Yesteryear

Happy New Years Eve!

Have a wonderful and safe night!
Hugs, squishes and kisses.
See y'all in 2003!
H&M.

A Kiss is but A Kiss, or is it

“…that first kiss of the new year can be much more than a meeting of lips…”
Found the above quote while perusing the news and wondered how true it was. Does the first New Years Kiss mean something special to you? Do you seek out the one you love so that theirs may be the first lips you touch on the stroke of midnight, or will any lips do? Has a New Years kiss lead to more then its initial purpose? What are your stories, if any relating, to that first kiss?

.

The Mayfly Project: "Born. Eat. Shag. Die."
sum up your year in 20 words or less.

Turned thirty. Graduated. Found work. Contacted out.
Moved. Lost. Found. Grew. Learned. Laughed.
Was Inspired. Dreamed. Loved Throughout.



Something else I would like to try this year: 101 Things To Do In 1001 Days

A big thank you to Jennifer and Steve for the links.

[Hugin's Turn]
...ahem...
Tried to remember the important things in life, to appreciate them as much as they deserve. Because they are precious.

Hot Toddies

In the middle of wondering yesterday I came upon a sniffle. It looked so lonely, cold and unwanted that I could not but pick it up and bring it home with me. It now resides happily in me nose, tickling and scratching away, stuffing up me nasal passages; in short it’s content as a pig all covered in mud. I thought I would cheer its good health and last night downed a hot toddy. Though that knocked me out, I fear the sniffle is still there, hale as ever if not happier for the alcohol that now co-inhabits my system. Maybe another one will convince the poor sniffle that it would be happier still if it would take up residence in someone else’s nasal passages.

Frostbitten Toes and Photos.

Back from wondering about the streets, managed to snap a few decent pictures though not many of snow angels, or ice covered buildings, it would seem that those are a rarity today. Along the way I the way I attempted to pop by one of my favourite cafés for a nice hot mug of cocoa, I needed something to warm the chill that inhibited me fingers and toes, but they were not open. It seems as if most places have closed for the holidays, which is odd considering the amount of tourist milling about, half dressed, in the cold. The only place I could find was a Second Cup. The coffee was decent, not overly bitter or burnt, and I warmed up quite nicely, curled up in one of their overstuffed couches as I pondered if all Second Cups hired designers to decorate their abodes. To date I have not been in one that looks overly shoddy. There is always artwork on the walls, a big sofa or two and nouveau décor en mass. I wonder if this is a requirement, I wonder if there is a memo sitting in some execs office that states that all Second Cups should make the patrons feel if they have walked in off the street into some Art Deco magazine.

Morning’s Debate

Sitting on my chair, wrapped around my coffee cup debating what should be done with the day. Parts of me desperately want to be outside snapping pictures of wintry scenes, of snow angels, of Christmas lights, and of old building covered in ice. The other part would be happier curled up in a couch, hot cocoa at hand, reading books and playing Diablo II. I have a necromancer that needs levelling. Surreptitious glances through the window tell me that the day is cold, that a bitter wind blows forcing the passer-bys to huddle deep in their coats. Their hunched up forms battle the wind as they make their way down our street. The hibernating hermit in me shouts for a blankie, refusing to even consider the thought of venturing outside, but I know deep down that if I give in to her demands I’ll regret not having braved the cold. That later on I’ll sit here in a morose bitter mood, kicking myself in the heinie for not having gone outside to explore what I could.

Forks and Cheesecake.

Today’s events included devouring a very yummy chocolate cheese that Hugin had made yesterday, all chocolate creaminess deliciously draped in cherries and me scraping my finger across the tines of a fork. Pure talent I tell you! We are now going to venture into the wacky world of bookstores/cafés and see what other trouble I can get my limbs into. Perhaps a paper cut along the tip of my tongue, or maybe a trick or two with a dull spoon. [wry smile]

As per request: We saved a piece of cake for you!

Strange Dreams.

My nights have been filled with the oddest of dreams lately. People I haven’t seen in a dogs age ghost through briefly making contact and then disappearing in a puff of mist. There are some that will torment as that glide through, slinging names and jeering, bringing with them a feeling of malevolence. Then there are others that I feel compelled to help, to save from the misery that clings to them like mud on an old battered cloak. I can’t make heads or tails of these dreams, but there is something tickling at the back of my consciousness that suggest that there are reasons for these nightly visits. I just wish I knew what it was, aside, from maybe, guilt.

The Chesty Women of Film.

Lately, Hugin and I have been discussing the chesty women of film. We have been trying to ascertain who would be considered to be the more endowed women of celluloid in today's modern age. To this endeavour we have perused through our DVD collection in hopes that we may garner a name or two. The names we have stumbled upon do not leave much hope for, well, well endowedness or voluptuousness if you will; Meg Ryan isn't, neither are Julia Roberts, Elizabeth Hurley, Janeane Garofalo, Juliette Binoche, or Carrie-Anne Moss. Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler, Nicole Kidman and Rachel Weisz aren't. Eliza Dushku, Alyson Hannigan and the rest of the Buffy's don't seem to be. Michelle Yeoh and Ziyi Zhang definitely aren't. Angelina Jolie is now, but in Hackers she wasn't, Kirsten Dunst, maybe. That leaves us with Salma Hayek and Heather Graham who are closer to what may be considered to be curvy then the other actresses are. But nobody seems to draw up the image that Marilyn Monroe did, any one got any other ideas?

[No there are no reasons why this particular conversation has come up; it just seems to have been a tangent off one of our other discussions on movies.]

Tinsel, Baubles, and Chocolate.

Subtitled: Our memories of Christmas 2002. Gifts there were a plenty all wrapped up with bows, stacked high in a corner, under our mantle they rose. [We couldn't quite figure out were to put the Christmas tree this year, so we made do with our faux fireplace and turned it into a tree]. Phone calls were placed to those near and far, wishes of merriment passed over the wires. Guests there were a many, singing good cheer as they passed through our door bringing in with them the feeling of joy, the warmth of kinship and all that is dear. Spirits were drunk and memories exchanged. Laughter and song graced the halls of our home. Cooks in the kitchen, by turn they would come, whipping up memories of Christmas brunches past. On the floor we did sit to enjoy a large feast, graced by the presence of those who are dear.

Now Christmas is over, the food has been gobbled and the gifts are unwrapped, with the exception of one. [She still has to pop by to pick up her package unless of course you want us to ship it to you]. In the corner the gifts are still stacked, all naked and exposed without any bows. Silly things were given and things from the heart; a book, a movie, a mug, chocolate to last a year, but most of all love.

Now on to the New Year we move on with glee, so that another year may bring in good cheer and company.

[On a side note I am still amazed at how much chocolate we managed to acquire this year, I think it will last the better part of a year.]

Bored Now.

Vacation just isn’t as much fun when the person with whom you enjoy spending most of your time with has to work. The day just seems longer when you can’t curl up in each others arms, watch TV, read books together, play Diablo II, or go for walks and blather on incessantly. I have tried everything to keep my brain from mumbling the same old tired phrase of “bored now,” but nothing seems to hold my interest. The books scattered about the place do not hold their usual sway, I have tried watching Hackers but found myself walking away from the TV midway. No artsy craft stuff will do, nothing, not even the countless hours of reading my favourite pages online. Come home soon love, vacation is just not the same without you!

update: Hugin's home, time to watch very silly movies, snuggle and read books!

*Splat!*

Tracy has declared the first annual snowball fight! I've been itching for a good one for ages! Luckily we got us some lovely snow up here in the far distant north! Let the snow slugging begin!

Happy Holidays To All And To All A Good Night!

No matter your walk of life, your background or which holiday you choose to celebrate we wish you all a wonderful holiday season. May your holiday be filled with good cheer, laughter and joy. May it be filled with warmth, love and all things magnificent! Our warmest wishes to you all.

Finito!

Work is done. Detail drawings were handed over yesterday, though one is not completely finished due to lack of information. [sorry guys, but you weren't around yesterday, so I had to make do with what I had] Christmas shopping is now done, prezzies have been wrapped, and all that needs stuffing are the Christmas stockings. Wahoo. Two weeks of vacation here I come! It feels very odd to be on vacation. I keep feeling as if I should be at work, nose stuck to computer screen, hectically trying to get things done. Just odd.

On a side note I have come to the conclusion that the holiday shopping drives people towards complete and utter grinch like grumpiness. I haven't seen so many grim, unhappy determined faces in years. So much for holiday cheer.

Update: The holiday cards have also been sent! [sorry to all they are quite late, but I am still hoping that they get there mid festivities]

Have you seen my marbles?

I have this amazing ability to place things that I need to find in the most unobvious of places. The good thing about this is that they will always be safe and sound though completely of out my reach. This time I have managed to safely place [read misplace] a whole bag of beads [it's a rather large bag] needed to complete a project, and some Christmassy stuff. We have spent the better part of an hour ripping through boxes, searching high and low, in cupboards, under the bed, behind stacks of books to no avail. They are snug and sound nowhere to be found. I'm sorry Ed, hopefully they will be found soon and we'll be able to finish your project and send it out to you.

It's a good thing that me brain is safely encased in my head, else I fear that I may leave high upon a shelf one day, behind a stack of books in a place that is not quite obvious and spend the next couple of years searching for it.

Deck the Halls.

Brain on strike. Dexterity and motor skills almost non-existant. Late nights, stress, general grumpiness with the company and partying have finally caught up. Need another cup of coffee so I can find the other mug that I have left somewhere's about our flat. Now if you'll excuse me, I shall go arm myself with a pair of scissors, and paper. It's gift-wrapping time.

Oh Christmas Cheer!

On the last day of work the company gave to me, one extra part and two detail drawings that have to be released by Monday. BAH HUMBUG! They be grumpy making, yes sir they be!

Warm Fuzzy Memories of Summer.

resorting to images. brain not functioning. need coffee.

And then there was madness.

Things are a wee bit hectic around here, so posting may take on a little bit of lag over the next couple of days. Will try to get some words up here somehow, otherwise we may just resort to images. A good end of week to y'all!

I am Sorry to Say it but, You're Dreaming in Technicolor.

Tired the week is catching up with me and it is only half done. Two days left in the contract, [well two and a half, I'll be sneaking in on Monday for a half day just to get all the paper work done] and today they come back to me with revisions that need to be made to a part, pronto! So we have to perform miracles, and hand over not 2, not 3 but a grand total of 13 detailed drawing by Friday afternoon!

Yah baby, you're dreaming if you think that the drawings will materialize themselves by Friday. Had you given me a weeks warning I may have been able to pull them off, heck even a four and a half day I'm sorry but we really need this done it's kind off urgent I would have said 'sure not a problem, let me forego sleep and I'll work the extra hours'. However this is not the case and I am sorry to say that I won't be staying late to complete them. Not with two Christmas dinner parties that I plan on attending, not with the Christmas coffee get together that you are throwing and that we are obliged to attend. Not with the fuzzy brain numbness that seems to lately be my general state of being. I ain't coming in over the weekend either so you can forget about that. Which leaves us at a bit of a stalemate, you need your drawing and though I loathe leaving a contract unfinished I am not willing to come in beyond a nine hour day. Though there may just be a ray of hope, if everything runs fine, if there are no program glitches, if you provide me with all the necessary information, and not neglect to me tell things that are pertinent. We may just be able to pull your miracle off.

Update: Make that 15 detailed drawing by tomorrow afternoon. Two more were added today, due ASAP, or so they say! All together now, 'I am going slightly crazy'. Yessiree Bob I am !

Adventurers for hire.

Anyone want to hire a couple of people who are willing to travel around the world for them? Anyone? We'd send you a ton of pictures and keep you up to date on our adventures. Come on you know you want to!

[yes there are multiple links all lined up together, this is written for the benifit of the Grumpball! [impish smile]]

Hot Cocoa, Baileys, and Christmas Cards.

Scribbling out Christmas wishes as I take long draughts of me hot cocoa and baileys. So if I land doing the Bridget Jones thang and end up sending you loverly wonderful people unintelligible, slobbery Christmas cards please forgive, just blame it on the alki'ole. I should also apologize in advance, I know the cards are late and will probably get there mid festivities, but I am hoping for the impossible, a speedy postal delivery.

Are you going my way?

The urge to pack my bags and run away is strong today. The need to throw my backpack on and follow the paths of life tickles at the back of spirit, a nagging whisper in my heart. Today is a good day to be traveling. The urge has been with me for as long as I can remember. The need explore, to wonder about the world gleaming insights from the places I would visit, learning from those that I would meet, sitting in the middle of a foreign crowded market watching the people go by or just being one with nature. [yes that part is corny]

But as much I want to be able to pick up and go on the spur of the moment there are always things that hold me back, the responsibilities I know I have to fulfill; debts to be paid off, work projects/contracts to complete, a sweet if mildly psychotic kitten to take care of and life to keep apace with. This reasoning draws me back to the grind of everyday life and for briefs moments I will acknowledge a sort of grumpy acquiescence that for the time being this is the path I have to follow. One day though, I know I will follow this urge, this need to journey. That will be a day when I will wake up, throw our belongings into a backpack, store the rest and turn to you and say 'Love, where do you want to go today?"

You Silly Amazing Women

I mean silly in the most endearing of ways

Thank you so very much, it is perfect. I hug you! I squish you!.
[mwah]

The Neurotic Side of Giving.

We spent the batter part of yesterday and today wondering about downtown, staring at items lined up on shelves, peering into windows and wondering what would make the perfect gift. In the past I have always found it hard to find something that I know the person I am giving the gift to will like. The present does not have to be something extravagant or expensive, it just has to be something that I know they desire, something that is of significance to them. Once the item has been acquired I begin to agonize over it, wondering if they will truly enjoy it or if I have made some grand assumptions as to their likes or dislikes. All very silly I know but I fear offending people by getting them the wrong thing, I fear a sense of rejection if they do not like what I am offering them. Yes I know am neurotic when it comes to gift giving.

This year however, I have decided on a more personal course of action. I am no longer searching for what I feel would be the perfect gift for them, but am looking for something that may either inspire them to explore other creative avenues, something that will spark a curiosity, or something that has a touch of me to it. In short I am being mildly selfish and "forcing" my views of what makes a good gift on them. This however, does not mean that I'll not agonize over the gifts, I will still worry whether of not they will like what I am giving them, but as in all things one has to proceed with baby steps. I think we will try working on that aspect of things next year.

Gifts, prezzies and all that sparkles.

In the search for gift ideas I have been scouring the web looking for ideas and have found these wonderful links.

*Bea's alternative holiday gift ideas.
*Hanna's Groovy Holiday guide
*Gift for Artists
*Personolized gift certificates
If you have any other ideas, please, please post them!

A big thank you to Dawn, Mumbles unintelligibly, Hava Cuppa Tea and Girl at Play for the links!

occupied

Busy. Much to do. Hordes of people to squish through. Presents to buy, gifts to wrap and hide. Talk amongst yourselves. We leave you with this image.

Super Trouper.

There was a general meeting at work yesterday, which meant that us consultant were pretty much left to own devices. No one around to hear our complaints, no one yelling in the background, no loud discussion on deadlines just the sweet hum of silence. You think that with wonderful stillness we would find something better then ABBA to fill the happy void with. No, no such luck, the CD we slipped into the player, the volume we cranked and ABBA we played, bouncing about to the lyrics of Mamma Mia. [Four grown engineers bopping along to ABBA is quite a sight, let me tell you.]

I remember dancing to ABBA as a child. I would carefully slip the LP, yes I am that old, out of its cover and gently place it on the record player. Then I would turn the stereo full out and dance my little heart out. I miss those days; dancing in the dappling sunlight, spinning about, feet gliding across the wooden floors of the hallway, toes occasionally getting caught in our big shaggy orange carpet. To this day I can still remember the lyrics to their various songs and they always bring me back. The ABBA days were good days, the worries were fewer, the days seemed longer and brighter, playtime lasted all day long.

Happy slightly Belated Birthday.

A wonderfully stupendous Happy Birthday goes out to KD. [Once again I am a wee bit late to the party I blame it on Christmas shopping [ grumble.]] Wishing you happiness, love, health and all things wonderful. May the next year and those following be filled with wonderous momments.

Go give her some loving!

Thursday Already?!?

I could have sworn that today was not a Thursday. How did that happen? It can't be Thursday. Wait, today is Thursday, means that there are only 13 days till Christmas! Well I think I am in a pickle.

A changeroom to go please.

Most people I know when confronted with the decision of buying a pair of pants that they cannot readily try on will either spend the better part of the next hour ogling at themselves in a mirror, while trying to imagine what the pants may look like or just walk away pants in hand hoping that they have made the right choice and won't need to return. My mother on the other hand will button up her long cloak, strip down to her panties, put new pants on and strut over to the nearest mirror to have a proper gander. I am not sure if I should crawl up into a ball and hide at these moments or stand there beaming with pride.

Música Corazón.

There's music that moves you, music that soothes your soul, music that just makes you feel like getting up and boogieing. Then there are songs that capture your feelings and put them into music.

El cariño que te tengo
No te lo puedo negar
Se me sale la babita
Yo no lo puedo evitar

Te amo .

Fuzzy Wuzzy.

Nine hours spent in front of a screen, lines and blips, blots and spots, all a scrambled mess before my eyes. Spectacles, which should have been firmly planted on my nose, were left sitting upon our dresser, eyes tired incapable of focusing more. The page before me is but a blur, lines strewn across the page higgidly piggily, eyes squinting seek rest.

End of a Contract.

Well its official after the New Year we won't be contracted out to the same company, this has left me feeling blue. Have been there for nearly 6 months, met some new people and made some good friends. I think that is the hardest part about being a contractor is that you walk in to a completely new environment and you wonder what it will bring. Will its suck, will you have to fight your way through and prove yourself to the new people. Or will they be willing to except the new points of view that you bring? Will you find kindred spirits? Or will you find yourself in hell. A couple of weeks pass, you find your niche and things move on. Then just as you begin to feel as if you belong it ends. I am going to miss working there; I am going to miss the daily challenges, the minor disputes over proper dimensioning and designing. Most of all I am going to miss the fun that was had, the silliness, the laughs and the people I have had the privilege of working with. I guess we shall see what the new year brings, what challenges shall show themselves, and maybe just maybe I'll be able to go back to that company, maybe they will one day need our expertise again.

I Wish You Wish

Ever wonder what to get your favourite Bloggers, wondering what they like, what would be the perfect gift to send them for their birthday, for Christmas or just to surprise them, well look no further. Kimberlie and Shelli have put together a wonderful new project to help you out.

Goldmember.

Watching Goldmember, and the only impression that come to mind is, so this is Mike Myers on crack. That pretty much sums it up.

Then there was cheese.

For his Christmas present a friend has requested a CD. Now this isn't any regular type of CD. What the boy truly wants, what his heart truly desires is the cheesiest music mix ever made. So we be needing a little help, if y'all could kindly come up with the cheesiest list of songs that you know and post them in the comment box [or on your Blog just leave the link in the comment box] greatly appreciated it would be. It doesn't have to be a long list; heck it can even just be one song, just as long as it's cheesy. Have fun, go wild, and mucho gracias.

Dust in the wind

Something happens during this time of the year, without fail I become a sappy teary-eyed mess. I can't explain it, it just happens and I feel the more foolish for it. I will sit reading the news, a book, be reading someone's Blog or listening to a song and suddenly my eyes fill with tears. Nothing in particular just some line or refrain, some worldwide injustice or pain, will touch me and voila the waterworks begin. Currently I am listening to 'dust in the wind' being all the more pathetic for it. Part of me wants to curl up into a ball and hide, protection from some deep down hurt. The anguish sits in the back of my throat, a hard lump waiting to burst forth as try I and repress the tears that well up in my eyes. I don't recall there being any particular reason that this time of the year should cause me to react thus. I can't recall any childhood horrors, skeletons in a deep dark closet. I can't remember any particular painful memories or occurrences. It is just there and somehow I feel weaker and sillier for it.

i close my eyes, only for a moment and the moment's gone. all my dreams pass before my eyes in curiosity. dust in the wind

In Remembrance.

Somehow the day passed me by,this is too important a day to forget, thank you for the reminder.

Things that start with the C!

Now what starts with the letter C?
Cookie starts with C
Let's think of other things
That starts with C
Oh, who cares about the other things?

C is for cookie, that's good enough for me
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me
Oh, cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C

C is for Christmas Wish list, here's one for you! [impish smile]

Hugin's been requesting a list for a couple of days now, "a list I say a list, how am I going to know what to get for Christmas without a list?!?" I am not very good at making Christmas lists and my response has been the same for the pass couple of days, and yes it is pathetically sappy so I will spare you the details and not post it here. The lists, after much trimming, pondering and wondering shall appear, as it is somewhat unfair that Hugin has posted a guide and I haven't. [Hope this helps love]

The Paper list:
*The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
*Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography
*Corpse: Nature, Forensics, and the Struggle to Pinpoint Time of Death
*Unnatural Death: Confessions of a Medical Examiner
*Moab Is My Washpot
*What Ho The Best Of P G Wodehouse: The Best of PG Wodehouse

All things Visual, Audio and Playable
*Le Pacte des Loups
*Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
*Earth From Above
*It's in the beat.
*Cause I am just a big kid baby!
*Zoom, zoom.
*Splat!
*Oh yeah!?!
*Don't you even think of picking up one of these!

Soft downy, snuggable list:
MEC Fleece 'cause baby it's cold out there. These would also be quite yummy and this would just be wonderful, for snuggling under with you. Because, we are nothing if not addicted to the bean and we all need a little bit of Geek love

Most of all what I want for Christmas is You!

Though if anyone comes across a million dollars and are feeling generous these articles would make a wonderful Christmas gift! Oh, and if you are feeling particularly generous a pair of tickets to here, or here would be greatly appreciated. [either one will do, we are not picky]

To the Pain.

Hugin was coaching me on how to be a mean cuss last night so that I can better deal with people who are antagonistic aggressive dicks, who have nothing better to do then to make you feel small and insignificant. He started off with an attempt to get me to speak in short terse sentences. When I am irate I have a tendency to become a little too verbose, exceedingly polite and will prattle on for hours as I attempt to tell someone off. [A good sampling of this can be found in the below.] His attempt in limiting me to three worded sentences had me drawling like a Texan, cursing like a fiend, talking in tangents and him giggling up a storm. So much for me being a mean cuss. I can just see it now; me drawn up to my full height swearing like a fishmonger's wife as I try to tell the person that the are an insignificant wretch who should know better then to be dimwitted bullies, who treat people like crap. Them splayed on the floor laughing uncontrollably with tears streaming down their face. Yup I'm a regular Bonnie Parker me. [wry smile]

The conversation somehow turned to the Princess Bride after the giggling subsided. We were trying to remember the exact dialogue between when Wesley and Prince Humperdink. I think the " To the Pain" speeches is one of my favourites in the book. Perhaps I could memorize the monologue and every time someone pisses me off, or is an uncouth mean bastard I could recite it to them.

Westley: No! To the pain. And I'll explain. I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you wart-hog faced buffoon. To the pain means the first thing you lose will be your feet below the ankles, then your hands at the wrists, next your nose. I'm not finished. The next thing you lose will be your left eye, followed by your right. Your ears you keep! I'll tell you why. So that every shriek of every child who sees your hideousness will be yours to cherish. Every babe that weeps at your approach, every woman who cries out, "Dear God, what is that thing?" will echo in your perfect ears. That is what "to the pain" means. It means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in freakish misery forever. It's possible, pig, I might be bluffing. It's conceivable, you miserable vomitous mass, that I'm only lying here because I lack the strength to stand. Then again, perhaps I have the strength after all. DROP YOUR SWORD!

Yes, I think that would work out nicely, very nicely indeed.

The Boy is back.

Yes you heard it right, after months of staring at books, studying cadavers and all things that are strange. The boy is back and blogging up a storm, umm, well a small one. Glad to see you have survived the semester!

We all need a little evil in our lives, and a good honking dictionary.

[cackling madly with glee]

Dictionary needed! I should not be allowed in the comment boxes unless I have a dictionary on hand. I have left a plethora of spelling mistakes on many a page in the past few days. I have misspelled names, places and words have been written haphazardly squished together to form incomprehensible sentences. For those of you who have had to suffer my unintelligible sloppy writing I beg forgiveness and promise that I will try to have a dictionary or kick arse spell checker look over my words before I post. Thank you all so much. M.

Stuck In the middle with you.

The east sure can party, now it's up to the west to show that they can too.
As for me, well;

Well, I don't know why I came here tonight,
I got the feeling that something ain't right.
I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair,
And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs.
Bloggers to the left of me, Bloggers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.

Sucked in...

Neither Hugin nor I are big fans of The Amazing Race. Wednesday nights are pretty much reserved for the West Wing, some gaming and web hoping. Tonight for some inexplicable reason I got sucked right into it. I must admit that though I find that the contestant can be a little grating, the concept is an interesting one. Hugin just pointed out that the show's back on. Teasing imp. Oh got to go the show's back on.

Damn Straight!

Hugin thinks that I am being way too polite in my anger. I blame it on being Canadian. Eh?!?

Yes, you have a Canadian Attitude. Is that okay?
You're a conciliatory, wishy-washy, igloo-living, army-lacking, gun-hating,
crossborder-shopping, politeness-overdoing, American-by-Association
Take the What the Hell Kinda Attitude is That? Quiz at aka cooties

So angry I could cry.

What is it about some people? What makes them feel like they have the right to treat people like crap, just because they believe that they are in position to do so? Just got a phone call from some idiot looking for someone who no longer lives here. The first thing the moron asks me after I tell them that the person no longer resides under this roof is; 'well when is he coming home?' Excuse me; I just said he is no longer living in this premises. The next thing he says is 'I have a feeling that he doesn't like me. Could it be that is why he is not calling back? Do you know if he doesn't like me and that's why he is not calling back?' WTF! How am I supposed to know that? When I respond that I couldn't comment on that, [who the fecking hell could?] he stated that he is going to take said person to court and hung up the phone! No goodbye, no sorry for disturbing you, just an aggressive angry voice and the sound of a phone being slammed down. Dear Mr. High and Mighty, thank you for your harassing manner, for your antagonistic tone and for being such a dick. It is my pleasure to inform you, that I will be contacting your manager and the ombudsman and lodging a formal complaint. I don't give a shit who you think you are, nor do I care how many credentials you carry about, they do not excuse your manners, they do not make you any better the anyone else they certainly do not allow you to treat people like crap. I hope that you will one day find yourself at the end of a similar conversation. I hope it makes you blubber and run screaming for your mommy, I hope it makes you feel like the insignificant piece of shit that you are and bursts the ego that you seem so willing to throw in everyone's face. In a nutshell, go to hell!

Zonking Eloquence:

Zonked. That is the extent of my eloquence tonight. Zonk, zip and bam. Nothing more, nothing less then this need to pass out to the drum roll of those words. Zonked out on the couch whilst watching X-Men! X-Men, not some slow taffy like movie where one is trapped, a fly in the long drawn out web of a plot. No I fell asleep watching X-Men, something went zip, my head went bam and the next moment the credits were rolling and Hugin was gently shaking me up so that he could transfer me to bed. Zonk, zip and bam, nothing more seems forthcoming... zonk.

Frigid.

Been mustering the courage to head on over to the bathroom and have a shower. Me body is not yet willing to deal with the shock that it will encounter due to the cold, artic water that has been left chilling overnight. The drain she won't be taking anything down and the tub is blocked. This morning is sure to start of with a bang. Well time to face the music, wish me luck. Perhaps, a cup of Joe before I go, that should help.

World Aids Day.

You think that it will never hit you; you believe that it will never affect you. That it will somehow manage to pass you by, that those you love will be hale, safe and sound. That they will never feel the pain of loosing someone to a disease that slowly takes their life away. Then one day you wake up to realize that the world you left behind when you were younger, the place of childhood memories has been ravaged by a disease that no man can control.

There are 40 million people living with aids worldwide, 29.4 million of them live in the countries that I spent my youth in. There are friends I have left behind, people who were so close as to be called family, that live in the fear that they may one day lose someone to a disease that does not discriminate. There are those that I have known who have lost someone dear to them, a mother, a sister, a child. There are those who I have never met who have lost whole families, who have lost friends, who live with the fear that they will be next.

I know you hear this so often as that it has become irritating, something that we scoff at on occasion, but I shall say it again, for it bears repeating. Be safe; take precautions, for I cannot bear the thought of losing any more of you.

For more information, there are some very good sites that deal with aids, providing information, guidance, sites where you can lend a helping hand;
*Background info @ BBC
*NAT
*Pediatrics Aids Foundation
*Aids memorial quilt
*CDC
*Aids 101
*Aids.org
*AEGIS
*John Hopkins
* The body.
*Aids online
*UN Aids.

Movie Night on the bough.

Hugin: feel like watching a movie?
Munin: sure, that would be fun!

10 minutes pass; Munin's [that's me] is still blogging away.
Hugin: you ready yet?
Munin: almost...you?
Hugin: just about.

Hugin continues to play Starfleet Command III, Munin continues typing.
20 minutes pass.
Munin: So you wanna go watch movie?
Hugin: sure...
Munin: mmm'K just give me one more second.

Hugin proceeds to end game, starts looking for stuff online.
The second has now become 300 seconds
Munin: All done.
Hugin: gimme just a sec.

Some days we are just a little too addicted to our 'puters.

The Buffy Comparisons.

Hugin and I were discussing the various show we watch on the way home from downtown. There aren't very many. I think CSI, West Wing, an occasional ER viewing and Buffy would sum up what we watch nicely. [Other then that we are movie freaks.] Somehow, we landed trying to compare the characters within the various shows, and see what similarities we could come up with [Buffy in comparison to Grissom], who could replace who in which show [Willow in Sarah Sidle's role], wondering if the various characters would work well within a different environment. This inadvertently led up to Winnie the Pooh. Yes you heard it right, Winnie the Pooh. We were trying to figure out if the cast of characters would fit nicely into Pooh's world. We settled on the fact that Willow is very much a piglet, and that Gilles is very much an Owl, I think that Tara made a good Kanga and Hugin thinks that Xander is a good Eeyore which leaves Buffy as Tigger and Spike out in the cold. I really can't see Spike as one of the 100 acres characters there is something wrong about a vampire being a pooh character.

Our fist thoughts with CSI were that Catherine would have to be Kanga, but then you land in an interesting predicament. There are not enough female pooh characters, there is in fact just one. So who would Sarah Sidle be then? Hugin thought it would be a hoot if Pooh was Grissom, except instead of having a degree in entomology, he'd have a PhD in honey. [Occasionally we are a little quirky] Greg is definitely Tigger material and Brass makes a good Eeyore. As for the others we were not sure which roles to ascribe to them.

West Wing is a little tougher, we both agreed that Toby made a good Eeyore, but we weren't quite sure what to do with the other characters. Again, Kanga is the only female character, so would CJ fill the role? What do you do with Donna and Mrs Bartlett then? Donna's a little like Piglet, though Hugin thought Donna may be a bit more of a Rabbit, [Rabbit to me will always classify a mildly neurotic personality] but many of the characters on West Wing are mildly neurotic if not quirky. Then who would Bartlett be? Pooh? Tigger? Owl? Probably Owl. Though Leo seems to be more of an Owl. That leaves Josh, Sam, and Charlie and I have no idea how to personify them in terms of Pooh. Anyone got any ideas?

For those interested in forensic entomology, here are a couple of links. [not for the faint of heart or the squeamish]

The Warm Plains of Canada?!?

Upon hearing that we would be leaving the plains of Africa, I took my mother aside and made her promise me that the next place we would live in would be as warm and sunny as the place we were leaving. What does she do?

She bundles me up in layers of clothing and takes me to one of the colder places on the face of the earth! A place where it snows seven months out of twelve, where the wind can freeze the tip of your nose in a heartbeat and icicles hang from your tongue!

The truth be told I love the snow, I love walking down the streets watching it gently dance down to the ground in big fluffy flakes. I love it watching out the window as it comes hurtling down in little tiny icicles, covering the street, glimmering in the light, stars on the black asphalt. That icy coldness that seems to accompany these long, long winters that I can't stand.

subafed?!?

Anyone got an extra nasal passage to spare? Any old one will do, I am not terribly picky at this point in time. Just as long as it's unclogged, clean and doesn't go drippity drip.

Break out the Geritol!

Robyn's no longer a 20 something, go and give her some love! Happy 30th birthday Girl! Wishing you a super duper birthday with many more to come!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the

Happy Thanksgiving to all the yanks out there! May your thanksgiving be filled with joy, happiness and all that is good!

Back to the grind.

Things you do when sick because you really don't want to admit to the fact that the cold fiends have declared war whooped your arse and won. Sorted out sock drawer and underwear drawer. Found spare holy socks, they make great sock puppets. Folded laundry. Made CD for work. Cleaned out old and aging files sitting on 'puter. In addition to that, I managed to empty two boxes of Kleenex. Stare blankly at computer screen for several minutes at a time. Pass out on couch numerous times whilst attempting to watch 3 movies, drank inordinate amounts of tea and then became intimately acquainted with toilet seat due to tea. Today we shall be attempting to repeat some of the above at work. Though I don't believe that there are many couches on which I can pass out on, nor any really good movies to be watched. I guess I will just have to settle for the tea, the toilet and the many minutes of blankly staring at a screen.

Something to wile away the hours

Hugin left this before he headed out to work this morning. Thank you love, they made the day go faster! [mwah]

And there was tea, and pillows and the world flowed with crumpled Kleenexes.

Feeling a might bit better today, less delirious though bed ridden, which in itself has caused guilt for not being at work, hunched over the computer, sneezing and being miserable there. It is amazingly silly how quickly one becomes indoctrinated to the notion that no matter how poorly you are feeling, you have to get your little arse out of bed and back to work to become one with the corporate machine. Yes, we little cogs are quite good at feeling the pressure from the big gears. Making sure we clock in the appropriate hours, keeping hale and fit as to not miss a beat and clog up the well-greased machine that is cooperate America. They say we live a better life, they say our quality of life is greater then other nations. We have more, we live longer, and we earn more. But do we get to enjoy any of it? Pah I say to that ideology. Pah I say. Give me my coconut-laden beach, and hut by the sea any day. Give me my backpack, a map and places to see and I'll be content. The only problem is you got to get the money to get the coconuts.

Arse Whooping.

The cold fiends are whooping my arse. They have invaded my sinuses and are slowly taking over the rest of my body. They are taunting me with moments of absolute unsneeziness only to throw me into a whole fit of them a moment later. But I will vanquish them yet! Oh yes I will, I will send them scampering off with their tails between their legs. Granted I think I may be just a wee bit delirious, but I am sure that the tea, garlic and vitamen C that Hugin has been shovelling my way may help.

Ike zis

nose: Hallo tobday we vill be talking 'ike zis.
brian: 'Ike zis?!?
nose: 'Ike zis.

Sniffles

Snuggled under blankets, tea on one side and a box of Kleenex on the other. The sniffles made their presence known sometimes this morning, running hot then cold, hot again only to discover that that wasn't much fun at which point they decided to got all drippy on me. I am hoping that their stay will be brief, I am not much of a host these days and fear that I will be lacking in much grace and courtesy, which will undoubtedly cause them to be unhappy little fiends. FEH! I say, that will teach them for dropping by unannounced!

Bane of my existence, well at least for today

There are some days where I just want to pummel anything that is Microsoft related into little pulpy bits.

IE6, the ever so wonderful software has decided that it is not going to accept cookies. Now it isn't doing this as a general blanket statement rule, in which nothing is being let through. Nope, it had decided to be a finicky, fastidious thing letting some certifications/cookies in while blatantly refusing others. There are no indications as to why the little scamp has decided that this was the weekend it was going to be difficult and it has given no reason or forewarning as to why it won't let the cookies through. Does anyone have any ideas as to what may be the cause?

In parting all I have to add is: Damn you Mr. Gates! Damn YOU!

Addendum: Sill no luck. We've tried a re-install, an over install. I am on the verge of attempting a complete over hall of my computer. Feck! Who said that you could choose which cookies/certificates that would be allowed on my computer. Who gave you the right to decide which sites I could access or not. Who said you could do that with out asking me for consent?!? Next time you design a web browser would you be so kind as to allow the user the option of determining what they would like to do with their software? Perhaps a little window indicating that the sight may not be secure, with a little ok button that they could depress if they wanted to continue on. Would that be such a difficult request? No?!? I didn't think so!

Pizza for IDF!

Michele and Tanya have put together a fund to send pizza to the IDF.

It may not sound like much, but it is. Go on, get, go give them a hand.

Perhaps a little word or two before supper?

Thanks to the wonderful coffee ring gals, I have become mildly [cough] completely [cough] addicted to this game. Before you go wild with excitement let me warn you in advance, this game is not guaranteed to wow you with its graphics, nor is it going to keep your trigger finger happy. It is nothing more then a word game but a rather addictive one at that.

I have this uncontrollable liking for letters be their figures round or slim, squat or long, short or tall, dotted or not, possessing little hangy bits or naked and sleek. I love throwing them together and seeing what I come up with, rolling the words about my mouth, tasting them, feeling them and then finally giving them voice with my breath. The sounds emitted can send me into delighted convulsions as the words vibrate off my tongue. Certain sounds will get me more then others, the soft roll of an r, the light whisper of an o, the harsh sound of an f.

There is also a particular manner of vocalization; an accent or an emphasis that is placed at certain point along the word will cause me to swoon, and all at once I will find myself to be a pliable thing, weak in the knees at your complete beck and call. What can I say; I find words to be incredibly sexy.

Fellow Canadian Seeks Fame. Please

Please go help him out.Mike needs to be famous... and fast.

Open letter to the clients that be

You'd figure that two weeks would be sufficient for two people to correct one drawing, find at least, most of the errors and have it all ready to go a couple of days before it was due. Nope, no such luck, after two weeks, and what I am assuming to be at least five revisions each, they have finally gotten back to me with a barrel full of changes on the day that the drawing was suppose to be released. Two BLOODY weeks! [sputter] It does NOT take someone two weeks to correct a four-paged detail drawing; at most it should only take two days. [growl]

Don't get me wrong; I appreciate the fact that you are busy and cannot always give the drawing more then a passing glance. And yeah it's more work for us, which at least ensures that I get to keep my job. However, the fact that I am wasting not only my own time but also yours frustrates me beyond comprehension. Don't get me started about how much money you are wasting. I am a contractor, which means that you, the client will pay through the nose to obtain my services. In the future it would be greatly appreciated if you the client could ensure that I am not wasting your time or mine for I shall not be held responsible for the wrath that will ensue as I blast you to high hell and explain in explicit detail the reasons why the bill is so god damn high. Thank you.

great wide yonder

I grew up in a household, where geography, culture and a sound knowledge of the mysteries of the great wide yonder were important. The world was a giant map and my mother was set to travel as many of its paths as humanly possible. Such being the case I was lucky enough to be schlepped around the world by my mother. How can a 3 year old argue when their mom picks them up and throws them into the car laden with books and toys? One cannot very well stamp ones feet at that age and demand to stay at home. So off we would go and my mom would teach me as many things as she could about the places we trod across and the people we met. I think it is for this reason that I find the below so disconcerting. I find it sad to know that we have become so complacent in our search for knowledge, and I find somewhat disheartening to know that we no longer look beyond our own back yard. There is a world out there to experience; its beauty is rich and divergent. Why would anyone not want to see or learn about at least a little part of it?

11% of Americans could not

11% of Americans could not find America. Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed could not find the Pacific Ocean, the world's largest body of water. 56% of Americans were unable to locate India, home to 17% of the world's population. That is somewhat disconcerting.

Think you are smarter then the average bear try this link.

Tired, and then some...

Trying to amass enough energy to transcribe the thoughts scattering about my brain down unto "paper", just bone tired and all that seems to come out is a long drawn out blank. The worlds a teetering and a tottering, going spinney spinney and the keyboard looks like a mighty good place to rest me head. Must resist the temptation, must type. Nope, not going to happen tonight. The bed is a calling, the soft fluffy down duvet are gently whispering my name and the pillows siren song is lulling me to sleep.

As a side note: Hugin has now compared me to Catti-brie, something about me sounding like a dwarf when I am tired. HUMPH!

[Yet another link for Catti-brie, couldn't resist]

No shower for us!

Due to overcast skies and living in the midst of the city where the lights shine all dog day long we did not get to see the Leonid Shower . This has left me in somewhat of a pout, as I was looking foreword to sitting outside and watching the sky. There is something magical about meteor showers; the incredible raw beauty of the sky alight with diamond like particles streaming across the blackness that leaves you breathless, feeling somewhat insignificant as you gaze in awe at the grandeur of the universe. Did anyone manage to see the showers?

Blocks

This is, well the only words immature as they are that seem to want to escape my lips are, way cool man! But, hey it is. I remember the hours I would spend as a youngster letting my imagination run wild, stacking Lego's helter-skelter one atop the other. I would build castles, houses and cars. Sometimes my imagination would lead to more fiery endeavours and I would attempt to build the impossible; a dragon or some twisted monster it's claws long and extended. Other days, I would simply place the Lego's on atop the other and see how high I could stack them before the whole tower toppled over. I miss my Lego days, if only I could get my hands on a whole bunch of Lego I could wile away the hours and perhaps attempt the construction of this and that.

Much Belated Happy Birthday.

Somehow in the middle of everything we managed to forget a birthday. So without further ado, a stupendous Happy Birthday goes out to Quisguillous. Happy Birthday dear friend. It's a week late but the wishes are the same; happiness, love, health and all things wonderful. Now git outtah 'ere and give 'er some love.

Moving Day

Spent the day moving friends from one little shared apartment to a gorgeous condo. Aside from the complaining of sore muscles, the aches of old decrepit backs and joints, [yes, we are both quite over the hill at the tender age of thirty [wry smile]] the move went quite well, nothing was broken and nobody was gravely injured. Which is a good thing because we woke up this morning to snow. Lots of white fluffy stuff falling from the skies, gathering in little mounds and making the long contorted steep metal fire escape slick and slippery. The boxes where a challenge, as you had to balance them in one hand using the other hand to keep you upright, as you tried to maneuver yourself down icy steps, which either dipped wildly or twisted off to the side. The fridge, stove, washer, dryer and armoire though, were frightful. I hope never to experience watching two people balance the former as they inched their way down icy steps again. I think next time, we'll all chip in, hire movers and make sure that they move in the summer.

Grump

Am grumpy tired, at the point of fidgeting and fighting with myself. Can't seem to sit still and clothes have become uncomfortable itchy things, sitting neither here nor there and are slowly accumulating in a pile at my feet. Had a long frustrating day where nothing seemed to go right. The kind of day where you just want to tell the world to go hell in a handbag and take the tea cozy with it. Can't fully think beyond these 5 little thoughts; tea, couch, Hugin, snuggle, sleep. Hugin has just gotten up to put the kettle on for tea, but refuses to go beyond dropping the tea bag into mug. Something about putting stuff in it, quantities and well stuff. Now he's muttering something that seems to include the words; Munin, stubborn, and couch. Dizzy. Think will go see couch now.

Why don't you go help these nice ladies out, hurry there isn't much time left.

[I would like to state for the record that being something of a perfectionist and wanting to make Munin happy that I did not want to misproportion the tea. There, said it. - Hugin]

Fairy Wishes

I would like to be creative, inspired; an imaginative flighty fey
I would like to be verbose, well spoken; a witty silver tongued beast
I would like to astound you with my knowledge, notions and ideas;
an eloquent, well-read owlish fiend.

In my minds eye I see these things, to me they are images and not the words written upon a page. The colours are vibrant, at times whimsical and the lines vary for the lightest of touches to the boldest of strokes. I have trouble conveying what my imagination beholds; I lack the ability to put into words what I see. If I could talk in pictures, doodling the images as they came to mind I believe I could be the eloquent silver-tongued fiend showing you the wonders I perceive.

The fairy sits upon a limb, silver grey against the darkness. Her slight form is lightly hunched, knees drawn up to chin. Her wings unfurled, transparent, catch the moonlight, diamond like jewels. The beast is crouched; powerful shoulders hunched, snow-white fur raised against his back, ice blue intelligent eyes filled with laughter. The tongue, long, is flicked upward, white silver in the dying northern lights. The owl sits upon a bough amongst the thick green foliage, its head is lightly turned surveying the world below it. The knowledge of ages written upon its features, eyes piercing behold the passage of time.

The words seem not to do the images justice, they are flat, stark black against the white, lacking in texture, in form and vividness. Perhaps one day I will learn to draw with words, for now they are fairy wishes.

We have no Bananas today!

That is it, that is all. That is the sum of my creativity this morning. Nothing more to see here, move along these aren't inspirations you were looking for. Oh, but before you go, could you just leave that cup O'Java. I promise I'll be nice to it. All I need is a little sip. Honest.

Dark Dreams

My nightmares are back; dark dreams of twisted metal, me fighting for control, trying to ensure that everything is going to be ok. That everyone will survive, that we will land safely, walk away and live rich full lives. I don't want to remember the details of these dreams, of the terror that I feel in them. I just want to go about my day and forget that they have ever happened. I want to pretend that I only dream of warm cuddly things, but I can't. Every so often the images slam into my conscious thoughts and I remember. I remember the fear, and all I want to do is curl up into a tight little ball and cry. I pray to all the gods that be that these dreams will never become a reality.

Hey! You! I'm talking to you!

Somehow I managed to sprain the middle finger and ring finger of my mouse hand, don't ask me what I was doing I just woke up in the morning and realized that it was a little sore and tender. Perhaps it was in the middle of a vivid dream in which I was gesticulating madly, trying to convey my meanings as I wildly waved at some imaginary fiend, or perhaps I was angry and was sorely attempting to tell someone off using every hand gesture I could think of. Or maybe, just maybe, it was another sort of dream, one that required a plethora of intricate hand movements. Though in all likely hood, it was probably me being my usual klutzy self, writhing about in bed trying to find a comfortable spot. It should make for an interesting workday though; mousing is going to be quite a challenging endeavour.

In remembrance

In remembrance for those who gave their lives defending the freedoms of others, lest we forget.

Gentle Giants

Gorillas have always held a special place in my heart; they are wonderful kind intelligent beings who are quickly loosing their natural environment due to the encroachment. Tiny has this link up on his site and it reminded me of my fascination with them. I remember being younger and watching a documentary about Koko, I remember the inspiration that came with it, the desire to learn more about them and the feeling of a need to protect them. Anyways, the site has more information, go see, read, be inspired.

For the Boobies.

What are you waiting for? Get yourselves over to Robyn's page and help her with two great causes! Quit lily gagging this is important! Now scat.

*Please note that some of the above links are not work or children safe.

The Sundries.

Had a most delightful conversation this evening with a dear friend. It was one of those "talks" in which the melding of views leaves you invigorated, introspective and brimming with ideas all at the same time. There are avenues of thoughts that I have not explored in a dogs age, and topics of discussion that I would love to explore further. My brains is so full with notions and ideas at this moment that I am at a loss as how to place them down in a cohesive manner, so for now, I'll depart from that path and leave you with some sundries.

One of the joys of moving into a new place is being able to fill it up with things that you either need, due to the fact that you got rid of it during the last move since your flatmate deemed it too old and decrepit to be in his presence, or things that you really want but are truly quite frivolous. This being said the following is a list of some things that are needed, and some that are just silly, that Hugin and I put together. [* Indicates that this items has since been acquired. This is actually an older list that we put together and that I had meant to post quiet a while back. Ah yes, the joys of being a first rate procrastinator]

* A new Couch: Having acquired said couch I can honestly say that it is very comfy, great for snuggling up on, and the hidden bed is a godsend for those nights when you want nothing more then to splay out like the vegetable you are and watch a movie.

Chairs! The lack of chairs in this flat is rather disconcerting. We have a grand total of two chairs. Yes 2 chairs in this household. Hugin's heart is very much set on this one, though I fear he'll have to wait just a little, tinsey while longer as I don't foresee being able to scrape together the necessary funds yet.

*A TV, though we would really like a 50" flat screen, thank you very much!

DVD player. Something that any good movie watching/ DVD addicted household shouldn't be without.

*Toaster: Mmmm bagels hot and toasted, slathered in cream cheese. What else do you really need a toaster for? [Thanks to me mom we are currently the proud owners of a toaster oven]

*Coffee machine though an espresso machine would be quite yummy indeed.

Laundry basket : Our floor is currently home to most of our clothing whether they be clean, mildly grimy or just plain dirty. However this is a service I'd pay for.

*Pots and Pans: the original set was one of my mom's hand me downs, a set that has been around for about 25 years. If I get my way one day I would love to own a set of these.

*Spring foam pans. You can't have enough spring foam pans for cheesecake.

30 gallon aquarium for our one and only fishy.

Bar stools just cause we think that they are swanky and fun to have around.

Set of Henckel knives

Cushions 'cause dang does our floor ever get cold!

And last but not least a honking, brand spanking new Cat litter box

... I want to be loved by you...

The song "I want to be loved by you is running through my head for some unfathomable reason. The worst of it all is that along with the song there is a little Betty Boop dancing along, strutting her stuff and belting out the lyrics. I must be sicker then I thought, or someone has switched the Tylenol with some really funky stuff. Well if you can't shake it you just got to go with the flow.

I wanna be loved by you,
just you and nobody else but you
I wanna be loved by you
alone poo poo pi doo

Just you
[mwah]

Life through a camera's eye.

So after a year and a half of procrastination have finally gone to pick up my camera from the shop. Seriously it's been over a year and a half that my camera has been with the repair guy. I love this camera, I "inherited' it from my mother. It's an old Pentax that has seen much of the world. It has traveled through some of the deepest regions in Africa, has made it way through Europe and parts of North America. It has been left on a roof of a car once, while my mother sped off and yet has still survived the passage of time. One of the things that I love about this camera is that it makes a wonderful rich clicking sound each time you snap a picture. I also love the fact that it is fully manual, as I have never enjoyed into taking pictures with the new automatic cameras [though do I love my old flatmates' digital one]. Perhaps it is because the newer cameras lack the noise or perhaps it is because I need to feel the cameras mechanism react as I depress the button, feel the grinding of the gears when I wind the film, and feel the vibrations as it slides the film over, ready for the next shot

Feh!

I shake my fist and say feh to the Weather Gods! Silly kniggits what have you done with autumn? Winter does not bloody well follow summer, it's freezing over here! Now go set things right!

Pass the Beer Nuts Please!

Man, do I ever suck at this game! I am much better at quarters! Spent a better part of my Uni years playing quarters. We'd sneak out of our Friday afternoon tutorials and scoot downstairs to the local pub, order a few pints and flip quarters for the better part of the afternoon. Looking back it all seems a little lame, but at the time it allowed for countless hours of brainless fun.

Do I dare?

This looks like it can be oodles of fun, but do I dare risk the addiction? Maybe just a little try, it couldn't hurt, could it? I quit any time, couldn't I? [ gazes pathetically at Hugin with a "I'm in need of addictive game" look ] What do you think?

Freedom of thought

There seems to be a growing trend of slandering people for their views. I have only one thing to say in light of this, if you do not agree with the person or have a growing dislike for them don't read their page! There is a little "x" on the top right corner of any web page that is quite effective at removing what you may consider to be offensive material from your sight. Use it! But, don't slander them publicly and don't make attempt to make them feel small or throw hurtful remarks, that is cowardly, cruel and lacking in huge amounts of tact and human decency. It is not for you to decide what content should be posted on their personnel space. It is for them and them alone. That is their space and they have the right to post whatever they damn well please, be it their political views, their hopes and aspirations or what they had for lunch.

My kudos and support go out to all who have the guts to post their views, and to those who have the chutzpah [and I mean it in all sincerity] to voice what they feel whether it be popular or not.

bit o' us.

A little bit of us, courtesy of Christine and Picture Yourself

Damned Little Cold Fiend.

Having recently vacated my lower half the fiend has now taken up residence in me head. He's been having himself a righteous good time, bashing away at the Congo Drums, throwing himself at the sides my cranium, careening of my brain and making it all the worse for wear. I fear that he may be there for a while, as the eviction notices have gone unanswered and the poor messengers have been thrown from the battlements.

To the imp who's currently wrecking havoc on my stomach/ intestines.
Please be advised that it is not a skate park where you can run amuck popping wheelies and loop-d-loops! Nor is it some insane form of Ferris wheel/ Roller Coaster on which you can drop and spin at whim. If you would kindly please leave the premises I would be most obliged. Oh, and could you take your mangy MUTT with YOU, I am tired of it gnawing on me joints!

Why?

The world spins further into turmoil, its innocence bludgeoned by greed and power. People terrorised by those who cannot/will not respect life. Nightly news, flashes of pain and suffering. The idealistic child stands amidst the rubble and demands to know why!
Why do we hate so much?
Why are we so zealous in our need to destroy, to corrupt, to subjugate?
Why cannot we live together, peacefully?

No answers are forthcoming; the child stands alone as the world slowly crumbles.

Fear of Exposure

Searching for inspiration, a new way of presenting thoughts and ideas. Am tired of the usual kvetching that has filled my entries as of late. There must be something more to discuss then the usual plethora of complaints that are dredged up on a daily basis. There are stories of childhood memories, soapbox views on the world, musing and mulling, thoughts on current affairs and silly occurrences. The only obstacles are the fear of exposure and the dread of rejection.

Fall Back.

Curled up in bed this morning debating what should be done with the extra hour. My mind convinced that it should be used for something constructive and creative, something that would be meaningful and allow me to feel as if I have accomplished something. It begun to spew plans of what this should be, sorting out the day into time slots, contemplating if I should set the clock back as soon as I get up or if I should set it back a little later when everything was in place to accomplish its goal. Thrilled, I was all ready to spring out of bed and face this new challenged, my traitorous body however, opted for more sleep.

All Done!

The week's finally over, the project's halfway done, one more week of rough waters until the next project rears its head. Happy for the weekend, happy to head home for a while and just kick back and relax, snuggle, play some games and enjoy the many joys of life.

Beloved;
I'm coming, i'm coming home to you
I'm alive I'm a mess
I can't wait to get home to you
To get warm, warm and undressed

Lyrics courtesy of Heather Nova ~ London Rain.

Eye of the viewer.

Thanks to VASpider I have found another Artist, whose work I seem to like. Granted some of it is a little stark/dark, but there is something that I find rather appealing [shrug]. Two of my favourites are "tonight I will retire" and "r u awake".

Babbling Mess

Being up at the wee hours of the morning is not at all contusive to any coherent thought. I have just left a most long-winded, babbling message on someone's answering machine. My only hope is that they manage to decipher my meaning, and get all the information that is needed as I really do not want to talk to this person again. Yes I know, I took the coward's way out but he really is not the nicest of people and any time I do speak to him I get all flustered and feel like an errant child. Maybe I should call back and leave another message to clarify what I meant. [pensive look] Nah, the Bugger can figure it out for himself.

Temperamental.

Computer at work is being a temperamental little twerp, not wanting to cooperate in any shape or form with the instructions/commands that I give it. It seems more content to select files at whim and take its sweet bloody time loading up said files. Nor does it seem willing to communicate efficiently with any of its parts. It no longer speaks to the mouse, the poor thing, and whenever I point and click at some view or line that I desire it blatantly ignores the dear and selects objects randomly.

Wilful thing, I'll show you who is who! Oh yes I will!