Goodbye, 2006

I have returned! Funny how a week away from my blog (and everyone else's) makes me feel so disconnected from the world. I have so much catching up to do!

In some ways it's hard to believe the year is over, but at the same time it feels like a really long time ago we were dancing at The Peabody to usher in this year. I was getting ready to start the job that I have since lost. I had no inkling that I would be returning to school. And I had not started this blog! What a huge addition is has been to my life, especially given the friends it has brought me. Lots of changes this year. But they're all for the best, I do believe.

My good deed to finish the year is to Tell Someone... You! Please click on the "Tell Someone" button on my sidebar to learn about the causes and prevention of cervical cancer. Support the HPV vaccine. And Tell Someone.

I hope everyone has a blessed New Year!

Oh My God

Older Lady just started popping her gum.

Seriously.

Time to Vote Again

Click on the badge to read Merlin's nomination
of his Daddy for Food Dood of the Year.

Or Click here to go directly to Register to Vote!

Assorted Items

The Tigers play tonight, you can read about it over on my Tigers blog.

My new friend Thin Girl at work has on these kick-ass boots that I lurve. And? She brought snacks today. See? Boots AND snacks? Resistance is futile. She must be my friend.

I'm listening to podcasts again... I had given up on them since I didn't use my iPod as much. But I thought I'd share some of my favorites...

• Drink 'til We're Funny: Three friends (two gay guys and a girl) podasting from Chicago. Hilarious, and usually dirty.
• Delta Park Project: Jason and Anna are a husband and wife team with a weekly podcast discussing pop culture. They have a separate podcast about LOST.
• Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!: NPR's weekly hour-long quiz show. Very funny.

Wordless Wednesday #5

Visit WW Participants

Second Day

The good news is the time flew by today. Which is amazing because this is seriously the most boring job anyone ever created. But hey, I am quite pleased with it so far and I actually enjoyed getting up and getting dressed up the past two days. And the drive, even though it's twice as long as my old commute, is really quite easy because it's almost entirely expressway-- no stopping, just zoom zoom zoom... And I'm listening to my iPod again during the day, so I am catching up on some old podcasts I haven't listened to in a long while.

(side note: as I write this, Merlin is completely nipped out from the Christmas present his girlfriend Daphne sent him. He is so cuddly and sweet and purry when he's high. Well, after he crashes from the hyper-ness. Thank you Daphne and Morgen! Merry Christmas!)

My co-workers, for sake of identification, will be known as follows:

Bearded Guy: My age, quiet, but listening to everything, filing it away for future use.
Tall Guy: polite, super quiet.
Thin Girl: My age, cute, I like her clothes
Lady: Friendly, talkative.
Older Guy: older, career-changer, likes to share.

First Day

Well, my first day was pretty uneventful. Basic stuff, here's where the coffee is, here's where the coke machine is, here's where the copy machine is, blah blah blah. The work is not difficult at all, it's just voluminous and time-consuming, and thus the need for extra help.

That's it! The six of us will be getting to know each other pretty well, I'd imagine. We're working in one big room that is VERY quiet. I definitely need a new iPod, and soon. The silence makes me want to jump out a window. Except there aren't any. ;)

Checking In

Never fear, internets! I have not abandoned you. I will have internet access at my new job. And while I will not be constantly blogging/reading/commenting/responding, I will be able to check in.

So, you can breathe easy... I know you were all sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear from me! Here are some bits of info:

• The commute was only 30 minutes, not 40, and pretty easy! Only a tiny bit of traffic. I even arrived early!
  
• Dress is business casual, so I don't have to get overly gussied up every day.
• My hours will be flexible.
• The people, so far, are perfectly nice.
  

I will post more later, I just have time to pop by and let you know I survived my first morning back in the workforce.

Lady of Leisure No Longer

Well, on Monday it's back to work for me. Somebody remind me that this is a good thing. Seven weeks of unemployment is enough, right? I must be bored staying home all day, right? Um, not so much, really.

There are good things...

• I'll actually be making (slightly) more money than I did before.
  
• It's good to have money. The mortgage company will like that.
  
• It's a contract position, which means they'll likely be flexible about my schedule, which will be handy when classes start next month.
  
• And in March for the NCAA tournament.
  
• Though the drive is longer than I'm used to, it should be against the traffic most times so I won't have to lose my shit and kill any fellow commuters.

The bad things?

• I'll be lawyering, which... blech.
• I have to dig my suits out of the back of my closet.
• And wear pantyhose.
  
• And drive at least 40 minutes (I think, I have to test it) each way.
  
• It's a contract position, and I don't know how long it will last (at least 3 months is the prediction)
  
• I will miss watching Ellen everyday.
• I can't spend my whole day reading my favorite blogs. :(
  
• Merlin (and his soon to be adopted little brother) will miss me!
  

But when the paychecks start I'll probably be happy about it. Or at least, it'll certainly ease the pain! And so will the new iPod that I'll be able to afford now. ;)

Ridiculous Weather

This weather is making me lose my Christmas spirit. I know, I know... it's beautiful and sunny and nice, blah blah blah. Even you snow-haters (Morgen, I'm looking at you) might appreciate the sunny clear skies, but come on. SEVENTY degrees? In mid-December? Seriously?

I do reserve the right to change my mind about winter weather after I spend some time at my in-laws in Northern Michigan. At the end of December. But until then?

This. This is what I want. I don't want to drive in it, and I don't want to have dig myself out or anything. Just for a few days. Just ONCE. Please?

Random Bits

No Thursday Thirteen for me today. I just can't think of a topic, and I'm just not going to rack my brain for one. Maybe next week...

Jennifer Hudson? Amazing. I cannot wait to see Dreamgirls. She was on TODAY this morning, and she's just incredible. Good for her, I say. I hope she wins the Golden Globe.

I just started watching "Men in Trees," and I like it so far! It's cute. I apologize to those of you that are fans, though, because if I start watching something its chances of cancellation rapidly escalate. Sorry about that!

The big news around here? Merlin's getting a brother! I tried to tell you people that if somebody didn't adopt him he was going to end up living with us. He's so cute, and he looks just like Merlin. Here's an adorable picture of his adorable self.

Tidbit

For those of you who wish you were watching "Heroes," but were afraid you wouldn't know what was going on: NBC will be airing a marathon so you can catch up. Set your DVRs for New Year's Day. Cause "Heroes" kicks ass.

Speaking of kicking ass, can I be Carrie Underwood when I grow up? This video is awesome.

Well, fine.

Okay. So I have been accused of cheating, because my recently posted orange-wearing photo is remarkably similar to (okay, exactly the same as) the one I posted in football season. Apparently, to inflict the appropriate amount of humiliation, I had to actually don orange a second time, not just post it again...

I certainly don't want a bad wagering reputation, so how bout this? Camera-phone quality, I know, but it is NEW and it is ORANGE and that was the requirement. I know it was supposed to be a shirt, but this has a little more holiday spirit, dontcha think?

Prancer?

You Are Prancer

You are the perfect reindeer, with perfect hooves and perfect flying form. Why You're Naughty: Because you're Santa's pet, and you won't let anyone show you up. Why You're Nice: You have the softest fur and the sweetest carrot breath.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

More Cuteness

Okay, so Desert Songbird doesn't like cats... How 'bout a bowl of puppies? (I know, they're not Goldens or Labs... but look at those squooshy faces!)

Cuteness

I just had to bump the previous post down a notch, and this seemed like a good way to do it. I mean, nothing's better than a basket of kittehs, right?

My bad luck never ends

This? Is not cool. Not cool at all. I swear, I am a total jinx. I am not going to cheer for ANYONE anymore. I'm certainly not going to be making wagers that involve me wearing orange anymore. Actually, I may just cheer for the Vols. Maybe then they'll lose.

Enjoy. I think I may vomit.

Wordless Wednesday #4

**taken through a window screen, sorry it's fuzzy**

Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Well, I told DeAngelo Williams to step it up. Last night he did. He got the start last night on Monday Night Football with DeShaun Foster injured. With the Panthers struggling, it was really a great opportunity for him to make his mark, and come to the rescue. He did a great job, making some great runs and scoring a touchdown. I was very excited for him. But it wasn't enough. The Panthers couldn't hold off the Eagles. Maybe I'm a jinx on them too.

But just this one thing.


Here on the left we have Eagles' quarterback Jeff Garcia. On the right, Toby from "The Office." Separated at birth?

I think so.





If anybody needs a list of the bowl games, here's one you can use.

Well then.

I guess I was wrong. I do need a new iPod! I took Max for a walk today, and my fully charged iPod died before I could listen to an entire 17 minute Grey's Anatomy podcast. That sucked. I guess I could just get the battery replaced. That would be the prudent thing to do, right? But a new one would be cool... Cause it only works while it's plugged in. And that pretty much defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

Speaking of Max, he is so cute. And energetic. It is just about impossible for me to wear him out-- my stamina (or tolerance for the cold) always runs out before his. But at least he keeps my speed up... No way I can slow down with him tugging on that leash.

He is fun to watch with other park visitors. When we meet other dogs on the path, he never advances, always waits to be approached. And he never growls or barks unless the other dog starts it. If he is approached with happy faces, butt sniffs and wagging tails, he reciprocates. But if somedog is not friendly, he knows when to move along. When Coco is with us, Max is nothing but super friendly. Coco's the "mean" one, so Max can greet all comers with kisses and tail wags, secure in the knowledge that Coco has her eye on things. But when we're alone, he steps up the protection level. He usually doesn't acknowledge or try to meet other people on the trail, but he does move between me and the others. There have been a couple of times we've come across some unsavory looking characters. Once, Max came to a complete stop, stiff tailed and everything, staring down the guy. I don't know if he sensed my nerves or if he didn't trust the guy either, but he wasn't looking away. It's sweet, but its kind of funny because he doesn't look very vicious, and it's not like golden retrievers have the reputation of pit bulls. I mean, look at that face. Scared?

Bits and Pieces

Don't forget! "The Closer" is airing a special 2 hour movie tonight at 7pm CT, and they're repeating the episode at 9pm CT. It's also on tomorrow night. The new season doesn't start til next summer. I love Brenda Lee Johnson. "Thank you!"

I love that Beyonce's horn section is three women. Girl power! If I had only known, I wouldn't have switched from sax to flute back in junior high.

We went to see "Casino Royale" this weekend. It was pretty good, the chase scenes went a little long, though. I don't mind looking at Daniel Craig without his shirt on, so there's that.

The Tigers play tonight. Read about it on my Tiger blog.

Favorite Football names Holiday edition: Ebenezer Ekuban Bah Humbug!

Merlin loves the Christmas tree. He has never been one for lying on his back, exposing his belly (unless I'm rubbing it at the time). But he loves to lie on his back and look up at the tree. I wish I could fit under there with him, I bet it's a nice view!

Hee

New Blog

Because I am both Tiger and blog obsessed, I've started a new blog. I copied several of my Tigers-related posts over there, so it wouldn't be sad and empty.

You can see it here: Go Tigers Go!

Santa Baby...

It's feeling more like Christmas around here today. 27 degrees! Yay! It was ridiculous that I had the AC on yesterday. So I thought it might be time to say....

Hey, Santa!

This is very cute. No, I don't need a new iPod. But Mr. Incredible has started borrowing mine, so I thought maybe he should keep it and I'll get a new one! And it's so cute and tiny and wee! And red! I like all the other colors, too... but the red is kewl.

Also from the electronics department, I wouldn't mind a new Palm Pilot type gadget. I don't know enough about them to have a preference as to brand or model. But it needs to have games on it. And work with a Mac (do they all?). And no, there's nothing wrong with my old Palm m500 either. Especially since it was free (thanks, sister!).

I want to get Mr. Incredible something completely impractical and NOT related to home improvement. Anybody know anything about inexpensive home theater systems? Are they crap? Would one be good enough for time being or just a complete waste of money?

Yes, yes, it's true. I should be asking Santa for a JOB... And barring that, I should be asking Santa to pay my mortgage. But it's still fun to window shop.

If anyone wants Santa to bring them a kitten, Cecilia is offering to pay transportation costs to anyone who can give this adorable kitten a good home... She rescued him from a field that was being cleared for construction.

Thursday Thoughts

I'm not in the mood for Thursday Thirteen today. Maybe I'll do it later.

So, this weather is making me crazy. Last night I had to turn on the air conditioning! That's ridiculous. It's almost December! It wasn't that warm in the house, but it was a little sticky, and we have flannel sheets on the bed and Mr. Incredible functions as a radiator. And you can't snuggle if you're hotter than the fires of hell. But today, the cold front is finally coming through. It's supposed to be below freezing tonight. Which is what it's supposed to be!! I don't understand people complaining about the cold. It is DECEMBER. Well, tomorrow anyway. It doesn't even really get all that cold here. We're not getting any snow from the storm that's going to dump two feet of it on Missouri today. I wish we would! Snow cream is yummy.

So I am a show-killer. Yesterday I posted about how I recently discovered the CBS show 3 Lbs. And? Today it is announced that the show is cancelled... I'm a jinx I guess.

Anybody need a kitten? I know one that needs a home. And somebody needs to adopt him so I don't end up giving him to myself, I mean Mr. Incredible, for Christmas. :)

Wednesday Wanderings

I'm going to grad school! Yay, me! I went over to campus to take care of things for my graduate assistantship and it was so weird to be there... There were students everywhere, it must have been an end-of-the-semester test day because people were studying all over the place. They all looked so young and fresh-faced... and happy! Silly little things! But the weirdest was the way I felt just being on campus. Like this was exactly the thing I was supposed to be doing. I didn't feel nervous about changing careers, or anxious about making enough money... I just felt like everything was exactly right. You'd think being surrounded by people ten years younger than me (okay, fourteen years younger) would make me feel old, but I felt younger! And bouncier! And... just... it was good. I'm excited. I have to go buy some notebooks and pink erasers and a new backpack. :) I'm kidding. Sort of. But I might really need a new palm pilot, right?

I just watched the first episode of "3 Lbs." It's one of the things I started recording so I'd have something to watch while I'm home during the day. I liked it! I'm going to watch the next two (that have already aired) online and I'll probably start recording it. I like Stanley Tucci especially. I keep waiting for him to say, "looking for Mr. Sneller. Mr. Edwin F. Sneller." It's probably good that I found a new show, because "The Nine" has been cancelled. They're going to air the final episodes in the spring so we can find out what happened. That sucks. I liked that show.

I got a big fat catalog from Target in the mail today. That's just mean and hateful. It's my favorite place and they're taunting me...

Am I the only person who didn't realize that Adrian Pasdar ("Heroes") is married to Natalie Maines (the Dixie Chicks)? How did I not know that?

I just found, airing on INHD2, Earth, Wind & Fire live in concert with Chicago. Together. In concert. Live. And that? Tewtelly rocks. I love me some horns.

I read in US Weekly that Daniel Craig, Ewan McGregor, and Joseph Fiennes all went to school together. All I have to say to that is, Oh. My.

The Tigers fell in the polls after their loss to Georgia Tech last week. They're still #14 in the AP poll though. Tonight we play Arkansas State... and it's time for a little payback. I know it's a different sport, but I'll take my revenge wherever I can get it! If you're in the Memphis area you can watch it on channel 30 tonight at 7pm. If you're not in the Memphis area... then you have to wait until December 6 when they play Tennessee on ESPN2. Speaking of that game, I think a little revenge of a different sort might be on the line... Go Tigers!

And? Let's finish with some cuteness.... Doesn't it make you wanna snuggle?

Christmas Music Meme

So Morgen must have felt guilty for not tagging me for the Three meme and leaving me to be pathetic and self-tag; so he tagged me for this one.

Name your favorite Christmas Songs,
and tag some favorite Bloggers to Meme their favorites, too.

As I mentioned in the Three meme, my favorite Christmas album is John Denver & the Muppets: A Christmas Together. It is the absolute best! "The Christmas Wish," sung by Kermit the Frog, is great. The whole album is, really. We listened to it every Christmas when I was little. I had it on vinyl and now I buy it on cd for my nieces and all my friends with kids so they can grow up with it too.

I also love Amy Grant's three Christmas cds. She's got a new one out this year that's a "best of" compilation from the other three and it has most but not all of my favorites. My favorite song of hers is "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)."

I really like "Baby It's Cold Outside," and my favorite version is from the soundtrack to the movie "Elf." It's sung by Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel. I like "I've Got my Love to Keep Me Warm" by Dean Martin. I got a cd from Pier One maybe five years ago that has some great songs, "I'd like to Hitch a Ride with Santa Claus," "What are you Doing New Year's Eve," and "Winter Weather."

My newest favorite Christmas cd is Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong. I like the title track and "Song For A Winter's Night."

And I will tag Katie, Andria, and Neila.

Three

Blogger's block sucks. It's come to this: I didn't even get tagged with this meme, but I'm posting it anyway. Thanks to Morgen, on whose blog I found it, but who didn't tag me, probably because he was being nice...

• 3 Things that scare me:
  

Being in a car under water, roaches, and the dark.

• 3 People who make me laugh:
  

My sister, Dane Cook, and Matt.

• 3 Things I love:
  

Mr. Incredible, Christmastime, My laptop

• 3 Things I hate:
  

Mouth noises, driving in traffic, and ordering the wrong thing in a restaurant and being sad that my dinner isn't good

• 3 Things I don't understand:

Homophobes, people who are mean to children or animals, George Bush (was that redundant?)

• 3 Things on my desk:
  

I used to have a desk. I had a lot of things on it. You can read about it.

• 3 Things I'm doing right now:

Drinking coffee, watching TODAY, watching Merlin talk to the birdies

• 3 Things I want to do before I die:

Make my Broadway debut, Live at the beach or in the mountains, visit Tuscany

• 3 Things I can do:
  

Find anything on Google, play the flute, write a kickin' Motion for Summary Judgment

• 3 Things I can't do:
  

Run fast or far, draw anything resembling anything, make it through "Polar Express" without crying

• 3 Things I think you should listen to:
  

My favorite Christmas album, a laughing baby, your intuition

• 3 Things you should never listen to:
  

Mean people, Discouraging words, Paris Hilton's album

• 3 Things I'd like to learn:
  

A foreign language, how to sew, what I want to be when I grow up

• 3 Favorite foods:

Pizza, Pancho's Cheese Dip, cheesy mashed potatoes

• 3 Beverages I drink regularly:
  

Crystal Light pink lemonade, water, coffee

• 3 Shows I watched as a kid:

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, Electric Company, Sesame Street

Hoopla

Sweet Lord, I was excited.

It was the first half of the game against Georgia Tech last Tuesday night. The Tigers looked incredible. Even when they were sloppy (or even sloopy, right you-know-who-you-are?) they were ass-kickin'. I liked the new unis. I liked the gameplan. I liked the swagger. I loved that they look like they're having FUN. I did wish we'd make more of our free throws. Pierre Niles? He is huge. Enormous. Just... huge. Chris "Buckets" Douglas-Roberts? My new favorite. Jeremy Hunt? Earning redemption. At halftime, the Tigers were up by sixteen and still rolling.

Then came the second half. And I have nothing to say about that.

So the Tigers managed to lose to Georgia Tech. But the next day they did beat Kentucky, and the season is now in full swing. I can't wait for March. I hope whatever job I get (*knock on wood*) will understand that I need to be off for the Madness. It's just the way it is.

To clarify the degree of my Tiger dedication, I give the following information: there was a ten season span between when I started at U of M as a freshman and when I finished law school (yes, ahem, that's longer than usually required). During those ten seasons, I missed maybe five home games. Maybe. I've been waiting a long long time, my friends. I've paid my dues. I am NOT a fair-weather fan. And every year, I think, "this could be the year." But really, this year? This COULD be the year. ;)

Also? The University of Memphis FOOTBALL Tigers won a game. Yes, I'll say it again. They WON A GAME. The last game of the season. It wasn't on TV. I didn't see it happen. But according to ESPN.com, the Tigers beat UTEP last night 38 to 19, and in the process acted the spoiler and prevented UTEP from being bowl eligible. So, I say Go Tigers. And? There's always another season right around the corner. See you in September.

Also also? I hate watching sports not in HD. I've gotten so spoiled that I keep thinking the focus is blurry on regular shows.

**Many thanks to Morgen, for being Morgen, which is AWESOME. You rock.

Save the World...

Weren't we supposed to find out what "Save the Cheerleader, Save the World" means? Yeah, not so much, huh? I should have known better.

The Tigers? Kicked butt yesterday. So much for that line (which was down to 5 points by the start of the game). We won by 12. And today we're moving on to Georgia Tech. This should be one heckuva game, I'm looking forward to it and afraid of it at the same time! We are currently favored by 1 1/2. It's on ESPN at 7pm Eastern Time. GO TIGERS!

Look at this face. My Max...

Save the Cheerleader....

Save the World! Heroes is such a good show. I love love LOVE it. Tonight's the big night, we get to find out what saving the Cheerleader is all about (shameless plug: I'm selling "Heroes" shirts in my store, if you're interested).

Also, Grey's Anatomy. Sadie loves Grey's Anatomy. Sadie thinks that Bailey is awesome and Sadie can't wait for Bailey to go postal on Cristina. Sadie wishes Izzie and Alex would get back together (shameless plug #2: Sadie's selling GA shirts, too).

And today the Tigers play Oklahoma on ESPN2 at 1:30pm Central Time, if anybody wants to check out my favorite team. We are currently ranked #11 in ESPN/USA Today poll and #12 in the AP, and these three days of games will be very telling for the season. They will definitely affect how we are viewed in the national scene for the time being. We are favored by 6 right now, so I hope that we will do well. GO TIGERS.

I got reviewed on Frog My Blog! And the reviewer, Ms. Hopsalot, is my new best friend...

Favorite Football Name of the Week: Manumaleuna

Vote for Us!

Please vote for Merlin in Skeezix's new contest! It only takes a second, I promise.
GO HERE TO VOTE.

You don't even have to read the entries, you can just vote! I know, I know, that's not really the spirit of the contest, but I'm talking to those of you who wouldn't enjoy reading how much people love their cats...

CLICK HERE
to register to vote.

Adventures in Unemployment

So. Yesterday I went to the Department of Labor to file for unemployment. Big fun.

I was not looking forward to going, and planned to go first thing in the morning. However, I got wrapped up in other things and had to force myself to go about 11:30. I took my Real Simple magazine, a TIME magazine, and a book. I also took my iPod but I forgot to bring my earbuds so... no good to me. But that just made it all the easier to listen to my fellow waiting room occupants, including...

The Hungry Girl. There were signs EVERYWHERE forbidding food, drink, and cell phone use (side note: there was also a sign stating in no uncertain terms that "disorderly behavior will not be tolerated"). The Hungry Girl found this ridiculous. She was extremely upset about it. She (loudly) informed everyone that there was another unemployment office in town that allowed food. She thought it was crazy that we would be expected to wait all day without eating ("how the hell we supposed to be up in here all damn day without f&$#in' eatin'?"). She was particularly loud and foul mouthed. I liked her immediately. ;)

Wise One was sitting directly behind me discussing other people's business with her friend. She was talking about a girl they both knew who has been wanting to have a baby. Wise One thought that girl shouldn't be worried about a baby, she oughta be worryin' about how to make As and Bs.

Then there was the Snoring Man. I was initially jealous of his ability to sleep in the uncomfortable chairs, but eventually the noise was really getting on my nerves. When I finally got the nerve to turn around and take a look at him, I felt bad because he wasn't snoring at all. That's just the way he breathes, apparently, and he clearly wasn't well. But really, dude that was some loud breathing.

The Pissed Off Guy was highly perturbed because he was not eligible for benefits because he had not notified the State of his recent part-time employment or some such. He blamed this on said part-time employer, but the Lady at the Desk was having none of it. He owed money back to the State and until it was paid he was not going to get any more money out of them.

Thank the Heavens there was no Gum Popper! I may have lost all ability to ignore that sound.

I waited about two and half hours. My Real Simple magazine almost carried me through. It probably would have been enough if I didn't skip all the food or cooking-related stuff. After I finished my magazine I played a little Bejeweled on my illegal cell phone, and finally my name was called. I was directed to a little cubicle and helped by a super-nice lady. She was all kinds of pleasant and it took all of five minutes. Then I was done!

Thursday Thirteen, No. 12

THIRTEEN DVDS OWNED BY SADIE & MR. INCREDIBLE

1. The Harry Potter series (this is really 4 DVDs, but I didn't want to fill up the list)
2. The Incredibles ("Where is my Super-Suit?")
3. Bruce Almighty (Mr. Incredible and I saw this on our first date)
4. All 6 Star Wars Movies
5. All 3 Lord of the Rings movies
6. 40-Year-Old Virgin ("Let's get some &%^$# french toast!")
7. For Love of the Game ("The cathedral that is Yankee Stadium belongs to a Chapel.")
8. The Notebook ("I want all of you, forever, every day.")
9. Drumline ("ONE BAND, ONE SOUND!")
10. School of Rock ("I'm not cool enough to be in the band.")
11. Holiday Inn ("Happy Holidaaaaaays! Happy Holidaaaaaaays!")
12. Bridget Jones' Diary ("I like you very much. Just as you are.")
13. Seabiscuit ("Though he be but little, he is fierce.")

Holiday Spirit

I just saw a commercial for an upcoming sale at a local furniture store.

"Impress your friends with this luxury dining set."

Really? You're going with that? You think they'd want to use something a tiny bit more holiday-ish and heartwarming like, "make room for everyone with this dining table large enough to seat all your friends and family." You know, or something.

But no. Impress your friends. That's nice.

Wordless Wednesday #3

My favorite tree- in my front yard.

Join and visit other Wordless Wednesday participants!

Hodgepodge

I swear I'm not going to pimp my sister's blog constantly, but my niece is the cutest kid ever.

Well, the Panthers won last night, but DeAngelo better step it up. I know he hadn't played in like a month, but... Dude. This ain't playtime.

NBC has placed "Six Degrees" on the mysterious hiatus status. Why don't they just say it was cancelled? I liked that show. I'm really loving "Heroes," though, so if you don't watch it and you're looking for something, I highly recommend it.

OMG! Rosie O'Donnell just sang "Sadie, Sadie, Married Lady!" Following the story about how Iman told her NOT to name her baby Sadie. Harumph. Update: this was an old story, about the daughter that Rosie named Chelsea instead of Sadie. No new baby that I know of.

Football Misery

I don't know why every weekend I still allow my hopes to spring up. Seriously. The Tigers were playing UCF, a team with a similarly disappointing season. Maybe we could make it happen. Mr. Incredible and I did not make use of our season tickets and instead watched the game on TV, for several reasons, including the cold snap that overtook Memphis yesterday, the fact that the Tigers are Sultans of Suck, neither one of us was feeling particularly good, and the game was conveniently (and unusually) televised which seemed to be a sign from the heavens that we should just stay home (plus, that way we got to switch channels and watch the Vols lose to the Hogs. Sweet!). So anyway. After the game opened with two 3-and-outs for the Tigers and two touchdowns for the Golden Knights, I thought it was going to be another humiliating blowout debacle. But the Tigers pulled it together and we were tied up at 17 at the half. At that point, I allowed it to happen. I allowed that little part of me to take over, the part that can't give up the optimism. And with two minutes left in the game, the Tigers were down by 2 points and had the ball. Right then, I just knew we were going to win. The losing streak was over.

I was wrong. Again. We lost. Again. Thank goodness basketball starts on Thursday. Finally.

Favorite football name of the week: Karibi Dede (thanks to Mya Pinyan for finding him)
Favorite combination of football names on the same field (from week one's Ark v. USC game): Nutt, Dick, and Booty

11/11

Today's my sister's birthday. I'd laugh about how old she's getting, but if she's getting older it just means I am too...


She did a Thursday Thirteen all about me this week, which was tewtelly kewl of her and while I enjoyed it more than you probably would, go read it anyway.


Happy Birthday, sister! I love you!

.

Kitty Update

Scroll down for Thursday Thirteen

For those of you who would like to donate to the costs of saving the homeless kitties in Rhode Island -- Christina, of The Harmony Kitties has volunteered her business PayPal account. Log on to your PayPal account at www.paypal.com and use christina AT harmonypillows DOT com. For those of you who don't have a PayPal account or prefer not to use it, you can send a check directly to:

The Wren's Nest
202 S Front St
Dowagiac, MI 49047

Make the check out to The Wren's Nest, and put "RI Kitties" in the notation space in the lower left. I promise that every penny will go to help these kitties in need.

Christina has also offered to donate $3.00 for every item purchased from her store Harmony Pillows toward helping these kitties! All money will go toward expenses to remove and relocate them, as well as any vet costs.

Grr, Midnight & Cocoa have posted information and pictures of the kitties. Morgen is offering to foster a kitty, and I know at least one other blogger that wants to adopt one of the kitties, but they need help paying for transportation, etc. Thanks!

Thursday Thirteen, No. 11

Thirteen Things ABOUT SADIE'S UNEMPLOYMENT
It's been one week since I lost my job. Here's some stuff about that.

1. I'm getting a lot of sleep. Sleep is good. I'm sleeping better, too, for some reason. I had been having trouble sleeping lately, but now? Like a rock. Waking up rested and happy, and for some reason, still early in the morning.
   
2. My pets are thrilled. Max has been getting a lot of time inside and that makes Coco happy, because he leaves her in peace. And Merlin is just beside himself.
3. I'm having much better lunches. At the office I ate a Healthy Choice frozen entree every day, which are good, but... Now I get yummy leftovers instead.
4. Monday I washed and folded the laundry, which I do every week, but this time? Even put Mr. Incredible's clothes away. Wow, huh? I'm a heckuva wife.
5. I COOKED DINNER on Monday. This is a miracle. I made meatloaf and it was tasty, if I do say so myself. Other chores I've done that are not normally my responsibility: cleaned the bathrooms, taken the garbage out every time, pushed the big garbage can out to the street, pulled the big garbage can back from the street, cleaned out the Junk Drawer of Death and bathed one of the dogs.
   
6. I have eaten my weight in leftover Halloween candy.
   
7. Friday I wallowed in self-pity and pajamas, but the past few days I got up, did my hair, put on makeup, and put on "real" clothes.
   
8. I have been amazed at Mr. Incredible's ability to hide his panic that I won't find a job, especially the first night when I was freaking out and he was completely calm.
9. I have watched 2 episodes each of The View and Oprah, and one episode of Dr. Phil. I have watched a lot of election coverage on MSNBC and am beginning to watch America's Top Chef.
10. I have read Newsweek, Time, Glamour, Cosmo, US Weekly, and People magazines.
11. On my first day home, I got into my skinny jeans. However, because of my yummy lunches and Halloween candy, I will probably not be able to fit in them much longer. All progress made while counting Weight Watchers POINTS (22 pounds!) may be lost forever. I guess it depends on how long I'm home, huh?
12. I actually went to a website (the kind that requires you to enter your DOB to enter) so I could see the alleged Britney Spears Sex Tape. Yes, I did. Just a warning: you should not click on that link if you are at work (unless you want to get to stay home like me).
    
13. I have racked my brain for ideas on how I can make enough money without getting a job that requires me to leave my house. I think winning the lottery is my best option.

Go see my sister Mya Pinyan's TT (it's her very first one)... It's all about.... ME!

Kitties need help

(scroll down for Wordless Wednesday)

We have some kitties in desperate need of help NOW.

Grr, Midnight & Cocoa have posted information about abandoned kitties living outdoors in Rhode Island. They are being fed by Danielle, Spot & Jake's Mommie. These kitties are going to be "removed" (???) any day now.

Read the details in Please Help These Kitties and Ferals in Need, Too.

If you can help in anyway, please contact Karen C.

Wordless Wednesday #2

Join and visit other Wordless Wednesday participants!

Dona Nobis Pacem

Click here to get your own Peace Globe.
Copy it/sign it/post it TODAY.

AND GO VOTE!!!

Morgen has a list of peace bloggers here.

Election Day

Election update: I packed my large bag full of magazines and my iPod, and headed to the polling place. At 1:13 pm I got out of my vehicle. I filled out my little card, voted on one of those fancy touch-screen machines, and was back in my car at 1:17 pm. FOUR minutes. And that includes the time I spent actually reading the proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution (one for property tax relief for the old people, one for marriage = 1 man + 1 woman, which I was unaware was on the ballot) and chatting with the nice little man. AND I had to go back and double check my ballot cause it was over so fast.

Go VOTE, people.

Roomba Report

Okay, first of all, I enjoy watching the Roomba find its way around the house. It's very persistent, if it gets stuck it just keeps trying to move until it works itself free.

Second, Merlin stalks the thing. I thought he would run, but he keeps a very close eye on it. He has to make sure it doesn't get into trouble I guess.

Finally. There's a little "dirt detect" feature on the Roomba. When it "senses" dirt, it tries to get it. I just walked in front of it and the little "dirt detect" light came on and IT STARTED FOLLOWING ME. I'm not dirty! I'm clean! I blame the moccasins.

Monday Medley

Merlin and I are mentioned on Mimi Writes today. Check it out! Then join us tomorrow and Blog for Peace.

So. Here I am! Cozy in my new uniform of unemployment: jeans, white turtleneck, Memphis sweatshirt, wool socks, and moccasins. I'm sitting on the couch with my feet on the coffee table. It's raining. Merlin is quite pleased with my new schedule. He gets lots of extra attention and I get to watch his routine: from the kitchen window to the den window, to the front door, to the right living room window, to the left living room window, and back again...

I've decided to use the time to get to know myself a little better. First experiment: how much sleep does Sadie really need? Today I did not set the alarm clock, I wanted to see how much sleep my body would want if it was allowed as much as possible. The result? TEN hours. Sheesh. But I sure feel good today. The next experiment may be how much snack food can I eat...

Bad thing #7 about being home during the day: the timing. The election is tomorrow. I cannot stand to watch television because every single commercial break includes at least two campaign commercials. I am sooo sick of every single candidate at this point (not just short little Bob Corker), they're lucky I'm going to go vote tomorrow. But then, I don't have anything else to do, right?

But really, with him here, how could I be grumpy to be home? He's so happy.

Sunday Summary

Sorry, DeAngelo. I missed it.

Tonight, the University of Memphis retired DeAngelo Williams' number in a pre-game ceremony. Sunday nights are not for going to college football games. Especially when your team is phenomenally sucktastic like the Tigers. So I didn't go. And from what I could see of the crowd on ESPN, I wasn't the only one. I'm sad that he didn't get a better celebration, but it wasn't enough to get me out of the house tonight. As I type this, the Tigers are losing 21-0 in the first quarter. So I can't say I'm sorry I'm not there.

And, so. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life, as it were. I have a lot of decisions to make... what kind of job to look for, can I afford to be too picky, does the job I want actually exist, etc. I wish I had smacked the gum popper one good time on my way out, but alas, I did not. Perhaps if I had time for the shock to wear off I might have taken the opportunity. I did take a handful of my favorite pens, and I told her so as I left. So There.

By way of explanation for my unexpected unemployment, my firm decided they did not have need for a junior associate. Conveniently for them, they made this decision in time to avoid paying me a holiday bonus, on which I was eagerly counting. Conveniently for me, they made the decision in time for me to... um... well I did say that I wanted to stay home with Merlin. So, there's that.

I know that I can use it as an opportunity to move on to greener pastures. But I really, really HATE looking for the greener pastures. Hate. Greener pastures, if you're reading this, call me.

Favorite Football Names This Week: Sam Olajubutu, Ryan Succop

New Job

Here's a job for me...

Thursday Thirteen, No. 10

Thirteen Things about SADIE'S hometown

1. Memphis is in West Tennessee. Waaaay over in the bottom lefthand corner, next to Arkansas and Mississippi.
2. Memphis is not hotter than the fires of hell in the summer. But it's close.
3. Memphis is on the banks of the Mississippi River.
4. Not all Memphians are huge Elvis fans. Many of us have not even been to Graceland, just as residents of many towns do not pay the outrageous prices to take in the local tourist attractions.
5. Memphis has an NBA team (the Grizzlies), a AAA Minor League Baseball team (the Redbirds), a minor league Hockey team (the Riverkings), and an arena football team (the Xplorers). The Grizzlies play at the FedExForum

and the Redbirds play at AutoZone park
The Pyramid arena downtown is no longer used, and sits empty. But still cool looking.
6. Memphis has the best Barbeque ANYWHERE. Please don't argue. It's just the truth. It's pork, it's tasty, and you can't get it anyplace else.
   
7. Memphis has the world's largest artesian well water system. Our tap water tastes really good. I can not tell the difference between bottled water and Memphis tap water.
8. Memphis has been the home of Kathy Bates, Johnny Cash, Shannen Doherty, Aretha Franklin, Ginnifer Goodwin, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chris Parnell, Cybill Shepherd, Justin Timberlake, Morgan Freeman...
9. The University of Memphis has a live Tiger mascot, named Tom II (TOM = Tigers Of Memphis). He comes to every home football game and most basketball games. He travels with a police escort. He's cool. And quite handsome, see?
10. Memphis is home to Harold Ford, Jr., currently running for Senate in one of the most heated and publicized races of this election. Probably for that reason, tonight, NBC Nightly News will be broadcasting LIVE from Memphis.
11. Memphis is home to Fed Ex, AutoZone, and International Paper. Memphis was home to the first self-service grocery store (Piggly Wiggly) and the first Holiday Inn.
12. At the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis, people still gather twice a day to watch the famous Peabody Ducks march from the elevator to the fountain and back again.
    
13. Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, built in and around the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

My new favorite commercial

First, head over to StuffOnMyCat.com and Vote for Tiggy! If you would. You don't have to register or anything. Yes, I seem to always be asking for votes. For cats.


Anyway, this commercial? This is awesome. This is the grumpypants antidote.

Traffic Nightmare

As I posted earlier, tonight after work I had to go to the grocery store. Now, my normal daily commute is about fifteen minutes when traffic is at its worst, so that's not a big deal. I also know all the little tricks to driving that route-- for example, for no apparent reason, no one likes to drive in the right lane, and I can zip in that lane all the way home. However, because I also needed to return a video game to Blockbuster, I thought I'd go to a different, better, grocery store. I even left the office five minutes early, hoping to get a slight jump on the traffic.

Those five minutes were of no use to me. I, apparently, have lost all ability to drive in traffic. I just don't know how anymore, and I nearly had a nervous breakdown. Truly, I about lost my shit on my fellow drivers. What is up with all those people in all those cars? Do those people drive that route every night? Cause if they do, they should be better at it. Plus, it was dark already, and I hate driving in the dark.

Oh, plus plus, when I got home and picked up the dogs' food dishes, I touched (touched!) one of the three slugs (THREE!) that had taken up residence in Max's bowl during the rain today. Ew.

And I have a new pimple on my lip. Seriously. It appeared while I was driving, I think.

Vote for Merlin!

So Merlin's got himself in another contest. That crazy cat. Click on the icon above to go vote for him. Just click on one to five paws (might I suggest FIVE paws) and then click VOTE in each category. He was a very late entry, so all the help he can get is appreciated. You do have to register with Catster to vote, but I don't think they'll do anything nasty with your information. Thanks!

Grumpypants

I don't have anything to blog about today. It's rainy. President Clinton's coming to town tomorrow and I can't go. It's Halloween and I don't have any candy. Nobody in my office has even acknowledged it's Halloween. I don't have anything good to eat for lunch and I don't want to go out in the rain for something either. Tonight I have to go grocery shopping and that's no fun. I swear, after that I'm going to take a bubble bath and give myself a pedicure to make myself feel better. In the meantime...

I know I just posted a kitten yesterday, but I'm trying to battle the grumpy today, so here's a whole basket of kittehs. Gotta fight fire with fire, people.

Monday Mélange

What a horrible horrible football weekend. All our favorite teams lost: the Tigers (big freakin' surprise there), the Steelers, the Broncos, the Bengals, and the Panthers! What the? I guess I can cheer for the Patriots tonight. They do have a great kicker, you know.

You know what? Let's just move on to basketball. Please.

The ESPN/USA Today preseason poll has the Tigers at #14. I don't know enough yet about other teams to be pissed we're not in the top 10. But hey, #14 ain't bad. I'm not complaining.

My favorite football names for the week: Chad Mustard, Nnamdi Asomugha

And for a Halloween cutie:

Unconscious Mutterings, #2

1. Costume :: Party


2. Beg :: Dog
   


3. Hottie :: McHotterson


4. Celebrity :: Magazine


5. Saturday :: Lazy


6. Buckle :: Belt


7. Doorbell :: Ring


8. Rude :: Teenager


9. Absence :: Unexcused
   


10. Hyper :: Children

Seriously?

Poor Manny the Mantee. "Wet, dreary weather and a fast-rising river hampered efforts to locate the sea cow. Despite being about 8 feet long and slow-moving, it evaded helicopters equipped with infrared sensors and boats employing side-scanning sonar." Seriously? And y'all, they really are looking. I can see the helicopters from my office window. I'm even keeping one eye on the River in case I spot Manny myself. The good news is, the sun is coming out finally, and maybe the weather clearing up will make it easier. To find an 800 pound sea creature. In the Mississippi River.

Update 4:18 pm: They gave up. They gave up! The sun came out, it cleared up, and they're giving up anyway. Poor Manny. Maybe he outsmarted them and headed back home on his own. Y'all cross your fingers that he'll find his way to warmer waters...

Thursday Thirteen, No. 9

Thirteen Things About Which I Have Something to Say

1. Roomba Robotic Vacuum. Best thing ever. Mr. Incredible has some floor cleanliness issues, and this has eliminated his complaints regarding dog/cat/Sadie hair on the floor. Every day I come home from work and am amazed at how much hair the thing has sucked up on its daily rounds. Merlin apparently is fascinated by it- Mr. Incredible was home from work for a few days and watched the cat just follow the roomba around. I thought he'd be scared!
   
2. Chris Young. He has a new cd. He's the most recent winner of "Nashville Star," he's cute, and his voice is awesome. If you like country music, I highly recommend it.
   
3. Revlon ColorStay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor. Professes to be "softer" than other long-lasting lipcolor... This was important to me because my lipcolor always fades and I hate that! But I also hate flaky cracked lips... This stuff is softer, but didn't last any longer than regular lipstick.
4. Fingernail polish. Why, oh why, can I not find fingernail polish that will stay on my fingers? I've tried various long-lasting polishes. I've tried basecoat and topcoat and super-duper-strong-never-coming-off coat. It won't stay. Within two days, tops, I've got chipped polish. I don't know what the problem is, I don't have a job that requires a lot of handwashing. I don't do a lot of dishes. It's irksome.
   
5. Mark Ruffalo. He's so cute. I just wanna hang out with him. "13 Going on 30" and "Just Like Heaven" might not be the films of which he's most proud, but I like them.
6. Laziness. I watch a lot of TV. I also like to spend the weekends on my couch doing as little as possible. But don't act like you're better than me just because you have "so many things to do you just don't have TIME to watch TV," or because you just "can't stand to sit still that long" or if you just "go go go all weekend with so much going on." Good for you, gum popper. To each her own.
7. Traffic. Look. If you're gonna drive around with a license plate that says: CULATER, then I'm going to assume that you are a fast driver. I should be able to trust that I can tuck myself in behind you and you will not slow me down. The irony of a slow driver with such a plate is not amusing when I'm late for work.
   
8. Rush Limbaugh. C'mon. You're gonna slam Michael J. Fox? There's just so much to say that I don't even know where to begin. Probably better if I don't.
9. Jon Stewart. I only JUST NOW started watching his show. Someone please tell why I haven't been watching this show for years. How much would I have loved it back in 2000 when I was an idealistic law student hollering about voter's rights, butterfly ballots and hanging chads? Or in 2004 when I was a jaded, disgrunted, frustrated liberal surrounded by conservatives? Better late than never, I guess.
10. Hiro Nakamura. Hilarious! He is my new best friend.
    
11. Manatee. He was just coming to visit me, I guess. Now the Sea World peeps have to figure out how to get him home. Poor little thing. Update: this morning the local news was reporting that the manatee (they're calling him Manny) would be taken to Florida and observed at Sea World to determine if he needs medical attention or can be released into the wild. Update Update: Manny is missing. They can't find him. Keep your eye out!
    
12. Campaign Commercials. Stop the madness! UGH! I cannot WAIT for Election Day so this stuff will stop.
    
13. Twins. Liev Schreiber and Balthazar Getty... Separated at Birth?
    

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Skeezix 2. Daphne 3. Carmen 4. Merlin 5. Andria 6. Chelle 7. Tracie 8. Southern Girl 9. Threads of Gold 10.Crazy Fat Chick 9. Colleen 10. Ali 11. Cheysuli 12. Neila 13. N. Mallory 14. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants