An Andy Kaufman Moment
Yesterday was perfect. The sun was shining, yet there was a cool breeze. I even put my favourite green wool sweater when we were outside. Yay! The birthday party was fun... well, as much fun as watching a dozen 12-year-old boys playing Capture the Flag can be. The stack of stained merch t-shirts in the back of my car came in handy after a bunch of the boys got wet in the creek and started to freeze in their wet clothes -- Here I come to save the day!

Bandana skirt? Yeah, better in concept than in actual execution. I sewed them all together at about 11:00 last night, but didn't anticipate how wide it would actually be. So it may take some altering to get it to fit right... even with a drawstring. I was too tired to mess with it. Later.

Subliminal Thoughts
I say... and you think...

1. Herpes:: eww
   
2. Freddy:: Kruger
   
3. October:: Halloween
   
4. Hunting:: Good Will
   
5. MSN:: messenger
   
6. 36:: steps
   
7. Hotel:: california
   
8. Travesty:: seth
   
9. Health:: conscious
   
10. Conditions:: "as long as..."

Oops... it's actually The 39 Steps... but who's counting?

This site has some really cool photographs from Africa which I believe were taken by Edmund Heller in the early 1900's. Scroll down, they are along the right side. I like this one in particular.

Internet Public Library... seems like a good idea, but I'm not sure if would do more for you than say, Google, for instance. I haven't explored it much though, so don't let my opinion sway you.

A keyboard keyboard? I had never heard of this before, but I guess it makes sense. "Fancy yourself a rock star – the Creative Prodikeys can make your dream come true." Yes, I'm sure it will. "What’s more, you can put up a one-man band performance for your loved ones." Why do visions of Ross Geller come to mind?

Have I been living in a cave or watching the wrong channels? I hadn't even heard of this movie Luther that apparently just came out. With Joseph Fiennes, you would think I would have at least seen something about it. Connie and I are going to see it this weekend. (Look at me all planning in advance and everything.)

Downer
I'm trying not to be sad or hurt or angry or depressed or anxious... but this week I found out that after December, Tina is going to be moving in with family we know as a sort of live-in nanny which is a much more cost-effective option for her at this stage in life. Today Phebe announced that she has decided that she will be moving out as well, because her room is too small and she can't take it much longer. (Don't even get me started on that...) And since we told Duncan that we'd give him 60 days notice if we ever decided to move out... that gives me just over a month to decide whether I am going to be able to find replacements or if I am going to have to move as well. I am beyond sick of moving, but I don't know a lot of people looking for housing either. Bleh.

Upper
My dear Fiona got up at 4:30 AM her time to call me this afternoon. It was so good to talk to her again and catch up and plan for my visit.

I Hate Shopping
It took us five entire hours from the point Jessica picked me up last night until the time we returned here with all our purchases. Granted, we did have to spend a healthy amount of time in Hobby Lobby. And then we went to visit our roommates who were both working at the 'Buck. And then there was the black hole of Wal-Mart that sucks you in... and won't let you go without a fight. Overall, it's good. I won't have to get groceries for another month... and I have lightbulbs.

I was inspired by Jessica to make a fleece blanket... I just think I want to look other places for the material.

I did buy a bunch of these dark indigo tie-dyed bandanas which I think could be easily converted into a rather nice skirt. We'll see.

Now I think I'll put on my "I'm Cranky" socks and go. I'm supposed to take photos of Hunter's birthday party. That should be fun at least.

The Owl and the Pussycat
Thanks for the sympathies. I'm feeling better now. I checked out the car this afternoon... no feathers or other evidence. It was just such a disgusting feeling. I full-on drove over a possum one time without much guilt or remorse, because they are so ugly. Owls are different. *sigh*

Watching Last of the Mohicans now that I have the PS2 hooked up in my room. I just wonder if Daniel Day-Lewis was aware of how quickly that film would catapult him into "Hottest Man in the World" territory.

The World as a Blog... yeah spent way too much time watching that one.

A Conversation
Naten sent me a link to the car dealership with the car he just bought...

Me: Very stylin'... sunroof, cd changer, leather seats, premium wheels, clock. You spare no expense.
Naten: There had to be a clock or it was no deal.

Then we went on to talk about the names of our previous vehicles. Here are mine:

Eddy: Dark blue Cavalier.
Owned: 1993-1995.
So Named: Smell reminded me of my Grandpa Edward.

Radar: Silver Beretta.
Owned: 1995-1998-ish
So Named: Named after Warren's cat who was old and would not turn left... car got the name when it developed the problem of the power steering going out in cold weather.

Amana: White Beretta.
Owned: 1998-ish-present
So Named: Because I hate white vehicles and think they look like large appliances.

Amerigo: Black Explorer.
Owned: 2002-present
So Named: For Amerigo Vespucci... the explorer.

I did find a guy who wants to buy Amana though. He found me actually. Apparently a friend of the neighbors three doors down. In typical small-world fashion, he's going on the road with a group who was friends with beanbag... and they happen to be going on a tour with the group who is renting the bus from my boss. That gives us barely two degrees of separation.

Abbott & Costello's "Who's on First" routine for the 21st century. "Do you want a computer with Windows?" "I don't know. What do I see when I look out the windows?" "Wallpaper."

Another Item for My Store
Yesterday some contracts came in with one of those giant red document rubber bands. Out of boredom, I put it around my neck (à la Mark K. circa 1999). I completely forgot about it and slept with it on and everything. I could start a trend here. Make them cool and sell them. Okay, so the idea was better in my head.

Jessica, bless her heart, just called me to say that she is going to Wal-Mart soon. Knowing my need for a shopping support group.. and knowing that I need lightbulbs... she offered to come by to pick me up so we can go together. What a dear. I don't know what it is, but lately I have been refusing to go to the store. I just hate it. I haven't been to Wal-Mart since my car broke down in their parking lot a month ago. I feel like a better person for having abstained for so long.

I just hit an owl. I just hit an owl. One that was not previously dead before I came along. I'm shaking. I'm dying. Do I get arrested for this? Aren't they endangered? What the crap was it doing sitting on the middle of the exit? The exit that comes off the road I consider to be the autobahn of the South. I couldn't slow down in time. I couldn't swerve due to the cliffs on either side. It just looked like a paper bag standing upright in the middle of the road... right up until the moment that his head completely swivelled around to face me (with a look of horror, I might add). I think I could have driven right over top of him... if only he hadn't decided at the last minute to take off. ugh. I'm going to be sick.

I went to one of my favourite little places for lunch... and who do you think was in front of me in line? None other than Darrell & Stevie Waltrip. It made me giggle a little bit on the inside. What can I say? My dad used to be an amateur race car driver -- late model, street stock. NASCAR is one of the few sports that I can name probably 15-20 people involved off the top of my head. Anyway, they are friends with one of our clients, so I had seen them before at a DVD taping... but I just had to giggle, because I was standing next to Darrell. (And then, of course, I had to call my dad when I got back to the office.)

Who knew that the USA Synchronized Swimming headquarters are in Indianapolis? Sheer craziness.

Downloading music: harmful to the artist, the recording company, or neither? -- that article raises some interesting points. With a sort of If-A-Tree-Falls-in-the-Woods logic, he argues that listening to music that he wasn't going to buy anyway at least furthers the musicians' agenda of getting their art to the masses.

The Pig's Lip... a beautiful site featuring lots of photos of Swansea and Gower. Now that Suzannah & Marc are in Poole, I have even more of a reason to visit the UK sometime in the near future... and I think Su would be up for a bit of a trip to this place.

I Love Being Right
I happened upon a site which I cannot read... because it's in Portuguese or Spanish or something. But I saw the picture in this entry and thought to myself, "Self, that looks like something that Klimt would have done." Not being an art history major or anything, I thought I would draw your attention to how that poster stylistically matches everything I've ever seen by Klimt... only to find out that it actually is a painting by him titled Tree of Life. I feel just a tiny bit cool.

*SNIFF*
Though we all saw it coming, those jerkfaces voted off Skinny Ryan last night. Come on, people! Too bad no one was with him to hear him do an impressive Strongbad impersonation when he was getting the treemail. That would have won over their hearts. (Or not... I don't know if any of the other Morganites are cool enough to know what H*R is.)

What I dont' understand is how Andrew is all saying that Ryan blew the first immunity challenge... but I argue that it was Andrew and Osten and someone else who all took the time to take off their shorts smack dab in the middle of the game, which couldn't have helped their momentum with that cannon. Dummies.

Sorry, I cannot give more than one pirate smilie. I'm just too heartbroken.


Song for the Day:
Llorando (Crying) - Rebekah Del Rio
Spanish version of the Roy Orbison classic featured in the movie Mulholland Drive.
lyrics...

Hey... there's Roy playing upright bass.

Just Call Me Grace
This morning as I was opening the gate to get out of the driveway where I am housesitting, I somehow managed to gouge the back of my left heel with the gate. I still am not sure exactly how I managed to do so, but it hit such a tender spot that I wanted to collapse and writhe on the driveway for a while. Instead, I just leaned on the gate and tried to calculate when my last tetnus shot would have been while gingerly putting more weight on that foot. It hurt like a beast, but it wasn't until I got back in the car that I realized I was bleeding all over myself. And good morning to you all too.

I actually was having quite a lovely morning up until that point. I can't remember ever having woken up to the sound of donkeys hee-hawing before. It's not entirely pleasant, to be honest. Sounds like wild banshees. But waking up in the country and sitting out on the porch swing while brushing my hair and watching the dog chase bugs... that was nice.

Another cool computer conversion... this guy converted an old Smith Corona typewriter into a computer keyboard. Well done.

I'm hungry.

Song for the Day:
A Sorta Fairytale - Tori Amos
~On my way up north up on the ventura,
I pulled back the hood and I was talking to you,
And I knew then it would be a life long thing,
But I didn't know that we, we could break a silver lining.
And I'm so sad, like a good book I can't put this day back,
A sorta fairytale with you~

Radiohead Tickets for Sale

October 6th
Atlanta, GA
Hifi Buys Amphitheatre

Row GGG / Seats 7&8

Just trying to help out a friend of mine who bought tickets before he got a new gig which has him out of town on the 6th. Anyone interested in purchasing, please email or comment.

Love It or Die
Well in advance of the baby shower for Manda, I am declaring my philosophy: (This is for her, but you all can read along.)

** Gift registries are for people who don't know you well enough to get you something that you will like. **

I, on the other hand, know you. I am not going to go to some generic store and buy something you've already ooo'd and ahh'd over before you shot it with your scanner gun. I don't want you to have to re-ooo and re-ahh at the shower. I want you to ooo and ahh afresh with delight when you see what I've decided was perfect for you. (And after the whole "mole" episode for your birthday, I should think you would have no doubts about the lengths to which I go to find the perfect gift.)

And hey, if you don't like what I buy, then you can just give it to someone else. (Like those wedding mugs from Greta that I want! hehe.)

The Gospel... It's Hip... It's Cool
Last night I babysat for the landlords. Taylor and I had a fun-filled night complete with a walk, a bath, a snack, and plenty of time with the new playskool farmyard. Wheee! Anyway, I saw that Duncan had been sent several books from Thomas Nelson, including this new Revolve new testament. It could easily be confused with your average issue of Cosmo at first glance... but no -- it's the Bible... it's just been funktified. (I can't remember where I got that word from, but I distinctly remember someone saying it in an interview.) It's got glossy pages. Cute doodles. Color photographs. Quizzes. Q&A's. It's different alright. I don't know anything about that NCV translation though. (I didn't look through the entire thing, but let's hope there are some photos of pimply-faced, braces-toothed, and/or glasses-wearing kids in there... or there goes the whole "It's not what's on the outside, but what's on the inside that counts." argument.)

Boys are in luck... their version comes out next spring. Until then, they can get the Bible with a metal cover to look cool.

I Feel Like Jessica Simpson
My room is such a total disaster right now that I don't even want to be working from home. What happened here? I blame it on the lightbulb in my closet. The one that died several days ago. So I can't see in there, which makes it less motivating to put things away... and makes choosing clothes in the morning much more difficult as well. Tonight I begin house/dog-sitting for three days. But Seth comes next Thursday, so that should motivate me to buy lightbulbs before then.

The Story of 42 Below... you funny kiwis.

I just ran across the weblog of the author Ty Wenzel, who wrote Behind Bars: The Straight-Up Tales of a Big-City Bartender. I think what interested me the most was her description of the new book she has started about a Turkish girl. Yes, I'm still intrigued by that place.

Mmm... love Pauley's thoughts from early this morning about the talent lost and the greatness we still have. Now the question is whether she'll make it to the show again tonight. :)

I've got Baja Fresh on my mind, and I'm not going to be able to do anything until this is taken care of. Mmm.

Got Furniture?
The Furniture Loft -- my buddy Jason just launched the website for his extremely cool (and very reasonably priced) modern furniture. I personally am wishing I had the fundage and floorspace for a Barcelona chair, an A-OK chair, this cute bistro table, or these stools. (But the venue the other night had some of these low-back stools... which were surprisingly comfortable.)

Anyway... if you decide that you like what you see there, make sure you email him to tell him that Danielle sent you. He said he'd give me and my people an additional $50 off.

You know I don't like people mocking my Michael, but even I found this Jacko with Blanket & blanket sculpture funny. It's made by the same company that did the somewhat tasteless 2-sided head dead/alive Uday action figures.

Mom just emailed to ask if she could give my grandfather's burnt-pumpkin coloured leather coat to Goodwill. Noooooooooo!!! (At least she has learned to ask me about these things in advance.)



Let the record show... last night I got embarrassed. And let me tell you... it made up for all my months and months of non-embarrassment. I could have totally lied, and no one would have been the wiser right now. But I sucked it up and admitted that I was behind something completely goofy that no one was supposed to know I was behind. It's such a freaking small world. Damn the internet. :) (And if any of you people who know the real story make any comments about it, they will be deleted immediately upon discovery... hehe.)

Don't miss the grand finale over at the Magnolia Glen Music Festival... the Indigo Girls are back for the final performance of the summer. Thanks to the lovely Miss Vickie for letting us all hang out in her backyard for the last month and a half or however long it has been. Good times. Already looking forward to next year! (Also be sure to watch the absolutely sweet flash video "D+V=PO²".)

Song for the Day:
My Immortal - Evanescence
~You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
But now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away all the sanity in me~

Okay, we all played that Lemmings game during study hall in high school right? Here's the rock'n'roll version... called Roadies. Unfortunately, I have yet to figure out how to get them past the first level.

Unconscious Mutterings
I say... and you think...

1. Savings:: account
   
2. On:: top
   
3. Wire:: tap
   
4. Word:: up
   
5. Bladder:: infection
   
6. Missing:: shoe
   
7. Side:: show
   
8. Window:: treatment
   
9. Digit:: finger
   
10. Swirl:: whirlpool

I always try to do those really fast without thinking and without looking ahead in any way. I wonder what that says about my inner psyche. Hmm...

Quote for the Weekend:
"Walgreens is the cancer of urban society."
-- Collin, noting yet another pharmacy going up in my old neighborhood.

That's Entertainment
Or not. I think the general concensus is that the Emmys blew. I tried to commit to watching the program, but I jumped at the chance to meet Jessica for coffee after sitting through a couple of seriously boring segments. (Free latte from Sara... this was my second free latte since I mentioned the free starbucks phenomenon a little while ago.)

There's a new generation of paparazzi in training... Nokia Red Carpet Pics. I don't get it. This article says that camera phone sales have surpassed sales of the normal digital camera. Well, hey...if crappy photography is your thing, then yeah... go for it.

I just want to know why I haven't seen any pictures of Kiefer from last night. He was looking pret-ty snazzy! Oh wait... here he is. Lookin' good, sir... lookin' good.

Song for the Day:
Stay - Shakespear's Sister
~If this world is wearing thin
And you're thinking of escape
I'll go anywhere with you
Just wrap me up in chains
But if you try to go out alone
Don't think i'll understand~

(How's that for a total blast from the past?)

Operation: Stash the Body
So Collin and I went to Chattanooga early yesterday to be there in time for load-in. You see, Adam came up with the boys as a surprise and did a couple of his songs at the end... but everyone wanted to keep it on the down-low. I was on hand to "get rid" of Adam until showtime. However the venue actually had some pretty secure private areas where he was free to roam without being seen. So Collin and I walked to the Big River Grille after driving around forever and realizing the best place to park was at the venue.

(Side note: Saw poster for Angie Aparo coming to Rhythm & Brews on the 8th... hmm... show starts 9:30 eastern time on a Wednesday. If I left immediately after work, I think I could get there on time.) :)

Anyway, the show was fantastic. They did "You are Mine"... the opening song on here, and it sounded so great. I'm anxious for them to start doing more again, since that was the part of my job that I enjoyed the most. (And it's all about me, isn't it?)

Funniest Moment of the Evening:
Watching Darren and Jonathan carefully putting the handcart in the trailer saying that they didn't want it to fall on the Rhodes. Apparently they missed Paul doing handstands and sitting on top of the Rhodes earlier in the evening.

New Music
Collin gave me this cd yesterday. Take a sample listen to the tracks if any part of you loves straight-up Americana music.

Oh Ho, the Wells Fargo Wagon is a-Comin' Down the Street
Anyone with fourteen spare dollars should go see The Music Man at the Pull-Tight Theatre in Franklin. I haven't seen it yet to say whether or not it is an enjoyable experience... but that show is near and dear to my heart, so I don't think they could do anything to ruin it for me. I must make a point of going next weekend!

Rob from Manly Thoughts is at it again. If you recall, he was my source for funny Survivor commentary last season. He seems to have moved over to LetUsPonder.com this season though. (He doesn't have anything up on the main page yet, but you can see his initial thoughts on the castaways... this is his page for Ryan S, but you can get to the rest from the links at the bottom.)

Ahoy there, mateys! Shiver me timbers, it's talk like a pirate day all across the land. (Land, ho!) Argg!

(Is that enough?)

Speaking of pirates... Survivor last night, anyone? Andrew, handsome though he may be, did not win any love from me after trying to get rid of my boy Ryan. Now, I admit... Ryan needs to kick it in gear and start making himself useful around camp, but you gotta admit the kid is great. I loved his little asides talking about wanting to be excited about being at camp... a little group hug maybe... hehe. Drake had a definite advantage with Spanish-speaking Sandra and the ruthless Rupert on their team. (I think Rupert is going to be this season's Matt... slightly disturbing and teetering on the brink of insanity by the end. I'm calling it here, folks.)
Overall, I give it 4 (out of a possible 5) pirate smilies for keeping us guessing this season.


(Remember back in the first season of 24 when I rated each show in Kiefers? That was fun.)

AngryPirate.com... to keep with the theme.

Cool Crafty Chick
Came across this site last night, and I think I might have to add this one to my regulars list. She alters thrift store clothes and grows her hair out to be donated to Locks of Love... she's practically me.

Stick figure version of Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" video. Anyone who is familiar with the Christopher Walken version should find this somewhat impressive.

Friday Five
1. Who is your favorite singer/musician? Why?
That's so hard. I'm very non-committal when it comes to musicians anymore. Don't make me choose. If it is who I've listened to the most lately, then I'd have to say Ours since I've been riding the high from the show a couple weeks ago. Though ask me Sunday, and I'll probably say Math -- at least, if they manage to wow us at the show tomorrow night.

2. What one singer/musician can you not stand? Why?
I want to say Rod Stewart or Creed... but I need to go with the old love-to-hate standby... Michael Bolton. I just had a really hard time figuring out why people thought he was so great. My dislike became a big joke when I was living in Michigan. My boss actually threatened to make me go to see MB when he was in town. There also was an issue of People or something that had photos of him in his house... including one of him in a bubble bath. It was so disgusting... but I hung those pictures on the wall next to my bed. People would always ask why... to which I would reply, "If that is the first thing I see in the morning, then my day can only get better from there."

3. If your favorite singer wasn't in the music business, do you think you would still like him/her as a person?
Umm, if we're talking Jimmy... I don't really know enough about him to give an opinion either way. But if we're talking Math... heck yeah. Those guys are awesome.

4. Have you been to any concerts? If yes, who put on the best show?
Yes. I don't know if it was the best, but the one that sticks out in my mind right now was when I saw Live at the Van Andel on their Secret Samadhi tour. I just remember it being a very visually stunning show.

5. What are your thoughts on downloading free music online vs. purchasing albums? Do you feel the RIAA is right in its pursuit to stop people from downloading free music?
I'm of two minds about the whole issue. I cannot say I've never downloaded anything. But I can say that I never used Napster or Kazaa... whereas some people make a career of downloading stuff. It's tough. Personally, I know I've been exposed to bands I otherwise would not have known if I had to rely on radio to introduce me to new music... and I do make a point of going out and buying music that I do like. I'm not sure that the RIAA is going about things in the right way, not that I necessarily have an alternative solution either.

Song for the Day:
Friday I'm in Love - The Cure
~I don't care if monday's black
Tuesday wednesday heart attack
Thursday never looking back
It's friday i'm in love~

Trying to kill the last few minutes before I can go home.

So I drove up to CAA today only to find that their building had no power. There was a security guard by the stairwell asking which floor I needed. 5. He asked if I was going to try the stairs... like five flights was going to be some major chore. "I guess I don't have much choice, now do I?" I said with a laugh. Sheesh... I used to work on the 16th floor in Indy, and every once in a while I'd take the stairs to get the mail in the basement just to kill time. Five floors is no problem.

I found a couple links I'm going to check out later... maybe you should too:
Boulder, Boulder... I don't know. Just looked nice.
and
Lost Remote [where tv finds the future]

Call me a good roommate... but I just called Tina to see if she would be home to watch Survivor. No, she has to work, but she is taping it. So I told her that I wouldn't watch it until she comes home. Maybe I'll hook up the PS2 to distract me until then.

And speaking of home... the churchbells are ringing, so that means it's quitting time, and I'm going to go there.

(I realized that my song for the day should have been Rock You Like a Hurricane by Scorpions... oh well. Sometimes my comedic timing is a little off.)

I forgot to mention that "Salam Pax" is on Fresh Air today. (Find a stream.)

Happy Anniversary, Manda & Jack!! I'm glad Jack married you even though I didn't think he should. :) Luckily he saw the sweet girl inside under the wenchy shell that you had back then. Hehe. Is it four years now? Weird. Remember when Krystal and I would wear your veil around the house? Good times.

Queen Isabel
I was sad to hear that Wrightsville Beach, NC is set to be hit hard by Isabel. Manda, Jack, Eric & I got to stay at this great house right on the beach there on the south end of the island when we went down a few years ago for Bradford's wedding. (map) It was a place that I just fell in love with even though we were only there for probably 36-hours. The Wrightsville Beach webpage is updating with storm photos regularly. Or you can just watch the beach cam. (Heck, think I'm going to go to that webpage every night before I go to bed... love that surf sound!)

I'm Sorry
Badger badger badger badger badger badger mushroom mushroom.... snake!

Tempting
I saw a license agreement go through our office for someone who may or may not be involved with this soundtrack. All I have to say is that I'm going to quit my job and start writing songs in hopes that one of them gets on a soundtrack like that. It pays to write good music.

NaNoWriMo
I am so stoked for November. Okay, I love autumn to begin with, but I can't wait for NaNoWriMo to start! Yes, I know that I was gung-ho for about a week last year, and then eventually gave up my original novel altogether... but give me a break. That was a pretty freaking depressing time for us here.

Anyway, I went back and read some of what I wrote last year. I broke the rules just a little bit and instead of writing a true novel, I started writing a memoir of my time on the road (doing substance abuse prevention assembly programs in high schools all across the country, for those of you who don't know me very much). I have a lot of chapter fragments with stories I began telling but got sick of before they really were concluded. However, the chapter on our adventure in Bardstown, KY was one of my favourites to write... and I have to say that upon rereading it yesterday, I think there were definitely some inspired moments in there. The animatronics line alone makes it worth reading, if you ask me. You can probably tell I was reading a lot of Bill Bryson at the time. But it's a great story I'll tell my grandkids someday as I make them look at all the pictures I took that day.

My whole point is that I think I have a concept for this year's novel attempt... I just have to work out my angle. I want you all to start considering the idea of joining me in this somewhat painful but also exhilerating creative writing project coming up in a couple months. 30 Days. 50,000 Words. This year I will not be stopped!

Natanovich
I also forgot to add that I found two of the fake cheesy engagement photos with Nate that I mentioned a couple days ago. There are some better ones that I cannot find right now. They are quite disturbing to our parents who have been friends since before we were born. Hehe. Good times. (click for larger photos)

 

I understand that engagement photos with a giant turtle are a bit nontraditional... but we were going for the cheese-factor anyway.

Song for Manda:
Cowboy Take Me Away - Dixie Chicks
~Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can
Into the wild blue
Set me free oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and
Closer to you closer to you~

Top Five Best Things (Which Together Make the Best Thing) about Working in an Office Which Used to Be a House
1. The coffee machine
2. The refrigerator
3. The oven
4. Tin foil
5. Pre-made cookie dough

It's going to be a good afternoon, folks.

Anybody who names their blog Damn the Man, Save the Empire gets a link from me.

I'm a Survivor
I don't obsess over Survivor like my roommate does, but I just happened to take a look at the bios for the players this season. I have to say that this Ryan Shoulders kid has my vote for the coolest survivor... in my book anyway. Here's the rundown of how I score his favorites...

Colors: Green, #DDDDFF
the kid answered in hex... how cool can someone be?? mucho bonus points

Scents: Pizza, the beach
pizza, yeah okay... beach is good, yes

Flowers: Dandelion
bonus points for going down the road less traveled

Board Games: Chess, Risk, Monopoly
Aww yeah... hurt me with the Risk action

Video Games: Zelda II, Doom III, Age of Mythology
Myth, myth, myth, myth. +200 cool points

Sports to Play: Basketball, soccer, capture the flag
eh... whatever. capture the flag is good.

Sports Teams: Tennessee Titans, Chicago Cubs
okay, the answer we were looking for here is the Nashville Preditors, but Titans will do

Outdoor Activities: Walking, walking dogs, flying & building kites
kites... I mean... who knew?

TV Shows: Seinfeld, Sifl & Olly, Hey Dude
Sifl & Olly??? no way! that's like 500 bonus cool points

Movies: Gummo, Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, American Beauty, Fight Club
excellent

Actors: Kevin Spacey, Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Steve Buscemi
We can accept the nod to the Bradster since he puts him in such great company

Actresses: Thora Birch, Jenna Jameson
he's male...

Music: Goldfinger, The Impossibles, Atom and his Package, NoFX
again, bonus points for originality... and 2000 extra points for simply not mentioning Creed

Magazines: PC Gamer, Nintendo Power
geeky... and yet, so cool

Books/Authors: Watership Down, Catcher in the Rye
I can dig it

Cereals: Count Chocula, Cocoa Puffs
I'm not personally a fan, but I understand the need for chocolate first thing in the morning

Fruits: Watermelon, strawberries
minus 50 for watermelon. sorry... I don't understand the allure

Snack Foods: KC Masterpiece corn nuts
Okay, I can't think "corn nuts" without thinking Heathers... but Heathers is a good thing, so bonus points

Cookies: Keebler Soft Batch
the correct answer would have been Chewy Chips Ahoy... sorry, -75

Candy Bars: Twix, Snickers
that's better

Alcoholic Drinks: Drinking is for the boring
I can live with that

Non-Alcoholic: Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, milk
I don't do a lot of dairy myself... but Dr. Pepper overrides the Coke for a correct answer

Then he gets like 3000 bonus points for being from Tennessee. Thus giving him enough Danielle points to win the Sole Survivor. Erm... or not.

Guess the Name... in case you missed this at Magnolia Glen. Computer tries to read your mind and guess which television show or movie you are thinking of. It took 47 questions to get it to guess Heathers. :)

Mom's Going Batty
My parents live in an old house with an old attic. Earlier this year, I heard stories about them having found a couple of bats who made their way to the upstairs portion of the house. (I tried not to think about it when I was home in July.) They thought it was over, but I just got an email from Mom saying that they believe there are more... only they can't kill them, because bats are on the endangered species list. Great.

Random Link to Recently Updated Blog
A Minor Place. With links to Elbow, Faultline, Jeff Buckley, Interpol, & The Notwist, just to name a few, the person has to be at least relatively cool if by association alone.

Song for the Day:
I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew
Sorry... I was in one of those moods.

I just geeked out a little bit. I do every once in a great while. But if you knew who he was, and this guy showed up at your door unannounced, you might geek out a little too.

I can't really say that I've ever been a huge comic fan. They require too much commitment or something. However, a couple weeks ago I came across this Sand & Stone online comic that I keep going back to. Nothing too deep or extremely entertaining... but start from the beginning and see for yourself.

Clear Eat Away
Okay... I need some help here. I am hoping that one of you, gentle readers, will be able to assist me with this dilemma. I probably should be embarrassed about writing this, but I don't really get embarrassed, so here goes:

I have noticed within the last six months that I had a little bump on my left thumb. It never hurt. Didn't bother at all. It didn't ooze anything. Just a bump. A little one at that.

Well then one night I was babysitting and saw a little jar of that Clear Away wart remover on the endtable. For one reason or another, I decided that maybe this was a little baby wart on my hand. But I don't know... I haven't had any real close encounters of the wart kind before.

Because I can be extremely compulsive once I have an idea in my mind, I went out straight away and bought my own little bottle of the stuff. It says to put one drop on the area 1-2 times a day, right? I just don't know when to stop... and I don't really know if I had a wart there to begin with... but now I feel like it is eating a hole in my hand. It's not looking very good, and I can't decide if the bump is still there, because now it hurts to touch it at all.

I'm laughing so much as I write this, because unintentional self-mutilation is so like me. (I was the kid who would sit on the bathroom counter wiggling a loose tooth until it came out. I'm a scab picker. A sunburn peeler. I can't help it.) Part of me thinks I should stop... and another part thinks that maybe this is just the process it goes through.

So if anyone has any wart insight or any experience with this Clear Away stuff... would you be so kind as to leave a comment. Or you can email me, if you are the type to get embarrassed about the little buggers.

Look-a-Little-Alikes
Last weekend Manda got in the car, saw the Distorted Lullabies cd, and said, "It looks like Cory." I didn't really see it then, but I came across a photo last night that, with a little photoshopping, might resemble Jimmy a little. Though it would be more so when he was back in his long hair and anorexic phase.



I was looking for pictures of me and Nate. I was trying to explain to someone how he and I used to take photos whenever we were together... but we would do cheesy engagement photo poses. This is funny for a couple reasons... the dorky poses for one, and the fact that he and I are like the anti-couple. Unfortunately I cannot figure out where I put all of them. But I did find this bench picture...



The three of us were best friends in high school. Our senior year, our choir took a trip to Washington DC. Somehow we started this thing where we would take a picture together on every bench we came across. Thanks to several brave photographers, we came up with a series of about 20-25 photos. It's the greatest thing ever. It was dubbed the Bench Tour. We even made the yearbook. (And four years later, my brother, Cory's brother, and one of Nate's female friends carried on the tradition by doing Bench Tour II when they went to DC.) The above photo was not a Bench Tour photo... but one on a bench in my rad Michigan apartment when they came for a visit.

Maybe more later. Now I must make coffee.

I had heard about these before, but I had never actually seen them. Thanks to the wonderful world of Ebay, you too can witness the Victorian Woven Hair Ring... which would go nicely with a braided hair necklace. I can't decide if I think it is neat or if it makes me want to vomit.

Did anyone else see Moby on the Isaac Mizrahi Show recently? It was so great. Isaac showed up at Moby's loft, and Moby took the opportunity to clean his kitchen while they talked. It was classic. Then they, of course, went to Teany... which seems like a relatively cool place.

Well, lookie here: "Pop icon Adam Ant has just returned to the studio for the first time in six years to record a new version of his hit single Stand and Deliver, which he has renamed Save the Gorilla, with the royalties from sales going to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund." Go here for a sneak listen. I don't know. I just love that guy. If I cared more about gorillas, I might consider sponsoring him for the Gorilla Run.

Unconscious Mutterings
I say... and you think...

1. Wedding:: dress
   
2. Roach:: Cosby show
   
3. Expense:: reimbursements
   
4. Fight:: Club
   
5. Air:: 10,000Hz Legend
   
6. Protect:: Massive Attack
   
7. Glance:: peek
   
8. Boo:: :)
   
9. Steamy:: rice
   
10. Caviar:: yuck.

Song for the Day:
Songbird - Duncan Sheik
~To you I'll give the world
to you I'll never be cold
'Cause I feel that when I'm with you
It's alright I know it's right.~

P.S. I don't know what happened to the line on the right side, but I have my suspicions.

I just wanted to report that I am sitting here eating Swedish Fish and drinking my Beneath the Rainbow carbonated natural spring water that I purchased solely because of the bottle's beautiful vase potential.

I wish I were more well-versed in the whole Flash medium. You all know that I think Dan is the man when it comes to that... but I was also inspired by this site today. Do yourself a favour and be blown away by that place. I don't understand Swedish either, but you can still get the point.

Last night Sandra and I were looking at her West Elm catalog. I determined that I want everything in there. Especially the purple and green stuff... though I love their brown stuff too. It's all so cool. I don't think I'm cool enough to have that stuff.

I met a cool chick this morning. We got to talking. She just moved down here. At some point I mentioned that I enjoy the creative part of my job better than the organizational part. And she said, "I could just tell that you are a creative person... whereas all my creativity fits in my little finger." That makes me so happy if I just exude so much creativity that even people who don't know me can sense that I am that way.

Can I just say that I am thrilled about the decision to cast Christian Bale as the new Batman? I can't claim to be a huge fan of the franchise. The only reason I got into Batman was because of Prince's contribution to the soundtrack. When Val Kilmer came along, I really started to pay attention... not to mention the great Batman Returns Soundtrack with songs by u2, massive attack, nick cave, pj harvey, and one of my top 11 songs of all time "Passenger" by the late Michael Hutchence. But I couldn't care less about George Clooney or Chris O'Donnell. Christian Bale I definitely can get into. They keep mentioning his roles in American Psycho and Little Women... but let's be honest. Didn't we all fall in love with him when he was in Newsies?

I am Jack! But people call me Cowboy. I'm the leader of the Upper East Side newsies and the strike leader. I look out for every newsie and make sure they're taken care of, and that's why they respect me. My friends are very loyal to me, and trust what I say, even though I sometimes improve the truth a little, but what great newsie doesn't? I'm in love with Sarah, Davey's sister. But even with all this "glory," I dream of escaping to Santa Fe. Which Newsie are you?

Good Deed for the Day
Karl's son is desperately saving money for an Xbox... so to help his cause I decided to purchase his PS2 from him. I've always meant to get one, and I suppose it was a really good deal. PS2, two controllers, memory card, gameshark, dvd remote, LOTR Two Towers game, some Star Wars bounty hunter game, and a surfing game all for $180.

I like this article about taming back talk. Sandra and I were just talking about that tonight.

Last night was a ball. Me, Roy, Wendy, Michael, Paul, Darren, Greg, and Jason all hung out at Mo's house with his girlfriend Amy. It was this massive reminiscing session... complete with a showing of the Parachute 2002 video. I felt really bad when all of us decided to go to Maggie Moos ten minutes before they were going to close. But we left big tips. Good times.

Turns out that I did see Jason at the Jimmy Gnecco show last week... I just didn't say anything to him, because it's not very often that I run into people from New Orleans here in Nashville, so I wasn't sure if it was him.

Happy Birthday (on Saturday) to Christopher!! You're one of the coolest people I know.

I have a big headache now, so I shall sleep.

Okay... that's it... no more sadness.

Not only are Paul and Darren here... but they flew in a special bassist for the showcase -- your favourite and mine, Roy! No word as to who is playing guitar except that it isn't Rumsey. Bummer.

SPAM... The Other White Meat [Product]
We get this fax thing every morning at the office. Today there was a little article about Spam. It said that 228 cans of Spam are eaten every minute of the day. That seems a little outrageous to me. I think I only first sampled it a couple years ago. Not a tastey treat, if you ask me.

"I'll have spam spam spam spam spam spam baked beans spam spam spam spam and spam."

Here's some more Spam facts.

Another Spam fact: I have a decorative can of Spam on my bookshelf that I got as a housewarming gift from Keith (aka Lil' Gil') when he first visited my awesome apartment in Michigan. I have paid it forward by giving the gift of decorative Spam to friends of mine.

Free Overpriced Coffee
Getting free stuff from Starbucks is becoming like a game for me. A game that I don't even try to win... I just do. I don't know if it's my sweet disposition or my witty charm, but I'm always being told "not to worry about it". It will probably all end now that I'm paying attention... but last night, as I was drinking my free mocha malt thing, it dawned on me that I get a lot of stuff at no charge. I guess it helps that half the people I know work there. And it's not like I try to sneak away either. I'm usually standing there with my money saying... "uh, I still haven't paid for this half-consumed expensive beverage." Workers will walk past, shrug their shoulders, and say, "I don't have a till open. Don't worry about it."

A Conversation
Karl: Do we have any kleenex in this office?
me: I'm going to go with "no".
Karl: My allergies are back. Do you think we can get some?
me: Sure. [beat] Would you go so far as to say that we have a Tissue Issue?
Karl: [lowers the toilet paper away from his nose... shakes his head... and walks away laughing.]

Blood & Guts
Someone is getting an Agreement with spider guts on the back of it. I couldn't help my reflexes. Jumping spider? Must kill. No thought to the fact that my weapon of choice needs to be mailed to a client. Oh well. Adds character.

Guess the 8-bit movie character... this made me laugh a lot, but I'm a total Commodore 64 geek.

Freak Watchers Textbook. Wow. Now this is incredible. They have almost every species of freak out there.

Friday Five
1. Is the name you have now the same name that's on your birth certificate? If not, what's changed?
Same as it ever was.

2. If you could change your name (first, middle and/or last), what would it be?
I'm cool with it now. When I was little I wanted my name to be Tracy. Uhh, yeah... no. I'd be happy if people could pronounce my last name... but (fingers-crossed) I won't have to worry about that forever.

3. Why were you named what you were? (Is there a story behind it? Who specifically was responsible for naming you?)
There apparently was someone named Danielle on one of the soap operas that was popular at the time. Come to think of it, I'm not entirely sure where the Linn came from.

4. Are there any names you really hate or love? What are they and why?
mmm... well, let's just say none of my children will be named after the people who I didn't enjoy being around in gradeschool. Though, if my sister doesn't have a Jacob, I think I will have to just to please my father who wants a Little Jake in the family.

5. Is the analysis of your name at kabalarians.com accurate? How or how isn't it?
No? It's pretty much all off except for the "difficult issues being put off as long as possible" part.

"Although your name of Danielle gives you a good appreciation of material values, business ability, and skill in organizing and managing others, your success is restricted by a lack of self-confidence and initiative. This name brings out a practical, materialistic quality, with a strong desire for a good standard of living in an environment where you are in contact with refined, successful people. You try to further your interests through pursuing the association of people with influence. Being well-groomed and well-dressed at all times is important to you as you always strive to make a good impression on others. Your interests are more focused on your social life and convivial living, with any pressing or difficult issues being put off as long as possible."

There Goes the Day

Farewell and godspeed to the Man in Black who passed away this morning in Nashville.

Same to John Ritter. "Come and knock on our door... we've been waiting for you..."

I wasn't going to look at all the 9|11 memorials today. But then I saw this picture, and it made me cry.

Why am I still at work while the sun is going down? Karl, in his infinite wisdom, says, "It's just that time of year." Bring on daylight savings, I say. Or are we on daylight savings right now? I don't get all that.

Steve has a cute, albeit slightly obsessive, tribute to Erin. :) On Saturday we start calling her "Canaderin". (Not as catchy as "Canadan", but whatcha gonna do?)

Song for the Day:
They Won't Go When I Go - George Michael

~No more lying friends
Wanting tragic ends
Though they do pretend
They won't go when I go

All those bleeding hearts
With sorrows to impart
Were right here from the start
And they won't go when I go

And I'll go where I've longed
To go so long
Away from tears

Gone from painful cries
Away from saddened eyes
Along with him I'll bide
Because they won't go when I go

Big men feeling small
Weak ones standing tall
I will watch them fall
They won't go when I go

And I'll go where I've longed
To go so long
Away from tears

Unclean minds mislead the pure
The innocent will leave for sure
For them there is a resting place
People sinning just for fun
They will never see the sun
For they can never show their faces
There ain't no room
For the hopeless sinner
Who will take more than he will give
He ain't hardly gonna give

The greed of man will be
Far away from me
And my soul will be free
They won't go when I go

Since my soul conceived
All that I believe
The kingdom I will see
'Cause they won't go when I go

When I go
Where I'll go
No one can keep me
From my destiny...~

Jimmy @ the Belcourt. Whee. The second musical clip is of the new song! (I didn't do too bad remembering the lyrics, eh?) Thanks to the precious angel who pointed me towards that clip.

As Ern pointed out, there are millions of file-swappers shaking in their boots. What I find interesting is that this article put a list of some of the songs that The Man was looking for on people's computers... including "Knocked Out" by Paula Abdul. Is that because they know you didn't honestly pay money for that cd?

Smells Like Asphalt
No really. They're doing road construction a couple of blocks away, and that smell is starting to permeate the whole neighborhood. Ick.

For Sale / Musicians Wanted
Just calling a little attention to my buddy Chris's ebay auction package which includes:
▪ 1993 Teal American Fender Stratocaster w/ hardshell case
▪ Epiphone Les Paul Goldtop w/ hardshell case
▪ Takamine EG-15 Acoustic w/ hardshell case
▪ Laney VC 212 Tube Amp
▪ Pedal Board with...
  ▪ Vintage A/DA Flanger
  ▪ Smallstone Phaser
  ▪ Crybaby Wah
  ▪ Ibanez TS5 Tubescreamer
  ▪ Boss DS-1 Distortion
  ▪ Dan-Echo Delay
  ▪ Ernie Ball Volume Pedal
  ▪ Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
▪ Three guitar stands

Go bid. That boy has to pay for a honeymoon. Help a brother out! :) (Plus his birthday is Saturday.)

Advantages to Having Small Feet
I have stupidly small feet for my height. Normally I wear 6.5 in women's shoes... but I also found out that a lot of times, children's size 4 fits me too. Yesterday, I just about bought these really cute brown with camo accent Kim Possible boots. If I don't finish my Blossom costume this year, I think I should be Kim for halloween. Though Jay said I should dye my hair black and be Samara from The Ring(?). So I didn't get the shoes (yet)... but I did get some awesome socks with frowny faces that say "cranky". I love that word! They made those socks for me.

Things to Look Forward to...
▪ Paul's showcase on Friday. (and shutting the office early to go.)
▪ Sending Mike's magazine to the printer today and not having to think about another issue for three months
▪ Festival starts this weekend... oh the peace followed by chaos that will bring.
▪ Possible visits from kiwis. ??? (Still no sign, but I'm on the look out.)
▪ Season Premiere of 24... I entered the sweepstakes for the walk-on part. I'm gonna be a star. (or not.)

And hey, Leslie... you know we're all dying to hear about the butt audition!

Public Radio Fan... aww yeah. This is what I'm talking about.

Song for the Day:
Far Behind - Candlebox
~But then some day we could take our time
To brush the leaves aside so you can reach us
But you left me far behind~

Gotta love the Guns'n'Roses ending.

Yay! Jesse is playing for The Kicks. I'm happy, so long as it doesn't mean he has to move to Arkansas or whatever ridiculous place they are based out of.

Great Blog Title of the Day:
Snooze Button Dreams: Tidbits of Life in 9 Minute Increments

There's nothing like coming back to the office after a work-from-home day and finding that there aren't too many piles of work left by the bossman... and a surprise package from my publisher friend. He sent me the new Grisham book, Bleachers. Wheee.

Manda just called to tell me that the baby just moved!! Little Verbena!

On the baby note, congratulations to Jo and honorary-auntie Tash on the birth of beautiful little Caera Jayde.

Unconscious Mutterings
I say... and you think...

1. Bookends:: my brass fleur de lis graduation present bookends
   
2. Compliment:: thank you.
   
3. Gutter:: riding bikes
   
4. Obsession:: perfume
   
5. Heavy:: backache
   
6. Real:: audio
   
7. Disposable:: diapers
   
8. Breeze:: kites
   
9. Work:: my office
   
10. Sweetheart:: :)

Song for the Day:
Kill the Band - Ours
~If then it rains, I'll cover your eyes
The past has a way of running our lives
Learning to say the words that we hide~

The Long-Awaited Indianapolis Weekend of Joy and Wonderment
So much excitement. Such a short amount of time to write. Bullet points are my friend today...

Friday
▪ Got my little beige Grand Am (complete with air conditioning and cd player... the only essentials) from Avis (love them) and drove like a maniac. I was so revved up for a roadtrip. It was great.
▪ Met Manda at the house we had to ourselves. Yay!
▪ She gave me JC! To go with my JC from Erin.
▪ It's little, but I saw the baby pooch!
▪ Manda Quote for the Day:
"But you said four hours when I called the last time, and I thought I called at seven. Oh wait..."
-- Manda, upon learning that I was going to get there a little after 11:00.

Saturday
▪ Woke up far too early.
▪ Got twin breakfast at Einstein Bros..
▪ Helped Chris (Manda's sister-in-law) pack dishes, since her whole building is being evicted after a flood caused serious damage to the apartment complex.
▪ Twin lunch at BD's Mongolian BBQ. Mmm.
▪ Shopped at World Market. Got more cute little juice glasses, a flyswatter, and mints. (And this has nothing to do with this weekend, but I just found a picture of the fabulous chair I got for my birthday. I'm sitting in it right now, in fact.)
▪ Went to the Pier 1 Clearance Store. (I am apparently the only person who knows about it... East Washington near thet mall, people. Everything is cheaper.) Found some candles for Sandra. I also found some great travel stickers that I am going to put on a couple of my vintage suitcases. I'm so excited about those.
▪ Completed trip #1 around the 465 circle.
▪ Went to our ("our" being the seven of us who lived in the Little House in the white ghetto over there) Goodwill on West Washington. Manda found all kinds of maternity clothes. I got a Berklee College of Music t-shirt. (Only to wear to shock my boss who went there.)
▪ Visited the Goodwill in Plainfield. Manda scored more pregnant-pants.
▪ Went to see Manda's old house in Pittsboro. Still there.
▪ Yay for Unique Thrift store (38th & Lafayette). More clothes for Manda. I found a great vintage purple print shirt.
▪ Sat on the patio and had twin dinners at Mama Carolla's. Mmmmmmm! (This is so close to the boys' house. You need to go!)
▪ Completed trip #2 around 465.
▪ Manda Quote for the Day:
"That guy just about drove down the Monon Trail!"
--Manda, during dinner noticing that someone mistook the old recreation trail for the driveway to the restaurant.

Sunday
▪ Breakfast with Chris & Althea at Roger's. (So named after our old favorite waiter at that particular Denny's.)
▪ I'd also like to point out that it seems like every time I return to Indy, it happens to be on a race weekend. Last time, I think it was the Brickyard. This weekend was the NHRA U.S. Nationals.
▪ Brought Manda to the airport. :( And she flipped me off as she was getting her bag out of the car. (Now, I had asked if I could flip her off as I was driving away, and she said no. And then asked why. I said that you see hugs and kisses and tears all the time at the airport... but you never see anybody giving the bird as they walk away. So she did it to me instead... with a grin, of course.)
▪ Went to Maurices and Goodwill in Avon. Disappointing.
▪ Yay! Found the Waltz for Venus home and headquarters.
▪ Jay, Aaron, and Karlee gave a stellar acoustic performace for me, Allison, & Erin.
▪ Indian food (thanks Jay!) and a scenic trip to Guitar Center.
▪ Then we watched Jay play Silent Hill 3. Erin & I huddled. Allison scared me to death. Good times.
▪ Drove down Meridian one last time. Waved to my old office building. Took at look at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, the capital building, and the RCA Dome.
▪ Manda Quote for the Day:
"You brought it from home??"
--Manda, calling me as I was driving home when she discovered that I hid a toilet paper core in her makeup case before she left. (A long-running joke between us. I am the master!)

It was joyful. It was wonderful. It was the Indianapolis Weekend of Joy and Wonderment.



Poem of the Day?
Ode - Arthur O'Shaughnessy
We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams.
World-losers and world-forsakers,
Upon whom the pale moon gleams;
Yet we are the movers and shakers,
Of the world forever, it seems.
(continued...)

To Whom it May Concern...
I'm back in Tennesse, and I lived to tell about it. (Though I did have my doubts whether I would, no thanks to the jerky semi-driver who rode my butt or drove really close right next to me through the entire state of Kentucky. If you had had a "How's My Driving?" sticker, you would have so gotten a bad report from me, Bub.) I was going to say that I'm home... but after being back there, Indy still feels like home too. *sigh* Good times. 1:52 AM. Over and out.

Disclaimer
Okay, consider this fair warning. I'm going away and probably won't be writing over the weekend... so if you need to pace yourself and only read a few paragraphs each day until Monday, then keep that in mind as you start. I have lots to tell anyway, so it may take until Monday to read everything.

Skin-A-Marinky-Linky-Link
Let's get these out of the way. I found a few places of note between the time I posted yesterday and now, so I thought I'd share with you...

Fort Drastic... one of those recently updated blogs yesterday. Haven't had too much time to delve into it, but what I did read was slightly amusing.

I'm getting ready to unlink Steve until he can start being a little nicer about my homeland. Come on, dude. It's Iowa... that's where the tall corn grows. Then again, maybe I'm not offended, because we don't really claim that part of Iowa anyway. It's kind of like Kentucky... you make fun of people who come from there, and you'd never want to have to live there. Nevermind... I'm sorry.

Yesterday I broke down and installed the Google Toolbar. I'm normally averse to downloading stuff like that, but it is worth it just for the popup blocker. 63 popups blocked since yesterday afternoon, thanks muchly.

Friday Five
1. What housekeeping chore(s) do you hate doing the most?
I don't particularly like doing laundry, which is why I have a tendency to wear everything in my closet before I wash anything.

2. Are there any that you like or don't mind doing?
Cleaning my own bathroom... it's a little different story if it's for public usage. I also vacuum the bedroom on a regular basis to keep the layer of long red hairs as low as possible.

3. Do you have a routine throughout the week or just clean as it's needed?
Mostly as needed, but Saturdays are when I really crack down.

4. Do you have any odd cleaning/housekeeping quirks or rules?
For goodness sake, please don't leave crusty dishes rotting in my sink. I have this thing about kitchens, which is why I can't wait to have my own house again. My mother keeps her kitchen spotless. Seriously. And due to this, I cannot understand how people can leave spills and mess all over the counter and floor without bothering to wipe things up. Come on. It's not going to just disappear. Ugh. Dont' get me started.

5. What was the last thing you cleaned?
Bathroom sink.

Mama, I'm Comin' Home
I'm going back to Indianapolis tonight for the first time in a year and a half, I think. I'm pretty excited about it. I am so up for the roadtrip. Manda should be on her way there. I'll meet her at the house tonight. Tomorrow is about food and shopping, which I hate, but not when it's thrift stores or World Market. We're going to my favourite Italian (the theme for the week) bistro... Mama Carolla's. I can almost taste it. Yay!

Sounds like she got out of Orlando just in time though. I think this tropical storm business is what's keeping the weather a little more tolerable here the last couple of days. I just heard from my cranky friend Mark, and this is what he has to say about it...
mark: so...we are playing outside at Disney today and there is a freakin' tropical storm coming in
me: mm... how nice for you
me: what's its name?
mark: i don't know
mark: not a hurricane
me: I'll find out
me: so is it raining?
me: it's named fabian :)
mark: not yet...but it's coming
me: sweet
mark: yeah...outdoor show....no roof...we're screwed.
me: oh ... no the one that's getting you is Henri
mark: yeah well....Henri can go to hell

He's so fun.

Yours, Mine & OURS
So I've been putting off talking about last night, because I really can't even talk about it. Ever have one of those musical experiences that was beyond the scope of words when it came to describing how you felt? An instance where you were reduced to hand gestures and facial expressions, because the appropriate adjectives escaped you? Well, that's me about last night.

I went as Pauley's ambassador to the Jimmy Gnecco show last night. Her sister is a super cool chick who let me tag along. Those gals are top-notch, let me tell you.

Jimmy came out on stage looking all waify and gaunt, and my first thought was, "There is no way that huge voice comes out of such a slender body." But it does. Oh, does it ever! (He did explain that they are in the middle of recording their third album right now and that he doesn't like to do shows while they are recording, because he ends up not sleeping a whole lot... which makes him look really tired and sick and makes everyone talk. So he was giving us something to talk about.)

I think Andrea described it best when she said that he was almost hypnotic. It was as though the audience was collectively leaning forward in attempt to absorb more of the music. It was so, so beautiful. Simply beautiful.

A classic moment was when he was about to introduce "Dizzy". He relayed a story about how he had driven straight through the night before and that at one point he needed to stop for gas and coffee. The gas station didn't have any coffee that he wanted, so he was wandering around the store when someone came inside and asked frantically, "Are you pumping gas?" He went outside and found fuel spewing from his car. Turns out that they spilled around $30-worth of gasoline, which he expected to pay for. What he didn't expect to pay for was the local fire department and hazmat team responding to the scene. They were apparently detained for several hours before hitting the road again. The whole segue into the song was that there was a bit of a gaseous smell discovered upon turning on the air conditioning... and hence, he felt a bit... dizzy.

And yes, he did perform a new song. I love it already. The chorus goes something like "You spend your whole life, waiting for your whole life, [thinking that?] it's over". You heard it here first, folks. If I had my little midi program on this computer, I'd give you the melody too, but I'm afraid you'll just have to wait.

Other highlights include seeing the Superfans who were (quite clearly) from Kentucky... and seeing the two cartoon girls who looked like they pealed themselves out of an anime comic.

I must admit that I did something that is against everything I stand for. I was about to go home, but I knew that Jimmy was standing outside talking to a bunch of people. I knew I'd kick myself later if I didn't go over there. So I waited around the huddle. I felt a little bad for the guy. (Which is one of the reasons I could never be a rockstar... I have no desire to be touched all the time by total strangers. And then lack of musical talent would be the other reason.) During an awkward lull, I managed an "excuse me..." and I had him sign my ticket stub. There you go. Slap a "Superfan" sticker on my forehead and send me home.

But anyway, I wish you all could have heard him. It was so great... and it sounded a little something like this.

Thanks, PP, for the music and tickets. Thanks, Andrea, for the chai and great company.

(I would have written this all a lot earlier, but Blogger was messing with me.)

Now I must finish this magazine article that is making me want to pull my hair out. Go to post office. Get rental car. And drive, baby drive...

I think the theme for everything you are about to read came from yesterday's song of the day. I was inspired... what can I say?

It's hard to make gutters cool, but this would definitely help.

So I decided that someday I want to just visit Tuscany. I hate going along with everybody else on things, but after seeing this photo and this photo... and then this photo and this photo... and wow. Oh just go look at the whole site. It's beautiful. And of course the idea of bumping into Sting (as unlikely as that may be) doesn't hurt matters.

I was also just thinking about the delicious Caprese Salad we had at Laura's last Friday. Mmm. I mean, you know a salad tastes good when they sell posters of the ingredients.

While looking for a recipe, I stumbled across this unique website: f***corporategroceries.net. It's about the adventures of shopping the smalltown groceries.

And then, my goodness, last night I saw the ad for Under the Tuscan Sun. Is it a sign or what?

So much excitement coming up! Wheee! To be talked about later. (But for now, all you Hoosiers better send me phone numbers so I know how to reach you this weekend.)

Song for the Day:
Just Show Me How to Love You - Sarah Brightman featuring José Cura
(little clip)
A little Italian...
~Questo giorno è una pazzia
ma la luna è amica mia
se ti resta un sogno da buttare via
soli in mezzo a una città
Solo amici e poi chissà~

Here's a new one...

List Your Stuff
1. What's in your pockets?
▪ 2 photo developing claim tickets
▪ 1 gas receipt
▪ 20 4 O'clock seeds

2. What's on your keychain?
Okay, here we go. Keep in mind that I have a large ring like this (minus the children charms)...
▪ 3 Amerigo keys, 2 ignition/1 door.
▪ Blossom keychain
▪ motorcycle charm
▪ Tooth & Nail glow in-the-dark keychain with bossman's office & my office keys
▪ 2 keys for old car
▪ camera charm
▪ house key
▪ office mailbox key
▪ bus bin key

3. What's in your purse/wallet?
▪ 3 purple pens, 1 sharpie
▪ phone
▪ mini calendar/checkbook
▪ lipgloss
▪ miscellaneous cards (i.e. debit, sam's club, kroger plus, license, etc.)

Perpetuating the Stereotype
I'm offended for all the blondes out there. After viewing one episode of Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica last night, I was pretty shocked and slightly appalled by Jessica's behaviour. She's so dumb and flakey. But then again I heard horror stories from the crew guys who did her tour a couple summers ago. But when you're a *star* I suppose you can dictate when people can and can't make eye-contact with you.

I met Ted for lunch today. We used to work together... before he switched to the dark side and now works in-house for one of those major music conglomerates. He's known as the resident smart-ass though, so it's good to know he hasn't let The Man get him down. He gave me a Blind Boys of Alabama cd which I will listen to this weekend when I... hit... the... road. Yay!

He also insisted that I check out Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Jack Johnson (who I have heard before but have not studied). So remind me to listen to them later.

Song for the Day:
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - Billy Joel
~A bottle of white, a bottle of red
Perhaps a bottle of rose instead
We'll get a table near the street
In our old familiar place
You and I, face to face
A bottle of red, a bottle of white
It all depends on your appetite
I'll meet you any time you want
In our Italian restaurant~

Auntie D
I just have to brag, because my niece is so adorable. Mom just sent me pictures.

Then...


Now...

Happy Birthday to my beautiful niece! I miss you to pieces!

Happy Blogiversary... to me! :) Two years ago today I had this to say:

Sunday, September 02, 2001 ...

Holiday weekend. Nice. Except that I work on Labor Day -- oh well... better luck next year. Though I am spending Friday-Sunday in my old home away from home. Seeing some of my best friends I had to leave behind when I moved a couple months ago and shopping at some of my favourite stores I just can't find down south.

Why does Jenna Lewis have to be so crappy on VH1? Cute, she may be -- interesting enough to be a vj, she is not.

Song for the day:
I'm Delusional - Jay Brooks

Yeah, so nobody else knows that song (yet)... but I heard him and Chris rehearsing it the other night, and for some reason it has been in my head all day today.

Peace,
D.

Unconscious Mutterings
I say... and You Think....

1. Kiss:: "Kiss Me" by Sixpence
   
2. Nothing:: Neverending Story
   
3. Reach:: toothbrush
   
4. Late:: playing computer games
   
5. Stump:: a girl from high school named Brittney
   
6. Dreams:: Eurythmics
   
7. LOL:: Hans
   
8. Ornament:: "Great Expectations Soundtrack" song by Verve Pipe
   
9. Neck:: tickles
   
10. Guitar:: Rumsey

If you have a bit of time, take a look at the .pdf offered on this site. It's Who's Who & What's What in the Books of Dr. Seuss. I can't even begin to imagine how much work it took to put that together.

And then I know you've always wanted to know about the history of the paper clip.

In honor of it being two years later, how about another...
Jay Song of the Day:
I'm Sorry - Waltz for Venus

Aaaaahhhhhhh Eeeeeeeeee!
I love the first of the month, because I love changing over the calendars. And I particularly love choosing my new wallpaper from Mamselle. Imagine my delight when I saw she has another one with my signature flower... though I really did like this one too.

I spent my labor day laboring. How about you? Oh wait... the comments are broken.

Had a wonderful time helping RoseAnne with the house. She bought me a steak dinner. We had a lovely time sitting on the new porch swing and chit-chatting.

I also got some fun photos back today, but I think some people would not want me to post all of them. :)

You're Takin' Me to Heaven... 24/7, You're Mine
Oh... my... goodness! The Dino cd I bought the other day came yesterday. I just drove around for an hour or however long and listened to the entire thing. I was amazed at how all of the words came back to me almost instantly. I listened to that cassette like crazy back in the day, and had dance moves for some of the songs. (Hey... I grew up with American Bandstand and Dance Party USA... give me a break.) Some of those beats would make great samples. (There are orchestra hits in abundance!) I just need to find someone who will share my enthusiasm. I need to call my sister.

A Couple of Firsts
▪ I forgot to mention that yesterday I saw this big, buff guy with a tattoo of... a grand piano on his upper arm. Only at a jazz festival, I tell you.
▪ Today, for the first time, I saw a tour bus towing an H2. Whatever.

Rosie Posie
I was out at Miss RoseAnne's tonight. We were helping her with some cleaning. I washed out the filter on her air conditioner unit... (Am I my father's daughter or what??) ...some people don't know to do that though, and it definitely helps to cut down on those little allergens.

Anyway, I told her I would go back out tomorrow. I just realized that I don't have shorts. I think I might have some in a container in the garage... but that means it's been a couple years since I've worn shorts. I wear skirts when it's warm... what can I say? I guess it's going to be a hot one tomorrow if I don't find those old ones.

Beginners Claymation... aren't kids cute?

While looking for a picture of a piano tattoo, I came across this interesting site about the Maori facial tattoos. (I apparently know nothing about the movie The Piano.)

Ka kite ano!