Build a Fire @ Home Plate Out of Your Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats

Nose

2009-03-10T16:53:00.001-05:00

Why the HELL does it smell like buttered biscuits around here???

Who, me?

2009-03-04T23:55:00.001-06:00

Who, me?
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

Bath Abbey

2009-03-04T09:00:00.001-06:00

Bath Abbey
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

Old photos!

Promontory from Carreg Cennen Castle

2009-03-03T15:26:00.001-06:00

Promontory from Carreg Cennen Castle
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

A Lion in Trafalgar Sqaure

2009-03-01T23:32:00.001-06:00

A Lion in Trafalgar Sqaure
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

From 1998...

mozzarella

2009-02-28T13:22:00.001-06:00

mozzarella
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

I MADE CHEESE!!! Not the greatest picture, but that IS a ball of mozzarella I made with the cheesemaking kit I purchased! I was pretty worried at first: my curds were very soft. I don't think I put in as much rennet as I should have. I was able to save the cheese, though, but letting the curds sit longer, and heating it a bit more very carefully. Poured off all the whey, and started microwaving the curds until I hit the right temp (135). And then....STRETCH! It was so cool! It does pull just like taffy and then it gets shiny. Slapped it back into ball shape and PRESTO! Cheese! It's a little on the bland side (yes, I did use cheese salt), but it is definitely mozzarella. I am so excited!

Wednesdays

2009-02-17T12:24:00.001-06:00

Oh how routine it has all become.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Why? Because it's payday. Which means it's another opportunity to stuff $ into my apartment fund. I also got more hours in on the PT gig than I have been...hopefully this means I can sock away an even bigger chunk.

And then...Thursday. Which I look forward to because Thursday is YOGA DAY!!!

Lincoln

2009-02-15T15:54:00.001-06:00

This show on Lincoln on PBS is fascinating. Henry Louis what'shislastname...man has got BALLS. He went to a Confederate Convention in North Carolina to get their views on Lincoln. In case you don't know, HL is a black man. He is basically going into an all white bastion. Well, they just trotted out some black descendents of a slave who saved his master's life several time...huh, very interesting.

Still, hearing these people's bitching and moaning about how if Lincoln had been at Nuremburg trials, he'd have been hung. *rolls eyes* WHATEVER.

Eww

2009-02-12T12:43:00.000-06:00

Someone brought in some real foul smelling lunch. It smells like overcooked cauliflower and/or cabbage.

NASTY.

I'm outta here for a few!!

The Library

2009-02-11T11:40:00.001-06:00

The library is a wonderful place to save money. I have placed a hold for two books that I want, but don't want to spend $ on (since I have that apartment thing obviously).

Tyle Florence: Dinner at My Place

Ricki Carrol: Home Cheese Making

Yes, I am weird. But I have not spent money.

And I will make photocopies and save the cool shit!

Fantastic

2009-02-02T11:30:00.001-06:00

I put myself on the daily giveaway email list for Women's Health Mag. Today's offer? The Babeland We Vibe.

NIIIIIIIICE.

When do C&P report?

2009-02-01T18:15:00.001-06:00

Is it just me or:

1) is this a BORING fucking Super Bowl

2) lame ass commercials

Mid-day

2009-01-30T11:37:00.001-06:00

I wrote a little to the IL GOP, which required me to briefly visit their website in order to get their email. I was pissed at McKenna's "IL Dems should apologize to IL" bullshit from yesterday. He also called Quinn a "political opportunist".

Listen, fucker, people in glass houses should not throw stones. I don't recall you fuckers apologizing for George Ryan! The fact is, BOTH PARTIES have a problem with corruption.

Quinn was also the Lt. Gov. The Lt. Gov's job is to step in if the Gov can't serve (or is a pompous lobcock who got his ass ousted).

Please, not even a day - not even a FEW HOURS - and the GOoPers think they can start swinging their dicks around, splattering everyone with piss.

***

I wish that asshole sibling of mine would hurry up and cash the damn check he made me write him. I don't want to think like I have more money in my account than I actually do. If he still hasn't cashed it in 30 days...I'm fucking putting a stop payment order on it. THAT would lead to all sorts of fun, I'm sure.

Speaking of money...damn, where did it all go this week? Srsly. I didn't spend on gratuitous shit, either. I keep reminding myself: APARTMENT. I have <i>just</i> enough for a one month deposit now. Now working on first month's rent. Assuming I get any tax refund, that will also be dumped into the pot.

I need to grocery shop. Probably Saturday. There goes the rest of the funds. I hope I get some significant work to do over the weekend from the PT gig...next week could be a shock what with starting to pay more bullshit.

***

Suggestion Box - thanks for the apartment-get list suggestions. VERY good ideas.

Rebuttal

2009-01-29T13:16:00.001-06:00

Best line?

"He does NOT have a Constitutional right to be Governor. That is a privelege!"

Damn straight. He gets his rights to fight for his freedom in a criminal trial, which this most decidedly isn't!

Governor Twit[ters]

2009-01-28T15:55:00.001-06:00

Twit:

Gov. urging supporters to contact Illinois state senators to urge them to allow him to bring witnesses to show he did nothing wrong

YOU MUST BE SHITTING ME. You had EVERY opportunity to participate in the process and did not deign to join! YOU FUCKING SNOOZE YOU FUCKING LOSE. You get your precious closing argument and that's it you fucking pompous asshole!

Also: auditors are where it's at, I have decided. it's the lowly number crunchers who bring the big guys down.

Pay Day

2009-01-28T14:28:00.001-06:00

Oh pay day, how I love thee. Now, to figure out the best use of my funds.

Blago trial day 3

2009-01-28T10:31:00.001-06:00

The questions being fielded to Rep Rose are entirely stupid and beyond the scope of what he was brought in to clarify. WTF?

This is a waste of time. THIS is why they were moving to reduce the witnesses to ONLY THOSE WITH DIRECT KNOWLEDGE. Everything Rose is being asked is SPECULATION, and would in fact, not fly in a federal trial.

This is strictly political showboating at this point by the Republicans.

Yet another reason to avoid CS and HFCS...?

2009-01-27T19:31:00.001-06:00

<a href=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28877253/>Studies find mercury in much U.S. corn syrup

Former FDA scientist finds detectable amounts in 9 of 20 samples</a>

Blago's PR group uses Twitter

2009-01-27T15:59:00.001-06:00

Oh for fuck's sake.

https://twitter.com/PublicityAgency/status/1152103565

Can you reply to these Tweets? Seriously. Because I want to rip this guy a new one.

Blago

2009-01-27T10:14:00.001-06:00

Listening to the audio of the Blago Senate Trial. Pretty rote and dry. Going over Agent Cain's paperwork, basically reading back sections of the affadavits and asking him to confirm the truth of what's contained. Process of how wiretaps are approved, confirmed. Nothing sexy yet.

This would all be made quite interesting had Blago bothered to show up. I'm sure his attorneys would have been objecting. As it is, by not bothering to defend himself, it becomes a one-sided conversation.

Not that I mind.

OMG - Apartment hunting

2009-01-27T08:35:00.001-06:00

WHY did I look on Craigslist for apartments? WHY?

There are some absolutely GORGEOUS looking ones. Ugh. This is killing me.

Bookshelf

2009-01-25T12:11:00.001-06:00

I can only say I am morbidly impressed with how much I had managed to cram into one little bookshelf.

I have TWO packing boxes full of books and DVDs, and yet there is MORE stuff still on my bookshelf.

Well, the shelf is obviously much less cluttered. I've kept only my favorite stand-bys on the shelf: some select Brit lit, Doctor Who, poetry, teaching and knitting books, P&P and S&S DVDs...

I'm out of boxes at the present. This week I shall buy more. I'm going to ask around and see if there is anyone who would let me keep these boxes in a corner of their garage or something. I would ask my friend, J, but she lives in Zion and I'm sorry, but NO WAY.

Just after 12. I wonder how quickly I can do the bathroom cabinet, or if I should just shove off and go to the gym first.

Are you kidding me

2009-01-23T10:30:00.001-06:00

<a href=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28811690/>"Tech-savvy" Pope takes to You Tube</a>

Too bad your stupid heirarchy and rules are still stuck in the fucking Dark Ages!

WTF

2009-01-23T07:57:00.001-06:00

Blago compares what he's going through to "Pearl Harbor"?!

You've got some fucking nerve, jackass.

Please, can I interest some Japanese people in doing a re-enactment on his ass? Let's also get Godzilla while we're at it!

Chinese New Year

2009-01-22T08:50:00.001-06:00

Hey! CNY is jan 26 (monday). Year of the Ox, apparently. What do we know about Ox years? Anyone? I'm looking at YOU, Co.

Blagowif

2009-01-22T08:18:00.001-06:00

Subject deliberate.

Apparently, Patty Blago was just fired from her job at a charity org for the homeless.

Even the homeless can do better than the Blagos!

Red Eye

2009-01-21T07:33:00.001-06:00

If you can, get the Chicago edition of Red Eye mag. NICE little recaps of yesterday. The interior of the cover wraparound has the full address. The back page of the outside cover has a beautiful full page shot of President and Mrs. dancing...someone said it on the radio this morning: they do look like the toppers on a wedding cake.

And that is a happy thought.

CHANGE

2009-01-20T11:57:00.000-06:00

Free at last! Free at last, from eight years of tyranny and oppression. From eight years of lies, deception, murder and the raping of our Constitutional rights. I can finally feel reassured that there is a thinking, caring individual in charge of this nation. He may, he will, mess up, but I trust he will not deliberately screw people over like Bush and Cheney did.
I am just. So. Happy.

Funny memory

2009-01-19T13:34:00.001-06:00

I just remembered this!

At one point during the K&J panel, the question was asked "what one thing would you change about yourself". Sean Marshall was having a hard time coming up with something until he said "I don't know. My face is crooked!" Reed starts laughing. I guess, they had been on a plane flight, getting into the cocktails, and Reed had looked at him and said, "Your face....is crooked!"

ZOMG! Reply from Kathy O'Malley

2009-01-19T09:29:00.001-06:00

I am convinced that the WGN radio personalities are some of the nicest people on the planet.

1. I got John Williams' autograph on Saturday. He asked me my name - said "that's pretty" (aaaawwww) and then we talked about his hot water/extremely cold air experiment. His autograph includes the word "POOF!" in reference to the experiment.

2. I sent an email last night to Kathy O'Malley. She and Judy hosted the "Not For Women Only" Panel which had Theriot, Samardzija, Marshall, Johnson and the new dude Miles. She replied back! How cool!

--- On Sun, 1/18/09, O'Malley, Kathy <komalley@tribune.com> wrote:

From: O'Malley, Kathy <komalley@tribune.com>
Subject: RE: WEBMAIL: Not For Women Only panel
To:
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2009, 9:47 PM

Yep, it's a fun time, especially when the guys are as fun as this panel was! Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for taking the time to say so. ko  ________________________________  From:  Sent: Sun 1/18/2009 3:43 PM To: KathyOMalley@wgnradio.com Subject: WEBMAIL: Not For Women Only panel    This is an enquiry e-mail via http://wgnradio.com <http://wgnradio.com/>  from: [me]

Kathy (and Judy):  I just attended my first Cubs Convention this past weekend. I am so glad I went to the panel you hosted. I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. Thanks for the laughs! I hope it gets posted on the website!

Pilot

2009-01-16T08:59:00.001-06:00

How 'bout that pilot who landed the plane safely in the Hudson?

Damn, dude.

I think he gets a free pass on, like, everything for the rest of his life, long may it be!

Kettlebell

2009-01-14T13:05:00.001-06:00

I just bought this on Amazon: <a href=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00109Y1SW>GoFit Kettlebells the Iron Core Way DVD Volume 1</a>. Whee. I still had some gift card money left over, so I really only paid for shipping on that.

Should be interesting...!

Exhausted

2009-01-12T19:06:00.001-06:00

I didn't go to sleep at a decent time last night, and now I am exhausted.

I did the one piece of work I had to do since coming home from the gym. I think I am going to take a quick shower and then tuck in. About the only thing a blizzardy white-out would be good for tomorrow is: sleeping in, telecommuting, and making the new chili recipe I have.

Although god DAMN did I want a cookie really badly this evening.

SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder BECAUSE THIS WEATHER BLOWS)

2009-01-12T10:36:00.001-06:00

Dude, that's fucking IT.

With bitter cold and more snow (blizzard warning?!) projected this week, I am making an appointment for the tanning salon. Yes, I know the dangers, believe me, but I am not a big fake baker. Sometimes, when the winter is just fucknuts crazy, I go in just to feel warm for a few minutes and feel like it's sunny. It's more for my mood than for any vanity about my pastey-white skin.

Ugh.

Oh. I'm gonna have to cover up my tattoo, shit. I don't want that to get faded.

Just a question [Blago] Couppa, two tree actually

2009-01-09T14:50:00.001-06:00

To the disabled people and parents of the children acting as props for Blago in his recent one man stage act:

how much were you paid?

Oh, one more question: do you have no shame?

And another: are you really disabled, or just getting paid to fake it by Blago?

Stay cl-assy.

Found this gem via twitter: <a href=http://jensmusings.com/?p=100>Top 10 Reasons Patterson Voted Against Impeachment</a>

Apartment $

2009-01-09T13:09:00.001-06:00

Checked my bank account today. I have a nice chunk of cash set aside towards a deposit for an apartment. Still not enough, but it's a good chunk and that makes me happy.

Oh my god - WGN Radio

2009-01-09T09:21:00.001-06:00

OMG. Kathy and Judy on WGN are so fucking <i>ignorant</i> when it comes to the impeachment process. It grates on my nerves. jesus, you'd think they'd read up on the process since it's all they're going to be talking about during their show today!

They didn't understand what the role of the Senate is in the impeachment process! They don't know how many Senators there are (well, neither do I, but I'd find out about it, and then combine this with the other shit they didn't know...). They didn't understand that Blago stays in office UNTIL the Senate returns a verdict (again, not understanding the process).

*rolls eyes*

letter to Jesse White

2009-01-08T09:51:00.001-06:00

I submitted an email to Jesse White (IL SoS)

<i>Dear Mr. White:

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for taking a stand and refusing to certify Blago's appointment. I know this has made you feel caught in the middle, but I'm glad I have someone I can respect for doing the right thing. I feel that anyone foolish enough to accept an appointment by the deeply tainted Blago has NO business "serving us". Burris just looks like a power-hungry freak willing to sacrifice all honor to get something he was never able to succeed in getting elected to earlier in his career.

I realize it will all probably be a moot point and that Burris will probably get seated against many of our wishes, but I did want to say thank you for your stance. </i>

DISGUSTED

2009-01-07T16:03:00.001-06:00

Harry Reid is a fucking bitch.

They're going to cave to that pompous motherfucking asshole Burris. GOD I WANT TO SCREAM.

What the fuck is wrong with the Illinois Legislature? Blago should have been kicked out WEEKS AGO NOW.

Special K

2009-01-07T15:37:00.001-06:00

I'm about to try this "Protein Water Mix" (Pink Lemonade) that Special K puts out. I have to try one of these things that actually tastes good.

It is VERY pink.

*shake shake shake*

I'll be damned. It doesn't taste half bad.

"Soft, cool palette"

2009-01-06T08:59:00.001-06:00

Why is it, that EVERY spring's "soft, cool palette" is always NAVY BLUE?

Bleargh. I fucking hate "spring collections". Same boring shit every single time.

Worse, if it's NOT Navy, then it's those annoying neon colors and who the fuck wears that?!

Dear Universe

2009-01-05T15:47:00.001-06:00

When I said I was bored, that did not authorize you to "enliven" my day by fucking sending Milton Bradley to the Cubs.

Seriously. I'm not going to give a ripping shit about this team this year.

Must go buy Indians hat.

OH. MY. GOD.

2009-01-05T11:08:00.001-06:00

They're already trying to push forward JEB BUSH for President.

*gags*

That whole family is like a bunch of cockroaches. They need to be ERADICATED. May their sperm die, may their uteri be BARREN.

OH. MY. GOD.

2009-01-05T11:07:00.000-06:00

They're

Health

2009-01-05T10:22:00.001-06:00

A ha ha ha ha ha...

The check-in date for my ambitious weight loss goal is February 24th: FAT TUESDAY.

Oh, the irony. I hope it will be "Less Fat" Tuesday.

Waaaah! ESPN 1000

2009-01-04T17:25:00.001-06:00

Mac, Jurko and Harry usually talked with Mark DeRosa over the season. They just had a call with him about the trade on 1/2. :(

The <a href=http://query-origin.andohs.net/8000A6/content-root3.andomedia.com/origin/mp3/stations/990/mjh/mjh090102.mp3>damn link doesn't work though!</a> I've reported it as a bug, but has anyone else gotten it to work previously?

Food bars

2009-01-02T12:19:00.001-06:00

Holy cow. I've figured it out. <a href=http://www.atkins.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=35>These taste exactly like Coco Crispies.</a>

The Hill

2009-01-02T11:39:00.001-06:00

Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

Here's hoping any hills you have to climb in '09 are easy, and afford a great view.

Clapotis, Paris Version

2008-12-30T14:14:00.001-06:00

Clapotis, Paris Version
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

Second Clapotis scarf I'm knitting. Fast this time through. Same type of yarn (Casbah sock yarn from Hand Maiden - a Canadian group), but the colorway is "Paris". Very pretty.

WHAT THE FUCKING HELL?!

2008-12-30T12:32:00.001-06:00

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/30/illinois.senate/index.html

BLAGO TO APPOINT OBAMA'S SUCCESSOR?! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

THIS IS FUCKING OUTRAGEOUS! GOD DAMN MOTHERFUCKING ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE, DICKING ABOUT ! IMPEACH THIS MOTHERFUCKING ALREADY! IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A FUCKING DAY!

More White Trash

2008-12-30T08:10:00.001-06:00

Sarah Palin's "family values" continues into the next generation: <a href=http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/12/sarah_palins_grandson_what_a_t.html>her daughter just gave birth to a boy</a>, Tripp. Yeah, great job with the stupid names, too.

Wonder if he'll grow up to be as rabidly moronic (and a high school dropout) as the rest of his clan?

Short Update

2008-12-29T06:06:00.001-06:00

Gotta go run and catch the Metra.

Dear GOD, I don't know WHAT it was, but something did not like me that I ate. I don't think it was the drink. I mean, yes, I am a tequila wuss, but it was only ONE margarita and I've never felt like THAT after a margarita.

Horrible nausea and a headache, even after I took some advil.

I literally got out of bed, and lay down on the tiles in the bathroom with my head against the (cool) tub. That was the thing that sort of steadied me. I was in there for maybe 10 minutes and was finally able to get the nausea under control.

Igg.

Band of Brothers, Spiers God of War

2008-12-27T18:47:00.001-06:00

Holy fuck. Band of Brothers is on History Channel. It's the episode where Spiers takes over for the incompetent ass at Foy.

Jesus. Watching this part just astounds me every time. Spiers ran STRAIGHT INTO the German line...AND BACK. Unreal.

COMMUTE THIS

2008-12-22T20:16:00.001-06:00

Jesus fucking Christ. I don't think I can come up with anything to say about my commute back to the city other than I AM SICK OF THESE FUCKING ASSHOLES CUTTING IN FRONT OF ME AND WHAT A FUCKING LONG DRIVE. It took me OVER an HOUR. And it wasn't even snowing!

And of course, I come back here to discover piles of nice, juicy cat puke. This, of course, was after I'd already been back to my place today and found crusty DRY cat puke there.

Double cat-puke duty. Lovely.

I slammed a bowl of soup in the microwave and then grabbed the bottle of white wine I started yesterday. I took a couple swigs OUT OF THE BOTTLE. Screw the glass.

I am so tired.

I am sitting next to the gas fireplace - cranked on high - wrapped in a blanket.

Missing

2008-12-22T12:31:00.001-06:00

I miss the Cubs so much I'm even doing searches on TED LILLY.

I FUCKING HATE WINTER, PART ELEVENTY

2008-12-21T18:07:00.000-06:00

This is going to be one FUCKING MISERABLE winter. Ugh.

I was outside for over an HOUR in this BRUTAL COLD, trying to get my car unstuck. This is one instance where I would not mind having a truck because the undercarriage would sit higher. There was no way in hell I was going to get unstuck myself. Two enterprising young guys in a trashy pickup were driving around, towing people out all day. They stopped by me and eventually got me unstuck. (I'm just hoping I don't have any damage to the undercarriage!) I gave them all the money I had in my wallet - probably around $24.

I then drove to Whole Foods.

It was a good thing I went through all this hassle today instead of trying to do it tomorrow morning. I am definitely getting up at the asscrack of dawn to drive to work. I'm HOPING city streets and sanitation will come by and plow the streets again - to get where everyone has been parked - but I'm extremely doubtful.

I'll have to run and do some errands while I'm up in the 'burbs. Check on my own cats, change the litter, etc.

GOD.

It is so cold and miserable, I am contemplating going to a tanning booth just to feel warm. Guh.

WINTER SUCKS

2008-12-21T11:09:00.001-06:00

DEAR FREAKING GOD:

The wind chill makes it feel like it is NEGATIVE 30F!!! Are you fucking kidding me? It's -4F without the bloody wind chill.

Guh.

I think this effectively settles the question of my leaving the place to go to the gym. I would have to walk at least half a mile in this to the Addison stop and wait for the train. In that time, my face will probably want to fall off. It's Rodney Yee yoga video time here.

I also have leftover chicken noodle soup. NO NEED TO GO OUT. I had thought about venturing outside to do a little more shopping, but HELL NO.

I still don't know what my plans are for tomorrow. I should take the train to work, but...I need to pick up some more stuff from home. In order to do that, I would have to drive. Ugh. If I want to drive, I'm gonna have to leave real early. Well, maybe not, I'm sure the drive will be light - most people will have taken off work Mon already.

Oh great. And the high tomorrow is supposed to be 10F. Again, the windchill will knock that back to -4F.

SUCK SUCK SUCK

Coffee or Black Tar

2008-12-21T10:10:00.001-06:00

Good LORD, I just made some black-ass coffee. I should not be allowed to use a conventional coffee maker. A french plunge pot I can do just fine, but the regular thing? Nuh-uh.

Oatmeal, check.

Time to do some work. Blargh. Boy, am I glad I have a TWO DAY WORK WEEK!!! WOOT!

I just wish this were my actual living space. It's rather pleasant being at the dining room table, with the blinds open and light coming in.

Except Ouzo is occasionally yowling his fool head off.

Sat

2008-12-20T22:36:00.001-06:00

Yaaaaawn.

Went and did a lot of walking in cold snowiness, but it was a good day. I bought a thoroughly evil holiday baking book at Hanger 18 (16? 14?) in Lincoln Square. I mean, really, do I NEED another cookbook full of evil deliciousness? The short answer is probably not, BUT OH MY GOD it looks so evil good.

Have been knitting scarf for a bit. Need to finish by xmas eve!!

Madelines & pan

2008-12-18T23:09:00.001-06:00

Madelines & pan
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

My second batch of madelines. Gorgeous. Slightly different recipe this time around. This one used cardamom. I've never used cardamom before - it was rather strange and exotic smelling to me.

WHAT THE FUCK

2008-12-17T22:25:00.001-06:00

Blago is an ASSHOLE. He wants his high-profile, high $$$$ attorney to BE PAID BY TAXPAYER DOLLARS? FUCK YOU.

Weather

2008-12-17T14:18:00.001-06:00

I'm gonna cry.

One of my co-workers who lives in Kenosha (just over the border) said her husband called and said we have a warning for 10-13" of ice/snow tomorrow night through Friday.

TEN TO THIRTEEN INCHES.

Now, I knew about the ice storm (possible 1-3" of THAT) coming tomorrow, but ALL THAT SNOW ON TOP OF IT?!

PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS A SCURRILOUS LIE!

Preparation, preparation, preparation

2008-12-17T11:46:00.001-06:00

It's the three most important things a Slayer can do, according to Wesley Wyndham Price.

I should go and get a new ice scraper tonight. You know, one that actually works. I'm sure I'll need it tomorrow.

The other thing is: I'm glad I have gainful employment. Seriously. I have the opportunity to get extra dollars since I'm helping out my old team. I fully plan on using that as much as possible in my push to GET OUT of my mom's house.

Come the first really good spring day, I am going to do some major culling of my crap in the garage. MAJOR.

You've got to be kidding me

2008-12-17T09:17:00.001-06:00

Drew Peterson (modern day Blue Beard) is engaged to a 23 year old woman. Bride #5 as it were.

When she ends up mysteriously dead, I won't be surprised. Nor will I be sorry. What stupid bitch would even go near him?!

W.T.F?

2008-12-16T17:28:00.001-06:00

I just got home. The roads are NASTY. I was listening to the radio - FOUR HOURS from Thorndale to downtown. Holy crap.

Anyhow, came home and got the mail. HOW THE FUCK did I get on the mailing list for the freaking CHAPEL? It's this stupid chain of churches in the area?

I very promptly called and left them a message telling them "I don't know HOW or WHY I'm on your mailing list, but I would very much prefer NOT to receive your mailings. If you could remove me as soon as possible, I would appreciate it." Then I gave the code that appeared on the mailer. I'm sure as hell not leaving my name. I hope that takes care of it. If not, I'll call at a time I can actually speak to someone (even though UGH).

Impeachment Hearings

2008-12-16T10:42:00.001-06:00

Impeachment hearings for Blago now on.

Dear GOD: is EVERY single fucking member of the co (20?) going to waste five minutes or more going ON AND ON about how "serious" the allegations are, "take this duty very seriously", WAH WAH WAH WAAAAAH?

*rolls eyes*

SERIOUSY, people. Get a fucking MOVE ON already. I don't need to listen to you yap on about how honored you are to serve and how seriously you take this. I should think that goes without saying.

This just seems like more stalling, like you guys are fucking scared TO DO YOUR JOB. HURRY UP AND GET HIM OUT!

All Chicago All the Time

2008-12-15T18:53:00.001-06:00

Holy crap. Arne Duncan gonna be named Sec of Ed.

Deeeamn.

Cluck Cluck

2008-12-15T10:58:00.001-06:00

I don't know why, well, okay I do, but this is cool:

<a href=http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/green/chi-city-chickens-15-dec15,0,1181076.story>Chickens earning their keep in Chicago backyards</a>

That chicken in the initial video shot is pretty.

I like the idea of keeping chickens. Fresh eggs - you know where they came from. You know what you fed the chickens. I bet they do become friendly pets.

I'm in a "nesting" stage of life (pun probably intended). If only I had the money. I would love to have a big vegetable garden and a couple chickens. I like the idea of producing at least some of my own food.

Yes, but who's paying?

2008-12-15T10:06:00.001-06:00

Yeah. See, the GOP is all about saving money when it's THEIR money. When it's money to be spent on advancing them, then it's SPEND SPEND SPEND.

Normally, if our country weren't crashing into the next Great Depression, I'd be all for a special election. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? When IL is one of 43 states facing severe budget shortfalls, somehow, spending $12 million to elect a Senator chaps my fucking hide! And of course, the Goopers are already spending money on ad campaigns to "pressure Dems for a special election". There you go: your Goopers spending our money once again.

I'm willing to let slide and have Quinn appoint someone as an interim Senator because WE DO NOT HAVE TWELVE MILLLLLLLLLION.

<i>The GOP also plans to run television ads pressuring Democrats to approve a special election to replace Obama. Blagojevich still holds the power to appoint a new senator, and if he resigned, that power would go to Democratic Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn.

Illinois Republican Party chairman Andy McKenna told reporters the ads will "make the point that this is the people's seat, and the people deserve a special election."</i>

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28236008

Muntadhar al-Zeidi

2008-12-15T08:07:00.001-06:00

Dear Muntadhar al-Zeidi,

I only wish you'd actually hit that fucker with your shoe, but nice try! We should declare a "Shoe Day" shouldn't we?

OMMFG

2008-12-15T07:43:00.001-06:00

WHY am I at work. I am the first one on my team in today (7:30). I couldn't sleep worth crap last night, what with the sounds of rain turning to pelting ice pellets.

It took at least thirty minutes for me to (1) open my doors and (2) scrape a hole to see through my windshield. My arms feel like they're about to fall off.

I should have just stayed home. No one else besides my boss and maybe the other contractor will show up. Not even the person who lives ACROSS THE BLOODY STREET will come in, and she could walk to work!

I should have. SHOULD HAVE. I could have just done my training session from home anyways, since it's a telecom.

*grumbles, weeps with tiredness*

Oh, damn you

2008-12-14T21:41:00.001-06:00

I finally downloaded that game of the Cubs and Rockies when we came back from 9-1 on the 30th of May. Back before...well, everything.

Scott Eyre pitched in that game. Bitterness. See?! See?! He gets traded and goes to the damn club that winds up winning everything.

We should have won it, there was absolutely NO EXCUSE. God, I shouldn't have watched it..now I'm all agitated again.

Who wants to bet that the Cleveland Indians win it in 09 because Kerry Wood got traded to them? Who wants to bet?

2008-12-13T19:58:00.001-06:00

Testing

Baseball WTF

2008-12-13T19:28:00.001-06:00

Someone explain to me WHY we extended contracts (again) to Cedeno and WUERTZ? Jesus effin Christ.

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081212&content_id=3715560&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

And much as I harp on about Marsuck, getting rid of him only to pick up certified asshole Milton Bradley seems pretty damn stupid.

Oh, and Neal Cotts will be back. *cough* H *cough*

At least Reed is back.

Madigan Asks IL SC to Oust Blago

2008-12-12T12:41:00.000-06:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081212/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor

He's got to go, yes, but I'm a little wary as Rep. Franks is...doing this would set a potentially dangerous legal precedent. I would prefer he be impeached. It's clear he isn't going to step down. Idiot is still declaring he's innocent and will be proven so.

Fucking narcissist.

And the funny keeps coming

2008-12-12T08:50:00.001-06:00

From The Chicago Trib, Phil Rosenthal's column gives a farewell to Spike O'Dell (the really GOOD morning host for WGN 720 AM), inserting a little amusing humor from the recent Blago scandal...

The final Spike: Spike O'Dell wraps up nearly 22 years at Chicago Tribune parent Tribune Co.'s WGN-AM 720 and almost nine as host of its popular morning program with Friday's 5-to-9 a.m. farewell show from the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.

As part of O'Dell's finale, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, the state's highest-ranked official not in trouble with the feds, is scheduled to present the anti-shock jock a proclamation declaring it "Spike O'Dell Day" in Illinois.

You know, a thing like that is bleeping golden.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-fri_phil_rosenthaldec12,0,3893600.column

You're better off f*#king a dead horse

2008-12-11T09:34:00.001-06:00

Oh Jon...I LOVE YOU SO.

From the man who brought you "It's like hunting COWS" the other day...

BoA sucks ass

2008-12-08T14:45:00.001-06:00

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard that factory workers at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago are peacefully occupying the place of their former employment. The factory was abruptly shut down. The company had lost its line of credit from Bank of America and claimed they could no longer keep the location open because of it.

Union contract stipulates that 60 days notice or 60 days severance (+ unused vacation pay) be given - none of which was given to the workers. Nada, zip, zilch, zero. Pretty much a "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out".

SO, Bank of America gets bailed out at the taxpayer's expense, and what do they do? Screw over the average hard working American, of course!

I had two lines of credit for computer purchases that were under BoA in the past. Usurious interest rates. I emailed them and said the wouldn't be getting any future business from me - not even to use their ATMs. They don't need to be making $3 a pop off of me so I can withdraw my own damn money.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/08/chicago.labor.protest/index.html

lyric opera

2008-12-07T22:10:00.001-06:00

lyric opera
Originally uploaded by feigenbaum_04

If you can't beat them [fairly], steal, steal, steal...

2008-12-04T08:08:00.001-06:00

And the Rethuglican shenanigans continue. You all hear Alan Keyes (the nutjob black guy who ran against and was soundly whopped by Obama in the Senate election) is ONE of SEVERAL lawsuits trying to get the election overturned?

Some asshats claim Obama wasn't born in the U.S. You fucking dumbasses. Hawaii has backed up Obama's birth certificate.

*rolls eyes*

Just like always. Republicans can't win fair and square, so they try to steal. Party of "morality" my fucking ass.

For those of you who like to bake

2008-12-03T15:48:00.001-06:00

Chicago Tribune had a holiday cookie contest. There are some good looking recipes.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-holiday-cookies-3dec03,0,7691018.story

Of course, I think my almond buttersticks would have bitchslapped most of the contest entries around, but...I did not know about this.

Did I mention...

2008-12-03T13:15:00.001-06:00

I dreamed about being on a sheep/goat/things you can make yarn out of farm last night? I'm getting rather fixated on yarn.

Zug

2008-12-03T09:21:00.001-06:00

Holy crap I'm tired. I hate winter. I hate how it gets dark so freaking early. All I want to do is hibernate.

I came home last night, had some dinner, and then sat in bed to do a little knitting. (Trying to finish the left mitten.) I was intending to get up and do my yoga videa after digesting, but I could barely stay awake to knit. I was lying in bed, in my dark room, by 7:30.

Pathetic.

I Am....Mrs. Brian Roberts

2008-12-02T12:54:00.001-06:00

You see, Mrs. Brian Roberts is my "take-no-prisoners" alter ego*.

Mrs. Brian Roberts gets a meeting invitation for FOUR PM. ON A FREAKING FRIDAY. Looks at it, and says who the fuck do you think you are? And then hits DECLINE.

Four pm. On a FRIDAY. During the HOLIDAY SEASON. You must be out of your goddamned fucking mind.

ERRRRP! Thanks for playing! Here's a year's supply of a dog food as a parting gift.

*For some stupid reason, when I punch in my telephone number to bring up my club card at Dominick's, it's under "Brian Roberts". WTF? So the cashiers look at the receipt and say "Thank you for shopping at Dominick's Mrs. Roberts." Okay, yeah, whatever. I hope Mr. Roberts is well-endowed and keeps Mrs. happy.

Blargh - A Complainy Post

2008-12-01T13:27:00.001-06:00

I am so fucking bored today.

My shoulders are tense. I'm trying to make sure I don't hunch my shoulders up by my ears like I tend to do.

I dislike the dreary light outside right now. I hate that winter-snow light; it's flat, dull and so ungraceful and unflattering to everything.

Cyber-Monday? My email was stuffed with "SHOP TODAY! ZOMG SALE!!!!" emails. Zug. I just can't work up the desire to purchase much of anything right now. Not even that salt lamp. I'd probably get it and be like "meh" once it arrived. The one thing I *really* want (and need!) is a new Macbook. Except I do NOT have the $2200 for the one I want. I literally have no more hard drive space on my old Mac. There was one MLB game I tried to download from iTunes, but can't because I HAVE NO SPACE. I have to offload a bunch of shit and so some serious file cleanup.

I have to finish a few more gift purchases and I really have no desire to do that either. LOVELY xmas.

Ugh. So bored.

No Black Friday for me

2008-11-27T22:02:00.001-06:00

I think I have convinced myself not to go shopping tomorrow. This is good.

I will probably be up ridiculously early anyway, because of the dog, but I don't want to drive to Woodfield. I've done shopping for most people already. If I went, I'd just be tempted to buy for myself.

I think the only thing I may do is buy some Illuminations Fresh Air candles for myself, but I can do that online. They have a nice flat shipping rate. Yay for avoiding shopping crowds!!

Yep. I do believe I will be good and get my ass to the gym tomorrow in the morning.

So. Damn. Tired.

2008-11-27T09:16:00.001-06:00

I'm going to need a couple days off AFTER I finish this pet-sitting gig. *groans*

I have barely gotten any sleep. I can't sleep very well when the dog is in his bed near mine, grunting and whuffing and getting up to turn and what not EVERY FIVE FUCKING MINUTES. And then he wants to go outside at like FOUR AM.

So I get up, I let him out. And let him back in. And hobble back to bed.

Only to get back up around 5:30 because they're all - dog and cats - bitching to be fed.

I finally managed to catch some sleep between five thirty and nine. Weird dreams. I dreamt I was in Hawaii and there were massive tornadoes off in the water. Yes, I know water and tornadoes aren't typically it, but they were many and massive. And scary.

I woke myself up making terrified noises.

Blah

2008-11-25T09:33:00.001-06:00

I feel so tired today. *yawn*

I am looking forward to having five days off in a row, that's for sure!

I plan to: veg, knit, do yoga, veg some more...maaaaybe do some shopping. I don't know. Tonight I go to the D's house to watch the pets/house until Sunday. They left this morning. I bought Forrest two chewy bones. That dog DESTROYS those bones in no time flat. It's pretty disturbing. I was over there last night to make sure I could access their wifi. Forrest was all "OMG! OMG! *pant pant pant* OMG! OMG!" Big lug.

This whole two-color tubular cast on I need to make for the Brioche Hat is pissing me right the hell off. It's fucking ridiculous and there are NO You Tubes of it that I can find. I really need to see it being done.

Nothing much going on at work right now, which is fine. I spent all day yesterday talking (three training sessions), and my throat is tired.

yayayayayayay

2008-11-20T14:48:00.001-06:00

I think my S4 Doctor Who discs finally arrived!!

*keeps fingers crossed*

At least, that's what the USPS site says!

Time to go home, yet?

2008-11-20T09:17:00.001-06:00

I did not want to get out of bed this morning.

I don't quite feel like I'm walking on this planet.

Work yesterday was busy. Still conducting trainings on the new (and infamously sputtering) program. My throat is tired and voice is raspy from talking so much. I left about 4pm and stopped off at the yarn shop in G-lake. I got the wrong kind of knitting needles for these mittens I want to make. That place is just evil. If I had any extra time, I would consider trying to get a part time job there, just so I could be surrounded by the yarn. THE YARN, THE YARN, THE GLORIOUS YARN!!!

Exchange done, I headed off to my massage appointment. First massage I've ever gotten, professionally speaking. It was nice. Very reasonably priced - I wasn't going to go somewhere and pay "Mario Tricoci" prices! She focused on my upper body, especially shoulders and neck since that is where I hold most of my tension. I was lying there on the table - with my face in that little oval resting spot so you can still breathe - and was trying to answer a question she had asked me. Really the only thing that wanted to come out of my mouth was "Uuuuhhhbbbbbllllllgggg..." I could barely talk. I think that massage is why I slept so hard and had trouble getting up this morning.

Went to Panera and grabbed a soup + 1/2 sandwich for dinner afterwards. Went to the mall for no good reason. NOTHING in the stores, which is probably a good thing. No one shopping either. It's going to be a miserable shopping season for the retailers. I did stop in to the new, revamped Godiva store. I think it looks way too cold and ugly now - all gray stone and cold glass. The old warm woods store was much more "chocolate friendly" if you ask me. I was just going to purchase a single dark chocolate caramel. The girl gave it to me free as a sample. How nice!

That mall has some idiot management though. They've crammed so many goddamn jewelers into that place it's ridiculous. You REALLY have that huge a market for jewelry where you can support about a dozen stores? REALLY? In this economy? I can totally see more of them moving out and that mall quite possibly tanking as a result. I would rather shop at Old Orchard or Woodfield, higher tax rate be damned. There's more selection of the things I actually need to buy - like clothes!

Went to Bally's after the mall and hit the elliptical for a while. Came home and crashed.

Tonight is yoga class.

Tomorrow evening I'm going to the D's after work to get the house key and 411 for when I pet & house/sit for them while they're away for Thanksgiving (five days). I hope to make about $250. I never really set a "fee" when I started doing this for them. I don't know what "the rate" is for this. I was just like "whatever is good" and they've been pretty good to me, so no complaints. $250 over 5 days is $50/day. I'm sure some babysitters get that much for a NIGHT's worth of work. Anyway, if I can get about that I think I will get myself the 32GB iPod touch. I got that spot award from work a couple weeks ago and purchased an Amazon gift certificate with it. That + the sitting money should put me nearly there. I would only have to pay $30-40 more (I'll also need a case for the thing).

Domestic Bliss

2008-11-19T08:57:00.001-06:00

Dear god. Sitting next to someone going through a split with their spouse just makes me...never want to get involved and have kids.

Seriously, I can count the number of "good, making it work" couples I know on one hand. Yes, they're inspiring, but jesus christ, everyone else is fucking MISERABLE.

In other news: I found an online coupon code (SNOW5) for The Popcorn Factory. Nom nom nom. I just got one of my friends a little popcorn gift thing. There's another one down.

What a fucking JOKE

2008-11-18T14:56:00.001-06:00

LIEberman KEEPS his Homeland Security chairmanship. This is utter BULLSHIT. Way to be pussies, Reid & Co.

When Lieberman backstabs you into oblivion again, don't come crying to me or the netroots. God am I pissed.

<a href=http://reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm>Fucking Harry Reid needs to be BOOTED as Majority Leader. Email him.</a>

This is what I sent:

<i>Congratulations on having NO spine, whatsoever. In an election where the American public OVERWHELMING voted for "change", you all decided to KEEP a known backstabber - Lieberman - in his cushy chairmanship. What were you thinking, or were you even thinking at all? It was never about "revenge", but there should be SOME accountability for Lieberman's gross disloyalty, attacking of Obama and kowtowing to the Bush regime. HE CAMPAIGNED FOR MCCAIN. What part of that don't you get?! The Homeland Security chair should be for a LOYAL Democrat. When he continues to backstab and scuttle Obama's plans, don't come crying to any of us in the netroots. I know I'm sure as heck going to be pushing for a new majority leader since you are clearly not pushing for the change WE THE VOTERS demanded!</i>

A small victory

2008-11-17T12:25:00.001-06:00

I was in need of something minty. So I went to the vending machine and purchased some overpriced Breath Savers. Seventy-five cents for a little roll!! Shit, those used to be .35 .

...

Then the machine kicked out two rolls instead of one.

SCORE.

Well, I think Cuban is out...

2008-11-17T11:31:00.001-06:00

Adding to the Cubs' woes...Mark Cuban was just charged with insider trading by the SEC.

*rolls eyes*

So now the guy who probably would have been the biggest cheerleader for the team is probably NOT going to be a buyer anymore is my guess. (Add this to Selig's already being prejudiced against him...)

What a waste

2008-11-17T11:22:00.001-06:00

...of a morning.

I got my ass up early and in to work to set up for another round of trainings I need to conduct for the new process we have. Supposed to have THREE today.

I'm cruising along...except the platform sort of isn't. Fucking servers are down. Can't even access the goddamn thing. Even better? Our completely inept IT people dedicated to us (yeah, some dedication) are off in freaking California at a convention.

HAD TO CANCEL ALL THE TRAININGS and will now have to reschedule.

This is ridiculous. Fucking IT is making me look bad.

Clapotis!

2008-11-16T20:29:00.001-06:00

At long last! I have finished the <a href=http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clapotis>Clapotis Scarf</a>!!!!

Woot!

It looks pretty good. All the ladder stitches wound up correct, which was a big relief. I started this back in May and was SO confused. I just left it on my needles for the longest time while I went on to do other projects. By the time I finally picked it back up in earnest late Oct/early Nov, it was suddenly "easy". I'd tackled other stitches and techniques that gave me a higher comfort level.

The "worst" part of it was the center part of the pattern - the length portion - because it went on FOREVER. Blah blah blah blah!

But now it is done, done, done. I think I will wear this at work tomorrow!

! Aggravation !

2008-11-14T11:03:00.001-06:00

GAWD. I just wish this OVERBEARING BORE of a woman would get OFF MY FREAKING CASE at work.

She's riding me for something I feel she doesn't even need to concern herself with. She's a micromanaging, take-the-credit-for-everything-that-isn't-her-own, pit-people-against-each-other type.

*sneers*

I'm fucking ignoring her emails.

HOLY HELL

2008-11-12T21:23:00.001-06:00

Score one more for the 1990s Clinton administration?

KO is covering this...apparently there may be a little known rule that Clinton enacted that would allow him to UNDO most of this last minute bullshit the Shrub is trying to slam through his lame duck session?

Dear God, KO and Lit

2008-11-12T21:13:00.001-06:00

Keith just referred to Dick Cheney with a POE reference! Cask of Amontillado!

Score One More!

2008-11-12T19:48:00.001-06:00

Begich overtakes CONVICTED FELON Stevens in the Alaska Senate race! Results are finally being tallied from the urban areas which were expected to go Begich's way.

OH PLEASE. PLEASE ELECT BEGICH. Because the last thing I want to see is: (1)Stevens - again CONVICTED FELON - get "re-elected", (2) be kicked out from the Senate for being a felon which results in (3) Palin nominating herself as the replacement Senator. Yes, she could do it. And has as much hinted she is interested in it during her recent interviews.

What a fucking attention whore.