It's Tuesday

Ok, trying something new.
Here we have some Easy Trivia.

And then after that warm up,
or instead, if you would rather,
try the
Regular Tuesday Trivia.


Congrats to A N Other for 80,
Sar and Lime who tied at 70.

(We are ignoring the unfortunate confusion
involving the guest quiz author,
please forgive us and we will avoid such incidents in the future).

And thanks to BS and Weirsdo for the donated questions.
The rest of you are seriously bringin' us down, man,
you are totally slacking on the questions.
E-mail them!
logophile_mania@yahoo.com

Meme Monday, audio style

Some people!

Lately, the Alpha Female has been living off these

because she has a cold.

One would reasonably expect a small amount of discomfort,

perhaps even allow for an occasional small complaint.

But no,

amidst pleas for fresh tissues, cups of tea, and sympathy and much moaning

there are also nearly endless sneezes and snuffles, and frankly, we are tired of it.

Someone really needs to cure the common cold,

so we can get to life as it should be;

the AF taking care of the rest of us!

Alright, since it seems no matter what we do we are constantly facing the challenges of a humanoid bias, we are going to do this meme from Damasta together.
The answerer is denoted by initial.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what did you think?
A-Holy tuna, they are lucky to have me!
L- Holy mother of a Hindu cow, what happened to me?

2. How much cash do you have on you?
A-None
L-None

3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"?
A- Conquest
L-Rest

4. Favorite planet?:
A-Neptune
L-Earth is working pretty well for me.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
A- human bias!
L-My esteemed elder sister, Logorrhea

6. What is your favorite ring on your phone?
A-Discrimination!!
L- This nice little calypso number

7. What shirt are you wearing?
A-WHAT IS WITH YOU PEOPLE?!?!
L-A brown shirt

8. Do you "label" yourself?
A-No, but I have a lovely collar with some tags.
L- My label in my jeans says Levi

9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing now:
A- Hello?!?!
L-I am in the house, I don't have shoes on, the ones I just took off were Nine West though

10. Bright or Dark Room?
If it is natural light, as bright as possible.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
Damasta is the BEST!!

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
A-sleeping, twitching, drooling
L-sleeping, twitching, drooling

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?:
A- ggggggggggrrr
L- I discontinued this service because I was getting charged for some stupid daily horoscope

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?:
Not anywhere close

16. What's a saying(s) that you say a lot?
A-gggggggrrrrr
L- Is that how you should phrase that?

17.Who told you they loved you last?
A-The Alpha Male
L-The esteemed elder sister

18. Last furry thing you touched?
A-We don't want to discuss that in public, do we?
L-Ariella

19. How Many days of work did you miss this week:
A- I never miss a day, I am here, day after day, being cute and adorable.
L- You mean some of you don't slave away every single day of your freaking lives?

20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?:
A-Do what?
L-We are well into the digital age, thank you very much.

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
A-One is really working for me so far.
L- 32

22. Your worst enemy?:
A- The vacuum, I am telling you, there is something wrong there, they don't listen to me, but when the mayhem ensues all can say is, I tried to warn you!
L-Komodo dragons

23. What is your current desktop picture:
A&L- brown with coffee cups

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?:
A-gggggrr
L-"Stop it, go lay down or something."

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose?
A- Flying dog, yeah baby, how do you like me NOW?
L- If I had a million dollars I could go to flight school, and still have some left.

26. Do you like someone?
A- Ssniff sniff, my Golden boy, but he never writes, he never calls, thanks for bringing it up, now why don't you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice in it?? And then there is Casper, and Bucky...hey, I am young, I have to keep my options open.
L-Yes, of course! What, you think I am some hateful person? Of course I like some people, sheesh

27. The last song you listened to?
Just Breathe

28. Carmen Electra or Pam Anderson?
Pam as a flotation device, Carmen has a better porn star name though

Jan 27th- Shake it off...

Your Toys

Your Secret

Your Eyes

Well, you regulars have seen most of this before, but once more into the breech, dear friends. Here is my lovely bucket of toys. It is less full than it was in the last picture because I tend to be rather hard on my toys.
Hey, they are there to be played with, right?

Next we have my secret, alright, well, I don't see the problem, but based on the usual reaction I get, this is something that should not be admitted in public.
I really like licking feet, the rest of the family does not seem to share my enthusiasm. My best chance of sneaking in a few licks is to wait till one of them is asleep or deeply entranced with a book or the computer.

My eyes, well, here I am, ready for my close up Mr. DeMille.

If you don't know about Stuff Portraits, go see Kristine, she is the gal in the know.

Happy HNT!

Getting the finger rarely looks so good.

An open apology

My apologies everyone, I should have known better.
Really, I should have.
I blame myself.
You know that old saying about if you want something done right?
Well, I got some help.
And despite a few early doubts,
things seemed to be going well.
But THEN,
then I looked at the quiz scoreboard.
Evidently, I failed to explain in clear and concise terms,
if you WRITE the quiz,
you should not TAKE the quiz.

Tuesday Triv!

It's time, it's time!
Time to see if SOMEONE, ANYONE (this also means YOU, Sar!!) can take high score from the Idiot.
So, go take the quiz
Tuesday Trivia

Giraffes? Giraffes!
by Dr and Mr. Doris Haggis-On-Whey

also authors of
Your Disgusting Head :
The Darkest, Most Offensive and Moist Secrets of Your Ears, Mouth and Nose
(How Books: Haggis-On-Whey World of Unbelievable Brillance)
List price-$16.95 **Comes with flashcards! Come on, flashcards, people!!
ISBN: 0743267265
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review:
For many years the scientific and educational community has wondered and worried about the possibility that semi-sane scholar-pretenders would find the means to put out a series of reference books, filled with ludicrous misinformation and aimed at children.
So here we are with GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! by Dr. and Mr. Doris Haggis-On-Whey. A world-renowned and much feared expert on everything, Dr. Doris Haggis-On-Whey has seventeen degrees from eighteen institutions of higher learning. With her husband, Benny, she has traveled the world many times over, has learned about all aspects of life, including outer space and food, first hand.
When is the last time you actually sat down and had a conversation with a giraffe? That's what I thought. You are hopelessly clueless on giraffe culture, their likes/dislikes and voting patterns -- most giraffes are probably libertarian.
GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! is the authoritative text on the biology, history and overall nature of giraffes.
You are so behind on giraffes that it's rather embarrassing and you obviously need this book more than health insurance. Things you probably don't know about giraffes -- and can only be found in this book -- include giraffes' preferred mode of transportation (conveyor belt), what their bodies are made of (paper mache, a clock, fruit juices and a super-strong lightweight titanium alloy), where most giraffes live (Terra Haute, Indiana -- known for many things, including buildings made of wood and ground made of dirt), and basic giraffe history (in 50,000 B.C giraffes began to hang out with primitive man, they found him to be likeable and helped him paint buffaloes in caves).
Cheat Sheet on Giraffes (good for slumber parties and barroom brawls):
• Giraffes invented plastic. "No, not plastic--latex. My bad. Still, though isn't that amazing?"
• Frequently Asked Question: Why do we call giraffes "giraffes?" Answer: Because when they came to Earth they asked us to.
• Rarely Asked Question: How fast can giraffes run? The giraffes have tried to phase out running from their lives but if they had to, they could still run much faster than you. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that they can run 780 mph.
With the wit and irreverent sense of humor for which Dave Eggers and McSweeney's is known, comes the first volume in the revolutionary Haggis-On-Whey World of Unbelievable Brilliance books. More than just entertaining and informative, GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! will help you appear smarter, more in touch with your sensitive side and whiten your teeth. And much, much more that will likely sicken you.

By royal degree of her highness The Funky BUG,

Monday is all about me, or her, or you, as the case may be.

Confused? Go see her, she will get your ass straightened out but quick!

From my list of 101 Things About Me

-------------------------

59. I think I DO belong on the bed all the time

Now here is a stroke of genius.

Thing One and Thing Two managed to convince the Alpha Female that despite nearly indiscernable symptoms they really and truly were not well and needed a day off from school.

Being easily duped and excessively permissive she allowed them to not only have a day off from school but made the magic disappearing bed in the living room re-materialize so the lil boogers could lounge around in their jammies watching the History Channel, she claims Modern Marvels is educational.

Here I am taking advantage of their absence to hog not only the bed, but also the blankets, aaah, it is good to be the queen.

(The Things were busy running through the house either playing tag or trying to develop fever symptoms)

It's that time again, the beginning of a new week.
It's that time when one casts about desperately for a topic on their 200th post (yeah, that's right, 200th baby, we may not be flashy but we are here, day after day, contributing our part to the useless glut of pointless information on the web).
So, for your Sunday inspiration, here are some quotes about dogs.

They are better than human beings, because they know but do not tell. --Emily Dickenson
That Emily, so pithy, so pertinent.

They never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.--Jerome K. Jerome
It is better to keep silent and be thought sympathetic than to point out reality and end up in the dog house
(take note humans, this applies to you too).

Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend. --Corey Ford
For a 6 week course I only charge $3,500, send your cash and your men, and I will return one of them to you in six weeks

A dog is like an eternal Peter Pan, a child who never grows old and who therefore is always available to love and be loved. --Aaron Katcher
Growing old is no fun, and the first step is growing up, don't do it!

Outside of a dog, a man's best friend is a book; inside of a dog, it is very dark.--Groucho Marx.
I suggest you ask Tom and Icy about this, they are the current experts on the topic.

They say the dog is man's best friend. I don't believe that. How many of your friends have you neutered?--Larry Reeb
Uuuuuh huh, come on, you KNOW that is a good point!

I am as confounded by dogs as I am indebted to them.~Roger Caras
The man who also said, "There are only three sins- causing pain, causing fear, and causing anguish. The rest is window dressing." An intelligent man, a wise man, a dog lover, I think that covers the basics.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
Anatole France
See??
You should love me, it is GOOD for you, even doctors and small brained Nobel prize winners agree!

Dog Property Laws

Thing One and Thing Two also seem to subscribe to these principles.

If I like it, it's mine.
If it's in my mouth, it's mine.
If I can take it from you, it's mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.
If it just looks like mine, it's mine.
If I saw it first, it's mine.
If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
If it's broken, it's yours.

Guess that novel

Stuff Portrait Friday~ Wake Up!!

Jan FRIDAY THE 20th - WAKE UP!
Your Lotions
Your Towels
Your Toothbrush

As you can see, I am a pretty low maintainance gal, really.

Unlike SOMEONE I could mention.

Oh well, we can't all be perfect.

Wondering about the SPF thing? Go see Kristine

AND

As some of you may have seen, in the recent dog show,

a Portuguese Water Dog was oh so close to taking the group (Working Dog)

So, here are a few possible reasons why that gorgeous Porty got edged out.

Top Ten Excuses For Losing The Dog Show
10) Mistaken in assumption there would be chance to show off talent for drinking from toilet
9) Thought I saw that little chuckwagon
8) Bad idea going to Don King's barber
7) Caught in a lie claiming to be Cycle Two dog when I'm really Cycle Three
6) Shouldn't have picked Quayle as running mate
5) My lifelong battle with problem drool
4) During spelling portion, spelled "ubiquitous" with two B's
3) Didn't know that was the judge's leg
2) Money goes to trainer anyway, so let him stand naked in a carpeted ice skating rink and be touched by a stranger in a bad suit
1) Like me, the whole thing was fixed (Damn you Bob Barker, DAMN YOU)

(we acknowledge the David Letterman show for their contribution to this post)

HNT~ Curly Girl style

Although technically my hair is called "wavy" by Portuguese Water Dog breeders,

it is pretty curly, it is just not poodle-type curly.

Immediately after a bath it is VERY curly, and

of course, adorable.

Now, I have a startling revelation for you.

The AF hasn't shampoo ed her hair in over a year,

all because of this book.

This is not to say she doesn't ever wash it,

but after reading this book she swore off

ammonium lauryl sulfate and its relatives.

Well, can you even believe the nerve!

Today, I thought I would share with you a cheeky letter I received.


Dear Ariella,
When I say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions so you are still in the way.
The dishes on the floor on the mat marked with paw prints contains your food.
The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it as your food and dish,
nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The hallway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me down the length of it is not the object.
Tripping me doesn't help, because I fall faster than you can run.
I will not buy anything bigger than a queen size bed. I am very sorry about this.
Do not think I will sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort.
Look at videos of dogs and cats sleeping, they can actually curl up in a ball.
It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular stretched out to the fullest extent possible.
I also know that sticking your tail straight out and having your tongue hanging out the other end to maximize space used is nothing but sarcasm.
Compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom.
If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut,
it is not necessary to claw, whine, and try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open.
I must exit through the same door I entered.
In addition, I have been using bathrooms for years.
Canine attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go sniff the other animals' butts.
I cannot stress this enough.
It would be such a simple change for you.
To pacify you I have posted the following message on our front door...

Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Dog:
1. She lives here. You don't.
2. I like my pet a lot better than I like most people.
3. To you, it's an animal. To me, she is an adopted daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
4. Dogs are better than kids anyway.
They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called,
never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink,
don't worry about buying the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes,
don't need a gazillion dollars for college,
and if they get pregnant, you can sell the results.

In conclusion, we are doing our best to live peaceably with you, please try to work WITH us.
Sincerely,
Logo

--------------------------------------------------
You see?
You see what i put up with?

Anway...
winners for the Snavy Quiz were
Snav ( what a shock),
Cuteness_personified, and
Kelly, all tied at 100.
Well done!
The weekly trivia contained a question with two correct answers,
sorry, Chile and Liberia both recently elected their first female presidents.
Apologies to Lime and Weirsdo, and anyone else who got shafted there.
Even with spotting them the 10 points they rightfully SHOULD have,
we
STILL
have an idiot in the lead.

Also,
and this disturbs me,
running through the house is a small male child, this one,


















and he keeps singing,

"Whatever Lola wants
Lola gets
And little man, little Lola wants you
Make up your mind to have
no regrets
Recline yourself, resign yourself, you're through
I always get what I aim for
And your heart'n soul
is what I came for
Whatever Lola wants
Lola gets,
off your coat
Don't you know you can't win?
You're no exception to the rule,
I'm irresistible, you fool, give in!"

He really ought to stop that.

Trivia Tuesday

First,

WE HAVE AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Today is the birthday of our beloved Snavylyn!

Do you know Snav?

If not, you ought to go over and take a look.

If you do...

you might want to try the Snavy quiz

(Prize for the high score)

and make sure you go wish her a Happy Bday.

OR

if you came looking for the regular Tuesday kind of a deal...

try

The Weekly Trivia Quiz

** note, the woman president question is in error, correct answer on this quiz is Chile, sorry about that.

Seamus and Weirsdo tied with 80% last week,

aren't you two a couple of smarties?!

Thanks to those who contributed questions.

Please continue to send those quiz questions to logophile_mania@yahoo.com

Send the question along with four possible answers

and the correct one marked,

thanks!

P.S. Our local Seattle pal, Thomcat, is ALSO having a birthday today.

Happy Birthday, Thom, you are sooooo fom!

P.P.S. Damasta tagged me with a meme, so here it is.

Four Truths and a Lie
A twisted meme.

Try to guess the lie

.Four jobs you've had in your life:

Dog sitter
English teacher
Senate page
Mary Kay lady
Sales clerk

Four movies you could watch over and over:
Muppet Christmas Carol
The Princess Bride
MP Holy Grail
So I Married An Axe Murderer
Titanic

Four places you've lived:
Kalathos, Greece
Pensacola, Florida
Pozzuoli, Italy
Silverdale, Washington
Hollywood, Maryland

Four TV shows you love to watch:

Mythbusters

Modern Marvels

MXC

The Daily Show

Desperate Housewives

Four places you've been on vacation:

London, England

Venice, Italy

Disneyland, California

Victoria, BC, Canada

New Orleans, Louisiana

Four websites you visit daily:

Fifth Circle of Cubic Hell
Waking Ambrose
The Hijacked Blog
Touch My Belly
Dad Gone Mad

Four of your favorite foods:
Eggplant parmesan
cinnamon rolls
nachos with everything
salmon
chocolate cake

Four places you'd rather be right now:

Amalfi, Italy
Machu Picchu, Peru
Ocean Shores, Washington
St Lucia
Disneyworld, Florida

Four bloggers you are tagging:
Not you
Or you
The cool person

The smart person
You

Meme Monday, MLK Day

Unclear about the Meme Monday thing?

Go see Robin, she will 'splain.

From my list of 101 things about me.

----------

1. I am black.

2. I am frequently discriminated against because of my race, or species, or something.

For example, the AF went to visit with some fellow bloggers and

THIS

was her idea of being clever. That is Binder Clip Ariella.

You see what I am saying?

I didn't actually get to accompany her, oh noooooo,

she only takes me in effigy.

Discrimination!!

So, she attempted to make it up to me by introducing me to this guy...

he had odd hair, although he smelled great, vaguely like Golden Retriever.

Frankly, I was slightly bored, thus the yawning in the picture.

Actually, meeting The Village Idiot was fine, would have been better if he brought his dog.

But I have to tell you, you should be careful if you venture into this dangerous activity.

It appears idiocy, or whatever it is that causes that problem on your head...

it's catching.

but in hopes of equality for dogs, dolls, and people of color, as well as idiots,

I offer the following reminder,

from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence,

they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.
This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.

Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.

We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.

So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice...

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.

We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.

Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom....

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."..

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today....

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
When we let freedom ring,

when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet,

from every state and every city,

we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children,

Black men and White men,

Jews and Gentiles,

Protestants and Catholics,

will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual,

"Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Rest in peace, Dr. King

More Museum Fun...

cuz we think museums rock!

Especially when you can pretend to be a ship's captain.

"I am lord of all I survey!!"

Look at those amazingly strong and fit young men!

That little one can lift his own weight in salmon,

I would like to try EATING my own weight in salmon,

but that evidently will have to wait for another post.

The Things had a great time with this periscope,
which left lovely black rings around their eyes.
Look how nicely they can share and take turns,

why do they have to be in public for the manners to kick in?

Tomorrow, more about our lunch at the waterfall park.

Doncha just love Pioneer Square?

When the weather won't work WITH you...

run away and play!

We went to the Museum of History and Industry where this almost authentic 1890s bank witnessed an almost vicious and nearly cold-blooded faux robbery.

Here the things are re-enacting the rape and pillage of the ocean upon which our glorious city was founded...in part.

The rape and pillage of the Yukon also contributed, but that is a different museum.

Nevertheless, isn't they just right next door to cute?

Here Thing One is drawing a portrait while in the background...

Thing Two urges his imaginary steeds forward by flailing them with a scarf.

The boy has the soul of a Grinch I tell you.

Here I am finally getting into the action at the waterfall park where we had lunch.

Because really, what says we are ignoring the rain like hanging out at a waterfall park, eh?

Sunnier days

We here at Casa di Ariella are firm believers in the power of denial.

So rather than face up to the fact is it STILL raining and MORE rain is predicted, let's pretend it's more like this....

lovely burnt grass, warm sunshine, and the AF skipping out for a spin on the Reb at every possible opportunity.
Good times, good times.

If you have a question for next week's trivia quiz send it, along with four possible answers and the correct one marked to

logophile_mania@yahoo.com

By the way, it is Friday the thirteen, be careful out there.

This morning it stopped raining long enough...

for us to go for a walk. Here is the Pacific Northwest where we are working on our 25th day of rain this was a momentous occasion. It was grey and cloudy, but not actually pouring buckets of rain, so off we went.

**HNT is posted below for those who came seeking Half Nekkidness**

Thing One took the opportunity to practice his dribbling skills and Thing Two practiced walking backward. This is evidently a highly prized skill among the first grader set as frequent demands for admiration and observation were made.

This is the hill, the route chosen by the Things. The hill is deceptive, especially for cameras. It is am impressive hill.

Here is the view from the other side of the hill. As you can see, the return trip is the hard part.

There is a neighbor walking back home with his human companion.

And HERE is Thing Two dawdling up the hill.

While Thing One practiced his skills as a junior photographer, primarily I think because it gives him a chance to boss the AF around, as you can see by this time she was getting just about tired of it.
Notice however, that I look positively charming, as always.

HNT~ The way I like to blog

There are some benefits to blogging the way I do.

I usually dictate my posts.

And I prefer to lounge while I do so.

Have no HNTing clue?

Click the rotating button in my links and find out.

For you hard core types, a couple memes,

one from me,

and one from the AF

-----------------------

First, from me

a Two-fer, borrowed from Damasta

2 names you go by:

Ariella, Princess

2 parts of your heritage:

I am a purebred waterdog, thank you very much

2 things that scare you

The vacuum, the threat of nucular war

2 of your everyday essentials:
blogging, adoration

2 things you are wearing right now:

My collar, an insouciant expression

2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment):

Norah Jones, The BNL

2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love):

Complete devotion and total submission to my every whim

2 truths:

It really IS you, and no, it wasn't fine

2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):

A beautiful coat and a strong nose

2 of your favorite hobbies:

licking, eating

2 things you want really badly:

mind control powers and some lamb lung.

2 places you want to go on vacation:

Bora Bora and Kuala Lumpur, although Walla Walla is closer and almost as much fun to say.

2 things you want to do before you die:

Finish living, say something pithy

2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick:

I require frequent displays of affection and I am a bitch

2 ways that you are sterotypically not a chick:

Peeing outside really works for me and I have no ovaries (Damn you Bob Barker!!)

2 things you are thinking about now:

I think I need to go outside and I think I want some lamb lung

--------------------------

And now a lil something logo stole from Snav

[A is for age:]34, for a little while longer.

[B is for booze of choice]Hmmm, so many choices, based on moods, meals and means. Wine, red or white depending on the circumstances, Captain Morgan in my apple cider is another fav at the moment.
[C is for career]The current one or the next one?

[D is for your dog's name:]Ariella, but of course

[E is for essential items you use everyday:] Computer, kettle, toothbrush
[F is for favorite song at the moment:]It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland) BNL
[G is for favorite games:]Pass the Bomb (word game)
[H is for hometown:]Oak Harbor, Washington

[I is for instruments you play:]Give me about 20 minutes with something and I can usually do a really bad version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

[J is for jam or jelly you like]Blackberry, and jalepeno

[K is for kids:]Two, male, aged nine and six.

[L is for last kiss?:]That would be from Mr. Logo, and it was lovely.

[M is for most admired trait:]I have always admired people who have the good taste to like me.

[N is for name of your crush:]My latest is an intellectual crush on the thoughtful, clever, and attemptedly meditative man who won the Tuesday Triv this week.

*Note - Seamus' 80% was tied last night by the weird and wonderful Mrs. Weirsdo.

[O is for overnight hospital stays:]Everynight for a couple weeks after walking in front of a car, overnighter for hardware removal, and then a couple night for each of two births

[P is for phobias:]I don't have any phobias, all of my fears are completely rational.

[Q is for quotes you like:]"In religion and politics, people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination." Mark Twain
[R is for biggest regret:]Having caused pain.

[S is for sweets of your choice:]Almond Roca, and good chocolate covered espresso beans.

[T is for time you wake up:]As late as possible. Sadly, most days that is just a little after 7.

[U is for underwear:]Is it now? So! And...what? I am now suppose to tell you if I wear any? And if I do, what kind? Ha!
[V is for vegetable you love:]Artichokes and bell peppers

[W is for worst habit:]I've heard I spend too much time on-line but I deny everything and demand proof!

[X is for x-rays you've had:]Had X rays of just about everything, stay out of traffic, kids.
[Y is for yummy food you make:]cinnamon rolls, but only about once every three years.

[Z is for zodiac sign:]Aquarius, the water bearer, which I am told is, oddly enough, an air sign.

This Wednesday, we are going Waaaaay back...

Further in some cases than others.

First, here are the people,

blah blah

they are all about 2 or so...

whatever.

In order of appearance:

Thing Two, Thing One

AM, AF

And this is meeeeeee,

I am eight weeks old,

am I not precious?

Look how big that tennis ball seems compared to my petite cuteness!

Trivia Tuesday!

It's time for another Trivia QUIZ!!
Are you excited?
Are you ready?
Don't google!


Congrats to THOMCAT for a perfect score last week!!!
and an honorable mention to The Village Idiot for second place.

Send questions for next week, with four possible answers to
logophile_mania@yahoo.com

Meme Monday!!

The Funkybug has declared Monday all about me, or her, or you, or whatever, go check it out.

From my list of 101 things about me.

94 I like to lick my personal areas

95 I especially like to do that right next to the people when they are watching TV or reading

--------------------------------------------------------------

For reasons I have not yet undetermined the act of attending to my personal grooming issues seems to offend the people.

I don't bark at the Things or the Alpha Male for "adjusting" which they tend to do in public rather more than they should.

It is true I occasionally hassle the AF when she is the tub, and have been know to pull her hair while she is brushing it, but it only seems fair given the amount of trouble they give me when I am trying to groom.

Give and take, people, it is all about the give and the take.

A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Having a friend to tea.

Bucky, of C'est Chic, appears courtesy of Tom

Thanks!

A Weekend Wander

Ariella, in exchange for an undisclosed settlement, is graciously allowing me to abuse her forum for a few moments.
She has come to terms with this, I hope you all can too.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Two years ago, after three years spent living in Napoli, my family returned to the States.
It was supposed to be our last move. We were all looking forward to life back home, buying a house, the acquisition of (or by, depending on whom you ask) a dog, an end to cross cultural annoyances, and living closer to family.
The list of benefits seemed almost endless.
So, in the manner of highly mobile families, we began to settle in according to an effective and strategic plan.
A home was purchased; a puppy chosen; goods, services and libraries located; distances to family members clocked. We were situated in record time. Our last box was unpacked approximately 2 1/2 weeks after the moving trucks delivered. Severe ideological differences, among other things, have led us to decide Mr. Logo's current employer is not one with which we wish to continue our association. So we find ourselves in a terrifying, exciting and worrisome "transitional period."
Always a good time for looking back, yes?

I miss Naples.
I hated it,
but I miss it.














Not the stench of death, rot, decay, and smoldering trash.
Not the pollution, litter, abandoned pets and unsafe water.
Not the pickpockets, car jackers, beggars, thieves, mafia thugs and roadside whores.
Not the endless, senseless, bureaucratic bullshit.
Not the days of my life spent with two small children in sweltering, smoky, acrid sweat-scented, crowded lines.
Not the smug self-satisfied smirks that warned me I was about to be cheated.
Not the fear for the safety of my children when we were caught in anti-war/anti-american demonstrations.
But oh... there are so many moments.
When Lena called me, on 9/11, and despite her limited English and my limited Italian friendship found a way to speak.
When Enzo, eyes lit with mischief, taught me to properly pronounce every dirty Italian word he could think of.
When Stefano, a 9 year old in my English class (after overhearing me talk with a friend) proceeded to call everyone "doooood" for weeks.
When Annalia and her family, who practically adopted the boys and I, pronounced me "simpatico".
When Rosa taught me to make limoncello according to HER family's recipe, the "right" way.
When I called my sister from the middle of the Spanish Steps just to say, I'm here, oh my god, I'm really here.
When my friend Don drove over 2 hours to return my kids and I to our home when my car was stolen stranding us.
When my friend Holly and I wandered from our tour group and spent an afternoon in the most dangerous part of Napoli being shepherded by a charming bar keeper and his very caretaking mother.
I miss my American friends who were there with me. There was a sense of family, immediately. If you needed a car, they loaned it. If you needed an emergency sitter, you had one. These were the friends who call to say, "I haven't seen or heard from you in a while, are you ok?" And they usually know when fine means fine, and when it means, Aw, I'm a mess, I can't talk about it right now." The ones who say, "When is the last time you got out without the kids? Bring them over this afternoon and go do something."
I miss my Italian friends who opened their hearts, and doors. They taught me their tongue, tried to teach me their mindset, and loved my children.

















I miss driving daily past amphitheatres that predate Christ on roads that are older than my country.
I miss buying lemons, oranges, eggplants, and tomatoes picked the day before.
I miss taking my kids to play in a castle built by the king who sent Columbus to the New World.
I miss driving unbelievably twisty roads on the Amalfi coast to tiny villages with superb caffe and views of the Med that take the breath away.
I miss driving 100 MPH and feeling a part of the rhythm of the wild, insane ballet that is driving in southern Italy.
I miss going to Rome and knowing on any given day in less than three hours I could be standing in the Sistine chapel.
I miss going to The Blue Moon ristorante, or stopping by Panda pizza on my way home. Ahhhh, Cerbero Pizza.
Lord have mercy, I miss the food, the long, delicious meal with wonderful cheap wine, the tiramisu, the gelato, the pasta, the mozzarella di bufala, the cornetti, the limoncello, the caffe, I must run and fetch a towel, I am drooling. So, so good.

















I returned to my much beloved home and family with such relief. Flooded with joy at the smallest things, shopping without converting currency in my head, speaking the language with perfect fluency, being able to roll down a car window without gagging on the smell, not worrying constantly about car doors being locked, and having to count my change at every store.

















But its not what I could wish it to be, not at all.
I think it is possible I have developed a touch of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
My mom's deteriorating mental health is painful to watch.
The list could go and become even bleaker.
But...I am where I love to be, with the people I love.

















And really, is there anything better?

Stuff Portrait Friday

Jan 6th - Before and After
*Show me BEFORE
*Show me AFTER
*Your new favorite thing
Courtesy of Kristine of Random and Odd

Well, here it is before.

And here it is after, well mostly, still plan to change out the electrical outlets and get rid of the heinous carpet,

but this is the after...

for now.

Lastly, this is my new favorite thing.

After eight years it was decided to get a new bedcover,

with coordinating pillows even, ooooooo.

Now, wasn't that exciting?

Alright, one last thing,

Here is a picture Thing One found in an art book and drew.

Is he a genius or what?