8" of snow today. It started about 7am and is still snowing. The drive to work today took me 2 hours and then 90 minutes to get home. Yeah, it was a bitch. For some reason Oakland county has decided not to plow the roads, maybe it's too cold or hell, maybe they just don't feel like it.

But. And I love this. I seen a Hummer slide in to the curb in the next lane as I passed him. I felt joy.

I'm very pleased and proud to inform the world that if you do a search on Google for "general bullshit" I am number two. I will continue to strive throughout 2004 to maintain my rank and overthrow the leader of the bullshitters to be Queen of General Bullshit. I know I can do this.

I am however the number one hit for a search for "Wendy's sucks". Amen

What is really scarey, someone found my site by doing a search on Google for "his penis scares me". Whoever you maybe, if someone you know has a penis that scares you bad enough to have to do research online, I have a word of advice: RUN!!

For some reason all of this has just pleased me immensely. I am obviously a disturbed woman. Heh.

Done any of these things or am I the only flippin' loon in the blogosphere?

...wasted 2 hours on Pogo, QVC, or The Food Channel before you realized how mindless it was?

...gone to work with a fabric softener sheet hanging out the back of your pant leg?

...had a dream that pissed you off and you stayed pissed off for a few hours after you woke up?

...didn't have anything inane to blog about so you actually considered writing about politics?

...spent so much time online before work forcing you to rapidly dress and run out the door, then look down at your pants as you are pulling out of the driveway and hope they aren't on inside out?

...told your boss "this place is fucked up and driving me insane" and you can not think of any intelligent response to her question of "so what's your point?".

...woke up at 3am from a dream where the meaning of life was revealed and you can't remember it?

Drool. That's right, drool coming out of my mouth at 4:30 this morning woke me up. It was so disgusting that for once I was glad there wasn't a man in my bed. Ugh. Sleeping on the wet spot has taken on a whole new meaning for me.

I received a new desk calendar for Christmas, and being the procrastinator that I am, I just opened it today. It's "The Bad Girl's 2004 Calendar" which is supposed to be "your guide to living the bad life". Heh.

I am glad I opened it because apparently January 8th through the 14th is the Official Man Watcher's Week. The calendar even gives me directions:

Get the girls together and take to the streets in force. Look men up and down, ogle their body parts, whistle, giggle, guffaw, hiss and make them feel like slabs of meat. If you like to watch, this is your week to celebrate!

Apparently this means I've been ogling body parts all year and I wasn't supposed too. Damn. What a bad girl I am.

So go on girls, be bad. Very bad.

Don't you just love going to the doctors and sitting with all those sick people? Why is there always one child there acting out to the point it seems feasible and appropriate that a total stranger should say "knock that crap off NOW"? Why does the parent not notice their child knocking holes in the wall and purposely tromping on peoples feet? Only thing I can come up with is...they do it at home and this is normal behavior. Some real scarey shit. After ten minutes of that crap I was ready to head back to work. But I didn't, thankfully 45 minutes after that they called my name. Amen.

So on the way back to the room, of course they want to weigh me. Why are those scales at doctors offices always so fucked up? What's with that?

So anyway I was almost right. I have bronchitis, sinusitis, but what I thought was normal cold induced Orville Redinbacher popping in my ears is actually infection. Left eardrum ready to burst, right eardrum already leaking fluid. Lovely.

The back problem of course is just muscle strain from coughing. I knew that. So why she had me lay on the table to see how high I could do a straight leg lift was just sadistic. She really knew she pushed beyond my tolerance point when she made the statement "wow, you have great mobility for your age!" Bitch. There should be something illegal about seeing physicians or PA's younger than yourself.

So anyway, I only worked 4 hours today and got the hell out of Dodge fast. I'll have to do a full day tomorrow, it will probably kill me. Well my version will be I'm dying anyway.

My back has been "out" for 3 days and it's getting damn annoying. I didn't do anything this time to put me in the pretzel shape, I just woke up that way Monday morning. Since I'm so damn good at diagnosing myself, I've decided it's nothing more than muscle strain aggravated by coughing. Which is also damn annoying so I made an appointment to go the MD tomorrow and get some antibiotics for which is...once again self diagnosing, bronchitis and sinusitis.

Ok, she'll give me some Flexeril and Amoxicillin, I'll give her $15 and head on over to CVS, share the wealth with them. Then all will be well, right?

Erica wrote this yesterday:

I am not the type to reflect, meditate, look inward, or participate in mental exercises designed to calm, focus, affirm or inspire. I can't think on such an abstract scale. I need concrete and finite and what can I do right now (or what do I need to do right now that I will procrastinate).

I read this post this morning and it was finally the key to opening up what I've wanted to say. It's an excellent post and I'm just the opposite.

Erica wrote that sometimes in her car she turns of the radio or CD player and has a conversation with herself and works things out by talking to her imaginary passenger.

I live in my head. I know how bizarre that sounds but it's the closest I can come to explaining. I rarely have the TV, radio or CD player on. A conversation is continously going on in my head. Umm...both voices would be me, no strangers or aliens. The longer I spend there the harder it is to return to the concrete and the land of the living.

When I first started this blog, I wrote more of what was in my head somehow that gave it some reality, actual form and substance. It brought me back down to earth. If I was down, lost, confused, lonely, greedy, happy, horney whatever, it went there. I think now that more and more people I know read my blog I'm not freeing myself the way I need. I sit down to write and nothing I really want to say I won't let out.

Monday through Friday I'm forced to live in the concrete real world, leaving weekends for the head trips I guess you could call it. Yesterday, last night in particular I was drowning in thoughts. Earth seemed far away, if that's a concept you can grasp. Finally about 10pm I sat down and wrote and wrote and wrote. Felt good, damn good. Would I post it here? Oh hell no.

So what am I really trying to say with all this bullshit rambling? I really need to write my feelings, emotions and my garbage down..to get rid of all the clutter that's floating around in my mind. It gives me peace. God knows it was getting just a little too noisey and chaotic in here.

So I guess I have not found a comfortable place for me to be in on this blog right now. I hope I do soon. I'll have to think about it...go figure.

If none of this makes sense, get used it, it's the real me.

When I do set out to drink, for drinking sake, which I admit has been too long. I'm a whiskey or tequila person. Now for the social drink it's either zinfandel or a beer.

Now never in my life have I drank one of these. I think who ever made this test up had one too many jello shots. But just maybe I've found my New Years Resolution in this.

Congratulations! You're a screaming orgasm!!


What Drink Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Thanks for pointing this test out Greg.

Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I'm gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust

I can't seem to get Queen out of my head today. No, I'm not doing anything tonight, honestly I can't remember ever going out on New Year's Eve since the 70's. If I did, it must not of been very memorable.

I never have liked this day and it's not a good one for me. This time of year everyone is talking about resolutions and goals for the next year. Even work, I had to mail off a list of 5 goals for my department for the coming year. That was easy. Goals for my life is another story.

I used to make resolutions in the past. Some of the standard crap everyone has from time to time: eat healthy, lose weight, exercise, on and on. Sometimes I met them, sometimes I didn't. I never quite had a sense of accomplishment when I reached a goal, I found myself saying "what now?". Even worse, if I didn't, I'd beat myself up for it. Well screw that. I hate feeling guilt almost as much as jealousy. Both are damn miserable emotions.

So now I find I'm the most goalless person I've ever met. I have no aim or direction. I live one day at a time. That works well for today, but damn, what did I accomplish last year but ending a lousy relationship and a salary.

I think one of my big problems is I've never decided what I want to be when I grow up. Maybe I should start there.

When I was a little girl the one thing I remember putting on my Christmas want list several years in a row was a pair of ruby red slippers. Yes, just like the ones Judy Garland wore in the Wizard of Oz. I mean I wanted those shoes. I wanted them so bad I could taste it. They are were the most beautiful pair of shoes ever made. I really never ever forgot that. I'm sure it probably scarred me for life.

Well tonight when I pulled up to my apartment building, the new family that moved in next door was coming out. As I approached the outdoor stairs, out pops this little girl. Maybe 5 or 6 years old. She looks up at me with these huge blue eyes and gives me this big grin and says "Guess what?" Which brought a smile to my face right away that she is so friendly and has never spoken to me before. So I say "well I can't guess, what?" She says "I got ruby red slippers for Christmas!" As I look down, I'll be damned there is my ruby red slippers on this little child. To make matters worse she clicked her heels together three times.

I tell her "Wow! I always wanted a pair of those shoes!" Which she must of seen the greed in my eyes because she promptly tells me "there mine!", as she skipped off to the car with my shoes.

Damn life can be cruel.

Ever since I've been making this trek to work through Detroit traffic I witness more than my fair share of traffic accidents. I "usually" try to stop if the crash seems bad enough to have injuries. The last two that happened in front of me I kept on going just because it was too dangerous to stop.

Well tonight one happened again, right in front of me. Some guy in an SUV turned left in front of oncoming smaller car and was broadsided. It took me almost a block to find somewhere to safely pullover, which of course happened to be in a huge mud puddle. That would be because it's pouring down rain. Well by the time I ran the block back, everyone was out of their vehicles doing fine. Amen. Didn't need medical attention or a phone.

Ok, so since I made it home soaking wet, I feel absolved from the last two. It works that way, right?

I really wish I could get over this major whine about Mondays and going back to work. I figure I've been doing this for at least 1500 Mondays since I've been classified as an "adult". It's even sort of sick that I popped the calculator up to figure that out. What's the chances of breaking a life long whine habit?

It's not like I have wonderful things I could do if I stayed home. In all honesty if I did not work I'd be forced to keep this place immaculate, my laundry always done and I'd probably guilt trip myself into having to cook. Next thing I know I'd be watching Oprah, then Jerry and then God forbid As The World Turns.

So I guess what I'm trying to do is brainwash myself into thinking that "Work is Good." I'll just keep repeating that. Yeah, that's the thing, I'll just keep repeating that.

That's about the most worthless bullshit I've ever pulled on myself too. Well, it's right up there with "yeah, these pants make my ass look smaller", heh. Who am I kidding work sucks and my ass is too big. God I hate Mondays they are just so damn depressing.

I made it back from Iowa in one piece. Although Eppley security in Omaha gave