The Unfinished Adventures of Raging ADD Girl

Dinner...lunch...whatever

2011-03-21T16:09:00.003-05:00

So, I sit here, working on homework (well, not this VERY second, I am updating my blog...something I am hoping to do more often)... and I realize that tomorrow I have work AND school. I will be out of the house from around 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Not only will I have to figure out breakfast and lunch, but also dinner. This is always a trick. Especially since I always end up feeling like a chicken with my head cut off. I start off with the best of intentions, I really do. But somehow, things get away from me and I end up with Instant Lunch and a granola bar. This past weekend I purchased some lovely croutons and Caesar salad dressing, romaine lettuce, with all intentions of having some beautiful salads...I forgot chicken. Now, I could go out and get some chicken, but really, I am not going to cook it. It is already 4:00. I need to work on my paper. So, there that goes. I suppose I could have it without chicken, but then it is hardly dinner. I guess it is a good thing I like instant lunch and granola bars.

I'm a feminist. So?

2011-03-20T20:47:00.003-05:00

Yes. I am a feminist. Why aren't you?
I read Bitch Magazine.
I vote.
I believe I should get paid the same amount as any man.
I also believe men should get paternity leave.

I used to try to ignore the things that bothered me...the ads and posters that objectified women. I am over it. I will now speak out.

Why? Because I am a feminist. I am proud.

Why aren't you?

What is your favorite lame kids joke? (e.g.: Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine!)

2011-02-02T12:41:00.001-06:00

What is your favorite lame kids joke? (e.g.: Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine!)

Answer here

Who is smarter now...

2010-09-15T20:18:00.003-05:00

Do you ever want to stand up and yell “Its not BRAIN SURGERY PEOPLE??” Just curious… cause sometimes I have that reaction.

But then I remind myself that not everyone is a rocket scientist, because then there would be nobody to bag my groceries. Then I think about the guy who bagged my groceries last time. I get upset because they put my laundry detergent on top of my bread and again logic fails me.

#1. Ya don’t put heavy stuff on top of soft stuff; it mushes. It would be like putting a cinderblock on top of the eggs. Which I wouldn't put beyond this guy.

#2. NEVER put food stuff in with chemicals. For the same reason you don’t put fresh fruit in with raw chicken. Its basic food safety.

This isn’t string theory. You don’t need to be a physicist to understand!

And see? Now I am all worked up again. And so now we are all bagging our own food after we checked out our own groceries because they realized that if they just did it wrong for long enough, we would get fed up enough do it for them.

So who is the real genius if you think about it…

School and Stuff

2010-09-07T21:19:00.000-05:00

So, check it out:

I have my school blog up and running!

Kid's Books...

Family...with a capital F.

2010-08-28T17:26:00.002-05:00

I feel like I need to write about family today. To remember why they are important and why we love them. Possibly it is because I have spent a lot of time lately with a particular member of my family that is difficult to like, but I still love. Perhaps that is why family is so important in the end... even when they don't like you so much, when you fail, after you have said some stupid hurtful things, they will still be there for you. Nobody is perfect. We all have flaws, we all make mistakes, and without family to pick us up, help us out, life would be intolerable.

I am lucky. While my physical family is quite small compared to many, the number of those I consider family is quite large.

I think today is a good day to count our blessings of friends and family and remember that even those who drive us nuts and make us crazy, try to think of one reason we love them, even if that reason is only because they are family and we HAVE to.

I feel OLD...

2010-08-17T20:55:00.002-05:00

So, I found this link on twitter and it got me to thinking of some other things that this year's college freshman may not know or ways they are different... It truly is different.

They have never known a world without the Internet.
They have never known a world without cellular phones.
They likely have never had a walkman...or a cassette tape.
Condoms have always been advertised on TV and the radio.
...so have prescription drugs.
The Gulf War was history, not memory.
NAFTA has always existed.
Who is Anita Hill?
There has never been an X rating.
The Simpsons has always been on TV.
Princess Diana was never 'happy' with Prince Charles.
Waco is synonymous with cult instead of electric kool-aid... which is unfortunate because it was actually drugged grape Flavor-Aid that was used by Jim Jones.
Michael Jackson was always an 'alleged' pedophile.
Don't Ask Don't Tell has always been the policy for gays in the military. No wonder we are sick of it.
Leno has always hosted The Tonight Show.
They have always had Microsoft Windows.
Rap music has always been played on top 40 radio stations.

In 1992 the base price for a Toyota Corolla was $9,718.
A stamp cost $0.29.
A gallon of gas was $1.05.

Knowing now what I didn't then? Priceless.

What has been bugging me

2010-06-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

A consortia is a group of organizations that group together to achieve a common goal. Many libraries are part of a consortium to provide a larger number of resources for the members. Many times, those who benefit from the consortium aren't even aware it exists.

So here comes the drag.

North Suburban Library System. It is the consortium that the libraries in Lake County, IL belonged to, as well as a few in the surrounding counties. They handled the inter-library loan. They provided programming for continuing education for the librarians. They helped negotiate lower costs for subscriptions to electronic databases.

This is now all in the past tense.

The governor of Illinois has cut the budget so deep that there is no more money for libraries. NSLS has shut its doors. Most people won't notice right away. They will when they need a book that isn't at their local library. Last month, that book was a phone call or a mouse click away. NSLS would arrange for it to be delivered to the nearest branch. Next month? You're on your own. They will notice when their children 'forgot' there was a report due tomorrow and the library closed twenty minutes ago. Now? Hop online and access one of the databases available from home. Next year? Who knows? There may not be as many options.

This is the beginning of the end. When will people see that a community without a strong library is a poor community? A good library indicates a good school system.

So now I write. I try to remind those who don't know. I will send letters. Real paper. E-mails. Postcards. Will you?

Apple Junkie

2010-06-23T18:47:00.003-05:00

Yep, that is me. I am an Apple FanGirl. I have currently sitting here writing this on my MacBook, with my iPad at my side, I have my iPod in my purse and my shuffle charging in my room. I used to be a PC but I am SO over it. I have seen the light and will NEVER go back.

I do have other stuff to write about but I need to compose those thoughts a little further. It involves budgets and politics and all that craziness.

My latest 'school' related purchase.

2010-02-14T11:50:00.002-06:00

Yes, I used school as my excuse. And yes, I will use it for school because I can read all those pdf files on it. I am averaging 3-4 a week for my class... So yeah, I mostly got it for school.

30 Beautiful Old Bird Books

2010-01-17T12:36:00.000-06:00

30 Beautiful Old Bird Books

I came across this via ALA Direct and felt I should share it with you. It is a collection of beautiful bird books. How could I not pass this link on? It combines my favorite things!! Birds and Books! I do hope you enjoy them as much as I did. All three of you, my dedicated readers.

Shortest update on the planet.

2009-12-18T19:31:00.002-06:00

Been busy. Work. School. Life. Not in that order.
Christmas is in a week. Nowhere near ready. Can I skip it this year?
Wondering how I am going to handle spring semester. I signed up for 2 classes. What was I thinking? Oh...I wasn't really.
Well. Back to work on my paper. Nearing the finish line. Just have to add my quotes and write the conclusion. I am pretty sure that I will get that done tonight and even have time to print and proofread before the holiday party tomorrow night.
I think I am going to take a run to the Starbucks for a latte. I deserve it. Even if I didn't deserve it, I need the boost.
Miles to go before I sleep...miles to go.

Baking Cookies

2009-07-30T16:38:00.002-05:00

I am baking chocolate chip cookies. There are two reasons I love baking when nobody is home for two reasons.
1. Because when people come in the house, they make that Ooooh, Cookies! Smells good! sound when they walk in the door.

and two?

I always get the first oooey gooey cookie out of the oven. It always tastes the best!

SyFy changed its name today

2009-07-07T21:15:00.002-05:00

New Name for Old Channel?

So, I was completely out of the loop on this one. This apparently is old news, but I was watching the tube with the folks (special thanks to Poppers for fixing the lamp on the thing!) and I noticed that Sci-Fi channel is now calling itself SyFy. Okay, I can totally understand the marketing arguments, I can also understand those who are saying they changed their name because the channel is mostly poo with a tiny sprinkle of science fiction on top.

Maybe if they spent half as much on the shows as they do on those silly self promotion ads for the channel you are currently watching they might have some decent programming.

Then again, maybe not.

I do find it somewhat irritating. I don't like change.

Hello... I'm a Mac.

2009-06-05T17:06:00.002-05:00

I have done it. I have made the switch. Well, not entirely, but I am working on it.

From The Unfinished Adventures of Raging ADD Girl

From my optometrist.

2009-04-14T21:06:00.000-05:00

Nope, I'm not kidding. My optometrist is also an author.

Hot Library Smut

2009-03-17T18:40:00.001-05:00

No, seriously. It is totally hot library smut.
Check it out here!!!

Yeah... I'm a freak

The Inauguration.

2009-01-20T20:57:00.003-06:00

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted or for those who prefer leisure over work- seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are
a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are haped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment- a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility a recognition, on the part of every American,that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered
these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive ... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

out with the old and in with the new

2009-01-19T20:48:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Wordle for helping with my word clouds!

Public library denies 4 year old a library card

2009-01-18T12:42:00.001-06:00

Because he couldn't write his name in the little box. Apparently that is their rule. Wonder if they would deny an war vet a library card if he lost his/her limbs a library card... It is SO wrong on SO many levels. According to the Library Bill of Rights (per the ALA, of which I am a member...) A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. They need to issue that child a library card and an apology!

read more | digg story

U.S. warns of Teflon chemical in water

2009-01-17T11:15:00.003-06:00

The Bush administration issues an advisory on a toxic chemical used to make Teflon and other non-stick coatings. But -- surprise -- critics say it isn't strict enough.

read more | digg story

I have always said if is bad for my bird- it can't be that good for us either.

Baby, its cold outside...

2009-01-16T18:32:00.005-06:00

If you haven't heard, its cold here in the midwest. Here in the Chicago Metro area, we get nearly every type of weather there is. There is a saying that if you don't like the weather in Chicago, wait 5 minutes. In a 24 hour period we can have snow, rain, and sun along with a 50 degree temperature change. But today, well, today I woke up, rolled over, and heard a strange ripping sound. At first I thought it was my pajamas (they are VERY old and comfy, but since they have been washed about 1000 times, possibly a bit fragile) so I turned on my light. Nope... pajamas are fine. I began to get up... heard it again... Now I was really confused. I look towards my window only to find my blanket was FROZEN TO MY WINDOW. What? Yes. Its that cold.

And now, follow the link...

2008-12-01T12:37:00.001-06:00

This is why I cannot be a reference librarian...
http://tinyurl.com/6bol9k

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-27T09:15:00.006-06:00

Putting aside the historical inacuracies of Thanksgiving, sometimes it is important to take the time to count your blessings. Especially in this current economy, we still have so much to be thankful for. Just a reminder to take a moment and think about the things you are thankful for...

I am thankful for: (In no particular order)
Little blue birdies.

Big brothers

My grandma is ok.

The chance to go back to school.

Cheese.

My mommy who helps me even when I am too stubborn to ask.

My daddy's home made apple pie.

My daddy's home made lemon meringue pie.

My daddy's home made coconut cream pie.

Books.

Lattes.

Yes, we can- and we did...

2008-11-11T12:08:00.002-06:00

I have been meaning to post for a few days now... things have been busy.

Its an amazing thing. My country came together, mostly, and made history. It was huge.

I am not going to wax poetic about it, but I must say, the world does feel different now. Sure, the economy still sucks, Chicago is still the murder capital of the world, we still have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, but there is hope. There is the feeling that people made a difference.

I do have a wish list for the next president... but I will get to that later.

For today, I just wanted to say... Yes, we can...and we did.

turns out...

2008-11-05T21:13:00.003-06:00

I was just really bored...

sleepy...

2008-11-02T18:57:00.003-06:00

I have so much to do. I turned in my midterm last week. Had a horrible migraine afterward. Still fighting it a little. Mostly better but it lingers. I slept after work on Friday, all afternoon Saturday, did a lot more today... its 7 and I still have some homework to complete but all I want to do is go to bed. We even "fell back" this weekend and I still don't feel like I got enough sleep.

Maybe its mono.

A co-worker brought this to my attention...

2008-11-01T09:55:00.007-05:00

So, they have started letting us access our non-work email from work. They just put a warning stating that it can be monitored and they ask us to limit the use to non work hours, such as break and lunch or before and after work. I am happy about this because I often check my school e-mail from work to find out if I need to know something before I leave for class. They do filter sites that have streaming media and such. I totally get that. We are there to work, not watch you tube. But a coworker of mine e-mailed me this the other day:

The reason this site was filtered? Well, see for yourself. We both got a good laugh out of it.

I don't know which one I like better...

2008-10-24T17:52:00.000-05:00

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Puppies or Opie... Hmmm

The real solution

2008-10-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

See more Natalie Portman videos at Funny or Die

She is really on to something.

Love this....

2008-10-05T09:37:00.001-05:00

Turns out folks in Alaska can't stand her either.

Click here for more info at Feministing.com

the more I hear...

2008-09-29T22:06:00.002-05:00

the more I hate her. I wish I could like her but I just can't. There is nothing about her that I can support.

Sarah Palin is evil.

I wish someone would ask her if she would be happy earning $150,000 per year, knowing full well that Dick Cheney earned about $200,000 as VP. Obviously that is less. But she is an inny. If we look at her voting record, she believes innies don't deserve equal pay.

She also thinks rape victims should pay for their rape kits.

Books should be banned. (Keep this in mind as we celebrate Banned Books Week!)

Unless the mother's life is at risk (meaning death) that you WILL HAVE that baby... even if that baby's daddy is also his grandpa. eew.

Of course, you can't talk about how to make the baby... no baby making talk allowed.

Oh, and don't get me started on the environment.
Lets shoot the wolves from the plane, drill in ANWR, and ignore the polar bear.

I wonder if she recycles.

She puts family first, look at what has now been called 'troopergate.'

I wish I could vote to put a woman in office, but she is not the kind of woman I would want in the reception office at a doctors office, let alone any political office.

Okay, enough politics, time for bed.

life

2008-09-27T09:11:00.002-05:00

It has caught up to me. I have been busy. Work, school, life. I haven't posted in a while. I know I said I would post about the big dinner I made for my brother, which was wonderful. I have pictures of the fabulous cake I did for my dad's birthday- still on my camera- I also made an awesome cake for my Baby Goose for his 7th bird-day. Its hard to believe he has been with us for 7 years. I just haven't had the time to put the up. It will happen eventually. I have school 2 nights a week. I still am working full time as well. I don't think there is a single week this semester where I don't have at least one paper due. Its very busy. I also signed up for a book club at work. I am excited about that. Other literary minded folks at work. After much debate we finally settled on a book for the first discussion, to take place at the end of October. We will be reading "Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. I also am now a member of the ALA and have a subscription to Library Journal.

Yes, I am going to be a librarian. I am excited about being a librarian. Although I have to do something about the stereotype. When I told someone at work about it, she said I should dress up like a librarian for Halloween. I said, 'what, I should wear this?' she replied, stating that I don't look like a librarian. She said that I need glasses and have a bun, and shush people all the time.
-----
i just found out Paul Newman died. I have to go be sad now.

Registration...

2008-07-30T16:55:00.002-05:00

So, today I went to register for school. Graduate School. It is actually happening. Everyone on campus was REALLY nice. I will have an email that ends with .edu again. I won't be attending classes down there though... thank goodness, because getting there was a pain. Traffic makes me twitch. Although the campus was really beautiful. It looked like a college should. Ivy covered walls, old buildings, stately staircases, I wandered around a bit and there was one room, I think it was part of a dining hall, that looked right out of Harry Potter. It was beautiful. I am officially a student. I have the card to prove it.

I am also starting to get some school supplies together. I am not sure what all I will need. Post-its were on clearance at Target so I stocked up- this should last me through the semester- I hope.

Graduate school- here I come. Gulp.

Wii!!!!

2008-07-21T21:59:00.003-05:00

Yes. I did it. I got a Wii. Its pretty fun. Fairly realistic. I played the bowling game and got 71. Which is about right. I am not very good at bowling. it has a LOT of cords coming out of it. Tons of bits. Anyway, I hope to have my Grandma over to play some games with me... We enjoy the scrabble, who is to say we won't love a good game of wii bowling or wii tennis.

Banana Bread

2008-07-20T20:52:00.005-05:00

I did it, and I think it was a success. At least everyone enjoyed it.
The bottom was a bit overdone, I think I will try a glass pan next time.

I gave part of it to my BigBro, left a slice for Grandma Betty for breakfast. Gave one to Renee. Sent one slice home with Grandma Maryanne. The rest was mine. So far, nobody has complained- except that there wasn't more. Hey! We only had two bananas and it was really hot out. As far as I am concerned there was a TON of baking/cooking happening around here for 90 degree weather. More on the big birthday meal later...

Banana Bread
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c butter
2 eggs
1 c mashed ripe banana (about 2)
1/3 c milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 c flour
1/2 c nuts
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pre-Heat Oven to 350.
Grease loaf pan.
In one bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, set aside. (I dumped it onto a chopping mat) In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, milk and beat until smooth. Add banana and blend. Combine dry ingredients and nuts to bowl and mix until all moist. Pour into loaf pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 50 minutes.

Next time I might add some chocolate chips.

Anyway. Next post I will discuss the Birthday meal for my BigBro. It was quite the undertaking but it was also a great success. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Bottom of the totem pole when it comes to aid.

2008-06-27T17:50:00.002-05:00

I have been reading these news stories come out of Iowa the past few days and it breaks my heart. The flooding is horrific. People are trying to get their lives put back together. After all of that, finally the library will get rebuilt.

From the Des Moines Register
"The library is not that important right now, I must admit. The most important thing is to get people into houses and back at their jobs and get the essential services that government provides," said Kay Halloran, Cedar Rapids' mayor.

"As far as I'm concerned, personally, I want to have the water treatment plant back to its normal operation. All the other stuff can wait. They've got people working on whatever can be salvaged from the library, and that takes care of things for now."

And so the libraries wait. They shovel through the soaked books. Salvage what they can. Decide what is worth restoring, what needs to be replaced. Finding the money to replace it.

If you can find a few bucks to send their way:
Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, 500 First Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. The CRPL Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contributions are tax deductible. Donors will receive a letter of receipt.

IRS letter

2008-06-11T16:20:00.003-05:00

So I get this letter in the mail. It is from the IRS. Joy.

According to the bright red writing on it there is IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE IRS enclosed and I should not throw it away. Okay... like ever?

Apparently this is my pre-stimulus notice. I should be prepare to be stimulated by the IRS. My expected stimulation date is June 13th. If I am not stimulated in 6 weeks I need to contact the IRS.

I find all of this a bit creepy. Most people are going to use this money to pay for gas to get to their jobs and and groceries to feed their families. The cost of fuel and food keeps rising, the unemployment rate is up again... and a couple hundred bucks is supposed to fix it? Just how gullible does Bush think we are--- oh wait... this is the country that let him steal not one, but TWO elections, and did NOTHING about it.

That day is coming

2008-05-28T17:02:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I get cranky around this time of year. Everyone knows this. There is one thing I do really like is the plethora of e-mails I get from assorted businesses willing to give me free stuff.

Thus far I have received coupons from:
Caribou Coffee for: A free Drink- there are no limitations on it. Sweet.

Red Robin: Free burger. This is one of my favorites. A nice hamburger. Them boys is tasty! (and their French fries are YUMMY!)

Noodles and Co: Free bowl of noodles (up to $7.25) they have awesome Mac & Cheese.

Buffalo Wild Wings: free desert with $5.00 purchase- lame. probably wont use that one.

Red Lobster: Totally lame one: $5.00 off when you purchase two dinners. So basically spend almost $40.00 and we will give you a discount that won't even cover what the tip should be. They could at least do free appetizer or something like that. I mean seriously lame. Doubt I will use it. Especially since I can make a better trout fillet any day of the week.

I will continue as I get more... Hopefully there are still some yummy and wonderful treats coming my way!

Summer days are coming...

2008-05-25T14:13:00.002-05:00

Talking birds, etc...

2008-05-17T19:14:00.002-05:00

So, there are some parakeets who talk up a storm, then there are others who just don't. I just assumed that BabyGoose never had anything to say. I am beginning to think he has been talking to me for awhile and I was the one who wasn't listening. I was sitting here, with my little pooper, watching some Parakeet videos on YouTube... no I am not kidding, he likes to do that, and I noticed that the birds who can talk do so very quickly and in a chattery sounding way that is difficult to understand. If you don't know what you are listening for, you wouldn't be able to understand it as it is often bracketed by other chirps. Goose makes those same chattery noises all the time. So, I have been listening to him more closely. Today, during dinner, I think I heard him say 'sip' and 'I love you.' After I heard what I think he said was 'sip' I gave him a sip of my juice. Sometimes he doesn't want a drink but he totally did that time. Maybe I am imagining it. I totally could be. There are a lot of phrases he could have learned from me. I will be listening for a "ni-night goose" at bedtime.

Long day and it is only half over

2008-05-17T12:39:00.003-05:00

So, I had to work today. Maybe had is too strong a word, but I went to work today. I left at about 11:00, stopped at the bank, and then picked up lunch on the way home. There is something you should know about my bird. He loves sandwiches. Really LOVES them. And since his favorite member of his flock is out of town, I did keep that in mind when I chose to pick up a sandwich for lunch. Yes, I am aware I have the most spoiled rotten little parakeet on this earth. I don't know what is worse, the fact that I indulge the little pooper, or the fact that he knows that he is so darn spoiled.

Putting my Goose to bed.

2008-05-16T21:24:00.002-05:00

As my father, who is the feathered friend's favorite family member, is traveling to places far and wide, it fell to me to tuck the goose in tonight. I thought I would take a picture. I changed his paper and wiped down the cage bottom. I changed his water and gave him a sip. He kisses his ducky. We all say "ni-night BabyGoose" and cover his cage. He tweets a little good night song to his ducky and then he hops on top of his little blue snuggle hut, (He has NEVER stepped foot in there but he sleeps on top of it. I don't ask.) and we go to bed.

Feedback

2008-05-13T17:20:00.003-05:00

I totally get why they do this but why must they do it then. I mean- I had an interview for a new position at my job. A position I REALLY WANTED. A position I have wanted for a LONG TIME. This wasn't even the first time I interviewed for this position. They said I would find out about it tomorrow. Okay. Fine. I was ready to wait until tomorrow. I get called into a meeting and all of the interviewers were waiting. Okay. Today is the day. They went with someone else. They wouldn't tell me who. This is the second time they went with someone else. I REALLY wanted this. Everyone told me I would get it. I have the most experience, I have the degree, I have the desire, I know the stuff. I don't screw things up, I come in ON time every day, I work my ass off. I am DAMN good at my job. So, I didn't get it. Then I have to sit there while they go through and give me "constructive criticism" as far as why I didn't get the job. Mostly it was because I didn't do well in my interview. I suck at interviews. I get nervous and laugh. I laugh when I am nervous. The person interviewing knew this about me. She also knew my performance and knew I can do the job and do it damn well with little training. I don't get it. That person said I shouldn't get discouraged and try again next time an opportunity opens for that position, but that can be over a year away if not longer. So yeah, I am discouraged. Beaten down. I give up. If other people can get away with not working as hard as I do then I am not going to care as much. It obviously doesn't matter. I am so tired of being the one who is always willing to help, always willing to try so hard, always willing to do so much more and then it bites me in my ass.

One of my coworkers who knows my skills and knows how bad I wanted it, and knows how good I would have been said to me- "They don't deserve you." Its little consolation when I was told that my writing skills needed to be improved and I needed to take these things more seriously and not be so sarcastic during an interview. I was not sarcastic then, I am now, sure cause I am angry and thats how I express myself when I am frustrated. I can't see myself going back there again and again- like I am supposed to continue with a smile on my face like everything is okay? I can't go back like that. I need another road to take. I am tired of watching everyone pass me by.

I love Sunset Foods

2008-04-17T17:14:00.002-05:00

So, there is this grocery store near where I work called Sunset Foods. I love this store on SO many different levels. Sure, its a little more expensive then the local Jewel Osco. However, they have a wider variety of foods, beverages, an awesome salad bar, and their staff is well trained. For example; on one occasion I was checking out and there were two young kids at the end of the lane. One was TRAINING the other how to properly BAG my items. Yes, how to properly BAG. Things like 'never put any cleaning or chemical items in with the food.' These are things that would seem obvious to me, but apparently it is not, as often proven when I get home and my bread smells like dryer sheets when I shop at the Jewel.

They also don't look at me like a freak when I pull out my Envirosax. I have used my Envirosax for a long time and when I use them at Jewel, Target, or other stores I get all sorts of irritated responses. Now, this was before it became 'cool' or 'trendy' to bring your own bag. I was in the high school ecology club. This was back when we were worried about CFCs and Aerosol sprays and the hole in the ozone layer.

When I had hurt my foot they FORCED me to accept assistance out to my car.

They meet you as you come up to the checkouts they direct you to the shortest line and unload your cart.

I got carded.

So yeah, I totally LOVE Sunset Foods.

Great news:

2008-04-15T20:23:00.002-05:00

U.S. to give $200M in food aid. Aren't we fabulously generous? Two Hundred Million. Thats a lot of money.

Lets just ignore the following:

click here to learn more.

Oh, and that is 511 TRILLION. Whats the next denomination above Trillion? Quadrillion. I googled it. It is Half a QUADRILLION dollars. I can't even comprehend a billion dollars let alone a trillion, a quadrillion? I wouldn't even know where to begin.

First sign of spring: from last weekend

2008-04-13T19:25:00.001-05:00

1stsignofspring
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl

Some people look for robins, others feel flowers are the first sign of spring... For me? its these guys. Chasing around a tiny white ball they hit with their sticks.

Just don't pee on my fence.

Spring Surprise

2008-04-13T19:23:00.001-05:00

crocus
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl

So, sometime last fall, I thought it might be a good idea to plant some bulbs. I don't know why. I don't like gardening. I am bad at it. Its muddy. Its sweaty. Anyway, I looked outside my bedroom window and there were a few little yellow flowers sneaking through. So, maybe it wasn't too crazy.

We didn't think this would ever happen

2008-04-05T09:23:00.001-05:00

NKOTB are back! Yes, they return.

All I can say is:

The right stuff
The right stuff
(Verse) The first time was a great time
The second time was a blast
The third time I fell in love
Now I hope it lasts
I can see it in you walk
Tell it when you talk
Can see it in everything you do
Even in your thoughts
(Chorus) You got the right stuff baby
I love the way you turn me on
You got the right stuff baby
You're the reason why I sing this song
All that I needed was you
Oh, girl, you're so right
And all that I wanted was you
You made all my dreams come true
Oh Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Oh Oh.
Oh Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Oh Oh.
(Verse) The first kiss was a sweet kiss
The second kiss had a twist
The third and your fourth kiss
I don't want to miss
I can see it in you walk
Tell it when you talk
Can see it in everything you do
Even in your thoughts
(Chorus)
Oh Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Oh Oh.
Oh Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Oh Oh.
Girl, yeah baby
You know you got the right stuff
Girl, yeah baby
You know you know you got it, girl
In my life, it's so right
You made it.
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh the right stuff.
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh the right stuff.
(Chorus)...(out)

If you thought I had nothing to say...

2008-04-02T21:18:00.003-05:00

If you thought I had nothing to say before, you ain't seen nothin yet. After being down with the flu for two days and counting, I've got even less to say. I have decided I like Sasparilla more then Ginger Beer Soda. I have found that I drink more if it is in a cup with a straw then if from the can directly. Oh, and I think there are cardinals nesting in the tree just over the fence outside my window. They sure make quite a riot at about 8:40 am. Ok. I am going back to bed.

Its Twitteriffic!

2008-03-28T18:15:00.003-05:00

twitter
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl

So, I am loving this twitter thing. I can send real time messages from my phone or from the website and it posts up on my blog. Not that anyone really pays attention but seriously... its kinda neat. So keep an eye to the left there at the twitter box and reload the screen every once in awhile. You never know when I will send a new message!

Snow

2008-03-23T11:42:00.003-05:00

Another quick thing, We got a TON of snow on Friday, like almost a foot. Everyone is complaining as it was the first full day of spring and we got pounded. Yes, we have had LOTS of snow this winter. Lots.

However, We have had a late snow here previously. In fact, just last April: See Here for proof. I think it was Grandma Betty who got snow when she graduated High School. This is not to say I am not done with snow. I have had enough snow to last me a good long while. And last I heard we have had well over 50" this year, I can't find the exact number right now but I have to go cook.

Later!

Mail

2008-03-23T08:39:00.002-05:00

I get a lot of mail. 95% of it is junk. I am trying to decrease the amount of mail I actually need. I am going electronic on most of my mail. Mostly because I am very bad about keeping track of it. I was looking through some of it and I can't figure out how I end up on some of these lists:

Old Pueblo Traders: No offense if you like their clothing but its old lady clothes. House dresses and Muu Muus.
I get several Bed Bath and Beyond coupons even though I never shop there. My mom does, but I don't.
I get catalogs for high priced home furnishings.
I have gotten offers to refinance my home or for great rates on home equity. I don't own a home.
I get mailings on clinical trials happening now in my area.
I even get mail from the post office.
Then, I also get mail from Leonardo DiCaprio, Warren Buffet, Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, et al, asking for my money for the various charities. Don't they have their own money? Lord knows they all have more money then I do!

Well, I am off to make Easter dinner.

Enjoy your spring fertility celebrations as well! (Hey, just being honest, it is after all, named for the fertility goddess Eostre,did you think Estrogen, easter that root was all just a coincidence? Nah. So eat your chocolate bunnies and dye your eggs. Enjoy and be fertile!)

Life working in a call center

2008-03-05T21:17:00.003-06:00

It has been a while since I have ranted about work. I seriously want to start answering the phone: 'Thank you for calling --- My name is M*. Please don't yell at me, I didn't do it.'

The next time you call a customer service number, remember you are talking to a person. I am someones daughter, someones friend. For all you know, you could be screaming expletives at me. Would you do that if you had to look in my eyes while calling me an effing *&1^%? Would you be able to treat me like that if you had to look me in the face? Next time you are all worked up and angry and ready to rip the customer service representatives head off, remember, he could be your neighbor. She could be me. That person who helped you get the last bottle of shampoo of the top shelf at the Target on Sunday? Might have been a CSR. The guy who let you turn during rush hour Monday night? Very possibly was a CSR. We are really trying to help. We are just people.

Just a girl...

2008-03-04T17:53:00.002-06:00

This bugs me. I have been looking at books for awhile, all sorts of books. I can't bring myself to buy them. I know you aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I think it is fair to judge it by its title.

Please tell me I am not the only one who sees a problem with titles like these:
"On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl's Guide to Personal Finance"
"Fight Like a Girl: The Power of Being a Woman"
"Mean Girls Grown Up: Adult Women Who Are Still Queen Bees, Middle Bees, and Afraid-to-Bees"
"Bitches, Bimbos, and Ballbreakers: The Guerrilla Girls' Illustrated Guide to Female Stereotypes"
"The Bad Girl's Guide to Getting What You Want"
"The Single Girl's Manifesta: Living in a Stupendously Superior Single State of Mind"
"Advanced Cinematherapy: The Girl's Guide to Finding Happiness One Movie at a Time"
"Home Girls Make Some Noise! Hip-hop Feminism Anthology"
"Toys for Girls: If Women Didn't Exist, All the Money of the World Would Have No Meaning"
"The Hip Girl's Handbook: For Home, Car, & Money Stuff"
"The Girl's Guide to Being a Boss (Without Being a Bitch): Valuable Lessons, Smart Suggestions, and True Stories for Succeeding as the Chick-in-Charge"
"The Modern Jewish Girl's Guide to Guilt"
"Why Good Girls Don't Get Ahead... But Gutsy Girls Do: Nine Secrets Every Working Woman Must Know"
"The Bad Girl's Guide to the Party Life"
"The Joy of Doing Things Badly: A Girl's Guide to Love, Life and Foolish Bravery"

Let me assure you, not one of these books was intended for someone under the age of 16. Many of these were marketed to full grown WOMEN. Yes, WOMEN. Don't let me get started on the books for women with the term Bitch in the title.

So thats another weekend all shot to hell.

2008-03-02T19:40:00.002-06:00

Sunday night. It comes so quickly. Tomorrow I get to go to work once again. When did this happen? When did I become a grown up? Somewhere between studying for final exams and now I managed to become an adult. I don't remember how or when but I find myself sitting here with a grown up job, a 401k, dental, taxes, bills, and obligations. I don't get carded for beer anymore. When did that happen? When did I start looking old enough to buy beer? When did it start mattering? I mean, when did it change from being cool to look older to trying to look younger. When did I hit that point? The thing here is: I'm not even old, I'm in my mid/late twenties. I still think about things like gray hairs and laugh lines. I try not to but I do. Its pathetic and superficial when I should be worring about how I should be reducing my carbon footprint and how to finish my application to graduate school. But while I do those things, I also wonder if I am going to need to start paying to dye my hair, if I need to start budgeting for that. I never thought I would be that type of person, because it shouldn't matter. If I was a man, it wouldn't matter. But since it does, I may just bend. That is what happens, as we get older the rules seem to change. Plans change. I don't think I have changed all that much. I still think we can change the world. I still believe in true love- despite my outward cynicism. I still love cinnamon. I still get nervous when my boss wants to talk to me, even though I know I can do my job and I am damn good at it. I still make a mean potroast. Anyway, I guess there was really no point to this except to say that I got beer at SuperTarget on Friday and they didn't card me. I haven't been carded in a year. I am beginning to think I need the botox or something.

A bit of trivia

2008-02-29T22:16:00.002-06:00

This is the one day that it is 'socially acceptable' for a woman to ask a man to marry her. Now that is a bit too old fashioned but it has interesting roots. It all stems from St. Bridget asking St. Patrick to marry her. Kinda cool.

Phone calls

2008-02-26T20:08:00.002-06:00

I got a call this evening, it totally made my day, which kinda sucked. I just love being talked to like an idiot - especially by customers who used to be coworkers. You would think people who worked with us would treat us like human beings, since they know we are human... but no. Treated me like I didn't have two brain cells to rub together.
Anyway, to the good part. I got a call from a J8 who asked me to come over and play. Told me I need to bring my DS and Mario. His little brother,C3, told me he loved me and kissed the telephone. Made the yucky stuff just disappear.

I love those boys. They can always make me giggle.

Vote for Lexi!

2008-02-19T18:01:00.003-06:00

Vote for Lexi!

There is a contest at Bissell for their next representative. I know this puppy's human.

Please take a peek and Vote for Lexi. You have until February 26th.

Thanks.

And now for something completly different

2008-02-18T19:06:00.003-06:00

With all of the sadness around, I thought I would post something a bit more uplifting...

Could this have been prevented?

2008-02-17T18:06:00.002-06:00

Yes. It could have been prevented. There. I have said it.

Everyone says that he was such a nice boy and he was the last one they would have suspected... I am sure he was a great guy, when he was on his medication. Everyone is so quick to blame the medication for causing this tragedy. Be careful with that. The problem isn't the medication, its the LACK of the proper medication. All of the reports state that the shooter went off his medication before he left his home in Urbana and headed north. Thus, we cannot blame the pharmaceutical companies, as he was no longer under their influence. Keeping him on his medication wouldn't have prevented it. We cannot force feed people pills. The solution is much simpler.

Also in the news is Senator Dick Durbin, for some legislation to increase campus security. That isn't going to fix it. Wait, this is old news. This was introduced back in April of 07.. It DIDN'T fix it.

We need to get rid of guns. I know this isn't a popular view. I am proud of Chicago's mayor for being one of the few brave enough to say it though. "We have a presidential election," Daley said. "People say they lose elections because they stand up to the gun manufacturers." (from a blog by Gary Washburn, see link). Nobody wants to anger the gun lovers... why? Oh yeah, cause they might SHOOT YOU. But lets stop and REALLY think about this for a minute. Had Kazmierczak not had the guns, he wouldn't have been able to harm as many people. Yes, he could have killed somepne with a knife, but it would have taken him longer and been a bit harder. They say that guns don't kill people, people kill people. Sure, but it is a hell of a lot harder to kill someone with a board with a nail in it then with a glock.

Now, for everyone out there who is concerned with their 2nd amendment rights, lets take a moment and read the second amendment.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed"

What does it mean? A well regulated Militia: latin in origin, basically is an army made of citizens when called to duty. Keep in mind, this was written in the 18th Century when the US didn't HAVE a full time army.

being necessary to the security of a free state: We must have an army for the country to defend itself if needed.

The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed: This is where it gets tricky. The right to keep the weapons is for those who will belong to the militia to defend the country. This was written in a time when a gun took several minutes to reload between single shots, inaccurate, and often considered more useful as clubs. I doubt the founding fathers ever expected to read newspapers with headlines about University students shooting each other or five dead in store shooting.

A normal citizen does not have any right to own a gun. there are so many deaths that could have been prevented.

Rather then talk about gun control they would rather discuss more pointless legislation and blame drug manufacturers that actually help people handle depression or anxiety... blame video games and rock music... but no, we can't dare actually talk about controlling the guns.

in shock

2008-02-14T22:02:00.002-06:00

Its happened again. Another tragedy. This one feels so much different. Possibly because it is so close to home. The news coverage on NBC has been nonstop. More likely, it is because I spent my first semester at college at NIU. I took a class in that building, that hall. It was about 10 years ago now. It was one of the classes I actually went to. I can't imagine what these young students are going through. My heart goes out to the entire Northern campus population, and the entire community of DeKalb. I am now going to hug my mom and dad, say a prayer, and get some sleep.

Shopping

2008-02-10T09:18:00.000-06:00

So, I was hanging out with my boys last night. Sweet little guys. I love them so much. Even when they are over tired, cranky, snotty and pitching a fit. Poor little c3 was in a mood. Its hard being the little one.

Despite all of that, we did have fun. Building with legos, j8 and I played video games and read.

When I was leaving, K asked what I was doing today. I told her I was going shopping with my mom. I supposed she sensed that I wasn't entirely looking forward to it. Don't get me wrong, I love my mom. She's great, but sometimes I feel like I am a disappointment. Still being single, not dating, sure, its not exactly what I expected but neither was Sushi and I LOVE sushi. Anyway, K just said to me that she would do just about anything to go shopping with her mom again. Even one of the tedious irritating 4 hour long ShopKo shopping trips. I miss Mrs. P. So much. It reminded me that even when moms drive us bonkers, they love us and want the best for us. I love my mom. She just wants me to be happy. So, if she brings up the fact that I am single and perhaps if I waxed my eyebrows more often things would be better, I will bite my tongue, smile, and tell her its an interesting point of view, and ask her what she thinks of this item on the shelf.

Oh, and Mom, when you read this? Because I know you probably will... I love you. You have always been on my side. You have always been there for me. So, thanks for that. And *hugs*. I know I don't tell you enough that I appreciate you and all you have done for me. Thanks.

Snow Day

2008-02-09T18:02:00.000-06:00

I am tired of the snow. It snowed forever on Wednesday. They actually let us leave early from work. They haven't finished clearing the roads and today- more snow. The local towns and counties are out of salt. Driving is a trick. Thank goodness for ABS.

Apparently I am not the only one who can't make a decision

2008-02-03T09:51:00.000-06:00

Groundhogs' vote: split

February 3, 2008

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. --

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Saturday, leading the groundhog to forecast six more weeks of winter.

Each Feb. 2, thousands of people descend on Punxsutawney, a town of about 6,100 people, to celebrate the German superstition.

In the Chicago area, the Brookfield Zoo said its groundhogs wouldn't come out, despite sweet potato cake and a crowd of more than 600 people. But one of the rodents, Tumbleweed, stuck her nose out and no shadow was seen -- so the forecast is for an early spring, the zoo said. AP

Split in two.

2008-01-31T17:05:00.000-06:00

I am torn. Now that Edwards is out. Kucinich is out. (I really liked Kucinich) We are down to two. Two candidates. Clinton or Obama. I am split. I cannot decide. They both have great things about them and also they both have things I don't like as well.

Obama: I agree with him as far as abortion rights- he doesn't like it. He also recognizes its not his decision for anyone else. He wants to do more to prevent unwanted pregnancy in the first place.

Clinton: She also has a liberal stance on a womans right to choose. She has also spoken out on keeping emergency contraception available.

So. Thats not going to help me decide.

Obama: Voted yes to extend the patriot act. I don't need to expand on that.
Clinton: So did she.

Ugh. They are beginning to look like two peas.

Obama: Supports the death penalty.
Clinton: Ditto... Crap

Both support universal health care, although Clinton is more vocal about it.

Both think that guns are bad.

Ugh. My head likes Obama because he is a great speaker, he is inspiring. My heart was for Edwards who is no longer in it so it is now broken in two. My uterus screams Clinton. Perfect would be Clinton/Obama for 2008-2016, and then Obama can take over. I know... I am living a fantasy... they would be unbeatable.

State of the Union- depressing?

2008-01-29T19:18:00.000-06:00

So, the state of the union. It was like a train wreak. I didn’t want to look. I couldn’t turn away. It was painful to listen to. Even harder to watch. Nancy Pelosi sitting there, behind him, reading along. I had hoped she might actually speak up against him when she became speaker. No such luck.
I am not going to do a full commentary. That would just take far too long.

THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.

Yes, History will record that we let a monkey wearing pants remain our president while we impeached a man for lying about fellatio. History will record that we attacked a country for no reason. The president with the highest disapproval rating in history still remains in power. History will record our apathy. Makes me proud.

Blah blah blah security, progress blah blah blah

To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future.

Jobs? Sure… there are tons of jobs available, in the Army, Navy, Air Force…

In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that that growth is slowing. So last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment...

I heard about this tax relief. At first it was going to be $800, then $600…now its something like $300 maybe. Here is the news for you. $300 bucks isn’t going to save Joe’s house from being foreclosed on. It isn’t going to prevent Jane’s car from being repossessed. It isn’t going to make a dent in Bob’s $500k in medical bills. It might buy groceries for the week for a family of 5, if they buy the cheap chips. Do something that will REALLY make a difference.

We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we've delivered over the past seven years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I'm pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders. (Laughter and applause.)

How about this? Make your rich friends and corporations pay an equal share? Why do I have to pay a larger percentage of my income than someone who makes more in a month then I do in a YEAR? They won’t notice an extra $200.00 a month NEARLY as much as I do.

Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about their federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There's only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the tax relief permanent. (Applause.) And members of Congress should know: If any bill raises taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it. (Applause.)

Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely. Next week, I'll send you a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs, totaling more than $18 billion. The budget that I will submit will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012. American families have to balance their budgets; so should their government. (Applause.)

I have an idea- bring home our troops, cut the defense budget, get rid of your homeland security department, reallocate that money to education, social security, paying the wounded soldiers and their families what we promised them…

The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks -- special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. Last year, I asked you to voluntarily cut the number and cost of earmarks in half. I also asked you to stop slipping earmarks into committee reports that never even come to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So this time, if you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I'll send it back to you with my veto. (Applause.)

I don’t know about you but I don’t trust my government. I question my government. I was taught that it wasn’t only my right as an American to question my government but my DUTY as an American to question my government.

To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options. We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans…The Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create Association Health Plans for small businesses, promote health information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits. … we will help ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor's office -- not in the halls of Congress. (Applause.)

Last time I checked, these decisions were actually made in the halls of Aetna or Blue Cross Blue Shield. The more you talk about health care, the more you sound like that other ‘beloved’ president…Nixon, who was also a big fan of HMOs and insurance companies. You really ought to shut up. We need to go to socialized medicine like Europe. Medical care is NOT a privilege; it is a basic human right.

On education, we must trust students to learn if given the chance, and empower parents to demand results from our schools. In neighborhoods across our country, there are boys and girls with dreams -- and a decent education is their only hope of achieving them.

Trust children to learn? No, we must force them to learn. Get the funnel and the mallet. Shove the knowledge into them. Do not give them an option.

Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no one can deny its results. Last year, fourth and eighth graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are on the rise. African American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs. (Applause.) Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibility for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, provide extra help for struggling schools.

Making the tests easier does NOT mean you were successful. It just improves the scores.

On trade… we're pursuing opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements… I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia and Panama and South Korea… They will give us better access to nearly 100 million customers. They will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say "Made in the USA." (Applause.)

Interesting, I go to the local store and I can’t find a single thing that says “Made in the USA.” Maybe if I take a vacation to Colombia I will finally be able to purchase something made by a fellow American.

These agreements also promote America's strategic interests. The first agreement that will come before you is with Colombia, a friend of America that is confronting violence and terror, and fighting drug traffickers. If we fail to pass this agreement, we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come together, pass this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life. (Applause.)

Lets not forget who helped make Columbia the wonderful country it is today- filled with death squads and drug cartels… headed by top students from the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, GA.

Trade brings better jobs and better choices and better prices. Yet for some Americans, trade can mean losing a job, and the federal government has a responsibility to help. (Applause.) I ask Congress to reauthorize and reform trade adjustment assistance, so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs.

And we will call it the Military…

Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. (Applause.) Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. …

An international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gasses? That sounds like a brilliant idea. Why didn’t someone think of that already. One would think some smart earth friendly person in Kyoto would have come up with just such a thing… perhaps even call it something really catchy, like say the Kyoto Protocol… nah…

To keep America competitive into the future… I ask Congress to double federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on Earth. (Applause.)

But the earth was only created in 6 days… what more do we need to know?

On matters of life and science… we're expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. And so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life. (Applause.)

I thought we went over this last year… I can’t make a clone of myself and enslave it to do my bidding. Understood. Back to real life now? This isn’t Austin Powers. We have more important things to deal with now.

On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. (Applause.) I've submitted judicial nominees who … are being unfairly delayed.

If they were going to actually follow the constitution it wouldn’t be a problem. The REAL constitution. Not the one you made up in crayon. Not the one that has your asterisk that says at the bottom “unless I don’t wanna” The reason they are held up is because they are NOT worthy of confirmation, that is WHY the constitution allows for the debates in the senate.

Tonight the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast …I'm pleased to announce that in April we will host this year's North American Summit of Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans. (Applause.)

And above is the ONLY mention we get of the hell that was Katrina. That was it. Basically he said they are hosting the summit there so everything is hunky-dory.

There are two other pressing challenges that I've raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration …(Applause.)

The reasons? Because you are spending the money we put into social security etc, on war mongering. The other issue? Yeah, only you are terrified of the evil brown people. Most intelligent people have caught on to your pathetic diversion tactic. If we blame the evil brown people from the south we won’t pay attention to all of the murder and evil you are doing in the east. Its over. We are now WATCHING YOU.

While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago. (Applause.) When we met last year, many said that containing the violence was impossible. A year later, high profile terrorist attacks are down, civilian deaths are down, sectarian killings are down.

Notice how he doesn’t mention anything about our troops… 2007 was the deadliest year for our soldiers. As of today the total number of American troops that we have lost in this pointless attack is 3941.

Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who have turned on al Qaeda and admitted that coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq.

You remembered his name! I’m impressed…

By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden the extremists, strengthen Iran, and give terrorists a base from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies, and our homeland…(Applause.)

Ah, yes, we must bomb another country… in fact, why don’t you just nuke them all, press the big button. Who needs them. Get rid of Africa too. China, Australia as well. Too many marsupials there. And Japan, they are constantly showing us up with their cars that actually work well and have great gas mileage. While we are at it, we should invade England. They have always been so uppity with their tea and crumpets. Show them. Yeah. And France… cause they have funny hats… hehehe.

Blah blah blah, terror, blah blah blah, danger blah blah blah.

America opposes genocide in Sudan. (Applause.)

But genocide in Iraq is awesome…

We support freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma. (Applause.)

United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Haiti, Jamaica, Peru; Republic Dominican, Cuba, Caribbean, Greenland, El Salvador too. Puerto Rico, Columbia, Venezuela, Honduras, Guyana, and still; Guatemala, Bolivia, Oh, wait…I thought we were singing the Nations of the World with Yakko Warner…Sorry.

America is a force for hope in the world because we are a compassionate people, and some of the most compassionate Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us. We must keep faith with all who have risked life and limb so that we might live in freedom and peace. Over the past seven years, we've increased funding for veterans by more than 95 percent. And as we increase funding -- (applause.) And as increase funding we must also reform our veterans system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation. (Applause.) I call on the Congress to enact the reforms recommended by Senator Bob Dole and Secretary Donna Shalala, so we can improve the system of care for our wounded warriors and help them build lives of hope and promise and dignity. (Applause.)

Then pay them what you promised. Pay them a living wage. Cover their medical expenses and pay them their disability benefits without question.

Blah blah blah

So tonight, with confidence in freedom's power, and trust in the people, let us set forth to do their business. God bless America. (Applause.)

To see the full text of the speech- go here: 2008 State of the Union

Three Things...

2008-01-28T20:13:00.000-06:00

I have three things to talk about today.
#1. My voice mail. I had a message on my voice mail on my cell phone for Kaitlyn Smith. I have no idea who she is or why someone would leave a message for her on my cell phone. Especially since my voice mail says my name twice. If you are calling Kaitlyn and you get Maddie's voice mail and it specifically tells you that it is ONLY Maddie's voice mail and not to leave a message for anyone other than Maddie... would you then proceed to leave a message for Kaitlyn? Yeah.

#2. I work in a call center. I take 80+ calls every day. When you call a customer service line, please remember that you are speaking to a real person on the other side. We have feelings, we are someone's mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, husband, or wife... We do what we can to help. Please do not abuse us. Help us. When we ask for your name, give us your full name- first and last. Do not talk as though you have marbles in your mouth. Its frustrating, I know. But trust me, you are not the only Alexis or Walter that we have in our customer database. And no, just because you talked to me 3 weeks ago, doesn't mean I remember every detail of that conversation. I don't remember who you are. I spoke to over 1200 people last month. Sorry.

#3. I came home from work today. And despite the previous note- it wasn't even a bad day, just a few annoying messages from Bob who wanted me to call him back because he talked to me on the 7th. I have no idea who Bob is. No last name, no account number, nothing else. But I am supposed to call him back. Sure. Anyway, onwards to # 3. I am sick of political ads. We haven't even had the primary election here yet and during one break there were 4 ads in a row. I miss hearing about Jane's herpes or Joe's ED.

Okay, so now I am yelling at the TV because the State of the Union address is REALLY pissing me off. How much time is left? Too much. Ugh. He is such an idiot. We need to impeach him.

I'm sensitive

2008-01-26T21:57:00.000-06:00

I saw this on T.V. last week...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22825996/

I can't get it out of my head. I have heard about the atrocities of the holocaust, read books, graphic novels, heard lectures, seen documentaries, etc... But this got to me. They shared the story of Dina Beitler. When she was five years old, she was forced into a mass grave and buried alive. She managed to claw her way out and survive that horror.

I just don't understand how anyone could do such a thing, to anyone... let alone a child. The excuse? they were following orders. They say they had no option. If everyone just blindly followed orders and didn't question anything we would still be part of Europe, or possibly still in Europe... without the wheel. Following orders is not a valid excuse.

We are at least acknowledging our history - sorta. We don't discuss the recent genocides of Bosnia, Rwanda, Darfur... We have learned from our history so well. It is still happening today. All because someone is following orders.

It all just gets to me, breaks my heart. I don't get it. I can't comprehend how cruel people can be. The thought of that tiny girl, so frightened and alone, in the dark, trying to pull herself up out of the earth still haunts me.

I always have been sensitive.

learn more at: http://www.yadvashem.org/

Apple

2008-01-25T19:42:00.000-06:00

I keep seeing the commercials for the new MacBook Air and man...I want one. They are just so cute and tiny and cute and thin and everything my computer isn't but oh well... I do see one problem with them. Only one usb port- I need more then that. I like to have my USB snowman plugged in during the winter. However, if they came in different colors, like the iPods did- I may end up getting one- if it came in pink.

I have a new countdown clock...

2008-01-21T21:20:00.000-06:00

I finally found something to replace my countdown until the next Heroes clock.
Just a little something to look forward to.

Cold.

2008-01-20T19:21:00.000-06:00

Its cold. At a certain point, I don't want to know if its 6 degrees or 4 degrees or 12 below... its all the same. Its cold. Why anyone would want to live in this climate is beyond me.

Music

2008-01-12T19:02:00.000-06:00

You may ask, hey, whats up with the music on the blog here? One of my mom's friends has music on her blog and now my my mom wants music so then I had to figure out how to do music and well, here we are. Don't worry, it probably won't last too long.

2008-01-09T20:56:00.000-06:00

So, I saw these at Vinyl Wall Art and I just had to have them. I ordered them in Silver and I can hardly wait for them to arrive. They will look so cute hanging around in my room.

Now, if only I could get over this darn "unspecified pharyngitis" or perhaps it would specify itself. Ugh.

pictures, etc

2008-01-06T21:08:00.001-06:00

It has been a while. I have been meaning to put up some photos. First, I was home one day and saw them vacuuming our lawn. Pretty silly.

Dressed up at work for Halloween:

and Finally: The holiday party:

pictures, etc

2008-01-06T21:08:00.000-06:00

Long time.

2007-11-10T10:02:00.000-06:00

Its been awhile. I have been meaning to post some things. I will get to it, I promise. I have pics of my Halloween costume (Thanks mom!!!) and a few other things I want to share. I just haven't uploaded them yet.

So, last night I fired up my desktop machine. Its down in the basement.

I didn't realize how much I missed it. As you can see, the basement is a bit of a work in progress. We had to pull up the floor as it was a bit flooded. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the laptop, but there is something about sitting at my desk with my old computer that I just miss. I suppose it is because I have always had that computer, or some version of it, although at this point I don't think any of it is from my original, but I never replace the whole thing at once. It is my Frank. Sure, the laptop does everything I need it to and then some, but I like my track ball, they don't make them like that anymore. I like my monitor, I like the fact that it glows blue. the speakers don't match any of it. Oh well, eventually I will get things put back together. There is one thing that I love about the laptop that my desktop will NEVER be able to do. And no, its not the fact that I can take it with me. No, its not anything to do with specs. It keeps me warm in the winter - which is just around the corner.

What do you do if you have no pillow?

2007-10-08T21:48:00.001-05:00

nopillow
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

Well, if you are a panda, apparently you use your baby.

Yes. I am addicted to the panda cam at the San Diego Zoo.

Irony, party of 1?

2007-10-08T19:08:00.001-05:00

irony
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

I was on my way home today and I had to snap a photo of this. A Toyota Prius with a Bush/Cheney bumper sticker. Its like the time I was at the local grocery store and watched this woman check out in front of me. Her cart was filled with all organic health foods and containers marked free trade. She pulled out her reusable eco friendly bags. I purchased my two items and was in the parking lot with plenty of time to watch her load her bags into her HUMMER! Not even the (please ignore the oxymoron here) small variety here, but a real full size HUMMER!

On another note: I have a confession to make. I feel so guilty. I feel so dirty. In my quest to find the proper fabric for my Halloween costume I went to Walmart. I feel so gross and wrong.

Its been a long day

2007-09-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

Only two more days left this week. Now I just have to figure out how I got talked into doing OT on Friday. I'm such an idiot. I am so burnt out at work so what do I do? I sign up for more. It just gets hard, the abuse. Everyone gets all worked up when a customer is treated poorly but I get cursed out at least once a week. I have customers hang up on me, treat me like scum, call me names, accuse me of doing horrible things and I am supposed to just ignore it? To be honest, for the most part I can, but sometimes it does get me a bit down. If you are always told you are worthless, useless, stupid, and a nobody, at some point it is hard to remember its not true.

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us - don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know!

How dreary to be somebody!
How public like a frog
To tell one's name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!

-Emily Dickinson

I'll be okay, I just need to shake it off.

San Diego Zoo

2007-09-18T08:26:00.001-05:00

babypandacam
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

If you go to the San Diego Zoo website, http://www.sandiegozoo.org/, you can check out their webcams. I was taking a look at their panda cam this morning and I got a peek at their new baby! Isn't this just a bundle of awwwww. You also can see the apes, polar bears, and elephants. This was just priceless though. I had to share the love.

Well, I am going to finish getting my act together. I am headed up to Madison with GB to visit her sister. I am going to take a walk down to this little bakery near the hospital that has these AMAZING cookies. I know, it sorta defeats the purpose of a walk but YUM. (http://www.lanesbakeryandgifts.com/)

Ya know what we need here in the midwest?

2007-08-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

More rain!!!

These pics came to me via my mom, who got them from her mom, who got them from her sister in law... this is up in Richland Center Wisconsin, which is west of Madison, WI. My grandma grew up there. And so the weather forecast for tomorrow? More rain. We got more rain after these were taken as well.

So yeah... thoughts on Food

2007-08-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

I am going through these weird eating phases. I was going through a risotto phase, thats pretty much done with now. Now its Italian. Gnocchi, Fettuccini, Cannoli, chicken tetrazzini. I miss Paradiso Perduto. That was a good restaurant. It closed and a Mexican place moved in. Yeah, not even close. Imagine the best thing you have ever eaten, this was 10,000 times better. I really want some good italian. Ooh, or some sweet potato polenta, from Heaven on Seven. They used to have a location right near my brother which would be handy but now its all out of the way. Ugh. There isn't anyplace good to eat around here anymore. Okay, I take that back. I can satisfy my sushi craving with a twenty. There is a fabu little French place not too far away that has a great Tuesday night dinner deal. But by in large, most of the places around here are giant chain places: your TGi-Applebee-Chilis places that all taste the same.

Came home today

2007-08-21T18:48:00.000-05:00

I got a happy surprise today. I came home from work, after stopping at the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner, to an extra car in the driveway. My big bro came home to help in the flooded basement!! Howe nice was that? I have the best big bro.

Basement...

2007-08-20T18:55:00.000-05:00

I haven't been down there yet today, but my mom says its flooded again, on the finished side. That being the side where all my stuff is. It has been a day, I tell ya. Goose was supposed to go to the vet today. I was running around for 10 minutes trying to locate his travel cage and couldn't find it. Finally I get in touch with my dad who knew where it was and I pull it out, trip on either the stool or the Treadmill, not sure which, fling the cage across the floor, hear my ankle pop, and down I went. I am not exactly sure what happened next- if I said some foul words and then said goodbye to my father or the other way around. I then attempted to stand and get goose into his cage, he bit me and flew onto the floor, I called the vet, told them it just wasn't going to happen today, crawled to the freezer for an ice pack, waited for goose to decide that he wanted his ducky, put him back in his cage and crawled back to the couch. It hurts pretty bad, but I will be okay. I just need to figure out how to get that carpet tile out of the basement and I think I am going to paint the floor a nice grassy green color.

This might make me get up in the morning

2007-08-18T22:48:00.000-05:00

So, basically when it goes off those little puzzle pieces go flying about and the alarm starts screaming at ya. It won't shut up until you collect the bits and put the puzzle back together. I am pretty sure it would either wake me up or end up in bits against the wall.

I saw this and thought it was really funny

2007-08-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

2007-08-17T19:40:00.000-05:00

On a side note, I wanted to show everyone my awesome new light I got for my room. A special thanks to Poppers for putting it up.

Don't ya just LOVE Ikea?

crazy mosquito!

2007-08-17T19:25:00.000-05:00

So, last Sunday I woke up all itchy! Somehow a mosquito got in my room and decided my foot was an all you can eat buffet. You can't see the ones on my leg or my other foot either. I think the grand total was 14, 9 on my left foot alone! It was just evil. I hate bugs.

Gotta give 'em props!

2007-08-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to post this for awhile.
I LOVE the Glamazons. Check them out here They are confident, beautiful, talented, sexy, just awesome. I am not a huge reality TV show fan but I just adore these chicks and I gotta support them!

Been a long time

2007-07-25T17:27:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon! It has been a long time since I have posted. I keep meaning to write but I get distracted. I wonder why. Lets see... So much to talk about:
Basement flooded: Found frogs in the window well:

Peonys bloomed: Hanging with my gnomies:

There are blackberries growing along the back fence:

I've been working a lot lately. Thinking about getting a new camera, a small one so when I go places I actually take it out of the car. There are so many options and decisions. I can't decide. I must research further.

I will try to write more. I make no promises.

I really shouldn't read the news

2007-06-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

So, according to some wench that fox 'news' and I use the word news lightly, dug up, the most recent winner of American Idol is fat. See this article. She is So not fat. This is what I don't understand:
Emaciated is defined as: No obvious body fat, the ribs and backbones are easily seen form a distance. There is noticeable muscle loss. The waist has an accentuated hourglass shape and the abdomen is severely tucked. Or this:
Poor Puppy. He's all better now, I checked.

This is what the fashion industry tries to sell as beautiful:
I'm sorry, but I don't see the difference. I see women who are under-nourished and emaciated. I do not see beautiful. Check back. I will be showing you what I think is beautiful shortly.

K.C.: 2 Years, Ryan: 3 Years.

2007-05-27T21:01:00.001-05:00

kcryan1
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

K.C. and Ryan, Who are you? Where are you? When were you here? Do you remember the day you pressed your tiny hands into the concrete in the basement? Probably not. Do you remember seeing them years later? How small they are compared to your hands now. There are so many things about this house that drive me nuts, how one side of the house is so much hotter than the other, how there are switches that aren't connected to anything, the wires that go nowhere, but when I come across little things like this, it makes me appreciate an older house. So, for now, I will care for these tiny hands.

The Cicadas are Coming! The Cicadas are Coming!!!

2007-05-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

I wish the cicadas would just get here and be done with it already. I am getting a little tired of all this Chicken Little type hype. It's not the end of the world. Yea, I know. Lots of giant bugs. Big deal. I was here 17 years ago. Lots of giant bugs. It was gross and loud but move on. Any excuse not to report any actual news. So in case you missed it: The cicadas are coming! Only once every 17 years! They are loud! They Make Noise! Watch out for the annoying Cicadas! That is ALL THEY DO! They look freaky and make noise. Maybe that is why everyone was so fascinated by Sanjaya. He looked freaky and made noise, like a cicada?

A great weekend for goodies.

2007-05-14T21:35:00.000-05:00

I found a dresser finally. I got it at the antique show in Grayslake. I LOVE it. 1930s, art deco, birds eye maple. The drawers are deep, will hold a lot of stuff. It even has the original drawer pulls.

I also picked up on of my favorite candy bars over the weekend. They are a bit pricey for every day, about $1.30 each. They are milk chocolate on the outside and this crunchy sweet salty stuff on the inside. Its hard to describe. I love them.

A tiny neighbor.

2007-05-04T10:49:00.000-05:00

So I was able to use a bit of vacation time today and so I got home a bit early. When I pulled into the driveway I saw this little guy sitting on the front step. All of a sudden he was gone. I had no idea where he went... I grabbed my camera and waited for a minute. He has been using this as his own personal tunnel.

April 11th, 2007

2007-04-28T09:54:00.003-05:00

100_0443
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

Our back yard... Lovely spring weather, don't you think?

a little late...April 11th

2007-04-28T09:54:00.001-05:00

100_0444
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

So, it's been awhile. I know. Signs of spring right? What was up with this!

Popper's Arm is healing fast

2007-04-02T21:26:00.001-05:00

Popper's Arm is healing fast
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

I have been meaning to post this up for awhile. Just a quick update on Dad's progress. He can even rotate his wrist a bit. Go Poppers!!!

Downy Woodpecker

2007-03-11T14:08:00.001-05:00

Downy Woodpecker
Originally uploaded by ragingaddgirl.

I was trying to snap a better photo of a robin outside today but I actually got a couple photos of this little guy instead. He paid me no mind as he dug into that branch for a snack. He flung bits of bark all over the place. I watched him for a bit. I couldn't help but wonder why they don't get dizzy and fall off the trees pounding their heads like that. Especially when they are hanging from the underside of the branch. I also got some photos of some sort of plant that is sprouting up under the office window. I have no idea what it is. It is definitely going to be a spring of surprises at this house, both good and bad. Later I will post the surprise we got in our basement.