But what if there were no peanuts?

"Always in motion is the future."

2012-01-08T19:00:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year. 8 days in, and while it hasn't been exceptional, I have high hopes for 2012. Feeling a bit morose this past week, which has in turn caused me to be completely unmotivated...and that just doesn't work for me. I did have a great time with friends to chime in the new year, and then got to spend some quality time with my family on the 1st and 2nd. I also got to see some "internet friends" last week, and just yesterday I got to spend time with other friends whom I don't get to see too often and that was a much welcomed break in my blehness (aside from the part of the day where I got a $40 parking ticket...stupid Madison). Well, laid out like this, my year actually seems to be going pretty well. More good than bad = good, right?

A couple of weeks ago, I was thinking about this old post I'd done years ago, about the kind of guy I'd want to end up with. On New Year's Eve I decided that, while this fictitious Mr. Wonderful would be great to find, I think I've lowered my bar a bit on who may qualify for this position. I no longer need the haiku-writing musician who loves Legos and tacos that I longed for when I was a wee 25 year old. Now, as I'm closing in on 30, I simply want a man with a beautiful beard and who will wear Flash underpants. Is that too much to ask for, Universe? Surely there must be such a man in Wisconsin for me.

So, aside from continuing the seemingly never-ending search for the perfect man, this year is also going to be a year of creative outlets for me. I'm writing again, which is wonderful. I'm also hoping to finally get a DSLR by my birthday this year, which I am just giddy about. And, I'm going to keep finding new things to do, like learning some basic electrical to make some hanging lamps (yeah...lamps. It'll be fun.), gardening, painting, woodworking (Jackson is really looking forward to this one!) and whatever else catches my eye. Jackson and I are also looking forward to spending a lot of quality time with nature this year, camping and visiting state parks and trails. Look out, Wisconsin...we're coming for your wilderness! AND, if there are any tickets left once I can afford to buy them, I will be taking my mom to see Neil Diamond this summer. And who doesn't love Neil Diamond?? Even if the world does end this year, it should still be a fantastic year for us.

Ok. I think that's about all I have for now. Been having a lazy day with Jackson, filled with a Star Wars marathon and Mexican food, and I just needed to do SOMETHING, so I figured a blog post would suffice. And you know what? It kinda has. Maybe more later, after my relaxing bubble bath (emphasis on "relaxing"...I need to get out of my head for a bit and just be).

Until next time...

“Even nothing cannot last forever.”

2011-11-27T20:22:00.001-06:00

What a week. Mostly good, some not so good, but overall, I'd give it a thumbs up. Turkey, short work week, and family? Kinda hard to complain too much about that.

My Thanksgiving dinner turned out phenomenally well, save the cranberry jello...don't make that ever. Ugh. But, the rest was just wonderful. My turkey smelled amazing the whole time it was cooking. It may have stayed in a smidge too long, since it just fell apart, but it was juicy and delicious. And my rolls...oh, the rolls! I found a recipe for Amish dinner rolls that called for mashed potatoes in the dough. They were the lightest, fluffiest rolls I've ever had, let alone made. Fantastic. I did get a bit sad, missing the holidays past that I'd spent with family, but since we were getting together over the weekend for some birthday celebrations, I didn't let it put a damper on the day.

Although I had to work on Friday, I still had a great weekend. After work Friday, I headed to Waupun to spend the night at my parents' with Jackson and I got to spend the day Saturday baking and crafting. I made my parents a pumpkin pie, since they didn't get one on Thanksgiving this year, and I made a 2 layer white birthday cake for Colten. Since my sister Suzie was making my mom's birthday cake for the party Sunday, my mom didn't get a cake on Saturday, so I instead dubbed the pumpkin pie I'd made the Birthday Pie. After dinner on Saturday, I couldn't find any candles in my parents' cupboards, so we improvised. We used a match as the candle, and it kind of worked. It's the thought that counts, right? Right.

I'd decided to make a lot of my Christmas gifts this year for family, and I got 1/2 way done with Lily's present on Saturday, as well. It's gonna be so cute!! I'd hoped to get more done, but I just ran out of time. On Sunday, Suzie and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen; she was getting snacks ready for the party and had to make my mom's cake, and I made 4 pizzas for lunch. Mmmm...such good food!

As I was rummaging around in one of Suzie's cupboards for a mixing bowl, I noticed that they had a dehydrator just sitting there. I asked Suzie if she or Mike ever used it and she said "maybe once or twice for jerky", but it otherwise sat unused. I told her I was in the market for one, but wanted to test one out before I splurged, so she's letting me use it for a bit to see if it's something we'd want to invest in. I already told Jackson that we're going to make some fruit leather this week, so I hope it turns out! Going to try it with some homemade applesauce I have canned, and flavor it with some of my canned grape juice. In my head, it sounds like it will work out well, so we'll see!

One of the sad parts of this weekend was that my sister Cherie and her family weren't able to make it, and it just wasn't the same. My niece Laurel is away at college, and Cherie's family drove down to Missouri to spend the holiday with her. They even brought the fixings to make a Thanksgiving meal at the hotel, and that just makes me happy. Who asks to make a turkey at a hotel kitchen? My sister does. And since most of us haven't seen Laurel since she left for college in August, we decided to do a video chat with her today before she had to go to work. My mom bawled, as she always does, which made me and Suzie cry, as well. But, it was really great to be able to talk to her and see her today. My family is just great. :)

Right now, Jackson and I are finally home and resting on the couch (and watching Mythbusters) after our long weekend. I'd hoped that we'd have gotten home sooner so we could do some more decorating, but now we have something to look forward to for Tuesday night. Monday nights, Jackson has cub scouts and that's something his dad does with him, so he stays over there every Monday. Since I have every Monday night free, I started volunteering every other Monday. This week is a volunteer week, so I won't have time to do any decorating on my own tomorrow night, either. Probably best; Jackson would be a bit upset if I'd do too much without him.

Other than that, I've had a lot on my mind this week, but that seems to be the norm lately. I've also run into some writers block, so I've been reading more to keep my mind from wandering too much. Neil Gaiman helps with that, but I've also been having some really weird dreams...and I normally have weird dreams. American Gods inspired dreams, though, are REALLY weird. I should really keep a notebook by my bed again so I can write some of my dreams down when I first wake up. Tonight, I totally will. Well, if I remember.

Ok. Notebook by the bed already. Decided I'd just do it so I can't say "oh, man. Why didn't I do that???" again. Also realized that Jackson's sheets are still in the washing machine and NOT the dryer...which also means that all of our laundry from this weekend is still in a heap in the basement and is not in the washer. So, I should probably do that. I think I'm also going to write a bit tonight, too, since I feel chatty and kind of serene...maybe I can work on another short story since I've officially given up on NaNoWriMo for the 2nd year in a row. Karen Fail. Oh well...at least I tried. And I'll try again next year, too. One of these years, it will work out, though. I know it. I'm an optimist like that.

That's What She Said...

2011-11-22T02:52:00.001-06:00

Life is full of...well, things. Some things are necessity and unavoidable, like bills and food and work. Some things are frivolous, like watching the latest episode of Parks and Rec or the new Harry Potter movie. And some things are just...nice to have, like good friends, a long hug, or an overactive imagination. Tonight I have the overactive imagination, and I must say, it's not super nice to have at the moment. It's 3am, and I just cannot sleep. Too many thoughts looming in my mind and I just can't seem to make peace with them. For most of them, I've found some resolve, which has quieted part of my brain for now, but I have a couple of things that I just...can't make sound.

I'm gonna try to tuck them into the back of my head for now and dust off this here blog. I briefly started a new one to post my Photo-A-Day project to, but I kind of gave up on that a couple of months ago. Not the photo a day part, mind you, but the blog part of it. But, it wasn't the same as this one. I've missed having somewhere to pour my thoughts, and I haven't found a happy medium for it since I left. I tried Twitter, Facebook, and Google+, but those are harder to just dump my mind gibs on, since there are too many "real" people connected there. Some days, it's nice to shout into the abyss of the internet and hear the silence resounding back at you. I even tried to just keep a regular journal, but I found myself self-editing even that; like, trying to protect Future Karen from reading the what's really going on in Past Karen's world. I figured if I wasn't going to keep a real journal to let out my daily thoughts or woes, I should try that blog again.

And here I am. It's been...well, about 2 years, it seems, since I last updated. Jackson just turned 9, and I'm closing in on 30...thirty. Geez, seems a bit surreal. I'm not particularly afraid of turning 30, since I've felt middle aged since I was about 20, but I am feeling some inner turmoil with it. I think it's mostly because I'm almost 30 and I still feel like I haven't accomplished all that I'd wanted to. Still single, still at the same job, still not living for me. I am getting a lot better with the last one, though. I've tried putting myself out there for people and some have worked out, and some haven't. And, with the ones that haven't, I've survived to tell the tale, so lesson learned and experience experienced. And while I'm still at the same job, I have started volunteering within the community, which has helped make me feel better about being a cubicle drone day after day; I least get to help people now on my own time, and it feels wonderful. I've also started doing some things that I've been wanting to do for years but have put off, like sewing and canning and learning photography. Also started cooking a lot and learning some science behind baking so I can start experimenting more in the kitchen. I'd also started learning about wines, so I'm feeling very pretentious at times and I kind of love it. I wish to one day be at the level of Paul Giamatti in Sideways. Man, that was a great movie. GREAT. MOVIE. I also have started writing more, but still holding myself back a lot. I keep trying to take myself too seriously, and I really do not do well with serious. I should write a children's book; I bet I'd rock a children's book. A book of haiku for kids. Actually, that sounds like a lot of fun. Adding to my bucket list for this winter.

It's also Thanksgiving this week. For the first time in years, I'm not having a get together with any family on Thanksgiving and instead Jackson and I are having a small dinner here with just the two of us. I say small, in that there will only be the two of us, but I am making enough food to feed a small army. Small again; see? Small dinner. 15 pounds of delicious turkey will be roasting away on Thursday, while I start decorating my house for the holidays. *sigh* I can't wait. I love the holidays. I love the feeling they bring. Happiness. Lots and lots of happiness. In past years, I'd get a bit sad around the holidays, being around my happy family and all of their happy families, all the while trying to adjust to being alone (pretty sure I'd vented a few times on here in the past), but I think this year I'm finally at the point where I'm happy being just me. I'd hoped to not be just me by now, but I've been single for 5 years and it doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon, so I'm just accepting it now. You hear that, Future Karen? You're accepting it. So stop whining and chin up! Life goes on, whether you're ready for it or not, so you might as well be ready for anything. That reminds me...I'm all out of duct tape.

Ok. Brief break to make a list of things I need at the store and I realized it's almost 3:30 now. My alarm is going off in 3 hours so I can pick J up before school, so I'd best be at least attempting to rest, even if sleep is out of reach.

It's nice to be back, though. Feeling better already.

^_^

It’s such a gas when you bring up the past.

2010-01-02T23:04:00.013-06:00

Greetings, my lovelies. 2009 has ended and I'm kind of happy to see it go. Overall, I guess it was a good year; it started out strong and I had some really, really great times, but since August I've had more downs than ups in life and I'm just ready for the new year to be full of some awesome and lots of happy times! I have some plans for this year, but instead of making any real resolutions, I'm just going to focus on being happy and doing whatever it takes to stay happy. And, for those of you that see me regularly, since I'm jumping on the happy train, if you see me all blerged and blah, you have my permission to yell at me. Well, maybe not yell. You can just remind me that I said this year was about happy Karen and blergy Karen != happy. And then maybe give me a hug to make me happy. ^_^

On that note, Happy New Year!! It's finally 2010; the start of a new decade, and hopefully a year full of great things for me, including some more fantastic music! However, since 2009 is no more, I think we should take a look back at some of the great new music we got in the past year, as judged by yours truly.
^_^

Now, it's really hard for me to rank music, as a lot of my musical choices on any given day are mood-dependent. So, with that said, I do have several albums that were released in 2009 that I listened to a lot more than others, so for the sake of this blog entry, we will call these my "favorites of 2009", and they are (in no particular order):

Hombre Lobo - Eels I love me some Eels. I think it's safe to say that E is one of my favorite musicians, and even if he didn't have a magnificent beard, I'd still make that claim. His albums are always wonderful, and Hombre Lobo is no exception. ALSO! E is coming out with YET ANOTHER new album on January 19th, so be sure to check out End Times on the 19th! 2 new albums from Eels in less than 6 months?! In the words of Jayne Cobb: "...I'll be in my bunk."
Top tracks: "My Timing is Off", "Ordinary Man", and "That Look You Give That Guy"

It's Not Me, It's You - Lily Allen I have to admit that I really tried to not like Lily Allen. I refused to listen to her after her first album Alright, Still came out, because I just didn't think I'd like her at all. And then I listened...and I liked. Off of her first album, there were a few songs that stuck out for me that I favored over others, but It's Not Me, It's You is a better album, overall, in my eyes. She takes from several musical styles for her songs, including a country-western number for Not Fair, and a wonderful acoustic version of The Fear. She also touches on great topics, such as politics and sex, and even religion. Sadly, she did announce toward the end of 2009 that she was quitting music, but if she's going to quit, this is a great ending album for her.
Top tracks: "The Fear", "Fuck You", "Who'd Have Known", and "Not Fair".

Hazards of Love - The Decemberists Oh, Colin Meloy. You never cease to amaze me, and you really did it this time. Hazards of Love was not only one of my favorite albums of the year, but when I saw them tour this year, their concert became my new all-time favorite concert. They have such wonderful stage presence (this was 2nd time seeing them live) and their songs are just a-mazing. AND, as if it weren't enough to have a new album from The Decemberists, they also got Shara Worden from My Brightest Diamond to lend her vocals to the album, and she even toured with them. Double amazing. Another reason that this album makes my list is because it's not just an album, but a rock opera. The story has young lovers, an evil queen, and even a villainous rake. If you have yet to listen to this album, I suggest setting aside an hour and listen to it from start to finish! However, if you don't have a WHOLE HOUR to dedicate, I suggest:
Top tracks: "The Rake's Song", "The Abduction of Margaret", and "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid" (which, if I had to pick a fave song for the year, this would be the list)

Lungs - Florence and the Machine When I first heard their single, "Kiss With a Fist", I feverishly scoped out the internet to see if there was more music from this band for me to listen to. Sadly, at the time, there wasn't. But, in April they came out with an EP which held me over until they released their full album and good lord, was it worth the wait. Florence has such a beautiful voice and her lyrics are just fantastic; I really hope to hear more from them in the future. If I could pick 2 artists to do a duet together, it'd be Florence Welch and Shara Worden. I think they'd sound AMAZING together. Flo, Shara; get on that.
Top tracks: "Falling", "Cosmic Love", "Kiss With a Fist" and "Hurricane Drunk"

Aim and Ignite - fun. I'd never heard of this band until a couple of months after they released this album, and on first listen, I was a bit iffy on if I'd like them. But, on my 2nd listen, I was hooked. They have such a unique sound that you don't hear from bands today, and their music really is...well, fun. At times, they give off an almost Queen-esque vibe and it just works well for them. And for me. This album has made it to my singing-and-dancing-as-I-clean-the-kitchen playlist (along with Glee!) and I don't see it leaving my top playlists anytime soon. Also, Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format, is the front man for this band, so if you miss The Format, give fun. some love!
Top tracks: "Light a Roman Candle With Me", "At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used to Be)", and "Be Calm"

Further Complications - Jarvis Cocker Jarvis. How I love you. And I hope you never stop making music. I think allmusic sums up this album rather well, by saying "the songs here pulsate with perversion, a middle-aged man making damn sure he's going to get with a tight 23-year-old body yet again" and said it's "impossible not to happily wallow in the flood of filth unleashed by Further Complications". Jarvis, you may be a creepy dude, but I love your creepy. #love
Top tracks: "I Never Said I Was Deep", "Homewrecker" and "Fuckingsong"

Dark Was the Night - lots of awesome people This album is a compilation album released to benefit the Red Hot Organization, which is a charity set up to raise money and awareness for HIV and AIDS. So, not only is purchasing this album contributing to a great cause, but it's also contributing to your ears loving you. Because it's awesome. Spoon, The Decemberists, Cat Power, Andrew Bird, and My Brightest Diamond all have songs that appear on this album, and that's just to name a few! This 30-track, double disc album is a must to sample some of the great bands we have around today. Go check it out. Go. Now!
Top tracks: "Sleepless", "Feeling Good", "Lua" and "Love vs. Porn"

Fantasies - Metric Somehow, I managed to not know about Metric until 2009, but this Canadian band has been around for a while. Apparently, I've led a sheltered life. Anyway, Emily Haines fronts this band and since I just discovered them this past year, I wasn't sure that they had a new album since they were all new to me! Anywho, while all of their albums are great, this one has some of my favorites from them, and since I am a newb to them, I hope to hear more new music from them in the future, or even another solo album from Emily Haines.
Top tracks: "Blindness", "Help I'm Alive", "Satellite Mind" and "Twilight Galaxy"

The Mountain - Heartless Bastards Another band that I didn't know before 2009, and they probably have one of the best band names ever. Their earlier albums are definitely more garage rock than The Mountain, but their lead singer Ericka Wennerstrom has such a unique voice, and her vocals coupled with their folky-vibe on this album really worked well.
Top tracks: "The Mountain", "So Quiet", and "Be So Happy"

Gallery - Dion Roy One of my favorite sites is blip.fm, and one of the reasons I love it so much is because of the awesome music and people that I get introduced to. One such great person, and great musician is a dude from out east named Dion Roy. Not only is he a great person, he also released his debut album this past year and it's pretty fantastic. He's also releasing an EP this month, which I've already heard and again, fantastic. If you want to help out a starving artist (ok, so not starving. I know for a fact that he eats tacos and some questionable homemade snow cones...), please check out his album Gallery, and if you're in the NY area, check out his site for upcoming shows!
Top tracks: "So It Goes", "Won't Go On", and "Wants It"

So, while these are my "favorites of 2009", there are quite a few other albums that were released this year that I like a lot and will love once I have a chance to listen to them more. ^_^ So, for a the quick list of "will be added to the favorites of 2009 sometime in 2010", also in no particular order:
Coaster - NOFX
Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future - The Bird and the Bee

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Junior - Röyksopp

Noble Beast - Andrew Bird

Davy - Coconut Records

Embryonic - The Flaming Lips

In This Light and On This Evening - Editors

Battle For the Sun - Placebo

Heartbeat Radio - Sondre Lerche

Hospice - The Antlers

Abnormally Attracted to Sin - Tori Amos

Bomb in a Birdcage - A Fine Frenzy (as an aside, I do like this album, but it was one of my most-anticipated albums of 2009 and it was kind of a let down. While still good, it doesn't compare to her debut album One Cell in the Sea *sigh*)

I'm sure I've missed some awesome albums in this list and tomorrow will do a facepalm and be all "DUDE! How did you forget *insert awesome album here*! Lamesause, 'Kowski. Ultra lamesauce", but for now, I say meh! This is a good list, me thinks, and anything I may have forgotten will just have to wait for another list. So there. :P

Ok. That's about it for now. I'm off to blip some songs, drink some wine, and maybe watch some Glee, which, I should mention that with all of the new music this year, Glee has given me some of my most listened to songs this year. So, while not technically a band, Glee should get some love. And now I wanna delve into listing my favorite shows, but we'll save that for another day! So long, my lovelies! I hope that you all had a fun and safe New Year's Eve (which was a full moon! Awesome!!) and that you all have a great 2010!!

*muah*

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Creeping Out Sara" by NOFX (I do like Tegan & Sara, but this song is just funny)

Beverage Pick for the Day: pink milk FTW

Socks for the Day: pink and black striped knee-highs

Sometimes I wish for falling, wish for the release...

2009-11-23T00:31:00.003-06:00

Five whole months, and no updates. I think I've officially failed as a blogger, but I suppose there is always a chance that I will one day get back on the horse and update regularly...obviously, that day has just not come yet.

Life has been surprisingly good since I last updated. I've stayed quite busy with work (and it's finally starting to calm down. YAY!), but have found myself drinking more as a side effect. I should say here that previously, I drank about 3 times a year, so it really doesn't take much for my drinking to increase. I have had some great talks with friends while slightly-a-lot inebriated, so yay to whiskey and coke! I've also decided that I will not be finding my Mr. Wonderful™ while singing show tunes in my basement, so I've also been forcing myself to go out more to maybe meet some new people; preferably the kind with a penis and good sense of humor.
As an aside, while I do appreciate people attempting to set me up with people, I would really like it if they would be local people. Or, you know, people who are actually single. Saying "I have the perfect guy for you! But...he's not single yet." is not really what I'm looking for. *sigh*

Aside from drinking and socializing, I have found myself feeling rather...morose more than a few times in the past few months, and wish I could pinpoint the cause. The most likely culprit is that, while I've been happier lately than I've been in a loooong time, I still feel as though I'm missing out on things. Things like snuggles and cuddles, and things like accomplishing any sort of personal goal or want. I'd love to get a career doing something I'd love and helping people, or to find someone I actually want to be with, but I think I've all but given up on going after my own desires, at least until Jackson is older.
Since I've become a mom, I've pretty much put Jackson before my own life, as I think a mother should. But I think I'm going overboard and actually using him as an excuse to not go after things, rather than him actually being a cause for me to not do something. I'm sure I'll find a happy median at some point for that, but right now, the fear of actually going after something I want scares me too much! Lame? I know it.

Speaking of drinking, I've been drinking some wine tonight, listening to music and reading some poetry (more pensive than emo, I swear), and decided to share some of my favorite poems with you, my gentle readers (hehe. Too many people are re-watching Buffy, so I've had quotes swimming around my head all week. "Oh, hello there, gentle viewers!" *ahem* sorry. Tangent. Moving on...)

The Stone, by Wilfred Wilson Gibson. I first read this poem back in high school, and I cried the first time through. So heartbreaking.

The Terms in Which I Think of Reality, by Allen Ginsberg. I've been a long-time Ginsberg fan, and really could list quite a few favorites from him alone, but this is one of his under-appreciated poems, and one that I think most can relate to, at one time or another.

Song to Celia, by Benjamin Jonson. This song gets to me each time, because I associate it with my ex. Very moving.

I Loved You, by Alexander Pushkin. The link has multiple translations, but I know and love the 1st one listed. How I long to feel a love this strongly, or better yet, to have someone else feel this way towards me. And he can be Russian. Preferably Russian, actually... ^_^

I'm Nobody! Who are you?, by Emily Dickinson. I've loved this poem since I first read it as a teenager. It's ok to just be a nobody.

Variation on the Word Sleep, by Margaret Atwood. Another love poem, but not an overly lovey-dovey one. This poem just makes my heart sink and soar at the same time; such blissfulness when you think of the emotion and desire behind it, yet such melancholy when you realize it's unrequited love.

I Carry Your Heart with Me, by ee cummings. If I should ever get married, I'd want this to be my vows.

Annabel Lee, by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is another favorite, not just for his poems, but also for his short stories. This poem is beautiful, and sad. Are you noticing a trend with most of these? I love me some tragedy. Which leads me to...

Sigh No More, by William Shakespeare. I love Shakespeare, and while I do love his tragedies, I do also enjoy the comedies. Much Ado About Nothing is one of my favorites, and this sonnet from that play is one of my favorites. I figured I'd leave the beloved sappy sonnets out of the list, since they're all well-known and pretty cliche.

Drunk as Drunk, by Pablo Neruda. Holy buckets do I love it. One of those poems that can make the bits get all tingly. ^_^

Ok. I think that's enough for now. Sorry for the lack of silly Karen this time; I promise to be less blergy next time! Toodles for now, my gentle readers (hehehe. Oh, Andrew...).

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Falling", by Florence and the Machine
Beverage Pick for the Day: White Zinfandel
Socks for the Day: Felix the Cat!

You might laugh, you might frown...

2009-06-22T22:56:00.005-05:00

Heyo, you blog-readers, you! I have been gone for far too long, and the only excuses I can give you are that I've either been in a coma for 3 months, or I've just been ultra lazy and un-bloggy. Or, you know, my dog ate it...whatever "it" may be (hey, it works for homework sometimes, so why can't it be a valid excuse for an extended blog absence?).

If you guessed "I've just been ultra lazy and un-bloggy", you'd be correct!...ish. It's more that I've been slowly letting life things snowball while I ignore them, therefore being both distracted and unmotivated. And then today, most of those life things got sick of being ignored. So, I had a classic Karen freak-out today and my stress level was up here *stands on her tippy toes and stretches her hand waaaay up to give the full effect of "up here"* But then! After I talked to my sisters and my mom (heart family), and then after my brain esplodey all over my Disgby (heart Crystal), I was finally starting to relax and got all sleepy-like. So, I put on Spongebob (was missing J-man and Nickelodeon makes me feel mom-y), and took a wee bit of a snooze on the couch. After my mini napfest, I checked my Facebook and people sent me e-hugs, which are almost as good as real hugs, and it made me smile a bit. But then...oh, but then, I went to blip.fm. And what was the first song that I heard? No, not anything from The Outfield. Ready for this? Ready!?!?
Teen Witch, "Top That"!

Yeah. That was the final blow to crushing my blergs. Who knew that all I'd need was some cheesy 80's teen movie rap to make me realize that life isn't so bad? I'm a strange creature, but I'm nothing if not easily amused.
Like...really easily amused.
It's almost sad, really...

Anywho, life is more or less back to a simmer now and hopefully I can avoid having it boil over again, at least for a few months. I'm going to be busy for the next few months, and I only have one other stress-invoking thing to take care of, so until that's over, I may still be on edge...I just need to muster the courage to just do it and get it over with, and soon.

One other thing I've been blerging about lately is that I've been single for 2 years now. Two years. Two of them. And, it's sad, but the things I miss most are the snuggles and hugs. I'm a huggy person, so I get my hug fix from friends and family, but it's just not the same. But, I've whined about boys enough on here, so I won't delve into a sappy "woe is me" post. Besides, while I was stressing today, it was the first time in a while that I'd been thankful I was single; one less thing to juggle. So, yeah, spinsterhood! ^_^

Oh, I almost forgot. Pre-napfest tonight, I was watching How I Met Your Mother (The Naked Man episode...man, I love that show) and eating ice cream, and it at least made me forget the stress for 30 minutes! So, because I know you all care to know what makes me happy, here is a short list of My Favorite Things:

1.) Music! Now, most music can make me happy, but I can put on Gogol Bordello, Pulp, Stars, the Fratellis (lalalas!!!), any Greg Dulli, or Eels, and I can't help but get warm fuzzies. If all else fails, my "musicals" playlist will make me smile 9 out of 10 times (but somedays I like to wallow, and refuse the musicals medicine).
2.) Pocky. I don't quite understand the power that it has on me, but if I'm having a bad day, and someone gives me pocky, I just can't help but feel loved and happy. It's like chocolate-coated happiness from Japan and the crunchy noise that it makes when you bite it is what love sounds like. True.
3.) Haka! I'm pretty sure I've brought up the All Blacks and their Haka before, but in case I haven't, I present exhibit A:

...I'll be in my bunk. Also, would it be weird to ask my future husband to do the Haka as I walk down the aisle? It would? Dammit. ;_;
/rawr
4.) Kilts. EXHIBIT B!:

'Nuff said.
5.) Monkeys. The animal, as well as the word, are happy-makers. They're just that great. Monkeys.
6.) My J-man. I'm seeing him less now that school is out, but being a mommy is without a doubt my favorite thing in life. Oh, and [proud parent boasting] Jackson will be starting the Gifted and Talented program at school starting this fall! [/proud parent boasting] I'm SO beyond proud of that kid! Yay, Jackson!!! ^_^

Ok. That's enough for now. There are many, many, many other things that make the Karen all smiles, but I'm getting boredish and think I may go watch Weeds from tonight and then get some sleep!! So long, people of the interwebz! *muah*

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "LDN" by Lily Allen
Beverage Pick for the Day: weird WoW Mountain Dew... very weird, indeed.
Socks for the Day: Brown, green, orange and gray striped ankle socks. Man, even my socks have the blergs today...tomorrow, knee high pink and purple stripes...how can I not have a good day in pink striped socks?!

Set phasers to random, and let the babbling begin

2009-03-17T21:49:00.001-05:00

ZOMG! Hi. Um, so, like, I've been gone for a while 'n stuff, and, like, I don't even know what to really say...'n stuff. Or something. Ish. Anywho, I said last night that I should stop neglecting this here blog, so tonight, I am updating...but I'm not *only* updating my blog. Oh, no. In addition to updating my blog for the first time in over a month, I've also logged into WoW for the first time in as much time, and I think I nearly gave Ms. Catrena a heart attack: zhe moonkin lives! But it doesn't stop there...blogging, wowing, aaaaaaand...blipping! The trifecta of fun! Although, since I'm not just doing those three things, it's not really a trifecta...because I'm also back up for J-man in Super Mario Galaxies, chatting with random dudes (not really...just Raz ^_^), and doing laundry, all while chewing bubble gum and rubbing my belly. WHEW! Now, if this isn't a night of supreme awesome and random, I just don't even know what is. I really have no goal for this update, other than just talking 'bout off random things from my mind-mush. So let the babbling of brain-gib randomness commence!

Random thought #1: Well, not so much random, as I know where it stems from, but am I the only person who prefers to eat boxed mac & cheese reheated, as leftovers? This doesn't apply to just any and all mac & cheese; I'm talking about the cheese-powder Kraft kind. I think it's because it has a taste that's a bit...off, much like leftovers do, and it's a quality that normal food shouldn't have. Thus, I prefer the funky taste of cheap mac & cheese when it's a day old and allowed to be a bit funky. (Did this make sense to you? Because it makes sense to me...)

Random thought #2: I kind of wish that I'd learned to play an instrument when I was younger. Well, I was a trumpet player for about 3 weeks in 5th grade, but that's about as far as it went. I wasn't bad at it, and caught on pretty quickly to the basics, but I guess I was never really encouraged to play and just lost interest. Trumpeting aside, I think that I would have liked to play the piano, or the violin, as they both seem soothing to me. And I think that's why I've been thinking about it lately, since I've been in need of things to soothe the Karen. Now I only have TV and movies to soothe my troubled head, and goodness knows I watch way too much as it is (ps. still loving my awesome TV of loveness). Oh, well. Perhaps one day I'll decide to take some piano or guitar lessons or find someone to teach me. I can offer baked goods in exchange for lessons. Tempting offer, no?

Random thought #3: Can anyone really be addicted to the internet? And if so, would it be a bad thing? I guess the use of the internet could sway the answer, but as a whole, I think that the internet is a good thing. You can learn new things, meet new people, get in touch with old (read: from the past; not necessarily elderly) people, and find things to keep you entertained indefinitely. Although, on the flip side, you could learn fake new things, and meet creepy, fake new people or fake old (again, read: from the past...quit picking on the elderly already!) people, and you could be entertained indefinitely by really bad internet porn (like a car wreck, it is: you shouldn't really watch, yet you just can't look away). However, bad things aside, I think the good out weighs the bad. And as long as you are social-like and venture outdoors occasionally for work and such, it's a-ok to be figuratively attached to your Blackberry at the hip (and I only say figuratively, as I have not yet gotten a clip to literally attach my Blackberry to my hip)...ok, so this was more a question of being addicted to my Blackberry, but I figured more people could relate to the internet, as a whole, and not just the mobile version.

(and that segues into my next...)
Random thought #4: blip.fm is either the best or worst thing that I've happened upon on these here interwebz. It is fantastic, because it allows me to play sweet music for a bunch of random internet folk, and at the same time allows me to find new music from the same random internet folk. And some of those random folks are pretty awesome, musically and personally (as personally as I can tell from random tweets and IMs). BUT, blip.fm is also a huge time sink and you can lose hours on it, just listening to music and @ing people...ok, so that's more of a whiny reason to say it's the worst, but dammit, I needed something negative to say! Overall, I think blip is probably my favorite place on the intertubes right now, and I hope that I don't tire of it too soon. Also, this would be my #1 addiction, if only there were a mobile version available for my BB. Come on, blip! Get on my phone!

Ok. I think I've hit my quota for talking about nothing for now. I'll try to update soonish, but knowing me, "soonish" will be sometime before May...if you're lucky.

And, finally, I'll leave you with a conversation that I had with my son yesterday, as we took a walk at dusk.
J-man: What was that? ...was that a bat?
me: Maybe. Don't worry, they won't hurt you, buddy.
J-man: Some bats can hurt you.
me: Most bats won't hurt you.
J-man: Are vampire bats real?
me: Yes. But, they are just bats and don't turn into vampires or anything.
J-man: Because vampires aren't real.
me: Right. Because vampires aren't real...not like those zombies.
J-man: *gulp*

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Elvis Ain't Dead" by Scouting For Girls (this song makes me swoon with its overly cheesy line "I think I need a love-lobotomy". Yeah, that makes me just all melty. /swoon)
Beverage pick for the Day: grape juice (hey, it was free and I was thirsty...and dammit, it was tasty!)
Socks for the Day: lime green and white ankle socks, with bananas and the words "cheeky monkey" all over them (and, per Jackson, they are "silly")

Can you at all times wear socks, because I’m still scared of feet...

2009-02-08T20:56:00.003-06:00

Um...*taps the mic* Is this thing on? Hello? Wow, hey there! So sorry to have been MIA for a while again; I just can't seem to get back into a blog-groove-zone-type-thing. I'd say that I'll try to be better about updating...but you've heard it before, so I'll just say sorry... so, um, sorry! Let's hug it out. *huggles to all* Ok, well I at least feel better now. Glad we got that out of the way.

Hmm...so what has been going on in Karen world this past month? Well, a lot probably happened, but I'm not sure where to start or which things are blog-worthy, so instead of recapping, I'll just ramble for a bit about what is going on in Karen-land at the moment.

So, last week, I got a letter in the mail from Jackson's school, with a hand written envelope. I opened the envelope to find a letter inside from an administrator with the school system...the Gifted and Talented Coordinator. They sent a letter, asking me to fill out the enclosed questionnaire and permission slip (allowing them to do testing on him not within his regular curriculum). I basically started crying immediately, as I was so beyond proud of him. Being a mom, I already think that my kid is the smartest, best kid in the world, but it means so much to know that even if he doesn't make the cut for the Gifted and Talented program, that his teacher recognized something special in him and went as far as to nominate him for this. I have his regular Parent/Teacher conference tomorrow night, so I will be trying to find out more information from his teacher (and tomorrow is also J-man's 2nd day of testing for the program, so I will be doing my best to get some info out of him (even if it's just what kind of questions the lady asked him...when he met with her Thursday, all I got out of him was that she asked a lot of yes or no questions)).

Ok. Proud parent gloating is over...on to the new TV gloating! ^_^ I got my tax returns back last week, and for the past FOREVER, I've been talking about getting a new TV, but something always came up, or I'd get all rational and decide to not spend my money on something as frivolous as a TV. Well, this year, I said "fuck it...I'm getting a TV and that's final!" There was a sale at Target, and I was determined to go on Friday to get the 42" Philips for $799. Well, I went there after work with Crystal and as we were gazing at the TVs, the nice worker boy came over and asks if we need any help. "Yes", said the Karen, "I'd like this (motioning towards the TV). To go, please." And then he said "Oh, sorry. That one is sold out. Sold the last one last night, actually."

*sigh*

"Ok...", says a not-yet-defeated Karen. "How about this one (motioning towards the 40" Sony for $879)?" "Yeah, sorry", says the now irritating worker-boy. "That one's sold out, too. Let me go in back and see what we *do* have in stock." While he's gone, Crystal and I perused the remaining TVs and I said "If they have this 47" in stock, I'm getting it...I am not going home today without a TV." And guess what? THEY DIDN'T HAVE IT! I was not willing to spend more than $1200, nor was I willing to get a TV smaller than 40", so I said thank you to the boy who kept telling me no (seriously, I even get rejection from boys at TARGET?? what is wrong with me??) and we headed to Best Buy to try our luck there.

Well, we got to Best Buy, and I got the "yeah, we're sold out of that reasonably priced awesome TV that you're eyeing up...are you sure you're not willing to go lower than 40"?" for the 3 TVs that I asked about...and then I see a 40" Samsung 750 series TV of sex on display for $1200.Well, whaddya know, $1200 was my limit. And the TV was so shiny and pretty. I was torn on spending that much, but I brought someone with me for a reason. As the boy was waiting for my answer about the TV, I asked Crystal "Should I get it?" Her reply of "Um, yeah" was all I needed to push me to the edge of monetary reason and I said "I'll take it!"

And so I took it. And I love it. Much love for it. Like, lots of love. Heart teh TV. And, to go with my sexy TV, I bought a new Xbox from Mike for $100 and am borrowing a Blu-ray player from my friend Trent until I can get one of my own. He had gotten one for free when he bought his new TV last month, and has no use for it since he has a PS3. So yay, Trent! ^_^ I also borrowed The Dark Knight on Blu-ray and watched it the first night I had the TV and I needed alone time. So pretty!!! And then last night I watched The Two Towers (not on Blu-ray; just on regular DVD) and I have a newfound love for Aragorn. Heart 40" widescreen Aragorn. /rawr

Um, yeah. So parent and electronic gloating aside, I don't think that I have much going on with me right now. I've been a blip-a-holic this past month and can't really remember what life was like before blip.fm. So many great people, and great music. Heart the blippers and their blips!

OH! Speaking of music, I am going to see JoCo for the FOURTH time on the 26th! Can't wait!! Since it's on a Thursday, I'm having my niece Laurel come and stay the night so that Jackson can get to bed on time. He has school on Friday, but I don't have to go to work! I took the day off, so after I drop him off at school, I'll be taking Lolo home, and then spending the day being lazy and watching movies on my sexy TV. ^_^

As for life in general, I've been pretty well this past month. I've had some bad days where I've envisioned myself being single forever, but luckily, I'm able to push those thoughts to the back of my mind most days and focus on more important things, like my fantastically wonderful Jackson, and my never ending playlist of greatness that my iPod provides. And really, with a charged iPod and my beautiful son, I don't need much else to get me through the day.

Ok. Getting a bit mushy now...time to wrap this up! Sorry for the ultra lameness; I'll try to be better. But, if you miss me, hit me up on g-talk or Twitter! I'm basically always online; just not blogging.

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "The Quiz" by Hello Saferide
Beverage Pick for the Day: Mountain Dew
Socks for the Day: black, white and green argyle

Please stand by...

2009-01-03T12:56:00.001-06:00

Bars & Tones from André F. Chocron on Vimeo.

(I'll be back soonish with an update... been terribly unmotivated and meh this past week, but fear not, my good people: I shall return!)

^_^

Dear Santa: Please send boy, or keys to Australia. XOXO, Karen

2008-12-24T19:53:00.005-06:00

Well well well...so we meet again, Mr. Blog. I've been MIA for a few weeks, but it's totally not my fault. Well, unless you count being a total slacker as being my fault, in which case, yeah; my fault. I've sat at my computer every night since my last blog update, and have I even tried to post an entry?? Ok, so maybe I did start to update like 4 times in the past couple of weeks, but be thankful I didn't go through with it... some things about male gymnasts and pudding should never leave my mind. Seriously.

Anywho, it's Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope that everyone has a good holiday and that any travel that must be done is safe and fun for you all! As for myself, today started my 5 day weekend and it was pretty fantastic! The J-man and I lazed around all day, for the most part. We played in the snow, which was pretty fun! Although, he did lose part of his Dr. Horrible costume in the process. He was being Dr. Horrible as he played in the snow and wore his goggles outside...and decided to bury them...and now he can't remember where he buried them. Hopefully we get the warmer weather/rain that we're supposed to get this weekend and they surface. Otherwise, he will be a goggleless Dr. Horrible until spring. Actually, I can fix this: he'll just be Billy instead. The alter-egos never get any attention! Whoever says "man, I wanna be Clark Kent!" The only alter-ego that actually has people adoring him is probably Tony Stark. /swoon

...thinking of Robert Downey Jr. now and lost my train of thought... Oh, yes. Christmas Eve! After we had our fill of snowy-goodness, we came inside and started watching Christmas movies: Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Frosty the Snowman, and The Year Without a Santa Claus. We also played Go Fish, ate some Italian take out, and then finished the night with some Mario Kart Wii action. Oh, and we did watch Dr. Horrible again this morning. Crystal got the DVD, so we are borrowing it while she's in Illinois for the holidays. I have to say, this is a must buy for anyone who enjoyed Dr. Horrible. The commentary...is...AWESOME. They did a musical commentary. It was...it's just magicalness. So great!!
So, overall: Best. Christmas Eve. Ever.

I'm still fuzzy on the details for my Christmas Day, but I know that Jackson will be going to his dad's for most of the day. I will spend part of the day at home, being lazy and listening to music, and then head to my parents' for dinner. I'm not doing my formal Christmas festivities with my family until the 27th, so this weekend I will be ZOMG busy; I'm going to take every opportunity to be loungey and lazy until Saturday, though!

It's kind of sad, though, how much my attitude towards Christmas has changed over the years. I'd always been such a huge goober about Christmas and had such enthusiasm and awe for the holiday. However, in recent years, I've noticed my adoration for the holiday waning and that depresses me. The only thing keeping Christmas exciting for me now is Jackson, but even that excitement only goes so far. He spends Christmas Day with his father, so that day will be just another day this year; no different for me than any other Thursday. *sigh* C'est la vie.
It probably doesn't help that this is my 3rd Christmas in a row being single. I won't say that I hate being single, since I've come to terms with it and am content in my spinsterhood, but it does make me sad thinking how nice it would be to have someone to share Christmas snuggles and mistletoe kisses with. Plus, this weekend I will be around my family and all of their happy suburbia happiness and will put on my happy face... and then I will eat too much pie as I sit in envy of their happy coupleness... blerg!
Ok. Happy thoughts...happy thoughts. Ewan McGregor in a kilt...naked Robbie Williams... 2008 male Olympic diving team (like, all of the teams...so much rawr) in pools of jello...
Ok. All better now!

Hmmm...trying to think if anything exciting or notable has happened lately, but I'm pretty sure not. Alas, the life of the Karen is still unexciting and boringish. I am working on a list of goals for 2009, though, which I'm hoping will help make it not so boring (from my perspective, anyhow). I'm not going to call them resolutions, since if I coin them as such, I will most likely have the Defiant Karen come out and she's too rebellious and care-free to abide by resolutions. She scoffs at them.
/scoff
However, my list of goals for 2008 went over pretty well, so we'll see if I can up my game and come up with some great things for me to accomplish in 2009. At the top of my list: take more chances. And, I've kind of already sort of started that one...ish. Still a work in progress, but it's in progress!! That's all that matters!

Ok. I think I've rambled enough for now. Time to go be Santa and finish wrapping gifts! Again, Merry Christmas and I will try to update before the new year!
No promises, though...

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Whistle for the Choir" by The Fratellis
Beverage Pick for the Day: lemonade!
Socks for the Day: red and green Christmas socks that say "naughty or nice" all over (both. Equally. FYI.)

You can't survive on ice cream...

2008-12-08T11:57:00.006-06:00

Happy "Take it in the Ear" Day! Why yes, that is a rather obscure and weird holiday, and no, I have no idea where it's from, but it is rather intriguing, isn't it? I've been thinking about it for about 10 minutes now, trying to figure out the intent of this day and have come to a few conclusions:
1. It's a rough way of saying "dude, just listen", so instead of talking, try being the one who sits back and listens? Sometimes, people need to be told to just listen, so really, this is a great day to have. Too many people hear what they want to hear, or don't really listen at all, so it's nice to have a day to remind us to actually listen to what people say at face value; not everyone talks in code.
2. A less offensive way of saying "take it in the rear". So, a day to be humble and take your lumps? Don't be outspoken and learn to shut up? Same kind of vein as #1, but with a different intent.
3. Sexual experimentation day? Who knows, some people have weird ear fetishes...I'm just saying.
Aside from the impending ear raping which may or may not occur today, my Monday is turning out to be a pretty good day, considering how I was feeling yesterday and this morning. I got a free lunch, and I'm no longer feeling like poo, which are two very important things that can turn most days into good days!

I woke up yesterday morning, though, sick as a...something really sick, and wanting to do nothing but drink my weight in NyQuil and sleep the day away. But, I had my geeking out to do with my geeks and was supposed to be at Crystal and Adam's for D&D at 9am. However, since I wasn't feeling sick Saturday night, I was all "I'm not setting my alarm, cuz there's no way I'm sleeping past 7:30". Little did I know that my body was all "Yes, go to sleep, and as you slumber, I am totally going to give you a headache and fill your nose with goo and make your head feel like it will implode at any moment! *maniacal laugh*". So, needless to say, my inner alarm was all gunked up by the yuckies and made me sleep until 9:30...and trust me, that is a very rare occurence, indeed, and just shows how sick I was that I actually slept for over 5 hours.
So, I climb out of bed, message Crystal that I was rolling out of bed and that I'd be there in a few. I threw on some clothes and headed over there at about 10am. We didn't start the game until almost 11, and by 1, I was ready for some quality nappage. We called game before 2 and I headed home, intending to finish baking the cookies for my WoW boys, but with my sickies and general state of blerg, I wasn't up for anything more involved than sitting on my couch, watching Robert Downey Jr. being sexy. So, that's what I did; I watched Iron Man, then chilled with my J-man once he got home at about 4...and then watched Iron Man again after dinner.

I felt like poo all day/night, so I watched another movie after Jackson went to bed, and it made me a bit blergified: PS, I Love You. Damn you, Gerard Butler and your sexy manliness! I wants one of you! It's never a good idea for me to watch romantic comedies if I'm in a less than good mood, since I'm quite likely to fall into a "I'm so lonely and will die a crazy spinster cat lady" type of mood... which is where I was for about 3 hours last night. However, after the movie was over, I headed to my 'puter to do some blipping and that helped cheer me up a bit, although I still felt like my head was going to melt. Then at about 11, I headed to bed and decided to start rewatching Friends, and that always cheers me up!

To keep with the weird backward narration for my weekend, Saturday, I totally went shopping in Milwaukee with the Amie and Angel and had a blast! I heart Angel and wish that we got to see her more often. My goal for the day was to buy a cute dress and some boots, but since I'd just bought 2 new dresses Friday night, I was on the look out for boots. But, the boots I loved were out of my budget for this time of year, so after the holidays, I'm totally going to buy me some totally sexy knee high boots! Very /rawr, indeed. However, eventhough I didn't meet my objective for shopping, I did get some cute arm warmers and some cute knit tights to go with my dresses! I'm going to be so adorably cute in my dress, I may squeee and have the ^_^ face when I wear it! Mission- Fancy Karen: In progress!!

So, after I got home, I decided to be fancy and wear my dress and tights...with my bright blue "It's not my fault I was born awesome" fuzzy slippers and my WoW hoodie, and decorated my tree and living room! Crystal and Amie then came over that night to bake cookies for our WoW boys and to watch a movie. And, eventhough I was in my cute dress and baking, I was already getting a bit blergy (which, in retrospect, was probably due to my upcoming illness...blerg to that I say!) All in all, though, Saturday was a great day!

Friday was a great day, too! After work, I went out for a martini with Crystal, Amie and Myrt and then we headed to Target, where I bought my two cute dresses on CLEARANCE! I had also bought a new coat there earlier in the week (tan corduroy trench for $25! Love clearance sales!), so I am totally /cheer about my new cheap-ass clothes!

So, I'm pretty content with everything in my life at the moment and happy with all things in Karenland. Plus, it doesn't hurt that today there are boys wandering in and out of the department. And really, how can you have a bad day when you look up from your desk to see the bottom halves of men sticking out of the ceiling, while the Shins play in the background? It's like the setting for a Utopia...or at least a very weird, awkward porno.
Dammit... now I'm trying to figure out a good plot for an electrician/painter-man porn and I'm afraid my productivity for the afternoon is going to be quite poor.
Oh well...totally worth it.

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "Cheap and Cheerful" by the Kills (my new favorite!)
Beverage pick for the Day: water
Socks for the Day: blue and white whale socks!

Hearing the whir of the servos inside...

2008-12-02T09:02:00.008-06:00

So, I had a pretty great weekend, filled with family and fun. I also got a snazzy new phone which I will marry as soon as they allow people to marry inanimate objects...or as soon as the robot overlords take over and it's no longer taboo to love something made of metal and circuits.
*cue Future Soon by JoCo*
I also got my 1st real Christmas tree in 3 years! I'd used a fake tree while I was in my apartment, since real trees were not allowed, and I'm thrilled to be able to have a real one again. Check out my brightkite for pics of the pretties! I've been too busy to decorate it, but hopefully tonight Jackson and I will have some time to at least get lights on.

My Monday was pretty good, too. There were some good moments, so I shall let you in on the good stuff:

- Mike was late getting to work, because he stopped to rescue a poor little kitten from the cold and snow on his way in. He brought it to the vet where his girlfriend works, and found out that the kitten had been shot in the shoulder and is now having its leg amputated today. So much horribliness should never happen to something so little. But, on the happy side, Mike and Marina now have a new kitty! Mike has also dubbed himself the Kitten Whisperer, and I think I may need to make him a plaque with that etched on it. "Mike the Kitten Whisperer"...although, I foresee that being dirrtied up at some point.

- If you ever hear of an album by the band Fountains of Poop, buy a copy immediately, since it means that Mike and I have started a band and are trying to make our living as musicians. Also, if you should ever hear of the band Velvet Hammer, buy two copies, because it will mean that being mediocre at Rock Band drumming has become a socially accepted form of artisitc expression and I started a solo tour IRL.

- Jackson and I were discussing names for our eventual puppy and he said that he wants to name it Moose II, after our friends Crystal and Adam's dog Moose. I said "no, buddy. It's going to be Monkey". He said that Monkey wasn't a good name, and that Moose II was better. I then suggested Bananaface as an alternative, and he again said that Moose II was better. I then said "How about Bananaface Monkey Moose II?", to which he again said no, this time sounding a bit exasperated with me. So I said "Bananaface Monkey Moose, Jr?" And, his response was "I don't think that would be very appropriate, Mom." So, apparently December 1st, 2008 is the day in which being a 26 year old makes you exponentially more silly than a 6 year old. Kind of a like a Freaky Monday instance. Isn't the kid supposed to be goofier than his mommy?? Such is my life, I suppose.

I think there were more good things, but I'm having a hard time remembering. I've been awake since 2 am, since I went to sleep at 10 pm last night, after a pretty crappy evening. My body got its alloted 4 hours of sleep and wouldn't let me have any more. My mind was also unable to be stopped, so I'm pretty sure that my mind was in cahoots with my body, therefore making it impossible for more sleepy for teh Karen this morning.

But, if my brain de-mushifies as the day progresses and I remember more goodness, I'll update again.

For now, I'm off. Happy Tuesday and I'll check back soon.

Music Pick for the Day: "You Don't Know Me" by Ben Folds and Regina Spektor
Beverage Pick for the Day: tea
Socks for the Day: blue and red Superman socks

Cake or blerg... Um, cake, please!

2008-11-24T11:11:00.000-06:00

Well, that weekend did not go at all like I planned! And, not in a good way, either.

Friday was great; I got done with work, and headed to Fusion with the Amie and Myrt for a drink. I had a She Devil martini and it was delicious! We then headed to Country Kitchen for foodage and I attempted to eat my weight in pancakes and failed miserably. Crsytal joined us for foodage and we had a great time! After I was stuffed, we went back to Crystal and Adam's and played Little Big Planet until about 10:30 and that was a blast! I totally need to get a PS3 so that I can play this game all of the time. Seriously, most fun I've had in a long time with a console video game; its funness rivals that of Mario Kart in my book, and I love me some Mario Kart action. So, after that, I headed home, played some WoW, then went to bed.

Saturday, I woke up in a great mood and was ready for a day of gaming goodness. I left my house at 1pm, to head to Crystal's...and my car wouldn't start. Like, really super wouldn't start. So, I didn't freak out yet; I went and asked Tanya if she had jumper cables, which she did not, so I then called Amie to come over with hers to see if we could get my car to make a noise beyond clicking. Myrt and Amie arrive with jumper cables...and still my car just clicks. This is the part of the story where Karen starts to really freak out. I called my sister Suzie to see if I could come and get her Grand Am to use, since I wasn't sure what was wrong with my car and didn't want to be carless Monday morning, so Amie drove me to Beaver Dam so I could pick up the car. I hung out at Suzie's for a bit that afternoon, and that helped to calm my nerves, and then I headed to Waupun to visit the parents since I was in the area. I got home at about 5pm and spent the rest of the night moping, playing WoW and watching movies. So, not at all the Saturday I had anticipated. /sad

Sunday morning, I was still feeling down about it all, but forced myself to be optimistic. Myrt had thought that eventhough the jump didn't help, it could still be a dead battery; just a really super dead one. So, Amie and Myrt once again came over, this time with battery chargers, to try my luck with that before I called someone to tow it and look at it on Monday. I started my car charging at about 3pm and hung out with Jackson/played WoW the rest of the day. I kept myself in pretty good spirits for the day, trying to remain optimistic about my poor, dead car. At about 6pm, I went to check the charger and it still read dead. However, they did tell me that it can take a long time to charge, so I left it plugged in and went back to hanging with the J-man. We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks and snuggled. Then he took a bath, we read a story and he headed to bed at 9. After I tucked him in, I went to check the meter again, not expecting it to say anything other than it had before...but what's this? The gauge moved??? Could it be working??????

So, I pranced back inside and told Tanya the news. I wasn't getting my hopes up, but my optimism seemed to be paying off! I decided to let it go until I was ready for bed, and then try to start it. I keep myself preoccupied with the season finale of True Blood and the Colbert Christmas special (both of which were fantastic, btw. I need to get the soundtrack to the Colbert Christmas! Too funny, it was!!), and I got my death knight to about 1/2 way through level 62. I was starting to think that sleep would be good at about midnight, so I went back out again to check the meter. It hadn't moved since the last time I'd come out, but I figured I might as well try it, just to see. I unplug the charger, shut the hood, and get in the car. I take out my key, put it in the ignition...turn the key...and....IT STARTED!!!! I was so happy. Beyond happy. Ecstatic! I ran into the house to freak out to Tanya that my car was alive again! I then told her that I was going to sit outside for a bit, just to listen to it run. It was almost as magical as a baby's laugh. Best. Sound. EVER!

Needless to say, I had a hard time falling asleep last night. I was so full of WOOOOOHOOOOOness that I just couldn't fall asleep. I didn't fall asleep until after 2, and almost got myself out of bed at 6:15, but decided to press snooze a bit this morning instead. Had I known that it snowed last night after I went to sleep, I would have gotten up right away. While I was unprepared for the snow, I welcome the prettiness!

So, while my weekend was pretty crappy and although I have been in an overly meh and blerg mood lately, today I am pretty content and happy with everything in my life. I still feel a bit...off, as though something is missing, but I'm working on a few new changes that I hope will help me be me again. First of which is kind of a frivilous thing (fancy new cell phone with web access..../rawr), but it's going to make me all ^_^, so it may just be enough to kick my butt out of Glumville. I'll update once I have my shinies this weekend!

Ok. That's all for now. I'm getting better at this updating thing again, so hopefully I keep up with it this time!

Toodles!

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "My Moon My Man" by Feist (my new favorite vocalist..I have to look into getting more music by her)
Beverage for the Day: water
Socks for the Day: black with tourquoise polka dots

Promises, promises

2008-11-21T15:46:00.000-06:00

Mmmmm...promises. And, by promises, I mean the Dove chocolate ones. I had a stash of them in my drawer at work, so I eated them all. And they were goooooood. Aside from their numminess, I like the Promises because they also have little notes inside, which makes them kind of like chocolate fortune cookies. So, my chocolate fortunes are:

"A special moment deserves a special chocolate"- I got this one twice, so I'll use this as the reason behind my having 6 promises this afternoon...don't judge me! /delicious

"Buy flowers for yourself"- I may do this, but not in a 'oh, look! Someone totally sent me flowers; I wonder who they're from' kind of way, but rather in a 'my kitchen needs some cheering up. I shall do that with pretty flowers!' kind of way. But, we'll see if I'm ambitious enough to go and buy some. This one will be a maybe.

"Think without limits"- This one I do quite often already, which always gets me in trouble with myself. My mind, or rather my imagination, knows no limits, so I can day dream like you wouldn't believe. However, many day dreams are often not within the grasps of reality, so I tend to set myself up for disappointment when my fantasty life is vastly more appealing than my reality. /le sigh

"Try something new this weekend"- This one I fully intend on fulfilling, not just once, but twice (two promise fortunes for this one, as well!). I have plans for tonight and Saturday, so I'll have to fit something new into my schedule somehow. Perhaps I will try new foods or a new drink tonight, or maybe just do something out of the ordinary. We shall see what adventures the weekend may hold! But, chances are, I'll order french toast instead of waffles and that will count as my "try something new". How boring am I? If I do end up trying something wholey new, I will be sure to try to update again with details, but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you...

"Think lovingly, speak lovingly, act lovingly"- Again, I'm pretty good at doing this on a regular basis. I'm a pretty lovey-dovey person and let people know how I feel, even if it's not the best idea. I'm kind of a goober that way and just have to speak my mind sometimes, but on the plus side, I don't hide emotions and typically am very up front about things with people. So, speak and think lovingly, check! Act lovingly is also one that I do often, and generally in the form of hugs. I'm kind of a hug-bot. Hug-slut. Hug-a-holic. Hugs FTW. And, after a few drinks tonight, I may once again display my thinking/speaking/acting lovingly, so Amie and Crystal, watch out! :P

Wish me luck on having a great weekend and I'll update again soonish, I hope!
*huggles*

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Green-Eyed Lady" by Sugarloaf (I was on a "eye" song kick this morning, and this one is one of my favs. There are no good songs about my name, so I appreciate a song about green eyed people)
Beverage Pick for the Day: Water
Socks for the Day: pink, green and brown argyle knee highs (best. socks. EVER!)

Bluebells and sleighbells and something with mittens...

2008-11-17T14:09:00.003-06:00

/snuggles her blanket
It's attempting to snow outside, and this is the most I've seen it snow yet this year. Nothing is sticking to the ground yet, but just the flurries whizzing around outside are enough to get me into my wintery goodness spirit. A lot of people dislike snow, or rather, a lot of people dislike driving in snow. However, I love so much about snow that I'm willing to forgive the poor driving conditions it brings. And now, my favorite things about snow:

1.) It's fun! Building snowmen, making snow angels, sledding... what's not to love??
2.) It's winter! And what happens in winter? Christmas. And what's great about Christmas? EVERYTHING! Decorations, lights, trees, eggnog, cookies, music, 24 hours of A Christmas Story...I could go on, but I won't.
3.) It's pretty! Imagine a Thomas Kinkade snowytime picture and that's basically my perfect setting. Snowy, peaceful, and beautiful. It just makes me happy on the inside to think about it. Add that with some hot cocoa, blankets, and a good movie, and you have every Friday night during the winter months for me. Well, except that I don't actually live on a peaceful street...I just imagine that's what it looks like outside.
4.) It's cold! Well, I'm always cold, but that doesn't mean that I don't like the cold. On the contrary, I love the cold, since it allows me to wear fun mittens and scarves and hats and coats. Yay, winter clothes!

Ok. Off to daydream some more about wonderful winter.

^_^

I shall conquer this, I shall.

2008-11-17T08:00:00.004-06:00

If I could sum up my past month or two in one word, that word would be "blerg". I have had more blerg in the past few months than I'd had in a long time. What caused this blerg? Where did it come from? And how can I get rid of it!?! For starters, I don't think that any one thing has caused the blerg, but rather a few smaller blergific things, such as moving situation changing and just being in a perpetual state of "...what now?" I feel as though I'm anticipating or dreading something, but can't seem to pin point what that something is. I'm anxious without anywhere to direct said anxiousness.

I've also had some very upsetting situations arise in the past month, such as an old friend unexpectedly dying last month. 26 years old, mother of 2, who I hadn't seen or spoken to in nearly 5 years. Growing up, she was an honorary member of my family, and was treated and loved like a sister to me and my siblings, and as a daughter to my parents. To get the news that she had died was jarring, to say the least, and it took me a few days to really have the news sink in. It just seemed so surreal; it still seems surreal. Her wake was by far the hardest thing I've had to deal with in a long time, and just seeing her family was too much to bear. Not only had I not seen them all in many years, but I also could not be glad to see them, due to circumstances. It was the worst reunion, in the worst situation.

Ok. I need to be on happier topics, to try to mellow myself out again.

Happy topics...happy topics...hmmm... OH! So, speaking of anticipating things, last week was the release of the newest WoW expansion, Wrath of the Lich King. I have to say, I'm enjoying it more than The Burning Crusade, and I've barely even touched on the quests in Northrend. I will say that Death Knight is super badass and the story line for it is is pretty amazing. I was almost brought to tears by some of the story, which I guess isn't that much of a feat considering how often I cry, but still: amazing. I'm debating making my DK my main for a bit, and then work on leveling Alukin once Cat is 80 and has time to focus on leveling Squik with me. Decisions, decisions.

Last night, I was feeling pretty meh and restless, so I decided to do some more unpacking and arranging to occupy my mind. Since Jackson fell asleep on the couch again, I focused my energies on my bedroom and unpacked some of my books. While doing this, I wanted to watch a DVD, so I picked out Pride and Prejudice... /swoon. And no, not the one that came out a few years ago with Keira Knightly. I'm talking about the 5 hour BBC mini series, with Colin Firth as the dreamboat Mr. Darcy. Mmmmm, Mr. Darcy. If I could find a real life Mr. Darcy, my life would be complete. And, speaking of Mr. Darcy, I watched Bridget Jones' Diary last weekend...and I've realized that I am more like the character Bridget Jones than I would care to admit. Her crazy, her verbal diarrhea, her horrendous love life. But, she did get her Mr. Darcy in the end. His whole speech to Bridget just makes me smile, every time I hear it:
"I don't think you're an idiot at all. I mean, there are elements of the ridiculous about you. Your mother's pretty interesting. And you really are an appallingly bad public speaker. And, um, you tend to let whatever's in your head come out of your mouth without much consideration of the consequences... But the thing is, um, what I'm trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are."
/rawr
/swoon
Mr. Darcy...Mark Darcy... mmmmmmm

Although, I am 1 up on Ms. Jones. As of today, it has been 1 year since I last smoked. 1 year since I smoked my last cheat cigarette, even. One whole entire year, smoke free. I am pretty darn proud of myself for that! I need to get back into the mindset that got me to quit smoking, and perhaps life can start to make sense again. Get out of my head and back in the now and just go with the flow. I need to flow. I've hit some flow-blocks in the past few months, so it's time to get happy again. To do this, I may /shun the world for a bit, to get back into the right mindset, but even if I do /shun everyone, I promise to come back out, less crazy-crazy and more fun-crazy! That's worth some Karenless time, right? I think so!

Ok. I'm off now. Time to go and be all zen and not so blergy. Blerg = teh suck.

Laters!

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Handsome Man", by Robbie WIlliams
Beverage Pick for the Day: coffeeeeeeeeeee
Socks for the Day: Maroon, tan and black argyle knee highs

The Change We Need

2008-10-29T21:43:00.000-05:00

7 Days

2008-10-29T20:43:00.000-05:00

I've already voted. Have you? In the state of Wisconsin, we are one of 31 states that allow early voting. So, you can't use the excuse that you're busy on November 4th. If you know you can't make it then, call your city or county clerk's office to find out how you can vote early. Not registered yet? You can do that at the same time as you vote. Just be sure to bring a proof of residence (current utility bill or even a pay stub with your current address).

So please, be sure to vote. Because, really, your vote and voice do count.
Your vote matters.
You matter.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Have you registered to vote yet??

2008-10-03T20:03:00.008-05:00

Find out when your deadline to register here, and hopefully you still have time!

Or, click here and enter your address to find out where and when you can register!
Go now!
And if you've registered already, you're my favorite!

^_^

ps. I love Stephen Colbert

insert witty comment here

2008-09-28T19:45:00.007-05:00

So, I've been an absent blogger for a while. At first, I was all "I'll totally update tomorrow"...and then tomorrow would come, and I'd be all "I'll totally update this weekend...and then the weekend would come, and I'd be all "I'll totally update on Monday". Well, that went on for a couple of weeks before I realized that I hadn't updated in a while. Because it had been so long since my last update, I thought that my next update would have to be sooo awesome to make up for my lack of blogging. So I thought on it for like 2 weeks, and I still have nothing soooo awesome to blog about.

Life has been pretty meh. I've been doing pretty good lately; life hasn't given me too much to complain about, which I'm thankful for. Jackson started kindergarten this month, and it was emotional, but I'm so happy and excited for him to be in school that it helped me get over the whole "my baby is growing up too fast!". And, naturally, with him growing up so fast, life is going too fast, and when I stop to think about it all, I get down and sad-like. So I try really hard to not think about it! I'm a smidge blergy about it all tonight, and in need of some distractions, so I figured I'd update and see if that helped at all!

Hmmm...what else can I ramble about? Oh, well, this coming Tuesday will be a fantastic day. Two movies are coming to DVD and I'm a bit tingly thinking about it: Forgetting Sarah Marshall (mmm, Jason Segel...naked) and Iron Man (mmmmmm...Robert Downey, Jr...wishing he were naked). I must say, this is going to be a Super Tuesday!

And speaking of politics, did anyone else catch the 1st Presidential debate on Friday night? During most of it, I just wanted to reach into my TV and flick McCain in his tiny head or smack him about with my shoe. Pre-debate, I wasn't a supporter, but there was still a bit of respect there for him as a person (I'm a lover, not a hater, and really try to see good in all people)...however, he was making me angry just with his words. Like, almost seething. I hate politicians and wish that it would be possible for, just once, to have them address concerns and issues without trying to belittle their opponent. It seemed that the majority of the time that he was speaking, he took the time to take a jab at Obama instead of trying to address the question at hand. He would prefer to be negative and invoke fear in the voters, to try to get them to *not* vote for Obama instead of trying to make people *want* to vote for himself. It's infuriating! Oh, and his little smirk and giggle he was doing every time Obama spoke. GRAR! He wouldn't even look Barack in the eye during the debate and kept intentionally not addressing him in his responses. Two things that were said too often and made me twitch each time he said them: "What Senator Obama doesn't understand is..." and "...fundamental...". Good lord, robot man. Get some new dialogue. And I won't even talk about his attempt to suspend his campaign. Or on his VP pick.

Obama, on the other hand, was like sex in a suit and I would listen to him talk for hours at a time. He's soothing and pretty and fancy and I love him. Sure, I still have issues with some of his stances on things, but right now, he is the best hope we have. And, if for some reason McCain wins this thing in November, do any foreigners have room to take in a single mom and her 5 year old? I can cook and clean and LOVE to bake! Just let me know. :P

Ok. I'm in a better place now after getting all political and venty. *deep breath* Good times.

I will try to update more and hopefully will have something more entertaining to ramble about, so hopefully I'll talk to you all again soonish!

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "Near to You" by A Fine Frenzy
Beverage pick for the Day: agua
Socks for the Day: green, purple and black striped Halloween socks, with pumpins on the ankles (my 2nd pair of Halloween socks so far this fall!)

I blipped...and I liked it.

2008-08-23T19:00:00.002-05:00

Greetings, my lovely people! I have been in a very musical place lately. One of my Twitter friends was linking music earlier in the week, and I was really enjoying the variety. So, I decided to join the site that he was linking from, blip.fm... and I think I'm addicted.

The music selection is good, and you are able to upload music to the site...but I'm lazy. However, I have only had a few times where something I wanted wasn't on there/was poor quality, so I'm content for now!

So, that's about it. I have more I could touch on, but we'll save the crazy for another day. For today, I just wanted to let you know what I'm up to and that you should so come blip with me.

"blip with me"... sounds kind of dirrty.
/rawr

ps. I've also been using my last.fm account more, so feel free to add me if you have it!

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Breakin' Up" by Rilo Kiley
Beverage for the Day: mountain dew (sleep has not been my friend this week; more caffeine, please)
Socks for the Day: white ankle socks with monkeys and banannnnas

Beboping through the kitchen

2008-08-17T13:44:00.003-05:00

Greetings! So, I've been so completely and utterly unmotivated to update my blog. And even now, I'm updating out of some weird sense of obligation. I hope to be motivated for some hard-core blogging again soon, so I'm sorry that it's taking me so long to get motivated again! It's been a few weeks since I last updated, so I'll give you a brief recap: I went on a much-needed week long vacation with my family, and spent this last week watching anything and everything Olympics related. How exciting is that?

The Olympics have been great so far. Swimming has had the most exciting events and I've been anxious to watch all of the races. Gymnastics this year have been good, but no where near the levels of anticipation of past games. I'm going to blame the lack of international coverage on NBC, as well as the lack of Alexi Nemov. *sigh*

Hmmm... what else? Volleyball has been great to watch this year, too! Women's beach volleyball has been fantastic, with May/Walsh dominating the court. I can't wait to see if they get the gold (which, they are undefeated thus far, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for them!). For men's indoor volleyball, the US is also doing well, but my favorites are the Bulgarians. They lost to the US in the first pool, but that was their only loss so far, so I still have hope!

And.. my guilty pleasure Olympic events: Badminton and skeet. I'm kind of disappointed in myself, though, because I haven't watched any fencing. Bad Karen.

Now... my favorite Olympians. In no particular order, the pretties are: Razvan Selariu (I only saw him for a second while team Romania entered the NIS on the first day of prelims, but I still heart him!), Ryan Lochte, Sascha Klein, Andrey Zhekov, Ian Thorpe (he did not compete, but he was in the stands during the final men's relay that gave Phelps his 8th gold, so it counts!)...that's it for now. There are others, but those are the big ones. AND, I did a good job of being an equal-opportunity oogler, as they all are from a different nations.

Less than a week until the closing ceremonies. I'm going to be sad to see them go and it's going to be a long 4 years until we get more summer Olympic goodness. :( However, in about a month, all of my shows will be back on the air and I cannot wait!! I'm getting all twitchy!!

Ok. I'm off to clean and listen to more music. I've been in a very musical mood lately, so I've been dancing all over my apartment today as I clean. Super fun!!

Toodles!

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "Think Locally, Fuck Globally" by Gogol Bordello
Beverage Pick for the Day: Water. MMmmmm, water.
Socks for the Day: Barefoot AGAIN! But, more out of laziness than lack of want to wear socks.

...don't tell the Elf

2008-07-27T20:12:00.003-05:00

Hidey ho, people! In case you hadn't noticed, I've been kind of neglecting my blogging lately (well, aside from my "WATCH DR. HORRIBLE" posts, but those don't count). One reason is that I haven't had much to update on. The other reason is that I am horribly lazy and unmotivated! ^_^

This weekend, I decided to re-watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy with Jackson (he made it through most of FotR and then gave up on me). I seriously need to do this more often! (and, yes, Crystal, I will plan ahead next time and invite you!) I know that I love the movies, but I forget sometimes just how much I really love them. I still cry like a baby at so many parts, and I basically spend half of Return of the King teary eyed. Well, and The Two Towers... don't even get me started on Helm's Deep... dammit. I'm now tearing up again just thinking about it. When Gandalf arrives with the Rohirrim.... my god, that's a fantastic scene. *gets a tissue* So beautiful.

And can I just say that EVERY TIME I watch RotK and see Gothmog, I keep expecting him to say "Hey you guuys!". Does he not look eerily like Sloth from "The Goonies"? I can't be the only one who sees it! They are like twins!!

I think that if Gandalf had just offered Gothmog a Baby Ruth, things may have turned out a little differently!

Also, it's Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, so I know what I'll be doing this week! I'm watching a Mythbusters marathon right now and they are showing the old Shark week episodes. I can't wait to see what they have this time around. Also, I'm looking forward to whatever dirty jobs Mike Rowe does. I rewatched an episode of Dirty Jobs while I was at my parents' house today and Mike totally took his shirt off. *sigh* More episodes need to include a shirtless Mike Rowe. Mmmmm... dirrty Mike Rowe, with two r's. /rawr

AND! 12 more days until the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics!! I'm going to be on vacation with my family, but will be driving to Madison to continue the tradition of oogling the pretty boys from around the world with my closest friends and fellow peen-lovers. Fondue, Eastern European gymnasts and world-class male swimmers? Yeah. That's gonna be a good day. Also, you can expect updates from me for 2 weeks, to confess my undying love for the beautiful men of the XXIX olympiad. Mmmm... /rawr again!

Ok. I think that's about it for now. There is more I could say, but it's bath time for the Jackson and I have laundry to fold and TV to watch. Farewell, peeps!

Music Pick for the Day: Bascially everything from Dr. Horrible (thanks Myrt for the soundtrack! I <3s it!)
Beverage Pick for the Day: lemonade
Socks for the Day: none. Totally sockless and feeling kind of weird about it.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

That's...not a good sound.

2008-07-21T18:23:00.002-05:00

Well, Dr. Horrible is no longer free to you slackers who didn't watch it when it was up for FREE on www.drhorrible.com. Now, if you want to view the AWESOMENESS that is Dr. Horrible, you'll have to go on iTunes and pay $4...which, honestly, is totally worth it. Can't afford the $4 fee? I will buy it for you! (well, I mean...I'll let you watch it on my iPod). So, if you've watched it, let me know how you liked it!! (also, go buy some merchandise!!)

(psst. This is pretty much my plea to have Suzie watch it already and call me to let me know how great I am for making her watch it...but it really does apply to everyone)

In other news, I had a great weekend and I might even update about it later! For now, I need to finish making nummy cake and then head to Crystals for some Wii Fit action!

*blows kisses* Toodles!

^_^

"What a crazy, random happenstance!"

2008-07-16T23:53:00.001-05:00

Pssst... Act II of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is now up, and better than ever! Go watch now (well, after you've watched the Act I, anyway!)

*sigh* My love for NPH has grown exponentially in the last 24 hours, as well as my love for Nathan Fillion. And Felicia Day is completely fantastic as Penny (also, you should check out The Guild if you have free time and like MMOs. Do it now!)

Ok. Time for sleep, for real now.
Nighty-night, my lovlies! I'll come again soon!

...balls

2008-07-16T19:04:00.003-05:00

This is not really an update; more like an Public Service Announcement. Or a plug for a new online TV show. Yeah, the 2nd one. Definitely a plug for a new online TV show. You may ask, "Karen, what online TV show is that?" and I'll reply "Why, it's Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog!"

If you haven't already watched it, please do so immediately! The first act became available yesterday, and there are two more being released this week (Thursday and Saturday). Also, if you fall in love with it and want to be able to rewatch it allll the time, go and get a season pass to it on iTunes for $3.99!

It's a silly webshow that Joss Whedon started during the writer's strike this winter. It's about a supervillian. Who has a blog. And it's a musical. I won't say much else, other than I've only had it on my iPod for 24 hours and I've watched it 6 times already and have turned 2 people into fans (on my lunch break, no less!). It's just *that* good!

Also, if you watch this and don't like, I think you can pretty much guarantee to not get a Christmas card from me this year... well, chances are even if you do like it, you won't get one because I don't actually send out Christmas cards, but it's not intentional most of the time.

But it *will* be for the haters. I will intentionally NOT send you a Christmas card and will make sure you know it!

ps. <3 you all, even the haters

^_^

Make it stop!

2008-07-08T18:12:00.005-05:00

I am hopelessly addicted to signing up for new micro-blogging sites and "the next big thing" sites. The list of ones that I now use:

Vox
Tumblr
Twitter
Blippr
Plurk

Plurk is the newest one to make its way into my daily updates. I think that the name ropes me in. Plurk. It just sounds fun.

Anywho, Plurk is pretty new, so I think I'll stick it out for a while and see if it takes off or if I grow to love it/hate it. Besides, back when I first joined Twitter, I had my doubts about it, so I'm willing to give Plurk a fair judgement and will keep with it for a few weeks. I added a widget to my blog, so you can check out Plurk for your self.

Ok. That's it for now. See ya later, alligator marshmallow-lovers!

^_^

Manilow. Strawberry Manilow.

2008-07-07T17:38:00.005-05:00

Why, hello there! Glad you could stop by! I’ve been busy lately…well, that’s kind of a lie. I’ve been anti-social lately, so I’ve been fake-too-busy to post by my lack of want to be on my computer and communicate in anyway. But, I think that has passed for now. I had a rough few weeks again, and still some bad days, but overall I think I’m passed this most recent slump. I think that deserves a little WOOP WOOP. I was able to be around friends and family for the 4^th of July weekend, which helped (although, I had a rough patch of suckitude on Sunday afternoon, but it was over within a couple of hours (thanks to J-man and the nieces/nephews)). I’m not going to recap my whole weekend, but I will give you the highlights:

-I met a man who could very well be the long lost sibling of Chong and he was by far the most interesting person I’ve met all year. He seemed to be the embodiment of the hippie generation, all rolled into one tie-dyed American flag shirt. If everyone had his care-free and laid back attitude… well, not many things would be accomplished, but I’m positive we’d all be a lot happier with life. Brian-Chong, you’re my hero.

-I got a haircut again. While it’s short, I’ve decided to keep it short at least for the summer. It was long enough for mini nub pig tails for about a week, but there will be time enough for pig tails this fall. I also got my roots touched up, but I think from now on I’ll be dyeing my hair myself. I’m light blonde again, so the upkeep on it won’t be hard to do on my own. When I decide to go brunette or red again, I may go back to letting my hair lady dye it. Maybe.

-As I was waiting for Amie to finish at the check out in Barnes and Noble, I was perusing the mini-books they sell at the counter. There were about 7 different “…for Dummies” books, but one in particular caught my eye: “Sex for Dummies”. Just the fact that someone made a book for this made my day. So, I scanned through the book and even the chapters were fantastically awesome.

Chapter 1: Getting in the Mood

Chapter 2: Doing It

Chapter 3: Keeping the Fire Going

I’m pretty sure I’m going to buy a dozen of these and give them as stocking stuffers this year.

-I found the most magical of all beverages…well, by name, anyway. As I was waiting in line at the World Market on Saturday, I decided to get something to drink for the ride home. I go to the little cooler-majiger and see that in addition to the regular cola selection, they also have a variety of Jones Soda. I was unable to resist the pink one, not only because it was pink but because of what it was called: Strawberry Manilow. Is that not the best name for ANYTHING that you’ve ever heard of? Darn tootin’ it is!

-I saw Wall-E and I’m pretty sure it has taken the #1 spot on my list of favorite Pixar movies. It was so adorable and fun! Jackson really enjoyed it, too, and stayed awake for the whole thing. On any other day, a 5 year old sitting through a whole movie wouldn’t be impressive, but we went to a 9:15pm showing of the movie with Amie and Myrt and his bedtime is normally 9pm. Not only did he stay awake for the whole movie, he even stayed up long enough to do some sparklers with me afterwards! We didn’t get to sleep until midnight, but it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Yay Jackson and Mommy time! It does wonders for my morale! ^_^

So, that’s my 4^th of July weekend, in a nutshell. Well, there was a lot more going on than just the things listed, but those were the most memorable. Oh, and Myrt and I playing DDR for the first time in over a year. We kind of rocked.

On the TV front, I finished season 1 of How I Met Your Mother. Right now, I have some movies in my Netflix queue, so I’ll get around to the other seasons later on this summer, but I am looking forward to watching more of it. I also am still watching season 1 of The X-Files, but I haven’t been watching much TV in the last few weeks, so I will get back around to it soon. That’s about it for my new-to-me show watching.

As for TV shows that I inflict upon others, I got a co-worker to watch Veronica Mars. We were discussing TV shows last week on our break and I brought up VM. Tammy said she’d never seen it, which prompted me to go into VM-appreciation mode. I brought her season 1 the next day, and waited all weekend to hear from her. This morning at work, she tells me that she watched the 1^st 9 episodes and that she is hooked. As I talked about the characters and plot from season 1, I got an urge to re-watch the series. Thankfully, I own two copies of VM season 1 so I will be able to watch along side her and keep up on the plots twists and reveals. So, I’m going to start watching it tonight and I am very much looking forward to it!

I have also been watching more movies again! I watched Annie Hall, which was pretty fantastic! Next in queue is North by Northwest, followed by Harvey, so I’m anticipating my next shipment! I also have been borrowing movies to my mom, and her most recent batch of movies from me is 27 Dresses (I’m a sucker for romantic comedies and James Marsden is dreamy), Sweeney Todd, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I’m most excited about my mom watching Monty Python and I can’t wait to hear how she likes it.

On a seriousish note, I’ve been doing some self-reflection over the past few weeks, trying to rationalize where my life has gone this last year. I have always been one to over-think every situation and over analyze issues and to top it off, I am the most emotional person I know. So when I over-think and over-analyze, I will work myself up, for better or worse. If I’m in a negative place emotionally, I will most likely make myself depressed thinking of the negative side of an issue (which was my last 3 weeks, by the way). But, I’m starting to bring myself over to the positive, everything-happens-for-a-reason side, and letting myself become optimistic again. As a deterrent to keep myself from focusing on negative things, I’ve started doing Su Doku puzzles to help clear my mind and it has worked wonders. Whenever I find myself getting down about things, I just pick up my book and get lost in the numbers. Sooo relaxing.

I also am not against the idea of dating again, so that’s another positive. Now, this isn’t to say that I’ll be finding people to date, but if I should happen to meet a boy who fancies me, I wouldn’t be against the idea of a date. I just hope this attitude sticks around for a while, since I don’t foresee myself actually dating anytime soon. One thing I hate about my town is that the only real ways to find a potential partner is either at the bar (no thanks, I’ve had my fill of drinkers and alcoholics) and online dating, which I don’t think I’m comfortable with at this point. I’m only 26, so I think I have a few years to go before I jump on the Match.com bandwagon. Well, the other alternative is being set up with someone through a mutual friend, but I also don’t know how comfortable I’d be with that.

Oh, well. For now, I’m content with my life again and that’s enough for now. “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today”. I had said a few months ago that this would be my new mantra, but I haven’t been very good at keeping this mindset. It’s hard to live in the moment, especially as a single mom. I’m always looking ahead and trying to figure out where life will lead me; I need to not worry about where I’m going to end up, but how I’m going to get there. And that has to start sometime, so why not now?

I'm kind of starting to sound like a self help book, so I’m off for now. I’ll be back soonish with more inane ramblings, so don’t fret! Also, if I am gone for a few weeks again and you’re all “where the shit did she go?”, just message me on Twitter or G-talk or Digsby. Adam, this means you.

Music Pick for the Day: “Supertheory of Supereverything” by Gogol Bordello (a band that was recommended to me by Jourdan, and I am really enjoying them! Thanks, Gand!!!)

Beverage Pick for the Day: Coffee (and it’s the Peruvian blend with the llama on the package. Yay, llama coffee!)

Socks for the Day: white and lime green monkey socks with bananas hanging off the ankle. They say “cheeky monkey”. <3

Babies and kittens could cure cancer

2008-06-24T20:26:00.004-05:00

Someone posted a link on Twitter today and I just about died from the cuteness overload. But, since it was so cute, it instantly cured my almost-death.
True story..

well, ok. Here it is. Brace yourself: it's cute in there.

KITTENS AND BABIES!

*squeeeeeee*
There really should be a warning on sites like that. Something like "Warning: uncontrollable awwwwwwwwing ahead" or something...something.

Life needs more polkas...preferably in dot form

2008-06-24T19:26:00.008-05:00

Well folks, it's been a while. And by a while, I mean 30 days. One month. 1/12th of a year. That is pretty long to go without an update, and for that, I apologize. Life has been pretty non-extraordinary. Heck, it's hardly been ordinary. I dare say, it's been subordinary (which, yes, is not a word...yet). So, to start off, I'm going to give you a recap of what I haven't been doing this past month:
I have not started a new hobby, gone on a date, ordered Chinese food, drove a truck, composed a break-away pop hit, written a novel, or discovered a new-found love for cous-cous.
I HAVE, however, walked backwards, watched 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls (this is a judge-free zone, people; please take your snickering outside, folks), freaked out at work (and threatened to quit, to boot!), been to the laundromat, lived through the Great Flood of '08, spent quality time with my mother, and listened to slow jazz while laying in bed at night, hoping to dream of agile Romanian gymnasts named Razvan. Ok, so I haven't actually listened to slow jazz while laying in bed at night, hoping to dream of agile Romanian gymnasts named Razvan...but I intend to, so I think that counts.

In an effort to not let myself fall back into depression in the next couple of weeks, I am making lists of things to do with my time, not unlike the very lists I've already stated in this very post! Well, I mean, kinda unlike the lists in this post, but the general idea is the same: lists. The lists I'm working on aren't very long yet, and most of them are still in my head, but the main one has been started, and is even a Word document. My main list was inspired by the quality time I spent with my mom last weekend. My dad was away at camp (VA camp; not your typical summer camp), so my mom and I decided to take advantage of the fact that my dad was gone. I love my dad to iddy bits, but do you think us ladies could ever watch anything but golf, the Weather Channel, or NCIS when he's around? Survey says: Frick NO. So, we decide to watch the AFI's "Top 10 Top 10 Lists", which was the top 10 of 10 different genres. I'm not going to talk much aobut the show, because for the most part, I was upset by the "genres" they picked, let alone some of the choices and omissions. I am going to talk about how it made me realize how many classics and "must see" movies I've never seen. Like "Annie Hall". How a person lives to be 26, claims to love movies, and has never seen "Annie Hall" is totally beyond me, but I am living proof that it happens, and I plan on amending that post haste. It is already #2 in my Netflix queue, along with about 15 other how-have-I-not-seen-this-yet movies, for my viewing pleasure.

Now, I'm off to watch the next TV show in my list of already-off-the-air-but-I-haven't-seen-yet TV shows: The X-Files. I'm also watching How I Met Your Mother, but I'm waiting for Netflix to ship the next disc to me. Ah, Netflix. You're like the video-store-I'm-too-lazy-to-go-to-but-better-because-you-don't-charge-me-late-fees I never had.

Netflix=magicness

Oh, yeah. In case you're all "but...she didn't say anything about polkas OR dots! Worst title ever!", I'm just gonna say that the title was inspired by my favorite sunglasses (which, ironically, were my least favorite sunglasses circa 1998, but over time, I've grown to love and appreciate them, like a fine wine or cola). And I wore my favorite sunglasses as I took pictures of my pig tails (WOOP WOOP, my hair is finally long enough for pig tails again! HUZZAH!), which I took right before I posted this. So... the title is actually super valid and appropriate for the evening.

Says me.

**edit**
And, since I was bored, and Jackson's red panda was on the couch, the photo-taking began. It all started with a panda and ended with polka dots and "oooooo, shiny" faces. Typical Tuesday.

Randomish Pics of the Karen

Music Pick for the Day: "Heaven's On Fire" by KISS
Beverage Pick for the Day: Highlander Grogg (best. flavored. coffee. EVER)
Socks for the Day: pink socks with sushi all over them *CUTE*

Crocodiles love skittles

2008-05-25T22:01:00.010-05:00

It's Sunday night, the boy is in bed, and I'm bored out of my fricking mind. So, what can I do to help pass the time? Why, I can update my blog! Beware, though. I really have nothing to update on, so this will be pretty random, and most likely boring for you all, but it's helping with my boredom so deal with it.

Hmmm.. so, I watched a very entertaining indie movie today called "Wristcutters: A Love Story". I think everyone should see this movie based on the title alone. The story is about an alternate plane where people who commit suicide go to. So, I guess it's an interpretation of purgatory, in a way (wait... is it purgatory? Or one of the levels of hell? 7th circle of hell? Poop...must reread Inferno; my hell trivia is waning!). But, like all good stories about suicide and purgatory, there is a love story to tie it all together. And really, even without the love story, it'd still be a great film, for it's vision on life after death. If this isn't enough to get your roped in, I'll have to pull out the big guns: Will Arnett plays a Messiah, in a role that I would describe as an homage to GOB. He performs a "miracle", much like GOB's "illusions"...and it's freaking Will Arnett. 'Nuff said.
Go see it. Now.

Ummm... I worked for about an hour and a half today, so boo for going to work on a weekend. On the plus side, I'm almost all caught up again after my fiasco from the last few weeks that got me behind on my regular work, so a big woop woop to that. Now I don't have to be back until Tuesday, and then I only work 4 days. Wait a sec... for the next two weeks, I only have 4 day work weeks. That is fantastic! Yay long weekends! My 2nd long weekend will be to go to the zoo with Jackson, my sisters, and alllll the nieces and nephews. Yay animals! I shall be sure to take extra pictures of the red pandas and monkeys!

Speaking of pictures, I'm starting to use my Flickr! account more. I uploaded the pics of my b-day decorations from work, as well as some random pics I took at work (yay animal crackers!). So, if you like to stalk my online pics, go ahead and bookmark my Flickr! I'll probably be using this for more of the random pics I take, and then still use my Picasa for pics of people. That should work quite nicely.

I also played Mario Kart Wii for like 2 hours today, and then for about a 1/2 an hour after the J-man got home. He gets frustrated when he loses, especially since we were racing online, so we only did 2 races before I let him play Super Mario Galaxy instead. He played that while I cooked dinner (lemon chicken, green beans and rice... mmm mmmm mmmmmm. One day I'll have a man to cook for, or to make cook for me. Ah, a daydream for another day.)

And, that's about all I did today. Tomorrow, Jackson and I will be hanging out with my dad all day. If the weather is nice, we'll be going fishing in the morning and hopefully I'll be able to take some pretty pictures. Later in the day, after my mom is done with work, we'll be having a cookout, and maybe I'll convince them to go to the marsh with me for a walk, so I can take some more pretty pics!

Hmmmm... what else? ummmm... Crystal and Myrt came over Saturday afternoon to watch the last 4 episodes of Angel, and I made lots and lots of cupcakes! I had already eaten like 7 cupcakes Friday night, so I super didn't need to make cupcakes yesterday...but, sometimes I get the baking itch and can't really say no to myself. Blerg, cupcakes, blerg!!!

Ok. I'm still bored, and I'm sure you are super bored now from having read this. So, I will leave you with a video of Stephen Colbert telling Jon Stewart about alligators. If you don't find this funny, then you're probably super lame. Or a marshmallow.

Music pick for the Day: "Creep" by Radiohead
Beverage pick for the Day: Water
Socks for the Day: None. My feet are naked. How hot is that?

I should be sleeping

2008-05-24T01:35:00.002-05:00

...but I can't! I went to see Rilo Kiley tonight and I'm all giddy and RAAAAAAAH! right now. Me thinks I had too many cupcakes, thus too much sugar. Hopefully I will be coming down from my sugar high soon so that I can get some sleep. I have a big weekend ahead of me, full of slacking and Mario Kart, so I can't be all sleepy for that!

The concert was really good, even though I was super tired all day today. One of the opening acts, The Spinto Band, was very energetic and fun! And, really, a band that uses kazoos???? It's almost too good to be true! The kazoo is a very underrated instrument and that's too bad. There is so much untapped potential regarding the kazoo, and someone should really bring kazooing to the mainstream. For the children. I will most definitely be looking into getting some of their music off of iTunes or e-Music in the near future.

Rilo Kiley was amazing and I <3 them even more after seeing them live. The lead singer, Jenny Lewis, wore super sparkley silver shoes and hot pants. I'm pretty sure she's one of my new heroes for wearing hot pants with the silver shoes. Clothing aside, there were huge balloons floating around the audience for a bit and this is another shtick that needs more attention. Who doesn't love balloons? Who doesn't love HUGE BALLOONS that you can swat around like a beach ball in the middle of a concert? Nazis. That's who doesn't. And no one likes Nazis, so I think it's safe to say that everyone (sans Nazis) love balloons, therefore there should be more huge beach ball balloons in the world. I now have a sudden urge to purchase large balloons to bring to work for some cubicle volleyball, or slow-motion office basketball. Definitely one of the two.

Anyway, I really just wanted to say hi, let you know I'm still here and that I will be back soon with updates on...something. Maybe cupcakes. Or banjos. Or alligators eating marshmallows. Ooooo... I got it. Musical penguins from Antarctica who wield maracas of awesome, to help them sing their songs of praise to their whale overlords.

...you know...or something.

Jai guru deva om

2008-05-20T11:28:00.006-05:00

About two weeks ago, I was hanging out with my friends and playing games. We spent nearly 5 hours playing Mario Kart for the Wii and I had a blast. I decided then that I was going to get a Wii in the near future, so that I could play Mario Kart all the freaking time. Well, last week proved to be a horrible week for me, emotionally, so on Friday night, in an effort to cheer myself up, I decided to go to Target on the off chance that they had a Wii in stock. They were out, and said they’d be getting a shipment in on Sunday, but that it was going to be in the weekly ad, so I’d have to be there by 5am Sunday morning if I wanted a chance to buy one. So, I moved on to Best Buy to try out my luck there. On my way there, I decide that either way, I’m going to get a wireless router so I can finally set up a wi-fi connection in my apartment. So, I get my router, and then head to the check out to inquire about Wiis. They, too, are out of Wiis and tell me that they get their shipments on Tuesdays, and that I should call to see if they have any then. *sigh* I’m feeling pretty defeated at this point; as though the entire world is mocking me. As I start driving home, I pass Shopko and think to myself: “Hmmm… I never shop at Shopko…maybe no one else does either and they have Wiis”. I venture to the electronics department and check out the Wii display and there are of course none there. So, I mosey to the service desk, preparing to hear the same spiel about Wii shipments. And this is how the conversation went:

Me: When do you normally get your Wii shipments?

Lady: Um, we have like 4 in back.

Me: …Seriously??

Lady: yeah.

Me: …Can I have one?

Lady: Sure, I’ll go and get one.

Me: . . .

*a few minutes pass as she goes to retrieve my Wii*

Lady: Here ya go.

Me: You just made my week!

So, to Target and Best Buy, I say this: Neener, I got my Wii and didn’t have to stalk the store in the wee (hehehe “Wii”) hours of the morning, or make border-line harassing phone calls to get one. Apparently, I just had to go where very few other gamers go to get one.

Along with my brand spanking-new Wii, I got an extra controller and nunchuck so that Jackson and I can play together, as well as Super Smash Brothers Brawl. Sadly, there was no Mario Kart to be found at any of the stores, so I ordered it from Amazon and it arrived today, so woot! After the week/weekend I’ve had, I feel that my Wii was a sound investment, since I forsee myself needing a lot of distractions in the next few weeks. To help with the distractions, Myrt has let me borrow Zelda, Wario Ware, and Super Mario Galaxy until I can build up my own library of Wii games, so <3>

Friday night, after I get home with my phat lewtz, I open up the Wii and lick it (ok. So, I lick new stuff, kind of like marking my territory “haha, my tongue touched it so it’s Mine! My tongue has claimed this in the name of the Karen!”, but something about licking my Wii sounds inherently dirty…and I like it.) After I get my Wii all set up, naturally the first thing I do is create my Mii. I actually made two me Miis: A regular me Mii and I guess an evil me Mii, with my “oooo, shiny” face. After that, I made a Jackson Mii. Jackson FREAKED OUT when he got home on Friday and said I was the coolest mom ever, which I really can’t deny. I am a pretty wicked cool mom. Jackson and I then played some Wii Sports before I sent him to bed late at 9:30. After the boy was asleep, I set up my wi-fi and I felt so accomplished after getting it all set up in under 15 minutes. I think I need my geek card now. Or geek peen. One of the two. Or both. After I was up and running, I added Crystal and Steeps to my address book, so I can send them pictures/messages/Miis. I then spent the rest of the night making Miis and checking out the channels available. Oh, and messing with the picture thingy, doodling eye patches on my pics and being goofy. I finally got to bed at about 2 and slept a whole 5 hours before Jackson woke me up.

Saturday, overall, was complete shit, so I’m just going to recap the non-shit parts. Jackson cleaned his room FINALLY (the Wii is a great motivator, BTW. Two thumbs up. Would buy again.) and I got to watch “Across the Universe” from Netflix. Now, as I was watching it, I was pretty “meh” about it, but as soon as it was over, I decided I need to buy it. It was an average movie that I know I will grow to love the more I watch it, plus the love story was pretty good and had me tearing up a few times. Oh, and I fell in love with the lead guy, but I think that wasn’t a deciding factor in my wanting to purchase it (psssh. Riiiightt. Don’t worry; even I didn’t really believe that.) Saturday night, Amie came over, bearing gifts of Wii games, which kept me up until 2am, yet again.

Sunday morning, Jackson was up BEFORE 7, so I made him snuggle with me and watch cartoons so I didn’t have to move out of bed until after 7. I played through the single player mode on Wario Ware, and then Jackson played Super Mario Galaxy, making me help him with the hard parts. Later on in the day, before dinner, we played some Wii Sports, and Jackson kicked my ASS in golf. The putter and I, we were not friends on Sunday. Not even a little. So, after I lost to a 5 year old, we decided to bowl, which I totally won, so take that little man! MOMMY IS THE BOWLING QUEEN!!

*ahem* Sorry about that…not sure where that came from… moving on.

So, we had dinner, blah, Jackson took a bath, blaaaah, I played through the first two observatories in SM Galaxy (/flex), and then my weekend ended.

It’s only Tuesday, and I’m longing for Friday already, but with good reason. I’m done at noon on Friday and will be going to see Rilo Kiley with Amie, Myrt, Crystal and Angel and Angel is totally cooking us dinner. I’m hoping she makes like a pot pie or something, so I can be all “get me my pot pie, woman!”, because I don’t get to say that nearly as often as I’d like to.

Music pick for the Day: "Across the Universe" by Rufus Wainwright (I love the Beatles, but come on: Rufus is just beautiful, aesthetically and vocally)
Beverage for the Day: water
Socks for the Day: blue and green argyle with chipmunks on them (super cute)

"Excuse me, is that a banana in your cart..."

2008-05-07T21:14:00.005-05:00

A few months ago, I had been in the habit of grocery shopping every Wednesday after work. It was a good night to go, since no one goes grocery shopping in the middle of the week, and it's always nice to shop in peace. At some point about 2 months ago, though, I'd stopped going on Wednesdays, for no reason at all.

Tonight, however, I started going again on Wednesday nights, and remembered one other reason that I liked going on Wednesdays: a boy. There is a guy that I saw nearly every week when I would go, and he's kind of handsome and manlyish. I've probably seen him there about 7 times, and I have never said anything to him and this got me wondering about grocery stores and dating.

In the movies, it seems like meeting people and chatting them up at the grocery store is a common occurrence, yet I have never ever heard of anyone actually meeting someone and making a date while shopping. Does it really happen? Is it common? And if the answer to these questions is "yes", then how the hell do you even approach the subject without looking completely bonkers? Do you do the "oh, I'm so sorry to have bumped into your cart! Clumsy me! By the way, I'm Karen. What up?"? Do you try and find a common item to chat them up with, such as a favorite cereal or dairy product? Or do you just act all cool and normal and just make regular small talk while standing in the check out line? Actually, it doesn't really matter. In reality, I am pretty much incapable of chatting someone up in a normal, social situation, so I doubt I'd be able to pull off anything even resembling flirting while at the grocery store. I can be very good at just regular chatting in the grocery store, with females and elderly, but if it's a boy aged within 10 years of me, I will turn into a ridiculous, rambling pile of crazy and not be able to say anything more coherent than "yeah, bananas are good for potassium. Lots of breakfast." Le sigh. One day I just need to get someone to chat ME up, and save me the trouble. Seriously.

Ok. Now that my weird grocery store fiasco is done, I'll give you a recap of my past few weeks: spent waaaay too much time on the internet, watched too many movies too many times (movies I've seen include Sunshine, 28 Weeks Later, Becoming Jane, Juno, Lars and the Real Girl, 27 Dresses, P.S. I Love You, and I went to the movie theater to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall), watched too much TV (so glad my shows are back), saw Jonathan Coulton in Madison last week (/swooooooon), and seriously, way.too.much.internet (I Tweet, therefore I am). A-yup. That sums it up quite nicely. Some people may say that this makes me lame, and to them I say "whatevs".

Now, to go and catch up on my shows from this week, make some awesomely num-licious cupcakes and then do the sleep thing. Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm totally going to see Iron Man tomorrow night, so a big fat "woop woop" to that!

Sorry for the extra crazy in this update, but you deserve it. I've been an absentee blogger for too long, so the extra dose of crazy is special, just for you!

*snuggles her internetz* Love ya!

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "Circle" by Eddie Izzard (while, not technically "music", it's on my iPod and all I listened to today, so neener, it's staying)
Beverage pick for the Day: Coffeeeeeeeeee
Socks for the Day: white 70's retro knee highs, with pink and black stripes

Worst. Karen. Ever.

2008-05-05T21:53:00.003-05:00

Seriously. If I had to pick the worst Karen I know, it'd be me. Why? Because I have been super lame with my non-existent blog updates. So, to those of you who read this, I'm sorry! I still have nothing to say, but I will be making a HUGE EFFORT to give you an update by the end of the week. I'll even go so far as to say that if I *DON'T* update by Saturday night, that I will buy each of you (read: the 5-ish of you that I know and see on a regular basis) POCKY! That's right! If there isn't a new update by Saturday, you will be the proud new owners of a shiny, delicious, SUPER FANTASTIC box of POCKY!

Now how's that for a deal? Either way, you win!! It's genius, is what it is. And it shows you how much I value our friendship.

Word.
Peace.
Love.
Monkeys.

/camp

^_^

Oh, hey

2008-04-22T20:30:00.006-05:00

So, yeah. Another non-update. I swear, one day, I will get back to writing something for this. But, I just had to share something that made my day.

In my last update, I linked to a commercial from the Discovery Channel that made me all ^_^. Well, I searched the internet for 3 days, trying to find an mp3 of the song...and by golly, I've found it! Someone from splendAd ripped it and posted a link to the download on the comments there, so woop woop!! I know, I'm a huge nerd, but now when I'm at work and needing a little pick me up, I can just go to my ZOMG INTERNETZ playlist (yes.. I actually have a playlist called that and no, it's not dumb; it's awesome.) and listen to the wonderful Discovery Channel peoples singing about the world and all its fantasticness. And then I'll be all ^_^ again.

Woo hoo!! I love the whole world; it's such a brilliant place!! BOOMDIADA, BOOM DE ADA, BOOM DEE YADDA, BOOM DEE AH DA or however it's spelled!

Ah, good times. I'm back in my happy place. I like it here. It's comfy.

^_^

I Love Arachnids

2008-04-20T22:32:00.002-05:00

Man, I am one bad blogger! And, not bad, as in badass (although, if you ask me if I'm badass, I won't deny it), but I mean bad as in horrible with the updating! I have just been so uninspired to write anything. I'm trying to not be all "woe is me and my singledom" and by being less "woe is me and my singledom", I've been trying to stay busy. And by busy, I mean watching the Discovery Channel religiously for 2 days straight. I forget how much I love the shows on Discovery! And, since I've been watching it non-stop, I've seen the new Discovery Channel commercial about 7 billion times...and I could watch it 7 billion more:

It just makes me so happy! I always get so upset and sad when I read the news and all the hate and yuck in the world. It's nice to have something like this remind me that all of the bad is so minute in comparison to all the greatness that we have and take for granted.

The world really is just awesome!
("one hundred billion hot dogs" awesome, AND the "I cannot breathe, it's just so magnificent" awesome, just in case there was any confusion)

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: BOOMDIADA BOOMDIADA BOOMDIADA BOOMDIADA
Beverage Pick for the Day: water
Socks for the Day: NEKKID FEET! Yay 70 degrees and sunny! ^_^

Cat Yodeling

2008-04-15T22:09:00.002-05:00

Oh, and I almost forgot....

pps. Oh. And for the record, this is probably more awesome than Charlie, but never ask me to say that again, for I will deny it.

The Banana King

2008-04-15T21:29:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates! I've been kind of "meh" and uninteresting lately, and have had no motivation to update. Wait, things have happened, but I'm all "meh" still and unmotivated to actually update. "So, Karen, if you aren't here to really update on anything, then why the shit are you posting?" Well, my lovelies, there is a new video out. And that video is.... "Charlie the Unicorn 2".

Enjoy!!

ps. I'll be back soonish, with stuff other than unicorns (although... most likely not as awesome as unicorns).

Speaking of Tiffany....

2008-04-11T14:38:00.001-05:00

Tiffany and Meatloaf combine forces for... an AT&T commercial?

Hangin' Tough

2008-04-09T19:32:00.006-05:00

This week, I’ve found out some rather unsettling, but kind of awesome news. It turns out that New Kids on the Block are getting back together. Now, I will fully admit to loving the crap out of the New Kids back in the day. My sister Suzie and I had matching NKOTB shirts and watches AND I had two of their books (Teen Beat-esque books, but books, nonetheless). And, I was so in love with Joey McInyre that I had a HUGE poster of him (next to Jonathan Brandis… man, we had good heartthrobs in my youth) and I still remember his birthday: December 31^st. *swoon* He was so adorable in his bowl hat. *sigh* But, that was 15 years ago. And they are no longer the “it” boys…they are middle aged men… but Joey is still pretty pretty. So, I’m going to be optimistic and not write them off entirely. I will most likely buy one of their new singles before I make any real judgment.

Oh, god. Now I have the song Popsicle in my head….

You're my pop-si-cle!
From the very first time I met you, girl, you cap-tured me
You're my pop-si-cle!
All I know is that you make me feel so fancy-free!

....yes. I still remember the lyrics to every song I loved of theirs... Judge all you want. I CAN TAKE IT!

And, not only are NKOTB soon to be gracing the airwaves again, but I got my weekly e-mail from Apple this week about Tuesday’s new releases and guess who is being spotlighted (Am I the only one who thinks it should be spotlit? Curse you English language and your irregular verbs!) this week? George Michael (not Michael Cera, sadly)and Wham! have released new Greatest Hits albums. And you know what’s going to happen now? After NKOTB show the world that they can still make girls swoon, Wham! is going to be all “well, anything they can do, we can do better”. And I am going to go ahead and say that by this time next year, there will be a new Wham! album, or at the very least, a Wham! reunion tour (if there isn’t already).

So, what is going to be next on our regression back to 1987? High tops and off-the-shoulder sweaters? Actually…now that I think about it, leggings and leg warmers have already made a comeback. Next thing you know, Cyndi Lauper will be touring again, and Tiffany will be booking shows at malls across the country.

I guess it was a good time for me to get bangs. I missed out on 80’s hair the first time around, so here’s my chance! I’m sure there is a how-to guide online somewhere about how to create the perfect 80’s bangs…must put my google-fu to good use and find it before the fad happens again! (rehappens? I think I’m going to claim
“rehappen” as a word)

Music pick for the Day: “The Direction of Yes" by The Selmanaires
Beverage pick for the Day: water (take that, soda!)
Socks for the Day: knee high black with multi-color stripes

Oh, poop

2008-04-07T22:02:00.004-05:00

All day today, I've been thinking of an update for this here blog, and I had it all worked out... but now I'm all tired and really don't feel like typing allll of that out, so I'm just updating to say that I will be updating tomorrowish, or Wednesdayish. But, since I'm here, I'll just say WOO HOO NEW HAIR AGAIN and then point you to my Picasa page for new hair goodness.

Farwell for now! I shall come again! Soon!!

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "Fever" by A Fine Frenzy (ok. I realize that I've been on an A Fine Frenzy kick lately, but good lord, she's just awesome!)
Beverage pick for the Day: water (yay! no soda!!)
Socks for the Day: purple knee highs with polka dots

I twittered...tweeted? twooted?

2008-04-05T18:55:00.006-05:00

I've been on a bandwagon of sorts lately, signing up for quite a few online networking sites and the like: Vimeo, blippr, and now Twitter.

Blippr is a good concept and I think I'll end up really liking this. It's an easy way to rate your favorite movies/games/music/books and share your input with friends. Once I get some more reviews entered and it's out of beta, I'll be bugging you all to join up, so I can see how you rate! My only gripe with it is that there is no separation for movies and television, so it's more of a DVD category, but that's the only thing that has bugged me so far, so woot blippr!!

Twitter... I'm not so sure how much I'm going to like this. The concept is to pretty much put in status updates, or random thoughts, or something. When I signed up for it, I immediately got writers block and had absolutely no idea what to update on. I didn't enter anything for about 4 days, because I felt pressured to write something profound and interesting.. and I never have anything profound or interesting to say. I finally decided to just wing it and not think too much about what to say and I've updated twice today (my first time since my initial "hmmmm" update on the first day). But we'll see if I keep up with this. It's still just so...strange.

On another note, this month is the month for all of my shows to come back! Woop woop! I think the first ones to come back are 30 Rock and Bones, with Grey's Anatomy, House, Scrubs, Supernatural, and others to start again later this month. Ah, my TV shows. Don't ever leave me like that again!

*snuggles her TV*

Music pick for the Day: "Stick to the Status Quo" by The cast of High School the Musical (...Jackson got to pick what we listened to while we cleaned)
Beverage pick for the Day: Water
Socks for the Day: white socks with bananas on them, and say "cheeky monkey"

Do You Have a Flag???

2008-04-04T21:14:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite comedians is Eddie Izzard. He is simply brilliant! His stand up consists of a mix of history, politics, religion and awesomeness that really has no equal. So, today I am going to share with you some of my favorite Eddie moments and I hope you grow to love and adore him as I have.

"Ciao"

"What are you? A mormon?"

"CAKE OR DEATH"

"It's covered in jam!"

"I have invented a maneuver"

"I'm Jeff Vader"

Ok, I need to stop now or I will post every part of "Dress to Kill" and "Circle" that I can find. So much <3 for the Eddie, it's not even funny!! I'm off now to plan an Izzard night. Ooooo, maybe for my birthday next weekend!

Yes. Yes, that will do quite nicely.

Music pick for the Day: "Come On, Come Out" by A Fine Frenzy
Beverage pick for the Day: Coffee
Socks for the Day: white socks with blue WHALES. Freaking WHALE SOCKS!

B2

2008-04-02T21:33:00.010-05:00

I've recently discovered Vimeo and have grown quite fond of just looking up random videos on there. Some are simply beautiful, while others are fascinating. But the best ones? The best ones are just funny! I'm going to have to attempt this version of Battleship at work sometime. I'm sure I can get Amie or Curt or Mike on board with calling me from the breakroom so I can play.

Another one of my favorite sites is Hulu . I've been on there for a few months now (I joined about 2 months before the beta ended, so yay for it being available for everyone now!) and there are things that really bug me about the site, and there are things that I completely love about it.
Hate: There are shows that are currently mid-season that they do not have videos up for. Case in point is Scrubs. I signed up for Hulu hoping to get caught up on this season's episodes and the site has yet to have any episodes listed. When I joined, there were only 2 episodes available, and they were the two most recent. I can't watch the last two without knowing what happened on the first four! Blerg, I say. Most frustrating!
Love: They now have full length movies available. Now, granted, there are commercial breaks, but just the fact that they have full length movies available for free is pretty awesome. Sure, some of the movies are pretty meh ("Permanent Midnight"? What is that??), but they also have some pretty good picks: "28 Days Later", "The Big Lebowski", "A Life Less Ordinary" and... *drum roll* "Weekend at Bernie's".

Another thing that I love about Hulu is that they not only have current shows available (sometimes... grrrr, still bitter about the lack of Scrubs for me this season), they also have older shows available: the first season of "Roswell", the first two seasons of "Buffy" and FINALLY, all three seasons of "Arrested Development". For at least a month, if not 2, they had the entire first season of "Arrested Development" up, but only had the first 5 episodes available for seasons 2 and 3. WTH? I was able to borrow a friend's copy of the seasons to finish the series, but what was the point of having partial seasons up...no, wait. I can understand if they put up, say, the 1st half of season 1, then the 2nd half after X amount of time. But to have the 1st halves of 2 different seasons available? I just don't get it!

Well, that's about it for the Karen tonight. I just restarted my Netflix again this week, so I'm off to the couch to watch "No Country for Old Men". I will most likely doze off 1/2 way through, since I'm so bloody tired tonight, but it's almost become tradition for me to snooze a bit while I watch movies.

And who am I to mess with tradition?

Music pick for the Day: "You Picked Me" by A Fine Frenzy
Beverage pick for the Day: Mountain Dew ( /e kicks herself in the bum. NO SODA!)
Socks for the Day: black with green and white argyle (so wooly and cozy on my feets..mmm)

Maybe Black Mesa...

2008-03-31T21:37:00.005-05:00

April Fool's, or the real deal? No clue! But, it's rumored that tomorrow only, Xbox 360 owners will be able to download Still Alive for Rock Band for free. Either way, it slated to be released for PS3 and X-Box on April 17th, but getting it for free would be pretty frickin' sweet!

And, as an added bonus: JoCo himself, rocking out to Still Alive! (not the best group of RockStars, but I guess it's the best they could get, so blah!)

Music pick for the Day: "Superman" by Lazlo Bane
Beverage pick for the Day: Agua
Socks for the Day: lime green and turquoise knee highs (trust me, the color combo works)

;_;

2008-03-31T20:05:00.001-05:00

Bloggity blog blog

2008-03-30T20:34:00.010-05:00

So, I've been looking up information on Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and started reading Felicia Day's blog, The Flog and it's a fun blog! I'm going to have to add it to my rotation of blogs/sites I check daily! She recently updated about applications and sites she uses for social networking and Digsby was one of the ones she linked. And I kind of <3 it, as you can tell from the widget on this very page! It's very handy and I no longer have to use Trillian in addition to my G-talk! Plus, it also gives me updates from Facebook and MySpace, as well as e-mail notifications. It's pretty nifty and I suggest that everyone check it out! As for the rest of my list of sites/blogs in my "bored on the interwebs" rotation; these are a few that I check often, if not daily (in addition to the ones listed in my "Things that Keep Me Sane" box):

That Video Game Blog is one that recently was added to the rotation, since Mike recently started writing for them. My only gripe about it is that it leans more to the console games as opposed to PC games, but there have been a couple of WoW updates, so I can't really complain. Plus, even though I don't play many console games, some of the info still interests me.

Bricks Explode is a blog that I found a couple of months ago when I was googling for information on Arrested Development and I've kind of fallen in love with this Josh fellow. He updates about once a week, if we're lucky, and posts about life, TV, and whatever pop culture reference has popped into his mind that week. *sigh* <3 Josh. If he knew that some random chick from Wisconsin was stalking his blog, I think that he'd be pretty indifferent toward it. Plus, he's a good crush to have: he's pretty, he's far away, and completely unaware of my existence.

I Read More Than You is a blog that my friend Amie started. She started strong in the year, posting often, but has become more sporadic in her updating recently. But, she's still at an impressive 50 books and not even 3 months into the year. Go, Amie!!

Welp, that's about it for today. I'm off to mess around with the color schemes/skins on my Digsby app and watch some more Veronica Mars, season 1. So, good day to you!

I said good day!

You Can't Take the Sky From Me

2008-03-30T14:18:00.005-05:00

Happy Sunday!

Hmmm... what to update on? Well, I'll just start with my weekend. I went into work yesterday for some overtime. Curt was there with me for about an hour, which made the time suck less, so yay Curt!! While I was there, my mom called. I'll give you a recap of the conversation:

Me: Hello?
Mom: Hi! Where are you?
Me: At work. What's up?
Mom: How long are you going to be at work?
Me: About another hour or so. What's up?
Mom: And then you'll be home?
Me: No. Then I have lunch plans with the Amie and Crystal.
Mom: So when do you think you'll be home? 1?
Me: Um, more like 1:30 or 2. ....why?
Mom: Well, your father and I were deciding what to do today and thought we'd come visit.
Me: But... you never come visit.
Mom: And that's why we're coming to visit! See you at 2!!!

Now, normally, I'd be all gung-ho for a visit from the parentals, but I'd already slept like ass the night before (bad night Friday), and I had plans for the day (which is rare). Could they have picked a worse day? I really think not.

So, I get done with work, go to Amie's and head to lunch at Bellafini's (which is my new favorite eatery. Quaint, delicious and new: what's not to love?) And, instead of it just being Amie, Crystal and me, Adam and Myrt came along, too, so it was fun! Curt and Brandie also came there for lunch, so I chatted with them for a bit before we finished eating. We left at around 1:30, so I had 30 minutes to get home and do some ninja-fast cleaning before my parents got to town.

My parents only stayed for about 2 hours, and I felt bad; I was practically falling asleep on my couch. I told them that next time they come up here, they should plan ahead so I can take them out for lunch or something instead of us sitting around my apartment watching TV. Plus, Jackson is at Scott's this weekend, so they didn't even get to see the peanut while they were here. Just a bad day for visiting, all around.

After my parents left, I napped until about 5:30, and went to my 'puter to check my e-mail and such. And to my surprise, I get an update from Facebook that I have a new friend request from my friend Amy, whom I've barely talked to in...god, it's been at least 2 years. I'm going to have to bug her about coming to visit us, since we haven't seen her since Christmas 2006! Anyway, after checking my email and schtuff, I went to pick up Crystal and we watched some Firefly... mmmm.. Captain Tightpants FTW.

Watching Firefly again made me remember my undying and unrequited love of Joss Whedon. 5 years ago, I was all "Joss who? Oh, the guy who did that Buffy show? Lame." But, I was kind of eased into the Joss-verse. It started innocently: watching Serenity on pay per view. It was a good movie, so I decided to look it up on IMDB. And what's this? It was based off of a short-lived TV series? I then decided to check out the series and became hooked immediately. After the first disc, I was cursing the FOX execs who cancelled the show and pimping Firefly out to everyone I know. After finishing the series, I decided to try out Joss's biggest success and started watching Buffy... and then Angel. And I now own the collectors edition box sets of both Buffy and Angel. After falling in love with all three of his TV series, I'm convinced the man can do no wrong....and that makes me all the more excited about his next two projects!! Dollhouse, which is his new series set to premiere this fall on FOX (don't fuck it up this time, FOX!), and his new web musical Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog . This...this may just be the most fantastic thing to happen to the interwebs in YEARS. Seriously, NATHAN FILLIAN and NEIL PATRICK HARRIS... in a musical!! That Joss wrote! I...it's just too much awesome for one Karen to handle!!

*deep breaths* Ok. I think I'm better now. Moving on...

Hmmm... I think that's about it. Sorry for teh boring, but I'm a boring person, so blah!

I shall now leave you with an entry from Urban Dictionary. I've been told that I have a new nickname... and that is b0rkatron.

i r the b0rkatron f34r my l33tness (yeah... I promise to never say that again. It scared even myself)

Music pick for the Day: "So Beautiful" by Dashboard Confessional
Beverage pick for the Day: Cherry Coke (I am a weak and horrible human being)
Socks for the Day: purple polka-dot knee highs!

Yummy

2008-03-22T16:02:00.008-05:00

Last weekend I watched "Bye, Bye Birdie", which was fantastic, as always. So, this last week, I'd been thinking of other musicals and my mind wandered to Marlon Brando in "Guys and Dolls" (bwha???? video removed??? well, just know that this clip was FANTASTIC!). And, thinking of Marlon Brando, my mind will always go to Stanley in "A Streetcar Named Desire". And, then my mind wandered to sweaty, wet Marlon Brando in that movie (Steeelllllaaaaaaa!)... so of course my next mind-leap went to a drenched Colin Firth in the BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice". And, that's how I spent the first part of this last week: watching Pride and Prejudice twice in 3 days (which, is 10 hours of television, so be impressed by my leet DVD watching skills). And that right there has been the highlight of my week: watching Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet fall in love.

I feel the need to apologize for my overly lovey-dovey posting lately. I've been in a weird place emotionally and not sure where my life is going at the moment, and I've become fixated on the notion of finding love and being happy. Friday night I was troubled and upset, just thinking about my lonliness. But, I'm making the effort to take a step back and just worry about being me and not let my lack of man-having bring me down. On the flip side, however, I would like to branch out and meet new people and not sit at home watching DVD's night after night after night after night. The bad part about this is that this city doesn't really have places to go to meet new people, aside from the bars...and I'm not really a bar person. *sigh* I'm doomed. :(

Blerg. Now I have to go get ready so that I can head into work for some overtime today. BLERG, I say.

BLERG!

Music pick for the Day: "Kissing the Lipless" by The Shins
Beverage pick for the Day: Cherry Coke (BAD Karen. BAD!)
Socks for the Day: none. My feet are teh nekkid right now

The cake is a... little dry

2008-03-21T21:26:00.005-05:00

So, I've been a bit down for the better part of the day, but I'm working on getting myself out of the funk. Nothing exciting has happened lately, so I'm just posting to say that I <3 Jonathan Coulton and to post a video of him singing.

I hope you enjoy.

Music pick for the Day: "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Jonathan Coulton (the Leonard Cohen original is great, too, but I <3 me some JoCo)
Beverage pick for the Day: Iced venti mocha
Socks for the Day: black knee highs with multicolor stripes

That's how you know

2008-03-19T22:09:00.004-05:00

So, since I got all blergy with my last post, here is my happy thought for the day: McDreamy in a musical.

Mmmmmmm... Patrick Dempsey, why are you so wonderful? Oh, and James Marsden. Mmmmm... James, my love for you has grown ever stronger since "Hairspray". Corny Collins, offering out stiff ones...
/rawr

Also, this song makes me all ^_^ so yay for Enchanted coming out on DVD yesterday! Swooty swoot swoot!

^_^

James Dean: Actor or Philosopher?

2008-03-19T19:23:00.010-05:00

This is going to be a kinda weird post, so I apologize in advance for teh crazy. I just had a lot on my mind today and need to talk some stuff out.

In less than 1 month, I'm going to be 26 years old. I have a good job, good friends, get by on my own, and am a mother to a beautiful, wonderful 5 year old boy. From the outside, it would seem that I was happy with my life and on some levels, I am. If I had to redo my life, I can't say that I would change anything, since I am pretty content with where my life is at this exact moment, even though the road was quite bumpy at parts. Sure, I have "what if's" about tons of things, and wonder where I'd be if I had made a different decision at some point. But, all of those "what if's" are far from regrets. I can't say that any decision I've made so far in my life can be considered a regret, because I really do believe that everything happens for a reason. I do believe that there is a big, cosmic plan for everyone. I won't say that I believe in fate, per se: To me, it's more like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book than a pre-determined life path. Free will and all that.

So, life is a series of choices. Some are easy: coffe or tea? paper or plastic? boxers or briefs? Some are harder: college or work? family or friends? love or money? And some are just complicated: yes or no? talk or listen? stay or go?
Most people will take each question and decide which is best for them. And I'm not one of those people. With each choice (aside from the "easy" ones), I don't just think about my own want or need, but I instead will think of how everyone else will be affected. I can't say that I've made a big decision in my life that was solely what I wanted, everyone else be damned. I care so much about what others think of me and of being judged that I will try to please everyone, at all costs.

My biggest fears in life are rejection and disappointment from others, so I will avoid putting myself in a position where one of those reactions can be possible. If someone can be hurt from a decision I make, I will do my best to come to a conclusion that hurts the least amount of people, even if the only one hurt is myself. Because of this, I have become a very passive person. I'm a sit-back-and-hope-things-turn-out person and have pretty much taken a back seat to actually living because of it. My life is boring, and I'm pretty sure it's boring because I don't take chances. For an example, I don't initiate relationships/friendships because I don't want to put myself out there and be vulnerable, so I instead am defensive and distance myself from people so that I can't get close enough for them to hurt me. I *want* to let people in, but every time I start to, I get scared and pull myself away.

Also, my caring about other peoples' perceptions of me affects so much of who I am and what I do that it also accounts for the way that I dress. For, well, pretty much forever, I've worn a sweat shirt/sweater over my regular clothes. Part of the reason is because I get cold easily. But, the main reason? I'm very self conscious about my body and cover myself up as much as possible anytime that I'm in public. I don't wear skirts/shorts in public and haven't owned a bathing suit in ~9 years. BUT! I'll have you know that I have been working on this: I don't always wear sweaters/sweat shirts anymore. Well, *most* of the time I do, but people sometimes will see actual Karen skin that's not my face or hands! I KNOW! Progress.

Now, before you get all "Karen, you're dumb and you think waaaaaaaaay to much about this", please realize that I KNOW THAT ALREADY! You have no idea how much I wish I could just say "fuck it" and just do what I want and not care about how others will react. I really, super-duper do. But I can't.

However, as I said at the start of the year, this year is all about change and good things for me, so I'm going to make an effort to change these parts of my life, too. I'm not going to promise anything, since there have been years of self-loathing and paranoia that got me this far, and I don't know if I can erase all of that in a matter of months, but I'm at least going to try, and hope that this will be the beginning of more good things for me. So, to help me along, I'm going to make a "to do" list for myself for the next year and hope I get them done by the time I hit 27, so that I can maybe celebrate that birthday in a dress, while being overly social and hopefully I will have found my Mr. Wonderful™ by then.

And, I am going to be giving myself a new mantra: "Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today". I already have the dream part down, so I just have to start living for today and I'll be good to go.

Music pick for the Day: "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" by Cake
Beverage pick for the Day: water
Socks for the Day: purple knee highs with multi-color polka dots

I Hug on the First Date

2008-03-16T15:48:00.004-05:00

WOO HOO!! <--- That sums up my last two days. Let's rewind to Friday night for a recap! Friday night, the Vogds and I hung out at the Main Exchange until ~11:30, and it was good times! We chit chatted, bared our souls, and drank delicious fruity concoctions that probably made me ramble a weeeee bit more than I should have, but c'est la vie; it was fun! I got home about 11:45, went to bed, and slept ridiculously well (which was much needed, after my 2 nights of restless quasi-sleep).

Saturday, I wake up refreshed and in good spirits. I then decide that Mexican food is as delicious as the previous nights fruity drinks, and track down Amie to go and eat at Mazatlan with me. And it was gooooooooood. After we got our food on, we went to Target, then Starbucks, then to Crystal's house for our day o' gaming FUN! We start out with some Rock Band, then switch to Super Smash Brother Brawl (Zelda FTW), then Amie and I make the food run for everyone. So, we head to Starbucks yet again, then Burger King with food orders for 7 people ($43!!!!) and then head back to introduce Pat and Trent to the glory and wonder that is "Arrested Development". We watched the first 10 episodes and it put me in a very happy place. I headed home at about 11, went to bed at about 12:30 and again slept wonderfully.

Today, I wake up at 7am, completely awake and in the best mood ever. Seriously, I cannot remember the last time that I was in a mindset that made me feel this good about my life and myself in general. So, I decide to go shopping. ^_^ I got a new pair of brown pants, two new hoodies (so cute!), some make up, some new fingerless gloves, a new bra, some knee high socks, and two t-shirts that are too freaking cute. One says "I hug on the first date" and the other has happy cupcakes and a sad muffin and says "Muffins are just ugly cupcakes". *sigh* So adorable.

But, back to my happy mood: I'm really hoping that this sticks around, because I've been in varying funks since September and I am so sick of being moody and crabby and sad and depressed and BLAH! I just want to get back to where I was this summer, and I think I am. I feel myself becoming a new and improved version of my "I don't need anyone but me" Karen, now with more spunk and better hair!

Now, to go finish watching "Being John Malkovich" and continue feeling fabulous about everything.

Music pick for the Day: "You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse
Beverage pick for the Day: Mighty Mango Naked juice (sooooo good!!)
Socks for the Day: white socks that have monkeys on them and say "How funky is your monkey?" (which is one of life's great questions, up there with "why is the sky blue?" and "does God have feet?")

Hello? Is this thing on?

2008-03-13T21:40:00.003-05:00

Um, so yeah. There is not much going on in Karen world at all, hence the lack of any updates. I was tempted to post a few times, but the posts would have been ultra lame. Well, about as lame as this post will be, actually. So, why update now and not any of the other times? That is an excellent, excellent question, without an excellent, excellent answer.

BLERG I am so bored lately! This week, if I haven't been at work, I've been at home, on my couch, in my jammies, watching tv. Lame. Super, mega, ultra lame.

On the plus side, the weather is finally getting warmer outside, which I hope will give me the kick in the bum I need to just get out of the apartment. And, tomorrow night I'm going out, so hopefully I'll have fun and maybe something exciting will happen that will warrant an actual blog update, so here's hoping for an awesome Friday!!

*crosses her fingers and hopes for fun*

Music pick for the Day: "Heaven's On Fire", by KISS
Beverage pick for the Day: Coffee
Socks for the Day: pink and gray argyle knee highs

...Sorry we said fuck so much

2008-03-05T17:59:00.004-06:00

So, today was an average day. Not too great, not too bad. Just a day. Well, there were some goodish parts, but overall: meh. I seem to have meh days a lot. It's like I pissed off some meh gypsies and they put their meh curse on me. Fricking gypsies and their fricking curses.

...so my mind just wandered to Buffy, but it's back now.

Today = meh. Jackson and I get home, put in "Super Secret Super Spy" (if you don't have kids, you are missing out. FYI.) and made some dinner. Crystal then tells me that my Amazon order arrived today, and that she forgot to give me the package. What. The. Frick. That could have tipped my day over to "good" from "meh", but noooooo. She had to be a whore and forget. Dirty whores. Good for nothing, I tell you! (ps. <3 teh Crystal). I am kind of disappointed, though. I mean, I ordered "Pretty in Pink" (DUCKIEEEEEE!), "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", and "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang", and any one of those movies could have made my night great.

DUDE! I almost forgot that today is Wednesday! I take back any bad things I said about today, because tonight is the season finale of Project Runway. And that is gonna rock. HARD. I am so excited, I may need a moment to recoup.

...Ok. Better. So, back to the DVD's (which Crystal is keeping hostage... whore). I am really needing to rewatch "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" and I think that will be my plan for Thursday night. Jackson will be at my parents', so after work, I can just come home and veg on the couch all night.

*sigh* I'm lame. Sitting at home, by myself, and watching a movie in my PJ's sounds awesome to me. Well, the alone part kind of blows, but some days I'm ok with being single. Like, when I want to veg and watch movies, I'm kind of ok with my single status. Hearing other people talk about their plans for the night that include significant others? That makes me not so happy with my single status.

Ok. So, going to go off in my Crazy Karen head for a bit and tell you my thoughts on my singledom, and you can judge me all you want! (just keep the judging to yourself, please... I have enough of a complex without other peoples input, thankyouverymuch!)

So. Single. On one hand, I think that I am not ready for a relationship with anyone and that I need to be happy being just me before I can be happy with me and Mr. Wonderful™. But, on the other hand, the more I find myself unhappy, the more I start to think that maybe what I need is Mr. Wonderful™ in order to become happy. And then on the 3rd hand, I think that if I think that I need someone to be happy, I will latch onto the first guy that makes me feel funny in my bits. Which, you know, is good, but I want more than just the attraction, so if I go this route, there are good odds that I will end up with someone pretty who drives me crazy. And on the 4th hand, if I get the mindset that I can't have a relationship right now, what if Mr. Wonderful™ comes strolling through and I miss him cuz I'm all "down with the peen!"? And on the 5th hand... yeah, I think that's it, so the 5th hand shall remain empty.

...and now my mind has wandered to the thought of actually having 5 hands and I'm a little creeped out at the thought of it....although getting ready in the morning would be crazy easy with 5 hands...

Ok. So, I really only have 2 hands, but they are full of these 4 contradicting views on my love/lack-of-love life. There are other thoughts on this, but those are the ones that come up most often.

*sigh* Why can't my mind come with an off button? I could use a break from me.

ps. My overuse of the word "frick" is to be blamed on my rewatching Scrubs. <3 Zach Braff <3

Music pick for the Day: "Schadenfreude" by The Cast from Avenue Q
Beverage pick for the Day: Coffeeeeeeee
Socks for the Day: white and pink argyle socks (made from wool, so extra comfy and warm)

I'd have his babies

2008-03-03T19:42:00.003-06:00

So, I was in a less than great mood today, so Myke was trying to cheer me up (<3 teh Myke). He made me a picture of Jonathan Coulton, saying that Jonathan Coulton wanted to have geeky babies with me. Which I would. I'd have Jonathan Coulton's babies. I'm sure his wife would disapprove, but I can dream, dammit. But, regardless of whose babies I will or will not be having, the picture did help to cheer me up. And it got me thinking that in less than 2 months we will be going to see Jonathan Coulton for the THIRD time. I'm just sad that it's on May 2nd and not the 1st of May.

*sigh* Stupid Minneapolis stealing the 1st of May. CURSE YOU, MINNESOTA!

Madness??

2008-03-03T18:14:00.007-06:00

So, yeah. Still bored. Not much to update on. I am watching 300 for the 3rd time in 2 days and it made me think of this comic that I saw the other day that made me smile. And just before 300 came on today, I caught the last 30 minutes of "Coming to America". Man, I love that movie. Makes me think of the good ol' days when Eddie Murphy still made good movies...well, good by my standards, anyway.

So, I shall now leave you with the greatest joke in Eddie Murphy Movie HISTORY: Whaddya know from funny, you bastard?

Music pick for the Day: "As Long As You're Mine" by Idina Menzel and Norbert Leo Butz (from Wicked)
Beverage pick for the Day: Ramune soda
Socks for the Day: black and pink (they actually say "PINK" on the bottom in pink)...pink (that sounds eerily familiar, doesn't it??)

I'm thinking I'm bored

2008-02-29T15:39:00.004-06:00

So, I've noticed that in the last month I have updated my blog more than I had for the entire year of 2007. Is it because I have more to say lately than I did last year? Is it because I *want* to say more than I did last year? Am I just a lot more bored this past month than I had been last year? I'm going to go with the bored one. Cause, really, I'm pretty bored. All the time. I must even be bored when I'm sleeping because I usually remember my dreams, and I haven't been lately. Why? I'm guessing because they are boring. So, I'm going to have to make an effort to unbore myself. I really have no idea how to go about doing that, since if I knew how to be unbored, I really wouldn't be having this issue.

So, if you have any ideas on how to be unbored, I'd love to hear them! I can't say that I will try everything, but if it's interesting enough, I'll give it a go.

And, Squark, I have a pretty good idea as to what you are going to suggest, so I'm just gonna beat you to it and say "no" right off the bat.

Music pick for the Day: "Escape (The Pina Coloda Song)" by Rupert Holmes
Beverage pick fo the Day: water
Socks for the Day: pink with MONKEYS on them

Touch My Body

2008-02-28T18:42:00.008-06:00

So, Mariah Carey has a new song. And a new video. And she seems to be branching out to appeal more to the geek crowd. Laser tag? Guitar Hero? She's even wearing an anime school girl outfit. My favorite part? That Jack McBrayer is the geek boy. <3 Kenneth!

And, speaking of Jack McBrayer: he had a bit role on Arrested Development as a waiter. And what do I love about Arrested Development? Michael Cera, aka George Michael. I hearted him even more when I saw him get fired from "Knocked Up", which is a parody of Lily Tomlin and David O. Russell on "I Heart Huckabees". He also has an internet show that he started with his friend Clark Duke, and the show is called... wait for it.... Clark and Michael. Watch it. Love it. Love Michael. And, everytime I say the name Michael, in my head, I sound like GOB....
is that weird? I can't tell anymore.

And, speaking of Arrested Development... Jason Bateman has spoken out a few times about how there is much interest in making an Arrested Development movie. Last time I'd heard anything about it, they were talking about starting after the writers strike...which is done, so I'm waiting quite impatiently for an update! But, I keep watching Keith Olbermann give his shout out to the movie. I kind of <3 Keith, too. And I <3 that he seems to be such a big fan of the show.
So, please, powers that be, make the movie a reality!

I mean, COME ON!

Music pick for the Day: "Mr. Roboto", by Stix (cuz, Tony Hale was in that VW commercial...and he was Buster on Arrested Development... )
Beverage pick for the Day: coffee... SHOCK AND AWE
Socks for the Day: black, green and white argyle

The monkeys, they don't a-do it... they make-a love

2008-02-26T22:53:00.007-06:00

So, today was, again, "meh". But, it's betterish now. And, since I'm in a good mood, I shall now post clips from one of my favorite shows from long ago, "The State".

"Watch the Monkeys Do It"
"The Barry Lutz Show: Monkey Torture"
"Barry and Levon.... awwwwww yeeaaaah"
"TACO MAN"
"The Jew, The Italian, and the Red Head Gay"

*sigh* So many skits that I can't find! Bacon, The Bearded Men of Space Station 11, Sea Monkeys, Blueberry Johnson, Antonio, Tammy Wilkins: Notebook Artist, The Animal Song, Dan the Very Popular Openly Gay High School Student, Bikini Thong, Porcupine Racetrack, any of the Doug skits...

Seriously, this show has to be put out on DVD. I will buy a copy for everyone I know and they will watch it until they love it.

Suzie, if you're reading this, I just want you to know: I love the tacos. Ok? They... they may be the best tacos I've ever had. It's just that.. well, I think if I had to choose between the tacos and the mail... I'd have to choose the mail.

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "The Mariner's Revenge Song", by the Decemberists
Beverage pick for the Day: coffee... I've become predictable, haven't I?
Socks for the day: black, with multi-color argyle ankles

"Obi Kenobi"

2008-02-25T22:51:00.005-06:00

Oh. And after I was in a good mood again tonight, I was reading FO and they linked to this ADORABLE little girl, giving her recap of Star Wars.
It's seeing things this adorable that makes me want more babies!!! Must find Mr. Wonderful ™ and make lots of babies so we can have our own little army of cuteness!! Jackson can be the Commander or something and teach the babies the ways of the Cute. Yes, that will work quite nicely.
*sigh* Calm down, Karen. No more babies yet. Once you find Mr. Wonderful™, then you can have the babies. Although... Colten is still pretty young. And he's very fond of Jackson... perhaps I will have to be a bigger influence on his life... and maybe babysit him a lot when he's 3ish... and maybe make him watch LotR a lot... and maybe video tape him as he talks about dorfs and hobbitses... Ok. The image of 3 year old Colten telling Jackson the story of LotR just broke my cuteness meter. *sigh* and I just got that thing fixed!

<(^_^)>

Pulp

2008-02-25T22:07:00.009-06:00

So, lately I've been "meh". I've had some good moods, some crazy moods, some meh moods, some sad moods and some everyonediafkthnxbai moods (the latter, very rare, but not unheard of... and, let's face it. I prefer my everyonediafkthnxbai mood over uncontrollable-crying-and-not-talking mood any day). I was in the good mood this morning (yay getting my Threadless tees today!!!), then the meh mood as the work day went on, and then I was in the sad mood after I got home. You may be asking yourself "Karen, why were you sad?". Well, remember how the other day I was talking about "Practical Magic"? Well, whaddaya know, it was on tonight. Me, attempting to remain in my 'love is good' optimism, decided I should watch it.

...not the best idea I've ever had.

Instead of feeling all "Awww! See? Even she gets her Mr. Wonderful™ in the end, and so will I!", I was feeling a bit "WHERE THE SHIT IS MY AIDAN QUINN, DAMMIT???" And, this is a movie that I cry at on a good day (I am a HUGE wuss when it comes to anything with...well...anything. I cry at greeting cards. I cry at dog food commercials. I cry at freaking EVERYTHING), so I was already getting weepy just at the thought of watching it. But, as the movie went on, my pile of Kleenex grew larger. By the end of the movie, I knew I was gonna need some cheering up, so to my computer I went! Thankfully, Amie sent me a link to this video, which was in response to this video (watch this one first!!), and about 30 seconds into it, I was all smiles and giggles again, so wooooooot Amie!

So basically, fucking Ben Affleck was the highlight of my day.

slash. rawr.

Music Pick for the Day: "Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzy
Beverage pick for the Day: Coffee
Socks for the Day: white and pink (they actually say "PINK" on the bottom in pink)...pink

Screaming Boys

2008-02-24T11:54:00.003-06:00

So, another thought for the day: if I had been alive in the 60's and would have had the opportunity to have relations with Eric Burdon... I so would have had his babies or died trying.

/rawr, Eric.
/rawr

Putzy Duckie, You're the One

2008-02-24T10:45:00.006-06:00

So, Amie and Crystal were over last night for an Indiana Jones marathon and somehow we got to talking about old movies we love. One of my picks was for "Pretty in Pink", because Duckie is basically one of the best characters in any movie ever. I am pretty much only posting today to say that I love Duckie, and to post this.

*sigh* Duckie.
/swoon

Music Pick for the Day: "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding (...duh)
Beverage Pick for the Day: Water
Socks for the Day: ...I actually haven't picked out my socks yet today. I am sockless. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE WORLD!?!?!

Wheeeeeere is Love?

2008-02-21T20:36:00.007-06:00

So, the musical "Oliver!" has been a big part of my life in the last two days. Yesterday, I listened to the fun songs quite a bit ("Oom-Pah-Pah", "It's a Fine Life", "I'd Do Anything", "Be Back Soon"), but today I was more somber and reflective, so I gravitated toward "As Long As He Needs Me" and "Where is Love" and it got me thinking about love. You get some people who are in love and are pretty "meh" about it. Not too happy, not too sad, just really content and comfortable, which is fine. Then there are people who claim to be in love, yet bitchbitchbitch about their significant other relentlessly and never seem to actually show that they are in love. And then there are people who are actually happy in love. You can just FEEL that they love their partner when they talk about them. You can see in their eyes that being with them completes them. Now, this last type of love usually exists for most couples in the beginning of the relationship, and then after they are together long enough, it fades into the "content and comfortable" stage. And honestly most people stay in some form of the "content and comfy" love forever. Now, this isn't a bad thing. Heck, I think even my parents are in the content type of love and they've been married for almost 40 years. It's the most normal type of love out there.

But, I want more than that. I want the love that makes me want to wake up early, just so I can look at him sleep. I want the kind of love that makes me smile just to think about him. I want the kind love that makes me want to actually shout from a rooftop (or balcony or somewhere equally highish, yet accessible). I want the kind of love that makes my heart flutter when I'm with him. I want the kind of love that just gets stronger and stronger the longer we're together. I want the kind of love that, 30 years down the road, will still make my heart flutter.
I'm sure that it's not rational to want a love like that, and maybe I'm silly to think it even exists beyond movies. But, honestly, if that type of happiness doesn't exist, then why bother trying to find love at all? I think setting myself up to end up in another "content and comfortable" relationship would be settling for something less than what I need and less than what I deserve. I want a love that will make me genuinely happy.

This makes me think of the movie "Practical Magic", where Sandra Bullock's character picks her prefect man and gives him qualities that she doesn't think exist. But, fast forward a decade or two and who rolls into town? Why, it's Aidan Quinn! And he's Mr. Perfect, with all of his impossible qualities! I shall now make my own Mr. Wonderful™, who most likely doesn't exist, but I can dream, can't I?

Mr. Wonderful™ will be tall, handsome, witty and charming. He'll sing to me a silly song at random times, even if it's in the middle of a crowded restaurant, just because he knows it will make me smile. He'll slow dance with me in the kitchen while we make tacos and hum our song as we sway. He'll play Legos and Hide & Seek with Jackson and will love kids. He'll love to snuggle and watch stupid movies, but will back off when I need some me time. He'll tell me he loves me and mean it every freaking time he says it. He'll be less paranoid and more laid back than me and be able to talk me down when I get hung up on something, which will happen quite a bit... (I stress out a lot!), but that won't phase him. He'll be the kind of guy who likes to be able to be there to rescue me from my own mind and then tell me I'm crazy and then bombard me with kisses until I'm smiling again. He'll be the kind of guy that will never have to tell me he loves me, because I will know just by looking at him that he does (but, of course, he'll tell me all the time. And mean it.). He'll still piss me off sometimes, but we'll never be so mad that we belittle each other, and we'll never go to bed angry (and the make up sex will be FANTASTIC!). *ahem* Where was I?... He'll get along with my whole family, and will enjoy their company, and vice versa. Oh, and he'll leave me little notes with little haiku poems when we aren't able to see each other at home...*sigh* Sounds pretty wonderful to me!

Ok. I think that's enough daydreaming for one night. But, it did serve its purpose. It's made me optimistic about love again, which is always a good thing. Now to just find this elusive man one day and all will be right in the world of the Karen.

Music pick for the Day: "I Caught Fire" by The Used
Beverage pick for the Day: Cherry Coke (booo soda. Need to cut back again!)
Socks for they Day: white, pink and black Felix the Cat

WEREWOLVES!?!?!?!

2008-02-20T18:33:00.005-06:00

Oh, happy day! So, I've been on a kind of mood rollercoaster this last week. And, I basically blame Valentines Day for it. Stupid holiday with its stupid couples and its stupid candy hearts that I can't stop eating. But, mainly the "stupid couples" part. Pre-Valentines Day mindset: I'm single and that's ok, because I'm going to get my life together and find someone perfect for me that will be a great father-figure for Jackson, and then have perfect babies and find a perfect house and just be perfect forever. Post-Valentines Day mindset: I'm single and that's not ok, because I am the last single person on earth and I will be alone forever, with millions of cats and end up mummified in my son's attic one day (sorry, Jackson...but it could happen!). So, needless to say, my overly-dramatic post-Valentines attitude (mixed with some crazy hormones for this time of the month) has made Karen all WOOOOOOOOHAPPYCRAZY followed by BOOOOOOOOOOOCRAZYCRAZY in the span of like 30 seconds. Not cool, I say! Yesterday was my low point for BOOOOOOOOCRAZYCRAZY attitude, and I vented a bit to some work friends (vented= had a bit o' TMI regarding the crazy that is Karen). But, after work last night, I locked myself out of my apartment when I went to vote (woop woop Obama!!), and somehow that helped cure me! Well, I can't say that was the only thing that helped. Jackson did kill all of the "crabbiness" that he could find with his nerf gun, so there was no crabbiness left to make me sad and crabby, so <3 Jackson for that!

Hmmm... lost my train of thought. V-day sucks, candy hearts are gross but delicious... crazycrazy... woop Obama... nerf... Oh!

So. I went to bed semi-early, since eventhough Jackson did help (as well as my idiocy), I was not completely de-crabbified. I woke up this morning, and was in a pretty darn good mood! I did my hair all straight and rockstarish and wore my new skulls and hearts hoodie. I get to work and Curt reminds me that we're going to lunch today, so boooo for the boys making me take my lunch early (but yaaaay for them waiting until 11:15, so it wasn't tooooo early). But, I had fun, as usual, and then the rest of the afternoon, I was CRAZY. But, HAPPYCRAZY, so it's coo'. I was all hugging Althea, then hugged Curt, then got hugs from Myke. Ah, I love hugs. People need to hug more!!! *hugs herself* So, yeah. I was a hugging freak. And then I started getting sleepy, but not just regular sleepy, but giddy sleepy. So, everything was funny and I felt retarded, cuz I think I was the only one who found things funny, so that in itself was funny to me, so it made me laugh more! So since I was so crazy, I thought to myself "Why, I am awfully crazy today. I wonder if there is perhaps a full moon tonight?" So, I google "full moons" and pull up the farmers almanac and you know what? There is a freaking full moon tonight. So, now I can blame anything crazy I did today on the full moon and be void of any responsibility for my actions.

So, after work, I go and pick Jackson up and we head to the grocery store for some eggs (yay, cupcakes!) and then Taco Bell. As we're driving, we see the gigantic moon and Jackson is all "whoooaaaa, a full moon! That means..." and I go "that we're going to turn into werewolves??". He laughs and says "noooo, mom. It means that...." and I go "Other people are going to turn into werewolves and then turn US into werewolves???" and he laughs again and goes "noooo, mom. When there's a full moon, it means we can see Venus better" (which, I have no idea if this is true or not, but it's what he says, so I go with it). So then I go "And then Venus turns into a werewolf??" and he laughs and that's basically how our conversation went for the next 10 minutes.

And... for some reason keeps calling me "chicken nugget" today, which is kinda O.o, but what are you gonna do?
/chickennugget

Hmmm.. what else. Oh! So, I ordered 5 new t-shirts from Threadless. Now, I really don't NEED anymore t-shirts, but I really, super WANT more t-shirts, so yay for want winning over need! I have such a soft spot for t-shirts with cute saying or cute pictures, and Threadless is like MECCA for that. I got me a new Sumo shirt, a shirt with a diagram of the earth, a weird sci-fi comic book looking shirt, a shirt full of cliche super villians and one that shows us how hamburgers are made. Niiiiiiice. woop woop new shirts!

I think that's about it. So... ok then. I'm gonna leave now. So, see ya. Buh-bye! Hasta luego! Ciao!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand scene.
/exits stage left

Music pick for the Day: "I'd Do Anything" from Oliver! ("what, fisticuffs??") ^_^
Beverage for the Day: Agua
Socks for the Day: red and white Felix the Cat

Bye Bye Long Hair

2008-02-13T10:05:00.010-06:00

And hellloooooo short hair!
So, it's been ~3 years since I last chopped my hair off. I've always been a grow-my-hair-out-get-sick-of-it-and-chop-it-off kind of gal, but tonight I am venturing into new territory: I'm not only chopping my hair off, but I'm layering it, so it's gonna be kinda super short in parts, which has caused me to have a few freak-out moments these past few days. Part of me is sooooo excited to get it done, since it's new and exciting and different, and then another part of me is soooo nervous because I've never had this style before and it could look like ass, and then yet another part of me wants to rock in the corner and vomit a bit because she is scared of losing her long, blonde hair.

But! I'm not going to chicken out. I'm going to walk into the salon at 5:30 and I ain't leaving until my hair is cut and dyed.

And then, after I get my new 'do, I'm off to Joann Fabrics to get some super sweet fabric to test out my brand spankin' new sewing machine! It arrived last night, and I set it up on my kitchen table and licked it. So it's mine now. I have to get a craft table eventually, but for now the kitchen table is as good as any! I'm pretty stoked about (yup, I said "stoked") making pillows and various clothes and such! My first project, however, will be to make some sweeeeeeet drum stick cozies!! \m/ (>.<) \m/ Oh, yeah! So, I bought Rock Band last week, and let's just say that it is beyond addictive. I am a drum goddess and can rock that guitar like it's no one's business. Also, I can belt out some tunes and feel like a rockstar (man, am I metal or what??) Ok, so I'm not metal, but I can totally pretend to be in the comfort of my living room, dammit! And, to tie this into the original topic, I'm hoping my hair will add to my new rockstar persona and will somehow boost my guitaring skills so I can get my freaking 5 stars on the medium level of Paranoid! *crosses her fingers and prays to the rock gods*

Music pick for the Day: "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Beverage pick for the Day: Starbucks Breakfast Blend coffee
Socks for the Day: knee high pink, black and white argyle with SKULLS (totally metal!!!)

*edit* PICS!!!

^_^

Podcasts, ahoy!

2008-01-03T13:02:00.000-06:00

Since I got my new iPod last year, I have had Podcasts that I've subscribed to, but nothing religiously. I'd listened to Ask a Ninja and Hope is Emo, because they make me laugh, but I'd yet to try any audio podcasts where people just talk about things. Mike at work was talking about how he is a podcastaholic and I decided to give it a shot. I subscribe to the GFW magazine and enjoy it a lot, so when he named GFW as one of the podcasts he listens to, I was intrigued . So, last night, I went ahead and downloaded the most recent one and I've been listening to it at work today, and I must say, I love it. They are funny and they discuss things that interest me, and they go off on tangents and talk smack and I may have an e-crush on a few of them now. (Mike also said that he thinks these guys do a WoW podcast, which if it's true, sign me up!). I also downloaded 1UP Yours, which I have not listened to, but am looking forward to! I talked to Mike today and told him that I'd gotten these two and he sent me a list of 19 more that he suggests I check out... and I'm gonna. Podcasts FTW, I say!

Now to find a crochet podcast and I'm set!!

^_^

Meeemorieeees

2008-01-03T08:40:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago, I was in a good mood and decided to sit at my computer and be at one with the internet for a day. I read some blogs, browsed some forums, looked at some pictures, and started a Facebook account! I've had a Myspace page for a while, but only got it because of a couple of work people and don't really use it aside from checking to see if they have new pics and read their comments and such, and I'm pretty "meh" about Myspace in general. So, I decided to get a Facebook account, since I knew it had a better networking setup than Myspace and I was curious to see who I could find on here. So, I made an account and it has you enter your job, where you live, and your high school and such, so I did a search of my graduating class and there was a "whoosh" sound and the memories came flooding back. There were a lot of people that came up, but I only poked a few (*note* I have always had this weird paranoia that people won't remember me. Eventhough I knew these people for years and it's been 7 years since I've seen them, I still have this irrational fear that they've blocked out high school and that they'd be all "Karen who?" So, I only "poked" the people who I thought would be the least offended by my poking them after so long.) There was Kim, who was my BFF from like 4th grade through high school (and I still can't believe we drifted so far apart...makes me sad to think about), Anne and Ben. It's so weird to think about them all grown up, since I still picture them as they were when high school ended. Kim looks exactly the same, but seeing pictures of her siblings, it shows me the reality that years have passed since we were friends and it does make me wish I'd stayed in touch. Anne seems to have broken out of her shell and let her wild side out, which shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. And Ben, who's all growed up, and married, to boot!

Seeing these old friends has made me think about where my life is and where I'd hoped I'd be by now. I've lost my way over the years and miss the Karen I used to be. She's still in here, but my years with Scott changed me, and not for the better. I've become bitter and pessimistic and, sure, I still have my goofy good moods that remind me of a more innocent time, but I long to have the spunk and whimsy that I had. So, this is going on my "to do" list for 2008: Find my inner Karen. I know she's around and I feel that part of me when I've had a good day and when Jackson and I are playing, but I want that to be my all-the-time mood. So, let's hope I can find my way back soon!

Music pick for the Day: "The Nicest Kids in Town" by James Marsden (From Hairspray!... don't judge me! I less than three muscials and this is no exception!)
Beverage pick for the Day: lots and lots of coffee
Socks for the Day: Red and black striped Grumpy the Dwarf knee highs

Is it over yet?

2007-12-31T09:52:00.000-06:00

So, New Year's Eve. Thank god. I'm so ready for this year to be over, it's not even funny. I can, without hesitation, say that this has been the absolute worst year of my life. Sure, there was good times, and there were times that it seemed great, but overall: worst. I just really can't wait for it to strke midnight tonight and I can say goodbye to 2007 forever. And I really hope that 2008 starts to look up for me, because I really can't handle another year like this. But! I'm not going to just wish it to happen and be sad when it doesn't get better. I've already made some life changes and will be looking to do more after the new year. I know you're probably asking yourself "what sort of life changes is she talking about?" Well, my friends, I shall tell you!

First off, it has been 44 days since I smoked my last cigarette. I had been smoking since I was 15 and earlier this year, I had tried to cut back and was doing well until this fall. Then I was up to over a pack a day again and couldn't really make myself smoke any less. I was in a bad place and knew I couldn't keep smoking as much as I was, so I made a doctor's appointment and got myself on Chantix. I was on it for 1 month and was done smoking after my 3rd week. I sincerely would recommend this to anyone who is serious about quitting smoking. If I can do it, you can, too! So, go-go healthy lungs!

Another change that I made, that was not voluntary but happened as a side effect to my misery, is that I lost weight, so yay. I'm wearing pants I haven't worn in well over a year and some I haven't worn in 2 years. I feel better about myself and want to work on fitting into some more pants I have stashed away in my closet that I haven't worn since before I had Jackson, so this brings me to one of the changes that will take affect in the near future:

I'm going to be joining a gym. What better way to stay in shape and feel good about myself than to join a gym and work out every day? I was hoping to start this back in November, but money has been tight and I couldn't justify the $40 a month yet, so I'm going to be starting that hopefully in early February when I have some extra money.

Other, non-life changing things that I've done would include learning to crochet, which is my new addiction. I started crocheting 9 days ago and have made 2 scarves and 1.5 fingerless gloves (I finished the left one and am 1/2 way done with the right). I watch entirely too much TV and felt that I was wasting so much time by doing this, so I decided that crocheting would be a nice hobby to do while I watch TV, so I don't feel like such a slacker. I really hope I don't tire of this, and I honestly think that I won't. I think this will be something that I will keep with for a while. And! once I get better at crocheting, I will hopefully teach myself to knit!
I know, I know. You're probably thinking "Neat..." but I am probably the most un-crafty person there is and never really would have pegged myself as someone who would do this as a pasttime, but man, do I love it!

Also, now that I'm going to FINALLY be getting a kitchen table (after 14 months....), I will be baking more and am going to take a stab at cake decorating. I'm not very artistic, so we'll see how that goes. I will, at the very least, be trying out new recipes and will hopefully make a blog about it (and, perhaps one for my new love, Mr. Crochet). I also would like to start to be more adventurous with my cooking, so be on the lookout for pictures of nummy food in the future!

So, to recap: 2007 can DIAF and helllooooo 2008, a year that will hopefully hold many good surprises for me! I plan to ring in the New Year with a clear mind and an open heart and hope that the stroke of midnight will wash away all the bad so I have room in my life for all the good.

Happy New Year, everyone!

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "Goodbye to You" by Michelle Branch
Beverage pick for the Day: mmmmm, coffee
Socks for the Day: black and pink knee highs

The Ninja-Monkey Collective

2007-07-31T18:55:00.001-05:00

So, a while back, I took this test and it told me I was ENFJ. And, according to this site this made me a candidate for a first-class cult leader, which sounded quite promising.
However, I retake the test today and I get this:

You Are An INFP

The Idealist

You are creative with a great imagination, living in your own inner world.
Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships.
It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close.
But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop.

In love, you tend to have high (and often unrealistic) standards.
You are very sensitive. You tend to have intense feelings.

At work, you need to do something that expresses your personal values.
You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist.

How you see yourself: Unselfish, empathetic, and spiritual

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Unrealistic, naive, and weak

What's Your Personality Type?

..which is pretty much me. However, according to the REAL Myer's Briggs site, it makes me an idealist...and, from the description, kind of offensive!

So, in short, I would do well as an offensive cult leader who has irrational ideals and likes to collect minions for fun.

*note to self: Must get resume on Monster in case mis-led minions are in need of a messiah*

Music pick for the Day: "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" by The Cast of Avenue Q
Beverage pick for the Day: Deja Blue agua
Socks for the Day: gray and black striped knee-highs

*UPDATE*
So, I took this test again on this site and I got ENFJ. So, apparently, I really am an idealistic cultist. Who knew!

Two?!?!??!?!?!

2007-03-05T15:06:00.000-06:00

So, 2 weeks ago at work, I was sent an invitation to a focus group. Focus groups are held periodically to go over an issues we may have and what can be done to correct the problems. So, I accepted the invite and thought nothing more of it. So, last Thursday rolls around and I have my "focus group" at 1pm. I go to the meeting room, notebook and pen in hand, open the door and I'm greeted by applause.

O.o

What's this? People applauding me? Well, said people are the call center mangaers, the director, and the VP of Customer Care. Ok... so, no focus group. It was a ploy to get me and 4 others together for a celebratory meeting. The 5 of us received Champion of Distinction awards, which came with a certificate saying, well, Champion of Distinction, as well as... you ready? Brace yourself... a $2000 check for each of us.

Again... O.o

So, they go over what we won for (mine was for my work on collections and discovering an error with our combined statements... I won't go into details, since you wouldn't know what I was talking about, anyway!!) and we get food (Italian food from Ala Roma was delivered.. mmm.. ) and cake and chit chat and such.

So, here I was, $2000 richer. What to do with my monies? What to do??? Well, I mulled over it for about a day. Then decided I wanted to upgrade my computer so it would run smoother, a case to make it look prettier, and a new monitor so I could have a new monitor... or maybe 2. Crystal and her dual monitor set up has made me jealous for months. So, Saturday, I head to Best Buy and get a 20.1 inch LCD monitor.

Sexy.

I go home, order my 2gig of RAM and a new case. Then I get to thinking: Since I ordered my RAM and case, I will get them sometime this week and when I get them, I want to be able to set up my monitors right away so I can be all /fancy. So, to the store I go to get the 19 inch widescreen monitor I was eyeing the night before. And, while I'm there, I decide I need new speakers, so I get some Altec Lansing speakers + sub woofer to accent my new monitory goodness.

Pic of my new set up:

So, in addition to new computer stuffs, I also got Jackson some new clothes and the Flushed Away DVD, new silverware plus silverware tray, a toaster, hangers, a LotR Middle Earth map (not a geek...), and.. misc other things that I can't remember anymore.

All in all, this weekend gets 2 thumbs up!

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "The Future Soon" by Jonathan Coulton
Beverage for the Day: Cherry coke
Socks for the Day: Pink and black striped knee highs

("\(O.o)/")

2007-01-24T12:56:00.000-06:00

Wednesday. Blah. Who needs Wednesdays, really? I mean, I almost feel bad for the Wednesday. It's not the beginning of the week, it's not the end of the week, it's not the weekend... it's just Wednesday. Kinda the Switzerland of days, really. The Neutral day. It's not as cool as Friday/Saturday/Sunday, obviously. But, it's not as bad as Monday/Tuesdays, since it's closer to Friday/Saturday/Sunday than Monday/Tuesday are. But, it's still a step down from Thursday, which is the pre-Friday, or, as I like to call it, Friday Eve.
Wednesday, *sigh*, why can't you be cool like your sister, Friday Eve?

But, speaking of things my boss said to me today... >.> I get into work today, and after our quasi-meeting, my sup/manager Jeni comes to my cube and says she has exciting news. The company who created/updates/maintains our billing system has agreed to do a 3 day conference with 12 Charter employees to go over pretty much everything collections/scheme related.
"Wow", I say. "That's pretty fancy! Are you one of the twelve?"
Jeni says "Yes, and I'm hoping I can get you to go with me!"
"Rawr," I say.
So, this 3 day conference is set to occur in May, after the AR summit in St. Loius, so I'd almost get a kinda of mini vacation in May! We'll just have to wait and see if Jeni can convince Mike that I need to go with her. *crosses her fingers*

And, for some reason, the word "rawr" has been in my head today. I used the Rawr! tag on our forum today and it got me thinking "How wide-spread is rawr?" Google knows! So, I Google rawr, and find an Urban Dictionary entry for Rawr. My favorties are below:

more sexually oriented version of the word "roar"
Girl: Boy, you are so sexy
Boy: Rawr!

a primitive sound emitted while becoming aroused during the process of sexual intercourse.
RAWR nice cock!!
RAWR i wanna SEX u

a sexy sort of growling sound
"I rawred at him cutely"

a word used to describe feelings of random anger or boredom.
Dude! Are you going to the mall with me? RAWR Um, what's wrong with you?

A word often uttered by zombies and other types of undead. Its inflection and context can give it many different meanings, and in the Zombie language, rawr has a myriad of uses.
"Rawr...ungh...brain s....rawr..."
"Um...aren't you guys at all concerned about the zombies everywhere?"
"Rawr....UNGH, BRAAAAAAIIIIINNNSSS!!!!&q uot;"
"Naw man, we got bats. Don't worry. It's all good."

To make you seem more scary.
RawR! I will eat your first born.

The sound the cats make. Also a sound the kids with too much engery make because, well, because they can.
"How are you doing Mary?"
"RAWR!!!"
"...wow"

1. an expression of surprise or disgust
2. a replacer for the word love
3. an expression of happiness
4. replacer for the word cool
ex 1. rawr!!! i can't get this phone to work!!!
ex 2. i rawr u honey
ex 3. rawrrrrr i'm so happy!!
ex 4. she is so rawr

And, my favorite:
1) A sexual sound.
2) ("\(O.o)/") <---- Rawr
1)Girl: You're so hawt!
Boy: Rawr!!
2) This is Rawr ---> ("\(O.o)/")

So, all in all, this Wednesday has been pretty good! I find out I may go on a business trip AND I learn something new about "rawr" from the internetz. Woot, I say! WOOT!

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "There's a Girl" by the Ditty Bops
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke
Socks for the Day: yellow, gray, white, and black stripped fuzzy socks

twitch

2007-01-23T13:21:00.000-06:00

Ah, January. The time for cold weather, more snow, and the return of the greatest TV shows that cable has to offer. Two weeks ago, we had the return of Grey's Anatomy. Last week, we had Rome. Last night, Heroes came back, better than ever! And, tonight? Tonight we have the best of them all. Tonight... we have Mars. Veronica Mars. And, for those of you without cable/CW Network, you can now watch VM online at CWTV.com. Hooray!!

While my shows were on hiatus for the holidays, I'd started watching House. I must say, House is a pretty darn good show! I love the snarkiness that is Dr. Greg House. Hugh Laurie... /swoon. He plays disconnected and bitter well. So good!

And, speaking of obsessions, now that I've talked about my TV addiction, I shall now talk about my video game obsession! Last week, The Burning Crusade was released! I got my copy via UPS on Wednesday, played for a bit in the early afternoon before work, then played most of the day Thursday, Saturday and pretty much all day Sunday! The new starting areas are just fantastic! I've completed the blood elf starting area (/cheer for Will and Crystal for putting up with me all day Sunday while we got our newbies to level 20)! I'm hoping to work on my Draenei tonight and tomorrow to get her to level 20 and out of the newbie areas so I can play Aluciel again. I've been on a hiatus from wow for so long, I miss my wow friends: /love Cleitus, Throm, Raz and Handor. They were there for me when I needed someone to talk to and I love them for that. I'm really looking forward to grouping with my wow friends, since I've been gone for so long and miss them like mad.
Save as Draft

^_^

Music Pick for the Day: "First of May" by Jonathan Coulton
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke
Socks for the Day: Gray "Sly Fox" socks (with, um, foxes on them)

....ow

2007-01-02T18:02:00.000-06:00

So, Happy New Year?
HA!
Let's see! Where shall I begin!!? So, New Year's Eve was pretty good times. Hung out with the posse, played some games, good times were had. New Year's Day.. yeah, not so much!
So, New Year's Day. I slept until noon (which, is something that very rarely happens in Karen-world) and then went to go get Jackson from my parents' house. So, I'm driving along, minding my own business, everything is going good! I'm THREE BLOCKS from my parents' house and BAM! Some retard prison guard smacked into the front end of my car. My open soda that was in the cup holder was launched across the dash and coated my iPod and iPod holder in Cherry Coke goodness, and then took it's final resting place at my feet... along with my cigarettes, my lighter, my hat, my gloves and numerous other things that were in the front seat with me. The contents of my trunk were now in my back seat, due to the impact and the force of the crap in my trunk pushing the seat down. Thankfully, Jackson was not yet in the car with me.
After I realize what had actually happened, I get out of my car, walk over to the ass-cock who hit me and said "SERIOUSLY!?!?!" Although, in the defense of the guy with the obviously small penis, he was nice to me and made sure I was ok and let me use his cell phone to call my dad to let him know I'd be a teeny bit late. So, the cops show up, make sure I'm ok, take my information and find out what happened. The accident was clearly his fault, just from looking at the position of the vehicles. So, the nice policemen make it very clear to me that douche-ass would be the one cited in the report as causing the accident. So, they call a tow truck, I get a ride to my dad's from the nice policeman, and wait around for 3 hours before I can go home. Thankfully, my sister and brother in law are two of the most awesome people I know and they are letting me borrow their car until all the insurance crap goes through and I can get a rental/new car. During the 3 hours I was at my dad's, I was pretty much a wreck and bawling. I'd never been in an accident before, and I'm pretty much a cry-baby, so it's not totally out of character that I'd cry after my car (which, I only had THREE MORE PAYMENTS ON) was plowed into by a window-licking, walking penis (I know, it sounds really weird, but it's eerily accurate!). So, after I calm down, we call Roger (our family friend/insurance man) and tell him what's up. Finally, Mike shows up with a car for me to use and I get home at about 5:15.
Now, this whole time, I feel fine. A bit shook up, but that's expected. I look in the mirror later and see a mark on my neck from where my necklace dug into my skin. "Huh. I guess I did get thrown around a bit", I think to myself as I inspect the weird necklace mark. So, at this point, I know I was jolted from the accident, but still don't feel any pain or anything. As the night goes on, I get a headache and my neck gets kind of stiff, but not bad at all. "I can so deal with this", I thought to myself.
You know? I hate when I think I can deal with something and then be totally wrong about it. HATE.
I wake up today, and I was soooo stiff and sore, it was a chore to get out of bed. My neck was sore, my shoulders, my upper back, my chest. ...ow. I took 2 hours off of work today to go get checked out to make sure I'm ok. I go to the walk-in clinic at my hospital and got the doctor that I expected to get. He was in by me for less than 2 minutes and prescribed me 3 drugs: pain killers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs. And, the pain killers and muscle relaxers cause drowsiness, so I don't get to take those until after I leave work tonight. Right now, I'm just trying my best not to move too fast or too much, for fear of crying out in pain and freaking Althea out.

And, on top of the accident, Jackson was sick last night and couldn't sleep (he was coughing sooo hard and his belly hurt.. I felt completely useless. No special mommy power to make it go away... it broke my heart. :( ).

So, yeah. New Year's FTL.

Music pick for the Day: "Santeria" by Sublime
Beverage pick for the Day: Bottled water
Socks for the Day: Black and gray argyle knee highs

Doot

2006-12-28T15:20:00.000-06:00

So, it's been a while since I've updated this thingy. Life has been pretty meh and nothing has really happened that has made me go "Say, I should write in my blog about this!", which, is pretty sad. Scott has gone from crazy back to semi-normal to crazy to semi-normal throughout the course of the last month, so /cheer for being a semi-normal kick right now! Hmm... what else?
Last weekend was Scott's weekend for Jackson, so I decided to take off Friday as well as the following Tuesday to give myself a nice 5 day weekend. I was pretty /bored all weekend, due to Jackson being gone on Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve. But, I had friends over to keep me entertained and to watch some VM goodness with me on Christmas Eve Eve. Christmas Eve was teh suck, though. Boo for cramps and no Midol! Although, I did end up finding some Midol after spending 4 hours in a fetal position on the couch. After the drugs kicked in, I went and hung out with Crystal and Adam and had inappropriate discussions about socks and airplanes. Good times.

Christmas Day, I was all set to go to my sister's house to spend the day with my family at about 1pm. Then, Scott called and said that he wasn't going to be going to Beaver Dam and that I had to pick Jackson up from Scott's grandma's house at 2:30 to take him with me instead of having him dropped off at Suzie's around 4. So, I did not get to Suzie's until after 3, and then ended up leaving at 7:30. It's kinda sad that Christmas isn't the same anymore. We all have kids/families and it just seems to be more a hassle now. It shouldn't feel like a chore to get all of us together 1 day out of the year. I miss my family. :(

Hmm... yeah. I think I'm out of discussions again. Perhaps I will post more later, if I get the urge. But, for now, I leave you with an interesting article.

Music pick for the Day: "Where Does the Good Go?" by Tegan & Sara
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke
Socks for the Day: Light blue and yellow argyle knee highs

"I'm sorry, is my semen bothering you?"

2006-11-15T12:56:00.000-06:00

So, this would be weird.

The allergic reaction is apparently to proteins from the prostate gland, which can cause "itching, burning and swelling in the genitals", or the victim might suffer "hives or swelling ... elsewhere on the body and the woman might experience difficulty breathing".

Yeah. That doesn't sound fun at all.

There's some good news: both techniques require the patient to make the beast with two backs "two or three times a week", in order to "train" her immune system.

(@_@)

/happy dance

2006-11-15T12:45:00.000-06:00

So, I just got an e-mail from my HR lady. I can now get a DVR! No more missing Veronica Mars on Tuesday nights!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!

ps. So, I smell good AND I get a DVR?!?! Best. Day. EVAH!
^_^

(@_@)

2006-11-15T11:58:00.000-06:00

It's that time again!

I can deal with purple.

Your Hair Should Be Purple

Intense, thoughtful, and unconventional.
You're always philosophizing and inspiring others with your insights.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Sup, Mr. Cancer?
/wink

Your True Love Is a Cancer

Why you'll love a Cancer:

Cancer's loyal and sincere heart makes your own sensitive heart melt.
Caring and devoted, a Cancer will take the lead in pursuing you - and not give up!

Why a Cancer will love you:

You're laid back enough to deal with Cancer's little mood swings and freak-outs.
A fellow homebody, you know how make Cancer comfortable and at home with you.

What Sign Is Your True Love?

Um.... ok

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are quite expressive and thoughtful. You see the world in a way that others are blind to.

You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds.

You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you.

Your near future is all about change, but in very small steps. The end of the journey looks far, but it's much closer than you realize.

For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

I can deal with this. Cult Classics FTW!

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few.
But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky.

Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

^_^
Speaking of movies...

Your Movie Buff Quotient: 86%

You are a movie buff of the most obsessive variety. If a movie exists, chances are that you've seen it.
You're an expert on movie facts and trivia. It's hard to stump you with a question about film.

Are You a Movie Buff?

You Are 63% Indie

You're a very indie person, and admit it, you look down a little on people who strive to be normal.
You'll indulge in a little mainstream pop culture every now and then. But for you, anything not indie is a guilty pleasure!

How Indie Are You?

>.>

Your Lust Quotient: 46%

You are definitely a lustful person, but you do a good job of hiding it.
Your friends would be surprised to know that your secretly very wild!

How Much Lust Do You Have?

Interesting...

Your Stripper Song Is

Closer by Nine Inch Nails

"You let me violate you, you let me desecrate you
You let me penetrate you, you let me complicate you
Help me I broke apart my insides, help me I?ve got no
Soul to tell"

When you dance, it's a little scary - and a lot sexy.

What Song Should You Strip To?

(@_@)

You Are "Dizzy and Giddy"

What Japanese Smiley Are You?

Mmmm.. cherry pie

You Are Cherry Pie

You're the perfect combo of innocent and sexy
Those who like you enjoy a contradiction

What Kind of Pie Are You?

sniff

2006-11-15T11:06:00.000-06:00

For the past couple weeks, I've been a bit down. A little on the not-so-happy side. Less than cheery. Ok. I've been depressed. Gah, I even hate that word. It just sounds so... gloomy. And I hate gloomy. Gloomy and I... we don't mesh well. So, starting today, I've decided to make an effort to be not so gloomy. And let me tell you, it is working without me even having to do anything!

I get to work this morning, say my hellos to the co-workers and make my way to my cube. I'm booting up my computer (which, is a new computer, since my old computer effectively DIED yesterday... good times) and Amie tells me I smell good. "Oh, really?" I say. Then Jess chimes in "Yes, you smell really good". *beams* Now, I'm not sure if it's my shampoo, my body wash, my lotion or my body spray (or, perhaps the combination of the four) but apparently I smell fantastic. Which, is something that's always nice to hear. And, speaking of smelling good, I would like to point out that I was told I smelled great just this last week by a cute e-card.

So, the moral of today's post: if you think someone smells good, tell them. Because, who doesn't want to hear that they smell *delicious?

*ok. So no one actually used the word "delicious", but they really should have.
^_^

Music pick for the Day: "Regulate" by Nate Dogg and Warren G
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke
Socks for the Day: Red and black striped knee highs

/e needs a hug

2006-11-10T14:50:00.000-06:00

So, I've been in my new apartment for one week. One whole week! I must say, I am really digging my apartment, and Jackson likes it, too, so /cheer! However, I only wish that my week had been happier. I'd spent the majority of this past week depressed and sad.
When we decided over a month ago to split up, we did so on good terms, with the hope that we could remain friends and still be part of each others lives. For a few weeks after the break up, we'd been talking more than we had for the last 6 months of our relationship. It was nice, and it made it seem like we may have been able to pull off being friends.
Fast forward to last Friday. I had spent the day moving boxes with Amie to my new apartment, then we celebrated by having some cheap wine (thanks, Amie!!). While we were hanging out, Scott calls and he was crying. Not being able to really talk to him while I had company over, I told him I'd call him back after she left. Well, Amie ended up staying until about 12:30, so after she left, I called his house and he was already asleep. I called him again on Saturday morning and asked him what was wrong. His response: "Nothing. I'm over it now". And this, ladies and gentlemen, is typical Scott. Frustrating, to say the least. Also, Saturday was the day that I was moving the majority of my things from his house to my apartment. For the rest of the day, he was very cold to me when we spoke, as though I had done something to upset him.
Skip ahead to Sunday: Jackson's birthday. Scott comes over for dinner and birthday activities. I pick him up, we get to my apartment, order food, eat. After we are done eating, I go to sit on the chair in my living room. Scott, on the couch, asks me to come sit by him. Jackson was by him, playing with his new Leapster, so I went to sit on the couch to watch Jackson play. Scott scoots over by me, puts his arm around me to cuddle and starts running his fingers through my hair. WHA?!?! I was all "Um, remember when you NEVER did this when we were together?". His response: "So why are you complaining?". UM... BECAUSE WE'RE NOT TOGETHER! At this point, I get up to get something to drink and then go back to sitting in the chair. It starts to get late, so he says goodbye to Jackson and me. I give him a hug (I'm a hugger, I like to hug people), and he leans in for a kiss. So, I give him a quick peck and get my coat on to take him home. Can we say "awkward"??

Then, Monday, he's back to being distant and cold to me. Big surprise. Tuesday, however, he calls me at midnight "just to talk". Apparently his "just to talk" is the same as "talk about how horny I am and that I could totally go find a chick and get laid". Yeah. That's what I want to talk to my ex about: him banging some whore that he'd find at the bar. Thanks for that mental image, Scott. I shall be sure to get some brillo pads at the store so I can scrub that image from my brain. Although, after his "I'm horny" talk, we did actually talk about actual stuff, like work and the like, so maybe we'll be able to do this whole "friends" thing. Maybe. We'll see.

I just hope that I can be happy again. I hate being depressed.
*sigh*
I need a hug.
:(

Music pick for the Day: "Sugar" by System of a Down
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke *shock!*
Socks for the Day: Black and white striped knee-highs

Random

2006-11-05T15:23:00.001-06:00

Plain

2006-11-01T12:49:00.000-06:00

Well, this morning I went to pick up the keys to my new apartment. Very exciting! Got up early, picked up my keys at 9am and started work at 9:30. Tonight after work, Suzie and Mike are coming up to help me start moving stuff, like my bed and clothes. Then, we shall hang up all my clothes and it will be super fun!

So, starting to move is one reason I worked earlier today. The other reason was because we had a department lunch today at Cool River at 11:30. So, instead of coming in at 11 and taking my lunch a half an hour later, I decided to come in early so the day wouldn't drag on longer than normal. Anyway, we go to lunch today and Chris and Curt were already there, sitting at the bar. They had decided to take a half day today so they could drink while we had our lunch and will be spending the rest of the day playing video games. *jealous* So, we sit at the bar, smoking it up and chit chatting, then we go and order. I ordered a grilled chicken salad, and since I'm a picky eater, I requested to have no tomatoes or cheese on my salad. Now, in my mind, you'd think it would be easier to make a plain salad as opposed to a salad pilled with random "normal" salad toppings. I do understand that they have a normal way of making salads, so it's easier to make them all the same, but it just irks me that 9 times out of 10 when I special order my salad, it ends up not being done special. So, I picked off the tomatoes, onions, and tried to get as much of the finely shredded cheese off of my salad, but was unsuccessful at removing the majority of the sticky cheese. I ate what I could, but ended up not finishing it (plus, I was not very hungry to begin with, hence the only ordering a salad). After I had gotten up to go to the bar to smoke again, the waiter comes up to me and apologized for the salad coming with toppings when I had requested otherwise (I didn't say anything about it being wrong and had to tell others to not say anything, as I don't like making a fuss and just kind of deal with things). I think he figured it out from the pile of toppings that I put on Tammy's extra plate, as well as my unfinished cheesy salad. I told him it was fine and that I'm used to it by now, but he brought out a plain salad for me, which I did appreciate. So, thanks waiter-man for trying to make it right with me. It's not very often that restaurants will acknowledge an error and remedy it without someone complaining. You're the bestest! ^_^

Now, to work on stupid MI accounts for the rest of the day and then go lay on the floor of my new, empty apartment. Why?
Because it's mine. And I can.

Music pick for the Day: "18 and Life" by Skid Row (curse you VH1 Classic Rock!) (j/k I <3 you! ^_^)
Beverage pick for the Day: Wild Cherry Pepsi
Socks for the Day: Black knee highs with big, colorful polka dots

One Week

2006-10-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

Well, today officially starts the 1 week countdown to "The Big Move" (capitalized and quoted for extra emphasis). Well, I guess technically, the apartment is mine as of the 1st and I will start moving some things that day... but the "official" start to "The Big Move" will be next Friday, when Ms. Amie will be helping me move all of my boxed belongings to the new apartment.
I should be nervous. I should be FREAKING OUT at this point. But.. not so much with the paranoid freaking out yet. Kinda happy about that. If I can avoid freaking out about something relating to "The Big Move" until at least Thursday, I will be very ^_^ (which, is me saying happy, but with ^_^, because it seems to give it that extra ^_^ that only ^_^ can bring).
Oh. And, today has been quite a good day so far. Not only did I get to eat pizza today... I got to eat FREE pizza today. Free pizza is like regular pizza, but it tastes so much better when I don't have to pay for it. The only down-side to the free pizza was that, even though I was the one who called in the order, as well as the one who ran up to get the free pizza, I didn't get to order a plain cheese pizza. :( I had to pick off all the toppings in order to have my free cheese pizza. *sigh* But, another good thing about today's free pizza is that I got to pick where it was ordered from, so I had me some delicious, almost-only-cheese, free Bob's pizza. Mmmmm... Oh, how I love when the regional managers come to visit. They feed us and that makes the Karen ^_^ (see? Again with the happy being replaced by ^_^, because "makes the Karen happy" doesn't look as cool as "makes the Karen ^_^).

Now, to go home, stay up as late as humanly possible, sleep in tomorrow, do some power packing, nap, wake up, do some more power packing, wow until 3:30am Sunday, come into work until 5am, and the go home and pass out before waking up on Sunday to pack some more... I have a feeling this weekend will be a bit of a ball sucker, but it'll be my last weekend of frantic living, so I guess it deserves to suck a little.

Music pick for the Day: "99 Luftballons" by Nena
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke (in a bottle!)
Socks for the Day: Black Halloween knee-highs with cross bones up the front and orange trim on top

The Art of Seducing... through optimism?

2006-10-27T01:34:00.000-05:00

Your Seduction Style: Au Natural

You rank up there with your seduction skills, though you might not know it.
That's because you're a natural at seduction. You don't realize your power!
The root of your natural seduction power: your innocence and optimism.

You're the type of person who happily plays around and creates a unique little world.
Little do you know that your personal paradise is so appealing that it sucks people in.
You find joy in everything - so is it any surprise that people find joy in you?

You bring back the inner child in everyone you meet with your sincere and spontaneous ways.
Your childlike (but not childish) behavior also inspires others to care for you.
As a result, those who you befriend and date tend to be incredibly loyal to you.

What Kind of Seducer Are You?

(and, it's still technically the 26th for me, so these don't count as Friday's picks)
Music pick for the Day: "Out Tonight" by Rosario Dawson (Rent)
Beverage for the Day: Apple-Cherry juice
Socks for the Day: Green and black "Wicked Girl" Halloween socks

Turtles and cable

2006-10-25T18:14:00.000-05:00

Turtles. I <3 turtles. Why? I really don't know. But, I love them even if there is no reason for it. And, I love WoW. So, what do I do when I see today that there is a turtle mount on E-Bay from the new TCG? I squeal. A lot. And then forward it to everyone so they, too, can be in awe of the awesome that is a turtle mount. But, the frakking thing sold for $400! That is insane! (although, if I had an extra $400 to blow, I'd totally buy it). But, alas, I have to save up money since in a week I will be officially on my own. And, I called today to get my electric, cable and telephone installed. But, getting the phone set up was very frustrating. I now know what customers mean when they say they hate dealing with us. I hate dealing with us, too. But, after 3 phone calls, I finally have an appointment set up for next Friday to get my cable/internet/phone installed.

WOO HOO!!

So, this post was pretty "meh" and I apologize to anyone who read it. My creativity today is being sucked away by the evil that is Michigan. Curse you Michigan, and your crazy collections! Curse you to Hades!!

Music pick for the Day: "The Internet is for Porn" by The cast from Avenue Q (MUPPETS!!)
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke
Socks for the Day: Halloween socks with ghosts all over them (to go with my "Spooky" shirt)

snooooooooze

2006-10-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

Ugh.

I hate Mondays. I hate being at work on Mondays. I hate getting out of bed on Mondays. And, I really hate feeling like poo and on the brink of getting a cold on Mondays. Mondays are, in most cases, for the lose.

Ways to make Mondays suck less:
1. Mandatory 1/2 day only at work (since it's the first day of the work week, it would ease you into getting back into the swing of work).
2. Mandatory 1/2 day would start at 1pm (so there would be plenty of time to sleep in and avoid having to get up early on Mondays).
3. Mandatory siesta time (because everyone can use a nap on Mondays).
4. Free caffinated beverages and animal crackers throughout the day (because nothing says Happy Day like Cherry Coke and edible zebras).
5. Handsome, agile Romanian man-servants to distribute said crackers and soda (and, to hand feed me animal crackers and give me massages and talk to me with sexy accents).
6. Get paid time and a half to work Mondays (for 4 hours, with an hour siesta break, 2 hour Romanian massage break, and 1/2 an hour to be fed animal crackers).

Hmmm... perhaps I should have added this to the "suggestions" section of this year's Employee Opinion Survery. I wonder if there is still time.....

Music pick for the Day: "Portions for Foxes" by Rilo Kiley
Beverage for the Day: Coke
Socks for the Day: Blue argyle knee highs

Monkey

2006-10-19T18:52:00.000-05:00

And, to finish off the day:

Happy Day

2006-10-19T14:24:00.000-05:00

Wow. Just... wow! Considering that the last month has been not the best for me, I needed a day like today to bring my spirits up!
So, I was browsing the ToD forums today, and Dru posted that Best Buy now has the Collector's Edition of The Burning Crusade on sale for pre-order. Thinking I had missed the opportunity to order this when nearly all other retailers annoucned earlier this week that they were sold out, this news made me giddy! So, I go to preorder, and realized that Scott had my debit card. So, I call home and get the card info. While talking to Scott, he tells me that I got a call today from the apartment lady: I got the apartment! I have been literally shaking for the past half an hour, just giddy as can be! Not only did I find a place to live, but I also will be getting the CE for the expansion!!!

And, if anything bad happens today to ruin my mood, I shall unleash a wrath so mighty that even God himself will cower in fear at the sight of me. Seriously.
But, for now, /happy dance.

BEST. DAY. EVAH!!!

Music pick for the Day: "Karma Slave" by Splashdown
Beverage for the Day: Spiced Black tea
Socks for the Day: pink Tinkerbell knee-highs (which, I think will be my new lucky socks)

For shame

2006-10-17T13:07:00.000-05:00

So, I decided it'd be fun to try out a quiz-thingy and post it here. Well, here I was, googling for quizzes and I came across one that got my interest: How Normal Are You? Of course, I had to take the quiz! Surely I am not normal at all! I am so anti-normal, I was destined to get a negative number! So, I proceed to take the quiz. I answer the questions, select my code for my results and:

You Are 55% Normal

While some of your behavior is quite normal...
Other things you do are downright strange
You've got a little of your freak going on
But you mostly keep your weirdness to yourself

How Normal Are You?

What? 55% normal? Life doesn't even make sense anymore!!

So, then I took quiz that said it would tell me my superhero name. AND!:

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Caped Viking
Your Superpower is Piracy
Your Weakness is Crosses
Your Weapon is Your Fungal Gun
Your Mode of Transportation is Submarine

What's your Superhero Name?

Ok. Now that makes me a little happy.

So, I find another one: What's Your Theme Song?

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC

"Back in black, I hit the sack,
I've been too long, I'm glad to be back"

Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos.
But each time you stage your comeback, it's even better than the last!

What's Your Theme Song?

\m/ >_< \m/

And, finally, I now know who I really am. Because the internet said so (although, it does speak some truth...):

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.
Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.
Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.
You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.

You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

What's Your Personality Type?

Music pick for the Day: "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke
Socks for the Day: Orange, green, purple and black striped Halloween knee-highs

Brrrr

2006-10-16T17:55:00.000-05:00

So, it's October in Wisconsin and it's a wee bit chilly out there. Last week, when the temperature dropped and we started seeing flurries, I got out my coat and scarf to help against the cold. However, over the course of the last 7 months, I've somehow managed to misplace my favorite pair of mittens. Now, this makes me a sad Karen. I love winter, I love snow, I love the cold air... but, I can't enjoy it as much, knowing my blue mittens are lost somewhere.
I shall have to start another search party tonight after work to see if Jackson and I are able to find the mittens. I... I just can't bring myself to give up hope yet. I know they are there somewhere, just waiting for me to come find them.
And find them, I shall.

Music pick for the Day: "No Sleep Tonight" by the Faders
Beverage for the Day: Water, from a virgin ecosystem at the edge of a primitive rainforest, thousands of miles from the nearest industrialized continent... (or so the label says)..
Socks for the Day: Orange, green, purple and black crazy designed Halloween socks with spiders on the ankles

Pumpkins and jello shots

2006-10-12T12:43:00.000-05:00

With it being October and Halloween drawing closer everyday, it's inevitable to have someone throw a Halloween party, at which you are expected to dress up in order to enter the door. Now, in past years, I had gone along with it, dressing as a black angel, and then as a gothic girl scout (I'm not really goth... I just really like black), but I am stumped this year as to what I should be. Part of me is almost saying "Ah, screw it! Don't go to the party! Stay home and WoW!", but then part of me is saying "Get off of the damn computer for one night and go talk to real people again!". So, I'm a bit torn. Plus, if I do go to said party, I will have a little over one week to get a costume (read: buy a costume or wear something from previous years), which I'm not too keen on at the moment.

...wait a minute... I could totally go as a character from WoW! I could be... a human! But, considering the group of people I will be with at the party, I think Myrt and I would be the only ones who would find it funny.
*sigh*

Oh, well. Back to the drawing board.
/sad Karen in snow

Music pick for the Day: "Smile" by the Gufs
Beverage for the Day: Cherry Coke
Socks for the Day: Pink, green and black striped Halloween socks (with attached pumpkins!)

Veronica!

2006-10-11T16:41:00.000-05:00

So, for the past few months, my main obsession in life has been a TV show called Veronica Mars. I have been doing my part to make sure everyone, their grandma, and their grandma's grandma watch this show. So far, I have turned at least 13 people into Veronica Mars junkies and feel all warm and fuzzy when I think about that. However, the 2nd episode of season 3 was on last night.. and I haven't watched it yet! Surely this is a sign that the end times are near. I think I almost gave Amie a heart attack today when I informed her that I had yet to watch it. But, tonight Lost is on, so I'll have yet another hour of TV to catch up on. *sigh* Perhaps I'll watch the VM tonight and then watch Lost tomorrow night on ABC.com from the comfort of my computer chair.
Also, a friend of mine suggested I watch Ugly Betty.. and I have to say it was a pretty darn good show. I will have to see if ABC has it up on their site tonight for me to watch the second episode.
AND! It's Wednesday! That means Project: Runway is on tonight, too!

... you know... I think I may watch too much TV.

Music pick for the Day: "Rebel Prince" by Rufus Wainwright
Beverage for the Day: Coke
Socks for the Day: Felix the Cat ankle socks

Troubled Times

2006-10-10T13:26:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a time in your life when nothing seems to be going as planned and that life as you know it seems to be spiraling away from you at record speed... but at the same time you can't remember the last time you were this happy? I guess it sounds a little contradictory and perhaps I am the only person who feels these mixed emotions, but if the last three weeks have taught me anything, it's that I needed to have the life that I'd been living sucked away from me so that I can once again be genuinely happy.

No more monotony. No more worry. No more questioning my worth. Now... now it's all about the unicorns.

^_^

Music pick for the Day: "Troubled Times" by Fountains of Wayne
Beverage for the Day: Mountain Dew
Socks for the Day: Red and black striped knee-highs

What are your icons? by _fallen_angel_
Name
Age
Love
Emo
Sexy
Cartoon
Funny
Random

But what if there were no peanuts?

"Always in motion is the future."

“Even nothing cannot last forever.”

That's What She Said...

It’s such a gas when you bring up the past.

Sometimes I wish for falling, wish for the release...

You might laugh, you might frown...

Set phasers to random, and let the babbling begin

Can you at all times wear socks, because I’m still scared of feet...

Please stand by...

Dear Santa: Please send boy, or keys to Australia. XOXO, Karen

You can't survive on ice cream...

Hearing the whir of the servos inside...

Cake or blerg... Um, cake, please!

Promises, promises

Bluebells and sleighbells and something with mittens...

I shall conquer this, I shall.

The Change We Need

7 Days

Have you registered to vote yet??

*insert witty comment here*

I blipped...and I liked it.

Beboping through the kitchen

...don't tell the Elf

That's...not a good sound.

"What a crazy, random happenstance!"

...balls

Make it stop!

Manilow. Strawberry Manilow.

Babies and kittens could cure cancer

Life needs more polkas...preferably in dot form

Crocodiles love skittles

I should be sleeping

Jai guru deva om

"Excuse me, is that a banana in your cart..."

Worst. Karen. Ever.

Oh, hey

I Love Arachnids

Cat Yodeling

The Banana King

Speaking of Tiffany....

Hangin' Tough

Oh, poop

I twittered...tweeted? twooted?

Do You Have a Flag???

B2

Maybe Black Mesa...

;_;

Bloggity blog blog

You Can't Take the Sky From Me

Yummy

The cake is a... little dry

That's how you know

James Dean: Actor or Philosopher?

I Hug on the First Date

Hello? Is this thing on?

...Sorry we said fuck so much

I'd have his babies

Madness??

I'm thinking I'm bored

Touch My Body

The monkeys, they don't a-do it... they make-a love

"Obi Kenobi"

Pulp

Screaming Boys

Putzy Duckie, You're the One

Wheeeeeere is Love?

WEREWOLVES!?!?!?!

Bye Bye Long Hair

Podcasts, ahoy!

Meeemorieeees

Is it over yet?

The Ninja-Monkey Collective

Two?!?!??!?!?!

("\(O.o)/")

*twitch*

....ow

Doot

"I'm sorry, is my semen bothering you?"

/happy dance

insert witty comment here

twitch

sniff

snooooooooze