... to blogging buddy Tammi. See? Nice guys don't always finish last!
Tootin' the Horn
After hearing so much lousy news lately, it's especially lovely to be able to say...
... to blogging buddy Tammi. See? Nice guys don't always finish last!
... to blogging buddy Tammi. See? Nice guys don't always finish last!
Tootin' the Horn
Whoohoo! Look who's back.
I hope he's not just toying with our affections again... My heart just can't take it.
I hope he's not just toying with our affections again... My heart just can't take it.
Bus Fumes
I really hate those automated phone answering systems so many companies are implementing. Sure, they may make it less expensive for the company, but, I've gotta tell you, it makes for one cranky, cranky Omnibus Driver when I've had to go through 10 minutes of talking to a robotic voice before getting a real human being. Today I've had to deal with both an airline and a phone company via telephone.
I have a warning for anyone who's even considering coming near my cube this afternoon -- step away, v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y.
I just might have to hurt somebody.
I have a warning for anyone who's even considering coming near my cube this afternoon -- step away, v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y.
I just might have to hurt somebody.
Drive-Bys
From the lovely Maranda...
Probably more like "R" rated...
_____
Truth in advertising is a beautiful thing. I may just have to order some of that stuff. Sounds like something my father would have chugged by the gallon.
_____
Don't forget -- it's Therapy Night tonight. If you're in or around the Loop after work this evening, stop on by!
_____
Not something I'd admit to publicly and think cool. Ick. Just ick.
_____
Blame this one on Gottagopractice. You go, girl.
| Your Mind is PG-13 Rated |
 Your mind is definitely a little dirty. You're naughty, but not trashy. You don't shy away from a dirty joke, and you're clearly not a prude. |
Probably more like "R" rated...
_____
Truth in advertising is a beautiful thing. I may just have to order some of that stuff. Sounds like something my father would have chugged by the gallon.
_____
Don't forget -- it's Therapy Night tonight. If you're in or around the Loop after work this evening, stop on by!
_____
Not something I'd admit to publicly and think cool. Ick. Just ick.
_____
| You Are Cameo |
 You are understanding and very empathetic. You don't tend to have acquaintances. Everyone is your friend. And all of your friends tend to be friends. You have a knack for bringing very different people together. |
Blame this one on Gottagopractice. You go, girl.
A Shout-Out to the Prayer Warriors
A fellow blogger, Walrilla, is having a very tough time. He's a big ol' sweetie who I was lucky enough to meet at the Blown-Eyed Blodgemeet in Austin last spring. The man gives freely and generously of himself to others on a regular basis. Let's reflect some of that goodness back his way for a change. Please take a minute to send up a prayer for him and his family, and go drop him a note of encouragement here.
_____
While you're at it, say a prayer for Michele, too. This breaks my heart.
_____
And one more bleg for prayers -- say a couple for Patti. Chemo sucks.
_____
While you're at it, say a prayer for Michele, too. This breaks my heart.
_____
And one more bleg for prayers -- say a couple for Patti. Chemo sucks.
Drive-Bys
The Chicago Tribune is having a cool contest that costs nothing to enter... and you get to pick your own prize from 25 different lots. (My personal fave is the the National Writers Workshop book bag containing The Acrapulator's Guide.) Looks like a blast!
_____
I like Gmail for the most part, and mostly just ignore the ads. However... the ads that appear are somehow tied to the content of your sent and received emails. I'm still scratching my head over how I ended up with an ad for "man bikini." Uck. I'm blaming it on my daily dozen or so emails from Catfish.
_____
Blame this on Barry (the Pr*ck!):
_____
Old Crankypants always said cat people are crazy. But this isn't the craziest thing I've ever seen a cat person do. Nope. That would be watching someone pluck their Persian's eyelashes. And the stupid cat let her do it, too.
_____
Thanks, Rave!
I'd have been ashamed to get anything less.
_____
Pet's Garden is hosting the 147th edition of the Carnival of the Cats. She had a boatload of entries, and has done a lovely, lovely job of tying them all together. Go see!
_____
I like Gmail for the most part, and mostly just ignore the ads. However... the ads that appear are somehow tied to the content of your sent and received emails. I'm still scratching my head over how I ended up with an ad for "man bikini." Uck. I'm blaming it on my daily dozen or so emails from Catfish.
_____
Blame this on Barry (the Pr*ck!):
Busy Body- ENFJ 60% Extraversion, 53% Intuition, 43% Thinking, 66% Judging |
You manipulative busybody! You're what some might call the "backseat driver" of life. You know, the one who knows exactly what everyone else is doing wrong and how they should go about fixing it. You're always trying to change everyone else. The strange thing is, you can generally get whoever you want, to do whatever you want. What's that? You want me to stop insulting you...well, alright...but only because you asked so nic...WAIT A MINUTE! Stop sticking your cumbersome nose where it aint't wanted. You're like an oversized sniffer dog, trained to sniff out everyone else's problems, yet oblivious to your own. For one you worry excessively. The fact that you're also incredibly sensitive to criticism probably has you on the verge of tears right now. Get a grip. You have powers of manipulation unlike any other. You know all the gossip and you know how to ultimately use it as blackmailing material. You could potentially be the ultimate evil villain... if not for the fact you choose to use all of your powers for good, rather than evil. How honourable. How admirable and praiseworthy. How pathetic. ***************** If you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check out this. ***************** The other personality types are as follows... Loner - Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving |
 |
My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Brutally Honest Personality Test written by UltimateMaster on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
Old Crankypants always said cat people are crazy. But this isn't the craziest thing I've ever seen a cat person do. Nope. That would be watching someone pluck their Persian's eyelashes. And the stupid cat let her do it, too.
_____
Thanks, Rave!
| Your Vocabulary Score: A |
 Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary! You must be quite an erudite person. |
I'd have been ashamed to get anything less.
_____
Pet's Garden is hosting the 147th edition of the Carnival of the Cats. She had a boatload of entries, and has done a lovely, lovely job of tying them all together. Go see!
Traveling Companions
The Divine Miss Marilyn just dashed in to wish you a happy weekend!_____
You know the drill:
- The Friday Ark
- Get your submissions in to the Carnival of the Cats by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening*
- The Carnival will be hosted this week by Pet's Garden
- Furry Friday and Friday Cat Blogging Flickr Groups
Drive-Bys
I have a sneeking suspicion that Brian Williams secretly writes for the Uncyclopedia:
Boy, is this a blast from the past! I'm going to have to get myself this boxed set of DVDs. Sometimes people think I'm nuts when I mention "Hootenanny," but music shows were a huge part of my childhood. Others that I'd like to have on DVD (and this is only a partial list):
_____
SAN FRANCISCO, California -- Apple unveiled its long-awaited cell phone Tuesday, to the delight of the world's wealthiest one percent and America's stupidest 50 percent.
"Until now, people had no way to listen to music, check their e-mail or take photographs," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at the unveiling ceremony. "I mean, can you imagine what it would be like to speak to family members over long-distance? Or capture images from life? Trust me, this has never been done before."
_____
Boy, is this a blast from the past! I'm going to have to get myself this boxed set of DVDs. Sometimes people think I'm nuts when I mention "Hootenanny," but music shows were a huge part of my childhood. Others that I'd like to have on DVD (and this is only a partial list):
- Hullabaloo
- Mitch Miller
- Laurence Welk
- Ed Ames
- Liberace
- Sonny & Cher
- Donny & Marie
- The Monkees
- American Bandstand
- Frankie Yankovic
- Dinah Shore
- Ed Sullivan
_____
PSA
If you like the purty new paint job on the Omnibus, you might want to take a peek at what Susie's up to now. Yep. You can help a fellow blogger out and get a spiffy new look, all in one swell foop.
C'mon. You know you want to!
C'mon. You know you want to!
Drive-Bys
| You Are Internal - Realist - Powerful |
You feel your life is controlled internally. If you want something, you make it happen. You don't wait around for things to go your way. You value your independence and don't like others to have control. You are a realist when it comes to luck. You don't attribute everything to luck, but you do know some things are random. You don't beat yourself up when bad things happen to you... But you do your best to try to make your own luck. When it comes to who's in charge, it's you. Life is a kingdom, and you're the grand ruler. You don't care much about what others think. But they better care what you think! |
Yeesh! That one's uncanny.
(Jay, as usual, gets a tip of the cap!)
Drive-Bys
I guess Lisa's not the only one that finds math is difficult. Yikes!
_____
Who knew Brian Williams could be so funny?
Wait... there's more:
_____
If Yabu, Zonker, Vman and Mr. Debonair Hizzownself got together and designed a line of ladies sleepwear, it'd look a lot like this.
_____
Who knew Brian Williams could be so funny?
"... Steve Jobs' latest invention... is supposed to combine and condense all our electronic needs (and presumably all of our food, water and breathable oxygen) into a very expensive Altoids box."Delicious!
Wait... there's more:
GETTING TO THE CORE OF THE APPLEI swear the man's a closet Blown-Eyed Blodger.
Electro-geeks (and a good many law-abiding, Luddite-leaning civilians) are atwitter over Steve Jobs' newest reason for us all to throw away our expensive, tricked-out iPods. The new iPhone was unveiled yesterday (full disclosure: I am a religious iPod user and a Mac laptop owner) and the reaction from my most clued-in friend on all things technological is this: If you drop it, you ruin your life. Thus the financial clamp of the dreaded service agreement. The very same screen intended as a touch-screen you must then use to view video -- fingerprints notwithstanding. Also, no one is raising the elephant in the room: the face goo that can often collect and mar the surface of any phone. That almost crosses the TMI line in personal electronics reviews, I know, but someone had to say it. I'm sure it's a cool device, while perhaps not for everyone.
_____
If Yabu, Zonker, Vman and Mr. Debonair Hizzownself got together and designed a line of ladies sleepwear, it'd look a lot like this.
The Mom Update
I've had so many other things going on in my life that I've neglected to give an update of the latest escapades of the Princess Mom.
Here’s the first tale:
I got whomped between the eyes with a nasty bug the Saturday before New Year's, and spent the next several days in bed. I knew I sounded pretty awful, but was completely thrown for a loop by the following telephone conversation:
OD: "Happy New Year!"
PM: "Happy New Year, yourself! Have you made your reservations yet? When are you coming down here? I need to know, because it's holding up committing to others who also want to come down for a visit."
OD: We just spent 10 days together on a cruise, and are talking about taking a 2-week cruise in the early fall. What in the world is she talking about??? "Uh.... No, I haven't made any reservations. We were talking about the fall, weren't we? What's the rush?"
PM: Making the usual leap from one subject to the next without answering the question… Wow! You really sound terrible! Your father has the flu, too, you know."
OD: My father has been dead for seven years. What in the name of all that is holy is she talking about? "Uh, Ma?"
PM: Yes?
OD: Just who do you think it is that you're talking to right now?
PM: Hesitates. "Christopher?"
OD: "Doesn't he usually call you 'Nana,' not 'Ma'?"
PM: Emily Litella lightbulb going off. Oh…….. Leslie?
Drive-Bys
| You Are a Practical Gift Giver |
 Your gifts are useful, appropriate, and custom tailored to each person. In your opinion, the best gifts are gifts that someone will actually use. Your gifts may not be the most glamourous, but they are always appreciated. |
Damn straight, Skippy.
_____
WitNit is correct: That Richard Simmons episode of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" is just about the funniest thing I've ever seen, too.
Don't even bother trying to watch it at work. You'll be laughing out loud and you'll get caught. I guarantee.
Drive-Bys
Now I know what I'm getting the Princess Mom for Christmas next year!
_____
I don't know why these things amuse me so...
... but they surely do! (A tip of the cap to the lovely LL.)
_____
Normal blogging resumes tomorrow -- I promise!
_____
One more thing -- What song most makes you crank the radio, roll the windows down and sing at the top of your lungs? Makes your toes tap and your fingers snap? Makes you itch for a dance floor?
For me, it's been Redneck Girl by the Bellamy Brothers from the very first time I heard it:
_____
I don't know why these things amuse me so...
| Your Girl Parts Are Named: |
 |
... but they surely do! (A tip of the cap to the lovely LL.)
_____
Normal blogging resumes tomorrow -- I promise!
_____
One more thing -- What song most makes you crank the radio, roll the windows down and sing at the top of your lungs? Makes your toes tap and your fingers snap? Makes you itch for a dance floor?
For me, it's been Redneck Girl by the Bellamy Brothers from the very first time I heard it:
Redneck girl likes to cruise in Daddy's pickup truckOh, man! Now I'm gonna have a week-long ear worm. And I want to go on this cruise. Sounds like Heaven!
And a redneck girl plays her hard when she's down on her luck
Living for a friday afternoon
She's gonna show one ole boy that we can move
And I pray that someday I will find me a redneck girl
Redneck girl likes to stay out all night long
She makes sweet rock n' roll while she listens to the country songs
She's waitin' for that moment of surrender
Her hands are calloused but her heart is tender
And I pray that someday I will find me a redneck girl
Oh give me a give me a give me a redneck girl
Give me a give me a give me a redneck girl
Oh give me a give me a give me a redneck girl
Give me a give me a give me a redneck girl
A redneck girl got a name on the back of her belt
She's got a kiss on her lips for her man and no one else
A coyote's howling out on the prairie
First comes love then comes marriage
And I pray that someday I will find me a redneck girl
Yeah give me a give me a give me a redneck girl
Carnival of the Cats #146
The Divine Miss Marilyn welcomes you to the 146th edition of the Carnival of the Cats!
She promises thrills, chills and awe-inspiring feats of feline derring-do!
In the Center Ring:
Acrobats and Aerialists:
Clowning Around:
Furrrrrociously Cute:
Sparkles, Spangles, Sequins and Feathers:
On the Midway:
Chez Mog is a sideshow all its own.
Remember -- a Carnival always cares for its own. Get your sideshow swag here, and help a friend indeed.
Folding the Tents and Striking the Show:
Caesar took his final bows. In the parting words of the circus folk: "Saltuit, placuit, mortuus est." We're truly sorry for your loss, Nio.
The Divine Miss Marilyn thanks each and every purrrrrrrformer for purrrrrrrticipating this week. You kept us busy -- whew! That was a load of emails.
She tips her paw to last week's host, Watermark, who rung in 2006 and to the Modulator and the Friday Ark for pointing you here. She purrrrrrnts your attention to next week's Carnival of the Cats, which will be hosted by Pet's Garden. See you there!
She promises thrills, chills and awe-inspiring feats of feline derring-do!
In the Center Ring:
- C.W. -- the amazing bridge between Laura Lee's adolescense and adulthood!
- China and Willow do the Marx Brothers mirror trick from Duck Soup.
- Zorro gives an electric performance at the House of Chaos.
- Viola! The secret lives of rescued pets revealed at the Blog Pound.
- Missy shows off in the spot-light for mom Mary Lynn!
- Now you see them; now you don't! The "swimmers" are appearing and disappearing at The Pink Flamingo.
- Tiny and Baby show no mercy in a stupendous battle of strength and willpower. Sissy indeed provides thrills and chills.
- Cleo survives the dreaded bath. (Bad, bad leucanthemum b!)
- Aloysius steps into the limelight and reflects on his own beautious self.
- Bagheera takes a turn as a mesmerist.
- Mr. Gato channels Travis Bickle over at Enrevanche.
- Sam chooses his human and his own name. If that ain't a show-stopper, I don't know what is. (And bless you, Ostara, for paying attention!)
- Maria Angeline's beautiful boy shows off his reading skillz.
- Mom Karen has Grady and Kiera demonstrate that herding cats is not, in fact, impossible. Good show!
- Pearl and Zelda make each other disappear... by closing their eyes. Hey, JT -- whatever magic works, right?
- Rhett, Rico Loco and Rafe attempt to put the reins on mom PJ. (Good luck, fellers!)
- An amazing instant transmogrifcation from housecat to tiger takes place in Cypress!
- The twins demonstrate that you can make the bed without opposable thumbs at Gottagopractice. See? Practice does make perfect.
- Lucie loves Goomp and the Chelsea Grays check out the pig catapult.
- Cheysuli issues a challenge. Are you game?
- The kitties at House of Chaos send 2006 out with a bang.
Acrobats and Aerialists:
- Little Bit struts her stuff without a net for lisaviolet. (The Divine Miss Marilyn swoons at the thought of such daring!
- The Crazy Meezers can't keep their eyes off the action. (Thanks, Leigh!)
- There's simultaneous gustation going down at Val's Bien.
- Ping prooves he's light on his feet at Manx Mnews.
- KT Cat defies gravity. Wowser!
- Matata and the Mistress of Sarcasm both show off their daredevil sides for proud papa Mr. Debonair Hizzownself.
- There are tribbles in training, while Kai and Xena emulate John Cena and Hulk Hogan for ringmaster Chris.
Clowning Around:
- Sebastian gives his mom a good laugh. (You give a cat a prop and he's going to make the most of it, right?)
- Tiger, Betsy, Felix, Pepper, MiaBob and Quixote warm up their rapid-patter comedy act with mom Michelle as their suffering subject.
- China Cat has the last laugh.
- Cleo says, "Talk to the paw!" (The Divine Miss Marilyn says, "You go, girl!")
- Brenda's bunch provide comic relief plastic bags.
- Speaking of bags, Tiny bags the nip!
- Denny showcases Saddam's cat. Hee hee hee!
Furrrrrociously Cute:
- Who needs a whip and a chair? Gracie may be in a "cage," but she's already tamed mom Maya's heart.
- There's an sharp intake of breath as Ivy wakes to greet "Catzilla" at StrangerRanger.
- Juno and Xanath give their best impurrrrrrrsonation of Idaho Sofa Spuds for The Richmond Democrat.
- Vazra shows off his softer side for dad Jason.
- Chupa is as tame a tiger as you'd ever like to meet, according to mom Heather Y.
- Maggie, Nicky and Willow will melt your heart. Just ask momma srp.
- Ferdy shows off his furrrrrrocity!
- Huckleberry turns the eyes of angelic innocence on dad Wes Phillips.
- Send a fluff piece? Not Rahel. Uh-uh. Not ever.
- While Russ builds models, Mycah is a model.
- Jax, Henry and Duncan strike charming poses for mom Blueberry.
- A bloody cute threesome, wn'tchersay, Jams?
- Matata has always had an adventurous spirit, according to Ellison.
- Roratunga and Houdini help auntie Rondi ring in the New Year.
- Brenda gets it picture perfect!
- Gratuitous cat blogging from Sissie.
- Chester hams it up at Grapevine's Ramblings.
- Missy Blue Eyes plays it coy for the camera.
- Sergei gives the bedroom eye over at Music & Cats.
- Keesie gets a brand new cutie -- and needs help naming the little devil!
Sparkles, Spangles, Sequins and Feathers:
- A be-ribboned Willow rings in 2007 with style and cattitude.
- The furrrrrrrrrrrrocious Nardo harvests his own feathers, thank you very much. (The Divine Miss Marilyn always appreciates a cool cat who recognizes the inestimable value of the authentic article.)
- The gang at House of (Mostly) Black Cats show off the bling and things they received from their Secret Paws.
- Maya is making the Divine Miss Marilyn jealous with her over-the-top bling. (Gee, thanks, Da Nator. Even Gigolokitty! can't top that topper.)
- Sabby and the Captain sparkle and shine.
On the Midway:
Chez Mog is a sideshow all its own. - Krissie stretches it out.
- Some kids just can't stay out of the sunbeams!
- Izzy wants in... on the act.
- Prime silliness dished up for your viewing pleasure.
- Meowza shows off the ol' tongue and toes pose.
- Beauty is as beauty doesn't... do dishes.
- Mirror, mirror on the wall -- who's the fluffiest one of all?
- Holy Scholarship, your Mog-ness!
- Mog's moggies showcase their mad creative skillz.
- When Mog's away the cats will...
- Bad boys! Bad boys! Whacha gonna do? Whacha gonna do when they come for you?
Remember -- a Carnival always cares for its own. Get your sideshow swag here, and help a friend indeed.
Folding the Tents and Striking the Show:
Caesar took his final bows. In the parting words of the circus folk: "Saltuit, placuit, mortuus est." We're truly sorry for your loss, Nio.
The Divine Miss Marilyn thanks each and every purrrrrrrformer for purrrrrrrticipating this week. You kept us busy -- whew! That was a load of emails.
She tips her paw to last week's host, Watermark, who rung in 2006 and to the Modulator and the Friday Ark for pointing you here. She purrrrrrnts your attention to next week's Carnival of the Cats, which will be hosted by Pet's Garden. See you there!
Traveling Companions
The Divine Miss Marilyn giving me the hairy eyeball this morning, as a reminder that the Carnival of the Cats will take place here Sunday evening. (Even she's noticed that I've been a slacker blogger for a while now. Have no fear -- she's applying a firm paw to the situation.)In the meantime, The Friday Ark is up at the Modulator. More critters in one place that you'll see anywhere else!
Need more fuzzy goodness? Try the Flickr's Furry Friday and Friday Cat Blogging.
_____
Inspired by Miles in the comments below, The Divine Miss Marilyn deigned to research her own Peculiar Aristocratic Title:
 | My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Entirely Miss Reverend Lady Divine Miss Marilyn the Nefarious of Durdle Door Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title |
Reverend and nefarious. That's why she is, indeed, Divine.
Drive-Bys
I'm a 100% stickler. That's what they pay me the big bucks for. This is also why I'll never be any good at text-messaging. Sigh.
How about you?
(A tip of the cap to 42% stickler Jennifer!)
_____
Okay, sometimes it's NOT Jay's fault:
Today Harvey is the culprit!
_____
How about you?
(A tip of the cap to 42% stickler Jennifer!)
_____
Okay, sometimes it's NOT Jay's fault:
| My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Viscountess Leslie the Larger of Dramble Buzzcock Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title |
Today Harvey is the culprit!
_____
Bus Fumes
I dearly love a good smackdown:
_____
Dear Internet Ida: How can I say this nicely? Your husband is a yellow-bellied, mealy-mouthed, chicken-livered girlie-man. The first time his potty-mouthed, bottom-feeding, ape-imitating, slop-bucket pal sent you dirty jokes, your husband should have immediately told him to cut it out, or else. I sure hope your husband has some redeeming qualities. Because chivalry ain't one of them.Go Cheryl!
_____
Drive-Bys
Blast Jay and his love of Blogthings! It's really all his fault:
_____
They're like potato chips:
_____
No one can do just one...
_____
Sheesh! No one's here in the office, but the work is still coming out my ears. More later -- I promise!
_____
_____
| Your Element Is Earth |
 You excel at planning and strategizing. You could be a champ at chess or Survivor. Well grounded, you are able to be realistic and rationalize. On the inside, you have a hard core. It's tough to phase you. You are super productive, and you are able to think anything through. Focused and super charged, your instincts are a good guide for your next step. |
_____
They're like potato chips:
| You Are Bold And Brave |
 But daring? Not usually. You tend to like to make calculated risks. So while you may not be base jumping any time soon... You are up for whatever's new and (a little) exciting! |
_____
No one can do just one...
| You Are A Romantic Realist |
 You tend to be grounded when it comes to romance. Sure, you can fall hard... but only for someone you've gotten to know. And once you're in love, you can be a total romantic goofball... But you'd never admit it to your friends! |
_____
Sheesh! No one's here in the office, but the work is still coming out my ears. More later -- I promise!
_____
_____
In The Body Shop...
... for a new paint job.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Suzie of Bluebird Blogs will be working her magic some time today!
_____
Keep your eyes peeled.
Suzie of Bluebird Blogs will be working her magic some time today!
_____
Tootin' the Horn
Best...
Christmas...
Ever!
If yours was even half as blessed as mine, Christmas 2006 was memorable beyond measure.
_____
(Another weird coincidence -- that picture above the couch? I have that print, too.)
_____
I have so much to be thankful for!
_____
Christmas...
Ever!
If yours was even half as blessed as mine, Christmas 2006 was memorable beyond measure.
_____
(Another weird coincidence -- that picture above the couch? I have that print, too.)
_____
I have so much to be thankful for!
_____
Drive-Bys
What Color is Your Brain?
BLUE:
At work or in school: I like to be with people, sharing with them, inspiring them, and helping them. I work and learn best when I can take into consideration people and the human element. I flourish in an atmosphere of cooperation.
With friends: I always look for perfect love. I am very romantic, and I enjoy doing thoughtful things for others. I am affectionate, supportive and a good listener.
With family: I like to be happy and loving. I am very sensitive to rejection from my family and to family conflicts. I really like to be well thought of and need frequent reassurance. I love intimate talks and warm feelings.
Take this quiz!
Quizilla |
Join
| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code
(Shamelessly swiped from Lady Gunn.)
_____
Busman's Holiday
A quick shout-out to Ellison and Chai-Rista to say thanks for keeping the engine warm for me!
Yesterday I had a magical day in Barbados. First, I got to snorkle and swim with sea turtles, one of which was almost four feet long. They are awkward on land, but elegant and breath-takingly beautiful in the water. I was having such a wonderful time that they practically had to haul me out of the water by the back of my life vest to get us to the next location on time.
Next, we headed off to an area with protected reefs for more snorkling. It was like falling into a cloud of fish. Incredibly peaceful, floating in all that beauty with no sound but the beating of my heart and even breathing.
That was followed by the most delicious rum punch ever, swilled in waters just off the beach. Decadent! I sure would like to go back for a visit, and take friends and family with me.
Finally, more emails from my Most Precious Child. It has been especially wonderful to be able to share them with the Princess Mom. If all continues to go well, it looks like we will be meeting over the Christmas holidays. I can assure you that there is a God, and he is blessing me daily.
_____
Yesterday I had a magical day in Barbados. First, I got to snorkle and swim with sea turtles, one of which was almost four feet long. They are awkward on land, but elegant and breath-takingly beautiful in the water. I was having such a wonderful time that they practically had to haul me out of the water by the back of my life vest to get us to the next location on time.
Next, we headed off to an area with protected reefs for more snorkling. It was like falling into a cloud of fish. Incredibly peaceful, floating in all that beauty with no sound but the beating of my heart and even breathing.
That was followed by the most delicious rum punch ever, swilled in waters just off the beach. Decadent! I sure would like to go back for a visit, and take friends and family with me.
Finally, more emails from my Most Precious Child. It has been especially wonderful to be able to share them with the Princess Mom. If all continues to go well, it looks like we will be meeting over the Christmas holidays. I can assure you that there is a God, and he is blessing me daily.
_____
Tell It To The Judge
Hello. Elisson here. With Leslie traveling and being unable to post regularly (face it: she has More Important Stuff going on in her life right now), she has demonstrated the Questionable Wisdom of allowing me to drive the Omnibus.
Silly girl.
But I’ll try not to daub too much excrement on the walls and windows as we drive along. Here’s a True Story for you...
It was the summer of 2004, and She Who Must Be Obeyed, the Mistress of Sarcasm, and I were returning from a week-long road trip to the Northeast. A few days to attend my 30th college reunion; a few days to visit with Eli (his ownself) and Mrs. Eli; a few days in Cambridge with Elder Daughter.
After a full day of driving from Boston, we had stopped for the night somewhere on the southern marches of Richmond. At the Butt-Crack of Dawn, we hightailed it out of there, headed south on I-95, intending to stop for breakfast after we had gotten a few miles under our belts. Sure enough, as inevitably as the sun rising in the East, the cabin of our sedan gradually filled with the lusty sounds of borborygmus.
That’s a 50¢ word meaning “Gut Rumbles.” The sound an empty - and moderately pissed-off - stomach makes.
SWMBO, our trusty driver, was easily persuaded to stop for breakfast. This we did at a Crapper Barrel near the Virginia-North Carolina border.
I’m sure many of my Esteemed Readers are familiar with the Crapper Barrel. Not only can you get your all-day breakfast, your meat ’n’ three, your countrified chicken ’n’ dumplin’s there - you can also load up on Old Time Radio CD’s (superannuated content meets modern technology!), old-fashioned regional sweetmeats, Christmas gewgaws ’n’ gimcracks, and jes’ plain ol’ Crappola. And you can drive yourself batshit playing that stupid-ass game with those fricking golf tees and the triangular piece of wood. Yeah, you know the one I’m talking about. The one where you keep playing until your food is cold and your brains have turned to pudding because you Just Can’t Freaking Figure Out How To Leave Fewer Than Eight Tees.
There we sat, waiting for our stacks of hotcakes and bowls of steaming hot grits to arrive. I was into my 37th round of the Stupid-Ass Tee Game; SWMBO and the Mistress were having a conversation; and I began to feel as though eyes were boring into the side of my head.
They were - and they belonged to Ol’ Banjo Eyes. Eddie Cantor!
For hanging there on the wall next to our table, placed there for purely decorative purposes, was an ancient Parker Brothers game board, with Eddie’s demented grin front and center.
Tell It To The Judge. [Click to embiggen.]
The game? Tell It To The Judge, a board game in which one would attempt to navigate one’s car from the garage to the Club without suffering humiliating breakdowns or being arrested for trivial moving violations.
Tell It To The Judge was around for years, but eventually it disappeared from the Gaming Tables of America. That jaunty 1930’s Art Deco design and jazz-age theme were not enough to save it.
As soon as I saw that board, I knew I had to find one of those games. When we arrived home that evening, I began scouring eBay. Within a few weeks, I had a near-mint condition game, complete with playing pieces, cards, and Play Money.
Let’s take a look at that money. It’s almost like Bizarro World Monopoly Money, with Eddie Cantor’s exophthalmic grin (so reminiscent of the grinning mascot of George C. Tilyou’s Steeplechase Park in Coney Island) shining forth from the center of each bill.
Eddie Money.
Every so often, I like to imagine a world in which Tell It To The Judge turned out to be the smashing success amongst its brother Parker Brothers games, rather than the greed-soaked Monopoly. It would be a world in which Ventnor Avenue and Park Place would be mere footnotes on the pages of history, not cultural-geographical icons. It would be a world in which the demented leer of Eddie Cantor, Ol’ Banjo Eyes, would be as familiar to the average American McDonald’s burger-eater as Old Mr. Moneybags is today, and in which the Pursuit of Mazuma would take second place to Evading Motorcycle Cops as the Great American Board-Game.
I think I would like such a world.
[Cross-posted at Blog d’Elisson. Tip o’ th’ Elisson fedora to Ivan, whose recent post at Thrilling Days of Yesteryear got me thinking about Mr. Cantor.]
Silly girl.
But I’ll try not to daub too much excrement on the walls and windows as we drive along. Here’s a True Story for you...
It was the summer of 2004, and She Who Must Be Obeyed, the Mistress of Sarcasm, and I were returning from a week-long road trip to the Northeast. A few days to attend my 30th college reunion; a few days to visit with Eli (his ownself) and Mrs. Eli; a few days in Cambridge with Elder Daughter.
After a full day of driving from Boston, we had stopped for the night somewhere on the southern marches of Richmond. At the Butt-Crack of Dawn, we hightailed it out of there, headed south on I-95, intending to stop for breakfast after we had gotten a few miles under our belts. Sure enough, as inevitably as the sun rising in the East, the cabin of our sedan gradually filled with the lusty sounds of borborygmus.
That’s a 50¢ word meaning “Gut Rumbles.” The sound an empty - and moderately pissed-off - stomach makes.
SWMBO, our trusty driver, was easily persuaded to stop for breakfast. This we did at a Crapper Barrel near the Virginia-North Carolina border.
I’m sure many of my Esteemed Readers are familiar with the Crapper Barrel. Not only can you get your all-day breakfast, your meat ’n’ three, your countrified chicken ’n’ dumplin’s there - you can also load up on Old Time Radio CD’s (superannuated content meets modern technology!), old-fashioned regional sweetmeats, Christmas gewgaws ’n’ gimcracks, and jes’ plain ol’ Crappola. And you can drive yourself batshit playing that stupid-ass game with those fricking golf tees and the triangular piece of wood. Yeah, you know the one I’m talking about. The one where you keep playing until your food is cold and your brains have turned to pudding because you Just Can’t Freaking Figure Out How To Leave Fewer Than Eight Tees.
There we sat, waiting for our stacks of hotcakes and bowls of steaming hot grits to arrive. I was into my 37th round of the Stupid-Ass Tee Game; SWMBO and the Mistress were having a conversation; and I began to feel as though eyes were boring into the side of my head.
They were - and they belonged to Ol’ Banjo Eyes. Eddie Cantor!
For hanging there on the wall next to our table, placed there for purely decorative purposes, was an ancient Parker Brothers game board, with Eddie’s demented grin front and center.
Tell It To The Judge. [Click to embiggen.]
The game? Tell It To The Judge, a board game in which one would attempt to navigate one’s car from the garage to the Club without suffering humiliating breakdowns or being arrested for trivial moving violations.
Tell It To The Judge was around for years, but eventually it disappeared from the Gaming Tables of America. That jaunty 1930’s Art Deco design and jazz-age theme were not enough to save it.
As soon as I saw that board, I knew I had to find one of those games. When we arrived home that evening, I began scouring eBay. Within a few weeks, I had a near-mint condition game, complete with playing pieces, cards, and Play Money.
Let’s take a look at that money. It’s almost like Bizarro World Monopoly Money, with Eddie Cantor’s exophthalmic grin (so reminiscent of the grinning mascot of George C. Tilyou’s Steeplechase Park in Coney Island) shining forth from the center of each bill.
Eddie Money.
Every so often, I like to imagine a world in which Tell It To The Judge turned out to be the smashing success amongst its brother Parker Brothers games, rather than the greed-soaked Monopoly. It would be a world in which Ventnor Avenue and Park Place would be mere footnotes on the pages of history, not cultural-geographical icons. It would be a world in which the demented leer of Eddie Cantor, Ol’ Banjo Eyes, would be as familiar to the average American McDonald’s burger-eater as Old Mr. Moneybags is today, and in which the Pursuit of Mazuma would take second place to Evading Motorcycle Cops as the Great American Board-Game.
I think I would like such a world.
[Cross-posted at Blog d’Elisson. Tip o’ th’ Elisson fedora to Ivan, whose recent post at Thrilling Days of Yesteryear got me thinking about Mr. Cantor.]
Busman's Holiday
This might just qualify as the most hilarious holiday ever with the Princess Mom.
Yesterday, we arrived late in Curacao, due to high winds during our first two days (at sea). After having experienced moderate temperatures and high winds for a couple of days, we were delighted to find it warm and sunny in Curacao... until... the clouds burned off and the sun started beating down relentlessly. It was upwards of 100 degrees and 90+ percent humidity. This, of course, in the middle of the tackiest shopping district we've run into yet.
By the time we got back to the ship, we were overheated and pooped. Still, the Princess Mom has been on a mission to see every available show on board, so we cleaned ourselves up, put on the glitz and the glam, and headed down to dinner.
In the middle of the appetizers, the captain came over the intercom to announce that one of the ship's generators had gone out of service, and that we would not be pulling out of port until it was repaired. What he didn't mention was that it was the generator that powers the onboard air conditioning.
Dinner soon got to be an uncomfortable affair, as the fuller the dining room became, the higher the temperature rose. All the ladies were glowing, in the most southern belle sense of the word.
Still, the Princess Mom insisted she wanted to see "Le Magnifique," so off we went to stake out seats early. The theater was even more closely packed than the restaurant, and by the time the show was over, we were
"glowing" like Three Mile Island.
By that time, we were too tired and wrung out to even think about whooping it up, so we headed back to our cabin with its tiny veranda. Halfway down the hallway I looked at Mom and teasingly said, "Let's go get naked and sit on the balcony."
Her reply? "I don't know about naked, but I'll do it in my undies."
Yup. Me and the Princess Mom in nuttin' but our skivvies, full makeup and all our bling, sitting in the starlight and laughing like hyenas.
Frightening.
_____
Yesterday, we arrived late in Curacao, due to high winds during our first two days (at sea). After having experienced moderate temperatures and high winds for a couple of days, we were delighted to find it warm and sunny in Curacao... until... the clouds burned off and the sun started beating down relentlessly. It was upwards of 100 degrees and 90+ percent humidity. This, of course, in the middle of the tackiest shopping district we've run into yet.
By the time we got back to the ship, we were overheated and pooped. Still, the Princess Mom has been on a mission to see every available show on board, so we cleaned ourselves up, put on the glitz and the glam, and headed down to dinner.
In the middle of the appetizers, the captain came over the intercom to announce that one of the ship's generators had gone out of service, and that we would not be pulling out of port until it was repaired. What he didn't mention was that it was the generator that powers the onboard air conditioning.
Dinner soon got to be an uncomfortable affair, as the fuller the dining room became, the higher the temperature rose. All the ladies were glowing, in the most southern belle sense of the word.
Still, the Princess Mom insisted she wanted to see "Le Magnifique," so off we went to stake out seats early. The theater was even more closely packed than the restaurant, and by the time the show was over, we were
"glowing" like Three Mile Island.
By that time, we were too tired and wrung out to even think about whooping it up, so we headed back to our cabin with its tiny veranda. Halfway down the hallway I looked at Mom and teasingly said, "Let's go get naked and sit on the balcony."
Her reply? "I don't know about naked, but I'll do it in my undies."
Yup. Me and the Princess Mom in nuttin' but our skivvies, full makeup and all our bling, sitting in the starlight and laughing like hyenas.
Frightening.
_____
Spamalot Review
I saw Spamalot last weekend in Charlotte, NC. In our Bus Driver's absence, I'll share with you some of the highlights.
There aren't any big name actors in the traveling show, but it didn't matter. The whole musical comedy is so over-the-top in sets, costumes and the excellent talent of the relative unknown actors, that I never missed the fact that Tim Curry and David Hyde Pierce weren't there.
Favorite scenes from the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail are re-created, with a twist. The ends of the scenes are changed so that they fit into a new story that tells how Arthur recruited his band of knights and then how they scattered in the effort to "find your Grail" as the recurring theme song encourages.
Camelot is portrayed as Las Vegas. "What happens in Camelot stays in Camelot." There are plenty of Vegas-style dance numbers and leggy girls in costumes Hugh Hefner would approve. Getting there is more than half the trip. Therefore, it won't take anything away from your enjoyment for me to reveal that in the process of finding his Grail, Lancelot comes out of the closet and Robin discovers his love of musical theater. It is very, very funny.
When you go, sit as close to the stage as possible. We were on bottled oxygen in the back of the balcony, and I think something is lost when you can't clearly see the actor's faces. This stage production is as outrageous as a French trebuchet loaded with a wooden rabbit. If you already love Monty Python, by all means GO. If you've never heard of them, Spamalot is a silly place with strong language that may not be your cup of tea.
--Chai-rista
There aren't any big name actors in the traveling show, but it didn't matter. The whole musical comedy is so over-the-top in sets, costumes and the excellent talent of the relative unknown actors, that I never missed the fact that Tim Curry and David Hyde Pierce weren't there.
Favorite scenes from the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail are re-created, with a twist. The ends of the scenes are changed so that they fit into a new story that tells how Arthur recruited his band of knights and then how they scattered in the effort to "find your Grail" as the recurring theme song encourages.
Camelot is portrayed as Las Vegas. "What happens in Camelot stays in Camelot." There are plenty of Vegas-style dance numbers and leggy girls in costumes Hugh Hefner would approve. Getting there is more than half the trip. Therefore, it won't take anything away from your enjoyment for me to reveal that in the process of finding his Grail, Lancelot comes out of the closet and Robin discovers his love of musical theater. It is very, very funny.
When you go, sit as close to the stage as possible. We were on bottled oxygen in the back of the balcony, and I think something is lost when you can't clearly see the actor's faces. This stage production is as outrageous as a French trebuchet loaded with a wooden rabbit. If you already love Monty Python, by all means GO. If you've never heard of them, Spamalot is a silly place with strong language that may not be your cup of tea.
--Chai-rista
Tootin' the Ship's Horn
Just a quick update to let you know that we're talking via email. This is a good thing.
Keep those prayers coming, please. They've been immensely comforting.
_____
Keep those prayers coming, please. They've been immensely comforting.
_____
Doing the Happy Dance On Top of My Desk
Update: I sent an email to the Sunny Ridge lady, just to let her know I'd try and get ahold of her tomorrow. Lucky for me, she was wide awake and checking emails.
I just got an email back with a PDF of the letter from her. And a photo.
Oh.
My.
God.
She's smart, she's sweet, and she's heart-breakingly beautiful.
I am never going to sleep tonight.
_____
I just got an email back with a PDF of the letter from her. And a photo.
Oh.
My.
God.
She's smart, she's sweet, and she's heart-breakingly beautiful.
I am never going to sleep tonight.
_____
Speed Bumps Ahead
Only yours truly could turn getting incredibly good news into a comedy of errors.
You see, Thursday night, I overturned the gi-normous bag which I use to carry just about everything I own (it's a big honking purse, and I've threatened to buy a doll house sized kitchen sink for it just so I could say I carry that, too) and apparently missed my cell phone when I was shovelling stuff back in. It was dark. What can I say?
I didn't notice it was missing until I was packing up my stuff to leave after working late last night. I figured it was at home on the charger... although I couldn't recall when I might have done that.
Nope. No phone on the charger. Unloaded huge honking purse. Still not there. Restuffed huge honking purse. Not in the kitchen. Not in the bedroom. Not in the coat pockets. Not in the bathroom. Not in the laundry hamper.
Ooooooh! This was not good. Not good at all. You see... I don't have a land line. Haven't had one for years, and, up until today, I haven't wanted or needed one. (Yes, I'm rethinking this decision.)
And, of course, I had a list of things to do before catching a taxi to O'Hare for a 6:30 a.m. flight tomorrow. I had to go get a set of keys cut for my cat sitter this morning. Several small but vital last minute odds and ends to pick up. I also had 50 skillion loads of laundry to do.
Of course, one of my neighbors got to the laundry room first. Argh!!!!
I met with the cat sitter and got that straightened away.
I checked on the laundry room. Rats.
I started wrapping stocking stuffers for the Princess Mom. (Yes, we're doing stockings on shipboard. I admit it -- the two of us are like little kids about this stuff.)
Back downstairs with a load of laundry in tow. Hallelujah! The washer was free.
My afternoon and evening was a marathon of wrapping and schlepping stuff up and down three flights of stairs.
Finally, I was able to head back downtown to the office to finish up some stuff that simply must be done by Monday a.m. (I know, I know -- only an idiot shows up at the office at 9:00 p.m. on a Saturday.) First thing on my to do list? Call the last place I could remember handling my cell phone. Bingo!
Back out of the office, down the street and past the train station. Yay!!!! The phone was there... but, of course, the battery was dead.
Back to the office and dig out my extra charger.
Finally, I got the phone turned on, and waded through 20 voicemail messages. There's a letter waiting for me at Sunny Ridge.
It's 10:43 p.m. on Saturday night, I'm at the office and will be here for several more hours. I have a 6:30 a.m. flight tomorrow.
I've waited 26 years. 10 more days, though, might just kill me. Thank goodness I'll be with the Princess Mom, who provides countless distractions and endless blogfodder.
I'll call the Sunny Ridge lady from the airport tomorrow, and ask that she send the letter to my home.
It's the first time ever that I wanted a vacation to be over before it ever began.
_____
For all of you who have left me kind words, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is truly a terrifying time. I imagine that anyone who's ever been in my shoes fears, deep down, that they'll never measure up to expectations. Your words have given me a lot of comfort.
_____
I'm kind of sensitive about being called a mother. I'm not her mother. I'm her birth mother.
The woman who kissed her boo-boos, changed her diapers, helped her with her homework, taught her how to fix her hair and do her makeup and much, much more is her real mother. I will not ever do anything to take that away from her. I'm grateful to her every single day.
I'm just hoping for...
Wow. 26 years down the road, and I still can't wrap my arms around what I'm hoping for.
See what I mean about terrifying?
_____
You see, Thursday night, I overturned the gi-normous bag which I use to carry just about everything I own (it's a big honking purse, and I've threatened to buy a doll house sized kitchen sink for it just so I could say I carry that, too) and apparently missed my cell phone when I was shovelling stuff back in. It was dark. What can I say?
I didn't notice it was missing until I was packing up my stuff to leave after working late last night. I figured it was at home on the charger... although I couldn't recall when I might have done that.
Nope. No phone on the charger. Unloaded huge honking purse. Still not there. Restuffed huge honking purse. Not in the kitchen. Not in the bedroom. Not in the coat pockets. Not in the bathroom. Not in the laundry hamper.
Ooooooh! This was not good. Not good at all. You see... I don't have a land line. Haven't had one for years, and, up until today, I haven't wanted or needed one. (Yes, I'm rethinking this decision.)
And, of course, I had a list of things to do before catching a taxi to O'Hare for a 6:30 a.m. flight tomorrow. I had to go get a set of keys cut for my cat sitter this morning. Several small but vital last minute odds and ends to pick up. I also had 50 skillion loads of laundry to do.
Of course, one of my neighbors got to the laundry room first. Argh!!!!
I met with the cat sitter and got that straightened away.
I checked on the laundry room. Rats.
I started wrapping stocking stuffers for the Princess Mom. (Yes, we're doing stockings on shipboard. I admit it -- the two of us are like little kids about this stuff.)
Back downstairs with a load of laundry in tow. Hallelujah! The washer was free.
My afternoon and evening was a marathon of wrapping and schlepping stuff up and down three flights of stairs.
Finally, I was able to head back downtown to the office to finish up some stuff that simply must be done by Monday a.m. (I know, I know -- only an idiot shows up at the office at 9:00 p.m. on a Saturday.) First thing on my to do list? Call the last place I could remember handling my cell phone. Bingo!
Back out of the office, down the street and past the train station. Yay!!!! The phone was there... but, of course, the battery was dead.
Back to the office and dig out my extra charger.
Finally, I got the phone turned on, and waded through 20 voicemail messages. There's a letter waiting for me at Sunny Ridge.
It's 10:43 p.m. on Saturday night, I'm at the office and will be here for several more hours. I have a 6:30 a.m. flight tomorrow.
I've waited 26 years. 10 more days, though, might just kill me. Thank goodness I'll be with the Princess Mom, who provides countless distractions and endless blogfodder.
I'll call the Sunny Ridge lady from the airport tomorrow, and ask that she send the letter to my home.
It's the first time ever that I wanted a vacation to be over before it ever began.
_____
For all of you who have left me kind words, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is truly a terrifying time. I imagine that anyone who's ever been in my shoes fears, deep down, that they'll never measure up to expectations. Your words have given me a lot of comfort.
_____
I'm kind of sensitive about being called a mother. I'm not her mother. I'm her birth mother.
The woman who kissed her boo-boos, changed her diapers, helped her with her homework, taught her how to fix her hair and do her makeup and much, much more is her real mother. I will not ever do anything to take that away from her. I'm grateful to her every single day.
I'm just hoping for...
Wow. 26 years down the road, and I still can't wrap my arms around what I'm hoping for.
See what I mean about terrifying?
_____
Tootin' the Horn
There's a 6 odd things about me meme that's been running around the blogosphere lately. I've never done one before, but I have good reason to now:
1. I am a birth mother. Until right now, only a handful of trusted friends and family had any idea.
2. My mom got a call from this place today.
3. They've left me a phone number, and apparently it's good news.
4. They left it on my cell phone... which, of course, like a doofus, I left at home today.
5. I am terrified.
6. I am elated.
_____
1. I am a birth mother. Until right now, only a handful of trusted friends and family had any idea.
2. My mom got a call from this place today.
3. They've left me a phone number, and apparently it's good news.
4. They left it on my cell phone... which, of course, like a doofus, I left at home today.
5. I am terrified.
6. I am elated.
_____
Busman's Holiday
If I make it out of the office before midnight tonight without collapsing, I'll soon be on my way from this...
... and this...
... to THIS!
I'll be back on the 21st. In the meantime, I'm tossing a couple of sets of keys to the Omnibus to a couple of (mis)trusted, but thoroughly amusing friends.
I'm hoping someone will take the darned thing for a spin in my absence!
_____
... and this...
... to THIS!
I'll be back on the 21st. In the meantime, I'm tossing a couple of sets of keys to the Omnibus to a couple of (mis)trusted, but thoroughly amusing friends.
I'm hoping someone will take the darned thing for a spin in my absence!
_____
Holy Smokes!
--------------------
Shooting at site of Metra station
--------------------
Tribune staff report
December 8, 2006, 4:00 PM CST
Ogilvie Transportation Center is being evacuated this afternoon while officials investigate a shooting inside the building, Chicago police said.
Police said at least one person was shot at 500 W. Madison St., but that person's condition is not known.
Around 3:40 p.m., one man could be seen being taken out of the building on a stretcher.
Emergency crews were responding to reports of multiple people shot, CLTV reported.
The address houses the Metra station and the Citibank Group Center.
The building is shut down and trains are not running.
There were dozens of police cars in front of the building along with two fire trucks.
People were seen hurrying down the escalators and running from the 37-story skyscraper on the west side of the Loop.
Many commuters who'd planned to board trains at Ogilvie were milling around in the cold, trying to figure out how they would get home.
Keegan Greene, who works at Verizon Wireless on the first floor was helping a customer when fire alarms began going off.
"One of the security guards came up to us and started saying, "Run, run, run, run, run!" Green said.
He said he saw someone on a stretcher on the first floor as he exited and saw two stretchers being brought out of the building.
The Associated Press contributed.
Copyright (c) 2006, Chicago Tribune
_____
This is my train station. Looks like I won't be going home in a big ol' hurry tonight! Yikes!
_____
Shooting at site of Metra station
--------------------
Tribune staff report
December 8, 2006, 4:00 PM CST
Ogilvie Transportation Center is being evacuated this afternoon while officials investigate a shooting inside the building, Chicago police said.
Police said at least one person was shot at 500 W. Madison St., but that person's condition is not known.
Around 3:40 p.m., one man could be seen being taken out of the building on a stretcher.
Emergency crews were responding to reports of multiple people shot, CLTV reported.
The address houses the Metra station and the Citibank Group Center.
The building is shut down and trains are not running.
There were dozens of police cars in front of the building along with two fire trucks.
People were seen hurrying down the escalators and running from the 37-story skyscraper on the west side of the Loop.
Many commuters who'd planned to board trains at Ogilvie were milling around in the cold, trying to figure out how they would get home.
Keegan Greene, who works at Verizon Wireless on the first floor was helping a customer when fire alarms began going off.
"One of the security guards came up to us and started saying, "Run, run, run, run, run!" Green said.
He said he saw someone on a stretcher on the first floor as he exited and saw two stretchers being brought out of the building.
The Associated Press contributed.
Copyright (c) 2006, Chicago Tribune
_____
This is my train station. Looks like I won't be going home in a big ol' hurry tonight! Yikes!
_____
Bus Fumes
Yes, I'm all for the death penalty in this case. In fact, let's stuff her into the very same microwave that she used on her own baby.
Waste not, want not. In fact, it's the best form of recycling I can think of.
_____
Waste not, want not. In fact, it's the best form of recycling I can think of.
_____
Drive-Bys
While I have a very good excuse (I'll be gone from the 10th to the 20th of this month), sometimes we all need a little help coming up with a good excuse. Click the image. You'll thank me for this.
(A tip of the cap to Jennifer!)
_____
Drive-Bys
In light of yesterday's Post Heading of the Day, that crazy Nancy V. figgered I might get a charge of of this. In fact, most of it squicked me out... until I got to this:
You, too, can make your very own tampon blow gun with matching bandolier. While I'd like to say "the mind boggles," in this case, I could actually visualize one or two of these babies turning up at any blogmeet wherever a Jawja Blown-Eyed Blodger happens to appear.
_____
_____
Quote of the Day comes from Your Crazy Uncle's Rules for the ER:
You know, maybe there's a cure for Eric's famous fear of zombies: give him something even worse to be afraid of. Like psychic lampreys. Now there's an image that'll scare the bejeepers out of you!
_____
You, too, can make your very own tampon blow gun with matching bandolier. While I'd like to say "the mind boggles," in this case, I could actually visualize one or two of these babies turning up at any blogmeet wherever a Jawja Blown-Eyed Blodger happens to appear._____
"A zombielicious little wine..."Hmmm... I'll have to order a bottle of this for my buddy you-know-who.
_____
Quote of the Day comes from Your Crazy Uncle's Rules for the ER:
"31) Please don't bring in a "show and tell." If you have to fish it out of the toilet, it's really not necessary to bring it in. We will take your word for it. If you did fish something out of the toilet.....you may NOT use my pen."_____
You know, maybe there's a cure for Eric's famous fear of zombies: give him something even worse to be afraid of. Like psychic lampreys. Now there's an image that'll scare the bejeepers out of you!
_____
The End of the Line
I told you the Apocalypse was coming!
Really, though, it's and happy ending and a new beginning. If you're already reading my BlogDaddy, update your links here. (And if you're not reading his stuff, you should be!)
_____
Really, though, it's and happy ending and a new beginning. If you're already reading my BlogDaddy, update your links here. (And if you're not reading his stuff, you should be!)
_____
Rubber-Necking
Post Heading of the Day:
_____
Pssst! Don't tell Eric, but there are Zombie Chickens on the loose. Zoicks!
_____
"Tampons: Satan's Little Cotton Fingers"I laughed myself silly. But I'm not so sure this guy will see the humor in it. Then again...
_____
Pssst! Don't tell Eric, but there are Zombie Chickens on the loose. Zoicks!
_____
Bus Fumes
Here's another great example of fine parenting. Seems to me that the mother and the grandmother could have put a stop to this by simply removing temptation from a kid who has no impulse control and over whom they obviously have no influence. But, noooooooooooo. Let's get the police involved.
Here's another good question: if the gift tag had the kid's name on it and it was in plain sight, isn't it technically his? How can this be theft? Yes, it's crappy behavior... but theft? C'mon. It's just lazy parenting.
_____
Here's another good question: if the gift tag had the kid's name on it and it was in plain sight, isn't it technically his? How can this be theft? Yes, it's crappy behavior... but theft? C'mon. It's just lazy parenting.
_____
Drive-Bys
Since I've never been a Seinfeld fan, I'm really not sure how I feel about this one:
Which Seinfeld character are you?
(A tip of the cap to Robin.)
_____
You can blame this one on Samantha Burns:
_____
Wow! Weird quizzes are popping up all over the place today. This one is courtesy of the Desert Cat:
Note: At the first screen, click on "Extras", then on "What's Your Seduction Style?"
_____
Which Seinfeld character are you?
(A tip of the cap to Robin.)
_____
You can blame this one on Samantha Burns:
| What does your driving style say about your sexual habits?? Taxi Driver You stay on the road, always use your turning signals, and talk sweetly to your car when it starts to act up. You're more than likely toting around children throughout your day, or at least playing taxi to a few friends. Maybe it's time you spent more time on yourself! In the bedroom, you focus so much on your partner, you forget the best sex is meant for two! Other obligations are often running through your head while in the bedroom. Don't be afraid to shut out your daily obligations to really enjoy yourself. I bet you're a really devote person, and your partner loves that about you. |
| Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests. |
_____
Wow! Weird quizzes are popping up all over the place today. This one is courtesy of the Desert Cat:
Note: At the first screen, click on "Extras", then on "What's Your Seduction Style?"
_____
The End of the Line
Little Piper has gone over the Rainbow Bridge.
Please go send condolences to Laurence Simon and his lovely wife Gina.
Damn. I hate news like this.
_____
Please go send condolences to Laurence Simon and his lovely wife Gina.
Damn. I hate news like this.
_____
From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus
From the Sweetheart of Shell Knob, MO (a natural blonde herself):
A blonde goes to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. She says to the clerk, "May I have 50 Christmas stamps?"
The clerk says, "What denomination?"
The blonde says, "Lord help us. Has it come to this? Give me 6 Catholic, 12 Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists."
_____
She also sends this bit of Texas humor:
(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this one!)
Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why.
Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.
She almost cried when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet."
She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on.
She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet.
He then announced, "These aren't my boots."
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, "Why didn't you say so?", like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.
No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear 'em."
Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again.
Helping him into his coat, she asked, "Now, where are your mittens?"
He said, "I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots."
She will be eligible for parole in three years.
_____
Also this giggle of a nursing story:
A nurse walks into a bank. Preparing to write a check, she pulls a rectal thermometer out of her purse and tries to write with it.
She looks at the flabbergasted teller and without missing a beat says,
"Well, that's great..........that's really great..........
Some asshole's got my pen."
_____
A blonde goes to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. She says to the clerk, "May I have 50 Christmas stamps?"
The clerk says, "What denomination?"
The blonde says, "Lord help us. Has it come to this? Give me 6 Catholic, 12 Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists."
_____
She also sends this bit of Texas humor:
(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this one!)
Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why.
Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.
She almost cried when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet."
She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on.
She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet.
He then announced, "These aren't my boots."
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, "Why didn't you say so?", like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.
No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear 'em."
Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again.
Helping him into his coat, she asked, "Now, where are your mittens?"
He said, "I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots."
She will be eligible for parole in three years.
_____
Also this giggle of a nursing story:
A nurse walks into a bank. Preparing to write a check, she pulls a rectal thermometer out of her purse and tries to write with it.
She looks at the flabbergasted teller and without missing a beat says,
"Well, that's great..........that's really great..........
Some asshole's got my pen."
_____
Bus Fumes
The first snowfall of the season and conjunctivitis occurred simultaneously today. Who else could be so lucky?
_____
_____
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
