What is your true element?

December 31, 2005
Well, this certainly hasn't been me lately, maybe 10 years ago:

LightYour element is Light: Innocent, beautiful,kind-hearted and pure.

You are so sweet you're almost angelic! You find joy in others' happiness and cannot stand to see anyone in pain. You want to make everyone around you feel good about themselves and if someone is upset, you can tend to become rather upset as well, which means you are sympathetic and raise others above yourself. Being as kind and good-natured as you are people have most likely hurt you in the past but you pick yourself up every time. You may look fragile but you are stronger then most tend to see. Life is beautiful no matter how you look at it and you understand that people make mistakes. Not everyone is perfect. You try to see the good in the bad which is a talent few posses. Dont ever let anyone change you. You truly have a beautiful soul inside and a heart of gold.

What feeling are you trying to hide?

HASH(0x8c25d3c)You are hiding pain!

Your heart is deeply hurt and confused. You strive to be the happy, fun-loving person you once were but fail. Something in your life may have hurt you so deeply that you cannot seem to pull yourself back together and are constantly on the verge of falling apart. You are seemingly in a sea of darkness, in search of the light.


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The Lonely
You belong in the Twilight Zone episode The Lonely,
about a murderer who is exiled to another
planet. His only company is a female robot, and
he is heartbroken when he cannot take her with
him back to earth.
I'm home. Early even.

Nativity -- a Christmas Poem by John Donne

December 25, 2005


Immensity cloistered in thy dear womb,
Now leaves His well-belov'd imprisonment,
There He hath made Himself to His intent
Weak enough, now into the world to come;
But O, for thee, for Him, hath the inn no room?
Yet lay Him in this stall, and from the Orient,
Stars and wise men will travel to prevent
The effect of Herod's jealous general doom.
Seest thou, my soul, with thy faith's eyes, how He
Which fills all place, yet none holds Him, doth lie?
Was not His pity towards thee wondrous high,
That would have need to be pitied by thee?
Kiss Him, and with Him into Egypt go,
With His kind mother, who partakes thy woe.
Man, Storm is my fave, but oh well








JEAN GREY!!!
Holy crap! You are:
Has some serious potential as a fighter, but is far too busy playing around and breaking hearts to care. I bet she's a slut, too. Oh, but she's also the Phoenix, and can ruin someone's shit at the drop of a hat. Once she learns to control it, that is.







My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:










free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 20% on Mutations
Link: The Which X-Man Are You Test written by alexium on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test







Trillian
DON'T PANIC
You are cautious as often as you are bold. An enviable balance. Your world might explode every now and again, but you were pretty much done with it anyway.







My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:










free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 64% on dentity
Link: The Hitchhiker's Guide Personality Test written by donquixotic on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

NORAD Tracks Santa 2005

December 24, 2005
Continuous Live Updates
Follow Santa Claus as he travels around the world

i just had to send this its soo cute...lol

December 23, 2005


Oh my gosh this is hilarious!!!!

===============================
Annette Sargent

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and
get used to the idea." -Robert A. Heinlein

-----Original Message-----

I just had to send this. I am very over tired and this just cracked me up!!
Happy Happy - Ho, Ho, Ho

Pet Lizard
If you have raised kids (or been one), and gone through the pet syndrome
including toilet-flush burials for dead goldfish, the story below will have you laughing out LOUD!

Overview: I had to take my son's lizard to the vet
Here's what happened:

Just after dinner one night, my son came up to tell me there was "something wrong" with one of the two lizards he holds prisoner in his room.
"He's just lying there looking sick," he told me. "I'm serious,Dad. Can
you help?"
I put my best lizard-healer statement on my face and followed him into his
bedroom. One of the little lizards was indeed lying on his back,looking stressed. I immediately knew what to do.

"Honey," I called, "come look at the lizard!"
"Oh my gosh," my wife diagnosed after a minute. "She's having babies."

"What?" my son demanded. "But their names are Bert and Ernie, Mom!" I was equally outraged.

"Hey, how can that be? I thought we said we didn't want them to reproduce," I accused my wife.

"Well, what do you want me to do, post a sign in their cage?" she inquired. (I actually think she said this sarcastically!)

"No, but you were supposed to get two boys!" I reminded her, in my most
loving, calm, sweet voice, while gritting my teeth together).

"Yeah, Bert and Ernie!" my son agreed.

"Well, it's just a little hard to tell on some guys, you know," she informed me. (again with the sarcasm, you think?)

By now the rest of the family had gathered to see what was going on. I shrugged, deciding to make the best of it

"Kids, this is going to be a wondrous experience, I announced. "We're about to witness the miracle of birth."

Oh, gross!" they shrieked.

"Well, isn't THAT just great! What are we going to do with a litter of tiny little lizard babies?" my wife wanted to know. (I really do think she was being snotty here, too. Don't you?)

We peered at the patient. After much tiny foot would appear briefly, vanishing a scant second later.

"We don't appear to be making much progress," I noted.

"It's breech," my wife whispered, horrified.

"Do something, Dad!" my son urged.
"Okay, okay." Squeamishly, I reached in and grabbed the foot when it next
appeared, giving it a gingerly tug. It disappeared. I tried several more
times with the same results.

"Should I call 911," my eldest daughter wanted to know. "Maybe they could talk us through the trauma." (You see a pattern here with the females in my house?)
"Let's get Ernie to the vet," I said grimly. We drove to the vet with my son
holding the cage in his lap. "Breathe, Ernie, breathe," he urged.

"I don't think lizards do Lamaze," his mother noted to him. (Women can be so cruel to their own young. I mean what she does to me is one thing, but this boy is of her womb, for God's sake.)

The Vet took Ernie back to the examining room and peered at the little animal through a magnifying glass.

"What do you think, Doc, a C-section?" I suggested scientifically.

"Oh, very interesting," he murmured. "Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, may I speak to you privately for a moment?" I gulped, nodding for my son to step outside.

"Is Ernie going to be okay?" my wife asked.

"Oh, perfectly," the Vet assured us. "This lizard is not in labor. In fact, that isn't EVER going to happen... Ernie is a boy. You see, Ernie is a young male. And occasionally, as they come into maturity, like most male species, they um.....um....masturbate. Just the way he did, lying on his back." He blushed, glancing at my wife. "Well, you know what I'm saying, Mr. Cameron.."

We were silent, absorbing this.

"So Ernie's just...just... excited," my wife offered.

"Exactly," the vet replied, relieved that we understood.

More silence. Then my vicious, cruel wife started to giggle. And giggle. And then even laugh loudly.

"What's so funny?" I demanded, knowing, but not believing that the woman I
married would commit the upcoming affront to my flawless manliness.

Tears were now running down her face.. "It's just...that...I'm picturing you pulling on its... its...teeny little...." she gasped for more air to bellow in laughter once more.

"That's enough," I warned. We thanked the Vet and hurriedly bundled the lizards and our son back into the car. He was glad everything was going to be okay.

"I know Ernie's really thankful for what you've done, Dad," he told me.

"Oh, you have NO idea," my wife agreed, collapsing with laughter.

2 - Lizards - $140...

1 - Cage - $50...

Trip to the Vet - $30...

Memory of your husband pulling on a lizard's wacker .....
Priceless

Bush to Sign Bill Banning Mistreatment - Yahoo! News

December 22, 2005
"WASHINGTON - President Bush is expected to sign a voluminous defense bill that requires the humane treatment of foreign terrorism suspects and rebukes some of his wartime policies.

On a voice vote, the Senate late Wednesday approved the bill setting Pentagon policy, sending it to the president's desk for his signature. The House passed the legislation Monday.
The Bush administration initially threatened to veto any bill limiting how the United States detains, interrogates or prosecutes terror suspects.

But last week, Bush reluctantly endorsed the ban on cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of foreign detainees amid pressure from the Republican-controlled Congress and U.S. allies."

Relunctantly??????????

word for the day

December 21, 2005
"confrere: a colleague, comrade, or intimate associate."

I need more of these. Or of the ones that I have, more time to talk.

FW: Deep Thoughts...

Deep thoughts ...from the shallow end of the pool...

   1.  Save the whales.  Collect the whole set.

   2.  A day without sunshine is like...night.

   3.  On the other hand, you have different fingers.

   4.  42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

   5.  99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

   6.  Remember, half the people you know are below average.

   7.  He who laughs last thinks slowest.

   8.  Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

   9.  The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

10.  Support bacteria.  They're the only culture some people have.

11.  A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

12.  Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

13.  If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.

14.  How many of you believe in psychokinesis?  Raise my hand.

15.  OK, so what's the speed of dark?

16.  When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

17.  Hard work pays off in the future.  Laziness pays off now.

18.  Every one has a photographic memory.  Some just don't have film.

19.  How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

20.  Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

21.  What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

22.  I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.

23.  Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?

24.  Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.

25.  Just remember, if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off.

26.  Light travels faster than sound.  That is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

27.  Life isn't like a box of chocolates.... it's more like a jar of jalapeños.  What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow

FW: MY WISH FOR YOU

Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New Year

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles-

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size
pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is
smiling on you,
holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to
appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget .
It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry and
that you've probably forgotten your friends.

Take the time!

Hugs From Your Friend!
And God Bless!

Core Dump

Garden of Gethsemane
Last night my husband prayed over me and our marriage for 45 minutes, out loud. He probably would have continued pouring his heart out if I hadn’t ... umm, snored. It’s funny and not at the same time. The Garden of Gethsemane came to us at the same time, but I am sorry, midnight comes around and I am usually out. Unless I have something that totally captivates my attention. And he had my attention and I was praying silently (if the prayer of a righteous man availeth much, what about the prayer of an unrepentant sinner?) and everything was copacetic till I put my head on his lap. About 5 minutes later I was probably out. Something about being still, let alone lying down. So he stopped, woke me up, I looked at the clock and told him how long he had been praying. He was surprised too. And still desired to pray more. I had to, sadly, tell him to stop pushing. My heart is hard enough. Sometimes I can feel it getting harder. I’m trying to maintain some sort of twisted balance, but a balance that won’t push me over to hating and resenting him.

Dinner Date
A friend had a dinner date last night. Sort of a blind date. I am dying to know how it went. But he doesn’t kiss and tell. Not many gentlemen like that around these days. And who have such nosy friends as me. Sigh maybe I will find out later.

Random Stuff
Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain. It’s pouring and the sky is almost black, the house is cold, but Joy is laying on my lap watching George Shrinks as I write this. Yes, my lap is crowded. I’m planning on doing Christmas cookies, and shortbread, and maybe fudge and blondies if I can get off my ass. I have not much motivation. Lots of great ideas, no desire to implement them. Grrr, Josh left the front door open. And darnit, my computer has frozen and required a reboot TWICE this morning!!!! It’s getting frustrating. Especially when I am actually trying to do real work. And now there seems to be a bug in our Christmas tree …

Back to trying to motivate myself ……
   

junkie revealed

The silence is deafening. Kinda good, kinda bad. I’m always looking for something to keep me busy, occupied. I am not good at being still. I fidget a lot more than I used to. Today we had our first counseling session. First time I have ever been in one. I AM screwed up nine ways from Sunday. Lots of issues, one may be ADHD. And addiction, two things that have come up recently from other people who suffer from similar issues. At least there’s a reason I’m nutzoid. I thought it was just me being irresponsible. Which isn’t to say that I shouldn’t change my behavior, but the counselor wants to work on the roots of some of my problems, especially the addiction one. That’s a biggie right now.

Man Dates Gal on Internet for 6 months and it turns out to be his mother!

December 18, 2005
By Grace Green

MARSEILLES, France -- Skirt-chasing playboy Daniel Anceneaux spent weeks talking with a sensual woman on the Internet before arranging a romantic rendezvous at a remote beach -- and discovering that his on-line sweetie of six months was his own mother!

"I walked out on that dark beach thinking I was going to hook up with the girl of my dreams," the rattled bachelor later admitted. "And there she was, wearing white shorts and a pink tank top, just like she'd said she would.

"But when I got close, she turned around -- and we both got the shock of our lives. I mean, I didn't know what to say. All I could think was, 'Oh my God! it's Mama!' "

But the worst was yet to come. Just as the mortified mother and son realized the error of their ways, a patrolman passed by and cited them for visiting a restricted beach after dark.

"Danny and I were so flustered, we blurted out the whole story to the cop," recalled matronly mom Nicole, 52. "The policeman wrote a report, a local TV station got hold of it -- and the next thing we knew, our picture and our story was all over the 6 o'clock news. "People started pointing and laughing at us on the street -- and they haven't stopped laughing since."

The girl-crazy X-ray technician said he began flirting with normally straitlaced Nicole -- who lives six miles away in a Marseilles suburb -- while scouring the Internet for young ladies to put a little pizzazz in his life.
[snip] - read the rest on Yahoo!

Christmas Poems

One of the earliest poets included is John Donne who was born in 1572 and is represented by one of his Christmas poems called the "Nativity". The most famous poet listed is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and two of his finest Christmas poems have therefore been included. The titles of these Christmas poems are topically called "Christmas Bells" and "The Three Kings". We have two authors better known perhaps for the their larger literary works - G. K. Chesterton who is one of the several famous authors who have increased the number of Christmas poems entitled "A Christmas Carol". The other literary genius is Hans Christian Anderson whose short story "The Little Match Seller" is included as it is very short and would be almost criminal not to include on any site focussing on Christmas poems and its associated literature.

Duty vs love Love vs Duty

Talk about being torn. My heart is in my throat, and I can’t decide to be angry or scared or obedient. I don’t deal well with ultimatums. I tend to buck against them and do the exact opposite of the behavior demanded. I’ll call your bluff. And in the last week I have gotten them from both sides. The ones who gave the ultimatums would probably disagree with my choice of words, but both have said “me or him”, in no uncertain terms. With one, I lose everything, with the other, the possibility of everything. I feel like a rabbit caught by a pack of ravening wolves. Usually I am the wolf on the prowl, this time I am the prey. I don’t like this feeling. (I know Thea, feelings can’t be trusted), but right now, they have me absolutely paralyzed. Cuz, well, this is NOT a win-win situation. And calling either one’s bluff means giving into the others ultimatum.

This morning, I got sucker-punched. Again and again and again. I once told my DH that I never want to know if he has an affair. I just didn’t want to know. This morning I got to feel why. I can understand another friend’s post about sexual sin made her sick to her stomach. I felt about ready to roll over and die. And oh god, the fear. And I swear I am transported back 12 years. It hurts so much. I have walls higher than the Great Wall of China. I thought I was dealing with someone where I could leave a gate open, he had walls high and thick enough for the both of us. Big mistake. I forgot how much love could hurt. I didn’t even realize how big a hole had been torn in my wall till it started hurting. And he knows every g**damn way to hurt me. Does lust hurt like this?  To clarify: no, my DH has not had an affair. But my lover is considering one. It’s not really an affair since we haven’t made a commitment to each other. But OMG, the thought of him in the arms of another woman – this is me keeling over from the shock, the pain, the sense of …. For lack of a better word betrayal. And this is probably how my DH feels. What a fucked up triangle, eh?

The logical part of me is saying “Do NOT put up with this bullshit! If he loves you, he wouldn’t treat you this way”


And after a little more conversation, I know why I keep my walls up. It hurts less. It doesn’t hurt at all when they are good and strong.

Joy likes to sing

December 17, 2005
I wish I had gotten the second part of the song. She started improvising verses. Who let the lion out ROWR/Who let the cat out *meow*/Who let my animals out (all sorts of animal sounds).

Joy's Abridged Version of Empire Strikes Back








Mystic Theurge
33% Combativeness, 43% Sneakiness, 73% Intellect, 69% Spirituality
Brilliant and spiritual! You are a Mystic Theurge!
Score! You have a prestige class. A prestige class can only be taken after you’ve fulfilled certain requirements. This may mean that you’re an exceptionally talented person, but it probably doesn't.
The Mystic Theurge is a combination of a cleric and a mage. They can cast both arcane and divine spells, and are good at both, making them pretty terrifying on the battlefield. They have more raw spellpower than just about any other class.
You're both intelligent and faithful, but not violent or deceitful. I guess that makes you a pretty good person.







My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:



















free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 36% on Combativeness





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 68% on Sneakiness





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 61% on Intellect





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 88% on Spirituality
Link: The RPG Class Test written by MFlowers on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

My li'l baller

Rededication & Flowers

December 16, 2005
Flowers go a long way. 18 red roses go a little bit further =)

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for is it not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to belive the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

The drama continues to unfold, but Tim got me 18 long-stemmed red roses tonight (because he wanted to!) and a beautiful card, and some of my favorite cookies. He has always had a talent with picking cards. I think I am going to like this courting thing. Things have disintegrated to the beginning, or maybe past the beginning. And I am still unrepentant. Don’t know why. Probably because of all the stubborn bones in my body. There are quite a few. The above underlined phrases are where I have been especially unloving. I would love to use the excuse that I am only human, and I am. But I was selfish, self-serving, and well, my patience ran out. I wasn’t exactly resentful, though in the past 6 weeks that feeling has surfaced. I felt unloved and went seeking consolation. Found it in the darndest of places. Pursued it despite warnings of good friends and common sense. It feels so good to be paid attention to, and shown love, and to know that someone loved me for me. And it’s easy to return love in that environment. Sabe? Unfortunately, we both know that it will take a lot more than some flowers and a card to fix things, but it’s a very good start. Tomboy that I am, I expect the man that I married to remember that I am a woman. Not to mention the mother of the apple of his eye.  

Oi-Vey!!!! Look at the time, we have an at-home date in an hour and I still have to clean. I hate cleaning. Once I get a job I am going to hire a maid.

Right now I am listening to this album and a few by Acapella and Keith Green. Track#2 is playing. Yeah, I need prayer and then some.

1. Heavenly Father - Cece Winans
2. Anybody Wanna Pray - Cece Winans
3. Say A Prayer - Cece Winans
4. More Than What I Wanted - Cece Winans
5. Looking Back At You - Cece Winans
6. More Than Just A Friend - Cece Winans
7. No One - Cece Winans
8. For Love Alone - Cece Winans
9. Bring Back The Days Of Yea and Nay - Cece Winans
10. Out My House - Cece Winans
11. Holy Spirit, Come Fill This Place - Cece Winans
12. It's Gonna Get Better - Cece Winans
13. Better Place - Cece Winans


Fake it till ya make it

What do you do when you just don’t care anymore? Do you keep doing the right thing, hoping that care and concern will eventually catch up with your actions? I’m not a very good actress, so “Fake it till ya make it” has never worked well for me. I prefer to feel and do things from true (enough?) motives. Like helping little old ladies, I do that because I respect them, see a place where I can be useful and want to. That desire to do a good thing means so much to me. When I do things half-heartedly, you can tell. They’re half-assed too. Nothing like enthusiasm to truly make a difference.

Like, as a child I never made the commitment to be a Christian because I didn’t want to go to hell. I mean, why say something if it’s just to avoid punishment? I should have made the commitment when I was six and not able to play devil’s advocate with myself, let alone question my motives or anyone else’s. When you are six, your motives are true, you only dissimilate to keep from getting a spanking (

That may be part of my problem. I’m a fence-sitter. But I am a matter-of-fact fence-sitter. Except for when I am PMSing, I deal with things fairly matter-of-factly. I like to analyze feelings and motives, to try to get to the bottom of things. … more later, mommy duties abound.

Dont go breaking my heart

December 15, 2005
Right now I am listening to the soundtrack for Ella Enchanted. Mainly because it’s upbeat great dance (and cleaning music). And having some fun dancing with and watching my daughter dance and make up her own lyrics (something about Tummy Yummies and Clifford and other PBSKids shows). But the first song, upbeat as it is, really fits some of the things that have been going on.  And now I really should get to cleaning. Don’t laugh if you happen to catch a few frames of me dancing.

Samurai Swords - Wakizashi

December 14, 2005
"The wakizashi was also used to perform seppuku, the ritual suicide of a member of the warrior class who felt he or she was living with great shame, from disappointing one's master or from being humiliated in a number of other ways.
The following description is graphic and certainly not for the squeamish. Please do not allow children to read it.

The samurai, when asked to, or granted permission to, commit seppuku, would kneel in the traditional manner with his wakizashi at his side. He would take the short sword from it's saya and thrust it deeply into his own torso, cutting himself open vertically. He would then continue on his ritual, in spite of the pain, by cutting once more horizontally across the original wound. The samurai, having disemboweled himself, will have then died an honourable death. It was permissible to have a close friend or trusted ally to act as a second, meaning that he or she would stand behind the samurai and strike his head off with the katana after the first cut had been made. If a female samurai were to commit seppuku, she would only cut her own throat, a much simpler and cleaner ritual. "
This seems appropiate at times. I guess it's a good thing I'm not Japanese. and don't have any swords ...

word for the day

paladin: a champion of a cause.

The Lord works in mysterious ways

Can I gripe at the Lord? I called the most selfish person I know. And was told to get my head out of my ass. How can that be????? I stared at the sky and made faces at the Lord and accusations like “How could you???”. I don’t want to get my head out of my ass!!! I don’t want to do my part!!!! Yeah, yeah, I know I should. But to have the most immature, selfish person I know tell me to swallow my pride, be loving, subservient, whatever it takes.  How can everyone else see that he’s a good man? From Day 1 people have been telling me that. Here’s my problem, I know it, have always known it, but it doesn’t and hasn’t ever done anything for me. Nothing, nada, zilch fact that he’s a good enough man to swallow his pride to take care of me and my son, when no one else wanted to...  Maybe I do need to join a convent, or get with an asshole. Or get my head out of my ass. Give me time, I’ll get there eventually.

Run Away

December 13, 2005
There’s a 80s or 90s song and the chorus is going through my head, something about running away. I want to run away from myself, from my husband and family, from everything. I can barely cope. Today, I’m staying home, for the safety factor. If I got in the car, who knows what I would do. Something responsible most likely. Or at least predictable. One of my friends last night called me very predictable. So predictable in fact that he is pretty sure that I am going to separate from my husband and that will eventually lead to divorce. I really just want to get away from it all and everyone. Have a little peace and quiet so I can truly evaluate things. I don’t even know who I am anymore; let alone who I want to be. Just for a little while. I know there is no out. Not under God. But can’t I just have a little break? Just for a few days (or weeks), or until things are a little more under control? Till I can face reality with a little more composure and clarity. Everyone is basically telling me to get my head out of my ass, but I can’t. I just can’t.

Another friend suggests that while I am doing all this thinking, I am just changing the outcome. My inaction, or delayed action, changes the outcome. Part of me is frozen by fear and confusion. How did it get this bad (this fast?) How did I let myself get involved in something so detrimental? I thought I was smarter, more aware. Or maybe my masochist is tricking me. Ugh, here I go again, feeling sick as all get out. Time to go get Josh.

What 80s song are you?

I Melt With You
You're "Melt With You" by Modern English.

I'm not even sure if I remember this song ....

AdultADD.com - What is Adult ADD?

ACK!!!! It's me! sort of. well, a lot. don't come over to my house and don't ask me to find anything important. and here i am procrastinating again. Well, I need to talk to my doc anyways. I'll just have to remember to bring this up too.

Symptoms commonly associated with Adult ADD include:
Lack of focus
Disorganization
Restlessness
Difficulty finishing projects
Losing things

These symptoms interfere with success at work and get in the way at home or with friends. Many adults do not realize that they have Adult ADD until their own child is diagnosed with the disorder. Only then do they recognize the pattern of problems they have faced since childhood. They are relieved that there is a name for the frustration they have felt all their lives, and there are therapies and treatments designed to help."

Random internal dialogue

what is it with men who put their own desires on you???? but that's another rant about men who think they are all that and think you should think that too. and that you should sleep with them because they are all that.

I've been comparing myself to a cat since I was a teenager, mainly in how they express affection and like to receive affection. *head butt*paw* scratch* pay attention to me dammit!!! Oh yeah, ears, chin, maybe belly if you are really good .... there I go digressing. Oh wait! i can do that in this one. I have never been good at stream of consciousness writing. I'm always aware of my audience and try to stay on topic, whatever the topic may be.

Today's topic is ME!!! See that bit up there about me being narcissistic. I am really really really internal right now. If I step out of me, I see it's disgusting and selfish, and not the usual me. But that;s where i am right now. All about me. I'm selfish and demanding, and recently very untrustworthy, and lazy, and selfish (oh darn, did I mention that already) and the super-sad-disturbing part is that I know all this and I don't care. I can't seem to get up the gumption to change. i don't want to change. everyone around me is telling me what to do and how to do it, maybe knowing or not knowing that I know all this already, but my heart isn't in it. Sometimes I am terribly sad, and other times, just ... shut down. I'm vacillating between complete nervous breakdown and shutting down and out everything emotional. I've done both before. You think i'm nuts now???!!!??? I think i am nuts now. I haven't been this unstable in years, and that took something traumatic happening. I was between relationships, did something stupid, tried to fix it, and went nuts. Then I did it again 9 months later!!! Though that was for the love of a man. NOTE: any man that asks you to betray yourself is NOT worth keeping. Not to mention he dumped me a year later. Then I went through some seriously self-destructive behavior. Moved up here, had to grow up a little more, and stopped the behavior. well, that and there were no enablers up here. Fast forward 6 years. Somehow, I find myself in the place where i was about 8 or 9 years ago. Ready to go nuts and all self-destructive. and it's taking all my resolve not to do that, not to self destruct. there's more at stake now and I have a sense of responsibility. that's what's keeping me from going absolutely bonkers. the masochist in me Really really really really really wants out -- just to see what would happen. The masochist would like to see exactly how bad things can get. I mean, come on, how many people can you hurt? How badly can you hurt them? and then .... is your tongue, motives, heart good enough to regain all that trust, in record time no less, and make it all better? Can you hit bottom and then make it all better?

So, it wants to destroy me and has issued a challenge. and, oh, how i love a good challenge. but then, there is knowing when not to listen, when to walk away, etc. how do you walk away from the voice in your head?


OKCupid Personality Test

December 12, 2005
This is not encouraging ....

Underappreciated
The Battleaxe
Deliberate Brutal Love Master (DBLMf)

Sharp. Hardened. Dominating. The Battleaxe sweeps all before her, smiting and what not.

You've had a number of serious relationships, so you obviously have many attractive qualities. You're well experienced in dealing with other people's weirdnesses, and it's likely you're good in bed by now, too. Also, like the drunken housewife chucking Heinekens at her no-good husband, you've got a lot of energy.

People can tell you're sophisticated, and so you find yourself the object of infatuations quite often. But it's how you handle yourself in your relationships that gets you the 'brutal' tag. Controlling? Imperious? Overbearing? Yes, please.

Remarkably, you don't mind the same from your men. You've experience enough to take whatever you dish out. Overall, you're a very good person and a capable lover, and when the time comes you'll make a fine divorcee.


ALWAYS AVOID: The Poolboy

CONSIDER: The False Messiah, someone just like you.

Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating

I feel better now

I give you
SARAH CYNTHIA SYLVIA STOUT
by Shel Silverstein


Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout
Would not take the garbage out.
She'd wash the dishes and scrub the pans
Cook the yams and spice the hams,
And though her parents would scream and shout,
She simply would not take the garbage out.
And so it piled up to the ceiling:
Coffee grounds, potato peelings,
Brown bananas and rotten peas,
Chunks of sour cottage cheese.
It filled the can, it covered the floor,
It cracked the windows and blocked the door,
With bacon rinds and chicken bones,
Drippy ends of ice cream cones,
Prune pits, peach pits, orange peels,
Gloppy glumps of cold oatmeal,
Pizza crusts and withered greens,
Soggy beans, and tangerines,
Crusts of black-burned buttered toast,
Grisly bits of beefy roast.
The garbage rolled on down the halls,
It raised the roof, it broke the walls,
I mean, greasy napkins, cookie crumbs,
Blobs of gooey bubble gum,
Cellophane from old bologna,
Rubbery, blubbery macaroni,
Peanut butter, caked and dry,
Curdled milk, and crusts of pie,
Rotting melons, dried-up mustard,
Eggshells mixed with lemon custard,
Cold French fries and rancid meat,
Yellow lumps of Cream of Wheat.
At last the garbage reached so high
That finally it touched the sky,
And none of her friends would come to play,
And all of her neighbors moved away;
And finally, Sarah Cynthia Stout
Said, "Okay, I'll take the garbage out!"
But then, of course it was too late,
The garbage reached across the state,
From New York to the Golden Gate;
And there in the garbage she did hate
Poor Sarah met an awful fate
That I cannot right now relate
Because the hour is much too late
But children, remember Sarah Stout,
And always take the garbage out.

My garbage was starting to look like that. I mentioned to a friend that my house is a reflection of my marriage. You can just guess. But I feel better now after cleaning the bathroom. The Tower of Garbage is gone, the floor swept and mopped and the toilet cleaned. It looks and smells so much better. I can sleep now. Well, I could if I hadn't drank two cups of coffee. Man, that International Coffee stuff is good! and all for the cost of a mocha at Starbuck's. I just need to ... darn, lost my thought. I drank the white chocolate tonight. Tastes pretty good, I tend to forget that it's caffeinated. But that's about all that I have drunk so far in the last few days .... must eat food.

CT at the Movies: Aslan Roars into Theaters

December 10, 2005
Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, December 09, 2005

 Aslan Roars into Theaters
The long wait has ended. Aslan has bounded into your local cineplex in all of his big-screen glory. Well, most of his glory, anyway. More on that in a moment.

We've given 3½ stars to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the cinematic adaptation of C.S. Lewis's beloved children's book. We like the movie a lot, and as Jeffrey Overstreet's review notes, it is a "delightful fantasy" and "an admirable success." Indeed, it's a visual feast and a rollicking adventure for the whole family, a well-done movie that remains reasonably faithful to the book.

It's that "reasonably faithful" part that kept us from giving it the 4 stars we had hoped it would deserve. The children—especially Georgie Henley as wide-eyed Lucy—are marvelous, and the White Witch, though given a bit more power than in the book, is played splendidly by Tilda Swinton. But Aslan, the central figure in the story, is somewhat diminished.

USA Today gives Narnia 3 stars (out of 4), referring to Aslan as the "kindly lion who sacrifices himself." Perhaps unintentionally, USA Today has nailed it by referring to him as a "kindly" lion—and not a "kingly" one. He looks great; the CGI animators did a brilliant job with him. But as Jeffrey notes in our review, the filmmakers have "severely altered Aslan's presence and power."

For example, when the Pevensie children first learn about Aslan from Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, they're supposed to hear that he's a king, and that he's even a bit dangerous: "'Course he's not safe. But he's good," Mr. Beaver says in the book. But those lines are inexplicably omitted in the film. (Mr. Tumnus utters a variation of the "not safe but good" line at the end of the film, but by then, what's the point?)

Jeffrey's review notes that the scriptwriters "consistently skirt the issue of Aslan's authority, eliminating most references to his history, power, and influence. Aslan's father, the Emperor-beyond-the-sea, is never mentioned. Instead, the lion waxes philosophical like Obi-Wan Kenobi, mentioning the Deep Magic that 'governs' his 'destiny.' Huh?"

Huh indeed.

Valid criticisms, for sure, but they don't ruin the film by any means. People who haven't read the book should love the film, and those who have embraced the book for years—I think I've read it 25 times—will still find much to enjoy.

We encourage you to go see Narnia for yourself, and then let us know what you think. We might compile reader comments into an article to run next week.

Also on the Narnia front, executive producer Perry Moore, a self-professed Narnia geek, says the movie is a lifelong dream come true. Check out my interview with Moore, who challenges moviegoers to find a more faithful book adaptation on film than this one. And if you haven't seen any previews for the movie—or you're just hankering for more—see the 9-minute "supertrailer" we reported in Reel News.

Finally, Narnia is great discussion fodder for the whole family. Our Resources department has put together a terrific Bible study based on the film, the latest in an excellent series of Movie Discussion Guides.

In non-Narnia news (yes, there is some!), we've reviewed the new political thriller Syriana, though it's not as politically explosive as the mainstream media might suggest. Film Forum rounds up what other Christian critics are saying about Charlize Theron in Aeon Flux, and a few more movies. And finally, check out our two latest Movie Discussion Guides on Kingdom of Heaven and X-Men.

See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Mark Moring
Online Managing Editor/Music & Film

P.S. A drama documentary on the life of C.S. Lewis will be shown on the Hallmark Channel tonight at 8 p.m. (Eastern). The special is directed by Norman Stone, who also helmed the acclaimed BBC TV production of Shadowlands in 1985.

To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com

[snip] You can probably read the newsletter at the Christianity Today website.
December 8, 2005
I have no motivation. I am so used to talking to one particular person, having him available. And now I can't. And there is so much to do. I'm in limbo. Someone give me a push so I can get rolling ... rolling, downhill. Everything downhill. Gee, maybe I should get on some meds. Not being able to talk to someone shouldn't be this bad. Why don't i feel this bad when i don't talk to God? prolly because I don't have such intimate conversations as i did with CWSC.

what a PIA! I know this is right, but it feels ... blah. I want my cake and to eat it too. It's like being a diabetic, making a luscious poundcake, and then watching it get wasted because I can't eat it.

mmmm coffee

[Caution, this post has some icky stuff in it]



So, this morning I woke up kinda horny, but I wasn't wet, my period had started!!! So, in a way, I was wet, just not the way that I could wake up my hubby and say, "Come on hunny, time for a quickie". So, since I was up and semi-functional I decided to go to the grocery store to get some instant coffee. General Mills International, good stuff. Swiss Mocha and White Chocolate. mmmmm.

Ah, and now the cramps begin. The one thing I hate about being female. Why does NOT getting pregnant hurt so much? I mean, the childbearing is supposed to hurt (To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children."Gen 3:16a), but all the times when you aren't pregnant too? That's just not fair!!!

Back to coffee and starting the day.

What flavor of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream are you?

December 7, 2005
A one question meme that actually has me pegged, I think ....

You Are Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream

You just don't know when you've had enough (or too much)!

Some Megachurches Closing for Christmas

December 6, 2005
My one immediate response to this bull-pucky is HELLO!!! What about feeding those others who ENJOY the fellowship of their church family??? The church is about believers as much as the "unchurched". And yes, our small church is having one service that day, a little later than usual, and there probably will be a small turnout, but hey, what's 2 hours out of the whole day?


"This Christmas, no prayers will be said in several megachurches around the country. Even though the holiday falls this year on a Sunday, when churches normally host thousands for worship, pastors are canceling services, anticipating low attendance on what they call a family day.

Critics within the evangelical community, more accustomed to doing battle with department stores and public schools over keeping religion in Christmas, are stunned by the shutdown.
It is almost unheard of for a Christian church to cancel services on a Sunday, and opponents of the closures are accusing these congregations of bowing to secular culture.

'This is a consumer mentality at work: `Let's not impose the church on people. Let's not make church in any way inconvenient,'' said David Wells, professor of history and systematic theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a leading evangelical school in Hamilton, Mass. 'I think what this does is feed into the individualism that is found throughout American culture, where everyone does their own thing.'

The churches closing on Christmas plan multiple services in the days leading up to the holiday, including on Christmas Eve. Most normally do not hold Christmas Day services, preferring instead to mark the holiday in the days and night before. However, Sunday worship has been a Christian practice since ancient times.

Cally Parkinson, a spokeswoman for Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., said church leaders decided that organizing services on a Christmas Sunday would not be the most effective use of staff and volunteer resources. The last time Christmas fell on a Sunday was 1994, and only a small number of people showed up to pray, she said.

"If our target and our mission is to reach the unchurched, basically the people who don't go to church, how likely is it that they'll be going to church on Christmas morning?" she said.

and so it begins

So, I let Joy watch too much TV. It's a sad fact. But she is turning into quite the cinephile. This morning's choice (beating out reading to her dolls and Sesame Street) is .... drumroll please, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". She's laying on the couch watching it contentedly.

Wizards Of Winter Video on Metacafe

December 4, 2005
You might want to turn the volume down a little, or up if you *really really* like TSO.

What Star Wars Character are you?

December 3, 2005
I took it again, I couldn't help myself. I can't beleive I rate as Chewie? Can you??? So, I take it again, and guess what -- I'm Chewie again!!!!! Only edgier!!! *sigh*
=====================

Chewbacca
You scored 37% airiness, 73% squishiness, and 42% edginess!

According to our patented JawamaticTM technology, you are most like Chewbacca in personality.


Chewbacca epitomises the idea of a "gentle giant" -- someone whose stature is intimidating but who is actually very kind and caring. In many ways he's very similar to Han Solo, his best friend, but he's much more comfortable with his emotions.


Chewie is, in a word, sweet.


(The polar opposite of Chewbacca is Darth Vader.)


The eight profiles are as follows:




My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:





free online datingfree online dating

You scored higher than 25% on airiness






free online datingfree online dating

You scored higher than 86% on squishiness






free online datingfree online dating

You scored higher than 50% on edginess

The Star Wars Personality Test written by MiguelSanchez on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test
December 2, 2005







Chewbacca
You scored 37% airiness, 57% squishiness, and 15% edginess!

According to our patented JawamaticTM technology, you are most like Chewbacca in personality.


Chewbacca epitomises the idea of a "gentle giant" -- someone whose stature is intimidating but who is actually very kind and caring. In many ways he's very similar to Han Solo, his best friend, but he's much more comfortable with his emotions.


Chewie is, in a word, sweet.


(The polar opposite of Chewbacca is Darth Vader.)


The eight profiles are as follows:









My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
















free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 25% on airiness





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 64% on squishiness





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 6% on edginess
Link: The Star Wars Personality Test written by MiguelSanchez on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

AngusClark.com

December 1, 2005
AngusClark.com Home Page of Angus Clark: "Had a great day off in Portland! Went to Jake's Crawfish and ate a great meal.

Ready to get down to business, it's really starting to feel like the holidays!

Angus"


He's the cutie of the band :) Cut his hair and went brown, but still, that smile *sigh*. We had floor seats last night and he and Phoebe (violinist with as much energy as my 3-yr-old, if not more!) were close enough to touch! They came down into the audience and then got on a platform that raised up. The platform seemed only about 4 or 5 rows behind us. It was soooooooooooo cool! Can we do it again? I love live music, especially when the musicians really get into it.

Anna Phoebe - Downloads

Too bad blogger doesn't do tags like LJ ... ah well. Add this under TSO Stuff. This song is a blast.

WHEDONesque : Browse by category : Firefly&Serenity

Cool fan site. All things Joss Whedon. Membership is closed though *pout*

Serenity Role Playing Game

Kick ass!!!!! I would play this. Not to mention that I have read most of Ms. Weis' books ...... I guess she broke away from TSR/WoTC.

Amazon.com: Serenity Role Playing Game: Books: "Here's How It Is --
The Earth got used up, and we found a new solar system and used terraforming technology to create hundreds of new Earths. The central planets formed the Alliance and decided that all worlds should unite under their rule. There was some disagreement on that point. After the Unification War, many of the Independents who had fought and lost drifted to the edges of the system, far from Alliance control. Out here, people struggled to get by with the most basic technologies. A ship would bring you work, a gun would help you keep it. A captain's goal was simple: find a crew, find a job, keep flying.

The Serenity Role Playing Game lets you re-create the action of the 'Verse, the science-fiction setting created by writer/director Joss Whedon. Fly a ship out in the black, take jobs as they come, and always make sure you get paid. Everything you need to get started is right here! All you need is dice, friends, and your imagination.

? A self-contained role playing game. All the rules are provided for both players and Game Masters!
? Full character creation rules, plus fifteen sample characters --including the crew of Serenity.
? Complete details on spaceships, guns, and technology.
? Emphasis on story, action, and character development with easy-to-learn rules.
? Game details and descriptions of the characters and settings of the film!

From the Publisher
Margaret Weis Productions, Ltd. is a game publisher and book packaging company founded and managed by Margaret Weis, who has over two decades of experience best-selling novels and games. The company is based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin -- the birthplace of the roleplaying game hobby."

Look what my hunny did for me :) It's a one of a kind creation, and no, you can't have it. Go make your own.

SW addict redux

Nope, SW II it is. She doesn't like the little kid Anakin apparently (he doesn't show up soon enough for her tastes) -- and Ep. II has something I doesn't, lots of footage of Yoda.

star wars addict

So, it's freezing outside and kind of a "pajammies day". After scarfing down my breakfast my daughter announces that she is going to watch Star Wars. As I get the toddler that I watch cleaned up from breakfast, she gets the DVD, inserts it into the player, uses a chair to get the DVD remote and settles in to watch. I ask "Star Wars I?" and she answers "NO, Star Wars II. Star Wars II, Star Wars II" starting to croon it. And now she is telling the toddler "SHHHHH!"

Though, reading the beginning lines, I was right, it's episode I. There's just something about Tatooine.

Something to think about

Sometimes, you just have to be bluntly reminded ..... to get down on your knees and pray -- HARD. This coupled with the Screwtape Letters, I think someone is trying to get through to me.
================================================
PAY ATTENTION TO THE P.S.
Letter From the Devil

This can really make you think. It actually made me mad while I was reading it, but I had to send it because of the P.S. This is deep... and I wasn't going to forward or share it, but that last line... you'll see.

A LETTER TO YOU FROM SATAN
I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn't even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful, I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living. Fool, you are mine. Remember, you and I have been going steady for years and I still don't love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you because I hate God. I am only using you to get even with God. He kicked me out of heaven and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back. You see fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you But you have yielded your life to me, and I'm going to make your life a living hell. That way we'll be together twice. This will really hurt God.

Thanks to you, I'm really showing Him who's boss in your life with all of the good times we've had. We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people out, stealing, lying, being hypocritical, fornicating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, being judgmental back stabbing people, no respect for adults, and those in leadership positions, no respect for the Church, bad attitudes. SURELY you don't want to give all this up. Come on, fool, let's burn together forever I've got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use you for most of your foolish life

You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in HA HA HA, you make me sick. Sin is beginning to take it's toll on your life. You look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, get drunk or drink while under age, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible.

Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that. Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere, confess you sins, and live for God with what little bit of life that you have left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning, it's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you. IT'S JUST THAT YOU'D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR CHRIST.

P.S. If you really love me, you won't share this letter! with anyone.

*Sob*

November 30, 2005
Man, oh man. I am getting nothing but grief from my diehard Blazer fan hubby. The CLIPPERS (who you might ask? the other LA team) is #1 in the Pacific and the Lakers lost yet another game to the Spurs. *sob* Though the 76ers spanked the Blazers but good last night.

I think I need to start actually watching my team. They are obviously sucking dirt (bench Kobe!!!) without my support. I mean, the Clippers are first and Golden State (another team that you may ask "who??") is second. Even the Kings are ahead of the Lakers. What's wrong with this picture?????? ALL of the California teams are ahead of the Lakers. Even Phoenix is. Good thing Nevada doesn't have an NBA team. They'd probably be ahead of us too :( So, since I have no time to watch the shows that I do like, who wants to tape highlights of the Lakers games for me? :) Just kidding. Won't help them if I watch after the fact.

Spurs slow down Kobe, beat Lakers 90-84 - Wednesday November 30, 2005 12:02AM:

"The win was the Spurs' sixth straight over the Lakers, who played their first game in San Antonio under coach Phil Jackson since a victory over the Spurs in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference semifinals on a last-second basket by Derek Fisher.

Kobe Bryant, averaging better than 40 points in his last five games, struggled to get open shots while being defended by Bruce Bowen. Bryant finished with 25 points, but he made only nine of his 33 attempts."[snip]

TSO!!!!


So, the one tradition that we have, the TSO concert, is tonight!!!!!! It's like the for sure date of the year. I got a sitter weeks ago. Can't wait. Though I am working today, so won't have a lot of time to get ready. It's about the only dress-up (let's get knockout gorgeous) date of the year. Though you still see people in jeans and sweats there, but more often people are dressed up. Makes sense since the cast dresses up.

Though oddly enough, my fave album is Beethoven's Last Night

[Listening to: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - - (02:12)]

CNN.com - It's official: 2005 hurricanes blew records away - Nov 29, 2005

November 29, 2005
Here's one for the history books ....
"Including Epsilon, there were 26 named storms this year, surpassing the record of 21 set in 1933. Thirteen of the storms were hurricanes, edging by one the previous record set in 1969. Seven of the hurricanes were considered major.

The normal seasonal average is 10 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Three of the hurricanes in the 2005 season reached Category 5 status, meaning they had wind speeds greater than 155 mph at some point during the arc of the storm.

'We've had two Category 5 storms in several seasons, but we've never had three,' said Steve Kiser, a tropical cyclone program manger at the National Weather Service. "

Homemaker - definition of Homemaker in Encyclopedia

Homemaker - definition of Homemaker in Encyclopedia: "Traditionally this role has been filled predominantly by women. It is still the case today in most societies and many men and women alike view that a homemaker is the natural, appropriate and most fulfilling role for women. Reasons for choosing the occupation of a housewife vary, but many women choose it largely because of financial benefits and their view of families. In many countries, including the United States and Japan, housewives can further claim certain tax deductions. Feminists have criticized this tax policy of giving unfair financial incentive for young women to choose a housewife or a part-time job over full time job. "

I can claim tax deductions????????!!!!!! How???? Darn article doesn't explain *that*

Homemaker

I can get paid to do what I do at home for free??? Where do I sign up??

So, I am trying to fill in gaps and looking for a job description for homemaker, because that has been my primary position for the last 4 years. Lo and behold, there are states and social service departments that have an actual job description!!! And one even says the going rate is like $11.61/hour. Not too bad.

ok, back to the grind.

Which Firefly character are you?

November 25, 2005

"The Captain"


Which Firefly character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


Man, I wanted to be Zoe or Kaylee. Though I guess being the Capt. is a good thing. ("Mal ... means bad in Latin") Why do I keep ending up as a guy on these? The first Firefly personality quiz I took I ended up as Shepherd Book. Go figure.

The turkey will survive

November 24, 2005
Check out this e-greeting

clean house


Well, tomorrow, today really, is Thanksgiving. Some of you may know that I am a lousy housekeeper, but when I clean, I can CLEAN!. Here is my kitchen and the major "hot spot". That island/counter has not been that clean in almost a year! Likewise the counters, and dining room, and I was on my hands and knees about an hour ago spot cleaning the hallway. Can I get a backrub anyone? So, do you think it looks good? Posted by Picasa

Superchic[k]

November 23, 2005
Talk about diversity! Well, my current fave song is "We Live" by Superchick. I want to find a way to have it as my Ringtone (finally upgraded to a phone that does that). Before I went to their website, I had no idea who was in the band. I thought it was a couple of girls like BarlowGirl. Shows what I know.

Anyways, I'm starting to listen to more alternative Christian punk/rock because I am just not quite ready for Christmas music. I LOVE Christmas carols, but every time I put on the fish (since like the 15th of this month or something, the Monday after Veteran's Day) it's some regular song, like "All I want for Christmas". And frankly, Thanksgiving is my fave holiday. You get to really concentrate on the people and spending time together and not the rampant commercialism of the winter solstice. Can't we celebrate Thanksgiving and THEN get on to the sales? What happened to waiting till the day AFTER Thanksgiving to start the commercialism? Now it starts like a week before Halloween.

Hrm, two of my fave bands are on myspace ... should I get yet another community type account? Nah! well, maybe. but it's not like I even have enough time to keep up on my blog. Let alone the kids'.

Ok. it's the day before Thanksgiving. I haven't cooked anything and I have a TON of cleaning to do. *sigh* I need a maid or three.

Feature article:

Super Chicks
By Melissa Brock
Female fronted Christian rockers Superchic[k] debuted a song in 2001 called Â?Barlow Girls,Â? a tribute to real-life sisters Alyssa, Becca and Lauren Barlow, after meeting them at a festival in Wisconsin. These lyrics introduced the siblings (not as a band) to the worldÂ?with quite the compliment to the BarlowsÂ? stand on purityÂ?and three years later BarlowGirl went on to release its self-titled Fervent Records debut, becoming Christian musicÂ?s best-selling new artist of 2004. TheyÂ?ve now sold more than 230,000 copies of BarlowGirl, seen songs Â?MirrorÂ? and Â?Never AloneÂ? skyrocket up the Christian airplay charts, and received accolades aplenty. With the recent release of BarlowGirlÂ?s sophomore effort, Another Journal Entry, we knew it was time to catch up with the increasingly popular trio. And taking into account the special friendship between Superchic[k] and 20Â?year old Lauren, 23Â?year old Alyssa and 25Â?year old Becca, we asked Superchic[k] vocalist/guitarist Melissa Brock to sit down with the sisters and find out how theyÂ?ve grown up. ...

Festoon

Festoon: "Getting started is simple. Just connect a camera, download our free Festoon plug-in, and see each other one-on-one or invite up to 200 buddies to a video call - even if they don't have a camera. But wait, there's more! You can also share anything you see on your screen, even your entire desktop! And Festoon's immersive EyeCandy video effects add fun to your video experience, including funhouse mirrors, motion colors, and crazy cutouts. Whether you use Skype or Google Talk for business or to connect with family and friends, now you can show a presentation, work on a spreadsheet, share photos, or just have fun online while seeing everyone in the call! "

be mindful of your surroundings young padawan

November 22, 2005
SI.com - NFL - Rams' punter apologizes for halftime disruption - Monday November 21, 2005 7:39PM: "'I apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions,' Barker said in a statement. 'It was not my intention to be disrespectful to our military personnel.
'We have a short time to prepare for the second half and I was only following my regular routine in getting warmed up.'"
November 21, 2005
I'm sweating, my hair is sweating, i'm starving, and I think I am going to develop a love-hate relationship with the elliptical machine. My goal this morning was to go in for 30-45 minutes of *walking* on the treadmill. Almost 3 weeks ago I was supposed to have my first workout with a trainer, but between cramps, back pain and sick kids, I haven't been able to make it in. I saw my trainer this morning and waited around to make an appointment. Nope says he, "I've got time, my 9:00 is a no-show" so, we worked on back and biceps. I am such a wimp. For the hammercurl, he just used his own body as resistance for me .... er, he held my hands and I did the curls, oh nevermind! But anyways, towards the end he could totally tell that all my strength is in my right hand/arm. The back workout was pretty easy, but I think he was keeping it that way to avoid injury and just get the muscles used to working.

Then we went upstairs for cardio. He was so enthusiastic when I told him I could probably do 25-30 minutes. Now, I have *only* ever done bike and treadmill. After ten minutes on the elliptical I felt something warm drip from my face, and then more of it, till I had a creek, then a small river of ... SWEAT! Not even sex makes me sweat as much as that machine did. And I wasn't even going that fast!!!!! At least I don't think I was. I kept telling myself "15 more minutes, 10 more minutes, 7 more minutes" and of course I left my Zen downstairs in a locker while we did the first part of the workout, so I couldn't zone out and just let my body do its thing ..... So now I need to take another shower, and I am still starving!!!

Podcast.net - Edwards AFB

Ok, the geek in me thinks this is soooo cool! I used to live near Edwards AFB, and for it to have a podcast, is just KEWL!

NBA History: Remembering The Rens

November 20, 2005
NBA History: Remembering The Rens: "This is the greatest basketball team you have never heard of, a team so dominant that in one season it won 112 games and lost only seven. It was a team that won championships despite never being officially accepted professionally or socially. Yet, encountering obstacles on and off the court wasn't anything new for the New York Renaissance, the first all-black professional basketball team. All the Rens did was win, and in the process they served as catalysts for social equality.

'They were literally pioneers and recognized that they were making a statement in front of the audiences,' said Richard Lapchick, director of Northeastern University's Center for the Study of the Sport in Society. 'And there were some audiences that didn't like that statement.'

Or teams, for that matter. The Rens chose to let their on-court actions do the talking. In their nearly three-decade existence, beginning in 1922, the Rens compiled a 2,588-529 record.

'To this day, I have never seen a team play better team basketball,' said Hall of Fame coach John Wooden, who played against the Rens when he was a member of the barnstorming Indianapolis Kautskys during the '30s. 'They had great athletes, but they weren't as impressive as their team play. The way they handled and passed the ball was just amazing to me then, and I believe it would be today.' " [snip] read more on the site
November 19, 2005
YES! OH YES! even though I thought I might come out Chiana or Aeryn, but being Crichton kicks butt! Who da man? I'm da man!

sip
SIP: Sin-In-Pants. You are John Chrichton, and you
kick ASS! Though the people around you may not
understand anything you say, it's all right
because your're the man with the plan. Plus,
nobody looks better in leather.


Who the FRELL are you? A Farscape Personality Quiz.
brought to you by Quizilla

Juice, the cross-platform podcast receiver.

"New name, same freshness
We squeezed 'iPodder' out of our name. What's left is... pure Juice.

So what is it?
Want to listen to internet audio programs but can't when they are scheduled? This program lets you create your own custom online audio anytime, anywhere. Really. "

Tim got me an mp3 player for my birthday and I think I have discovered a new hobby/addiction. And it started with the NPR site, go figure. But now I can listen to news and et cetera whenever I manage to update my player =) Yay me! I'm not an old fogey yet!

Thought you might enjoy this

EVERYTHING HAS A GENDER
You may not know this but many non-living things have a gender.

1) Ziploc Bags are Male, because they hold everything in, but you
can see right through them.

2) Copiers are Female, because once turned off; it takes a while
to warm them up again. It's an effective reproductive device if the
right buttons are pushed, but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons
are pushed.

3) A Tire is Male, because it goes bald and it's often
over-inflated.

4) A Hot Air Balloon is Male, because, to get it to go anywhere,
you have to light a fire under it, and of course, there's the hot
air part.

5) Sponges are Female, because they're soft,
squeezable and retain water.

6) A Web Page is Female, because it's always getting hit on.

7) A Subway is Male, because it uses the same old lines to pick
people up.

8) An Hourglass is Female, because over time, the weight shifts
to the bottom.

9) A Hammer is Male, because it hasn't changed much over the last
5,000 years, but it's handy to have around.

10) A Remote Control is Female. Ha! You thought it'd be male,
didn't you? But consider this - it gives a man pleasure, he'd be
lost without it, and while he doesn't always know the right buttons
to push, he keeps trying! Pass these on to both male and
female friends of yours so that they can have a chuckle too.

There's Something About Harry

November 18, 2005
 
I just love the first 'graph of this :)
 
===============================
Annette Sargent
 
"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."  -Robert A. Heinlein
http://fun.mysurvey.com/join.cfm?r=1063840
-----Original Message-----
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Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 11:41 AM
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Subject: CT at the Movies: There's Something About Harry

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ChristianityToday.com
CT Movies
Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, November 18, 2005


 There's Something About Harry

Ifind it interesting that so many Christians are so ready to embrace a story—and a movie—that prominently features witchcraft, evil spells, dark deeds, and all sorts of creepy, practically demonic, creatures. Not to mention all that violence, bloodshed, and even death.

But enough about Narnia.

This week, our attention momentarily shifts away from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe—coming to theaters on Dec. 9—to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth of the seven-book series to hit the big screen. And, as always happens when the boy wizard is in the cultural limelight, many Christians are raising their voices to object.

Shortly after Russ Breimeier's commentary, "Redeeming Harry Potter," posted earlier this week, the e-mails started coming in.

"I was more than disappointed," wrote one reader. "How do you justify witchcraft? Fiction or nonfiction, witchcraft is witchcraft. Sin is sin. … In the last days, even the elect will be deceived."

Another wrote: "Because of your support of this article on Harry Potter and the magical arts, my family and I will no longer support your magazine or your website. I guess next you'll start endorsing homosexuality or perhaps bigamy?"

Oy.

I've got no problem with Christians who don't like Harry Potter. And I've got no problem with Christians who do like him. I can see valid arguments both ways. But really, for Christians to completely slam one another over something like this, a fictional world of flight and fancy? (And no, we won't be "endorsing" homosexuality or bigamy—or harsh judgment of fellow believers, either.)

All that Russ's commentary did was to point out a number of redemptive themes—and there are plenty of them—that run through the Potter books. Is that an endorsement of the occult? Hardly. No more than applauding The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings, at any rate; both of those classics include witchcraft. Yes, the works by Lewis and Tolkien include more Christian symbolism and metaphors than those by Rowling, but all three series include "the magical arts."

Personally, I prefer Narnia and Middle Earth over Potterville. Not because I have anything against Harry and his world, but because I think Lewis and Tolkien were better writers, and that they concocted better myths and stories and imaginative landscapes along the way. But that's just my preference. I'm more than willing to admit that maybe there is something about Harry after all.

Anyway, be sure to check out our review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Our other new reviews this week include the Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line, plus an interview with director James Mangold and co-stars Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. We also have new reviews of Christmas in the Clouds, a holiday romantic comedy with an all Native American cast; and Paradise Now, an intriguing look into the minds of two Palestinian suicide bombers.

Finally, check out our two latest Movie Discussion Guides on Chariots of Fire and Million Dollar Baby.

See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Mark Moring
Online Managing Editor/Music & Film

To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com


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  New in Theaters

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire REVIEW
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The fourth installment of J.K. Rowling's series to hit the big screen—and the first to be rated PG-13—is more emotional, more intense, and darker than the previous three.

Rated PG-13
3.5 Stars

Walk the Line REVIEW
Walk the Line
Great casting, great music, great story. Johnny Cash wrestles with his demons, but ultimately comes around thanks to an angel named June. Get in line for Walk the Line.

Rated PG-13
3.5 Stars

Paradise Now REVIEW
Paradise Now
This powerful film takes a look inside the minds of two Palestinian suicide bombers, but doesn't delve too deeply into the broader political and religious climate surrounding them.

Rated PG-13
3.5 Stars

Christmas in the Clouds REVIEW
Christmas in the Clouds
An all-Native American cast engages in holiday mayhem in this film, billed as a classic screwball comedy. Alas, it's got a few too many loose screws to be considered a real keeper.

Rated PG
2 Stars

 New Discussion Guides

http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/3292381/2698792/105664/0/Chariots of Fire: Racing Toward God
This study guide helps your group discuss some of the major themes of this tale about 1924 Olympic runners such as how people can glorify God and how God honors those who honor him.
http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/3292381/2698792/105978/0/Million Dollar Baby: More Than a Boxing Movie
With this ChristianBibleStudies.com guide, take an in-depth at the movie's themes of finding meaning through talents, facing bitter trials, and learning to love others.

  New Articles

Redeeming Harry Potter COMMENTARY
Redeeming Harry Potter
The initial Christian outcry against the boy wizard seems to be dying down. Maybe that's because more and more of us are discovering multiple redemptive themes in the series.

The Man in Black INTERVIEW
The Man in Black
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, who play Johnny and June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, join director James Mangold to discuss the legend's life—and faith.

FILM FORUM
A Soaring Romance, a Flying House, a Derailed Marriage
Christian critics praise Pride & Prejudice, play Zathura, debunk Derailed, bicker with Bee Season, and bury Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Plus, more reviews of Good Night, and Good Luck and Jarhead.


REEL NEWS
King Kong: Now in Three Sizes!
Sneak peak of Peter Jackson's epic King Kong to appear on NBC, and a 3-D version could be in the works. Plus: more news on Narnia; Bob Saget spoofs March of the Penguins; Terminator heads to TV; and more.


SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
I Am Sam: Friends Help Raise Daughter


Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.

 Still Showing

Chicken Little REVIEW
Chicken Little
Walt Disney Pictures jumps into the 3-D fray with its first-ever computer-animated feature film—without the help of Pixar, the undisputed king of the genre. Did Disney chicken out? A little.

Rated G
2.5 Stars

Zathura REVIEW
Zathura
Two kids, a board game that comes to life, and a potentially perilous adventure. Sound like Jumanji? Sort of, but this time the setting's in outer space instead of the jungle.

Rated PG
2.5 Stars

Derailed REVIEW
Derailed
Ignoring the dramatic potential in solely dissecting the deception, aftermath and emotions of infidelity, this forgettable thriller instead relies on a convoluted story twist you can guess from the commercials.

Rated R
2 Stars

Click here for a listing of all the movies now showing in theaters.

 New on Video

New on DVD NEW ON VIDEO
DVD Roundup
The hills are alive and sweeping down the plain! The Sound of Music celebrates its 40th anniversary with an incredible double DVD, while Oklahoma! turns 50 with a far less impressive two-disc set. Plus, Madagascar, Stealth, The Skeleton Key, and more.


Explore the Movies Channel
Now Showing | New on Video | Reviews | Coming Soon |
Film Forum | Interviews | Commentaries | News & Miscellaneous | Message Boards




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 This Week's Poll
There's a new Harry Potter movie out this week. You:
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Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.

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http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/3292381/2698792/105983/0/The True Christmas Story, DVD
Tiny Bethlehem lay in the shadow of the Herodian, the magnificent home of Herod the Great. Take a tour through both cities and marvel at their differences!
http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/3292381/2698792/105667/0/Christmas Child, DVD
Max Lucado's touching holiday tale of love, faith, and forgiveness comes to life in this heartwarming film of a lonely Chicago journalist whose life is changed forever.
http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/3292381/2698792/105401/0/Christianbook.com's 2005 Christmas Shop!
Shopping online for family-friendly movies not only saves you time, but you'll appreciate our famous, money-saving discounts on thousands of DVDs and videos. Stop by today!
http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/3292381/2698792/105400/0/Lord of the Beans, DVD
When a young boy inherits a bean with amazing powers, he sets off on a desperate adventure to discover how to use his gift. Features the usual wonderful VeggieTales cast!

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