The Arrogant Sage gets her bleep together

Fuck it

2005-07-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

I give up on you blogger. We are through.

Don't worry, I didn't leave you all without a new home to go to...

My New Home

This site is a full website. The links at the top of the page will take you to different sections. My blog is the last link. Check it out!

Bare with me

2005-07-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am doing all the code myself...so this may take awhile. Ugh...internet savvy is hard work.

Please Ignore

2005-07-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

blog while I play around with templates and pictures and colors and things.

London

2005-07-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Terror in London

Damn.

How are you and your's, Dmouse?

ahh, crap

2005-07-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

I crashed my computer. I suck.

C is at my ear wanting to eat, to play Putt-Putt(computer game), to go to the freaking bank (what's that all about?), to go outside....ugh.

Why won't my links show up? What's wrong with blogrolling?

I'm on the verge of moving around the furniture in the house.

I think it's time I changed my blog skin. Hmmm, any suggestions?

Broken Hearted

2005-07-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

Luther Vandross died Friday.

Sad

:(
I still remember listening to Luther on long trips with my mom. He was one of our favorites.

Lemming

2005-07-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

MIT geeks are hot. :)

I'm not saying anything...

2005-06-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

except Congrats x 2!! You know who you are. :) (what the hell were you thinking?)

Geek Wars

2005-06-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the family and I went to a bbq. It was so much fun to meet everyone there and do what every nerd dreams of....Tricycle Racing!

Yes, we each had 3 turns around an obstacle course on an adult-sized tricycles (who knew they existed??).

Your friendly neighborhood Arrogant Sage

The Big D (doing his best West Coast Choppers impression)

Nostalgia

2005-06-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

There are a few things I miss, now that I live at the far end of the United States....

A full selection of Faygo pop. Mmmmmm, Redpop was my favorite.
From Kentucky, it's Ale-8-One. A play on "A late one". It's a kind of ginger ale.
Chips from Jays! I used to put them in the middle of my sandwiches. You haven't had bologna until you can throw a handful of Jays in there!
I miss BW3. I used to work there in TN. The wings are out of this world. (yes, I had the sauces memorized)
Cracker Barrel. Nothing beats a good breakfast at the Barrel. (yes, I worked there too).
Okay, one thing can compare with b-fast at the Barrel....Sausage Gravy from Bob Evans.
Nobody round these parts knows BBQ like they do in Tennessee. My hat is tipped to Slick Pig Barbeque in downtown Murfreesboro. Damn, I can taste it right now.

I'm making myself very hungry right now, so I should stop. I can't freaking believe it, but I miss Murfreesboro. Someone, please shoot me in the head.

Minding my own business

2005-06-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

I was in the kitchen making miso soup...minding my own business, when C spoke from the living room, "Look Momma, I found an asshole!".
Yes, I was shocked. Then she said, "I found another asshole, Momma!"

I walk into the living room to find her eating black olives and looking at the "closed" end. For those of you who don't eat olives, there is a little cross-shaped cut in one end. She was saying, "I found the X-hole, Momma!"

Way to show off your alphabet skills, little one. :)

Letters

2005-06-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad,
This may come as a shock, but I am mad at you. It’s funny, I never realized how much easier it is to be mad at mom, but not you. Maybe it’s because I knew she could take it and wouldn’t leave. I suppose I just didn’t feel that way about you. Don’t get me wrong; I always thought everything you did was golden. Especially after you died. I never had to analyze what went wrong.

After you and mom divorced, I think I may have lost trust. I didn’t trust you, and I could never stay in one place long enough to learn to trust anyone else. You took away our support system. I was constantly changing homes, schools, and friends. Do you know how that breaks down a kid?
Each time I had to start over, I left a bit of the real me behind. My coping mechanisms were not healthy. I got along with everyone because I refused to disagree.

What I needed from you was for you to love my mother, brother, sister, and me enough to stick around and work it out. I needed you to stay a more active parent. I know we were states away, but we could have talked more. And you should have insisted on summer visits, no matter how much I wanted to stay with my friends. Because that’s really what I needed, I just didn’t know it.

Dad, you taught me to never depend on anyone. If the man I idolized, who treated me like a princess, can leave my mom to fend for herself, how can I ever depend on any man? I can’t even trust myself. I put on an act every day for so long. I was never angry…I was never sad…I was Little Miss Happy Fucking Sunshine because I knew no one would abandon her.

I’m sorry it took me so long to purge this from my system. I’m sorry you are not around for me to tell it to your face. Most of all, I’m sorry I put you on that pedestal. Having a child of my own really makes me put things into perspective and I would love to apologize for not accepting your faults. You’ve always had such an impossible standard to live up to in my eyes. I hope you are at peace.

Dear T.W (Otherwise known as Ex-hubby),
I used to think it was the mark of a great relationship to never fight. So did you. We thought we were so great together because in our 9 years as a couple, I could count our number of fights on one hand.

Let me tell you the secret of why we never fought:

I never disagreed.

Sure. On piddly little things, but not on the big stuff. I gave it all to you. I let you decide who I was. Any move I made as an individual was quickly squashed. Not overtly and I daresay not even on purpose. I was just easily pliable. Let’s face it, there are lots of people in this world who can really get into someone who does everything you ask.

I don’t blame you really. In fact, I took it all out on you passive aggressively. In my mind, I cheated on you with every man who would give me the time of day. Something in me always knew I should have been done with you long ago. So much like my dad…I just wanted your approval. Sometimes I still write you emails in hope that you will respond with a simple “Way to go!” Of course, I’ll never hear it, cause you never really liked the real me.

Dear “The Big D”(Otherwise known as Hubby!),

Then there came you.

I was a week away from my first marriage when I met you. It was so easy to be your friend. I can’t believe how well you listened (it’s been 7 years, and you still do). Hell, I remember you taking notes when you saw it was important to me.

I’ll admit, the fact that I was married when we became friends made it so easy to fall in love with you. We didn’t have to hide our real selves from each other, because we weren’t expecting anything. There were no awkward pauses, just laughter and long serious conversations.
You have always lifted me up, even when you were in danger of having to let me go. You have truly taught me trust. Thank you.

"You found me when no one else was looking. How did you know just where I would be? You broke through all of my confusion. The ups and the downs and you still didn’t leave. I guess that you found what nobody could see, you found me."
Kelly Clarkson
“You Found Me”

Email Fun...thanks, E!

2005-06-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

For those who already have children past this age, this is hilarious.

For those who have children this age, this is not funny.

For those who have children nearing this age, this is a warning.

For those who have not yet had children, this is birth control.

Things I've learned from my Boys (honest and not kidding):

1. A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. foot house 4 inches deep.

2. If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

3. A 3-year old boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.

5. You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6. The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late.

8. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9. A six-year old boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.

10. Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old boy.

11. Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12. Super glue is fore ver.

13. No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14. Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15. VCR's do not eject "PB&J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16. Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.>17. Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise
when driving.

18. You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19. Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

20. The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time.

21. The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22. It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23. Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24. 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

25. 85% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.

Where is the love?

2005-06-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

I listened to the radio this morning as the morning show crew made fun of a woman who was too large to fit a proper seatbelt. Don't get me wrong, I am pretty sarcastic, and I am not immune from laughing at such antics....but where is the love, folks?

Do we even have an ounce of sympathy left in our hollowed-out hearts? Do we care? I know...I know...I am a pretty bad offender myself. It's like one of my favorite lines in Steel Magnolias: "If you haven't got anything nice to say, come sit next to me!"

I'm gonna try for a little more compassion. (Let's see how long that lasts)

I wish...

2005-06-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

I wish I knew Karate or Tai Chi...actually, both...

I wish I could run a marathon...

I wish I could sing in a choir...

I wish I could play piano...

Sisterhood. It's not just for pants.

2005-06-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Last night my friends and I went out to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It was a sweet movie...perfect for a girl's night out. We all started crying midway through the movie and didn't stop until the end.
I urge you to see it...with girlfriends.

Then we went out to dinner (Read: margaritas) afterwards. I think we talked for several hours. Laughing...telling stories...just being girls.

I love my friends. Last night was wonderful.

Dirty Little Secret

2005-06-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

I don’t want to tell my dirty little secret, so I tried to write a story about it. I’ve lost my touch for fiction though, and it didn’t come off the right way. This is the hardest thing I could ever do and I am not even sure I will complete this post. Of course if I don’t I will be hounded by those who care…and possibly those who don’t. And then maybe I will feel like crap if no one bothers to hound me about it at all.

Damn, that’s sad. Okay moving on. I don’t do pity parties anymore. I gave them up along with my teenage years.

Do you know what it’s like to constantly think about food? Do you know what it’s like when you are trying to stop yourself from thinking about food and your toddler is telling you she is hungry for the hundredth time in 30 minutes (poor girl already thinks food cures boredom). Do you know what it’s like to eat even when you are not hungry? Not occasionally…but all the time. Just for the taste of something. Hell, I’m not even talking not hungry; I’m talking completely full. Where is the fucking sense in that??

I hate food with every fiber of my being. I hate that I am fat. I hate that eating makes the reflux worse. I hate that if I don’t eat, I won’t live.

I eat to stave off boredom.
I eat to cure depression.
I eat to celebrate.
I eat because it’s there.
I eat in secret.
I eat in plain view.
I eat for self-comfort.
I eat when I loathe myself.
I eat when I think of how much weight I need to lose.

You know what’s funny? I love to cook. I find it very calming…even if I don’t get to eat what I cook(especially when I don't). I suppose the activity keeps me busy. I am thinking about food, but I am not thinking about eating it. It’s just there…an ingredient in my activity. When I cook, the food isn’t about me, but about the person it’s for.

Hello. I am the Arrogant Sage and I am a compulsive eater.

Deep Thoughts

2005-05-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

If I lived back in the Wild West days, instead of carrying a six-gun in my holster, I'd carry a soldering iron. That way, if some smart-aleck cowboy said something like, "Hey look. He's carrying a soldering iron!" and started laughing, and everybody else started laughing, I could just say, "That's right, it's a soldering iron. The soldering iron of justice." Then everybody would get real quiet and ashamed, because they made fun of the soldering iron of justice, and I could probably hit them up for a free drink. – Jack Handy

Nice

2005-05-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind day here at Puget Sound. It is hot today. Dmouse has inspired me to blog my day in pictures.
Without further ado...

First, I had to get my beloved Cannon Eos Rebel fixed. For the love of Pete, the damn thing hasn't worked in over a year. I did everything I could, but my efforts fell short of fixing it (new batteries). So, there is only one person in South Sound who can fix a camera and he lives way out in BFD (Bum-Fucked Egypt, for all you non-Southerners). It was a gorgeous drive and he managed to find out the problem. For some reason, the camera got confused when it last rewound. So, basically, all he had to do was remove the film. :) He said it wasn't worth charging me for it, but I insisted I give him something. He charged me $5 for his time. Woo hoo.

He was a talkative kind of guy, but I didn't mind. He told me lots of interesting things about the area and even took me into his backyard so I could see his view of the bay. He lives right in the shipping lane! The water was moving soo fast, and you could see 3 different islands. This view is facing Bud Bay Inlet.

After that, we went to the Farmer's Market. It was lively (as usual) and C adored the jazz ensemble that was playing on the stage. We ate a Humbao (pork-filled, sweet bread dumpling) and danced to the music. C also got a free apple from the stand on the left of the picture.

This is the Heritage Park Fountain. We have been waiting on this for a very long time. It is finally hot enough outside, that it was worth our time. As you can see, C went buck wild! She ran and screamed and participated in general mayhem. Hell, I did too.

This is...well, an air conditioning unit. It's days like these, I am most grateful that we decided to buy this last fall. It was nice to be able to come up to our sandwiched apartment and be able to cool it down in minutes. Ahhh, bliss.

So that is the end of my day. Of course, it isn't over, but I am not taking anymore pictures. But just in case you really need some more images, I do have some from another day.

We took a quick trip to the marina (note the boats), and we saw the Landing was set up for some festival. It was a boating thing...anyway, we saw this baked potato vendor. The whole sign reads: Baked Potatoes and Chocolate Brownie Sundaes. Hmmmm....interesting flavor combinations. The best part was a group of 3 seniors singing pirate songs on a loud speaker. No, they were not drunk.

I told you before, C and I get around town on a bike and a trailer. Well, here it is. Our Flintstone-powered limosine.

I am soo done. My fingers hurt.

Woot! Ding!

2005-05-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Woot (a triumphant shout) Ding (indication that you moved up a level).

I just dinged 30! That's right a whole other decade under my belt. It feels weird, because I can still vividly remember my 15 year old self, but she was just a kid...I'm an adult. Wow.

Frankly, I am stymied. I don't even know how to feel about it. I know I don't feel bad...but I guess I am starting to feel, well, mortal.

Was there a temperature drop in hell?

2005-05-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would see the day when there would be a country/rock/rap amalgamation.

But here is is...everybody meet Cowboy Troy. Go ahead, watch the video if you are feeling randy. ;)

It's not bad. I think would like to hear something else of his. I do really like the blend though...interesting sound.

You gotta have friends

2005-05-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Click me if you just need someone to listen.

Recipes, my dears!

2005-05-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, I don't have anything scathing or slightly interesting to write about. Boo hoo. So, here are some recipes that I really like.

Cakies
1 box Cake mix (any flavor)
1/3 cup Oil
2 Eggs
1/2 can Frosting (any flavor)

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, and eggs; stir until thoroughly moistened. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten.

2. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 min, then remove from cookie sheet.

3. Frost after cool. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Hoppin' John (Old Southern recipe)

1 LB fresh or dried black-eyed peas
2 tbl butter
1 yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock
1 tbl salt
1 tsp pepper
2 dried cayenne peppers (I use flakes to taste)
1 bay leaf
1 cup long grain rice

If using dried peas, rinse and sort, and soak overnight in water. If using fresh, rinse and sort through. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a heavy soup stock pot and cook the onion, celery, and bell pepper just to wilt.

Add the stock and bring to a boil.

Add the peas, salt, pepper, cayenne, and bay leaf. Return to boil and skim any scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until the peas are just tender, about 1 hour for dried and 15 minutes for fresh.

Add the rice and stir well. Cover and cook for 15 more minutes, or until the rice is done and the stock is absorbed. Discard the bay leaf.

Serve with a dash of hot sauce and some corn bread!

Oye...having a major brain fart. Will have to write more later.

Happy Mother's Day

2005-05-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

to me...and to you too.
Here's what I got.

Scrappin' Peeps Crop Club! You have to click on the link that says: Crop Club Members. It's a great deal.

Umm, yeah, that's about it. May the force be with you.

Mommy Mystique

2005-04-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

“The Mommy Mystique tells us that we are the luckiest women in the world—the freest, with the most choices, the broadest horizons, the best luck, and the most wealth. It says we have the knowledge and know-how to make “informed decisions” that will guarantee the successful course of our children’s lives.

It tells us that if we choose badly our children will fall prey to countless dangers—from insecure attachment to drugs to kidnapping to a third-rate college. And if this happens, if our children stray from the path toward happiness and success, we will have no one but ourselves to blame. Because to point fingers out at society, to look beyond ourselves, is to shirk “personal responsibility.”

To admit that we cannot do everything ourselves, that indeed we need help—and help on a large, systematic scale—is tantamount to admitting personal failure. Comforted by the Mommy Mystique, we are convinced that every decision we make, every detail we control, is incredibly important.

Entire towns turn themselves inside out for a spot in the right ballet class. Parents prostitute themselves their souls for spots in private schools. We read about how our children can’t get into good colleges unless they are superhuman. We know that our public school systems can’t provide an education in superhumaness (much less basic well-roundedness, in many places).

Without a good college education our children won’t be able to get jobs, won’t be able to pay back their college loans (tuition having become unaffordable for so many of us), won’t be able to buy a house or have the middle-class existence our parents seemed to find easy but that we can barely sustain. Ergo: soccer and violin and public service and weekends of baseball practice become vitally important because if we don’t do everything right for our children, they may be consigned, down the line, to failure. To loserdom.

We are consumed with doing for our children in mind and sound and body—and the result is we are so depleted that we have little of ourselves left for ourselves. And whatever anger we might otherwise feel—at society, at our husbands, at the experts that led us to this pass—is directed, also, just at ourselves.

Or at the one permissible target: other mothers.”

---Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety by Judith Warner

2005-04-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Even while playing EQOA and defeating a lvl 55 quest mob, Cirel can think of only one thing...Scrapbooking.

A fine tradition

2005-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

was begun long ago by my father and is faithfully carried out by my husband....

I'm SPOILED

It's fabulous, really. He met me at the airport dressed like he was going on a date. He was fresh with flowers and a bright smile. When we got home he had already done all the shopping and suggested I lounge in a bubblebath. (oh the suffering!)

The next day, I was greeted with a couple of new CDs. Kelly Clarkson Breakaway, Usher Confessions, and the last was Good Charlotte The Young and Hopeless.

The Good Charlotte CD was obviously not for me, but I know the only reason for him to get the other 2 would be to make me happy. And isn't that what life is all about...making me happy?
Maybe just a little??

Black, by popular demand

2005-04-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

hehe...sorry, couldn't resist.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times and now it's over.

Had a great time in Michigan. Spent lots of time with my family...even though it's hell trying to get them all in one room together. I got to meet an online gaming buddy(WOOT)! Then spent a day in Chicago.

All that traveling was a harrowing experience on my fresh-faced 3-year old, but we managed. She's so happy to be home, she managed to go to bed without a fuss (even though she slept 4 hours on the plane).

Now I have a doctor's appointment. Squee.

Reality Show Whore

2005-04-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am breaking my vacation silence because...well, I just have to expound on the gloriousness of cable tv. The Arrogant Sage household doesn't have cable...hasn't had it for years. But in vacation land, everyone has cable! Woot!

I have found I can't get enough of the following shows (some I have seen before, others are new to me):

Iron Chef

Iron Chef: America

Popularity Contest

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

Mission: Organization

Supernanny

Nanny 911

Can't get enough of these...really wish I could see Queer Eye at home. Oh well. It's also nice to pay bills. :)

Going to Chicago tomorrow. Back home Sunday.

2005-04-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, little one!

Blue's Clues

2005-04-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

We checked out a Blue's Clues video at the library the other day, and I have already seen it a million times. C has just fallen totally in love with searching out the clues. You should see her smile. :)

I will not use the Force in class

2005-03-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

My inner geek compels me to post this link. If you like the video, please leave a comment for the folks. It stars some of my Everquest Online Adventures gaming friends. (Chad = Obiwan/Kip, Tiffany = girl at water fountain, Marc = school jerk)

Without further ado, the Arrogant Sage would like to present to you:

Anakin Dynamite

Oh yeah, if you REALLY like it, then register with Atomfilms and give it a vote. It's up for a Star Wars fan award of some kind.

Get to know this!

2005-03-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

What time did you get up this morning? 9 am. That’s VERY rare. (thanks Big D)

Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds…but keep ‘em small. Hate big diamonds

What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Drive-In: Spiderman 2, Shrek 2, and Anacondas. (last summer of course) Theater: Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban (good lord, that was last spring)

What is your favorite TV show? I am currently favorite tv showless.

What did you have for breakfast? Cabbage and sausage, a little mac-n-cheese. Homemade, every bit of it.

What is your middle name? Catherine

What is your favorite cuisine? Chinese

What foods do you dislike? Water chestnuts, brussel sprouts, there aren’t really a whole lot of foods I won’t eat. ::sheepish grin::

What are your favorite Potato chips? Fritos, Jays, Spicy Doritos, Salt and Cracked Pepper Tim’s, cheetos

What is your favorite CD at the moment? Stripped by Christina Aguilera

What kind of car do your drive? My car looks suspiciously like a bike.

Favorite sandwich? Turkey with sprouts and avocado and cranberries, and hmmm…

What characteristics do you dislike? dishonesty

Favorite item of clothing? Pajamas

If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Japan, but I am seriously thinking of a European tour.

What color is your bathroom? Ugly apartment white…::sigh::

Favorite brand of clothing? Whatever fits.

Where would you retire to? Near family

Favorite time of day? Middle of the night, when I am sleeping

Where were you born? Michigan

Favorite sport to watch? FOOTBALL…none of that mamsy pamsy European stuff…American Football

24. What fabric detergent do you use? All

25. Coke or Pepsi? Coke is great with pizza, but I tend to prefer Pepsi products, but if you ask me what I am drinking, it’s probably water.
26. Are you a morning person or night owl? After 3 years of not getting adequate sleep, I am no longer any kind of “wake” person. (Used to be a serious morning person, though)

27. What is your shoe size? Before having child 10, after child 11

28. Do you have pets? Does my husband count?

29. Any news you'd like to share with your family and friends? See you all in 1 week.

30. What did you want to be when you were little? Grown. Now I regret it.

Oh yeah!

2005-03-25T19:13:00.000-08:00

Manwich burritos. Extra cheese. Yum.

Proud Momma

2005-03-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

C was great at the dentist! The office was amazing. I am soo glad we decided on a pediatric dentist. No offense to my personal dentist, but I don't think they could have pulled this off soo well.
The dental assistant completely adapted to C's style within 5 minutes of dealing with her. She let her play with some of the tools, then moved very quickly through everything. C opened up her mouth and closed it when asked. She didn't whine or squirm. She sat through a thorough cleaning (including flossing), a full set of x-rays, and 2 exams! She did kinda get feisty when the dentist wanted to do his exam, but after sitting in Momma's lap, she calmed down and let him do his work.
Then we went to McDs for some lunch and C got to run around like a wild child. She met a 5-year old who followed her around. They were so cute together. I envy the way children can always make fast friends.

Big beautiful smiles all around

2005-03-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

It's C's first trip to the dentist this Thursday. Keep your fingers crossed. She recently went with me when I got my temporary crown put on and she was VERY interested in what was going on. In fact, she even crawled into the chair when I was finished and asked the assistant to take out her tooth! So, I figured I should take advantage of this curiosity and get her into her first check-up. Goodness knows she needs it. I let her do all the brushing for far too long.

But it's cool, I found a pediatric dentist. Seems like a good idea to go to someone who specializes in dealing with rambuncious toddlers.

For my big beautiful smile, I finally got my crown. Ugh, it is tight as hell. They couldn't even floss it before I left my appointment yesterday. But, as my dentist pointed out, I was able to floss it this morning.

This weekend we purchased lots of movies: A Bug's Life, Life of Brian, and The Incredibles. I haven't actually seen The Incredibles, but I figured the commercials were enough to keep me rolling, might as well indulge that inpluse buyer in me every once in a while.

Mental Masturbation

2005-03-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

Taye Diggs

Johnny Depp

Justin Timberlake

Oded Fehr

Jet Li

Orlando Bloom

John Cho and Kal Penn

Kal Penn, again!

Will Smith

Shemar Moore

Arrogant Sage Rides Again

2005-03-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

Last year, I got a free bike. It was nice. I got the idea that I could use that as my primary transportation if I could only find a way to lug C around. That's when I bought the trailer. Shortly after purchasing the trailer, my tire went flat. So, I of course, fixed it. I'm not soo good at putting back tires back on so I messed it up. The next time I rode the bike, I got stuck downtown with a warped back tire.

I called around to various places to see if they would take a look at it, and the guy at Olybike did. He told me that I would have to replace the tire for around $50. Hmmm...well, then it will have to wait. So no bike for me. That was at least 7 or 8 months ago.

Last Saturday, I took the bike to a shop right down the street and they told me that they could straighten the tire in no time. $24! Huh, what do you know about that? Then they told me about a tune-up special for $49.95...the straightening would be included!! So of course, I jumped at that chance and I picked up the bike (good as new) last night. Now I have a kick-ass bike waiting for me to ride it all over Olympia.....

Today, it rained.

I giggle

2005-03-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

One day the first grade teacher was reading the story of Chicken Little to her class.
She came to the part of the story where Chicken Little tried to warn the farmer. She read, ".... and so Chicken Little went up to the farmer and said, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!"
The teacher paused then asked the class, "And what do you think that farmer said?"
One little girl raised her hand and said, "I think he said: 'Holy Shit! A talking chicken!'

Entertainment for entertainment's sake

2005-03-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

The Big D and I were trying to find the new trailer for Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith last night. All we could find was a teaser trailer...big nerds like us need much more than that!
Anyway, the first place we looked was at Ifilm. I love that place. It's a great way to waste a lot of time.

We didn't find what we were looking for, but we did find some good things in it's place. For example, we got a great trailer for Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Big fat nerdy Woot! for that one!

And this Superfriends parody was horrendously funny. Just think, Superfriends meets Office Space. Oh yeah.

Also, for those folks who bothered to watch it and were pretty pissed that they cut it in the middle of the season, you can now watch the rest of My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss on the fox website. They will put up a new episode every friday. Joy.

Enjoy your entertainment.

Insane Ramblings because

2005-03-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

the Harry Potter graphic is driving me up the wall. So, now I have to ramble to get it pushed off the page and maybe my sidebar will come back to the top of the page.

Did you know that I still have well over 700 days before I can cart the girl off to school? Ahhh, dare to dream.

Did you know I used to be able to meet whole groups of new people without a pinch of nerves and now I get nervous calling people I know? How weird is that?

Did you know I still have a wedding gift for a friend who got married a year ago? I swear, as soon as The Big D signs the card we will send it. (Sorry, Boo)

Did you know that I am now getting a crown on that broken tooth tomorrow? We will just have to put it on a payment plan. The dental assistant was actually shocked that my insurance didn't pay for it. So am I.

Did you know I got a new pair of glasses yesterday? They are really cute, if I do say so myself.

Did you know that if I stayed at MTSU for one more semester, I could have graduated with a degree in University Studies? That's a nice way of saying, "Damn, girl, you took WAY to many classes!"

My favorite color is a yellowish orange. Or maybe an orangy yellow. Hmmm, points to ponder.

Did you know Elmo and Ruben Studdard are now belting out their ABC's behind me? C has just joined in the crooning.

Did you know we have 6 Care Bear DVDs and 2 Care Bear VHS tapes? I have seen them all at least 100 times.

Did you know my child watches a LOT of tv?

Did you know that my dream job would be working on a travel food show? It hits on all my loves: travel, learning about culture, cooking, and teaching.

Did you know it doesn't matter what my dream job is, I won't be able to do it?

Did you know I am running out of points to ponder?

Did you know I am now comptemplating putting in 5 spaces between each "Did you know"?

Did you know, I went ahead and put in the extra spaces?

Wow, I suppose if I were inclined to give points, you would earn 50 for making it to the end of this post. ;)

2005-03-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

One more shot of C next to the huge walrus.

2005-03-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

This is C in front of the really, really big walrus. It's was frightening. C LOVED it.

2005-03-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

This is a walrus. This is only half of the walrus. He's huge. I mean...really, really big.

2005-03-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I am NOT as tall as a full grown male polar bear. Shame really.

2005-03-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

This polar bear is named Kenneth. He likes to dance. He likes to dance a lot. In fact, in the 10 minutes we spent in his presence, he never stopped swaying to the beat in his head. Go Kenneth, go.

2005-03-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

C and the Big D looking at "Nemo". You guys know what kind of fish that is.

2005-03-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

C's first trip to the Zoo/Aquarium. This is an actual sea horse. No shit!

And there was much rejoicing!

2005-03-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, my anniversary was great. I even managed to get an MP3 player and a broken tooth!

I had lots of surprises all day. He woke up and got dressed for work as usual, but he didn't go to work when 7:30 rolled around. I asked him if he planed on going in today, and he said, "Oh, I forgot". Then he told me and C to get dressed.

The Big D took us out for breakfast in our favorite diner. Everyone should try Denny's...but it has to be the one down the street from me. I swear I haven't gotten bad food or bad customer service from that place yet.

That night, we got all dressed up again and dropped off C at my friend's house. (Woot, 'nother surprise...OVERNIGHT trip for the girl!) Then he took me to my favorite sushi place and I orded a couple of items to go...what, to go?? I just got dressed up. Ooooh, we are going home to eat it picnic style? No kids, no other people? NICE.

He slyly suggested we get some ice cream before we go home, and we drove to Cold Stone Creamery. We got a few samples and he asked me what I wanted. Just when I was going to make a decision, he tells the guy, "oh, I think we should just pick up that cake I ordered".
How awesome! When we lived in the 'Boro, we always ordered the same cake from the people who made our wedding cake. I miss that tradition. I was very happy that D started a new one for us. (By the way, it was cookie dough...yum)

Finally, we went home to enjoy our delicious food. Once there, we devoured our food (he had pizza), and we jumped into the cake. That's where the broken tooth comes in....Just a couple of months ago, I had a root canal. Of course, insurance covers the canal, but it doesn't cover a crown. Those bastards cost around $1000. I don't have $1000. So, I opted to wait and save for it. (as if I had a choice). Well, a root canaled tooth is a dead tooth. So at some point it becomes delicate. The front of my damn tooth shattered on a frozen chocolate chip!

Needless to say, I was pretty sad about that. Especially since D was just about to give me my last surprise. He had me blindfolded, so I wouldn't see the MP3 player he was setting up for me. I wasn't in any pain, so we went on with the surprise.
It's awesome. It's pink. I now NEED music!

I gave him a watch. His is blue...and damn, they have them on sale at the website!! Fuckers. Oh well. He really seems to enjoy his new watch. We had to take an "emergency" trip to JC Penney to have customer service adjust the band for him...after he took it apart....how were we supposed to know it wasn't a self-adjusting band. The instructions said it was!

The rest of the night is totally censored. Feel free to use your imaginations.

Ewww, Pez, quit thinking THAT. Boy you are one sick puppy.

On March 4, 2000

2005-03-04T05:02:00.000-08:00

I married the love of my life. Every time I say I can't possibly love him anymore, the next day comes around and I am amazed at my new capacity to adore him.

Happy Anniversary, Love.

And for your reading pleasure, here is our wedding invitation, composed by my husband The Big D:

The leaf

Like a leaf,
Rustling across the sand—
How did I get to the beach—
drifting in the wind
too close to the water,
love carries us on a strange voyage.

With waves crashing,
sweeping the leaf out into the ocean—
I wish I were back at the beach—
surfing on the crests
and drowning in the troughs,
love consumes us in the tides.

Land nearing,
an unknown body approaching—
Is it safe to come out of the water—
looming in the foreground
as a mystery to be solved,
love thrills us with the adventure.

Another leaf,
lying on the shore—
Has she made the journey, too—
standing as a companion
on the lonely, secluded island,
love binds us together.

Being together,
basking in the sun—
I’m glad I came out of the water—
enjoying the company,
feeling the embrace,
love fills us with happiness.

-------Danny J. Gourley

(c) 1999 Danny Gourley
Edited for wrong date...I know, beat me with a fucking stick.

Obsessive much?

2005-03-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

(Gacked from FictionAlley.org )

The fan fiction stuff is addictive. I guess I just can't wait for the next Harry Potter book and movie.

Edited to remove too large graphic...so sad.

GERD

2005-03-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

That stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease . Not only is it hard to spell, it hurts like a sonofabitch. I was up until 3:30 am yesterday, just waiting for the pain to go away. I can't lie down when GERD is acting up. I hurt when I am stressed. I hurt when I eat too much. Sometimes I hurt just because.

I suppose I would like some cheese to go with my whine.

On the upside, Cirel has an imaginary friend named: Tootall...it could be Too Tall (that's a character on Berenstein Bears). It's really adorable.

Anniversary alert for those who would like to send us congrats....5 years on Friday!

"My Peanuts!" By The Big D.

2005-02-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

So, I’m toweling off after a shower last night when Sarah comes into the bathroom with C.

C is there to brush her teeth in preparation for bedtime.

She sees me drying off and asks, “Daddy, you dry your ‘gina?”

“No, sweetie. I don’t have a vagina. I have a penis,” I explain.

“Oh, peanuts!”

“No, penis.”

“Peanuts!”

“No—”

“Here, Daddy,” she grabs a plastic tea kettle that doubles as a bath toy for her, “let me put water on your peanuts.”

“No, that’s okay.”

“There!" she mimics a pouring motion. "All clean your peanuts.”

True story, I swear. Now she loves to talk about how Daddy has peanuts and Mommy has a 'gina'. That girl is crazy.

I give up

2005-02-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

I am not Superwoman. Time to lower my standards. Ahhh, freedom.

I don't know...XPIG? Doesn't sound flattering.

2005-02-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

20 Questions to a Better Relationship

eXpressive: 6/10Practical: 5/10Physical: 3/10Giver: 8/10

You are a XPIG--Expressive Practical Intellectual Giver. This makes you a Catch.You are a magazine-cover, matinee idol dreamboat. Parents love you and want to set you up with their kids. However, first dates are tough because it takes time for your qualities to come out. You are generous and kind. You think first and act later. You are cool in a conflict, but your practical side means if your partner throws out emotional appeals ("why can't we do what I want for a change?") they will grate on your nerves, even when the conflict is resolved. You're a romantic. You enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and you don't just fall into bed with anyone. You pay close attention to your significant other's needs, and this makes you an excellent lover and partner. The problem is that your friends and lovers may find it so easy to express things to *you* that they lose sight of whether you feel as comfortable with *them*! This doesn't necessarily make you feel under-appreciated -- you're too well-adjusted and self-aware for that -- but you may feel restless. Thus you seek adventure in your life outside the relationship to prove and actualize yourself. Of all the types, you would make the best parent. You are coiffed. Didja see "Big Fish"? 'Cause you're like Ewan MacGregor in "Big Fish."Of the 192151 people who have taken this quiz, 9.3 % are this type.

2005-02-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

For Denine: Anthony Zerbe (Teaspoon from Young Riders)

5 days, 4 nights

2005-02-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

without you. It's only been an hour and it already feels like an eternity. I feel like a teenager.... have fun in New Orleans...but not TOO much fun!

Perfect Love

by Trisha Yearwood

Sunday morning when the paper comes

Let's read it front to back

And see what's going on

Drink our coffee by the flower bed

And talk about the stuff that's running through our heads

When you look at me the way you do

I can't help but look right back at you

Yeah, this is a perfect love

We're doing nothing but what a perfect love does

We're not trying to make history

It's just you and me

In a perfect love

Hey let's drive to the edge of town

See what there is to see and then turn back around

Stop by and see your Mom and Dad

And hear them talk about the busy week they had

Then let's take a walk beside the lake

See what kind of fun we can make

Yeah, this is a perfect love

We're doing nothing but what a perfect love does

We're not trying to make history

It's just you and me

In a perfect love

Oh ain't it a perfect love

I know you love me

Just because

Yeah, this is a perfect love

We're doing nothing but what a perfect love does

We're not trying to make history

It's just you and me

In a perfect love

Have I shown you this before?

2005-02-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

I have to go back to this site every once in a while....just to know that everything is gonna be alright.
Black People Love Us!

Raging headache

2005-01-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

Let me just say this...I hate you AT&T. I loathe the inconvenience you have caused me for 4 months. I realize this is a trivial matter, but damned, I am annoyed.

Sometime last year, I was tempted by their one-rate plan. It was nice for awhile, but then I found a better deal. So, I went back to Qwest. Little did I know that AT&T just wasn't willing to let me go as a customer. They continued to charge me each month for the past 4 months even though I already have different service.

WTF...how can you have 2 phone services at the exact same time using the exact same number???
Anyway, last month was supposed to clear it up for good. They finally dismissed the $150 bill I had accured by not paying them. :) My bill went to zero, and they closed my account.
Why is it that I have just received another bill?? Hell, this bill even says I disconnected services on Jan. 5, yet they have connection charges for the 20th.
To top it off, the guy I just spoke with was supposed to transfer me to a department that could do something about it, and decided to take a little of my time trying to sell me service!

Jason: Would you like to try (insert stupid service here)?

ArrogantSage: No offensive intended here, Jason, I know you have to ask me these questions, but I can save you some time by telling you that I have no interest whatsoever in dealing with AT&T ever again.

Jason: Well, if you would like to try (insert stupid service here), I would gladly put a credit of $25 on your account.

ArrogantSage: (sighing heavily) Seriously, just transfer me before I hang up on you.

ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Must read of 2005

2005-01-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Please, please, please...run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore or library. Get this book. Be prepared for the funny and profound.

If you don't believe me, listen to the Foreword penned by none other than Thomas Jefferson. If that doesn't work for you, you can go directly to the site for America the Book. The link for the foreword is at the bottom on the right side.

Why, oh why isn't Jon Stewart running for president? I would vote for him.

2005-01-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Crafty me. I made some new curtains.

2005-01-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

The Big D and Little C. Damn, I love these two.

2005-01-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Grandpa, Grannie, and C. Happy as can be.

Nerd appeal

2005-01-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Scintilating Conversation

2005-01-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

C (closely studying my face): You have hair in your nose.
Me: Oh yeah, well so do you.
C (matter-of-factly): No, I have boogers.
Me: Yes, yes you do.

Gotta love a toddler's brain.

That was too fun!

2005-01-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a great visit with the grandparents. Grannie and Grandpa got to spend lots of quality time with C and she soaked it up like a sponge.
We ate many different foods that our Missouri relatives had never had. Vietnamese, Chinese, etc. We also gorged ourselves at Cold Stone Creamery.
C got totally spoiled and she threw a royal fit when I dropped the grandparents off at the airport.
I'm off to the Fort to pick up the Big D from work.

In-law Day

2005-01-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

Maybe it should be a holiday? :) Well, some people may not agree. lol. I am all for it, though.
It's just hours to their arrival. They are currently in Phoenix after a long morning drive from Caurthersville, Mo to catch a flight out of Memphis, TN.

I keep showing C pictures of her Grannie and Pa Pa (The Big D's stepfather). I don't know if she will recognize them or not, but I am sure she will be excited to meet them all over again.

Drunken Antics

2005-01-01T23:04:00.000-08:00

Two guys are at a bar on the top floor of a tall building surrounded by other tall buildings.

The first guy says "You know, the wind currents are so strong with all these buildings around here that you can jump out the window and the wind will bring you back."
"No."
"Sure. I'll prove it"
The first guy jumps out the window and a few seconds later is back at the window and sits at the bar and says "See - it works".
The second guy says "I have to try that." He jumps out the window and plunges to his death.

The bartender looks at the first guy and says "Superman, you are one *mean* drunk".

Happy New Year!

2005-01-01T01:38:00.000-08:00

Fabulous

2004-12-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

(parenthetical remarks)

Unbelievable disaster

2004-12-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

22,000 people dead. Can you even begin to fathom that? Seriously? I know I can't. I am literally sick to my stomach. Those pictures of people holding their loved ones...their babies. I'm so sorry.

This site was created to help in relief efforts.

Hug your babies and families tight today.

Hanan, I am soo glad your brother is alive and well. Now smack him. :)

These three things keep rolling on...

2004-12-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Three names you go by:
Mommy
Sarah
Sarag

Three screen names you have:
Queenraven
Arrogant Sage
Devakimahila

Three things you like about yourself:
compassionate
muscles
afro

Three things you hate/dislike about yourself:
flab
Procrastinator
Unhealthy addiction to stuffing my face

Three parts of your heritage:
Black American
Chinese
American Indian

Three things that scare you:
creepy crawly things
Letting go of old habits
Cher

Three of your everyday essentials:
Internet
Something sweet
At least one cuddle from the girl

Three things you are wearing right now:
stripy shirt
Glasses
Fabulous jeans

Three of your favorite bands/artists at the moment:
Usher
Christina Aguilera
Sarah MacLachlan

Three of your favorite songs at present:
“My Boo” Usher and Alicia Keys
“Leave (Get out)” Jojo
“Walk Away” Christina Aguilera

Three things you want to try in the next 12 months:
Tai Chi
Japanese Cooking Class
Overnight Crop

Three things you want in a relationship (love is a given):
Understanding
Friendship
Laughter

Two truths and a lie:
I like brussel sprouts
I love to read
I’m pretty lazy

Three physical things about the opposite (or same) sex that appeals to you:
eyes
legs
butt

Three things you just can't do:
Whistle through my fingers
Play a musical instrument
Read Hemmingway

Three of your favorite hobbies:
Scrapbooking
Photography
Cooking

Three things you want to do really badly right now:
Take a nap
See the rest of my family
Take a class…on almost anything. I love school.

Three careers you're considering:
Cultural Anthropology
Photography
Chef

Three places you want to go on vacation:
Japan
New Zealand
Poconos Mountain Resort (adults only!)

Three kids names:
Jasmine Nicole
Aric Omari
Alicia

Three things you want to do before you die:
World travel
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
??? (I will leave this dream open)

Three people who have to take this quiz now or die a slow orgasmic death:
Dmouse007
Stacy
Kimmer

Seriously, I laughed 'til I cried

2004-12-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/starwarskidv.html

Watch it in this order: Star Wars Kid Original, Star Wars Kid Edit, Star Wars Kid-Attack of the Clones.

I am still wiping the tears away. Geeks of the world will love this boy. I know I do.

Enjoy.

Crop-o-mania

2004-12-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't get to go to an ultra-cool weekend crop, but I did manage to host my own! It was small in scale. Three ladies showed up (and that includes me)...well, T showed up for a little bit, but she was in the middle of getting her apt in order and couldn't spend too much time.

But nonetheless, it was GREAT fun! I wouldn't have minded if only one person showed up, I just wanted to scrap for a couple of hours without the girl tugging at my leg. We had cookies, ice cream, and root beer...yum. I managed to scrap 3-4 pages in 5 hours. A very productive night for me.

I can't wait to do it again. I think this time we are going to have a representative from Stampin' Up! come out and demonstrate her products and then scrap after the presentation. What do you say, Pezzy Wezzy, you up for a trip to the Capitol for a night of stampin' and scrapin'?

Step away from the cupcake and nobody will get hurt

2004-12-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I have a problem. I love food. Not just because it sustains me, but because it tastes good. How the hell am I supposed to take control of food problems when I can't really give food up? If it were cigarettes, I could just stop buying them...but with food...hell, I have to make that at least 3 times a day.

Why, oh why, do you taste soo good, Butter? Who's idea was it to make Caramel soo creamy? What does it take to resist a delectable piece of Pie? I don't have the tools. Ugh.
I know, I know...what about Weight Watchers? Well, it works for a while, but I am always soo focused on food it just seems to make the problem worse.

Damnit, I want to eat! I want it to be covered in gravy or butter or icing. But I also want to lose weight. Not just for me, but for my family. I want to model healthy eating habits for my daughter (and husband ;) )

Maybe I should just audition for the Swan.

Blogging at the speed of...well, just fast is all

2004-12-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

True to his manly roots, the Big D got an itch and had to scratch it. Now we have a new computer. Did you know that working for the government gets you a discount at dell computers? Neither did I. But hey, I love a good bargin.

The old computer is now housed in my scrappin' corner...waiting for some lovely scrapbook software.

Blast from the past

2004-12-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about all the books I read from about grade 3 to high school. I read alot. I mean it. I spent so much time reading, I am surprised I ever saw the outdoors.
I really just feel like sharing some of my favorites right now.
The Talisman by Stephen King. I believe there is over 700 pages in this book, but that didn't stop me from reading it about 20 times.

Yes, I did read these. What can I say, young nerdy girls need love too! Sweet Valley High Series by Francine Pascal.

Oh how I loved the adventures of Ramona Quimby! I still can remember her rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. I really have to get on the ball and buy C this whole set.

I know, it's hard to see. But this little picture is none other than The Hardy Boys Casefiles by Franklin W. Dixon. Here's a secret, I really wanted to be Joe's girlfriend...ahhh, to dream.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. I don't even know what to say about this book. I read the whole series over and over again. In fact, I think I may just pull it off the bookshelf....

Chain Letter by Christopher Pike. I can't talk about my pre-teen favorites without pulling out Christopher Pike. His books were so cool to read. The characters would really come alive to me.

There are many more authors and books I spent my "impressionable" years with than I have mentioned. It would be impossible for me to list them all. I remember that I used to go to the library so often that I got to the point where I would run my hand down a row of books and wherever I stopped, that's what I read.

Let me give an honorable mention to Judy Blume. Who didn't love Superfudge or Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great? Wow, I just looked up some Blume books..and I think I may have read her entire library!

So, how 'bout it? Who were your favorite authors in your pre-teen and elementary years?

2004-12-03T23:35:00.000-08:00

Ain't we cute. :)

You know you want to

2004-12-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

help me get a free Apple Ipod. It's really cool and very legit. Here is an article from Wire about the program. And this site is really neat. It gives out even more details about the offer. Not to mention, it talks about other free offers available.

Anyway, if you would like to participate, you can sign up through the Apple Ipod link at the top of this post.

Who do I have to kill

2004-11-29T10:01:00.000-08:00

so that I can go to one of these: Croptime

On a different note, here is some helpful information about your credit report. Thanks, Terry.

Scrappin' fool

2004-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

I have just finished creating 18 individual holiday cards. I can't say they are all original ideas, since I LOVE to scraplift (that's the nice way to say steal designs). ;-)

I have a couple more to make, but I am pretty proud of them. I would take a picture of them so you all can see them, but I don't want to spoil the surprise for the folks who will receive them.

Black Friday

2004-11-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

I did it. I braved the stores on Black Friday. Damn, I love America! I wallowed in extreme consumerism from 5:30 am to 9 am. I visited 4 stores in the following order: Sears, Joann’s, Target, and Wal-Mart.

I shall break down my awesome purchases and experiences at each store.

Sears:
I got there at 5:30 am. They were giving away $10 gift cards to the first 200 customers. My friend T was there before me, luckily, and she saved me a spot. I may not have made it into the first 200 if it were not for that. Thanks, T! After the store opened and the line was moving slowly towards the door, these 2 girls jumped in front of us. Some guys told them to move along, and T also told them to take a step towards the back of the line. It was funny when the girl told T to “fuck off” and T replied, “Blah blah blah!”. She so crazy. (and yes, the girls moved)
So, of course chaos reined in the store, but I had one goal. There were queen-size sheet sets available for $17.99! The regular price on those things were $69.99 just the day before. Woo hoo! Now if you are paying attention you will remember that I just got a $10 gift card for standing in the cold a half hour. So, the grand total on my purchase was $9 and some change. Now that’s what I call a discount. J And apparently you can still buy these online…at least until 11/27…so get on it, yo!

Joann:
There wasn’t as much chaos at Joann’s. But that was because I was at their smaller store. I really wanted to visit the superstore, but that was way out of my way. So, I missed out on some selection. But that’s okay. I got the stuff I really wanted.
This year I am crafting my own holiday cards, and I really wanted a snowflake stamp. All the stamps were 50% off. So, I purchased 2. Their regular price was $5.99 each, so I spent that much on 2. J I also got some felt for some holiday projects. It cost me 10 cents a piece. And paper by the piece was 6 for 96 cents. (Regular price 59-69 cents). So, with 2 stamps, a lot of felt, and 6 pieces of paper, and a 10% off total purchase, I left that store $7 lighter.

Target:
Oh, Target. How do I love thee. Those specials…I just didn’t have enough money to cover everything I wanted. But I did get Family Guy on DVD (the first and second season) all for $17.77. And for some reason, Star Wars DVD was on sale for $39.99. WTF, that thing is usually $60! I snagged on for the Big D. Hell, even Wal-Mart’s sale price was $47. And in the category of what else I wanted but didn’t get….Mulan and Pirates of the Caribbean were $12 each. Ho hum. Total Target purchase: $62

Wal-Mart:
Yes, even after hearing stories from the shumucks on cell phones about fights breaking out, I still braved Wally World. It, of course, was a zoo. But they had $3.88 DVDS, and I needed to check some out. I got there about 7 am…they had only been open an hour, but of course all the good stuff was pillaged. I did score a copy of Blazing Saddles. Man, I love that movie.
Here’s the kicker. While T and I were checking out some remote control cars, I noticed a Leap Pad reading system just sitting on the shelf. Could it be true? Was this a coveted $20 leap pad just sitting there minding it’s own business!? This is one of those sale items that you just KNEW was demolished 5 minutes after opening. But here one was…with a pretty little $20 ticket on it. I snagged it and held on with all my strength. (It already had 2 books included in the package)

All in all, I had a fabulous morning of shopping. The Big D was pretty darned sick, so he stayed home with the girl. He’s at the walk-in clinic right now. He probably has a bad case of Sinusitis. L But he is much happier now that I have medicated him with Star Wars DVDS.

BTW, Thanksgiving was great. C and I went to T’s Mom’s place. It was great fun. Just like being with my Michigan family (I miss you guys!). It was chaotic and noisy and I got to help out in the kitchen. We looked at family photos and the newest baby got passed from lap to lap. He was soo cute! The Big D missed out due to sleeping the day away (yes, he missed FOOTBALL). I ate too much, as usual.

So, I guess I should sign off with what I am grateful for. I am grateful for having love. I am grateful that there are people out there who want to receive my love in return. I am grateful for living in America. I am grateful for the heath and happiness of my husband and daughter…well, sure, D is a little sick right now, but I know he will get better.
I am grateful for food in my belly, a roof over my head, and high-speed internet access. ;)

Yippee

2004-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

My inlaws are coming! Don't be shocked. I really like them. :) RM (D's mom) and her husband, H, are going to be here in January. Can you believe their plane tickets only cost $186 each!!

America West Airlines is awesome! I can get my family here from Michigan for around the same price as the inlaws.

On another travel note, D is going to New Orleans in February. Yes, during Mardi Gras. The bastard. Apparently, there is a conference or convention or something. I think it is just an excuse to party on Gov't money. ;) But do not worry, I just might be able to go with him. All I need is a babysitter. Cross your fingers...I haven't gotten a reply yet, but I have made the request.

Nothing to see here folks

2004-11-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

Just move along. It's not like I have my DSL back...oh wait, yes, yes I do have it back!!

Ahh, to surf the web at lightning speeds (how many naked pictures of Antonio Banderas can you get to load at the same time?). To put C on ignore for hours at a time (Honey, I know you are only 2, but could you maybe make yourself a sandwich...thanks. Mommy is busy now.).

Maybe I can get back to my dream of trying to find a nice little online job. :)

I feel so whole again. This is better than Zoloft.

I'm disgusted

2004-11-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

Had to jump on my soapbox after watching the news tonight.
There are these temporary residences called "Tent Cities" around these parts. It's exactly as the name implies. Homeless adults are put together in tents so they can have a place to sleep.

They are run by a non-profit who has strict rules and procedures in place. But the bottom line is, they are all about keeping people from sleeping on benches and under bridges.

Well, the cities operate off of temporary use orders and their next one is up. A church in Woodinville has decided to host the city for the next 3 months. Here's where my disgust comes into play. There is an actual heated debate about whether the church should host the homeless project. Not just from Joe Schmo, this is my neighborhood...but from the parishoners...that's right. The Christians who use that church as their spiritual ground.

I can't believe it. People pick up a freaking Bible every once in a while, would ya?! Do you know how sad and ugly you sound talking about your freaking property values?

Check this quote:
"The proposed camp is next door to Stacy Meyer, who said she started out angry but now feels fear, frustration and betrayal. She said having the small encampment in her neighborhood is a threat to the greater community that amounts to ``terrorism.''"

What the fuck? That's right lady, all homeless people are criminals. Sheese.

Hello, Compassion, are you out there? You are sorely missed.

The hosting church put up a nice F.A.Q. at their website. My head hurts.

When will the madness end

2004-11-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

Dear DSL,
Come back to me. Please. I swear, I didn't mean to talk about your momma like that. She has lovely hair...I mean it. Really. :)
Love,
AS

From 56k sadness to potty gladness

2004-10-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I still suffer from 56k dial up suckiness. I don't even know if thise entry will post within a 1/2 hour. But I shall try to be patient.

C has now successfully gone diaper free for 4 days straight! Woo fucking hoo! I even manage to get out of the house with her. She will go potty everywhere!

I just couldn't wait until I got DSL back to report it. I am super jazzed.

Way to go, baby girl. :)

Dictator C

2004-10-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

So, we were returning from dinner at a friend's house, when C (the littlest Dictator) demanded we turn the radio station back to a dance song. I, being the biggest Dictator, held firm and even turned the radio up. I can be a stinker, ya know?
She stopped protesting and started singing this little diddy:

You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big

....maybe you guys recognize the theme song to Malcolm in the Middle....I just learned it is sung by They Might Be Giants. Wow, that takes me back to Jr. High.
Of course the Big D and I had a jolly good laugh over it. BTW, as soon as she got over wanting to hear the dance song, she promptly demanded cheese.

Friday night excitment

2004-10-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

In the Arrogant household, we go shopping every 2 weeks. My budget is $310 a month for groceries. This 2 week period, our menu consists of buffalo chicken strips with tator tots, salmon (friend will feed us....I will supply the lemon cake), meatloaf, BBQ chicken legs with mash pot and biscuits, spaghetti, corndogs and fries, nachos, turkey manwich, pasta, soup night, pulled pork sandwiches, and cheezit chicken (thanks, Katie).

I promised I would post my shopping list, so here it goes:
Vegetable oil 1.86
BBQ sauce 1.12
Tomato soup 1.00
Manwich 1.24
Enchilada sauce 1.06
Mini ravioli .95
Refried beans .55
Apple juice 1.97
Milk 3.08
Cheese curls .98
Raisins 2.06
Spaghetti sauce .88
Lemon frosting 1.38
Salsa 2.36
Olives .58
Paprika 1.77
Sunflower seeds 1.38
Flour .96
Poptarts 1.77
Toastables 1.50
Corn muffins .33 (C put this in the cart while we were not looking)
Veggie dip 1.98
Butter (the real stuff) 2.66
Instant potatoes (got lazy) 1.33
Lemon cake mix .78
Cereal 2.64
Cheez its 2.50
Cole slaw .54
Sugar snap peas 2.50
Bell pepper 1.50
Hamburger 5.96 (2 lbs)
Ground turkey 2.83
Butterfingers .44 (mommy treat)
Stouffers family meat loaf 5.96 (1.00 off coupon!)
Hashbrowns 2.78
Fries 2.18
Carrots 1.50
Green onions .47
Mushrooms 2.20
Lays chips 5.60 (3 bags….The Big D’s snacks)
Peanut butter crackers 1.78
Taco season .62
Mushroom batter .68
Kool Aid 1.00
Chicken tenders 4.48 (supposed to ring up $6.09…I’m not complaining)
Bread 2.00
Eggs .84

TOTAL: $86.48

Tomorrow, we have to pick up 4 more items at a different store. Albertsons is having a sale I can't pass up:
Tortilla chips 1.00
Pork Roast .99/lb
chicken breast 1.49/lb
corndogs (12-18 count) 4.99

Adding in these items:
TOTAL: $102.98

Which leaves us with $52 to add snacks or anything we run out of like milk or bread. Usually, I would only have about $30 left for extras, but this week, I have a lot of convenience or easy foods on our menu. I'm not really "cooking" a lot of the meals this period. Guess I just need a break.

RCT

2004-10-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

That stands for Root Canal Therapy. Wow, I can hear you all sucking in at the same time. Breathe, people. Breathe.

Yes, my tooth hurts like a motherfucker...as much as a motherfucker can hurt. Now, it's been cleaned out, yet it still hurts. Ugh. I've received some serious drugs to help me through. The Vicodin doesn't really take away the pain, but it does keep me from caring. :)

Alright, I have to run. I want to wallow in the pain.

Citizen Sage: Part Deux

2004-10-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Show me the funny!

This is just way too funny and I had to share. You may have already come across it on the net.

Good to be in DC

How many people can name 3 conservative radio talk show hosts without batting an eyelash? I can. Today, I came across an interesting radio station...it's all liberal.

Air America Radio

Not to be outdone, I went for something more my style and every once in a while I will catch his show in the AM. He's the self-proclaimed "Militant Moderate".

Jim Bohannon

You can supposedly hear him online somewhere...but hey, I can hear him on an AM station here. Although, I don't know what the call letters are. Damn that dial....I need a digital screen...or maybe I should pay more attention when they mention it. Hey, you can listen to this station online...and they feature Jim as a host. :)

That's enough outta me. Keep your heads up folks, remember, we can always move to Canada.

I am Citizen Sage, and I approve this message.

Mmmmm, sugary things...ahhhh

2004-10-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

I really, really, really want to make a pie. (see the extra reallys mean I am sincere). I got bored and now I want pie. Can you say emotional eater?

What's your poison? When you get bored, what food do you crave? Do you even crave food when bored?

It's not like I don't have plenty to do, I just don't want to do those things. A little hiatus from responsibility...yeah right.
On the upside, C went poo in the potty! My mom was a witness...she was on the phone with me when it happened.
Go C!

Where the fuck is my cheese!

2004-10-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

I am falling apart. I have a headache...but I don't know what it is from. It could be from the head cold that is going to overtake me in a day or so. It could be from the TMJ disorder that I suffer from (my fucking jaw is always sore). It could be from the stupid hormones in my birth control pill...and on a seperate rant...ever since that IUD got stuck in my uterus, I have had to take bc pills. Well, those bastards aren't working right and I have been having 3 week periods!!!

UUUGGGGHHHH.

Oh, and my tooth has been driving me up the wall. Glad I have a dentist appointment next week.

So, let's recap. Head cold, headache, wacky birth control, stupid tooth, and TMJ disorder.

There are volcanos here??

2004-09-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Sure, there are a couple of volcanos in my vicinity...but you don't really expect them to pop...I mean, come on...this is the 21st century. Haven't we figured out how to stop those things yet?
Mt. St. Helens has been showing some activity this week. Here is a Seattle-Times article that I didn't read fully. But I did notice this quote:

"If an eruption were to occur at Mount St. Helens, it's one of the better places in the country for it to happen," Miller said.
OMG, this made me laugh. Where the hell else is that volcano supposed to errupt? Of course it's the best place for it to blow...it can't get up and walk away.

Citizen Sage

2004-09-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe it. I was polled. (Get your mind out of the gutter, people) I think it was by USA Today.
Pollster: Are you going to vote for George W. Bush or John Kerry in the upcoming Presidential election?
Me: What?? I could have sworn there were more people running than just those two. What about Michael Badnarik or Ralph Nadar?
Pollster: Uhhhh….so, you are undecided?
Me: …….
Pollster: Well, umm, in the Governor’s race, will you be voting for Christine Gregoire or Dino Rossi?
Me: Again, there are more people running…I will likely vote Libertarian.
Pollster: So, that would be another undecided?
Me: Yeah, sure. Whatever you want.
Pollster: (In a hurry) Okay, well, thank you for your answers.

What the hell is that all about? Last I checked, I did live in America right? Democracy and all that jazz. When is the madness going to end? When will we stop looking exclusively to Democrats and Republicans to do something for us? I’m not advocating any specific third or fourth party (although I do really like Libertarians). But I am advocating more people to choose from. I also advocate opening up the debates to more than just Reps and Dems. Anybody remember when Ross Perot was allowed to participate in the ’92 debate? Clinton and Bush were forced to open up a bit, cause Perot kept throwing them off. I loved it.

USA Today inspired me to action. I searched the web for as much information as I could get on the debates. I came across Open Debates and signed the petition. It’s just too important. I also came across the CDC. For anyone who needs a jumping off point for research into our upcoming elections, I recommend Vote Smart.

.America, it’s time for a change. The old system isn’t working anymore.

I’m the Arrogant Sage, and I approve this message.

Tidbits and such

2004-09-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

The man changed the settings on the 'puter. Now I have to actually remember all my passwords and such. Ugh.

Did you know that between the Big D and myself we have moved over 40 times in less than 30 years?

All my friends are moving away...I'm sad.

I REALLY, REALLY want a car.

Dave Ramsey is fabulous. I don't know where I would be without his financial advice.

2004-09-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

The Arrogant Sage presents: Super Afro Puff! Ya dig!

2004-08-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Fashionista or no?

Riddle me this

2004-08-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

What is the purpose of sin in a world in which all sin is negated by a single sacrifice?

Joke of the Day

2004-08-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

A multi-millionaire has three girlfriends, all about the same, and he has to decide which one to marry. So he gives each one a million dollars to spend any way she wants. The women don't know it, but this is how he's going to decide which one to marry.

The first one goes out and blows the whole thing shopping.

The second one takes it to the bank and saves it.

The third one invests it and doubles the million.

Which one do you think he chose?

Why...the one with the biggest tits, silly.

The Arrogant Sage gets her *bleep* together

Fuck it

Bare with me

Please Ignore

London

ahh, crap

Broken Hearted

Lemming

I'm not saying anything...

Geek Wars

Nostalgia

Minding my own business

Letters

Email Fun...thanks, E!

Where is the love?

I wish...

Sisterhood. It's not just for pants.

Dirty Little Secret

Deep Thoughts

Nice

Woot! Ding!

Was there a temperature drop in hell?

You gotta have friends

Recipes, my dears!

Happy Mother's Day

Mommy Mystique

A fine tradition

Black, by popular demand

Reality Show Whore

Blue's Clues

I will not use the Force in class

Get to know this!

Oh yeah!

Proud Momma

Big beautiful smiles all around

Mental Masturbation

Arrogant Sage Rides Again

I giggle

Entertainment for entertainment's sake

Insane Ramblings because

And there was much rejoicing!

On March 4, 2000

Obsessive much?

GERD

"My Peanuts!" By The Big D.

I give up

I don't know...XPIG? Doesn't sound flattering.

5 days, 4 nights

Have I shown you this before?

Raging headache

Must read of 2005

Nerd appeal

Scintilating Conversation

That was too fun!

In-law Day

Drunken Antics

Happy New Year!

Fabulous

Unbelievable disaster

These three things keep rolling on...

Seriously, I laughed 'til I cried

Crop-o-mania

Step away from the cupcake and nobody will get hurt

Blogging at the speed of...well, just fast is all

Blast from the past

You know you want to

Who do I have to kill

Scrappin' fool

Black Friday

Yippee

Nothing to see here folks

I'm disgusted

When will the madness end

From 56k sadness to potty gladness

Dictator C

Friday night excitment

RCT

Citizen Sage: Part Deux

Mmmmm, sugary things...ahhhh

Where the fuck is my cheese!

The Arrogant Sage gets her bleep together