|
|
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009
| |
6:30 pm - Writer's Block: Airplane reading
|
I'm usually the one driving on road trips, so I don't usually bring books along. But I'm big on shopping during trips, so I usually come back with at least three.
As for air travel, this is one time I don't go by 'Man, that looks interesting' as the main criterion. Air travel requires a small-ish book (nothing bigger than a trade paperback), that won't upset me if I lose it, and won't upset airport security if they check through my carry-on. (C'mon, you know I'm not the only one who's thought of that.)
So, basically, my signed first edition of Airport stays home!
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
| |
9:18 pm - Random thoughts and observations
|
My nails are now long enough to use as a screwdriver for my eyeglasses.
Despite being a bit obsessive about washing my hands, I really don't mind doing basic plumbing. But I hate doing housework.
Either my hearing is going bad, or almost all the children in my neighborhood under seven need speech training.
If the neighbors are going to piddle in their backyards (just one, actually), I do wish they wouldn't call my attention to it by apologizing profusely. Ignore me. Please.
French fries really do taste better fried in lard. And it'd be plumb silly to insist on veggie oil when I'm ordering rib tips anyway.
There's fine line between the smell of fresh yeast and the smell of bread mold.
Why is it I can eat barbecue, and I can eat beans, but barbecued beans just make me miserable?
Why can I find butter, extra-butter, super-butter, and colossal State-of-Wisconsin-In-A-Bag buttered microwave popcorn, but I can't find 'plain'?
And finally, is there a law against selling generic Wheaties?
Seriously, is there?
current music: CSI NY from downstairs TV
|
|
(2 comments | comment on this)
|
| Monday, September 21st, 2009
| |
6:56 pm - Writer's Block: Improving the Way We Eat
|
We could stop eating fake food and eat only the real stuff. (As in dumping the margarine and corn syrup, unneccessary food colorings, and food that has more chemicals listed than one's shampoo.)
We could also eat fruits and veggies that have been ripened on the vine, milk without added hormones and antibiotics, and bread that consists of whole-grain flour, water, salt, and if the type calls for it, yeast. Served with real cheese, not 'cheese food' or 'cheeze', for those who have the lactase to appreciate it.
And for crying out loud, no more 'fruit drinks' or 'hot fries' for the kids!
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Thursday, September 17th, 2009
| |
8:23 pm - Writer's Block: Touch-Screen Pros & Cons
|
|
| Sunday, September 13th, 2009
| |
12:39 am - I has claws!
|
I'm on the third week of not biting my nails!
Two more weeks, and I might have this habit broken. *crosses fingers, admires cuticles*
|
|
(2 comments | comment on this)
|
| Saturday, September 12th, 2009
| |
11:10 pm - I have a problem, and I need to admit it.
|
It's time to face facts: I've become a compulsive shopper.
Nothing too expensive, thank goodness, but my home environment has become quite cluttered, and I don't like that a bit.
You see, I've become addicted to second-hand stores and the bargain rack at the bookseller's.
I have CDs that I can't tell you how they sound, DVDs I've never watched, and more costume jewelry than a hydra could wear. As for my books, I've gone from shelves to bins to milk crates, and IT HAS TO STOP! I can't even alphabetize the suckers anymore, since I need to shelve them by size. And while I feel justified in trying to change all my VHS to DVD, I've bought duplicate DVDs because I can't remember what I've already got.
I can't seem to stop buying holiday stuff, either. I really had no need for a 4" light-up ghost that changes colors, but it's sitting on my printer anyway, while I've got boxes of stuff that I can't find when I need it. (I just today found the box that I think has my tinsel Halloween tree in it, and it's been lost for two years!)
So I've decided I have to do something about it. I pulled about a yard worth of VHS tapes and DVDs today and sorted them, threw out two pairs of worn-out shoes and a pair of slippers, and hauled about four bags of videos, books, and software to the library for their bargain room. I have a foot or so of DVDs to take to the the resale shop, and a bag of never-watched VHS tapes to donate.
And I'm resolved to actually start watching the videos I already have, stop buying DVDs I won't watch (I will buy the new Harry Potter one, and continue to upgrade from VHS), stop buying mystery CDs even though they're only a buck, and to limit my book purchases to ones I'll actually read instead of just thinking I should read them. I've also resolved to go through my cookbooks and do a major sort-and-dump. And to do the same with my shoes sometime before the cold weather hits.
And to stop buying things I really don't need or want. Really.
Maybe?
current music: fan and traffic sounds
|
|
(2 comments | comment on this)
|
| |
11:04 pm - Writer's Block: The truth is out there ...
|
That depends. If they're discussing the possibility in terms of science, or the reaction of society to a hypothetical visitation scenario, then that's acceptable. (I won't say it's visionary--planning for future off-Earth exploration BY HUMANS is visionary.)
But I'm entirely skeptical as to the whole abduction scenario.
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Friday, September 4th, 2009
| |
10:34 pm - Writer's Block: My Must-Have Computer Accessories
|
I'm going to count mouse, monitor, keyboard, and printer as part of the computer, as without them, a computer's functionality is either nil or reduced. Ditto speakers.
So, basically, the accessories etc I must have are a high-speed modem, a really long phone cord (the phone jack's across the hall in another room), and filters for the phone jacks. Oh, and a splitter so I can hook up an actual phone to the same jack as the computer.
The only other essential is a jump drive. I'd go crazy at work without the ability to move files from one computer to another. (Connectivity? We've got it. Whenever Murphy's not on the network, that is.)
I'm not much for using other peripherals, though I've bought a few. The only one that I really use a lot is my Lightscribe DVD drive, and it's a peripheral only because I was too lazy to install a replacement drive inside my computer.
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Thursday, August 27th, 2009
| |
6:22 pm - Writer's Block: Technology & My Future
|
Uhm, by promulgating bad grammar, perhaps? Intel, that question should read: "What impact do you think technology will have upon your future?"
Ranting aside, I think it's very likely to allow me to live longer than my genes or my pocketbook would normally warrant. After all, it's technology that's allowed me to live at all.
I was a c-section baby, you see.
|
|
(1 comment | comment on this)
|
| Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
| |
7:51 pm - Writer's Block: What Makes You Feel Sexy?
|
|
| Monday, July 27th, 2009
| |
10:26 pm - Writer's Block: Bite Me
|
Hm, that's a tricky one. So many delicious versions of Dracula, but the man had anger issues, ya know? He's like the original "Heaven won't have him, and Hell's afraid he'll take over" sort of dude. (And whoa, self, what's with the Val-speak all of a sudden?) Not to mention, he had a really odd addiction to 'shish-ka-bob' that would make me worry that he'd go past the jugular right into the spinal column, so nope, not him.
Count St. Germain would be a possibility--brilliant man, would have plenty to talk about after 'dinner'. Has lived around 3000 years. But, alas, his heart is taken, so it'd just be about the blood.
Lucien La Croix (Forever Knight)would also work from the point of longevity, and there's something to be said for patrician features. But really, does he never let his Childer leave the nest?
If Javier Vachon hadn't bit it (sorry) in the plague third season (also FK), I'd definitely go for him. (I do have a thing for beautiful brunets.)
I think it would boil down to this: which vampire would change me at my bio-age, and which would let me revert to my early 20's? I mean, really, who wants to be a vampire with middle-age spread and worn-down eye teeth?
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Saturday, July 25th, 2009
| |
9:49 pm - Writer's Block: Leave Room
|
Well, that would definitely be apricot pie, made the way my late grandmother made it, by stewing dried apricots for the filling. It's tart and sweet, and altogether nummy. Also, very nutritious: it's high in vitamin A and fiber.
Her coconut cake was also wonderful--it would just get moister and moister, if any of it were left. But the closest I come to it nowadays are coconut macaroons, which I eat way too many of. (They're nearly ubiquitous at Chinese buffets, which I also frequent too often.)
My sister also makes two desserts that are rivals for the pie and coconut cake: chocolate chip cheesecake, which is a vanilla cheesecake with mini chocolate chips and a chocolate cookie crust. Edy's makes a pretty good substitute, but Sis's is better--homemade, you know.
The other dessert is a chocolate cupcake with a chocolate-chip-cream-cheese filling. But it's been ages since I've had one.
Favorite desserts that I make?
Pumpkin pie-I use the Libby's recipe and leave out all the spices except cinnamon.
Mincemeat cookies (a very rarely-made dish) made with the recipe on the None-Such box.
Black cherry Jello topped with real whipped cream (I don't like Cool-Whip.)
Chocolate pudding made with Kosto instead of Jello brand pudding mix. (Kosto has all-natural ingredients. It makes a difference.)
And finally, orange Jello with crushed pineapple.
|
|
(5 comments | comment on this)
|
| Sunday, July 19th, 2009
| |
7:20 pm - Writer's Block: Family Heirlooms
|
Genetically, I've got linked toes (the second and third are linked together at the base, so that they move together, and the fourth trails behind) and feet that are wide at the balls and narrow at the heels, from my father's.
In terms of personal goods, I own a faux opal necklace from my paternal grandmother, a set of linen napkins from my mother, and the use of the bedroom set my parents bought when they got married. (Different mattress and springs, of course, LOL!)
As for passing things down, I suppose one of my nieces will get the necklace, the other the napkins, and my nephew already has the toes! As for passing on my genes, I figure there are enough humans already, and my eggs are getting a bit stale anyway. *Half laughs, half sighs.*
Now what I really wanted to get was my uncle's eye-shape: he has slanted brows and mild epicanthic folds which results in an altogether Vulcan appearance, except for the rounded ears. It was absolutely stunning on his daughter. But Grandma didn't pass that gene to Dad, so my Trekkie self was out of luck.
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
| |
11:46 pm - Writer's Block: Fashion Forward
|
Well, the human race being what it is, I can reliably predict that whatever the adults are wearing, the teenagers will be wearing something that shocks their elders.
As for myself, I'll still be rocking the librarian look: skirt, sensible shoes, and cardigan sweater. Oh, and spectacles, of course, though by then they may have built in computer monitors. (Intel, are you reading this? Hint. Hint.)
|
|
(1 comment | comment on this)
|
| Friday, June 26th, 2009
| |
12:55 am - Writer's Block: All-Nighter
|
The last time I stayed up all night was about eight years ago, when I was suffering from a gall-bladder attack. Half the night I was tossing and turning, and the other half, I was at the hospital.
I ended up falling asleep at a women's luncheon the next day, during the devotions.
I can't seem to stay awake for a sermon ever since. *grins sheepishly*
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
| |
7:03 pm - Writer's Block: Department of Burning Questions
|
A full-term human baby, that's born with its baby-fur still on, is just the cutest thing! (Yes, humans do have fur, not just hair, but it's usually lost before birth.)
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Monday, June 15th, 2009
| |
12:23 am - Desktop Wallpaper Meme
|
Rules:
1. Post this meme along with your current wallpaper.
2. Explain in five sentences why you’re using that wallpaper
3. Don’t change your wallpaper before doing this! The point is to see what you had on!
Well, folks, due to the fact that my wallpaper isn't mine to repost (and the site it's from only wants people to link to its homepage), I'll just describe it to you:
It's a picture of Legolas and Elrond in a near-platonic (fully-dressed) embrace in Rivendell. Got it from the Theban Band site which has wonderful slashy fanart of the mostly-romantic variety.
Why I'm using this paper:
1. Elves! With Y chromosomes! Semi-snuggly!
2. The artwork is simply gorgeous!
3. It's clean enough for public consumption (aka, the 'rents.)
4. There's enough room around the edges for icons.
5. There's enough going on in the picture that no one spot distracts you, and it's dark enough to reduce eyestrain.
But, mostly, it's the elves.
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
| |
8:35 pm - Writer's Block: Place of Residence
|
My ideal house would have to have a full library, a kitchen with a pantry, a laundry room near the bedrooms, and large walk-in closets. I'd also like a box room to store my hobby and holiday stuff. And I'd also like enough land to have a kitchen garden (or at least a tomato patch).
It wouldn't hurt if it looked like a human-sized Hobbit hole, or a Rivendell home either.
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| Monday, June 1st, 2009
| |
7:07 pm - It's been a good day.
|
I lucked out and had work almost to myself today, which was wonderful!
I got a lot of work done without interruption, and even had time to figure out how rework one of our programs so that it printed out the extra fields I needed. (Why in the world would anyone program a dunning letter that didn't have first names or the amount being dunned is beyond me.)
Anyway, after work, I went and bought a frozen lemonade, then went for a drive. Didn't actually get anything done, but I did get a pork-chop dinner at one of the local sandwich shops. And I must say, it's nice to have been able to eat it, after last week's stomach flu. (Took off three of the four work days. 'Nuf said.)
Now, if I can only get Dad to stop popping his gum!
current mood:  mellow
|
|
(comment on this)
|
| |
6:09 pm - Writer's Block: Rabbit Rabbit!
|
Serious wish: I'd like for my grandmother to get the will to get well--she's not actually sick anymore, but she hardly eats, and doesn't want to do her therapy.
Serious, but not very likely: like most people, I'd like to win the Lotto--if nothing else, it'd pay for a professional therapist and a nurse. And if there's anything that'd motivate Grandma to get well, it's getting strangers out of the house, LOL.
And unlike Grandma, I don't have any children to take care of me when I get older, so it'd be nice to be able to afford to hire someone when the time comes. (Yeah, yeah, I know: IF I get older. Dang chicken eggs, always demanding to be counted.) But it's not going to happen on my current wages. (And neither are the children. Though I might consider fostering if I had enough money for my own place.)
In the realm of silly wishes, though, it'd be nice if the cats would just learn to hurl on the tile instead of the carpet.
current music: Sound of cats hurling.
|
|
(comment on this)
|
|
|
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
asphodel_ale's journal