Well, they're on. They feel so WEIRD! I keep getting warned by just about everyone that it's going to hurt later. I'm hoping it won't be much worse than those spacers. I was rather happy about getting them out, but apparently they didn't make enough space and they went right back in again when they were done. I have to go back next week. :-( Eating is going to be an interesting experience from here on out . . .
Friday, October 31, 2003
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Jackhammers make very good alarm clocks. Not only do they wake you up, you can't turn them off, you can't fall back asleep, and finally, the noise is so bad you can't wait to get out of the house. There has been wave after wave of construction crew that just swoop through the neighborhood. No warning, no apologies, no idea of what they're doing. (Except making a lot of noise!)
I think I'd like a pellet gun for christmas . . .
I think I'd like a pellet gun for christmas . . .
Sunday, October 26, 2003
I've been playing with Photoshop again. I scanned in some of the most beat-up of Karen's photos and began my amateur attempts to restore them. It's actually been a lot of fun. Here are some of the ones I've completed:
This is before and after of my grandfather in the late 1940's/early 1950's.
This is my grandmother at her high school graduation.
This is before and after of my grandfather in the late 1940's/early 1950's.
This is my grandmother at her high school graduation.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Speaking of haunted houses, I now firmly believe something is amiss at my aunt and uncle's house.
While they were on vacation, a toilet decided to break and proceeded to flood the house. Disaster.
The dining and living room ceilings are GONE. The floor is soaked. Wet drywall everywhere. The fire department even jimmied the door and left a big hole in the edge.
We went over to see what we could do to help, and attempted to salvage her many photographs. Water was everywhere! We found it in hanging ornaments, fake flower arrangements, lamps. Wet drywall sat like clay in soggy clumps on the floor. I didn't even go into the basement, but I can imagine that it's pretty bad. They will be staying in a hotel, and hopefully not even moving back in. They've been making plans to move, but haven't yet done any serious looking. Since the tree fell on their house last month, I think that they had better move before it the whole building disappears!
While they were on vacation, a toilet decided to break and proceeded to flood the house. Disaster.
The dining and living room ceilings are GONE. The floor is soaked. Wet drywall everywhere. The fire department even jimmied the door and left a big hole in the edge.
We went over to see what we could do to help, and attempted to salvage her many photographs. Water was everywhere! We found it in hanging ornaments, fake flower arrangements, lamps. Wet drywall sat like clay in soggy clumps on the floor. I didn't even go into the basement, but I can imagine that it's pretty bad. They will be staying in a hotel, and hopefully not even moving back in. They've been making plans to move, but haven't yet done any serious looking. Since the tree fell on their house last month, I think that they had better move before it the whole building disappears!
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Just in time for Halloween - this was went to my Haunt List that I'm haunting this year. (no haunted houses for me to act in, but I gotta haunt somewhere!)
by Edgar Allen Poe's Cat from: Poetry for Cats: The
Definitive
Anthology of Distinguished Feline Verse by Henry
Beard, Gary Zamchick (Illustrator)
On a night quite unenchanting, when the rain was
downward slanting, I awakened to the ranting of the
man I catch mice for.
Tipsy and a bit unshaven, in a tone I found quite
craven, Poe was talking to a Raven perched above the
chamber door.
"Raven's very tasty," thought I, as I tiptoed o'er the
floor, "There is nothing I like more"
Soft upon the rug I treaded, calm and careful as I
headed towards his roost atop that dreaded bust of
Pallas I deplore.
While the bard and birdie chattered, I made sure that
nothing
clattered, creaked, or snapped, or fell, or shattered,
as I crossed the corridor; For his house is crammed
with trinkets, curios and weird decor- bric-a-brac and
junk galore.
Still the Raven never fluttered, standing stock-still
as he uttered, in a voice that shrieked and sputtered,
his two cents' worth - "Nevermore."
While this dirge the birdbrain kept up, oh, so
silently I crept up, then I crouched and quickly leapt
up, pouncing on the feathered bore.
Soon he was a heap of plumage, and a little blood and
gore - only this and not much more.
"Oooo!" my pickled poet cried out, "Pussycat, it's
time I dried out! Never sat I in my hideout talking to
a bird before; How I've wallowed in self-pity, while
my gallant, valiant kitty put an end to that damned
ditty" - then I heard him start to snore.
Back atop the door I clambered, eyed that statue I
abhor, jumped - and smashed it on the floor.
by Edgar Allen Poe's Cat from: Poetry for Cats: The
Definitive
Anthology of Distinguished Feline Verse by Henry
Beard, Gary Zamchick (Illustrator)
On a night quite unenchanting, when the rain was
downward slanting, I awakened to the ranting of the
man I catch mice for.
Tipsy and a bit unshaven, in a tone I found quite
craven, Poe was talking to a Raven perched above the
chamber door.
"Raven's very tasty," thought I, as I tiptoed o'er the
floor, "There is nothing I like more"
Soft upon the rug I treaded, calm and careful as I
headed towards his roost atop that dreaded bust of
Pallas I deplore.
While the bard and birdie chattered, I made sure that
nothing
clattered, creaked, or snapped, or fell, or shattered,
as I crossed the corridor; For his house is crammed
with trinkets, curios and weird decor- bric-a-brac and
junk galore.
Still the Raven never fluttered, standing stock-still
as he uttered, in a voice that shrieked and sputtered,
his two cents' worth - "Nevermore."
While this dirge the birdbrain kept up, oh, so
silently I crept up, then I crouched and quickly leapt
up, pouncing on the feathered bore.
Soon he was a heap of plumage, and a little blood and
gore - only this and not much more.
"Oooo!" my pickled poet cried out, "Pussycat, it's
time I dried out! Never sat I in my hideout talking to
a bird before; How I've wallowed in self-pity, while
my gallant, valiant kitty put an end to that damned
ditty" - then I heard him start to snore.
Back atop the door I clambered, eyed that statue I
abhor, jumped - and smashed it on the floor.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
I often wonder if this old Town Hall where I work is haunted. And why shouldn't it be? The police station (complete with holding cells) was located in the basement. The Post Office was on the first floor. There's a lot of history here, and a lot of wierd things that happen.
Take, for instance, our television in the main office. I've watched this happen more than once. The TV turns itself from channel 3 to 2 on its own. No one's near it. No one's near the remotes. It just flicks itself to another station, and drives us crazy for a few seconds while we try to figure out why the signal has gone fuzzy and whether it's our station, Cox, or the television that's at fault. I have no idea why this happens. I suppose I could blame it on wierd signals coming down the line, but since the cable isn't hooked directly into the television, I don't see how it could happen. I'ts just one of those wierd things that happen in my life . . .
Take, for instance, our television in the main office. I've watched this happen more than once. The TV turns itself from channel 3 to 2 on its own. No one's near it. No one's near the remotes. It just flicks itself to another station, and drives us crazy for a few seconds while we try to figure out why the signal has gone fuzzy and whether it's our station, Cox, or the television that's at fault. I have no idea why this happens. I suppose I could blame it on wierd signals coming down the line, but since the cable isn't hooked directly into the television, I don't see how it could happen. I'ts just one of those wierd things that happen in my life . . .
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Not much chirping here . . . more of a dull ache in the back of my head. And just a wierd feeling in the back of my teeth.
Yes, my figmental friends, I'm finally getting braces. Right now I have 8 tiny rubber bands wedged between my back molars. They're supposedly making space for metal er, thingies that will serve an anchor for the wires.
I made the decision to look into braces about a year and a half ago. My dentist gave his approval, although he also managed a few snide comments about orthdontists. hmm, dental rivalry?
The first ortho I went to was sadistically excited about removing pieces of my jaw and then fusing what was left back together. I felt like I was dealing with a car salesman. No, thank you, I don't WANT the Hummer, I just want the Cavalier that will be much easier to park and less likely to be stolen! Still, I thought, I'll look into oral surgery and see what another dental professional has to say. So I talked with the very nice lady who removed my wisdom teeth.
After I came to, (and I mean that literally) I put the whole decision off for a while. Then came a funeral, and then a marriage, then the moving, rearranging and repainting of three households. I forgot about the whole thing til the ortho started sending letters. On talking to them, they still were pushing oral surgery. So I dug up the referall my dentist had given me and called the orthodontist he recommended.
A very nice, professional lady. Very STRONG handshake. Funky, bright office decorations. She agreed that surgery wasn't necessary, but that she could straighten my teeth. She recommended a permanent retainer for afterwards (and even showed me the one she wore.). I still have to lose two perfectly good teeth - most likely before the year is out. (ugh.)
Yes, I want to do this. It's kind of a now or never thing. I can live with my teeth like this, but I'm afraid they'll get worse. I'm also tired of looking like I have a missing tooth in my pictures. I'm well aware of 30 months or so of misery and most likely no more Tortilla Factory chips.
Right now I have the time, the money (mostly) and the ability to do have them, and I want to take advantage of this. If I had followed through when I started this, I'd already be a good year into it.
I'll be getting them on Halloween. Somewhat appropriate, don't you think?
Yes, my figmental friends, I'm finally getting braces. Right now I have 8 tiny rubber bands wedged between my back molars. They're supposedly making space for metal er, thingies that will serve an anchor for the wires.
I made the decision to look into braces about a year and a half ago. My dentist gave his approval, although he also managed a few snide comments about orthdontists. hmm, dental rivalry?
The first ortho I went to was sadistically excited about removing pieces of my jaw and then fusing what was left back together. I felt like I was dealing with a car salesman. No, thank you, I don't WANT the Hummer, I just want the Cavalier that will be much easier to park and less likely to be stolen! Still, I thought, I'll look into oral surgery and see what another dental professional has to say. So I talked with the very nice lady who removed my wisdom teeth.
After I came to, (and I mean that literally) I put the whole decision off for a while. Then came a funeral, and then a marriage, then the moving, rearranging and repainting of three households. I forgot about the whole thing til the ortho started sending letters. On talking to them, they still were pushing oral surgery. So I dug up the referall my dentist had given me and called the orthodontist he recommended.
A very nice, professional lady. Very STRONG handshake. Funky, bright office decorations. She agreed that surgery wasn't necessary, but that she could straighten my teeth. She recommended a permanent retainer for afterwards (and even showed me the one she wore.). I still have to lose two perfectly good teeth - most likely before the year is out. (ugh.)
Yes, I want to do this. It's kind of a now or never thing. I can live with my teeth like this, but I'm afraid they'll get worse. I'm also tired of looking like I have a missing tooth in my pictures. I'm well aware of 30 months or so of misery and most likely no more Tortilla Factory chips.
Right now I have the time, the money (mostly) and the ability to do have them, and I want to take advantage of this. If I had followed through when I started this, I'd already be a good year into it.
I'll be getting them on Halloween. Somewhat appropriate, don't you think?
Friday, October 17, 2003
The front page of The Observer this week was rather interesting. Two headlines - one read: "Council Defers Ban on Chickens." The other: "Pollo Campero Opens to Crowds."
It's a rather henpecked town, don't you think?
It's a rather henpecked town, don't you think?
Thursday, October 16, 2003
iTunes is now available for Windows. I downloaded the program to check it out. I found this part of the License agreement particularly amusing:
THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS, LIFE SUPPORT MACHINES OR OTHER EQUIPMENT IN WHICH THE FAILURE OF THE APPLE SOFTWARE COULD LEAD TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.
I'd like to know who's downloading music to Life Support Machines.
THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS, LIFE SUPPORT MACHINES OR OTHER EQUIPMENT IN WHICH THE FAILURE OF THE APPLE SOFTWARE COULD LEAD TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.
I'd like to know who's downloading music to Life Support Machines.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Bizarre. Ever notice how logging in and logging out of a program will fix ANYTHING? I could not get the new Realm blog to work until I logged out of the site and back in again. After that, no problems. It's just amazing.
I never realized you could have more than one log. I'm attempting to set up one for the Realm section of my site. Problem is, it doesn't like my login settings, even though they're exactly the same as on this blog!
It's windy out. WINDY. I don't remember it being this windy during Isabel (although it might have been)!
I'm sitting here, staring out my office window (again) and watching a tree. The tree seems to have been uprooted overnight, but is still holding on by a few deep roots. The trunk is at a 45 degree angle to the ground. The wind keeps pushing it upright, and then slowly lowering it back to the ground. I've heard of people describing trees as swaying, but this tree doesn't seem to have grasped the concept correctly. It's like watching a loose tooth. You just wonder when it'll come out . . .
I'm sitting here, staring out my office window (again) and watching a tree. The tree seems to have been uprooted overnight, but is still holding on by a few deep roots. The trunk is at a 45 degree angle to the ground. The wind keeps pushing it upright, and then slowly lowering it back to the ground. I've heard of people describing trees as swaying, but this tree doesn't seem to have grasped the concept correctly. It's like watching a loose tooth. You just wonder when it'll come out . . .
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Part of my reason for putting some things off on my list (see below) is the fact that I am planning to sign up for an interior decorating course through Sheffield School of Interior Design. Four and a half of my projects on that list would benefit greatly from my knowing the information being taught through this correspondence course. So, naturally, I get to procrastinate a bit! ;-)
I'm rather excited about these classes. The only TV I've watched lately has been HGTV. I had a blast designing my own room, and have already started trying to redo the bathroom. What I'd REALLY like to do is get into historic renovation/preservation. Something about it fascinates me. My sister has a similar interest. She's fortunate enough to live in an old section of Brunswick, MD, in a house that's around 100 years old. It was redecorated in the 1970's, which means shag carpeting and wall panelling everywhere. While their renovations aren't historical, they are attempting to simplify the house and make it brighter and more functional for them. Just this past weekend they tore out the faux brick fireplace front that had annoyed her from the moment she first saw it. Behind it was, another grate, and another mantel. Behind THAT was . . . nothing. There had never been a fireplace in that room! The chimney was there so that you could hook up a stove. (the chimney in the other room still has the hole for it.) She was really excited about that - meant a lot less mess to cart out. They're now planning to turn the opening into a built-in media center. Inside the area they found a ton of bobby pins, some safety pins, and several post cards from the 1921 addressed to members of the Thomas family. Their house holds so many clues as to who lived there in the past! I imagine it's the stories behind old buildings that fascinate me the most. Being able to use those stories and rebuild the house . . . I'm looking forward to it.
I'm rather excited about these classes. The only TV I've watched lately has been HGTV. I had a blast designing my own room, and have already started trying to redo the bathroom. What I'd REALLY like to do is get into historic renovation/preservation. Something about it fascinates me. My sister has a similar interest. She's fortunate enough to live in an old section of Brunswick, MD, in a house that's around 100 years old. It was redecorated in the 1970's, which means shag carpeting and wall panelling everywhere. While their renovations aren't historical, they are attempting to simplify the house and make it brighter and more functional for them. Just this past weekend they tore out the faux brick fireplace front that had annoyed her from the moment she first saw it. Behind it was, another grate, and another mantel. Behind THAT was . . . nothing. There had never been a fireplace in that room! The chimney was there so that you could hook up a stove. (the chimney in the other room still has the hole for it.) She was really excited about that - meant a lot less mess to cart out. They're now planning to turn the opening into a built-in media center. Inside the area they found a ton of bobby pins, some safety pins, and several post cards from the 1921 addressed to members of the Thomas family. Their house holds so many clues as to who lived there in the past! I imagine it's the stories behind old buildings that fascinate me the most. Being able to use those stories and rebuild the house . . . I'm looking forward to it.
When you can't get anything done, make a list. Be anal, if you have to. Instead of, "clean the house" write, vaacum living room, put dishes away, dust furniture. That way you can check off more things on your list and feel you've actually accomplished something.
I had to make a list. I wasn't getting anything done, and I needed to see what I HAD to do. Turns out I have more things to accomplish than I thought! I'm a great procrastinator, I seem to work better under a deadline or a schedule. Finish the NNO project by August 29? No problem! Done with two days to spare! Create a three minute version of it when you have a chance? Err, aah, did you still want that? With Christmas coming up, I now have a deadline. Christmas shopping, for one. And a special project I have to get done for my cousin.
My two page list is now staring me in the face. Do I dare go ahead and assign deadlines to each item?
I had to make a list. I wasn't getting anything done, and I needed to see what I HAD to do. Turns out I have more things to accomplish than I thought! I'm a great procrastinator, I seem to work better under a deadline or a schedule. Finish the NNO project by August 29? No problem! Done with two days to spare! Create a three minute version of it when you have a chance? Err, aah, did you still want that? With Christmas coming up, I now have a deadline. Christmas shopping, for one. And a special project I have to get done for my cousin.
My two page list is now staring me in the face. Do I dare go ahead and assign deadlines to each item?
Friday, October 10, 2003
If you visit www.blogger.com and randomly browse through other people's blogs, you'll notice a wide variety of people and topics. Some write highly intelligent posts about current events. Some write extremely personal comments about their lives. Some use it as a news briefing of their life, a kind of online diary. Some can't spell. Others write wild rants about their pet peeves. It's rather fascinating to be able to look into the mind of a complete stranger who's decided to share his opinion with the world.
Who reads this stuff? Friends? Family? Complete strangers? Obviously, anyone with Internet access can access the ideas you've written down. Often, I can't help but wonder about the the things people DO write. Why are they putting this in a public forum? Do they think people across the world want to know about the tiny details of their lives?
When I first got this Blog for my site, I thought about the kinds of posts I should write. Should I be extremely personal? Rant and rave about current events? What did I need a Blog page for? I chose to simulate Dave Barry'sBlogspot where he mostly posts wierd links and comments from his fans. I don't have fans, so I just add random thoughts or jokes I've been e-mailed. I suppose I COULD turn it into a kind of diary (my life is certainly wierd enough) but I don't see what good it would do to tell complete strangers about the stressfullness of being me and dealing with the people I deal with. If they even FIND this blog. It's a hidden link on my web site, random surfers (and most family members) probably wouldn't even find it. I've never gotten responses about it. I'm probably talking to myself. Which isn't unusual.
In any case, these online diary things are growing in popularity. News articles make huge deals about them when they think about it, acting as though they've suddenly discovered a new species when the rest of the world's been using them for months. They're not so bad. It's easier and faster to use this format than for me
to write out the html. I think I'll keep it. Maybe someday I'll start posting more personal stuff. Most likely not. I'd rather use it as a quick way to point people towards web sites I find interesting.
Who reads this stuff? Friends? Family? Complete strangers? Obviously, anyone with Internet access can access the ideas you've written down. Often, I can't help but wonder about the the things people DO write. Why are they putting this in a public forum? Do they think people across the world want to know about the tiny details of their lives?
When I first got this Blog for my site, I thought about the kinds of posts I should write. Should I be extremely personal? Rant and rave about current events? What did I need a Blog page for? I chose to simulate Dave Barry'sBlogspot where he mostly posts wierd links and comments from his fans. I don't have fans, so I just add random thoughts or jokes I've been e-mailed. I suppose I COULD turn it into a kind of diary (my life is certainly wierd enough) but I don't see what good it would do to tell complete strangers about the stressfullness of being me and dealing with the people I deal with. If they even FIND this blog. It's a hidden link on my web site, random surfers (and most family members) probably wouldn't even find it. I've never gotten responses about it. I'm probably talking to myself. Which isn't unusual.
In any case, these online diary things are growing in popularity. News articles make huge deals about them when they think about it, acting as though they've suddenly discovered a new species when the rest of the world's been using them for months. They're not so bad. It's easier and faster to use this format than for me
to write out the html. I think I'll keep it. Maybe someday I'll start posting more personal stuff. Most likely not. I'd rather use it as a quick way to point people towards web sites I find interesting.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Monday, October 06, 2003
Pumpkinglow.com The site for pumpkin carving patterns
It's that time of year again! This is one of the best sites out there for free carving patterns. I did Calvin and Hobbes in the wagon last year - now to decide on this year's pattern!
It's that time of year again! This is one of the best sites out there for free carving patterns. I did Calvin and Hobbes in the wagon last year - now to decide on this year's pattern!
