All I have to do is dream

Oh my life is changing everyday
Every possible way
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems
Never quite as it seems
I know I felt like this before
But now I’m feeling it even more
Because it came from you
Then I open up and see
The person fumbling here is me
A different way to be
I want more, impossible to ignore
Impossible to ignore
They’ll come true, impossible not to do
Impossible not to do
Now I tell you openly
You have my heart so don’t hurt me
For what I couldn’t find
Talk to me amazing mind
So understanding and so kind
You’re everything to me
Oh my life is changing everyday
Every possible way
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems’cause you’re a dream to me
Dream to me

---------

I've been signing (yes, I meant to type signing, not singing, although I was singing too) this song today and the Things are alternately fascinated and fed up. ANYway, it's the perfect song for this morning, so I thought I would share.

Because deep down, I am a traditional gal

I started this blog out stealing meme ideas from Snavy and ya know, I think I'll keep it up!

What curse words do you use most?
I spend most of my time with children so I mostly use euphemisms,
we pretend that means I'm not really cussing.

Do you own an iPod?
No, we are waiting till 6 months before they are completely outmoded to switch over.

What time is your alarm clock set to?
7:15 although I use it as little as possible

Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
I would rather take the picture, some weird looking chick always sneaks into frame in front of me anyway

What was the last movie you watched?
The original Nutty Professor with Jerry Lewis

What CD is currently in your player?
Scarlett's Walk, thanks SUSIE!

Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
I mostly only use milk in my tea, so regular please

Has anyone told you a secret this week?
I'm afraid I can't tell you that, I'd have to kill you, and I am just not up for that kind of mess right now

When was the last time you had Starbucks?
Couple weeks ago, it was ok, but the company was awesome. Now I just had a CICR coffee the other day, and oh how I love them.

Can you whistle?
While I work even, I'm all multi-talented like that.

Did you watch cartoons when you were little?
Not very often, I grew up without a TV

Do you own any band t-shirts?
No, but please, don't feel you need to send me one or anything, I've make it this far without one, I'm pretty sure I can find the strength to carry on.

What will you be doing in an hour?
Dealing with starting the day with the Things

What was the last song you heard?
God Shuffled His Feet, love that one

Last time you cried?
Couple days ago


Desktop or laptop?
Desktop, the laptop in this household is ancient and not hooked up to the net.

What’s the weather like?
Grey

What were you doing an hour ago?
Sleeping

How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
8 is the preference although I can make due on less for a while. I do so love my sleep, I need my sleep, I want my sleep, mmmmm, sleeeeeep

Do you eat breakfast daily?
Often I eat dinner leftovers, sometimes toast, it depends, if Mr. Logo is home I usually have a whole breakfasty type meal.

What did you do last night?
Made and ate stirfry, chatted with the fam, took a long bath and read a book, chatted with Mr. Logo, then went to bed, mmmmmmm sleeep

Do you use sarcasm?
Never

Do you sleep on your side/back/stomach?
Curled up on my side

Do you watch the news?
Nope, internet news, baby

Do you have any scars?
Quite a few, and some have been featured here!

Do you know what today is?

It is Inappropriate Greeting Card Day!

A friend of mine is in for a pleasant little suprise when he opens his card and receives what very well may be his very FIRST Mother's Day Card. This event appeals to me because it is affectionate and yet slightly perverse. You gotta love THAT in a holiday!

For those of you who did not receive sufficient notice to participate fully in this joyous occasion, here, a little something you can enjoy.

RRRRRRRRRR

Vera did a little meme about things she likes and dislikes and I thought I would follow suit.
This post brought to you by the letter R and the number 10.

Ten Likes

1. Reading
2. Raconteurs
3. Recycling
4. Rhododendrons (they are really hardy, that is an excellent trait in a plant)
5. Randomness (Oh look, a chicken!)
6. Rhyming
7. Rrrrrrrr, pirates :p
8. Rainbows (also puppies, and baskets of flowers, I'm a freaking hallmark card)
9. Riding (get your mind out of the gutter!)
10. Renaissance men


Ten Dislikes

1. Rodeo
2. Red lights
3. Rodents
4. Religion (though I have great respect for faith)
5. Repetitive redundancy
6. Road rash
7. Rules (almost all of them)
8. Right-handed bias
9. Racism
10. Reality TV

I can't hold her together, Captain, she's breaking apart!

2-15-07 Exterminator to rid the place of rodents- $300 (for starters)
2-19-07 Heating contractor to clean and sanitize heat ducting- $700
2-20-07 Plumber to fix leak in water main under house-$500
2-21-07 Exterminator to estimate cost of replacing insulation- ??
3-??-07 Roofer to replace roof and skylights- $4,500
------------------------------------------------------------
If you'll excuse me I think I am going to go look at some apartment listings.
Unless there is anyone who wants 4 squatters in their basement?
We're pretty well behaved, mostly.

Ok, time for something new, even I'm tired of hearing about me!
How about some tunes?
Here, some Beck for you if that is your style, I do quite like this one,
or watch some Flathead if you'd rather.
If you are more into the werewolf thing, THIS might be for you.
On this one, I prefer the song to the video, but still pretty interesting.

Saturday I went for a nice long solo ride. After a couple hours I felt the desire for a potty stop, a little refreshment, and a stretch. So I stopped at my FAVORITE tea shoppe.
I had a delicious pumpkin scone and some tea.
I was informed, however, that when one is out on a motorcycle ride one is to stop at bars, or perhaps diners, but tea shoppes are right out as appropriate pitstops.
To this I say, "HA! I'll stop where ever the **** I want!"
Isn't the point of being an independent spirit that you can do what you want and not what other people expect?
Now if you'll excuse me, Mr. Logo left a list of things he wants me to do and I must get started on that :p

I had a really great birthday and many thanks to you all for your good wishes, gifts, and kind thoughts. Here is a birthday card Snavy sent me, its one of those "picture from the year you were born" cards. Isn't that thoughtful? (She is the same age as me)
Susie sent me a couple things too.

I love my curvy mermaid soap, isn't she cool?

She also gave me more lavender, which I adore, I keep it in my pillow case, and my panty drawer.

Here are the highway bars Mr. Logo put on my motorcycle. Miss Molly in all her glory, mmmmmm, purty The Things got me some CDs, they have such great taste. My mom and dad got me an electric toothbrush. Hear that, Lily, I finally got one too!

Mr. Logo made me completely amazing Thai food for dinner,

AND

a lemon cake with lemon frosting and a strawberry/rhubarb fruit spread in the center, delicious!

My Aged Ps came and joined us as did the esteemed elder sister and her two munchkins, one of which is pictured here with the Things.

I also got THIS. It's fabulous, and I love it.

I got birthday money from Mr. Logo's family and thought it was the perfect gift for me.

Here is a sample page.
I got songs, and birthday posts, and online gifts (mmmmm, men, thanks, Blue, and Lime, and you too, Joe).
I am very blessed.

Happy Birthday to me!

I am posting this a day early because I am going to be busy tomorrow, on my actual birthday.

I thought we would start with some interesting things about February 18th itself.
On this day in:
1478 - George, Duke of Clarence, convicted of treason against his older brother Edward IV of England, is privately executed in the Tower of London.
Maybe not such a great day for him.
1797 - Trinidad is surrendered to a British fleet under the command of Sir Ralph Abercromby.
That one is for you, Lime.
1861 - With the Italian unification almost complete, King Victor Emmanuel II of Piedmont, Savoy and Sardinia assumes the title of King of Italy.
Until we lived in Italy had not realized the modern country of Italy was this young, the things you learn.
1930 - While studying photographs taken in January, Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto.
Hmmm, poor Pluto, not one of the cool kids anymore.
1991 - The IRA explodes bombs in the early morning at both Paddington station and Victoria station in London.
This is no way to celebrate my birthday, people!
2001 - NASCAR legend Ralph Dale Earnhardt is killed in a crash during the last lap of the Daytona 500.
Must NOT disrespect the dead, alot of people loved him, and some of them even have all their teeth.
2003 - Nearly 200 people die in the Daegu subway fire in South Korea
Well, come on, now, this is just getting depressing!
2004 - Up to 295 people, including nearly 200 rescue workers, die near Neyshabur in Iran when a run-away freight train carrying sulfur, petrol and fertiliser catches fire and explodes.
I wonder what disaster awaits us all this year?
Alright, now for some famous February 18th folks.

1516 - Queen Mary I of England (d. 1558)
1530 - Uesugi Kenshin, Japanese samurai and warlord (d. 1578)
1745 - Alessandro Volta, Italian physicist (d. 1827)
1838 - Ernst Mach, Austrian physicist (d. 1916)
1848 - Louis Comfort Tiffany, American glass artist (d. 1933)
1892 - Wendell Willkie, American politician (d. 1944)
1896 - Andre Breton, French writer (d. 1966)
1898 - Enzo Ferrari, Italian race car driver (d. 1988)
1906 - Hans Asperger, Austrian pediatrician (d. 1980)
1909 - Wallace Stegner, American writer (d. 1993)
1919 - Jack Palance, American actor (d. 2006)
1922 - Helen Gurley Brown, American editor
1931 - Toni Morrison, American writer, Nobel laureate
1933 - Yoko Ono, Japanese-born singer
1936 - Jean Auel, American writer
1947 - Dennis DeYoung, American musician (STYX)
1948 - Keith Knudsen, American drummer and songwriter (The Doobie Brothers) (d. 2005)
1950 - John Hughes, American director
1950 - Cybill Shepherd, American actress
1952 - Juice Newton, American singer
1953 - Robbie Bachman, Canadian drummer (Bachman-Turner Overdrive)
1954 - John Travolta, American actor
1957 - Marita Koch, German athlete
1957 - Vanna White, American game show presenter
1962 - Julie Strain, American actress
1964 - Matt Dillon, American actor
1968 - Molly Ringwald, American actress
1969 - Jason Sutter, American drummer (Smash Mouth, American Hi-Fi)
1970 - Raine Maida, Canadian musician (Our Lady Peace)
1980 - Regina Spektor, Russian-born singer and songwriter
1981 - Buddy Nielsen, American singer (Senses Fail)

On my actual birthday, if all goes to plan, I should have a nice birthday gift over HERE that I will share with you all. Ladies, you are welcome.

For my last day of being 35 I am going for a nice long ride on my new bike with its new highway bars all installed by the man of my dreams (THAT'S MR.LOGO!!).

Then I will be ready to start a whole new year as a 36 year old.

Wow, 36, its gonna be a great year!

This Friday I am on my way to Seattle with Thing One and a friend.
I am taking them to see The Bodies.

Also, here is a 55 word, flash fiction for ya, cuz it's Friday and stuff.
----
“You’re absolutely gorgeous.” He said, wrapping his arms around her.
“Yeah, right, whatever!” She replied sarcastically.
Suddenly he pulled her to face the closest mirror.
“Gorgeous.” He reiterated firmly.
Looking at his face she couldn’t stop a grin then she searched her own face.
“Alright,” she agreed reluctantly, “gorgeous, but only because you’re behind me.”
----
In other news,
a piano has 36 black keys,
Marvin the martian has an Illudium PU-36 Explosive space modulator,
Snavy has been around 36 years, wooo hoo

Blue has 36 years on her too,

Lime, on the other hand, has 36 DD on her, ooo lala.

A horrible Ogre Day to you all, and enjoy it good health.

Ogre Day is a little something created by Doug, the cuddly curmudgeon, for those who wish to spend Valentine's Day awaiting Ogre day which is best spent in "quiet serenity and frightening small children."
Doug explains it thus:
"About Ogre Day: Ogre Day is an ancient custom whose obscurest origins have been traced as far back as Friday-ish. Established by curmudgeonly proclamation as a rememberance that even in the midst of blooming romance, roses and chocolate some folks would just as soon cuss as coo, Ogre Day is a holiday for the ennobled surly. Bother. Historians document that it was established on February 15th with the suggestion that this would allow the chic and romanticy to celebrate Valentine's Day in blissful obsession. Gullibility being a trait of the romantic even unto a good explanation for strange hair on the jacket and lipstick under the arm, the proposal was accepted without notice that Valentine's Day would henceforth be known as Ogre Day Eve. Hmph."
Did you know 36 on the periodic table of elements is Krypton?
Were you aware that the APA's Division 36 is the Psychology of Religion?
Robert DeNiro and George Cloony are going to star in a movie called "36."
Isn't that fascinating?

Some of you have seen my anti-valentine warm up to this day and concluded, rightly enough, that I am not a starry-eyed romantic.

This is what I am though, or at least what I hope I am, an idealist.

Yes, tell the ones you love that you adore them, but I sincerely hope you don't do it in the most cliched way possible. Do it often, daily even, with words and actions, smiles and attention. A bouquet of roses means even more when its NOT been dictated as "the appropriate gesture for the day."

Everyone of you who reads this blog and whose blog I've enjoyed is a unique blessing to the world and a wonder to be treasured all through the year. May you know you are loved today, tomorrow, and every day. Have a really great Wednesday.

Oh, and here, some more music that I love and my kids have repeatedly requested.


We like the second song best.

This is a favorite card of my friend, Limey.

Tomorrow is the big day!

I only had my TV on for about an hour and managed to see 8 commercials for things I ought to purchase to show my love.

Here are some things that make me feel loved:

1. Mr. Logo always puts the handle on my travel mugs on other side for me since I am a southpaw.
2. He writes me a note every morning before he goes to work.
3. He buys me music he doesn't care for just because I like it.
4. He bought me an awesome motorcycle.

Now THAT is love, baby.

OH!

and he's put up with me for nearly 16 1/2 years, what a guy!

Countdown to Valentine's, two days remain.

I propose anyone who is not bothered by all the Valentine's Day hype try poking themselves in the eye everytime they see or hear an ad telling you what you would buy if you "really" love someone.

If you are bothered, make it a drinking game. Although, if you die of alcohol poisoning I will claim no responsibility.

Just as a little note of interest,

the Strait of Gibralter is 36 miles long.

Mr. Logo and I went to a date night which included a Wheel of Fortune type game.

We won second place, thank you, thank you very much.

Mr. Logo purchased and installed some highway bars on Red Molly for me.

Still to come, a windshield, sissy bar, and saddlebags.

Opinion Poll

Do you think Red Molly would look better with

soft saddlebags

or

hard saddlebags?

Here are the soft bags, silver to go with her flames, that he was looking at specifically.

And here, a little song I like,(Sorry, Youtube removed it, it was Superman by the Crash Test Dummies).

Courtesy of Gawpo I have a candy heart.

Your Candy Heart Says "Get Real"

You're a bit of a cynic when it comes to love. You don't lose your head, and hardly anyone penetrates your heart. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: is all about the person you're seeing (with no mentions of v-day!) Your flirting style: honest and even slightly sarcastic What turns you off: romantic expectations and "greeting card" holidays Why you're hot: you don't just play hard to get - you are hard to get

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Mr. Logo got the exact same one.

Weekend post

This is where these particular items are best located.

On your flowers and not in your life.

And a little something to hold you over till Monday... Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever?

In other news,

did you know that 36 is a semi-perfect number?

It's true.

But still, if you WANNA spend money...

you know,

go ahead.

Well, $#!%

A friend of ours is being sent to the Gulf. My mom started chemo today.
On the brighter side, my papasan will be celebrating his birthday here with us.
I even helped bake a cake for him! That is love, baby.
Mwah! Have a good day, my bloggy peeps, and may the road rise to meet you.

More than you needed to know

OK, just to clarify, I am not a hater of romance. I am not a hater of love, hearts, flowers (as long as they are not the sneeze inducing sort) or men of any kind and especially not of Mr. Logo specifically. On the contrary, I think he is AWESOME. With that disclaimer out of way let us return to the pressing matter of...

the punkass card of the day.

heh heh heh

A couple posts ago I mentioned pens in a meme and since they seemed a popular topic I am revisiting, with PICTURES!
Here are a couple of my amazing drug company pens along with my Parker. The drug companies are putting some nice writing implements out there.

This is my favorite "cheap" pen.

I am NOT it's only enthusiast.Next on my list of things to blather on about are a couple of items of which I am VERY fond and and cannot get anymore. I found these next products at my beloved tea shoppe and I am very sad that the company is discontinuing them. I am almost out, ACK!
Next up is a lipstick from Aveda. A friend who worked at a salon got me hooked on this exact shade and NOW Aveda doesn't carry it anymore. I suppose I could go to a salon someday and ask for some assistance.

It's just not on the top of my priority list.

Maybe I will just try to find some thing I like from Besame. But it is a little tricky to shop for lipstick online.

Next up, Eyup Sabri Tuncer.

Purchased overseas, not available anywhere I've asked locally, and not yet available online. It's a lovely lemonish smell and you don't end up with that eau de Froot Loops scent. I miss it.

Next, the bedroom set Thing One wants. We saw it at IKEA this last weekend.

Next we move on to a question.

Why do I seem to collect multiples of items that no one would ever need more than one of?

Three robes of almost identical length and weight.

Why?

Next, three neck/heat thingees.

It's true that on occasion I get a sore neck but even so,

I've never needed more than one of these!

Next, something most woman have more of, but here are mine.

I do have a couple pairs of dressy heels not shown in this pic, and rock climbing shoes. I think my grand total is under 15 pairs all told, including the motorcycle boots in this pic. Mr. Logo has more shoes than I do but I try to make up for it, by collecting these...
BAGS!

My bags take up about as much of the closet as my clothes do. The sick, sad, strange part of this is: I carry a purse less than once a week on average. I can't explain it. Sometimes they just sing to me, and I must bring them home.

Eight days left!

I actually MADE some cards for friends, with my own two hands, people! Unfortunately they look like, well, they look like something I made. I am not done yet, but here are the ones I've finished so far. See, I am not completely heartless. It's just kinda...

black.

A card for those who settled

And just for a little balance for the hopeless romantics I offer this ancient video clip. It predates me by a couple years but I heard someone talking about this song specifically and this group in general so I looked it up. Try to avoid eye contact with... the glaringly obvious errors in judgement, and just enjoy it.



And then, just for balance...

10 shopping days remaining!

Then comes the day I'm waiting for,

the Noble and Blessed Ogre Day, February 15th.

For details on this festive day, see the Cuddly Curmudgeon.

(The details are on the 15th)

The countdown continues...

Eleven days, folks!This morning I met with my sister and two of our cousins to do a breakfast date with our grandfather. He is in his 80s now, and getting around with the aid of a cane. He told us many stories, some familiar, some new ones, some by special request and some prompted by events of the moment. Some of you may recall that I mentioned he met my gramma in a bomb shelter during the bombing of London. The stories get better from there. He told stories about growing up in Brooklyn. He talked about his days in Vienna, helping to build the US military base in Iceland, various and sundry times he smarted off to commanding officers (unrelated rabbit trail, this is a time honored tradition, and HERE is someone who helped keep it alive). He figures with one thing and another, over the course of his career he gained and lost 13 stripes (those signify rank). When the Army Air Corps turned into a separate branch of the military my grampa was one of the first members of the Air Force.
Getting together was alot of fun and something we may decide to do on a regular basis. It's not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning. I had to be up 6:15 this morning and you know, I think it was worth it, and for me, THAT is saying something!

55 Flash Fiction, Ariella update, and another card

First the flash fiction, its been a while since I did this so I will esplain.
The idea is to tell a story in 55 words. Susie got me started on this.
---
Frosty air clouds with each breath and grass crunches underfoot. Making my way through the yard I walk where the overhead canopy of evergreen boughs thins enough for me to see overhead. There are few stars visible tonight; the glowing full moon dominates the sky, the cratered, glorious orb captivating in every beautifully nuanced flaw.
---
Next, the Ariella update. The vet said her foot is fine. Her knee however, is a mess. Her ligament is damaged. She has been prescribed anti-inflammatories, glucosamine, and bedrest for two weeks.

Have you ever tried to keep a dog lying down for two weeks? Oh yeah, this is gonna be soooooo much fun.

Lastly, another card for you all. Only twelve more days till Valentine's!

Thing Two infected his brother.
Now they are both runny about the nose, hacking and snuffling, and feverish.
Sure, they may look cute but they can litter a room full of moist, multicolored tissues quicker than anyone would have dreamed possible. Course if you are the kind of sicko who dreams of nasty tissues, please don't tell me. Something do NOT need to be shared.

Our pretty, pretty princess got her back leg caught in between a bed and bedframe and hurt herself. It was no joke that she is just as clumsy as I am. Hmmm, could the clumsiness of the human be passed on to the dog? She is limping in a most pitiful manner so we will be going to the vet.
In other cheery news, the mama is having another little surgery to facilitate cancer treatments.
This should just be a day surgery but the recovery from the last surgery was not great so it would be nice if this one went smoothly. My mother appears to be the queen of negative side effects.
If I didn't have sick kids and a broken dog I would go to see her in the hospital. Maybe I could send the dog to the vet with the sick kids, hmmmmmm, nah.
Last time I left the kids alone for 15 minutes one of them locked the other out of the house and then in retaliating that one locked his brother in the dog's kennel when he finally got in.
I have tried, really, I have, to teach them not to behave like wild animals. But look at those faces up there! Devil inside, I'm telling you. They get that from their father!

Update~
I almost forgot, it's February! Since everyone seems to either enjoy Valentine's Day or else wish to forget it altogether I thought I would try to offend equally by doing the 14 days of Valentine's with these terribly amusing cards...

Doncha just get a warm feeling inside?