Once Upon A Time

Bought the second album and

Bought the second album and finished filling it up with London pics this morning. So that task is accomplished!

Also, I submitted some short vignettes written almost 3 years ago to the La Femme Nikita Fan Fiction Archive. Not sure why I hadn't submitted them before, but found them when I was going through some files. The sad thing is I haven't written much in months. I haven't even finished editing Lovegrove, but perhaps I'll do that in the upcoming weeks. That and I'd like to continue on a Witchblade fic I started a few months back. My time seems to be spread thin these days, between work, gym, moderating 2 storyboards, and other online endeavors. I feel like I need to reclaim some of that time back, LOL.

The trip to the doctor only netted me some Naproxen and a splint to wear at night. My thumb has been getting tingly and numb frequently. There's no pain, but no apparent cause for the numbness. However, at least it appears it isn't Carpal Tunnel. That's good news.

Managed to fill up a

Managed to fill up a nice leather bound album with pics from London last night. I still have 4 rolls to put in an album, so it looks like I will be trekking back to Target to get another one since they are on sale this week. But I feel good having accomplished what I can on that end.

Maybe this weekend I can put up some of the pics online if I can ever get my computer back to myself. My brother took it over again last night with his website updates. I was only given access after 10 pm when I was tired and whiny as evidenced by my blog entry yesterday. I really need to get online earlier, so I might actually remember what it is I intended to write about. I have great ideas during the day, but by the time I actually get to the puter, they're gone and replaced by tired neediness.

Gee has decided he wants to go on the balcony in the evening to chase moths. When I don't let him out he pitches a fit, whining and scratching at the carpet. Just what I needed. He better watch--I may just leave his ass out there, lol.

Nothing profound here, but it is only 7:30 AM....I'm not completely awake yet. :)

Still not quite out of

Still not quite out of this funk, but better than yesterday. I think it's the whole -- I need to buy a house, but can't really afford it, but can't really afford to wait either since the prices just keep going up faster than my salary. And I'd be better able to afford a house if I weren't single, not to mention I'd not feel so goddamn alone if I weren't always single. And I'm turning 30 and I don't have a man, a house, or any kids. And I'm not sure I'm satisfied with my job since it seems to be becoming boring. And to top it all off I may be getting carpal tunnel, since my thumb has been going numb throughout the day the last several weeks. Phew. Yeah...that's enough to put someone in a funk I guess.

And Charlie, being a friend, sensed something was bothering me today, and didn't let that stop him from sitting and talking with me about his weekend to try to distract me from what was bothering me. Hopefully that makes sense...this post seems to be a whole series of run-on thoughts.

I think it's not so much that I desire a husband as just someone to connect with on an emotional level. Someone to love and be loved by. God I'm whining and sounding pathetic, but that's what is how I'm feeling right about now. I'll try to be less pathetic going forward, LOL.

I think the other thing that set me off was Amy complaining that her boyfriend of less than a year hasn't bought her any jewelry. Oh yeah, she's getting lots of sympathy from me. LOL. I know I am not seeking a man just to get jewelry on a yearly basis. Nothing wrong with a man giving jewelry as a gift. I just have a problem with expecting it. I'm more the sentimental type--I'd prefer gifts with meaning, thoughtful gifts, not jewelry because I expect to get jewelry if you love me.

But I guess I'm just weird...who knows?

I was in a pissy

I was in a pissy mood all day, though I'm not sure why. It may be due to the headache I've had since last night, and from being tired. Seeing that I had not been in a good mood all day, Candice handed me some Pamprin, even though I assured her I was not PMSing. Well, taking two was not such a good idea. It started taking effect while I was at the gym, and didn't help my mood. Instead by the time I was driving home, I started bawling my eyes out. [Which BTW, is not a good thing when you're trying to drive, lol.] Soooo....taking Pamprin, when one is not PMSing is a baaaaaaddddd idea, lol. I think it has finally started wearing off, thank God!

I still need to blog about London. It's just I've talked about it at length to folks around me, that I'm at the point where I don't even want to write about it. Instead I was going to post pics. But my brother has been occupying my computer a great deal lately, updating his website, since mine is the only one with the internet connection. So I have not been able to upload them. :(

Have you ever tried to

Have you ever tried to search via a search engine for a person you once knew, just out of curiosity? I searched the name of an ex-boyfriend from freshman year of college [from 1991], and found an old, out-dated home page from perhaps 1995. Okay, no biggie. It was the first hit on his name. No pics or nothing, but did find he liked to watch Xena, Hercules, and Forever Knight.

Then I searched a different ex-boyfriend, the one from when I was in grad school in Texas [summer 1995]. This was the fellow that later told me he was married, though separated. At that point I was ready to leave grad school and Texas so it really didn't matter and we went our separate ways.

As for the search, there were lots of hits, many I could easily tell were not him. I just kept scrolling without checking any of them. After scanning the second page of hits, something in my gut tells me to check this one from a martial arts school. I vaguely recall him being interested in that sort of thing, but I don't remember anything specific. I also recall him having an interest in pursuing a careeer in physical therapy. So I find picture galleries for this school and lo and behold, I actually find him amongst the pics. It is actually him. He looks basically the same except he's increased his upper body strength. But he's still got those chicken legs, lol. The most intriguing thing is he's now in Richmond Virginia which is not all that far way. Strange how the universe works.

And even stranger is my knack for finding people I know on the internet, whether I'm looking for them or happen upon them by random chance. Weird.

I'm getting sick of that

I'm getting sick of that Klez worm spewing out emails. I wish whomever is infected would actually de-worm their puter. This is getting old really quick. The only good thing is with yahoo, you don't actually receive the virus. But I'm tired of receiving all these copies of it, filling up my inbox. *sigh*

Took Tabitha and Gee to

Took Tabitha and Gee to the Vet. Tabitha just needed her shots. But Gee has been biting himself near his tail and it has just been getting worse. Since he doesn't have fleas [which he better not] it looks like he's having an allergy which is what I guessed. The question is whether it is pollen related or a food allergy. Obviously the pollen allergy should go away soon. A food allergy could be more tricky.

And the whole who knew what, when, with 9/11, has become an interesting sideshow. The latest story depicts how FBI agents sidestepped their HQ in an effort to get the info about Moussaoui to the CIA. The agents took their job seriously. The beauracracy was the roadblock in this case. Now I'm trying to recall whether it was the FBI or the CIA that Bush, Sr ran before he became VP and later Pres.

On the Weather Channel, I saw a piece with Jeb Bush talking about hurricanes and his state of Florida. I never realized it before, but he's as poor of a speaker as his brother. 'Foot in mouth' disease seems to be a problem for the Bush boys, one I never saw in George or Barbara.

*Yawn*....time to get some Zzzzz.....Ciao. :)

At first I thought this

At first I thought this op/ed was just going to jab at the Clinton Administration, but I quickly found I was wrong. It is actually critical of the Bush administration, coming to the conclusion that they are liars or morons, and either possibility is scary.

And it appears that Chandra Levy's remains have been found in Rock Creek Park. The weird thing is my gut feeling has always been that she'd be found there eventually. I wouldn't quite say I'm psychic...maybe just intuitive. The only good thing about this find is that her family may eventually find closure, rather than not knowing.

I found out yesterday that

I found out yesterday that a coworker at a former job is struggling once again with cancer. She originally suffered from breast cancer a couple years ago. Now it appears the cancer has spread to her brain and perhaps even her liver. God, I hate this disease. It's unmerciful. I know more people facing death now, than I have ever before in my life. It makes more depressed about turning 30 than I otherwise should be. I know that as I continue to get older, I will know more people faced with death, whether by cancer or any other means.

My biggest fear, besides never finding a man to love who also loves me, is to find him and then lose him to death. Seems silly, but this idea has surfaced more than once recently. Maybe because I feel unlucky in love, overall. Which is strange since I do consider myself to be fairly lucky/fortunate...dare I say I have good karma, or at least not bad karma?

Just some things bouncing in my head at the moment......

I've been kinda quiet since

I've been kinda quiet since I got back. Been trying to catch up on sleep and simply relax. And trying to get back into the groove of things. I've got my photos...just need to put the prints in an album and compose the jpegs into webpages. Maybe with the three day weekend I can get this accomplished. :)

Many of the pics look

Many of the pics look good, but I am thankful I used 400 speed film. The overcast skies did have an effect, making them darker than I would have expected. Some came out better than I thought (such as those inside Salisbury Cathedral) while others not as well as I would have predicted. With 13 rolls, I certainly put out a good chunk of change. *Ouch*

Nothing like vacation for emptying out ones bank account. LOL. But I dunno if I'll ever get back there again.

I'm going to pick up

I'm going to pick up my photos from my trip today. I'm hoping to upload some of the pictures and add some text to detail where Sue and I went and the stories that go along with the pics. We'll see how soon I accomplish that goal. :)

The cats clearly missed me as they have been extra clingly. Nothing like being stuck in bed between two cats who don't care to move. I had Gee leaning against my stomach as Tabitha curled up at the small of my back.

I took the Royalty Test

I took the Royalty Test and found I am.....

Which Royalty Are You? Find out! By Nishi.
Art used (c) by JonathonArt.com

Check the popularity of your

Check the popularity of your name over the last century here. Apparently my name was most popular in the 40s, and was declining after the 70s when I was born. Interesting.

I'm baaaccckkk! LOL. I've got

I'm baaaccckkk! LOL. I've got 10 rolls of film to get developed. And plenty of stories to tell. But they'll have to wait until I get caught up on email and laundry. :)

Just about finished packing. I

Just about finished packing. I think I've got everything. I just can't believe I'll be in London in less that 24 hours! I have a feeling this week is gonna fly by all too fast. But as long as we have a great time, I won't mind. :)

I'm leaving tomorrow! Yikes. Where

I'm leaving tomorrow! Yikes. Where did the time go?

I'm so not ready. I better get some packing done tonight.

Laundry is almost finished. Now

Laundry is almost finished. Now I need to pack. But I did accomplish a few of my goals today. Found a raincoat/outdoors wear from Hechts that I can also use when hiking. Purchased 9 rolls of film. Should be more than enough to capture my trip via photos. And I purchased Jean Auel's new book at Waldenbooks, thereby getting 25% off and then another 10% off for being a preferred readers club member. And double points too. It just makes me kinda sad to know its been nearly 12 years since the last book. Nearly 12 years since I was a freshman in college. *sigh* Time sure flies when you're having fun.

Also, bought clothes at Lerners/New York & Co. Why is it always when I don't want to spend a lot I find great clothes and when I do want to find something I find Jack Shit? In this case where I should be holding off spending money, I find all these great clothes. I spent $120, but got jeans, a jean skirt, a peasant top (rather plain/not frilly), a vertical striped sleeveless shirt, summer capri pants, and a $2 belt, lol. And with that I got $60 in coupons to use by the 19th. I think I may give the coupons to Mom to use, since I may not have any money left after this trip, lol. :)

Speaking of shopping, that reminds me. The whole topic of people with freaking HUGE SUVs. *minor rant warning*

Specifically the people that buy them but have no fucking clue as how to park them, let alone drive them. My advice: Don't buy something you have no skill in driving. You just make yourself a nuisance to the rest of us just because you're competing with the Joneses. I'm thrilled you have the money to buy these things, but why don't you blow your money on some other status symbol item. I just love sitting in the parking lot waiting as you attempt to make a 10 point turn in order to fit into the miniature parking spaces in the malls around here. That's not to say folks with smaller cars can drive any better, such as the Jag who couldn't manage to navigate a turn. Basically, as I left Montgomery Mall this afternoon, my mantra was, 'just get me the fuck out of here.' It was that bad.

Target's parking lot was better. I managed to get in and out with no major obstacles. That's where I picked up travel size toothpaste, hairspray, etc. As well as another umbrella, this one smaller than the first. I hope I've got everything covered now. Just need to get it all in the suitcase. Debating whether I should buy a small second suitcase here or wait and see if I need one and get it over there. Undecided as of yet.

Now I just need to get through one day of work! :)

God, I feel like we

God, I feel like we need a plan, yet over-planning can make a trip freaking stressful. What to do? What to do?

I'll be in London in a few short days. Some of our days are already planned. But in the others I'm trying to figure out what I want to see in addition to what Sue has already expressed interest in. Obviously we'll hit the touristy places, but my independent nature wants to find some little behind the scenes niches...something off the beaten path. Hmmmm.....

I have *2* tourbooks as does Sue, so we should manage to find some places of interest. I just keep reminding myself that I've managed to have a great bit of fun in Toronto each time we've gone, or just I've gone. We've never made major plans, yet had fun. I guess most of all I just wanna have a good time and see and do some new stuff.

But the whole uncertainty aspect of it is kinda stressful.

Cleaned out my email inbox

Cleaned out my email inbox down to 227 emails...from upwards of 300-400. It's getting there. I have this bad tendency to hang onto things that mught be useful down the road...like web addies or peoples addies that I can't ever recall whether I've written them down. So I managed to discard the ones I have written down and deleted all those that are no longer existent or needed. It's amazing the amount of stuff that remained in my inbox that I have no need for any longer. Or things that managed to survive previous prunings. But because it takes so long to go through all these emails, I understand why I don't do it very often.

The cats are hanging with me this morning. Gee keeps wanting to sample the leaves on my plants. I'm getting tired of scolding him for it. Tabitha truly spoiled me, since she is the most well-behaved cat. It's not that Gee is such a bad cat, he just has a lot to live up to.

I can't believe I'm leaving for London Tuesday! I have so much to do before then...OMG. Better go get some of it done! :)

Here's my Dewey Color System

Here's my Dewey Color System Results:

BLUE GREEN WHITE: You're an Intellectual

Your objective point of view helps people to understand what they need to have a more balanced life. Your straightforward, unbiased comments make it easy for others to hear you. They understand that you're genuinely motivated to make their lives better.

Okay....yeah, whatever, lol. Here's the rest.

BLUEThe passionate you generates creative ideas. You are an imaginative dreamer. Your preoccupation with the future gives you the mental discipline to stay on track and direct others to do the same.

RED The centered you knows who is capable of giving you unselfish devotion. You see where you belong. When all is quiet within, you celebrate each person for what they have done, not said or thought.

YELLOW The emotional you remains focused and headstrong. When you want something, others had better get out of your way. Your sense of urgency requires an answer, sometimes before you know all the facts.

Hmmmm....not sure what I think of this....LOL.

Trying out Mozilla as a

Trying out Mozilla as a web browser since we found Netscape to be a major pain in the ass to download, not to mention other pesky applications come for the ride with it. Basically using it as an alternative to IE for testing web pages for cross-browser compatibility. I must admit the lizard icon is kinda cute, LOL.

At 1 am on April

At 1 am on April 29th, my niece came into the world. Nicholette. Okay, granted I'm not thrilled with the name my SIL picked, but I guess she's stuck with it. I think mom started calling her Nikki already. Or would that be spelled Nichy or Nichie or Nicki. I surely don't know.

Since I was up in Philly for that conference, I was able to go see the baby in the hospital. She looks like my brother to some degree. It's the first thing my SIL says in convo. Actually when my mom picked her up, I noticed there is even a greater resemblance to her. I don't think my SIL would point that out, LOL.

No matter who she looks like or what she's called, the baby is healthy. And that's the most important thing. The rest is minor, albeit amusing, details. :)

My life in a word is hectic. You don't want me to elaborate, lol. :)