22 Years Ago

It was 1985...

I was 15...

Nemeria and I had already been friends for five years...

The Lovely Cats and I had only met once...

Reagan was president...

I was in love with D, the one who got away...

The Berlin Wall stood...

The AIDS epidemic was raging...

Madonna was hot...

Duran Duran was hotter...

Michael J. Fox was on my walls and Jeremy Irons was in my locker...





...and my Dear One was born. Thank the Goddess.



Happy Birthday and Blessed be.

















Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Pure Escapism, Just Because

I have been a fan of Stephen King's since before I was really old enough to be reading him. Over the years, I have found his work to be more mundane, more pedestrian. Oh, I'll grant you that the man can weave a tale but, my tastes matured, I became more sophisticated. I started reading historical fiction, non-fiction and literature, even as I wrote trashy romance.

The other day, though, I found my old copy of Christine and thought "what the hell." My friends, back in the day, the man could write a book. Yes, I still grant you he can weave a tale ~ but it's not just me that is changing. It wasn't just my young age that made my heart race at his writings. The man made a car ~ a car ~ both believable and scary as hell. I'm now in the process of re-reading The Shining. Will probably hit The Dead Zone after that. And only with the lights on. During the day. Because damn, the man was good.




I'm not a fan of "chick flicks." Never really have been. And yet Notting Hill makes me romantic and mushy. There is something about the story and yes, even something about the performances of the two main actors (neither bad actors but not Lauren Bacall or Humphrey Bogart, either) that just make me happy. If you, your partner or your relationship ever need a romance boost, may I recommend this one. It's sappy, sweet and wonderful. With the required happy ending, of course.



I love board games. An evening with friends, a couple fun games, munchies and a few drinks is a really, really good night for me. But my All Time Favorite has to be Clue. It intrigued me as a child and can still grab my imagination like no other game. Even while I'm playing it, I'm thinking of the story that goes with the game. I know ~ I'm a goob. :)






There's something really magical about carnivals. Amusement parks are fun, don't get me wrong. I can spend time at the Disney or Universal parks and have a blast. But a carnival...The ones that get set up in parking lots or old fields, stay for a week or two and then move on...Those are magical. The smells, the sounds, the lights and colors. Especially after dark when everything seems just a little bit more somehow. Even the fact that you might be maimed or killed riding one of those things because God alone knows when the last time they were inspected was ~ well, it's just all good. I have even been known to pay the entrance fee and then not ride a ride, play a game or buy a single french fry. Sometimes, just wandering around, soaking it all in, listening and watching is worth the price of admission. And if you're lucky enough to be doing it all with a group of really good friends or holding hands with your sweetie, that just makes it all the more magical.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Eric, on Memorial Day

Eric was a Green Beret. He loved his country. When things fell through and his unit wasn't deployed to Iraq, he found a way to go as a "consultant." This was a couple years ago, back when we thought the Green Zone was just that ~ safe. He and the two other "consultants" he worked with were marked, were followed, were targeted. See, Green Berets ~ every single one of them ~ carry a bounty on their heads, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of where they are or what their doing or if they are wearing berets or baseball caps on their heads. At least they used to and I don't see any reason for that to have changed. And Eric was very, very good at his job. So he was marked, was followed, was targeted.

Apparently, the three of them were sitting outside, having a coffee. They were in the Green Zone so they weren't "on" the way they would have been had they been downrange. It was the first attack in the Green Zone. It would be the first of many ~ but it was the first. And because it was the first, they thought they were safe. Or at least as safe as they could be. Who knows if their radars ever went off or not.

It took a while for the three bodies to get back to the States because they had to sort through the remains to make sure each family got the right person. Because he wasn't there in "an official capacity", they sent him home in a shipping crate. The SGM pulled himself up into the body of the plane, said "He doesn't come out like this", found a flag and three of the men from Eric's unit and brought out that shipping crate with all the honors it deserved, as if it was the casket and memorial it deserved. Eric deserved.

For many years, the company had 63 men. My boys ~ all 63 of them. There are fewer of them now. Eric was only the first. And technically, they aren't "my" boys any longer. But they still are. Every single soldier over there is "mine". And yours. And ours.

Please, enjoy your picnics and your parties. Seriously. Life should be celebrated by living. And, at the same time, remember why were are celebrating. Remember why we have a day off, here at the beginnning of the summer. Remember my friend, Eric. I do.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Sunday Poll Question

The last couple of SPQs have been pretty serious stuff, especially last week's (sorry Two Dollar!), so this week we are going to lighten things up a bit. Nothing thought-provoking or serious and no *cough*copouts*cough* :)

Question: What is your trademark? The thing you wear, say or do that everyone relates to you, that is vintage and classic YOU?


Pobble Answer: Here in cyberspace, it would have to be my sign-off: "That and a buck fifty will get you coffee." Of course. In the "real" world however, it's probably either my lipstick or my heels. I wear one color of lipstick (Cover Girl 900). It is a rare occasion when I don't have it on if I am out of the house ~ or even sometimes at home. It is a gorgeous, rich brown that makes my whole complexion *snap*.

I am also known for my heels. I have a great (great) collection of high heels and so can pick the pair that will make an ordinary outfit ~ jeans and a t-shirt, say ~ become fabulous, dahlink. And the best part is every single pair is comfortable. No matter how uncomfortable they look, no matter how high the heel or pointy the toe, if they are on my feet, they are comfy.

Of course, if there is something else you think of as my trademark, feel free to tell me ~ but only after you've told me yours. ;)



Your answer...



Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

One of THOSE Moments

As I was sitting at a red light, windows of the Pobble Mobile down, bopping along to my favorite radio station, the opening rift of the Dropkick Murphy's song "Shipping Off to Boston" came on. Before I could reach down to turn up my stereo, the stereo in the car next to me was turned up ~ and playing Shipping Off to Boston. So I turned up my stereo and the other driver and I grinned at each other. At which point, the driver behind him turned her radio (which was already up) from a pop station to...Shipping Off to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys on WBCN. And the three of us sat at the light, basking in the warmth of the day, the beat of a great song and the luck of being Bostonians.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Ramblings for the Weekend

1. Yes, M&Ms have colors. :) And I always eat them brown, yellow, green, red or blue depending, red or blue (whichever is left), orange. What does the red/blue decision depend upon? I have no idea. Oh, and I prefer the peanut ones.

2. I took one of those computer proficiency tests today. My numeric keystroke score is over 4700 keystrokes per hour with a 1% error rate. My alpha-numeric keystroke score is over 4800 ksph with a 0% error rate. Yeah. That's a zero. And I type 57 words per minute, also with a 1% error rate. I'm pretty pleased with myself, I admit it.

3. Having someone in your home only to discover they were once a package handler for the Boston mafia in the Whitey era can be far more amusing than one might originally think.

4. Monday, the babies were so cold and shivering so badly, I turned the heat on. Today the temperature is 85. Why do I live here? Oh, right. It's New England. :)

5. Just when you think having been married to a Green Beret for over 10 years means you can no longer be shocked by your partner's work stories, there comes a story about an alligator trying to bite a helicopter.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Stringed Instrument!

It was inevitable. I've been tagged by DonDon. Since I am one of those people who loves being tagged, I have accepted this assignment giddily. I know, I'm a goob. :)

So here are the rules of the tag (as delivered, verbatim, from Himself):

* Post a similar post like this one and add a link back to the person who tagged you.

* List 5 reasons why you blog about the things you blog on your blog.

* Choose your 5 tag ‘victims’ and tag them nicely, just like I did :)

* Write a comment on their blog letting them know that you tagged them. Voilà! Or, as less literate people will say, "Viola!" (Will they?…)

1. I blog as a journal. It is my little place to vent, joke, rant, think...Whatever. It started as a way to come to grips with my bio-family and let the people who have become my family know what they meant to me and why. It has been enormously successful in this regard, even as my relationship with my bio-family has improved.

2. I blog because it gives me a place to be everything I am. In person, I'm an introvert. I don't always make the observations, the jokes, the statements that are running through my head. Here, I do so. I am a sociologist, a comedienne, neurotic, sane, judgemental, understanding, all of it and more, outside of my own head.

3. I blog because I have to write. That's what I am. I'm a writer. It's what I do. I write. I have to write the way other people have to breathe. And so I write.

4. I blog because I have learned I am a comment whore. I adore getting comments. 'Nuff said.

5. I blog when I am inspired or intrigued (or tagged) by my fellow bloggers. These people are amazing, wonderful, thoughtful, funny, thought-provoking and so much more. How can I not be inspired to write on something they have written?

And now we come to the tough spot. I recognize that not everyone (very few people, actually) enjoy being tagged the way I do. SO! I am going to tag however there is no pressure and if I haven't tagged you but you want to write on this, PLEASE feel free to do so and claim a tag from the Boston Pobble!

Tagged:

* Rose

* Aisha T

* GNGirl

* Zoom

* Dagoth (from whom I haven't heard a lot recently; you okay out there, Dagoth?????)

Meanwhile, in case I have a reader who doesn't know the ineffable DonDon009, check him out here:

Don Don

Those are Pobble Thoughts, with a wee nudge from Don. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Buy A Subscription...

...'Cause I've got issues!

1. When your dog is whining and shivering it is so scared at the vet's, don't yell at the poor baby or scold it. Give it some love and some reassurance. Or give the dog to someone else.

2. I miss tan M&Ms. Yes, I know they've been gone forever. Yes, I know they were replaced by the much prettier blue ones. And I still miss them. Thank goodness the stupid lavender ones are gone. For a while it looked as if lavender would replace orange which wouldn't do at all because I like the orange ones best and always save them for last. "Special edition" M&Ms always mess me up just a little bit because they rarely have orange ones.

3. If someone asks for advice, give it or say that you're sorry but you've got nothing (or words to that affect.) Do not offer platitudes or the verbal equivilent of a dismissive shrug. And if someone doesn't ask for advice then, seriously, keep your damn mouth shut.

4. Children should be able to draw chalk pictures on whatever asphalt surface they choose. Yelling at them to "Get the fuck out of my driveway" only makes you an ass. Yelling it loud enough that your neighbor on the third floor and two houses down can hear you through closed windows only makes you more of an ass.

5. I really hate making left turns without a light. It's not a phobia or a cause for panic attacks or anything (although I have known people who would go miles and miles and miles out of their way in order to avoid doing so.) I just don't like it.

6. What is it about the putting away part of something that makes it so frustrating, overwhelming, whatever? I know I'm not alone in this one because a certain person (*cough*Lovely Cats*cough*) has said she will load a dishwasher until the cows come home but hates unloading. I'm the same way. Loading and running a dishwasher? I'm all over that. Unloading it is like having my fingernails pulled out. Same with laundry. I will do laundry, iron laundry and fold laundry. And then it sits in a big washed-ironed-and-folded pile while I dig my way through it over the course of the next week. The putting away part ~ whatever it is ~ sucks.

7. Hearing the phrase "You just ran over my elephant!" has made living in this neighborhood worth every minute of the last eighteen months.

8. The other night when I stuck myself with the used needle from Daisy's fluid treatments, I immediately panicked, convinced that I had given myself some horrible doggie disease. It required a phone call to my mother reassuring me that I had indeed done everything necessary (antibiotic soap, alcohol and triple antibiotic oinment on the band-aid) necessary before I could relax about it. My mother knows nothing about doggie diseases, sticking oneself with used doggie needles or the frequency with which thumbs turn black and fall off after such an experience. I still felt better about it having talked to my mom.

9. Is it possible to need a 12-step program for popcorn? If so, I do.

Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ and Pobble Issues. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Why I Panicked

This morning, Lionel was barking like a mad man. And then the barking Just. Stopped. So I went into the other room to see what was going on. My screen door wasn't latched. Shit. Okay. So, instead of racing out into the neighborhood in my robe, I thought I would check the normal haunts and hiding places first. There was Daisy...



















And there was this...



And this...



This...



And finally even this...
















eventhough I had just gotten up from there and knew he wasn't snuggled down with me.











Just as I was about to pull on jeans, I started to wake up. Had I seen...? Yep, sure enough, there was also this...

















A nose...

My world is like one big Where's Waldo?

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Sunday Poll Question

There are people in Somalia renting out tress to live under. Renting out trees. To live under. This is seriously wrong.

In the 1940s and '50s, Abraham Maslow developed a hierarchy of human needs. These are certain requirements that, once met, will lead to each of us fulfilling our potential. From the base of the pyramid up, each of us must have met: 1. Biological and physical needs 2. Safety needs 3. Belongingness and love needs 4. Esteem needs and 5. Self-actualization.

Please note, the base of the pyramid is air, food, drink, initmacy, shelter and the like. Without those, we as human beings cannnot develop in ways that make us, well, human beings instead of clever, naked monkeys. But vast numbers of people do without these things on a daily basis. Renting trees, people.

So here's the question: Of the following things, would you be willing to give up one of them if it would guarantee every other person on the planet would have more than enough of all of them? Why or why not? And if you would, which would it be?

• Food (to prevent total starvation, let's allow for a maximum of 800 calories a day. Just know you might not always get that much)
• Clean, accessible water
• Intimacy (not just sex ~ intimacy)
• Weather resistant shelter

Pobble Answer: This one is tough. I want the anwer to be "Of course I would give something up!" I'm not sure that's true though and, as I have said on previous occasions, once you start lying in your own blog, there are problems. In the long run, though, I think I would have to agree to it. I don't think I could live with myself knowing the suffering I could have prevented otherwise. And I think I would give up the food. With everything else, I think I could manage. But wow...even I'm stumped on this one.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Seriously, Folks

These are my favorite pens for writing my books (yes, I write them long-hand first; I'm old school.)

These are the refills for my favorite pens for writing my books.















Why can I get a 2-pack of the pens themselves for $2.99 at the CVS ~ but a 2-pack of the refills cost me $3.50?

*sigh*

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Evolution

When I was very young, snide sexual asides from men intimidated me. As I got older, they just made me laugh. Yesterday, when I thought I heard something sexually derogatory whispered behind me after I had spoken a very polite "Excuse me, please", I had a very different reaction. At 37, I wanted to turn on them and say "Who the hell are you to try to intimidate or objectify me that way?!!? Does your mother know that's how you treat women? Are you that intimidated by a vagina?!!?" Had I been 100% sure what I had heard, I would have.

Girl Power my ass. Don't fuck with women.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

From Wolfgrrrl (a reposting)

I am reposting this because it has gotten a bit lost between the Sunday Poll Question and Jerry Falwell's death. Wolfgrrrl worked hard to come up with these questions and I want to make sure she gets the credit she deserves for them. Therefore, a rare re-posting.

Wolfgrrl gave me five questions to answer. The assignment is to answer the questions and then offer to give anyone who wants to play five different questions to answer. So, if you want in, let me know and I'll send you questions (she has warned me that this is the most difficult part!) And here we go...

1. If you were to host a dinner party, with seven guests from any place in human history, who would you invite and why? You're also responsible for starting the conversation, so what would you say to break the ice and get them chatting?

John Adams, William Shakespeare, Jesus, Nelson Mandela, the Lovely Cats, my friend Jim, and appsrus. Trust me, you want in on this dinner party. Why? Because I imagine having these minds together in one place will be amazing. Just about everything is covered here. Philospohy, politics, religion, human rights, the arts, the military, the law... Of the current people living, the only one you have no exposure to is my friend, Jim. His background is military, government, law and theatre (no shit.) Breaking the ice wouldn't be necessary. The Lovely Cats and appsrus have the uncanny and enviable (enviable to me, anyway) of being able to talk to anyone about anything and make everyone feel comfortable doing so. Really, all I would have to do is turn the table over to them. HOWEVER! That's not part of the game. Therefore, to break the ice, I would ask "So, seriously, who wrote what, you guys?" (and a quick note: If I were given the opportunity to have eight people around the table, the 8th would be my mother.)

2. A perfect day in the life of Boston Pobble must contain what three elements?

a) Really good coffee, sipped out under the sun or snuggled up by the fire, depending on season
b) Sleeping as late as I want and staying up until the wee hours of the morning
c) An adventure with friends (which must include but not necessarily be limited to the Lovely Cats and the Divine M if it is to be a truly perfect day.)

3. If you could trade one skill you currently have for a fantastic super power of your choice, what would you give up, and what would you choose to take it's place?

I would give up my hearing ~ which is a bit of a cheat because I'm already losing it so have gotten used to the idea. In return though, I would love to be able to tap into people's emotions and feelings. Not read minds or know what people are thinking. Just know what they are feeling at the time. For this to be desirable, however, I would want the ability to turn it off when I wanted, too.

4. In your opinion, what is the absolute best thing about living in your city? Give us a reason to be really envious!

There is something to do for everyone. There is a nightlife for college kids. There is a nightlife for older people. There are museums and restaurants and coffee shops and 24-hour diners. There are rock clubs and sports arenas and even Big Band. No matter what your age, what you like to do, you really can find it in Worcester. Who knew?????

5. In one of your previous posts, you mentioned letter writing and its beauty, importance and artistry. If you had a pen pal as a child, where were they from and how long did you correspond with them? If you didn't have a pen pal, who would you have choosen to write to, during your childhood?

I grew up writing to Mama Bear, my grandmother. She always wanted to know about everything ~ school, boys, my plays, my family ~ everything. And she always wrote me back. Sometimes it was to offer advice. Sometimes it was family stuff. Sometimes it was just her day. We were penpals until she got too old to write me back ~ but I still wrote her once a week until she died about two and a half years ago.

If you want questions, let me know. Otherwise...

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

End of an Era

Jerry Falwell is dead.

This in and of itself has no impact on my life. However, I grew up in his home town. I know what a presence he was there. I know how much the community and the economy of Lynchburg was tied into him. It's not as if the whole Jerry Falwell system has up and moved. It's all still there in the 'burg. Still, I wonder what this will change in my "home town."

His beliefs were repugnant to me. His interpretation of the scriptures offended and infuriated me. And I must give the man his due. There was never even a hint of the scandals that have rocked other fundamentalist Christian ministers and ministries. As misguided as I believe his faith was, he nonetheless lived by it and lived as a man of faith.

As the Lovely Cats put it "I have no doubt he is in the arms of the Lord ~ I just think he's really shocked by who's embracing him right now." Yep. That's about it.

I met him twice. Both times were at the theatre where I was doing shows. Both times, I finished the conversation I was having just as I turned to acknowledge who was calling my name, therefore finishing the conversation to that person's face. Both times, I had just been given bad news. Both times I turned and said "SHIT! Yes?" ~ directly into the eyes of Jerry Falwell. At least my friend doing the introductions found it as funny as I did.

My thoughts are with the families of his church in their grief who have just lost their pastor. My thoughts are with his friends and family in their grief ~ including The One in VA, from whom I still have not heard since she discovered my faith. And my thoughts are with the people he oppressed in their feelings, whatever they may be, in hopes that they will be able to live slightly freer, safer lives without his vituperation.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Sunday Poll Question

This last week, several homes were evacuated in California due to fires. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be. But it got me thinking and created the Sunday Poll Question.

Question: If you had to leave your home, what 5 personal items would you take? This assumes all necessities ~ legal documents, anything at home required for your work, basic clothing, medications, and all living creatures and their necessities ~ are evacuated safely. These five items are the purely personal ones.

Pobble Answer:

1. Bear. My stuffed bear. He's been with me since I was three. He's even in my will. I have told men they could leave my bed because they didn't want me to sleep with him any longer. Yeah, right.

2. Specific pictures. I have a photo of my paternal grandfather, Papa, that was taken during WWII. It has had a place of honor in my home since I was a teenager. Three pictures of my father and me, taken on the Fourth of July one year as we watched the annual turn-around of the Constitution. And one of my maternal grandparents ~ PT herself and my Daddy Ralph. They are young, laughing and so obviously in love.

3. L. Bo Peb and Lame. This is a drawing my heart did when he was in kindergarten. It is of Little Bo Peep and one of her lambs. Only he didn't have room (as he explained it) to write her full name. And couldn't spell, being only 4 or 5. Thus, L. Bo Peb and Lame. It still hangs on my 'fridge.

4. My cribbage board. Papa carried it through the war. Taught Daddy to play cribbage on it. Daddy taught me. There's more to this story but that's for a different post. For now, suffice it to say it, too, is in my will.

5. Hamlet. This was almost my measuring spoons except that I know the name of the artist who makes the spoons so they can be replaced. I have no idea who carved my Hamlet statuette. I bought him in England years ago. He is one of the first things unpacked in every house and is always put where I can see him on a daily basis.

Note: The first three were easy. The last two, very difficult to choose from all the things I love and hold dear. Let me know if you find it the same. And let's pray none of us ever have to actually face this choice!

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

The Letter Project

For years now, I have lamented the decline of letter writing. Every so often, Nemeria and I will pledge to write to each other, via post, on a regular basis. That pledge inevitably goes by the wayside. However, every so often, we renew it, which gives me hope in this day and age of email and instant messaging. I even keep stationery for the rare occasions I write a letter. Truth be told, writing the letter is rarely the problem. It's getting it in the mail. As usual, I digress... When I can afford them, I do pretty well with cards. Still, as great as cards are, they aren't the same as getting a real, honest-to-goodness letter in the mail.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Check this guy out:

The Letter Project

How much do I wish I had thought of this??????? And yes, I plan on sending him stamps ~ after Monday when the rates go up, because how much would it suck to send him stamps he can't use? If you want a letter, now you know where to go. And, between us in our little world, if you would like a letter for yourself or someone else from me, let me know. I'll write it! With happiness! And gratitude, 'cause I do love writing letters. They will even make into the mailbox. ;) Since you all know how I feel about confidentiality rest easy that I will keep addresses and real names to my damn self.

So as to not steal his thunder, this will be the only mention of my willingness to write letters (although, Goddess, it's a good idea and I would love to take it on!) His project, however, will stay linked over there where the rest of them are.

Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ with a little help from a guy named Frank. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

A Conversation with the Delivery Guy

Him: What's your street?

Me: Vassal Street (not my real street name)

Him: Spell it please?

Me: V as in victor...

Him: Dee?

Me: No. Vee. As in violin.

Him: Cee?

Me: No, not cee. VEE as in vetarinary.

Him: What?

Me: Vee. Like you're holding your first two fingers up.

Him: Dee?

Me: No. VEE. Like the purple flower, violet. Like your fingers are up.

Him: What street is it off?

Me: (gives cross streets.)

Him: OH! Wee! Wassal Street.

Me: (resigned with head in hand) Yes. Wee. Wassal Street.

Him: Be there in five minutes.


Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Still Warm

Last night, I went to the grocery store about 7 o'clock. The temperature during the day had reached low to mid 80s, depending on who you listen to, so I was in light cotton pants and a tank top. As I left the store, I realized it had gotten dark and cursed for not having brought a jacket. I braced myself as I went out ~ and it was still warm. Mid-70s, probably. Aaaaahhhhh....

Now this may not seem blog worthy except that, here in New England, it is not uncommon for us to be in winter coats in the evenings until early June. And yes, it portends a miserably hot summer up here on the third floor that is Casa Pobble. HOWEVER! Last night, it was still warm. And that was lovely.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Sunday Poll Question

The Republican candidates for President had a debate this last week. The pundits' and spin doctors' responses afterwards were interesting. (Mitt Romney's people said something along the lines of he looked the most presidential...o-kay... but I digress...) My mother has recently heard an interview with Fred Thompson who is considering a run. I have been keeping an eye on John Edwards from the Democratic party. All of this got me thinking and has led to the Poll Question...

Question: If you could ask each nominee for his or her stance on one thing and get a truly honest answer, what would you ask? Here's the catch though ~ you must cast your vote based on that one answer. No other issues could be taken into consideration.

Pobble Answer: I think I would ask about the stance on abortion. A candidate's feelings about this issue tend to be indicative of so many other issues. My experience has been that foreign policy, the environment, same sex marriage, education, assistance to the working poor, affirmative action, all those other issues that are important to me are either too long term for one President in our very short-sighted nation to affect greatly or else too variable to get a single answer that can cover every scenario. So it's not so much that the legality and availablity of abortion is that important to me (although it is) as it is that I tend to be able to extrapolate more information about other issues based on feelings around this issue.

Your answer...

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Things I've Learned

1. I never look at my knees. Never. I have no idea what they look like on a daily basis.


2. Yasmin Galenorn isn't just a fun author; she's a classy lady, too.

3. Sometimes, even when people annoy me, I will protect them from certain things.

4. Those biodegradable packing peanuts really do biodegrade. And dissolve. Especially in dog spittle. In toothless little mouths. Luckily, they are also nontoxic.

5. Rudy Guiliani might ~ key word ~ be the best of the worst.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.