So Erich and I dragged every last piece of dirty laundry over to the laundromat last night-- we had to put the seats down in the back of the Jeep to get it to fit. Laundry of Biblical proportions, I tell ya. Seriously. The only people who should have this much laundry to do at once are people with umpteen children.
It came to sixteen loads. Thank Goddess for the Uber washer. :) Five loads at once? Yeah... all the colored clothes? Get yer azzes in there.
We also had two sets of king sized sheets and the plethora of towels for the house. By the time I finished folding towels, Erich was vastly amused. Granted, they were on a table-- but the stack was taller than my head.
Total quarter cost for this little adventure ran somewhere in the high $20.00 range. Gah.
But it's DONE. Thank Goddess.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Rejoice, Florida, for today is the last official day of hurricane season...
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Colley's checkup went okay. He gained two pounds in the last year (he's at 12.5 pounds-- pretty small for a Norwegian, but still perfectly healthy weight for a male cat), and has a healthier heartrate than he did last year. I'm guessing both of these are due to romping with Gus, now that he's got a similarly-sized and strengthed buddy.
He DOES have serious inflamation on his teeth from gingivitis and the starting signs of periodontal (sp?) disease. This was no surprise to me-- they warned me of this possibility last year, so I was mentally preparing for it. So in the next few months, we have to bring him back to get his teeth cleaned and possibly get a tooth or two extracted if it's really bad. Poor baby. He was blessed with good looks, but he lost three milk teeth before age two. He wasn't blessed with good teeth. It's not a cheap procedure, however-- somewhere between $275 and $550. *sigh*
(I'm seeing this happen around April when I get my bonus from work).
Otherwise, he was just fine.
And I'll see them for Round Two (aka Gus) in late December.
Yay for me. Can I skip work today? *whimpers*
30 November 2004
29 November 2004
Holidaze and all that Jazz
Hope everyone else had a nice Thanksgiving. Mine was nice and quiet-- Erich and I visited his dad up in New Hampshire for the day and had a quiet three-person dinner. With a 14 pound turkey. Heh. Needless to say, lotsa leftovers. I'm going to be getting creative with turkey salad this week. What I couldn't believe was how WARM it was on Thanksgiving. It was in the low 60's in New Hampshire. In late November. Really. WTF?
On Friday I got up bright and early with Erich and went into the city. I had a relaxing morning sitting at the Red Cross with an IV in my arm for platelet donation, getting a free movie pass, t-shirt, and got to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for the first time. It was surprisingly good. I'm not a Carrey fan at all, but found it a great movie. Funny and touching just where it should have been, with a very true (albeit painful) message behind it. It also was the first time I perfectly timed my pay-per-view movie there. Usually I pick a movie that's either too short or too long and grumble a bit at missing the end of something (or have nothing to watch... 'cause you can't move your arms while you're in the chair). If you want to know how long it takes to literally be in the chair for donation of platelets? Exactly the length of that movie. Very weird. But the donation went fine. My blood pressure was the highest I've ever seen it, however... so I'm going to keep an eye on that when I go again next month. If it's still high, I'll call my doctor to get checked out. I'm well aware, being in the obese category of body weight, that I need to be really careful about the high blood pressure thing. Also well aware that with no family medical history available to me, if I have concerns, I should get them checked.
After the donation, I met up with Erich since his office is only a short walk across Chinatown. We grabbed sushi at Ginza for lunch (yummy!) and I headed home, hoping to have a quiet afternoon at the apartment by myself to putter. But as I got off the highway in Randolph, Jason called-- and was only about five minutes behind me on Rt. 24. He'd driven back up from Staten Island to be home for Erich's game on Saturday. So no quiet time. But I was oddly tired (not related to the donation) and really didn't get anything done anyway. Played lots and lots of Sims 2. I have families with three generations now. I feel proud. Heh.
On Saturday, we headed to Tone's for Erich's D&D game. Our poor group got transported to the Barrens of Doom and Despair. But we managed to survive (yay!) and now owe the God of Vengeance some time as indentured servants. I wasn't in the mood to play on the way over, but by the evening I got into it a bit.
Yesterday was penpal haven for me-- getting tons of letters and cards done. I got a few swaps caught up and need to do some more this week so I don't have people on yahoogroups shooting me. They probably already are. *shrug* The weather was sucktastic all day yesterday, I have to say. I made kielbasa and sauerkraut (babci recipe... yummy!) over mashed potatoes for dinner. I rarely cook, so it's noteworthy. :)
Tonight's laundry night from hell-- we're loading up the Jeep and taking it all to the mat. Between the LAN party and busy weekends, plus sheets and towels, there's easily 12 loads here between Erich and I. Quite possibly more, if you factor in towel and king-sized sheet bulk. This is why I love our neighborhood Pakistani laundromat. Because they have five-load washers for six bucks. :) AND even with all of that laundry to do, we'll have it done in 2.5 hours. Gotta love it. :) After that, I'll probably be online, so anyone who wants to drop an IM, feel free. I'm going to be cleaning out my vat of email and getting some stuff sent off that I need to do.
Off to work, since I need to leave at two to take Colley for his checkup.
On Friday I got up bright and early with Erich and went into the city. I had a relaxing morning sitting at the Red Cross with an IV in my arm for platelet donation, getting a free movie pass, t-shirt, and got to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for the first time. It was surprisingly good. I'm not a Carrey fan at all, but found it a great movie. Funny and touching just where it should have been, with a very true (albeit painful) message behind it. It also was the first time I perfectly timed my pay-per-view movie there. Usually I pick a movie that's either too short or too long and grumble a bit at missing the end of something (or have nothing to watch... 'cause you can't move your arms while you're in the chair). If you want to know how long it takes to literally be in the chair for donation of platelets? Exactly the length of that movie. Very weird. But the donation went fine. My blood pressure was the highest I've ever seen it, however... so I'm going to keep an eye on that when I go again next month. If it's still high, I'll call my doctor to get checked out. I'm well aware, being in the obese category of body weight, that I need to be really careful about the high blood pressure thing. Also well aware that with no family medical history available to me, if I have concerns, I should get them checked.
After the donation, I met up with Erich since his office is only a short walk across Chinatown. We grabbed sushi at Ginza for lunch (yummy!) and I headed home, hoping to have a quiet afternoon at the apartment by myself to putter. But as I got off the highway in Randolph, Jason called-- and was only about five minutes behind me on Rt. 24. He'd driven back up from Staten Island to be home for Erich's game on Saturday. So no quiet time. But I was oddly tired (not related to the donation) and really didn't get anything done anyway. Played lots and lots of Sims 2. I have families with three generations now. I feel proud. Heh.
On Saturday, we headed to Tone's for Erich's D&D game. Our poor group got transported to the Barrens of Doom and Despair. But we managed to survive (yay!) and now owe the God of Vengeance some time as indentured servants. I wasn't in the mood to play on the way over, but by the evening I got into it a bit.
Yesterday was penpal haven for me-- getting tons of letters and cards done. I got a few swaps caught up and need to do some more this week so I don't have people on yahoogroups shooting me. They probably already are. *shrug* The weather was sucktastic all day yesterday, I have to say. I made kielbasa and sauerkraut (babci recipe... yummy!) over mashed potatoes for dinner. I rarely cook, so it's noteworthy. :)
Tonight's laundry night from hell-- we're loading up the Jeep and taking it all to the mat. Between the LAN party and busy weekends, plus sheets and towels, there's easily 12 loads here between Erich and I. Quite possibly more, if you factor in towel and king-sized sheet bulk. This is why I love our neighborhood Pakistani laundromat. Because they have five-load washers for six bucks. :) AND even with all of that laundry to do, we'll have it done in 2.5 hours. Gotta love it. :) After that, I'll probably be online, so anyone who wants to drop an IM, feel free. I'm going to be cleaning out my vat of email and getting some stuff sent off that I need to do.
Off to work, since I need to leave at two to take Colley for his checkup.
16 November 2004
Yay!
I think I actually have everything working. Maybe... possibly. :)
The page doesn't work in Internet Explorer for Mac, but it does on Safari, and I'm sure it'll work better on the PC, where IE and other browsers are still supported.
Perhaps I can scoot stuff over here faster than I expected. Hmm...
I think I actually have everything working. Maybe... possibly. :)
The page doesn't work in Internet Explorer for Mac, but it does on Safari, and I'm sure it'll work better on the PC, where IE and other browsers are still supported.
Perhaps I can scoot stuff over here faster than I expected. Hmm...
15 November 2004
One of these days I'll learn not to get overloaded...
I am now officially 10,000 words behind on my NaNo novel. grrrrr.... the reality of 50,000 this year is slipping away, and I'm annoyed as hell, but as Erich discussed with me last night, the living situation right now doesn't exactly give me options to find quiet time to write. Plus I was so broke until this morning (yay for getting paid) that I didn't have the money to escape to Borders for quiet time, or to $tarbuck$ during my lunch hour.
And my schedule has been so busy that I really haven't had the energy to pursue the writing much in the last week. *sigh* Perhaps if my plot hadn't completely unwound itself, I'd be in better shape.
I'll keep plugging, though. The novel's going to take turns that I didn't expect-- hopefully one of these turns will get me back into a groove. A couple of really good writing days and some inspiration, and I still could make up that 10K this weekend during the LAN.
It frustrates me, though. And because I'm stubborn as hell, I'll fight to the end of November, and probably clunk this novel attempt with the two before it.
~~~~~~~~~
I went up to campus yesterday afternoon to spend time with the Sisters and celebrate the First Degree for the new membership class. It's odd, because I honestly barely remember my first degree. I remember being confused and overwhelmed by the idea of becoming apledge membership candidate. I never thought I'd be sorority material.
I have to wonder if any of the Alpha Beta class members will relate ten years from now...
Anyway, had a great time chatting before Degree and during lunch. Looking forward to Second next month. And according to Slywinkle and Ariestar, I'm now "Aunty Klutz" since I'm not in any of the current membership lines, but am related to all of them. I mock protest, but actually am very amused by it. I really didn't intend to become THAT aunt... but life takes those turns, eh? :)
In other sorority-related news.... I finally got rid of the big ol' composite photo from 1994-1995, plus history stuff that's been in my storage area since 1996 (yay!). They're in the history room where they belong, and not sitting in the shed in Stoughton.
~~~~~~~~~
Tonight starts the battle of The World's Largest Dungeon. We're one of four groups being put through the dungeon by the owner of our neighborhood gaming store. Four hour sessions (timed). We accomplish what we accomplish, and then get pulled out of the dungeon and put in limbo until we go in again next month.
I've seen this book (didn't look through it, since I knew I'd be playing it). It's farking HUGE.
Yes, I'm a geek. *grins proudly*
Okay... gotta get work done... more later.
And my schedule has been so busy that I really haven't had the energy to pursue the writing much in the last week. *sigh* Perhaps if my plot hadn't completely unwound itself, I'd be in better shape.
I'll keep plugging, though. The novel's going to take turns that I didn't expect-- hopefully one of these turns will get me back into a groove. A couple of really good writing days and some inspiration, and I still could make up that 10K this weekend during the LAN.
It frustrates me, though. And because I'm stubborn as hell, I'll fight to the end of November, and probably clunk this novel attempt with the two before it.
~~~~~~~~~
I went up to campus yesterday afternoon to spend time with the Sisters and celebrate the First Degree for the new membership class. It's odd, because I honestly barely remember my first degree. I remember being confused and overwhelmed by the idea of becoming a
I have to wonder if any of the Alpha Beta class members will relate ten years from now...
Anyway, had a great time chatting before Degree and during lunch. Looking forward to Second next month. And according to Slywinkle and Ariestar, I'm now "Aunty Klutz" since I'm not in any of the current membership lines, but am related to all of them. I mock protest, but actually am very amused by it. I really didn't intend to become THAT aunt... but life takes those turns, eh? :)
In other sorority-related news.... I finally got rid of the big ol' composite photo from 1994-1995, plus history stuff that's been in my storage area since 1996 (yay!). They're in the history room where they belong, and not sitting in the shed in Stoughton.
~~~~~~~~~
Tonight starts the battle of The World's Largest Dungeon. We're one of four groups being put through the dungeon by the owner of our neighborhood gaming store. Four hour sessions (timed). We accomplish what we accomplish, and then get pulled out of the dungeon and put in limbo until we go in again next month.
I've seen this book (didn't look through it, since I knew I'd be playing it). It's farking HUGE.
Yes, I'm a geek. *grins proudly*
Okay... gotta get work done... more later.
12 November 2004
10 November 2004
So here's the deal...
Originally posted at Diary-X when I decided to move my journal... which is why it sounds weird here.
Yes, I'm moving. I WILL be eventually going here: Measi (dot) Net, which I've had for a year and haven't really developed.
There's no reason for me to pay for the HUGE amount of space and friggin 60 GIGS of bandwidth if I don't use it-- and quite honestly, I'd rather be in control of my own space and have a party over there. It was a dream for years to get my own domain and get my own website off of the free servers and into a responsible (aka paying my way) site.
Everyone is welcome to come over and read, respond, have a party... whatever. I'm not doing the "if you want the address, email me" thing. I'm not dropping anyone from my reading list, nor am I doing the bullshit "I'm going to stop journaling online" thing, disappear, and start another journal in a week on another server.
THAT is where I'm going. Y'all know. Come on over. Feel free to link Measi (dot) net now if you wish, because it's active... just not all that active... yet.
And yes, when I actually do the official move, it will be linked here and left here for as long as Stephen provides free space to unused journals.
To get said new blog up and running, though, I need to learn how to set up my own template with either Blogger or Moveable Type. That'll take me a bit. I've started on a new template over there, using Blogger as the attempt (and got it working with a blogger layout, but I want my own). Other than basic HTML, I'm beyond rusty. I need to give myself the time to do this.
I'm currently doing NaNoWriMo, and DO want to focus this month on writing my novel, as god-awful as it's already turning out. Also known as "I have too much I'm doing this month-- so this will go on the next month backburner." So for now, I'm here.
No, I'm not going back to the forums.
Nor am I going to play the "I should be grateful for the service that is provided to me here on D-X" bullshit game that comes up when arguments strike out. I PAY for my service here. It is a business, not a charity organization. The only thing I owe Stephen is the money for the bandwidth and server space that I use here. He works hard on it and is frustrated with it, and therefore I should be kow-towing? Folks, tell me something that isn't a common complaint with 75% of working Americans these days. It's called WORK. It sucks sometimes. And from the business owner to the person at the bottom of the shit pile (read: me as an admin assistant), there's a lot of crap that has to go on with work that's not fun. And no, appreciation is few and far between for the vast majority of people who work their asses off. It's called life.
The only people who get gratitude in my life are my family, my boyfriend, and my very close friends who help me out with true life problems. My journal service is not something that I need to express gratitude for. It completely devalues the depth of emotion that "gratitude" describes.
The good thing is that avoiding the forums will give me time to read other journals. If you respond to entries, I know you're interested. I will answer responses and also pop over to your journal to do some reading if you leave a link. (but not the "I'll add your link if you add mine crap").
So for the time being, I'm writing here. I will be stopping by my 30th birthday on January 11th, which is when my Diary-X subscription runs out. That gives me time to move archives, get comfortable on the new platform, etc. and still write what I want to write.
Because I do want to write, and I do want to discuss... but the DX forums aren't the place. I have better things to do than waste my time having discussions with people who really couldn't give a crap to interact with me outside of the forums anyway and learn who I am outside of the passionate beliefs I hold about anything.
And yes, I know a couple people have emailed me. I will get back to you. I'm not ignoring you, nor anyone who dropped a comment in my last entry (thank you). I'm about 4,000 words behind in NaNo and owe people geniune business-related emails at the moment (read: already paid-for Reiki attunements) that need to come first.
Plus I'm sleep-deprived, having my period, have a sick boyfriend, am flat broke, and overall just really in dire need of a vacation.
So be patient-- you will hear back from me. And I promise it will be a nice letter.
~ Mel.
Yes, I'm moving. I WILL be eventually going here: Measi (dot) Net, which I've had for a year and haven't really developed.
There's no reason for me to pay for the HUGE amount of space and friggin 60 GIGS of bandwidth if I don't use it-- and quite honestly, I'd rather be in control of my own space and have a party over there. It was a dream for years to get my own domain and get my own website off of the free servers and into a responsible (aka paying my way) site.
Everyone is welcome to come over and read, respond, have a party... whatever. I'm not doing the "if you want the address, email me" thing. I'm not dropping anyone from my reading list, nor am I doing the bullshit "I'm going to stop journaling online" thing, disappear, and start another journal in a week on another server.
THAT is where I'm going. Y'all know. Come on over. Feel free to link Measi (dot) net now if you wish, because it's active... just not all that active... yet.
And yes, when I actually do the official move, it will be linked here and left here for as long as Stephen provides free space to unused journals.
To get said new blog up and running, though, I need to learn how to set up my own template with either Blogger or Moveable Type. That'll take me a bit. I've started on a new template over there, using Blogger as the attempt (and got it working with a blogger layout, but I want my own). Other than basic HTML, I'm beyond rusty. I need to give myself the time to do this.
I'm currently doing NaNoWriMo, and DO want to focus this month on writing my novel, as god-awful as it's already turning out. Also known as "I have too much I'm doing this month-- so this will go on the next month backburner." So for now, I'm here.
No, I'm not going back to the forums.
Nor am I going to play the "I should be grateful for the service that is provided to me here on D-X" bullshit game that comes up when arguments strike out. I PAY for my service here. It is a business, not a charity organization. The only thing I owe Stephen is the money for the bandwidth and server space that I use here. He works hard on it and is frustrated with it, and therefore I should be kow-towing? Folks, tell me something that isn't a common complaint with 75% of working Americans these days. It's called WORK. It sucks sometimes. And from the business owner to the person at the bottom of the shit pile (read: me as an admin assistant), there's a lot of crap that has to go on with work that's not fun. And no, appreciation is few and far between for the vast majority of people who work their asses off. It's called life.
The only people who get gratitude in my life are my family, my boyfriend, and my very close friends who help me out with true life problems. My journal service is not something that I need to express gratitude for. It completely devalues the depth of emotion that "gratitude" describes.
The good thing is that avoiding the forums will give me time to read other journals. If you respond to entries, I know you're interested. I will answer responses and also pop over to your journal to do some reading if you leave a link. (but not the "I'll add your link if you add mine crap").
So for the time being, I'm writing here. I will be stopping by my 30th birthday on January 11th, which is when my Diary-X subscription runs out. That gives me time to move archives, get comfortable on the new platform, etc. and still write what I want to write.
Because I do want to write, and I do want to discuss... but the DX forums aren't the place. I have better things to do than waste my time having discussions with people who really couldn't give a crap to interact with me outside of the forums anyway and learn who I am outside of the passionate beliefs I hold about anything.
And yes, I know a couple people have emailed me. I will get back to you. I'm not ignoring you, nor anyone who dropped a comment in my last entry (thank you). I'm about 4,000 words behind in NaNo and owe people geniune business-related emails at the moment (read: already paid-for Reiki attunements) that need to come first.
Plus I'm sleep-deprived, having my period, have a sick boyfriend, am flat broke, and overall just really in dire need of a vacation.
So be patient-- you will hear back from me. And I promise it will be a nice letter.
~ Mel.
08 November 2004
I've had enough
Originally posted over on my Diary-X blog when all of the shit was going down.
For the past four years, I've paid my subscription plus extra money for my space here on Diary-X. I paid for the space used for Interviewed, and for my private journal. I have played by the rules, and have been respectful of others with only a few exceptions where I was getting attacked personally.
Quite frankly, I've had it.
I regret ever stepping foot into the forums with one exception-- I was able to announce a project that helped get two very good people on the other side of the country to meet one another.
THAT I will never regret.
I met some great people through my journal here, and hope to continue reading their experiences and that they'll want to share mine...
But I just can't stay here. I can't put up with the bullshit anymore on the forums, and I don't feel like my journal here really is able to recover from the lack of attention since going over there.
I'm done here. I'll be setting up elsewhere. Not on DX, not on DL, not on LJ. You're looking at the new journal. :)
I'm working on setting up the space now. Will announce once it's done. Hope to see you there.
For the past four years, I've paid my subscription plus extra money for my space here on Diary-X. I paid for the space used for Interviewed, and for my private journal. I have played by the rules, and have been respectful of others with only a few exceptions where I was getting attacked personally.
Quite frankly, I've had it.
I regret ever stepping foot into the forums with one exception-- I was able to announce a project that helped get two very good people on the other side of the country to meet one another.
THAT I will never regret.
I met some great people through my journal here, and hope to continue reading their experiences and that they'll want to share mine...
But I just can't stay here. I can't put up with the bullshit anymore on the forums, and I don't feel like my journal here really is able to recover from the lack of attention since going over there.
I'm working on setting up the space now. Will announce once it's done. Hope to see you there.
This just isn't going to work...
How the heck am I supposed to get any NaNo morning writing done when the rocking chair I'm sitting in has a major case of Ass Cat? Observe:
I mean, really... he's flopped over the back of the chair trying to catch his own tail through the rungs here. And purring as best as he can in a jackknife position where all of the weight is probably on his stomach.
Nevermind the fact that he's been doing this since he was about six or eight weeks old, and he's NEVER ONCE CAUGHT IT.
This time he's whapping me with his elusive tail because I happen to be in the way.
I've picked him off and put him down twice. He jumps back up. *sigh*
My cat is very, very strange. And very mentally challenged.
*shakes head*
I mean, really... he's flopped over the back of the chair trying to catch his own tail through the rungs here. And purring as best as he can in a jackknife position where all of the weight is probably on his stomach.
Nevermind the fact that he's been doing this since he was about six or eight weeks old, and he's NEVER ONCE CAUGHT IT.
This time he's whapping me with his elusive tail because I happen to be in the way.
I've picked him off and put him down twice. He jumps back up. *sigh*
My cat is very, very strange. And very mentally challenged.
*shakes head*
05 November 2004
Some honestly non life-shattering thoughts
Originally a locked entry on Diary-X
In light of some recent events, I'm deeply considering leaving DX.
The discomfort has been growing with the management for a while, and I don't feel comfortable sticking around with the behavior over on the forums. Michelle is a fucktard. She's extremely rude, has an open license to attack anyone she wants without repercussion, and if others toe just a bit out of line, they are of course whipped.
Unfortunately, she's also the wife of the owner of DX. Which is why it's futile to really try to do anything about it.
I've been a member here since March 2001. Every year, I've paid for my account and donated double my "rent" so to speak, out of graciousness for the space. And yes, it's inexpensive. And yes, I like the features here for the most part.
But most of the people who I was close friends with here on DX have left. Of course, a couple specifically decided I wasn't worth their time anymore... but that's a different little rant.
After the Nervousness.org temper tantrum by Stephen in late 2002 (where he just decided out of the blue to shut the site off, no warning, no explanation-- just because he felt like it-- when people had things of monetary value hanging in the air to send to people), I started backing up all of my entries for Diary-X over on Diaryland. I have a near-identical journal over there-- right back to March 29, 2001. I don't like Diaryland better. I hate the baby pink and blue color with yellow accent color scheme. But unlike DX, there really isn't the b.s. that is pulled here.
Maybe it's just because I'm dumb enough to go on the forums. I dunno.
In any case... then Arisia 2003 came around, and I went to a panel on online journaling. EVERYONE... and I mean EVERYONE over there had a livejournal. I met cool people. But they were all connecting via livejournal, and to really keep up with them, I'd have to also go over there. I hated the idea of the elitist must-have-code-to-join bullshit, but got around that with a short paid membership fee. And then, that became a third journal.
See where I'm going here? Yeah, I know. Blogwhore is appropriate here, idn't it?
Needless to say, my livejournal gets a hell of a lot more traffic and comments than DX or DL put together. I feel like I'm part of a community there. But at the same time, this journal on DX has been my diary "home" for nearly four years.
I guess I just need to think about this. But really, I can't take too much more of the born-again hypocrite Christian "I'll get knocked up before we get married" pony show.
I really can't.
And no, I'm not paying my membership fee in January.
In light of some recent events, I'm deeply considering leaving DX.
The discomfort has been growing with the management for a while, and I don't feel comfortable sticking around with the behavior over on the forums. Michelle is a fucktard. She's extremely rude, has an open license to attack anyone she wants without repercussion, and if others toe just a bit out of line, they are of course whipped.
Unfortunately, she's also the wife of the owner of DX. Which is why it's futile to really try to do anything about it.
I've been a member here since March 2001. Every year, I've paid for my account and donated double my "rent" so to speak, out of graciousness for the space. And yes, it's inexpensive. And yes, I like the features here for the most part.
But most of the people who I was close friends with here on DX have left. Of course, a couple specifically decided I wasn't worth their time anymore... but that's a different little rant.
After the Nervousness.org temper tantrum by Stephen in late 2002 (where he just decided out of the blue to shut the site off, no warning, no explanation-- just because he felt like it-- when people had things of monetary value hanging in the air to send to people), I started backing up all of my entries for Diary-X over on Diaryland. I have a near-identical journal over there-- right back to March 29, 2001. I don't like Diaryland better. I hate the baby pink and blue color with yellow accent color scheme. But unlike DX, there really isn't the b.s. that is pulled here.
Maybe it's just because I'm dumb enough to go on the forums. I dunno.
In any case... then Arisia 2003 came around, and I went to a panel on online journaling. EVERYONE... and I mean EVERYONE over there had a livejournal. I met cool people. But they were all connecting via livejournal, and to really keep up with them, I'd have to also go over there. I hated the idea of the elitist must-have-code-to-join bullshit, but got around that with a short paid membership fee. And then, that became a third journal.
See where I'm going here? Yeah, I know. Blogwhore is appropriate here, idn't it?
Needless to say, my livejournal gets a hell of a lot more traffic and comments than DX or DL put together. I feel like I'm part of a community there. But at the same time, this journal on DX has been my diary "home" for nearly four years.
I guess I just need to think about this. But really, I can't take too much more of the born-again hypocrite Christian "I'll get knocked up before we get married" pony show.
I really can't.
And no, I'm not paying my membership fee in January.
coffee is of no use to me
Ever since the Red Sox beat the Yankees, I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping at night. I've been unusually "roamy" for lack of a better term. And I'm paying for it during the day. I'm surprised that I don't have keyboard-shaped bruises on my forehead by now.
I've been trying to blow off a lot of it as partially being wrapped up in Red Sox fever, and partially because all of a sudden it's really farking bright in my bedroom in the morning, thanks to the time change. But whatever it is, my body is just protesting in a huge way. Caffeine seems to no longer have any effect on me in the morning. By around two, I'm just dragging.
*sigh* I'm getting old, aren't I? It's that whole stereotype about older folks not sleeping as much. I'm getting that condition about 40 years too early.
Gah.
I'm letting myself go for one more week before I call the doctor about it. I'm also going to be monitoring and lessening (gradually) any caffeine intake in the evening. It's never been a problem before... but again, maybe age has finally caught up to that habit, and I need to find another evening beverage of choice.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
I got absolutely no writing done last night for NaNo. Thankfully, even though I've had two of these nights so far in the month (yes, I realize it's day 5), the days padding them have been very productive 3,000 word days. So aside from yesterday, I'm right on track. I have the weekend to get caught up... and hopefully ahead.
I didn't plan on not writing last night, but as often happens when I open AIM, I get to talking with someone for hours, and do nothing but chat. It's odd how I can chat for HOURS on AIM, but try to rush off the phone with everyone. I just hate having that damned thing at my ear, I guess. I had a good chat with Ariestar and Myownwench last night covering a lot of different topics, including a fabulous rendition of an AOL community chat room. (have I mentioned how difficult it is to type improperly... on purpose?)
Anyway, I'm going over to their apartment tonight for some sorority alumni festivities. "Milk and cookies" will be served, to coin the phrase from my undergrad band days. Erich was going to come with me tomorrow, but now I'm not so sure-- he's battling a cold, and really should get some rest so he can celebrate Master Chiefmas properly on November 9th.
(Yes, my boyfriend is a geek and is taking vacation days for Halo 2.)
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Tomorrow I have my first NaNo coffee chat. Somehow my brain mixed up my times-- and what I thought was a noon start is actually a noon ending. It starts at 10 a.m. I'll have to behave myself a bit this evening so I can get up for it. (and actually write tomorrow, since tonight's undoubtedly a wash)
For what it's worth-- I've already decided that I won't ML next year. Any move I'm making to put things together have been met with a "why can't you do something in MY area! Why do I have to go THERE?" (do they realize that I'll be driving all over the lower half of Massachusetts this month during the weekends to meet with THEM?!?) Dealing with the new site and its horrid layout is bad enough, but I just don't have patience for the attitudes this year. Sorry... when I asked for contributions on recommended spots, I didn't HEAR from you. I heard from others, and made recommendations based on those who expressed interest.
These people forget that we're actually NaNo participants ourselves... and that we're writing novels, too, and that we're being ML's because we love and support the project. And no, I'm not getting paid for being an ML, folks... I do this because I enjoy writing and enjoy the challenge.
So if you're in NaNo, please be kind to your ML's.
But yeah-- next year, I shall be doing my writing sans meetup obligations. It's too much of a headache to deal with.
Off to work... gotta get a lot of stupid stuff done, hopefully get an hour of writing in over lunch over at $tarbuck$, and then back to work...
I've been trying to blow off a lot of it as partially being wrapped up in Red Sox fever, and partially because all of a sudden it's really farking bright in my bedroom in the morning, thanks to the time change. But whatever it is, my body is just protesting in a huge way. Caffeine seems to no longer have any effect on me in the morning. By around two, I'm just dragging.
*sigh* I'm getting old, aren't I? It's that whole stereotype about older folks not sleeping as much. I'm getting that condition about 40 years too early.
Gah.
I'm letting myself go for one more week before I call the doctor about it. I'm also going to be monitoring and lessening (gradually) any caffeine intake in the evening. It's never been a problem before... but again, maybe age has finally caught up to that habit, and I need to find another evening beverage of choice.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
I got absolutely no writing done last night for NaNo. Thankfully, even though I've had two of these nights so far in the month (yes, I realize it's day 5), the days padding them have been very productive 3,000 word days. So aside from yesterday, I'm right on track. I have the weekend to get caught up... and hopefully ahead.
I didn't plan on not writing last night, but as often happens when I open AIM, I get to talking with someone for hours, and do nothing but chat. It's odd how I can chat for HOURS on AIM, but try to rush off the phone with everyone. I just hate having that damned thing at my ear, I guess. I had a good chat with Ariestar and Myownwench last night covering a lot of different topics, including a fabulous rendition of an AOL community chat room. (have I mentioned how difficult it is to type improperly... on purpose?)
Anyway, I'm going over to their apartment tonight for some sorority alumni festivities. "Milk and cookies" will be served, to coin the phrase from my undergrad band days. Erich was going to come with me tomorrow, but now I'm not so sure-- he's battling a cold, and really should get some rest so he can celebrate Master Chiefmas properly on November 9th.
(Yes, my boyfriend is a geek and is taking vacation days for Halo 2.)
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Tomorrow I have my first NaNo coffee chat. Somehow my brain mixed up my times-- and what I thought was a noon start is actually a noon ending. It starts at 10 a.m. I'll have to behave myself a bit this evening so I can get up for it. (and actually write tomorrow, since tonight's undoubtedly a wash)
For what it's worth-- I've already decided that I won't ML next year. Any move I'm making to put things together have been met with a "why can't you do something in MY area! Why do I have to go THERE?" (do they realize that I'll be driving all over the lower half of Massachusetts this month during the weekends to meet with THEM?!?) Dealing with the new site and its horrid layout is bad enough, but I just don't have patience for the attitudes this year. Sorry... when I asked for contributions on recommended spots, I didn't HEAR from you. I heard from others, and made recommendations based on those who expressed interest.
These people forget that we're actually NaNo participants ourselves... and that we're writing novels, too, and that we're being ML's because we love and support the project. And no, I'm not getting paid for being an ML, folks... I do this because I enjoy writing and enjoy the challenge.
So if you're in NaNo, please be kind to your ML's.
But yeah-- next year, I shall be doing my writing sans meetup obligations. It's too much of a headache to deal with.
Off to work... gotta get a lot of stupid stuff done, hopefully get an hour of writing in over lunch over at $tarbuck$, and then back to work...
04 November 2004
Well, isn't that speh-shal
First: I'm more level-headed than I was at this point yesterday morning.
Second: The two people (one troll, one online friend) who basically told me to fuck off.... I'm sorry you don't recognize a kneejerk rant when you see it. We all have them. Consider what I've been praying for for the past four years to happen and what I've been activing working to change. You'd have a kneejerk reaction, too, when all of your time and energy didn't result in what you wanted to happen.
Mind you-- that doesn't translate to "wasted." The time was most definitely not wasted. To say what would be to ignore and counteract every passion I've had about political subjects since the year 2000.
Third: To the one person who demanded that I essentially not exist in their world-- I've respected your wishes. I disagree, and hope that when you calm down, you'll change your mind. But that's your mind to change. *shrug* I hope you eventually realize that, but that's something you have to do. Until then, I've done as a friend would do-- and respected your wishes.
Contrary to what many people think about Kerry supporters. I voted FOR Kerry. The disagreements with Bush led me to seek out another candidate. That was the catalyst to look elsewhere. In Kerry's platform, I found what I considered a reasonable amount of ideals that I agreed with. And the ones that I didn't agree with were either strongly felt, or in my mind not thinks that I considered cons that outweighed the pros for him. I liked that there would be a representative both of the upper class (Kerry) and someone who came from the lower class and worked his way up (Edwards). We had four options here in Massachusetts for president. I didn't vote against Bush. I voted FOR Kerry.
He lost. It happens. Someone has to in any vote. And my kneejerk reaction was to be extremely upset, intensified by early morning exhaustion after staying up past midnight the night before, watching the news and hoping and praying...
It didn't go the way I wanted it to. *shrug* I vented. I move on.
I'm here. I'm not moving to Canada or Australia, or whatever country would take my sorry ass. I survived the past four years of Bush's presidency. The next four years will be ones that will be frustrating. But as is often said-- if you don't do anything, you can't bitch. So I will work for what I believe in and do my part to help push liberal ideals forward because it's what I personally feel is right to do.
I'm a woman, a Pagan, and extremely pro-choice (for obvious reasons). I have gay relatives, gay friends, and parents of friends who are gay. I live in the great state of Massachusetts which has recongized equal marriage rights for everyone. I am an adoptee with divorced parents. I over-criticize myself to do the right thing all the time. I donate to the police charity fund. I donate to Children International, where I sponsor a girl in the Dominican Republic and a girl in India. And I donate platelets, which save peoples lives.
I will continue to fight for what I believe in and try to make this world a better place.
If that bursts your bubble and rubs you the wrong way, hey... I respect that. But that doesn't mean I'm going to change for you. I have friends and relatives who are extremely conservative, carry guns, think abortion should be illegal, and perhaps even think privately that I'm a sorry human being for the faith that I hold. As long as they don't publically kick me specifically, for having different beliefs than them, we're all cool. NO ONE believes in the exact thing another person does. We're not clones.
For those who think I'm demon scum and should go to hell for my beliefs... I'm bringing the throw pillows to decorate the hell couch and my stash of drinks for the inevitable fantastic party. I'll have a lot of company from wonderful, hardworking, lifeloving people of all creeds, religions, and nationalities.
Off to work and face the day. Because it's a beautiful bright one out there-- and I'm going to go out there with my eyes looking dead ahead.
Second: The two people (one troll, one online friend) who basically told me to fuck off.... I'm sorry you don't recognize a kneejerk rant when you see it. We all have them. Consider what I've been praying for for the past four years to happen and what I've been activing working to change. You'd have a kneejerk reaction, too, when all of your time and energy didn't result in what you wanted to happen.
Mind you-- that doesn't translate to "wasted." The time was most definitely not wasted. To say what would be to ignore and counteract every passion I've had about political subjects since the year 2000.
Third: To the one person who demanded that I essentially not exist in their world-- I've respected your wishes. I disagree, and hope that when you calm down, you'll change your mind. But that's your mind to change. *shrug* I hope you eventually realize that, but that's something you have to do. Until then, I've done as a friend would do-- and respected your wishes.
Contrary to what many people think about Kerry supporters. I voted FOR Kerry. The disagreements with Bush led me to seek out another candidate. That was the catalyst to look elsewhere. In Kerry's platform, I found what I considered a reasonable amount of ideals that I agreed with. And the ones that I didn't agree with were either strongly felt, or in my mind not thinks that I considered cons that outweighed the pros for him. I liked that there would be a representative both of the upper class (Kerry) and someone who came from the lower class and worked his way up (Edwards). We had four options here in Massachusetts for president. I didn't vote against Bush. I voted FOR Kerry.
He lost. It happens. Someone has to in any vote. And my kneejerk reaction was to be extremely upset, intensified by early morning exhaustion after staying up past midnight the night before, watching the news and hoping and praying...
It didn't go the way I wanted it to. *shrug* I vented. I move on.
I'm here. I'm not moving to Canada or Australia, or whatever country would take my sorry ass. I survived the past four years of Bush's presidency. The next four years will be ones that will be frustrating. But as is often said-- if you don't do anything, you can't bitch. So I will work for what I believe in and do my part to help push liberal ideals forward because it's what I personally feel is right to do.
I'm a woman, a Pagan, and extremely pro-choice (for obvious reasons). I have gay relatives, gay friends, and parents of friends who are gay. I live in the great state of Massachusetts which has recongized equal marriage rights for everyone. I am an adoptee with divorced parents. I over-criticize myself to do the right thing all the time. I donate to the police charity fund. I donate to Children International, where I sponsor a girl in the Dominican Republic and a girl in India. And I donate platelets, which save peoples lives.
I will continue to fight for what I believe in and try to make this world a better place.
If that bursts your bubble and rubs you the wrong way, hey... I respect that. But that doesn't mean I'm going to change for you. I have friends and relatives who are extremely conservative, carry guns, think abortion should be illegal, and perhaps even think privately that I'm a sorry human being for the faith that I hold. As long as they don't publically kick me specifically, for having different beliefs than them, we're all cool. NO ONE believes in the exact thing another person does. We're not clones.
For those who think I'm demon scum and should go to hell for my beliefs... I'm bringing the throw pillows to decorate the hell couch and my stash of drinks for the inevitable fantastic party. I'll have a lot of company from wonderful, hardworking, lifeloving people of all creeds, religions, and nationalities.
Off to work and face the day. Because it's a beautiful bright one out there-- and I'm going to go out there with my eyes looking dead ahead.
03 November 2004
Wake me up when this nightmare ends...
Four more years of the dictator
Four more years of the disgusting, self-righteous swagger
Four more years of arrogance, destroying any remaining respect we have around the world
Four more years of thinly-veiled theocracy
To the good ol' boys and rednecks of this nation - fuck off.
To the educated folks who voted for Bush - shame on you.
And I"m counting on both a draft and another country invaded within two years.
I'm just terrified and sick for this nation.
Four more years of the disgusting, self-righteous swagger
Four more years of arrogance, destroying any remaining respect we have around the world
Four more years of thinly-veiled theocracy
To the good ol' boys and rednecks of this nation - fuck off.
To the educated folks who voted for Bush - shame on you.
And I"m counting on both a draft and another country invaded within two years.
I'm just terrified and sick for this nation.
01 November 2004
The counter is back
And I've started writing.
This year I'm not going to be updating my NaNo journal-- I couldn't make it work for two years. I might reflect on it later after NaNo is done, but for the time being I just am going to concentrate on actually doing the writing and trying to be a good ML.
Plus, I am hoping this year to write something that I can actually work with and actually try to get published. Which means I can't post it online anyway.
However, if anyone really wants to read the completely messy, disorganized rough draft at the end of November, just drop a line and I'll be happy to send it to you-- provided that you promise to give some suggestions for improvement (either tightening or expanding on scenes).
And for concept-- I have returned to my main character from 2002 NaNo (Raven). Last year she kept thumping my head in November. Apparently she has a story to tell me. So this year I'm just going to let her talk and see how the words flow.
This year I'm not going to be updating my NaNo journal-- I couldn't make it work for two years. I might reflect on it later after NaNo is done, but for the time being I just am going to concentrate on actually doing the writing and trying to be a good ML.
Plus, I am hoping this year to write something that I can actually work with and actually try to get published. Which means I can't post it online anyway.
However, if anyone really wants to read the completely messy, disorganized rough draft at the end of November, just drop a line and I'll be happy to send it to you-- provided that you promise to give some suggestions for improvement (either tightening or expanding on scenes).
And for concept-- I have returned to my main character from 2002 NaNo (Raven). Last year she kept thumping my head in November. Apparently she has a story to tell me. So this year I'm just going to let her talk and see how the words flow.
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