Whaddaya MEAN You've Never Heard of Me?!?

Game of Thrones is kicking my ass. It's awesome! After the season ends, I'm totally going to read the first book. The cast is amazing, and if Peter Dinklage does not win an Emmy, then that shit is rigged. He is goddamn delightful to watch.

I am drafting the last chapter of The Finster Effect tonight. This second draft is pretty damn good. But after a week of polishing it's gonna sparkle like a teenage vampire's junk. (Or, you know...like something good.) It's funny, because H and I differ wildly in opinion as to what this last chapter is doing. I thought I was being very clear, and he thought I was doing something else entirely. I get pretty frustrated with H's inability to read my mind, which is why he and I have never successfully collaborated on a writing project. I feel a sort of inner imperative to not drag him down to my level. If you've ever read what I write, that will make sense to you. He's far too happy a person to want to be mired in all that cumbersome darkness and fear.

I'm away from the day-job from now through June 2nd. Then I'm gonna spend a day watching movies and TV and stuff. I might check out Kate Winslet's Mildred Pierce on HBO. I also have that Joan Crawford movie "I saw what you did" on the DVR. That'll be a good watch, methinks.

And just to keep it lively, here's the star of our show: Joey JoJo Junior Shabadoo.

Let me begin with a belated pic in honor of all you mothers out there:

Obviously, I could have gone a lot of different ways with this: Margaret White, Mrs Vorhees, that wench from "Mother's Day," Augusta Gein, or even the mom from Flowers in the Attic. I went with a classic, because that's how I roll.

I've been craving the kind of food elementary kids eat for lunch. Bologna and "american cheese" slices, tiny chocolate puddings in a little cup, if I'm not careful, I'll find myself drinking colored water out of a little plastic barrel. This week, I bought chicken and pork bologna instead of beef, and Meijer brand "american cheese" slices to save $5. Not sure how it will taste. At least I didn't buy WonderBread or Miracle Whip. When a processed foodstuff sounds like it has magical/mythical properties, it's probably best not to eat it.

Today is the first official day of my week off. I'm not back at work until this Saturday. Today is mostly spending time with H. We're gonna play Left 4 Dead 2 DLC: The Passing. Then perch, salad, and cornbread for dinner; and a viewing of The Box which we have not seen yet and which did NOT get good reviews. When H and I first got together, we talked for hours on end, almost daily. One day we were talking about old TV shows, and we both remembered one ep of Twilight Zone remake in particular--and after talking at length about it, we realized that it was based on "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson. Matheson, of course, being responsible for some of the best horror TV and movies of all-time. For serious.
Tomorrow, recording with my Narrator, then LOST, then writing. Wednesday is audio editing and writing. Thursday is my doc appointment, and writing. Friday is open for now, hoping that the lovely kissdbyagnome will join me for lunch or some such. And then more writing.

Finished Off Season by Jack Ketchum. Goddamn. He scares the hell out of me, even though this was his first book and he got even better. I read the Unedited version, which means the version he didn't have to compromise on. The apathy of my publisher is a drag some times, but I'm glad he's never made me cut anything I felt was important. And I had a little scare over the elephant story in S4S. But it's in there, as some of you know.

Went to Blockbuster over the weekend to spend some gift cards I'd had forever. Scored copies of Analyze This, Precious, 9, and The Box for $17 total. Wanted to buy Home Movie as well but they only had it as a rental. Turns out, when you start a new account at Blockbuster (I hadn't been there since I got married and couldn't remember my old phone number) they give you a free rental with "no return date." So I'm keeping their rental copy. Ha! I really do love that movie and am stoked to watch it on my big TV. Downloaded Incredible Shrinking Man for iPod yesterday, just for fun.

My Bic lighter just died. And I don't have another one. Drag.

And finally, my new Audiobook Podcast, "Take a Stab at This!" is now live on my website. Pod-o-matic wanted a LOT of money to host all my eps there. Since I'm already paying for a site with purportedly unlimited bandwidth and storage, there was no reason in the world not to put everything over there. You can listen at the site, download FREE mp3's, or subscribe through iTunes to get automatic updates. Pretty sweet, eh? New eps will go up once a week.
And for the love of all that is scary, please tell your friends!

I have today off because I am working on Saturday this week. So far, everything is going according to my sinister plan. Got paid yesterday, going to cash my cheque tomorrow (minus what I give H for the bills). After I pay the dentist and put aside my cab monies for the next 2 weeks, I should have a small fortune leftover for my getaway weekend with absinthofheart to celebrate her birthday. I do so enjoy her company. This year I got her the fourth in the series of Harry Potter pens from The Noble Collection. They are boss.

In weird-ass news, a mentally ill kid from my Alma Mater seems to have murdered someone in Italy while on a school trip. Isn't that cray-zay?

In things-that-will-surely-suck news, Keanu Reeves has signed on to star in Jekyll and Hyde. I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty sick of Keanu fucking up things I love. He fucks up Shakespeare, he almost ruined Dracula, he destroyed Day the Earth Stood Still, and now he's going to massacre Jekyll & Hyde. I guess he hasn't heard that you need ACTING ABILITY to take on such a role. It's not a fucking action mov--well, I suppose if they really wanted to fuck it up bad, they could make it one. I wouldn't put it past Hollywood to show less than no respect for such a classic and wonderful story.

So far, the Star Trek reviews are good. I'm stoked, as H and I plan to see it Tuesday night when I get off work.

I'm quite sick of hearing about the bible thumping, fake boob getting, pageant losing, prejudice spokesmodel Miss California. Like "Joe the Plumber" I'm at a loss for why anyone gives a rat's ass what these people think. They are not learned, well spoken, or particularly well informed. So why are they in every third news story?

As for me, I'm going to kill off a character today, and get some things summed up.
And for anyone who was paying attention, it appears that I did not make any kind of stir whatsoever at the Ippy Awards. Bummer.

But I really think that lately I've been enjoying watching Seth McFarland's shows better than The Simpsons. I know, blasphemy right? I'm not saying that Family Guy is a better show, just that I'm enjoying watching it more. I think overall Simps has been a spectacular show, one of the best in the history of television, and certainly the best animated show. But in terms of just sitting down and watching, I always laugh harder at Family Guy (and even American Dad sometimes) than I do at Simpsons. Plus, I find that the social and political commentary in the McFarlane shows is dead-on in a lot of places. I find myself laughing, nodding and saying "pretty much" a lot while I watch.

So...Wolverine. It got leaked, right? Well, then why isn't everybody talking about how good it is? Doesn't that logically follow that if people have seen it, they should be raving? They aren't. This leads me toward great worry. I don't want it to be bad. Liev Schrieber is awesome.

Let's not forget that today is the birthday of hellamama. Be nice to her, she's someone's Mom. Actually, she's sort to TWO someone's mom. Here's hoping her birthday is delightful!!

As for me, I'm opening four days in a row this week. I don't care for openings, and I don't care for working four days in a row. I do realize that many people do this, but those people are not me. I'm on a LOT of medication, and I needs my sleep. I also need days off to write. I only wrote a chapter and a half all weekend. Anyway, I want sleep and won't be able to get any real sleep until Friday. Frown.

Not sure I'll be able to get the weekend off for the birthday of absinthofheart. I was supposed to ask for it off like, a month ago and flaked on the date. So now I probably won't get to go away that weekend. 'Course, I really should be using that time to write anyway. Speaking of writing, I'm supposed to put the employee newsletter out in 3 days and I have almost no news for it. Fie!

I have MC Chris's song "Fetts Vette" stuck in my head. Boooooo!

Like every Monday, this morning was very difficult. Plus I have a terribly busy week this week so I could get Friday off. Now, it turns out that I didn't need Friday off but I actually need the following Tuesday off. I was able to switch, so I can still go out of town. Everything feels more difficult and stressful than it should these days...

Still feeling quite manic. It's a bummer because while being depressed makes everything more difficult, mania is actually MUCH more dangerous in terms of screwing up my life. I spend too much money, indulge in way too much of this or that ;-] and tell everyone I know exactly what I think of them...which is NOT the way to win friends and influence people. ;-] I'll be glad when I'm feeling better. It's one of those things that you have to just man-up and tough it out. Then again, it might turn out that I really need my other meds, we'll just see how it goes I guess.

In brighter news, the new guy at work brought us chocolate with bacon in it. I had a bacon-chocolate dessert on my honeymoon in Chicago and it was yummers! This is a chocolate bacon bar, so it's not as decandent, but damn tasty all the same.

I'm back from my weekend away. We went to the vacation house in Clare to write. I wrote a little more than 3 chapters, which turned out to be about 4k words. Not as many as I'd write during 3 days of NaNoWriMo, but still pretty good. Still not sure if I'm going to do the NaNo this year, I'll have to consult my idea file and think on it.

The weekend was, for the most part, nice and relaxing. I always enjoy spending quality time with absinthofheart, though I wish she didn't share her snacks with me so much. Keebler makes a shortbread cookie with fudge on it that I shouldn't have been anywhere near, it seems.
We saw an array of fun animals, as usual, though I think the dog (we took one with us) kept some of them away. There were blue jays and rabbits, a very big black cat and my favorite, deer. I love to see deer bounding around looking all majestic and whatnot.

My serial killer is coming along nicely. Right now he's decided to kidnap Elise, to see if the fortified cell he built is going to hold the girl he really wants to keep captive. Elise does not have long to live, methinks.

This week I plan to finish reading Watchmen, start reading Angels and Demons, sign all my copies of Cat's Apprentice and get them ready to send out on Sunday, and write at least 2 more chapters. That's in addition to going to work, of course.

Now, H and I are off to play Wii pool, and maybe some bowling. We really need to buy Wii Play instead of borrowing it. Cow racing and pool are way too much fun.

While I'm here, what are you guys being for Halloween?
I think I'm just going to go to work in my pajamas and be "slumber party Wednes."
Other than that, I don't have any scary plans yet.

My three day weekend was very nice, and mostly spent with H. He's a good one, that H. We played Wii, watched TV, hosted a guest or two and slept very late. I made a big peanutty stir fry that was just delicious. I am back to work today, just like everyone else I imagine.

Is it true that there was no BattleStar Galactica this week? There is no new episode On Demand.
I hope we haven't missed one as we are ever nearer to the season finale.
Would that also be the series finale? I forget.

We started watching the new Andromeda Strain on A&E last night, with the second half running tonight. It has a pretty good cast but I find it kind of blah. H likes it though, so we'll be sure to catch the end when I get home from work.

Got my finished galley for The Cat's Apprentice. To my horror, thehula was accidentally omitted from the acknowledgments page. One thousand apologies to her. She is one of my most loyal internet readers who was supposed to get a shout out this time around.

I may have a lead for a book signing. Who'da thunk it'd be so difficult setting up a book signing in a town like Ann Arbor? The B&N's around here say they don't host signings, and Borders thinks my house is too small and they don't like POD presses. Even the comic book shop didn't want to host a signing for me, and it's these signings that get books sold.

I'm using some Avon pear scented body spray today. It's yummy, I think I'm gonna buy some more if they still have it. Mine is left over from several summers ago.

My new bag was supposed to be delivered today. Since I didn't know I had to sign for it, I took a nap after work and missed the delivery guy. Fie! Hopefully, they will try again tomorrow when one of us is both home and awake.

I'm splitting town tomorrow for the weekend. Going to relax and read and maybe go on the boat. You kids behave yourselves while I'm gone! ;-] I haven't been able to go to the vacation house much since I've been back to work, so I'm glad to be going back for a few days. Plus, it's absinthofheart's birthday. I don't even know how old she is. 28 maybe? I'll also be missing LOST until probably Monday, so please no one spoil it for me.

Lately I've developed a tv crush on Chris Meloni. Strange, since I've been watching SVU for years and never noticed how hot he is before. Go figure. I'm also quite a fan of Jeremy Sisto on L&O TOS. He's been in some horror films I like, most notably May. That's a crazy movie.

Seriously though...

My new meds are making me feel like ass. We know this, this is not a surprise. I doubled the dosage per the docs instructions and everything got exponentially worse. Fie! Then I Emailed work to let them know I wasn't coming in, thinking they'd be pretty peeved. Instead of peevery, they offered me next week off as well. I took them up on it, almost drooling at all the writing and reading I'll be able to accomplish in that amount of time.

I've decided to work on my Serial Killer novel, and have changed the theme to a religious one. The narrator is no longer trying to kill Mikey, but to lead him to salvation. Dami may get to live, because Chandra may become a little less impulsive. Maybe not though...Anyway, I have some swell ideas that will hopefully fall into place once I give this thing a good going over, which I intend to do as soon as I finish rereading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Half Blood Price was just as sad as I remembered it. But I always knew Snape would turn out to be good.

I've been thinking a lot about sattelites lately. There must be zillions of them floating around up there, since so many things are sattelite dependent. I was reading about how the Monterey bay aquarium let another Great White Shark go, and that every time it's dorsal fin breaks the surface it sends a signal to a sattelite. Doesn't that mean that the scientists launched it's own sattelite? And all the phone companies and whatever else that use sattelites, do they all have their own or do they share? And what else do those sattelites do? Are they keeping an eye on us? I bet they are.
It's enough to make you want to wear a foil hat.

As it happens, I have a stellar idea for this years NaNoWriMo, so I'm going to do it. I didn't think I'd bother trying this year since I finally have a job, but then I perused my idea file and saw something great. Then I decided to bring back a character I wrote a few NaNo's ago, Raymond. Raymond is a 32 year old pothead who lives with his mother and encounters a monster in a local park. He's juxtaposed by a 30-something chubby chick with severe emotional problems. I love writing people with severe emotional problems. And now I can even write people who are sane, since my meds give me insight on that very thing. So get ready to see a bunch of those little widgets that tell you how I'm doing, fot I am indeed NaNo ing this year.

Sadly, my NaNo interview is no longer availible on the site. But I saved a copy, so let me know if you missed it and want to hear it. It was posted over the summer, when basically no one is thinking about NaNo.

I was toying with the idea of going on a short vacation this weekend. But is it the birthday of two of my favorite guys who aren't H, uterdic and lickingtoad. I think they are both turning 12. ;-] I also have a novel to write, and absolutely MUST get back on Sunday in time for Halloween Simpsons. I don't know if I want to risk it.

Tomorrow I'm going to the sec of state to change my name on my drivers license. Yes, I have a drivers license even though I don't drive. People find that shocking sometimes, I dunno why.

Okay, I'm going to eat some Jimmy Johns, and then get to writing.

I'm back.

Did I miss anything?

I ate a piece of chocolate today that was so horrible I spat it out.
That's never happened to me before, not ever.
I think some other flavor infiltrated it or something.
Gawd awful, I tells ya!


We watched that movie Man of the Year. It was highly mediocre, and not particularly funny. Next time I'll just watch Dave with Kevin Klien. That movie is awesome. Man of the Year's premise is a good one, and it's well cast. But it just forgets to be funny and is not especially poignant or inventive. Too bad really.


I'm looking forward to going on vacation the weekend of the 18th. I'm going to work on my Cat story and hopefully map out the end of my serial killer story. That one has been slow going as of late. Plus I'll go on the boat and hang out with those kids I like. And watch fires burn in the fire pit.


I finally bought SAW III but have not watched it yet. Some people are saying it's the best of the three, I'll let you know.

Why am I drinking a lemon soda when I only have a few left since the store was out of them? Because I finished another chapter, and I always have a lemon soda when I finish a chapter. Of course today I deserve an super extra double size soda, because I have finished my latest manuscript about the cute fat girl figuring out how to assert herself. Wheeeee!

FINISHED WITH THE DRAFT !!!

There will be some editing, but not so much as you might think.
Shouldn't take more than a few weeks, which will give me enough time to plan out my NaNoWriMo novel for November. I have a swell idea that I toyed with last summer. But I can't tell you's; it's a secret.

Tomorrow I'm headed up north to boat and be outside for the Equinox.
Wheeee! again.


LOL That sounds totally accurate!!

Your English Skills:

Grammar: 100% Punctuation: 100% Vocabulary: 100% Spelling: 70%

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

Alright children, I'm leaving town.
I'll be back Sunday night...or whenever I feel like strollling back into town.

WARNING: this is a babbly rant inspired by a disagreement that resulted in an unfreinding:
But before I go, I'd like to go on the record (again) as being opposed to the death penalty.
And I also oppose the gov't right to make lists of citizens that anyone can access, using unclear or downright arbitraty criteria in order to placate people by pointing out where the "bad people" are--be they communists, pot smokers, enemy radicals, or "sex offenders."

Over 90% of children in this country who are molested, beaten, kidnapped or murdered are victims of their own parents and less than half of those parents do any jail time. Where're the laws to protect children from their own parents?
Almost nowhere, because people don't have a panicky, knee-jerk reaction to abusers that they have for pedophiles. And while pedophilia is abhorent, it almost never results in death.
But in the end, the government should NOT get to kill people even if their mental illness makes people really, really, really, really uncomfortable. If they commit a crime, by all means, they should go to prison. And they should have counseling. And they should have lifetime parole so they don't hurt anyone. But they should not be at the mercy of everyone they meet for the rest of their lives--which is the end result of such lists.

And just to be clear, just because I don't think pedophiles should be put to death doesn't mean I'm pro-sex-with-children. Not sure why I have to say that, but apparently it's not clear to everyone.
I suggest that educating people, including children would help a lot. Not just that whole "good tough/bad touch" thing, but the dangers of secret keeping, finding "lost" puppies, being photographed by strangers, don't talk to strangers, etc . That would be a lot more proactive than making a bunch of lists that send people into hysteria upon finding out that there neighbor once had a younger girlfriend or peed in the park. Not that I'm making light of molestation or abuse. I'm not. People seem deluded by the idea that you're safer knowing some of the criminal history of your neighbors. If you want to know so bad, why don't you go to city hall and look it up? No matter who you are or where you live, that shit will make you want to move.

Besides, this is just another Bush smokescreen to get people fighting with eachother while gas prices climb and he treats the UN like a four-pack of Charmin. Like American Idol, I'm suprised and angered that people fall for it. I'd never watch American Idol, but I always fall for this social policy as law bullshit. ;-[

Ultimately, the responsibility for protecting children comes first from parents, then from the community, then...distantly, from the government. It's not as if you can assume people are safe because they're not on "the list." And if you're trusting the feds, or even local law enforcement to label all the bad people for you, you're kidding yourself. You'll have to rely on *gasp* instinct and common sense. Good luck.

And finally, I'm always sad when people remove me from their lists because of a disagreement. I'm always much more keen on talking that shit out. Too bad really. Funny though, because this certain someone was involved in more drama in my journal that anyone else...except Nate. ;-} Ah well...as the goth kids say: cest la vie!

Now I have to go spend the weekend on a boat. Wheeee!

As per usual, I'm ready to leave for my thrilling trip several hours before anyone is actually coming to get me. In my defense, they said they'd be leaving around 2. So I assumed they'd be leaving around 4. But now it doesn't appear that they'll be here until much later. So I'm probably going to make a tuna melt, then take a nap. I do enjoy naps from time to time.

The phone post numbers don't work for me, so I won't be around here while I'm gone. Is it a toll call or something? I don't know, but I'm slightly bummed. At any rate, I'll be back on Wednesday night as far as I know.

See ya!


But before I go...you will be delighted to learn that 30 Second Bunny Theatre has finally finished Superman. So you should probably watch it.

Alright friends,

I'm going away for the weekend to have some fun, relax and try to get some plotting done. Plus we're going out on the boat. I've decided that I love boats, plus boating will be a good skill to have in case of zombie holocaust. We're driving up to Clare, which is good. I would not take a plane, I hear they are snake infested this summer.

We're also (K, N and myself) going to see DaVinci Code even though I heard it was terrible. I did sit all the way through Van Helsing, after all. In any case, I'll have a review when I get back. If it's really horrible, I'll try to do a phone post even though I've never done one before.

You just call up and post, right?




Oh, and I'm thinking of nominating H to be Stephen Colbert's new "black friend".
Wouldn't that be cool? He'd be perfect.
Speaking of perfect...( I would almost wear this with a jacket. )

--Last nights LOST: I knew it...I fucking knew it all along...

--Last Nights South Park: Did not see that coming. Goddamn hilarious. Thought they'd take the high road.

--Hurt my leg doing yoga. Currently limping around like a gimp for the last 3 days.

--Why did I start my period today? Because I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow.

--Like Freedom? Go here!

--They are showing The Smiths on VH1 Classic right now. Nice.

--I'm applying to be the receptionist at a chiropractor today. Maybe they will have a spine-o-cylinder. ;-}

--I did not really forget the birthday of spiralwitch. I just didn't remember it right away.

--If you missed Jonathan Kents timely and expected death on Smallville, you can see it again tonight.
.
--I really need to know if it's worse to be Beat Down or Beaten Up?!? (nobody answered me last time I aksed)

Alrighty kids, I'm going to be out of town for the weekend. I'm taking a short break from watching TV, writing, cooking, going to meetings and docs. I'll be back on Sunday sometime.

If anything amazing happens during the next 3 days, please let me know by commenting here.
And it better be really amazing, and not some crap about overcoming a fatal illness or having nine babies. Amazing news includes: Tom Welling suddenly becoming single, Narnia not making any money, Bush saying something intelligent. You know, things we wouldn't expect.

In other news, It's Katie's Birthday.
For her gift, I'm going to tell her here and now that I'm no longer mad at her for making me have to move.
;-) And before Ryan puts a hit out on me for saying that, I'll mention that it's a joke. You dumb guys and your relentless pursuit of happiness...Fie!!

Next weekend is the great feast of Pere d'mort et Marche or Zombie Claus. Not to be confused with The Zombie Clause, which does not actually exist. Anyway, if some of you's want to go with me, you should. I'll paint you up all undead-like and take some piccies. Promises to be enormous fun if none of us are shot in the head. Then again if I died by being shot in the head because I was mistaken for a zombie, I'd almost be cool with that. I just have a few more writing projects to finish before that happens.

Thanks to Lj's own paulcurtis, going out to the mailbox was totally worth the effort of making those 10 steps ;-} Happily, I recieved the first three episodes of Rik Mayall's new show, All About George, which has been called a Brit version of Arrested Development. I'm hoping H will want to check it out tonight, elsewise, I'll have to watch it tomorrow. Since there is no new LOST tomorrow, I'll have a bit of extra TV time to fill. Mad props to you, paulcurtis!!

I was going to post a whole bunch of wonderful pics of my vacation. But all the ones of me came out really funny looking. I received them in the mail today. Not sure what's up with that. Anywhoo...

It begins... This is a picture of me smiling for the camera, and being on a boat. Of course at this point, I have no idea that I'll be dead in seven days. Hang on...my phone is ringing.

Oblivious Here is Nate, foolishly talking to me because he has no idea that I am doomed. I wanted him to set up the VCR's so I could copy a tape, but he didn't feel like it. Oh well...

Just because my hair is cute, does not mean I am not doomed. Here is me deciding to watch a little TV. Oh look, that show about the girl coming out of the well is on! That thing is creepy. Hang on...what's she doing there?

Anyway, I'll post more pics once I get them fixed. I'll probably get my mirrors fixed while I'm at it. They all look very strange.

As you all should realize by now, I went on vacation last week with K, N and their baby. It helped affirm that I made the correct choice in deciding that I was too selfish and lazy to have a baby. Their baby is one of the good ones, very cute, not collicky or anything...still she seemed like an endlessly loud bundle of want and need. I don't mean to insult anyone or thier loveable kid...but my late sleeping, pot smoking, doing whatever the hell I feel like it lifestyle suits me much better.

Anywhoo...we saw bears. That was my favorite part. If you ever get near the UP (pronouced Yew-Pee...I know, its funny cause it says pee...it's a Michigan thing) you should totally go to Oswalds Bear Ranch. And give them a bunch of your money, I sure did. I also began to understand why some pagans have a totem animal. I have always really liked snakes, sharks, and cats but never felt like they were like me. Bears, OTOH, are a lot like me, and as it happens, I like them too. So I will be looking further into that in the future, and seeing what kind of spiritual knowlege exists there.

We also went on much of this trip. Where the cancerous "sun" reddened my skin and made it dry and itchy. Apparently this sort of thing happens when humans spend time outside. Who knew?

Hindsight tells me I really should have read more on this topic as it would have proved useful...but oh well. I saw some cool animals in the wild, like cranes, mice and some different kinds of ducks. I did not see any wolfs, wild bears, or bigfeet...bigfoots...bigfeets...despite the guy next door to us swearing he saw one near town. I guess labor day weekend is a big season for animals who like to remain hidden.

I discovered that I am fair with a .22 rifle, and not very good with blow darts. But the blow dart thing won't really matter until the darts contain anti-zombie bacteria or viral agents. I'm just saying...I also discovered a few good shooting locales (movie shooting, not the other kind) including a great exterior of a store and some cool foresty places with ferns for ground cover. I found some wood for a wand and a staff, and got some really long braids of sweetgrass from some random people with a sign in front of their house. It is awesome!!

Gifts were purchased for my two favorite guys (the ones who live with me) and for myself. N bought me dinner at a restaurant called the LJ diner. And the entire UP (that's the freak part of Michigan that doesn't look like a mitten) seems to have no digital cell network. They also do not have trash pickup or 911 service. Many people seem to shoot their returnable cans rather than getting their dime back. Curious. A lot of them also burn plastic, which does not smell nice.

Upon my return home, H had voraciously cleaned the apartment and bought a new lamp so we can see in the living room. I could even read out there now if I wanted to. He also bought me a loaf of Panera sourdough (my fave) and I had a cheque waiting for me. No job offers though, and no requests for interviews. So back to the old drawing board with that.

Today I went shopping so I could go back on my diet. I'll be following the Weight Watchers plan again as it seemed to work well last time, I just couldn't afford it. But I'm going to spend on it anyway because it's important to me.

I won't be reading back thru the week i was gone except in a few communites. Please do not hestitate to point me toward something cool or important I may have missed. Ryan, I saw you as a Jedi so no need to tell me about that, Nerdbag.

Oh, and my refridgerator finally has a new light as I called today and got us one.