I just had to post on leap day. :) Especially since it's on a Sunday. We only get 5 Sundays in February once every 28 years, you know. (The things you learn in church.)

And, for the record, Thursday marked my two year blogaversary. Just in case you care.

Meanwhile, here's today's word association game.

1. Hollywood:: Movies
   
2. Censor:: Restrict
   
3. Nascar:: Car racing
   
4. Lube:: Oil and Filter
   
5. Mortgage:: Payment
   
6. Freedom:: America
   
7. Champion:: Winner
   
8. Reality TV:: Survivor
   
9. New York:: Big city
   
10. Tease:: Laugh
    

Now I'm off to write a couple of leap day reviews, including for At Wick's End, which I read almost all of yesterday. Short but good book. :)

This week's Thursday Threesome features another new definition, thanks to The Back Porch.

::Choreography: The art of symbolically representing dancing::

Onesome- Choreography: What do you choreograph in your life? Your morning routine? The dinner ritual? How you study?
My morning routine is pretty well down pat. Heck, you can set your clock by me. Once I roll out of bed. The rest of my life is changing depending on what day it is.

Twosome- The art of symbolically: Art? Hmmmm... Sure, what do you like to have? ...or do you? ...but how about that little symbol you keep on your desk or headboard? The one you keep because??? I mean, if you can share that...
I have a painted gourd shell from Africa on my bookcase here at work. That’s really about it.

Threesome- representing dancing: No, not 'do you dance?' (although that's fine too!); rather, which type(s) of dancing will you stop and watch for a moment? Ballroom? Swing? Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey?
Ballroom in a heart beat. Probably because I loved doing it so much. In that, I’m including swing, waltz, foxtrot, and nightclub two-step.

I'm sitting here listening to the rain right outside my window wishing I could be out in it. I love the rain. Always have. If I were home right now, I'd throw my warm up pants on and got for a nice long walk. Or I'd jump in the pool. Either are acceptable activities when it's raining.

But, being Wednesday, I'm stuck waiting for the gang to show up to head over to my house to watch sci-fi. And, since all I have are my work clothes with me right now, I don't think getting drenched to the bone is really an option. :(

So, what else can I bend your ear about?

I can't believe how they left us hanging in 24. And we don't get any new episodes for a month!

I'd been trying to get some friends together to go see Reba taped live on the 9th. But now that I finally have answers, it's sold out for that night. Major bummer.

And I am absolutely loving my current book, The Death Merchant. In fact, if you don't mind, I'm going to log off and get back to it while I wait.

Since I can't go play in the rain.

I sure have gotten hooked on having internet at home again so soon. How did I ever live without it? :)

For example, I need to go home and check my hotmail accout since it seems I can't get in from work right now. Now we'll see if I remember that tonight when I do get home.

So I move my car out of the garage about 11:15 on Saturday so if I decide to go somewhere while the power is out I can. Promptly at noon, the power does indeed go out. At 12:20 it comes back on and stays on. I don't know if they finished what they needed to finish or got scared because of the coming rain, but that was all it was off. Of course, I did crazy things like finish The Eyre Affair just in case they turned it back off, but I needn't have worried.

Bascially, it's been a quiet few days. Been reading, got all caught up on TV shows, visited the hot tub the last couple of days. Stuff like that. In fact, I've been feeling completely unmotivated to do anything at work or home. Like pay bills. Based on what I've been doing today, I'm feeling like being on top of things, so hopefully I'll get things done tonight.

Looks like my dryer needs to be fixed. Guess I'll be pulling that insurance policy the sellers bought out and getting it fixed. That won't be fun. It takes two cycles to dry the clothes instead of the one it should take. This is the kind of thing I liked having managers to take care of. Of course, the last place I lived I didn't have my own washer and dryer, so I guess there is a trade off there.

I've been avoiding a subject, but I can't for too much longer. Yep, it's time to discuss gat marriage. Now before you turn away, I'd like to let you know that Dr. John MacArthur, president of my college, will be talking about this subject for most of Larry King Live tonight along with Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave (behind the current amendment being considered in Washington), Gavin Newsome (mayor of San Francisco), and Chad Allen (gay activist). I'm sure it will be anything but boring. The program will be on CNN at 9 PM Eastern (6 PM Pacific) and will repeat at Midnight (9 Pacific) and 3 AM (Midnight Pacific).

MacArthur will probably say everything I'm about to say and say it much better then I am about to say it, so if you really want to hear my side, tune in tonight and pay attention to what he says.

Here goes:

First I have to talk about what is happening in San Francisco. In case you've missed it, it is state law that gay marriage is illegal here. That was the will of the majority of the residents of this state when we voted on it a few years ago. So what the mayor has done is decided he's above the law and chosen to break it. The fact that no one is calling for him to resign just blows my mind. They are as responsible for upholding the laws of the state in their city. This is no different the the judge posting the 10 commandments in his chamber. And is exposing hypocracy on both sides.

All the mayor is trying to do is force the issue into the courts. He's hoping that they courts will overturn the state law and make gay marriage legal here. Unfortunately, he'll get his way. That's issue number two for me. We are a representative form of government, yet the courts constantly step in and make the laws for us. Most of the time, we have no chance to really do anything about who is and who isn't a judge. And then they go and make the laws for us, taking away our rights to vote and discuss and debate issues.

So, let's get down to the "right" to marry. Sorry, but I must have missed that one in the constitution. If it's in there, I'm going to sue the government since I'm still single. I'll make it a class action lawsuit for those who are single also will have this problem corrected for us.

Obviously, I'm being facitios here, but the point remains that we don't have a right to marry. Anyone who wants to can live with anyone else who wants to. I have no problem with that. What about a heterosexual couple who lives together for 30 years? That's there choice, but then they don't get the benefits of marriage. That's the consequences of their actions. Many people argue that not being able to marry descriminates against homosexuals. Well, I don't see it any differently then those who choose not to marry for whatever reason.

Marriage is designed to build and strengthen our society. It provides a loving, stable place to have a raise children. Studies have shown that children raised in a traditional family with two parents are the most well adjusted and succeed more in life. It's in society's best interests to keep traditional marriage as it is.

Now I'll be the first to admit that marriages fail more often then not. The blaim for that can go many places. Our society no longer values marriage the way it used to or the way it should. Divorse is considered a first choice instead of a last resort many times. We no longer see the need to raise kids in traditional families. (And by traditional, I mean both a mother and father, not the 50's Leave it to Beaver image.) But, just because marriages already are in trouble and under attack, why attack them more? Why make marriage any less significant then it already is.

All this gets going before I get to moral grounds. Yes, I think the homosexual lifestyle is sin. Period. Of course, I don't think it's any more of a sin then lying or stealing, and God will forgive all sin. But I will never view it as anything other then what God clearly calls it in the Bible.

So yes, I am against gay marriage on many different grounds. I will always be against it, even if it is legalized on the entire planet just as I am against abortion. For the record, I don't believe it is any more genetic then whether you like apples or not. It is a choice, thereby making it a sin. Those who chose to live this way must face the consequences of their actions. After all, life is not fair.

I realize this goes against what several of you have written on your blogs. But this is what I believe to be true and why I believe it.

Things aren't looking good for Trixie camp this year. :( In spite of my request, they're still looking at the 31st for my brother's wedding. Needless to say, I'm bummed.

But the real reason I logged in today was to do this week's word association game on Sunday for something different.

1. Angel:: Buffy
   
2. Birth:: Death
   
3. Logic:: Solution
   
4. Stars:: night sky
   
5. Nursery:: baby
   
6. View:: scenic
   
7. Hart:: to Hart
   
8. Creation:: God
   
9. End:: Beginning
   
10. Fortune:: Money
    

Have a good Sunday evening.

Last night certainly was interesting from a worship team angle. Naturally, since I was out of town Sunday, I didn't expect to participate in leading worship. It's exactly what I'd tell the kids, so I shouldn't be any different. I arrive to find that they didn't practice for a variety of reasons, so nothing was planned. And I hadn't even brought my guitar! Furthermore, Scott and Jared weren't even there to play since they had an extra practice for basketball since they were in the playoffs. So we decided to just take requests and sing accapella. There were a few missed songs since we had no words, but it seemed to go ok for an off the cuff thing.

Next week had better knock them out of the park to make up for it. No pressure or anything.

Got a notice from my electric company in the mail today. Power's going to be off from noon until 4:30 tomorrow. Why couldn't they wait until Monday when everyone will be at work? I have laundry to do and I still have TV shows to catch up on from last week still. Before I left.

But the real news here is that my brother is engaged. What this means for me as far as Trixie camp goes has yet to be determined. We'll have to figure out when will work best and work it out with my boss. Further updates as events warrent.

Morning. Time for this week's Thursday Threesome, brought to us by Websters and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Serendipity:-- Do you believe in destiny?
Yes and no. I believe God is in control of our lives so nothing happens by chance. I don’t call it destiny, however.

Twosome: Making fortunate discoveries-- What is your greatest "find"? Is it an antique you discovered tucked away at a garage sale? Or maybe something as simple as the great sale on khakis or lawn mowers at your favorite store?
It would probably be finding a new looking copy of Sandy Dengler’s To Die in the Queen of Cities at a used bookstore. The book was only in print for a couple months at most and I really had intended to start hunting for it, but there it was. A rare book by my favorite author? Of course I picked it up right away.

Threesome: by accident-- Have you ever discovered a place entirely by accident and it's become a favourite place to go now? A hidden grove in the city park, a wonderful little coffee shop or restaurant, a treasure trove of a shop?
That’s exactly how I found Crime Time Books. Unfortunately, it’s out of business now.

"It's raining today. It's raining today. Hello rain. Hello rain."

At least that's what I've heard the wet stuff falling from the sky is called. All I have to say is, it's about time!!!!!!!!!!

It's funny, because I told Erik this morning that I hoped it really did rain like they promised today. And it had started before I got to work. It rained most of the day and steady fairly hard rain. I don't think we're supposed to get any more before Saturday, but twice in one week? Heck, twice in one month? I don't know how to handle that.

Last night, I went to The Mystery Bookstore for a signing. Donna Andrews was actually in town a little early for this year's Left Coast Crime and was signing her new book, We'll Always Have Parrots. I'd forgotten how much she can talk your ear off. Still, only about three people showed up, so I got to chat with her for quite some time. Loved that. She is a very nice and funny lady, as you'd guess from reading her books, and I love getting stories about the publishing world. Still, I hope the low turn out was because of LCC being later this week and that this doesn't discourage her from coming back to CA from Virginia.

Got home about 10:15 last night, but that didn't stop me from watching 24. Man, what an ending. I still can't believe they really did that.

And, a little past the holiday, but here's who loves me.

59% Of The Internet Loves Me!

I am loved by 59% of the population, including: 5040 people who love bloggers 3213 people who love star wars fans 2556 people who love star trek fans In return, I love 98% of the population, including: 6546 people who like cake 934 puppies 6848 night people

show the love at spacefem.com

I had a wonderful time this weekend. We basically had two lazy days playing games and playing stuff there like shuffle board and horse shoes. We played lots of Outburst and I introduced my family to the joys of the Stock Market game. They seemed to really enjoy it, even though I won. :)

Friday, I even had time to stop at an outlet mall and spend lots of money. I was just going to stop and see if the Revere Ware store had the tea kettle I've been trying to find down here to no avail. Yep, they had it. But then I stopped by the Reebok store and bought three pairs of shoes, including a new pair of running shoes. And I stopped by the bookstore twice and bought three books. But I only spent $15 on them and got two hardbacks and one paperback for that price, so it was a good deal, right?

Plus I figured out that Plymoth is about two hours closer then my parents. Didn't mind that part of it at all.

Furthermore, there was no pressure to come up again any time soon.

Yes, there were some times I felt left out being the only single peron there, but certainly not at dinner and certainly not for very long. All in all, it was a very fun time and I'm glad I went.

Being Tuesday, think I should get right on this week's word association:

1. Dragon:: My Father's
   
2. Molecule:: small
   
3. Tire:: rubber
   
4. Mighty:: God
   
5. Octane:: gas
   
6. Troll:: ugly
   
7. Atmosphere:: breathing
   
8. Guide:: leader
   
9. Leash:: dog
   
10. Dustmite:: allergies
    

Never thought I'd use God and dog in the same week for this thing. :)

So, how am I celebrating my first weekend with internet at home? By going out of town. I’m going to be the fifth wheel with my parents and brother and his girlfriend. Meeting them at a campground. Should be lots of fun. Tomorrow night, when we go out for Valentine’s Day will be about the only truly awkward part of it.

Unless they start into trips this visit. I counted, and including this one, I’m already planning 5 trips north this year. And Mom would like me to come up for Easter. I really don’t see that happening. I don’t mind the fact that they haven’t made it down much in the last couple of years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I need to make up for it by taking too many trips their way.

For that matter, the three times they were here last year were all trips to other places where they visited me on the way back.

In other news, I ran twice this week. Only about 2.5 miles between the two, but it’s a set in the right direction. Definitely need to get new running shoes, however.

Donald was down visiting and speaking in a couple classes yesterday, so I went out to dinner with him and Pete last night. A fun time was had by all. Made me stay up later then I would have liked, but it was well worth it.

Bought gas on the way into work this morning so I could leave with a full tank. It’s up to $1.84 a gallon. Can’t believe it! It’s climbed at least 30 cents a gallon in the last month. This trip is going to be very expensive.

I think I’ve made a colossal mistake. I listened to The Music Man soundtrack this morning. Bet I have it stuck in my head all weekend. Not fun, but I guess it could be worse. It could be Annie. :)

Think this will finally catch me up on quizzes. I’m sure I’ll be way behind when I get back, however.


! You are most like An Emerald !
Caring, giving, - and very emotional. You're the
person
people turn to with a problem. You worry about
everybody,
and genuinely want to help - a little too much
sometimes.
As an emerald, you tend to take a more backseat to
the other
gems, but your inner beauty soon captivates those
who take
the time to get to know you.
Congratulations ... You're the selfless gem
everybody needs as a friend.


?? Which Precious Gem Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

That certainly makes me feel good about myself. Although I think I have a new motto. "The balance of power is too unfair. I don't have enough." :)

Have a good weekend everyone.

Morning. Time again for the Thursday Threesome, brought to us this week by Voltaire and The Back Porch.

I've got to start with the quote. It's great by itself.

::The secret of being tiresome is to tell everything. --Voltaire::

Onesome- The secret of: Can you keep a secret? Have you ever blabbed? What was the consequence?
I honestly can’t think of a time I kept a secret I knew was a secret. There were times when I said stuff I didn’t know was a secret, but it was never for anything of any consequence, so it really doesn’t stick out in my mind.

Twosome- being tiresome is: What's the one subject you get on your soapbox about?
Well, the last two days has been politics. This is especially true when the news media isn’t telling the whole story or obviously spinning things out of control.

Threesome- to tell everything. Have you ever had to fess up or come clean about something to save your skin or someone else's?
Yeah. Just the usual however. How broke something when we were kids, that kind of thing. Nothing major again and nothing recent.

Boy, I’ve just got tiresome answers this week.

So, last night, I posted my first review from home in a long time. Little House in the Big Woods. Sure loved it! Why did I wait so long between rereads? But can anyone tell me why the series is called the Little House on the Prarie series since that's the second book? It's driving me crazy. Is it just because of the TV show?

Traffic has become impossible lately. It was backed up for forever when I finally left at 6 last night. At least it's only like that at commute times around here. Still, considering I now have to commute across town, it frustrates me.

Went by the library last night to pick up some books on tape for this weekend. And my request for The Eyre Affair was in, too. Can't wait to start that. Hopefully tonight as soon as I finish my current novella, Unveiled. It's so short, I'm hoping to finish it before the guys come over tonight.

Speaking of which, looks like I'll be their driver all semester. Really don't like having to come back over here after we're done, adds about 40 minutes of drive time to my evening, plus it means I can't do anything at home like watch something I've recorded that I haven't had a chance to watch yet. This will come into play when I am wanting to watch 24 next week.

Speaking of watching things via tape delay, I was highly disappointed with 7th Heaven last night. Ruthie and Peter decided to do a different President's Day project by digging up or making up as much dirt as they could about Washington and Lincoln. Naturally, that caused a mess and they got in trouble for it. I thought, since they got the idea from modern news, maybe the program would go on to point out that maybe we're trashing our current leaders too quickly and the media needs to take a step back sometimes. And yes, I'm including Clinton in this. But I guess this issue wasn't politically correct enough (as deemed by the media) to get dealt with.

And as long as we're ranting, here's my thoughts on the current flap over Bush's military service. He served somewhere. No, it was not in Vietnam, but he might have been called up and told to go. Sounds like he took full advantage of the flexibility offered by the National Guard while he was in, but made up his time. Above all, he was honorable discharged, which means they thought at the time that he had completely all the requirements. Who are we 30 years later to try to prove he didn't?

So Kerry is a Vietnam veteran. I have respect for him for that. HOWEVER, anyone remember a little guy named Clinton? In case anyone has too short a memory to remember 1992, let's discuss his service record. He didn't have one but left the country to avoid the draft. And the Democrats claimed that kind of attitude was fine from someone who wanted to be President. My how their attitudes have changed when their nominee (and it looks safe to call Kerry that) suddenly has a more presitious record.

Yes, teh selective reporting and postings of others on the internet drives me batty, why do you ask?

Since I'm still behind on quizzes, let's try to do something about that, shall we?

VIOLET You surround yourself with art and music and are constantly driven to express yourself. You often daydream. You prefer honesty in your relationships and belive strongly in your personal morals. Find out your color at Quiz Me!

Does that mean I'm related to Di? :)


Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.

This guy certainly was a loon. What fun. :)

It sure did take longer then it was supposed to last night. Of course part of that was Pete trying to install it on his laptop so we could set the thing up and then transfer it over to my computer since my computer is "too slow" to make it work. Yeah right.

Of course, Windows freezes when you go to load it half the time and Netscape hardly works, so I need a new computer sooner rather then later.

And this is just in the nick of time. I can write my first review at home tonight.

You realize that since I had internet at home, I've started this blog and join two group blogs. No wonder I think I need it at home again.

Of course, I was living about 2 miles from the office, so it was no problem to pop over if I wanted to get on. Now, on the other hand....

So, what else was I going to ramble about? O yeah, people who don't even realize what they are saying. :)

My internet fiend again. Mind you I'm just reading over there, can't take commenting any more, although I can't seem to just read, so you get my thoughts here. I'm going to have to stop since I know I won't be able to keep quiet much longer.

Anyway, over the weekend, he posts a screed about how the Republicans want to take over the government by filling every seat available to them. They want only one party government. So, to make sure that doesn't happen, everyone should vote Democrat. Um, won't that make all the seats Democrat and only one party government? Logic check time.

Then there's Spike Lee. Complaining about an afirmative action bake sale, he says, "Would these students [College Republicans and EOA] be happy if there were no black students here at all?" said Lee. He added with sarcasm, "You'd never win a basketball or football game then." (Here's the link.) Just remember this the next time someone tries to paint all Repub's as racist and liberals as non-racist.

On to happier things.

Don't think this quit fits me, but here are my results anyway.


Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin: a wild ride through
the back alleys of toontown! The only ride
with a PG sense of humour in the G rated world
of Disneyland, you are zany, wild, and a little
bit of a loose screw. Energetic and colorful,
you go at full speed, even though your taxi-car
vehicles actually have four flat tires!
Despite your older humor, you are a kid at
heart and kids most relate to your cartoony
world and like you the best. You've been know
to make the adults a little queasy and a litte
bit dizzy. You leave your visitors dazed, a
little confused, but more often, extremely
amused. You take us to the places we'd never
see in a ride featuring the straight-laced
Mickey, but somehow you're still all Disney.


What Disneyland attraction are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


I'll agree with the title, but I certainly don't think this describes me at all. Sometimes I think hate blinds us to the good in the other side. (Don't worry, that last line made me sick as well.)

I am a Meathead



Which America Hating Minority Are You?

Take More Robert & Tim Quizzes
Watch Robert & Tim Cartoons



And on that note, it's dinner time!

Guess where I'm blogging this from.

If you said I'm working this late at my office, you'd be dead wrong.

If you said Pete and I finally have me up and running on the internet at home, you'd be 100% correct!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And there was much rejoicing.

Ok, so where was I when I had to leave so suddenly on Friday?

My car seems to be fixed. Hasn't stalled on my three days in a row, which is a step in the right direction.

My roommate's window finally got fixed on Saturday, but I had no trouble finding parking the few days I was on the street. Which was a huge praise.

Did I mentioned having three weddings to go to in March? Now I'm down to one. One couple eloped in December. And the other wedding got called off late last week. Frankly, I'm glad because that friend deserved much better then her fiancee, even if he had such a great name. Which leaves Donald as the only wedding I have that month now. :)

Saturday, the weather was wonderful. Went out and played ultimate Frisbee and had a blast. Came home, showered, and headed out for a book signing, this time for the newest Diagnosis Murder novel. Lee Goldberg is a very entertaining author.

Unfortunately, by the time I came back, a cold and bitter wind was blowing. I hadn't taken my jacket, so I was freezing. And the wind still hasn't died down. I swear, if it doesn't end soon, we're all going to turn into dyhatrated dust and be blown off of Southern CA. We get a couple hours of rain followed by very dry wind. Not fun at all.

Sunday was church, etc. Seth came over last night after the evening service and we hung out for a while, with me beating him at Tetris. He's just about ready to move in since his benefits are starting soon. That would be wonderful, if I had room for him. :) But Jeff just got a job he's really jazzed about, so I'm wondering if this will mean he'll move out and get married soon. If I can just get Seth to wait until the semester is over, we might have room. Life is full of complications. But I like these kind. :)

Meanwhile, Friday I had no control over any of the TV's in my condo. Well, until Monk came on and we all wound up watching it together for some strange reason. :) Anyway, I finished Shades of Earl Grey while sitting on the couch mostly not watching a basketball game. This is the problem with having so many roommates. :) Enjoyed the book and it's cozy feel. And, for nostalgia sake, I started in on Little House is the Big Woods over the weekend. Man, I'm enjoying reading it again. Haven't read any of those books in years and years.

Ok, this week's Word Association

1. Identity:: Theft
   
2. Reveal:: Yourself
   
3. Live:: and in Person
   
4. Attitude:: Adjustment
   
5. Night:: and Day
   
6. Nevada:: Gambling
   
7. Weekend:: Relax
   
8. Write:: What I'd like to do more of
   
9. Friend:: Fun
   
10. Seventeen:: David Meece (for his song "When I Was Seventeen.")
    

And the newest quiz at Jix.

Are you Addicted to the Internet? 43% Average@Internet-User.com (41% - 60%) You seem to have a healthy balance in your life when it comes to the internet and life away from the computer. You know enough to do what you want online without looking like an idiot (most of the time). You even have your own Yahoo club or online journal! But you enjoy seeing your friends and going out to enjoy life away from your computer. The Are you Addicted to the Internet? Quiz at Quiz Me!

I think I'm a tad more addicted then that, but the description is pretty accurate.

So, what have I been up to this week?

I've been parking on the street not my garage because one roommate broke the window on his car. Seemed like he needed the security more then I did.

Youth group was another strange night last night because of various sporting events. Very small crowd. But worship time seemed to go well, so that's always a plus.

My car is at the Honda dealer right now. I was like 1000 miles overdue for an oil change. And it's been stalling on me when it's cold. They say the valves need readjustment and that should take care of it. Hopefully it'll be done about now because I'm about to leave to pick it up.

And my ride is ready to leave, so have a good weekend all.

Better late then never with this week's Thursday Threesome, brought to us by procrastinators and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Anyone-- Has anyone made an impression on you lately? No, not on the national level, but at work or school or just 'around'. ...or even here on the web?
Not really. I guess the closest would be Jerrilyn Farmer for her gracious note back to my fan note after completing Perfect Sax.

Twosome: can Miss-- Speaking of webbish things (and of course we are !), what types of things do you take a miss on at your place and chose not to post about? Just curious...
I seem to post about just about anything. This is because I choose not to tell people in my everyday life about my blog. The only people who know where to find me are those friends I have who live out of town. Which is probably why my blog is so boring. It gets just about everything.

Threesome: a Day-- On a similar note: do you post every day? ...or just whenever? ...or is every session at the computer a spur to work up a little something?
I tend to post four or five days a week. But if I don’t really have anything to say, I’ll just skip it.

Got home last night, and Benjamin was the only one home. Plus he was wanting to work on a paper in his room, so I got my wish. Man, those movies are good. Eric came home in time to watch the second one with me, and I enjoyed it much more then I remembered enjoying it.

In other news, I thought of something else to complain about. (No, you can't complain about how much I've been complaining this week. :) ) I've basically agreed to head up to northern CA to see my family since they can't make it down here over President's weekend. Which means taking time off work since I get none of it off. And which means lots of time on the freeway with all the other people wanting to get away for President's Day/Valentine's Day.

Yep, that's right. I stupidly agreed to go away for Valentine's Day. We will be camping in the trailer. My parents, my brother, his girlfriend, and me. Now, can anyone tell me what's wrong with this picture. Yes, why was I too stupid to pick up on it before. And it was worse when Mom mentioned wanting to go out to eat for Valentine's Day. Can we say 5th wheel? Normally, I wouldn't mind that at all, but that day will be different. Anyone who has any bright ideas on how I can get out of it now, please contact me! :)

Ok, I'm done complaining.

The search for a good tea kettle continues. Went to Sears at lunch and wasn't super impressed with what they had.

Didn't get a chance to talk to the roommate I was refering to yesterday. Hopefully tonight.

And, quiz time. I get to set a standard for the Trixie community with this one. Of course, I'm just following the example of Mike J.


cuddle and a kiss on the forehead - you like to be
close to your special someone and feel warm,
comfortable, and needed


What Sign of Affection Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Now it's time to be a lemming. :) As seen just about everywhere else....



create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide

I actually only listed states I'm been in a car in, not states I'm had a stopover on a plane in. :) Still, 16 states is pretty impressive. Only 34 more to go before I'm 50. Trixie camp really needs to get moving. :)



create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide

Not nearly as impressive, is it? I need to travel more, period, don't I?

Frustrations, they name is me today.

1) It's been Wednesday since I've been able to do anything in my living room. Whenever I'm home, there are other roommates in the living room studying or watching TV. Granted, they say I can kick them out, but the one time I actually tried to take them up on their offer, it didn't happen. So I've been in my bedroom most of the weekend watching what I want to watch. That's going to get old in a big hurry. Seems like I do that almost every day.

2) As a result, I haven't watched Babar yet. And it sure is calling me.

3) One roommate in particular is horrid at cleaning up after himself. Last night, I came home to find the kitchen a complete disaster area. And yet he got upset when I made him clean it up before he started watching yet another movie on the DVD player. He also bought so much food yesterday that hardly anyone else can get food into the frig and he had to overflow from his four pantry shelves onto one of my two with chips and pretzel sticks. Now I know I'm bad about sharing, but this is just over the top.

4) When I got into work today, I was handed some paperwork I should have gotten on Friday. This particular notice changed our payroll tax due date from Wednesday to today, which obviously we couldn't make now. So we'll have to pay a few thousand in penalties when I file next quarter's taxes. I'd better not be blaimed for it, because the fault clearly lies with a couple other people in this office. I really need to get an e-mail out about that, but it's kinda hard when one of the people involved is my boss.

It's not all bad news on the Mark front, however. I finally finished A Certain Justice over the weekend. Might not have if I'd been able to watch Babar, so all good things and all that. And yesterday was a hoot. Went over to a friend house for the Super Bowl and actually got to watch the entire thing this year. Had lots of fun hanging out with friends. Stayed for the premier of Survivor All Stars. While I was expecting the former winners to leave early, I was hoping Tina would stay around longer. I really liked her. It'll be interesting to see if Rich was all talk or not if he ever decides to start fire on his own. I'd forgotten how much I hate that guy.

Got The God's Must be Crazy 2 Pack in the mail today, so I think that's going to be my evening. If I can get to the DVD player that is.

It's finally started to rain!!! They promised us rain today, and we get it just in time to make the commute home bad. :) Still, we need rain like you wouldn't believe.

Thought I'd try something different, doing the word association on Monday this week. :)

1. Ignore:: me at your own risk
   
2. Death:: and taxes
   
3. Missy:: young lady
   
4. Ballet:: dance
   
5. Guest:: towle
   
6. Campus:: college
   
7. Lonely:: one (is the lonelies number)
   
8. Company:: friends over
   
9. Helicopter:: flying
   
10. Sterile:: hospital