Advice

If a nurse tries to take blood from your wrist, no matter how nice she or he is, kick them in the shin. It hurts like hell and then you look like some idiot who tried to slit their wrist with a safety pin.

Just a little advice from Auntie Liz

More Musing

This time on origins...

Yesterday after something goofy happened Connie said, "This is retarded." It made me think, so I asked: If you are retarded, does that mean you were just tarded once, got better, and then it happened again? Like refried beans? This made little sense to me, as I have never heard anyone say tarded unless it was vocal shorthand.

Jen and Amanda got in on the conversation. Amanda offered that it would make sense for the root of the word to be the French tard, meaning late. But then why does it have the re- modifying it? We batted around a few theories but none seemed to fully explain this new mystery.

I pondered quietly for a bit, and then did what I always do when I want to know something. Research!

It turns out that retarded comes from the Middle English retarden, which in turn comes from the old French (go Amanda!) retarder and that derives from the Latin retardare. Retardare is a modification of tardus, which means to slow. By adding the re-to the variant of tardus the meaning becomes to delay or obstruct.

The prefix re- in Latin means to do again just like it does in English, but it also means backward. So the re- in this case makes the adjective a regression or stoppage, not just a slowing.

To make a long story short (too late, I know) since the word was modified 4 languages ago the re- is no longer a prefix, but has become part of the whole.

Did Ya Ever Wonder?

Have you ever gotten an e-mail from someone and there was a typo that made you wonder? Some typos you expect, like your everyday spelling mistakes. Some you can explain, like just now when I was typing "spelling" my finger slipped and I hit the K instead of the L, making it "spelking". But sometimes, well it just makes you scratch your head. Like "movin."

I know, you're thinking "Oh they went to spell 'moving' and either forgot the G or just went for the slang." Nope. The word was supposed to be "movie." N and E aren't even on the same side of the keyboard. Did they really think there was an N there? Or maybe that's the way they say the word...just something I'm pondering at the moment.

The Church of Scientology

Here is what I know about Scientology:

It is based on some writings and musings of L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer
There is something about aliens in there
There is a rumor that you can fly once you reach the highest level
Money changes hands as a practitioner moves from level to level within the church
Celebrities seem to love it

As you can see, I don’t know much about the religion itself mostly because I’m not interested and think it’s a bunch of hooey. But that is my opinion. I also happen to think that if The Church of Scientology was smart they’d chain Tom Cruise up somewhere because he isn’t helping to clear up their wacko image. I take heart that John Travolta, Mimi Rogers and many more public personalities don’t seem to have lost their minds. I’ll give Scientology the benefit of the doubt and stick to believing Tom is a total nut and scientology just fed that.

Why am I telling you this? Because I found myself in the odd position of defending Scientology the other day. Yeah, I tease about the religion and make fun of the aliens and flying thing, but I also think that it’s okay for people to believe all that as long as they don’t bug me about it or hurt others. Live and let live. I grew up Baptist, lots of jokes available there and I even tell them. It doesn’t lessen my faith.

But I was having a conversation about a friend’s increasing involvement in a protestant church, which has given him a much healthier outlook on life and he seems to have found a supportive community which I think is wonderful. Then he went off on how anyone who believed in Scientology was an idiot. I pointed out that I was fairly sure there were Hindus out there who thought believing in one god was pretty dumb. Or Jews who thought the whole communion thing was a bit ghoulish. Evolutionists who feel religion is for the weak. All different viewpoints, who is to say who is right and who is wrong? Yes, I think Scientology is weird, but is it weirder than anything else out there? Not if taken in moderation.

Any religion taken to an unbalanced extreme is going to be a cult. In general, the precepts of most belief systems hinge on taking the teachings offered and applying them to your life, learning from them…not necessarily following blindly the most extreme parts. Snake handling…not a wise choice most would say, but an impressive display of faith. It mimics the courage needed to stand up for your beliefs in the face of doubt and danger.

Mormons wear “temple garments”. Alarmist pamphlets call this “magic underwear”. For the Mormons these garments, worn under the clothes, represent the purity of Christ and serve as a reminder to strive for purity of the soul. Is that much different than having a crucifix in your home? And if you think about it, doesn’t it sound a little creepier to have a dead guy nailed to a cross dangling around your neck than wearing special underwear?

We can pick apart any religion, I just happen to be more familiar with the Christian ones. But they all have their oddities if viewed by someone who isn’t of that faith. And the practices vary from congregation to congregation within each. I’ve been in Baptist churches that make Catholic churches look like hippie communes, and vice versa. I’m sure the same is true with Scientology: Each congregation and congregant will worship in their own way. Some strongly and with tolerance, some not. It’s how humans are, so I don’t think it’s very fair to say if you believe in something you’re an idiot.

Faith is something I think everyone should have, whether is it faith in God, your fellow man/woman, science, yourself or whatever. It is that something that is solid in life, without being tangible. Something that gives you comfort and reason for thought.

So yes, Scientology is very bazaar to me, but I’d never call someone an idiot just because of what they choose to believe. It’s how that translates into action that tells the story. After all, a part of me will always believe in Santa. I believe in the spirit of kindness he embodies. Silly? Maybe so, but it isn’t hurting anyone, and in fact is a rather philanthropic way of looking at the world.

So I told my friend to watch it with the judgment, because it’s pretty easy to reduce his beliefs down to their weirdest parts too. And I know his feelings would be hurt if I did that. After all, being Christian isn’t just about believing in Christ, it’s about the message of tolerance and forgiveness he preached as well. And everyone deserves that, without exception…

But Tom Cruise is a jackass, not because he’s a Scientologist, but for spouting off about psychology with tone omnipotence and being rude to Matt Lauer. Nobody messes with Matt!

Mysteries of Maleness

Women may be a mystery to men, but we don't have much more insight into them. For me, I've decided what I'm looking for in a relationship, and in my mind it isn't too big a bill to fill. Someone who thinks of me as I think of him, we make time for each other and enjoy each other. Not living with parents, liking to read and having a car are also in there, but I think at this point in life those aren't all that hard to come by.

What I'm finding are men who are entering a second childhood. We get on wonderfully and then their ADD kicks in and they are off to the next adventure. After giving it more of a chance than it deserves, I decide to let it go...and then they pop back up because I'm not paying attention. Just annoying.

We'll use the boy I call my little redneck for a case study. Got together, got on well, but he wasn't looking for anything serious. It is important to note that he is one of those creatures that refuses to make plans. As we live 2 hours away from each other you can see how annoying this is. I finally decided to move on and this is an example of the result:

Last week he made noises about coming out my way. I wasn't sure why, since he'd become enamoured with the goth culture in NYC, but as this was early in the week I didn't worry much about it because he doesn't usually follow through. Friday he e-mailed a "call me tonight" which I did...around midnight when I was on my way home from dinner with Monie. Oh did I get an earful.

He was grumpy because I blew him off. I pointed out that 1) He could have made actual plans with me 2) He could have called earlier and 3) How many times had he blown me off? That ended that little snit. Then I heard the unhappy female voice in the background, "Who are you talking to now?!" Hee hee, I've been there. The boy is a slave to his phone. Once he got over himself and I stopped teasing him about managing to find alternate company, he asked what I was up to next weekend...about 4 months ago we'd made plans for the 30th but by now they'd fallen through. I said I was busy on Saturday, but Friday wasn't spoken for yet. No clue why he wants to see me, and I have faith that it won't happen. It was funny as he explained that the girl was from the club he ended up at and was annoying, but she was bringing him beer. Classy!

I should mention that at some point he developed the annoying habit of calling or texting when he was drunk and with another girl. My only guess as to why is that he wanted to get a rise out of me, but I'm stubborn and refused to let it bother me. I don't think he enjoyed me laughing at him either, but ah well. Play silly games and expect to be teased.

So I was on my way home last night and of course I got the drunken page telling me he was having a great time, was I? Yes, all fun on my end which he then wanted details of. Why? No idea, just another foolish boy who doesn't know what he wants except my attention when he isn't getting it. At 2 AM my phone rang and I groggily answered. It was him, what was I up to? When I told him I was happily resting my sore feet he offered a foot rub...he would be at my place around 4 AM. I nixed that one, especially considering he wasn't in any shape to drive. I got the normal insinuations about meeting other guys the way I met him...and for once just sighed and told him I wasn't having the conversation again. He's one of those oh so enlightened beings who refuses to believe guys and girls can be friends without sex. Warms the cockles of your heart, doesn't it? And heaven forbid a girl isn't out every night of the weekend with another guy. He's actually chastised me for hanging out with the girls instead of hitting the bars...yeah, he doesn't really get me. But then, it doesn't matter now.

Then came the shock...he made definite plans with me for Friday. I said yes out of shock and curiosity. When he's sober I'll find out what's going on...I have a feeling he has something to get off his chest (for someone who doesn't believe we can just be friends, he does tend to call when he needs someone to listen).

The mystery of the male of species. Ignore them and they pursue, pay attention and they lose interest. Someone tell me how this particular trait wasn't bred out over the years? It doesn't seem to encourage breeding...but then their will always be foolish girls I suppose.

Busy Day

Well, the rain that threatened to put a damper on the Elmwood Park Zoo Classic Car show decided to stop before I left to pick up Connie and Andy, so the day was off to a good start. After causing my usual chaos with the animals at Connie's (and having Sebasion do his little dance for me...I love that bird!) we were on the road to Andy's. Once we got over the shock of seeing his pale chest pressed up against his glass door we managed to get to the saddest little car show ever. I may be inflating the number, but there were around 8 cars to see at the zoo. Making the best of the situation, we wandered around the zoo and discovered Connie's attraction to little, fuzzy feet. Who knew?

Two Spot, the white alligator decided to prove to Connie that it was not a lawn ornament and began to mill about it's pond. We also managed to get Connie through the reptile area without incident. Andy was a bit bummed because he didn't have his sketch pad with him, so we may just have to haul him back at a later date.

After the zoo I dropped them at Andy's and headed home to grab lunch and get ready for dinner and catching a Penn volleyball match. I was sorely tempted to cancel, but last minute decided I'd rather be out than in and Don is always good company.

Don was a stroke of luck as far as I'm concerned. We went on a date early this summer, didn't have the romantic chemistry but got along fabulously. So now we harass each other into doing fun, if odd things. A few weeks ago was my now famous mini golf in the rain-golf balls float, who knew? His latest threat is teaching me frisbee golf. But last night was furthering his skill at taking action shots.

Dinner was good, I talked him into Chinese because I was craving dumplings. I think they actually went out to catch the squid for his meal, but it did finally arrive. Then off to the Palestra to watch the Quakers play Binghamton. I was surprised to find I really enjoyed watching the game and he got some great action shots.

After I dropped Don off at home I decided I had enough gas to get to the first exit on 76...well, I would have if the road wasn't totally backed up. I decided to head for 95 and pop off at the first exit to get gas...best laid plans and all. I ended up at the airport, then in Chester getting gas at midnight. Not the smartest thing for a white girl by herself, but there was no incident. And I'm pretty proud of myself. I managed to navigate to 476 N and get home with no u-turns. Mom would be so proud!

Out with my Grrl!

You know, no matter how foolish the boys in my life are I can always depend on my Monie for a great date. After spending Friday rearranging furniture in the apartment I was more than ready for dinner at Hinge (www.hingecafe.com). It's an amazing little cafe/restaurant/gallery/music space in Port Richmond.

As always dinner was amazing and happiness! I got to have one (or two) of their to die for chaw tea lattes. And Momma Simone's carrot cake afterward was...almost deadly...lol. Monie and I got a chance to catch up, make plans, trade stories and just have fun, We even got a tour of the kitchen and the update on the latest challenges Simone and T are having with the place.

It closed around 9:30, but we were still sitting in the gallery with Simone talking at 11. It was a nice night.

Foolishness

You know the person you're talking to isn't for you when:

1) You mention going to a cafe and the response is "Why would I go to a cafe? I have coffee here." The correct retort would be, "Why should I go to a bar? I have beer here." Oh and the answer to both questions is that if you go out you'll have company.

2) They are under 50 and drink a Bud, Coors or Miller product...especially if there is a "Lite" in there anywhere. There's nothing wrong with these, but .

3) "Huh, you read..." should always make you run. you can be pretty sure they will complain about the strength of what you're drinking...no matter what it is

Definitions

Liz --

[adjective]:

Like in nature to a kangaroo

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Does this mean I have a bouncy personality?

Tired

You know you are tired when you go to bed at 8 PM and don't wake up when a large shelf falls off your bedroom wall and crashes to the floor.

Priceless

This brings me to the weekend. I’ve been talking with a certain guy for a while now and we finally had time in our schedules to get together. He seemed like a very nice person, we had lots to talk about and a good bit in common. He had been having a tough year with family members passing away, business set backs and a stolen car- to name a few. Not unlike another friend of mine, life seemed to be giving him a disproportionate amount of hardship, but his attitude remained hopeful and I found that charming.

The reason getting together took so much planning was that he lives about 160 miles away from me. Once we picked Saturday to see each other I decided to head up Friday night and get a room so I wouldn’t have to make the 3 hour drive in the morning. Aside from the rain the drive was fine, the new car handled wonderfully. I checked in around 1:30 AM and curled into bed.

When I got up in the morning I sent a little call me when you’re up note. It turns out he ended up having a meeting in New Haven, but was hoping to be back by noon. Not exactly thrilled, I puttered around the room until check out, did so and strolled to the local park to read for a bit.
McLevy Green

The next word I got was that he was heading back and should be in around 3. I decided to find lunch.

After lunch I freshened up a bit, took a walk and ended up back at the park with my book. Interesting pigeons in the McLevy Green. One was white, with brown stripes on its back and a red and green iridescent neck. Very pretty. I chatted with a few of the other park occupants and enjoyed a beautiful day.



So now I get word that my date would be leaving Greenwich by 5:30 and should be meeting me around 6:30 at the hotel. Remember I checked out? Yup, checked back in, telling the girl behind the desk I’d lay an egg if he walked in the door at 6:30.

So I settled back in, took a little nap, and then got ready…again. As 6:30 approached I sent a little note saying see you soon, and got a reply that they were running a few minutes late but would be there shortly. And that was the last I heard.

No response to texts or calls the rest of the night. And when his voicemail told me it was full I began to really worry (no, I hadn’t called that much). It was still full in the morning, so I took myself home. I sent a few texts and when I got in sent an e-mail saying I was home safe and wasn’t mad, just worried. Which was actually true.

While one friend decided he was an asshole and another told me to tell him to F**K off, I was worried he was dead on the side of the road. This was a guy who apologized up and down if he called late. Not the type to stand someone up. Monie and I decided he was in jail…turns out we were right.

Got a text this morning that something happened with the driver of the car he was in and they spent some time in jail. Of course…why? Because the poor bastard was due to meet me. This is how my dating life works. I think I can safely say this is my worst dating story to date. No, I haven’t decided if I believe it or not. The next move is his. I’ll keep you posted. In the mean time, here is my new Master Card commercial:

Tolls to and from Connecticut: $20.25
Gas: $30.00
Hotel Room for 2 Nights: $200.00

Driving 320 miles round trip to be stood up because your date is in jail? Fucking priceless.

On Understanding

This goes hand in hand with being too nice, but that is where my brain is today. Between the events of the weekend and something a friend just passed on to me I’ve been thinking a lot about understanding, insight and weakness.

Last weekend I met a friend of Connie’s. He was in a mood of sorts, so I got the over all impression he was a wise-ass. No problem for me, I’m one too. We bantered back and forth a bit, called BS a few times and I enjoyed having him along. He, however, felt the need to apologize for his attitude and I told Connie to make sure he knew he didn’t make a bad impression. His impression of me was that I must have been dumped on a lot in life because I had good insights…

But we don’t grow through adversity alone, do we? True, we need to have obstacles to overcome to gain understanding of other’s position, but don’t we also need examples of kindness? If I didn’t have the sweet stories, how would I know to persevere past the bad times? And would they be as sweet? No, I think insight comes from all we experience in life, the wins, loses and the stalemates. But it was a nice compliment all the same.

I’ve often been accused of being overly understanding. I’m well aware of this aspect of my character, and while I know it can get me hurt a lot, I don’t really want to change it. I don’t even know if I could. I’ve found I can excuse most anything, make a logical argument for actions. But does wanting to give someone the benefit of the doubt make me weak or foolish?

How terrible to make accusations without getting the whole story? It’s easy to lash out when we get hurt, but what harm does taking a moment to ask what happened do? Yes, I’ve been bitten in the butt by that one, but it also kept me from ending a relationship over what turned out to be a spiteful rumor. It’s a double edged sword, and I’d rather get sliced a few times then write off someone who could prove to be a good friend. Sort of like it’s better to let 100 guilty men go free than to convict one innocent person. At least that’s how I see it.

I know I’ll screw up again one of these days and I just hope the person I hurt has the kindness to let me explain. So I believe in second chances, and mitigating circumstances…but that doesn’t mean I’m naïve. I know BS when I hear it.

All this springs from my weekend…the jury’s still out on that one, but that's another story…

Interesting...

I learned something interesting in Bridgeport Connecticut this weekend: The white folks I met in were really snotty, the minorities were terrific. I ended up at a little bistro called The Savoy for lunch. There I was ignored for 10 minutes, then some guy came up, handed me a menu and told me to wait again. It wasn't busy. After being walked by and ignored for another 10 minutes I returned the menu and went to Quiznos. There I was sweetly talked through the ordering process by a very nice black lady and chatted with a Latina named Joy until my order was ready. By the way, the turkey, swiss and ranch on whole wheat is great.

The Long Goodbye

So last night I went to pick up the new car. I was oddly anxious most of yesterday, there could have been a few reasons for the feeling so I just tried to get past it. As I drove to the dealership it kept getting worse. I kept thinking, "How can I give this car up to become spare parts?" The trade in was so low it barely affected my monthly payment, and the car was still in good shape for it's age and mileage. Yes, it has some quirks, but someone out there would probably be delighted with her...so I decided I wasn't ready to let her be stripped for parts. I called Lydia who sweetly agreed to come back to the dealership with me and pick up my faithful Red. Once this decision was made my anxiety evaporated.

For the rest of the ride I considered what to do with my baby. While I had a friend who could use her, I would feel terrible if she blew up on him (he doesn't have any luck with cars...the exhaust fell off his truck that morning). It would just be constant guilt.

I had just decided to donate her to charity when I got word that an acquaintance was in need of a short term car...there we go! She isn't parts and I won't hear about it if she falls apart! Hooray! We talked and will be doing the title transfer in the not too distant future. Until then she can sit happily in my parking lot with her newly adopted brother.

So back to the new addition...After waiting almost an hour my sales guy finally got done with his previous appointment and we do the paperwork. He offers to buy my old car for a little over the trade in offer, but I decline. Finally around 9 PM I drive off the lot in my new-to-me car and Lydia and I convoy back to my place.

It was a lovely drive in to work this morning and I think Blue and I have a lot of fun ahead of us. In fact, we have our first road trip this weekend!

On Death and Dying

I feel like I have a good relationship with the powers that be, I take one day at a time and generally try to see the positive side of things. I have only one request of the universe: I will go when it is my time, but please don't let me die stupid.

I do not want to be a Darwin award. If my obituary makes people laugh, please let them be laughing with me, not at me. Do not make my friends and family cover their eyes and shake their heads in shame. If there are golden gates at the end of this life, please do not let this be my entrance:

Saying Goodbye

Tonight I have to say goodbye to a very good friend. She has been with me through the good and the bad, always faithful and reliable. But it is time to move on...

I'm due to pick up my new-to-me car tonight. I picked it out all by myself, so we shall see how this turns out. I must say goodbye to my little red Saturn. She has been a great car...she even drove out from under the BMW that a dumb blond from Jersey dropped on her. She has roadtripped to New York, Baltimore, Williamsburg, Pittsburgh and faithfully dragged my butt all over the place. She has transported rabbits, cats, dogs, frogs and guinea pigs. She has served as storage for my stuff when I've moved, my own personal music studio and always the best getaway vehicle ever! I've cried, laughed, eaten, fought, loved and thrown up in her. She is the best.

But now she is 12 and has 107,000 miles on her (plus a bit). Her radio only likes AM stations and the driver's side door drips when it rains. I will not miss having a wet butt.

Hopefully the new car will have as wonderful and long a life with me as she has. He is a blue Saturn, actually made in this century! I'll try to keep him clean, but we know how well I keep up with that stuff. I know he won't be like my baby, but he will be good. I have faith.

So goodbye to my sweet Saturn. May you tool around with some teenager at the wheel, keeping them safe from themselves with your steel rollcage and plastic bits. I will miss you...

Disappointment

My morning started off with disappointment and frustration today, not my preferred kick off. While listening to NPR on the way to work I was excited when the newscaster began talking about 4 Corners New Mexico, my parents live very near there. Then to my surprise the story was actually about Farmington, which is their town. It pretty much went downhill from there.

The story was about discrimination against the Navajo Nation which borders Farmington and just about everywhere else in the state. It's big. In the1970s there was a bad incident involving some white teenagers and some Navajo people. It was a hate crime, definitely, and showcased a problem with race relations in the area.

Now certain vocal members of the local tribe are arranging protests because they feel that discrimination continues and is being overlooked. That is their right. Their protests may be inconvenient and perhaps annoying to the town's people, but they are peaceful and if the discrimination is as widespread as the protest leaders allege then it is good to call attention to it.
I'm not going to proffer my own opinion here, but I will say I believe there are both ignorant and kind people on both sides. But my issue wasn't with the protests. My issue was with the examples of recent problems that the story gave.

When I was out to see my parents this summer the local paper had just started publishing about the discrimination allegations, so I came into the story fairly early, read and heard a lot from both sides. I'm probably more informed about it than the average person who doesn't live in that area.

The NPR story cited one of the recent incidents being investigated was the shooting of a Navajo man in a Wal-Mart parking lot by a white police officer. That was the entirety of the statement. Sounds a little like Rodney King, doesn't it? What the radio didn't say was that the officer was called to the parking lot because the Navajo man was beating a woman in his vehicle.

Now, domestic violence is the most dangerous situation a police officer can walk into. There is every possibility that if they detain the abuser the spouse/partner will then attack the officer. It is just part of the conditioning that occurs with domestic violence.

So the officer came up to the vehicle and ordered the man out. He continued to beat the woman, but the officer did manage to get him out of the car. At which point he advanced on the officer, wrestled him to the ground and took his baton. The man then charged the officer with the baton and the officer shot him to defend himself. Sounds a little different now, doesn't it?

There is an FBI investigation into the incident, but so far it hasn't found any wrong doing on the officer’s part. Why couldn't that have been mentioned in the story? How much more time would it have taken to say, "A Navajo man was shot in a Wal-Mart parking lot by a white police officer who was responding to a domestic violence call?"
I just expected better from NPR...

Wardrobe Revenge

Okay, my previous corset post, HA! That was no corset that was a walk in the park!
I was at the PA Ren Faire this weekend and a friend decided she wanted to look at corsets. Now these aren't your Victoria's Secret, Hot Topic little look-at-my-chest things. No, these are constructed with steel boning and laced within an inch of your life. Think of the Statue of Liberty facelift and all the scaffolding around her and you'll have an idea of what these things look like inside.

Somehow I got talked into trying one on as well...I have never before been frightened by my own anatomy. I could have waited tables without using my arms! Seriously, it was indecent! I'm a "busty lass" as the Faire folk would say, but this was just...too much. Connie looked fantastic in hers, I have to admit, but it wasn't a look I was willing to try to pull off. And while it made my back feel great, I missed being able to inhale. It's the little things in life, ya know? Though I could have taken a shot to the stomach and been unfased I'm pretty sure.

And watching Connie get into the car I was even happier about my decision. I don't think I would have been able to breathe. And bending at the waist is something I enjoy doing, but that's me.

Happiness

Something really nice happened last night. Monie and I went to see The Illusionist, which we both highly recommend. It was a fantastic movie with a great story and beautiful costuming. And of course my choice of companion for the evening was wonderful, as always.

But something really great happened while I was watching this interesting love story...I enjoyed it. For the first time in over a year it didn't make me sad to watch two people in love. I didn't sit there in the dark wondering if I really believed I could have that again. Sure, I've been dating and I've enjoyed their company, but the feeling hasn't even approached that which I feel for my friends, much less a romantic love. I had started to settle into the idea that I would just find situations that I enjoyed, people that were fun...but that were always lacking something. Perhaps it was substance they lacked, or my exhaustion at the idea of investing myself in someone, or a combination. So I would watch these star crossed-lovers on the movie screen, my heart would be heavy and I'd want to turn away and cry (which happened a lot for a while there) no matter how happy the story.

But not last night. Last night I was right there with the characters, rooting for them and believing they could overcome. It was like breathing again.

Human beings have an infinite capacity to love, and in many different ways. I guess sometimes it just takes a bit to come fully back to life after you've been very hurt. I suppose it takes hope and confidence. Hope that you will love again, and the confidence in yourself to know that if you get hurt again, well it won't be the end of the world and love will come around once more.

The human mind, heart and soul are such complicated creatures...and they never seem to agree on anything! But then, it does keep life interesting...

Not a Princess

Yes, it's official: I am not a princess.

A true princess would be unable to sleep on a mattress that had a pea under it, no matter how fluffy the mattress nor how many the number. One simple pea would keep her up all night only to wake up feeling black and blue.

I woke up this morning with a screw embedded in my leg (I'd been putting up a shelf in the bedroom and apparently missed a piece of hardware when I cleaned up).

Yup, no princessness for me...but at least I got screwed last night! Hee! hee!

Inappropriate Content

Here is a little game for you: The following is a message I tried to send to a friend through another site. The site refused to process it because of "inappropriate content." Now maybe I am just tired and addle-brained, but I can't figure out what is so inappropriate. My challenge to you, dear reader, is to figure out just what is so objectionable...

"I'm sorry you were tormented by little imps refusing to let you get work done, but I'm sure the Literati was a very enjoyable alternate. My meeting was borderline pointless as usual, but it's good to know how the shelter is doing financially because part of my job is to be the voice of reason when taking in new rabbits. We are oh so full right now.

And this morning feels not only like I slept on the couch and traded my spine for a braided pretzel, but in the process I acted as a speed bump for a monster truck. I'm hoping a coffee, tylenol and pepsid cocktail will pull me together enough to limp through the morning. What does all this mean? I'm afraid I'm getting old...lol"

...my best guess is the word cocktail...