Between the anniversary and Bhutto's assassination, I'm just getting around to this. Because of the anniversary and the assassination, it is important that I get around to this.
* The Mystery Gift was a French butter bell from the Lovely Cats. Love these things and am thrilled to have one of my own.
* Ten years may or may not be enough time to be able to be happy after the death of a loved one. Ten years when combined with a big-picture happiness is definitely enough time.
* The most annoying Christmas song isn't "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." It is actually the one titled something like "Christmas Shoes." The one about the kid looking to buy shoes for his mother before she dies on Christmas Eve. Yes, yes, I know. It's supposed to be moving and touching and remind us all to live each day and celebrate Christmas. For me, it just annoys me. To no end.
* I have the most gorgeous collection of amber necklaces ever. So many reasons I love Lithus.
* In an earlier post, I mentioned that I top my tree with a cross. This raised questions for some people. Here's the story (it's a little long...) When my parents were first married, they couldn't afford a tree topper. So, Daddy went and got gold tin foil (it was readily available then) and made a cross from cardboard and gold tin foil. That thing topped the tree for YEARS. Over time, gold tin foil stopped being so readily available and the cross got more and more beat up. Skip forward several years...I'm a pre-teen and early teenager when my friend, Gail, becomes a surrogate mom to me (as most of you know, my relationship with Mama has been iffy most of my life so Gail REALLY filled in A LOT during the awful time of being a teenager.) She also worked at the Ground Round as a waitress. One night ~ it wasn't even during the holidays ~ we were eating at the Ground Round and Daddy realized his baked potato was wrapped in gold foil. He asked Gail to find out where they had gotten it so he could recover the cross. Instead, she brought him several sheets of it. Daddy never got around to recovering his cross. Skip forward another year or two. Gail dies of cancer on my 16th birthday. Needless to say, I don't handle it well but life goes on. Three years later, I'm 19 and throwing my first Christmas party. I can't afford many ornaments so I tell everyone the "price of admission" is a decoration for my tree. My parents make a token appearance (as they are aware parents/the chair of the Communications Department probably aren't *that* welcome at a college party) but bring a decoration with them. It is a cross tree-topper made from cardboard and covered with the gold foil Gail had given Daddy all those years ago. Now, I have both crosses and use them interchangeably or, sometimes, have two trees and use them both.
* Having your best friend's parents send you a holiday present is a present in and of itself.
* Beef Wellington tastes as good as I remember.
* The reason I celebrate Christmas is best explained by A Christmas Carol. We all know the story. But if you haven't really paid attention recently, revisit it. Either read the original story ~ paying very close attention to the end ~ or watch the George C. Scott version from the mid-80s. Really listen. You'll understand why ~ and how ~ this Pagan celebrates Christmas.
Merry Christmas, everybody.
Those are Pobble Christmas thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you egg nog.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
They Did It
They killed her.
God help us all if they now get the leader they deserve.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
God help us all if they now get the leader they deserve.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Running With A Wolf
Wolfgrrrl tagged me a few days ago. It's a lovely meme...
1) Post a note about a blogger you would like to see something wonderful happen for. Maybe one whose posts have touched your heart in one way or another. Include details as to why you admire them and what you wish for them. Be as supporting and affirming as you can.
2) Post your favorite memory around selflessness, giving, or doing for others. Something that has actually changed you.
3) As a postscript, name one thing you will actually do for someone in your life before December 31 that is born out of joy.
4) Tag 3 other bloggers who will play the game and find the spirit. Don't forget to leave a comment on their blog so they continue to share the good feelings.
1. A blogger I would like to see something wonderful happen for...oh, so many. I'm choosing two: one who is a personal friend, one who is a blogger friend, because it's hard enough to only choose two, let alone one. The first is Nemeria. Without telling stories that aren't mine to tell, I will say that she deserves something wonderful. She's had a rough couple (years) months. Still, throughout it all, she has been an amazing friend, a thoughtful colleague, and a true gift to the Universe. Trust me, your world is better because Nemeria is out here, even if you don't know it or her. How can I not wish something wonderful for her. The blogger friend would be Cracker Lilo. Without knowing it, she has given me so much. More often than not, I read her posts and think "that's what I wanted to say" or even "oh dude...I hadn't thought of it that way."
2. This is another tough one to limit to one and the reason I have been so long in accepting this tag. See, for those of you who don't realize it, I worked human services for 13 years and learned about 13 days into it that I would be changed and touched as much if not more than my clients were changed and touched by me. However! I think I finally got the one ~ and it doesn't even come from those 13 years. When I was 11, my parents started taking BioSis and me to volunteer at the local soup kitchen. And not just during the holidays. Every 6-8 weeks, year round (from this I learned that there are LOTS of people who like to volunteer during the holidays but somehow forget that people are in need the other 10 months of the year. But I digress...) At the kitchen, we served 2 types of soup, three kinds of sandwiches, coffee, tea, milk, juice or water. People could have two bowls of soup, three sandwiches and as much to drink as they wanted. Everyone went through the line first and then we served refills at the tables. I was young; I was upper class; I was privileged; I was compassionate...I was self-righteous. I was helping. I was good. I was, although I wouldn't have put it this way at the time, the Great White Hope. Until I met one particular man. He was well-dressed. He was probably in his mid-twenties. He was deeply embarrassed to be there. And yet...he behaved as if he was at a restaurant instead of a soup kitchen. His demeanor was one of self-worth and self-respect. He was in need ~ he wasn't needy. As I tried to serve him, he kept saying "no" to more soup, to another sandwich. But if I refilled his milk once, I refilled it a dozen times. Later, I realized ~ milk is filling. Milk is nutritious. Milk can see a person through to the next day if you drink enough of it. He wasn't too proud to be there. He wasn't too proud to drink his milk. He wasn't too proud to accept a young girl helping him. He was, however, still proud. And I learned that compassion without respect is pity ~ and hugely demeaning. I have no doubt this man ~ who was younger at the time than I am now ~ didn't eat many more meals from a soup kitchen. I have no doubt he has long forgotten the little girl who refilled his milk glass over and over. I have never forgotten him. Compassion and respect. I hope I've continued to combine them well. I hope he would be proud of me.
3. Something born out of joy ~ I am making homemade cupcakes for the staff here at the apartment complex. They do so much and make this such a delightful, safe, comfortable place to live. I wish I could do more to thank them. Since there's not, I'll make them cupcakes. And I make a damn good cupcake. :) (ed. note ~ this has been done already but it was in the future when I first starting writing this post.)
4. The tag...as with Wolfgrrrl, this is a tough one. SO! Let's go with Graziella, Krystal and Get Off My Lawn! With Wolfgrrrl's same disclaimer: if you don't have the time during the holidays, I completely understand!
Those are Pobble Thoughts, with a hand from Wolfgrrrl. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
1) Post a note about a blogger you would like to see something wonderful happen for. Maybe one whose posts have touched your heart in one way or another. Include details as to why you admire them and what you wish for them. Be as supporting and affirming as you can.
2) Post your favorite memory around selflessness, giving, or doing for others. Something that has actually changed you.
3) As a postscript, name one thing you will actually do for someone in your life before December 31 that is born out of joy.
4) Tag 3 other bloggers who will play the game and find the spirit. Don't forget to leave a comment on their blog so they continue to share the good feelings.
1. A blogger I would like to see something wonderful happen for...oh, so many. I'm choosing two: one who is a personal friend, one who is a blogger friend, because it's hard enough to only choose two, let alone one. The first is Nemeria. Without telling stories that aren't mine to tell, I will say that she deserves something wonderful. She's had a rough couple (years) months. Still, throughout it all, she has been an amazing friend, a thoughtful colleague, and a true gift to the Universe. Trust me, your world is better because Nemeria is out here, even if you don't know it or her. How can I not wish something wonderful for her. The blogger friend would be Cracker Lilo. Without knowing it, she has given me so much. More often than not, I read her posts and think "that's what I wanted to say" or even "oh dude...I hadn't thought of it that way."
2. This is another tough one to limit to one and the reason I have been so long in accepting this tag. See, for those of you who don't realize it, I worked human services for 13 years and learned about 13 days into it that I would be changed and touched as much if not more than my clients were changed and touched by me. However! I think I finally got the one ~ and it doesn't even come from those 13 years. When I was 11, my parents started taking BioSis and me to volunteer at the local soup kitchen. And not just during the holidays. Every 6-8 weeks, year round (from this I learned that there are LOTS of people who like to volunteer during the holidays but somehow forget that people are in need the other 10 months of the year. But I digress...) At the kitchen, we served 2 types of soup, three kinds of sandwiches, coffee, tea, milk, juice or water. People could have two bowls of soup, three sandwiches and as much to drink as they wanted. Everyone went through the line first and then we served refills at the tables. I was young; I was upper class; I was privileged; I was compassionate...I was self-righteous. I was helping. I was good. I was, although I wouldn't have put it this way at the time, the Great White Hope. Until I met one particular man. He was well-dressed. He was probably in his mid-twenties. He was deeply embarrassed to be there. And yet...he behaved as if he was at a restaurant instead of a soup kitchen. His demeanor was one of self-worth and self-respect. He was in need ~ he wasn't needy. As I tried to serve him, he kept saying "no" to more soup, to another sandwich. But if I refilled his milk once, I refilled it a dozen times. Later, I realized ~ milk is filling. Milk is nutritious. Milk can see a person through to the next day if you drink enough of it. He wasn't too proud to be there. He wasn't too proud to drink his milk. He wasn't too proud to accept a young girl helping him. He was, however, still proud. And I learned that compassion without respect is pity ~ and hugely demeaning. I have no doubt this man ~ who was younger at the time than I am now ~ didn't eat many more meals from a soup kitchen. I have no doubt he has long forgotten the little girl who refilled his milk glass over and over. I have never forgotten him. Compassion and respect. I hope I've continued to combine them well. I hope he would be proud of me.
3. Something born out of joy ~ I am making homemade cupcakes for the staff here at the apartment complex. They do so much and make this such a delightful, safe, comfortable place to live. I wish I could do more to thank them. Since there's not, I'll make them cupcakes. And I make a damn good cupcake. :) (ed. note ~ this has been done already but it was in the future when I first starting writing this post.)
4. The tag...as with Wolfgrrrl, this is a tough one. SO! Let's go with Graziella, Krystal and Get Off My Lawn! With Wolfgrrrl's same disclaimer: if you don't have the time during the holidays, I completely understand!
Those are Pobble Thoughts, with a hand from Wolfgrrrl. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Mystery Gift
Since I am nowhere near anyone I have ever celebrated the holidays with, I am receiving several packages in the mail. Most of them, I recognize where they are from. Except for this one. This one that arrived today...I have no clue. It was sent to me. But the return address is the store from which it was shipped. In a state where no one I know lives. I have simply put it, as is, under the tree. I guess I'll find out Christmas morning. At least, I hope I will. :)
Those are confused and mysterious Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Those are confused and mysterious Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
From My In Box
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? paper ~ although I've had to use a couple bags this year due to oddly shaped gifts
2. Real tree or Artificial Real. I'm a bit militant about this one.
2. Real tree or Artificial Real. I'm a bit militant about this one.
3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime in December. No real set date.
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime in January. No real set date ~ although when I was Christian it was important to me to leave it up at least through Christmastide and Epiphany.
5. Do you like egg nog? love it. love it plain. love it spiked. love it in coffee. love it in pancakes. love it.
5. Do you like egg nog? love it. love it plain. love it spiked. love it in coffee. love it in pancakes. love it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? probably Bear, the stuffed one I still sleep with
7. Do you have a nativity scene? um... not so much, you know?
8. Hardest person to buy for? Tom Cat or the Grill Master
9. Easiest person to buy for? BioSis
8. Hardest person to buy for? Tom Cat or the Grill Master
9. Easiest person to buy for? BioSis
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail ~ on years when I do them, which is more often than not.
11 .Worst Christmas gift you ever received? two bottle of red wine from my mother a couple years ago (I can't drink red because it gives me a migraine.)
12. Favorite Christmas movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the real, animated one, not that dreck with Jim Carrey); 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (the one with the mice); George C. Scott's Christmas Carol (and yes, I know I've left out Wonderful Life but that's one of my favorite movies, period, so it doesn't feel like a Christmas movie to me.)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I keep my eyes open year-round
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes *blushes*
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? dressing
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I've always done all white but we're having a clash of Christmas styles this year so the tree is all white but the balcony is colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? another three-way tie: Snoopy's Christmas; Bing and Bowie's Little Drummer Boy; and Transiberian Orchestra's Christmas Canon
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? In the past, I traveled. This year, staying home. Hoping to travel again next year.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Of course!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Currently a star, but that's because my tree topper is in storage still. Has always been and will always be (though this will shock you) a cross
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? All on Christmas morning
22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? The whisper in the back of my head about Daddy's death. although, at least it's just a whisper now!
23. Favorite ornament? the aforementioned cross tree-topper
11 .Worst Christmas gift you ever received? two bottle of red wine from my mother a couple years ago (I can't drink red because it gives me a migraine.)
12. Favorite Christmas movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the real, animated one, not that dreck with Jim Carrey); 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (the one with the mice); George C. Scott's Christmas Carol (and yes, I know I've left out Wonderful Life but that's one of my favorite movies, period, so it doesn't feel like a Christmas movie to me.)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I keep my eyes open year-round
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes *blushes*
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? dressing
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I've always done all white but we're having a clash of Christmas styles this year so the tree is all white but the balcony is colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? another three-way tie: Snoopy's Christmas; Bing and Bowie's Little Drummer Boy; and Transiberian Orchestra's Christmas Canon
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? In the past, I traveled. This year, staying home. Hoping to travel again next year.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Of course!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Currently a star, but that's because my tree topper is in storage still. Has always been and will always be (though this will shock you) a cross
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? All on Christmas morning
22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? The whisper in the back of my head about Daddy's death. although, at least it's just a whisper now!
23. Favorite ornament? the aforementioned cross tree-topper
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? beef wellington, dressing, the vegetable is allowed to vary, and pie. :)
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? bath stuff
And for those of you who don't read the Lovely Cats, here's alink for you.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? bath stuff
And for those of you who don't read the Lovely Cats, here's a
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Things Kinda Happened
I didn't mean to be away for so long. It just kinda happened. Here are some other things that just kinda happened...
* The FedEx truck pulled up and delivered a package ... for me!
* The FedEx truck pulled up and, while not delivering a package for me, played holiday music through the window while the driver was delivering to someone else, giving me a lovely, unexpected carols concert from my balcony
* Lithus and I wandered the city, people watching and looking at the lights and generally enjoying the season and each other
* I had a lazy day where I didn't even shower until 5:00 p.m.
* I had a lazy day where I didn't even shower at all
* All the presents ended up perfect ~ and sent to their respective homes
* The Nordstrom Santa made me smile because he has the "right" smile and twinkle in his eyes
* My vintage faux fur coat (that only cost me five bucks!) looked good enough that it drew snarky comments from the oh so earnest young activist kids behind me
* Egg nog and egg nog lattes came back.
It's a lovely season.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
* The FedEx truck pulled up and delivered a package ... for me!
* The FedEx truck pulled up and, while not delivering a package for me, played holiday music through the window while the driver was delivering to someone else, giving me a lovely, unexpected carols concert from my balcony
* Lithus and I wandered the city, people watching and looking at the lights and generally enjoying the season and each other
* I had a lazy day where I didn't even shower until 5:00 p.m.
* I had a lazy day where I didn't even shower at all
* All the presents ended up perfect ~ and sent to their respective homes
* The Nordstrom Santa made me smile because he has the "right" smile and twinkle in his eyes
* My vintage faux fur coat (that only cost me five bucks!) looked good enough that it drew snarky comments from the oh so earnest young activist kids behind me
* Egg nog and egg nog lattes came back.
It's a lovely season.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Friday, December 07, 2007
The Words I Didn't Want to Hear
"I do not support same sex marriage." ~ John Edwards, 2008 US presidential candidate
I'm behind in my politics. I understand that. However, I finally saw clips from the democratic debate on Logo. And in response to the question about same sex marriages, Edwards was decisive, clear and respectful. There was no waffling. There was no politicking. He was everything I have come to respect and expect from him. And I do love that about the man.
Except...what he said. I cannot support what he said. Looks like the other shoe has finally dropped.
Damn.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
I'm behind in my politics. I understand that. However, I finally saw clips from the democratic debate on Logo. And in response to the question about same sex marriages, Edwards was decisive, clear and respectful. There was no waffling. There was no politicking. He was everything I have come to respect and expect from him. And I do love that about the man.
Except...what he said. I cannot support what he said. Looks like the other shoe has finally dropped.
Damn.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
PSA
Hi everybody! This is a friendly little reminder about giving at the holiday season. Now, if you do not give or can not give, I'm not here to judge that. If however, you do donate, then I would request that you take this post into consideration when you do...
Everybody and their neighbor is donating canned green beans, Stovetop stuffing, Barbie dolls and action figures. And TTG for it! Because those are indeed the cornerstone of human services organizations holiday drives. You know what people aren't donating, though?
wrapping paper, ribbon and tape
artificial Christmas trees and ornaments
stocking stuffers
gifts for teenagers ~ especially teenage boys*
full-sized toiletries (because guess what? people still need to brush their teeth!)
gift cards for gas stations
board games the whole family can play
books
adult-sized underwear ~ especially men's
AA batteries
So. There you have it. The things that used to make me happy as a pig in shit when someone would donate to my shelter/organization. And thanks.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
* Can't think of what to get teenage boys? How about: ballcaps for your local team; gloves; t-shirts with funny sayings on them; posters of bands or cars or sayings (not religious, please); walkmen; clever boxer shorts...Just some suggestions. Anybody have questions or suggestions, please chime in!!!! :)
Everybody and their neighbor is donating canned green beans, Stovetop stuffing, Barbie dolls and action figures. And TTG for it! Because those are indeed the cornerstone of human services organizations holiday drives. You know what people aren't donating, though?
wrapping paper, ribbon and tape
artificial Christmas trees and ornaments
stocking stuffers
gifts for teenagers ~ especially teenage boys*
full-sized toiletries (because guess what? people still need to brush their teeth!)
gift cards for gas stations
board games the whole family can play
books
adult-sized underwear ~ especially men's
AA batteries
So. There you have it. The things that used to make me happy as a pig in shit when someone would donate to my shelter/organization. And thanks.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
* Can't think of what to get teenage boys? How about: ballcaps for your local team; gloves; t-shirts with funny sayings on them; posters of bands or cars or sayings (not religious, please); walkmen; clever boxer shorts...Just some suggestions. Anybody have questions or suggestions, please chime in!!!! :)
Monday, December 03, 2007
I Stand Corrected
It wasn't a date. She is not Timber's girlfriend. Mind you, it walks like a duck and it talks like a duck. Apparently, it ain't a duck. So be it.
And yes, I did go in with Lithus and meet her and her parents. Lovely people who only reacted very slightly to a woman not Timber's mom showing up. He had made us promise we would be in and out, five minutes tops. I think we made it although he was nudging me at one point as his dad and her mom started doing the phone number exchange thing.
After spending five and a half hours together, they were on the phone for another hour and a half that evening. She is coming here for dinner next weekend. He's already bought her a necklace for Christmas. He is considering asking her to come with Lithus and me when we go into town to check out some of the holiday events in the city. When I had to ask him a question this evening, he was lying on his bed, in the dark, on the phone with her.
Oh yeah ~ it's a duck.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
And yes, I did go in with Lithus and meet her and her parents. Lovely people who only reacted very slightly to a woman not Timber's mom showing up. He had made us promise we would be in and out, five minutes tops. I think we made it although he was nudging me at one point as his dad and her mom started doing the phone number exchange thing.
After spending five and a half hours together, they were on the phone for another hour and a half that evening. She is coming here for dinner next weekend. He's already bought her a necklace for Christmas. He is considering asking her to come with Lithus and me when we go into town to check out some of the holiday events in the city. When I had to ask him a question this evening, he was lying on his bed, in the dark, on the phone with her.
Oh yeah ~ it's a duck.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
I Had Forgotten
I had forgotten how much fun shopping for holiday decorations could be.
I had forgotten what it was like to enjoy finding the perfect tree for the room.
I had forgotten how much one can look forward to trimming the tree.
I had forgotten how beautiful carols are.
I had forgotten unrestrained laughter and unadulterated joy in December.
I had forgotten how joyous this time of year really is.
I had forgotten what it meant to be truly happy at Christmas.
I knew I had forgotten.
I had never thought to remember again.
I do.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
I had forgotten what it was like to enjoy finding the perfect tree for the room.
I had forgotten how much one can look forward to trimming the tree.
I had forgotten how beautiful carols are.
I had forgotten unrestrained laughter and unadulterated joy in December.
I had forgotten how joyous this time of year really is.
I had forgotten what it meant to be truly happy at Christmas.
I knew I had forgotten.
I had never thought to remember again.
I do.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Rose Colored Post
I was tagged by Rose, over at Lessons Learned. If you haven't clicked on the link over there, now is the perfect time. She's a good read and, like Dagoth, a very peaceful voice in what can often be a vitriolic place and time around cyberspace. (And you do have to click over there because as I am trying to link it here in this post, blogger is acting wonky.)
So, the tag is to explain where my blog title and name came from and why I chose it. Then, tag other bloggers with interesting blog names and titles in order to find out about them.
Therefore, here we go:
While I was growing up, my parents introduced BioSis and me to all kinds of poetry. Being somewhat absurd children, we both were drawn to the absurdist poems the most. Her favorite was the Jabberwocky. Mine was The Pobble Who Had No Toes, by Edward Lear. As I became an adult, I admit my enjoyment of poetry has waned. It's gotta be really good for me to be moved or even want to finish it. The Pobble, however, stayed my all-time favorite poem. When I decided to start blogging (thanks to the Lovely Cats), I knew I wanted a name as quirky and unusual as I am ~ and yet didn't sound as if I take myself too seriously, either. And I remembered The Pobble. Intelligent enough to have been written by Lear; absurd enough to be about a Pobble who loses his toes at sea because he doesn't keep his nose warm and dry. Perfect! At the time I started blogging, I was holding onto Boston for dear life because it was the only safe place I had so I knew I wanted to incorporate Boston in there somewhere. The title was almost Boston Ramblings but that sounded as if I would be writing about Boston or Pobble Ramblings but I didn't like the way that sounded. And afterall, they wouldn't be ramblings as much as they would be...thoughts. Pobble Thoughts. And which Pobble? Not Lear's Pobble but the Boston Pobble.
And that, boys and girls, is the story of how this blog got its name.
As for tagging, Dagoth, you're up. You, too, Cracker Lilo. And finally, someone I don't have linked but I read and believe he reads here regularly, Speaker for the Bread, because, dude, I really want to know where that one comes from!
Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ and you even know why. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
So, the tag is to explain where my blog title and name came from and why I chose it. Then, tag other bloggers with interesting blog names and titles in order to find out about them.
Therefore, here we go:
While I was growing up, my parents introduced BioSis and me to all kinds of poetry. Being somewhat absurd children, we both were drawn to the absurdist poems the most. Her favorite was the Jabberwocky. Mine was The Pobble Who Had No Toes, by Edward Lear. As I became an adult, I admit my enjoyment of poetry has waned. It's gotta be really good for me to be moved or even want to finish it. The Pobble, however, stayed my all-time favorite poem. When I decided to start blogging (thanks to the Lovely Cats), I knew I wanted a name as quirky and unusual as I am ~ and yet didn't sound as if I take myself too seriously, either. And I remembered The Pobble. Intelligent enough to have been written by Lear; absurd enough to be about a Pobble who loses his toes at sea because he doesn't keep his nose warm and dry. Perfect! At the time I started blogging, I was holding onto Boston for dear life because it was the only safe place I had so I knew I wanted to incorporate Boston in there somewhere. The title was almost Boston Ramblings but that sounded as if I would be writing about Boston or Pobble Ramblings but I didn't like the way that sounded. And afterall, they wouldn't be ramblings as much as they would be...thoughts. Pobble Thoughts. And which Pobble? Not Lear's Pobble but the Boston Pobble.
And that, boys and girls, is the story of how this blog got its name.
As for tagging, Dagoth, you're up. You, too, Cracker Lilo. And finally, someone I don't have linked but I read and believe he reads here regularly, Speaker for the Bread, because, dude, I really want to know where that one comes from!
Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ and you even know why. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving Recap
I had no idea it could be so easy. Seriously. BIL and I simply didn't stress. It was just the two of us. What time should dinner be? Eh, about an hour and a half after we got hungry because that's how long the game hen needed to cook. What should we do? Eh, maybe watch a movie or play some XBox. Getting a little cabin-feverish? Okay, let's go for a drive and see what's open (a surprisingly many stores.) You want some time for a phone call from BioSis? Take it; I'll go nap. I want some time for a phone call with Lithus? Cool, he kept playing XBox. No way do we want to hit the malls or shops on Black Friday? Let's go into town and discover Chinatown instead. So what if it's already 8:00 p.m.? Stores are open late tonight. Let's go window shopping and out to dinner now, since the crowds have probably thinned out (they had.)
It was lovely. I'm truly thankful.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
It was lovely. I'm truly thankful.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Hee Hee Hee
Okay, so I shouldn't be writing this...but I'm gonna.
Timber has his first date.
They both work in the school office together. She has invited him over to the house to have dinner with her family and then watch movies. How much do I want to scope her out? I won't. I will leave it to Lithus to go in and meet everyone, find out what time we need to pick him back up, all that. But seriously...how much do I want to scope her out??????
Hee Hee Hee
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Timber has his first date.
They both work in the school office together. She has invited him over to the house to have dinner with her family and then watch movies. How much do I want to scope her out? I won't. I will leave it to Lithus to go in and meet everyone, find out what time we need to pick him back up, all that. But seriously...how much do I want to scope her out??????
Hee Hee Hee
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Monday, November 19, 2007
A New Holiday
When my father died, I lost my family holiday traditions. For the first several years, it was as depressing as that sentence makes it sound. Then it became more or less okay. Over the last few years, I have created other traditions. I go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas and spend the holidays with my family ~ just not the way most people think. I spend Thanksgiving in New Jersey with the Divine M and the Grill Master. I spend Christmas in Connecticut with the Lovely Cats, et al.
Until this year. This year, I am 3000 miles away from them, have Lionel and Daisy who are done traveling, thankyouverymuch and am pretty much broke. And Lithus is on tour in another state. So...
So, I am making new holidays. BIL arrives on Wednesday. It will just be the two of us. We may even just bring in dinner from the grocery store (because yes, GNGirl, you can do that!) He is looking forward to spending all day playing XBox. I have told him he has to give up the television long enough to let me watch the Cowboys game. Otherwise, he can play as long and as violently as he wants. No kids; no schedule; just XBox. I think he is beside himself with joy, honestly. Then Friday we will explore Chinatown. He is psyched because it's been so long since he's been to a big city's Chinatown. I'm psyched because I explore better with another person along for the ride. It won't be typical. It won't be anything I'm used to. It will be Thanksgiving with someone I love. And that's really what matters.
I am surprisingly thankful.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Until this year. This year, I am 3000 miles away from them, have Lionel and Daisy who are done traveling, thankyouverymuch and am pretty much broke. And Lithus is on tour in another state. So...
So, I am making new holidays. BIL arrives on Wednesday. It will just be the two of us. We may even just bring in dinner from the grocery store (because yes, GNGirl, you can do that!) He is looking forward to spending all day playing XBox. I have told him he has to give up the television long enough to let me watch the Cowboys game. Otherwise, he can play as long and as violently as he wants. No kids; no schedule; just XBox. I think he is beside himself with joy, honestly. Then Friday we will explore Chinatown. He is psyched because it's been so long since he's been to a big city's Chinatown. I'm psyched because I explore better with another person along for the ride. It won't be typical. It won't be anything I'm used to. It will be Thanksgiving with someone I love. And that's really what matters.
I am surprisingly thankful.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Ah, the Democrats
Last night, I watched my first debate of the season (yeah, I'm behind the times ~ I had really wanted to see the dems debate on Logo but missed it. poopies) and it happened to be the democrats.
How much would I love to see a world where Dennis Kuchnick (I'm not even sure I'm spelling his name correctly) could actually be elected president. "You voted against the Patriot Act immediately after 9/11." "Yes, because I read it." Beautiful!
Joseph Biden would have made a pretty good president back in the 80s when he made a pretty legitimate run for the nomination ~ so long as he knew then what he knows now. I was young enough that I don't remember if he did or not.
My favorite, John Edwards, lost some points with me because of the nasty asides and the "gotchas" directed at Hilary Clinton. Now, I don't mind talking about factual inconsistencies of another candidate and don't consider that mudslinging. But there were three times he spoke that I put my head in my hands and groaned at the unncessariness of his statement/"joke."
I still feel about Hilary Clinton the way I did prior to the debate. I don't like her inconsistencies. I don't care for her foreign policy. I am resigned to the thought that we will have her as a president. And I do think she presented really really well last night.
Everything I've heard Barack Obama say has been Absolutely Consistent and I really appreciate that. The only other candidate I feel has been that consistent is Edwards ~ and Obama didn't make the nasty asides. Points to him!
Sadly, I cannot remember anything about Christopher Dodd or Bill Richardson. At all. Nothing. Except that they were there. Which almost tells me more about them than anything they could have said.
As always, I welcome respectful comments and disagreements in my comments section or email inbox. I do want to know what you think...
Now, bring on the republicans and let's see what they have to say to me.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
How much would I love to see a world where Dennis Kuchnick (I'm not even sure I'm spelling his name correctly) could actually be elected president. "You voted against the Patriot Act immediately after 9/11." "Yes, because I read it." Beautiful!
Joseph Biden would have made a pretty good president back in the 80s when he made a pretty legitimate run for the nomination ~ so long as he knew then what he knows now. I was young enough that I don't remember if he did or not.
My favorite, John Edwards, lost some points with me because of the nasty asides and the "gotchas" directed at Hilary Clinton. Now, I don't mind talking about factual inconsistencies of another candidate and don't consider that mudslinging. But there were three times he spoke that I put my head in my hands and groaned at the unncessariness of his statement/"joke."
I still feel about Hilary Clinton the way I did prior to the debate. I don't like her inconsistencies. I don't care for her foreign policy. I am resigned to the thought that we will have her as a president. And I do think she presented really really well last night.
Everything I've heard Barack Obama say has been Absolutely Consistent and I really appreciate that. The only other candidate I feel has been that consistent is Edwards ~ and Obama didn't make the nasty asides. Points to him!
Sadly, I cannot remember anything about Christopher Dodd or Bill Richardson. At all. Nothing. Except that they were there. Which almost tells me more about them than anything they could have said.
As always, I welcome respectful comments and disagreements in my comments section or email inbox. I do want to know what you think...
Now, bring on the republicans and let's see what they have to say to me.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Losing Isn't Winning
(Editorial note: This post is entirely out of context. If you don't have the backstory ~ and I have not posted on it so most of you don't ~ it will make very little sense. I have realized, however, that if I don't get it said, I will probably not post again because this is all I can think to write. Also, please remember that if you are reading it here, it's probably not about you. If it was about you, I would have vented elsewhere first and then brought it to you once I was calm. Now then, some out of context ramblings so we can all move on...)
The title seems pretty reasonable and obvious, doesn't it? Apparently, it's not quite a straight forward as that all the time. See, I have recently made a decision that many people in my life disagree with. So be it. In case you hadn't noticed, I don't much care what most people think. Even my friends, as much as I love them and value their opinions, at the end of the day...well, I'm gonna do what I'm gonna do. And yes, it makes me somewhat sad that there are people I love and care about who do not support this decision that I have made. I'm human and therefore would rather have the support (and inherent respect therein) for my decisions from people that I love. Because it is a respect issue for me. Even if people don't understand why I've done something, even if they wouldn't have made that same choice, I've earned myself a reputation for being a sensible adult and deserve to be supported in my decisions ~ even if they seem to be wonky. When I don't get that, it bothers me a bit. Again, I'm human. It just doesn't keep me from doing what I'm going to do.
Have you figured out what the key phrase in that long, rambling first paragraph is? It's this one: I don't much care what most people think. Which means there are a few people who I do care what they think. Not many ~ but a few. One ~ possibly two but I'm giving the second one the benefit of the doubt for now ~ of these few people is really, really upset with me for the decision I've made. Really upset. And that hurts. And it pisses me off.
Because, goddammit, there is more to life than holding onto rules. Because there is more to life than holding grudges. Than living from anger. Because if you lose just to ensure someone else loses, too, guess what? You've still fucking lost. The other person may have as well but guess fucking what? So did you.
So don't get pissy with me just because I refuse to lose in order to prove a point. Don't think less of me because I allow people to make mistakes and learn from them. Don't disrespect me because I didn't make the same choice you would have.
Because I miss you...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
The title seems pretty reasonable and obvious, doesn't it? Apparently, it's not quite a straight forward as that all the time. See, I have recently made a decision that many people in my life disagree with. So be it. In case you hadn't noticed, I don't much care what most people think. Even my friends, as much as I love them and value their opinions, at the end of the day...well, I'm gonna do what I'm gonna do. And yes, it makes me somewhat sad that there are people I love and care about who do not support this decision that I have made. I'm human and therefore would rather have the support (and inherent respect therein) for my decisions from people that I love. Because it is a respect issue for me. Even if people don't understand why I've done something, even if they wouldn't have made that same choice, I've earned myself a reputation for being a sensible adult and deserve to be supported in my decisions ~ even if they seem to be wonky. When I don't get that, it bothers me a bit. Again, I'm human. It just doesn't keep me from doing what I'm going to do.
Have you figured out what the key phrase in that long, rambling first paragraph is? It's this one: I don't much care what most people think. Which means there are a few people who I do care what they think. Not many ~ but a few. One ~ possibly two but I'm giving the second one the benefit of the doubt for now ~ of these few people is really, really upset with me for the decision I've made. Really upset. And that hurts. And it pisses me off.
Because, goddammit, there is more to life than holding onto rules. Because there is more to life than holding grudges. Than living from anger. Because if you lose just to ensure someone else loses, too, guess what? You've still fucking lost. The other person may have as well but guess fucking what? So did you.
So don't get pissy with me just because I refuse to lose in order to prove a point. Don't think less of me because I allow people to make mistakes and learn from them. Don't disrespect me because I didn't make the same choice you would have.
Because I miss you...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
I'm It
Jaded tagged me so here goes...
List 7 things about myself. They can be interesting, weird, whatever. I'm supposed to then tag seven other people. Some people HATE being tagged. Other people (like me ~ you need to tag somebody ~ me! me! I'll do it!) love them. Since I don't know who is who, let me know if you want to be tagged and I'll tag you. Or, simply steal it from here and let me know you're doing it so I can come check it out.
1. I refuse to leave the house wearing "grubby" clothes. I want nice shoes and lipstick on before I go out. Graziella saw me almost every day for nearly a year and a half. She saw me leave the house without nice shoes and lipstick a total of once. And it shocked her.
2. Along those lines, I see no reason to wear sneakers unless I am working out. They are not for fashion. They are for exercise. Period.
3. I cannot stand air hand driers in bathrooms. If I know that's what is available, I will take napkins into the bathroom with me. If I get caught by surprise, I have been known not to wash my hands. Which is really gross. Which is how much I hate air hand driers.
4. I hate having a cell phone. The Divine M and the Grill Master finally gave me one last year for the holidays because I was on the road so often. It was never used because I only used it in case of emergency while traveling. The only reason I use it now is out of sheer necessity. Once I am in a situation where I don't need to use it on a daily basis, it will go back to being the Bat Phone. Period.
5. I am a closet romantic ~ but in a weird way. The standard romantic comedy/chick flick leaves me bored. Love songs just annoy me. A dozen roses on an anniversay, not so much. But a kiss on the head and unsolicited coffee brought to my desk while I'm working...I melt. Being told my bath has already been run for me...I melt. Being taken out for dessert at midnight...I melt. Except for Valentine's Day and my birthday. Yeah, I'm totally typical there.
6. When I toast bread, I like it burnt. A warm roll is lovely, don't get me wrong. But if I'm gonna toast something, it should break when you drop it. That first crunch when you bite into it makes the whole thing.
7. I rarely engender a neutral reaction in people. Upon seeing me, not even meeting me, just seeing me, people usually have a strong reaction. Sometimes it is adoration. Sometimes it is disgust bordering abhorrence. I have finally stopped trying to figure this out or do anything about it. While I never try to create reactions, I also no longer worry about not creating them. I just go about my business and my life and let people react however they're going to react. I smile at the people who like me. And I smile bigger to the people who don't.
Remember to let me know if you want to be tagged (this time and/or in the future!)
Those are Pobble Thoughts, with some help from Jaded. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
List 7 things about myself. They can be interesting, weird, whatever. I'm supposed to then tag seven other people. Some people HATE being tagged. Other people (like me ~ you need to tag somebody ~ me! me! I'll do it!) love them. Since I don't know who is who, let me know if you want to be tagged and I'll tag you. Or, simply steal it from here and let me know you're doing it so I can come check it out.
1. I refuse to leave the house wearing "grubby" clothes. I want nice shoes and lipstick on before I go out. Graziella saw me almost every day for nearly a year and a half. She saw me leave the house without nice shoes and lipstick a total of once. And it shocked her.
2. Along those lines, I see no reason to wear sneakers unless I am working out. They are not for fashion. They are for exercise. Period.
3. I cannot stand air hand driers in bathrooms. If I know that's what is available, I will take napkins into the bathroom with me. If I get caught by surprise, I have been known not to wash my hands. Which is really gross. Which is how much I hate air hand driers.
4. I hate having a cell phone. The Divine M and the Grill Master finally gave me one last year for the holidays because I was on the road so often. It was never used because I only used it in case of emergency while traveling. The only reason I use it now is out of sheer necessity. Once I am in a situation where I don't need to use it on a daily basis, it will go back to being the Bat Phone. Period.
5. I am a closet romantic ~ but in a weird way. The standard romantic comedy/chick flick leaves me bored. Love songs just annoy me. A dozen roses on an anniversay, not so much. But a kiss on the head and unsolicited coffee brought to my desk while I'm working...I melt. Being told my bath has already been run for me...I melt. Being taken out for dessert at midnight...I melt. Except for Valentine's Day and my birthday. Yeah, I'm totally typical there.
6. When I toast bread, I like it burnt. A warm roll is lovely, don't get me wrong. But if I'm gonna toast something, it should break when you drop it. That first crunch when you bite into it makes the whole thing.
7. I rarely engender a neutral reaction in people. Upon seeing me, not even meeting me, just seeing me, people usually have a strong reaction. Sometimes it is adoration. Sometimes it is disgust bordering abhorrence. I have finally stopped trying to figure this out or do anything about it. While I never try to create reactions, I also no longer worry about not creating them. I just go about my business and my life and let people react however they're going to react. I smile at the people who like me. And I smile bigger to the people who don't.
Remember to let me know if you want to be tagged (this time and/or in the future!)
Those are Pobble Thoughts, with some help from Jaded. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Famous Last Words from a Non-Enigma
Do you remember that Lithus is a firefighting pilot? Well, in case you'd forgotten, he is.
You're cringing now, aren't you?
When I told Lithus I had officially turned down the unconstiutional and fascist job, he said "I'm in L.A. on standby. Why don't you come down here for a little while? We haven't flown in a month so it should be quiet."
You're laughing now, aren't you? Because you know the end of this story already, huh? Yeah...
The first few days were indeed slow. There was lots of sitting around. Lots of racing remote control cars. Lots of staring off into space. I was an incredibly productive author out of sheer boredom. And have a lovely tan thanks to the California sun. But then... Yep, the Santa Ana winds kicked up and the guys got busy. Really, really busy.
I watched these guys go from racing remote control cars to crawling inside the engine of a Sikorsky 61 (that's a really big fucking helicopter to you and me.) Watched them go from napping in the shade of that really big fucking helicopter and smoking a lazy cigarette to flying it into hurricane-force winds with sustained gusts of 105 miles per hour. I listened, afterwards, as these guys got drunk and toasted, not themselves, but each other.
I watched people on the news praise them as heroes. I watched people in the bar stare, transfixed, as they watched the really big fucking helicopter drop water on flames ~ without ever knowing the men who had been flying her when that footage was taken were sitting right there in the corner. And I watched these men turn away from the televisions, embarrassed to be caught in "the money shot" and grateful that, while their really big fucking helicopter might be recognizable, they wouldn't be.
They are humble, modest men who take pride in what they do ~ but don't want to be known for it. They can't tell you about every structure they saved ~ but remember every one they didn't. They know how hard they worked to put the fires out ~ but are just as glad you don't. They are heroic ~ but don't want to be called heroes. They know that what they do is important ~ but it's not what defines them. They have spent their lives being called enigmas ~ but they aren't. Not if your paradigm is big enough to accept ordinary men who do extradorinary things for no reason other than it's their job. Who have bad days, who can be assholes, who get sick, who are sometimes moody, who are a whole hell of a lot more than Hero Pilots 90% of the time. So, maybe they are paradoxes: heroes who don't want to be heroes. But enigmas? Nope. Just really interesting, well-rounded people.
Who look damn sexy in their flightsuits.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
You're cringing now, aren't you?
When I told Lithus I had officially turned down the unconstiutional and fascist job, he said "I'm in L.A. on standby. Why don't you come down here for a little while? We haven't flown in a month so it should be quiet."
You're laughing now, aren't you? Because you know the end of this story already, huh? Yeah...
The first few days were indeed slow. There was lots of sitting around. Lots of racing remote control cars. Lots of staring off into space. I was an incredibly productive author out of sheer boredom. And have a lovely tan thanks to the California sun. But then... Yep, the Santa Ana winds kicked up and the guys got busy. Really, really busy.
I watched these guys go from racing remote control cars to crawling inside the engine of a Sikorsky 61 (that's a really big fucking helicopter to you and me.) Watched them go from napping in the shade of that really big fucking helicopter and smoking a lazy cigarette to flying it into hurricane-force winds with sustained gusts of 105 miles per hour. I listened, afterwards, as these guys got drunk and toasted, not themselves, but each other.
I watched people on the news praise them as heroes. I watched people in the bar stare, transfixed, as they watched the really big fucking helicopter drop water on flames ~ without ever knowing the men who had been flying her when that footage was taken were sitting right there in the corner. And I watched these men turn away from the televisions, embarrassed to be caught in "the money shot" and grateful that, while their really big fucking helicopter might be recognizable, they wouldn't be.
They are humble, modest men who take pride in what they do ~ but don't want to be known for it. They can't tell you about every structure they saved ~ but remember every one they didn't. They know how hard they worked to put the fires out ~ but are just as glad you don't. They are heroic ~ but don't want to be called heroes. They know that what they do is important ~ but it's not what defines them. They have spent their lives being called enigmas ~ but they aren't. Not if your paradigm is big enough to accept ordinary men who do extradorinary things for no reason other than it's their job. Who have bad days, who can be assholes, who get sick, who are sometimes moody, who are a whole hell of a lot more than Hero Pilots 90% of the time. So, maybe they are paradoxes: heroes who don't want to be heroes. But enigmas? Nope. Just really interesting, well-rounded people.
Who look damn sexy in their flightsuits.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Friday, October 26, 2007
I Couldn't Do It
First, all is well out here in Pobble Land. I just ended up without internet (damn the cable company!) for about ten days. Lovely, huh? Anyway...
I couldn't do it. I couldn't take the job. See, I am, as mentioned here previously, a Constitutionalist. And while reading over the employee handbook, came to realize that several of their employee policies were, quite frankly, unconstitutional. We they legal? Yep. They conform to the laws of the land. Were they constitutional? No, I do not believe so. And then there were the fascists ones. Yep ~ fascist employee policies.
Here are the biggies...
1. Employees' work spaces, lockers and purses or bags are subject to search at any time, with or without probable cause. To the point that the handbook said flat out being on a worksite implied consent to such search.
Okay, yeah, I hate this concept. You know what though? It was a casino. I can understand it, as much as I hate it. Kinda like mandatory drug testing. So where's the problem? The problem was in the next sentence of the handbook which informed us that employees need not be present nor given prior notification nor ever notified that their workspaces, lockers and purses were going to be/had been searched. In other words, I could have walked into the locker room on my break and found security personnel going through my locker and purse. Um...no.
2. Employess were to maintain behaviors and attitudes that reflected postively on the company at all times, both while on and off-duty. Now, who gets to decide this? While I am on duty or even on property while off duty, absoultely. On shift, I belong to the company for which I am working. I follow dress codes. I maintain a professional and appropriate manner. But once I'm off the clock? Who gets to decide what's appropriate and what's not? If I get a buzz on one night after work at the local bar, am I in trouble? If Bolger or Dr. B and I go to a gay club and are seen going in or coming out, am I in trouble? If I stop for gas while wearing my PVC and thigh highs, am I in trouble? And what about this blog? Can I write it or not? Whose morality is applied here?
3. Finally, the last one that I just couldn't ignore was the one about getting a second job. If an employee got a second job for a different company ~ even not a casino ~ the employee had to notify their supervisor immediately. The supervisor would decide if the second job "will or might" (notice the quotations marks?) interfere with the original job at the casino. Please note, it's not that the supervisor will decide if the job is indeed interfering. It's if the job "will or might" interfere. We weren't even necessarily given the opportunity to prove we could do both jobs. Someone else got to decide if we were even allowed to try. Yeah. Not so much.
Now, the truth is, none of this would ever have applied to me. Had they ever searched my purse, they wouldn't have found anything. For all my wildness, I don't behave in a way that would reflect badly on anyone or anything short of the most conservative of Christians. And I'm professional enough that any second job I might have gotten would never have interfered with my first job. That's not the point.
And no, I don't believe that these policies were written badly. I believe they were written exactly the way they were meant to be written ~ intentionally vague so that people could say "oh, that's just the worse case scenario; we wouldn't ever really do that." Fine. Then if you wouldn't ever really do it, don't give yourself the ability to do it.
I'm a goob. I know that. Who the hell doesn't take a job because the employee handbook has the potential to be unconstitutional and fascist? Well...me. 'Cause I may be a goob but I'm a goob who knows what I believe in.
So, back to the job hunt. I'll keep you posted (so long as the cable doesn't go out again!)
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
I couldn't do it. I couldn't take the job. See, I am, as mentioned here previously, a Constitutionalist. And while reading over the employee handbook, came to realize that several of their employee policies were, quite frankly, unconstitutional. We they legal? Yep. They conform to the laws of the land. Were they constitutional? No, I do not believe so. And then there were the fascists ones. Yep ~ fascist employee policies.
Here are the biggies...
1. Employees' work spaces, lockers and purses or bags are subject to search at any time, with or without probable cause. To the point that the handbook said flat out being on a worksite implied consent to such search.
Okay, yeah, I hate this concept. You know what though? It was a casino. I can understand it, as much as I hate it. Kinda like mandatory drug testing. So where's the problem? The problem was in the next sentence of the handbook which informed us that employees need not be present nor given prior notification nor ever notified that their workspaces, lockers and purses were going to be/had been searched. In other words, I could have walked into the locker room on my break and found security personnel going through my locker and purse. Um...no.
2. Employess were to maintain behaviors and attitudes that reflected postively on the company at all times, both while on and off-duty. Now, who gets to decide this? While I am on duty or even on property while off duty, absoultely. On shift, I belong to the company for which I am working. I follow dress codes. I maintain a professional and appropriate manner. But once I'm off the clock? Who gets to decide what's appropriate and what's not? If I get a buzz on one night after work at the local bar, am I in trouble? If Bolger or Dr. B and I go to a gay club and are seen going in or coming out, am I in trouble? If I stop for gas while wearing my PVC and thigh highs, am I in trouble? And what about this blog? Can I write it or not? Whose morality is applied here?
3. Finally, the last one that I just couldn't ignore was the one about getting a second job. If an employee got a second job for a different company ~ even not a casino ~ the employee had to notify their supervisor immediately. The supervisor would decide if the second job "will or might" (notice the quotations marks?) interfere with the original job at the casino. Please note, it's not that the supervisor will decide if the job is indeed interfering. It's if the job "will or might" interfere. We weren't even necessarily given the opportunity to prove we could do both jobs. Someone else got to decide if we were even allowed to try. Yeah. Not so much.
Now, the truth is, none of this would ever have applied to me. Had they ever searched my purse, they wouldn't have found anything. For all my wildness, I don't behave in a way that would reflect badly on anyone or anything short of the most conservative of Christians. And I'm professional enough that any second job I might have gotten would never have interfered with my first job. That's not the point.
And no, I don't believe that these policies were written badly. I believe they were written exactly the way they were meant to be written ~ intentionally vague so that people could say "oh, that's just the worse case scenario; we wouldn't ever really do that." Fine. Then if you wouldn't ever really do it, don't give yourself the ability to do it.
I'm a goob. I know that. Who the hell doesn't take a job because the employee handbook has the potential to be unconstitutional and fascist? Well...me. 'Cause I may be a goob but I'm a goob who knows what I believe in.
So, back to the job hunt. I'll keep you posted (so long as the cable doesn't go out again!)
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Seriously...Not Helpful
As I mentioned in an earlier post, the only thing standing between me and my new job was a pee test. This was not going to be an issue. Seriously. So, I went and peed in a cup. This morning, I receive this message on my phone...
"Hi Pobble, this is Boss from We'll Take Your Money Hotel and Casino. Your drug test has come back and I've got some questions for you. Would you please give me a call?"
Wait? What? What does this mean? What could have happened? Am I on any new meds? Oh shit...I am. I'm taking a new homeopathic for *ahem* women stuff. What are those herbs? What family are they in? Okay. Deep breath. Return the call and find out what's going on...
"Oh, hi, Pobble. Just a second. Let me change phones." Oh shit.
"Well, thanks for calling me back. The questions I have for you are if you still want the position, when you can come in to process paperwork and when you can start, if you still want the job. Your drug test came back perfectly clean."
Well...duh. And yet...Seriously. Not Helpful.
I start work on Monday. :)
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
"Hi Pobble, this is Boss from We'll Take Your Money Hotel and Casino. Your drug test has come back and I've got some questions for you. Would you please give me a call?"
Wait? What? What does this mean? What could have happened? Am I on any new meds? Oh shit...I am. I'm taking a new homeopathic for *ahem* women stuff. What are those herbs? What family are they in? Okay. Deep breath. Return the call and find out what's going on...
"Oh, hi, Pobble. Just a second. Let me change phones." Oh shit.
"Well, thanks for calling me back. The questions I have for you are if you still want the position, when you can come in to process paperwork and when you can start, if you still want the job. Your drug test came back perfectly clean."
Well...duh. And yet...Seriously. Not Helpful.
I start work on Monday. :)
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
The Things of Which Nightmares are Made
Today, we were moving shelves into my room. TTG someone noticed before they actually got into my room. Had that Big Honkin' Spider made it in there, I would never have slept again.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Employed Again
As I have often bemoaned here, new authors aren't exactly rolling in cash. Which means, once again, I am entering the "real" working world. When I started my job hunt, I decided that I wanted something I could leave at the office when my shift was over, something relatively brainless and something that would pay the bills. Not a big order, I admit it. It has taken me nearly four months and a relocation to achieve this goal. Who would've guessed????
See, for a while I had an impeccable but. As in "your resume is impeccable but..." Now, however, since my relocation, I have had one interview ~ and been offered one job. So, today I go pee in a cup and next week officially become part of the working masses again. While writing in the evenings, of course. ;) Because I have always had a career. Now I have a job, too.
My birthday was delightful. Once I find the cord to my camera, I'll post some pictures!
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
See, for a while I had an impeccable but. As in "your resume is impeccable but..." Now, however, since my relocation, I have had one interview ~ and been offered one job. So, today I go pee in a cup and next week officially become part of the working masses again. While writing in the evenings, of course. ;) Because I have always had a career. Now I have a job, too.
My birthday was delightful. Once I find the cord to my camera, I'll post some pictures!
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Shameless Plug
Yep, it's my birthday. Show me the love.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee ~ and birthday cake (yellow with chocolate frosting, please.)
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee ~ and birthday cake (yellow with chocolate frosting, please.)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
After years and years ~ and did I say years? ~ of living alone, the babies and I both are and have...
...ROOMMATES!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ominous music swells in the background and the screaming commences)
And life is very, very different. Now, I knew it would be very different when I made this decision yet I guess I was naive. See, while I was expecting very different, I wasn't quite expecting very, very different.
Family Dinners. WTF are those? Dinner is a bowl of cereal or popcorn in front of the computer. If I really feel like cooking, there's always frozen pizza or spaghetti (because cooking units must be activated so this counts as cooking.) Not any longer. Now, there are meals. With utensils. And people sitting around the table. Who talk to each other.
Laundry. Is scheduled. My days are Tuesdays and Saturdays. That whole leaving-clothes-in-the-drier-until-I-need-that-shirt thing I do? Not anymore. Because Wednesdays and Sundays belong to someone else.
Shower Wars. I share a bathroom with someone tall. He shares a bathroom with someone short. The shower head moves daily.
Flirtatious, Sexy Calls with Lithus. A thing of the past. Because it's very difficult to get into or stay in a flirtatious, sexy mood when there is always the possibility the door will be opened, the call "Maaaaaaaaaame! Where aaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrre yoooooooooooou???????" will sound or aforementioned family dinner will be served a little early.
Quiet Time to Write. Not when the door gets opened, the dogs get their tails pulled, the computer is in shared space in the kitchen, you have no say over if the t.v. is on and everyone is awake between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Privacy. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But you know what else?
My coffee is always made when I get up in the mornings, eventhough I'm the only one in the house who drinks it. There's someone to give me a ride to the garage for the Pobble Mobile's oil change ~ and take me back again when it's done. When I want to hit a coffeeshop, I don't have to call around and hope for someone to be free. Friday nights are game nights. There's someone to come sit out on the porch and chat or just look up at the stars with me. I don't have to run errands alone any longer. I'm not the only caring for and loving Lionel and Daisy. There are hugs and laughter and kisses on the head. Someone always asks me about my day. And every single time, there are people who are happy to see me.
That top list doesn't seem so important, does it?
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
...ROOMMATES!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ominous music swells in the background and the screaming commences)
And life is very, very different. Now, I knew it would be very different when I made this decision yet I guess I was naive. See, while I was expecting very different, I wasn't quite expecting very, very different.
Family Dinners. WTF are those? Dinner is a bowl of cereal or popcorn in front of the computer. If I really feel like cooking, there's always frozen pizza or spaghetti (because cooking units must be activated so this counts as cooking.) Not any longer. Now, there are meals. With utensils. And people sitting around the table. Who talk to each other.
Laundry. Is scheduled. My days are Tuesdays and Saturdays. That whole leaving-clothes-in-the-drier-until-I-need-that-shirt thing I do? Not anymore. Because Wednesdays and Sundays belong to someone else.
Shower Wars. I share a bathroom with someone tall. He shares a bathroom with someone short. The shower head moves daily.
Flirtatious, Sexy Calls with Lithus. A thing of the past. Because it's very difficult to get into or stay in a flirtatious, sexy mood when there is always the possibility the door will be opened, the call "Maaaaaaaaaame! Where aaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrre yoooooooooooou???????" will sound or aforementioned family dinner will be served a little early.
Buying A Special Treat for Oneself. Aw hell no. Once it goes in the kitchen, it's fair game. Give it up and call it a donation to the cause. Consider yourself lucky if it lasts two days in a row.
T.V. I have almost no say in what is on, let alone if it's on. Why else would I know that Wonder Pets makes me cry?Quiet Time to Write. Not when the door gets opened, the dogs get their tails pulled, the computer is in shared space in the kitchen, you have no say over if the t.v. is on and everyone is awake between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Privacy. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But you know what else?
My coffee is always made when I get up in the mornings, eventhough I'm the only one in the house who drinks it. There's someone to give me a ride to the garage for the Pobble Mobile's oil change ~ and take me back again when it's done. When I want to hit a coffeeshop, I don't have to call around and hope for someone to be free. Friday nights are game nights. There's someone to come sit out on the porch and chat or just look up at the stars with me. I don't have to run errands alone any longer. I'm not the only caring for and loving Lionel and Daisy. There are hugs and laughter and kisses on the head. Someone always asks me about my day. And every single time, there are people who are happy to see me.
That top list doesn't seem so important, does it?
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Odd Things
* I used to have an over-the-door hooky-thingy that had four hooks for my robes. One hook was always empty. I now have an over-the-door hooky-thingy with three hooks for my robes. There isn't enough room.
* Wonder Pets makes me cry.
* I do the Monday and Tuesday NY Times crossword puzzles. Mondays are pretty good for me. Tuesdays are a little tougher. I bought a big book of them the other day. The puzzles were large print. Because of the size, I found myself slightly surprised when they were just as tough.
* When I take my evening bath, one candle keeps it too dark. Two are too bright.
Go figure.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
* Wonder Pets makes me cry.
* I do the Monday and Tuesday NY Times crossword puzzles. Mondays are pretty good for me. Tuesdays are a little tougher. I bought a big book of them the other day. The puzzles were large print. Because of the size, I found myself slightly surprised when they were just as tough.
* When I take my evening bath, one candle keeps it too dark. Two are too bright.
Go figure.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
At Last, An Heir to my Legacy
I have a two year old niece. Last night, she marched herself over to her mother and me and announced "I am Lady Pink! I am Evil!"
And all is well. hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
And all is well. hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The End of Hiatus
Well, my friends, it has been an interesting time. And what do I mean by "interesting?" Do you happen to know the Chinese saying "May you live in interesting times?" That saying is a curse. Think "interesting" like that and you'll be more on track.
HOWEVER! Being a particularly tenacious Pobble, I am back ~ and things are pretty damn good again. Thanks to everyone who checked in and sent warm fuzzies my way. Don't fool yourself ~ those warm fuzzies are part of why I am back and things are pretty damn good again!
And I've learned a thing or two. Such as...
* drivers in CA, NV and WA go the speed limit, regardless of how good the music or how high their heels. to the point that they actually slow down when the speed limit drops from 65 to 55. who does that????
* reputation be damned, people in CA aren't as nice as New Englanders
* tumbleweeds are real
* the mountains in NV and WA are friendlier than the mountains in CA and CO. and no, I'm not sure exactly what this means either, I only know it's true
* 2 cups of coffee are necessary before dealing with children under the age of 6
* I eat a lot when someone else is doing the cooking
* a stuffed Bear, 2 dogs and a Pobble sleep better on a queen-sized bed than on a trundle-twin
* sometimes wearing size 12 jeans that don't fit feels even better than wearing size 10 jeans that do fit
* my friends love and support me to the point that I am humbled by it
So welcome back to Pobble Thoughts. I've missed you. And I'm around again.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will still get you coffee.
HOWEVER! Being a particularly tenacious Pobble, I am back ~ and things are pretty damn good again. Thanks to everyone who checked in and sent warm fuzzies my way. Don't fool yourself ~ those warm fuzzies are part of why I am back and things are pretty damn good again!
And I've learned a thing or two. Such as...
* drivers in CA, NV and WA go the speed limit, regardless of how good the music or how high their heels. to the point that they actually slow down when the speed limit drops from 65 to 55. who does that????
* reputation be damned, people in CA aren't as nice as New Englanders
* tumbleweeds are real
* the mountains in NV and WA are friendlier than the mountains in CA and CO. and no, I'm not sure exactly what this means either, I only know it's true
* 2 cups of coffee are necessary before dealing with children under the age of 6
* I eat a lot when someone else is doing the cooking
* a stuffed Bear, 2 dogs and a Pobble sleep better on a queen-sized bed than on a trundle-twin
* sometimes wearing size 12 jeans that don't fit feels even better than wearing size 10 jeans that do fit
* my friends love and support me to the point that I am humbled by it
So welcome back to Pobble Thoughts. I've missed you. And I'm around again.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will still get you coffee.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Taking A Break
I'm taking a break from blogging regularly. Not sure when I'll be back ~ although I know I will be. What does get posted is probably going to be sporadic. I'm going to be okay. Everybody take care of yourselves and each other.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Ramblings to Start the Week
* Today must have been the first day after a driving school graduation. There were several young women all driving by themselves, going about 5 miles under the speed limit, swinging WAY OUT THERE to make turns and stopping about ten feet from the line at lights. It would have been sweet ~ except they were all in front of me at various times.
* The song "I Don't Want to Stop" by Ozzy Osbourne makes for great driving music down the Pike.
* Chocolate shared with a girlfriend is always better than chocolate eaten by oneself.
* A blender is a good thing. A blender with a strong ice crush mechanism is a necessity.
* DiGoronio self-rising pizzas are better than any frozen pizza has any right being.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
* The song "I Don't Want to Stop" by Ozzy Osbourne makes for great driving music down the Pike.
* Chocolate shared with a girlfriend is always better than chocolate eaten by oneself.
* A blender is a good thing. A blender with a strong ice crush mechanism is a necessity.
* DiGoronio self-rising pizzas are better than any frozen pizza has any right being.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Sunday Poll Question
I've been somewhat introspective this week. Nothing major and certainly not bad. Just turned inward. It has led to some interesting thinkings and the Sunday Poll Question...
Question: What quality is important to how you live your life?
Pobble Answer: Integrity. This comes from my father and grandfather. They were old school and taught me my name and my word means something. While no one can take it away from me, they taught, I can make it worthless. A handshake was as good as a signed contract. Seriously. That has stuck with me. Am I perfect? Hell no. Do I try? Every day, in little ways and big ones. Professionally, I cannot live the me first and screw everybody else attitude. Personally, I cannot assure someone something and then not follow through. I hate when people do not know where they stand with me because I have been less than honest. Even spiritually, I have been asked to mess with people's lives and won't do it. I have been asked if I have cast love spells on people. The answer is no. Behaving that way is living without integrity. I goes against my grain and everything I hold dear. Hell, I don't cheat on my taxes; if a cashier gives me too much change, I give it back; and everything on my resume is both true AND accurate. And when I fail to do something, be it my fault or life's, I own it, apologize and accept the consequences. Without excuses. Again, am I perfect? No where close. I do try though. I try very, very hard because integrity is that important to me. Because my name means something to me and I refuse to make it worthless.
Your answer...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Question: What quality is important to how you live your life?
Pobble Answer: Integrity. This comes from my father and grandfather. They were old school and taught me my name and my word means something. While no one can take it away from me, they taught, I can make it worthless. A handshake was as good as a signed contract. Seriously. That has stuck with me. Am I perfect? Hell no. Do I try? Every day, in little ways and big ones. Professionally, I cannot live the me first and screw everybody else attitude. Personally, I cannot assure someone something and then not follow through. I hate when people do not know where they stand with me because I have been less than honest. Even spiritually, I have been asked to mess with people's lives and won't do it. I have been asked if I have cast love spells on people. The answer is no. Behaving that way is living without integrity. I goes against my grain and everything I hold dear. Hell, I don't cheat on my taxes; if a cashier gives me too much change, I give it back; and everything on my resume is both true AND accurate. And when I fail to do something, be it my fault or life's, I own it, apologize and accept the consequences. Without excuses. Again, am I perfect? No where close. I do try though. I try very, very hard because integrity is that important to me. Because my name means something to me and I refuse to make it worthless.
Your answer...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
The Details
Since my post on the difference between showing concern and lecturing me seemed to cause some trauma for my readers, let me explain a bit.
First, if I vent about it here, it's not directed at my regular readers. Know that. It's not about you. I promise. This is my little corner to vent the things that aren't worth dealing with in real life, for whatever reason, but that I really need to say somewhere. Posting a problem with one of my regular readers here and not addressing in person is too passive-aggressive for my tastes, leaving readers to wonder "OMG, is that about me?" and I have no desire to do that. Nope. It won't be.
Second, here's what happened...a friend of mine ~ not a good friend, not an overly close friend, certainly not one of the ten people "mentioned above" (because I left out Pharmyard so she makes ten), yet a friend, nonetheless and one I thought knew me pretty well ~ was asking about Lionel and Daisy and their health. I informed him that I was preparing myself for Daisy's check-up next week to not go well and for me to have to put her down. That I was sincerely hoping the vet would say "This baby's got several more months in her" however, I was preparing myself for the alternative. So he asked about Lionel. To which I replied that I have made the very difficult decision that, should I have to put Daisy down, I will put him down as well. He has never been without her. He will not understand where she's gone. He is also 14 himself. My faith is strong enough that, for me, this is allowing them to continue to be together, just somewhere else. At which point, he starts talking about the fact that I need to remember I can't put them down just because they are getting older. Okay... I remind him I adopted them as senior dogs and knew what I was getting into. At which point, he asks if Lithus likes dogs. Well, no, Lithus isn't an animal person. And this "friend" says "Well, you shouldn't be letting him influence your decision." Wait. What? At what point did that even enter into the conversation????? Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about these babies! Then he starts talking, on and on, about how I need to be on the lookout for changing myself for Lithus. When did this become a conversation about my relationship with Lithus? My nearest and dearest ~ those people mentioned in the other post ~ like very much who he and I are together and think our relationship is great for me. Who the hell is this guy to be lecturing me about not changing myself? And when I have ever given any indication that I am willing to change myself at a core level ~ like being willing to kill my dogs ~ for anyone?????? It crossed a line and went too far.
I have issues. Don't get me wrong. I can point to the baggage and tell you what's mine and where it comes from. That being said, sense of self is not one of my issues and to be lectured about it and accused of being willing to kill my dogs just to make another person happy... Words cannot discribe how pissed I was. Or how much I wanted to say to him Just Shut The Fuck Up.
Instead, I said it to y'all. And, yes, have re-evaluated this friendship, as well.
Those are Pobble Thoughts and a Pobble Explanation. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
First, if I vent about it here, it's not directed at my regular readers. Know that. It's not about you. I promise. This is my little corner to vent the things that aren't worth dealing with in real life, for whatever reason, but that I really need to say somewhere. Posting a problem with one of my regular readers here and not addressing in person is too passive-aggressive for my tastes, leaving readers to wonder "OMG, is that about me?" and I have no desire to do that. Nope. It won't be.
Second, here's what happened...a friend of mine ~ not a good friend, not an overly close friend, certainly not one of the ten people "mentioned above" (because I left out Pharmyard so she makes ten), yet a friend, nonetheless and one I thought knew me pretty well ~ was asking about Lionel and Daisy and their health. I informed him that I was preparing myself for Daisy's check-up next week to not go well and for me to have to put her down. That I was sincerely hoping the vet would say "This baby's got several more months in her" however, I was preparing myself for the alternative. So he asked about Lionel. To which I replied that I have made the very difficult decision that, should I have to put Daisy down, I will put him down as well. He has never been without her. He will not understand where she's gone. He is also 14 himself. My faith is strong enough that, for me, this is allowing them to continue to be together, just somewhere else. At which point, he starts talking about the fact that I need to remember I can't put them down just because they are getting older. Okay... I remind him I adopted them as senior dogs and knew what I was getting into. At which point, he asks if Lithus likes dogs. Well, no, Lithus isn't an animal person. And this "friend" says "Well, you shouldn't be letting him influence your decision." Wait. What? At what point did that even enter into the conversation????? Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about these babies! Then he starts talking, on and on, about how I need to be on the lookout for changing myself for Lithus. When did this become a conversation about my relationship with Lithus? My nearest and dearest ~ those people mentioned in the other post ~ like very much who he and I are together and think our relationship is great for me. Who the hell is this guy to be lecturing me about not changing myself? And when I have ever given any indication that I am willing to change myself at a core level ~ like being willing to kill my dogs ~ for anyone?????? It crossed a line and went too far.
I have issues. Don't get me wrong. I can point to the baggage and tell you what's mine and where it comes from. That being said, sense of self is not one of my issues and to be lectured about it and accused of being willing to kill my dogs just to make another person happy... Words cannot discribe how pissed I was. Or how much I wanted to say to him Just Shut The Fuck Up.
Instead, I said it to y'all. And, yes, have re-evaluated this friendship, as well.
Those are Pobble Thoughts and a Pobble Explanation. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Friday, August 03, 2007
So... What Now?
Here's the news: I have finished the novel!!!!!!!!!! It feels GREAT! I did the Pobble Hop all over the house last night. Danced with the babies and probably kept my neighbors awake. And before you ask, I have no idea what happens next. It has only just this morning gone to the FAE. She will look at it, we will tighten it up and then it goes to my publishing house and editor. At which point...I have no idea because I've never gone through this particular process before. Do rest assured that you are all invited to the release party ~ whenever that is.
Meanwhile, though, the book is done. I've spent a little over a year of my life with these people and now...it's done. And I'm wandering around today a little lost. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. New emails? Nope, not since I checked this morning. New posts on the blogs I read? Nope, not since I checked this morning. Hmmmmm...
The next book is outlined and ready to go. Yet I would like to take a little time to let Angie and Chris settle before meeting Carter Anne and Trevor. Monday is soon enough to get to know them. So...what now?
Dear God, I might actually have to clean my apartment.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Meanwhile, though, the book is done. I've spent a little over a year of my life with these people and now...it's done. And I'm wandering around today a little lost. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. New emails? Nope, not since I checked this morning. New posts on the blogs I read? Nope, not since I checked this morning. Hmmmmm...
The next book is outlined and ready to go. Yet I would like to take a little time to let Angie and Chris settle before meeting Carter Anne and Trevor. Monday is soon enough to get to know them. So...what now?
Dear God, I might actually have to clean my apartment.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
There's a Difference
I am always touched when someone expresses a concern about me. Means ~ in my mind anyway ~ I'm loved. And that doesn't suck. Whoever you are, you have a concern about me, express it. It's all good.
Don't lecture me. You know who's allowed to lecture me? The Lovely Cats, the Divine M, the Muppet, Nemeria and Appsrus. They've earned it.
You know who's allowed to give me a brick to the head when I need it (and I often do)? Along with the people listed above, Graziella, Coffee Girl, the FAE and Lithus. They've earned it.
There is however a difference between expressing your concern for me and lecturing me. So, to the person whose name is not listed above ...
(say it with me, people...)
Just Shut the Fuck Up.
And thank you.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Don't lecture me. You know who's allowed to lecture me? The Lovely Cats, the Divine M, the Muppet, Nemeria and Appsrus. They've earned it.
You know who's allowed to give me a brick to the head when I need it (and I often do)? Along with the people listed above, Graziella, Coffee Girl, the FAE and Lithus. They've earned it.
There is however a difference between expressing your concern for me and lecturing me. So, to the person whose name is not listed above ...
(say it with me, people...)
Just Shut the Fuck Up.
And thank you.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Ah...The Bill of Rights
Those aren't Pobble Thoughts but really great. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
It's the Little Things
* clean, freshly mopped floors
* an unexpected twenty bucks
* a friend to run errands with
* support from an unexpected source
* a funny little critter posted on a favorite blog
* the words "thank you"
Yeah, it's all good.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
* an unexpected twenty bucks
* a friend to run errands with
* support from an unexpected source
* a funny little critter posted on a favorite blog
* the words "thank you"
Yeah, it's all good.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sunday Poll Question
Most people have A Cause. Some issue that is close to their heart. Causes can be anything from charities to animals to political activism to groups. Sometimes we know why it is the Cause. Sometimes we don't. Some people devote their lives to it. Some people don't. And yet most people have A Cause. Now, since you can probably tell what's coming next, don't worry if you don't feel as if you're an activist. Very few of us are. Think about it this way, if you had $1000 you had to give to one cause, what would it be? That's your Cause. So...
Question: What's your Cause? Why?
Pobble Answer: I have many, many issues I care about. That $1000 I mentioned ... only giving it to one thing would be very difficult. My Cause, however, is domestic violence. For most of my adult life, I was a domestic violence counselor. While I enjoy public speaking in general, the speak I am most passionate about is domestic violence education. As a young woman, I watched two of the most important people in my life go through domestic violence relationships. To this day, as strong as they are now, they both carry the scars (emotional ones) and even occasionally the behaviors left over from those relationships. My own boundaries are particularly strict around this issue. I once refused to move in with a man because, within days of the lease being signed, he got angry enough that he swept everything off the bed in his anger. All that was on the bed was a box of tissues, a shirt and my bear. It didn't matter to me. Now, I'm not saying my boundaries are too strict or just strict enough or anything like that. They simply are what they are, no more, no less. They are as strict as they are, however, based on watching these women go through what they went through when I was younger. Domestic violence is one of those complicated and convoluted situations. It is layered and nuanced and ugly. It is also my Cause. I speak out for individual freedoms and animal rights and the Constitution because I am passionate about those things. I speak out against domestic violence because I have to.
Your answer...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Question: What's your Cause? Why?
Pobble Answer: I have many, many issues I care about. That $1000 I mentioned ... only giving it to one thing would be very difficult. My Cause, however, is domestic violence. For most of my adult life, I was a domestic violence counselor. While I enjoy public speaking in general, the speak I am most passionate about is domestic violence education. As a young woman, I watched two of the most important people in my life go through domestic violence relationships. To this day, as strong as they are now, they both carry the scars (emotional ones) and even occasionally the behaviors left over from those relationships. My own boundaries are particularly strict around this issue. I once refused to move in with a man because, within days of the lease being signed, he got angry enough that he swept everything off the bed in his anger. All that was on the bed was a box of tissues, a shirt and my bear. It didn't matter to me. Now, I'm not saying my boundaries are too strict or just strict enough or anything like that. They simply are what they are, no more, no less. They are as strict as they are, however, based on watching these women go through what they went through when I was younger. Domestic violence is one of those complicated and convoluted situations. It is layered and nuanced and ugly. It is also my Cause. I speak out for individual freedoms and animal rights and the Constitution because I am passionate about those things. I speak out against domestic violence because I have to.
Your answer...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Linking
May I request your attention over to my links.... You will see Trudy Booty Scooty of the Inedible Journey is back. She's posting again and it makes me happy. Check her out.
Which was going to be the extent of this post and then I realized it was also a great chance to ask something else (it is Sunday Poll Question Day afterall ~ eventhough the Sunday Poll question is up there, above this.) If you have me linked to your blog and aren't over there in my links, let me know. Leave a comment. Drop me an email. Something. Because I probably want to read you as well ~ only I don't know you're out there! Even if you have commented or emailed me in the past. Let me hear from you. (And if you happen to be one of the two people who wrote asking permission to link to me ages and ages and ages ~ possibly as much as a year ago ~ if you haven't stopped reading because I was too much of a bitch to respond to you, I'm really sorry. You wrote right before a deadline. Please, let me know who you are and for goodness sake, feel free to link me!)
Thanks much!
Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ and Trudy's Too! That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Which was going to be the extent of this post and then I realized it was also a great chance to ask something else (it is Sunday Poll Question Day afterall ~ eventhough the Sunday Poll question is up there, above this.) If you have me linked to your blog and aren't over there in my links, let me know. Leave a comment. Drop me an email. Something. Because I probably want to read you as well ~ only I don't know you're out there! Even if you have commented or emailed me in the past. Let me hear from you. (And if you happen to be one of the two people who wrote asking permission to link to me ages and ages and ages ~ possibly as much as a year ago ~ if you haven't stopped reading because I was too much of a bitch to respond to you, I'm really sorry. You wrote right before a deadline. Please, let me know who you are and for goodness sake, feel free to link me!)
Thanks much!
Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ and Trudy's Too! That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Drama?
Here's the thing ~ I really have no use for drama. Especially not melodrama. As I was telling a friend last week, I got over that need about 10 years ago. Life is dramatic enough without us adding to it. Mind you, I can tell a story dramatically. I can have you laughing or crying or on the edge of your seat. Give me a simple exchange and I can tell it like it was the shootout at the O.K. Corral or the end of Casablanca. But I don't need drama in my life. That being said...
Last night, I'm on the phone with another friend of mine and the conversation went something like this:
Friend: So I gave him my email, he kinda smiled and walked away.
Me: So what happened?
Friend: Ummm...I gave him my email, he kinda smiled and walked away...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, no, no!!!!!!!! I've been following your flirtation with this guy all summer. I've been encouraging you, cajoling and cheerleading you to give this guy your email. What did you say? What did he say? Was there The Look? Did he give you his email in return? Did you get the feeling you might hear from him? Give me something, here.
My friend and I are both known for not being terribly girly. We don't fit the typical girly-girl type. We communicate more like guys. We think more like guys. We deal with emotions more like guys. But come on already! Because I really get not wanting the drama. But maybe a few dramatics wouldn't hurt, just this once.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Last night, I'm on the phone with another friend of mine and the conversation went something like this:
Friend: So I gave him my email, he kinda smiled and walked away.
Me: So what happened?
Friend: Ummm...I gave him my email, he kinda smiled and walked away...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, no, no!!!!!!!! I've been following your flirtation with this guy all summer. I've been encouraging you, cajoling and cheerleading you to give this guy your email. What did you say? What did he say? Was there The Look? Did he give you his email in return? Did you get the feeling you might hear from him? Give me something, here.
My friend and I are both known for not being terribly girly. We don't fit the typical girly-girl type. We communicate more like guys. We think more like guys. We deal with emotions more like guys. But come on already! Because I really get not wanting the drama. But maybe a few dramatics wouldn't hurt, just this once.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
It Wasn't Him
Thank you to everyone who has been in touch regarding the pilot who was killed fighting the California fires earlier this week. Your concern for Lithus and for me is very appreciated and will be passed on to him.
He is fine. Thank the Goddess.
But someone else wasn't. And someone else ~ a partner, a parent, a friend ~ did not receive their hey, I'm back at the hotel and exhausted phone call that they were waiting for. Instead, they got a very different phone call.
But it wasn't me. And it wasn't Lithus. And it wasn't any of his friends.
Thank you for you concerns.
Those are grateful Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Addendum: I have just gotten off the phone with Lithus this evening. Apparently, another helicopter went down today. We don't know the status of the pilot yet. Still, this one wasn't Lithus, either. TTG.
He is fine. Thank the Goddess.
But someone else wasn't. And someone else ~ a partner, a parent, a friend ~ did not receive their hey, I'm back at the hotel and exhausted phone call that they were waiting for. Instead, they got a very different phone call.
But it wasn't me. And it wasn't Lithus. And it wasn't any of his friends.
Thank you for you concerns.
Those are grateful Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Addendum: I have just gotten off the phone with Lithus this evening. Apparently, another helicopter went down today. We don't know the status of the pilot yet. Still, this one wasn't Lithus, either. TTG.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Babies - NOT an Obituary!
The Babies are Lionel and Daisy. A few years ago, my therapist and I decided I was doing really well, had worked through A LOT of issues (VERY hard work yet oh so worth it!) and was at a place where I could terminate with her. Under one condition: I get a dog. Because she was concerned about my ability to love something new, my ability to accept and to return unconditional love. Now, my ability to love those whom I already loved wasn't damaged at all. My ability to love someone new ~ tenuous at best. So, if I would get a dog, we could terminate. If I wouldn't, I had to keep dragging my butt into her office every week in order to keep an eye on this whole love-thing. After much thought and research, I decided a dachshund would be great. Being a rescue-type-o'gal, I started looking at dachshund rescue organizations. I even knew what I wanted: a dachschie between the ages of 6 and 8, already housebroken, located somewhere here in New England. Oh my goodness, were there some cute dogs out there and available. So cute.
I didn't send a single email of inquiry.
Then, one day, while scrolling through a national database looking for a single New England dachshund, I saw this picture.
I remember saying out loud "there you are." They were 12 and 13. They were not housebroken. They were living in Virginia. They could only be adopted together. So much for youngish, housebroken, in New England and one. These were my babies.
So I finally sent a letter of inquiry. A lovely woman wrote me back, telling me that she could not hold dogs and that there were several other families interested in Lionel and Daisy but that she really liked my email the best so she hoped it would work out that we ended up together. At which point, their behaviour changed. When she took them on home visits, they started snapping. Or being shy. Or peeing Everywhere. Or something. After over a year of being perfectly behaved babies. The point is, none of the other families ended up wanting them. The lovely woman wrote and said "Pobble, I think they're waiting for you."
We met in NY state and they were mine from the minute she took them out of their travel crate. And I was theirs. Even she said she had never seen them react to anyone the way they reacted to me ~ even when they were being good before their adoption behaviour changed.
I've known from the beginning we were on borrowed time. Sure enough, my Daisy is getting sick. She is often confused, can't climb stairs and has slowed waaaaay down. There is a lot of whimpering and sleeping. Lionel is protective of her ~ but he is getting crotchety himself in his old age. Both their livers are failing and her kidneys are going. They have their bi-annual check up early next month. I'm expecting to have to make the hard decision. I know what it will be. I will hate it. Because they did what they were supposed to do. They reminded me how to keep loving. So, here they are, in all their glory. An excellent reminder to keep loving...
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Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ and Pobble Babies. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
I didn't send a single email of inquiry.
Then, one day, while scrolling through a national database looking for a single New England dachshund, I saw this picture.
I remember saying out loud "there you are." They were 12 and 13. They were not housebroken. They were living in Virginia. They could only be adopted together. So much for youngish, housebroken, in New England and one. These were my babies.So I finally sent a letter of inquiry. A lovely woman wrote me back, telling me that she could not hold dogs and that there were several other families interested in Lionel and Daisy but that she really liked my email the best so she hoped it would work out that we ended up together. At which point, their behaviour changed. When she took them on home visits, they started snapping. Or being shy. Or peeing Everywhere. Or something. After over a year of being perfectly behaved babies. The point is, none of the other families ended up wanting them. The lovely woman wrote and said "Pobble, I think they're waiting for you."
We met in NY state and they were mine from the minute she took them out of their travel crate. And I was theirs. Even she said she had never seen them react to anyone the way they reacted to me ~ even when they were being good before their adoption behaviour changed.
I've known from the beginning we were on borrowed time. Sure enough, my Daisy is getting sick. She is often confused, can't climb stairs and has slowed waaaaay down. There is a lot of whimpering and sleeping. Lionel is protective of her ~ but he is getting crotchety himself in his old age. Both their livers are failing and her kidneys are going. They have their bi-annual check up early next month. I'm expecting to have to make the hard decision. I know what it will be. I will hate it. Because they did what they were supposed to do. They reminded me how to keep loving. So, here they are, in all their glory. An excellent reminder to keep loving...
+061.jpg)
Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ and Pobble Babies. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sunday Poll Question
Today is the Divine M's birthday. We've been together a long time. In honor of her, the Sunday Poll Question...
Question: Who is your best friend and how did you meet? (Seriously, I'd like to know!)
Pobble Answer: The Divine M. Now, I know you're thinking of the Lovely Cats or the Muppet. The Lovely Cats is my sister ~ and if you have siblings, you know the relationship between siblings and best friends is different. No, we're not related by blood ~ and she's more my sister than BioSis is so... And the Muppet? Well, he's the Muppet. There is no explanation for us. But my best friend? That's the Divine M. We met in college as transfer students. At the university we attended, they held transfer orientation alongside freshman orientation. Later in life, 5 years doesn't make that big a deal. Between 17 and 22 it's HUGE. Especially when the 22 year olds have been out on their own, doing their own thing since they were 17 or 18. We were even forced to sit alphabetically. At one point, the woman doing the orientation called us men and women ~ and then asked how many of us were shocked to be called that instead of boys and girls. The woman sitting next to me made a low noise in her throat, very much like a moan about the same time I rolled my eyes. Our eyes met and we each groaned a little louder. Then the woman running orientation asked a very beautiful blonde to pass out papers. This little boy was Really pretty. I made an appreciative noise and the woman next to me said something like "Yeah, that's not hard to look at." When I agreed, she said "I'm the Divine M." "I'm the Boston Pobble." "Think there's a bar around here?" "It's Boston. There has to be." And we've been together ever since. Sometimes, we've gone months without being in touch. We've gone years without seeing each other. It doesn't matter. She's still my best friend. Happy Birthday, Divine M. LYMY.
Your answer...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Question: Who is your best friend and how did you meet? (Seriously, I'd like to know!)
Pobble Answer: The Divine M. Now, I know you're thinking of the Lovely Cats or the Muppet. The Lovely Cats is my sister ~ and if you have siblings, you know the relationship between siblings and best friends is different. No, we're not related by blood ~ and she's more my sister than BioSis is so... And the Muppet? Well, he's the Muppet. There is no explanation for us. But my best friend? That's the Divine M. We met in college as transfer students. At the university we attended, they held transfer orientation alongside freshman orientation. Later in life, 5 years doesn't make that big a deal. Between 17 and 22 it's HUGE. Especially when the 22 year olds have been out on their own, doing their own thing since they were 17 or 18. We were even forced to sit alphabetically. At one point, the woman doing the orientation called us men and women ~ and then asked how many of us were shocked to be called that instead of boys and girls. The woman sitting next to me made a low noise in her throat, very much like a moan about the same time I rolled my eyes. Our eyes met and we each groaned a little louder. Then the woman running orientation asked a very beautiful blonde to pass out papers. This little boy was Really pretty. I made an appreciative noise and the woman next to me said something like "Yeah, that's not hard to look at." When I agreed, she said "I'm the Divine M." "I'm the Boston Pobble." "Think there's a bar around here?" "It's Boston. There has to be." And we've been together ever since. Sometimes, we've gone months without being in touch. We've gone years without seeing each other. It doesn't matter. She's still my best friend. Happy Birthday, Divine M. LYMY.
Your answer...
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Word of the Day
The word of the day is Evacuate.
e·vac·u·ate [i-vak-yoo-eyt] to remove (persons or things) from a place, as a dangerous place or disaster area, for reasons of safety or protection; to leave a place because of threat
Can you say evacuate? I knew you could!
So when someone tells you to evacuate, you will do it, right? I knew you would.
Lithus is okay. And so is the rancher who wouldn't evacuate. And so are his horses. But the rancher and the horses are okay because Lithus spent two hours risking not being okay himself in order to ensure that the rancher and his horses were okay. (When the rancher wouldn't even cut the horses free, Lithus buzzed them until they broke the fence and ran ~ only minutes before the flames engulfed the field where they were penned. By the rancher who wouldn't evacuate. Because "I couldn't be up there and watch them burn to death, Pobble, and it was coming for them." And yes, they all outran the fire, ttg and Lithus.)
So why do we evacuate? Because it's not just about you or your sorry ass or your belongings. It's about the people who are willing to put their lives on the line trying to protect you, your sorry ass and your belongings, too.
So, the word of the day: evacuate.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
e·vac·u·ate [i-vak-yoo-eyt] to remove (persons or things) from a place, as a dangerous place or disaster area, for reasons of safety or protection; to leave a place because of threat
Can you say evacuate? I knew you could!
So when someone tells you to evacuate, you will do it, right? I knew you would.
Lithus is okay. And so is the rancher who wouldn't evacuate. And so are his horses. But the rancher and the horses are okay because Lithus spent two hours risking not being okay himself in order to ensure that the rancher and his horses were okay. (When the rancher wouldn't even cut the horses free, Lithus buzzed them until they broke the fence and ran ~ only minutes before the flames engulfed the field where they were penned. By the rancher who wouldn't evacuate. Because "I couldn't be up there and watch them burn to death, Pobble, and it was coming for them." And yes, they all outran the fire, ttg and Lithus.)
So why do we evacuate? Because it's not just about you or your sorry ass or your belongings. It's about the people who are willing to put their lives on the line trying to protect you, your sorry ass and your belongings, too.
So, the word of the day: evacuate.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Most Terrifying Headline EVER
Bush to cede power to VP during colonoscopy
'Nuff said. Truly.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
'Nuff said. Truly.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Graziella
She's home again. And Lionel's not the only one who's happy about it.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Things I Love ~ A Reposting
Though Lovers Be Lost issued a fun challenge a couple days ago. List things you love. Pretty simple. One of my first ever posts, before I had readers that weren't the Lovely Cats, Nemeria, FAE and the Divine M, was a post about just that ~ things I love. Since my readership has increased since then (have you seen the counter by country? Yes, I'm still obsessed. And digressing...) I am going to repost that one. Disclaimer, I believe I have reposted this before. If you have seen this already, here's another chance. Because it's a happy little post and we could all use those some times. Even if they are in reruns. TLBL, this one's for you...
"A Variation in Hot Pink on Ten Things" Originally posted on July 29, 2005
These are 10 things I love. Here's what's neat. I had a hard time limiting it to ten things. You may see this theme again. :) Here's the disclaimer: These are not things like my family, chocolate cake, or a brisk autumn day. These are the obscure, unusual little things that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
1. Bears. Seriously. Black bears, brown bears, koala bears (I know...), panda bears (I said, I Know...), polar bears, teddy bears, Pooh bears, bear cubs, the Three Bears. They make me smile. (for the record, I'm also partial to puffins, owls, and duck-billed platypus..es? platipi? Whatever, I like them.)
2. My bed. Lord, I love my bed. Snuggle down, pull the sheets up and...ahhhhhhh. For being sick, for being well, for reading a book or doing a crossword, for ignoring the world, for feeling cozy, napping or getting a good night's rest ~ there is no place better than my bed. Golly, I do love my bed.
3. Kids' stuff. Eloise, Barbapapas, Muppets, Dr. Seuss. Proof that genius is not only for adults.
4. Getting mail. Not bills and fliers but real letters from real people actually sent to me. Nothing's better than finding a letter in my mailbox, curling up with a cup of tea and catching up with a friend.
5. Modern inventions. Okay, that is a polite way of saying "indoor plumbing" and "tampons." 'Nuff said, don't you think?
6. Lists. Have you noticed? I like lists. Top ten lists, Best-Of lists, To-Do lists, grocery lists. Hell, I like this list of lists.
7. Funky toenail polish. I stay (relatively) conservative on my fingernails. But if you can't wear electric blue or blaze orange on your toes, really, where can you wear them?
8. Halloween. All the holidays are great. From the end of October through mid-February, I'm practically giddy. And then there is Halloween. It is (almost) the most under-rated holiday. We get to dress up in funky costumes, we get to be scared, we get to do things like drink hot cider and go on hayrides. How can you not love it? (And in case you are interested, the most under-rated holidays are both on Feb. 15th: I Want Butterscotch Day and National Sea Monkey Day)
9. Cherry soda. Not cherry cola, although that's good, too. But good, old-fashioned cherry soda. Canada Dry used to make a great one but now Acme is the best around (if you're lucky enough to have family in southern NJ who stock it for you!).
10. Purple. Yep; I like purple. Blue is my favorite color. It's peaceful and calming. Hot pink is great. It's alive and happy. And still...there's something about purple. All shades of purple, from aubergine to lavender. Purple is the National Sea Monkey Day of my color preferences.
Those are 10 things that make me feel all warm and fuzzy. They may not be your warm fuzzies but I hope they made you think of whatever ARE your warm fuzzies. We could all use more warm fuzzies in the world.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you (warm but hopefully not fuzzy) coffee.
And nearly two years later, those are still things that make me wicked happy. And they are still Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
"A Variation in Hot Pink on Ten Things" Originally posted on July 29, 2005
These are 10 things I love. Here's what's neat. I had a hard time limiting it to ten things. You may see this theme again. :) Here's the disclaimer: These are not things like my family, chocolate cake, or a brisk autumn day. These are the obscure, unusual little things that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
1. Bears. Seriously. Black bears, brown bears, koala bears (I know...), panda bears (I said, I Know...), polar bears, teddy bears, Pooh bears, bear cubs, the Three Bears. They make me smile. (for the record, I'm also partial to puffins, owls, and duck-billed platypus..es? platipi? Whatever, I like them.)
2. My bed. Lord, I love my bed. Snuggle down, pull the sheets up and...ahhhhhhh. For being sick, for being well, for reading a book or doing a crossword, for ignoring the world, for feeling cozy, napping or getting a good night's rest ~ there is no place better than my bed. Golly, I do love my bed.
3. Kids' stuff. Eloise, Barbapapas, Muppets, Dr. Seuss. Proof that genius is not only for adults.
4. Getting mail. Not bills and fliers but real letters from real people actually sent to me. Nothing's better than finding a letter in my mailbox, curling up with a cup of tea and catching up with a friend.
5. Modern inventions. Okay, that is a polite way of saying "indoor plumbing" and "tampons." 'Nuff said, don't you think?
6. Lists. Have you noticed? I like lists. Top ten lists, Best-Of lists, To-Do lists, grocery lists. Hell, I like this list of lists.
7. Funky toenail polish. I stay (relatively) conservative on my fingernails. But if you can't wear electric blue or blaze orange on your toes, really, where can you wear them?
8. Halloween. All the holidays are great. From the end of October through mid-February, I'm practically giddy. And then there is Halloween. It is (almost) the most under-rated holiday. We get to dress up in funky costumes, we get to be scared, we get to do things like drink hot cider and go on hayrides. How can you not love it? (And in case you are interested, the most under-rated holidays are both on Feb. 15th: I Want Butterscotch Day and National Sea Monkey Day)
9. Cherry soda. Not cherry cola, although that's good, too. But good, old-fashioned cherry soda. Canada Dry used to make a great one but now Acme is the best around (if you're lucky enough to have family in southern NJ who stock it for you!).
10. Purple. Yep; I like purple. Blue is my favorite color. It's peaceful and calming. Hot pink is great. It's alive and happy. And still...there's something about purple. All shades of purple, from aubergine to lavender. Purple is the National Sea Monkey Day of my color preferences.
Those are 10 things that make me feel all warm and fuzzy. They may not be your warm fuzzies but I hope they made you think of whatever ARE your warm fuzzies. We could all use more warm fuzzies in the world.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you (warm but hopefully not fuzzy) coffee.
And nearly two years later, those are still things that make me wicked happy. And they are still Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
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