I think I'm going to attempt to add comments -- just for kicks. If they hamper load time too much, I may ditch them.

humanclock.com -- yet another something I wish I had thought of.


i'm a cat.what kinda pet are you?

Make that a tiger, and I'll be happy.

The reception was delayed for Vice President Cheney's entourage to go through Nashville. (Traffic was blocked so the band couldn't even get there.) He drove right past the hotel surrounded by lots of police and followed by an ambulance. (How disconcerting is that?)

Anyway, the thing was short and sweet. Those guys are so gracious.

(Eddie De Garmo said that I have a great phone voice and would do good in radio.) :)

Not a lot of time today -- I tried to update late yesterday afternoon, but it kept making my computer go into self-destruct. And on top of that, my personal email is broken and has been for the last day and a half. :(

Kev's going to New Orleans tomorrow, so I have to get a bunch of stuff ready for Paul. Then I get to knock off early to go to the Sparrow/ASCAP party for Newsboys honoring their record-setting single.

Look at Christopher's hard work on The Frequency website. Just don't complain about the size of the popup window.

Tennessee is supposedly voting on state income tax this morning. A lady came into Starbucks this morning just rip-roaring mad about the potential of having a 4.5% income tax. I swear she must have been on her way out to picket or something. This was my first year without having one. I found out yesterday that I am getting a 25% raise -- I have nothing to complain about.

Song for the Day:
Days Go By - Dirty Vegas
I hate that girl contorting in the Camry commercial... but the song is funky and the video is great.

"A flask I drink of sober tea" ~Massive Attack: Group Four

I love my Starbucks people. I'm not sure of the name of the guy I had today -- I think it's Ken though -- but anyway, he gave me an extra shot for my grande carmel frappuccino... and then he even gave me the extra in another cup... which made it essentially a venti. It was great. I needed that.

Did I mention that I currently have a six-foot cardboard cutout of Darth Maul in my basement? Got him from Ted. Scared the pants off of Tina Thursday night when I had him in the bathroom downstairs (and with the broken hall light down there, it sort of just looked like a giant floating red face in the bathroom). It was great. Anyway, today I got the light saber which had broken off earlier.

Shane & Christie are having a baby. Yay! I think I am going to get them the Baby's First Tattoo memory book. Filled places to record such important milestones such as:
• Baby's First Tantrum in a Crowded Grocery Store
• Baby's First Dirt-Eating
• Baby's First Test of Wills
• First Panic Call to Poison Control
• Baby's First Projectile Vomit
• Baby's 10,000th Dirty Diaper
• First Irreplaceable Heirloom You Broke
• Mom's First Sign of Sleep Deprivation
• Mom's First Talk with Dad About Getting a Nanny

(And on that note, my baby brother just got a tattoo.)

Song for the Day:
Daughter - Pearl Jam
Heard that on my way back to the office. Sometimes all you need it to hear that guitar outro to really brighten the day.

I've been biting my tongue on this issue for quite some time now, but today I'm in the mood to rant about it. I just marvel at the number of sites that I come across that link to Wil Wheaton's site. A phenomenon I like to refer to as The Cult of Wil. I don't get it. Blogdex lists 548 links to that site; Google lists 4,330. He gets hundreds of comments per entry... it blows me away.

I guess my main gripe is that, though he does have some profound entries at times, it is no more exciting than something by your average thinking blogger... and it really all goes back to that weird thing that happens to people when they have an encounter with a "celebrity". (Ooo... look at me, I'm linking to Wil Wheaton. He used to be on Star Trek, you know. -- Yeah, but does he read your page? Right, didn't think so.)

This could easily segue into a rant about why people feel the need to link a-listers like kottke and the rest, but I'll store up more ammunition before going off on that one.

Anyway... I love three day weekends. And I'm not even depressed about having to be back at work today -- because Friday is only three days away!

I watched the Trading Spaces marathon yesterday while I was finishing my skirt before going to the race. (What do you think the odds were that there would be a woman there in a shirt made from the exact same fabric?) There were some good ones in there. I love what Vern does.

Ugh... I'm uninspired. Time for lunch, perhaps?

Which Empire Records Character Are You?

I am 44% CANADIAN!!! (Take the Canadian-ness test)

crap, that sucks.


Take the "What Kind of Southerner Are You?" Test!
(I rigged that one.)

This is kind of sad. As if marriage/divorce were not taken casually enough before... now you can complete all the paperwork you need to get your divorce online at this website. I hesitated to actually link the site lest it be confused for my supporting it... hmm. And this is the world we live in now.

On a happier note, I had the best time last night hanging out with June since Karl had to leave for LA. (She is singing Monday at the race. Cool.) We sat outside and chatted with their neighbors and then, after putting the kiddos to bed, we had a fun time with caesar salad and anthropologie.com. We also watched Someone Like You. (Hugh Jackman... mmm. I am eagerly anticipating X²!)

I love knowing people I can call at 2 am without thinking twice about it.

I went to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival this afternoon. I dressed up with an outfit I've been just waiting to wear to one of these. I went alone for lack of having anyone in town who wanted to go, but I had a great time nonetheless. I ruined my black boots in the process however. :( The grounds were absolutely beautiful though. Just perfect. I have to say that I believe it was better than Minnesota's Ren Fest, although I didn't like the goblets as much.

Thanks to the Dialectizer, here is the above paragraph in Cockney:
I went ter the Tennessee Renaissance Festival this afternoon. I dressed up wiv an outfit I've been just waitin' ter wear ter one of these. I went alone for lack of 'avin' any fairy in tahn 'oo wanted ter go, but I 'ad a great time noneffeless. I ruined me black boots in the Rudolf 'Ess 'owever. :( The grounds were absolutely beautiful fough. Just perfect. I 'ave ter say that I believe it were better than Minnesota's Ren Fest, alffough I didn't like the chuffin' goblets as much.

I bought a twister at the RenFest... knowing full well the opportunities to actually wear it will be few and far between. Oh well... maybe if I get to Cornerstone this year or something like that.


What domain extension are you? (The anglophile in me cheered at that result.)

I missed a call from a certain foreigner. :( Twice. :( Sad.

Tonight I listen to Paris Combo. I can listen all night... as loud as I want... why? you ask. BECAUSE I'M HOME ALONE -- Yay!

I'm waiting for my green-india-dyed-with-suns fabric to dry at the moment. Persuant to Lisa's suggestion, I am making a wrap skirt with that piece.

I'm also using this weekend of solitude to redo my room (and hopefully unpack some of those boxes that are still in the garage -- how long have I lived here?). I want to put up a sort of wire "clothesline" from my closet doorframe to my door doorframe, and then use mini clothespins to hang photos across that wallspace. (A trick stolen directly from Gen on Trading Spaces.) I'm going to paint the clothespins matte silver or maybe lavendar though.

In Swedish-Chef:
I'm elsu useeng thees veekend ooff suleetoode-a tu redu my ruum (und hupeffoolly unpeck sume-a ooff thuse-a buxes thet ere-a steell in zee gerege-a -- hoo lung hefe-a I leefed here-a?). I vunt tu poot up a surt ooff vure-a "cluzeesleene-a" frum my cluset duurffreme-a tu my duur duurffreme-a, und zeen use-a meeni cluzeespeens tu hung phutus ecruss thet vellspece-a.

Okay enough of that.


Find your emotion!

I taste like Bread. I am a staple in almost everyone's diet. Friends like me are a complement to any other friends I get on with almost everyone, remaining mostly in the background, but providing substance when it would otherwise be lacking. What Flavour Are You?

Friday Five
1. What's the last vivid dream that you remember having?
Hmm... it was the other night. It involved riding in a car with a couple people I know. Then there was something about moving into this house amidst several assisted-living homes for mentally handicapped people. I think there was a tiger in there too somewhere. (I really need to lay off the late night caffeine.)

2. Do you have any recurring dreams?
I used to have one all the time that took place in the basement of where my parents' house used to be. But it was like a glass maze that I had to crawl through.

3. What's the scariest nightmare you've ever had?
I really can't recall any scary dreams at all.

4. Have you ever written your dreams down or considered it? Why or why not?
I used to when I was around 12 years old. Of course, that was when I was aspiring to be a writer anyway, so any material was worth writing down to me.

5. Have you ever had a lucid dream? What did you do in it?
I feel like I have them all the time, because I hate having to actually end my dreams when my alarm goes off.


take the non-offensive quiz.

I didn't go to see Cake last night.

Remember the E.T.'s that made a cameo appearance during a Senate scene in The Phantom Menace? Well, there are a few hidden gems in Attack of the Clones as well. I love the last one! :)

NYC is a no go. :( They took too long deciding and the opportunity slipped away. Some crappy band probably got in first.

I guess I'm going to the Darrell Waltrip Grand Prix at the Factory on Monday. Newsboys got a car, and I think Beth is going to be the flag girl. I don't know who is driving yet, but they wanted Karl to do it. I'll drive! I'll drive! I hope they are in the 3:00 race, or I don't think I'll be awake for it.

I think I'll spend today updating websites. At least I get paid by the hour on that stuff.

Oh yeah... my new favourite cd is one I picked up at 1st Co. the other day -- Rivertribe. They are amazing.

Oh wow. We just got an amazing offer that the guys don't know if they are going to take yet... but it could be huge! If they take it, I am so finding a way to get to this one. Sunday night. New York City. Yankee Stadium. 11,000 service men and women. + A few other notable attendees. But shhh... don't say anything yet. :)

I saw a real live poppy last night. Apparently Lisa had jumped out of the van and picked some on the side of the interstate. They are everywhere down here, but I had never seen one close up. It's amazing how they really look like those paper ones that you get on Veteran's Day.

While walking back from Starbucks yesterday afternoon, Ted, Karl & I had a great idea for a new television show. A combination of The Practice, Ally McBeal, and Making the Band... it would be a show about entertainment law. We are going to get Steve Taylor to film the pilot, and of course, we are going to get Jon Bon Jovi to gueststar. :)

David Blaine's Vertigo is on tomorrow night, which means he's probably getting ready to climb that tower right about now. He's a little different... but very cool.

On that note, Rumsey has become quite the magician. He did a really good one for me last night that still has me perplexed.

Song of the Day:
Magic - Olivia Newton John

*sigh*

We're having a 24 season finale party tomorrow night. I wonder who will show up -- anyone who speaks gets booted.

I love Non Sequitur... and every once in a while a real gem comes through. I especially love the "Great Moments in Tech Support" they throw out every once in a while.
~ ...reinstall...
~ ...according to the manual...
~ ...the problem is on your end...



I'm a beam person!
What gymnastics even best suits YOU? Find out!

take the antisocial test.

haha... that part about throwing the phone out the window is so me. and people wonder why I don't have a cellphone!

Lisa called me from NC tonight and asked me to tape the X-Files season finale, but I just realized that I messed up. We thought it started at 8:00 instead of 7:00. Oops. Well, at least I got the finale of the finale.

I have introduced another to the wonders of blogging... welcome Ern... and Tasheesh as well, for that matter. :)

Hey... just found this link to a site with all of the M.A.S.K. toys on this guy's page. Man, I need to dig through my boxes in the garage and find my VHS tapes of that series. Jay and I found out it wasn't necessarily as good as we had remembered, but still....

(Sidenote: I just had a somewhat bizarre conversation with someone using only lines from Michael Jackson songs.)

Take the Which Repulsive Food Item Are You? quiz.

Would you spend $15.95 for a Star Wars Lego Pen? I'm not sure exactly what the point is, but hey... it's Legos and Star Wars -- perfect combination.

We had Karl's surprise 40th birthday party tonight. 80's theme. (In tribute to his rocker days.) It was great. He was so surprised... and of course, we got in trouble for being such wonderful liars. :) So many people turned out... it was really sweet.


I'm exceptionally artistic! Find your soul type.


Take the "What kind of cone are you?" Test


what kitchen utensil are YOU?

A fridge is a utensil now? *makes mental note*

Beth and I watched the new Keith Green DVD when we got home tonight. (Problem is, we don't have a dvd player, so I took the rca cable from my stereo and connected this handy computer gadget to the vcr... but didn't have the right cord for the sound... so it was a little weird, but no less effective.)

Heard Thux telling of a really horrendous evening when he and Recah were attacked by an ostrich. Only in South Africa, I tell you.

Speaking of, I am nearly finished with Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight -- Alexandra Fuller's memoir on her childhood in Africa. It has been a really interesting read. I sometimes dislike how she interrupts one train of thought to tell another story without making clear when that story stops and is back on first story... but other than that, I love it.

The next book in line is Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. Levi was telling us about it last week. It's apparently written for men... but he said that women could get a lot out of it too. The back cover says... "In Wild at Heart, John Eldredge invites men to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God. And he invites women to discover the secret of a man's soul and to delight in the strength and wildness men were created to offer."

Here's a fun waste of time via Plurp (who you can also thank for the test below): Kharon I guess it is a game... although I am giving up right now, because I couldn't find the lightswitch and ended up stuck in another room.


Find Out If You Are John Stamos!

I see my post from yesterday disappeared into blog limbo. Oh well, I just said that I was tired. The movie was amazing. And that I would post more later.

I still don't have time to go into depth of how beautiful Attack of the Clones is... but go see it, if you haven't already!

Yay -- Kim sent me this photo down below today! A bunch of my classmates and I got together on Christmas Eve. (Pictured: back - Amanda, Kim; front - Dave's wife, David, Michael, Nate, me, Barbara, Marsha, & Jess.)



New IMPROVED Friday Five
1. What shampoo do you use? Goodness... I'm a shampoo rotater. I rarely use the same one two days in a row. Vital Nutrients, Nexxus, Biolage, Aveda, Redken, Bed Head. I'm a salon brand girl.
2. Do you use conditioner? What kind? A couple times a week... only on the ends, else it makes it too flat. Vital Nutrients, Redken, Bed Head, or that red color-enhancing junk.
3. When was the last time you got your hair cut? The last time I saw my sister -- December 29th.
4. What styling products do you use? Sheesh... depends on the day. Sometimes mousse, sometimes spray gel, most often that Redken liquid cement stuff... unless I blow it dry, then there is a whole other array of products.
5. What's your worst hair-related experience? My life has been a series of bad hair-related experiences. It has a mind of its own. I really can't be bothered with it.

I have in my possession three tickets to Star Wars Episode II - showing tonight... at 12:01. We're staking out the place starting at 11:15... since we have a large crew going... me, 2 roommates, 1 kiwi, 3 beanbaggers, 1 mt, 1 rumsey, 1 rod laverer. I volunteer to sit alone if it comes to splitting up. No one to talk to me then... though it is always nice to have an arm to grab if it should get a little tense.

I think this is the first (and hopefully only) time I wish I was Canadian. "Kellogg Canada will be helping Canadian Star Wars fans prepare for Attack of the Clones with limited edition Episode II interactive premiums in specially marked boxes of cereal and a new Kellogg's Star Wars cereal."

I don't want to think about fans today. I refuse. (But everything is much better... thanks for the post, T!)

(Yes, feel guilty, Tash. :P I actually think we found him a decent-paying gig that might keep him stateside.)

The moment we've all been waiting for -- Sony cuts PlayStation 2 price. Still a little rich for my blood. (Considering the current state of my vehicle situation.) But it's becoming more of an option, that's for sure.

So I am sitting here thinking about how much I hate confrontation and how much of a pacifist I am... and now the lyrics from Red Hot Chili Pepper's song "Pea" are stuck in my head. How horrible -- and yet hilarious at the same time. In the words of Rodney King, "can't we all just get along?"

Forgot to mention that I watched the Star Wars Fan Film Awards on Sunday night. I had seen several of them before, but it was a good time nonetheless. Kevin Smith is just funny anyway.

Eagerly awaiting Episode II. Sad thing is that none of my friends who truly appreciate the Force are around here to go see it with me. Maybe I can convince Nate to come down for the weekend.

And I just saw that they are doing a movie of The Importance of Being Earnest... starring Rupert Everett , Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, et. al. That could be really good -- the show is quite hilarious. Erin and I saw it at the IRT right before I moved down here.

We watched the U2 Elevation Tour DVD last night. During "With or Without You", Bono pulls this girl up there, and they just laid on the heart-shaped walkway together. All in all, it was a bit weird to us. Especially when Mick chimed up with "Bet she never felt that way about a 40-year-old before." But overall, we gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up. And Lisa and I agreed that The Edge is the hottest. :)

This is pretty interesting. Surgeons are trying to reconstruct the face of a suspected suicide bomber who was blown apart in a terrorist attack that killed 14 people in Karachi last week. I can only imagine what a gruesome job that must be. Well, I guess no worse than any other medical profession... but still -- rather morbid, eh?

which Episode II character are you?
Probably the greatest Jedi Knight of all. Like Obi Wan, you are wise and keep your feet on the ground at all times. You will not be outsmarted by anyone. You are always faithful to your friends. Be careful though, danger lurks around every corner - you could even be betrayed by those closest to you.

Testdrove the beemer on Saturday. I'd look really good in that car!

Got my keyboard that day too. I need to limber up my fingers again... probably cut the nails too -- my teacher of thirteen years would cringe at their length.

I'm not ready for Monday... but woke up to a delicious thunderstorm -- though now it smells all wormy in here.

Camel crickets. Those are the mutant crickets I mentioned a while back. Tina knew what they were called. She killed two in the basement and left the carcasses there... to warn off other intruders perhaps.

I don't feel well. Three trips to starbucks and no food may be the cause, eh?


find your elementat mutedfaith.com.

I get probably five hits a week from people apparently in search of "Spongebob animated .gif"s... so here. I took it from Scott Ferguson, so thank him.

I should know better, but here's a random phrase I never thought I'd run into on the internet:
Why I've Appeared on Geraldo Rivera's Show 5 Times

I tried not to do it, but once I started, I couldn't stop... WWWF Grudge-Match.com
Current match: Adrian Cronauer vs. Dr. Johnny Fever

You should also check the archives for some other gems... such as Thundercats vs. Masters of the Universe, M*A*S*H vs. ER, Martha Stewart vs. Kathie Lee Gifford, MacGuyver vs. The A-Team, and many more.

I suggested Bob Ross vs. Christopher Lowell.


Which "Saved By The Bell" Character Are You?

I cannot believe I forgot to bring up this week's episode of 24... Dennis Hopper learned his lesson from Speed and shot the hostage this time. Was I the only one who caught that parallel?

Piano tabs. Interesting concept. We are bringing the keyboard and amp to my house this weekend. Yay!

I'm ready to mess around. First order of business will be figuring out that Vanessa Carlton song that is stuck in my head. (Though I found the main riff... see below.)



Resources:
~ 8notes - small selection of riffs and pieces -- free.
~ PianoTabs.net - decent selection of piano tabs, links to the sheet music, etc.
~ Chord House - great for finding the missing notes in obscure chords & scales, etc.
~ Tabology - Guitar tabs for the most part... but chords are useful. (Includes entire album Grace by Jeff Buckley.)
~ Radiohead for the Pianoforte - a few Radiohead songs written out note for note.
~ Musically Speaking - scores for a few artists' songs
~ NoteWorthy Composer - nice program for taking down music... especially since I am not sure what happened to all my manuscript paper. Need a registered version though, because the restrictions are going to get annoying.
~ Finale Notepad 2002 - "basic fun music notation software"

Which Woman of Beauty Are You?

Oh the excitement. How much can one handle?

On Sunday an airplane had to make an emergency landing back at the Nashville airport after losing an engine at take-off. They apparently had to circle the city for four hours to burn most of its fuel. Crazy.

Then yesterday, two banks were robbed, two Brentwood police officers were shot and the robbery suspect was killed... all not too far from here. Crazy.

Later yesterday, the guys got into a bit of an accident. Lost control and the trailer ended up snapping off and flipping three times before landing right-side up in the median. I was on stand-by to go get them, but they were able to tow the trailer back here. We then spent the rest of the night unloading the trailer (kind of like a giant game of jenga), checking for gear casualties, and loading it all into the bandwagon. Only a keyboard stand looked irreparable -- the rest looked a bit banged up, of course, but the cases did their duty. Today we set everything up and find out the real damage. We were out there until after midnight -- today I have a giant mystery bruise on the back of my knee. Crazy.

I went to the show in Kentucky on Saturday. It was a beautiful afternoon. .rod laver did a great cover of "Epic" by Faith No More featuring Hans. It was awesome... haha.

We all contributed our $6.50 to the Spider-Man world record opening weekend. (That link has some pretty incredible statistics, by the way.) Of course, finding twelve seats together was impossible, so I ended up in the second row with Lisa, Mick, Rudy, & Ryan.

I stayed the night with Mick & Lisa and drove back Sunday morning. That afternoon was the best. I took my cot outside on the porch, read my book, and fell asleep in the sun with only a little sunburn to show for it.


Take the "what cereal mascot are you" quiz

I got accused of never having watched an episode of Spongebob on Saturday. Psha! I think the accuser belongs to the Church of Spongebob.

Now here's an interesting place... TombTown.com: Virtual Home of the Living Impared.

Well, I join the lofty ranks of those in search of a new vehicle. Is it a bad thing when your auto mechanic (who should be scamming you out of money, just out of principal) suggests that you look into used cars instead of repairing everything they are finding wrong with your present vehicle? Yeah, I thought so too.

I don't even know what kind of car I want. I have had a Beretta of one colour or another since I was 18. I can't afford my dream car just yet... nor can I find one, for that matter. I think I would look good in a Volvo. :) I need a "which make/model car are you?" test.

*three minutes later*

Well, of course, there is one:

Which car are you?
I looked around for used cars a bit yesterday and found this one: 1989 BMW 325i 325i Convertible. It's beautiful. And less than $8000. What in the world is wrong with it?! That car should be mine, but I don't need another vehicle with issues.

RIP: Amana... white beretta... 181,000+ miles... you were good to me, even though I hated you.

(Going to the Kentucky show this afternoon. Michael needed to leave his car someplace, so I said he could leave it here if I could drive it this weekend. Lisa is riding up with me. It's a festival. Showtime 3:00. I think that we're all going to try to bust back here to try and see No Doubt at River Stages.)

Tennessee Renaissance Festival begins this weekend. I'll probably hold out until Memorial Day weekend for Celtic Music Weekend.

Song of the Day:
Hella Good - No Doubt

gush·i·mo·to
adj.
In deep smit; me. Proper usage:"You have never gone all gushimoto on me before."


You are the beautiful and compassionate Queen. You are the epitomy of what every woman should be. You are confident, bold, aggressive, smart, womanly and feminine. You know the right thing to do and do it. You command respect and earn praise. You are moral and loving. In times of trouble, you draw strength from within, and are a source of strength for others.
Which Royalty Are You? Find out!

And in honor of my breakfast this morning... animal cracker test!

Take the animal crackers test.

Beth and I are grilling maniacs. At least we were until the propane ran out. (Oops.) We attempted to grill corn on the cob. However, it just kind of burned and ended up tasting like burnt popcorn. (Go figure.) So I have found two recipes to try the next time:
Grilled Corn on the Cob (in husks)
Grilled Corn on the Cob (in aluminum foil)

I have a grandchild! I've been waiting for months for my creature on technosphere to give birth. Yay. It's so cute. :)

may·day
n.
An international radiotelephone signal word used by aircraft and ships in distress.

Hey Tash -- I'm Kermie!

	You are Kermit! Though you're technically the star, you're pretty mellow and don't mind letting others share the spotlight. You are also something of a dreamer.
Take the What Muppet Are You? Quiz!

We had our first dinner party at the house last night. Five guests: Lisa, Mick, Hans, Steve, & Levi. It was an adventure, to say the least. Levi put the grill together. Then it started to pour down rain. With the aid of my big umbrella, the chicken was grilled to perfection... almost.

Playing Taboo with three Australians and a Kiwi proved to be interesting. The best was Hans explaining the rules to Levi -- "Say the word was carpenter. You could say 'Jesus was a...', but you couldn't say 'it rhymes with barpenter.'" Then you have me on a team with all guys, and one of the words I get was smear. Lisa and Beth were looking over my shoulder and started to giggle. Yeah, I skipped that one.

"I've never seen a monument erected to a pessimist." ~Paul Harvey   "Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You will succeed if you persevere, and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles." ~Helen Keller   "We all have inconveniences of one kind or another. How you deal with them ultimately determines how successful you are." ~Craig McFarlane