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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Because I can't make this up...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Let's just file this under the "Things that suck a whole lot" heading, shall we?
And it's not a baby.
It's a uterine fibroid and apparently it WAS bigger than a softball, but NOW is bigger than a grapefruit. I'd like to take this moment to thank my surgeon for ruining a fruit that I actually used to like to eat.
I would link to the Wikipedia page on uterine fibroids, but once you go there and see the pictures, you'll never want to eat anything again. Probably. Wait, maybe I should go there and check it out.
Anyway, said fibroid makes me bleed for weeks on end and apparently is leaving me BARREN. That, by the way, is a word that I totally think should make a comeback.
So I'm having surgery at the mid-end of October to get it removed.
Assuming I don't die, I'll be off work for 6 weeks or so.
During that time, I'll be catching up on my Harry Potter reading (I just finished book #3) and (of course) working on my never-go-wrong formula for figuring just WHO the baby daddy is on the Maury Povitch show.
It's good to have goals.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Let's get fiscal
I'd have to go back and look in the archives to see if I've mentioned it before, but Lance (the guy who used to be my co-worker and then became my boss) has a problem.
One that is pretty detrimental to being a good manager.
He gets his words confused. Big time.
Like, almost a year ago, when they told us that we were going to be working out of a different building (another one that our company owns), he told us we were going to be working for AT&T. The part of our company has two of those letters, but not all three... you can imagine our confusion.
There is a guy in our company who's name is kind of like Calvin Coolidge. He calls him Kelvin Kingston. No one knows why.
We have a lady in our company who's name is kind of like Anne Botros. He calls her Amy Billings.
It's like he can't hear people's names - and he doesn't retain the information. It's as if he just can't hear the difference between the words. Clarkson becomes Clarkston. Alan becomes Adam. Peaktronics becomes PeakLAtronics. Pueblo becomes Pleblo. It's SO weird. And confusing.
But in this morning's meeting, he started talking about last month's numbers - which was our fiscal month #11 (our fiscal year ends this month).
And he kept saying, "In FY 11, we did X amount of business." Since our fiscal year for 2011 hasn't started yet, we were a bit confused. And then he says, "Sorry...I meant in physical month 11..." Which ALSO doesn't make sense - because WHAT is a physical month?
So he's going to our main headquarters today - to give a presentation. And I know that last month's numbers are going to come up. So I went into his office and asked him a few questions - ones that he answered with the same mistakes as earlier.
I said, "I think you mean fiscal instead of physical."
He smiled and said "Physical."
Me: "Fiscal."
Him: "Physical."
Me: "It's spelled F-I-S-C-A-L."
Him: "Okay." (He is not a good speller)
Me: "You might want to learn the difference between the two words."
Him: "Can't I just explain last month's numbers as FY 11?"
Me: "No. The FISCAL year 2011 hasn't started yet. That starts October 1st. The abbreviation "FY" means fiscal year. So no...describing last month's numbers as FY 11 doesn't make sense."
Him: "Well, how am I supposed to talk about last month's numbers?"
Me: "Just say 'last month's numbers'."
Him: "Okay."
THAT is the guy who manages this whole place. Nice guy. Really. Just not someone that I can really learn from, you know?
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
It's less of an "update" and more of a "downdate."
I didn't get it.
I'm still stuck in this hell that seems more and more like prison every day...except for the fact that there is slightly less stealing and selling of bodies. Other than that? JUST LIKE PRISON.
The thing is, after the job interview, I was pretty sure that I didn't want the job - it was different than what they had explained it as. So I'm not upset that I didn't get the job as much as I'm upset that I still have this one.
And yes, I SHOULD be happy that I'm gainfully employed. And I am.
Only I can't believe that this is all that there is in the world for me. I don't make a difference. I have no purpose. I would be a starving artist downtown, but a) I don't do starving...have you SEEN me? and b) I don't have any "natural talent" when it comes to artistic things. Just another thing about me that is completely UNnatural.
I've had several sets of guests in town this summer. Some mine, some Joe's. I've also flown out of town to visit friends. And in the end, I'm sort of sad I live here instead of where they live.
Don't get me wrong, I have friends here. It's just...different than the friends that I have in the other places. Is it that when I visit them (or vice versa) we make the most of our time since we know we won't have much of it? Maybe.
So, to catch you up quickly:
1) I still have a job that is slowly killing me. I would say "killing me softly" but my job has nothing to do with songs. Also, I'm kind of loud and therefore there isn't a high chance of something me doing anything softly.
2) I visited my best friend this weekend and we made another quilt (this time we finished the WHOLE thing this weekend). It's WAY cool and has lots of t-shirts that I thought I had misplaced until I moved this past spring and found a Rubbermaid tub of them under the stairs. The last one was flannel - this one is not...so I have a spring and a winter quilt. I'm lucky. Only I miss her so much that I'm pretty much cuddled in it the entire time I'm at home. It's pathetic.
3) I still don't have a dog. Did I ever mention on this one that my dog died? Well, she did. June 22nd. That day can suck it. And because of where we live - in a downtown hi-rise building, we can't get a puppy. Potty training would be more of a nightmare than it already is. And I so want something else to pour my love into that I'm actually thinking of getting a cat. Someone check me into a mental hospital...I can't believe I just wrote that. I'm the person that doesn't like cats. Maybe I should get a plant?
4) I'm still running...in fact, today I signed up for my first race since the 5 miler that I ran in April. This one is just a 5K though, so it shouldn't kick my bootay TOO badly.
5) My dad still writes/talks about poop. I'm so not kidding.
6) I kindasorta wish I lived some place else.
No...not a happy fun post, but hey, at least it IS a post.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Workin' it out...
She was wearing a skin tight glittery outfit - with boots that had 6" platforms on them. Her hair was "teased to Jesus" as my friend Mike says...and her make-up looked like she might've been in some sort of Broadway production later that night.
But oh-boy was she draped all over that man.
Joking, I turned to Joe and said, "I have that outfit! In fact, I would've worn it today, but I was thinking about wearing it to work tomorrow."
To which, he said, "Uh, Anne? She already IS wearing it to work."
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Like one time, I was walking from our parking garage to the entrance of our building, dodging pedestrians and people who seem to have just arrived on Earth. I say that because these are the people who, when normal walking protocol says they should...um...WALK, don't. Instead they slow down and look around with wide eyed amazement at all things. To be fair, maybe they're not aliens. Maybe they're just high.
Anyway, I happened to be talking on the phone at the time to my dad, who is prone to discussions about diarrhea and regularity. Now, before you go and judge him, he's a doctor.
Also, he isn't terribly great in what you might call "normal discussion." Obviously.
So, I'm on the phone with him, hearing about his BMs* and I notice that a guy standing on the side of the street just LOOKING at me intently. It's weird - so I look at him and that's when I notice that...
...YUP he's playing with himself. And I don't mean a game of solitaire. Unless by "solitaire," you mean touching his jabombies.
I did what any other normal person would do. I gasped, covered my eyes and kept walking. My dad, having heard the gasp, says "I know! But that's probably normal given the fact that..." and then launched into what he had eaten to cause such a BM.
It was like the grossest thing ever.
And now YOU get to think about it.
You're welcome.
*BM = bowel movement. Which, incidentally, is what we were encouraged to call poop when we were little. Everyone else's parents would say, "Do you need to go doo doo?" and ours would be all "Have you had a BM today?" No wonder I'm odd.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Uh, your participle is totally dangling...
Well, let me clarify. A lot of me hates writing.
See, when I was a kidlet, I was super smart. Incidentally, however smart I was as a kid, I think I peaked. I think I just never got smarter.
When we were little, my whole family moved from Colorado (where I was born) to Germany. And in Germany, someone had me tested. I was "gifted" and encouraged to leap up a few grades.
My mom decided that developmentally, I probably shouldn't. She didn't want me to be teased or something. Which is funny because HELLO! I was teased like NON STOP even when I was in the correct grade. What the heck was going to stop people from doing such a thing just because I was in a grade higher than mine? Was she worried that they would use bigger words than "doo-doo head?"
Anyway, the concession between teachers and my mom was that they would put me in higher math classes during part of the day. That way I could be brainy smart for some of the day but then a regular kid during most of the day. Like Peter Parker. Only without a penis. And more nerdy. And less super spidey abilities. But other than that, just like Peter Parker.*
The effect of me going to the smarty math classes was that I had to skip out on the "regular" English classes. This meant that I never learned what a preposition was or why an adverb should be used in one place versus another. So by my parents trying to make me Nerdy Math Girl, they made me Nerdy Math Girl Who Doesn't Know Crap About Her Own Language. And NMGWDKCAHOL is a long abbreviation to put on a cape - no matter how big the girl.
So long story short (too late), I don't know crap about writing. Anything that I do write correctly is because I know about patterns...and I can think about what I'm going to write or say, measure it against the way I've heard other people speak, and then repeat it like a parrot.
Now I want a cracker.
I'm worried that some person is going to pop up and comment something like, "ACTUALLY, everyone knows that an adverse adverb when pluralized belongs in the conjunction of the implied alliteration and the...." and then my head would burst into flames due to a) embarrassment and b) my brain can't take in all those English terms at once. Obviously. Because I'm pretty sure I butchered my mocking of English rules. Scratch that. I know I did.
So I'll make a deal with you. I'll try to post more often here if you don't ever post a comment about how I'm using a pronoun or adjective incorrectly. Not that any of you WOULD, but I think I worry that I'm not a good enough writer. You know, good enough to blog in my own blogspot. That is free. And that no one is obligated to read. And that I don't get a grade on. (sigh) I get it. I'm irrational. But really, why else do you come here?
And I know some of you. You guys are thinking, "But Happy Fun Pants! You're posting on your other healthy living/weight loss blog almost ever day! Why do the rules of writing not apply over there?"
My answer: THAT blog is for fatties. The readers over there are my homies, my people. And everyone knows that fatties stick together...it's like the one thing I DID learn in my "regular" part of school. So, the last thing they're going to do is post a snooty comment about the misplacement of a modified verb... lest I eat them.
*Let the record show that I originally wrote Parker Posey instead of Peter Parker. Man, I even suck at being nerdy! The Babe nicely informed me that I was the most wrong ever (see comments below), but in my defense, how does she know that Parker Posey DOESN'T have a penis? Or Spidey Sense? I'm just saying it's a possibility.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
POMably not what they had in mind...
Actually, I was pretty psyched about getting the juice...I remember Jack (who thinks the bottle can double as a sex toy) and Roni talking about the freebies they got from the company, but they seem like such BIG bloggers...how did I get included on this list of who's who? I felt *very* cool. Which is funny...because I'm so NOT important. It's not like I'm Obama. Or Ghandi. Or Brangelina. Or even one of the Olsen Twins in their heyday (circa 1982). So basically, I got on the list via a typo by someone. Whatever, I'm totally taking it.
Anyway, I came home one day and Joe said that I might've received an organ in the mail. Thinking he meant a pipe organ, I gave him a quizzical look. So he said, "You know, like a heart. Not like a church organ! Who would send you that?" In my defense, he couldn't exactly think of someone who would send me a vital organ either.
It turns out, he didn't know what was in the box, but he did see that it had a sticker on the side that said "REFRIGERATE IMMEDIATELY." So Joe did - without opening the box (he didn't want to violate my privacy). Thus his joke about someone shipping me organs.
So I'll say this to any POM people who could or would be reading. You could really remove a lot of confusion surrounding the double meaning of the word "organ" if you would put a sticker on the side that said, "Refrigerate immediately. Don't be alarmed, though. This box does not contain any organs. Of any kind. Probably." That way if they WANTED to put organs in the box, they totally could without having to re-print stickers. Look at me, POM people. I'm totally making your shipping department more streamlined. You're welcome.
When I finally got around to opening the package, there were a few bottles of POM Blueberry Pomegranate juice and some great tips and info about pomegranates and its juice. All of that is at home or else I'd probably go into it here. Let's just say it's probably got a lot of health benefits. I know. I'm the worst on-the-spot reviewer ever.
When we first got it, I drank some and handed the little cute-as-can-be bottle to Joe. Who took a sip and said something profound like, "meh." I liked it...it was sweet and tart, tangy and sweet. I should stop and say that I drink juice maybe once a year. I just got out of the habit years ago and never really reintroduced it. So while the POM juice was a welcome surprise and pleasant change, it's not something that I would normally pick up, just like the fate of any other juice. It's nothing personal, POM people.
I WILL try cooking with it because they list a lot of great recipes on their website...and some of them look pretty tasty.
But last night? I was trying to make room in the fridge for leftovers. Leftovers being something that I cooked and decided to not waste calories and stomach space on by eating. Smart right? Yes...you'd think so.
While re-organizing the kitchen for better space usage, I saw these few little bottles of POM just waiting to be moved. Because they are weird shaped (but so cute!), I couldn't really stack them on top of each other...or stack them...or shove them in the fridge door. So I decided to drink one.
But after a sip, inspiration struck me. I decided that what it would go REALLY well with was some Malibu Rum that was also in the fridge door.
YIKES. What I found out was that this was the best tasting mixed drink EVAH. Tart, sweet, tangy, fruity, and YUMMY.
Two little POM bottles later (16 ounces of juice, and 360 calories of JUICE) and a few shots of coconut flavored rum mixed in each time and I was happy. I even let Joe have a sip who said that I know how to mix a good drink. Right. That's me. The bartender....the one with hot-shot complicated drinks... like juice and alcohol.
Good thing I passed on the leftovers...nothing like wasted calories, huh?
* Which reminds me, you totally need to enter that sweepstakes via the link...seriously, not many people have done so, so your chances of winning $150 are looking better each day!
For those that double subscribe yes, this was over on Smaller Fun Pants first. What can I say? I thought it was funny enough to be here too. :) Besides, I don't want the readers who only read this one to feel neglected...
Disclaimer: I was comped a few bottles of Blueberry Pomegranate POM Wonderful. But the honest review and tipsy-ness that ensued shortly afterwards was all me, baby!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Laugh and win!
I was picked to write funny posts about fitness, eating, and cooking each month for six months by Laughing Cow and BlogHer. How cool is that?!?
It's like the movie "Julie and Julia" but without Meryl Streep. And without Amy Adams. And it's not only about cooking. Also, it's not a movie. But you know, other than all that, this is JUST like that movie.
So...since it's a sponsored thing, I can't post it on this blog. You have to go to my review blog to read it. But please do!
It's my first post on that blog... and I'm feeling a like I've just invited a bunch of people to a party, it's a few minutes until it starts, and no one is arriving yet. What's going through my head is the typical hostess cry, "OH MY GOSH WHAT IF PEOPLE DON'T SHOW?!?!? And what am I going to do with all of this cheese?"
Leave a comment and you can win $150 in this month's sweepstakes. Although I don't have any control over it, I would love for the winner to be one of MY readers - because (and I may be a bit biased here) you guys are the best. If you want, you can become a follower on that blog and you won't miss another opportunity to enter the next few month's drawings as well. Also I will feel less like the kid picked last for kickball.
Good luck and thank you in advance for checking it out!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
For Pete's Sake, Don't Drop the Soap
When I started dating Joe, over a year ago, I was struck by how...well...wholesome he was. He's *that guy* you want to take home to your mom. The one who says the right thing, who knows which fork is for what at fancy restaurants, and the one who can recite all the presidents we've had.
But he's also a goof.
A funny guy with a persistence unlike anyone else I've ever met when it comes to making me laugh. That's right. If I laugh once about something, you can believe that he'll make the same joke again and again until it loses it's funny. Which isn't to say that he is a one-trick pony. No. This guy is super witty and we joke about different stuff all of the time. It's just he's smart enough to know when a joke works.
And truly, I don't know when it started, but it's been going on for a while and it still makes me break into giggle fits.
He humps me from behind.
Now, bear with me. This isn't another story about how I got felt up in church or anything like that.
What I mean is that if my back is to him and I happen to have my butt pushed out in some way, he'll pretend to hump me.
The thing is, it cracks me up. To be fair, this only happens when he's in reasonably close proximity (he won't run across the room to "humpity," but if he's close and paying attention, watch out!) and when we're not in the presence of anyone else. AND it's not like he does this all day long. Nope, just a humpity or two in any given week.
I guess what I'm saying is, he doesn't over-use the humpity. Not too much and not too little. The perfect amount of humpity action.
I affix a deadpan look and usually after a few "humpity"s, he'll stop, step aside so he can see my face of complete boredom, and then look all proud of himself - like he's just given me a bunch of flowers. Sometimes he nods emphatically. It's usually then that I burst into laughter.
So, reaching for something on top of the fridge? Humpity.
Brushing my teeth at the sink and bending down to spit out the froth? Humpity.
Stirring something in a pot on the stove? Humpity.
During a long elevator ride? Humpity humpity humpity.
Heaven help me if I bend over to tie my shoe...
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Venti Sized A-hole
Anyway, even though I was running late, I was hungry. I decided to stop and get a Starbucks Iced Chai Tea because I wanted a bit of a splurge. Plus, it would tide me over until I got to work.
I go into Starbucks, which is attached to the building that we live in, and there is a douche canoe apparently working the register. We'll call him "Douchey."
Douchey is too busy doing something douchey (I don't remember what) to actually take my order at the time. So the barista (whom I LOVE but that's another story) turns to me and asks if she can get something started for me.
Bonus points go to me for not singing "Let's Get It Started" by the Black Eyed Peas at that moment.
And I freeze.
Because here's the thing. There is a super secret cadence that apparently only Starbucks people know when ordering drinks. You have to say the size, the type of drink, and then anything extra that is special. But whatever order I THINK I should put it in, is wrong.
In other words, somehow, like most things in my life, I always manage to fuck it up.
What I want is the biggie size iced chai tea latte. I want it made with non-fat milk (because I'm watching the lbs) and with less ice (because I'm cheap - I hate it when the cup is all ice at the end and you realize you didn't get a lot of the drink).
So I say, "I'd like a non-fat, light ice, venti chai tea latte, please."
She nods and starts making my drink.
I assume I ordered my drink in the right order.
I am happy.
The Douchey finally turns to me and asks me, "What do you want?"
Despite the friendly greeting, I give him the same verbiage I gave the barista - because I'm in happy mood...after all, I just got the ordering part right! YAY ME!
He looks at me and says, "So you want a venti, non-fat, light-ice, iced chai tea latte?"
Well, yes. That's what I ordered, isnt' it? No. It must not have been...or else Douchey wouldn't have corrected me.
So I have a light laugh and say something like, "Oh jeez. I thought I got the ordering part right, but I always mess it up!"
And he nods and then proceeds to give me the directions of how to order it, "You're supposed to give it to us in the order that we write the instructions down the side of the cup." And then he goes and gets a cup SO HE CAN SHOW ME HOW WRONG I WAS.
So I say, "Oh man! So now I have to memorize the side of the cup to order? I'm doomed!" again in a funny way so as to not threaten Douchey. I'm pretty sure there are a few rules in life that people should adhere to. And right next to "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!" and "Don't feed the lion" is "Don't threaten Douchey."
Anyway, he says, "Well, only if you want it prepared the way you want!"
So the barista says to me (as she hands my drink over and rolls her eyes at Douchey), "Or you can just remember that we get paid to understand what you want. Order it in any way you want and we'll get you taken care of. Have a great day!"
Did I mention I love her?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Vital Values
Then they closed our facility - which was the top producer and top quality branch in the country (I'm not kidding) - only because it's lease was coming due. There was no other reason.
Then they realized that it might be a bad idea for people like me to walk - so they kept some of us around. Only, after 6 months since they made the announcement to close our facility, they don't know where they're going to put us.
They decided to cancel Christmas lunches, dinners, and basically any fun activities that we used to have. They downgraded the coffee and stopped providing coffee cups. They eliminated swizzle sticks (to mix your coffee with) and have started encouraging employees to bring their own pens. My boss told me that I can't move up without moving to our headquarters and that even then, I'd be passed over for consideration because (with the recent closing of our branch) I'm now a "satellite employee."
What fun, optimism, and good cheer existed a few years ago when I joined this group is now gone. And that makes me sad.
Today, they had a corporate wide "live" meeting (which means that the headquarters people got to have food catered in for their lunch and meet with the key decision makers in person and we got to call in hearing them belch and remark about the food) discussing our annual re-commitment to key values.
Every year, each employee of my global company has to sign on, disclose any conflicts of interest, re-read the company policy to uphold the values that we're supposed to follow, and then take a quiz based upon what we've learned. It's a joke, but it's one that many big companies do.
So this year, this meeting was called because the Presidents of the company wanted to make sure that we knew how important (vital even) the values of our company are. The 7 minute video, which was streamed so badly that we, the redheaded stepchildren of the company, got to see a frame update every 8 seconds or so, had a high enough production budget to save at least a few more people's jobs for the next year. It was hard for me to sit there, listening to how important the "right people are in the right jobs" when I realize that this company seems to be founded on horrible decisions.
And while I'm dialed in to watch this presentation, I'm hearing my other line beep - I missed 15 phone calls from customers to hear my company blow smoke up my butt about how we all need to do the "right thing." Those 15 calls need to be returned, even still. My boss instructed us to work through our lunch to get the work done.
Here's an idea - how about instead of you wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars on a film clip, you invest in another peon like me to help do the job that takes 13 hours to complete in a day but you're asking me to do in 8.
The clincher of it all was when they had a "real world" example of inappropriate values in the workplace. They had been alluding to this during the whole presentation with phrases like "We took feedback from past years and we know some of the big issues you're facing with conflicts of interest and pressuring in the workplace. We're going to show a great example of this later." I was expecting to hear about some actual examples of the crap I'm consistently pressured to do (which is against company policy and yet high up managers are the ones doing the pressuring).
Want to know what the biggest issue we have to face, according to our "leadership" team?
Girl Scout Cookie sales.
I'm not kidding. They had a workplace exercise where they had to caution us all on asking for donations to our own charities that only benefit the employee or cause. They specifically named the Girl Scouts as being an inappropriate organization.
So then they opened it up to questions and here's what I learned.
- Sign up sheets for cookies or other fundraisers are inappropriate - even if you don't post it in a public place. They said it puts too much pressure on people to donate their time and resources that they may not have.
- It is not appropriate to use any company resources for such charity requests. If you're going to have a sign-up on your person, please make sure to use your own pen (Hello! Who do you think is buying them these days?) not the company's pen.
- The question was asked if it would be better to ask people individually at their desks to contribute. And I shit you not - the answer came back with as "Yes. As long as it's done during your lunch break." So just to be clear, a piece of paper in a lunchroom is too much pressure but having a one on one conversation with a co-worker where they're asking you to help is perfectly fine.
- Another question was asked, "Is it okay to sell Avon to people?" and the person holding the meeting said "Yes, but not on company time." Alright, this one I get...but it frustrates me because it helps me see that someone in that meeting DIDN'T know the answer to that question and had to ask it.
In short: I work for AND WITH a bunch of friggin' morons.
Just so you know, I spent my time during the call applying for jobs on CareerBuilder.com. It was, in this peon's opinion, a MUCH better use of my company's resources anyway.
Monday, May 03, 2010
They say it's your birthday...
You should know that I love the number 3, so this year is going to be my best year. I can feel it.
How do I plan to celebrate? By going to a Weight Watchers meeting, taking my dog for a long walk, and having leftovers with a glass of wine.
But you know what? In my mind, it's perfect. I had a great weekend - spent with someone that I love dearly and who loves me back. Yesterday, I had a massage that eased my aching back (seriously - this past week it has been HORRIBLE). I had a delightful sushi dinner on Saturday night and got to watch episodes of Arrested Development last night - all with the best companion ever.
The leftovers I'm having are DE-LICIOUS and it makes me feel good that I'm not wasting food. The wine that I'll be enjoying reminds me of my best friend (the wine that it's from is from a vineyard close to her house). The cuddles that I'll get at the end of the night will help me feel as loved as I truly am.
So this birthday? It may be the best ever.
Either that, or I'm getting too old to remember a better one.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Speak up
Who am I kidding? I still get chills when I read it.
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
You may be thinking, "Alright, Happy Fun Pants, why are you posting it now?" Because I am overcome with the injustice that has happened to the kids at a school in the Itawamba school district in Mississippi.
Let me back up.
Once upon a time, there was a female named Constance McMillen. She apparently had self-awareness at a young age of such a magnitude that I'm not even sure that *I* possess now at 32. Constance McMillen knew and felt that she was gay. She had the bravery to live openly gay.
So this year, she wanted to go to her senior prom. She wanted to go with her girlfriend. She wanted to wear a tuxedo. She was told by her school officials that she couldn't go. She contacted the ACLU.
The ACLU sent a demand letter to the school.
The school cancelled prom. I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure that when you cancel senior prom and blame it on one girl, that girl becomes pretty damn unpopular. Unpopular enough to get her butt kicked on a regular basis.
Nice, Itawamba Agricultural High School. If you can't ban her from the prom, why don't you banish her from any social circles in high school too. That's a GREAT way to treat others.
But it gets worse.
Private citizens in the community decided to have their own prom. If it's a private prom, they can invite whoever they want, right? Only enough people across the nation found out about it and got mad...so the private citizens said that the prom was cancelled and a NEW prom was going to be held.
A new prom that everyone can go to - hooray! Yes, yes...now the prom is going to be held at a *special* location. All are invited.
Only (and I'm sure you're shocked) that's not exactly what happened. The cancelled prom was never really cancelled - the "regular" students went to their prom. And the students that showed up at the "fake" prom? There was only seven: Constance, her date, and five other people (two of which have learning difficulties that made them unpopular too).
This kind of stuff HAS to stop!
The intoleranceS we have are ones we pass on to our children. I'm furious at the people that hide behind the Bible or Book of Mormon as a way to justify the treatment of people that are openly gay. I understand that you don't think that what they're doing is right. I get it, really I do.
BUT IT'S NOT UP TO YOU! YOU do not get to decide what happens to others.
What happened to this passage from Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)??
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus
replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the
second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the
Prophets hang on these two commandments."
or this one from Matthew 7:4 (NIV):
How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,'
when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
Put down your bullhorns and your picket signs where you're protesting the existence and practice of gay people. Look on yourself for ways that you can personally improve yourself. If you believe in a God, let GOD figure out what is right and what is wrong. Let GOD handle the condemnation or exoneration.
In the meantime, LOVE one another.
I'm not gay. And although others may attest differently, I don't have learning disabilities. But I am choosing to stand up for those that are not treated equally. I'm choosing to sign my name to the petition that you can find at this link to help send schools a "Welcoming Schools" guide. According to the Human Rights Campaign site:
"Welcoming Schools" is a new, comprehensive guide for administrators, educators,I'm choosing to stand up for equal treatment.
parents and guardians who want to strengthen their schools' approach to family
diversity, gender stereotyping and bullying.
I hope you join me.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I'm moving out and closing on April 20th. That's right - just four weeks from today.
My next two weeks will be filled with my best friend coming into town (we're going skiing this weekend) and checking out new houses on the market.
The following two weeks will be filled with packing for the new place.
And, undoubtedly, the weeks that follow will be getting my new place in order and hoping that my dog remembers that it's okay to poop when not the place she used to call home.*
All in all, I'm excited. I can't wait to be proud of the place that I live again. I can't wait to have guests over for dinner without sheepishly apologizing for my place.
I'm excited and optimistic and oh-so very thankful...
*When I moved into my current place, Chassis didn't apparently get the memo that we wouldn't be going back to my old house. She didn't poop for 4 days. And trust me, when the 170 pound dog that doesn't poop for 4 days FINALLY does poop? It's not so fantastic.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I'm completely out of headline titles
Which is weird. I used to say that my blog was like Seinfeld - about nothing. Now I can safely say that my blog is nothing. I mean, if I don't update, then that's what you get...nothing.
So, as my friend turleybenson asked on my Facebook page the other day, WHAT GIVES?
I feel swamped. I feel swamped at work, at home, and in my personal life.
I'm swamped.
Highlights of my life include (but are not limited to):
- Running my very first 7K (which happened this past Sunday) - it was snowing at the end of it, but it was good.
- Getting my house ready to be put on the market. This, in itself, was a colossal undertaking and one that I owe my boyfriend many many thanks (and/or BJs) for helping me with. Seriously, I decided to put it up on the market only a few weeks before it happened - and that is NUTS. Painting, rearranging, building new furniture, and moving half of my stuff into storage all within a few weeks felt crazy.
- Putting my house on the market (and having two (yes, only TWO) showings)
- Getting worried about whether my house will sell or not - I mean, two showings is not exactly a great start.
- Deciding not to worry about whether my house will sell or not.
- Reminding myself that I decided to not worry about whether my house will sell or not.
- Spending all weekend at my boyfriend's place (which is very very sweet of him) in hopes that us being gone will mean that more showings will just happen.
- Work stuff has piled up. I mean, I'm actually (gasp!) working while at work. The nerve of my company apparently knows no bounds!!
- Dinners with friends...two weeks ago, I had dinner/activity plans every night. In the weeks since, I've limited it to just a few things each week, but YIKES it's tiring to keep up with sometimes!
I'm busy. And I want nothing more than to spend a day on my couch numbing myself with a good book, a glass or two of wine, and my Slanket.
YES, that's right, I have a Slanket. And I love it.
In the midst of all of this, I'm trying to remember the funny stuff as it happens so that I can write about it and keep you all abreast.
Which reminds me...what is this?
Two men. Walking a breast.
You're welcome.
Friday, February 26, 2010
I'm not a bad driver, I'm just really good at Frogger
Monday, February 22, 2010
I ain't no porcupine, take off your kid gloves...
But what I recently found out is that it's hard for me to write about the stuff I usually do when I'm blissfully happy. Because the thing is, I am.
Blissfully happy that is.
To be clear, it mostly has to do with the fact that I'm trusting myself more. Through hard work, I've begun to challenge core beliefs that I've had about myself...and I'm finding that I am worthy all on my own. What's replacing these horrible thoughts that I've had about me for decades is the knowledge that no matter what happens in life, I WILL BE OKAY.
(cue Stuart Smalley)
I'd be lying if I said that everything was perfect. It's not. I'm worried about money, about my house, about my job, and about my health. Some days I worry about things more than others.
But I also would be lying if I didn't say that there is one thing in my life that I couldn't be happier about if I tried.
His name is Joe.
And this is where you should feel free to turn your head, barf politely at my sickeningly sweet post, and then maybe read some more.
Y'all, HE IS WONDERFUL. In dozens of ways, this man SHOWS me that I am a top priority. He shows me that I'm worthy of love. His constant support and even keel approach is fantastic. He listens to my rambling and to my rants. He laughs at how I'm not patient. He teases me about my faults and doesn't judge me when I fall short of my goals. He's giving, caring, and thoughtful.
The things that I've thought about writing has been stuff so full of sugary fantasticness that I figured that you probably wouldn't want to read it. And all that wants to come out when I think about what's on my heart and mind is how cute he is when he's sleeping. I want to tell you about how when my furnace was broken this past weekend and the heat never got above 56 degrees, he let me cuddle next to him (in the frumpiest, bulkiest, and non-sexiest clothing I own) to sap all of his heat. I want to tell you about how sweet he was on Valentine's Day and how when he calls me the nickname he has for me, I still sigh and giggle a bit.
Let's be honest...no one should have to be subjected to that stuff.
I'm not doodling his name in notebooks while listening to the Jonas Brothers or Taylor Swift, but I'm close. Perilously close. THAT is how over the moon I am about this guy right now.
He isn't perfect. But oh WOW is he exactly what I've been hoping for.
A part of me is worried that it won't last, that he'll leave or become some asshole like my father or some of the boyfriends before him. But I'm reminding myself that nothing risked is nothing gained. And at 8 months into dating, it FEELS like there is less and less of a possibility of that happening. If it does end, this will probably be one of the biggest heartbreaks of my life.
But if it doesn't? Well, now THAT would be something to write about.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I stand corrected
I'm not going to lie to you, folks. I've tried posting the picture below no less than eleventy million times and I *still* can't get it to get bigger without blurring the words. BUT it's a funny exchange - not so much on my part, but on my friend Kevin's part. I think you might be able to click on the picture and then see it via your browser in a larger size, but I can't be held responsible if that doesn't work.
So basically, I'm about as technilogically adept as your mom. Or wait. Maybe I mean my mom. Look, it doesn't matter because the end result is the same. You can't read the picture on my blog unless you're not human.
***** AAAAANNNNDDD the real post starts here *********
The picture to the left is a screen shot of a conversation between my friend Kevin and myself via Facebook. His Facebook page, y'all, because that is where the magic happens. On Kevin's page, you realize just how unpopular you really are - because (and I am not kidding you) everyone loves Kevin. He's invited everywhere, he goes to gigs and gets pictures with the band mates. I'm not sure, but I think even Jesus is Kevin's friend on Facebook. And you *know* how hard it is for Jesus to type.
If you go to my Facebook page, you're likely to see who is inviting me to the latest Facebook cause, to be their neighbor on Farmville OR Farmtown, and my friends wondering where I am. That's because I'm never ON Facebook these days. Just like, as pointed out by turleybenson, I'm never blogging these days.
It's a trend.
Or maybe it's the strong desire to set myself on fire when I think of even turning on my computer while I'm at home. I spend so much time in front of a computer at work - staring blindly at it in hopes that anything I do on it would actually remove even SOME of the stress in my life these days.
As it turns out, my life isn't going to get less stressful anytime soon. Which means that I'll probably be staring at my computer more often these days. Which means I'll be less likely to post quality items.
Hello, THIS POST.
But this post isn't about me and my current dislike for computers. It's about how I was wrong.
Apparently, according to Kevin there are white pieces in Pictionary *and* a game called Chess. Who knew? *
AND according to BJ, Chutes and Ladders now have little white kids THAT ARE GIRLS as evidenced by the picture below:
I'm not even going to go into how those pieces look NOTHING like the ones that I remember as a kid. It makes me sad AND makes me want to watch a Peanuts seasonal special...because those don't change and after watching them, all feels right with the world.
I did have one win though...Candyland still has no white people OR women pieces. Just gingerbread men with Michelin Man faces. To be fair, I don't really remember them looking like that when I was a kid either, but as long as they didn't add any white women, I support their change.
*Even if I wanted to dispute those points further, Kevin busted out my good ol' tried and true argument winner. Basically, if you feel like someone has to "win" an argument, you just ask the question: "Who's right? Me or you?" and then whoever answers "me" first wins. I usually rattle it off like this: "Who'srightmeoryou?ME!" but you know, to each their own.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Why I think board game makers hate the movie "Lucas"
Can you have a factual statement that includes the word "probably?" Probably not. But work with me here.
First, have you ever seen the movie "Lucas?"
If you haven't, it's fantastic. Or maybe I think it's fantastic because I remember it being fantastic as a kid. You know, kind of like how I thought that the Brady Bunch had surprising endings when I was younger. Apparently, I was a dumb.
ANYway, in "Lucas" there is a character named Lucas (played by a Corey Haim) who is a nerdy kid and has a hard time fitting in. And long story short, he has a crush on a cute redhead (who doesn't?) and the jocks (sometimes led by Charlie Sheen) pick on him.
I don't want to ruin the ending, but it turns out there is no Kaiser Soze and the old lady had the Hope Diamond all along. AND they didn't explicitly say so in the movie, but I am pretty sure that Lucas was good in math.
Which brings me back to my fact. Board game developers hate people like me.
Point 1: Board game developers hate women.
Every time a board game has little pieces to move around the spaces, they're never women. EVER. Sometimes they're shoes, thimbles, blocks, weird shapes, or little men - but never are they women. Thanks a lot, a-holes.
Point 2: Board game developers hate white people.
The little pieces you move around the board (the ones that are not womanly) are not ever white. Red, blue, black, even chartreuse, but not white. I am offended!
Point 3: Board game developers hate math AND they clearly hate people who like math.
There are games for the word enthusiasts (think Hangman and Scrabble).
Are you artistic? Great. Then Pictionary is for you.
Are you diabetic? Candyland used to be for you.
Are you overly dramatic or illiterate? No problem - charades is for you.
There are even games for complete nerds and/or people who memorize facts by spending too much time at the bar on trivia night, as evidenced by the existence of Trivial Pursuit.
But math games? Games where you practice naming off the decimal places of pi? Games where you have to find the derivative of an algebraic equation? Games where you practice balancing chemical equations? No. No one makes those.
It's sad really. I mean, if you think about it, the people that were good in math and science were supposed to be the people running the world when we got older. I mean, isn't that what we were led to believe?
So what happened to people like me? I mean, sure... I work in a glamorous career with valves (Hello! Dream job!), but what's everyone else's excuse? Didn't anyone with left brain aptitudes and ovaries get to pitch game ideas to the game makers?
What's that? Oh. Apparently they're all working on cures for cancer, working to make our country safer, laughing at the word "boobies" or are out playing World of Warcraft.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Oh come ON!
The pants that arrived at my doorstep a month ago are apparently destined to be at mine.
I called up the sender and asked him to come by and pick up the pants. He assured me he would. But after 4 days outside, I decided to take the box back inside.
Then I called UPS (since it was their mistake in the first place). After about an hour long conversation regarding the pants, they agreed to pick them up at my place of work and then get them to the rightful owner.
I went on vacation for Christmas.
I came back after the new year and found that UPS delivered them back to my workplace stating that they couldn't deliver them to the original owner.
THEN I sent them back to the sender and (I bet you can see where this is going),
WTF, pants?
It'd be the sort of stuff that nightmares are made of, only that it's just PANTS.
Unless the pants might be trying to tell me something. Like maybe I'm going to die in a horrible accident when I'm in a skirt...but if I had pants, at least people wouldn't be able to see my varicose veins.
I don't know. All I know is that this is getting old.
Dang you, boomerang pants!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I can't believe I'm not vomiting
Megan Mullally in an "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" commercial singing to Gloria Estefan's song "Turn the Beat Around?"
Megan. Tsk tsk.
We know you want to sing. We know you want to be remembered for something other than Karen on "Will and Grace."
I thought your performance in "Fame" might have been you scraping the bottom of the
Monday, January 04, 2010
One of the best starts to a new year that I've ever had
We decided to try something new - we went tubing. Tubing, at least in Colorado, means that you pay someone to slide down their mountain on an inner tube. The place where we went allowed us to rent a tube for each of us (for an hourly fee) so we could go flying down the hill as fast as we pleased.
You might think that we got exercise by lugging the tubes back up the hill, but no. You'd be wrong. The hill that we went to took us back up on an escalator/people-mover type thing.
Being lazy was wonderful. :)
So basically the cycle went as follows:
1. Me commenting to the boyfriend about how cold it was.
2. Both of us blowing our noses in tissues.
3. Us going up the hill on the escalator.
4. Deciding which of the three segmented hills we wanted to risk our lives on.
5. Laying down on the inner tube either face first or on our butts, ready to go down the hill, holding hands.
6. Realizing that we were too far away from the edge of the hill to actually slide down.
7. Scooting and/or rocking our tubes back and forth to get them to the edge of the hill so we could slide down. This sometimes took more than a moment or two.
8. Me screaming down each hill - especially as we turned around so we couldn't see what was coming. He laughed at me every time.
9. Us getting up from our tubes (after they were safely stopped) with a groan because we are OLD.*
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
It was a fun time.
We had made arrangements to stay in Winter Park at a hotel that allowed dogs, so I brought Chassis along. Due to some misinformation, we ended up not staying at that hotel, and instead called a hotel down the road to see if they had occupancy.
The clerk told us that although they did have a room, they did not allow pets. We asked if she could recommend a hotel that did allow pets and that is when she relented and said that we could come with our dog on two conditions:
1. That we would never tell anyone that we brought a dog in (sort of like the first rule of Fight Club).
2. That if we were asked why we had a dog, we were to say that it was a service dog.
We assured her that our dog would sleep almost the whole time, that she wouldn't bark, and that no one would even know she was there.
Without further ado, we checked into the hotel and quickly ushered Chassis into the hotel room.
In the end, she barked a few times at the rowdy neighbors in the middle of the night, growled a few times at other noises, and only jumped on and off the spare bed a few times (which sounded like someone having a seizure and falling to the floor). She had to potty a few times (as would be expected) and earned a few "WHOA. That is a BIG dog!" from passersby, but that was basically it.
I mean, really. How could anyone notice that she was there??
And yes, that is a queen bed.
* We had to sign release forms before going tubing. On the release forms, one of the pieces of information that they asked for was our birth dates. The boyfriend? He filled out his stating that he was born in 1982...making him 5 years younger than me. So for the rest of the day, he kept saying that he was younger than me and calling me a cougar. For the record, this is SO NOT TRUE. Let the record state that he's 10 1/2 years older than me, thankyouverymuch.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Hello New Day! :)
At this time of year, when we're all busy either making resolutions or trying to forget that that's what others do, I just wanted to wish you a very happy new year.
I truly hope that 2010 is your best year yet.
And to kick it off, here's a great song - "Hello New Day" by Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers...


text:
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thinking of getting a hair cut
What do you think of the best hair style for sherryever? Yeah sherryever is my new blog!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Busy offline and online
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Kinohmitsu J'pan Beauty Drink
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Three children there are ghost and she needs to rescue them. Spooky house I am sure nobody want to live in such home.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Warehouse sales next to Carrefour Subang Jaya
Sunday, July 18, 2010
New hair cut but I hate it
I saw my loved one hair also cut short, oh heartache see the hair so short! Stupid man told my loved one don't give other people to cut hair anymore.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
I want them
I not yet get the tracking number.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
My Pre-Birthday Giveaway Contest
They are so pretty, it can be yours to take part just click on above link.
Giveaway ends on 15 Aug, 2010.
Good luck.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
$300 Worth Brand New COACH Satchel Bag Contest
If you happen to take part in this contest just mention you know it from Sherry. Help me earn 15 points for referral. :D
Beauty Tips and Tricks : Get Smart Blog : Practical Beauty Tips : Spices of Life : Review My Opinions : New Haircuts and Hairstyles : Fabulously Frugal : Weight Loss the Healthy Way
You can blog about this contest and earn 10 points.
You can make blog review of major sponsor with 80 words for each of them, you earn 50 points.
You can add banner of contest to side bar 10 points.
You can add banner of blog to side bar 10 points.
Refer your friend to take part and earn 15 points.
Contest ends on 27 July, 2010.
I can see participant working hard for this contest. Let's take part and win!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Eclipse Earrings giveaway
A small earring giveaway, in honor of ECLIPSE that's coming out at the end of the month.
"Eclipse"-- only ONE pair will every be made, so rest assured you're getting something truly one-of-a-kind. Measures aprox. 4.5 cm in length, with SWAROVSKI hearts, disco balls, and rhodium plated moons on sterling silver chains and hooks. Value: $25
To take part in this giveaway just click on above link.
Opps I miss out this giveaway which ends 27 June, 2010. :(
Friday, June 18, 2010
Vanity kit
Yeah you are looking at them, I am using all of them. The eyeko mascara is pretty and it is limited edition. The avon products for acne skin. The pink nail polish and nail clipper. One more is for roll on skin avoid the mosquitoes.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Not many but I love my wallet
I purchase this online and it cost only MYR$25 it is half the price. :D
I am using Eyeko lilac nail polish, if you want to purchase head to www.eyeko.com. If your order above USD$15 you can use ambassador code E3624 during check out.
Happy shopping. :D
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Enamel Girl first giveaway
The Winner will Receive:
Nail Diva Beauty Tool Kit (cuticle pusher, scissors, file, clippers and nail brush)
OPI Shrek Forever After Mini Polishes
OPI Man of La Mancha
Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure: Hidden Treasures
Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure: Gray by Gray
China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy
Borghese Cannoli Cream
Borghese Venetian Red
Borghese Raspberry Sorbetto
Poshe topcoat
Nicole by OPI Polish Blue Lace
Nicole by OPI The Right Thing
Nicole by OPI Respect The World
Nicole by OPI Nic Sticks Do You Deliver
Nicole by OPI Nic Sticks Carpool Mama
Nicole by OPI Nic Sticks Express-ion of Love
2 packs of 3-D Nail Stickers
1 pack of Lace Nail Stick-ons
1 pack of SuperFine Glitter: clear, white, silver, blue/grey, navy and black
Giveaway ends on 30 June, 2010.
To take part just click on above link.
Good luck!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Win $100 Gift
SkincareRX.com is giving away a $100 gift card and the winner could get $100 voucher!
SkincareRX La Roche-Posay so many skin care products to choose from and My Makeup Mania blog I learn many makeup tips from her.
Friday, June 4, 2010
My Red Hot Reviews
This is a blog review entry for Yuuki's TwinBlogversary Contest.
Today blog review is My Red Hot Reviews, does this name sound familiar to you? It is another blog of Red. This is where you find blog reviews by Red, this blog is red three columns template, you can find her other blog at the side bar. The side bar you can find Adgitize and Entrecard, you can also find the Top Commentator at side bar. You can find the Labels at the side bar, just click on them that interest you to read. This blog now having 25 followers including me.
This blog is part of BC Bloggers 3, that's great as my blog too late to take part I need to wait BC Bloggers 4. You can click on the post to find out other blogs on BC Bloggers 3.
Check out the new sandals for her son jhay. Red purchases the shoes during Sales at Megatrade, Megamall.
If you have a message for Red, just leave it at the side bar as there is a massage box.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Red is Marose
This is a blog review entry for Yuuki's TwinBlogversary Contest.
Today blog review is Red is Marose, this blog belongs to Red, I like her name Red because she loves red and you can find her blog is red template too. She is mommy blogger, her son name is jhay, and she has a few blogs to maintain. I don't know that Red works in a call center from 10 am to 7pm until I read this post. She is working on shifts so you can find her working schedule different.
I like the three columns template of Red, it is well organized and you can find the Entrecard and Adgitize at the side bar. Simple Me have so much info on Red, her real name is Marose that is why her blog is name Red is Marose.
Red dreams of working from home, don't worry Red I am sure this dream will come true some day. She also likes to take part in meme such as Wordless Wednesday, Post It Note Tuesday, Tuesday Tag Along. Red loves blogging you can find her update her blog every day, sometimes you can find two posts in a day. Get to know more of Red by visit her blog.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Pinay Mommy Online
This is a blog review entry for Yuuki's TwinBlogversary Contest.
I love blogging and get to know blogger around the blogsphere. Today blog review is Pinay Mommy Online, it is a blog belong to proud mommy Rubz. She has three wonderful children. Not long ago she just announce the winners of her blog contest, it was the Follow me Philippines Way, find out who are the winners.
Mommy Rubz is more than just a stay at home mom, she shares her tutorials and thoughts at this blog. You can find detail of Mommy Rubz at the about me page. It is not the most update as she is mommy of three. Believe it or not Mommy Rubz have been all over Philippines for 28 years. She was a career woman that works from 9am to 7pm. Go ahead and find out more detail from this post.
I believe this is good blog to find the tutorials as many pinay might not know how to connect your Paypal with the Unionbank EON account. If this is what you need, just click on the link above.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
In This Side of Town
This is a blog review entry for Yuuki's TwinBlogversary Contest.
Today blog review is In This Side of Town by vernz, she is pinay blogger now living in Cavo City of Philippines. Just recently she tweet her theme, and I like the new header now where a woman having a warm drink maybe it is hot chocolate.
I found this post interesting to share with everyone, it is how to get your ex back. I don't know how many of you willing to do so, if you are interested to find out just click on above link. If you like to watch Ally McBeal, you will want to check this out.
I like the blog three columns template, it is easy to browse and you can find Entrecard and Adgitize at the side bars. You can find out who fuels the blog which is top commentator of the month. Currently vernz blog having 173 followers including me. Don't just read here check out her blog I like her updates at blog as she often post pictures in post.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Just browsing
- Pls state color pink/ red/ black/ white
(Box Packaging) Multi Functions Slimming Pants
- pls state L or XL (Only in Beige color)
L: ( waist 83-101cm )
XL: ( waist 89-110cm )
- Instantly look 10 or 20 pounds thinner
- Transform your figure and wear wht you want! tight jeans, pencil thin skirts, figure hugging pants....
- wear from below the bust line to above the knee line
- flatten tummy, slimmer thighs, lift butt
- Material: 80% Nylon + 20% Elastane
- made of NEW free-breathing easy-to-wear micro-fiber fabric
- cotton gusset keeps you dry and comfortable
- feels like wearing a panty
- no need to wear panty
- clothes fit better and look better
Waist Emphasis Version Slimming Singlet
- pls state color: black/ beige
- look slim in it, also has very strong stretchability
- suggest to wear not more than 8 hours
- can wear it for outing/ party to present slimmer body figure
- can wear it as outer wear or inner wear
- hand wash, do not bleach,
- leave it dry naturally,
- do not pull to hard while wearing, wear it gently
Attaka Shape Inner
- only available in black color
- pls state size:
M~L (bust 79~94cm, waist 64~77cm)
L~LL (bust 86~101cm, waist 69~85cm)
- good elasticity
- thin material, wont be too hot while wearing, no problem even wearing it for 8-10 hours
Pearl Beads Singlet
- pls state color black/ white
- measurement:the model's height is 167cm, weight 48kg, for your reference
- for shorter gals, the length reached til butt ya..(*^__^*). It's kinda long
- great to wear it as inner accessories clothes
- Please refer to real picture (2nd picture below)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Whose the Drama Queen?
This is a blog review entry for Yuuki's TwinBlogversary Contest.
Today the review is on the Drama Queen, do you know whose the drama queen? She is Yuuki, she loves drama and she loves music, you can find her loved on the music very Monday. I like to read about her Mother's Day wish because I know mom's the best. Her mom and godmother are her best friends.
Yuuki is drama queen you can find her favourite drama series at this blog. If you love Korea Drama, Japan Drama, and Taiwan Drama you know who have the common interest as you. The Drama Queen is update at least once a week. I hope Yuuki will post up her junkie collection soon as I like to know what's the items. She also a book worm, she a traveler too she has been to a few country in Asia.
YTBC is Yuuki's TwinBlogversary Contest, this contest is huge and you got to try your luck if you want to win. There contest ends on 31 May, 2010.
Review: It's Not Always About Me
This is a blog review entry for Yuuki's TwinBlogversary Contest.Today the blog review is It's Not Always About Me, do you know that this blog turns 1 on this May 2010. That's why there is contest going on at this blog as the Drama Queen blog also turns 1 this May 2010. Now if you are thinking to take you still have time as contest ends on 31 May, 2010.
I agree with Yuuki that partner business with best friend forever is danger zone. My sister have many bitter experienced of it. You need to know how to patch things up and work out the solution. Well Yuan and Yuuki are back as business partners, I wish them all the best. It is not easy to start and maintain business, you need to work together.
Yuuki has addiction in Facebook games, the Farm Town Retirement she reached 34 levels on last Septembe. Yuuki is updating her blog at least twice a week. It's Not Always About Me, is mostly about Yuuki.
1st YTBC (Yuuki's Twin Blogversary Contest)
Come and join us, as we celebrate It's Not Always About ME and Drama Queen turns 1 this May2010!
My Blogs
Meet my sponsors
Cash Prizes
1st Prize – $100
2nd Prize – $30
3rd Prize – $20
$5 x 5nos
Special Awards:
FC (First Commenter) Blab Award
1 month Adgitize GC
1 info domain and 1-yr blog hosting (Pinay Mommy Online)
Best Blog Review Award
1 month Adgitize GC
1 info domain and 1-yr blog hosting (Pinay Mommy Online)
This contest ends on 31 May, 2010. This contest has many Prizes and mainly cash prizes. So you can see the participants really work for it.
Click above link to take part! Good luck!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Oh another site I love
~ Using a special patented fiber dimensional materials, the effective prevention of UV damage to the delicate arms!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
From cosmetics to top
I have fun with swap and this is the latest item I swap for, I love this top. I know I got to choose the suitable bra to go with it.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Maybe I will get one, I don't know
- pls state color brown/ black
both color also same size, the black one looks small due to photo angle.
Metal Side Big Frame Sunnies
- only available in Black
- Stars' favourite design
Olive Oil Hair Mask
- 600ml very big jar
- no need to steam
- instructions: after cleansing hair, apply some on hair, massage 2-3 mins, then wait for 5-8mins, rinse off with water.
Lovely Pearl Hair Clip
- size:around 3.2*9cm
3-way Sun Protector Sleeves
- pls state color: black, white, beige, blue, pink
- very cool and convenient, a thin layer of cloth have 3 in 1 function as per depict in below pics
Creative Light Bulb Necklace
- the necklace rope is dark brown in color, 180cm, adjustable
- light bulb 30*55cm
- the light bulb can b lighten up (rainbow colors) when switch on the button
- battery is included already. the button battery is changeable with appropriate tool
- b center point of attraction in party, ktv, concert etc
- also can b a safe tool for gals who need to walk alone in late night
Seakelp Mask (NEW packaging)
- 200g, 12 small pckts
- strongly recommended! for whitening, moisturising, lighten pimples scars
- Seakelp from Thailand is very mild, no additional ingredients at all. Very natural and very safe to be used.
- This seakelp is not only used to produce mask, but also is a food in to reduce heatiness in China
- Do not judge this by its ugly packaging. U must try it
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Fun contest ends on 15 April
It ends on 15 April 2010.
A Woman Remembers - 1,000 EC credits, 1 month AD space and $5.00
Azumi...Lil Dolly Princess - $5.00
Best Vacation Places - $5.00
Brisbane Hotels - $5.00
Diva Fabulosa - $5.00
From this Side - 3,000 EC credits
Girls Rule! - $5.00
Just About Anything - $5.00
Live for Life - 4,000 EC credits and 2 months AD space
Living Life to the Fullest - $5.00 + 1,000 EC credits
Momma Wannabe - $5.00
My So-Called World - $5.00 + 1 month AD space
Niko's Blog - $5.00
Stalking Minds - $5.00
The Hunger Games Trilogy - 3,000 EC credits
The Mommy Journey - 5,000 EC credits
The Snoring Queen - 5,000 EC credits
Travelin' with Marie - 8"x8", 20-page Photobook ($20.00 value) and two 1 month AD spaces
Wahmaholic - Wordpress or Blogger template based on the winner's choice of theme and color
Friday, April 2, 2010
Domains for sale
Take your time to choose them!
Each domain is unique and different. :D
Monday, March 22, 2010
Why is pink color for gal only?
I don't understand why is some people think that pink colour is only for gal. Why it can't be on boys? I have seen boys wearing pink too and even couple tee!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Bad hair day
I had my hair wash and see that my hair is not easy to tie up. I want to tie up hair often as I feel hot.
I am taking part in GT so thinking of the flesh to show off next week.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
I don't get it
I surfed on to your site (http://sherryshopping.blogspot.com/ ) and I see that you have a very nice site. I have a similar site from which I can promote your site, service or product for a low fee. My service includes writing featured posts about your website, products or services, and providing text links. My site is an established website with good traffic and I will happily share some of the traffic with you.
I am sure you will see increased traffic and sales after our promotion.
My site is a quality website with quality content and you will improve search engine ranking with our promotion. I am sure you will make the right decision. Best regards,
I have reply to previous email by this person and then I got this email. Looks like this person is not willing to pay the small fee which I reply.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
More contest, more money
I love to take part in contest as you know. Now I need your help, I need to refer 10 friends in order to gain $5 instantly. Yeah even it is just $5 it is still money.
This contest is huge you can even take part tin the contest to win. As for refer, do mention that you know it from Sherry HERE. I appreciate your help. :D
Let's join the contest and have fun to win lot's of Prizes.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Living together good or bad
Anyway it is sensitive to talk about love and money. This can bring disaster in family too.
I am tired to talk about this matter so I am telling you about eyeko. :D
Feel free to use the ambassador code E3624 if your purchase is above ten sterling pound, with this code your get freebie. Yeah you can also use the promo code, oh both at once and you get more freebie. :)
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Make it a very Happy New Year and take advantage of this one time only
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Offer not valid with any other promotion unless specified.
Offer expires midnight UK time 10th January 2010. Whilst Stocks Last.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Traditional styles tend to be broadly varied and can include Victorian, Edwardian, Rebirth, Tudor and several additional designs. Every period offers various determining features that could enhance or even are at odds of each other. Nevertheless, if you opt to blend various figures associated with traditional designs to produce a customized look, you can't end up being held responsible. Here are a few tips to style your house inside utilizing a number of traditional designs.
1. Fresh paint
Fresh paint your own space along with colours for example gentle yellow-colored, teak or even off-white. These types of colours enhance the actual impact associated with lavishness as well as splendour inside a space.
2. Illumination
Select yellow-colored illumination instead of white illumination. This can generate the heat of the space, that is generally vital that you display inside a typically created space. Remember to include a good old-style chandelier inside your living area, family room, or even additional space. Change the actual chandelier's dimension towards the room's dimension, in order that it will appear nicely proportioned. Because chandeliers can be quite costly, search for 1 from storage product sales or even flea marketplaces to maintain your financial allowance through getting away from manage.
3. Furnishings
Select racks, furniture, dressers as well as wardrobes produced from wooden. Traditional designs really rarely make use of steel for that furnishings aside from backyard seats. If you would like a good upholstered couch, choose conventional style (instead of the modern one) having a flower design or even light colours. Suspend decorative mirrors along with wood structures to include the actual feeling of the bygone period.
4. Home windows
Large home windows tend to be among the famous features associated with traditional styles. Big home windows convey more benefits more than scaled-down types; you're going to get much more outdoors as well as conserve much more electrical power because throughout the day time you're going to get sun light rather than through lights.
5. Drapery
Together with big home windows, arrive large, good curtains to pay for the actual home windows. If you wish to stay with the actual style, choose basic drapery having a precious metal coating. Or even, to include more enjoyable, complement the actual drapery design using the design in your couch.
6. Decorations
You are able to suspend art or even decorative mirrors about the walls. Decorative mirrors, whenever positioned in the ideal position, may produce the actual false impression of the bigger room. This is an advantage should you have a little space. You may also think about putting the marbled bust line on the desk, or even should you genuinely have a sizable location, place human being size figurines to complement using the traditional style.
7. Kitchen area
Putting the wood isle in the heart of your own kitchen area brings about the sensation associated with antiquity. Including a few decorations or even items produced from bronze for example candlesticks as well as containers won't harm your energy to provide the traditional style all through your house.


text: "TEFAF organised its first "Taste of TEFAF", a unique exhibition in Casa Petra in Sao Paulo from 25-28 October 2012. No less than 31 international dealers who take part in TEFAF exhibited 74 works of art at an fundraising event of Childhood Brazil. This charity organisation works to protect children and teenagers from sexual exploitation. It was the first time TEFAF showed some of its highlights in the build-up to the next Fair, that will take place from 15-24 March 2013."


text:
When I'm sitting back taking a break from a project, I start reflecting on what I've done so far, what still needs to be done or how to overcome an unforeseen obstacle. It's in those moments that I learn a little something about myself. Here's something I wrote a couple of years ago during a sewing project:
The Seamstress
Friend: "Did your seam come out alright?"
Me: "No. I'm so frustrated. It looked beautiful on the wrong side [of the fabric], but the right side was mismatched. …I have been working on this for hours and have literally made zero progress!"
Friend: "Probably your character is being refined. :)"
Me: "My character is questionable at this point. How many F-bombs are allowed in one afternoon?"
Me: "I'm quite fearful that I've screwed up the first shade and will have to go buy new fabric."
Friend: "I doubt it very seriously. Take a deep breath because it will all be fine. Even if you did, in the scheme of things, it's no big deal."
Me: "That's what I'm trying to tell myself. It's times like this that I feel crippled by my perfectionism and pride."
So, the text conversation read as I labored for several days over a Home-Dec-In-A-Sec pattern that was, according to the front of the pattern envelope, supposed to be accomplished 'in 2 hours or less!'. I knew from experience that it wouldn't happen that way, but just for once, I wanted to complete a sewing project from beginning to end without mistakes. I often envision the finished product before I ever start any given project. In my imagination, it's beautiful, perfect and everything I wanted it to be. Reality is that it is imperfect, close to what I wanted it to be and yet still beautiful.
It's okay to make mistakes. Perfection isn't required. It isn't even possible. At least, all of my efforts at being perfect have been futile, and I have spent a lifetime trying.
Until next time,


text:
Set of 2 Salt and Pepper Rabbits
Set of 2 Salt and Pepper Rabbits
In stock | Item Code: BI18677
This is the Set of 2 Salt and Pepper Rabbits, add an element of country charm to your home with these lovely little characters. Both functional and attractive, these pieces are ideal accessories to complement any kitchen.
- Height: 41 cm
- Width: 32.2 cm
- Depth: 41.8 cm
- Colour: white
- Material: ceramic
- Weight: 0.16kg


text:
"No," I said, and turned to step off the roof.
"Honored Paladin, please, just hear us out!" Fimmtu, the crow anthro, cried. "You've been avoiding us for weeks! All we want is to talk."
I floated a few feet off the edge of the roof, and turned to face him. "The fact that I've been avoiding you for weeks is a sign that I don't want to talk. I have work to do. MC needs someone to spy on those kytons." Probably shouldn't have told him that, but oh well.
"Is that what you've been doing?" he asked as he stepped closer to the edge. He clearly wasn't scared of heights; his wings might not give him flight as precise as my levitation, but he still had little to fear from a mere fifty-floor drop. "Spying on the colleges?"
That was the name Laura had coined for the new, power-based gangs. MC had thought it was clever and decided to spread it around, and the rest was history.
"I'm not interested in being recruited."
"This isn't about you joining anyone."
I sighed. I understood what he meant. He wasn't looking for a follower, he was looking for a leader. At least he had come alone this time. It was easier to talk to him without a flock of fliers watching.
"Fine," I said, floating just outside of reach, arms crossed over my chest. "Speak."
The ave paused for a moment. "…we may have found Ling."
I blinked. "What?"
"Maybe!" he insisted, holding up his claws in a placating gesture. "She's not staying anywhere specific, and seems to be just wandering the city at random. But there are people after her, who are trying to find her to get her help."
I raised an eyebrow. "That sounds familiar."
He continued bravely on. "We can't guarantee it's her. But she wouldn't have left the city, so it's as good a chance as any. Watching Hawk has been letting us use the top floors of G'Hanir as a temporary base, so—"
"Wait, Watching Hawk?" I interrupted. "Haven't heard of that one."
"Oh." His feathers ruffled, and I had a feeling he would have been blushing in embarrassment if he still had any exposed skin left. "That's Delia. Remember, she was the leader of the warhawks? With Soaring Eagle gone, she's taken over as Animal King."
"All right, whatever." Was that adverb-noun naming convention tradition now? "I assume that's your offering. You help me find Ling, I help you with your little flight school."
"College, actually."
"Yes, yes, I know." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "You know I'm not a fighter."
His tone was subdued. "Yes, Honored Paladin."
"I've never led anyone at all. This is probably going to end up with us all dead."
"Yes, Honored Paladin."
"All right," I muttered grumpily, annoyed but still more interested than I would like to admit. I opened my eyes and stepped onto the roof, then strode across it, heading for the other side. "Follow me. We're heading to G'Hanir."
Once Fimmtu spread his wings and soared after me, I had a chance to get a better look at his wings. They were sleek with black feathers, and maybe ten or more feet wide from tip to tip. Even at that size, and even with hollow bones, I was surprised that they could still carry him at any speed.
He did have speed, though. He was faster than me, though neither of us was going at full tilt, and he had the ability to stop flapping and just glide for minutes at a time. That was a skill I was still lacking; you really need wings or some other broad, flat surface to glide for more than a couple seconds. I pretty much had to have my ability on at all times, or else I'd start falling.
That was another advantage of his. Since his power was morphing, he didn't really need to do anything with it any more. It was so slow that it took days to make any sort of major changes—but on the plus side, those changes were permanent. His wings weren't going to disappear or weaken if his reservoir ran out.
He did explain though, during one of our rest stops while we waited for my reservoir to replenish, that he could use his power to smooth over fatigue and exertion. So while I had much, much better maneuverability and control than him (and possibly speed), he could fly for most of the day without any problems, while I only had about an hour and a half before I needed to rest.
We were on the opposite side of the city when Fimmtu found me, but we were able to make very good time. It probably would have taken the entire day to reach G'Hanir if we had gone by car (maybe a third of that if we took the light rail), but by air it was only about two hours.
We eventually landed on one of the smaller buildings surrounding the massive ave 'scraper. With a start, I realized it was one of the ones I had perched on the last time I was here, looking for Ling.
"Can we go through the front door?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
He shook his head. "We could, but it would be a bad idea. Lending us the top few floors is a favor; marching through the rest of the building would annoy the aves, and Watching Hawk might decide to change her mind. Besides, enemy spies watch the door."
"They don't watch the skies?"
"We've only been here a day," he noted with one of those ave beak-smiles that was so hard to describe. "Give them a little more time. I'm sure someone will look up at the wrong moment soon enough."
"Yes, well…" I nodded at the massive edifice in front of us. Even standing on the roof of a fifty-floor building, it seemed to stretch up out of sight. "Are you sure you're going to be able to make that? I know vertical lift is difficult with wings."
"There are plenty of thermals coming off the streets," he assured me. "I'll be right behind you."
Not seeing any alternative, I sighed, slipped on my mask, and rocketed up towards the top of the tower.
It was easier than last time, probably because I actually knew I could do it. I did notice a surprising number of ledges that weren't there last time, though, apparently recently installed to give fliers spots to land and rest if necessary. I didn't need them, but at my leisurely pace, I was moving slow enough to spot the cameras dotting the platforms. Apparently my last break in had taught the aves the weakness of their security.
Speaking of my last break in, I couldn't spot the window Akane and I had destroyed the last time I was here, even after a quick loop around the building. They must have replaced it already. Good thing, too. At this height, an open window would have rendered the entire floor practically uninhabitable.
I landed on the very top of the 'scraper, above the tier I had crashed on last time. The door was where I remembered it, and I waited a few minutes for Fimmtu.
He wasn't too far behind, and I was surprised to find that he wasn't wearing a mask of any kind. The air was pretty thin up here, and he was getting a little wobbly, so I rushed him inside. There were some buffs to make high-altitude breathing easier, but nothing good enough to stay here for long. He needed fresh air, fast.
The second I closed the airlock behind us, I found a half-dozen guns pointed at us.
I raised my hand in shaky surrender—the other was around Fimmtu's shoulders, supporting him—and tried to smile. "Easy there, boys and girls. We're fliers, just like you. Fimmtu gave me the impression we were invited."
It was crowded in the small space, and the guns didn't make it feel any better. After a moment though, one of the men clad head to toe in black tactical gear nodded and lowered his weapon. The rest followed suit, and I nodded in thanks as I dragged my ave friend down the stairs.
The security guard who had signaled the all-clear to the others was only a few steps behind me. Once we reached the landing a couple flights down and had more room, I stopped and turned to face him.
"Thank you," I told him honestly. "I know everyone's on edge recently. I appreciate you trusting us."
"Trust nothing," a female voice from behind the face-concealing helmet quipped. "I knew you were coming. Just wish Pig had called when you were a few minutes away."
I tabled the question of who 'Pig' was. "I saw cameras on the ledges, down below. There still aren't any on the roof?"
The woman pulled off her helmet, revealing the lightly olive colored skin that I always thought of as the mark of Mediterranean ancestry and a pretty face marred by a scowl. "No, there aren't. I keep trying to talk to Watching Hawk about it, but she's been distracted recently."
"Understandable." As Fimmtu regained his senses and stopped leaning on me, I extended my hand to the guard. "Robyn Joan Clarke, at your service."
"Teuta Merimangë," she said as she shook my hand firmly. "Pleasure."
It took me a second to realize where I recognized that name. "You're an arach. A Lolth. One of the ones who disabled all the 'sarians on the Ring, when Soaring Eagle needed to steal the toy box back."
The passer raised an eyebrow as she broke off my grip. "You're good. Good memory, good sources. That was what, two months ago? With everything that's happened, I'm surprised you remember the name of some random merc who was on the scene."
"I did some research, and your last name means 'spider.' It stuck in my memory."
She laughed, white teeth flashing, and I had a feeling that those slightly enlarged ones in the front were probably hollow and connected to poison glands. "Yeah, not the most original name for a spider kemo, is it? But it's as good as any other." She headed towards the door. "C'mon, let's get out of this boring stairwell. You need to meet your college."
I followed her quickly, Fimmtu still dazed but not too far behind. "Are you a flier?"
She shook her head as she led us through the calm office space filled with cubicles I remembered from last time. It still amazed me how the fact that every cubicle had a good view of the broad windows made the room feel so much more open than those cramped offices most cultures used.
"I'm a teleporter," she explained. "My range is incredible—ten miles and change—but I need an accurate photo of where I'm jumping, and it kicks me right in the ass every time I do it. My reservoir is slow to refill, too. I'm lucky if I can jump twice a day."
"Keep at it," I recommended. "The powers improve as you practice. They all start out hard to use, though I will admit yours is on the deep end."
She smiled again. She had a nice smile. Most passers did, I found—it was easier to hide in plain sight when people liked you. "Thanks, I appreciate it. I know this must be overwhelming, suddenly being a celebrity."
I smiled back. "Well, I'm used to people knowing who I am. The problem is, I usually deal with it by running away." I shook my head sadly. "It's stupid, but I'd probably feel better if I knew I had some way out of this. Like a trampoline under a tightrope walker."
"We don't have a trampoline, unfortunately," the arach apologized, still grinning. "But this might make you feel a little better." She dropped a small remote in my hand, with only a single button hidden behind a safety panel, like a detonator. It was labeled 'Conference Room 9.'
"What is—" I blinked. "This can't be what I think it is."
"It is."
"But—I thought—" I shook my head. "No, it doesn't make any sense. I was up here before, I was in a position to know whether or not they have some sort of emergency override or whatever—"
"They didn't," she admitted. "But a lot of damage was done during the Rampage. Most of this level and several others had to be replaced. With the large number of fliers up here now, Watching Hawk thought the adjustments were only prudent."
I carefully slipped the remote into my pocket. "Thank you very much."
"You are very welcome," she answered genuinely. "And while I'd love to talk to you a bit more about the powers and everything, but I think your apprentices will get mad at me if I take up any more of your time."
That threw me off balance. "My… my what?"
"Your apprentices," she repeated, stopping before a door to some sort of conference room. Presumably, number nine. Ah yes, there was the label, on a small plaque next to the door. "If the group is a college, then you are the teacher, and they your students." She gave me a grin and a wink as she opened the door. "Show your apprentices what you can do, Magister Clarke."
I was practically shoved into the room, Fimmtu once again a step behind me. I heard the door click shut, and had to make an effort of will not to turn to check if it was locked. Pupils or not, I didn't want to show weakness in front of these people.
And what a group of people they were. I recognized many of them from the other times Fimmtu had tried to speak to me, but most were new. Baselines and aves and demons and trolls—three or four dozen people, crammed into this relatively small conference room, all to see me. How had this been set up so fast?
At least the avian preference for big windows made the room feel larger than it was. Akane and others I had spoken to said they found the view disconcerting at this incredible height, but everyone here was a flier. It would take more than a half-mile drop to make us blink.
I had no idea what to do.
I was not a leader of any stripe. I had never even taken charge of so much as a tiny little school project for class. I had no idea what these people wanted from me, let alone how or whether to give it. I was seriously considering running out the door, breaking it down if I had to.
Adapt or die.
That was what my father always said. His answer to every problem in the universe. It was why he had invented the toy maker; he had created the perfect device for adaptation. A device that could allow even Uncle Art, a man with more diseases than most epidemiology books, to survive for decades.
I wasn't a leader? Fine. I'd become one. And this was a college, right? Even if being a leader might be difficult for me, I could at least pretend to be a teacher. I had enough experience with both leaders and teachers to fake some combination of the two. Probably.
I strode over to the table in the corner piled with refreshments, hopefully with what looked like a confident gait. "Apologies for being a little on the late side," I managed as I poured myself a water. "Honored Fimmtu did not inform me you were all assembled. I would have hurried if he had." I turned to face the crowd and leaned casually against the table as I sipped my water. "You have information for me, I believe?"
They all stared at me.
After a moment, a pair of twin kemos—not full anthros, just ears—spoke up. "I thought you were you were here to lead us, Honored Paladin."
And yes, both of the twins spoke at once. A pod-brain, then, and a relatively young one at that. With the advent of telepathy, true pod-brains had become more common. Or, at least, less incredibly rare. Most of them learned within a couple days that talking in stereo creeped people out.
I raised a finger. "Magister."
Both twins cocked their heads at me.
"Honored Magister is the term, I believe." I sipped at the water more. Could they tell my hands were shaking? No, I had that under control. Wait, what about my smell? Some kemos and vampires had noses good enough to smell fear. "That lovely arach passer said that was the preferred term for the leader of colleges, though I will confess I haven't had time to check."
Remain calm. Don't shake, don't tremble. Don't let them see.
"…that appears to be correct," one of the giants, a troll girl with yellow skin and some sort of plastic bands on her arms asked. She would be a Mancal, a member of the troll scientist caste. "But the bird brought you here to lead us, not to exchange information."
C'mon, I had watched Uncle Art lead my entire life, I could fake it well enough. "What is leading but exchanging information? I will confess, I am not sure what exactly what you want from me, specifically, but I am under the impression you want to learn to use your powers more effectively."
Slowly, most of the people in the room nodded in cautious agreement.
"The best way to learn is by doing," I insisted blithely. "Searching for one particular girl in the entire city will strain your abilities to the limit, force you to work together, and improve both your personal and team skills."
"That seems a bit selfish of you," another, a demon this time, grunted.
I shrugged as casually as I could. "I am taking advantage, I won't try and hide it. But this genuinely is for your benefit as well, I promise." I looked him straight in the eye. "I don't see a need to lie to any of you. The truth is easier."
How much easier would the fight against Elizabeth have gone, if I had been truthful with the others from the very start? Sure, with the screamers cured, the death toll was surprisingly low, but still far higher than I would have liked.
"So, what?" the pod-brain from before demanded, both mouths speaking as one again. "You want us to just fly out, scouring hundreds of miles of urban landscape to find one girl who doesn't want to be found?"
"You're the ones who said you knew where she was," I noted. "I suppose I could go by myself, but that wouldn't really teach any of you any lessons, would it?"
"This isn't a lesson," the demon insisted. "It's just labor exploitation."
"You want a lesson? Fine. We'll do this the old-fashioned way. Seems fitting, seeing as we're in the ave's domain." I pulled the remote out of my pocket with one hand—the other keeping a firm grasp on my drink—flipped off the safety, and pressed the button.
The windows slid open.
It was actually an interesting design. Not only did the door behind me lock solidly the second I pressed the button, but the large panoramic glass windows were careful to slide horizontally open, where they locked into place covering the windows of the rooms to our left and our right. It was likely a safety feature, a way to keep too many windows open at once. This high up, we could lose most of the air on the floor if we weren't careful.
"I learned some things about being a mother from my sister," I shouted over the howling winds as everyone else in the room grabbed desperately at the table (which was bolted to the floor) or each other. The winds would die down shortly, but at the moment they were strong enough to life even the giants off the floor. I, of course, simply increased my personal gravity and stayed firmly in place. "Sometimes you've gotta be harsh. And this is how the birds do it—fly or die. Kick you out of the nest and see if you survive."
I walked up to the demon who had been mocking me earlier. He was clinging to the table, wild-eyed. He didn't need to hold on for much longer; I'd be surprised if the gale-force winds lasted another minute.
I kicked him in the chest.
He went flying out the window the second his grip loosened, and not under his own power.
I pointed after him. "FLY!"
My various pupils looked hesitant, but they knew they didn't have a choice. The podbrain was first, her twin bodies holding hands tightly, followed by the Manca and a young demon on a flying carpet.
By the time the winds had died down seconds later, everyone had already released their grip on the table, and was outside in the open air.
Except for me, of course.
I calmly finished my water, then set it down and grinned.
I was probably having more fun with this than was healthy.
With a whoop, I followed them into the clear blue sky around G'Hanir.
G'Hanir was the ave domain.
This was ours.
Behind the Scenes (scene 240)
Originally, this was quite a bit later (253), until I realized it fit better here.


text:
Cleveland State Community College is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution
Return to: » Programs of Study
Paramedic training is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction (didactic and psychomotor skills) and a blend of clinical/field experience. Upon successful completion of the Paramedic Certificate courses, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry's written and practical examinations. Upon successful completion of those examinations and other licensure requirements, the student will be eligible for the State of Tennessee Paramedic license. The Paramedic renders basic and advanced life support to patients at the scene of their injuries or illnesses and continues this treatment while transporting these patients to the hospital.
To be eligible for admission, an applicant shall be currently licensed as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee. The applicant having successfully completed an AEMT license exam more than one year prior to the start of Paramedic classes must successfully complete an AEMT assessment written examination approved by the Board. An applicant shall be interviewed and evaluated. Progression requires an average of 77 to pass each semester and to sit for the board approved license written and practical examination.
For more information, contact the Division of Health and Wellness at 423-478-6228 or 800-604-2722, ext. 228.


text:
Forced Migration Review (FMR) has issued a call for papers for articles on "Sexual orientation and gender identity and the protection of forced migrants," with a tentative deadline of 3 December 2012.
Asylum: Claims Based on Sexual Identity (House of Commons Library, July 2011) [text]
Country-of-origin Information to Support the Adjudication of Asylum Claims from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex ('LGBTI') Asylum-seekers, Reports Commissioned by UNHCR (Asylum Research Consultancy, 2012) [access]
Greenwich Declaration, Draft (Greenwich Declaration Advisory Group) [info]
- A final version of this declaration was due to be launched at the Double Jeopardy 2012 Conference, held 5-6 July 2012, in Greenwich, but I have not found a copy yet.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Asylum: Fleeing Homophobia (Routledge, forthcoming Dec. 2012) [info]
- Based on an earlier conference held in Amsterdam, 5-6 Sept. 2011; see abstract of one chapter on SSRN.
The Road to Safety for LGBTI Refugees (Human Rights First, Aug. 2012) [access]
- Podcast providing "analysis and recommendations for the Obama administration on how to better protect LGBTI refugees from violence and persecution."
Tagged Publications and Events & Opportunities.


text:
I was listening to CJAM just now, as you do, and I heard Jan on I Wear White Jeans mention he was going to play something off of my new album. I wondered what song he might pick, and this is what he said: "Kind of wish I'd cued up the track 'Ass Dildos'…but instead we're going to hear 'Everyone You Love Is Dead'."
I pretty much lost my shit laughing. Something about hearing someone say "Ass Dildos" on the radio cracks me up.
Also, I forgot what a cool music video this is. I remember seeing it a few times on television when it first came out back in 1998. So I would have been in grade nine. I remember thinking, "That sounds like Thom Yorke" (turned out it was). I also remember feeling a little unsettled, and like it kind of went over my head.
I caught it again on TV a few nights back, for probably the first time since then, and twelve years later I'm still not sure I understand what the message is behind it, but I "feel" it in a way I couldn't back then. I think it's kind of sad that advancements in technology have supposedly given so many new tools to us, and yet, by and large, the music videos we're making today are pathetic drivel. If aliens one day visited earth and their first exposure to us was to see a modern music video, iIthink they would probably just vaporize us all on sight. There's so much that can be done with the art form and, sadly, very few doing anything with it that's worth half a shit.
But hey, this video is cool!