The truth has many faces

Keeping It Short and Sweet

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:12:49 GMT

Dear Michael,

Thank you so very very much from the bottom of my heart for providing so much of the soundtrack of my life.

You will truly be missed.

And on your final resting day, I wish you peace and love eternal.

- S.

What's Your Personality Type?

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:43:08 GMT

You Are An INFP

The Idealist

You are a creative person with a great imagination. You enjoy living in your own inner world.
Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships.
It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close to you.
But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop.

In love, you tend to have high (and often unrealistic) standards.
You are very sensitive. You tend to have intense feelings.

At work, you need to do something that expresses your personal values.
You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist.

How you see yourself: Unselfish, empathetic, and spiritual

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Unrealistic, naive, and weak

What's Your Personality Type?

Every time I take one of these quizes or read up on mystic beliefs they all seem to say the same thing about me whether it's based on my zodiac sign (Pisces), Chinese Zodiac sign (Pig), Totem animal (Rabbit & Panther), and Chosen stones (amber & tanzanite). I'm INFP in no less than 5 personality assessment tests including a rather comprensive one that I had to take as part of a job interview.

And all this adds up to me still stomping through life without a clue and feeling like what I don't know is gonna drive me insane.

But hey, at least I'm consistent. What about you?

So Much to Say...and Nothing at All

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:37:24 GMT

So it seems I've finally reached the point of blogger's constipation. I have so much to say that nothing wants to come out, so here I sit. (There's an image.)

I would say that the ramped up frenzy of last year's election has left me with a sense of quiet. Now instead of comsuming mass amounts of CNN, MSNBC, and all the other newsy junk food, I have to face myself again....coming back to the same uncertainties that I managed to stave off for a period of time. That mirror gazing can be a bitch sometimes, but it's necessary I suppose.

Some other quick updates: So far I'm weathering the financial crisis OK, but I don't know how much longer the folks around me are going to be able to hold out. No less than 6 of my close family members have been out of work since last year, and I don't see things picking up any time soon. I'm wondering if I'm going to have to take in a few of them. We shall see.

I saw The Watchmen last week and really enjoyed the film. As a non-reader of graphic novels, I am glad to have had the opportunity to read and familiarize myself with the story prior to attending the movie, else I would have been very confused at times. Overall, I thought it was a pretty good rendering of a novel that had to be difficult to translate to film. I did find the music at times to be totally incongruous with what was happening onscreen, awesome soundtrack notwithstanding. (Thanks T-Rex. =)

My book challenge isn't going so well this year, probably because I seem to have less time to read and am tired all the time. I've also cut back on my TV viewing, so at the present time I have no idea what the latest hap is on Heroes, Supernatural, Psyche, or Ugly Betty. And I'm really not all that concerned.

If you wanna know where your flist has gone, they are all on FaceBook..or at least it seems that way. ::whistles innocently::

Grammar geek note: Last week I was accused of being a "gerund hater." :: Snort :: It's true, when proofing reviews, I tend to remove -ing verbs and replace them with straight present tense. But of all the things to be called...

A word to the stupid parents: Not to go all Bill Cosby on your ass, but if you name your child after a mixed drink or an alcoholic beverage, you ~~may be~~ are setting your child up for failure, or at the very least dooming them to a life of frequent employment issues. No one's gonna care that little "Daiquiri's" name is really pronounced "Duh - KWEERY." It's stupid, so please don't do it unless your family is rich as cream. And if you happen to be an adult with one of those unfortunate names, please have the sense to go with simply a first or first and middle initial and your last name or resumes. Give HR something to work with. Just saying...

And last, to finish out a pretty pointless post, how about a good old awesomely awesome 80s video. Timeless, poptastic, goodness:

"Think about it, there must be higher love....without it, life is wasted time..."

Birthday Wishes!!!

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:22:57 GMT

Happy Birthday to me and mindrtist !!

As sisters in birth and born of the very best zodiac sign I wish you the best day ever!!

=)

Advertising Gone Wild...(Whips and Chains Are Now Mainstream?)

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:11:08 GMT

Got restraints?

No? You may be the only one left who doesn't.

For the record, I consider myself to be an enlightened kind of girl. I grew up in the city and the suburbs and for the most part don't consider myself to have led a sheltered life. I spend a considerable amount of time on the internet and feel comfortable saying that my breadth of knowledge is fairly vast, if not always comprehensive. In other words, I know a little bit about a lot of things.

That said, the acronym BDSM was not something that came across my path very often until about a year and a half ago. Now it seems I'm practically tripping over it ever where I go. (Where have YOU been hanging out Abstract_Truth? Yeah I know...I called your question from way over here in cyberville!) Surprisingly enough, I haven't been going out of my way to find it.

Now for the sake of full disclosure I will admit that the majority of my exposure (heh) stems from reading and reviewing romance and erotica novels, but as ubiquitous as the "tie me up, tie my down" scenes have become in Romancelandia..it certainly isn't limited to it. From The Dirty Show to local conventions, this once hidden culture is suddenly everywhere.

As for me, I think anyone who really knows me knows that I'm no prude, and although I don't advertise it I have a pretty high tolerence for viewing things that rank high on the erotic scale. Even so, I have to admit my eyebrows went to my hairline when I was directed to the Canadian Mini-Cooper ad sporting the "Mini Cooper Dominates Winter" tagline. Check it out:

www.mini.ca/DominateWinter/

Uh huh...have fun clicking through that one. (Side note: Smartbitchestrashybooks.com had a funny thread going where commenters debated whether the chick is a real dominatrix or just plays one on a website.)

Now I'll admit, I got a good chuckle clicking away and spanking the car (::snort::) and it was a good way to kill a few minutes. I also felt as though it was probably all in good fun and likely to be viewed (mostly) by folks who have reached the age of majority. However, I was not amused when I went to look up a word on dictionary.com during Nanowrimo and was treated to a prominent ad (and ass) banner outfitted in poured on leather. (Whip included to complete the look). How's this for a site that gets your attention:

www.fittingroup.com/

Brand spanking...I get it. It's clever. And I adore clever. This Pittsburgh marketing firm gets high marks from me for creativity and "wow-factor" but seriously? On a reference site? All I kept thinking about was my 6 year old doing his book report, him looking up a word and getting an eye full of THAT and the questions that would follow.

So.Not.Cool.

And I know that dictionary.com subscribes to clickad.net (or some such advertising sponsor) and they have no control over what pops up randomly, but damn it's getting damn hard to control the content coming at the kiddies these days when it's not even safe to look up a word anymore.

But honestly, this post wasn't intended to be a rant about racy ads and evil sex demons trying to take over the world. I just think it's interesting how far left the pendulum has come crashing in the wake of the conservative clusterfuck (haa haa) of the past few years. One does have to pause and wonder, what next?

Don't be surprised if within a year you turn on the TV and see Tyra or Oprah sitting with wide-eyed fascination while Mistress X gives instructions on how to give a proper spanking to a rapt audience of eager house-wives.

Just saying...

Wow! Has It Really Been Over a Month?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:01:07 GMT

My goodness. I can hardly believe it's been so long since I've posted. So much has happened. So much blogworthy goodness that I find myself sitting here with absolutely...nothing...to...say.

I mean we have a new president, the economy continues to suck, I still stay up way too late and drink too much coffee.

Guitar Hero is me and The Kid's new obsession...and I think I may wanna move to Texas.

While reminiscing about games of the 70s, I recently became angry about how the Spirograph always included designs that the average 10 year old has no hope of ever duplicating. (Stupid football shaped gears....and those cheap ass pens!) Don't even get me started on the Slinky!

Rock hits of the 70s and 80s are my current playlist (courtesy of the Guitar Hero thang) and now that the election is over I can't tell you the last time I actually sat and watched a television program.

Judging from my TBR pile, it will take me 20 years to reach the bottom of it...if I don't buy another book for 20 years. Well, that's not gonna happen and I absolutely love reading and writing reviews so I don't let that stress me much.

It's almost mid-February...and my Christmas tree is still up. Yeah, I know.

Judging from a year ago, so much is different yet so much is the same. But I'm still here and it seems that for now so is dear LJ.

So tell me...what's going on in your world?

First Post of '09

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:55:16 GMT

So yeah, I've been largely silent this past few weeks. Honestly? I haven't had much to say in terms of content, so I figured why fake the funk.

The only resolutions I'm making is to try to get into better shape (standard resolution every year), face the wind no matter how hard it blows, and to use the good dishes more often...because, really...what am I saving them for? (Thanks Hopper!)

2008 was a strange and wonderful year. I'm looking for 2009 to build upon that. Other than that...that's pretty much it.

To make up for my lack of creativity I've decided to take a walk down memory lane, because nothing says "New Year" like looking back at the past. So without further ado, I give you Tom and Jerry and the (Uncle) Pecos Pest episode.

That oughta put a smile on your face.

=)

Moon Obsession

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:35:19 GMT

I am totally obsessed with the moon.

Not to sound "new-agey" or weird for the sake of being weird in some sort of lame attempt to be hip or cool, but I truly love to gaze upon the moon. It doesn't even have to be a full moon. I just need to see it.

At night before I go to bed, I always look outside my window and try to locate the moon. I don't know why but the sight of it soothes me somehow and I feel calm about going to sleep. I don't like nights when the moon isn't visible and I get annoyed when treelines or houses block my view.

Funny thing is, I don't follow the moon cycles or anything. I don't try to tie my moods into the phases of the moon or track it for any advanced astrological purposes. I just like the comfort of looking up and seeing it bright in the sky...then again, it could be a Pisces/Water Sign thing. Who knows?

It's strange, I know...but it's true and I'm sharing.

Make of it what you will.

Any other moon fans out there?

Yatta!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:46:58 GMT

50,097 words makes me a:

It was grueling, but strangely gratifying...in a nerdy kind of way.

I look forward to catching up with everyone next month!

Nano Update

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:53:47 GMT

This is my first year participating and I am pleased with my chances of finishing this thing. With a week to go I'm at the 33,500 word mark with every intention of hitting 36K by bedtime tonight.

I'm rounding the corner...ready to bring it on home!

Yay me!

Real Quick...

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:32:58 GMT

Obama...44th President....HELLS YEAH!!!

Otherwise...doing the Nanowrimo thing.

See you in December!

Last Political Post Before the Election...Maybe

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 04:22:30 GMT

Trolling around on Facebook a couple of weeks ago I came across a status update posted by my cousin Gregory. Gregory attends a prep school out in the suburbs. (Read: predominately not minority student population).

Here's a kid that despite suffering some major tragedies has managed to keep an amazing attitude about life and an unwavering optimism about the future. In the post that I read, he was basking in wonder and amazement at being elected Class President. One of his "friends" from around the way remarked..."Aww...they only elected you because of Barack Obama!" to which Gregory laughed off the comment in a good natured way and accused his friend of always saying things like that....

...but what if?

What if Barack's success in his presidental bid, galvanizing so many folks, and inspiring millions to dream of a better, more cooperative world changes not only the political game, but the game of life? What if electing an African American Class President in a predominately white school suddenly becomes something that isn't viewed as an interesting anomaly, but an insignificant fact of the matter?

What if?

What if looking at the Obamas, people will finally get to see that beneath it all, most of us want the same things in life? A nice place to live. A safe environment to thrive in. An uninhibited chance to work and get equal pay for equal work...a fair chance at making some of our dreams come true...a real chance for our children to learn and grow. A chance to really and truly....LIVE.

What if?

What if for the first time ever, every American parent regardless of race, creed, or color...can look their children square in the eye and tell them that they too can be anything that they want to be..even President of the United States, if they really work hard for it...and this time actually have something to point to as proof positive that this statement is true?

What if?

What if Barack Obama is elected president and is unable to prove himself as effective and dynamic as we all hope he can be? What judgment will be passed down on people of color should he fail?

What if despite all the doubts and fears, hope prevails and things actually do start to get better?

What if?

For the first time in a long time, I'm excited and cautiously optimistic about the future...and a whole lot of "What ifs?"

I've Got the Power!

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:36:57 GMT

Yes!

Who knew? I have the power to make suburban women cower and run like their drawers are on fire, seeking the safety of their suburban homes.

And all I have to do is to walk down their street on a sunny Sunday wearing an Obama '08 t-shirt with a clipboard in my hand.

LOL.

I swear...best laugh I've had all day.

How My Mom Got Conned By a Six Year Old

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:28:08 GMT

The following event took place today at the local Subway Sandwich Shop between the hour of 12:00pm and 1:00pm.

Grandma: "Go grab something to drink with your sandwich."
The Kid: "Okay Namma...I think I want the Hawaiian Punch."
Grandma: "Eh, I dunno. I don't like the idea of you drinking all that red juice. Why don't you pick something else? How about some apple juice?"
The Kid: "Awww..but I really want Hawaiian Punch."
Grandma: ::gives a look:: "Pick something else."
The Kid: "Alright." ::face brightens:: "I'll just get a Squirt then. My momma lets me drink that....and it's not red."
Grandma: "Your mother doesn't let you drink soda."
The Kid: "Yuh huh"
Grandma: "Are you sure?"
The Kid: "Uh huh." ::nodding with raised eyebrows and a smile that's missing teeth::
Grandma: ::frowns:: "Fine. Get the Hawaiian Punch. I think it at least has SOME real fruit juice in it."
The Kid: "Thanks Namma...you're the BEST!"

::shaking my head::

I can only hope he grows up to use his cuteness powers for good and not evil.

Trying Not to Lose Friends (Virtual and RL) During These Heated Political Times

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:51:29 GMT

Is it just me, or am I the only one growing frustrated with some of the comments posted by "friends" on LJ, Facebook, in class, or wherever you chose to hang out?

Don't get me wrong, I love a spirited discussion, and the world would be a pretty boring place if we all agreed on everything...but it's the willingness to defer to ignorance that has me ready to spit fire.

And let me say this...I don't care if you are Republican, Democrat, Independent or voting the Green Martian ticket. I can respect that even if I wholeheartedly disagree with you. But these folks that claim to be undecided...at this late date? I'm calling BS and labeling them as attention whores.

Yes.
I.
Said it.

I mean, what is there to be undecided about that you feel will be suddenly revealed in 3 weeks? Are you waiting for a divine sign as to who to vote for? Or are you simply waiting for that last bit of juicy dirt to get dealt before you decide on who would be the lesser of the evils? I simply do not get it. Personally, I think that folks claiming to still be undecided are more than likely leaning one way versus the other and just either don't want anyone to know which way that is...or they like to give the impression of still "considering the issues/candidates" to make the best decision possible.

:-/

Maybe...but again I doubt it. Get off the fence already!

I do know that as the days grow closer to the election, I am much more prone to picking up my keyboard and pounding out some strong opinions regarding a lot of the silliness that seems to be cropping up more and more. Worse are the people who continue to turn a blind eye to the fact that Americans are being treated like morons who can't recognize BS and code speak when we hear it.

This is too much.

Yes I know I'm rambling.

And I probably won't stop ranting until well after the election.

Consider yourself warned.

Winning Isn't as Important as Playing the Game

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:47:41 GMT

...at least it isn't for boy puppies.

When Puppy's Play, It's Ladies First

"During puppy play, young males sometimes put themselves in a position where they can be taken advantage of by their female playmates. The early behavior could serve them well later in life, say researchers."

Daaaaamn...male subs in doggydom. Who'da thunk it? (And why does that statement crack me up no end?)

As cute as this story is, it just goes to show that boys...even boy dogs, are always thinking with their peters...

And seriously...the professor's last name is SMUTS??

Really?

Shit, with a last name like that...I suppose her career options were a bit limited.

::snicker::

Happy Thursday!

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:24:27 GMT

I'm off tomorrow and I'm sitting here eating homemade chicken and noodle soup and getting ready for tonight's scheduled ~~train wreck~~ Vice Presidential debate.

What are you up to?

Will you be watching?

What's the spread in Vegas on this thing?

Will they focus on the issues? Or just jump right in with the straight hate?

So many possibilities....

It would be awesome if this was like wrestling and there was a running commentary throughout the debate. They could have a Democrat straight man and a Republican doing color commentary...because clearly they are the heels.

Something for the alternative press to think about.

Just about a half hour to go!

Checking In and Adding to the Running Commentary

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:07:52 GMT

So I'm checking in.

Haven't been lj-ing much lately, but that's 'cause I haven't had much to say as of late.

Several people that I know and care about have lost their jobs recently, and I anticipate that things will get much worse in the months to come. The sad thing is, the loss will be felt far beyond those who actually lost their jobs.

Turbulent and interesting times these are.

Having said that, there are items I feel compelled to post. First there is this:

Pilots Complete Suspension After Falling Asleep on Flight

"... it was still unclear how both pilots fell asleep on the brief midmorning flight, which was carrying 40 passengers.

No problems were found after examining the aircraft's pressurization system and carbon monoxide levels.

The pilots failed to respond to nearly a dozen calls from air traffic controllers over a span of 17 minutes.

In recordings obtained by The Associated Press, the controller is heard repeatedly trying to contact the pilots and talks to the pilot of another Go flight in hopes of reaching Flight 1002."

:-/

Ten bucks says these guys were not asleep, but otherwise engaged for those 17 minutes. Apparently membership to the "Mile High Club" isn't restricted to passengers only. Just saying...

And how about this:

Eagle Eye Trailer

How in the name of Even Stevens did Shia LeBouf get to be "the hawt guy?" My, my, my...how he has grown up!

Lord have mercy. I'm cracking up at the McCain/Palin folks coming to the sad and sorry realization that the final exam is coming up...and there just isn't enough time for Palin to cram for it.

I think I'm just going to set my DVR to tape The Daily Show, AC 360, and Olbermann...then I'm gonna sit back and watch the hilarity ensue.

It's so sad...but funny...but mostly sad.

"Kissed"

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:10:30 GMT

I am cold

And the moon beckons

The blues melt into the velvet of the sky

I welcome the embrace

Night on my skin

A soothing touch

I taste the light of the stars

It reminds me of home

My Beloved

I feel the indelible mark

Of You

"It's Like a Really Bad Disney Movie"

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:51:04 GMT

When Jason Bourne is terrified of someone...you KNOW it's a bad thing.

Gah! I honestly don't think I could love this man more!

And in honor of his sentiments, I dedicate this not so classic moment in hip hop by JT Money to Sarah Palin:

Yes y'all, because being the governor of Alaska is kinda like being a no-frills brand product that people don't even notice sitting there taking up shelf space until you're desperate...all the good stuff is gone.

This, I Couldn't Make Up

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:11:57 GMT

Reason #43247320 why my youngest brother makes a sucky babysitter:

Srsly. Do you SEE that square bowl with the dried up Rice Krispies? What kind of engineering skills must it take to balance that thing like that without it spilling out and crashing to the floor? And for the amount to time that it had to take to situate said bowl in such a manner, wouldn't it have made more sense to just load it into the diswasher?

But wait! There's more...

There were bits of cereal scattered all other the counter.

More mess...opposite side of the sink.

I'm assuming that would be the pesky fly that the kid let in the house yesterday. If I didn't know better, I'd swear this entire scene was staged because this is just tooo stereotypical.

So after a long day at work, I come home to my kid and my mom's grown ass kid standing in front of the house playing catch and whining about dinner and being hungry....but first I had to tackle the beast of the kitchen sink.

But if I blacked out and turned into a shrieking half-crazed mad woman, I'd be wrong, right?

Nothing Clever...Really

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:03:42 GMT

I'm still here.

Just lacking motivation to do anything but the bare minimum of everything just to get by. I'm not sure if I'm depressed, or just bored.

That said, I have made some observations this week:

Bacon in a box.

And I thought wine in a box was bad. Seriously, has anyone tried this stuff? Imagine my shock and horror when I saw this product sitting on the shelf in the boxed foods aisle. It just seems...so...wrong.

*********
I was listening to a (new?) Janet Jackson song the other day when it dawned on me that everything she sings sounds like she's talking/singing like a baby. Why guys find that sexy I'll never know.

*********
While driving to Chicago this weekend, I passed an exit for a town called Climax, MI.

(uh?)

I wonder how that town got THAT name.

*********
I'm suffering the ghosts of past lifetimes again. Someday I hope to make sense of all of that.

And last night, I was either granted a vision...or my imagination is wayyy more actively vivid that I could have ever imagined.

*********
"Shake it like a Polaroid picture" - Andre 3000, "Hey Ya!"

In my office, we "shake it like the toner's running low" ...

...because it generally is. And that's the only way you can make sense of the stuff coming out of the printer. And there's never money to purchase more toner in a timely fashion.

**********

Rest in Peace Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes

For the 3 FListers Who Actually May Care

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:32:22 GMT

I met Sherrilyn Kenyon this evening.

Therefore as of 7pm EDT, I am officially under the protection of Acheron.

Anyone else a Dark Hunter fan?

Did you pick up your copy of Acheron yet?

Awww Crap!

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:06:34 GMT

The kid lost his first tooth today....and besides the fact that it's 4 days before payday, I can't remember where I put the damn tooth!

What's the going rate for a tooth these days?

Does the tooth fairy adjust for inflation and bad economic conditions?

...

...

...

I suck at life. My kid is going to be so pissed in the morning if I don't get this right.

ETA: The tooth has been found. Now I just have to "find" 2 dollars. Dammitall!

Economic Woes

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:23:34 GMT

Like pretty much everyone in the world, I'm sure you're struggling with making ends meet.

I'm at the point where the time has come to better budget the funds and cut back on some of the extras.

Why is it that when money is funny, everything seems like a necessity?

I mean, now that I have to cut back on the cable, why am I freaking out at the loss of the Military Channel?

No Netflix? Oh NOOOOOOOOOEZ!!!!!

It sux that I can't get my hair and my nails done when I want to.

High speed internet access is my God-given right, is it not?

No?

Damn.

Why was I not born rich?

"Broke as hell" does not look good on me.

So tell me, what are you cutting back on these days?

The truth has many faces

Keeping It Short and Sweet

What's Your Personality Type?

So Much to Say...and Nothing at All

Birthday Wishes!!!

Advertising Gone Wild...(Whips and Chains Are Now Mainstream?)

Wow! Has It Really Been Over a Month?

First Post of '09

Moon Obsession

Yatta!

Nano Update

Real Quick...

Last Political Post Before the Election...Maybe

I've Got the Power!

How My Mom Got Conned By a Six Year Old

Trying Not to Lose Friends (Virtual and RL) During These Heated Political Times

Winning Isn't as Important as Playing the Game

Happy Thursday!

Checking In and Adding to the Running Commentary

"Kissed"

"It's Like a Really Bad Disney Movie"

This, I Couldn't Make Up

Nothing Clever...Really

For the 3 FListers Who Actually *May* Care

Awww Crap!

Economic Woes

For the 3 FListers Who Actually May Care