Where Was I?

Sorry I never made it back. That pesky thing called work got in the way. Plus I had a headache. I hate it when I wake up with a headache.

I'm going to save the rest of the story of Sheryl for tomorrow. Instead, I have a few other things to write about.

First, an online literary journal has published a previously unknown poem by Sylvia Plath. She wrote it in the margin of a copy of The Great Gatsby she used during her senior year at Smith. The article I read said that the poem showed the characteristic combination of humor and darkness that is present in her later poetry. I think that is really cool, and it makes me happy that some of her very early work is being discovered. Take that, Ted Hughes (who said that Plath essentially became a poet when she met him...arrogant jerk).

Oh, and the poem was a Petrachian sonnet. Just in case you wanted to know.

Second, the whole mess with the evangelical minister and the allegations he had sex with a male prostitute. The bleeding heart liberal part of me wants to cheer that further hypocracy has been revealed in that whole religious/political movement.

But the Christian part of me worries for that very reason. It seems that the vast majority of what most people hear and read about prominent Christians in this country are all stories out of the evangelical right. And most people, I think, even some conservatives, can tell that there is something...extreme about that whole movement (yes, I am trying to be kind). And you know, there are a lot of people out there who's sole impression of Christianity is one of hellfire and brimstone preachers condemning homosexuality, premarital sex, extramarital sex, masturbation, alcohol use, drug use, abortion, euthanasia, , stem cell research, and tons of other things I can't even think of. Then they see these same preachers getting caught by the media in soliciting prostitutes, being drunk, using drugs, etc. It's no wonder that a lot of atheists, agnostics, and others see Christians in an unfavorable light.

I was thinking about that today as we discussed this mess at lunch. I know that my boss really has no love for Christianity (he grew up in Catholic schools, which is not a great place for a gay person to grow up - especially when he was young), and one of my coworkers looks at me with a little less respect whenever I mention something having to do with church. That makes me sad. Not every Christian thinks less of people who are gay, or believes that America needs to be run on Christian principles. Not everyone opposes researching what stem cells may be able to do.

But as long as things like this happen, as long as this is the only image of Christianity the media chooses to share, that is the impression that people will have.

I don't know what to do about it. I'm not suggestion that I have any...suggestions. Part of it is the fault of mainstream churches for remaining silent when we see our Evangelical brothers and sisters loudly preaching less than wonderful messages. Part of it is the fault of the media for only focusing on the sensational and the outrageous.

I don't know. I just know it makes me sad.

Finally, on a semi-related note, apparently Neil Patrick Harris has announced that he is gay. Part of me says, "Duh!" but part of me doesn't want to give up my Doogie Howser fantasies. Yes, I just admitted that I have had fantasies about Doogie Howser. Of course, he was always of an appropriate age in them, except of course when I was in high school.

I'm going to stop putting my foot in my mouth now. Have a lovely night.

When the Red, Red, Robin Goes Blop, Blop, Bloppin' Along...

The Bloptastic adventure continues. This month (and we're only three days in) has made me realize just how much I like blogging, and that I really ought to do it more. I't also seems to have my writerly juices flowing. If I get into the habit of writing every day, perhaps the completion of the Great American Novel might not be such a pipe dream.

So since there are so many new folks wandering through here, I thought I should take a minute to introduce myself again.

Let's see...I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, went to college in Erie, PA. I moved to Baton Rouge a little over four years ago. It has been a bit of an adventure, to say the least.

I shall continue this later.

One of the best things about NaBloPoMo is getting to visit lots of new sites, and getting visits from folks who would never find you otherwise. I had 37 hits today.

And on that note, if you click on the first link in my link list, it will lead you to a random NaBloPoMo site, thanks to Pink Elephants.

Enjoy!

Stuff I Done Done

It is a really, really slow day at work, so enjoy! (via LutherPunk)

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain (a little one)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped (well, done a zip line at any rate)
11. Visited Paris (Texas)
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise.
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game (and survived the crush afterwards)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables (tomatoes and peppers)
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (I sometimes lay on the southern a little thick, especially when doing business with "good ol' boy" types)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states (No, but I'm up to 28)
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk.
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe.
47. Taken a road-trip (drove to Houston once for no apparent reason)
48. Gone rock climbing (I'm counting the wall in the gym in high school)
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow (and have the pictures to prove it)
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero (I had a thing for jumping off the back of the couch and pretending I could fly when I was little)
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain (though I have never skinny dipped in the rain!)
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China (hey, it's the name of a restaurant here in BR!)
67. Started a business (a lemonade stand counts, huh?)
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient site
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie (home movie, that is)
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest (see the bit about the Queen of Hearts and the traffic light)
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo (no, but people keep trying to get me drunk so I'll get one)
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark (no, but I have eaten alligator and crawfish)
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone (does the KH during the 1992 elections count?)
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently well enough to have a decent conversation
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised (raising) children (child)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge (no, but I have walked the Smithfield Street Bridge, the Fort Pitt Bridge, the Fort Duquesne Bridge, the West End Bridge, the 7th Street Bridge, the 9th Stree Bridge, the Birmingham Bridge, and the Chartiers Bridge)
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived (I was damned lucky the van ran over my leg and not something critical)
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart (probably)
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show (no, but I did win a case of beer on the radio)
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse (and a donkey)
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school (yeah, but it never quite takes)
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad (and the Odyssey)
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read (Salinger, Kipling, Austen)
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions (we've only managed to have one, and since it was in the bar that didn't check ID's when we were in high school, I decided it wasn't worth the plane ticket back to Pittsburgh)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream depressing though, that.
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair (worked at one)
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

If you do this on your own blog, leave me a comment so I can check it out

One More Link

Samantha Bennett Rocks!

The Hills are Alive...

...and so am I.

For those of you new here, if you haven't already figured it out, I'm really bad at titles. Hence the name of my blog. I frequently resort to song titles and lyrics, or leave no title at all.

Well, here we are on day two of NaBloPoMo. So far, so good.

I just have to share the fact that I am wearing a pair of jeans I bought over three years ago that never fit (I bought the wrong size by accident, and didn't have the guts to take them back to the store). They never even came close to fitting, actually. They are still a little tight, but I can breathe, bend over, etc. Go me!

This is the outfit I mentioned yesterday. I really like the skirt a lot. The jacket on the twinset is a little iffy, but I figure I can wear a wrap or pashmina or something instead.

What do you think?

And finally this afternoon, proof that everybody needs somebody sometime.

Hello, It's Me

So, I'm going to continue in the vein of randomness and share a whole bunch of unconnected stuff with all of you today. Don't you feel privledged? Huh?

(suffers the indignity of resounding silence...)

• I think I need to see my dermatologist again. I had another staph infection (which the antibiotics cleared up nicely), and she prescribed antibiotics without seeing me. But now my skin is freakishly dry and itchy. Plus I just had another mole pop up as if from nowhere, and it's pretty big. Crap. I hate doctors.
• Speaking of skin, I found a great new website if you are into skin and bath products and stuff like that. They have a lot of European products all in one place. I just bought some Lily of the Valley perfume that actully smells like lillies of the valley. Casswell-Massey and Crabtree&Evelyn never did. I love it! There prices are pretty good compared to other sites I've seen, and their shipping is incredibly low. Plus, they will gift wrap for free.
• The co-worker I've written about before? The one who intimidates the living daylights out of me because she is sooo much cooler and more sophisticated than I could ever hope to be? She's leaving. She got a really great job opportunity. I wish I could say that I'm sorry to see her go, but I'm not. She's the reason I was working late last night, and yes, it's not her fault she was sick, but it just seemed too convenient that it happened to coincide with a proposal she didn't want to work on in the first place.
• The Great American Novel. Sigh. If only I could get all the stuff in my head on paper, without actually having to type it.
• I'll grant that I was a pretty shy kid in college. And I'll grant that I was one of the few who didn't drink until I was 21, and even then was never drunk (heck, I was designated driver for my 21st birthday). But I'd like to believe that no amount of alcohol in the world would cause me to strip naked and go skinny dipping in an apartment complex pool, where all 150 or so units overlook it. Why yes, I did witness this in my complex the other night. It was pouring down rain, to boot.
• The sample lables on the Blogger Beta posting page are scooters, vacation, fall. I really want to write a post that incorporates all three, so I can make use of them. Perhaps I shall write about the accident where I fell from my scooter while on vacation in the fall. That is totally made up, by the way. I'm way too uncoordinated for scooters. Heck, I broke my foot twice, once while practicing the Mexican Hat Dance and once when I was walking down some stairs. I shudder to think what a scooter could do to me.
• Is deep, deep purple an OK color to wear for a holiday party? If it is, I think I've found my outfit for the company Christmas party. I shall post pictures later.
• Finally, in honor of Halloween, the absolute best Halloween costumes I ever had were the the year I was the Queen of Hearts (my mom made an absolutely stunning gown out of nylon net, and I wore a white nightgown underneath it), and the year I was a stop light (My dad cut three holes in a big cardboard box and covered them with red, yellow, and green cellophane. I had a flashlight inside and could shine it through the colors. Unfortunately, he had to go up to houses with me because I couldn't carry my treat bag myself).
• Finally for real, I think my hair is falling out. I'm wearing a cream colored sweater today, and I just looked down at my shoulders, and there is hair all over the place. That's not good.

It Begins

My first official post of NaBloPoMo. For those just passing through, if you want to know what I'm talking about, scroll through to the post called "Giving In." Linkage is there.

I had a big, long post planned for this kickoff, but I got stuck working late on a proposal that wasn't even mine. Wasn't really happy about that, but it's a long story.

So instead, I will leave you with these bits of information you really don't need to know about my life.

1. I just picked at a scab on my calf from where I cut myself on a knife that I accidentally threw in the trash. I'm bleeding profusely at the moment.
2. I desperately need to do laundry but don't feel like lugging it all the way across the complex.
3. I think I'm having vision issues, but I can't get my insurance company to approve an appointment with an opthamologist. They say I have to see an optometrist first, but the only ones in the plan are ones affiliated with opticians. I don't trust them.
4. My hair needs to be cut really, really badly.

This is the quilt I am going to make. Each shade of blue represents a blue floral pattern. The 1's, if you can tell which are 1's are the biggest, and the 5's are the closest to a solid.

Huh?

I have a sudden, bizarre, and almost uncontrollable urge to go roller skating.

 

I haven't been skating since college, and I'm lousy at it since I have no balance.  I imagine I'm even worse since I broke my ankle.

 

But I really, really want to go skating.  I can feel myself gliding along, wind in my hair, falling on my face (or if I'm lucky, the back of my front).

 

Sigh.  There are no roller rinks in Baton Rouge (though there is one in Denham), so I suppose the urge will have to go unanswered.

Giving In

This year, I am not doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, for those of you who are among the uninitiated). I have come to the conclusion that my writing style just doesn't allow for writing 50K words in a month.

But I did come across something I can handle. Via Laid Off Dad, I learned about NaBloPoMo. National Blog Posting Month, for those of you who can't figure that out. The goal is to post every day for the month of November. I can do that. If you are interested, click on the link in the title to sign up. To get a groovy icon to put on your blog (which I have yet to do) click here.

Oh, and someone recently asked me about my presidential campaign. I have not abandoned it, but I realized that the elections are not next year, but in 2008 (yeah, I can be slow like that). So rest assured, my fellow Americans, that the Birthday Party candidate will be updating soon.

And just as a side note, let me just say that I seem to have acclimated to living in the South. When I left the apartment, the temperatures were in the 50's, and I was freezing.

I am my father's daughter. And my mother's, too.

Let me explain

My dad had the soul of an artist. I always wished that whoever advised him when he was in college (he did two years before dropping out) had pushed him toward art instead to business. For a tough, blue-collar guy who served in the military and grew up during the Depression, he was surpisingly sensitive.

My dad loved watching home improvement shows on TV. Now, we didn't have cable, so it was pretty much whatever was on PBS. He always thought that he could build whatever Norm Abrams was making, or whatever. The problem was that even if he did attempt it, he wouldn't be able to.

It wasn't that my dad didn't have the skill. He was amazing with wood when he wanted to be. The problem was that my dad didn't like to follow directions. He didn't measure anything ever. You know how they always say, "measure twice, cut once" to avoid mistakes? My dad thought that measuring took the fun out of things. He had a picture in his mind, and he somehow made the picture tangible.

Now, things didn't always turn out the way he planned. He made a paper towel holder for the kitchen that was really great, but the two sides the tube holder went into somehow ended up uneven and really not looking anything alike. But it had a certain flair to it nonetheless.

The best thing my dad ever made was a stable for our nativity set. He didn't measure anything at all. I know this for a fact because I watched him the whole time. But somehow or another, even with windows cut into the sides, it turned out absolutely perfect. Oh, it's a little lopsided, but when you think about it, buildings then, especially somethng like a stable, probably were. That's what makes it so perfect.

My dad also did wood carving. I saw pictures of some of the pieces he made and sold, and they were beautiful. For some reason, though, he quit doing that. I think it was probably because the arthritis in his hands was too bad.

My dad alos never used power tools, except for his drill. if he had to make a hole in something, he drilled a hole through the center and used his coping saw to cut out the hole, then he'd sand it until it was smooth. I think he liked the challenge.

Now, my dad was capable of creating and using measured drawings. He took drafting classes in high school, and in fact he designed a World War II Memorial in his old neighborhood (if you are in Pittsburgh, take a drive down Spring Garden Road. If you are coming from town, it will be on your right, not much past my uncle's old bar. Of course, you most likely don't now where that is, so I suppose that's a moot point). I think he just didn't like working from them because they were...uniform.

Now my mom, on the other hand, was all about measuring. She sewed, knitted, and crocheted. And even though she grew up in the 40's and 50's, not many women of her generation did that. It was already a dying art, and now it is fading even more.

When my mom was making something, she was all about precise measurements. Even if she was making something as simple as a scarf, she knew exactly how long and wide she wanted it to be, and she knew exactly what the guage was of the yarn and needles she was using. If things didn't turn out exactly the way she wanted, she'd rip out all her stitches and start again.

When my mom was trying to teach me to sew, she'd get really, really frustrated. See, I was like my dad, and didn't like to measure. If I was knitting, I never knew how many stitches I casted on, so I never knew when I dropped stitches. If I was crocheting, I never knew how long my chain was, so I never noticed when my piece got progressively more narrow. And if I was making something from a pattern...forget it. Somehow, I never could manage to cut on the lines of the pattern. Nor could I manage to sew a straight seam, either by hand or on the machine. I personally didn't care, but it drove her up a wall, and usually ended up in tears for one or both of us.

I think that's why I liked making things with my dad more than with my mom when I was little. He'd give me a board, let me pound nails in anyway I wanted, and make string art from it. He'd let me draw a pattern freehand on a piece of board and try to cut it out with the coping saw. He'd never get mad when I couldn't get it perfect because, "that's what sandpaper is for." We'd make these really ornate paper cards (another skill my dad had) with fancy cutouts, and even if I couldn't recreate the lacy patterns he seemed to create without even trying, it was OK (though it wasn't OK when we used my mom's fancy sewing scissors to cut the paper because they were finer and smaller than the other scissors).

I find it funny (peculiar, not ha ha), then, that I find myself drawn more to fabric and yarn craft now than I do to woodcraft. Now, I could blame it on my bad experiences with wood in academia (wood shop in OVT in 7th and 8th grade, Scene Tchnology in college), or my absolute fear of power tools (which they made us use in academia, no matter hard we begged to use a plain old coping saw or hack saw). But I really don't know.

But the really interesting thing is that despite the fact that I crochet and all that, I never measure. I just make a chain until it looks long enough and go from there. Then, when the piece looks done, or when I run out of yarn, it's done. As a result, I have some of the strangest looking pillows ever seen in my apartment right now. The one I finished last night is a case in point. It's about six inches wide, about 18 inches long, and about 3 inches high. I decided to make this one kind of like a bolster, so I had to make two end pieces. Well, I didn't measure, and they didn't quite fit, but I faked it. I also bought cheap stuffing (not going to do that again, I think). The result is a a weird, lopsided, lumpy mess. But at the same time, it is amazingly cool.

My point to all this is that I seem to be combining the best qualities of my mom and dad when it comes to creating. And I think that is pretty cool.

My next obsession after crocheting pillows is going to be quilting. We'll see how that no measuring, no pattern thing works out with that.

Confession

So my friend J, the one I wrote about yesterday?  She is also having a baby.  Sigh.  She's really upset that her mother most likely isn't going to make it to see her child.  I'm still working on processing that, though, so I'm not writing about that.

 

Instead, I am going to admit to how incredibly selfish I am.  I'm planning a really good baby gift for J and her husband because they have been really good to me, and I want them to know that I appreciate it.  Besides, I know J isn't going to feel like or have time for a lot of detail kind of stuff given everything going on with her mom.

 

Well, I have part of the gift planned.  I found this really cute and easy pattern for fleece baby blankets on the internet, and there is also a pattern for a little patchwork doggy.  I figured I'd make three blankets that are receiving blanket size (because you can never have too many of them, even in Louisiana), and I'd use the same fabric to make the dog.  Well, in looking for fabrics, I keep getting drawn to Classic Pooh stuff, because if I ever had a baby (which will never happen, I'm afraid), I would decorate the nursery in Classic Pooh.  I love Pooh.  Always have, and probably always will. 

 

But it occurred to me that they may not be into the whole Pooh thing.  Who am I to determine what they'd like?  But at the same time, I need to start now if I am making stuff by hand.  But do I have the right to determine what they want?

 

ARGH! 

 

And how trivial can you get, in the grand scheme of things?

news

I currently have two friends who have mothers who are dying from cancer. 

 

You can read a little bit about Amy's story by clicking on the link to her blog on my sidebar.  My friend J just told me that her mom was just diagnosed with cancer of the spinal fluid, after doing really well with recovering from small cell cancer.

 

I don't quite know what to say about this.  I haven't been in the position of supporting a friend through a parent's death before.  I guess there will be more of that as the years pass.  But it's funny that I keep thinking that that part of my life is already past, I guess because my parents died so young.

 

I need to process this a little more before I write about it in detail.

Just had to share...

...'cause Remus Rocks! And I'm really not that bad...honest.

Well, at least not on the obsession thing. The knowledge...yeah. But I blame the fact that my mind is a vast warehouse of useless information, not any kind of effort on my part.

Remus Lupin You scored 83% knowledge and 64% obsession!

"'Did you like question ten Moony?' asked Sirius as they emerged into the entrance hall. 'Loved it,' said Lupin briskly. 'Give the five signs that identify the werewolf.' 'Excellent question.' 'D'you think you managed to get all the signs?' said James in tones of mock concern. 'Think I did,' said Lupin seriously. 'One: He's sitting on my chair. Two: He's wearing my clothes. Three: His name's Remus Lupin...'" Well done! You are obviously knowledgeable and you have a great attention for details. You have a keen interest in the magical world, but you do not become so emotionally invested that are are no longer objective. It is important to keep your wits about you in dangerous situations, but you are able to do it with ease. You are an excellent teacher, a loyal friend, and a worthy opponent. As long as you keep a bit of Wolfsbane Potion on hand, you should manage well. Anyone who wouldn't want you as an ally is being totally Riddikulus!

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 99% on knowledge You scored higher than 99% on obsession

Link: The Harry Potter Obsessed Test written by ack_attack on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

So yesterday I was trying to find a recipie for corn chowder that is in a cookbook I can't currently find. I found it, but in my search, I happened upon a recipe for crockpot apple cobbler. I made it, and it was good, but cobbler is really a bit of a misnomer. It's closer to an apple crisp, I think. I've included the recipie below, along with my modifications, and what I plan to do next time I make it.

• Apples

The recipie calls for eight apples, but I used 10: five Granny Smith, four Braeburn, and one Mcintosh that I bought by accident. That's a pretty good mixture of sweet and tart.

• Butter

The recipie called for 3/4 of a cup, but I used a full cup. Might have been a skosh too much - it was a little richer than I would have wanted. You could substitute margerine if you wanted to, I suppose, but why would you?

• Sugar

The recipie calls for 1 3/4 cups, and doesn't specify what kind. I used right around two full cups, half brown and half white. I think I would probably go a little lighter on the sugar as well

• Cinnamon

The recipie says a teaspoon, I say the more the better. I love cinnamon, so I put a lot of this in.

• Granola Cereal

The recipie says 2 cups. I used around 3. I bought plain granola, but the instructions suggested fruit and nut granola. I don't like nuts, however, so I bought plain.

Peel and cut up the apples. I used a mixture of slices and chops, mainly because I'm really bad at cutting things. Toss them in the crockpot, and mix them together with the sugar and cinnamon. Now, the directions say to melt the butter and coat the granola, but I didn't do that. Instead, I cut up the cold butter into pieces and mixed it in with the apples and sugar. I don't think it really makes a difference. Then put the granola in and mix everything up. Cook it on low for about 6 hours.

It was really good, but with the texture, it would be best suited as a topping for ice cream or waffles or something like that. What I did when I served it was to mix in more granola. That gave it a little more heft, and a little bit of crunch.

I think if I make it again, I will only put a cup of the granola in at first, and then put the rest in about an hour before it is done. It needs some in there when it is reducing to thicken it up, but it basically disinegrated.

I'll share the corn chowder recipie a little later.

Crockpots are a good thing (or they would be if I didn't keep breaking the crockery. I have three pots, but only one crock.)

Oh, So Bored...

I really wish I had something to do.  And I have a headache, which is making boredom all that more tedious.  And I think I might have a fever.

 

Today stinks.

 

I want a nap, please.

 

Oh, but tomorrow I am making corn chowder, so that's a good thing, and Saturday I am making cream of potato soup.  Yes, fall has finally hit South LA.  The temperatures today didn't even get above 80.

 

{Ducks flying object from everyone I know in the Great Lakes States}

 

 

Here is your laugh for the day. You English majors in the crowd will appreciate this most of all, unless I have any 12 year old boys reading my blog...

Well, I am officially a loser now. The computer geek who's into cross stitiching and fly fishing closed communication with me because he thought I was boring. Sigh. I'm going to die alone surrounded by fish wearing little sweaters I crocheted for them.

Forgive my emotional whining. I have cramps again - still no results, but the cramps are there. Boy, are they there.

I'm also wearing all black today. How much more emo can you get? I suppose I could play funeral dirges while I work, but I doubt my coworkers would appreciate that.

Did I mention that I was bored?

If not, this should confirm it.

If You Were Born in 2893...

Your Name Would Be: Emi Iara And You Would Be: A Time Traveler

If You Were Born in 2893

Apparently, normal names are going to disappear in 800 years.

You Are Homer Simpson

You're just an ordinary, all-American working Joe... With a special fondness for pork rinds and donuts. You will be remembered for: your little "isms" and philosophies on life Your life philosophy: "Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel."

The Simpsons Personality Test

Uh...I don't think so.

Your Career Personality: Independent, Insightful, and Ingenious

Your Ideal Careers: Architect Artist Business strategist College professor Computer programmer Mathematician Neurologist Philosopher Photographer Video game developer

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

I knew I missed my calling - I should have become a freelance philosopher. There is such a call for them, and they are so well paid. Actually, I barely passed either of the philosophy classes I took in college. I had craptastic profs for both of them.

You Are 64% Shy

You are a very shy person, and it has started to impact your life in a negative way. If you can avoid human contact, you usually do. And as a result, you miss out on a lot.

How Shy Are You?

Only 62%? I was expecting higher

You Are 92% Lady

No doubt about it, you are a lady with impeccable etiquette You know how to put others at ease, even if their manners aren't the greatest.

Are You A Lady?

I suppose I shouldn't admit that I drink pop right from the 2 liter bottle sometimes and that I tend to forget to cross my legs, and that I belch in public.

You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird... But too damn weird to do anything about it!

How Weird Are You?

This one I can go with...

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Lil' Pearl Hogg

Hillbilly Name Generator

Who knew? My grandmother's middle name was Pearl, though. Perhaps it was meant to be.

You Belong in 1973

If you scored... 1950 - 1959: You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in! 1960 - 1969: You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too. 1970 - 1979: Bold and brash, you take life by the horns. Whether you're partying or protesting, you give it your all! 1980 - 1989: Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day. 1990 - 1999: With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Sure. 1973. I was 2. I suppose I belong there if all I'll be doing is learning to feed myself and go potty.

Your Monster Profile

Iron Beheader You Feast On: Lasanga You Lurk Around In: The Ocean You Especially Like to Torment: Dentists

What's Your Monster Name?

I like this one. Surfing dentists of the world, watch out!

Your Animal Personality

Your Power Animal: Deer Animal You Were in a Past Life: Panda You are a fun-seeker - an adventurous, risk-taker. While you are spontaneous, you are not very rational.

The Animal Personality Test

Can't figure out why there is a picture of a squid when the only animals mentioned are deer and panda.

You Are a Conservative Democrat

Frankly, the way most other Democrats behave embarasses you greatly. You pride yourself on a high level of morals, and you have a good grasp on right and wrong. It's likely you think America needs to get back to its conservative, Juedo-Christian values. Why aren't you a Republican then? Because you believe the goverment helps more than hurts.

What's Your Political Persuasion?

Partially true, but I think I'm a little further left than this. Actually, I think I'm a lot further left than this.

You Belong in Brooklyn

Down to earth and hard working, you're a true New Yorker. And although you may be turning into a yuppie, you never forget your roots.

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?

Ok. I think I have relatives there. Or maybe it's the Bronx.

You are a Believer

You believe in God and your chosen religion. Whether you're Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Hindu.. Your convictions are strong and unwavering. You think your religion is the one true way, for everyone.

What's Your Religious Philosophy?

True, except for the last two sentences.

You Should Learn Swedish

Fantastisk! You're laid back about learning a language - and about life in general. Peaceful, beautiful Sweden is ideal for you... And you won't even have to speak perfect Swedish to get around!

What Language Should You Learn?

Groovy! Anyone reading this know Swedish?

You Are Rowlf the Dog

Mellow and serious, you enjoy time alone cultivating your talents. You're a cool dog, and you always present a relaxed vibe. A talented pianist, you can play almost anything - especially songs by Beethoven. "My bark is worse than my bite, and my piano playing beats 'em both."

The Muppet Personality Test

I think I did this one before. I love Rowlf.

You Belong in San Francisco

You crave an eclectic, urban environment. You're half California, half NYC. You're open minded, tolerant, and secretly think you're the best. People may dismiss you as a hippie, but you're also progressive, interesting, and rich!

Where Does Your Inner Californian Belong?

Never been, but I hear it's nice. I'd rather go to San Diego, though.

Your Band Name is:

The Free Range Yankees

Band Name Generator

Eh. I can take it or leave it.

You May Be a Bit Dependent...

You're more than a little preoccupied with being abandoned. You need a lot of support in your life, at all times. It's difficult for you to survive on your own... And you don't reallly think you ever could.

What Personality Disorder Are You?

Not so much. I think it said this because I said I don't like to go to parties and stuff alone - but who does?

Your SAT Score of 1320 Means:

You Scored Higher Than Howard Stern You Scored Higher Than George W. Bush You Scored Lower Than Al Gore You Scored Lower Than David Duchovny You Scored Lower Than Natalie Portman You Scored Lower Than Bill Gates Your IQ is most likely in the 130-140 range Equivalent ACT score: 30 Schools that Fit Your SAT Score: College of William and Mary New York University Boston College United States Naval Academy University of California, Berkeley

What Does Your SAT Score Mean?

I'm glad I at least scored higher than W. David Duchovny rocks.

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

I like Bert. I, however, am not a neat freak, as anyone who knew me in college can attest.

You Have Your Sarcastic Moments

While you're not sarcastic at all times, you definitely have a cynical edge. In your opinion, not all people are annoying. Some are dead! And although you do have your genuine moments, you can't help getting your zingers in. Some people might be a little hurt by your sarcasm, but it's more likely they think you're hilarious.

How Sarcastic Are You?

I got yelled at by a former house director for being too sarcastic. Maybe she should have read this.

Your Aura is Blue

Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life. You are very giving of yourself. And it's hard for you to let go of relationships. The purpose of your life: showing love to other people Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor

What Color Is Your Aura?

Funny, I guessed this before it came up. I don't know how I feel about being lumped in with Angelina Jolie and Oprah, though. And I don't know the last time I saw a help wanted ad for a psychic.

You Should Be a Science Fiction Writer

Your ideas are very strange, and people often wonder what planet you're from. And while you may have some problems being "normal," you'll have no problems writing sci-fi. Whether it's epic films, important novels, or vivid comics... Your own little universe could leave an important mark on the world!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

I've tried writing science fiction. It always sounds like some kind of weird cross between Masterpiece Theatre and Pigs in Space.

You Are a Chihuahua Puppy

Small, high strung, and loyal. You do best in the city with a adults - young kids could crush you!

What Breed of Puppy Are You?

OK. I can deal with that.

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Christmas Story

Loving, fun, and totally crazy. Don't shoot your eye out!

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

One of my all time favorite movies!

You Are 30% Left Brained, 70% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Yeah, this sounds about right.

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few. But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky. Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

Also sounds right, except for Showgirls.

You Are 0% Extrovert, 100% Introvert

You avoid people at all costs You aren't one for social interaction And you limit your interaction to a select few Thank God for self checkout!

Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?

Are you shocked? I come out off the scale on Introversion on Myers-Briggs

You Are Expressionism

Moody, emotional, and even a bit angsty... you certainly know how to express your emotions. At times, you tend to lack perspective on your life, probably as a result of looking inward too much. This introspection does give you a flair for the dramatic. And it's even maybe made you cultivate some artistic talents! You have a true artist's temperament... which is a blessing and a curse.

What Art Movement Are You?

I would have thought Impressionism, but whatever...

Your Boobies' Names Are...

Siegfried and Roy

Boobie Name Generator

This is horribly disturbing. No other words.

You Should Rule Jupiter

Huge and hot, Jupiter is a quickly turning planet with short days and intense gravity. You are perfect to rule Jupiter, because you are both dominant and kind. You have great strength and confidence, but you never abuse your power. You are always right. Even if you make mistakes, you compensate for them... before anyone knows it. Headstrong and ambitious, you always have a goal in mind. You are optimistic and believe thing things will always work out.

What Planet Should You Rule?

Groovy. I always wanted to rule a gas giant.

You Are Boston

Both modern and old school, you never forget your roots. Well educated and a little snobby, you demand the best. And quite frankly, you think you are the best. Famous people from the Boston area: Conan O'Brien, Ben Affleck, New Kids on the Block

What American City Are You?

I like this one. Boston is high on my list of places I want to go someday.

Your Scholastic Strength Is Deep Thinking

You aren't afraid to delve head first into a difficult subject, with mastery as your goal. You are talented at adapting, motivating others, managing resources, and analyzing risk. You should major in: Philosophy Music Theology Art History Foreign language

What Should You Major In?

Not much of a shock that I am a thinker. Maybe seeing theology in there is a sign...

You Are Greg Brady

Outta sight! Suave and all American, you tend to be clean cut and upstanding. You're friendly with most people and a huge flirt (sometimes even with family members!).

What Brady Are You?

If they say so. I always fancied myself more of a Peter or Jan, though.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence

You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Why, you could knock me over with a feather! (I think I'm more than 50% sarcastic)

You Have Good Karma

In general, you like to do the right thing when it comes to others. Your caring personality really shines through. Sure, you have your moments of weakness - and occasionally act out. But, all in all, you're karma is good... even with those few dark spots.

How's Your Karma?

I'll remember this if I ever change my name to Earl.

You Are 60% "Average American"

You are average because you donate to charity. You are not average since you rate your appearance 4 or lower.

How "Average American" Are You?

These are the most bizarre criteria I have ever seen.

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam. Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

Cool! Amsterdam is near the top of my list of European cities to visit. And not because I am into pot or prostitution. I'm not, you know.

Your English Skills:

Grammar: 100% Spelling: 100% Vocabulary: 100% Punctuation: 80%

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

I knew that if I missed anything it would be on punctuation. I know the one I missed, too, and I disagree.

I hope I have work to do tomorrow. I can't do another day of this.