While I've been clear that I'm not in favor of the government ordering churches to perform marriage ceremonies for gays, I am in favor of civil unions.
If you need a heart-warming story today, go here. _____
Love graphite portraits? Go see Leanne's cool contest here.
I'm going to have to dig through my photo archives for this! _____
One more reason drinking and driving are a really bad idea in the great state of Illinois. (And, given that we have so many repeat offenders in this state, a really great idea.) _____
Just got the word today that the cat blogosphere has lost one of its most luminous spirits. Poetry in motion and artwork in repose, Baby Cakes will be sorely missed.
Ummm, ladies? If you don't appreciate him, throw him back out into the dating pool. There are loads of us out here who'd love to have the opportunity. _____
Before you donate to one of those NBA charities, consider this. Tsk, tsk, tsk. _____
Aww...you know that sensitive mamsy-pansy sap I was talking about earlier? Yeah. Well, someone had to get it and you pulled the short straw. Now pull yourself together, crybaby.
You are quite possible one of the most sensitive people I know and I don't even know you! You care what each and every single person thinks about you. You're the kind of person who sends around a txt to everyone they know saying "i thnk ur prtty. wat do u thnk abt me? rate me frm 1-5."
That's 1 meaning "I hate you" and 5 meaning "You make me vomit when I look at you." You're still crying, aren't you?
Sure. All you want is for someone to appreciate you once in a while. Aww... Boohoo. Hold a pity party sometime. The garden's free. Lots of worms down there. Big ones. Small ones. Squishy ones.
My guess is you don't understand this test one bit. You can't imagine how anyone could be so insulting or why anyone could find it even remotely amusing...STOP THE DAMN WATERWORKS, WOMAN!
Naive is a word that needs to be branded on your forehead... Alright, now I feel bad. Sure, you do have some redeeming factors, just not many. Sorry.
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If you enjoyed that test, make sure you check out my latest venture: The Presidential Capacity Quiz- It's much shorter, just as fun and just as accurate. Find out how far you would get in the race for President. Are you fit to rule the free world?
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If you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check out this.
You read something like this, and you've just got to start counting your blessings. Keep this family in your prayers, will you? _____
Ear Worm of the Day:
(You'll have that one rattling around your noggin for days, I guarantee!)
I have absolutely no interest in video games of any kind... but I love, love, LOVE pinball. Back in the '70s one night I ran a Playboy pinball machine all night on fifty cents.
Be on the lookout for a guest blogger here -- DWF, 40's, red/brown. Smart, funny, sassy and tired of Phoenix. Loves Chicago winters. (Okay, so she's a little nuts, but I love her!)
Susan Palwick is one of the nicest bloggers on the web (some of her chaplaincy posts really helped me through the Princess Mom's long, hard slog towards the end), and she and husband Gary going through a hell of a rough patch right now. Dad on the west coast awaiting help with heart issues; Mom on the east coast dealing with her own poor health issues, and now Gary's dad has passed away.
Keep'em in your prayers, will you? _____
A few Blogthings:
You Were Nice This Year
You Were 35% Naughty, 65% Nice
Okay, so you weren't *entirely* nice this year
But Santa doesn't expect a modern girl to be perfect
You were good enough - and you'll be rewarded for it
Genson didn't sound keen on the prospect of his client making a public statement.
"I'm a lawyer by trade -- I don't like my clients to talk to anybody," he said.
Good luck to you, Bucko. That guy couldn't keep his yap shut to save his soul... if he had one, that is. (Clearly whatever meager one he had was sold to the Devil long ago.) _____
At any rate, you can catch the fun live through WGN Radio's live stream here. Just click the "Listen Now!" button in the upper left-hand corner. Don't miss out on the fun. _____
Another reason why Blago won't quit -- the Feds are after his campaign money! And if he's short on cash, as he claims, he'll hang on to that gubernatorial paycheck for as long as it lasts. _____
National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Cook County from 7pm Thursday until 12 noon Friday, precipitation will start between 9-10pm, heaviest precipitation will fall between 2am - 8am, will be heavy wet snow with potential to fall up to 2 inches per hour, snow totals between 6-12 inches by noon Friday, precipitation will be mainly snow for Chicago.
Please take precautions during you commute and plan accordingly.
The Office of the Building
Yeesh!
(Take good care of yourself if you live in the Chicagoland area, or if you're flying in or out.) _____
If you're fascinated by Blago and his antics, check out Marathon Pundit and Illinoize for some of the best coverage roundups in the blogosphere.
This mess has already cost the State of Illinois big bucks.
In the meantime, the Illinois Supreme Court tossed out Lisa Madigan's bid to have Blago declared unable to function as governor and Patrick Fitzgerald has asked the Illinois legislature to rethink going after impeaching Blago now, as they may publicly look at evidence before a trial court can, and Blago's attorney has gone on the offensive.
Geeze. Nothing's going to get done in Springfield for a long, long time. _____
In other news, he's contemplating changing his name to Michael Bilandic. _____
The Willises will never be able to give foregiveness, because that stupid, arrogant ass George Ryan will never admit that he is culpable in the deaths of their loved ones, and he refuses to accept the fact that he needs to live with his sentence.
Don't do it, Mr. President. This is one man whose sentence should not be commuted. _____
And more good news from the great state of Illinois -- Drew Peterson continues his campaign to taint the national jury pool. He's got to be one of the most loathed human beings ever. Even if he's charged with a crime, there's no way to find an unbiased jury.
Brilliant. I'm telling you -- the guy is brilliant. _____
I read this post on dating, and my hair stood on end. By the time I'd gotten through the comments, it had gone up in flames.
Allow me:
My best girl buddy Kelley is single and she loves to share her dating adventures with me. Kelley is a beautiful, independent young woman. She has no trouble getting dates.
She is not a beautiful young woman. She has a shriveled and ugly soul covered in pretty packaging.
Her problem is being asked out on a second date.
And it's no wonder.
Actually, it is not much of a problem to her as she has not been very impressed with the first dates lately. (I think she is content with being single and only goes on dates for entertainment at her date’s expense.)
She is a user, and is taking financial and emotional advantage of what are probably damned fine men (with admittedly lousy taste in women).
Last night Kelley was on a big girl - play dress up - classy restaurant type date. Her date was waiting at the restaurant when she arrived. He graciously pulled out her chair and made sweet attempts to make her feel special.
Clearly he's been reading this blog. Good for him. There's something decidedly attractive about a guy who goes out of his way to act like a gentleman and make a lady feel special.
Unfortunately, this Kelley is no lady.
Kelley threw out some witty conversation starters (that is what she called them, but I am a bit skeptical because she loves to throw out gems that leave a person wondering WTH?)
Kelley said her date began to squirm in his chair so she took off her metaphoric boxing gloves and asked him straight out, “Why are you so nervous? Just be yourself. Most people try too hard and at the end of the night are left standing there with their dick in their hand, so-to-speak.”
See? Classy!
She said the guy turned beet red and asked her to please refrain from being so crass.
And Kelley, being Kelley said… “Sure, but if you want this date to progress in a more positive manner you might want to pull the stick out of your ass.”
Okay. The guy has gone out of his way to pick a nice restaurant, gotten dressed up, shown up on time, gone out of his way to be polite and respectful, and this is how that bitch treats him?
Of course I had to ask her how her date responded to that gem…
Kelley said that she was actually surprised when he got up and left the restaurant. She thought this one might actually have a bit of spunk.
Frankly, I don't know what took him so long. And I hope he stuck her with the tab.
She asked me, “Do you think he is going to call me back for a second date?”
Ummmm -- no? But you could certainly pass him along to me. _____
The commenters (one of whom is a friend, and in whom I'm sorely disappointed over this), save myself, all seem to think that Kelley's a hero here and they should all be emulating her.
No, no, NO.
Perhaps they prefer a guy who drags them out to a pool hall, treats them like crap and breezes in and out of their lives at will. Who shows them zero respect.
Me, I'll take the classy, respectful guy. And hope he hasn't been turned off real ladies for good because of stupid twits like these.
This bitch must be related to my Third Grade teacher.
Mrs. Clark, wherever you are, I'd probably still believe if it wasn't for you. You're lucky the Princess Mom let you live. _____
Mayor Shortshanks really ought to pay attention to history. Snow removal (or lack thereof) was the death of Michael Bilandic's mayoral career.
The good folks of Chicago are pissed as hell... and nothing lasts forever. (Okay. Maybe unless you're a Daley. But even Da Mair might not be bulletproof over this mess.) _____
Seeing as I'm just coming off four days in bed with a lousy cold, I'm going to kick off a little Sick of Being Sick Meme of my own.
The rules?
1. No tagging allowed. You only play if you choose to play. 2. You plunk in a link back to me so I see where it lands. 3. You plunk in a link back to whomever you swiped this from because you're such a nice person. 4. You take your vitamins and drink lots of fluids.
Tell seven strange/true things about yourself/your behavior when you're not feeling well.
1. I am a lousy patient. I get grumpy and mildly impatient within 24 hours. Snarky and edgy within 48 hours. Caustic and perpetually irritated after 72 hours. You don't even want to ask after that.
2. I miss my mom when I'm sick. A lot.
3. Over-the-counter cold remedies don't work for me.
4. Hot toddies or blackberry brandy and hot tea do.
5. I managed to simultaneously sneeze, cough, belch and poot yesterday. With my eyes open. It was awesome.
6. I go back to work as soon as humanly possible because I can't stand my own company after a while.
7. I crave weird foods when I've got a cold or the flu -- spaghetti sauce and parmesan cheese, but no pasta; red beans and rice; tangy cole slaw (the kind with just mayo, wine vinegar, celery salt, lemon pepper and some celery seed -- NO SUGAR); cornichons (the more sour, the better); chili with melted cheddar cheese and gobs of sour cream. Good stuff like that. In fact, yesterday I was craving the slaw and had everything but the cabbage. What do you think I did? (You're darned tootin', I did.)
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Governor Giveaway finally got nailed and the whole world is up in arms. Quite frankly, I'm shocked that the rest of the world is shocked.
The man has displayed incredible hubris over and over again. These latest escapades are nothing more than an escalation of his usual lunacy.
Here are my predictions:
1. He's not going to quit or willingly step aside.
2. He's still trying to figure out how he can get himself on the next presidential ballot... and believes with all his heart he'll do it... and that we'll happily elect him.
3. Obama may get tainted by his dealings with Rezko, but he distanced himself from Blago a long time ago, (and for very good reasons) and will come up clean on this one.
4. This is only the beginning of the indictments.
5. The fastest and most expeditious way to get Governor Giveaway out of office would be to pay the bastard off. He wants $300,000? Give it to him, and good riddance! It will cost the taxpayers one hell of a lot less than it will cost to impeach him or to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court to remove him from office.
6. The Dems could use a Sarah Palin of their own here in Illinois. By that, I mean the Sarah Palin who took on her own party and cleaned house from the Governor's house on down in Alaska.
7. No pardon for George Ryan now.
8. Durbin sent to grief counseling by Democratic National Party.
9. Emil Jones not named to Obama's seat.
10. Illinois turns a little less blue... a lot more purple.
11. I feel sorry for Blago's kids... and Patty's sister.
My BlogMama is struggling with a painful issue right now -- an issue that seems to be especially pesky for women: why, when and how to let a friendship go.
Funny, because I just had a former friend pop up out of the ether extending the hand of renewed friendship recently after zero contact for several years. (No, Cheryl. This is NOT you.) A friendship where my goodwill had been wrung dry, and I'd been forced to draw some very clear and drastic boundaries. And the message was left in one of my well-known haunts, which creeped me out entirely.
Wouldn't you know, my first impulse was to reach back out, but gingerly.
Then I gave myself a great big mental head-slap and decided that I wasn't the person who'd broken faith, abused my big heart and good nature, repeatedly made stupid choices and expected others (usually me) to fix them when they blew up in her face -- my so-called friend was.
I know what good friends are, because I'm surrounded by them now. And good friends just don't treat you that way.
I have no desire to go back to all new episodes of "As the Stomach Turns."
That doesn't make me a bad person; that makes me a smart person.
As for my BlogMama, she's under the mistaken impression that sorry-ass excuse for a human being is her friend. She's not. My BlogMama is a good friend. That other person is a user and an abuser.
A lot of women are conditioned to be "nice," to not "make waves," and to play well with others. We sometimes put up with way too much in the way of others' bad behavior, because we believe we will be perceived to be a "bad person" if we don't.
Phooey on that nonsense!
I've sent a text message to my former friend that I'm simply not willing to go down that road again, and wishing her well. If she shows up in my favorite haunt, well... I'm a favorite of theirs, too, and I know who'll be welcomed and who'll be escorted out. I don't want a scene, but I can handle it if it comes.
As for my BlogMama, I hope she understands that people will respect her more for giving that emotional parasite the push-off than for putting up with her barbs. Life's too short, and there are too many other good people out there to spend our hearts and energy on for a far, far better payoff.
It's time we all had the doormat tattoo surgically removed from our foreheads. _____
Update: I just took a closer look at the note she left me, and now I'm really creeped out. Why? She moved in one block from where I lived at the time she moved away in the first place. Too freaky.
Seriously, this song has been rattling around my noggin since 9:00 last night. Gah! _____
Planning on buying Bratz for your little girls this Christmas? Then you might want to get to the store quickly. Otherwise, it's Barbies for everyone! _____
(A tip of the cap to Bill Jempty. I'll be giggling about this all day, Dude.) _____
I don't think I'll be done in time for submission to Amazon.com's Amazon 2009 Breakthrough Novel competition, but you can bet I'll be submitting next year.
In the meantime, spread the word. I can think of at least one guy who could and should enter! _____
LawDog gets the giggles here. I think he's onto something. _____
Why do you suppose these remind me of this guy and this guy? Let's just hope I'm not giving them any big ideas here... _____
I've been looking for something cool for TMBCITW's first Mystery Trip with Auntie Fun. I'm thinking this musical might just do it. Dinner and a play, just the two of us.
Yep.
That should do the trick. _____
Add this book to my Christmas list, will you? _____
Not only are reservations open for the BlogHerHotel, registration for the conference is now available here. Sign up before February 28th for early bird pricing.
(And if you're thinking about coming, but can't justify the expense -- Miss Nancy and I have reserved a room with two double beds, and both of us are willing to share. C'mon. It should be a load of fun.) _____
Ear Worm of the Day:
Lisa is an old pal of mine from the Redhead Piano Bar. She's there every Monday and Thursday. Check her out next time you're in town! _____
A couple of Blogthings, because I love them so...
You Are the Superego
While some people may think first and act later... you often don't act at all.
You rather be safe than sorry, and you take ethics pretty seriously.
Like everyone, you have some pretty crazy desires. But unlike everyone, you restrain yourself.
You have high standards for your own behavior. And you happily exceed them.
You really don't enjoy shopping. For you, it's just another chore. You approach shopping systematically. You research what you're going to buy and come prepared with a list.
Of all the types, you are the most likely to not buy things you don't need. You try to de-emphasize stuff in your life. You find shopping and buying things to be a rather empty experience.
With only a couple of days left, Team Coast Guard only needs about $150 to push us over the $2,000 mark for Project Valor-IT. If three of you donate $25 each or more, I'll match it with $25 each of my own. Between you and me, we can make this happen. We can do it, okay?
You like guys who are cool. And not cool in that fake, dicky way, but actually cool. He's so cool that they couldn't find any actor to adequately portray him, so they decided to just leave him out of the movies rather than risk not doing justice to his coolness. He's like the Chuck Norris of Harry Potter: plain freaking awesome. When Voldemort says "You-Know-Who", he's talking about Bill Weasley.
(Fanarty by The Starhorse http://the-starhorse.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)
In another very cool quiz, I find I'm definitely a right-brained person:
You responded as a right brained person to 15 questions, and you responded as a left brained person to 3questions. According to the Hemispheric Dominance test, you use your right brain the most. The summary briefly describes your dominance type.
Some of the traits associated with the right side of the brain are listed in the table. Not all of the traits will apply to you. Remember, we use both side of our brain, but your right sides gets the most exercise.
Go here to find out what it all means for you... and holy crap is this spot-on for me:
If you are predominantly right-brained, you may also have trouble outlining (You've probably written many papers first and outlined them latter because an outline was required). You're the student who needs to know why you are doing something.
Oh, sure. I go ahead and order this little gem, which I LOVE, and looks snazzy as hell on the shoulder of the snappy teal trapeze dress I just bought, and now the designer comes up with this, which I'm lusting over with all my heart.
Ahem. Christmas list. Hint, hint, hint...
(P.S. Accessoire shipped really fast, and I'm very pleased with the quality of the pin I bought. I'll definitely be a repeat customer.) _____
If there was a real Jurassic Park, would you visit it?
Probably not... unless it had a spa
Do you ever read the newspaper?
Every day
Do you eat your mac & cheese with a fork or a spoon?
A fork
Is there any medicine/pill you take everyday?
Not any more. Yay!
How many 20 dollar bills do you have on you right now?
Seven
Would you do meth if it was legalized?
Not on your Nelly
Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers to survey questions?
Nope
Do you think Obama will be assassinated?
I don't want to even pursue that line of thought
Have you ever made out with someone and then never saw them again?
Yep. I'd do it again, too
Do you drink egg nog?
Yes. The Princess Mom used to make it for us when we were sick
What are you wearing?
Slacks, blouse, pearls and heels
Feel free to jump in and post your own! _____
Ear Worm of the Day:
That has to be the strangest vocal pairing in history. _____
One more thing...
While you're celebrating all the things you're thankful for this year, drop a few bucks here in thanks for the men and women who've served this country so well and could use a hand in return. _____