Leslie's Omnibus

Counting My Blessings

I have many, many things to be thankful for, but most of all...


... for TMPAE...

... MGN(R) and TMBCITW. Damn, but my brother has beautiful kids!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

I don't know whether I should be flattered or frightened to be number one on this list.
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Shhhh! Don't tell my BlogDaddy about this! It's just cruel to take some of his favorite kinds of health foods, freeze them and put them on a stick. Cruel, I'm telling you!
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Grrrrrrrr!!! Blogger's new beta version apparently doesn't like Mozilla Firefox (at least not at Erica's joint), but works just fine in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

On top of that, now the Munuvian weblogs (at least for Bou, Harvey and T1G) appear to intermitently utilize Klingon punctuation in Firefox, while once again performing admirably in Explorer.

Would someone please take out a cluebat and whack the good folks at Google upside the head? They need to work out all the bugs before they unleash the new beta version. And they need to quit fooling the hell around with the old version at the same time. Arghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
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Leslie

Traveling Companions



















The Divine Miss Marilyn is really going to hate it when I finally get around to getting that mirror hung, as this is one of her favorite spots in the house!
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The Carnival of the Cats goes up every Sunday and the 132nd edition, 10/1 is up at Pets Garaden Blog. The 133rd edition will be hosted by Curiouser and Curiouser on 10/8. There are more weekly cats at Weekend Cat Blogging hosted on 10/7 by The Hidden Paw which has many participants who may not be familiar to Ark or Carnival participants. Do go shout out at The Catbloggers Frappr Map. And don't forget the Friday Ark!
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Found in the office kitchen this afternoon:

This just cracks me up!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Since some really cool guys are doing it...

The Resistance

Achtung! You are 38% brainwashworthy, 31% antitolerant, and 47% blindly patriotic

Welcome to the Resistance (Der Widerstand)! You believe in freedom, justice, equality, and your country, and you can't be converted to the the dark side.

Breakdown: your Blind Patriotism levels are borderline unhealthy, but you show such a love of people from everywhere and a natural resistance to brainwashing, you would probably focus your energy to fight the Fuehrer with furor, so to speak.

Conclusion: born and raised in Germany in the early 1930's, you would have taken up ARMS against the oppressors. Or even your friends' oppressors. Congratulations!



Less than 5% of all test takers earn a spot in the Resistance!




The Would You Have Been A Nazi? Test

- it rules -





My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on brainwashworthy
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on antitolerant
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on patriotic

Link: The Would You Have Been a Nazi Test written by jason_bateman on href='http://www.okcupid.com'>OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

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And because this was just fascinating:


The Dirty Little Secret
Deliberate Gentle Sex Master (DGSMf)

Innocent but fundamentally sexual, like the word "finger". You are the Dirty Little Secret.

Few women have the confidence for sex mastery, and among nice girls, like you, it's almost unheard of. So congratulations. You've had plenty of adventures, but you've remained a kind, thoughtful person. Your friends appreciate your exploits. They even live vicariously through you.

Your exact opposite:
The Wild Rose

Random Brutal Love Dreamer
You seek pleasure, but you're not irresponsible. You are organized and cautious, and you choose your lovers wisely. One, you don't like dirtbags. And two, you like to maintain control. Or at least lose it selectively. You might notice that older men single you out. They have an eye for your sensual nature. Take it as a compliment.

You enjoy making people happy, and it's inevitable that many guys will fall harder for you than you for them. You're not completely comfortable in a serious, long-term relationship right now. Our guess is that the key to extended happiness will be finding a responsible, but kinky, mate.


ALWAYS AVOID: The Hornivore, The Manchild, The Last Man on Earth

CONSIDER: The Bachelor, The Backrubber


Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating.

(Who knew?)
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

I got nuttin' today, so I'm outta here.

Later, Dudes and Dudettes!
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Man! I wish I'd seen this before Maeve's recent birthday:

Ah, well. There's always next year!
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

One of my favorite bloggers is having a birthday!


Go send celebratory smooches to Mr. Debonair Hizzownself!
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My Sistah Moogie gets guaranteed a few more gray hairs every day now that Chickie has turned twelve.Drop on by to wish her well, and tell her that "Auntie Popcorn" sent you!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Another silly quiz:











Omnibus Driver discovered time travel



Omnibus Driver is now selling the drug that allowed it for $1 million a pill


'What will your Headline be?' at QuizGalaxy.com

(A tip of the cap to LL, who moved her blog recently!)
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Egads! Even Chicago's finest aren't all that fond of Big Brother.
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For anyone out there who is struggling with depression and feels isolated and alone, go read this right now.

You are not alone, and you will be surprised at the support you get when you start being open about your struggle and the steps you are taking to regain control of your life.

How do I know?

My friends and family shocked and amazed me when I finally admitted I had a serious problem and sought help for it. I still struggle with panic attacks from time to time, but not nearly as much as I did for a while there. And one of the most healing things for both the depression and the anxiety was finding out that I wasn't alone -- or didn't have to be unless I chose to.

Many people were aware something was very wrong with me, but didn't know how to approach me to ask. Once I opened the floodgates of conversation, however, I got more support and love than I ever dared hope for.

There are a lot of bloggers out there who are publicly dealing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and more. Moody Mama and Bloggo Chicago are probably two of my favorites, because they hold nothing back about their illnesses. Fearless -- just farookin' fearless -- ladies. (And Dooce. How in the world did I forget to include her?)

I doff my hat to Danny and Angie and Barb (and Heather) and anyone else who's willing to open themselves to honest self-examination, let alone share it with the rest of the world.

And if you're sitting at home feeling helpless and isolated -- pick up the phone and call your family doctor. Ask for a referral. Take those first steps back out of bleakness. If you don't like the first therapist, fire 'em and get another one. You can do it. I know you can.
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Nothing could make me happier. Heh, heh, heh.
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Quote of the Day:
"If you're violating your standards faster than you can lower them, time to go away." -- Robin Williams
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Hmmmmmmmmm. Here's a nifty little tool for Eric when Denny's not around for a tune-up.

(A tip of the cap to Eric Zorn.)
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Finally, school systems across the country are sitting up and taking notice that not all kids want to be or should be on a college track. We need more skilled laborers -- especially in an economy when some college grads can't make much more than minimum wage with their bachelor's degrees alone. (In fact, I worked for one consulting firm that would require MBAs for candidates for entry level secretarial positions because there was such a glut on the market at the time. Disgusting.)

Offering the option of a good, solid vocational track in addition to a college prep track is just common sense.
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I can relate to this. In my own case, I'm blaming Prilosec. It's been wonderful for the acid reflux, but the side effects.... So. Not. Pretty. Just ask The Divine Miss Marilyn.
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You tell 'em, Sarge!

As for me, I believe we should steer as much business as possible toward Dunkin Donuts and Applebee's!

Boycott the boycott, okay?
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In another eduation-related matter, this stupid ass school superintendant who made and played a libelous videotape of district employees is now playing the "gay" card to protest the school district rescinding his contract extension. His sexual preference didn't get him in trouble -- his incredibly poor judgment did.

Personally, I think the district is far better off without this self-serving scum-sucker.
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I didn't realize that pedophilia could be treated in rehab. I don't care if he's gay. I don't care if he's a drunk or a druggie. I do care that he's got a thing for kids.
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Patterico posts Part II of his interview with the psychiatric nurse from Gitmo. Fascinating.
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Patterico displays citizen journalism at its finest. Be sure and stop by to read his series of interviews with a soldier who served at Gitmo. This should be fascinating and illuminating reading.
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Friend of both Mr. Debonair Hizzownself and the Straightest of White Guys, Erica Sherman dishes up some mighty fine reading just in time for Yom Kippur.
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It's pretty bad when a television anchorman is funnier and stays in character better than the regular players. No, I don't think Tina Fey is great. In fact, SNL went downhill -- WAY downhill -- during her tenure as head writer. Of course, it's been a long, slow, painful slide. Why SNL is still on the air I have no idea. None at all. It ceased being funny years ago.
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I like this idea. It is, however, too bad that the lesson needs to be taught in the first place. Shouldn't it be parents teaching their children self discipline and responsibility, instead of the schools teaching those same lessons to the parents?
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Leslie

Roadside Diversions

One of the reasons I love to visit my brother and sainted sister-in-law is that their back yard is a garden of earthly delights:





Tranquility abounds. (And if I could convince my bosses and my family, I'd move my laptop and myself onto Keith's deck from May through August.) Man, I love it there!
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

In my family, food is and has always the center of the universe. Ask any member of my immediate family about their most recent trip, and before you hear about any local sites you'll get a complete run-down of restaurants visited, a complete description and critique of each meal ordered, and a report on service and ambience. Oh. And we went the beach. It was nice.

When my dad was going through a bit of a mid-life crisis and my mom chided him about his weight, his response was, "Leave me alone. Eating is my only pleasure left in life." He got over the "only" bit eventually, but eating being one of his chief pleasures never stopped.

Most of my good friends know I'd rather have a savory than a sweet for dessert. However, on occasion, when the pastry chef is particulary well known for his or her decadent goodies, I will indulge. While visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, a friend and I treated ourselves to dessert and coffee at the Anasazi Restaurant at the Inn of the Anasazi (at the time rated a 4-star restaurant). My friend had a lovely apple tart with caramel and white chocolate sauces, while I indulged in a huge pot of cappucino creme brulee. So huge, in fact, that I could not finish it. It was a sinfully, silkily sexy whisper on my palate. The taste buds were tempted, but the tummy was done. We had no mini-fridge in our hotel room, so there was no way to take a doggie bag. I practically wept. I threatened to roll around in my plate and wear the rest of it home, rather than leave any behind.

Where is all this leading to?

Well, it seems this passion for foods -- particularly decadent foods -- runs in the family:





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Leslie

Traveling Companions

After reading this article, the Divine Miss Marilyn would like to know the whereabouts of Missy the Kitten at that time?


She says she smells a rat. She's also trying to con me into buying this for her:

Sigh.
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Oops! I almost forgot to send you over to the Friday Ark! What are you waiting for? Scoot!

Also remember to swing by Pet's Garden for the Carnival of the Cats this Sunday evening. Loads and loads of furry feline goodness!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

We Are Not Amused? Oh, yes, we most certainly are!
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Oh, boy! Eric will be so pleased to hear this happy news. (Would you like popcorn with that zombie?)
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Note to Moogie, who's discovering the joys of living with a tweenager: At my 30th birthday party most of my friends and relatives gave me the usual raft of grief about being "over the hill." My dad, however, informed everyone in the room that my greatest achievement thus far wasn't turning 30. Oh, no. The greatest achievement was that he let me live past my junior high years.

He was correct, too!
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

Lots of birthday shout-outs today.

First, to Sadie, who's still at an age where the box and the wrappings are much more exciting than the actual present:


Next, to Darren, whom we very much McLike, and who is moving to the city where this photo was taken:


To Contagion, who Graumagus always loves to wind up:


And finally, to TMPAE, who agrees entirely with Sadie:


Happy first birthday! Auntie loves you, you know.

Go send 'em all a bunch of birthday smoocheroos!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Quote of the Day: "I have monkeys in my pants."

Geeze. Some people will go to great lengths to steal someone else's schtick.
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Hmmm.... I wonder if Mr. Debonair Hizzownself has one of these on his Christmas list? Or maybe one of these?
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

Seems someone I know is having a birthday. All I can say is:

Go send birthday wishes!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Well, I didn't win the contest... but I'm going to take Susie up on her discount offer. Stay tuned for an Omnibus makeover!
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You Are Heineken

You appreciate a good beer, but you're not a snob about it.

You like your beer mild and easy to drink, so you can concentrate on being drunk.

Overall, you're a friendly drunk who's likely to buy a whole round for your friends... many times.

Sometimes you can be a bit boring when you drink. You may be prone to go on about topics no one cares about.



Posted not because I'm a beer drinker, but for Sandy, who definitely is!
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You May Be a Bit Dependent...

You're more than a little preoccupied with being abandoned.

You need a lot of support in your life, at all times.

It's difficult for you to survive on your own...

And you don't reallly think you ever could.

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You Are 34% Selfish

In general, you are a very giving person who treats others very well.

But at times, you insist on getting your way - when it matters most to you.

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You Are 73% Grown Up, 27% Kid

Congratulations, you are definitely quite emotionally mature.

Although you have your moments of moodiness, you're usually stable and level headed.

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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Every once in a while I read a newspaper article that just blows my mind. Today was one of those days. Go over here and read the whole thing, then come on back and we’ll chat. I can wait.

Done?

45 men actually believed that quack??? I mean… “[F]at was drained from his abdomen so it could be injected into his pen[*]s, enlarging it.” I’m stunned. Just farookin’ stunned. (Although… this does give new meaning to the term “fatty.”)

I surely don’t get it. And I don’t think I ever will, either!
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Update: The link is fixed. Sorry about that.
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Freaky. Just freaky.

(A bumfuzzled tip of the cap to Shep.)
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Quote of the Day: "Imagine a Zamboni with tits."

(What can I say? It made me laugh!)
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Don't forget the contest over at Bluebird Blogs! The contest for two custom blog designs ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight. (Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!)
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Side note to Eric: 6087 Delores Blvd., Brook Park, OH. 234-4674. I've forgotten a whole lot since then, but never that one.
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Mr. Debonair is waxing poetic about ice cream. He can keep his Carvel Cookie Puss. This is the only ice cream brand/flavor that blows this Omnibus Driver's skirt up. WAY up.
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I should stop by Kevin's place more often. He always has thoughtful posts. This one on the difference between a panhandler and a homeless person is a must read. The guy is living the life, so you can and should take his word for it.
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Eeeeeeeeeeeew! That's even creepier than Brokeback Blown-Eyed Blodging Zombies. Ick, ick, ick, ick, ick!

(Gee thanks, Lair!)
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What was she THINKING??? (And what rock did that creepazoid crawl out from under?)
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For Yabu, in return for his vasectomy tales in Helen.

(A tip of the cap to Kehaar.)
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More death-related creepiness. Over my bread body, indeed!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

The Uncyclopedia explains everything you ever needed to know about your mom (and then some).
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Quote of the Day:
"Somehow, Bo's personality is part Benito Mussolini, and part drag queen. To which we say: watch out, world. It's the unholy marriage of dictatorship and glitter."
Too funny.
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And speaking of too funny, the zombification of Eric continues.
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Justin Timberlake may have gotten his SexyBack, but some gals just go for some HairyBack.
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To quote Yabu, "That just ain't right."
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Sheesh. I had just yesterday finally gotten rid of my latest earworm and what happens? Ms. Althouse happens. That's just cruel.

Fortunately, I'm headed off to the United Center to see Eric Clapton tonight. What do you want to bet that I'll have a new earworm tomorrow?
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Now they tell me. Ah, well... a good lesson indeed.

(A tip of the cap to P'nut.)
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Bluebird Blogs is having a contest. I'm entering. Are you? (Better get your entry in by Friday evening!) Susie does beautiful work... and I'd sure be proud to sport one of her designs!

(A tip of the cap to the Venomous One.)
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Man, oh, man!

(Thanks, Susie.)
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The answer is "yes"... unless you have a tin ear, no rhythm, two left feet and a Shakira phobia.
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

Christine is having a birthday, so in her honor I offer a Ttickle Me Pink:

Mmmmmm!!!

Go offer pinkest of wishes to a creative and wonderful woman!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

If you're going to pull over here, take a barf bag, will ya? You're going to need it.
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You Are a Strawberry Margarita

You're so sweet it's a little overwhelming, and people are a little afraid of corrupting you... [Huh???]

It's a little difficult to imagine you with a margarita. [Damn straight, Skippy -- I'm a red wine girl!]

And you're truly a different person after you've kicked back a couple! [Too right! Last time I tried it, I danced on a table with a cowboy from Saskatoon. That, of course, was eons ago.]



(A tip of the cap to Lisa W.!)
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I love my nieces with all my heart... but I'd rather handle nuclear waste naked than change a teething 11 month old's fully loaded nappy ever again!
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Leslie

Bus Fumes

Once again, the Chicago school system sucks the fun right out of the classroom. Jeepers, do I feel sorry for the next generation. They're going to have to wait to be grown-ups to enjoy the good things in life, I guess.

Call me crazy, but I loved having my mom bring treats to school on my birthday.

Bunch of freaking party poopers.
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Quote of the Day:
"5. A hot bubblebath, six or eight good orgasms and/or a solid half-hour of laughing will make almost anything feel better."
Too right.
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

One of my favorite former bloggers has snuck back into the blogosphere. Go visit the Wizard... and tell him I send a hug and a smooch!
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It's Harvey's big 4-0, so I'm sending a bit of birthday cheesecake his way:


Well... he did specify that this year's theme is "BLUE".*

Stop on by and offer up birthday spankings!
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*Don't get it? Go here and scroll down to number 19.
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Since all the cool kids are doing it:

You Are a Liberal Republican

When you tell people that you're Republican, they rarely believe you.

That's because you're socially liberal - likely pro-choice and pro-gay rights.

You're also not so afraid of big goverment, as long as it benefits people and not politicians.

You are the most likely of any Republican type to swing over to the Democrat side sometimes.


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You Are 72% Feminine, 28% Masculine

You are in touch with your feminine side.

Sensitive, intuitive, and caring are all words that describe you.

And you're just masculine enough to relate to both men and women.

Damn straight, Skippy.
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Last one!

Your Power Color Is Indigo

At Your Highest:

You are on a fast track to success - and others believe in you.

At Your Lowest:

You require a lot of attention and praise.

In Love:

You see people as how you want them to be, not as how they are.

How You're Attractive:

You're dramatic flair makes others see you as mysterious and romantic.

Your Eternal Question:

"Does This Work Into My Future Plans?"


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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Yeesh! Now that Eric's obsession has been exposed, I've suddenly been tripping over all sorts of stuff like this:

and this:

Will this ever end?
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Quote of the day: "Death was sometimes an unfortunate side effect, company president Jarrod Horton said."

The moron used poison. What other outcome did he expect?
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Best blog name in a long time can be found here. Genius!
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For BabsRN's vocabulary list: RTT with BBB and MFB, CFD. Heh.
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On the drive from Helen back into Atlanta last Sunday, I was listening to a terrific oldies rock station. It has had the unfortunate effect, however, of planting these alternating earworms in my skull. I must admit that if I've gotta have earworms, these are better than most.
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

What Your Bathroom Habits Say About You

You are a giving soul. Way too giving in fact. You often get stuck doing the dirty work that no one else will do.

Your look is put together, classic, and stylish. You always look fashionable without trying.

You are a very outgoing person. You are true to yourself, and you never hold back.

In relationships, you are practical and realistic. You have a romantic side, but you only let it out when it's appropriate.


(A tip of the cap to Deb at Accidental Verbosity.)
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You Are Balanced - Realist - Powerful

You feel your life is controlled both externally and internally. You have a good sense of what you can control and what you should let go. Depending on the situation, you sometimes try to exert more control. Other times, you accept things for what they are and go with the flow.

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!


Hmmm...
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Your Life Path Number is 6

Your purpose in life is to help others

You are very compassionate, and you offer comfort to those around you. It pains you to see other people hurting, and you do all in your power to help them. You take on responsibility, and don't mind personal sacrifice. You are the ultimate giver.

In love, you offer warmth and protection to your partner.

You often give too much of yourself, and you rarely put your own needs first. Emotions tend to rule your decisions too much, especially when it comes to love. And while taking care of people is great, make sure to give them room to grow on their own.


That's enough of that for now.
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Leslie