Google has now introduced artist themes for iGoogle. This means you can select from 18 or so artists who have designed skins for your iGoogle interface.
While looking through the selection of artists, it occurred to me that one of our nation's most prominent artists is not represented.
That's right, Lisa Frank, I'm talking about you.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Free Cone Day
I did not get a free cone. My friend Kim and I went to Ben & Jerry's around 7:30 and were told by a B&J employee to go home, and "come back next year."
Lame.
Lame.
Monday, April 28, 2008
The surprise existence
I was a surprise.
In January 1979, there was a blizzard. My dad was snowed in. My mom was snowed in. Everyone was snowed in.
I was born in October of that year. I was an interloper in a family that already consisted of a mom, a dad, and three kids (two girls and a boy), ages 10, 11, and 13. I was a late arrival, and as such, had already missed out on much of what my family had experienced. Or, more often than not, I am subjected to tales about things that occurred when I was an infant or toddler, with the expectation (on the part of the tale-teller) that I know exactly what they're talking about because, technically, I was there.
For example, I occasionally am forced to listen to my siblings tell stories about vacations to ridiculous roadside attractions in Kentucky, spent in the back seat of a Volkswagen Beetle (my parents owned like 17 of them). Or I'd hear about my brother's birthday party when my brother fell in a ditch or something, and a kid with a speech impediment ran around screaming "the biwthday boy is dead!"
Most recently, I joined my mom and brother for dinner on Saturday night. Mom was talking about how she took Sasha to some sort of doggie day spa. It was something like this:
Mom: ...And just GUESS who owns that spa!
Me: Um...?
Mom: Lupe von Goldenblatt! (not the actual name she used, but just as unrecognizable to me)
Me: (blink, blink)
My brother: Why, Bob, don't you remember Lupe*? She was in (our oldest sister's) class in grade school, and came by the house once when you were a baby!
Me: Once again, I don't know who the hell you're talking about...
Yeah, this happens pretty regularly.
Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people reminiscing. In fact, I do a fair share myself (hence the title and general content of this blog). However, my mom specifically (although dad was definitely worse) takes it to a new level. Instead of just making a mental note that I wasn't alive and/or cognizant of my surroundings at the specific time she's thinking of, she'll keep going with it. I can even express this phenomenon somewhat mathematically. The longer my mom continues with the story involving people I don't know, the less I care. If graphed, it would look kind of like a ski slope.
Back to this conversation about the doggie day spa -- I zoned out for a bit. And when I came to again, my mom was discussing how Sasha's nails had been painted.
In January 1979, there was a blizzard. My dad was snowed in. My mom was snowed in. Everyone was snowed in.
I was born in October of that year. I was an interloper in a family that already consisted of a mom, a dad, and three kids (two girls and a boy), ages 10, 11, and 13. I was a late arrival, and as such, had already missed out on much of what my family had experienced. Or, more often than not, I am subjected to tales about things that occurred when I was an infant or toddler, with the expectation (on the part of the tale-teller) that I know exactly what they're talking about because, technically, I was there.
For example, I occasionally am forced to listen to my siblings tell stories about vacations to ridiculous roadside attractions in Kentucky, spent in the back seat of a Volkswagen Beetle (my parents owned like 17 of them). Or I'd hear about my brother's birthday party when my brother fell in a ditch or something, and a kid with a speech impediment ran around screaming "the biwthday boy is dead!"
Most recently, I joined my mom and brother for dinner on Saturday night. Mom was talking about how she took Sasha to some sort of doggie day spa. It was something like this:
Mom: ...And just GUESS who owns that spa!
Me: Um...?
Mom: Lupe von Goldenblatt! (not the actual name she used, but just as unrecognizable to me)
Me: (blink, blink)
My brother: Why, Bob, don't you remember Lupe*? She was in (our oldest sister's) class in grade school, and came by the house once when you were a baby!
Me: Once again, I don't know who the hell you're talking about...
Yeah, this happens pretty regularly.
Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people reminiscing. In fact, I do a fair share myself (hence the title and general content of this blog). However, my mom specifically (although dad was definitely worse) takes it to a new level. Instead of just making a mental note that I wasn't alive and/or cognizant of my surroundings at the specific time she's thinking of, she'll keep going with it. I can even express this phenomenon somewhat mathematically. The longer my mom continues with the story involving people I don't know, the less I care. If graphed, it would look kind of like a ski slope.
Back to this conversation about the doggie day spa -- I zoned out for a bit. And when I came to again, my mom was discussing how Sasha's nails had been painted.
Interesting...
This blog entry got me uninvited from a friend's wedding.
I'm not sure whether to feel relieved or slighted.
I'm not sure whether to feel relieved or slighted.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
You've GOT to be kidding me!
Maplewood Shop & Save, 8:45 PM.
I went to pick up a couple of things. Just two things, to be exact. Celery and ice cream. They cancel each other out, right?
Anyway, all the regular checkout lines were really long, so I opted for the self-checkout. An old man was scanning his items, deliberately, one at a time. Slowly. Reaching for his package of mashed up old man meat (it's the meat that old people eat) to pull across the scanner, he resembled a three-toed sloth reaching for a twig to much on.
Finally, he pulled the last item from his basket and dragged it across the scanner.
"Finally!" I thought... Then I heard a voice -- from the self-checkout computer -- ask him to select his form of payment, shortly followed by a more ominous sound.
"Clink...clink...clink...clink...clink..."
He had indeed selected his form of payment. He had selected to pay in cash.
One quarter at a time.
I went to pick up a couple of things. Just two things, to be exact. Celery and ice cream. They cancel each other out, right?
Anyway, all the regular checkout lines were really long, so I opted for the self-checkout. An old man was scanning his items, deliberately, one at a time. Slowly. Reaching for his package of mashed up old man meat (it's the meat that old people eat) to pull across the scanner, he resembled a three-toed sloth reaching for a twig to much on.
Finally, he pulled the last item from his basket and dragged it across the scanner.
"Finally!" I thought... Then I heard a voice -- from the self-checkout computer -- ask him to select his form of payment, shortly followed by a more ominous sound.
"Clink...clink...clink...clink...clink..."
He had indeed selected his form of payment. He had selected to pay in cash.
One quarter at a time.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Okay...
Who is the jackass who mailed me a chain letter? Seriously.
You suck. Not because I'm afraid of chain letter curses, but because you wasted fossil fuels getting this stupid letter to me.
Oh, yeah, and you're foolish enough to believe in chain letters too.
Seriously. Come on now.
You suck. Not because I'm afraid of chain letter curses, but because you wasted fossil fuels getting this stupid letter to me.
Oh, yeah, and you're foolish enough to believe in chain letters too.
Seriously. Come on now.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Turtle Trap!
This story reminded me of an elective class I took in college -- Game Management and Harvest.
So I guess this is like CSI: MoDoC.
So I guess this is like CSI: MoDoC.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
My friend, the new mom
This friend, she's convinced that her infant son (approximately three months old) is quite the mack daddy because he attracts the attention of five year old girls.
No, he's not a tiny cougar hunter. He's a squirming drooling poop factory who attracts the attention of five year old girls because he's the real-life version of the baby dolls they probably own.
His primary objective is pooping. Not pimping.
That is all.
No, he's not a tiny cougar hunter. He's a squirming drooling poop factory who attracts the attention of five year old girls because he's the real-life version of the baby dolls they probably own.
His primary objective is pooping. Not pimping.
That is all.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Bah.one
The computer is working again... It only took three hours on the phone with Dell, complete with a format of the hard drive.
Even if I never have another issue with this computer, I'm pretty sure my next one will be a Mac.
Even if I never have another issue with this computer, I'm pretty sure my next one will be a Mac.
My wit's end.
My "new" computer -- purchased brand new in February -- crashed. While crashing is nothing new for this computer (I've had about four major crashes in the last two months), this one is unique in that the boot menu is telling me that I don't even have an operating system.
What did I do to it? I left it on when I left for a trivia night around 6:45 PM tonight. When I returned at 11:15 or so, I tried to turn it back on. And I got a message saying it couldn't load Windows Vista. It then instructed me to insert the Windows Vista installation disk (which I had, thankfully) and select an option for the system to be repaired.
I did that, and it said it couldn't be repaired.
I'm so frustrated with this stupid machine. You have no idea. I'm almost to the point of tears. This is just really upsetting.
I'm glad I still have my clunky old XP machine.
Anyone out there have any tips on getting Dell to replace my OS with XP?
What did I do to it? I left it on when I left for a trivia night around 6:45 PM tonight. When I returned at 11:15 or so, I tried to turn it back on. And I got a message saying it couldn't load Windows Vista. It then instructed me to insert the Windows Vista installation disk (which I had, thankfully) and select an option for the system to be repaired.
I did that, and it said it couldn't be repaired.
I'm so frustrated with this stupid machine. You have no idea. I'm almost to the point of tears. This is just really upsetting.
I'm glad I still have my clunky old XP machine.
Anyone out there have any tips on getting Dell to replace my OS with XP?
Friday, April 18, 2008
Earthquake?
So, did anybody else feel the earthquake this morning? I was up really late, as I don't have to work today, and had just gone to bed. Then I heard a rumble and felt my bed sort of shaking in the same manner as if someone else was getting into it.
Obviously, since I was extremely tired and slightly delusional, I figured that some small animal, perhaps some sort of urban wolverine, had come into my bedroom through the open window during the day and was now trying to crawl into bed with me. I proceeded to spend the next five minutes or so searching my bedroom for said animal.
And then I went back to bed, unaware that it was an earthquake until I got up this morning and checked myspace, where I had a comment from a friend in Ohio asking if I had felt it.
Then everything sort of made sense.
Apparently we had an aftershock, but I felt nothing.
Obviously, since I was extremely tired and slightly delusional, I figured that some small animal, perhaps some sort of urban wolverine, had come into my bedroom through the open window during the day and was now trying to crawl into bed with me. I proceeded to spend the next five minutes or so searching my bedroom for said animal.
And then I went back to bed, unaware that it was an earthquake until I got up this morning and checked myspace, where I had a comment from a friend in Ohio asking if I had felt it.
Then everything sort of made sense.
Apparently we had an aftershock, but I felt nothing.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wow.
Suzy Bogguss is doing commercials for Sinucleanse neti pots.
In the interest of full disclosure, I want to make it known that I own a Sinucleanse neti pot and use it occasionally. However, if I were a now-obscure country musician, I don't think I'd sign on right away to pitch it.
In the interest of full disclosure, I want to make it known that I own a Sinucleanse neti pot and use it occasionally. However, if I were a now-obscure country musician, I don't think I'd sign on right away to pitch it.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Tired.
So I ended up going to bed not too long after posting that last entry. I then proceeded to wake up at 4:30 AM. I wasn't able to fall back asleep until about 6:45 AM, which, of course, is precisely when I should be getting up.
I still made it to work on time, though. And I even made an appointment with my new doctor (since my old one left his practice in January.)
I still made it to work on time, though. And I even made an appointment with my new doctor (since my old one left his practice in January.)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The weekend of too much.
Friday night I did the UMSL Relay for Life. I only lasted until 2 AM. I decided that no matter how long I stayed, the American Cancer Society still got the money I raised ($150). Sleep deprivation will not cure cancer. While I was there, I ate too much junk food at our group's "campsite" -- including Oreos. I hate Oreos. But yet, they seem so appealing when you're still at your workplace (albeit for charity) at 11:48 PM on a Friday.
Saturday was this big beer tasting thing at the Schlafly Bottleworks. I tasted 18 of the 28 beers being offered. Some of them I tasted more than once. Some of them I tasted until they were gone, like Brugge's Tripel de Ripple. It was only after my third glass that I realized why I liked it so much -- 9.85% alcohol content. The tasting began at noon. I had a hangover by 8 PM. Oddest event of the day: random girl who had her picture taken with me nearly six months ago at the CWE Halloween street party recognized me. Her costume: Dead Anna Nicole. Mine: Peter Griffin. My costume didn't require much effort, as I simply wore my own clothing and put on a name tag. Yes, I own green pants, a belt, and a white button-down shirt. Oh, and I shaved.
Today was my sister Julie's 42nd birthday. We all had dinner together. Pork chops and chicken. I ate too much of that. And some birthday cake. It was delicious, but I should have eaten less as I am still kind of recovering from yesterday's beergasm.
So here I sit in my dark, kind of cold apartment, alone on a Sunday night. Nothing too unusual about that. I'm tired. I may go to bed soon. Very soon. Maybe even right after I publish this post.
I am anxious for summer.
Also, I still am not a millionaire. Drat.
Saturday was this big beer tasting thing at the Schlafly Bottleworks. I tasted 18 of the 28 beers being offered. Some of them I tasted more than once. Some of them I tasted until they were gone, like Brugge's Tripel de Ripple. It was only after my third glass that I realized why I liked it so much -- 9.85% alcohol content. The tasting began at noon. I had a hangover by 8 PM. Oddest event of the day: random girl who had her picture taken with me nearly six months ago at the CWE Halloween street party recognized me. Her costume: Dead Anna Nicole. Mine: Peter Griffin. My costume didn't require much effort, as I simply wore my own clothing and put on a name tag. Yes, I own green pants, a belt, and a white button-down shirt. Oh, and I shaved.
Today was my sister Julie's 42nd birthday. We all had dinner together. Pork chops and chicken. I ate too much of that. And some birthday cake. It was delicious, but I should have eaten less as I am still kind of recovering from yesterday's beergasm.
So here I sit in my dark, kind of cold apartment, alone on a Sunday night. Nothing too unusual about that. I'm tired. I may go to bed soon. Very soon. Maybe even right after I publish this post.
I am anxious for summer.
Also, I still am not a millionaire. Drat.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
I Hate Vista.
My laptop -- which I purchased brand new in February -- crashed last night. It was a major crash, requiring a call to the tech support line.
What was I doing that caused the crash?
I was installing Service Pack 1 for Vista. Service packs are supposed to make things better.
Oh yeah, this is also the third time this has happened since I purchased the computer. Stupid Vista.
What was I doing that caused the crash?
I was installing Service Pack 1 for Vista. Service packs are supposed to make things better.
Oh yeah, this is also the third time this has happened since I purchased the computer. Stupid Vista.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Spring is here.
I just thought you'd want to know that...
I went through my closet and drawers today and found a bunch of stuff that I haven't worn in years. I guess it's time to make a trip to Goodwill. I also did... Okay, I didn't really do much else.
I did walk around outside a bit, enjoying the weather. Yesterday I also got out for a bit -- I met a friend for lunch, followed by a trip to the Galleria because she needed to do some shopping. Why did I go along? Frankly, I had nothing else going on, so why not?
I took Friday off work and didn't do much then, either. I enjoy not doing much. Especially after a busy week at work.
Oh, also, I bought tickets for the following things:
1.) The Schlafly Repeal Party, this coming Saturday
2.) A Wilco concert at The Pageant on May 17th.
Also, finally, this coming Friday night I will be doing the Relay for Life at UMSL. Please click here if you want to make a donation!
I went through my closet and drawers today and found a bunch of stuff that I haven't worn in years. I guess it's time to make a trip to Goodwill. I also did... Okay, I didn't really do much else.
I did walk around outside a bit, enjoying the weather. Yesterday I also got out for a bit -- I met a friend for lunch, followed by a trip to the Galleria because she needed to do some shopping. Why did I go along? Frankly, I had nothing else going on, so why not?
I took Friday off work and didn't do much then, either. I enjoy not doing much. Especially after a busy week at work.
Oh, also, I bought tickets for the following things:
1.) The Schlafly Repeal Party, this coming Saturday
2.) A Wilco concert at The Pageant on May 17th.
Also, finally, this coming Friday night I will be doing the Relay for Life at UMSL. Please click here if you want to make a donation!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Metrowatching
I had a lifer today (click here and read definition 3) on my way to work this morning. It was a daytime hooker. She was in the process of being arrested. Granted, I think the arrest was narcotics-related, but there's no reason anybody would dress like that on a cold, windy day like today.
Add her to the list of other specimens I've encountered on the metrolink:
- Drug dealer (in action)
- Amateur rapper
- Frightened hockey fans from St. Charles County
- Crazy old man (a very easy one, as they are abundant)
- Mormon missionaries
- Overprotective parent
- Underprotective parent
- Creepy man wearing a woman's shirt (often confused with the "European")
- European
- Truant student (a pack animal)
- Evangelist
- Nun
- Drug addict
- Drug addict who thinks he's Marvin Gaye
- Corpse*
- Beatle Bob (semi-precious; wholly obnoxious)
- Drunk
- Railroad enthusiast
I am hoping to see the following specimens:
- Civil war reenactor (in uniform)
- Priest
- Republican
- Clown
- Professional rapper
- Drug addict who thinks he's Al Green
*Note that "corpse" is only an assumption, as Metrowatching is just that -- watching. And not touching. While I was definitely tempted to poke the subject with a stick, the most important rule of Metrowatching is to leave the habitat as you found it.
Add her to the list of other specimens I've encountered on the metrolink:
- Drug dealer (in action)
- Amateur rapper
- Frightened hockey fans from St. Charles County
- Crazy old man (a very easy one, as they are abundant)
- Mormon missionaries
- Overprotective parent
- Underprotective parent
- Creepy man wearing a woman's shirt (often confused with the "European")
- European
- Truant student (a pack animal)
- Evangelist
- Nun
- Drug addict
- Drug addict who thinks he's Marvin Gaye
- Corpse*
- Beatle Bob (semi-precious; wholly obnoxious)
- Drunk
- Railroad enthusiast
I am hoping to see the following specimens:
- Civil war reenactor (in uniform)
- Priest
- Republican
- Clown
- Professional rapper
- Drug addict who thinks he's Al Green
*Note that "corpse" is only an assumption, as Metrowatching is just that -- watching. And not touching. While I was definitely tempted to poke the subject with a stick, the most important rule of Metrowatching is to leave the habitat as you found it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
