I'm too tired to write so here are some pics instead. Oh, I painted the kid. As in I applied paint (gouache!) to the kid's face. Hey, I paint everything else, so painting her was just a matter of time.
topiary cats
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Samhain
I love Samhain (pronounced SOW-en). Today is Samhain, the Celtic Day of the Dead. The New Year. It's my favorite time of year, actually. Of course we had fun.
I'm too tired to write so here are some pics instead. Oh, I painted the kid. As in I applied paint (gouache!) to the kid's face. Hey, I paint everything else, so painting her was just a matter of time.
I'm too tired to write so here are some pics instead. Oh, I painted the kid. As in I applied paint (gouache!) to the kid's face. Hey, I paint everything else, so painting her was just a matter of time.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Little Blue Spark
My 30s are off to a *swimmingly* good start!
This morning I didn't wake up in time to go to work...oops. Apparently I turned my alarm off in my sleep, the cat didn't wake me, and the child slept in from being up late last night. So I woke up three minutes before I absolutely had to leave. But, thankfully I had my computer at home so was able to just work from home today.
I was very counter-productive.
Because I really do have quite a bit of actual work to do, I wanted to, well, do it. When I work from home sometimes I put a dvd on to listen to. My drive isn't working. And it's less than a year old. And it was a little bit expensive. Bummer. So making a long story short I opened my computer to make sure the drive really was the problem, which it is. And when I was testing it, I plugged in the power supply to the dvd drive while the computer was turned on, thereby earning my rightful title as Queen of Deliberate Stupidity.
There was a little blue spark. Only a little one, but it blew out the whole power supply.
The helpful person at Best Buy scared me very much by telling me that I may have also blown the motherboard. So I started praying earnestly and sincerely. And I gave Best Buy $80.
When I got home, I installed the new power supply. Turned the computer on- nothing.
Then I remembered the little switch at the back of the new power supply, and flipped it. Everything is happy again.
************
I've had this hope, this wish, that as I grow in life experience I would somehow cease to be prone to doing stupid things. This seems not to be the case. I can understand doing new stupid things; situations I have never before encountered. That's ok. But obvious stupid things? I don't even know what to say, except thanks that it wasn't a whole lot worse.
************
Below is a picture of my computer's guts, pre-Deliberate Stupidity.
This morning I didn't wake up in time to go to work...oops. Apparently I turned my alarm off in my sleep, the cat didn't wake me, and the child slept in from being up late last night. So I woke up three minutes before I absolutely had to leave. But, thankfully I had my computer at home so was able to just work from home today.
I was very counter-productive.
Because I really do have quite a bit of actual work to do, I wanted to, well, do it. When I work from home sometimes I put a dvd on to listen to. My drive isn't working. And it's less than a year old. And it was a little bit expensive. Bummer. So making a long story short I opened my computer to make sure the drive really was the problem, which it is. And when I was testing it, I plugged in the power supply to the dvd drive while the computer was turned on, thereby earning my rightful title as Queen of Deliberate Stupidity.
There was a little blue spark. Only a little one, but it blew out the whole power supply.
The helpful person at Best Buy scared me very much by telling me that I may have also blown the motherboard. So I started praying earnestly and sincerely. And I gave Best Buy $80.
When I got home, I installed the new power supply. Turned the computer on- nothing.
Then I remembered the little switch at the back of the new power supply, and flipped it. Everything is happy again.
************
I've had this hope, this wish, that as I grow in life experience I would somehow cease to be prone to doing stupid things. This seems not to be the case. I can understand doing new stupid things; situations I have never before encountered. That's ok. But obvious stupid things? I don't even know what to say, except thanks that it wasn't a whole lot worse.
************
Below is a picture of my computer's guts, pre-Deliberate Stupidity.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Happy Today To Me
I'm 30 today.
For my 30th birthday, I went to work. Then I brought work home, for probably the third time this year. Oh well.
Then my sister called me an Old Hag which made me sad 'cause maybe she's right but then I felt better because there was a gift certificate involved. :)
Now it's almost 10 and I have a headache, I'm too tired to make dinner, it's my bedtime and Daya just woke up.
Hey, I think I'm off to a great start!
For my 30th birthday, I went to work. Then I brought work home, for probably the third time this year. Oh well.
Then my sister called me an Old Hag which made me sad 'cause maybe she's right but then I felt better because there was a gift certificate involved. :)
Now it's almost 10 and I have a headache, I'm too tired to make dinner, it's my bedtime and Daya just woke up.
Hey, I think I'm off to a great start!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Mostly 30
Next week I’ll be 30. Over the past four months or so, I’ve been going through a strange sort of major life review. And I’ve been in a down cycle for about a month now, which is extremely crappy. I can’t even paint- last weekend I started a quick oil, but I just couldn’t get into it.
So, 30. For my 30th birthday I had a very good astrologer read my chart for the next year. Actually the reading was extremely insightful and almost all of the aspects she mentioned from my natal chart were dead-on accurate. It also gave me deep insight into a very bad problem which has been plaguing me for my whole entire life, so hopefully now that I have a bit more clarity I can learn to deal with it a little better.
So, 30. For my 30th birthday I had a very good astrologer read my chart for the next year. Actually the reading was extremely insightful and almost all of the aspects she mentioned from my natal chart were dead-on accurate. It also gave me deep insight into a very bad problem which has been plaguing me for my whole entire life, so hopefully now that I have a bit more clarity I can learn to deal with it a little better.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Quick Funny
I have a cold. :(
So I went to the drugstore.
There was a Sikh looking at the hair dye. For quite a long time.
I thought that was just hilarious.
(Sheiks are those Punjabis who wear turbans.)
So I went to the drugstore.
There was a Sikh looking at the hair dye. For quite a long time.
I thought that was just hilarious.
(Sheiks are those Punjabis who wear turbans.)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Outsourced Call Centers
Am slightly behind on blogging over the past few days. Sorry. Sorry Janeen, I haven't gotten to your tag yet either.
Right now this very immediate second I want to talk about outsourced call centers to India. And what I would like to say about them is that I DO NOT LIKE THEM. It's got nothing to do with the people who answer the phones, or India herself, but every. single. time. I am routed to India they are very polite but generally clueless. I have zero confidence in them, and unfortunately I'm proven correct time and time again.
My very favorite outsourced call center experience was when I booked airline tickets, and after carefully explaining and re-confirming all the minute details of a three day trip, my return ticket was booked two months later than my requested return date. I found this out at the check-in counter when I went home. My name was also spelled wrong. It took them two different attempts to get it right.
My second favorite outsourced call center experience was when the bank ran a check I wrote through the system for the wrong amount. I called to request a refund/adjustment. After carefully explaining the situation in the clearest terms I could think of (and I am a trainer by profession; I know how to present material) the extremely polite person on the other end thought it was a deposit that was incorrect.
Just now I called asking about a suspicious bank fee, and the overly-polite person on the other end started reading (yes, reading) to me a blurb about average minimum balance, which I know for a fact does not apply to this situation. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the branch.
Ok, so outsourcing to India is cheaper, but at the cost of people who understand what is going on and can actually service customers?
End of rant.
Right now this very immediate second I want to talk about outsourced call centers to India. And what I would like to say about them is that I DO NOT LIKE THEM. It's got nothing to do with the people who answer the phones, or India herself, but every. single. time. I am routed to India they are very polite but generally clueless. I have zero confidence in them, and unfortunately I'm proven correct time and time again.
My very favorite outsourced call center experience was when I booked airline tickets, and after carefully explaining and re-confirming all the minute details of a three day trip, my return ticket was booked two months later than my requested return date. I found this out at the check-in counter when I went home. My name was also spelled wrong. It took them two different attempts to get it right.
My second favorite outsourced call center experience was when the bank ran a check I wrote through the system for the wrong amount. I called to request a refund/adjustment. After carefully explaining the situation in the clearest terms I could think of (and I am a trainer by profession; I know how to present material) the extremely polite person on the other end thought it was a deposit that was incorrect.
Just now I called asking about a suspicious bank fee, and the overly-polite person on the other end started reading (yes, reading) to me a blurb about average minimum balance, which I know for a fact does not apply to this situation. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the branch.
Ok, so outsourcing to India is cheaper, but at the cost of people who understand what is going on and can actually service customers?
End of rant.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Macrobiotic Fried Cheese
Yolanda was very upset with me over my loving mention of fried cheese a few posts ago. She has a point. Actually, if everyone was as wonderful and conscious about eating healthy like Yolanda is, we'd all look like her and she's gorgeous. So what she says really does matter. I should listen to her where food is concerned.
I would hereby like to say that fried cheese is probably not the healthiest thing one could willingly consume, but it's saving grace is that it's really, really yummy.
So I would hereby like to present to Yolanda an apology covered with this fall's harvest of fresh fruit topped with raw honey and homemade granola. Hmmm... that sounds really good. (and fruit and cheese go well together!)
I would hereby like to say that fried cheese is probably not the healthiest thing one could willingly consume, but it's saving grace is that it's really, really yummy.
So I would hereby like to present to Yolanda an apology covered with this fall's harvest of fresh fruit topped with raw honey and homemade granola. Hmmm... that sounds really good. (and fruit and cheese go well together!)
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Oh! Stinks!
Daya's in the beginning phases of being ready to be potty trained, I think. She tells me when she's pooped ("OH!! *STINKS*!! POOOOOOOPY!"). Actually, every time I change her diaper she has to sniff it and inform me "OH!! STINKS!!" I'm trying to teach her "pee", since everything is still poopy.
But while "OH!! STINKS!!" is actually very cute and endearing, she has now discovered something less cute and endearing. Now, for three mornings in a row, when I take her diaper off she pees on the floor.
This morning I told her to wait while I cleaned up (which she did!). Then I got her dressed and she was playing with her books. After I did her hair, I got her attention, pointed to the floor where she had peed, and said "No Pee Floor." I did not expect her to immediately burst into tears and lay face down on the floor. She was really upset, which made me feel bad. But maybe it will stop this little habit....
But while "OH!! STINKS!!" is actually very cute and endearing, she has now discovered something less cute and endearing. Now, for three mornings in a row, when I take her diaper off she pees on the floor.
This morning I told her to wait while I cleaned up (which she did!). Then I got her dressed and she was playing with her books. After I did her hair, I got her attention, pointed to the floor where she had peed, and said "No Pee Floor." I did not expect her to immediately burst into tears and lay face down on the floor. She was really upset, which made me feel bad. But maybe it will stop this little habit....
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Trudge Trudge
I just realized writing that title what a strange word "trudge" is. Anyhow.
For the last week or so I haven't been feeling so great in general. Inside not-great. I'm tired. It happens and it will pass. I feel outside everything, doing the things I have to do in order to take care of myself and Daya. The city and peoples' meanness drains me and makes me sad, sometimes. I want to go home, to a place I vaguely remember in subtle feelings.
Yesterday I got an email from a friend of mine, who I think has been in recent contact with the X. He suddenly wants to talk to me about stuff, in his words he's "very, very curious" about how I dealt with the aftermath of the relationship, and how I "suffered needlessly". I will not talk about this with him, because I don't want to, because it's so far in the past, because I've moved on, because it's none of his business.
That last bit, the "needless suffering" is directly from the X. I feel a vague, gauzy anger thinking about it and even reading it. He thinks I suffered needlessly in my reaction because I have feelings, as if that was a spiritual deficiency.
The complex understanding and insight I have over this cannot be relayed- it's one of those kinds of knowledge that the more you know about it, the less you can speak about it. And that's fine with me.
For the last week or so I haven't been feeling so great in general. Inside not-great. I'm tired. It happens and it will pass. I feel outside everything, doing the things I have to do in order to take care of myself and Daya. The city and peoples' meanness drains me and makes me sad, sometimes. I want to go home, to a place I vaguely remember in subtle feelings.
Yesterday I got an email from a friend of mine, who I think has been in recent contact with the X. He suddenly wants to talk to me about stuff, in his words he's "very, very curious" about how I dealt with the aftermath of the relationship, and how I "suffered needlessly". I will not talk about this with him, because I don't want to, because it's so far in the past, because I've moved on, because it's none of his business.
That last bit, the "needless suffering" is directly from the X. I feel a vague, gauzy anger thinking about it and even reading it. He thinks I suffered needlessly in my reaction because I have feelings, as if that was a spiritual deficiency.
The complex understanding and insight I have over this cannot be relayed- it's one of those kinds of knowledge that the more you know about it, the less you can speak about it. And that's fine with me.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Loving Evil
CNN has a photo on their front page of one of the unidentified girls in that sex tape. She looks like she's 6 or 7 years old. Her face, the eyes. I can't look at it.
In all the fantasy stories and fairy tales evil is blatant and always looks a certain way; easily recognizeable. It appears as ugly and scary as it is. Those people that do things to little children, they look normal in the street more often than not. We do not fear them in the street as they walk by. Our society is full of pretty things that are evil.
Spiritually speaking we are supposed to love those who cause horrible pain to us and others. Even the child molesters. A tough lesson. That's the secret to not being poisoned. Feeling angry, hating, participating in any way just spreads the sickness, the evil- it goes right into your heart and makes you sick. But still, looking at that child's face, knowing where she was at the time and what she was going through, makes me want to throw up. I am far more susceptible to sadness than anger.
In all the fantasy stories and fairy tales evil is blatant and always looks a certain way; easily recognizeable. It appears as ugly and scary as it is. Those people that do things to little children, they look normal in the street more often than not. We do not fear them in the street as they walk by. Our society is full of pretty things that are evil.
Spiritually speaking we are supposed to love those who cause horrible pain to us and others. Even the child molesters. A tough lesson. That's the secret to not being poisoned. Feeling angry, hating, participating in any way just spreads the sickness, the evil- it goes right into your heart and makes you sick. But still, looking at that child's face, knowing where she was at the time and what she was going through, makes me want to throw up. I am far more susceptible to sadness than anger.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Just Some Ramblings
This evening on the walk to Breck's studio I wondered whether people might value each other more if there weren't so damn many of us everywhere. That statement is obviously biased towards NYC, or any large city or crowd for that matter. Lately I've been thinking about basic hospitality in different cultures. Community ties between people. Goodwill.
In all of the old fairy tales I've been reading lately, people often wish each other well as a matter of course, give lodging and food to strangers on the road, and overall seem simpler to each other. I like the language of the old tales. These things had to have originated in the culture of the time. For example, in Old Norse culture hospitality was one of their most noble virtues. If someone landed on your doorstep in winter they'd be with you ALL winter, as a matter of accepted course. In return they would leave valuable gifts with the host.
More and more I am growing tired in the city. In some ways it's good that I'm here because I can see a contrast of what is and what I do not want to be. I strive for a peaceful, quiet life- at a much slower pace than what is around me. While I do crave community- true community- I also don't want to have to be obligated to fit into a group collective. It's a strange and lonely place to be. I want my environment, the energy soup I walk around in, to match what I strive for internally.
I don't know where I am going. The other night before I went to sleep I asked for a dream pointing me to a good place to move. I dreamed of Phoenix AZ, and I kid you not, in my dream I thought, "Well, at least it would be easy to grow stapeliads there," Then I looked up Phoenix, knowing nothing about it, and it so completely does NOT resonate with the kind of place I want to go to. What's up, universe?
So I'm drifting. Drifting through a desert period, it seems. Waiting for the changes that I know must inevitably come in their own time.
In all of the old fairy tales I've been reading lately, people often wish each other well as a matter of course, give lodging and food to strangers on the road, and overall seem simpler to each other. I like the language of the old tales. These things had to have originated in the culture of the time. For example, in Old Norse culture hospitality was one of their most noble virtues. If someone landed on your doorstep in winter they'd be with you ALL winter, as a matter of accepted course. In return they would leave valuable gifts with the host.
More and more I am growing tired in the city. In some ways it's good that I'm here because I can see a contrast of what is and what I do not want to be. I strive for a peaceful, quiet life- at a much slower pace than what is around me. While I do crave community- true community- I also don't want to have to be obligated to fit into a group collective. It's a strange and lonely place to be. I want my environment, the energy soup I walk around in, to match what I strive for internally.
I don't know where I am going. The other night before I went to sleep I asked for a dream pointing me to a good place to move. I dreamed of Phoenix AZ, and I kid you not, in my dream I thought, "Well, at least it would be easy to grow stapeliads there," Then I looked up Phoenix, knowing nothing about it, and it so completely does NOT resonate with the kind of place I want to go to. What's up, universe?
So I'm drifting. Drifting through a desert period, it seems. Waiting for the changes that I know must inevitably come in their own time.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Friday Morning
Early this morning I had a dream that my cat died. Which made me really really really sad. But then in the dream she came back to life. That was much better but I still felt sad.
Then Daya woke me up a little before 6:30 because her crib was all wet, and it wasn't from the sippy cup. Totally my fault, because I didn't put her shorts on over her diaper and she took it off. I know she takes her diaper off, and I have absolutely no good reason for not putting on her shorts. *sighs* her sheets were just changed, too.
Tonight is Friday night. I think I will go home and fry some cheese and have a glass of wine. Oh, is today the equinox or did that happen already? Or is it tomorrow? Well, it's soon. Happy Mabon. Say a thank-you prayer and go fry some cheese.
Then Daya woke me up a little before 6:30 because her crib was all wet, and it wasn't from the sippy cup. Totally my fault, because I didn't put her shorts on over her diaper and she took it off. I know she takes her diaper off, and I have absolutely no good reason for not putting on her shorts. *sighs* her sheets were just changed, too.
Tonight is Friday night. I think I will go home and fry some cheese and have a glass of wine. Oh, is today the equinox or did that happen already? Or is it tomorrow? Well, it's soon. Happy Mabon. Say a thank-you prayer and go fry some cheese.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Bus From Boca Chica
The trip was amazing...my favorite part was leaving the resort with the girls from the gift shop and going to the barrio in Boca Chica. Apparently people here think I'm crazy for doing that but I intuitively knew it was safe, and I did ask for a sign that all was well. So no worries there. Maybe I am a bit loca, who knows.
Enjoy the bus ride from Boca Chica to Juan Dolio. Turn your sound on for the music.
:)
The Bus From Boca Chica from flavopurpurea on Vimeo.
Enjoy the bus ride from Boca Chica to Juan Dolio. Turn your sound on for the music.
:)
The Bus From Boca Chica from flavopurpurea on Vimeo.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
La Playa y El Mar
I came back from the Dominican Republic yesterday late afternoon and I actually went to work today. My brain shut down at about 2pm and...oh, I'm here blogging.
What, you didn't know I left? Sorry, forgot to mention it! I was gone for 5 days.
While the videos are uploading here are some pictures because I'm too tired and incoherent to write anything much.
Quickie Summary:
*Questionable food translations
*Three marriage proposals
*1 crab on the porch
*Crashed another resort
*Spent 1 night with the locals in the barrio
*Learned that roosters crow all night
*We are so goddamned fortunate here
*beautiful people and hospitality
*the bus in DR is very different from NYC buses!
*awesome food
*awesome beach
*I didn't get sick at all!
More later.
What, you didn't know I left? Sorry, forgot to mention it! I was gone for 5 days.
While the videos are uploading here are some pictures because I'm too tired and incoherent to write anything much.
Quickie Summary:
*Questionable food translations
*Three marriage proposals
*1 crab on the porch
*Crashed another resort
*Spent 1 night with the locals in the barrio
*Learned that roosters crow all night
*We are so goddamned fortunate here
*beautiful people and hospitality
*the bus in DR is very different from NYC buses!
*awesome food
*awesome beach
*I didn't get sick at all!
More later.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Creepy
Ok, so I have a creepy situation here.
Two nights ago I decided, after a few months of hiatus, to resume my nightly gratitude meditation which consists of a simple chant.
I use my mala beads to time the meditation. The first night, at just about the halfway point in the meditation, my clock radio went off loudly for just a second. Except that it wasn't set or even turned on.
Last night THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED. At the exact same point in the meditation.
It scared me.
Tonight I'm going to try again and see if it happens. I'm a little creeped out. It just seems so...deliberate. And I have no idea why, but it's too obvious to be a random thing.
Two nights ago I decided, after a few months of hiatus, to resume my nightly gratitude meditation which consists of a simple chant.
I use my mala beads to time the meditation. The first night, at just about the halfway point in the meditation, my clock radio went off loudly for just a second. Except that it wasn't set or even turned on.
Last night THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED. At the exact same point in the meditation.
It scared me.
Tonight I'm going to try again and see if it happens. I'm a little creeped out. It just seems so...deliberate. And I have no idea why, but it's too obvious to be a random thing.
Mini-series Finale
I would like to stress the Mini part of mini-series. And I did, after all, promise drama.
Um, I thought this didn't look too good, and I was right. No more bud. Sad.
Um, I thought this didn't look too good, and I was right. No more bud. Sad.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
September Mini-Series
I cordially invite you to join me for a special September mini-series.
The drama!
The excitement!!
The suspense!!!
THE STENCH!!!!
What could possibly be so riveting, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. My Stapelia Gigantea has buds! I really am excited. Because I am a geek. (Note to bud: Please don't shrivel and die. Love and kisses, J)
These flowers are about the size of a dinner plate, and before they open they turn into really cool pods. They're hairy and striped and...
...Then they open and stink up the whole room. Powerfully foul flowers. If I remember correctly they take about a month to grow and open.
So here we go. The Plant:
See the bud? Here's a close-up:
The drama!
The excitement!!
The suspense!!!
THE STENCH!!!!
What could possibly be so riveting, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. My Stapelia Gigantea has buds! I really am excited. Because I am a geek. (Note to bud: Please don't shrivel and die. Love and kisses, J)
These flowers are about the size of a dinner plate, and before they open they turn into really cool pods. They're hairy and striped and...
...Then they open and stink up the whole room. Powerfully foul flowers. If I remember correctly they take about a month to grow and open.
So here we go. The Plant:
See the bud? Here's a close-up:
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Pigeon Risk: A Success
There are five days left of Pigeon Risk Time (PRT) and it worked, but not the way I thought it would. See, the Bad August Things all still happened, but PRT buffered the effects in such a way that I remained relatively unaffected.
For example:
* I previously mentioned that I wasn't getting child support anymore. For 2 months- July and August. The strange thing is that the checks were sent, I just never got them. They both mysteriously appeared in my bookshelf earlier this week. So I missed 2 checks coming in at separate times in the mail (and they're easily recognizable; I never miss them), AND both were on the bottom shelf of my bookcase, which I am constantly cleaning because Daya always unpacks it. Very strange.
*The Washington Mutual ATM ate my debit card. My bank decided to issue no less than three replacement cards with the wrong name on them. I changed my name three years ago and have since replaced the card with nary a problem. After 2 attempts at the branch and one mailed card, they finally got it right on the exact day I *really* needed the card.
*The building super told me I had no account for gas with Keyspan. I thought I had been paying the gas with the electric through ConEdison, like I have been doing for years. Had PRT not been in effect, I probably would have owed them almost $100, but as it stands the account is fine and I don't owe them anything, I'll just pay going forward.
*And this latest...just tonight...I thought I had lost all of my photos of Daya for all of 2007. Seriously, I wanted to throw up I was so upset. They were all just gone, nowhere to be found. If you ever set up a new profile and mess with the permissions, and then discover some of your files are completely gone even though the folders are there, reset your permissions for full access for ALL profiles and your files will come back. My heart is still recovering from that.
And here's a picture just because.
For example:
* I previously mentioned that I wasn't getting child support anymore. For 2 months- July and August. The strange thing is that the checks were sent, I just never got them. They both mysteriously appeared in my bookshelf earlier this week. So I missed 2 checks coming in at separate times in the mail (and they're easily recognizable; I never miss them), AND both were on the bottom shelf of my bookcase, which I am constantly cleaning because Daya always unpacks it. Very strange.
*The Washington Mutual ATM ate my debit card. My bank decided to issue no less than three replacement cards with the wrong name on them. I changed my name three years ago and have since replaced the card with nary a problem. After 2 attempts at the branch and one mailed card, they finally got it right on the exact day I *really* needed the card.
*The building super told me I had no account for gas with Keyspan. I thought I had been paying the gas with the electric through ConEdison, like I have been doing for years. Had PRT not been in effect, I probably would have owed them almost $100, but as it stands the account is fine and I don't owe them anything, I'll just pay going forward.
*And this latest...just tonight...I thought I had lost all of my photos of Daya for all of 2007. Seriously, I wanted to throw up I was so upset. They were all just gone, nowhere to be found. If you ever set up a new profile and mess with the permissions, and then discover some of your files are completely gone even though the folders are there, reset your permissions for full access for ALL profiles and your files will come back. My heart is still recovering from that.
And here's a picture just because.
Needles in Haystacks
It seems that I have an ability to find needles in haystacks. It's kind of cool, actually. Years ago when I worked on the trade dispute desk for (X brokerage firm) I had to call the order room constantly. They put me on hold a lot. As hokey as this sounds, there was a lovely oboe piece I grew fond of, possibly because it's a nice piece, possibly because I heard it so much.
It took me about 4 years of on and off searching, but I did eventually find it. Herr Mozart, of course. No wonder I liked it.
This summer brought me another challenge. When I was 7 or 8, I had a book containing a few fairly tales of which I was very fond. It was beautifully illustrated. When we moved, my mother (who never throws anything out) got rid of the book. Now I cannot remember why, but a few weeks ago I decided to search for this book. I did not know the title, author, anything about it really, except for a vague recollection of what it looks like and some details of a story or two.
And I found it. This is very exciting. It will arrive from the UK in a week or so.
Magic Everywhere by Miriam Huber
It took me about 4 years of on and off searching, but I did eventually find it. Herr Mozart, of course. No wonder I liked it.
This summer brought me another challenge. When I was 7 or 8, I had a book containing a few fairly tales of which I was very fond. It was beautifully illustrated. When we moved, my mother (who never throws anything out) got rid of the book. Now I cannot remember why, but a few weeks ago I decided to search for this book. I did not know the title, author, anything about it really, except for a vague recollection of what it looks like and some details of a story or two.
And I found it. This is very exciting. It will arrive from the UK in a week or so.
Magic Everywhere by Miriam Huber
Ratfest 2007
I used to keep pet rats. I miss them. Six years ago, I teamed up with another rat owner in the region and together we started the NorthEast Ratfest, where a bunch of rat people gather for the weekend and have a lot of fun. The last 2 years I missed ratfest, but I co-hosted again this year and as always we had a blast. I did portraits this year and managed to cover te costs of the trip. Seeing everyone again was so wonderful. Spending a weekend with wacky people you've known for a long time and love a lot is always a blessing.
I call this Rat Butt Font:
Here I am doing portraits:
And here is the cake I made:
I call this Rat Butt Font:
Here I am doing portraits:
And here is the cake I made:
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Get Ready...
...for Pigeon Risk Time (PRT)!
It's all explained HERE.
So now I'm all psyched about PRT. I only have 10 more days of being destitute-ly broke, then it gets better! YAY!
I think that Pigeon Risk will be a good time, lots of fun. You should join us, we're non-exclusive.
It's all explained HERE.
So now I'm all psyched about PRT. I only have 10 more days of being destitute-ly broke, then it gets better! YAY!
I think that Pigeon Risk will be a good time, lots of fun. You should join us, we're non-exclusive.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The Verdict
My iPod has a dead logic board. It can be fixed, but it's not worth the cost. If I wait a few more weeks I can upgrade to a newer model with more storage, and repairing my old one would cost just under half of what it will cost for replacement.
So bad luck does seem to run in threes, and I've run my course.
In the past few months, I've had to replace my camera, my cellphone, and my iPod. Interestingly, all three were liquid-related injuries, though in the case of the cellphone the bathtub was empty; had it been full I think the phone would have been ok.
Good bye, iPod.
So bad luck does seem to run in threes, and I've run my course.
In the past few months, I've had to replace my camera, my cellphone, and my iPod. Interestingly, all three were liquid-related injuries, though in the case of the cellphone the bathtub was empty; had it been full I think the phone would have been ok.
Good bye, iPod.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
15 Hours, 36 Minutes
That's the time it took me to get through all 759 pages of the last Harry Potter Book.
The time includes a large number of toddler interruptions.
:)
The time includes a large number of toddler interruptions.
:)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
iWait
After rinsing out my ipod and letting it dry, then feeling discouraged as it showed no signs of life, the thing came back to life. But the click wheel still doesn't work. So, I sent it for a free repair estimate.
The wheel sounds...er...kind of sticky.
*sighs* I miss my morning subway meditations.
The wheel sounds...er...kind of sticky.
*sighs* I miss my morning subway meditations.
Monday, July 16, 2007
iJuice
My iPod might not be dead.....I'm saying a few prayers.
This morning it turned on, even sync'd. But the click wheel didn't work. I figured the apple juice made things sticky, and since the thing wasn't working anyhow, I rinsed it out a little.
The stupid part may have been plugging it in. I'll give it a few days to dry out, and maybe it's even worth repairing. MAYBE it'll even work on it's own, things I've read online are very encouraging. Except the plugging in part.
I miss my iPod but at the same time it's life and I can't get too upset about it.
This morning it turned on, even sync'd. But the click wheel didn't work. I figured the apple juice made things sticky, and since the thing wasn't working anyhow, I rinsed it out a little.
The stupid part may have been plugging it in. I'll give it a few days to dry out, and maybe it's even worth repairing. MAYBE it'll even work on it's own, things I've read online are very encouraging. Except the plugging in part.
I miss my iPod but at the same time it's life and I can't get too upset about it.
Blah Blah Blah
I've really been feeling BLAH lately. Tired. Very tired. The condition of being BROKE has a little to do with it, I think...and wouldn't you know, a leaky sippy cup killed my iPod yesterday.
I cannot afford to replace it for a whole month. A whole MONTH. And I liked my iPod. A basic 4G 20 gig. Nothing fancy. It suited me very well.
Summer just isn't my favorite time of year. I'm really looking forward to the cold weather so I can wear my black boots and take hot baths and have my friends over for homemade soup.
Oh, and also, the few coins that get thrown my way for child support have stopped being thrown. Not good timing...that tiny bit wouldn't have come amiss this month.
Last week I did manage to finish a painting, it came out ok, I'll post a pic later.
I cannot afford to replace it for a whole month. A whole MONTH. And I liked my iPod. A basic 4G 20 gig. Nothing fancy. It suited me very well.
Summer just isn't my favorite time of year. I'm really looking forward to the cold weather so I can wear my black boots and take hot baths and have my friends over for homemade soup.
Oh, and also, the few coins that get thrown my way for child support have stopped being thrown. Not good timing...that tiny bit wouldn't have come amiss this month.
Last week I did manage to finish a painting, it came out ok, I'll post a pic later.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Odd One Out
I'm very fortunate that Daya has such an awesome sitter. She has really incorporated into the family there.
But sometimes I feel like the odd one out. I think that there is a good possibility that Daya knows more Spanish than English. She loves being around the other kids there. She even looks like them, much more than she looks like me. Daya's too young to notice anything now, or care, but I hope it doesn't create distance between us when she gets older.
But sometimes I feel like the odd one out. I think that there is a good possibility that Daya knows more Spanish than English. She loves being around the other kids there. She even looks like them, much more than she looks like me. Daya's too young to notice anything now, or care, but I hope it doesn't create distance between us when she gets older.
On Poverty
I want to preface this post by saying I am neither unaware of nor insensitive to issues of poverty and hunger in third world countries.
***
Some reactions and thoughts have been flying around in my mind since Friday.
The very nice person I went to dinner with is originally from Egypt. The conversation turned to poverty and living conditions, hunger, etc that exist in Egypt and other countries.
This conversation made me realize that I'm actually tired of hearing about it. Not because I don't care- because I do- but when I was married this issue was shoved in my face and I'm only now becoming aware of my resentment, because it caused so much imbalance and restriction in my life and my mind. Once when I carved a pumpkin for Halloween I got a whole lecture about how it was a waste of food and could feed a whole family. When I fasted for spiritual reasons I got a reaction of "you can choose not to eat, others don't have that choice." My decision to not eat meat was met with "Only the wealthy can choose what to eat and what not to eat. Your choice to not eat something is a luxury." At the time, I lived with a superimposed attitude from the ex that we shouldn't partake in anything while others went without. Meanwhile, my roof was caving in, there wan't enough to go around just to support the household's basic needs. But I didn't want to be selfish.
While I respect the struggles and hardships that growing up in poverty inevitably brings, I also do not think it makes a person noble. It does not invalidate the challenges that the non-poverty people face. Nor do I think that any of us should feel guilty for what we have, because others don't have it. Not taking things for granted and gratitude are essential, but that's another thing altogether.
Where am I going with this? Not sure, but's been floating around in my head. I need a change from that focus. Does that make me selfish? No, I don't think so. It means I am focused on learning how to live the life that was given to me with gratitude and appreciation and awareness of the plights of others. The truth is that I am powerless to stop world hunger, poverty, and war.
***
Some reactions and thoughts have been flying around in my mind since Friday.
The very nice person I went to dinner with is originally from Egypt. The conversation turned to poverty and living conditions, hunger, etc that exist in Egypt and other countries.
This conversation made me realize that I'm actually tired of hearing about it. Not because I don't care- because I do- but when I was married this issue was shoved in my face and I'm only now becoming aware of my resentment, because it caused so much imbalance and restriction in my life and my mind. Once when I carved a pumpkin for Halloween I got a whole lecture about how it was a waste of food and could feed a whole family. When I fasted for spiritual reasons I got a reaction of "you can choose not to eat, others don't have that choice." My decision to not eat meat was met with "Only the wealthy can choose what to eat and what not to eat. Your choice to not eat something is a luxury." At the time, I lived with a superimposed attitude from the ex that we shouldn't partake in anything while others went without. Meanwhile, my roof was caving in, there wan't enough to go around just to support the household's basic needs. But I didn't want to be selfish.
While I respect the struggles and hardships that growing up in poverty inevitably brings, I also do not think it makes a person noble. It does not invalidate the challenges that the non-poverty people face. Nor do I think that any of us should feel guilty for what we have, because others don't have it. Not taking things for granted and gratitude are essential, but that's another thing altogether.
Where am I going with this? Not sure, but's been floating around in my head. I need a change from that focus. Does that make me selfish? No, I don't think so. It means I am focused on learning how to live the life that was given to me with gratitude and appreciation and awareness of the plights of others. The truth is that I am powerless to stop world hunger, poverty, and war.
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