Don't worry, I'm still here.

It has been a busy week, with school, work, rain, internet issues, on and on. I'm pretty excited about my classes this semester, they shouldn't be too much work, just lots of reading. I can handle that. Work hasn't been any busier, but I was able to miss a day due to rain. My excuse was that since my truck windows are still stuck in the down position, I didn't want to drive. They took it pretty well as usual. THE INTERNET... my house is cursed. I'm positive this is the problem. The internet provider sent us a new modem thingamajig, I hooked it up and all was well... for a few hours. Then it started misbehaving just like it used to. The crazy internet lady on the phone last night had me doing all sorts of things with plugging/unplugging phones, switching jacks, might as well unplug the TV while you're at it. AAGH. They're supposed to call me back today with a cure for my internet illness. We will see. Of course I'm still thinking positive thoughts about this, because it has to work tonight-OR ELSE!

I had a heebie-jeebie moment at work today. I have the habit of walking around in my socks, shoes left beneath my desk. When I slipped them back on, I noted a rock type of feeling under my arch. I dumped it out and it was a BIG, BLACK, YUCKY BEETLE! Ewwwy, yucky, ewwy, blah. I guess that's what I get for acting as if I'm at home while at work. So now that I've learned my lesson, shoes go on the desk.

A freezer full of possibilities!

I finally bought a new Costco membership yesterday. Quite an exciting event for my household. I have now run into a problem with storage. I need more shelves in my "pretend-pantry" and additional freezer space. I have created many reasons to rationalize this item for the B.W.L. #8, but I'll save you the torture and just let you know it's an option for the upcoming birthday.

He's the crazy person standing in the yard by the flag pole in hopes of the lightening striking really close.

We have enjoyed quite a few storms this year in our neck of the woods/desert. I love them, but not like The Hare does. I think he's oblivious to the danger involved when standing in the desert taking pictures in the pouring rain. Hmm... oh well. As long as he's enjoying himself. These are his Top 3 Favorite Shots. So far. He's anticipating some more for the future.

If he had his way, my blog would consist of only his lightening pictures. Yes, yes, I already suggested that he start his own. He scoffed at that silly idea. Work! In his spare time! Judging by what this post is about, you already know his answer to suggestion. This really is better for me, because I only have to throw in a few pictures now and then. Otherwise I would have to deal with 2 blogs. Yech.




My favorite is the first picture, I LOVE palm trees. I would like to see how well he would do with a better camera. I guess that will be a future Christmas gift. Just so you know, it's not going on my B.W.L. He'll have to start his own this time.

I LOVE back-to-school shopping!

I bought myself a back-to-school gift today. I wear out bags/purses/wallets/planners at an alarming rate. I sucked it up and decided I better spend more than what I usually spend on a Target clearance bag. This thing has the potential to hold all the usual crap (planner, homework, school books, regular book or two, yarn, and maybe someday a laptop). It was on sale and just plain lovely.

Why can't it be called "Middle F"

B.W.L.#7 kind of backfired on me. I know I said I would like to give a few lessons, but that was meant for the little ones. When I got home, The Hare had the keyboard out and was waiting for me. We downloaded a few beginner songs and got started. This is the only time his stubborn personality is a bonus, he was determined to master Mexican Hat Dance and Hot Cross Buns. After an hour of having to deal with his arguments of how he thought things should be, he was a success with his first two songs. He expects to learn a few more tonight. Hopefully once he is able to work on this alone, I can download my own music.

B.W.L.#7

Jack Johnson Sheet Music

Since I've moved to Arizona, I haven't really played the piano as much as I used to. It's probably time that I brushed up on my skills. I would like to teach a few of the nephews/niece lessons when they are ready. This gives me a few years to get my act together. I thought this would be the perfect way to get things started up again. Curious George is one of my favorite soundtracks and this music is one of the FEW things that will stop the 3 year old twins in their tracks.

P.S. In addition to this, I wouldn't mind replacing the keyboard with the actual thing!!

Another "The Office" topic: LIBRARIES!

I did not write this. It's from the Creed Thoughts blog on nbc.com "The Office"

August 14, 09:23 AM
Creed Thoughts

I spend a lot of time in the library. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not there for the books. Books are for table balancing and throwing at birds. I go for the air conditioning and the smell. Libraries smell good. It almost makes me want to like books, but not quite. Anyway, there’re a lot of kids at the library -- maybe it’s summer school or something – and these kids talk like I’ve never heard before. It’s like a secret street language and I want in. They say stuff like “that dude got clowned” and “he got that swag when he walks.” I want to know what the heck* these kids are talking about, but they won’t tell me. I’ve tried going up to the kids to talk about the phrases, but they get kind of freaked out by me. Just wait until they need an ID – then we’ll see who’s running away and telling the librarians.
Anyway, those jerks won’t tell me anything, so I’m making up my own words and phrases. This is my street dictionary and I’m not even charging for it. Just don’t tell the kids in the library, okay?

Keep it bowlin’ – Everyone likes bowling, so this is a phrase for when you want to tell someone to stay positive. For example, if someone tells you they lost their job, you can just tell them to keep it bowlin’ and that’ll cheer them up.

Ploppers – This means bad. “Did you see that movie last night? It was ploppers.”

Horribly obese – I’m taking this one from the library kids. They say things are fat all the time, so I took it a step further. In this case, it means the most beautiful ever. If a foxy dame comes walking in, you can call her horribly obese. I think it might take some time before it catches on, so use this one with caution because some broads may not have heard it yet and could take it the wrong way.

Willy fingers – Perhaps the hardest to explain, but you get willy fingers when you really want to fight someone. “When my boss was yelling at me, I really started getting willy fingers.” Your fingers start moving real fast and itching because they want to hit something – that’s the willy fingers.

Those kids are going to regret not letting me in on their lingo. My slang’s going to take over the nation and there’s nothing those idiots can do to stop it. Keep it bowlin’, people.

*I had to do some editing!

My bottle is filled with Alka-Seltzer and the fizz is overflowing.

Fridays at work are always torture. First, it's almost the weekend. Time moves in slow motion. Second, the bizarre, amount of crazy topics reaches a new height. I don't mind the randomness, but they regurgitate it throughout the day. Over and over and over. This feeling I get reminds me of Blades of Glory and one of my favorite quotes from Chazz.

"Yeah, mind-bottling. You know, when things are so crazy it gets your thoughts all trapped, like in a bottle?"

This is what happens to my mind after listening to these guys. When I actually have to try and think... not much happens. Oh well. I guess this is the price I pay for tuition waivers and a stress free job. This is as stressful as it gets. Fizzy.

B.W.L. #6

I am pretty sure that this product was created for my house. Between the dog, rabbits and 3 messy nephews we get a lot of "stuff" on the floor. Thanks to Swiffer my problems may be solved. They even have coupons!

HOORAY!

Update on the B.W.L. #5, my favorite sister ever has sent me her gently used IPOD with songs already loaded.

HOORAY!

In case you couldn't tell, it's been a great day.

Proceed with caution!

As you can see, here is the first "doll" from the AMIGURUMI book that Auntie D. gave me. I realize it's very frightening. I think it's the combination of ghost white hair and beady eyes. The eyes were a last minute item that the Hare recycled from a stuffed bear. The little niece was getting a bit impatient. She let me know that it was to be her doll when finished. Of course I said okay. I'm determined to win the Favorite Aunt award.

You have to admit that it looks just like the "painting" I provided last week. I have already started my first puppet, who will be named Cowboy Joe.

B.W.L. #5

It's pretty normal for me to be behind the times. Forget about the washbasin and clothesline I've been using for the past year, it's an IPOD that I desire. There hasn't really been a need for one before. Music isn't a huge deal for me, but I now have a completely silent work environment. It's pretty bizarre. I'm too self-conscious to turn on the speakers at my desk, because I know they wouldn't all agree with my taste. Which gives me another item for the B.W.L. Don't worry I will accept 'gently used' for this gift item. An added bonus would be a song list, because it's hard work trying to remember what I like. I trust you to know what I will enjoy.

Maybe inappropriate behavior...

Is it a bad thing to go around work, shifting objects slightly off center? What if I just move the tape dispenser from its home of five years to a new spot two inches to the left? How about if I put all the book carts at an angle that's not exactly 90 degrees to the wall?

I am having way too much fun with this!! If you have any other suggestions for me, please share. Sometimes it's awesome to have a co-worker with a little bit of OCD.

My first work of art in the land of Crazy Dolls/Animals

I wanted to share an example of the fun I've been having this past week. This is a representation of my first doll. It was supposed to be a gray cat like creature, but I don't think I'm going to sew the ears on. It would take away from the Pregnant Bagpiper style hair (c. 2002?) You might notice that one leg is thicker than the other. That's pretty accurate. I am trying to represent all types of people out there and I don't want to damage future self-esteems by creating what we view as a 'perfect' little baby doll. The truth is that I lost count and just kept going. One more little problem is that I haven't finished both legs and I don't want to, so one of them might end at the knee. Maybe I'll sew up some crutches instead. I did start my first puppet last night... a shark.

P.S. My favorite part is that her skirt folds up to show off some black panties. Woo woo!

Flipping to the back, to read the end.

The Hare’s family is all big fans of The Twilight Zone. It drives me nuts. I don’t like the mystery and suspense. Of course I want to know what happened, but I’m too impatient to wait around for the answer. Just give me the who, what, where, when and how, so I can get on with my day.

I’ve been hearing the phrase, “It felt like I was in The Twilight Zone” many times this week. It makes me grateful that I’m not; I don’t want to be in any of those crazy Twilight situations. Yech. This inspired one of my MANY lists. Normally I write my lists on old check-out cards we find in the books, but today it’s going online, you lucky alligator, you.

-I’m so happy I live in sunny Arizona and not The Twilight Zone.
-We own a house, which means I don’t have to search, apply, pay deposits, pack, move and clean at the end of every lease.
-I am exposed to so many different people and I love learning about other cultures.
-I have the opportunity to attend an awesomely diverse school that provides me with a variety of opportunities. The downside: someday I will have to make up my mind.
-I get to work in the LIBRARY at this awesome school.
-I have always been encouraged by my parents and I have the opportunity to provide encouragement for others daily. I love seeing how this brightens someone’s day. I can’t imagine having been raised without it and I wish others would practice this more.
-I’m grateful that I can step back and analyze a situation, decide whether or not it matters to me and if it’s worth my time.
-I love all those crazy people out there I call family and friends.

If I were writing this on a check-out card, I would have run out of room, so that’s all for now. Lucky for you, it wasn’t my daily, boring to-do list. I need to figure out a way to make it home with those and my shopping lists; I always lose it between my car and the store. Someone in the parking lot is probably concerned about the quantity of Hot Pockets my family consumes.

Quit the worrying!

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." Emerson.

My goal this week is to use "blunders and absurdities" in as many conversations as possible. These are the types of goals that get me through the workday.

I may have Indecisive Career Disorder, nah I'm just a spaz.

I've been enjoying a few "librarian" blogs lately. It's making me consider getting a teaching certificate. Yech. Depending on how things go after grad school, I act as if I'm already attending-he he, I might just throw in some more classes in order to work in a school. I keep thinking SUMMER OFF!!! NO WORK!!! Then I remember DEVIL CHILDREN!!! TOUCHING MY BOOKS!!! What's a girl to do? Luckily I have a few years to think about it.

In the meantime, I'm considering another career. A creator of puppets. I was going to say puppet master, but that made me think of creepy movies. I've been having so much fun with the AMIGURUMI book that Auntie D. bought me, that now I'm going to make puppets. The design ideas are taking over my life. I've already been scouring the clearance bins for outlandish yarns, googly eyes, and other goodies that would complete my works of art. As soon as I put one of these ideas to yarn, I'll do a photo shoot. Maybe not, they'll probably be your Christmas presents for the next ten years and I don't want to ruin the surprise.

I will consider requests.

Pretty bird...

I saw this interesting birdcage on Etsy, but I wasn't sure if you could actually raise one in this thingamajig. I would most likely destroy the cage and the animal. I'm sorry, but I'm an animal killer by nature. I've never killed one on purpose, but if I had I wouldn't be willing the share the details anyway.

I also found this cute little bird made out of paper. I can hardly sew material in a straight line without ripping it, I certainly couldn't sew with paper. Can't you just imagine walking into my tick-free home (fingers crossed/many prayers) and seeing a cute wire bird cage with a pretty little bird in it. Then you would think, "Wow, look how grown up she is. She can keep an animal alive without the help of The Hare." Then I could laugh to myself "Ha, ha, fooled you!"

I guess if any of our current pets ever pass on, I can just sew up replacements. This is such a relief.