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Hah!

Have you ever listened to the lyrics of "The Look" by Roxette? The boy and I just did, and they had us nearly hysterical. I don't know if it's a mis-translation or what, but it sounds exactly like they were all sitting around one day.... (fade to daydream sequence) Band Member 1: We need to write a song! (It's in english because this is my daydream sequence) Band Member 2: Good idea! What should we write about? Band Member 1: (eating a sandwich) I'unno. Band Member 3: Well, this IS the '80s. We should write about a chick. Band Member 2: Nah, that's boring. Band Member 1: (polishes off sandwich before speaking) Let's compromise! We'll write a song about a chick based off one of these crazy-funny mad-lib things! I just got one, and there is serious hilarity potential, I'm telling you! Plus, it's always good to spur inspiration! Band Member 3: How is that a compromise? Are you stoned? Band Member 2: Does it matter? Band Member 3: ...not really. Let's get on it, then! (end daydream sequence) Also, I'm getting married on Joss Whedon's birthday, which is hysterical to me right now. I think I'm prone to hysteria due to finals looming large. But yeah. I had no idea until today, just now, when I read the deal about Serenity being released back into theaters for charity on his birthday. Heh. That's pretty wicked. The boy snickered and said resignedly, "Figures." Gah. Must suppress urge to spend money I don't have on stuff I don't need. My brother's mother-in-law is going to do all our flowers at no cost. That's pretty cool. Vicki. I need to remember her name is Vicki. Cake at no cost, flowers at no cost, hairstyle at no cost, makeup at no cost, food handling at no cost (not actual catering, but people are helping to serve punch and keep trays stocked and cake set out and whatnot), piano for when I walk at no cost, decorations at little cost, location at no cost, officiant at no cost... And I know I'm forgetting stuff. I know I sound like an incredible cheapskate, but I just have a lot of great people in my life.

June 14, 2006

Getting Closer

Ten days! I'm going to be married in just ten days! That's unbelievable. I'm so excited. Despite the fact that I don't have shoes. And our rings aren't here yet. And my dress probably won't be here for about a week. ... Anyway, we got the marriage license today. Fun stuff. It makes it all so much more real. Guh, it's going to be such a hassle to change my name. I hope it all goes smoothly. Now I'm starting to get really nervous.

Filling the Periodic Table

June 14, 2006

This week's garden update

I'm omitting pictures of my Strawberries, herbs, and the experimental tomato - they all look pretty much the same as they did last week. (The experimental tomato plant actually has a couple of teeny tiny tomatoes forming under spent blossoms) So, without further ado... Check out my tomato!!!! Right now, it's about the size of a large blueberry. I have a couple of other really tiny ones starting to form elsewhere as well. The plant itself is turning into a one-plant jungle: We had a big thunderstorm over the weekend, and the Habanero took off! Two buds are open now, I'm really looking forward to having real home-grown peppers. My Morning Glories/Moonflowers have started actually making vines. I will be making a twine treliss for them this weekend, as soon as I'm sure where on the balcony I want them to grow. And finally, I rescued an aloe from Lowes this weekend. It was the only one they had, there was barely any soil in the pot, the poor thing was just rattling around in the pot. It did, however, look essentially healthy, so I had to bring it home. I trimmed two of the leaves, the bent one in the front, so it would have a clean cut to heal, and the one directly in the back, because it had a lot of dark spots. Anyway, I took it to work on Monday. I read up on re-potting aloes, and consequently, I haven't actually watered it yet so that the roots can heal from being disturbed before getting wet. I'm going to try and hold off until monday before watering it, but it's hard, because I really want to baby it.

antimony

June 14, 2006

Don't stand so close to me

I buy coffee from a guy who is a custom roaster. He used to have a little downtown storefront where he served coffee beverages and roasted and sold his beans. About five years ago he closed the storefront and built a roasting hut on the farmstead where he lives. Now he sells beans on his web site, but he still delivers beans to the old downtown coffeehouse crowd. He also sends out very chatty emails to his clients to tell us what coffees are in stock, to remind us of the weekly order deadline, and to give us his opinion on current events, or whatever else might be on his mind. It's a bit like walking in on his surreal and rambling discourses when he ran the shop. The man is never short of opinions and is rarely afraid to express them. Did anyone see the movie "Blue In The Face" with Harvey Kietel? (It was the follow-up to the movie "Smoke.") Lou Reed had a cameo role in that movie, and our roaster man is more than just a bit like Lou Reed in "Blue In The Face," sans the cigar. Now don't get me wrong -- this man knows his coffee and roasting techniques thoroughly, and I consider him a master roaster. As a political pundit, it's another thing, although I'm rather amazed he isn't a guest commentator on Fox News. To illustrate this point, here's a sentence from his most recent email. It is one of the most weirdly hilarious things I've read in a long time, if only because I know he was dead serious. Read it and weep or laugh or howl: "So, now what do you think of this? A 25-year-old female Spanish language schoolteacher has been arrested for having sex with an 18-year-old male student. It seems that Texas passed a law against teachers having sex with students. The initial bill was for students 17 years of age or under taking into the fact that the age of consent is 18. But some old fart in the legislature had that dropped and made it any student. Now come on, this man, can sign contracts, he can vote, he can serve his country, he can marry but he can't have sex with his teacher." Well damn it, a man has a right to bonk his teacher! But isn't turn around fair play and that 18-year-old female has a right to bonk her 25-year-old science teacher? I may have to ask him that when he drops of the coffee beans. He'll probably say: "Hell yeah!" If I could play music to close out this segment, it would be The Police, with Sting singing: "Don't stand, don't stand, don't stand so close to me..."

June 13, 2006

This Old Snark

Up to Speed

Chez Snark is evolving. Unfortunately, Snarky has been a bit slack about documenting the evolution. Here are some older pics to bring everyone up to speed: They didn't have a working shower for almost a week while the subfloor was replaced (and then the looong wait for the Asian Tiger). A week! The original color scheme for the bathroom: white sink, white toilet, white shower surround, black tub, pale pale blue walls. Bleah. Snarky was oddly fond of the vaguely gothic tub, but the chips and dents had to go. With the door put back in place, this is the best "after" shot of the tub Snarky could manage. Whitey white white white! The Snarks employed the local Miracle Method franchise and highly recommend them to everyone. One big caveat: prepare to endure at least three days of intense chemical stench. Another shot of the itty bitty bathroom. This is supposed to be a memo holder, but has become the Snarks' precarious-yet-cheeky soap holder. The Mister decided to sponge opaque copper paint over the glowing firelight in the exercise room. The experiment has since been dubbed a bit of a dud, but The Mister had a fabulous mani for about a week. The Snarks' real estate agent gave them a housewarming gift. Instead of a basket 'o goodies they got a treasure chest! Guess who snapped it up for her own nefarious purposes? Also of note: the crazy fuschia/pink ante-room is s-l-o-w-l-y evolving into a half eggplant purple, half light spring green room. The spring green is mostly done (and they even managed to hang artwork after Snarky hulked out and smashed all of the glass in the frame) but the purple will require an astonishing third coat to reach their preferred level of opacity. After that, (and a little more purple-ing of the hallway on the first floor) the Snarks are Taking a Break with the Painting, Already.

darkitysnark

June 13, 2006

Moving on...

My anxiety is seriously getting the better of me right now.

June 12, 2006

Phantom of the...

There's a thread in Randomness about what you'd like to pick as a member title when you get enough points. It occurs to me that some day I may have enough points and I can choose my own member title. So I began to consider options. I cracked myself up with this one, and it would be simply odd to most people, who would probably assume I was a perverted little goth who was overly identified with a certain part of the male anatomy. (This may in fact be true.) But let me explain -- I work in this building: It's nicknamed the "penis of the plains," although I prefer calling it the "prairie phallus." And I think a BPAL forum member name like "Phantom of the Phallus" would be good for a giggle as an inside joke. Besides, if a group of malcontents decided to get all prudish on Live Journal, it would take pressure off of Andrabelle and her Ron Jeremy joke icons. "Who is that valentina who calls herself the "phantom of the phallus?" What is she talking about? Eeeew, gross!" P.S. Spellcheck keeps suggesting "Phyllis" as a correction for "phallus."

June 12, 2006

Gone Batty

A small victory

Saturday I did something I thought I'd never do. I bought a pair of wedge heels. I've been hating that trend ever since it came back a few years ago but the last few months I've found myself thinking "oooh, those are cute" while leafing through magazines with features on wedge shoes. I actually had no real need for a new pair of shoes much less heels, something I hardly ever wear but Saturday was a bad day. I was having this insane Boston Creme pie craving and for some peculiar reason there is none to be found in this area (outside the frozen food section in the grocery store). The Cheesecake Factory has earned my enmity for discontinuing their cheesecake version as well as putting nuts in the choloate chip cookie dough so that was out and none of the local restaurants seem to have it on their dessert menu. Too pedestrian I guess. Since this is out of my reach I decide that I would be happy with a chocolate muffin with cream in the middle from Starbucks. But do you think I could find such a thing at the three SB in a two block radius? Nope. I guess it was available for approximately one week in April. After being thwarted on the dessert front I decide to take my work laptop to Panera so that I can sit with my husband, browse the net, and sip a refreshing gallon of iced tea. Also to get away from the messy apartment that needs cleaning. Silly me, I never use this particular laptop and didn't configure it when they gave it to me eight months ago so I can't remember the password and unlike Linux, Windows is a complete pain in the ass to break into. Instead of sitting watching my husband tinker on his laptop I decide I'll go to Hechts and see what they have in the way of shoes. I wander around and it seems they are having a sale but most of the shoes are ugly or expensive even when they are on sale. I remember thinking that there was a pair of retro black wedge heels that I liked but I didn't see them out on display any longer. As I'm about to leave I see them stuffed under a rack. I try them on but they are size six and are a bit too small. I decide that if they actually do have my size in stock I'll buy them even though I think $59 is a lot to spend on shoes. This is me playing a silly game where I dare myself to spend money if something actually works in my favor even though I'm really hoping that it doesn't. Suprise, suprise they have my size. I try them on and it feels odd to be taller and to see something other than my familiar chucks on my feet. I almost change my mind but decide to get them anyway (hey, shopping is theraputic right?). Lucky me the salesgirl gives me a coupon and I get them cheaper. A small victory in an othewise crappy day.

miss apple

June 12, 2006

Puddy update

The Puddy Cat, also known as Puds or Puddin' (a nod to Puddin' of BPTP!) has happily moved onto the front porch. She's sleeping in the small dog carrier that has a towel inside for her comfort, and is eating Tender Vittles and drinking water. I have this vintage wooden bench on my front porch that was originally a gym bench used in a high school in the 1950's or '60's. It's the kind of thing that basketball teams sat on during games -- it must be 10 to 12 feet long. (Speaking of that, I need to check the Dallas - Miami score...) Anyway, Puddin' likes to sleep on the bench. She's not crying as much and she likes to hop up in your lap if you sit on the bench. She's just a happy camper. She's seeing the vet ASAP, probably Tuesday. I'll probably just drop her off on the way to work and let the vet's office scan her for a microchip, look at those poor ears, generally check her out, and get the hideous clumps of matted hair cut off. They will also be able to give us an idea of her age... I think she's older, looking at the color/condition of her teeth. Assuming she's not microchipped, we'll check Humane Society reports of lost cats. And there's a few people that my DH knows who might want her, although it's also an outside option that we could keep her in the basement. Time will tell! But she's already acting healthier and happier. And she is a sweet pea with such a cute little face. About two years ago, a small town around 30 miles from here was literally flattened by a tornado. A family who lived there were running into their basement, and their cat got spooked and got away from whoever was holding it. They never saw the kitty and assumed it had been killed, until this spring, when the cat returned to their house, now rebuilt on its original site. They knew it was the same cat by the distinctive meow and markings. Where the little thing went for two years, and how it found its way home, is quite the mystery. Maybe little Puds has a similar story, but if not, she'll find a home somewhere, although she seems rather certain that she is home right now!

June 12, 2006

Church

I grew up in the LDS church, also known as the mormons. I was baptised at age 12 because my mother and I were converts, and my dad wasn't active. I'm no longer active. I'm still feeling out my spiritual pathways. However, the LDS church is always going to be a part of who I am and, at least locally, they have a really great community of people. Most of the people helping with the wedding are members. I'm getting married in an LDS church building, by an LDS bishop. My mom is still an active member. My fiance decides that he wants to investigate the church to learn more about my background in it and to connect more with my mom, and also to attend with our roommate, who wouldn't go otherwise. This is all very nice, in theory. However, he hates organized religion. He's very liberal, politically speaking. He believes in God, but doesn't like all the dressings. When he met with the missionaries, it annoyed me, because I felt like he was there to waste their time. And he came back with snide remarks and his usual issues with the thought of organized religions- complaints about beliefs and accusations about oppression of women and just... all the same stuff. So I shrugged and told him not to do it. But he's persisted. So I tend to nod and sigh and remind him that he doesn't have to go there, and nobody's trying to force him into the beliefs. It just irritates me. He came home today ranting about how tithing is just rent for the church and they don't care about motivations and whatever. It's a freaking principle of the church. Don't act like you understand it, because you obviously don't. It isn't flexible. Organized religion has to have structure to it, otherwise it WOULDN'T BE ORGANIZED!!!

June 11, 2006

Denise's Cool Blog

oh geez...

Ok, well I ordered Hungry Ghost Moon... and added in Chaos Theory 3 (even though I have til August). It seemed a shame to just order one bottle (because of shipping costs). I'll order the OTHER new one sometime between now and August They all are so yummy sounding!! I'm really obsessed with the idea of CT3, too... can't wait to see what they pick for me! *hope i like it*

eviltemptressdq

June 11, 2006

circe_blue's Blog

HGM, etc.

Hungry Ghost Moon-looks amazing and was all I would hope it would be. After reading the description I now want some ginger candy....So in addition to a 5mL of HGM, I ordered a pack of imps. The imps I ordered were Vixen, Sin, Katharina, Lolita, Antique Lace, and Euterpe. Hooray! Now, I'll just settle in and wait for my package to arrive. -------------------- Apartment Update: The place that I wrote about before is now not happening. Despite assurances that the place has "an extremely good chance" of going to me and a promise to call me later in the week, the girl did not call me back. Or returned my phone call and e-mail to her. I was angry at first, I mean, she is 26 and should know that when you promise to call someone to tell them whether or not they have the place you should call at the very least to tell them that unfortunately they won't have the place blahblahblah. Not keep them waiting in a weird limbo stage that could've been spent looking for another place to live had they known. Show some responsibility! But whatever. I now have another place that is just as close to school and will be significantly less expensive once I get an apartment-mate. They'd get the huuuuuge (20 x 15) master bedroom and I'd get the smaller one. Mostly 'cause I dunno what to do with all that space. The issue of furniture remains as I have very very little of it since I live with the 'rents still. I need: -Sofa -Chairs -Coffee table -Bed frame -Mattress -Desk -Dresser -Rug -Lamps And I'm planning on going to CostCo, Ikea, Sticks N' Stuff for cheapies. I'm just dreading how I'm gonna transport everything there. ------------------------- I was gonna write about something else going on but I'm outta energy. Tomorrow! G'night!

circe_blue

June 11, 2006

Sourball Ho!

Update!

Another early posting! It's been fun to hop in and have it be already "live." I ordered Hungry Ghost Moon (ginger candy, sugar cane and rice wine? *falls over dead*) and Et Lux Fuit (amber, vanilla musk and honeycomb? *gets up, then falls over dead again*). Plus a bottle of Madrid, which has been languishing on my big-bottle wishlist for so long that it's starting to sneer and flip me off. Madrid was a frimp received with my very first order, placed in October 2004. It's not too clove-heavy, it smells more like sitting outside at a cafe drinking red wine and smoking a clove cigarette. I'm debating on CT3 -- I have a bottle of CT2, and while it's OK-smelling (it started fruity like Mi-Go, then goes cologney like how Wolf Moon ends) the idea of experimentation is more fun. But there are so many other bottles I want, do I want to spend the funds on something I may dislike? Why not order something I know I'll like? Who knows, I'll probably cave by August and buy a bottle anyway

dawndie

June 11, 2006

Denise's Cool Blog

overwhelmed!

by all the lovely scents! I received in the mail today: from allidavie NEWBIE IMP PACK white rabbit the dormouse (omg. i'm in love!) hell's belle baron samedi elegba hemlock tempest tiphareth from cybra111 VIRGO imp!! *happy dance* yummy chai tea sample

eviltemptressdq

June 10, 2006

Internet addict here...

I don't think my addiction to the internet is a bad thing. I think people who are derisive of the internet are slugs. It can be a catalyst of bad things, but it can also be a catalyst of good things, and ultimately I think it balances out. I don't think there's anything wrong with the fact that I went through shaking, sweating, convulsing withdrawls over the past week I've been without the internet. My wedding's in one week and six days. On monday, we HAVE to see about getting the license. I also changed my mind about my dress. I was going to wear a kimono, but it turned up all wrong and that's been distressing. So when my bridesmaid/flower girl tops showed up all gorgeous, I went looking through this site at the dresses. I'm having a custom tailored dress made for less than $50, and it should be here late next week. It's perfect. I'm getting the one in cyan, which looked more turquoise on my mother's computer, and now I'm starting to get worried. Not that worried. As long as I get married, I'll be happy. I'm less stressed than I ought to be. I think I'm more focused on surviving school this quarter. When it's over with, I'll go into full-on panic mode for the wedding. There are about 10 people who aren't coming that I would love to magically transport here for the wedding. (And a couple of people who've passed on that I wish could attend as well.) I'd have 2 more bridesmaids were that the case. Ah, well. I know they'll be here in spirit. My father did bring one blessing into my life- his mother. She was a dear, gentle woman and I miss her tremendously. Her death wasn't filled with grief for me, however. It was one of the easiest goodbyes I've ever said to someone I love, and I am not good with the farewell moments. It just felt like her time. I do regret not seeing her again before she died. I think she'd be glad to see me so happy, though. I need to remember to bring yellow roses to the wedding for her. She carried them at her wedding. I am very glad both my brothers will be attending. I suspected one wouldn't be able to make it. Anyway... Off to do some homework. Or lounge around the forums s'more.

June 10, 2006

Freya's Blog

BPAL wishlist

Bottles: Snake Oil (aged? *swoon* I will worship you as a goddess!) Illustrated Woman (this would be a second bottle) Brian's Black Moon 2008 imps or decants: Anything from Steamworks Anything from The Wonderkammer and The Ladies of the Grindhouse (besides Illustrated Woman and Torture Queen) The Hamptons Elixir II: Succor OOF GRR UGH TAL: Radiance of Ra White Light Determination Crucible of Courage Master War LE/Disc/unreleased: Ice Queen! *drools* November Skadi Sol Invictus Sekhmet (a girl can dream) Lughnasadh (and dream some more) BPTP Soap: TO BE UPDATED WHEN THE SITE HAS SOAP IN STOCK BPTP Room Spray: don't need any at the moment, but more CATHOUSE is always welcome

Freya

June 10, 2006

Denise's Cool Blog

Smells Galore!

Hooray! I got some great BPAL packs in the mail today: From SevenSins: Attuning (TAL) Blessing of Isis (TAL FreakShow Baneberry (frimp! and possibly a new favorite!) 2 pieces of Villianess soap (frimps!): Moonlight & Ugly Magnolia, Beguiling From maewitch: Trick or Treat Gingerbread Poppet La Fee Verte 2, 5, & 7 (frimp!!) 2 "Soaps*Salts*Etc!" samples (Pink Sugar & Jack Frost) frimps! 1 "Green Lady Soap" sample (Tart au Citron) frimp! The 2 ladies ROCK! I'm overwhelmed (and happy!)

eviltemptressdq

June 9, 2006

Puddy Tat!

Today's animal story is that a cat was camped out on the front porch last night when I got home. There are feral cats in the neighborhood that are truly wild, and over the winter we'd put a dish of dry cat food out on the porch to hide them over. Lately, a yellow and white cat has been up on the porch, but vanishes when anyone appears. Until yesterday, when it was just hanging out, meowing and acting like it was at home. This isn't a feral cat, it's a poor house cat that was either abandoned or got out of the house and never made it home. The poor little soul has terribly matted hair and mite-infested ears. It's really skinny and a bit skittish, but it wants to be house kitty so badly! It starts kneading its paws and purring when you talk to it, and if it sees you through the window, it meows at you. It will let you pet it if you sit with it long enough and it comes to trust you. It's never hissed or clawed once; it's a sweetheart. What to do? I can not let it in the house very easily, for Mugzy and Ella Bean would try to eat it. Mugzy has apparently declared cats to be his mortal enemies. I could get it inside and lock it in a basement room, but I think it needs veterinary assistance, because it lists around a little bit when it walks. I wonder if it wasn't hit by a car or injured in some manner. All the feline shelters are full, but I can't let this poor thing sit around much longer. I may have to use canned cat food to lure it into a small dog carrier and get it to the vet. I won't take it to the Humane Society, because considering the state of its coat and its tendency to list a little bit, they might euthanize without giving consideration to adoption. This kitty just wants to go home, or to find a new home. The poor, poor baby. It's bad enough to have lost dog karma and baby bird in distress karma, but now lost kitty karma is following me around. For the time being, I'm calling him/her Puddy, since Tweety Bird has always rocked my world.