Just a Doodle

Rosé inspired, while pondering Illustration Friday's topic, Self-Portrait.

Sometimes I look in the mirror and only see a broken heart. Those moments protected by barbed strands of humor, sarcasm, stanoffishness and indifference.

Breathe

I wish I was always so composed.

Pencil, Caran D'Ache Neocolor II's and a little bit of fingerpainting.

Submitted to Illustration Friday - Theme: Self-Portrait

Gyne-Fetti!!!

Disclaimer: Some material may not be suitable for all readers. I apologize in advance if I offend your tender sensibilities : .)


You're still reading...Okaaaaay, here we go!

MadRetz and I were having an email conversation about a fellow blogger...

M: She’s so cute sometimes, and she throws me off. Like, the self-tanner…I took her as the, it-doesn’t-matter type of gal…maybe because she's older?

I did always wonder how, hypothetically speaking that is, I would be able to shave my legs before giving birth. Cuz who wants prickly legs in their face when they’re elbow deep in your vaginal canal?

P: OMG!!!!!!!!!!! ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Ohmygosh, rolling on the floor laughing my ass off!!!)

Ummm, I think you'll have so many other things to worry about.

I did have that moment myself b/4 my gynecologist appointment last week, you know, toilet paper flecks?

Call it gyne-fetti!!!

M: Right back at ya babe!!

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!

Gyne-fetti!!! LOVE that!

P: Yeah, too bad that's the ONLY celebration going on down there!!! hahahahha!!!

Well, you make your own fun, huh?!

LOL!!!

M: I’m about to pee my pants!

(Wouldn’t ____ be surprised that all of this is going on w/ her name in the subject line?)

This whole conversation should be done in, like, stand up or something!

(P: Or on my blog... : .)

Tell me what you really think!!!

Yesterday, I was thinking about a specific male who shall remain nameless. Someone who hasn't bothered to communicate with me lately. I was feeling neglected, frustrated, mad. I looked down at my printer and saw this...It used to say "CREATE." I lost the "C" and two "E's" flipping a towel across the cover.

Yep, I agree : .)

(By the way - He gave me the skull sticker. There's no irony here, nope.)

A Mini Break

A favorite way to spend a long weekend, getting in a bunch of exercise.

On Saturday I did the usual long run with the ladies. I finished 8 miles at a 9:45 minute/mile pace. [pat, pat] I haven't run faster than a 10 or 11 minute pace so far this year, I'm quite proud of myself.

Sunday I took step class taught by my girlfriend. Her routine is choreographically, as well as physically challenging and she's known to play good tunes. Gotta love movement and music!

Today was a gorgeously sunny day and with the wind rushing by my ears, I took Monchichi out for her first ride. No more will she sit patiently in the corner of the living room, there's no turning back now, she's had a taste of the road.

Its a different experience, riding...Being on a a pedal driven, human-powered vehicle, I'm expending a bit less effort than running. More time to contemplate the scenery and listen and hear what's going on around me. A few chuckles from the road...

The little boy on a walk with his brother and parents said, " I don't want to get out of the way of the bicycles" (Little sassy pants!), the man reading while he was jogging (All that bouncing would make me nauseous) and the dog trotting after his owner, carrying his leash in his mouth (Way to take yourself for a walk, Puppy!), last of all, the happy guy, pacing behind me, greeting absolutely EVERYONE on the trail. (Okay, it must be the endorphins, no one is that perky that early in the morning!!!)

A suggestion for multi-use trail compadres...Lets share the trail! Peds, we know you have the right-of-way. We are willing to ride around you. Help the riders out. Please pay attention!!! You're not the only person on the trail. Don't hoard the entire trail. Don't stop in the middle of the road. If you want to look at the squirrels and the birds, please step off to the side. Also, look both ways before you step back on the trail. Its a lot easier for you to stop and start than a bicycle rider. I think we can all get along and enjoy the trail with a little effort.

The area beneath my sit bones and my calves are sore (I did wear padded biking shorts), AND my nose ran, A LOT!!! Overall it was such a good time.

(Today wasn't just a day off either...It was a day for honoring the Soldiers who have fought and died for our country. Thank you for your bravery and courage, and making the supreme sacrifice in protecting our freedom. You have a special place in all of our hearts.)

Cutesie Tootsies

Its that time of year again. I'm breaking out the sandals. That means a pedicure was in order. I just wanted the icky thick winter skin removed, and, and all those calluses from running. Nope, I don't care about french pedicures, cute flowers and rhinestones, sheesh! Its so girlie!

Really, I don't... : .)

100% Cotton

I'm not known for my abilities as a domestic goddess. One task that I'm notoriously lax in is folding laundry. I usually have a gigantic pile of clothes from which I pull the daily wearables, work clothes, running clothes, socks, jackets, etc...Well, today I decided to do something about it and I folded every last piece of clothing that was in the baskets in my bedroom. As I was putting items away, I notice the stack of t-shirts in the corner of the closet, mostly comprised of the shirts I received for running in races.

So, this is my collection of running t-shirts. I thought I'd share. Its just so completely excessive. This isn't even all of 'em. I'm also wearing one. When I moved a couple of years ago, I went minimalist and got rid of part of my collection. Yep, I had oh so many more. Really now, just how many t-shirts do I think I need?!

I heard that you receive a Tiffany's bracelet placed on your wrist by a gorgeous man in a tux upon finishing the Nike Women's Marathon. I think I'd like that more than a t-shirt!!!

My favorites...Of course, my BSIM shirt (the one I'm wearing in the Big Sur International Marathon Happy Dance avatar photograph on this very blog), but I also dearly love the Christmas Relay shirt in the top left corner, the one with the skinny Santa and his hairy legs, in the running gear.

Recent Acquisition

I picked up my newest toy today, a 2006 Fuji Tahoe Comp mountain bike. (For those who are interested you can view the specs at Fuji Bikes.) I couldn't exactly participate in a triathlon without having a bike to ride, could I? I think I may be in love!!! I really don't like to be attached to material items, but boy oh boy!!! I can't wait to hit the trails, navigate rocks, ruts, sand, and be barrelling down hills at top speed, WHEEEEEEE!!!

Nate at Performance Bike in Mountain View was so helpful, disscussing sizes, components, tire types, etc...He let me try out multiple bikes and almost convinced me that I wanted a road bike, (yes, there is a difference) but I truly see myself doing trails more than riding on the road. I may be putting myself at a disadvantage during the tri, riding a mountain bike instead or a road bike, but I wanted something I would ride after I trained for the event.

Of course, as always with a purchase of this magnitude, I had that moment of panic, of buyer's remorse, but this isn't as frivolous a purchase as that $400.00 handmade/hand-dyed sweater I bought at an art festival last summer. Yes, the one that the artist promised wouldn't shrink. I will so ride this bike more than I will wear that now itty-bitty sweater.

I think I'll name my new friend Monchichi, which means monkey in Japanese.

Chaos Theory

Wikipedia sez:

In mathematics and physics, chaos theory describes the behavior of certain nonlinear dynamical systems that under certain conditions exhibit a phenomenon known as chaos. Chaos appears to be random, and the word suggests disorder, however there is underlying order and determinism. Every action, or cause, produces a reaction, or effect, and every reaction, in turn, becomes the cause of subsequent reactions.

Life these days seems really chaotic. I haven't had time for anything except work and a few workouts to maintain my sanity. Life seems all about the "no" right now. I don't feel like I have control over anything. However, as noted above, there is underlying order and determinism in chaos and actions produce reactions, so that must be a sign. Maybe my reactions are creating the situations that I'm in now. I'll have to ruminate on that for awhile.

Many thanks to my blogger friends who have checked in on me! I appreciate it!!!

Photo courtesy of http://www.free-nature-animal-butterfly-wallpaper.com/wallpapers/butterfly5.jpg">

Eau de Chlorine

Beginning Swimming

Today we finally got to go into the pool. Aside from the deep goggle marks around my eyes and an upset stomach from breathing water, it was a good class. Before the serious workout started, we had to prove that we could swim by traversing 25 yards across the pool, we learned proper kicking form, the freestyle stroke, how to breathe (obviously I need to work on that!), and even how to do push turns.

Coach Eve said I did a really good job : .)

Swimming tip: You can protect high maintenance hair (read: dyed) from the damaging effects of chlorine by a dousing it with non-chlorinated water and applying a coating of conditioner that you don't rinse out until you finish swimming.

Running Monkey Photos

Some photographs taken during the race last weekend. I forgot I had these!!! hee!


Van 2 - Mike F. (Turbo), Lynne (Mrs. Turbo), Me , Mike G., Sammy, Rob


Finally making it out of the vineyard! Rescued by my van mates!


Runner exchange. Note the cool Kittyville hat made 'specially for me by Ragged : .)



Very early in the morning at the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco's Wild Kingdom

Listening to the radio this morning and they reported that there was a Mountain Lion sighting in SF this weekend.

Maybe I wasn't near the zoo...

Oh the Places You Will Chafe...Thots and Reflections on "The Relay" 2006

TMI? Actually, I got a few blisters : .D nothing more!

Just got back home from Santa Cruz. I am tired. My team, the Running Monkeys, ended up third from last place in a field of 110 teams, based on the preliminary stats after 32 hours of running. As you can probably guess, it was an *interesting* weekend. The weather held out, which was fantastic. It rained only briefly, the sun made an appearance Saturday and Sunday, and the days and nights were cool. Van 1, made up of all rookies did a great job. They were where they were supposed to be, when they were supposed to be. Kudos to them for a job well done.

We ran into trouble with our pace times. Most of us ran slower than anticipated. An injury in Van 1 made it necessary for the other 5 van mates to pick up the slack. Of course, that made them tired and therefore, affected their pace times. One of my van mates had strep throat last week. That definitely affected her pace times. As for me...Well, I would like to say that I was fighting off the mountain lion (see Santa Cruz or Bust) that appeared while I was running my first leg, but truth be told...uh, I got lost. I took a wrong turn, ending up at the top of a mountain (yes, I ran EXTRA hills!), 4 miles out of my way. By the time my van mates came looking for me, I had already realized my mistake and was on the way back down the hill. My arduous trek thru the wild vineyards of the Napa Valley was made all the better however, because the sun was out, there was a little stream bubbling next to the trail, I went up and down rolling hills that were awash with green, and came across a big, yellow farmhouse on a little lake complete with cattails swaying in the wind and cloud reflecting on its surface. In the distance, I could see the end of the bay. Amazing!!! I couldn't complain.

My second leg went much better, except that it was entirely up hill and at 3 am. I was in the beautiful city of San Francisco, on the Great Highway, listening to the waves crash on the beach. I took a right turn and started down Skyline Drive. I paused to remove my jacket and if you can believe this, from across the road, I could hear the gravely growl of a lion!!! No, it wasn't a dog, it wasn't a cat, it was a LION!!! Okay, I thot I was in the clear and was only going to have to deal with 2-leggeds, not 4-leggeds, since I was in the city, but no. I panicked and started to run, which is the last thing you are supposed to do in the event you come across a lion, mountain or otherwise, then came to my senses and realized I was probably running past the zoo. Phew! Unfortunately, since I was so tired from my vineyard run, I ended up getting passed by 10 other runners. In this situation, you are known as 'roadkill'. Some of the teams are very competitive and keep track of their roadkill by making tick marks on the windows of their transport vehicles. Rude, I say!

My third leg was ranked the easiest, but did you know that running downhill is almost worse than having to run uphill? My quads are toast. They are actually screaming in agony. I hope I can walk tomorrow. Maybe I shouldn't have sprinted at the end, but I was so happy to see that runner exchange and pass off the race bracelet that I couldn't resist.

Anywhoo, so much more happened over the last two days, but I fear, I will bore you with the intimate details. To pass the time during my last leg, I did think of awards to give to my van mates.

Rookie of the Weekend Award goes to Sammy, who kicked butt running 18.4 miles total in her 1st relay race.

Best Driver Award goes to Rob, who handeled all the driving, except while he was running, which meant he didn't sleep the entire weekend.

Team Spirit Award goes to Lynne, who jumped out of the van at every opportunity to cheer us on.

Fastest Runner Award goes to Mike F. who ran a sub-6 minute pace.

Best Team Captain Award goes to Mike G. who kept us on track and handled all the details leading to the race.

As for me, I awarded myself the Scenic Tour Award, for my jaunt thru the vineyards.

I need to find my waterwings so I'm ready for triathalon training next week!

Signing off now, Tenacious L

Chance of Rain?

This morning I walked out my door to go to work and I found the sky to be lit by this unusual light.

There were also these bleu holes in the sky.

Oh...wait...OHMYGOSH, I think it was...the SUN!!!

I guess that means we're gonna have to break out the 1 million SPF sunscreen, since we haven't seen that puppy in a while. I don't want to risk a sunburn.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

Still waiting...

In the meantime, my Illo Friday submission for Spring.

Detox - Week 3

I want to eat something besides beige food. I'm not craving anything in particular, I just want to eat something different. Pot roast maybe, a piece of pizza margherita, and maybe a little glass of chardonnay.

Food & supplement intake for this week is the same as last week. I am a bit worried about running this weekend (see Santa Cruz or Bust) due to the lack of carbs in my diet, but last weekend I ran on Saturday and did a spin class on Sunday, and I was fine. I'm expecting the same this weekend. Bonus positive side effect - I've lost 10 pounds!

Okay, one-more-week. I can do this.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Here is the world of imagination, hopes and dreams. In this timeless
land of enchantment, the age of chivalry, magic, and make-believe are
reborn, and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young
at heart, to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your
dreams come true. - Walt Disney

Submitted to Moody Monday - Theme: Fantasy

Santa Cruz or Bust!

I'm running in a race this weekend. Its called "The Relay." A 199 mile, 12-member team race from Calistoga to Santa Cruz, CA. The team is split into two groups, each member of the team running 3 parts (legs) of the race, varying distances over two days, kind of frog hopping along. This is the 5th time I'll be participating in a race of this sort.

My collective group of legs totals 18 miles: 7.4 miles, moderate difficulty; 5.9, all uphill, HARD; and 4.7, easy. Continuing with the numbers: 6 sweaty men and women, sharing one van, over two days and two hundred miles, with no sleep, using porta-potties (ugh!) along the way. Highlights of this race include running under a full moon, thru beautiful wine country, across the Golden Gate Bridge, thru San Francisco, thru cities in the Silicon Valley and finally finishing on the beach in Santa Cruz. Did I mention that its rained 25 days in the month of March and it is anticipated that it will rain through the weekend? Did I mention the road closures because of landslides, cracks, flooding, and downed trees? Did I mention that one of my legs is thru a vineyard of mud?

Yesterday, I checked "The Relay" website for updates on the race and course conditions and read this:

"Due to mountain lion sightings on Hudson Vineyard (Leg 8), consider running with pepper spray or a teammate." Remember me mentioning my run thru a vineyard? Yes, this is one of "my" legs. What? MOUNTAIN LIONS!!! I'm a true-bleu city girl. I know nothing about protecting myself against mountain lions. Arrrrgggghhhh!!!

I sent an email to my fellow runners, asking who would be willing to run with me during my leg. What a great idea to bring along a teammate, I throw my teammate to the mountain lion and while the lion has lunch, I run off and meet the van!

It will definitely be a fun weekend!!! ; .)

Beautiful Danger

Un-posted interpretation of last week's Illustration Friday Theme, Monster.

A.K.A. Fang ; .) Look out!!! She'll gnaw your finger off if given half a chance!!!

Detox - Week 2

Today was the beginning of week 2 of my detox. Yeah, I know, you didn't ask for an update, but you're getting one anyway! : .)

I'm feeling good, but easily distracted and sleepy at times, and working out is definitely a challenge because of the lack of carbos. I am getting tired of beige food...beige meat, beige rice, twice a day, every day. The protein/fruit shakes are saving me tho'. And the tons of veggies aren't bad either. I'm only taking 19 supplements a day, instead of the 30 a day I took last week. WhooHoo!!!

I've lost 7 pounds so far. A couple of friends tried to convince me that it was mostly water weight. I beg to differ. I think its poop weight. I've been smokin' in the elimination department! My digestive system feels so CLEAN!!!

I can't wait until I can have a bleu cheese bacon burger!!!

Just kidding!!!

It'll be a Ghirardelli Gold Rush Sundae instead!

Haha, kidding again!!!

Ichthyanabilism - Part Deux

P's Neon Tetras had more babies over the weekend...

E: Can you separate the babies from the adults?
K: You want to deprive the big fish of their snacks?
E: Its like "Hotel Romance."
K: Love Boat.
E: They're sushi.

Tursiops truncatus

Interesting Dolphin Fact: Dolphins have extremely soft, flaky skin which they shed every two hours. The softness of the skin reduces friction. As the skin flakes, it breaks up swirling vortices next to the skin that would otherwise slow the animal down. I've heard it referred to as "dolphin pollen."

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas Nevada.

Submitted to Photo Friday - Theme: Smooth

Emotional

Watching Ice Hockey, especially #22, Scott Hannan makes me emotional ; .) The speed, the grace, the MAYHEM!!!

Sharks pre-season, from the third row behind the penalty boxes.

Go Sharks!!!

Submitted to Moody Monday - Theme: Emotional

Detox

My witch doctor perscribed a 3 week detox diet for me to overcome my sugar addiction and maybe as a bonus, lose a few pounds. This cleansing diet includes 3 different supplements (Gastro-Fiber! Yum!) and a shake powder that contains protein and various sundry nutrients. Per day, I'm supposed to swallow 30 supplements, eat 2 -3 eggs, 3 -4 ounces of lean meat and half as much fruit as vegetables. 2 servings of brown rice and 2 -3 shakes made with fruit or veggies. No seasoning is allowed. Oh and I'm supposed to consume at least 64 ounces of water, every day.

Today was day one.

Breakfast: 10 supplement capsules, a poached egg, and a shake made with the powder, a banana, and some raspberries.
Lunch: 10 supplement capsules, chicken strips, a cup of brown rice, red and orange bell pepper strips, celery, mushrooms, and a fujii apple.
Dinner: Stir fry made with chicken, cabbage, onion, shredded broccoli, mushrooms, and a cup of brown rice.
Snack before bed: 10 supplement capsules and a shake, I think I'll try some carrot juice instead of fruit, for variety.

My stomach is so full. It must be all the fiber. I was happy because I was able to run my mileage at lunch, since I'm cutting my carbohydrate consumption at least by 75%. I think exercise will become more difficult as time goes on. By the end of the first week, I will have consumed 210 supplement capsules and enough vegetables to feed a hundred thousand rabbits for the next year (well, at least it feels that way). I was projecting into the future and thinking about how I will go about maintaining this healthy eating program. Right now, this diet is such a novelty, I am willing to go along with it. I did however have a moment this afternoon thinking that if I do continue to eat in similarly healthy manner, I will never be able to eat bacon again.

I almost lost my resolve.

Red & White Striped Stockings

Or Ronald McDonald's footwear on his day off.

I think I'll take a drawing class this summer : .)

Submitted to Illustration Friday - Theme: Feet

Ladybug

Submitted to Photo Friday - Theme: Red

Dragonfly Tat

I've always wanted a tribal dragonfly tattoo'd on my lower back, but I keep thinking...

"A tattoo...Its so permanent, not like a relationship" ; .)

Submitted to Illustration Friday - Theme: Tattoo

Shiny Chrome Things

Say hello to the Twins!!! The heart of Candide, a 2002 Honda Shadow Aero 1100, owned and operated by my friend Ny. A heart surrounded by beautiful shiny chrome things.

Submitted to Lens Day - Theme: Chrome

Answering Nature's Call

The sweetest Honey Buckets ever!!!

I couldn't help it!!! To me, this just fits the theme.

Can you hear it? The Call of Nature!

My good friends all know my relationship with bathrooms, portable or otherwise. I have to say, not only were these the cleanest porta-potties I've ever had to use, but they provided hand sanitizer too!!!

Somewhere between Mt. Hood and Seaside, OR, Hood to Coast Relay 2004

Submitted to Thursday Challenge - Theme: Nature

in memoriam

moms, dads & friends

Tagged!

Four Jobs I've Had

1. IT Help Desk - Interesting that I had that job since I'm absolutely computer illiterate!
2. Sales Clerk at a Rubber Stamp Store to feed my habit.
3. Group Exercise (otherwise known as Aerobics) Instructor - You have to love a job where you get paid for doing your own workout.
4. Project Manager for a Product Safety Company - It pays the bills!!!

Four Goals I've Set for the Year

1. Participate in a Triathlon, scary, I'll have to swim
2. Train for another marathon, Disneyworld 2007, I must have that Mickey Mouse icon medal.
3. Art more
4. Eat less

Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over Again

1. Matrix
2. Interview With a Vampire (Brad Pitt with loooonnnggg hair, sigh)
3. You've Got Mail
4. Any Disney flick

Four Places I've Lived

1. Santa Barbara, CA
2. San Diego, CA
3. Poway, CA
4. All over the South Bay Area

Four TV Shows I Watch

1. CSI
2. CSI Miami
3. CSI NY
4. Re-runs of CSI

Four Favorite Vacation Spots

1. The South of France, ooh la la!!!
2. Mendocino, CA, calm and beautiful
3. Seattle, WA, home of MonkeyBoy
4. Kauai, HI, ALOHA!

Four Websites I Visit

1. The blogs listed to the right
2. Dictionary.com
3. Art challenges - Nudge-Nudge, Illustration Friday
4. Yahoo!, Google & Amazon (ok MR? : .)

Four Favorite Foods

1. Bacon
2. Roast and Potatos
3. Spaghetti with Mizithra Cheese from Spaghetti Factory
4. Tortillas with Butter

Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now

1. At an ice hockey game
2. Sunbathing on a tropical beach
3. Hiking in Yosemite
4. Hangin' with my friend's kids

Tag, you're it!!!

Bleu Girl

I've been wanting to do something with striped tights for some reason.

The inspiration? It started with Teesha Moore's art in my head. Then, from link, to link, to link after visiting Carla at anonyrrie who commented on my IF post, I went to Inspire Me Thursday and then to the Crafty-Girl, where I got the quote. BTW , IMT and CG have posted a ton of cool techniques. Check it out!

A side note: I really need to get a scanner.

Imago

"How does one become a butterfly?" She asked pensively. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." ~Tina Paulus

(Click on image to see a larger version.)

Submitted to Illustration Friday - Theme: Insect

Pampered Tootsies

Close-up of toe art.

Submitted to Thursday Challenge - Theme: Black&White

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

(Dinner at Maggianos with the ladies! Ignore the floating head in the top left hand corner. Maybe she saw how much fun we were having and just had to join in!!! : .)

I'm a firm believer in celebrating the self!!!

Today marks the 13th anniversary of my 29th birthday. (The 29 thing is actually a nod to my mom, who always said she was 29 on her b-day) Anyway, what comes to mind at this moment is the line from the Talking Heads song Once in a Lifetime…”And you may ask yourself…Well…How did I get here?!”

Yes, just how did I get here? I still feel like I haven’t grown up. I take care of my business, I get up and go to work every day, I exerrrrcise, I eat right, okay, except chocolate kisses with almonds, and white cake with buttercream frosting, and bacon fried rice, yummmm, but I digress…I still don’t feel quite finished yet. I always thought there was some age at which you became a mature adult. Every day however, I find myself learning something new, getting interested in and trying something new, finding different answers to things I thought I knew and didn’t. Adventures galore!

Now that I think about it, I guess I don’t want to grow up if it means the end of the fun!!!

Today is the first day of my next 365-day journey around the sun!!! Lets ROCK!!!

Enchanted Flight

Spring 2005 at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada

Submitted to Lens Day -Theme: Enchanted

Tea Fit for a King

The Monkey King, that is!!!

(Lesson for today: Monkeys are actually any of various long-tailed, medium-sized members of the order Primates, including the macaques, baboons, guenons, capuchins, marmosets, and tamarins and excluding the anthropoid apes - gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans; and the prosimians - lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers. I always thought that chimps and gorillas were considered monkeys. You learn something new every day!)

Submitted to Illustration Friday - Theme: Tea

Birthday Tea

Celebratory high tea. As my little friend Sis said, "Its like royalty in here!" Indeed!!!

Submitted to Thursday Challenge - Theme: Pink

Artist to Dictator

Tonight in my Developmental Psychology class my prof mentioned that Hitler wanted to be an artist. Unfortunately, no one would buy his paintings. So, instead of continuing in art school, he went on to learn industrial-sized genocide.

Dr. Clifford asked the question..."How would the world have turned out, had Hitler sold his paintings?"

Wow, my mind is still reeling!!!

Fish Genesis

While at work today, I overheard this snippet of conversation regarding P's fish tank and recent arrivals. (Yes, I had to work on President's Day.)

K: They just hatched? Were there eggs? Spontaneously erupted?

P: They’ll get eaten anyhow.

L: Would that be Ichthyanabilism? (I couldn't resist interjecting. Aren't I clever, I came up with a new word! ; .)

P: They seem to like that rock.

K: Seen anyone loitering there lately? A little action going on!

E: There’s a tiny sign in fish language that says “Keep Out.”

E: Can they protect their babies?

K: Fish are not problem solvers, they’re one step up from a house plant.

P: There is no question why there are babies, one was chasing the other.

E: It *was* Valentine’s Day the other day.

P: Oh heck, its Valentine’s Day every day.

Okay, you probably don't think this is that funny, but even now, reading it again, I find it hysterical!!! hee, hee, hee!!!

Bird's Song

Bring Me to Life by Evanescence, in case you were wondering : .)

Submitted to Illustration Friday - Theme: Song

Uncle!!!

At 10:53 pm PST
Currently: 43°
Partly Cloudy
High: 48°
Low: 37°

There's snow to the east on Mt. Hamilton which is at 4200' elevation.

Its vvvvveeeerrrryyyy cold here, it feels much colder than 43°.

I'm such a California Girl!!!

A wimp! I give!!! Please, oh please, bring back the sunshine!!!

Running tomorrow morning...cold, wet, muddy!!!

ArGggggh!!!

Fuds!!!

My first ever X-mas turkey dinner that I made completely from scratch!!! (Thanks Aunt Char for the fluffy dinner rolls!)

Submitted to Pxite - Theme: Food

Happy Valentines Day!!!

I thought that I read somewhere once that in Japan, men give their love interests underwear for Valentines day. I'd be surprised, especially if I didn't know the person very well.

Anyway, I can't confirm that now, but I have to say, BRING ON THE CHOCOLATE!!! Specifically, Hershey Kisses with Almonds ; .)

I hope you are celebrated in a special way today!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Engage Brain First

The other day I was leaving my apartment and encountered one of my neighbors who had just carried her laundry basket up the stairs and was moving towards me on the walkway. We did that "no, after you...oh no, after you" dance. I said, "you should go by first, since you have the wide load" and looked down to notice that she is pregnant.

Yeah. Open mouth, put foot in.

Really, I was talking about the laundry basket. I swear I was.

Sigh.

Irrrr-resistable Coo-Kies!

These cookies...

I mix. I roll. I cut out. I bake. I frost. I sprinkle. Afterwards, I *must* clean, because there's powdered sugar *everywhere*. On the table, the floor, my clothing, my hair. That's the magic ingredient. Oops!!! I gave away the secret!!! Powdered sugar mixed in, powdered sugar to roll the dough out with. What a production! I only do this a couple of times a year, for Valentines Day and Christmas. I grumble under my breath every time, I utter expletives, I wonder why the h-e-double-hockey-sticks I bake the darn things. In the end, I think I make these cookies because it causes everyone to ADORE me...For about 30 seconds or until they are sick to their stomachs from eating so many cookies ; .)

Silpat baking sheets. Buy some. One of the most amazing baking implements ever created. These babies allow for perfect, unbroken, delicate sugar cookies every time. Really, you should get some if you bake, its a must.

Hungry yet???

Happy Heart Day!

My sistor made this little bag for me for Valentines Day. You can't see this in the photo, but the skeleton is outlined with glitter. Isn't it wonderful?! No hearts, she knows me so well!!! ; .)

By Special Request

Whos down in Whoville. That big pink thing in the background is "the Clover" upon which the Whos dustspeck was placed by Horton. Whos and Speck are actually smaller than they appear : .) (Photo courtesy of MadRetz & Willow Grace)


Happy Whos Celebrating Christmas After Grinch's Heart Grew Three Sizes (Photo courtesy of MadRetz & Willow Grace)


Taking our bows! Grinch, me, Adult Who 1 and Adult Who 2 (Photo courtesy of MadRetz & Willow Grace)


Final Performance...Me, Cat in the Hat (KT) and Cindy Lou Who (Sis)

Last summer I was in the musical Seussical which is based on the Dr. Seuss stories, Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and the story of Mazie and Gertrude. (I don't know all my Seuss titles, if you can believe ths, my mom didn't read those books to my sister and I when we were kids.) Essentially, I was challenged by a co-worker, Kris, who directs multi-generational, funded only by donation, stage productions every year for her church. It was like a dare, so I had to. Mind you, I DON'T ACT! Uh, and I don't sing (unless I'm in my car where I'm a real rock star), and I only dance when no one is looking. (I'm quite good then! Never mind that I taught aerobics for 5 years.)

AnyWho (hee!) I did all three, on stage, 4 shows, in front of A LOT of people, friends and family included. I agreed because my little friend Sis said she would do it if Auntie did it. I needed Sis to hold my hand. So, there we were, Cindy Lou Who, with me as her mom, Linda Lou Who.

I loved the process of creating a musical, even more than being on stage. I loved spending my summer with so many talented children. (Adults too!) I loved the challenge of doing something that really scared me. I LOVED wearing those happy faced boxer shorts, obnoxious eye make-up and that fluorescent green hair!!! What a fantastic experience! I have the dvd, if you want to watch!!! : .)

Martinis and Moonlight

Hangin' the other night with my friend Ny, enjoying the moonlight, conversation and keeping warm by the fire-pit. I couldn't get the moon in focus (maybe it was the Appletinis), but in the end the pix is made tres cool by coloring it in PhotoShop Elements.

The original...



Submitted to Thursday Challenge, Theme: Tree

Running Shoes

My running shoe collection consisting of trail runners mostly manufactured by ASICS, which stands for "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano," a sound mind in a sound body. How cool is that?

I had 6 more pairs of various running shoes, but I donated them to a local shelter before Christmas.

Submitted to Thursday Challenge - Theme: Group

Time Out Chair

I got busted a lot as a kid. Apparently, I had only 4 fingers when I was younger too.

The inner child heard "chair" and demanded to make a statement and thus, we have this left-handed pencil drawing.

Submitted to Illustration Friday - Theme: Chair

Jeff's Fluffy Friend

Aren't they just too cute together!?

Submitted to Lens Day -Theme: Fluffy