Leslie's Omnibus

Drive-Bys

Quote of the Day:
I'm not a tool of the governor. I'm a tool of the people of Illinois...
He's a tool alright. (See references 6 and 9.)
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Going out tonight? Read this, first. You'll thank me in the morning.
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Ear Worm and Giggle of the Day:


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Happy New Year to you and yours!
Leslie

Drive-Bys

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.

This really choked me up.
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Giggle of the Day (and the nightmare of this guy, this guy and this gal):

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals

Heh.
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If you need a heart-warming story today, go here.
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Love graphite portraits? Go see Leanne's cool contest here.

I'm going to have to dig through my photo archives for this!
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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.)
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Blogthings. Because I can.




Your New Year's Resolutions



1) Get a pet Tasmanian devil



2) Eat more gummy bears



3) Travel to Holland



4) Study marine biology



5) Get in shape with disco dancing






You Are the Daughter



You very keyed in to emotions. You care deeply and are quick to forgive others.

You often get lost in your own thoughts and daydreams. You find it difficult to stay focused.



At your best, you are sweet, sensitive, and innocent. You bring joy to people's lives.

You are open and expressive. You love sharing your optimistic, dreamy vision of the world.



At your worst, you feel powerless and like a victim. Your fear can paralyze you.

You tend to complain and whine. Whether your complaints are legitimate or not, you're not one to solve your own problems.


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Ear Worm of the Day:



Nope. Not having a bad day. I just love this old song.
Leslie

The End of the Line

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.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Sissy, Tuck and Tiny.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Giggle of the Day:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
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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.
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Before you donate to one of those NBA charities, consider this. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
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Ear Worm of the Day:

Leslie

Makin' Tracks

I'm out of here shortly. To all my blogging pals and readers, the merriest of Christmases to you!


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P.S. --

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Because I haven't done one of these in a while:

Your result for The Brutally Honest Personality Test...

Sap- ESFJ

60% Extraversion, 47% Intuition, 40% Thinking, 60% Judging


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.


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The other personality types are as follows...


Pushover - Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging


Criminal - Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving


Borefest - Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging


Almost Perfect - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving


Freak - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging


Loser - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving


Crackpot - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging


Clown - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving


Sap - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging


Commander - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving


Do Gooder - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging


Scumbag - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving


Busybody - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging


Prick - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving


Dictator - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging


Take The Brutally Honest Personality Test
at HelloQuizzy


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You read something like this, and you've just got to start counting your blessings. Keep this family in your prayers, will you?
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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.

Pinball revival? Sign me up!
Leslie

BOLO

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!)

Keep your eyes peeled.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Here's just one more reason I'm a Hawks fan. And it's a dandy, too.
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Because you know I love nature's perfect food.

Get your own here... and blame it on Suzette.
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"I guess it's hard enough for people to think about their parents having sex, let alone their grandparents."
Thank Heaven someone in Kansas has half a brain and the guts to use it. Rock on.
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Giggle of the Day:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
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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?
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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



My New Year's resolution will be to work harder on that naughty part in 2009.

(A tip of the cap to my gal Tammi, who could also use some prayers.)
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Your Kiss is Black



Your kisses are amazing. You put a lot of effort into your kissing technique.

You are a perfectionist, and you never leave any kissing detail to chance.

When you're kissing, you like to be in charge. You don't enjoy someone else taking the lead.

You know you're the best kisser. In fact, you're often disappointed by how other people kiss.



Kissing Type: Thoughtful



People See Your Kisses as: Amazingly unreal



You Kiss Best With: A Pink Kisser



Stay away from: A Green Kisser



(You really needed to know this, right?)
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You Are a Jam Filled Cookie



You are an idea person. You're always thinking up something new.

You're also quite persuasive. People are drawn to you and adopt your beliefs.



You are energetic and ambitious. But most of all, you are charming.

You are a natural leader, and you are ready to lead!


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Ear Worm of the Day:



Blame it on Jimbo. I know I will.
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I don't know about where you live, but it's farookin' freezing here.

Hope you have someone warm to cuddle up with!
Leslie

Sidetracked

I needed a giggle to get me out of my usual post-internet Christmas shopping spree funk. This did it:



(Swiped with great glee from Julie. Whether you like dogs or cats, it'll still be your best laugh all week.)
Leslie

Drive-Bys

JihadGene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!!!" Alrighty then...


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Giggle of the Day:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals

This reminds me of an old pal who I haven't seen in a long, long time. (Love you, hate your shoes, Fred!)
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An appropriate Blogthing:




Your Snow Test Says You're Agreeable



You feel like something good will happen to you in the next few weeks.



You don't really like to work, unless work feels like play. You only are successful when you are doing what you love.



You are a cooperative, agreeable person. You enjoy the company of others, and you enjoy compromising for the good of the group.



Your biggest worry in your life is your health. You tend to be a bit of a hypochondriac.



When it comes time to relax, you have no problem letting go. You are already pretty relaxed as is!

Leslie

Hold the Bus!

Seems Governor Giveaway can't restrain himself and is giving a press conference at 2:00 p.m. central time today.

So how does his attorney feel about that?
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.)
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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.
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Update:
Blagojevich: I am not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.

Blagojevich: I will fight until I take my last breath.
Did you expect anything less? I certainly didn't.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

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.
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Mark Brown proves that I am a genius. (See point 5.)
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If you can spare a little extra in any way, shape or form this Christmas, Toys for Tots is really hurting. And bless you.
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A little pickin' and grinnin' for Hair Boy, Denny, Kerrcarto and Charlie Delta:



I may just have to order his new CD, which I heard portions of last night. Awesome stuff.
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Oxymoron of the Day:
Mystery as century-old Swiss watch discovered in ancient tomb sealed for 400 years
Either Scotty beamed someone in, or that tomb has not been sealed for 400 years. (Aye, Captain?)
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Giggle of the Day:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
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Totally gratuitous Blogthings:




You Are Most Like Tyra Banks



Totally smokin' with tons of attitude



... and...




You Are Considerate and Mature



You approach the holidays with responsibility and cooperation.

You'll do your part to make sure that everyone else has a happy holiday.



You aren't particularly picky or high maintenance during the holidays.

You're happy to be in the company of people you love, and you're willing to "go with the flow."



Of all the types, you are the most likely to give someone exactly what they want.

You're also the most likely to wrap all your presents well - to prevent peeking!

Leslie

Road Conditions

Received from my receptionist today:

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.)
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More info here.
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BTW -- Mayor Shortshanks? Michael Bilandic. Michael Bilandic. Michael Bilandic. So there!
Leslie

Drive-Bys

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.
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Da Mair handled snow removal in his own in his own inimitable fashion for the second time this winter.

In other news, he's contemplating changing his name to Michael Bilandic.
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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.
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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.
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I can't imagine why this recipe would remind me of Christina. Can you?
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Giggle AND Ear Worm of the Day:



(Thanks, Anne!)
Leslie

Drive-Bys

This...


... coming on the heels of this announcement, was just too much of a coincidence for me!
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Things that make me laugh:
Gov. Rod Blagojevich prayed with several ministers in his home before heading to his office this morning, telling them he is innocent and will be vindicated "when you hear each chapter completely written," one of the pastors said.
He said they were invited by the governor and the two "prayed that he would continue to be a great governor for the state of Illinois."
Bwaaaaahahahahaha!!!
I think the governor of Illinois is a psychopath.
No. Really?
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You Are Hot Chocolate



Your holiday personality is generous.

The holidays are your favorite time to practice the art of giving.



You enjoy picking out presents, sharing treats, and making everyone's day a little brighter.

And you don't even notice if you don't get anything in return.


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I swear Joanie posted this just for me. It gave me warm fuzzy feelings all day. (And, yes -- I was rooting for the double-decker.)

As I said in her comments -- drivers should be bendy; buses should not!
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Leslie

Bus Fumes

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.
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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.

Idiots.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Ear Worm of the Day (for my BlogDaddy):



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And while I'm desecrating the holiday...

... here's the Giggle of the Day:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
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A Blogthing that hits pretty close to home:




Your Spiritual Number is Four



You bring stability and order into people's lives.

You are a devoted friend, and you are able to help other get out of extremely chaotic situations.



Right now, your life is about making difficult choices and complicated decisions.

You find yourself at a crossroads, and you can't stall any longer.



While you may be going through a confusing time, you are confident that you will do the right thing.

You have the courage to do what's best, even when it's hard.



(A tip of the cap to Blogthing co-dependent Richmond.)
Leslie

Drive-Bys


The view from my boss's window late this afternoon. Pretty!
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I don't get Girls' Night Out either. In fact, I much prefer my usual Tuesday Therapy Night sessions.

Men, women, straight, gay, single, divorced, married, all age ranges, and a wide variety of professional histories.

And blogmeets are fun, too.

Personally, I prefer the diversity.
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You Are a Trifle



No doubt, you have many intricate layers. But deep down, you're a little squishy.



(A tip of the cap to Richmond.)
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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.
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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.)
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JihadGene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!!!" and he's doing it Cajun style. Here you go, my friend:



Ayyyyyy-eeeeeeeeee!!!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

This just spoke to me today:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
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Quote of the Day:
Three of the last eight Illinois governors have served time in prison. So the stunning part is not that Blagojevich may be flamboyantly dishonest, but that he is such a dunce.
Heh.
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More chuckle-worthy truth:
[I]s Blago some blithering maniac ready for a padded cell?

Of course not.

But one thing is clear: The pundits who make such diagnoses have never talked to a Chicago machine politician in their lives.

How do they think Chicago politicians talk in private when they're muscling some other guy for cash? Like Helen Mirren playing the queen?
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And since we're on the subject of my favorite governor, three guesses why I found this so chuckle-worthy.
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Which leads to the Ear Worm of the Day:


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P.S. -- The hot toddies did their job. I may not be 100% yet, but I'm way ahead of where I was yesterday morning.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

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.)

Now... how about you?
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Giggle of the Day (for my Northwoods pal):

funny-dog-pictures-with-captions-riding-the-train
see more puppies
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Quote of the Day:
Service..customer service in general is the wave of the future. The way this economy is shaping up, you bet your sweet ass, if I go into a store to spend my hard earned money, there better damn well be someone up my ass kissing it. My time is precious, too, and I want some damn service. I want to know that my money is going towards a worthwhile product, and ya know what else I want...I want someone to stand there and make me feel better when I have that panic attack for big items. You better be able to answer any technical questions I have and you better be able to load it up in my vehicle for me, and yes, I'll tip.
Yes, indeedy, Kelly rocks.
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A couple of Blogthings:

Blame the first one on Jay:




You Should Juggle



You've got the talent to go far in life, but you don't really like to take risks.

You rather practice your well honed skills than put your life in danger.



You are agile and coordinated. You can work magic with your hands.

You truly mesmerize people. You don't have to resort to cheap tricks and gimmicks.


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You Are Black Tea



You have a bold personality. You're not afraid of simply being yourself.

You have the courage to speak the truth. You are fearless in your actions.



You come off as a bit intimidating and unapproachable. Only confident people are attracted to you.

You don't try to scare off anyone. You're just an intense person!


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Your Dominant Thinking Style: Visioning



You are very insightful and tend to make decisions based on your insights.

You focus on how things should be - even if you haven't worked out the details.



An idealist, thinking of the future helps you guide your path.

You tend to give others long-term direction and momentum.


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And,




Your Sensuality Score is: 85%



You taste, smell, feel, see, and hear more strongly than most people.

Even the smallest sensual act can be quite divine for you.



You are a hedonist. You like to experience it all... whether it's food, art, music, or sex.

If you're not careful, you're apt to overindulge or get addicted to a certain pleasure.


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Ear Worm of the Day:


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Words to be wary of:
"I have a permit."
Sheesh.
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Leslie

Bus Fumes

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.

But surprised? Nah. Not me.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

It's Friday, and JihadGene says, "Let's Dance!" Sure thing, my friend:


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Speaking of JihadGene, he's responsible for the Quote of the Day:
I don't know how she did it, but quicker than a Korean can count to 4 (one Mrs Shippy...two Mrs Shippy...etc) Booger Butt found Susan Wong's bed in that big old house, with Susan fast asleep in it.
Cracked me right up, that did.
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Giggles of the Day:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals

and...

funny-dog-pictures-with-captions-i-is-ghost
see more puppies
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Snark of the Day:
I've discovered the most self-aggrandizing snow globe in the history of Western Civilization. It was created in honor of Oprah Winfrey. Or the holiday season. It's hard to say.
That slays me!
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I wasn't kidding about those Bratz dolls coming off the shelves! If you don't get 'em before Christmas, you won't get 'em at all!
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A couple more Blogthings:




You Are Silk Pajamas



You are a very sensual person. There's nothing you like more than indulging your senses.

You also love to bring others a new sensual awareness... whether it's through food, music, or intimacy.



You like to treat yourself. You spend a lot of money taking care of yourself.

You are likely to sleep on a luxurious bed with expensive sheets and pillows.






What Your Workspace Says About You



You are generally fairly organized, but you have occasional slip ups. You find keeping organized challenging.



You are hardworking and driven. You have an excellent work ethic.



You feel like you neglect your family and friends when you're working. You may work a bit too much.



You don't switch careers often, and you intend to stay at your current job for a long time.



At work, you are an introvert. You don't like people coming around your work space.



And from Jay:




Your Attention Span is Medium



Your attention span is just about average.

You may think that you have a short attention span...

But being distracted is something most people struggle with.



The most important thing is that you're aware that your mind wanders.

If you find yourself daydreaming, you can usually snap out of it.

It may be tough to concentrate at times, but you can do it... if you want to!



and...




You Should Be a Teacher



You are patient, optimistic, and good at explaining things.

You work well with all types of people, and you are a good role model.

Success and positive outcomes are extremely important to you.

You are both a good leader and instructor. People look up to and depend on you.



You do best when you:



- Can see the results of your work

- Are able to teach someone a new skill



You would also be a good nurse or non fiction writer.


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Happy Weekend!
Leslie

Rules of the Road

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.
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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.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

The view from my office window today:


Look a little closer!

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Ear Worm of the Day:



Seriously, this song has been rattling around my noggin since 9:00 last night. Gah!
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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!
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Quote of the Day:
"If anyone finds any washed up on a beach, please let us know. We want our boobs back."
(A tip of the cap to Bill Jempty. I'll be giggling about this all day, Dude.)
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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!
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Giggle of the Day:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
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A couple of Blogthings, via Jay:




You Are an Orange



You have a zest for life, especially for anything colorful, wild, or dramatic.

You have a unique take on the world, and you're not afraid to be a little funky.



You are a bit reserved toward people who don't know you well.

You have a thick skin, which can protect you from anything that goes wrong in your life.



Once someone does get to know you, they totally get and appreciate you.

Your friends see you as a bright person with a refreshing take on life.



and...




Your Thinking is Concrete and Sequential



You are precise, orderly, and realistic.

You tend to get to the point and get things done.



Difficult, detailed work is easy for you. You take things step by step.

Time limits aren't a problem for you either. You work well with deadlines.



What does drive you crazy is any sort of task that isn't precisely laid out.

You don't like anything to be ambiguous. You prefer to deal with the facts at hand.

Leslie

Drive-Bys

LawDog gets the giggles here. I think he's onto something.
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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...
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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.
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Add this book to my Christmas list, will you?
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Not only are reservations open for the BlogHer Hotel, 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.)
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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!
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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 Are a Crossword Puzzle



You are well read, and you have a good head for remembering facts.

You are a wordsmith. You have a way with words, and you're very literate.

You are a mysterious person who enjoys dropping little clues every now and then.



and...




You Are Checkers



You are very logical and rational. You are able to understand what is and isn't a factor.

You're able to compartmentalize and focus on the essentials.

You appreciate simplicity. You can see the layers of complexity and beauty in anything.

You are also playful and good natured. You don't take life too seriously!

Leslie

Drive-Bys

JihadGene says, "It's Friday. Let's Dance!"

Okey dokey:




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A few Blogthings, because you can never have too many:

You Are Chopsticks
People see you as exotic, unusual, and even a bit intimidating.
You are a difficult person to figure out.

In truth, you try to live a very simple life.
But most people are too frenzied to recognize the beauty of your simplicity.


You Are a Reluctant Shopper
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.


(So true it's frightening!)

There Are 1 Gaps in Your Knowledge
Where you have gaps in your knowledge:

Science

Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge:

Philosophy
Religion
Economics
Literature
History
Art

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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?
Leslie

Return Trip

Cool quiz:

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Bill Weasley

Your perfect HP man is Bill Weasley.

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.)

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

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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.

(A tip of the cap to Joanie!)
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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.)
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Giggle of the Day:

funny-dog-pictures-with-captions-we-has-a-pomeranian
see more puppies
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The memes just keep rolling in. This one's from caltechgirl:

Do you remember your first favorite song?If so, what was it?

Jesus Loves Me

What do you refuse to eat?

Boiled okra, runny eggs, sweet potato casserole

Have you ever injected any kind of drug before?

Self? Lovenox. Ick. Cats? All kitten and annual vaccines except rabies.

Do amusement park rides make you sick?

Nah. I love that stuff.

Who is your favorite Star Wars character?

Obi Wan.

What kind of cheese do you put on your sandwiches?

Amish yogurt cheese -- YUM!

What was the first thing you ever learned how to cook?

Fried bologna sandwiches

Did you ever collect beanie babies?

Nope. I have collectible dolls out the whazoo, but no beanies.

When was the last time you got a haircut?

September.

Have you ever been to a bachelor/bachelorette party?

Yes. My own and others. Hate them with a passion.

Where are you most ticklish on your body?

Not telling. Not for anything or anyone.

Have you ever bailed anyone out of jail?

No

What's the last board game you played?

Noodleboro Fun Park Sharing Game... with my nieces [BTW -- These games really are quite cool, and kids love them.]

Do you still own any VHS tapes?

A few. But no TV, much less VCR, to play them

Do you shop at JC Penney's ever?

Once in a blue moon

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!
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Ear Worm of the Day:



That has to be the strangest vocal pairing in history.
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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.
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Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Here's a new meme:

The meme is simple - go to the 6th file of photos on your computer. Choose the 6th photo. Post it.

This is Curacao on December 13, 2006 -- one of my many cruises with The Princess Mom.


As Helen says:
PS-I tag anyone who wants to do this, but please leave a message in the comments telling me you've done the meme. It's a pretty cool meme, and I am one nosy bitch who'd love to see your photos and will be coming by.
Me, too.
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Results

Silhouette of a womanWe think http://getonthe.blogspot.com is written by a woman (79%).

Well, I should certainly hope so. Only 79% though??? Go here and check your own blog out!

Found via Breda.
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Giggle of the Day: It's Marmoset Monday! (Scroll down to find it. It's worth it!)
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The Republican party in Illinois should have been doing this for a long, long time. Still, it's a step in the right direction.
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Aw, Jeeze:

funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals
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Christmas things that remind me of The Princess Mom:

Christmas Club accounts
Doing each other's stockings
Layaway plans
Dates stuffed with cream cheese and rolled in granulated sugar

More to come...
Leslie