Spidah-main!

A fellow lurker, waiting for the bus

Also Hanging out at 10th and Federal

A birdie

question and answer

fixed a year later due to dead picturetrail links.

oooh… good day, Sunday.

There’s an opening right next door to my brother’s apartment… I’d be two doors over from him, if I get it!

How cool would that be? very!

I hope it works out… it’s right near los olas, and downtown ft. lauderdale, but far enough away to be away from the crime and noise. Nearby bus routes and better amenities. *crossing fingers*

I’ll know more Monday night.

No dice on getting together with the hippies today, but I had a wonderful lunch and video-game session with the bro… not to mention just hanging out and talking.

Today’s NY Times has an article about the 22nd Annual National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention in Denver.

Some of the observations will resonate for Philip K. Dick fans; he was definitely on to something in “The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch.”

“It’s all about projecting themselves onto the Barbie. The most refreshing aspect of this event was hearing the participants acknowledge – even volunteer – that self-analysis. “I can’t afford a Mackie,” Ms. Ballard said.

“I can’t afford a Versace. But my Barbie can. And I can imagine myself wearing it.” No denial at this show. Terms like “vicarious,” “role-playing” and “projection” were tossed about like vinyl replacement parts.”

On the other hand, there were attendees that could afford Mackies and Versaces, but can only enjoy them in a Barbie state of mind.

“If this were a Hollywood movie, Ms. Baumer might be cast as an unfulfilled suburban housewife, fleeing to Denver, where Barbie could block out the emptiness of her existence. But she’s actually a physician and chairman of the family medicine department at the largest public hospital in Fort Worth.

Ms. Alegre is a registered nurse heading up two units at Ventura County Medical Center in California. She flew herself to Denver in her own Beechcraft T-34. And each woman raised children while pursuing her career.

But sometimes, they just want to have fun.

“We were really active in the feminist movement,” Dr. Baumer explained. “But it tended to ignore sexuality, which was kind of silly.” There were very few housewives at this convention. Most were successful professionals – ambitious overachievers eager to slip into four-inch pumps and marabou swing coats, toss back a couple of bonbons and savor the brief heady taste of a blissfully unambitious, Barbie lifestyle.”

Across the country there are housewives that are “closet collectors,” keeping their Barbies hidden in the upper shelves among the sweaters and spare blankets.

“They sneak off from families and husbands to nestle in among the shoe trees, pull down the treasured boxes and compose elaborate dioramas: Barbie facilitating a brainstorming session, Barbie treating trauma victims in the emergency room, Barbie embarking on a mission to outer space.”

There is a large peripheral industry supplementing the Barbie universe. Top designers are commissioned to produce signature gowns to Barbie dimensions, and every year there is a new wedding dress. Mattel is not the only manufacturer anymore. Although they are not licensed for the most part, there are companies that design clothing and accessories to Barbie dimensions for the enthusiast.

Whenever dolls crop up in horror or fantasy, the focus is on the eeriness of the doll itself. However, I find it is the relationship to the doll that is fascinating.

Navajo Talkers – the truth is more interesting to me than the movie, I think. 🙂

reprinted here for future writing reference –

Well, I now have three options for my next place of residence…. one sounds particularly good, as it’s still reasonably close by to my current domain, and the landlord not only allows cats, but actively likes ’em.

When I went out with Danny on Thursday, I saw a tearoom… is that purely a girl thing, or could I take my sweetheart there without breaking any social graces? I could go for some earl gray and sugar cookies right about now, for that matter.

Tomorrow, I visit with the Bro, and possibly with Dave & Cathi for a bite of dinner, too… We’ll see.

random Scotto factoid – the first time I saw star trek, I thought the breast insignia that they wore were surfboards.

Had a lovely long night with my sweetheart.. talking and sharing… lots of topics, thought provoking, fun, or both. Her laughter is a balm to me as is her purr. happy sigh

Y’know, I think the “mad quiz phase” on my friend’s list has finally settled down…I only noticed perhaps one or two trickling in now.

and I’m late, but figured it’d be fun to do anyhow….

Hmm… it’s a-rainin’. Do I brave the wet, and walk the local blocks, looking for rental signs and phone numbers, or do I call my rental headhunter back? I’ll opt for the latter first, after my morning time in the pod’s steam chamber… hopefully by then I can do my walkabout search in more comfort.

before I go, here’s some search terms that found me recently.

Google oscillation overthruster flux capacitor
Google sex head in horse ass
Yahoo squished gallery
Google boys in apple jacks commercial watching a black and white mob movie

Until later, dear journal!

two years ago –

“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”
-Ben Franklin

one year ago –

My face has been scraped, the body soaped, steamed, pressed and rubbed. A healthy poop evacuated, and a breakfast composed of french toast, juice and coffee is due in about an hour. (I’ve decided to reward Danny for driving me all over creation by buying him breakfast before we get down to brass tacks.) I’m playing milk ring fetch with Newtie… he didn’t want to snuggle this morning, too much in pounce-mode. I don’t know why he gave up on paperwads, but I’m really happy he resumed milk rings and twist-ties.

Going to seek out apartments before work. I really hope something avails itself to me today.

Hee… some things don’t change much with time… except for a link’s validity.

Little Red Monkee is still available. I love my little red monkee.

Wired.com reports: (supplemental links by me)

Fourteen cows were given to the people of the United States this week by members of a Masai tribe who live in a remote village near Kenya’s border with Tanzania. The tribe sent the cows — the most precious gift they can give — to help America recover from the terrorist attacks nearly nine months ago.

Hot diggity, that’s cool. There’s a website where us ‘mericans can express our thanks, although I wonder how the Masai would get to it.

Masai are a fascinating people… one of the cultures I’ve been interested in for a little span now.

How can a person stay annoyed when there’s a Newtie in the house? 🙂 I just spent a few minutes chasing him around here, and being chased in return. good for the circulation and giggles are good for the soul. Sweeping him up and nibbling on Newt-ears is just the thing to bring a smile on… that and my sweetheart. I just look into my heart and see her there… a warmth and strength rallies me to good cheer.

Had a nice night out with Dan… Thai & sushi at the cove, good conversation. A pleasant time.

I come home tonight, and get a note in my mailbox from the new landlady telling me that I need to sign a new lease effective July 1 (two weeks from now) jumping my rent $125 more a month if I go yearly, or $175 more a month if I decide to stay on a month-to-month basis. To heck with that. I’m looking for a new place to stay in earnest, starting tomorrow. I know where that newfound bro-money is going to, now. Not into her pockets, surely… it’ll become a new security to add to my new place.

It’s a shame, but that amount is simply unacceptable for the neighborhood. for that price I could get a two bedroom. I hope I don’t have to deal with any other nonsense this month and can get my security deposit back with little difficulty.

via apartments.com, I already have about five decent options, and one allows pets right in the ad… not to mention this neighborhood has for rent signs up everywhere. I should’ve seen this coming, but I was hoping that she’d maintain the thinnest veneer of civility. too bad for her… she’s losing a quiet tenant that pays on time. I know the old landlord will write me a lovely recommendation. In a way, I’m glad it came to this… at least now I have an objective and know where I stand.

I’m overdue to hit the sack… more to follow tomorrow, dear journal. I’m off to meet up with my sweetheart in dreamland.

More thunderstorms, so no walkies today.

New Landlady came by today… this morning at 7am, knocked on my door as I was soaking up lovely rainstorm nap-thoughts with Newt on my neck. I guess some guy is coming by today and the rest of next week to do some renovating…. replacing the doors so they all match, painting, window screens, etc. I didn’t even know the deal had gone through, yet but my “old landlords” are out of the country for a week on business, and I can’t get hold of them. I wonder if what the new lady is doing is ethical or even legal.

She didn’t like when I told her that she’s going to have to have me present for when any workmen are here… I don’t want Newtie getting out while I’m at work, and I’m gun-shy about new people roaming my halls when I’m not home anyhow.

I’ve posted a new sign on my door for the workers… “No entry unless occupant is home and lets you in”

My fear is that my request will go ignored by uncaring or illiterate types. I’m thinking that Newtie may be holed up in my bedroom for a while, just in case.

Some stupidity

Made plans to go to dinner tomorrow night with Dan…weird.. my social time with people seems to have about a three-hour limit… I doubt very much he can stay out/up past 11, and I do have work the following day.

Bro called up, and has some more $$$ for me! He got a portion of his settlement back (not the cop thing, something else), and will be putting a couple of hundred bucks in my hot little hand… I really dig that he’ll pay me back money that I give him, even knowing that I won’t harass him about it, or even expect it returned.

I have to call the community blood center, and see about getting back on the aphaeresis schedule.

probably my last post of the evening… night night, dear journal.

today was an impromptu “take your kid into work” day today… Dale and Paul’s children (a son and daughter, 12 and 6, respectively). I’ve only met Vaughn once before, but as of this weekend, he’s now living with Dale, so I imagine his visits will be more frequent. The genetics didn’t drift a great deal, if you compare the two… save for the 18-year difference, they’re pretty much identical. It’s neat to see shared vocal traits and physical mannerisms.

Flipside, Alex is very little like her father, physically. She’s a cute little doodle-bug, and Paul’s a big ol’ box of a guy… I feel sorry for any boys that decide to take a fancy to her… she’s certainly a daddy’s girl. 🙂

I often wonder what children from the union of my beloved and myself would be like… somehow, I picture her chromosomes being more dominant… having a little red-haired monkey-girl, exuberant and running around, getting into mischief and yet melting the heart of all who behold her… much like her mother before. (She’s got a vast amount of “adorable-genes” to spare).

pondering an old nonsense-rhyme:

It’s been gray and raining steadily since mid-afternoon… the soft white noise tries to lure me to a nap. I think I’ll hit the hay early again tonight, to finish recharging my trickled-down batteries.

I’m really enjoying my current diversion… designing outfits and powers for my freedom force characters. I’ve set up a few “danger room” scenarios… it’s fun combating Lego-bots, Wildfire, the Brown Hornet (from Fat Albert), Kool-Aid man, and a host of other skins.

my current team of four –

Flashback – Hero with a tie-dye pattern from head to toe and big ol’ Grateful Dead sun on his cape. Abilities – Teleport, Alteration, and some mind control tricks… along with Healing, and high constitution. Drawbacks – his area effect attack tends to hit him, too.

WMotU – Shapely and Wise defender of the good, able to use her innate Web & Net abilities to entangle opponents and improve the way of life for those she protects. She also has “Ol’ Betsy”.. a less than friendly rifle to stop bad guys at range with a cone of buckshot. She can fly & has a mystic shield that she can place on herself or others. Beautiful… you have to make a save vs. hypnosis to try to hit her. Costume is in orange and reds, with a wide domino mask. Drawbacks – Myopic… ranged attacks are difficult to aim (good thing Betsy shoots in sort of a cone)

The Cougar – powerful Claws and Teeth. Super leap, and danger sense. Area effect sonic “purr” . Speedy. He has an Orange Tabby/Tiger striped pattern, red cape. Hirsute (fuzzy, takes less damage from cold attacks) Drawbacks- Berserker AND Timid, and no real ranged attacks… (to reflect Newt’s tendency to attack ferociously, then run away, only to return and attack again)

The Pod – Wears a “Man-Thing”/”Swamp Thing” Green / Rust / Browns, no cape, though I may add a fuzzy white blanket later. large frame. Highly resistant to most kinetic, cold and mental attacks, still vulnerable to mystic, acidic, and temperature/fire-based stuff. Very strong and durable, low speed. ( Able to toss any weapon of opportunity at bad guys… cars, street lights, etc) Has the ability to climb walls, like a creeping vine. Can take extra time to do a powerful strike… “300-percenter”. Can reflect ranged attacks back at enemies. is able to create short-term spore duplicates of himself to cause even more mayhem for the baddies.

I may swap out flashback for some other type… not sure, yet.

Stuff at work.. more drama, little resolved. I’m stepping out of that perimeter until they chill out.

I have a *very special treat indeed* planned for my sweetheart.. but I won’t say what it is, until she gets it. (which may be weeks from now, depending on where I need to get certain things) I know she’s going to dig it, though.

Speaking of special treats…

Virus W32.Klez.H@mm found. File NOT cleaned.

This attachment has a virus that may infect your computer. It cannot be cleaned.
We recommend that you DO NOT download this attachment.

Sheesh… I get about three of these daily. I’d really like to know who’s sending it to me, so I can help them and everyone else on their distro list. (it drops straight into my Spam-folder for deletion, so it’s no sweat for me personally) It goes to my goofy old bigfoot addy, then bounces around quite a bit before landing in the disposal.

the header

Weird dreams last night… I woke up with a sense of happy confusion… I wish I’d written it down. Hopefully, it’ll resume tonight when I hit the sack.

This morning’s walk was mostly uneventful, but I noticed more “work-traffic” out and about at 7:30 than at 9:00… funny how roads don’t get an even distribution of use… a few very busy times, and long periods of very little usage. I wonder if I’ll see hover cars in my lifetime, the asphalt replanted with short meadow-grass? I still want a personal jetpack.

I can’t seem to get this to load.

Pesky, because it sounds mucho nifty. I’ll try again later tonight. instead, I’m playing mad shark.

Why you should get a tattoo only in languages you can read.

My blood donation center sent me a reminder to come and donate this week… I think I’ll swing by there tomorrow, and do the deed. I’m overdue, and no longer on any meds. I know it might sound greedy, but I wonder what sort of treats they’re giving out these days? I can never have enough freebie T-shirts, donated by companies that want a nice tax write-off.

Me-

Newt-

Well, off to work, dear journal… see you tonight.

Vikings that play intestines like a harp are cool.

sleeping late with a cat at what’s better? seems to be stable at 89. I really want it to shoot over 100…

as of this writing – stats are –
Score: 89
Total Number of Wins: 288
Total Number of Votes: 539
Submitted On: 2002-05-27

By comparison…

General Zod: -19
Sleestak: -97
Mr Bubbles: 95
Quizno’s Subs: 56
the illuminatus! trilogy: 49
moist towelettes: 10

sharpie pens are tied at 89.

I’m considering tossing a few more things into the mix, but for now, I’m off to dinner, and then some reading before bed.

nifty keywords that got to my page –

Google clogs and socks
Google shanna the she-devil
Google integrated multimonitor
Google height:4 wrestler
Google first superhero to actually use terms like holy moley
Google pier one commercials kirstie ally

hmm… not many weirdo yahoo hits!

nigh nigh, dear journal.

The chair is very nice, and I had a grand brunch and conversation with Dan. 🙂

work today went nicely for me… solid but controlled, and I was happy to see my sweetie.

Chupacabra at work nearly got another person to quit, and she wasn’t even in Chupa’s department. Tia sent a scathing email to *everyone* in management about it, with poor grammar and a lot of slang to boot. the letter