So, I will take certain steps to reach my goal weight. These steps are as follows:
water workout classes: see schedule
water workout individually (when class is not an option)
walk with my guy
eat healthier foods, like salads, fruits and vegetables
drink more water, lemon water, herbal teas
eat smaller portions
eliminate ice-cream binges (note: they don't happen often, but when they do, they do in a big big way)
take sleep meds by 11
wake by 9
dress for day
So the steps are smaller, more managable, more specific than just saying "i'm gonna do better". Also, I may not incorporate all these things at once, each and every day. The idea is to do better, more often. That is my rule, for what I know works for me. There is no point in my having a bad time and then making it worse by getting all bent out of shape cuz I didn't stick to my "new" healthier habits.
I'd like to ask you to help me with this effort to achieve and practice these things. You have been so supportive of and encouraging me over time and I would like you to help me by continuing to be so! I also want to ask you to feel free to ask me how things are going. You probably won't need to wonder too much, cuz I usually am open with discussing what's going on with me in detail. This will help me to continue to make better improvements and choices with both eating and exercising. Accountability can be creative and this journal is a huge part of my support network strategy (it has been from day one and continues to be).
And just in case I haven't said so lately, thanks dudes, I appreciate ya!
22 March 2008
baby/bathwater
You may remember that last November I had written about how even tho pop/mass-psych guru's are not my bag, sometimes they have good things to say that shouldn't be tossed just cuz I don't care for the messenger. At that time, I listened to and wrote about John Gray's Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. This time, I'm listening to and writing about Phil McGraw's Ultimate Weight Loss Solution: Seven Keys to Weight Loss Freedom. There is a text-only disk included, which contains what tables and charts and forms that I think he lists in his index in the printed text.
cringe, sigh
So McGraw speaks about realistic weight expectancies and goals. He stresses a combination of physical medical weight ranges and waist/hip ratios and psychological acceptance of your realistic body size, shape, and weight. So, for my height (5'6" or 5'7"), and frame type; shooting for about 155 to 160 is very realistic. I have always been a very nicely proportioned woman. I'm big, but I'm shapely!
My waist to hip ratio is right on the line between apple and pear. I've been a pear most of my life (hi, russ, papa-peardude!!), carrying most of my excess weight in butt/thighs (rather than an apple, who carries most of the extra weight in the stomach area). Health wise this means that I may still be at risk in many ways, but I am in a better place because the fat is padded my muscles moreso than my organs. So it can be more easily managed, because fat around the organs can be lots more dangerous, as the organ is surrounded by fat and needing to labor even harder. This does not by any means make me healthy, so much as less apt to develop quite as many dangerous health problems.
McGraw is not alone is stressing these things, so there is nothing new here. But I do have to say that he is thorough about interactive sorts of steps and being clear about how to implement those steps. For instance in this area, realistic expectancies and goals, he explains about identifying your actual goals, versus thinking that weight loss will magically cure all your problems. He does this by asking you to focus on what you really want; what you think you have to do to get there; and how you will actually feel when you attain that goal.
Then, he shows how you can focus on the third item as number one. Meaning you shift your end goal to the first step and focus further. You cycle thru that as many times as needed. Be as specific as you can.
For instance, I said that what I really want is: I'd like to lose 50 to 65 pounds over the next six months. That means that as of the fall equinox, I will weigh about 160. In three months, summer solstice, I will weigh no more than 185. By this time next month, I will have lost at least nine pounds. In two weeks, I will weigh less than 210. The reason some of the numbers are not exact is because I know that sometimes my body (and yours too) does not lose weight at a steady rate; I know that I might lose lots by being very active in the beginning and then plateau as my body begins to adjust to the exercise~~losing fat but building muscle.
The second step (what I think I have to do get there) is: I will need to increase my activity levels. This means that I will need to attend and use the gym more often. I will aggressively pursue my water-workouts (attend classes that are offered) and water-work out myself on the days when I don't get to a class. I will also walk with my guy on the weekends, which will increase my endurance beyond getting to the mail box and back (quite frankly, and since I have been honest thus far, I should continue to be blunt).
Also as part of what I need to do to get to my goal from above is: I will also need to decrease my intake of foods, particularly things like ice-cream, chocolate, soda, and swe'tea (cuz boy when I binge, I binge!). So I will not buy them for the house or order them while I am out. When my guy goes to the store, I will ask him to buy me juices or vita-water (instead of diet rootbeer). Also, I will eat smaller portions, choosing a certain bowl that I have to help me measure the amount in an easier way (the bowl holds between a cup and a pint~more than ample servings for a meal of pasta, etc.). I will eat healthier foods, like salads, fruits, and vegetables. I will continue to drink adequate water, herbal teas, etc.
Step three (how I will actually feel when I attain my goal) is: I will have more stamina, more vitality. I will be able to breathe easier and move with more assurance. I will be in more control over my thoughts, feelings, and behavior. I will be more confidant. My clothes will fit better and I will wear better sizes. I will be more tone.
At this point, McGraw directs to take step three and make it your step one in the next cycle. The idea is that this will help you to clarify and pin point your actual goals. Do this cycle as many times as needed. So, my next cycle is this.
Step one (what I really want) becomes: I will have more stamina, more vitality. I will be able to breathe easier and move with more assurance. I will be in more control over my thoughts, feelings, and behavior. I will be more confidant. My clothes will fit better and I will wear better sizes. I will be more tone.
Step two (what I think I have to do to get there) seems to incorporate many of the ideas and activities stated earlier. Improve exercise habits (see above). Choose healthier foods (see above). Improve my sleep habits (take sleep meds by 11, resting by midnight; wake by 9 to start day). Order chaos and build routines (including dressing for day in real clothes and not sleep wear).
My step three (how I will actually feel when I attain my goal) becomes: I would feel calmer, happier, more centered. I will be more capable of dealing with daily life.
Now, a note, some times I am able to do all these things. Some times, I find it a challenge to brush my teeth, let alone exercise. At those times, it is very difficult for me to not only have the energy, but to be well enough to get up and go. Sleep is a task at those times, and about the only one I can muster.
The reason I list my original step three (which became my step one in the next cycle) was because I know that to lose the weight, I will be building stamina thru exercise. I will be able to breathe easier and move with more stability when my joints are not stressed with extra weight that affects my every aspect of physical being. I know that if I can have the ability to be in more control thru striving to attain the goal of losing weight, that I will have more control in general. I also know that I do feel more confidant when I weigh less, because I don't feel so dumpy or exhausted.
I am well aware that weight loss doesn't magically solve problems, but I do think that the same tools that I would be using to achieve that goal, are tools that would benefit me in other ways as well.
cringe, sigh
So McGraw speaks about realistic weight expectancies and goals. He stresses a combination of physical medical weight ranges and waist/hip ratios and psychological acceptance of your realistic body size, shape, and weight. So, for my height (5'6" or 5'7"), and frame type; shooting for about 155 to 160 is very realistic. I have always been a very nicely proportioned woman. I'm big, but I'm shapely!
My waist to hip ratio is right on the line between apple and pear. I've been a pear most of my life (hi, russ, papa-peardude!!), carrying most of my excess weight in butt/thighs (rather than an apple, who carries most of the extra weight in the stomach area). Health wise this means that I may still be at risk in many ways, but I am in a better place because the fat is padded my muscles moreso than my organs. So it can be more easily managed, because fat around the organs can be lots more dangerous, as the organ is surrounded by fat and needing to labor even harder. This does not by any means make me healthy, so much as less apt to develop quite as many dangerous health problems.
McGraw is not alone is stressing these things, so there is nothing new here. But I do have to say that he is thorough about interactive sorts of steps and being clear about how to implement those steps. For instance in this area, realistic expectancies and goals, he explains about identifying your actual goals, versus thinking that weight loss will magically cure all your problems. He does this by asking you to focus on what you really want; what you think you have to do to get there; and how you will actually feel when you attain that goal.
Then, he shows how you can focus on the third item as number one. Meaning you shift your end goal to the first step and focus further. You cycle thru that as many times as needed. Be as specific as you can.
For instance, I said that what I really want is: I'd like to lose 50 to 65 pounds over the next six months. That means that as of the fall equinox, I will weigh about 160. In three months, summer solstice, I will weigh no more than 185. By this time next month, I will have lost at least nine pounds. In two weeks, I will weigh less than 210. The reason some of the numbers are not exact is because I know that sometimes my body (and yours too) does not lose weight at a steady rate; I know that I might lose lots by being very active in the beginning and then plateau as my body begins to adjust to the exercise~~losing fat but building muscle.
The second step (what I think I have to do get there) is: I will need to increase my activity levels. This means that I will need to attend and use the gym more often. I will aggressively pursue my water-workouts (attend classes that are offered) and water-work out myself on the days when I don't get to a class. I will also walk with my guy on the weekends, which will increase my endurance beyond getting to the mail box and back (quite frankly, and since I have been honest thus far, I should continue to be blunt).
Also as part of what I need to do to get to my goal from above is: I will also need to decrease my intake of foods, particularly things like ice-cream, chocolate, soda, and swe'tea (cuz boy when I binge, I binge!). So I will not buy them for the house or order them while I am out. When my guy goes to the store, I will ask him to buy me juices or vita-water (instead of diet rootbeer). Also, I will eat smaller portions, choosing a certain bowl that I have to help me measure the amount in an easier way (the bowl holds between a cup and a pint~more than ample servings for a meal of pasta, etc.). I will eat healthier foods, like salads, fruits, and vegetables. I will continue to drink adequate water, herbal teas, etc.
Step three (how I will actually feel when I attain my goal) is: I will have more stamina, more vitality. I will be able to breathe easier and move with more assurance. I will be in more control over my thoughts, feelings, and behavior. I will be more confidant. My clothes will fit better and I will wear better sizes. I will be more tone.
At this point, McGraw directs to take step three and make it your step one in the next cycle. The idea is that this will help you to clarify and pin point your actual goals. Do this cycle as many times as needed. So, my next cycle is this.
Step one (what I really want) becomes: I will have more stamina, more vitality. I will be able to breathe easier and move with more assurance. I will be in more control over my thoughts, feelings, and behavior. I will be more confidant. My clothes will fit better and I will wear better sizes. I will be more tone.
Step two (what I think I have to do to get there) seems to incorporate many of the ideas and activities stated earlier. Improve exercise habits (see above). Choose healthier foods (see above). Improve my sleep habits (take sleep meds by 11, resting by midnight; wake by 9 to start day). Order chaos and build routines (including dressing for day in real clothes and not sleep wear).
My step three (how I will actually feel when I attain my goal) becomes: I would feel calmer, happier, more centered. I will be more capable of dealing with daily life.
Now, a note, some times I am able to do all these things. Some times, I find it a challenge to brush my teeth, let alone exercise. At those times, it is very difficult for me to not only have the energy, but to be well enough to get up and go. Sleep is a task at those times, and about the only one I can muster.
The reason I list my original step three (which became my step one in the next cycle) was because I know that to lose the weight, I will be building stamina thru exercise. I will be able to breathe easier and move with more stability when my joints are not stressed with extra weight that affects my every aspect of physical being. I know that if I can have the ability to be in more control thru striving to attain the goal of losing weight, that I will have more control in general. I also know that I do feel more confidant when I weigh less, because I don't feel so dumpy or exhausted.
I am well aware that weight loss doesn't magically solve problems, but I do think that the same tools that I would be using to achieve that goal, are tools that would benefit me in other ways as well.
21 March 2008
i'm dense
Hi, this is me. Spring equinox. 215 pounds. And in the background, you can see a very fuzzy snippet of my guy's head bent over his computer. This morning, I put on a pair of shorts.
Then I took them off. I looked at them to make sure they were the pair I wore lots last summer and liked. And then I put them back on and thought, damn! my double chin has sunken to my waist.
again.
Then I took them off. I looked at them to make sure they were the pair I wore lots last summer and liked. And then I put them back on and thought, damn! my double chin has sunken to my waist.
again.
Newborne Sweater Loomed
The pen is for scale, so that you can see the newborne sweater just off the loom is a tad smaller than small! Yesterday, I was chatting with Andrea at the library and her baby girl is due for arrival April 6th. I had taken in the other sweater that I did a week or so ago to show her, so I could see her reaction. I decided to make her one too, but using the original unaltered pattern. I'll take it in for her next Monday.
Here's the back of the newborne sweater. It's all finished and so tiny. Yesterday when I was in to see Adria and retrieve my fan, her lil girls were all giddy with excitement and insisted on showing me their floppy bunnies and could I teach them to crochet a shirt and maybe some pants, and OH! a dress would be wonDERful miss debRAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!
Sure, we can get them all dolled up for a hot date with Peter. Just no nooky in Mr. McGregor's garden, ya hear? At least, don't get caught. And for heaven's sake, keep yer clothes on! I don't wanna hear about you getting the sniffles and all that. You'll miss yer supper!
Here's the back of the newborne sweater. It's all finished and so tiny. Yesterday when I was in to see Adria and retrieve my fan, her lil girls were all giddy with excitement and insisted on showing me their floppy bunnies and could I teach them to crochet a shirt and maybe some pants, and OH! a dress would be wonDERful miss debRAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!
Sure, we can get them all dolled up for a hot date with Peter. Just no nooky in Mr. McGregor's garden, ya hear? At least, don't get caught. And for heaven's sake, keep yer clothes on! I don't wanna hear about you getting the sniffles and all that. You'll miss yer supper!
Good Friday
My guy did not come last night, but he will be here tonight! I'm going to continue yesterday's good work and go swimming. I was a very good girl earlier and had ONE bowl of cereal instead of multiple bowls (cuz I have milk left over in my bowl, so then I add my cereal and then I do not have enough milk, so then I add more milk and this continues until the entire box is gone; is it any wonder I have strange bowel things going on? No, I didn't think so.) Baby steps, Debra, baby steps. I know for some folks, all that is no big deal; but for me, it is. Cuz, each new habit starts when you actually do it. Keep up the good work, Debra, keep it up!
I provide my own pep-talks.
I provide my own pep-talks.
20 March 2008
spring has sprung
Dear Diary,
Last night, I took my night time meds earlier than usual and was drooling copiously by ten. So this morning I woke up earlier than I have in a long time and was not panicking to boot! Diary, I must say that I was so ecstatic to not be in the throes of a panic attack that I almost triggered one with my wild exuberant joy! After a shower, I gathered a few items and went to see my counselor. It was a very good session, even tho the topic was very troublesome (I lost my shit Saturday, and Sunday I was still scattered).
I went to the library and guess who I ran into, Diary? No, really, guess! Oh, ok then, I'll just tell you. Nekita! And Laura! And Andrea! Well, it should be no surprise that Laura and Andrea were there. Cuz that's where they work. And they couldn't really not be there. But it was still great to run into them.
Then, guess where I went?? To the gym! Guess what I did? That's right, I went swimming! Oh, dear diary, how well you know me!
Then I went to WalmartZ and bought some groceries. I bought some Sunrise Growers Super Sweet Pineapple Chunks that were frozen and I gotta tell ya, diary, I love em and plan to go visit their website as soon as I finish writing to you. I'm eating some and they are indeed sweet, even tho there is no added anything (just pineapple). mmmm
After I left the store, I went to see Adria to retrieve my fan. I was so happy to get the fan back I forgot to ask for my movie ("forrest gump"). Or my hammer. And my paint thinner. And the Kilz. And my screwdriver. And my paint rollers. And my silicon. And the caulk gun. And...oh, well, dear diary, I know where she lives!
The evening is almost complete and I've only just now realized that wow, spring is here! Well, dear diary, do have a good night, a good season, and oh! happy easter. love, debra
Last night, I took my night time meds earlier than usual and was drooling copiously by ten. So this morning I woke up earlier than I have in a long time and was not panicking to boot! Diary, I must say that I was so ecstatic to not be in the throes of a panic attack that I almost triggered one with my wild exuberant joy! After a shower, I gathered a few items and went to see my counselor. It was a very good session, even tho the topic was very troublesome (I lost my shit Saturday, and Sunday I was still scattered).
I went to the library and guess who I ran into, Diary? No, really, guess! Oh, ok then, I'll just tell you. Nekita! And Laura! And Andrea! Well, it should be no surprise that Laura and Andrea were there. Cuz that's where they work. And they couldn't really not be there. But it was still great to run into them.
Then, guess where I went?? To the gym! Guess what I did? That's right, I went swimming! Oh, dear diary, how well you know me!
Then I went to WalmartZ and bought some groceries. I bought some Sunrise Growers Super Sweet Pineapple Chunks that were frozen and I gotta tell ya, diary, I love em and plan to go visit their website as soon as I finish writing to you. I'm eating some and they are indeed sweet, even tho there is no added anything (just pineapple). mmmm
After I left the store, I went to see Adria to retrieve my fan. I was so happy to get the fan back I forgot to ask for my movie ("forrest gump"). Or my hammer. And my paint thinner. And the Kilz. And my screwdriver. And my paint rollers. And my silicon. And the caulk gun. And...oh, well, dear diary, I know where she lives!
The evening is almost complete and I've only just now realized that wow, spring is here! Well, dear diary, do have a good night, a good season, and oh! happy easter. love, debra
15 March 2008
bookmart
Leona is now managing the coffee shop inside the downtown location of BookMart. Last fall, she decided she had enough sixteen hour days for weeks on end and decided to sell. She wants to be able to go see her adult children. She wants to have weekends free. She wants to be able to have a life.
The new shop has been open for about two weeks (altho the owners of BookMart foolishly thought they would be open two months ago~~um, construction people, construction...it never goes according to plan, esp when you are inexperienced and hire inexperienced contractors and subcontractors and then need to hire others to come in and fix the work that they screwed up and...and...and). Their hours are much different and most of their old regulars had been used to having the evenings to come in. I'm not sure if the bookstore will lengthen their hours into the evening or if they plan to continue closing at 4:30 (when most folks stop by on their way home from work). I saw they do have ethernet ports and Leona said that the owners were planning to have internet functioning, but I've not yet been able to go with my laptop (cuz i don't think of it til there would only be two hours or less and then i don't feel like packing my laptop and its cords and things and getting dressed and relocated my butt to the shop to turn around and skedaddle cuz the bookstore is closing at an early hour when all the folks who work might then be able to come in and enjoy the shop).
I miss Leona, I miss LJs. But I ought to give this new place a fair shot. I'm turning into a crochitty old lady fixed in my ways. sniff. change is suspicious. those whippersnappers.
The new shop has been open for about two weeks (altho the owners of BookMart foolishly thought they would be open two months ago~~um, construction people, construction...it never goes according to plan, esp when you are inexperienced and hire inexperienced contractors and subcontractors and then need to hire others to come in and fix the work that they screwed up and...and...and). Their hours are much different and most of their old regulars had been used to having the evenings to come in. I'm not sure if the bookstore will lengthen their hours into the evening or if they plan to continue closing at 4:30 (when most folks stop by on their way home from work). I saw they do have ethernet ports and Leona said that the owners were planning to have internet functioning, but I've not yet been able to go with my laptop (cuz i don't think of it til there would only be two hours or less and then i don't feel like packing my laptop and its cords and things and getting dressed and relocated my butt to the shop to turn around and skedaddle cuz the bookstore is closing at an early hour when all the folks who work might then be able to come in and enjoy the shop).
I miss Leona, I miss LJs. But I ought to give this new place a fair shot. I'm turning into a crochitty old lady fixed in my ways. sniff. change is suspicious. those whippersnappers.
14 March 2008
hope her neck is very small, very small indeed
This is the finished sweater. I didn't want to put frogs on it (or buttons, or ties, etc), because if the baby lies on her stomach then the fasteners will poke her in the belly/chest and that's not terribly comfy now is it? I didn't think so either. Glad you agree.
This is the item folded. I'm a proud boastful 'look ma, i did it!' kinda critter, ain't I? I think so too. Glad you agree.
By the way, the outta focus fuzziness isn't just the fuzzy yarn (and you aren't drunk, or maybe you are, i can't really say with any authority); the outta focus fuzziness is cuz i was holding the camera and i'm rather spastic. the more i try to hold still! dammit!, the more i jitter. it made my mom's task so much more of a joy as she used me as a model for fitting the garments she sewed as i was growing up. i was poked and pin-pricked lots. acupuncture for seamstress's kids.
This is the item folded. I'm a proud boastful 'look ma, i did it!' kinda critter, ain't I? I think so too. Glad you agree.
By the way, the outta focus fuzziness isn't just the fuzzy yarn (and you aren't drunk, or maybe you are, i can't really say with any authority); the outta focus fuzziness is cuz i was holding the camera and i'm rather spastic. the more i try to hold still! dammit!, the more i jitter. it made my mom's task so much more of a joy as she used me as a model for fitting the garments she sewed as i was growing up. i was poked and pin-pricked lots. acupuncture for seamstress's kids.
she wore an itsy bitsy teeny weeny little itty bitty
This is my first attempt at making an article of clothing (besides a hat, a scarf, and a blanket~~i've made a ton of them and blankets are something i've made since i was a child). This baby sweater I altered the pattern from newborn/premmee to fit a larger, older baby. Next weekend, I will be seeing my guy's five month old niece and hope it will fit her. The above shows the one piece sweater taken off the round yellow knifty knitter's loom.
This shows the sweater looking more like a sweater (actually, i was thinking it looks like a kimono/robe) with the side and arm seams stitched. The next step is to finish it with edging. I'll include a picture of that when I get to it!
This shows the sweater looking more like a sweater (actually, i was thinking it looks like a kimono/robe) with the side and arm seams stitched. The next step is to finish it with edging. I'll include a picture of that when I get to it!
13 March 2008
the lights, they strobe so
My guy is out making phone calls with his cell where he can get a good signal, cuz he can't get a static free consistently reliable one here. I think it is cuz of the huge power towers and lines that cut thru the neighboring property and angle along me here. Which is why I only get one channel (FOX; people, i'm sorry and for years i didn't watch at all, but one day last spring, i watched a movie and then i ejected it and omg, jerry springer was appealing to my sense of fairness and fidelity. i changed the channel and lo! jerry springer continued his pep talk in clear colors minus the fuzzy overlay. prior to that, i thought i'd only had two channels, fuzzy and fuzzier. now i have one, FOX, which is in some ways worse than the other option, which was don't watch at all).
That, and there is an air force base over in Columbus, but there must be some sort of beacon tower somewhere in swamp behind my landlords' place. Cuz every night thru the summer, most nights thru the spring and fall, and few nights sporadically placed thru the winter; there must be some training flights that take place at night, there is a beam that blinks at various speeds (almost like morse code). it's enough to trigger seizures if i were foolish enough to stare in that direction.
which i'm not. most times. then again, any idiot (me) that actually watches the news (me) on FOX (me), might would stare at the strobing lights of night flight training air force beacons (me) cuz its behind my landlords'.
it hurts me in the head.
That, and there is an air force base over in Columbus, but there must be some sort of beacon tower somewhere in swamp behind my landlords' place. Cuz every night thru the summer, most nights thru the spring and fall, and few nights sporadically placed thru the winter; there must be some training flights that take place at night, there is a beam that blinks at various speeds (almost like morse code). it's enough to trigger seizures if i were foolish enough to stare in that direction.
which i'm not. most times. then again, any idiot (me) that actually watches the news (me) on FOX (me), might would stare at the strobing lights of night flight training air force beacons (me) cuz its behind my landlords'.
it hurts me in the head.
itza beeYOUteefullest day here in mizz'ippi
So today it is so gorgeously bright out that i wanna poke my eyes out with a very sharp stick. or at least wear shades. my prescription shades are more than ten years old and the frames are so wobbly they fall off my face, which makes driving much more hazardous than my merely scowling into the faces of oncoming drivers. when i get my new glasses, then i will get the ones i am now wearing darkened into shades and wear them til they too would fit my gigantic sized ego swollen head that won't fit thru doors. i s'pose i could get those elastic sport straps that never seem to work they way they should. or even lil ole library lady chains with multicolored beads and things so that if my glasses do fall off my face, at least they just bounce off my chest and then swing there on the chain, like tetherball.
or i could stop sleeping in them.
or i could stop sleeping in them.
(popping head around the corner)
Hi! how have you been? i've missed ya! feel free to leave a comment to let me know what's going on with you. please.
in about fifteen minutes, we (my guy and i) will be leaving for town (an appt) and we might have lunch afterwards. it is a beautiful day out and i may even remember to stop at the gym and get my sneakers so that we can go for a walk this evening and i am not walking outta my other shoes that probably i should toss anyway (they are those five dollar white canvas tennis shoes that i like but get really smelly really fast and i wash them lots so then they get ratty fast and then too i wear them lots so they get worn out and the soles get holes thru and then i go buy another pair if i think about it for five bucks and we start the process over again). i've had this pair for two years as backup for in between purchases.
yes, i can write about almost anything in excruciating detail in a long rambling paragraph with lots of asides and way too much information that makes ya wonder if i have anything important going on in my life and why oh! why would i choose to write about such an inane thing with such insane detail, why debra why. i don't know. i just do.
and i talk just like i write.
or the other way around.
at any rate, they are just the same.
Hi! how have you been? i've missed ya! feel free to leave a comment to let me know what's going on with you. please.
in about fifteen minutes, we (my guy and i) will be leaving for town (an appt) and we might have lunch afterwards. it is a beautiful day out and i may even remember to stop at the gym and get my sneakers so that we can go for a walk this evening and i am not walking outta my other shoes that probably i should toss anyway (they are those five dollar white canvas tennis shoes that i like but get really smelly really fast and i wash them lots so then they get ratty fast and then too i wear them lots so they get worn out and the soles get holes thru and then i go buy another pair if i think about it for five bucks and we start the process over again). i've had this pair for two years as backup for in between purchases.
yes, i can write about almost anything in excruciating detail in a long rambling paragraph with lots of asides and way too much information that makes ya wonder if i have anything important going on in my life and why oh! why would i choose to write about such an inane thing with such insane detail, why debra why. i don't know. i just do.
and i talk just like i write.
or the other way around.
at any rate, they are just the same.
11 March 2008
i'm ok, you're ok?
i just wanted to let you know that i'm ok. my guy has been here since friday and this is spring break so even tho he is slammed with work, he is here rather than there. which, i like. and as he is here, he is using the computer; he has his own, but he likes mine. and really, who can blame him? i'm the shit! so i am typing away whilst he is tucked in bed, cuz he is tuckered out. sh, baby's sleepin'.
wink.
wink.
mid-month, march
how did i miss this?
i just got my email and there was a notice in there, asking me how i am celebrating national crochet month. dudes, i didn't even know! i'm shirking my duties, failing to show my silent support for crochet. what's worse is, i've been knit-witting hats for heads. horrors, i know. sad, but true.
and, while i'm confessing, perling. with plastic. at least the knit-wit deals with yarn, but perling! not purling and knitting with yarn, but perling...well, that's plastic. yes, yes i know! a traitor i am. shame.
and, i may as well tell all, today? well, today i did blocks of crayon-quilting. crayons! wax mediums, gasp, and again, no yarn! ack! altho i apply the crayon to squares of cotton, so there is some sort of redemption there. isn't there?
i'm not bad. sniff. i'm not.
i just got my email and there was a notice in there, asking me how i am celebrating national crochet month. dudes, i didn't even know! i'm shirking my duties, failing to show my silent support for crochet. what's worse is, i've been knit-witting hats for heads. horrors, i know. sad, but true.
and, while i'm confessing, perling. with plastic. at least the knit-wit deals with yarn, but perling! not purling and knitting with yarn, but perling...well, that's plastic. yes, yes i know! a traitor i am. shame.
and, i may as well tell all, today? well, today i did blocks of crayon-quilting. crayons! wax mediums, gasp, and again, no yarn! ack! altho i apply the crayon to squares of cotton, so there is some sort of redemption there. isn't there?
i'm not bad. sniff. i'm not.
07 March 2008
perling
Perl Beads are these little plastic pellet-type tubes with a hollow center that have a low melting point and can be fused together with an iron set on medium heat. Be sure to use a thin paper between the beads and the iron, lest you ruin your iron with plastic goo.
They come in a variety of colors and with peg boards, which allow easy placement so that you can create designs to be fused so that you aren't chasing loose beads with a hot iron. Never a good idea to be using a heavy hot object in such a way, altho I am sure some sadistic kid out there smashes cockroaches that way and will move on to serial killing humans when he gets older. But I digress.
You can make little things with the perler beads, like keychains and necklaces. You can string them to make beaded curtains (bless the patient diligent person who attempts that!). You can even form them into pieces that dovetail together so that you have three dimensional objects like puzzle cubes, treasure boxes, or gingerbread houses and christmas villages (ditto on the blessings). You can keep it simple, or go more complex; it's up to you!
I do use tweezers to place the beads on the boards; but when I am jittering badly, it is a lost cause. I end up knocking beads on the surrounding pegs right off the board. My coordination, fine motor skills, have never been exactly dexterous; but of late, my spastic tremors make certain activities a real challenge.
But boy you should see me dance!
They come in a variety of colors and with peg boards, which allow easy placement so that you can create designs to be fused so that you aren't chasing loose beads with a hot iron. Never a good idea to be using a heavy hot object in such a way, altho I am sure some sadistic kid out there smashes cockroaches that way and will move on to serial killing humans when he gets older. But I digress.
You can make little things with the perler beads, like keychains and necklaces. You can string them to make beaded curtains (bless the patient diligent person who attempts that!). You can even form them into pieces that dovetail together so that you have three dimensional objects like puzzle cubes, treasure boxes, or gingerbread houses and christmas villages (ditto on the blessings). You can keep it simple, or go more complex; it's up to you!
I do use tweezers to place the beads on the boards; but when I am jittering badly, it is a lost cause. I end up knocking beads on the surrounding pegs right off the board. My coordination, fine motor skills, have never been exactly dexterous; but of late, my spastic tremors make certain activities a real challenge.
But boy you should see me dance!
oooooooooooo lookit the pretty colors
DUDES! i so didn't realize that the map below changes! so if you are reading this during the heat wave, you are probably not even close to seeing what was relevant when i first posted this. hell, it isn't even accurate a scant two days later! and yes, we did have snow, and yes, everyone freaked.
According to the legend, purple is either "heavy snow warning" or "high surf advisory". Being that everyone here is all in a tizzy, crying, "the sky! it's falling!", I'm thinking that it's the snow warning. And in this area, any snow is heavy. Cuz it's all relative, man, it's all relative.
The sky is low, not falling. And there is a very fine wet mist, no snow falling as of yet. However, it is the warmest part of the day, so the advisory is really for tonight and tomorrow. Tonight, meaning after 6p (it's all relative, people), we might even have an inch! A whole inch of snow! Hell, it might even stick to the ground instead of melting on contact! We might even see snow on the landscape for all of, I dunno, a half hour! Is it possible? Yes, it is! Is it probable? No, it's not!
But even if it is just falling thru the air, it will still be a huge thing for most people. There are kids here who have never seen snow. Ziggee, my lil rat-cha, has never experienced it and he is five! (in people years; in dog years, he is like me, in his mid-30s) and will be utterly alert and overwhelmed with joy and confusion. He likes to mimic Shaddow and she tends to love life so he takes his cue from her and it can be quite funny to see the two of them interact. She loves him and lets him act real tough and attack things, like the hail we had a while back. They are too cute sometimes.
I have done my dishes, am doing laundry, called the propane company, and may drive to town to the library and possibly to the store for some more soups. Or not. I really don't feel up to the trip right now. Maybe I'll feel more perky after a shower.
Soap, it does a body good.
According to the legend, purple is either "heavy snow warning" or "high surf advisory". Being that everyone here is all in a tizzy, crying, "the sky! it's falling!", I'm thinking that it's the snow warning. And in this area, any snow is heavy. Cuz it's all relative, man, it's all relative.
The sky is low, not falling. And there is a very fine wet mist, no snow falling as of yet. However, it is the warmest part of the day, so the advisory is really for tonight and tomorrow. Tonight, meaning after 6p (it's all relative, people), we might even have an inch! A whole inch of snow! Hell, it might even stick to the ground instead of melting on contact! We might even see snow on the landscape for all of, I dunno, a half hour! Is it possible? Yes, it is! Is it probable? No, it's not!
But even if it is just falling thru the air, it will still be a huge thing for most people. There are kids here who have never seen snow. Ziggee, my lil rat-cha, has never experienced it and he is five! (in people years; in dog years, he is like me, in his mid-30s) and will be utterly alert and overwhelmed with joy and confusion. He likes to mimic Shaddow and she tends to love life so he takes his cue from her and it can be quite funny to see the two of them interact. She loves him and lets him act real tough and attack things, like the hail we had a while back. They are too cute sometimes.
I have done my dishes, am doing laundry, called the propane company, and may drive to town to the library and possibly to the store for some more soups. Or not. I really don't feel up to the trip right now. Maybe I'll feel more perky after a shower.
Soap, it does a body good.
06 March 2008
my god woman, think before you speak
so tonight, on fox (yes, yes, cringe, sorry), the top news story is all about the campaigning stepping up cuz the primary poll is tuesday for us here in mississippi. bill clinton is going to be in tupelo on sunday. obama is coming to columbus. hilary clinton's been here and there and everywhere. so the news shows these little clips of various activities and interviews.
there was even a woman setting at a republican booth saying that she really likes what obama stands for. in her view, he "helps us to remember that this country, this great country, is what it is because of diverse people like him...people who didn't stand a chinaman's chance...(freeze for a moment as she realizes what she's just said)...have gone on to do great things for this great country." think she is chagrined?
not a chinaman's chance.
there was even a woman setting at a republican booth saying that she really likes what obama stands for. in her view, he "helps us to remember that this country, this great country, is what it is because of diverse people like him...people who didn't stand a chinaman's chance...(freeze for a moment as she realizes what she's just said)...have gone on to do great things for this great country." think she is chagrined?
not a chinaman's chance.
aghast
it might snow...fri night...sat day...here...in mississippi....
it's a good thing i have plenty of toilet paper. and can make bread. am heading outside to check my gas tank cuz gotta have propane to bake, doncha know?
it's a good thing i have plenty of toilet paper. and can make bread. am heading outside to check my gas tank cuz gotta have propane to bake, doncha know?
perler, part two
These three are my second attempt at perling. Well, actually, that's not true. There have been countless attempts, but I have jittery fine coordination and placing the beads on the pegs can sometimes be a challenge. So what I've been doing are these smaller ones, instead of larger projects. I think that the picture above shows them at their actual size, they look larger here tho because of the smaller framing which accentuates their size relative to the segmented space. but if you were to place your finger or any other object over a perler bead mass, then look at the object in the scope out of the frame, in your everyday view that is not focused only on these three, then you will see that they are lots smaller than they might have first appeared.
or not.
or not.
oohps, our bad
this morning, i received this:
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well (dusting off my hands), that's that. grins.
05 March 2008
ijits, and rude at that
ahem, check it...
Dear dkb1116@peoplepc.com,
It has been brought to our attention that you are incorrectly linking content from your Photobucket account around the Web. We would kindly request that you please begin making the appropriate changes to your links as quickly as possible as to avoid any future disruptions to your service. You are incorrectly linking to the Photobucket servers instead of the 'i' for some (or all) of your links off-site.
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Note: You should copy the Direct Link code from your Photobucket album in order to resolve the issue.
On March 24th, 2008 at 12pm ET, Photobucket will begin disabling all incorrect links. Please begin correcting your links as quickly as possible as to avoid any disruptions to your service. Even if your links are disabled after the March 24th deadline, as soon as you fix them, your files will display as intended again. Please feel free to contact us at mislinking@photobucket.com if you have any questions or concerns. Your promptness and assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated!
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below is my response, which actually appears above the above (ya know what i mean, wink):
i have only ever used the direct link option. so if you have an example in which i have done what you've so sternly but incorrectly scolded me; please do let me know of that page. since the only links i've posted are in my journal (http://journals.aol.com/dkb11161970/DebrasDose/), and i have always used the direct link option, i have no doubt that you sent the below to me erroneously. but! you are forgiven, try to have a better day tomorrow
Dear dkb1116@peoplepc.com,
It has been brought to our attention that you are incorrectly linking content from your Photobucket account around the Web. We would kindly request that you please begin making the appropriate changes to your links as quickly as possible as to avoid any future disruptions to your service. You are incorrectly linking to the Photobucket servers instead of the 'i' for some (or all) of your links off-site.
You will need to go in and manually change all of your links to reflect the 'i' instead of the Photobucket servers. Please see the examples below.
Incorrectly linked files look like this:
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An example of a correctly linked file should look like this (notice the 'i'):
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/aa123/username/filename.jpg
Note: You should copy the Direct Link code from your Photobucket album in order to resolve the issue.
On March 24th, 2008 at 12pm ET, Photobucket will begin disabling all incorrect links. Please begin correcting your links as quickly as possible as to avoid any disruptions to your service. Even if your links are disabled after the March 24th deadline, as soon as you fix them, your files will display as intended again. Please feel free to contact us at mislinking@photobucket.com if you have any questions or concerns. Your promptness and assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated!
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below is my response, which actually appears above the above (ya know what i mean, wink):
i have only ever used the direct link option. so if you have an example in which i have done what you've so sternly but incorrectly scolded me; please do let me know of that page. since the only links i've posted are in my journal (http://journals.aol.com/dkb11161970/DebrasDose/), and i have always used the direct link option, i have no doubt that you sent the below to me erroneously. but! you are forgiven, try to have a better day tomorrow
confessions
hello, my name is debra (hello debra) and imma foxite. sigh. i've been a foxite for about a year now. as i receive my one year button, i ought to present my testimony; here's my struggle thus far.
i say to myself that i will not arrange my life around episodes of "house" and "bones"; but i still find myself leaving 7p to 9p untouched. at least those can be viewed as quasi-intellectual.
(taking a deep breath~~looking downward) but, nothing redeeming can be said about my infatuation with american idol this season. or last summer's "so ya think ya can dance". (clearing my throat~~looking up) even going so far as to actually root for one contestant or another.
i'm not proud of my behavior.
since i have made some admissions, i may as well come clean with a few more things. i love, Love, LOVE this girl! she rocks, dudes, she rolls. she's got the blues and she's got soul. she is a.may.zing. her name is amanda overmeyer and she does a mean janis joplin, a great joan jett, and even better, she does a great amanda overmeyer. she will go far, i don't think she will take it all the way to number one (cuz i think david archuleta has that in the bag), but i do think she will give folks a run for their money.
i say to myself that i will not arrange my life around episodes of "house" and "bones"; but i still find myself leaving 7p to 9p untouched. at least those can be viewed as quasi-intellectual.
(taking a deep breath~~looking downward) but, nothing redeeming can be said about my infatuation with american idol this season. or last summer's "so ya think ya can dance". (clearing my throat~~looking up) even going so far as to actually root for one contestant or another.
i'm not proud of my behavior.
since i have made some admissions, i may as well come clean with a few more things. i love, Love, LOVE this girl! she rocks, dudes, she rolls. she's got the blues and she's got soul. she is a.may.zing. her name is amanda overmeyer and she does a mean janis joplin, a great joan jett, and even better, she does a great amanda overmeyer. she will go far, i don't think she will take it all the way to number one (cuz i think david archuleta has that in the bag), but i do think she will give folks a run for their money.
04 March 2008
weighing in, take two (hundred)
Yes, yes. I really was two hundred (200) pounds in that picture. In fact, I may have been a little more. The reason I say that was cuz, well, it's true. And I wouldn't lie to you.
A few years back, I weighed it at my all time high. 235. That was, lemme think, uhm...January 2006. I lost 35 pounds in three months and then spent the better part of two years keeping that off and toning up some and wiffling a bit.
When I wiffle, I gain/lose about five pounds. So, I've been right about 205 for about two years now. I'm ready to start losing again.
Oh, yeah. Getting down to my fighting weight. Oh, yeah.
A few years back, I weighed it at my all time high. 235. That was, lemme think, uhm...January 2006. I lost 35 pounds in three months and then spent the better part of two years keeping that off and toning up some and wiffling a bit.
When I wiffle, I gain/lose about five pounds. So, I've been right about 205 for about two years now. I'm ready to start losing again.
Oh, yeah. Getting down to my fighting weight. Oh, yeah.
me and my purse
you might remember that last november i took a class on sewing. in one class i learned to make a purse and in the other class, i learned to make a skirt (that class actually took about two months). some of you might remember my discussing the whining gripe that was having spastic attacks due to my being a beginner to the sewing machine. does that bring it all back now?
anyway, my Friend finally remembered to give this pic to me, that she's had for a few months. the very first thing i did, was scan it and post it. so here i am, proudly showing off my mad skillz.
anyway, my Friend finally remembered to give this pic to me, that she's had for a few months. the very first thing i did, was scan it and post it. so here i am, proudly showing off my mad skillz.
03 March 2008
Whaa...?
So, I'm listening to the weather forecast on FOX (cringe, sorry) and I heard something that just didn't sound right (surprise, surprise). So I check it out online, cuz that should be so much more reliable, right?
Wrong.
For some really odd reason, we have a winter weather advisory. It's about 65 degrees out right now, so I don't quite get it. Then I take a closer look at the legend and the color codes and oh hey! it makes so much more sense now.
See, earlier today, we were under tornado watches/warnings. This means that usually we have lots of hard high winds. And ya know, a tornado sighting/touchdown or two or twelve. And lots of thunderstorm activity (which means, lots of thunderstorms; saying thunderstorm activity covers your ass and makes it sound more better, I spose). And the color coded legend shows that the taupe shading covering the majority of the state could be a winter weather advisory, or! it could be taupe means a lake wind advisory, or! it could be taupe means a wind advisory, or! it could be taupe means a fire weather advisory.
I'm betting that in this case it does not mean fire weather (cuz it's raining rather hard and furious) and I'm betting that in this case it does not mean winter weather (cuz it's way way too warm to be winter in the that sense). And since there is not one natural lake in the entire state (Mississippi has lots of swampland and lots of man made reservoirs), I'm betting that in this case we can go with wind.
Just plain ole wind.
Wrong.
For some really odd reason, we have a winter weather advisory. It's about 65 degrees out right now, so I don't quite get it. Then I take a closer look at the legend and the color codes and oh hey! it makes so much more sense now.
See, earlier today, we were under tornado watches/warnings. This means that usually we have lots of hard high winds. And ya know, a tornado sighting/touchdown or two or twelve. And lots of thunderstorm activity (which means, lots of thunderstorms; saying thunderstorm activity covers your ass and makes it sound more better, I spose). And the color coded legend shows that the taupe shading covering the majority of the state could be a winter weather advisory, or! it could be taupe means a lake wind advisory, or! it could be taupe means a wind advisory, or! it could be taupe means a fire weather advisory.
I'm betting that in this case it does not mean fire weather (cuz it's raining rather hard and furious) and I'm betting that in this case it does not mean winter weather (cuz it's way way too warm to be winter in the that sense). And since there is not one natural lake in the entire state (Mississippi has lots of swampland and lots of man made reservoirs), I'm betting that in this case we can go with wind.
Just plain ole wind.
01 March 2008
come with me, walk and talk with me
Last night, my guy and I talked a bit while we were at dinner. We were both tired, and opted not to see a movie, but to come home instead. We continued to talk with each other for quite some time at my place and this morning we were slow to get up and going.
This afternoon, we went for a long walk (well, it seemed long to me, esp since i've not made it a habit to go for a stroll, a hike, a sojourn of late) with all the dogs (even those not mine and just tagging along for the lope). It was good. We spoke more, but also just enjoyed being with each other, silently.
Altho we have lived about an hour and a half apart for the better part of five years, we still managed to see each other almost every weekend. We've spoken almost daily. So, this new phase of our lives does indeed promise to be a tad bit different.
Hazard, Kentucky is over eight hours from me here in Starkville, Mississippi. It tires me just to think of that drive. I do have a friend in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is a good halfway point, so that I may break the drive up, in need be. But I think I may be so fired up to actually be going to see him that I won't really want to stop, but go on and get the drive over with. Well, it is an option and that helps.
Options always help.
This afternoon, we went for a long walk (well, it seemed long to me, esp since i've not made it a habit to go for a stroll, a hike, a sojourn of late) with all the dogs (even those not mine and just tagging along for the lope). It was good. We spoke more, but also just enjoyed being with each other, silently.
Altho we have lived about an hour and a half apart for the better part of five years, we still managed to see each other almost every weekend. We've spoken almost daily. So, this new phase of our lives does indeed promise to be a tad bit different.
Hazard, Kentucky is over eight hours from me here in Starkville, Mississippi. It tires me just to think of that drive. I do have a friend in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is a good halfway point, so that I may break the drive up, in need be. But I think I may be so fired up to actually be going to see him that I won't really want to stop, but go on and get the drive over with. Well, it is an option and that helps.
Options always help.
wishing happiest of all happy birthdays to the grrl
hapPEE birthDay to you
HAPpee BIRTHDAY to You
HAPPEEEEE BIIIIIRRRTHDAY to youUUUuuu
happy birthday to you
please to wish ms malagutigrrl a very happy birthday
HAPpee BIRTHDAY to You
HAPPEEEEE BIIIIIRRRTHDAY to youUUUuuu
happy birthday to you
please to wish ms malagutigrrl a very happy birthday
29 February 2008
LEAPING into the night
happy leap year.
my guy is here and we are going to spend some time out tonight.
my guy is here and we are going to spend some time out tonight.
28 February 2008
what fools visa takes us for
ya know all those merry fairy joyous snappy timely commercials that shows everyone just flowing right along, swiping their visas then moving on with carefree style?
what moron is swayed by these?
what idiot thinks, "ya know, i was planning to pay with cash, and receive change; but! now that i see these happy shining people swiping their visas, that's what i will do! i will take more time, and be charged fees, to swipe the card, wait for the transaction to be electronically approved, wait for the clerk to rip of the printed receipt, i will take time to sign and return the receipt. yes, yes! i will do all this instead of paying with cash."
cuz we all know how inconvenient and time consuming paying with cash is.
how unfashionable.
how gauche.
how stupid are we?
what moron is swayed by these?
what idiot thinks, "ya know, i was planning to pay with cash, and receive change; but! now that i see these happy shining people swiping their visas, that's what i will do! i will take more time, and be charged fees, to swipe the card, wait for the transaction to be electronically approved, wait for the clerk to rip of the printed receipt, i will take time to sign and return the receipt. yes, yes! i will do all this instead of paying with cash."
cuz we all know how inconvenient and time consuming paying with cash is.
how unfashionable.
how gauche.
how stupid are we?
regarding the issue of supply & demand
some of you may have read recent entries and puzzled over how those 800+ applicants would find a required internship with only 200 positions available. it is a blivit, like squishing 25 pounds of shit into a five pound sugar bag (compliments of my mom, oft quoted to me when i was a child and complained of the unfairness of life). it cannot happen. below is a note from a Clinical Director who is involved with the APPIC process, to those who did not match. He addresses the grumbling rumblings:
I recently read a history of D-Day (cleverly titled "D-Day") by Stephen
Ambrose. In the book, a veteran of Omaha Beach recalled the speech his platoon
was given prior to landing on the beach in one of the bloodiest days in American
history. His platoon was told that by a commander that they expected 80% casualties
that day. The veteran recalled looking around at his buddies and thinking, "You
poor bastards."
Several people have mentioned their surprise that they were not matched, or that
others who appear to have fine credentials were not matched. I am saddened and
distressed by this state of affairs, but I am not surprised. Data about match rates
is readily available, and match rates are a frequent topic of discussion on this
list. Psychologists in the field not only recognize this problem, they have highlighted
it. I am confident that almost everybody who participated in the match looked at
last year's data, and that nearly all of next year's applicants will look
at this year's data.
The issue of supply and demand has made this regrettable scenario unavoidable.
Like most unfortunate events in life, nobody expects it to happen to them. Like
the veteran above, it is human nature to look at the data, but to fail to truly
apprehend that ANY applicant can end up unmatched. In the past, I have been surprised
to see extremely qualified applicants go unmatched on Match Day. I remember thinking,
"But not THIS applicant!" Today, I am no longer surprised.
It is important for the field to acknowledge this troubling state of affairs. And
they are. An entire recent issue of the journal Training and Education in Professional
Psychology was devoted to the supply-and-demand issue. I did not contribute, but
I know that several psychologists who participate on this list did. While I do
not expect unmatched applicants to find much solace in my words, perhaps it will
provide a small degree of comfort to know that psychologists at many level are examining
this problem.
Obviously, efforts to solve the problem in the future will do little for unmatched
applicants today. I just urge people to recognize that this is a problem with many
facets. Although there are no easy solutions, solutions are being sought.
I applaud the people who have shared their positive experiences regarding this process,
and I hope that people who are not yet matched can find some comfort in the hope
offered by their colleagues' experiences.
27 February 2008
bread results
i should have split the dough into six loaves instead of three, cuz these loaves were h.u.g.e. and didn't get done thru and thru. i did give a loaf to millie and paul scott, and a loaf to my landlords (lisa and perry). i didn't realize that they weren't done, so i hope that their loaves were more done then the one i kept. i tried to call to tell them they might want to slice them and toast them to finish baking them, but couldn't get thru. well, they'll figure it out.
or not.
or not.
bread baking
this afternoon's baking is a new experiment. i'm using white flour, instead of wheat bran or graham; so the texture will be smoother. i've used honey and that is a major difference for me. i've not used honey before and didn't really measure things, so it may be a very sweet bread. i also added some vanilla {and a tad of chocolate (wink)~~shh, our secret}.
the dough has a pleasant light brown tint. it is in its second rise. it has a very good warm and yeasty scent. it feels very nice, firm and elastic. the second rise is a bit shorter than the first. after the second rise is thru, i will divide and knead individual loaves. then i will let it rise one last time before popping it into the oven.
so, that's what i'm doing this afternoon. i'll let ya know how it tastes!
the dough has a pleasant light brown tint. it is in its second rise. it has a very good warm and yeasty scent. it feels very nice, firm and elastic. the second rise is a bit shorter than the first. after the second rise is thru, i will divide and knead individual loaves. then i will let it rise one last time before popping it into the oven.
so, that's what i'm doing this afternoon. i'll let ya know how it tastes!
appalachian americans
The Appalachian Regional Healthcare system's internship program is:
EAST KENTUCKY RURAL PSYCHOLOGY PREDOCTORAL
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
for those of you who haven't gotten tired of my bragging, that is.
EAST KENTUCKY RURAL PSYCHOLOGY PREDOCTORAL
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
for those of you who haven't gotten tired of my bragging, that is.
Hazard, Duchess of
cheryl, a childhood friend who currently lives in ohio, had written me with some questions about what exactly the match met and that led to other questions about his program, the phd process, and such. cheryl is an engineer, and now, a lawyer as well. so the references to briefs and bars are in that context. below is the letter:
i'm sorry, sometimes i get so involved in my own stuff that i forget that others might know what i am talking about. the match process is very lengthy and intricate. it started last fall. appic is the governing body over the match process. you do your internship after your classes, after you comprehensive and qualifying exams, after you defend your diss proposal; then you apply for internships. appic controls the entire process. you must complete a predoctoral internship at an apa approved site that is listed with appic. all the USA, puerto rico, canada (and i am sure i am forgetting someone) candidates must go thru this process.
the appic application is 30 pages, with 10 essays. attached to that should be your 3 or 4 letters of references, your official transcripts, your vita, your cover letter, and anything else they ask for (some sites ask that you send a case report, i think that might be comparable to a brief). it is an expensive process, and my guy felt it was more intense than applying to grad programs to start with!
he applied to 15 sites that were listed with appic. you can visit the appic.org site for an idea what the actual site listings are like, it might give you a better idea than my description. you must apply before the deadline (there were three waves, mid-oct (which my guy couldn't make because he was still defending his proposal and your profs must sign off in order to start the application process), mid-november, and beginning of december). by the middle of december, all sites review the apps and then decide who they want to interiew. then they notify you. all sites you applied to must respond to you to let you know whether or not they want to interview or if they decline your application. he had applied to 15.
eight places called for interviews, and he flew to maine. he drove to all the other interviews. they were at: little rock, atlanta, knoxville, memphis, augusta (ga), biloxi, whitfield (ms). by the beginning of feb, you must rank all your interviewed sites in order of preference. by the middle of feb, the sites must rank all their interviewees. you may not contact the sites after you interview (so you have no feedback from them) and they may not contact you (so they have no idea how you rank them). then appic takes all the rankings and using whatever algarithm or matrix or whatever magical device they use, they match folks to sites. it is a binding process, there is no other choice, either you match or you don't. you must accept your match.
so my guy ranked his eight places. then friday 22 feb, all applicants can look online at the appic site and see whether they matched. then mon 25 feb, they (appic) posts where you matched and when you start (provided that on fri 22 feb you did indeed match). if you discover on friday 22 feb, that you did NOT match (that is that you didn't match ANY of the sites you interviewed with, any of the sites you ranked~~which most people rank all the interviewed sites, so my guy ranked all 8 that he interviewed with); if you did not match, then you have the weekend to get prepped for clearinghouse, which opens online on monday morning.
clearinghouse consists of all the positions at the sites that were not matched/filled. monday morning, on the clearinghouse site, there were over 800 applicants who had not matched and about 200 positions (at 120 sites) that were not filled. so the competition is fierce. you may only ONLY send a cover letter and a vita, combined into one document, which may be no more than ten pages (you may not include letters of reference or the original 30 pg appic application, or your transcripts, or your psych eval rport, or anything else: only the cover letter and vita). monday morning it is like the stock market, when it opens there is a flurry of activity. it is the first time you may see the list of positions and sites. you must sort and send you email document (coverletter is combined with vita into one document) to which ever sites you want (my guy emailed over 20 of the 40 apa accredited sites). some sites receive hundreds of applicants within the first hour. then sites are free to call applicants and ask fro more info. at that time you can send the other stuff that you couldn't to start with. there is intense negotiation and then sites sometimes fill with someone else, decide not to fill at all, or whatever.
there was a site in san antonio that was very interested then decided on someone else. there was a site in wyoming that asked for more and more info and then decided not to fill at all. there was a site in southern mississippi that by the time my guy applied (2 hours after clearing house opened), they posted to say they had filled their positions. monday evening ended with the folks from hazard, ky telling my guy they would let him know in a few hours. then they called back to say that they couldn't get in touch with one of their supervisors so they would call my guy in the morning (tue) with a decision.
the thing is, if you accept one offer and then someone contacts you to say that they want you and that is the one you'd prefer, you cannot break the first offer's acceptance (it is a binding verbal contract). so, do you take a chance that the one you think you might wnat and who has been very encouraging and acting like that want you (and so take the chance that the first offer might go to someone else and you won't be matched to the other, as well)? fortunately, that didn't come down to that for my guy because he didn't have preferences and attachments, he just wanted to place. period.
so tuesday morning, hazard, ky called and offered the position. my guy accepted. now within a few days, they must send the written contract and he must sign.
if you do not match, and then do not place within the clearinghouse; you are thru for that year and must try the next year. most people who do not match, make use of their time in constructive ways (finish dissertation and defend it; take the licensure exams; do anotehr practicum, etc.). however, you cannot receive your phd until you've successfully interned within the appic process.
in order for my guy to be eligible for his phd, he must also complete his dissertation (and defend it successfully); he defended the proposal last fall and has received irb approval (this is the internal review board which scrutinizes the proposal for what you wish to do and ascertains that there is no harm to the subjects/participants and it is very tricky to perform experiments and still get irb approval, esp for your dissertation). he has set up the rest of the study and gotten approval from the institution which he will be using for the site of his experiments. he is set to begin the actual collection of data in march and it runs thru june.
in order for my guy to be eligible for his licensure, he must have completed all phases of his phd, have had supervision post-doc, and passed the eppp (exam that is national, but state specific; much like the bar i would imagine). because he is on education leave, he must return to work the same amount of time he has taken for ed leave. he chose the minimum three year option. that was a different process of approval, but you cannot arbitrarily change the terms of that contract. so if he didn't place this year for the internship, he would have had to go thru the process of asking for anotehr year for ed leave and that might not have been granted because it is a decision that must pass at several levels, including the state department. it was very important for him to get the internship NOW for several reasons.
my guy started the phd program in the fall 2004. for the first two years (til fall 2006), he continued to work (at NMRC) while he went to school. then, he was to start his first practicum, and it would have been impossible to work, do his practicum, and go to school. so he took educational leave (ed leave). summer 2006 to summer 2007, he did his first practicum (with communicare, a community-based outpatient counseling facility several counties away). he also finished his course work, published a chapter, worked as a consultant for head start, evaluated cases, conducted assessments, and counseled clients on campus that year. the following year, summer 2007 to summer 2008, he has been during his second practicum (two are required), assistant clinical director of the psychological service center on campus. he also passed all his comprehensive and qualifying exams, continued to do presentations at various conferences (including one in san diego, and one in texas dallas, i think) and all that other stuff, including defending his proposal, applying to internships, etc. for the rest of that time (til summer 2008), he will finish the data collection for his diss, finish his second practicum, and finish another chapter, as well as the other stuff that i can't remember right off the top of my head. then the third year of his ed leave, summer 2008 to summwe 2009, he will be doing his internship, writing his diss, and defending his diss, and maybe studying and taking his eppp.
once he has received his phd, and he has returned to nmrc (he is under contract to return in fall 2009 and serve his three years that he had taken ed leave), he has already been tapped for the linkage position between nmrc and ole miss. there is tremendous pressure every step of the way because things happen and you have to stay the course becasue to not do so is not an option. you end up in violation of this contract or that, if you need to take another year and cannot fulfill the ed leave terms, then you forfeit and are penalized a large monetary amount as well as ruining your career and your rep.
so, no pressure huh?
so we are very very glad that we've gotten thru this gauntlet this time. and that we live to face another challenge. my guy's dissertation is now one of the primary focuses and we are hoping for as smooth a sailing as possible. dissertations are seldom without their own pitfalls, unforeseen problems with data collection are bound to happen and i know of no instances where there has not been a problem with a dissertation, there is almost always some delay of sorts. so we are planning for the data collection to be march to june, with july serving as a bit of a cushion. the actual dissertation must be completed and approved by the committee and defended successfully sometime in the early spring next year, with the rest of spring and summer as a cushion. he must receive his phd by fall 09, in order to fulfill the ed leave contract.
well, that was lots and i hope it wasn't terribly confusing
i'm sorry, sometimes i get so involved in my own stuff that i forget that others might know what i am talking about. the match process is very lengthy and intricate. it started last fall. appic is the governing body over the match process. you do your internship after your classes, after you comprehensive and qualifying exams, after you defend your diss proposal; then you apply for internships. appic controls the entire process. you must complete a predoctoral internship at an apa approved site that is listed with appic. all the USA, puerto rico, canada (and i am sure i am forgetting someone) candidates must go thru this process.
the appic application is 30 pages, with 10 essays. attached to that should be your 3 or 4 letters of references, your official transcripts, your vita, your cover letter, and anything else they ask for (some sites ask that you send a case report, i think that might be comparable to a brief). it is an expensive process, and my guy felt it was more intense than applying to grad programs to start with!
he applied to 15 sites that were listed with appic. you can visit the appic.org site for an idea what the actual site listings are like, it might give you a better idea than my description. you must apply before the deadline (there were three waves, mid-oct (which my guy couldn't make because he was still defending his proposal and your profs must sign off in order to start the application process), mid-november, and beginning of december). by the middle of december, all sites review the apps and then decide who they want to interiew. then they notify you. all sites you applied to must respond to you to let you know whether or not they want to interview or if they decline your application. he had applied to 15.
eight places called for interviews, and he flew to maine. he drove to all the other interviews. they were at: little rock, atlanta, knoxville, memphis, augusta (ga), biloxi, whitfield (ms). by the beginning of feb, you must rank all your interviewed sites in order of preference. by the middle of feb, the sites must rank all their interviewees. you may not contact the sites after you interview (so you have no feedback from them) and they may not contact you (so they have no idea how you rank them). then appic takes all the rankings and using whatever algarithm or matrix or whatever magical device they use, they match folks to sites. it is a binding process, there is no other choice, either you match or you don't. you must accept your match.
so my guy ranked his eight places. then friday 22 feb, all applicants can look online at the appic site and see whether they matched. then mon 25 feb, they (appic) posts where you matched and when you start (provided that on fri 22 feb you did indeed match). if you discover on friday 22 feb, that you did NOT match (that is that you didn't match ANY of the sites you interviewed with, any of the sites you ranked~~which most people rank all the interviewed sites, so my guy ranked all 8 that he interviewed with); if you did not match, then you have the weekend to get prepped for clearinghouse, which opens online on monday morning.
clearinghouse consists of all the positions at the sites that were not matched/filled. monday morning, on the clearinghouse site, there were over 800 applicants who had not matched and about 200 positions (at 120 sites) that were not filled. so the competition is fierce. you may only ONLY send a cover letter and a vita, combined into one document, which may be no more than ten pages (you may not include letters of reference or the original 30 pg appic application, or your transcripts, or your psych eval rport, or anything else: only the cover letter and vita). monday morning it is like the stock market, when it opens there is a flurry of activity. it is the first time you may see the list of positions and sites. you must sort and send you email document (coverletter is combined with vita into one document) to which ever sites you want (my guy emailed over 20 of the 40 apa accredited sites). some sites receive hundreds of applicants within the first hour. then sites are free to call applicants and ask fro more info. at that time you can send the other stuff that you couldn't to start with. there is intense negotiation and then sites sometimes fill with someone else, decide not to fill at all, or whatever.
there was a site in san antonio that was very interested then decided on someone else. there was a site in wyoming that asked for more and more info and then decided not to fill at all. there was a site in southern mississippi that by the time my guy applied (2 hours after clearing house opened), they posted to say they had filled their positions. monday evening ended with the folks from hazard, ky telling my guy they would let him know in a few hours. then they called back to say that they couldn't get in touch with one of their supervisors so they would call my guy in the morning (tue) with a decision.
the thing is, if you accept one offer and then someone contacts you to say that they want you and that is the one you'd prefer, you cannot break the first offer's acceptance (it is a binding verbal contract). so, do you take a chance that the one you think you might wnat and who has been very encouraging and acting like that want you (and so take the chance that the first offer might go to someone else and you won't be matched to the other, as well)? fortunately, that didn't come down to that for my guy because he didn't have preferences and attachments, he just wanted to place. period.
so tuesday morning, hazard, ky called and offered the position. my guy accepted. now within a few days, they must send the written contract and he must sign.
if you do not match, and then do not place within the clearinghouse; you are thru for that year and must try the next year. most people who do not match, make use of their time in constructive ways (finish dissertation and defend it; take the licensure exams; do anotehr practicum, etc.). however, you cannot receive your phd until you've successfully interned within the appic process.
in order for my guy to be eligible for his phd, he must also complete his dissertation (and defend it successfully); he defended the proposal last fall and has received irb approval (this is the internal review board which scrutinizes the proposal for what you wish to do and ascertains that there is no harm to the subjects/participants and it is very tricky to perform experiments and still get irb approval, esp for your dissertation). he has set up the rest of the study and gotten approval from the institution which he will be using for the site of his experiments. he is set to begin the actual collection of data in march and it runs thru june.
in order for my guy to be eligible for his licensure, he must have completed all phases of his phd, have had supervision post-doc, and passed the eppp (exam that is national, but state specific; much like the bar i would imagine). because he is on education leave, he must return to work the same amount of time he has taken for ed leave. he chose the minimum three year option. that was a different process of approval, but you cannot arbitrarily change the terms of that contract. so if he didn't place this year for the internship, he would have had to go thru the process of asking for anotehr year for ed leave and that might not have been granted because it is a decision that must pass at several levels, including the state department. it was very important for him to get the internship NOW for several reasons.
my guy started the phd program in the fall 2004. for the first two years (til fall 2006), he continued to work (at NMRC) while he went to school. then, he was to start his first practicum, and it would have been impossible to work, do his practicum, and go to school. so he took educational leave (ed leave). summer 2006 to summer 2007, he did his first practicum (with communicare, a community-based outpatient counseling facility several counties away). he also finished his course work, published a chapter, worked as a consultant for head start, evaluated cases, conducted assessments, and counseled clients on campus that year. the following year, summer 2007 to summer 2008, he has been during his second practicum (two are required), assistant clinical director of the psychological service center on campus. he also passed all his comprehensive and qualifying exams, continued to do presentations at various conferences (including one in san diego, and one in texas dallas, i think) and all that other stuff, including defending his proposal, applying to internships, etc. for the rest of that time (til summer 2008), he will finish the data collection for his diss, finish his second practicum, and finish another chapter, as well as the other stuff that i can't remember right off the top of my head. then the third year of his ed leave, summer 2008 to summwe 2009, he will be doing his internship, writing his diss, and defending his diss, and maybe studying and taking his eppp.
once he has received his phd, and he has returned to nmrc (he is under contract to return in fall 2009 and serve his three years that he had taken ed leave), he has already been tapped for the linkage position between nmrc and ole miss. there is tremendous pressure every step of the way because things happen and you have to stay the course becasue to not do so is not an option. you end up in violation of this contract or that, if you need to take another year and cannot fulfill the ed leave terms, then you forfeit and are penalized a large monetary amount as well as ruining your career and your rep.
so, no pressure huh?
so we are very very glad that we've gotten thru this gauntlet this time. and that we live to face another challenge. my guy's dissertation is now one of the primary focuses and we are hoping for as smooth a sailing as possible. dissertations are seldom without their own pitfalls, unforeseen problems with data collection are bound to happen and i know of no instances where there has not been a problem with a dissertation, there is almost always some delay of sorts. so we are planning for the data collection to be march to june, with july serving as a bit of a cushion. the actual dissertation must be completed and approved by the committee and defended successfully sometime in the early spring next year, with the rest of spring and summer as a cushion. he must receive his phd by fall 09, in order to fulfill the ed leave contract.
well, that was lots and i hope it wasn't terribly confusing
Debra, Duke-Ass of Hazard
what a weekend! emotional roller coaster does not adequately describe the whole match process! he fell apart. i fell apart. we got it together. then this morning, they called and he accepted the position in hazard, ky. it is a severely impoverished area, so i think he will find that he can do lots there that will be very meaningful. he is going to start his internship on august 18th at Hazard, KY
as it is now, we'd only planned that i would stay here and go visit for an extended visit a few times. to tell the truth, we really hadn't made any plans at all, because we weren't sure where he would end up. and if he went to jackson or memphis, i was gonna stay put.
i really don't wanna do anything til this whole thing with my student loans gets squared away. and i'm all scrambled right now. i'm so not in a stable place. i've been having some heart palpitations for the last six or eight weeks. and my meds aren't working anymore. i've been way too unstable.
i thought it was normal to have these sorta reactions. but they are scaring the crap outta me cuz i can't get it under wraps. anyway, i'm home now and looked up all sorts of stuff about hazard so that i could have some ideas of what was what.
something like this weekend is especially draining. i'm glad that it turned out the way it did, esp when so much was riding on it. we literally could not make plans til we knew. and we couldn't even admit the terrible fear because to do so would have been overwhelming. i cannot explain it adequately.
anyway, i am home now, and i am tired, and am baking bread to thank my land lord for watching my furrbees whilst i was gone.
26 February 2008
oh! and
did i say thank you? i didn't, did i?
THANK YOU, Kathy, thank you very much!
Thank you to the folks who kept us in their thoughts, sending warm wishes and lighting the candles.
My guy got the call this morning. He was offered and accepted the position at Hazard, Kentucky. More on that later. Promise, just got home and am t-a-r-d.
THANK YOU, Kathy, thank you very much!
Thank you to the folks who kept us in their thoughts, sending warm wishes and lighting the candles.
My guy got the call this morning. He was offered and accepted the position at Hazard, Kentucky. More on that later. Promise, just got home and am t-a-r-d.
LOOK!
Kathy over there on Flamigo Row sent me a package with two starter kits (ages 5+, just my speed!) perler beads (bug buddies and spring butterfly) with my very own favorite from her bunch (thanks so very much!) and a card.
The card and my fave are pictured above. The perler beads in tans and browns reminds me of a meditation path, very very soothing. And very much appreciated.
The card is hilarious, and oh so appropriate! The kitteh is saying, "I meditate, I do yoga, I chant...and I still want to smack someone!"
The card and my fave are pictured above. The perler beads in tans and browns reminds me of a meditation path, very very soothing. And very much appreciated.The card is hilarious, and oh so appropriate! The kitteh is saying, "I meditate, I do yoga, I chant...and I still want to smack someone!"
25 February 2008
jumbled thoughts
k, this may not make much sense, but the main thing is that we're ok. it's been a helluva weekend and tomorrow is gonna be intense in a way that is gonna make these last few days look tame. i'll post more when i'm home and things are more settled.
i'll just say this about that, it's hard to keep your game face when your head and heart are slamming.
my guy didn't match. clearinghouse opens bright and early monday morning and we are madly prepping. the future is wide open and it is not looking too pretty at the moment.
more details forthcoming.
pray for us.
19 February 2008
here's the plan, man, the plan
my guy usually comes here to visit me on the weekends, but this weekend i am going there instead. radical, huh? haven't been there since labor day.
but this weekend is the department's interview weekend. so out of the 135 applicants to the phd program, the department's selected about 30 of them. those 30 will come into town for interviews on friday and then a dinner/party friday evening to be hosted by which ever lab they want to join. they will then go spend the night at whichever grad student and/or faculty member's house/apartment. then saturday there are more fun! interviews scheduled and other fun! activities. and saturday night there is a fun! party planned. big fun! then most of the 30 will be taken to the airport to fly back from whence they came.
so my guy's presence is required this weekend.
but i want to be with him on friday, when appic posts a listing of whom has been matched. then there is the interview weekend. and monday morning, there is another posting by appic, which will list who has been placed with whom and where. i wanna be with my guy cuz this is a crucial kinda thing that affects as both for like over a year, dudes.
i mean, he could be placed as local as three, five, seven, or nine hours
or
he could be placed as far away as maine (which is far if you are figuring from mississippi; altho it only looks this far {~~~~~~~~~~} on the map).
and i wanna be there.
with him.
stomp.
but this weekend is the department's interview weekend. so out of the 135 applicants to the phd program, the department's selected about 30 of them. those 30 will come into town for interviews on friday and then a dinner/party friday evening to be hosted by which ever lab they want to join. they will then go spend the night at whichever grad student and/or faculty member's house/apartment. then saturday there are more fun! interviews scheduled and other fun! activities. and saturday night there is a fun! party planned. big fun! then most of the 30 will be taken to the airport to fly back from whence they came.
so my guy's presence is required this weekend.
but i want to be with him on friday, when appic posts a listing of whom has been matched. then there is the interview weekend. and monday morning, there is another posting by appic, which will list who has been placed with whom and where. i wanna be with my guy cuz this is a crucial kinda thing that affects as both for like over a year, dudes.
i mean, he could be placed as local as three, five, seven, or nine hours
or
he could be placed as far away as maine (which is far if you are figuring from mississippi; altho it only looks this far {~~~~~~~~~~} on the map).
and i wanna be there.
with him.
stomp.
Pussy Patrol
Caution: Adult themes to follow
Remember Saffron? The kitty I'd had last summer? And to whom I had so many breathing difficulties? And over whom I cried when I gave her to my landlords' daughter (Victoria) in the fall?
Would you like me to stop writing in questions?
Well, ok, then. So Saffron has been loving ev.ree.thing. She loves the horses! She loves the people! She loves the dogs! She loves Boots!
Boots is a male cat that has been ruling the Farm, at least down near the landlords' Big House. He's been getting freaky with Saffron.
She's not even a year old, which means uhm, a teen mother in human years, I think. If she is pregnant, that is. Which we all think she is. There is the possibility that she is not.
So when my neighbor, Millie (who is Perry's Mother, Perry is my landlord), informed me yesterday that there is a grant (for spaying/neutering) that a local vet received, to be used by the end of the month; well, I thought, who the hell can I fix? I thought of lots of folks, but then I discover that people don't qualify for the services. Damn.
Oreo (Millie and Victoria call the Stray, Beider, "Oreo") needs fixing, but I didn't think that was my worry, or my place to worry about. He ought to be neutered, but damn if I'm gonna put his pissy self in my car when he, well, pisses on ev.ree.thing. And that'd be cool for Boots and Saffron. Makes for worry free freakiness.
So, Millie tells me about the grant, gives me an application (actually, she gave me TWO, cuz she really wanted me not to forget about this). So I went ahead and did my duty (actually, I did others' duties), talked with my landlords and the vets' office peoples and all. The short end of it is that Oreo (Stray Beider), Saffron (possibly), and Boots (maybe) are going to the vets' next Thursday for a snip or two. Thanks to it being a leap year, the vet has an extra day to clip and stitch as many furrbees as he can.
And that is my Valentine's gift to you, getcher freak on, you animals you.
Remember Saffron? The kitty I'd had last summer? And to whom I had so many breathing difficulties? And over whom I cried when I gave her to my landlords' daughter (Victoria) in the fall?
Would you like me to stop writing in questions?
Well, ok, then. So Saffron has been loving ev.ree.thing. She loves the horses! She loves the people! She loves the dogs! She loves Boots!
Boots is a male cat that has been ruling the Farm, at least down near the landlords' Big House. He's been getting freaky with Saffron.
She's not even a year old, which means uhm, a teen mother in human years, I think. If she is pregnant, that is. Which we all think she is. There is the possibility that she is not.
So when my neighbor, Millie (who is Perry's Mother, Perry is my landlord), informed me yesterday that there is a grant (for spaying/neutering) that a local vet received, to be used by the end of the month; well, I thought, who the hell can I fix? I thought of lots of folks, but then I discover that people don't qualify for the services. Damn.
Oreo (Millie and Victoria call the Stray, Beider, "Oreo") needs fixing, but I didn't think that was my worry, or my place to worry about. He ought to be neutered, but damn if I'm gonna put his pissy self in my car when he, well, pisses on ev.ree.thing. And that'd be cool for Boots and Saffron. Makes for worry free freakiness. So, Millie tells me about the grant, gives me an application (actually, she gave me TWO, cuz she really wanted me not to forget about this). So I went ahead and did my duty (actually, I did others' duties), talked with my landlords and the vets' office peoples and all. The short end of it is that Oreo (Stray Beider), Saffron (possibly), and Boots (maybe) are going to the vets' next Thursday for a snip or two. Thanks to it being a leap year, the vet has an extra day to clip and stitch as many furrbees as he can.And that is my Valentine's gift to you, getcher freak on, you animals you.
relief
my counselor is working with me, advocating for me. the relief is wonderful, i feel exhausted, like i could nap for months. i'm so worn out, it is nice to have some help.
relief.
relief.
18 February 2008
my head, my mind, my nerves
Muscadines, scuppernongs, and other fresh from the vine grapes (not supermarket grown) pulp pops outta the skin whole. I feel like I could do that. That my skin is too tight, that I'm ripe to pop outta my skin, is how I've felt for about a week now. Sometimes I got it under control, and can endure. Then there are those times when it is unbearable. Yet I do bear up, cuz the alternative is not even an option.
Not at this time.
Tomorrow, I will take my counselor all my documents pertaining to this ongoing battle with the Dept of Edu regarding the discharge of my student loans. I qualify, under their own stated policy. But we have been fussing over the same stage for about a year now (actually, closer to two). There is one step past this, and that is not a problem.
The standard delaying tactics are wearing my nerves thin and my skin thinner. My mind is more muddled. The noise in my head is ratcheted up, amped to a continuous roar with mind-splitting shards driving deep.
It is killing me.
Not at this time.
Tomorrow, I will take my counselor all my documents pertaining to this ongoing battle with the Dept of Edu regarding the discharge of my student loans. I qualify, under their own stated policy. But we have been fussing over the same stage for about a year now (actually, closer to two). There is one step past this, and that is not a problem.
The standard delaying tactics are wearing my nerves thin and my skin thinner. My mind is more muddled. The noise in my head is ratcheted up, amped to a continuous roar with mind-splitting shards driving deep.
It is killing me.
17 February 2008
If you want to see how civil a society really is, watch how they treat their prisoners.
Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.
~~John Steinbeck
15 February 2008
inarticulate
I can't speak.
I can't not speak.
Too many trains, not enough stops.
Externally, I'm slow and sluggish.
Internally, I've donned my red shoes.
what if this is as good as it gets?
what if i never get any better than this?
what then?
I can't not speak.
Too many trains, not enough stops.
Externally, I'm slow and sluggish.
Internally, I've donned my red shoes.
what if this is as good as it gets?
what if i never get any better than this?
what then?
14 February 2008
wha...?
FEMA just doesn't seem to be able to get anything right. They've taken several blows of late and cannot get their feet under them. Nor should they.
FEMA trailers, housing many Hurricane Katrina families in the coastal regions of Mississippi and Louisiana, have been found to have toxic levels of formaldehyde. Most trailers, indeed most new construction, have minuscule amounts, as formaldehyde is often used in industrial strength glue, carpet backing, and chipboard. That's why some folks have a sensitivity to new construction.
Formaldehyde, no longer used in the preservation and preparation of cadavers and other dissectables, is a dangerous carcinogen. The current level of the formaldehyde fumes in the FEMA trailers? Five times the upper limit of what is acceptable by industry standards.
So what does that mean for the 35,000 to 38,000 families still living in FEMA trailers? Well, either put up with being sick (WTF?!?) or make other arrangements for housing (uhm...?!?). What with our economy and our current housing market being in such shambles, these folks truly are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
FEMA trailers, housing many Hurricane Katrina families in the coastal regions of Mississippi and Louisiana, have been found to have toxic levels of formaldehyde. Most trailers, indeed most new construction, have minuscule amounts, as formaldehyde is often used in industrial strength glue, carpet backing, and chipboard. That's why some folks have a sensitivity to new construction.
Formaldehyde, no longer used in the preservation and preparation of cadavers and other dissectables, is a dangerous carcinogen. The current level of the formaldehyde fumes in the FEMA trailers? Five times the upper limit of what is acceptable by industry standards.
So what does that mean for the 35,000 to 38,000 families still living in FEMA trailers? Well, either put up with being sick (WTF?!?) or make other arrangements for housing (uhm...?!?). What with our economy and our current housing market being in such shambles, these folks truly are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
13 February 2008
To My Sweet, My Guy
My sweetheart, My guy;
Sometimes when I think of you, I feel at a loss how to express the deep love
that I feel. It seems so inadequate to merely say that I love you, that
you make me tender, that you are my guy and my companion, that you are my
comfort, my rock, my peace and security, my very best. I hope you know
what I don't express, is just as heartfelt as what I do. I love you, Debra
Sweeterpeas
Happy Valentine's Day to All!Thanks for reading and for sharing yourselves, your thoughts, your opinions, and your feelings! Thanks most of all for being yourselves. Thanks so very much, my friends.
12 February 2008
Had we but world enough, and time
from To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell.
My guy and I, well, we've never really made Valentine's Day into a big ole deal. Mostly because we don't make any day or event into a big ole deal. We enjoy what time we do have, and what togetherness is granted in those moments we can steal to spend in our quiet ways. But it doesn't take any special day for us to love each other any more than any other.
That is sweetness itself.
My guy and I, well, we've never really made Valentine's Day into a big ole deal. Mostly because we don't make any day or event into a big ole deal. We enjoy what time we do have, and what togetherness is granted in those moments we can steal to spend in our quiet ways. But it doesn't take any special day for us to love each other any more than any other.
That is sweetness itself.
imagine
i like this, i have no idea what page it might be from since it a shot from photoforum. it is not my own, found on the web.
What Book Got YOU Hooked?
First Book is an awesome non-profit organization that provides low-income children with books to read and own. Last year, when I had first heard of First Book, it was my counselor who brought it to my attention. First Book had asked folks to tell them about the Book That Got Them Hooked. Then you got to vote for which state's children should benefit from that particular endeavor. The idea was that by doing this, generating awareness (you could revote every 24 hours or so), more money was being matched and raised, and the grand prize would be that the winning state would receive books, books would encourage kids to read, to want to read. The best part of that was that at the end of the contest? It wasn't one state's kids that benefited, nope. It was all fifty of them! yea!!Let them read books! About fifty million new books for tons of kids in hundreds of communities across the nation. And that, that is better than eating cake any ole time!
First Book is again doing another contest. Take a look-see at their Blog! go, go, go check it!
wha? what was that?
So, I'm driving home thru the rain from seeing my counselor and refilling my 'scripts. And ya know, I've got the radio on, sorta zoned. Ya know, on auto-pilot and cruise control. When all of a sudden, I do the attentional double-take. What was that I heard on the radio, I think as I turn the volume up and clue in to the announcer saying that 'the police are turning their heads for now.'
Bet they won't for long. Particularly now that it has been spotlighted on the local radio station. Especially cuz there will be folks like me going, 'wha, what?' and trying to search it when I get home (and perhaps even writing about it online, in a public journal where more attention will be given to the matter, cuz that's how rumors start, and I'm just feeding the mill). Cuz search is just what I did and I couldn't find it, but lemme share the snippet I do remember.
A bit of back story perhaps: Here in Mississippi we have been slowly phasing out public smoking acceptability and making it more mandatory that public facilities are smoke-free. So your restaurant has no smoking section. For some towns, like Starkville, this has been the case for several years and there is not too much grumbling still (Starkville was the first smoke-free town in Mississippi). But for most places are NOT happy about it, and there is some fuss that comes up in some of the more staunch locales where they don need no steenkin college kids (or whatever harbingers of new fangled idears have come to change things, dammit).
So the snippet I heard on the radio was pertaining to the no smoking in eating establishments ongoing change. It seems that there is a restaurant that has gotten around the mandate in an interesting innovative way. I think smoking is disgusting, but I like the way these folks think!
The owners/managers have decided that dining there is now an interactive dinner theatre experience. One in which the diners have become actors and those burning smoking things they are huffing and puffing on, waving about theatrically? Why those are mere props, of course.
Kudos for the nimble maneuvers thru the loop holes, dudes!
Bet they won't for long. Particularly now that it has been spotlighted on the local radio station. Especially cuz there will be folks like me going, 'wha, what?' and trying to search it when I get home (and perhaps even writing about it online, in a public journal where more attention will be given to the matter, cuz that's how rumors start, and I'm just feeding the mill). Cuz search is just what I did and I couldn't find it, but lemme share the snippet I do remember.
A bit of back story perhaps: Here in Mississippi we have been slowly phasing out public smoking acceptability and making it more mandatory that public facilities are smoke-free. So your restaurant has no smoking section. For some towns, like Starkville, this has been the case for several years and there is not too much grumbling still (Starkville was the first smoke-free town in Mississippi). But for most places are NOT happy about it, and there is some fuss that comes up in some of the more staunch locales where they don need no steenkin college kids (or whatever harbingers of new fangled idears have come to change things, dammit).
So the snippet I heard on the radio was pertaining to the no smoking in eating establishments ongoing change. It seems that there is a restaurant that has gotten around the mandate in an interesting innovative way. I think smoking is disgusting, but I like the way these folks think!
The owners/managers have decided that dining there is now an interactive dinner theatre experience. One in which the diners have become actors and those burning smoking things they are huffing and puffing on, waving about theatrically? Why those are mere props, of course.
Kudos for the nimble maneuvers thru the loop holes, dudes!
Relaxation Response
I think we all are familiar with the fight-or-flight response that we have when we are stressed by what we perceive as danger. When we are stressed, cortisol is released into our bodies; along with rapid heart beat, raised blood pressure, slowed digestive functioning, and shortened breath, heightening our senses. The counterpart to that is the relaxation response.
After the adrenaline dumps into our system, and the danger.will.robin.son.danger fades away; we return to a state of physiological relaxation. Our blood pressure and heart rate and digestive functioning and hormonal levels restore their normal pace and states. This is the relaxation response.
When we cry emotional tears (those are different in composition and in physiological prompters than other tears), we experience stress. When we are thru, our tears have drained us. The fight-or-flight response has jacked it up, and now we have the ability to experience a calming. The relaxation response can be very cathartic.
It is the relaxation response is what we actually are feeling when we are soothed, emptied, but peaceful and drowsy. It is that after effect, it is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response; it is the relief of that unbearable pressure. It is the return to ourselves.
Chronic stress does all sorts of awful things to us, like high blood pressure, like cortisol deposits which precipitates the probability of obesity. Guided meditation is one method we have to actually elicit the relaxation response. We also use yoga, self-talk, and other stress management exercises to calm ourselves; these are techniques that also call forth relaxation responses.
So those cathartic crying jags can bring the relaxation response to cancel our fight-or-flight reactions to life. But only if we allow it to flow, and do not tense against the tide. Relaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
enjoy.
After the adrenaline dumps into our system, and the danger.will.robin.son.danger fades away; we return to a state of physiological relaxation. Our blood pressure and heart rate and digestive functioning and hormonal levels restore their normal pace and states. This is the relaxation response.
When we cry emotional tears (those are different in composition and in physiological prompters than other tears), we experience stress. When we are thru, our tears have drained us. The fight-or-flight response has jacked it up, and now we have the ability to experience a calming. The relaxation response can be very cathartic.
It is the relaxation response is what we actually are feeling when we are soothed, emptied, but peaceful and drowsy. It is that after effect, it is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response; it is the relief of that unbearable pressure. It is the return to ourselves.
Chronic stress does all sorts of awful things to us, like high blood pressure, like cortisol deposits which precipitates the probability of obesity. Guided meditation is one method we have to actually elicit the relaxation response. We also use yoga, self-talk, and other stress management exercises to calm ourselves; these are techniques that also call forth relaxation responses.
So those cathartic crying jags can bring the relaxation response to cancel our fight-or-flight reactions to life. But only if we allow it to flow, and do not tense against the tide. Relaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
enjoy.
11 February 2008
crying
i was trying to find the actual physiological reactions which occur when you cry. actually, i was trying to figure out what happens after you cry. that cathartic feeling, swollen and fuzzy brain feeling, slow and sluggish. and i came across this pic and thought, wow.or maybe
another thought did come to mind as i was attempting to scrub away all my fears to the mccain/barber match....
perhaps it will frighten others, and perhaps that will help to ensure certain victory for the dems.
hey, i can dream can't i?
perhaps it will frighten others, and perhaps that will help to ensure certain victory for the dems.
hey, i can dream can't i?
wha....?
i heard it on Fox's news (stop snickering, oxymoron, i know i know), please let it be a rumor...but maybe it's better the devil you know. shudder. please let it be moot anyway. please.
McCain's tapped Mississippi's Governor Haley Barber to be his vice-presidential running mate. Oh, gulp, gawd, no.
It was Haley Barber and his Merry Band Of Legislators who thought that no one could possibly need medicare and medicaid both. So he was attempting to pass a bill that would mean that anyone receiving medicare couldn't receive medicaid. Oh, my god how did that even get to be considered what the hell sorta idiot even managed to put it on paper, let alone to convince others that this was a good idea, how oh how in the hell did it get as far as it got?!? And anyone who even takes a glance at Mississippi's standing on anything, anything, education, housing, income/salary, health, any friggen thing, they would see, Mississippi is constantly ranked at the bottom of the scummy swampy barrel. Like 50, 48 at best.
the only thing we rank number one in? obesity
i mean i was pulling for the dems anyway, but now? now it is a necessity more than ever. oh lord. and trent lott appointed his successor a few months ago, instead of allowing things to go til the end of his term. could it be some sorta master plan? oh please oh please oh please no.
i promise you, if mccain and barber take the country, you will think bush was a cuddly teddy bear in comparison; a downright mother theresa combined with einstein.
stop this insanity. please. do your part. stop this. please.
(in several months, i predict this entry will be deleted under the mandate of treachery)
McCain's tapped Mississippi's Governor Haley Barber to be his vice-presidential running mate. Oh, gulp, gawd, no.
It was Haley Barber and his Merry Band Of Legislators who thought that no one could possibly need medicare and medicaid both. So he was attempting to pass a bill that would mean that anyone receiving medicare couldn't receive medicaid. Oh, my god how did that even get to be considered what the hell sorta idiot even managed to put it on paper, let alone to convince others that this was a good idea, how oh how in the hell did it get as far as it got?!? And anyone who even takes a glance at Mississippi's standing on anything, anything, education, housing, income/salary, health, any friggen thing, they would see, Mississippi is constantly ranked at the bottom of the scummy swampy barrel. Like 50, 48 at best.
the only thing we rank number one in? obesity
i mean i was pulling for the dems anyway, but now? now it is a necessity more than ever. oh lord. and trent lott appointed his successor a few months ago, instead of allowing things to go til the end of his term. could it be some sorta master plan? oh please oh please oh please no.
i promise you, if mccain and barber take the country, you will think bush was a cuddly teddy bear in comparison; a downright mother theresa combined with einstein.
stop this insanity. please. do your part. stop this. please.
(in several months, i predict this entry will be deleted under the mandate of treachery)
compliments of Zen Habits
I love this picture. It brings to mind warm soft rain, that kind that smells nice and clean and relieves the heat of the day, not too cold like needles and icicles, but only slightly cooler than your own body temperature, just cool enough to cool your blood some from the heat of the day. It reminds me of youth, being fun, having fun, making fun. I think this picture actually is snow and sleet, but my own mind skims over that, to make it into what I want to see. Two wonderful friends sharing a deep loving moment, great joy.
It makes me smile. Glad to be here. Alive.
Catch Them Doing Good
Last night, I was speaking with my guy about his dissertation, the research model, the measurement instruments, the agenda, etc. One thing led to another, and I was trying to think of the One Minute Series (One Minute Manager, One Minute Teacher, One Minute Whatever) and my own entry about "Tell Me Something Good" (Sat 11 Sept 04). The basic idea is that people who feel good about themselves, and know that others feel good about them, tend to continue doing good things.
Good produces good.
This conversation and train of thought reminded me to catch myself being good. To give myself credit where credit is due. To being kinder, gentler, more loving toward my own self.
I thought that I'd just share that.
Good produces good.
This conversation and train of thought reminded me to catch myself being good. To give myself credit where credit is due. To being kinder, gentler, more loving toward my own self.
I thought that I'd just share that.
09 February 2008
4 Syllables, sounds like...
I flicked the tv on for a few minutes; just to see what was on Fox (the only~cringe~channel i get, sorry~cringe~shudder). The Daytona 500 is on, the 50th year. So there is some deviation from the regular races. I happened to catch Sister Hazel performing "All for You".
I think I always thought that song was by Blues Traveler. Well, I think the vocal style of Sister Hazel's Ken Block has that resonance of Blues Traveler's John Popper. At least in "All for You". It just seems like a song that fits Popper.
But I often think that a song is sung by someone other than who is singing it. Like Edwyn Collins when he sings "A Girl Like You"; he has the sound of David Bowie crooning (ala Golden Years). The song fits Bowie, and I can see him so clearly performing it.
and did ya notice that David Bowie, Edwyn Collins, Blues Traveler, and Sister Hazel all have four syllables? That's how significantly important the ramblings in this entry have been.
Not very.
I think I always thought that song was by Blues Traveler. Well, I think the vocal style of Sister Hazel's Ken Block has that resonance of Blues Traveler's John Popper. At least in "All for You". It just seems like a song that fits Popper.
But I often think that a song is sung by someone other than who is singing it. Like Edwyn Collins when he sings "A Girl Like You"; he has the sound of David Bowie crooning (ala Golden Years). The song fits Bowie, and I can see him so clearly performing it.
and did ya notice that David Bowie, Edwyn Collins, Blues Traveler, and Sister Hazel all have four syllables? That's how significantly important the ramblings in this entry have been.
Not very.
08 February 2008
Chinese New Year
Yesterday was the start of the Chinese New Year. The celebration will be about two weeks; but for many, it won't be a celebration at all. There have been some horrible weather, storms, and consequences like not having power for the past three weeks (due to snow storms).
We are not accustomed to doing without electricity, so much so that we become paralyzed and unable to function. Indeed, we become horrified. In a way, I can totally understand this, especially as I've lived both without and with. These last few years, I've become so used to having the convenience that I have made so few preparations for the possibility of continuing to go about my own tasks without electricity.
It has not always been so. For many years, I didn't have easily accessible electricity. And heat was not plentiful. I didn't have hot running water, either. Mostly this was during my teen years, in Pennsylvania. I was used to not having power, heat, hot water; so when blizzards would render the folks powerless, it was just another ordinary day for me, to be taken in stride. I was much better able to cope because it was the normal state of affairs for me. Now, I am not able to cope, effectively. I don't even have reserves of water in case I experience a situation like I did a couple weeks back. I'm not nearly as resilient as I had been. It's exhausting.
We are not accustomed to doing without electricity, so much so that we become paralyzed and unable to function. Indeed, we become horrified. In a way, I can totally understand this, especially as I've lived both without and with. These last few years, I've become so used to having the convenience that I have made so few preparations for the possibility of continuing to go about my own tasks without electricity.
It has not always been so. For many years, I didn't have easily accessible electricity. And heat was not plentiful. I didn't have hot running water, either. Mostly this was during my teen years, in Pennsylvania. I was used to not having power, heat, hot water; so when blizzards would render the folks powerless, it was just another ordinary day for me, to be taken in stride. I was much better able to cope because it was the normal state of affairs for me. Now, I am not able to cope, effectively. I don't even have reserves of water in case I experience a situation like I did a couple weeks back. I'm not nearly as resilient as I had been. It's exhausting.
06 February 2008
oh! for the love of logic
Hi, I'm happy to see you!
Cuz now I can bitch about earlier, and I'm sure you all can commiserate. And maybe I'll tell it in a way that will make you snicker. Cuz sharing snickers, that would so rock!
Earlier, I stopped at WalMartZ to buy a few things, like soup and a can opener so I can get to the soup. My electric can opener died last year in May's Mystery Meat Fiasco. It was late, I was manic, and hungry, and had gotten down to the dusty can with no label tucked into the corner of my wonky cupboard. I washed the top of the can off, noted that the expiration date was in the last century (why that would be, I'm sure I don't know, I can guess, but this entry is already going around East Bumblefuk on a tangent), and popped it under the teeth/gears of the can opener. I pressed the lil lever on top to activate the miracle of separation of top from can and the release of pressure splatted a very strong offal gravy with chucks of brown matter onto me, the cupboards, the floor, the stove top, and the counter. I jerked, which is what I do when viscous fluid splashes into my face (yeah, I'm that fun.), and accidentally pulled the cord from the outlet just far enough to allow the gravy to ooze down the outlet face plate and onto the live connection between the prongs and the outlet. Fried and frizzled the can opener, rendering it inoperable, and did some damage to the outlet. I think the mystery meat in gravy may have been dog food.
So then I had only my manual clunky can opener whose gear teeth no longer mesh, making gaining admission to any can a hit or miss adventure. I feel like I've gone camping, with pork n beans, and have only the tent peg and hammer to get my food. But I never remember to actually buy a can opener. Haven't for months and months.
This evening, I picked up a few cans of soup, held them in my hands and frowned at them. I'm pretty sure the stockboy was a tad worried when I began muttering while hefting them, trying to remember why this particular brand of soup is still in my cupboard why the others are gone. Then I completely scared him off when I exclaimed, "AHA!" and chucked the cans into the cart, racing off to the other side of the store to get a can opener because this soup doesn't have the nifty neato pop and peel top like so many soups these days do.
After hunting and gathering a can opener, soup, tortilla chips, cheese, and nested plastic measuring cups and spoons (cuz you can never have too many nested plastic measuring cups and spoons, don't you agree?), I checked out. Rather, I attempted to check out. There was only one (1) register open. Ya know the register that you must go thru if you want cigarettes and other tobacco products? The one that is for ten items or less? That is the only register that was open. So you can well imagine the very long line which was sluggishly creeping ahead.
I stopped a manager whose smocked vest was wadded into a ball, tucked under his arm. He was scurrying past, head down, refusing to make eye contact, grim lipped as tho in the front line at Normandy Beach. When he did stop and look up at me, his face fell and a plea for pity was in his eyes.
"Excuse me," I said, "but is this the only line open?" He nods miserably. "Will another be opening sometime soon? Cuz I know rules are rules and I have way over ten items here," I say, gesturing toward my jumbled cart, "unless you count all the cans of soup as one item." He stares into my cart, then clears his throat, "well, uhm, we'll let you slide. This time." And he tries to scurry off. "But," I say, "is this really the only line open? For all these people?" He eyes the meandering line that is now down past the clothing and into the grocery side. The sweat on his brow begins to drip down his nose, dangling there off his nostril like a cliffhanging snot. He whispers, "seven cashiers called in sick. I have no one to work the 10 to 6 shift." His eyes welled up and I felt downright sad for the man.
Then he sneezed his mucus germs all over me, like the llama did ("oh, that means he likes you!" the keeper exclaimed). Splattering all over my face, like the gravy in the Mystery Meat Fiasco did.
Wal-MartZ, where every trip is an adventure.
Cuz now I can bitch about earlier, and I'm sure you all can commiserate. And maybe I'll tell it in a way that will make you snicker. Cuz sharing snickers, that would so rock!
Earlier, I stopped at WalMartZ to buy a few things, like soup and a can opener so I can get to the soup. My electric can opener died last year in May's Mystery Meat Fiasco. It was late, I was manic, and hungry, and had gotten down to the dusty can with no label tucked into the corner of my wonky cupboard. I washed the top of the can off, noted that the expiration date was in the last century (why that would be, I'm sure I don't know, I can guess, but this entry is already going around East Bumblefuk on a tangent), and popped it under the teeth/gears of the can opener. I pressed the lil lever on top to activate the miracle of separation of top from can and the release of pressure splatted a very strong offal gravy with chucks of brown matter onto me, the cupboards, the floor, the stove top, and the counter. I jerked, which is what I do when viscous fluid splashes into my face (yeah, I'm that fun.), and accidentally pulled the cord from the outlet just far enough to allow the gravy to ooze down the outlet face plate and onto the live connection between the prongs and the outlet. Fried and frizzled the can opener, rendering it inoperable, and did some damage to the outlet. I think the mystery meat in gravy may have been dog food.
So then I had only my manual clunky can opener whose gear teeth no longer mesh, making gaining admission to any can a hit or miss adventure. I feel like I've gone camping, with pork n beans, and have only the tent peg and hammer to get my food. But I never remember to actually buy a can opener. Haven't for months and months.
This evening, I picked up a few cans of soup, held them in my hands and frowned at them. I'm pretty sure the stockboy was a tad worried when I began muttering while hefting them, trying to remember why this particular brand of soup is still in my cupboard why the others are gone. Then I completely scared him off when I exclaimed, "AHA!" and chucked the cans into the cart, racing off to the other side of the store to get a can opener because this soup doesn't have the nifty neato pop and peel top like so many soups these days do.
After hunting and gathering a can opener, soup, tortilla chips, cheese, and nested plastic measuring cups and spoons (cuz you can never have too many nested plastic measuring cups and spoons, don't you agree?), I checked out. Rather, I attempted to check out. There was only one (1) register open. Ya know the register that you must go thru if you want cigarettes and other tobacco products? The one that is for ten items or less? That is the only register that was open. So you can well imagine the very long line which was sluggishly creeping ahead.
I stopped a manager whose smocked vest was wadded into a ball, tucked under his arm. He was scurrying past, head down, refusing to make eye contact, grim lipped as tho in the front line at Normandy Beach. When he did stop and look up at me, his face fell and a plea for pity was in his eyes.
"Excuse me," I said, "but is this the only line open?" He nods miserably. "Will another be opening sometime soon? Cuz I know rules are rules and I have way over ten items here," I say, gesturing toward my jumbled cart, "unless you count all the cans of soup as one item." He stares into my cart, then clears his throat, "well, uhm, we'll let you slide. This time." And he tries to scurry off. "But," I say, "is this really the only line open? For all these people?" He eyes the meandering line that is now down past the clothing and into the grocery side. The sweat on his brow begins to drip down his nose, dangling there off his nostril like a cliffhanging snot. He whispers, "seven cashiers called in sick. I have no one to work the 10 to 6 shift." His eyes welled up and I felt downright sad for the man.
Then he sneezed his mucus germs all over me, like the llama did ("oh, that means he likes you!" the keeper exclaimed). Splattering all over my face, like the gravy in the Mystery Meat Fiasco did.
Wal-MartZ, where every trip is an adventure.
mardi gras
i knew it was coming. i had made a special festive scarf with a very cool cap for Yet Another in golds, purples, and greens. for her mardi gras celebrations down in jackson. i gave them to her over the weekend, knowing that mardi gras was soon. yesterday, i forgot all about it tho. i was NOT in a festive mood, but i am now!
now that it's ash wed.
so not appropriate. i'm running so behind and can't catch up. but that's ok. cuz, well, it just is. sigh. tsk.
now that it's ash wed.
so not appropriate. i'm running so behind and can't catch up. but that's ok. cuz, well, it just is. sigh. tsk.
05 February 2008
SSssssssuuuuuuuuuuuuperrrrrrrr TUesDay!
I read the reports, I read wiki, I read what I could read. I counted, recounted, and figured. Now I am no further along then I was before I consumed all that verbiage.
I'm hoping that Mary Jo can clear up my confusion.
When she can.
No pressure.
...Mary Jo?
(grins)
I'm hoping that Mary Jo can clear up my confusion.
When she can.
No pressure.
...Mary Jo?
(grins)
Touchdown! in Oxford
And the Caterpillar plant is demolished. My guy was safely ensconced in his office at the University, just a few miles away. When I called his cell, after I'd woken up from my last head explosion (much better, thanks); he'd been oblivious to the sirens (both the emergency crews' responses and the tornado siren). I'm glad he was in the office, which was much more sturdy than his duplex. What with all the rebar and brick and stately Ole Miss respectability which no tornado would dare to breech.
There have been several injuries, not from the plant destruction, but from the nearby trailers. A pregnant woman with two small children was rushed to the hospital with a broken leg. Fortunately, that was the extent of her injuries. And there were no deaths, as of yet, reported.
There was damage to the Memphis airport and also to the Fed Ex center. I'm not sure what all may have been the consequences there. The Southaven high-school was also damaged. Southaven is just south of Memphis and Oxford is about an hour or so south and to the east of that area. All told, there was over ten tornadoes that touched down this evening on the stretch between Jackson and Memphis along the interstate 55 north/south corridor.
So tonight, around 10p, it was about 70 degrees here. Tomorrow night? The forecasted temp?
30 degrees.
Warm weather is very nice, usually. But in the winter months, warm temps...well they are like tempest in a tea pot.
Debra's Dynamic Weather Report is now concluded.
There have been several injuries, not from the plant destruction, but from the nearby trailers. A pregnant woman with two small children was rushed to the hospital with a broken leg. Fortunately, that was the extent of her injuries. And there were no deaths, as of yet, reported.
There was damage to the Memphis airport and also to the Fed Ex center. I'm not sure what all may have been the consequences there. The Southaven high-school was also damaged. Southaven is just south of Memphis and Oxford is about an hour or so south and to the east of that area. All told, there was over ten tornadoes that touched down this evening on the stretch between Jackson and Memphis along the interstate 55 north/south corridor.
So tonight, around 10p, it was about 70 degrees here. Tomorrow night? The forecasted temp?
30 degrees.
Warm weather is very nice, usually. But in the winter months, warm temps...well they are like tempest in a tea pot.
Debra's Dynamic Weather Report is now concluded.
imma gramma!
Remember the kitty I had last year? The one that I love so much that I kept her even though I could barely breathe? The one that eventually I asked my landlord to take? I visit with Sassifron often and cuddle her and pet her and call her 'george'. Actually, I don't.
Sassifron has been the hit of the Farm. The horses love her. The people love her. The dogs love her. And Boots, the Farm Stud, loves her. Lots.
Sassifron is expecting. Imma gramma!
Sassifron has been the hit of the Farm. The horses love her. The people love her. The dogs love her. And Boots, the Farm Stud, loves her. Lots.
Sassifron is expecting. Imma gramma!
lemme blow yer mind
The weather (cuz how can I go a week without posting about it?) has been very tumultuous this week, very warm (like so warm it is embarrassing to admit how warm. but I will, 80 degrees plus) and very stormy; tornado sightings, touchdowns (uhm tornado as well as football, sorry, cheezy yes, but oh so true), and hail the size of my fist! The barometric pressure has been intense. My head popped off seven times today, alone.
You know that guy in the pawn shop in the Men In Black movies whose head explodes and then grows back? I could be his understudy. Right down to the wonky eyes and high pitched squeal. But my head pops spontaneous and grows back with excruciating pain only to pop! again. Tis an endless cycle.
So I do things in bursts, timing my errands and tasks between these brain blowing spells. It's kinda like dodging rain drops; rarely successful, but ya still do it. This afternoon when I stopped down to pay the rent, my landlord told me that both her sons (who missed zero days from school for the past five years) had to come home early yesterday with monstrous headaches and that today, her daughter began getting one on the drive home.
I feel for them, I really do.
You know that guy in the pawn shop in the Men In Black movies whose head explodes and then grows back? I could be his understudy. Right down to the wonky eyes and high pitched squeal. But my head pops spontaneous and grows back with excruciating pain only to pop! again. Tis an endless cycle.
So I do things in bursts, timing my errands and tasks between these brain blowing spells. It's kinda like dodging rain drops; rarely successful, but ya still do it. This afternoon when I stopped down to pay the rent, my landlord told me that both her sons (who missed zero days from school for the past five years) had to come home early yesterday with monstrous headaches and that today, her daughter began getting one on the drive home.
I feel for them, I really do.
04 February 2008
Larry Boy! & the Bad (ass) Apple
My Friend is an artist and teaches several classes of children various forms of art, in a variety of formats. She has taught small classes out of her home, holds a several day camp focused on art every summer, teaches homeschoolers at the local family first resource center, and now teaches at a few church-schools in a neighboring town.
Friend, herself, specializes in pencil drawings that she sometimes will do from photos that she has taken. She does a fair amount of commissioned pieces and is in demand for portraits around Christmas, Valentine's, and graduations. She also conducts several art showings at the public library and around town. She stays busy.
Her daughter, Eight, has always drawn. I admire her abilities and her creativity. She is an amazing kid in many ways, and is an artist in her own right. Years ago, when she was Five, I was sitting with her in a pew at church (while her father preached and her mother was in the restroom, nursing Three who was NewBorn at that time). I was watching her draw Jesus on the Cross. Now, there was such a figure hanging behind the pulpit, but! but she was drawing it from the left side perspective, then drew it from the right side perspective in another corner, and then drew it as though she were viewing it from behind. I was blown away, because children's brains (at that age) are usually not developed so that they can view things from other perspectives than what they are physically seeing. Kids are so cool!
So last week, Three and Eight were down with the flu. And they watched Veggie Tales ad nauseum. One of the movies was the subject of this drawing, Larry Boy and the Bad Apple. Eight had seen the movie, and drew this entirely from her own imagination. She didn't trace it from the box, and there was not a still shot (or any section of the movie to create the still shot) of this setting. I thought it was pretty good when she first showed it to me, but when my Friend (her mom) said that she doesn't even have that ability, that she must go from a photo...well, then I realized exactly how awesome that is!
Following Russ's (thanks, Russ!!) sharing, posting, and featuring youngsters' work, I want to feature Eight's stuff. So I asked Friend tonight if I could post it online, she agreed. So here is the awesomeness:
Friend, herself, specializes in pencil drawings that she sometimes will do from photos that she has taken. She does a fair amount of commissioned pieces and is in demand for portraits around Christmas, Valentine's, and graduations. She also conducts several art showings at the public library and around town. She stays busy.
Her daughter, Eight, has always drawn. I admire her abilities and her creativity. She is an amazing kid in many ways, and is an artist in her own right. Years ago, when she was Five, I was sitting with her in a pew at church (while her father preached and her mother was in the restroom, nursing Three who was NewBorn at that time). I was watching her draw Jesus on the Cross. Now, there was such a figure hanging behind the pulpit, but! but she was drawing it from the left side perspective, then drew it from the right side perspective in another corner, and then drew it as though she were viewing it from behind. I was blown away, because children's brains (at that age) are usually not developed so that they can view things from other perspectives than what they are physically seeing. Kids are so cool!
So last week, Three and Eight were down with the flu. And they watched Veggie Tales ad nauseum. One of the movies was the subject of this drawing, Larry Boy and the Bad Apple. Eight had seen the movie, and drew this entirely from her own imagination. She didn't trace it from the box, and there was not a still shot (or any section of the movie to create the still shot) of this setting. I thought it was pretty good when she first showed it to me, but when my Friend (her mom) said that she doesn't even have that ability, that she must go from a photo...well, then I realized exactly how awesome that is!
Following Russ's (thanks, Russ!!) sharing, posting, and featuring youngsters' work, I want to feature Eight's stuff. So I asked Friend tonight if I could post it online, she agreed. So here is the awesomeness:
03 February 2008
Ssuuuuuperrrrr Bowl
Manning versus Brady
Manning, he's got it.
I can hear the Mississippi Manning's from here.
They're all happy in their pants.
I know my guy is, wink.
Manning, he's got it.
I can hear the Mississippi Manning's from here.
They're all happy in their pants.
I know my guy is, wink.
super bowl half time review
k, i'm not a professional. and i know next to nothing about football. in fact, i didn't even recognize manning, which in mississippi is a hanging offense. in fact, i was thinking, that kid out there must be like seventeen, judging by the scant fuzz on his upper lip (isn't that nice that they let him play?), before i realized that was the dude.
but i do like that the game is close. it is interesting to me because they seem to be well-matched. one team is not creaming the other, and that makes for some good game.
and i get to see each play covered from twelve different angles. so that even a complete novice like myself can easily see what's what. and by the time the eight showing is featured, i can mimic the commentator ("OH, that hadda hurt!").
i kept my interruptions and questions to a minimum. my guy only once seemed a touch impatient, and really, kenya blame him?!? i think not. after all, i was badgering him about something that apparently i'd only thought i'd seen (the score was NOT six, but three); why, huh, why? how come? why fer?
tom petty and the heartbreakers started sorta slow, giving a lackluster performance of "american girl". but then they stepped it up and the next three songs were rockin along quite nicely. a vintage performance, all in all.
some ads are good. some are not. there were a few that i hope i see again, esp the sobe knock off of 'thriller'. there were some that i hope never air again.
now, for the second half. uhm, a leap means one too many men on field?
but i do like that the game is close. it is interesting to me because they seem to be well-matched. one team is not creaming the other, and that makes for some good game.
and i get to see each play covered from twelve different angles. so that even a complete novice like myself can easily see what's what. and by the time the eight showing is featured, i can mimic the commentator ("OH, that hadda hurt!").
i kept my interruptions and questions to a minimum. my guy only once seemed a touch impatient, and really, kenya blame him?!? i think not. after all, i was badgering him about something that apparently i'd only thought i'd seen (the score was NOT six, but three); why, huh, why? how come? why fer?
tom petty and the heartbreakers started sorta slow, giving a lackluster performance of "american girl". but then they stepped it up and the next three songs were rockin along quite nicely. a vintage performance, all in all.
some ads are good. some are not. there were a few that i hope i see again, esp the sobe knock off of 'thriller'. there were some that i hope never air again.
now, for the second half. uhm, a leap means one too many men on field?
waa-waa WAA waa waah...?
Last night, my guy and I drove thru Taco Bell. I've not been there for years, so I was not familiar with the menu. We decided to get the Grande Meal, figuring that would be enough for us both.
We couldn't tell what the hell the woman was squawking about thru the speaker, so my guy asked her to repeat herself. She squawked again, with more impatience. I still didn't understand what she was saying, but my guy speaks squawkese, so he responded in kind; sounding to me suspiciously like Charlie Brown's teacher.
Amazingly, our order was just what we wanted; four soft tacos, three hard tacos, and three bean buritos.
We couldn't tell what the hell the woman was squawking about thru the speaker, so my guy asked her to repeat herself. She squawked again, with more impatience. I still didn't understand what she was saying, but my guy speaks squawkese, so he responded in kind; sounding to me suspiciously like Charlie Brown's teacher.
Amazingly, our order was just what we wanted; four soft tacos, three hard tacos, and three bean buritos.
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