Okay, so I'm driving home from work and a lot of snow has been melting due both to temperatures being above freezing and direct sun exposure.
On the side of the road, there's a dead raccoon on a snowbank. He's been there for a few days. The sun doesn't hit where he is lying so the snow around him has been melting at a much higher rate than what's under his cold body. Because of this, he is now atop a dead-raccoon-shaped pedestal of snow. It's interesting, no? Okay, maybe not.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Gardening Questions - Help, Please!
Okay, I am not a gardener by any stretch of the imagination. I just this year found out what I should be pulling out of my garden because they're weeds, thanks to Dave, our yard cleanup man.
Also thanks to Dave, we have a big stretch of dirt out back that used to be a bit of a jungle. Some nice things grew there - daisies, black-eyed Susans, raspberries, tiger lilies - but some bad things grew, too, or namely one bad thing. My problem is, now that everything is razed, there's still a lot of the bad root out there. I pull it up and it stretches out and I cut where I can't pull anymore. I don't know what it is, but I know that it's sentient and insidious. Can anyone identify it by these pictures? The one up top is what the plant/vine looks like. Just a pretty green thing, right? This next picture is it trying to strangle a bush. It's evil, I tell ya!
Okay, so here's one of its roots in our new dirt section...
...and here's what happens when you pull the root...
...and then when you pull it more...
It pretty much keeps going and going. There's a lot of it out there. What I want to know, besides its identity, is how can I get rid of it? Do I just keep pulling it up? Should I poison it? I appreciate any help.
Secondly, this is what's growing in my yet-to-be prepped raised bed. It looks tomato-like, but I'm not sure.
If it's not a tomato, out it goes. If it is a tomato, it came from my blighted cherry tomatoes that fell to the ground last year. Should I get rid of them anyways for that reason? Or will they not be infected?
Again, thanks to anyone who can offer their assistance. This stuff is beyond me.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Mascara Critique #'s 1, 2, 3 and 4
I bought a mascara sampler from Sephora and thought I'd tell you all what I think about them. After all, Keri says that companies will send you free product if you do stuff like this. ;o)
I first went through the kit of (what I thought were) 10 mascaras one per day. On the ninth day, I discovered the mascara was actually a pre-mascara lash builder, so I incorporated that into each try-out after that.
Going through the whole kit first, I was able to pull one right away as it flaked really badly on me - the DuWop Lash Venom. I don't know if makeups react the same on everyone, so your mileage may vary, but there was a lot of this mascara on my cheek apples halfway through the day. Gone! F.
The first week, I tried Anastasia Beverly Hills' Lash Lifting Mascara. I wore one coat for three days, then one day with the builder, then two coats on the last day. It's a fine mascara. Went on well, stayed there, big teddy bear brush. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly useable. C+.
The second week, I tried tarte's lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara. That made for some big fat lashes in one coat. I did four days of 1 coat, one day with the builder and one day with two coats (I usually only wear makeup during the workweek, but there was a memorial service to attend, so I squoze in an extra day). This goes on nicely and stays put. Know, too, that one of my criteria for mascara is whether I can easily wipe any extra off my lid after applying (I'm a little messy). These first two had no issues there. I know there are some coming up that are a little difficult to dab, but not those these two starters. A.
This past week, I used Sephora's Atomic Volume mascara. Awesome brush! Spikey all around so you're coating three sides of the lash while separating! No flaking at all. I did four days of one coat and one day with the builder. The single coat days were good - my lashes stood out individually and looked great - and the day with the builder was even better. Good stuff. A.
So far a couple of really good contenders to unseat my previous winner of Benefit Bad Gal Lash. I liked it a lot at first, but paired with some other products (probably my eye moisturizer), it flaked a little. Time to move on.
I first went through the kit of (what I thought were) 10 mascaras one per day. On the ninth day, I discovered the mascara was actually a pre-mascara lash builder, so I incorporated that into each try-out after that.
Going through the whole kit first, I was able to pull one right away as it flaked really badly on me - the DuWop Lash Venom. I don't know if makeups react the same on everyone, so your mileage may vary, but there was a lot of this mascara on my cheek apples halfway through the day. Gone! F.
The first week, I tried Anastasia Beverly Hills' Lash Lifting Mascara. I wore one coat for three days, then one day with the builder, then two coats on the last day. It's a fine mascara. Went on well, stayed there, big teddy bear brush. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly useable. C+.
The second week, I tried tarte's lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara. That made for some big fat lashes in one coat. I did four days of 1 coat, one day with the builder and one day with two coats (I usually only wear makeup during the workweek, but there was a memorial service to attend, so I squoze in an extra day). This goes on nicely and stays put. Know, too, that one of my criteria for mascara is whether I can easily wipe any extra off my lid after applying (I'm a little messy). These first two had no issues there. I know there are some coming up that are a little difficult to dab, but not those these two starters. A.
This past week, I used Sephora's Atomic Volume mascara. Awesome brush! Spikey all around so you're coating three sides of the lash while separating! No flaking at all. I did four days of one coat and one day with the builder. The single coat days were good - my lashes stood out individually and looked great - and the day with the builder was even better. Good stuff. A.
So far a couple of really good contenders to unseat my previous winner of Benefit Bad Gal Lash. I liked it a lot at first, but paired with some other products (probably my eye moisturizer), it flaked a little. Time to move on.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sad Squirrel Story
I have had a few episodes in my life that were sad and tragic. This particular one still almost brings me to tears, though.
When I worked at the Springfield Library and Museums Association, my office was in what used to be a doctor's house, the Kilroy House. It was next to the Donahue House and on the corner of the Quadrangle. There were trees and shrubbery and a small amount of wildlife - not a lot as we were in the middle of a city. Anyhoo, a squirrel was killed by a vehicle in the driveway going by the Kilroy House. Sad.
A few days later, baby squirrels began to emerge from a brick pile they'd been living in. Their mother wasn't coming back with food and they had to brave the outside world in search of sustenance. I found the babies wandering around near the house. There were about half a dozen of them. They were very cute. I'd never seen baby squirrels before. It was the end of the day and I didn't think through how totally helpless these creatures were. I arranged them all at the base of a tree so they could climb to safety (stupid) and started for my car. One of them ran after me in his toddley way. I actually screeched and giggled and ran from him.
I've always wished that I had just paused for a moment there, right in that very moment, to think about things, to realize that this baby needed a mommy and it was coming after me for help. I didn't think anything of it. Stupid. Tragically stupid.
I'm bawling right now writing this. I came to work the next morning and went to the tree to see if they'd made their getaway. Of course they hadn't. They were all dead. Their heads and upper torsos had been eaten by whatever got them. I had made such a huge mistake.
I have a few regrets in my life. This is the one that still pains me to this day, that this little toddling baby squirrel chased after me for help and I squealed like a stupid schoolgirl and left him and his siblings to die.
When I worked at the Springfield Library and Museums Association, my office was in what used to be a doctor's house, the Kilroy House. It was next to the Donahue House and on the corner of the Quadrangle. There were trees and shrubbery and a small amount of wildlife - not a lot as we were in the middle of a city. Anyhoo, a squirrel was killed by a vehicle in the driveway going by the Kilroy House. Sad.
A few days later, baby squirrels began to emerge from a brick pile they'd been living in. Their mother wasn't coming back with food and they had to brave the outside world in search of sustenance. I found the babies wandering around near the house. There were about half a dozen of them. They were very cute. I'd never seen baby squirrels before. It was the end of the day and I didn't think through how totally helpless these creatures were. I arranged them all at the base of a tree so they could climb to safety (stupid) and started for my car. One of them ran after me in his toddley way. I actually screeched and giggled and ran from him.
I've always wished that I had just paused for a moment there, right in that very moment, to think about things, to realize that this baby needed a mommy and it was coming after me for help. I didn't think anything of it. Stupid. Tragically stupid.
I'm bawling right now writing this. I came to work the next morning and went to the tree to see if they'd made their getaway. Of course they hadn't. They were all dead. Their heads and upper torsos had been eaten by whatever got them. I had made such a huge mistake.
I have a few regrets in my life. This is the one that still pains me to this day, that this little toddling baby squirrel chased after me for help and I squealed like a stupid schoolgirl and left him and his siblings to die.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Art
I have an intense need to find a creative outlet. I thought it was photography and, while I enjoy it very much, I don't think that's it. I photograph what I like and I think I take pretty pictures, but I wouldn't call it art. I've tried writing, but I get too explain-y with the visuals and think I'm more clever than I am.
I've always believed that oil painting might be the key. It seems like a very forgiving medium. I can't draw very well and with oil painting you can put color on top of color and it hides what's underneath really well.
This is my first oil. It's a banana on a brown table with a red background. I really love it. It was fun and I was able to do something a little weird: as the teacher was instructing us, she told us that we shouldn't split the background and foreground exactly in half. I had done that, but, instead of doing what she did and bringing the foreground higher to offer the banana stability, I took the background lower. There is an element of fun instability and I think the banana looks a lot like a banana. I'm very happy indeed.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Seriously?
I haven't blogged since February? Okay, I suck. And it's not like I didn't have anything to blog about - I'm plenty pissed at the fucking wingers taking over the conversation on health care and us having only Barney Frank to set shit straight now. And by now, I mean now that the Lion of the Senate has left us. Yeah, I've had stuff to blog about, but I've also been a little distracted by trip preparation and work and stuff. So anyways, I'm just here to say, "Ciao!" We're off to Italy tomorrow. It hasn't hit me yet. A lot of times it doesn't until it's on me. I'm not one to get nervous or especially excited beforehand. When we're descending into Rome and the Colosseum is looming larger in my tiny airplane window, then I'll be excited. Then I'll be in Italy - land of food, wine, art, history, architecture and...what's the Italian phrase for Bon Vivant? I don't know, but we'll be feeling it, I can guarantee! See you all on the backside.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
DSW
I am a huge fan of DSW and I found these bad boys for $11.99. I LOVE them! They're perfect for going to see the Pogues in New York City on my birthday. Joe thinks they're outlandish, but who's going to say anything about my crazy shoes in New York? I think no one.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Meme, She is Four Dozen
And that's a lot of questions! Here we go...
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I get verklempt a lot, but the last time I actually bawled was the Saturday we went to visit Nana. It was so sad to see her and know she was leaving soon.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes. Yes, I do.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chicken salad.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely. I've made myself into a person I like. And I am my own standard of value - I judge people by what they think of me.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
I do whenever I can.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I would prefer not to. If I were on Amazing Race and we both had to do it, I would. Otherwise, no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Frosted Mini Wheats with the white sugar.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Absolutely.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Friendly's Chocolate Almond Chip.
13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Facial expression and quality of handshake.
14. RED OR PINK?
Pink.
15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Laziness.
16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Uncle Ron.
17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Sure! I love learning things about people.
18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Deep red corduroys, no shoes, but black socks.
19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
NPR fund drive.
20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Fuchsia.
21. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Garlic, coffee, skunk, lilacs, Sunday roast, clean clothes.
22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Aphrodite.
23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I like my Toast more than anyone else.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NFL football. Yankee baseball. Irish football.
25. HAIR COLOR?
Ashy, auburny light brown.
26. EYE COLOR?
Hazel.
27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. I did when I got married and for a while thereafter, but I prefer glasses.
28. FAVORITE FOOD?
Crustaceans - lobster, crab, oysters, shrimp. Love them dirty bottom dwellers.
29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings. Really don't like scary movies.
30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
1408.
31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black.
32. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer.
33. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses.
34. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
I think everyone's done it already.
35. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Barack Obama.
36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
The Lord of the Rings and A Life Without Consequences (a biography about Hemingway).
37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Funky colorful painting of the Hemingway House.
38. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I watched Toast playing Super Mario Galaxy on the TV.
39. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
Toast laughing, cats purring, rain.
40. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
The Beatles.
41. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
To Sligo, Ireland from Weatogue, CT.
42. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
If I knew a song when I was ten and I haven't heard it in over 30 years, I can still remember the words once it comes on. And I spread sunshine wherever I go.
43. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Springfield, MA.
44. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's, but as I said earlier, I think everyone's done this already.
45. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
Working together at Domino's Pizza in Troy, NY.
46. DO YOU BELIEVE IN EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENT LIFE?
Sure.
47. HOW OFTEN DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR DREAMS?
Quite often, I'd say 3-4 times a week.
48. HOW MANY MORE YEARS DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ON THIS EARTH?
Probably only 30 based on my family history, but I hope more.
If you haven't done it yet, consider yourself tagged.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I get verklempt a lot, but the last time I actually bawled was the Saturday we went to visit Nana. It was so sad to see her and know she was leaving soon.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes. Yes, I do.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chicken salad.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely. I've made myself into a person I like. And I am my own standard of value - I judge people by what they think of me.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
I do whenever I can.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I would prefer not to. If I were on Amazing Race and we both had to do it, I would. Otherwise, no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Frosted Mini Wheats with the white sugar.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Absolutely.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Friendly's Chocolate Almond Chip.
13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Facial expression and quality of handshake.
14. RED OR PINK?
Pink.
15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Laziness.
16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Uncle Ron.
17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Sure! I love learning things about people.
18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Deep red corduroys, no shoes, but black socks.
19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
NPR fund drive.
20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Fuchsia.
21. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Garlic, coffee, skunk, lilacs, Sunday roast, clean clothes.
22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Aphrodite.
23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I like my Toast more than anyone else.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NFL football. Yankee baseball. Irish football.
25. HAIR COLOR?
Ashy, auburny light brown.
26. EYE COLOR?
Hazel.
27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. I did when I got married and for a while thereafter, but I prefer glasses.
28. FAVORITE FOOD?
Crustaceans - lobster, crab, oysters, shrimp. Love them dirty bottom dwellers.
29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings. Really don't like scary movies.
30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
1408.
31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black.
32. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer.
33. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses.
34. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
I think everyone's done it already.
35. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Barack Obama.
36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
The Lord of the Rings and A Life Without Consequences (a biography about Hemingway).
37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Funky colorful painting of the Hemingway House.
38. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I watched Toast playing Super Mario Galaxy on the TV.
39. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
Toast laughing, cats purring, rain.
40. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
The Beatles.
41. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
To Sligo, Ireland from Weatogue, CT.
42. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
If I knew a song when I was ten and I haven't heard it in over 30 years, I can still remember the words once it comes on. And I spread sunshine wherever I go.
43. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Springfield, MA.
44. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's, but as I said earlier, I think everyone's done this already.
45. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
Working together at Domino's Pizza in Troy, NY.
46. DO YOU BELIEVE IN EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENT LIFE?
Sure.
47. HOW OFTEN DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR DREAMS?
Quite often, I'd say 3-4 times a week.
48. HOW MANY MORE YEARS DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ON THIS EARTH?
Probably only 30 based on my family history, but I hope more.
If you haven't done it yet, consider yourself tagged.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Year End Meme
This is a very long meme and dinner's on the stove, so here we go...
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Road trip with Toast, went to a spring training game, broke my record for time spent at a job (5+ years)
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year, but I did for 2009
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Toast's cousins had babies
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandmother
5. What places did you visit?
NYC, the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, St. Augustine, Key West, Tampa Bay, Savannah, LV
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A job that I really like, a nice garden, a tan
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 4th, because I got hope back
8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
It's a small thing, but I completed a hike that I would've ordinarily given up on
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not working on getting a better job
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just some back pain, but it came at really inopportune times, like in Vegas for my husband's 40th
11. What was the best thing you bought?
There wasn't one thing - Ozzie, our parakeet, heavenly red corduroys, Calm conditioner by Rusk, good gifts
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Christopher Buckley
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
John McCain, Sarah Palin, John Edwards, George Bush (I went back and forth putting McCain, then Palin first - she appalled and depressed me more, but she's his fault)
14. Where did most of your money go?
Whatever Toast said; he's the money man and he has a pie chart
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our road trip and the election
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Beautiful Day by U2
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder?
Happier.
b) thinner or fatter?
Exactly the same.
c) richer or poorer?
Richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, yoga
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watch TV, although I love all of our shows, so this is a dilemma
20. How did you spend Christmas this year?
We were home and my family and Toast's Mom came for dinner - I'd never cooked for 11 before - it was a very good day
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I think I'm a little bit in love with Ozzie
22. How was work?
Worse - it's turning from customer service to heavy sales, which are not my comfort zone
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2008?
We were in Key West for my birthday, it was absolutely awesome
25. What was the best book you read?
Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil and I say this over LOTR only because I am not yet done with the latter
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Irish music, I heart clover notes
27. What did you want and get?
Lots of stuff as I have a list at Xmas, just like when I was a kid
28. What did you want and not get?
A new job and replacement windows
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight
30. Did you make some new friends this year?
Not really, but there are a couple of coworkers that I want to have over
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A different job
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I actually busted out a little bit and bought some crazy stuff like a leopard print sweater and red cords and in general things with color, so eclectic comfy is what I'll call it
33. What kept you sane?
Toast
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama, Daniel Craig and Stephen Colbert
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Barack's very existence
35a. What political issue stirred you the least?
It flew too far under my radar for me to even notice
36. Who did you miss?
I miss my Uncle Ron and Debbie, not the Debbie that I had a falling out with earlier this year, but the Debbie of a few years ago
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I physically came in contact with the Howards and Litbrit, although I knew them from before - does that count?
38. Burn any bridges?
No
39. Best new restaurant you went to?
Pisces, in Key West, for my birthday - eyes rolling in your head good
40. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Never give up hope.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Road trip with Toast, went to a spring training game, broke my record for time spent at a job (5+ years)
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year, but I did for 2009
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Toast's cousins had babies
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandmother
5. What places did you visit?
NYC, the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, St. Augustine, Key West, Tampa Bay, Savannah, LV
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A job that I really like, a nice garden, a tan
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 4th, because I got hope back
8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
It's a small thing, but I completed a hike that I would've ordinarily given up on
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not working on getting a better job
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just some back pain, but it came at really inopportune times, like in Vegas for my husband's 40th
11. What was the best thing you bought?
There wasn't one thing - Ozzie, our parakeet, heavenly red corduroys, Calm conditioner by Rusk, good gifts
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Christopher Buckley
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
John McCain, Sarah Palin, John Edwards, George Bush (I went back and forth putting McCain, then Palin first - she appalled and depressed me more, but she's his fault)
14. Where did most of your money go?
Whatever Toast said; he's the money man and he has a pie chart
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our road trip and the election
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Beautiful Day by U2
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder?
Happier.
b) thinner or fatter?
Exactly the same.
c) richer or poorer?
Richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, yoga
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watch TV, although I love all of our shows, so this is a dilemma
20. How did you spend Christmas this year?
We were home and my family and Toast's Mom came for dinner - I'd never cooked for 11 before - it was a very good day
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I think I'm a little bit in love with Ozzie
22. How was work?
Worse - it's turning from customer service to heavy sales, which are not my comfort zone
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2008?
We were in Key West for my birthday, it was absolutely awesome
25. What was the best book you read?
Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil and I say this over LOTR only because I am not yet done with the latter
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Irish music, I heart clover notes
27. What did you want and get?
Lots of stuff as I have a list at Xmas, just like when I was a kid
28. What did you want and not get?
A new job and replacement windows
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight
30. Did you make some new friends this year?
Not really, but there are a couple of coworkers that I want to have over
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A different job
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I actually busted out a little bit and bought some crazy stuff like a leopard print sweater and red cords and in general things with color, so eclectic comfy is what I'll call it
33. What kept you sane?
Toast
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama, Daniel Craig and Stephen Colbert
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Barack's very existence
35a. What political issue stirred you the least?
It flew too far under my radar for me to even notice
36. Who did you miss?
I miss my Uncle Ron and Debbie, not the Debbie that I had a falling out with earlier this year, but the Debbie of a few years ago
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I physically came in contact with the Howards and Litbrit, although I knew them from before - does that count?
38. Burn any bridges?
No
39. Best new restaurant you went to?
Pisces, in Key West, for my birthday - eyes rolling in your head good
40. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Never give up hope.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year, Superheroes!
I've wanted to do this weird little post for a while now and today seems like the perfect day.
What are your Superhero powers? Let me tell you where I'm coming from with this - I've always imagined that if aliens or terrorists took over our country/state/city/planet, I'd need some sort of super skills to cope. I can't run very fast or jump very high, but there are things I can do that would come in handy. These are my superpowers.
I am like a camel in that I can hold my pee for long periods of time. I've trained myself to not get up at night. This wouldn't really help me if aliens were attacking, but at least I wouldn't have to pee myself to stay hidden.
I'm pretty good with the whole flirting/seduction thing. I'm sure I'm quite rusty as it's been years, but I could probably infiltrate the bad guys with my feminine wiles.
I can move a crowd quickly. If the aliens/terrorists were coming, this might be helpful to force people along to a safe place. When I was a flight attendant, we had to be able to clear a plane in 90 seconds. I can do that.
I can direct water very well. When I turn on the water in the tub in the morning, I grab handfuls and shoot the water at stray pieces of hair or soap to flush them down to the drain. I am pretty damn accurate. This would only help me if the aliens were the kind in that Mel Gibson movie that were averse to water. Still.
So, what are your superpowers? And, obviously, they don't have to be real superpowers. Just whatever skills you have that would keep you alive (or at least not pissing yourself) if the bad guys were coming after you.
What are your Superhero powers? Let me tell you where I'm coming from with this - I've always imagined that if aliens or terrorists took over our country/state/city/planet, I'd need some sort of super skills to cope. I can't run very fast or jump very high, but there are things I can do that would come in handy. These are my superpowers.
I am like a camel in that I can hold my pee for long periods of time. I've trained myself to not get up at night. This wouldn't really help me if aliens were attacking, but at least I wouldn't have to pee myself to stay hidden.
I'm pretty good with the whole flirting/seduction thing. I'm sure I'm quite rusty as it's been years, but I could probably infiltrate the bad guys with my feminine wiles.
I can move a crowd quickly. If the aliens/terrorists were coming, this might be helpful to force people along to a safe place. When I was a flight attendant, we had to be able to clear a plane in 90 seconds. I can do that.
I can direct water very well. When I turn on the water in the tub in the morning, I grab handfuls and shoot the water at stray pieces of hair or soap to flush them down to the drain. I am pretty damn accurate. This would only help me if the aliens were the kind in that Mel Gibson movie that were averse to water. Still.
So, what are your superpowers? And, obviously, they don't have to be real superpowers. Just whatever skills you have that would keep you alive (or at least not pissing yourself) if the bad guys were coming after you.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Movie Resume Meme
Objective: To utilize my movie-watching skills for the betterment of mankind.
There are some true classics that I have not seen. That's a damn shame. But we have many, many movies in our queueueueueueue, so we'll get there. Tropic Thunder is next!
(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show (x) Grease (x) Pirates of the Caribbean ( ) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest ( ) Boondock Saints (x) Fight Club ( ) Starsky and Hutch ( ) Neverending Story (x) Blazing Saddles ( ) Universal Soldier ( ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events ( ) Along Came Polly ( ) Joe Dirt (x) King Kong ( ) A Cinderella Story ( ) The Terminal ( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie ( ) Passport to Paris (x) Dumb & Dumber ( ) Dumber & Dumberer ( ) Final Destination ( ) Final Destination 2 ( ) Final Destination 3 (x) Halloween (x) The Ring ( ) ( ) Surviving Christmas ( ) Flubber (orignal only) ( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (x) Practical Magic ( ) Chicago ( ) Ghost Ship ( ) From Hell (x) Hellboy (x) Secret Window ( ) I Am Sam ( ) The Whole Nine Yards ( ) The Whole Ten Yards (x) The Day After Tomorrow ( ) Child's Play ( ) Seed of Chucky ( ) Bride of Chucky ( ) Ten Things I Hate About You ( ) Just Married ( ) Gothika (x) Nightmare on Elm Street (x) Sixteen Candles (x) Remember the Titans ( ) Coach Carter ( ) The Grudge ( ) The Grudge 2 (x) The Mask ( ) Son Of The Mask (x) Bad Boys ( ) Bad Boys 2 ( ) Joy Ride ( ) Lucky Number Sleven (x) Ocean's Eleven (x) Ocean's Twelve (x) Bourne Identity (x) Bourne Supremacy ( ) Lone Star ( ) Bedazzled (original only) ( ) Predator I ( ) Predator II ( ) The Fog ( ) Ice Age ( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown ( ) Curious George (x) Independence Day (x) Cujo ( ) A Bronx Tale ( ) Darkness Falls (x) Christine (x) ET ( ) Children of the Corn ( ) My Bosses Daughter ( ) Maid in Manhattan (x) War of the Worlds (x) Rush Hour ( ) Rush Hour 2 ( ) Best Bet ( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days ( ) She's All That ( ) Calendar Girls (x) Sideways (x) Mars Attacks ( ) Event Horizon (x) Ever After (x) Wizard of Oz (x) Forrest Gump (x) Big Trouble in Little China (x) The Terminator (x) The Terminator 2 (x) The Terminator 3 (x) X-Men (x) X2 (x) X-3 (x) Spider-Man (x) Spider-Man 2 ( ) Sky High ( ) Jeepers Creepers ( ) Jeepers Creepers 2 ( ) Catch Me If You Can (x) The Little Mermaid (x) Freaky Friday (original only) ( ) Reign of Fire ( ) The Skulls (x) Cruel Intentions ( ) Cruel Intentions 2 ( ) The Hot Chick | (x) Shrek (x) Shrek 2 ( ) Swimfan (x) Miracle on 34th street ( ) Old School ( ) The Notebook ( ) K-Pax ( ) Kippendorf's Tribe ( ) A Walk to Remember (x) Ice Castles ( ) Boogeyman (x) The 40-year-old-virgin (x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring (x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers (x) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King (x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ( ) Baseketball ( ) Hostel ( ) Waiting for Guffman ( ) House of 1000 Corpses ( ) Devils Rejects ( ) Elf (x) Highlander ( ) Mothman Prophecies ( ) American History X ( ) Three ( ) The Jacket (X) Kung Fu Hustle ( ) Shaolin Soccer ( ) Night Watch (x) Monsters Inc. (x) Titanic (x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail (x) Shaun Of the Dead ( ) Willard ( ) High Tension ( ) Club Dread (x) Hulk ( ) Dawn of the Dead (x) Hook ( ) Chronicles Of Narnia ( ) 28 days later ( ) Orgazmo ( ) Phantasm ( ) (x) Kill Bill vol 1 (x) Kill Bill vol 2 ( ) Mortal Kombat ( ) Wolf Creek ( ) Kingdom of Heaven ( ) the Hills Have Eyes ( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman (x) The Last House on the Left ( ) Re-Animator ( ) Army of Darkness (x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace ( ) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones ( ) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith (x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope (x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back (x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi ( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage ( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor (x) The Matrix (x) The Matrix Reloaded (x) The Matrix Revolutions ( ) Animatrix ( ) Evil Dead ( ) Evil Dead 2 (x) Team America: World Police (x) Red Dragon (x) Silence of the Lambs (x) Hannibal ( ) Battle Royale ( ) Battle Royale 2 (x) Brazil (x) Contact (x) Cube ( ) Dr. Strangelove ( ) Enlightenment Guaranteed ( ) Four Rooms ( ) Memento ( ) Pi ( ) Requiem for a Dream (x) Pulp Fiction (x) Reservoir Dogs ( ) Run Lola Run ( ) Russian Ark (x) Serenity (x) Sin City (x) Snatch ( ) Spider (x) The Sixth Sense ( ) The Village ( ) Waking Life ( ) Zatoichi ( ) Ikiru ( ) The Seven Samurai ( ) Brick ( ) Akira | |
There are some true classics that I have not seen. That's a damn shame. But we have many, many movies in our queueueueueueue, so we'll get there. Tropic Thunder is next!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
My Birthday Present to Myself
Yesterday I bought tickets to go see the Pogues at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. I can't even tell you how excited I am.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Woohoo! Or, I Love a Meme!
This is from the god known as kona.
1. Five names you go by:
* Tracy Lee
* Tray
* Wifée
* Santolos
* DIL
2. Three things you are wearing right now:
* pink butter socks (that's what I call those fleece things)
* pink snowflake lounge pants
* white butter shirt
3. Two things you want very badly at the moment:
* sleep
* another vacation
4. Three people who will probably fill this out:
* Toast
* 'shift
* Mish
5. Two things you did last night:
* read a chapter of The Lord of the Rings
* made sloppy joes for dinner
6. Two things you ate today:
* Roqamole dip (guacamole with roquefort cheese)
* celery with peanut butter and raisins
7. Two people you last talked to on the phone:
* bank customer #1
* Toast
8. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
* put up and decorate the Xmas tree
* find a place to watch the Jets play
9. Two longest car rides:
* from Easthampton, MA to Commerce, GA to NOLA to San Antonio, TX to Carlsbad, NM to Flagstaff, AZ to New River, AZ to Bakersfield, CA to Sunnydale, CA to LA, CA to Phoenix, AZ and then finally settling in LV, NV
* from Weatogue, CT to New Jersey to Outer Banks, NC to St. Augustine, FL to Key West to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Savannah, GA back to Weatogue, CT
10. Two of your favorite beverages: (see #5?)
* Coca Cola decaf
* margarita (good tequila buzz and salt - can't be beat)
And finally: a clip from my favorite movie:
Gotta love a easy meme and a visit with your favorite movie. Peace.
1. Five names you go by:
* Tracy Lee
* Tray
* Wifée
* Santolos
* DIL
2. Three things you are wearing right now:
* pink butter socks (that's what I call those fleece things)
* pink snowflake lounge pants
* white butter shirt
3. Two things you want very badly at the moment:
* sleep
* another vacation
4. Three people who will probably fill this out:
* Toast
* 'shift
* Mish
5. Two things you did last night:
* read a chapter of The Lord of the Rings
* made sloppy joes for dinner
6. Two things you ate today:
* Roqamole dip (guacamole with roquefort cheese)
* celery with peanut butter and raisins
7. Two people you last talked to on the phone:
* bank customer #1
* Toast
8. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
* put up and decorate the Xmas tree
* find a place to watch the Jets play
9. Two longest car rides:
* from Easthampton, MA to Commerce, GA to NOLA to San Antonio, TX to Carlsbad, NM to Flagstaff, AZ to New River, AZ to Bakersfield, CA to Sunnydale, CA to LA, CA to Phoenix, AZ and then finally settling in LV, NV
* from Weatogue, CT to New Jersey to Outer Banks, NC to St. Augustine, FL to Key West to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Savannah, GA back to Weatogue, CT
10. Two of your favorite beverages: (see #5?)
* Coca Cola decaf
* margarita (good tequila buzz and salt - can't be beat)
And finally: a clip from my favorite movie:
Gotta love a easy meme and a visit with your favorite movie. Peace.
Monday, December 1, 2008
I Love Living Near ESPN
I just met Kenny Mayne at the grocery store! That is so cool. He's very nice and I shook his hand and blabbered about how much I love his "Dance Center" segments and how my husband says that Sportscenter with KO was some of the best sports television ever. Woohoo!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tart's Right - WTF is a Fly Name?
I first saw this at kona's site and followed it back to this Phydeaux phellow. I'm glad someone tagged me. Thanks, baby. And thanks for having me do the meme, too. Looks like fun!
1. Witness Protection Program Name (mother’s & father’s middle names): Marie Lee
2. NASCAR Name (first name of your mother’s dad, father’s dad): Thomas Chester (although I personally like Chester Thomas better)
3. Star Wars Name (the first 2 letters of your last name, first 4 letters of your first name): Satrac
4. Detective Name (favorite color, favorite animal): Azure Housecat
5. Soap Opera Name (middle name, city where you live): Lee Weatogue or Lee Simsbury (Weatogue is a borough of Simsbury)
6. Superhero Name (2nd favorite color, favorite alcoholic drink, optionally add "THE" to the beginning): The Orange Margarita
7. Fly (?) Name (first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name): Tros (with my maiden name, it would be Tron)
8. Gangsta Name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Chocolate Almond Chip Fig Newton (that's a fucking terrible gangsta name - as a matter of fact, I can't think of a good ice cream/cookie combination that would make a good gangsta name)
9. Rock Star Name (current pet’s name, current street name): Ozzie Colonial
10. Porn Name (1st pet, street you grew up on): Pepper Kenwood
Yeehah! I tag all the Toasters who have not yet done this. I'm looking forward to all of you doing it. You know who you are.
1. Witness Protection Program Name (mother’s & father’s middle names): Marie Lee
2. NASCAR Name (first name of your mother’s dad, father’s dad): Thomas Chester (although I personally like Chester Thomas better)
3. Star Wars Name (the first 2 letters of your last name, first 4 letters of your first name): Satrac
4. Detective Name (favorite color, favorite animal): Azure Housecat
5. Soap Opera Name (middle name, city where you live): Lee Weatogue or Lee Simsbury (Weatogue is a borough of Simsbury)
6. Superhero Name (2nd favorite color, favorite alcoholic drink, optionally add "THE" to the beginning): The Orange Margarita
7. Fly (?) Name (first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name): Tros (with my maiden name, it would be Tron)
8. Gangsta Name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Chocolate Almond Chip Fig Newton (that's a fucking terrible gangsta name - as a matter of fact, I can't think of a good ice cream/cookie combination that would make a good gangsta name)
9. Rock Star Name (current pet’s name, current street name): Ozzie Colonial
10. Porn Name (1st pet, street you grew up on): Pepper Kenwood
Yeehah! I tag all the Toasters who have not yet done this. I'm looking forward to all of you doing it. You know who you are.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Five Things About Me
I've been tagged by konagod for a meme! Cool! And flattering.
Apparently this is 5 things people may find interesting about me. Okay.
1. I have tried out for Jeopardy, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire and The Price Is Right (where you actually just go there, you don't audition or anything). I'd love to be on a game show and win money just for knowing things. But apparently, I didn't know enough. ;-)
2. In high school, a friend became hysterically pregnant with my baby. Yeah, I got a girl pregnant. Pretty freaky. She was a good friend who had had a fucked up childhood and wasn't very emotionally healthy. Anyhoo, she went to a few doctors with symptoms of pregnancy. The third finally sent her to a shrink, who figured out her issue. Chicks have always kinda dug me.
3. When I was 18, I registered to vote at school. As a Republican. It's what Ayn would've wanted. A little later in life, I changed to a Libertarian as I thought government should get out of peoples' personal lives. I didn't really understand Libertarianism very well. Now I'm home - a registered Democrat. We can't just let the poor in this country die because they don't have health care or food or heat. And who is supposed to take care of them? All of us. Society. E pluribus unum. Much different answer from when I was 18.
4. When I was a gangly, awkward teenager entering puberty (I was a bit of a late bloomer) who thought that dressing up meant wearing a sweater with your jeans instead of a T-shirt, my parents sent me to the Barbizon School of Modeling hoping it would up my girl skillz. I learned how to put on makeup and how to take off my jacket gracefully while walking down a runway, but this stuff didn't translate into real life like the rents and I had hoped (although girlfriend can sashay in some heels). I was still gawky and socially clueless. But I was a happy girl, so who cares?
5. I've probably had more than 50 jobs. When I was younger, if I didn't like a job or a boss, I left. I was never disrespectful - I always gave a two-week notice and fulfilled it to the best of my ability, but I couldn't understand staying where I wasn't happy. Now I've got a job that I like about 50% of the time. But, hey, I've got a husband and a house and a mortgage and health insurance. Life gets so complicated when you get older. :)
I think those things are relatively interesting. I hope I haven't let kona down. And now I tag Toast, Chemist, maurinsky, nightshift and all the Howards.
Apparently this is 5 things people may find interesting about me. Okay.
1. I have tried out for Jeopardy, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire and The Price Is Right (where you actually just go there, you don't audition or anything). I'd love to be on a game show and win money just for knowing things. But apparently, I didn't know enough. ;-)
2. In high school, a friend became hysterically pregnant with my baby. Yeah, I got a girl pregnant. Pretty freaky. She was a good friend who had had a fucked up childhood and wasn't very emotionally healthy. Anyhoo, she went to a few doctors with symptoms of pregnancy. The third finally sent her to a shrink, who figured out her issue. Chicks have always kinda dug me.
3. When I was 18, I registered to vote at school. As a Republican. It's what Ayn would've wanted. A little later in life, I changed to a Libertarian as I thought government should get out of peoples' personal lives. I didn't really understand Libertarianism very well. Now I'm home - a registered Democrat. We can't just let the poor in this country die because they don't have health care or food or heat. And who is supposed to take care of them? All of us. Society. E pluribus unum. Much different answer from when I was 18.
4. When I was a gangly, awkward teenager entering puberty (I was a bit of a late bloomer) who thought that dressing up meant wearing a sweater with your jeans instead of a T-shirt, my parents sent me to the Barbizon School of Modeling hoping it would up my girl skillz. I learned how to put on makeup and how to take off my jacket gracefully while walking down a runway, but this stuff didn't translate into real life like the rents and I had hoped (although girlfriend can sashay in some heels). I was still gawky and socially clueless. But I was a happy girl, so who cares?
5. I've probably had more than 50 jobs. When I was younger, if I didn't like a job or a boss, I left. I was never disrespectful - I always gave a two-week notice and fulfilled it to the best of my ability, but I couldn't understand staying where I wasn't happy. Now I've got a job that I like about 50% of the time. But, hey, I've got a husband and a house and a mortgage and health insurance. Life gets so complicated when you get older. :)
I think those things are relatively interesting. I hope I haven't let kona down. And now I tag Toast, Chemist, maurinsky, nightshift and all the Howards.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Mil Mascaras!
This one's for the ladies.
I don't wear a lot of makeup. I'll put lipstick on if I'm going out and I'll wear mascara to work. But because I only partake of these two, I'm really picky about what I use.
In the past few years, I have tried 3 or 4 mascaras ranging in price from $10 to $24. I'll buy it, try it for a few weeks (I generally don't reject things right away - it's only fair to give them a little bit of a chance), then move on if I'm not happy. Frustrating.
Then I found the Lash Stash from Sephora! Woohoo! Seven different mascara samples for $35! Woohoo I say!
I got to try Benefit A Little Bad Gal Lash, Blinc Kiss Me Mascara, Lorac Publicity Stunt Lashes, Smashbox Bionic Mascara, Stila Multi-Effect Mascara, Sephora Lash Plumper and Too Faced Lash Injection. Some very good names there, along with some very different styles (The Blinc mascara coats your lashes in a series of tubes!).
My criteria for mascaras is good coverage in least amount of coats (preferably one), lash separation and durability (don't be all flaked on my cheeks at the end of the day).
And the winner? BENEFIT! Yay! Big, fat brush separates lashes, you can get by with one coat (2 is better) and it stays put! Very good product.
There were two runner-ups - the Smashbox and the Sephora with their great brushes giving good coverage and separation, but we had some flaking. Still, good quality stuff.
(The new Sephora Lash Stash lists 10 mascaras, some new, some repeats, with fun names like Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara and Cargo Texas Lash Mascara - everything's bigger in Texas.)
Go forth and have lush lashes.
I don't wear a lot of makeup. I'll put lipstick on if I'm going out and I'll wear mascara to work. But because I only partake of these two, I'm really picky about what I use.
In the past few years, I have tried 3 or 4 mascaras ranging in price from $10 to $24. I'll buy it, try it for a few weeks (I generally don't reject things right away - it's only fair to give them a little bit of a chance), then move on if I'm not happy. Frustrating.
Then I found the Lash Stash from Sephora! Woohoo! Seven different mascara samples for $35! Woohoo I say!
I got to try Benefit A Little Bad Gal Lash, Blinc Kiss Me Mascara, Lorac Publicity Stunt Lashes, Smashbox Bionic Mascara, Stila Multi-Effect Mascara, Sephora Lash Plumper and Too Faced Lash Injection. Some very good names there, along with some very different styles (The Blinc mascara coats your lashes in a series of tubes!).
My criteria for mascaras is good coverage in least amount of coats (preferably one), lash separation and durability (don't be all flaked on my cheeks at the end of the day).
And the winner? BENEFIT! Yay! Big, fat brush separates lashes, you can get by with one coat (2 is better) and it stays put! Very good product.
There were two runner-ups - the Smashbox and the Sephora with their great brushes giving good coverage and separation, but we had some flaking. Still, good quality stuff.
(The new Sephora Lash Stash lists 10 mascaras, some new, some repeats, with fun names like Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara and Cargo Texas Lash Mascara - everything's bigger in Texas.)
Go forth and have lush lashes.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A Matter of Opinion
So, we're going to Las Vegas for 5 days and four nights. The day temps are expected to be in the 80's and the evenings will be in the 50's. We'll be doing everything from gambling, bar-hopping and fine-dining to gambling, shopping and drinking. Because of the temperature shifts and the varying levels of activities, this is my packing list:
3 cardigans
1 wrap
4 tank tops
2 jeans
4 pants (3 cropped, 1 long)
6 T-shirts
1 long-sleeved T
1 long-sleeved polo
1 long-sleeved sweater
1 silky shirt
3 purses
5 pairs of shoes
This list also covers what I'll be wearing out and back. Too much? Or just right? Don't want to be a suitcase hog. :)
3 cardigans
1 wrap
4 tank tops
2 jeans
4 pants (3 cropped, 1 long)
6 T-shirts
1 long-sleeved T
1 long-sleeved polo
1 long-sleeved sweater
1 silky shirt
3 purses
5 pairs of shoes
This list also covers what I'll be wearing out and back. Too much? Or just right? Don't want to be a suitcase hog. :)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Not That Kind of Deposit!
So I'm in my cube today. It was a particularly busy day as yesterday was a Jewish holiday. My cube is situated right next to the waiting area and I've often had the pleasure of being able to smell some of my customers' various degrees of uncleanliness before they even sit down across the desk from me.
I'm helping a nice lady opening a CD (4% APY for 10 months - not so bad!) when this odor wafts in. After it got noticeably stronger, I commented, "That's an interesting smell." My customer agreed. "It kinda smells like turkey." Not quite.
I had seen a regular elderly customer shuffling off to the back of the branch where the loo is. It's not supposed to be used by customers, but some of them just go without asking.
My customer and I conclude that the smell is more akin to a dirty diaper. Oh, joy.
She and I both exit my cube at the conclusion of our business - she departs to the left, I to the right. As I'm approaching my manager's office, I see it. There's poop on the carpet. Two clumps. Just sitting there. I walk into Boss's office with my eyes damn near out of my head. "There's poop on the floor!" I exclaim. He just looked at me, tightlipped and nodded.
I stand by his window with my hand over my mouth. I am a poopophobe. I don't know if I can go back out there. I hear someone out in the lobby asking for help.
I come out of Boss's office and my customer who exited left has stepped in poop. Indoors. In a bank. Right outside my cube. Oh my fucking god.
Things after that are a gaggy blur. The customer made a mess in the bathroom and the branch manager cleaned everything up. He is the MVP for the rest of the year, unless something worse happens. I really don't think that's possible, though.
I'm helping a nice lady opening a CD (4% APY for 10 months - not so bad!) when this odor wafts in. After it got noticeably stronger, I commented, "That's an interesting smell." My customer agreed. "It kinda smells like turkey." Not quite.
I had seen a regular elderly customer shuffling off to the back of the branch where the loo is. It's not supposed to be used by customers, but some of them just go without asking.
My customer and I conclude that the smell is more akin to a dirty diaper. Oh, joy.
She and I both exit my cube at the conclusion of our business - she departs to the left, I to the right. As I'm approaching my manager's office, I see it. There's poop on the carpet. Two clumps. Just sitting there. I walk into Boss's office with my eyes damn near out of my head. "There's poop on the floor!" I exclaim. He just looked at me, tightlipped and nodded.
I stand by his window with my hand over my mouth. I am a poopophobe. I don't know if I can go back out there. I hear someone out in the lobby asking for help.
I come out of Boss's office and my customer who exited left has stepped in poop. Indoors. In a bank. Right outside my cube. Oh my fucking god.
Things after that are a gaggy blur. The customer made a mess in the bathroom and the branch manager cleaned everything up. He is the MVP for the rest of the year, unless something worse happens. I really don't think that's possible, though.
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