A virtual gift-giving MMP [Archive] - Straight Dope Message Board

FairyChatMom

11-28-2011, 04:03 AM

It’s the thought that counts, right? Or so we’ve been told… So here’s how it goes:

Think about what you’d like to give another Mumper or two or three. Money is no object because if talk is cheap, thoughts can be expensive as we want. Or something. :D Anyway, post a link to show what you want to give to someone or everyone here. Spoiler it if you want it to be a surprise! ;)

Going for the obvious, I want to give this (http://www.bluestonegarden.com/product.php?productid=17563&cat=282&page=1) to gt so she can garden year round.

And this (http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/rhinestonejewelry_1984_14123013) is for rosie because for some reason, it’s what I visualize her wearing.

Which means I also have to give this (http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/rhinestonejewelry_2185_11549756) to swampy because he can’t be outdone by rosie. :D

And this (http://www.cranberrycornersgiftbaskets.com/baskets-hockeylovers.htm) just screams doggio.

I’m not done, but I need to get this posted.
Happy Monday!

Whatcha gonna get me??

IvoryTowerDenizen

11-28-2011, 04:51 AM

Ooh, what a great idea!

Must think about gift list and report back....

Happy Mumper Day everyone!

ETA: I knew what Rosie's was going to be before I clicked the link!

SpazCat

11-28-2011, 04:58 AM

I'd get swampy a lifetime supply of toilet paper based on this graph (http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/proof-that-buying-toilet-paper-in-bulk-is-better/).

Bobbio would get his very own bambilance (http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/the-bambulance-goes-where-the-ambulance-cant.html).

Moooom (and anyone else who likes chocolate offerings) would get a credit card with no limit and an hour in here (http://frenchbroadchocolates.com/).

Soapy would have to have this (http://www.amazon.com/Mad-Scientist-Accessory-Adult-One-Size/dp/B0041LWS5Y).

*****
Culinary Boy and I watched Black Swan last night. We both decreed it overrated. I had to listen to old-timey country/bluegrass to get Swan Lake out of my head. Now Culinary Boy is trying to get me to watch Pi (same director as BS--ha ha! Ironic abbreviation!) but I don't want to watch another crazy person movie for a while. Maybe I can get him to watch the Rifftrax Reefer Madness with me instead.

ems

11-28-2011, 05:13 AM

Morning! Will post later sitting at airport headed to Houston! Nice topic fcm

anyrose

11-28-2011, 05:21 AM

Great topic - like Soapy, I'll give this some thought, and "shop" later (wearing my crown, of course) :)

FairyChatMom

11-28-2011, 05:33 AM

This (http://www.rescue-essentials.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=30%2D1470)definitely has BBBobbio's name on it! Or it will before he gets it. ;) He'll wear it all the time - at work, when he goes out for dinner, at the grocery store. Ever ready! :D

And since Taters is so stressed these days, she gets this (http://www.cruisespecialists.com/Cruises/cunard-queen-elizabeth-world-cruise-2012.aspx), because she deserves a break!

I thought this (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/shower-squids) had such a cool name, everyone would get one as a stocking stuffer. :D

More to come - finding gifts that fit can be tough...

swampbear

11-28-2011, 05:55 AM

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin'. *YAWN* 'Tis 64 degrees Amurrkin out which is also the high for the day. 'Tis rainy out also.

Hee! Great OP MOOOOOOM. I shall give it some thought and post appropriate/inappropriate gifts later own. I shall, of course, wear the crown jewels while doin' so. :D

Now I need more caffiene and brekkie for rumbly tummy. Then, alas, I must get in gear post haste and purtify for irk.

Happy Monday Y'all!

VunderBob

11-28-2011, 06:04 AM

Thanks to the idiotic firewall rules, I can't see many of the links, so I'll have to play OP tonight.

I ran a total of 6 calls this weekend, with only one being mildly interesting. Instead, I will go through some observations on the personalities in the Navytown Rescue Squad. In random order:

Chuck, a Navy Medic in real life, and very much the male model pretty boy. Nice enough guy, but the "I'm gorgeous and know it" gets a bit old.

The Jennifers, a pair of women who ran together for the first time this weekend. One is a college student from the DC burbs with a penchant for say "Nice..." in response to anything said to her, and the other is a young engineer and fellow probie.

The Other Bob, who was described to me as "The nicest fascist in the squad". A quick recon established that he has similar political and religious views as mine, and a similar sense of humor. We're gonna get along fine.

Matt, who called The Other Bob the nice fascist, and is almost the polar opposite of me in political views. Gave me a thumbs up on my skills and knowledge.

Daisy The Driver, a retired pro firefighter from the DC burbs. Her ability to be a smart-ass leaves me in the dust.

The Chief, who I'm tempted to dub Severus, for his facial resemblance to a thin faced Alan Rickman.

Over all, the number of gays in the squad surprises me a bit, considering the number of active and retired military members. Well, if we could have 2 in the Cottonfield County squad, which would be even more gay hostile, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised here.

My one mildly remarkable call was the last one yesterday, for trouble breathing. The patient was a lady a couple years older than me, and she had just about everything wrong with her that you could have related to bad lifestyle. No wonder she was having a panic attack, she was evaluating her mortality and having an "Oh, shit!" moment.

We got her in the unit, and I put her on oxygen, a standard trick for anxiety patients. It's partially physical, and partly psychological. Oxygen slows down the heavy breathing, while the patient thinks you're really doing something for them so they calm down.

When we rolled, she said, "You know, you guys need a volunteer who will sit with the patient and just hold their hand."

I piped right up. "I'll do that, because it's something I'm very good at. If you think you need to, break my fingers if it will help."

She smiled a bit, laid back, and continued dumping her fears and frustrations on us.

I waited a bit, then said, "You know, a pretty woman like you (she really wasn't) holding my hand... people might talk."

She looked shocked and tried to let go. "If it's going to cause a problem, I won't."

Well, that calculation failed. "Hon, I was joking and being flirty. As long as you feel the need, you can hold my hand. It's why they pay me the big bucks."

With that, she relaxed and I got the smile I was looking for. I had to let go while we wheeled her in to the ER, but resumed once inside and she was on the hospital bed. She was grateful.

not what you'd expect

11-28-2011, 06:17 AM

VunderBob, if I ever have to be rescued, I hope it's by someone like you.

I don't know everyone well enough to buy for them, so it's money all around. I suck at math though, so I'll have to get back to you on the amount available.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

FairyChatMom

11-28-2011, 06:29 AM

Sticks and Scones

11-28-2011, 07:02 AM

pffffft - you don't have to know someone to give them a gift. Especially a virtual gift. Heck - you could give us all new cars! :D

In fact, I like that idea. Everyone, pick one (http://www.smartusa.com/models/passion-cabriolet/overview.aspx) in your favorite color! :D

Do they come in purple?? :D

Well, I failed my mission to finish all of my homework last night. I was just soooo sleepy that I had to go to bed. So, I'm going to have to be another that comes back with gifts a little bit later. It is a great idea, FCM!

I do have one gift, though, for congo. It's a $250 gift certificate to this store (http://www.polymerclaysuperstore.com/).

IvoryTowerDenizen

11-28-2011, 07:50 AM

Because I'm really a kid still...

This is for Sticky Buns (http://www.amazon.com/Homework-Machine-Dan-Gutman/dp/0689876785)

For Bobbio of course (http://www.amazon.com/Playmobil-5952-Rescue-Ambulance/dp/B0057VQXN0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1322488065&sr=8-7)

Rosie (http://www.amazon.com/Really-Rosie-Carole-King/dp/B0001N1OW4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322488184&sr=8-1)

More to come!

Dolores Reborn

11-28-2011, 09:11 AM

I would give these (http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1192&bih=604&tbm=isch&tbnid=sTG1VKGknIw4TM:&imgrefurl=http://www.silverflatwareforless.com/&docid=lws9h20GsXR3_M&imgurl=http://www.silverflatwareforless.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Silver-Flatware.jpg&w=146&h=160&ei=F6DTTo2HOIHEtwfA27j9CA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=888&vpy=277&dur=1922&hovh=128&hovw=116&tx=88&ty=61&sig=104562210244499843126&page=11&tbnh=115&tbnw=103&start=214&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429,r:21,s:214) to Sticky Buns. And an Amazon gift card for more!

A new riding lawn mower (http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1192&bih=604&tbm=isch&tbnid=ECbOlMGPn2SBWM:&imgrefurl=http://snappermowers.org/snapper-riding-lawn-mowers/&docid=whzA_B9PQXJd3M&imgurl=http://snappermowers.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Snapper_Riding_Mower1-300x272.jpg&w=300&h=272&ei=p6PTTqixEJGCtgefyJGoDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=377&vpy=271&dur=5719&hovh=214&hovw=236&tx=123&ty=123&sig=104562210244499843126&page=5&tbnh=113&tbnw=130&start=76&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:76) for Moommm. And a yardman (http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1192&bih=604&tbm=isch&tbnid=Mw5z0O7I4ABPFM:&imgrefurl=http://takeofyourpantsandjackit.tumblr.com/post/9587738550&docid=vuIRgSLTamrm2M&imgurl=http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpfpyqOmjo1r02upxo1_500.jpg&w=492&h=700&ei=ZaTTTu3KDJGhtwfPk9WpDQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=484&sig=104562210244499843126&page=2&tbnh=117&tbnw=87&start=24&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:24&tx=54&ty=44)!

Pool accessory (http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1192&bih=604&tbm=isch&tbnid=xB_fbEZMJ2F7XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.kegworks.com/blog/2008/08/15/floating-beer-cooler-for-swimming-pool/&docid=1JGmsdzcVaD6XM&imgurl=http://www.kegworks.com/images/blogpost/poolCooler.jpg&w=250&h=221&ei=EaLTTtfuJYSztwfv5qy7CQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=438&sig=104562210244499843126&page=1&tbnh=123&tbnw=137&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0&tx=88&ty=60) for Swampy.

A poster (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1192&bih=604&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=jMEv1x3BDE6zmM:&imgrefurl=http://www.firefightersonline.com/shop/shirts/&docid=WE7UFlOP8MwuGM&imgurl=http://www.choiceshirts.com/media/catalog/product/i/m/image_280_1.jpg&w=225&h=225&ei=aKLTTrzoKIuctwfcyOSnDQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=78&sig=104562210244499843126&page=1&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&tx=69&ty=77)for Bobbio's garage.

For Rosie - a $1000 gift card to this store (http://www.bpdcostumes.co.uk/musicals.htm).

Gotta go to a meeting - more gifts later!

What a fun OP!

FairyChatMom

11-28-2011, 10:15 AM

Yummy yummy yardman... <pant pant> Altho to be fair and not sexist, any guy who does my yard work, regardless of his appearance, would be A-OK with me! :D Even swampy!! :p

I've been in Happy Homemaker Mode - I cleaned the microwave (ick) and loaded the dishwasher, scrubbed both bathrooms (double mega ick) and vacuumed the main areas and the master bedroom. I've got a couple of tuna steaks thawing for supper, and I just popped a bowl of soup into the now-clean microwave to warm for lunch. It's really mild here, so the house is open. Not bad for a Monday!

I think after lunch I'll assume the netflix knit position for a while. :D

swampbear

11-28-2011, 10:27 AM

Howdy Y'all! Sneakin' in a quick post while I munch a sammich. Been a bzzy bear this mornin' at irk. Cool, gray and wet out. ICK! This means, of course, that I will have to go make some home visits.

Still makin' my list of gifts to give.

Back to irk. Le Sigh.

FairyChatMom

11-28-2011, 03:10 PM

I guess everyone's busy shopping, eh?

:D

My sweetie's home. I'm about to feed the critters, then start our supper. Good times!

picunurse

11-28-2011, 03:34 PM

Well,since I'm a sporadic visitor here, I should give something really impressive, you know, to buy friends.. :D

I thought about this (http://corvettemuseum.com/), but not everyone is into these. Designing your own, though...

Ok, if you don't want that, how about one of these (http://www.google.com/search?q=horses&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=JP3TTv-2KuXciQLNwu2bDg&ved=0CEcQsAQ&biw=1866&bih=970)? Oh, maybe no room for that. And there is maintenance... Hum.

OK! Here (http://www.google.com/search?q=sunset+pictures&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=p_3TToC4KKKniQK_2JnNDg&sqi=2&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1866&bih=970) is something anyone can use! Take one every day for a peaceful, happy life.

FairyChatMom

11-28-2011, 04:13 PM

ooooo, picu, your last one is a winner! :D

Supper was early and tasty - broiled tuna steaks, instant smashed N.O.T., and broccoli. Brownies later. Yum!

anyrose

11-28-2011, 04:46 PM

Okay - I think I've got everything covered:

$1000 Gift Cards:
for Bobbio (http://www.craftbeerclub.com/?gclid=CPvM94uy2qwCFUdn5Qod6GersQ)
For swampy (http://imitationobjects.com/art/fancy-toilet-paper-why-not/)
for dogbutler (http://shop.nhl.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3176610)
for stickybuns (http://www.antiquecupboard.com/)
for moooooom (http://www.clay-king.com/)
for the knitters & crocheters (http://www.knitpicks.com/knitting+accessories.html)
for the chocoholics (http://shop.ghirardelli.com/)
for the readers (http://www.amazon.com/)

Anyone I didn't specifically mention may choose any of the above - I'm certain you'll find something to your liking. :)

*phew* I'm exhausted from all that shopping.

congodwarf

11-28-2011, 05:09 PM

I do have one gift, though, for congo. It's a $250 gift certificate to this store (http://www.polymerclaysuperstore.com/).

This is, without a doubt, the bestest present I'll get this year. It's right up there with dental insurance, new glasses, and a trip to Disney as my best presents ever!

It's official......my blood clot nutrition paper is DONE!!!

swampbear

11-28-2011, 05:22 PM

I hate shoppin' for stuff but I sucked it up and went just for y'all. I'm all nice like that.

So...

For MOOOOOOM appropriate housewife (http://www.google.com/#q=june+cleaver+dresses&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=HAjUTvyXB4Trtgf2n-WDCQ&ved=0CJABEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=78910e7a74f5f435&biw=1280&bih=825) attire.

For BBBobbio an everyday fireman's (http://www.pinkimpulse.com/Smokin-Hot-Fireman-Costume.html) outfit.

For Taters a Hawaiian (http://bookit.com/us/hawaii/?adid=Ps_11&s_kwcid=TC|15459|hawaiian%20vacation%20deals||S|b|14976277776) vacation.

For doggio all the necessary equipment for the perfect martini (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=martini+shaker+set&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=825&wrapid=tlif132251914949810&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17270598298166209571&sa=X&ei=ogrUTrHGNsy4twfphc2yDQ&ved=0CJsBEPMCMAA#).

For Ashes2 Pixie Sticks (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=pixie+sticks&gs_upl=4554l6816l0l7486l12l11l0l0l0l0l222l1481l2.8.1l11l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=825&wrapid=tlif132251926882410&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=14280011474256145241&sa=X&ei=7wrUTujTAsa4tgeCrJSsDQ&ved=0CI8BEPMCMAY#) cause it ain't like you could be any more hyper anyways. :D

For Rosie a full length mink coat (http://www.electrafurs.com/mink4.htm) to go with the tiara.

For Rebo her very own home edition of The Family Feud (http://userdata.acd.net/ottinger/gshghp/Shows/Feud.html)!

For stickybuns the world's largest fork (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12188).

For soapy her very own lab (http://www.webomator.com/2010/01/12/mad-doctor-rognvalds-laboratory-in-progress/).

For shortdrum a drum set. (http://www.drumset.com/)

For fiat a vintage well, fiat (http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/vintage-fiat.htm).

For brick assorted sammich (http://www.google.com/search?pq=drum+set&hl=en&cp=3&gs_id=b&xhr=t&q=fiat&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=825&wrapid=tljp132252016058324&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=sandwich+maker&pbx=1&oq=sandwich+m&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=4177l7589l0l10425l10l10l0l0l0l0l294l2384l0.2.8l10l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=b8ba4cd428ea37c1&biw=1280&bih=825) makers.

For boofae assorted pointy sticks (http://www.morleyathletic.com/sports/track-and-field/javelins/javelins.htm).

As a stockin' stuffer for everybody puppies (http://www.google.com/imgres?q=puppies&um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=825&tbm=isch&tbnid=hP_scabJBkbJAM:&imgrefurl=http://mairedubhtx.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/the-pile-of-puppies/&docid=SviQOZ1QvtP4QM&imgurl=http://mairedubhtx.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/puppies.jpg&w=1600&h=1200&ei=rhDUTsmzCMzAtgfJ49itDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=248&vpy=361&dur=77&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=168&ty=95&sig=114317903144843743255&page=1&tbnh=138&tbnw=184&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0)!

For everybody else... Whatever You Want (http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Buy-Whatever-You-Want-With-Us-Online-Shopping-Sites/2915385)!

All that shoppin' has worn me out. I need to have a cool drink and lie down.

anyrose

11-28-2011, 05:42 PM

For Rosie a full length mink coat (http://www.electrafurs.com/mink4.htm) to go with the tiara.AND IT'S BLUE!! Thank you! :D:D

Man With a Cat

11-28-2011, 06:25 PM

I'll read all this later.

For now, hi.

anyrose

11-28-2011, 06:32 PM

ooooo, picu, your last one is a winner! :D

Supper was early and tasty - broiled tuna steaks, instant smashed N.O.T., and broccoli. Brownies later. Yum!

I read that too quickly, and was going to ask how the broccoli brownies turned out. :eek::rolleyes::D

swampbear

11-28-2011, 06:32 PM

AND IT'S BLUE!! Thank you! :D:D
It just screamed you! :D

Ok a couple more...

For LiLi, what with the impending twin girls plus Gnat and TomKitten she will need servants (http://gallery.e2bn.org/asset66269-.html) to help out at the manor.

For mmmmmm's her own m & m's (http://www.users.nac.net/patti348/M%20and%20Ms.htm), personalized with her initials even! :D

For CatDude White Sox (http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoTC9J9RO6WEATP2JzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimage s.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dchicago%2Bwhite%2Bsox%2Bbaseball%26n%3D30%26ei%3Dutf-8%26b%3D1%26tab%3Dorganic&w=400&h=300&imgurl=www.aclutx70th.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F04%2Fchicago-white-sox-baseball-tickets.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aclutx70th.com%2F2009%2F04%2F13%2Fchicago-baseball-tickets%2F&size=37.3+KB&name=Chicago+White+Sox+Baseball+Tickets&p=chicago+white+sox+baseball&oid=a6239efc6102c17bd8df9cfaa832d0dc&fr2=&fr=&tt=Chicago+White+Sox+Baseball+Tickets&b=0&ni=30&no=4&tab=organic&ts=&sigr=11uq2nc2n&sigb=137501jo7&sigi=12ksl8jem&.crumb=9aufOgvcqJ.) tickets.

ems

11-28-2011, 06:33 PM

Nono swampy you need a puppy

Haven't had time to shop today stoopid job!

Lancia

11-28-2011, 08:19 PM

"The Red Shadow"... I think I'm in love.

Forgive me for not playing, bit I'm posting from an android, and the links don't usually work. Sorry. I will give this some thought, though, and see if I can find something (in)appropriate for you all.

Found out today that unless I bomb my final I'll be getting an 'A' in math. No surprise there, although it feels good to hear it officially.

Gave a presentation on the Spanish Civil War. Teach said I did a good job; I guess that means I may not fail that portion of the grade. I found that war fascinating, and spent some time after class talking to the instructor about the aftermath. More research is in the works, for sure. Perhaps the subject for next term's presentation.

I've also been put on a list to (possibly, if there is room) be a writing tutor next term. Imagine that.

SnakesCatLady

11-28-2011, 08:29 PM

I'll have to shop and post later, if I can find my cheatsheet for how to post links.

Went to the Coach's Show tonight and our table got called down for being rowdy. At almost 51 I was the second youngest there and the strongest drink on the table was sweet tea. I loves my hockey friends.

Cold and rainy. Yuck.

janis_and_c0

11-28-2011, 08:40 PM

Swampy gets beers of the world (http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3680742&affcode=288576&cid=ppc:288576&searchdef=2376726&k_clickid=112bb829-785c-4809-a3f1-000027d63a45&002=2376726&006=8902928339&007=Search&008=&009=b&012=_cat:worldmarket.com&021=12800176000) and this (http://http://a1.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/98/99dcda9898f747719d37d02c00bf742b/l.jpg)

Still thinking about everyone else..

anyrose

11-28-2011, 09:02 PM

Swampy gets beers of the world (http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3680742&affcode=288576&cid=ppc:288576&searchdef=2376726&k_clickid=112bb829-785c-4809-a3f1-000027d63a45&002=2376726&006=8902928339&007=Search&008=&009=b&012=_cat:worldmarket.com&021=12800176000) and this (http://a1.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/98/99dcda9898f747719d37d02c00bf742b/l.jpg)

Still thinking about everyone else..

I fixed your link - too many "http://"s in it

janis_and_c0

11-28-2011, 10:20 PM

Much oblighted, rosie!

phouka

11-28-2011, 11:19 PM

Prezzies! Pretty much, everything I would give to you guys would come from Uncommon Goods (www.uncommongoods.com), the This is Why I'm Broke blog (www.thisiswhyimbroke.com), or Think Geek (www.thinkgeek.com). Definitely, everyone is getting their very own desktop catapult (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/e250/?srp=5). Catapultam habemus! Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam!

And, may I take a moment to comment on how utterly strange family is (and I include myself in this)?

When phoukabro major (Big Kango? What say you?) visits from LA, he takes my bedroom, and I move in with my mom, who has a king-sized bed. (The parents have separate bedrooms because their sleeping habits are so opposed, they would kill one another now that Dad's too old for sex. I did not just say that about my parents.). So pb major revels in the privacy of a room all his own, I do my best not to litter and shed belongings through my mom's room, and she tries really hard not to kill me because I mess with her tidy and orderly universe.

That's the normal part.

The strange part is that my toothbrush disappeared after the first night. Well, okay. It's a crowded bathroom at the best of times, and I'd already dug out makeup I hadn't worn in over a year and was prepping to henna my hair. It would have been very easy for my toothbrush to have been knocked off the counter and the puppy to have found it and made off with it (except, she would have paraded her kill through the house or ostentatiously snuck off to chew on it).

Then, this morning, after phoukabro major returned to LA, it reappeared. In my bedroom. On a plate with crumbs of cinnamon bun icing. I just . . . I don't want to know. Toothbrush went in the trash, and I bought a new one this afternoon. I will not be asking my big brother for what purposes he kidnapped my toothbrush or why he felt I might want it back afterwards. I mean, seriously, if he'd been without toothbrush, we'd have gotten him one. If he'd needed a small brush to use (on a cinnamon bun?), I'd have dug through my neglected art supplies until I found one. ("Forget it, phouka. It's family.")

On my own part, early this morning, while sleeping next to my mom with the puppy between us, occupying 56% of all available bed, I dreamt that I and phoukabro minor had been deep in the kind of pointless, amicable argument we often enjoy, only he got more and more snarky and refused to argue according to the adopted Calvinball rules, so I finally yelled "SHUT UP!" at him.

And heard phoukamom mutter "sorry".

I woke up just enough to realize that phoukamom had been snoring loudly, that my treacherous brain had interpreted the snoring into phoukabro minor's snark, and that when I yelled "SHUT UP!" at him, my mom thought I was yelling at her about her snoring. Which, in a very strange meta sort of way, I was.

Oh, and my first day of being 40 was pretty damn good.

That is all.

Lancia

11-28-2011, 11:35 PM

desktop catapult (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/e250/?srp=5)

WANT! I am already dreaming of what I can do with that catapult, a sand castle and some cherry bombs...

SpazCat

11-29-2011, 02:19 AM

It's official......my blood clot nutrition paper is DONE!!!
So...don't keep us in suspense: what is the proper nutrition for a blood clot? :D

I had a panic attack yesterday. I'm taking today off work to recover. I can't afford to take today off but I have to. I can't sleep because I'm worrying about money. I slept a grand total of three hours tonight. It's getting bad.

On the other hand, Irish Brother has angora rabbits. His fiancee spins their fur into yarn. Is soooooooooooooft.

swampbear

11-29-2011, 05:19 AM

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin' *YAWN* 'Tis 36 Amurrkin out with a predicted high of 57. Way better than up in ye olde hometowne where they're gettin' a mix of rain and snow right now and throughout the day. Better them than me. :D

Wow, I have beer, tp and a tiara. What more could a bear want!

I'll think up some more gifts later on today. For now, I must have more caffiene and must feed the beast that is my rumbly tummy. Then, alas, irk purtification must commence.

Happy Tuesday Y'all!

VunderBob

11-29-2011, 05:19 AM

Blurf.

Carry on.

IvoryTowerDenizen

11-29-2011, 05:24 AM

I'm so tairid.

dogbutler

11-29-2011, 05:37 AM

: checks in:
I'll have to do my shopping for y'all tonight.

Hockey tonight, with a new coach

FairyChatMom

11-29-2011, 07:06 AM

Ah, time for a little more shopping before class (Sorry I pooped out early last night - I was tahred!!!) Some may be more random than others - I decided to try the grab bag approach. :D :D :D

For Brick (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/soup-and-sandwich-ceramic-tray-duo)

For Kanga (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/green-rhino-trophy-head) - after all, who wouldn't want one of these??

For CatDude (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/remote-control-t-rex-kit) - he and Cuervo can have hours of fun with this.

For all the girls (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/porn-for-women) ;)

An extra stocking stuffer (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/senior-moments-memory-workout) for swampy

For BooFae (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/multi-color-double-tagua-necklace)

For Soapy (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/glass-water-faucet), just because

For all of our resident winos (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/corkcicle) ;)

And for Woody (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/wood-tie)

I think I have a new favorite on line shopping site. :D

More later, when my virtual credit card stops smoking...

FairyChatMom

11-29-2011, 07:11 AM

How could I have missed this?? Surely our resident EMT must have this (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/emergency-clown-nose)!!! :D

anyrose

11-29-2011, 09:37 AM

FairyChatMom

11-29-2011, 12:14 PM

Monday Dec 12, we need to be at the hospital at 6AM, with surgery scheduled for 7:30. Daughter will stay at our house to tend to our critters and we'll spend the night before at my mom's house, since it's a much shorter drive to the hospital than from here. Dare I hope that the 5th time's the charm?

We'll be going to Baltimore again on Tues for some pre-op work. If recovery goes like his last surgery, he could be discharged on the 14th or 15th. Guess I need to make sure I have a bunch of knitting to keep me occupied in the waiting area.

The hospital in Baltimore is a good one, even if the parking there sucks. I'd even be allowed to spend the night in his room, but I'm thinking it'll be better for both of us if I get real sleep at Mom's. So here we go again...

SpazCat

11-29-2011, 12:19 PM

:DIT'S SNOWING!:D

Very tiny flakes and not sticking, but IT'S SNOWING!

Man With a Cat

11-29-2011, 12:22 PM

Ok fine, I'll do some non-shopping in a bit.

Just saw the eye doc. Pressures are good, holding off the family eye curse, optic nerve - check, doing fine.

Ordered some new glasses while I was there, for those days when I don't feel like sticking plastic in my eyes.

picunurse

11-29-2011, 12:44 PM

phouka

11-29-2011, 01:13 PM

Yes, many good thoughts headed your way!

I am currently caffeinated, exercised, and putting off my shower. The puppy desperately needs park time. My bedroom and bathroom are hideous wrecks and need cleaning. I have about five errands to run, and I haven't been able to find any new shoes.

I need shoes. Last year, I bought two pairs of Sketchers, and they are very nearly dead. I've been wearing that particular style of Sketcher for nearly five years now. It's time for a change. Also, my sneakers are wearing out. So, with money in hand, I found a $50 pair of Fila five-finger shoes, which, while not the Vibram variety, still kick butt. I am currently breaking them in.

But for daily wear, I had no luck yesterday. I am on a budget. I stopped at Payless first and was delighted to see shoes I actually liked - cute designs, manageable heels, and colors that wouldn't clash with everything I own. Except, when I started trying them on, the size 8s were too small, and the size 8 1/2s were too big. Grrrr! So, then I went to Target, where the selection was completely picked over. Nothing in size 8 or 8 1/2 at all. *sigh* I shouldn't be surprised, really. Not after Black Friday. I will probably have to wait to the weekend to see if there are any sales/new inventory.

FairyChatMom

11-29-2011, 04:02 PM

Thanks for the good thoughts. It helps that we know the hospital and the surgeon so it's one less unknown to deal with.

Quiche will be ready in about 20 minutes - crab, onion, spinach, and swiss - it smells yummerrific! Plus I'll have leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. Yay!

Ashes, Ashes

11-29-2011, 04:39 PM

Pretend shopping is hard work! Who knew a budget and practicality would make the perfect gift more difficult to find? I'll down a few dozen pixi stix whilst contemplating. What Swampy? Wait to open? That's unpossible!

It's official-- my freezer is at capacity. Thanksgiving and bagel hoarding have it packed like a wench's costume at RenFaire.

Somebody kick-start me shampooing the guest room. I cleaned the kitchen and need some opinions. Is oven cleaner safe to use on coookie sheets? I use sil-mats but grease still gets baked on, so I sprayed 'em with cleaner. I ran them through the washer, but d'you think they're okay?

Also, be careful with those disposable toilet bowl cleaners! The blue gunk got on my hands while cleaning the sink (before the bowl o'course) and now my right hand looks pale blue and corpse-like.

Ashes, Ashes

11-29-2011, 05:08 PM

phouka

11-29-2011, 05:11 PM

Aaaand now I need a nap. And a Valium.

Dad came knocking on my bathroom door while I was showering. He was in the throes of a panic attack, but true to form, would not call it that. Because, dammit, he's a man.

So, after I asked him to wait 30 seconds while I washed out the shampoo, dried off, and put clothes on, I spent the next hour taking his blood pressure, holding his hand, trying to get him to eat, assuring him that he would not be put in a home, and listening to him describe symptoms that pretty much read "Panic Attack: see also, stress, anxiety, and emasculating fear".

Still haven't heard back from Mom, which is weird, because she'll usually answer a text in 10 minutes. Ran errands to get his prescription meds (including Xanax for . . . ANXIETY! But, he doesn't have anxiety. Remember that.). Got groceries. Got some takeout lunch for myself, and have sat at the kitchen table for the last hour, keeping an ear open for Dad.

My day has been derailed, and I really want a nap.

On the plus side, it looks like I'll have my first tutoring student shortly AND I may have an interview for part-time holiday work at Cost Plus World Market tomorrow. Yay!

Ashes, we should hang out. I henna'ed my hair two nights ago and must have made a really good batch, because the palms of my hands are orange as an Oompa Loompa. We'd make a great pair!

swampbear

11-29-2011, 05:54 PM

Howdy Y'all! Home. Tahrd. Sniffly. Sinusy. Ick. Made potato/corn chowder for dindin. Yum. Don't feel like postin' more right now.

FairyChatMom

11-29-2011, 05:57 PM

As usual, the quiche was yummerrific! That's all I've got.

Feel better, swampy! Altho I expect your "sick" is your conscience getting back at you for picking on me. :p

VunderBob

11-29-2011, 08:11 PM

OK, gift time:

For GT (http://www.lehmans.com/store/Garden___Digging_and_Cultivating___E_Z_Till_Garden_Cultivator___1176195?Args=)

Mooooooom (http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm/subsection/2) and Daaaaaaaaad... (http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=194&formfield1234567892=21&formfield1234567894=&term=DESK+ORGANIZER+SUSHI&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0)

Spaz (http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=46&formfield1234567892=13&formfield1234567894=&term=pANIC+BUTTON&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0)

Swampus (http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=109&formfield1234567892=10&formfield1234567894=&term=toy+snake&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0)

Rosie (http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=39&formfield1234567892=14&formfield1234567894=&term=ginormous+gem&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0)

A stocking stuffer (http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=136&formfield1234567892=13&formfield1234567894=&term=Bobblebottom&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0) for just about everyone.

I'll do more later. I's tahred.

gardentraveler

11-29-2011, 08:38 PM

I've been reading along, but haven't had time to post.

AWESOME topic, FCM! And excellent gift choice for me; I would love to have a little greenhouse. Maybe in a future remodel.

I think I would go with some local items such as a selection of ice creams from here (http://www.jenisicecreams.com/), or maybe something from Etsy Team Columbus (http://etsyteamcolumbus.blogspot.com/). I happened to pick up an the Holiday Gift Guide (http://www.columbusalive.com/content/sections/current-issue/index.html) issue of Columbus Alive on the bus today and they had some really cool stuff, too. Unsurprisingly, I liked the gardeners' page (http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2011/11/24/giftguide/garden.html). Also, the under $20 page (http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2011/11/24/giftguide/20for20.html) has some cool stuff.

I'll come back with specific ideas for Mumpers later in the week.

Guess I should get some stuff done.

Hugs all!

GT

I don't remember ever having been to Uncommon Goods. What a cool site.

The Blue-Sighted Shadow

11-30-2011, 01:41 AM

Some local presents, take your pick:
Chocolate from Schurra's Fine Confections (http://www.schurrasfineconfections.com/browse.cfm/holiday-baskets/2,15.html)
Beer at the Tied House Brewery (http://tiedhouse.com/beer-alpine-gold.html)
Yarn, fabric, needles and notions, etc. from my favorite yarn shop (http://www.bobbinsnest.com/store/pc/home.asp)
Gold from the Golden State (https://www.google.com/search?q=gold+bullion&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=17_VTtjhHKOhiQKC5cWZCg&biw=1280&bih=875&sei=2r_VToTZIabXiAL53pmaCg)

I know it's generic, but something is sure to please.

I spent today manually updating records. The records have to be done manually because. That's it, that's the reason, because. 7 clicks per record, with an occasional bonus 8th click. No data entry. Just...clicking. All. Day. Long. And I get to do it again tomorrow!

I went to Michaels tonight to buy decorations for the office tree trimming party on Friday. It took forever, but I got almost everything on the list. I couldn't find any inexpensive stockings that didn't look cheap, so we'll personalize glass ornaments instead. The ornaments are nicer and less likely to be eaten by mice in storage, anyway.

anyrose

11-30-2011, 01:58 AM

Attention Echod:!!יום הולדת שמח

Nava

11-30-2011, 02:21 AM

"Come when you can! When you can!"

OK, so on one hand she's said "when you can" and on the other she sounds like someone's dying, so what's gotten into my mother?

Ah. Two unopenable easy-open cans, I see...

As soon as I get the patents all lined up and a maquiladora to build them, any Dopers get a handsome android (their own notions of handsome) specializing in such things as killing roaches, taking june bugs outside, changing the cat litter and opening unopenable easy-open cans.

Noone Special

11-30-2011, 02:47 AM

Attention Echod:!!יום הולדת שמח
:) !!תודה רבה, ורד (dear Og, coding a Right-to-Left message is a mess!!)

As soon as I get the patents all lined up and a maquiladora to build them, any Dopers get a handsome android(their own notions of handsome) specializing in such things as killing roaches, taking june bugs outside, changing the cat litter and opening unopenable easy-open cans.Your new phone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29) does all this? :dubious: Can it make coffee, too? :D

Have been very barely following the proceedings, will try to come up with some ideas for presents. Sometime. Real soon. Maybe even before Christmas....

swampbear

11-30-2011, 05:10 AM

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin'. *YAWN* 'Tis 44 degrees Amurrkin out with a predicted high of 56. Actin' like late Fall even!

BBBobbio :eek: Snakes!!!111 :eek:

I feel somewhat better, still sinusy. Every freakin' time the weather changes I get this. GRRRRRR.....

And now this...

HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY DEEEAAARRR SSSPPPEEECCCIIIAAALLL111!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!

Now I must seek out more caffiene plus feed rumbly tummy. Then, alas, irk purtification must once again commence. Home visits part of the day and paperirk the rest. Rah.

Happy Hump Day Y'all!

FairyChatMom

11-30-2011, 05:47 AM

Happy Nooner Day!!!

I managed to snooze till 6, and I considered going back under the covers after dealing with the critters, but here I am instead. FCD has left for work, I've had some quiche and caffeine, and I have no idea what's in store for today. Speaking of store, I may run to WalMart - it shouldn't be too crazy on a Weds morning, right?

There are some really cool gift ideas floating around here. I still need to come up with the $10 goofy exchange contribution for our Christmas craziness - I'm going to try some small local places. Altho $10 worth of TP is both useful and hilarious! :D

I'll figure it out. Happy Wednesday!!

IvoryTowerDenizen

11-30-2011, 05:51 AM

happy birthday echod!!!

gardentraveler

11-30-2011, 06:25 AM

Happy Birthday, SO and Mika as well, if you're lurking out there!

Is it Firday yet?

Hugs.

GT

Dolores Reborn

11-30-2011, 07:38 AM

Happy Birthday,
SO and Mika

I checked over my presentation again, and found a huge error! I have to give it next week. I feel pretty good about it, but now I'm going over it with a fine-tooth comb.

Happy Hump Day!

FairyChatMom

11-30-2011, 08:43 AM

<cue Indiana Jones theme music>

I'm off to WalMart...

:eek: :eek: :eek:

swampbear

11-30-2011, 09:19 AM

Well, just in case she does happen by...

<AHEM> CLEARING THROAT <AHEM>

HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY DEEEAAARRR MMMIIIKKKAAA!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!

FairyChatMom

11-30-2011, 12:24 PM

Shopping was pretty uneventful. Lunch was OK. I did 2 more sections of my on-line defensive driving course (to get an insurance discount) and I'm about to assume the knit position for a little bit. Good times...

Noone Special

11-30-2011, 01:21 PM

Thanks everybody! :)

And Happy Birthday, Meeks!!

anyrose

11-30-2011, 02:25 PM

(I hope this is right . . . )
जन्मदिन मुबारक हो, अनामिका

Noone Special

11-30-2011, 02:33 PM

(I hope this is right . . . )
जन्मदिन मुबारक हो, अनामिकाGoogle Translate says: "Happy birthday, ring" :)

I wonder if the Hindi work for "ring" sounds like "mika?"

SpazCat

11-30-2011, 02:36 PM

Happy birthday Noon & Mika!

Spaz (http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=search&utm_content=cf&utm_campaign=celsearchtest&formfield1234567891=46&formfield1234567892=13&formfield1234567894=&term=pANIC+BUTTON&btnHand.x=0&btnHand.y=0)

Oh, if I had one of those I'd be pounding it into the Earth's core right now. Serious panic going on here.

FairyChatMom

11-30-2011, 05:18 PM

I shall be knitting the evening away - MWAH!!

gardentraveler

11-30-2011, 10:06 PM

So, where is everyone?

Longish day, but then a haircut, a successfully made eye appointment, dinner and messing around with various electronic toys, mostly getting various iThings synched up and playing around with Google Voice. (I'm about to dump all the stuff associated with my land line so that I'm only using it to make outgoing calls and use a Google voice number instead. That lets me manage my calls more easily, block junk calls that aren't covered by Do Not Call, and have free voicemail that I can pick up via e-mail or cellphone without wasting much time.)

Now I'm preparing for park stuff for next year and hoping that I survive holiday decorating in the morning without too much damage.

I'll be doing some real-life shopping and making sure I've got a maximum number of things ready for vacation (which is a bit over 2 weeks away, but there's total chaos between now and then).

Hugs all.

GT

Ashes, Ashes

11-30-2011, 11:49 PM

What an oogy day. The medicine for my locked up neck makes me useless for anything. I didn't even want to make coffee! Now it's wearing off and I'm debating whether the pain is worth being listless. I blame Colorado. I crunched my neck while visiting there and have always been a little resentful. Perfectly reasonable!

Tomorrow I'm getting my hair fixed. About a week ago I decided to trim my bangs and went a little crazy. If it were straight, it'd be a mullet, so thank goodness for curls. Now I just have to face the stylist and hope she doesn't laugh her head off when she sees what I did.

So tell me about Netflix. I've never tried any of it and wonder if I should. Do you have to install something on your computer? Will it show on my tv or on my laptop? Yes, I AM that backward. You're looking at a woman who's never set up her DVD player and doesn't own a cellphone, iPOD, or any of that newfangled jazz.

Happy Birthday to all those needin' 'em! It was a busy baby-having week, back a few years, wasn't it?

swampbear

12-01-2011, 05:06 AM

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin'. *YAWN* 'Tis :eek: 30 degrees Amurrkin :eek: out. Why that's below freezin'! There'll be ice bergs in the pool! The predicted high will be 64 so I suppose any ice bergs will be melted. :D

Not much goin' on 'round these parts. Just irk. Hope everyone else is doin' well.

Now I must seek more caffiene and feed rumbly tummy. Then, alas, as always, irk purtification must commence. More home visits today. At least they're all local.

Happy Thursday Y'all!

VunderBob

12-01-2011, 05:40 AM

Blurf. Carry on.

Nava

12-01-2011, 05:46 AM

Your new phone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29) does all this? :dubious: Can it make coffee, too? :D

The other kind of android, and of course: coffee, tea, infusions, cocktails (alcoholic and non...). Yours comes with a special "convince the wife that it's the bestest thing since bread and butter" program. And happy birthday to our two Nameless Ones!

gardentraveler

12-01-2011, 06:25 AM

I don't have Netflix, but as I understand it there are two parts to it and you can get either part or both. If you're just getting the streaming part of Netflix, you get to it through your computer, but there are ways to connect it to your TV (using gadgets like Rokio, Apple TV, PS3 and - with the right kind of connection, and if your TV is new enough, by directly connecting your computer to your TV). The other part of Netflix involves them sending you the actual DVD. You can rent a certain number at a time and can get more as you send your rented ones back. I've heard people say that their online selection isn't as good as their DVD selection, but I'm sure it depends on what you're looking for.

Up and getting ready to go decorate the park for the holidays. Yay!

Hugs all.

GT

FairyChatMom

12-01-2011, 06:39 AM

Start your day with a cat horking on your bedspread, and it can only get better, right? Hope so. I'd planned to sleep in :rolleyes: but now I'm up, showered, dressed, and breakfasted. I'll leave for class in an hour or so - if all of my stuff has been fired, it may be my last class. Otherwise, I'll go back next Thurs to get the last of my stuff.

I've decided what my $10 crazy swap gift will be - ice cream sundae fixins! I'm going to pick out an appropriate bowl from my inventory and add a scoop, some chocolate and butterscotch toppings, sprinkles, some M&Ms, cherries - whatever $10 will buy. I think it's an inspired idea! :D

So tell me about Netflix. I've never tried any of it and wonder if I should. Do you have to install something on your computer? Will it show on my tv or on my laptop? We've had Netflix for some months now. I can't remember if we installed something - I expect it all happened in the background when I clicked "Subscribe" - or maybe it was just setting up an account. As long as your laptop talks to the intrarwebz, you can log on there, also, but whether you get it on your TV or not depends upon the TV. Our main TV has a dongle that talks to our wireless router, and I know some DVD players and game consoles also are compatible with Netflix.

For our bedroom TV, we had to get a Roku box, which enables the TV to talk to the router. Actually, we also had to get a new TV, because our old TV was way too old for Roku to talk to. But that's probably more than you wanted to know.

You can try it for a month for free and see whether you like it or not. I've watched a bunch of movies, several series, and some things I'd never heard of before and found I like. We used to have the 1-DVD-at-a-time option, but we quit that after the price went up, mostly because we were hardly using it.

We're not very chatty this week - has everyone gone into hibernation? Happy Thursday, anyway! ;)

Ashes, Ashes

12-01-2011, 06:55 AM

Thanks GT and FCM! I may just give Netflix a try-- after fluffing up my fur and spider-walking around it (everything I know I learned from my cats).

I read the best quote today. Miss Piggy was being interviewed and was asked if she wore false eyelashes. Her answer: "Absolutely! Eyelashes are the window treatment of the soul." Think I'll stitch that on a pillow.

SnakesCatLady

12-01-2011, 08:04 AM

Went to the men's only salon yesterday afternoon and photographed hockey players getting their "Movember" mustaches shaved...I just don' think I could let someone near my face with a straight razor...

VunderBob

12-01-2011, 08:11 AM

Yeah, I'm a Mumper, through and through. I just got out of a meeting where I introduced my colleagues to the concept of The Pointed Stick. They approved.

anyrose

12-01-2011, 08:15 AM

gotpasswords

12-01-2011, 08:18 AM

Apple neds to take some lessons on order processing and tracking from Amazon. On the day after my gizmo was due to be delivered, I get an email saying it's been shipped and is expected to be delivered tomorrow. Not five minutes later, FedEx calls me to see if I'll be home to sign for it today. :confused:

So, let's see if it arrives today.

Today is so bad, even our workflow system doesn't want to work. We're all in thumb-twiddle mode now, waiting for it to come back to life.

DH is getting well and truly cranky on the low-calorie, low-fat liquid diet.

VunderBob

12-01-2011, 08:31 AM

DH is getting well and truly cranky on the low-calorie, low-fat liquid diet.

You ain't seen nuthin yet. Wait until he goes on a roid rage from all the androgens hitting his system because there's no fat to store them anymore.

RedWood

12-01-2011, 10:21 AM

O Hai! enjoying a brief portion of morning relaxation before I go off to work :)
/me makes a big batch of hot spiced cider mixes and sends to all and sundry with recipes, both *Hic* and Suitable For Children :D
Happy Happies! this weekend I get out the Holiday Stuff...

swampbear

12-01-2011, 11:09 AM

The IMS is all fubar again. This time I need to do stuff so it's now personal. So today, this is an awful thing. The last time it was not an awful thing because it did not effect me. Woe is me.

Bumbazine

12-01-2011, 11:39 AM

Apple neds to take some lessons on order processing and tracking from Amazon. I'm not so sure. I ordered a new computer case from Amazon on Monday, and when I checked my order status this morning it said "Shipping Soon". :eek: What!?! They haven't even gotten it out the door yet? If it wasn't for the free shipping I wouldn't buy anything from Amazon. Cretins!

Silver Tyger

12-01-2011, 12:29 PM

Hey everybody. Happy birthday to thems that needs it. I survived NaNoWriMo and even won (although I cheated with the last 150 words. I meant to write some more last night but I was too tired).

Now that I don't have to type huge amounts of text anymore I have to get used to typing on Qwerty instead of Dvorak. It's coming back to me...

I need to buy my presents for myself (I promised myself one thing off my wish list for each story I finished for the White Knight. I finished four scripts and a text piece, and did another bit that I don't know where I'll use. So that's five presents! Yay!

Have to get my dad's Christmas present. I think I'm getting him a big tin of shortbread and a couple of pairs of jeans. The jeans are on his wish list - he's incredibly boring.

I have five parties I'm invited to over the next two weekends. One work, one 'Thank Gosh It's Over' for NaNoWriMo, the end of the season / planning next year / taking care of necessary business for my RenFaire Guild and two parties at clubs with friends. I'm planning on one fun party and the NaNo party which will also be fun (I have to decide which page to print out to share. I think it'll be the prose piece with all the character study, because most of the rest is script format).

Dad decided he wants to do Thanksgiving dinner at our place this weekend as well. And Mom decided we're decorating for Christmas. I may run away. I don't mind the dinner, although I'm afraid to enter the kitchen the whole day - Dad gets stressed easily and doesn't deal well with it. But I find decorating for Christmas to be too much. I prefer to put up a bit of garland, hang a couple of ornaments from it, and call it a season. Plus comments about me being an atheist and 'Jesus loves you, you know!' become more likely. And that gets old, really fast. I shouldn't complain though, my parents aren't about to hold a intervention, or disown me, or anything like that.

FairyChatMom

12-01-2011, 12:35 PM

I don't recall who I'd ordered from, but I got some merchandise delivered, and the next day I got an email telling me it had been shipped. Um, thanks... :rolleyes:

Home from class. I glazed a couple of pieces, helped empty the kiln, found a piece in the damp cabinet that I'd forgotten I'd done, and helped scrape and re-coat 6 kiln shelves. Good times. It was a messy chore, but like I told several classmates, I'd rather do that than clean the clay room.

Not sure what my plans for the rest of today will be - I need to pull something out of the freezer for supper - maybe poke chops? Or chicken? Or polish sausage? Decisions, decisions...

I did pick up the stuff for my family gift exchange - chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, sprinkles, cherries, chopped pecans, and an ice cream scoop. Plus I got out a ceramic dish I made several years ago. I'm going to wrap each piece separately and stick them all in a festive bag. :D

gotpasswords

12-01-2011, 03:47 PM

You ain't seen nuthin yet. Wait until he goes on a roid rage from all the androgens hitting his system because there's no fat to store them anymore.

'Scuzeme? Roughly when do I need to go hide?

The new toy has arrived, and now I'm figuring it all out. The instructions are certainly sparse. They're down to a 3x5" card. Fortunately, it's all been pretty easy to figure out. I better not type too loudly, but this thing runs faster than my desktop iMac at browsing single websites or playing that game with the pigs and irritated birds.

VunderBob

12-01-2011, 04:24 PM

'Scuzeme? Roughly when do I need to go hide?

Starts about 3 months post-op. Imagine PMS in a guy...

ems

12-01-2011, 04:51 PM

I made it back from my meetings in Houston late last night then had to make a 6 hour round trip to go pick up a sample from a supplier this morning did a bit fo work this afternoon and now I need a nap.

Supper is poke loin and butternut squash. I's tahred.

FairyChatMom

12-01-2011, 04:52 PM

Supper was leftover lasagna. 'twas good.

I turned on the fan that's part of the fireplace insert. It's loud in this room, but doggone, does it move the hot air! This weekend, we're going to take it out and see if we can adjust it or lubricate it or something to quiet it a bit. If not, I'll deal - the heat it great!!

VunderBob

12-01-2011, 05:12 PM

I turned on the fan that's part of the fireplace insert. It's loud in this room, but doggone, does it move the hot air! This weekend, we're going to take it out and see if we can adjust it or lubricate it or something to quiet it a bit. If not, I'll deal - the heat it great!!

I really miss the woodburning stove from the NC Lair. We used it as our primary heat source.

swampbear

12-01-2011, 06:07 PM

Howdy Y'all! Poke chops, field peas, rice 'n gravy and bizkits for dindin. Good comforty dindin on a cool night. YUM! I have one smallish piece of pee-can pie left. I shall eat it shortly. It's mine! All mine! BWAAHAAHAAHAAHAAHAA Pee-can pie brings out my mad scientist laugh. :D

SpazCat

12-01-2011, 06:26 PM

Things are getting confusing again, which is a step up from the terror, uncertainty, and fear of last night and this morning. One day I am going to write such a book.

congodwarf

12-01-2011, 07:41 PM

Well, I haven't been around but for good reason. Over the last two days, I have busted my butt and finished everything remaining for my Nutrition class (the most tedious class). I'm 19 days early and this will make the next 2.5 weeks go so much more smoothly. Starting tomorrow I'm going to try to finish History before Sunday night.

Rosie's sig to all. See you next week!

gardentraveler

12-01-2011, 08:30 PM

I'm not so sure. I ordered a new computer case from Amazon on Monday, and when I checked my order status this morning it said "Shipping Soon". :eek: What!?! They haven't even gotten it out the door yet? If it wasn't for the free shipping I wouldn't buy anything from Amazon. Cretins!Check that again, Bumba. That was the status I saw first when I checked on the order I put in on Thanksgiving. I clicked on another link and found where my package actually was and found that it had not only been shipped already, but was just outside Columbus. It was delivered on Monday.

Congrats on the NanoWriMo success, ShinyCat. And yay on having the work for Nutrition done, shortdrum.

I spent the day out, first at the park, helping a little bit with decoration, but mostly planning next year's meetings and events and making sure there weren't any conflicts with other events or with holidays.

Then I went shopping for a while, paused to participate in a conference call, and shopped some more. Found several pretty little things. Wandered around my neighborhood because they were having a local shopping evening and bought a few more presents and chatted with a few store owners. Had a way yummy little cupcake from a new cupcake seller (it was some type of sponge cake with a cranberry in the center, slightly spicy frosting and a rum-soaked cranberry on top).

Now I'm home, figuring out what to do with the rest of the eveniing.

Hugs all.

GT

swampbear

12-02-2011, 05:11 AM

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin' *YAWN* 'Tis a chilly iceberg in the pool causin' 32 Amurrkin out. The weather alert thingy says *FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 A.M.* Just like that with the little *'s even! The predicted high is 68. Heh. That's pretty much what the forecast looks like over the next several days. That means nuttin' of course. I mean, around here, it could be highs in the 80s all of a sudden. It happens.

ShinyCat congrats NaNoWriMo win! NaNoWriMo is hard to type. Or it that just me? :D

gt rum soaked cranberries? I woulda never thunk if of ya! :p

Spaz hope whatever's goin' on resolves in a good way soon. Also, I anxiously await the book.

Yay for finishin' the Nutrition stuff shortdrum!

And now this...

<AHEM> CLEARIN' THROAT <AHEM>

HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY DEEEAAARRR SSSNNNAAAKKKEEESSS!!!!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!!!!

Whew! Now I must seek out more caffiene and brekkie for rumbly tummy. Then, alas, irk purtification must commence. At least it's Firday.

Happy Firday Y'all!

FairyChatMom

12-02-2011, 05:41 AM

Happy SnakesDay!!

It was 28°Freekin' degrees when I let the dog out an hour ago. blech! The house is cozy, tho. In fact, last night we had to turn the fan on the fireplace off because it was getting too hot. Even now, there are still hot embers in there.

Plans for today - laundry - yay! And I'm hearing what sounds like a rasslin' match in the cat box, which tells me Taz was having a fit about burying all the business in there (Ziva can't be bothered...) so I may have to remedy that also.

I decided yesterday what my next big clay project will be - a chess set using penguins as the men. I just need to figure out the color scheme and how I'll designate each piece. The king and queen will be easy. The knight and rook are presenting special problems. I'm also going to make tiles for the chessboard, and my sweetie will make a wooden frame to hold it all. Of course, if I can't sell it, I'll be stuck with this stupid chess set... :p

I've got a hot date set up while my sweetie is in the hospital. ;) A guy I knew in elementary school and who I tracked down on line lives not too far from the hospital. We're going to meet for supper one evening I'm there. I haven't seen him in almost 40 years - wonder if I'll recognize him... <snerk> A couple of weeks ago, I came across the "yearbook" from our 8th grade class - a faded mimeograph volume - I'll be taking it with me, if I remember.

I'm really curious about his life since 1968. I know he's now an electrical engineer working for the state utilities department, but near as I can discover without paying money to see more, he's still living at the same place and he never married. I know his dad died while my friend was in college and he mentioned his mom has Alzheimer's, but no word of a wife or kids. So it should be an interesting reunion.

In other news, I had a lousy night - tough getting to sleep, up too early, coughing fits, generally ick. I think it might be partly due to how dry the fire made the house. I need to set a pan of water on top of the firebox next time.

And here it is, Firday, and we're still on page 2. My MMP is a failure. I am desolate... <insert much wailing and weeping and self-pity here> OK, so I'm not that desolate. ;)

Happy Firday!

FairyChatMom

12-02-2011, 05:54 AM

Fine, I'll force it to page 3! :p

gardentraveler

12-02-2011, 06:07 AM

Wow, we REALLY have been quiet this week, haven't we?

I blame Taters. :p :D

Good morning all!

Hugs.

GT

FairyChatMom

12-02-2011, 06:28 AM

Not just Taters - if you look at the posting statistics, swampy and I are carrying this thread! Buncha slackers! :p

Ashes, Ashes

12-02-2011, 07:33 AM

Good morning all! It's nearly bed time for me, the MMP vampire.

And plus, I've found everybody's virtual gift. Pick an appliance (http://heraldnet.com/article/20111130/LIVING/711309973/1018), any appliance and it's yours!

gotpasswords

12-02-2011, 07:37 AM

I'm just sitting here, quietly sipping real coffee so DH doesn't hear it. He's not enjoying faux-sanka or decapitated coffee as he calls it. I keep trying to nudge him to the variety of teas that we have that never had caffeine, so they didn't need to be monkeyed with.

Once again, our workflow system is kaput. Not bad to sit around doing nil and geting paid, but it does get boring after a while.

Sticks and Scones

12-02-2011, 08:41 AM

Tomorrow I'm getting my hair fixed. About a week ago I decided to trim my bangs and went a little crazy. If it were straight, it'd be a mullet, so thank goodness for curls. Now I just have to face the stylist and hope she doesn't laugh her head off when she sees what I did.

My hairdresser always used to just give me a :rolleyes: when I used to have bangs and tried to do this. Now I just gave up and let my bangs all grow out.

I've decided what my $10 crazy swap gift will be - ice cream sundae fixins! I'm going to pick out an appropriate bowl from my inventory and add a scoop, some chocolate and butterscotch toppings, sprinkles, some M&Ms, cherries - whatever $10 will buy. I think it's an inspired idea! :D

I think this is a great idea. If I hadn't just come up with some ideas for some friends I would have completely stolen it from you. :D

Well, I haven't been around but for good reason. Over the last two days, I have busted my butt and finished everything remaining for my Nutrition class (the most tedious class). I'm 19 days early and this will make the next 2.5 weeks go so much more smoothly. Starting tomorrow I'm going to try to finish History before Sunday night.

Rosie's sig to all. See you next week!

Yes, this is pretty much the reason I dropped off for a couple of days. Everything is done except for one final powerpoint presentation that is due a week from today. Huzzah!

As a matter of celebration I decided to take the day off and head to a local high-end craft show that I tried to get into at the last moment but couldn't. Many, many, many years ago I purchased a couple of very simple sterling silver rings there and every time I go back to this show I have a tiniest glimmer of hope that the ring maker will be there again. I'm pretty inconsistent with jewelry but I have worn and loved these rings for over 20 years.

I'm eventually going to figure out how to make them, but I've only just started dabbling with sterling.

Otherwise today I'm going to hang out with a friend and give her the teapot tree that I made using the teapot that she 'donated' to the cause.

And on a mental health note, let me just say that mental illness sucks. I'm really tired of being a crazy person and would like a day or two off...

swampbear

12-02-2011, 09:55 AM

Designer Kitchen Aid appliances! Tres chic Ashes2! :D

I'm takin' a turn answerin' the phones this mornin'. People are so inconsiderate! They keep interruptin' my web surfin' wantin' stuff. The Noive!

anyrose

12-02-2011, 10:53 AM

I've decided what my $10 crazy swap gift will be - ice cream sundae fixins! I'm going to pick out an appropriate bowl from my inventory and add a scoop, some chocolate and butterscotch toppings, sprinkles, some M&Ms, cherries - whatever $10 will buy. I think it's an inspired idea! :DI think this is a great idea. If I hadn't just come up with some ideas for some friends I would have completely stolen it from you. :DI ain't proud. I'm stealing the idea.

Silver Tyger

12-02-2011, 11:20 AM

And on a mental health note, let me just say that mental illness sucks. I'm really tired of being a crazy person and would like a day or two off...

I'm sympathize. ((hugs))

I'm pretty much used to Qwerty again, except for hitting 'j' when I need a 'h' or 'v' when I need a 'k' (which gives interesting results when I'm trying to say I like something.) Those are the most common letters that gave me trouble with Dvorak so I guess they got reinforced too much.

Happy Birthday Snakes!

I need an oil change, I desperately need to balance my checkbook and pick up my room. I don't want to do any of those things. NaNo party tomorrow night! Woo!

anyrose

12-02-2011, 11:32 AM

Where were you using a Dvorak? I don't think I ever seen one in real life. What application would benefit from that layout?

Bumbazine

12-02-2011, 01:23 PM

GT, I got an e-mail this morning that the stuff I ordered on Sunday night shipped this morning. It is now somewhere in Indiana. It only took them 5 days to get it in a box and onto a truck. My original rant still stands. :rolleyes:

Happy Birthday, Snakey!!!

That's all I got.

SpazCat

12-02-2011, 03:25 PM

Happy Snakes Day!

swampbear

12-02-2011, 04:22 PM

Howdy Y'all! Made chikin nachos for dindin. YUM! Easy, quick, tasty. Now it's chill time!

FairyChatMom

12-02-2011, 05:11 PM

We had steamed shrimp, N.O.T. tots, and corn for supper. FCD is in his workshop doing... something. I'm about to resume the knit position. It's a good day. :D

congodwarf

12-02-2011, 05:38 PM

Well, I'm back early because I finally heard back from the guy who's gonna fix the Jeep.

$500 for labor for the floor, ball joints and installing the heating system
$60 for the ball joints
He's still looking for the best price on half a floor pan.

Just to refresh your memories:

Labor and parts for the ball joints was supposed to be $700 and for the floor was supposed to be $800. We never even got the labor for the heating system priced, assuming we'd do it ourselves.

Looks like we're gonna spend some money!!! (that was supposed to say save but I guess spend is accurate too)

And, he was referred by someone I trust completely (who also happens to be a master mechanic) so I'm not worried about getting screwed over.

And on that note, back to history.

ems

12-02-2011, 05:43 PM

mr ems is making chili and cornbread for dinner. Yummy! It is pretty damn cold here in Oklahoma and it is not goign to be much above 40 all day tomorrow. Good job I plan on going nowhere!

This weekend will be Christmas present wrapping and card writing and listening to Christmas songs etc. yay!

Happy Friday! :D

Taters

12-02-2011, 07:32 PM

Wow, thanks for the prezzies, guys! If my budget was unlimited my Christmas gift to foot the bill and host a MMP fest here:

http://dhigu-maldives.anantara.com/

Happy Birthday, SCL and Happy Belated Birthday to you, Nooner.

I'm glad to be home from San Diego. The training was...okay.

On the other hand, I reconnected with an old friend and made a couple of new friends. I was very struck by the number of homeless in the area I was staying in. I was smack dab in the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter. I honestly do not remember this amount of homeless there from my last visit.

I ate at a couple of really good restaurants while there too. I ate a Donovan's Steak House over in La Jolla and The Fish Market down on the water. Donovan's was more than I typically spend on a dinner while TDY, but seeing as how I don't typically spend much on meals, it'll even out.

Sticks and Scones

12-02-2011, 08:14 PM

First, I'd like to say that everyone is ok.

Second, I'd like to say that my grandparents were missing for several hours tonight. It was a perfect storm of it getting dark earlier plus major traffic accidents causing a detour, plus a few other things thrown in. Suffice it to say they won't be driving anymore. Up to this point they were still allowed to drive in the daytime (not on the expressway) and we were going to stop them altogether when it started snowing, but the keys have now been taken away. Thank God they had the presence of mind to stop and ask someone for directions on how to get back home. During their travels which originally should have taken them about 3 miles, tops, they ended up using 1/2 tank of gas while they were lost.

I'm so glad they're ok.

phouka

12-02-2011, 09:25 PM

Jeeze Lou-eeze, S-squared, that's scary!

I actually had a little bit of that today. Dad has gotten really bad about telling me when he's going anywhere. This time, he left while I was out running errands, didn't leave a note, and was gone for more than two hours - far longer than he usually takes for lunch. Oh, and he left his cell phone here. Not that he ever answers it, but still. I was starting to consider what I should do to look for a lost Dad when he finally got home. *sigh*

Currently, we're in a thermostat war. He keeps turning it up to 80+, but he stays downstairs while all the heat goes upstairs. He won't watch tv in Mom's room, which is the warmest in the house. I'm in my room with my door closed, both windows open, wearing a tank top and shorts. Og in heaven, Dad! I'm not sitting on my exercise ball all nakie! I'll stick!

(And many, many very happy birthdays to those I missed!)

Ashes, Ashes

12-02-2011, 09:34 PM

Oh Sticks, I so wish I could make it all better for you and your parents! The driving thing is one of those nasty milestones on this particular journey. Just remember you can do this, or fake it, either one.

Maybe it'll bring a grin to your face to imagine me right now. Picture a chick with a severe curly mullet, limping like a melodramatic pirate, being towed by a fat little pug, and that's me on a walk with Sweet Pea. My left knee locked up and I couldn't get to my rescue hair appointment, but doggies gotta do what doggies gotta do.

Off to make some succotash-- of the non-suffering kind!

Sticks and Scones

12-02-2011, 09:37 PM

Yes, phoukaroo, it was very scary and surreal at times. Especially when the traffic was backed up due to the accidents and I was walking with the traffic wearing dark clothes on a major road in the dark trying to get to the accidents to see if my grandparents were involved. By the time I'd walked a bit the traffic started moving and my dad came by and picked me up. He almost didn't stop, though. He didn't think it was me because he didn't think a woman my size could move so fast! :p

I didn't think I could either.

I'm sorry that you're having to deal with the same thing. It builds character, right?

It also sucks majorly.

Sticks and Scones

12-02-2011, 09:39 PM

Maybe it'll bring a grin to your face to imagine me right now. Picture a chick with a severe curly mullet, limping like a melodramatic pirate, being towed by a fat little pug, and that's me on a walk with Sweet Pea. My left knee locked up and I couldn't get to my rescue hair appointment, but doggies gotta do what doggies gotta do.

Quite. :D

Although, I hope your knee starts cooperating soon!

ETA: Hey! This was my 4000th post. Too bad the first 3000 or so were complete rubbish! :D

Silver Tyger

12-02-2011, 09:45 PM

Where were you using a Dvorak? I don't think I ever seen one in real life. What application would benefit from that layout?

It's more balanced between the two hands and once you get good you can type faster than on a Qwerty (all the speed records have been on a Dvorak.) I just stuck stickers to my laptop keyboard, so if I need to switch (or somebody else needs to use my keyboard) it's not hard.

Well, I'm down to one party. Not going to the work party next weekend because I thought I was going to my RenFaire Guild thing. Decided I didn't want to drive three hours for what was going to be mostly business and was going to go to the party at the club. Turns out that's a murder mystery thing that I'm totally uninterested in.

I wish I was a bit less of an introvert. I'd got to two parties tomorrow, but last time I did that I was dead for the whole next day. I swear I'm still socialed out a little from Thanksgiving.

IvoryTowerDenizen

12-02-2011, 10:01 PM

gotpasswords

12-02-2011, 10:19 PM

I have a hard enough time with QWERTY -why would I want to change?

Actually, at the moment, I'm getting used to batting my fingertips against smooth glass. If anyone asks, no, you don't want to type more than a few lines at a time on an iPad.

Remember Timmy or Billy or whatever his name was from Family Circus, and how there was often a dashed line behind him to show where he'd been? I was making my owned dashed line tonight at the grocery store. While making my way up and down the aisles, I'd come to the pop aisle and pot to boxes of pop cans on the bottom shelf of the cart, then went along my way.

I got to the milk area when I noticed that I was on a wet floor. I look down, and see that I'm in a puddle of brown liquid, and it's getting larger. :eek: I look back, and see yards and yards of brown drops of pop on the floor, reaching all the way back to Aisle 7. Oops. I put the leaky box on the floor and went off whistling that tuneless "no, not me. I'm not doing anything..." tune. So, to the porter at the local shop - I'm sorry.

kushiel

12-03-2011, 06:03 AM

Whoa. So when I moved here 2 years ago I had some big problems adjusting to new everything in my life, so I was getting bad panic attacks and anxiety and was put on some new meds. One of those was Seroquel (quetiapine) for a sedative effect and to help me sleep. Now that I've been stable for a long time, my doctor told me to try starting to taper off it. I took my first half dose last night.

Holy crap, I went to bed early because I was feeling tired, and after ~7.5hrs of sleep I feel refreshed and ready to run around doing ALL THE THINGS! Unfortunately, 'early' means I'm now up at 6am and it's still dark outside.

dogbutler

12-03-2011, 06:04 AM

Not just Taters - if you look at the posting statistics, swampy and I are carrying this thread! Buncha slackers! :p
Some of us ain't retired yet. : jumps up and down on FCM's lawn : :p

Hockey tonight, and my "just friend":) will be there.

Glad the grandparents are OK, Sticks.

Enjoy the day.

swampbear

12-03-2011, 06:06 AM

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin'. *YAWN* 'Tis 33 Amurrkin out with a predicted high for the day of <snerk> 69 <snerk>.

StickyBuns yikes! Glad the grandparents are ok. I'm so glad my father realized on his own he couldn't drive anymore. It made that transition a lot easier. kanga ah yes, the battle of the thermostat. With dad he was always too hot so mom would wear a sweater in the house at all times. Heck, sometimes when I was up visitin', so did I.

Ashes2 maybe you are meant to embrace the mullet look. :D

HEE gotti! I'm picturin' horrified looks on people's faces and givin' the man with the brown trail of liquid a wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide berth.

This mornin' we are goin' to a pancake breakfast sponsored by a local Kiwanis club. MOG is a member of the club so OYKW, JDD, Partner and I are goin' when she's supposed to be on duty as a "waiter" just so's she can wait on us. Tickets are purchased ahead of time but the idea is also to "tip" the waiters with the proceeds from the "tips" goin' to Toys For Tots. Thus we are all givin' twenty dollar "tips" cause that's TFT is a really good reason. OYKW also wants to go to :eek: Wally*World :eek: to get some stuff. This evenin', MOG, JDD, Partner and another friend are comin' over to grill steaks and chill. Should be fun.

Now I must needs more caffiene and I soon need to purtify to go eat pancakes, sausages and bacon to my little heart's content.

Happy Sattidy Y'all!

gardentraveler

12-03-2011, 06:34 AM

Oh, my, Sticky! That's terrible. I'm so glad the grands are OK.

Ashes, I know you only meant for Sticky to giggle, but I did too. :D

Welcome back Taters! And thanks for the present!

If you need to type a lot on the iPad, gotti, I recommend getting a keyboard. I looked at several online and wound up going with the Apple one because it had the best reviews. It's very nice. It's a little odd to combine typing and swiping, but much easier to type long stuff. (I have a couple of apps that have perfect uses requiring more typing than I can stand on the device itself...)

Hmmm....I seem to be contributing to the post shortage. I was going to post yesterday, but...got distracted knitting. I blame the holidays. (I'm all about blame, of course. :p )

Good morning all! It's nearly bed time for me, the MMP vampire.

And plus, I've found everybody's virtual gift. Pick an appliance (http://heraldnet.com/article/20111130/LIVING/711309973/1018), any appliance and it's yours!Ooooh, very cool.

Guess I'm up...

Off to find coffee.

Hugs.

GT

swampbear

12-03-2011, 07:06 AM

All purtified for pancakes. Ok, as purtified as one in jeans and a sweatshirt can be I reckon. I's hongry! Bring on the pancakes, sausages and bacon! BACON! BACON! BACON!

swampbear

12-03-2011, 09:53 AM

Home after :eek: Wally*World :eek: and pancake breakfast. PANCAKES! PANCAKES! PANCAKES! SAUSAGE! SAUSAGE! SAUSAGE! BACON! BACON! BACON! BEAR FULL! FULL! FULL! :D

Welcome back Taters!

Now I shall go tackle the monumental task of :eek: cleanin' out my closet. :eek:

If I'm not back by this time tomorrow, send a search party.

ems

12-03-2011, 10:02 AM

mmmmm bacon.......

Welcome back taters!

And I am glad your G'parents were OK sticky

I was awake and up at 4.30 this morning. I did go back to bed for a couple of hours after mr ems got up. He is watching hunting and fishing shows and eating bacon & eggs right now so I am gonna go hit the showers.

Weather is crappy here today - bit warmer but has been raining and thundering since about 8AM. I believe I will be staying at the house all day today. :D

Silver Tyger

12-03-2011, 11:38 AM

I have a hard enough time with QWERTY -why would I want to change?

It ups your geek cred?

The swearing in the kitchen has already begun. Dad made pies this morning. I don't know why (I was defending my claim to my parents' bad / playing with the cats), but I heard him swearing. The man gets stressed way too easily.

anyrose

12-03-2011, 12:00 PM

swampbear

12-03-2011, 12:36 PM

Smokey likes to curl up next to me on the side of the desk, usually right on top of something I know I'm going to need in about an hour, at which point it will be almost impossible to move her without getting a hand full of claw. *sigh* =^.^=
How inconsiderate of you Rosie! Smokey is helpin' you by bein' a paperweight and you want to move the very thing she's helpin' to hold down. Poor Smokey!

I survived closet cleanin'. YAY!

Lancia

12-03-2011, 12:47 PM

Sorry FCM. It's finals week starting Monday. It's been hell, hopefully I can innundate the MMP with... whatever after then. Sorry. Will try to do better. :(

FairyChatMom

12-03-2011, 12:51 PM

Back from breakfast and erranding and craftshowing - whew!

Sticky - scary about the g-parents - glad it ended well, tho. I worry about my inlaws. They're both in their 80s now and ever-so-slightly stubborn - I know where their firstborn gets it from. ;) Anyway, I fear they won't surrender their independence willingly, and we're too far away to be able to help them out.

A2 - your pug-walking imagery cracked me up. My daughter has a psycho pug (http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i178/fairychatmom/?action=view&current=Cozmo500.jpg) - 2 years old, I think... or not quite. Except for his love of peeing in my dining room, he's a good pup, if nutso.

Taters - I love your gift idea! Truly inspired!

doggio - if you're stomping on my lawn, your shoes are probably covered in bird poo, courtesy of the roving band of guinea fowl who keep coming back to the front yard. :p

And the craft show - what a crowded place that was! I was surprised by the number of jewelry vendors - at least 15 tables of them. Lots of kitschy kuntry Krismas stuff too - I'm not big on ruffly, glittery, once-a-year stuff, but that's just me. There was one potter there - her stuff was really pretty. I may do that show next year - we shall see.

FCD is futzing downstairs again. Daughter is coming over for dinner tomorrow. Today, she's redoing her computer setup because she didn't listen to her mother and got a virus. Luckily, it was more of a nuisance than a malicious virus, and she found info on line that allowed her to clean it up. That'll learn her to set up a password-protected admin account like her mom said. :p

Tomorrow, we'll winterize the boat. That involves putting antifreeze in the waterlines of the engine, the sinks, and the head. It'll take maybe half an hour. We were going to do it today, but we forgot to take the antifreeze and tools with us when we left. Dumb!

So swampy, I hear you like pancakes??

Happy Rest of Saturday, all!

Taters

12-03-2011, 01:07 PM

Sticky, I'm glad the grandparents are okay.

I'm going to have get myself cleaned up and head out to the stores. I need to pick up a couple of little things and pick up some cash for tonight. We're celebrating our friend's birthday. I feel bad about having to put my dogs in the kennel when we leave tonight because I haven't been home all week. They've been sticking to me like glue since I got home yesterday.

It's cold and clear outside.

I'm glad you like my gift idea, FCM. That's one of my dream vacations. I'll probably never get to go, but a girl can dream, right?

Bumbazine

12-03-2011, 01:16 PM

We went to a third-grade basketball game at 8am this morning. I would just like to say that our grandson is a star basketball player. I like to say that, but I can't. But he does show potential.

We're at the Public Market now. For brekkies we had a brie and pear crepe, with raspberry jam and walnuts. :D

If anything exciting happens I'll let you know.

VunderBob

12-03-2011, 02:13 PM

doggio - if you're stomping on my lawn, your shoes are probably covered in bird poo, courtesy of the roving band of guinea fowl who keep coming back to the front yard. :p
But you no longer have any ticks, Mooooooooom.

swampbear

12-03-2011, 02:35 PM

Steaks are marinatin' and friggin' good N.O.T. all prepped and ready. MOG is bringin' her famous sallit, JDD and Partner are bringin' beerverages (iced down in a cooler, they were brought up right. :D)and other friend is bringin' a lemon icebox pie. Good eats await! YUM!

I also made N.O.T. sallit and made up some tea for brunch tomorrow at the church house. MOG got a spiral cut ham to take so I decided that would be a good go with for ham. I mean who doesn't like ham and N.O.T. sallit!

FairyChatMom

12-03-2011, 02:57 PM

My $10 family exchange gift is ready to go. I got a festive bag lined with tissue paper, and I wrapped each sundae component separately. There will be 7 items to be unwrapped. hehehe

Steaks are thawing, as are the last of the twice-baked N.O.T.s, and FCD requested cauliflower. I may do grilled onions, too. Tomorrow, we'll have chickie on the rotisserie, so it's thawing right now also.

Meanwhile, Scruffy the brat is whining to be fed. You'd think she'd have reset her stomach for 4:15 since I won't feed her before that. Idiot dog.

Out of curiosity, has anyone gotten any Christmas cards yet? I quit sending them out years ago, so that might be why I haven't gotten any - no biggie. Just wondering if anyone else has insanely early friends and/or relatives.

Silver Tyger

12-03-2011, 03:10 PM

Out of curiosity, has anyone gotten any Christmas cards yet? I quit sending them out years ago, so that might be why I haven't gotten any - no biggie. Just wondering if anyone else has insanely early friends and/or relatives.

We haven't. Mom isn't even bugging me for my blurb for the family letter yet. Maybe they just wanted to get it done before the season got crazy?

Man With a Cat

12-03-2011, 03:16 PM

Totally unrelated to anything but I finally got the I-phone 4S. It is way way way better than my older I. I will no longer dread using my phone to post.

Welcome me back.

SpazCat

12-03-2011, 03:40 PM

Computer Boy and Katy Cat moved out today. Culinary Boy is sad.

rosie's sig to all, I'm about to read a bunch of LJ Idol entries so I can vote before the next DDOS attack on LJ.

Sticks and Scones

12-03-2011, 04:55 PM

I mean who doesn't like ham and N.O.T. sallit!

Um, me? (I don't like N.O.T. salad.) :p

Welcome me back.

Welcome back!

Today has been rather low key around here. We all feel like we have stress lag after last night. My big accomplishment for the day was turning the dishwasher on. While I was out, though, I bought myself a very awesome Christmas present (http://www.delphiglass.com/metal-clay/finishing-supplies/lortone-tumbler?source=froogle). My time spent polishing silver will be reduced by at least 75%!!!! And a very merry Christmas to me! :D:p

Filbert

12-03-2011, 07:09 PM

Out of curiosity, has anyone gotten any Christmas cards yet? I quit sending them out years ago, so that might be why I haven't gotten any - no biggie. Just wondering if anyone else has insanely early friends and/or relatives.

Yep, just got my first- and thanks for the reminder, having a dozy day, and when I read that I realised I'd picked up a card by the door this morning, but had no recollection of opening it- so just did a late night card hunt. Apparently I somehow decided it was intended for my housemate, and put it on her desk, in her room, despite it being addressed to me, and her not even having any mail today. :smack:

In other, typically exciting news, I got a new pet!

He's a snail :cool:
Yep, said it was exciting! He's a freshwater assassin snail, and is happily hunting down all the little pesky snails in my tank, and is suprisingly fun to watch- it's like a slow motion cheetah hunt.

By the way, seein' as you lot's all good at present buying, anyone got any inspiration spare? My bro's impossible to buy for, and is one o' them people who just says 'oh, don't bother getting me anything', which is, of course, impossible, and he actually gets all excited about presents when they're there in front of him.
No-one in the family can ever think of what to get him, and we're all going to spend the next few weeks desperately asking each other for ideas.
The only thing he's said he wanted in the last 3 years is a relief globe of Mars. I said he was hard. :rolleyes:

Hope everyone and misc. relatives keep well/get better! We couldn't stop my Grandpa from driving- until he somehow managed to crash (into a barrier, not another car, thank goodness), taking both sides off the vehicle, leaving it in a state the policeman first on the scene could not believe anyone survived- and walked out the wreckage. :eek:

Ashes, Ashes

12-03-2011, 07:28 PM

FCM--sqweee!! such a cute pug! Oh, let's face it, all pugs are adorable. I'd have a herd of them if I could. Your daughter's little one has a glint of naughtiness in his eye, unique to pugs. Mine is right next to me, imitating a fur-covered meat loaf, snoring at full capacity. Life is good.

My knee is getting worse and I think I'll only go out at night like the Elephant Man. What must my neighbors think? Ah- they're smokin' pot so not much, I'll bet. Them I like, unlike the the &$@#$$ next door. Did I tell you about her?

Seems I sleepwalk, as in walk two city blocks, buy kleenex (pink!) and walk home with no memory of any of it. Well, one night I must have had enough of the $@&*%@ neighbor's miniature doberman's incessant barking and politely asked them to quiet the dog. All this in Spanish, in my pajamas. So I can understand they were taken aback. But the #&%$@& neighbor didn't need to threaten to call the police and beat me up. I explained the sleepwalking and apologized profusely and still she cussed me out and made like she would hit me.

Actually, they were evicted and the new people are a mystery. Never seen them, though they like to talk naughty in the mornings. What does the MMP know about their neighbors? Dish people, dish!

Ashes, Ashes

12-03-2011, 07:35 PM

Oh, just noticed Filbert-- try out this site (http://www.thatswhyimbroke.com/) for your brother.

And no cards either!

swampbear

12-03-2011, 08:04 PM

If y'all haven't seen this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=633601) yet, please go check it out and vote. I'm all for this.

Dindin et, adult beverages drunk and guests gone home. Kitchen also cleaned up. Bear tahrd.

StickyBuns you of the baked N.O.T. sallit recipe don't like N.O.T. sallit? This does not compute.

I's all sleepified so off to beddybye I go.

Nitey Nite Y'all!

Sticks and Scones

12-03-2011, 08:07 PM

StickyBuns[/b] you of the baked N.O.T. sallit recipe don't like N.O.T. sallit? This does not compute.

Yeah, actually, that is the only kind of potato salad that I like. And I only like it within the first hour after I made it.

I know, I'm super picky and always have been.

anyrose

12-03-2011, 08:37 PM

ok - it's official. I'm sick. Scratchy throat-runny nose sick. Bleh.

gardentraveler

12-03-2011, 11:58 PM

I've been fighting that off, too, rosie. Got chicken pho from the Vietnamese place at the market for lunch and have had various and sundry hot liquids as well as lots of citrus. Seem to be keeping it in heck so far, although I felt forced to take an extra nap to fight it. Such hard work.

:eek: on the sleepwalking and the old neighbors, Ashes. I have nice boring neighbors.

Went to Local Best Friends to watch the football game (Big 10 championship). Good game, although MSU lost.

Am now finally getting sleepy.

Happy Saturday night, all.

Hugs.

GT

SnakesCatLady

12-04-2011, 12:57 AM

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! The hockey guys won on my birthday but lost Saturday night.

I am bored.

Dolores Reborn

12-04-2011, 04:13 AM

Happy belated birthday, Snakes!

I can't sleep! :( I woke up at 2:00 am. Very unusual for me. The dogs are looking at me like I'm nuts. ;) At least they're not asking for breakfast yet. Hopefully I'll get a nap later.

swampbear

12-04-2011, 05:30 AM

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin'. *YAWN* 'Tis 52 Amurrkin out with a predicted high of 72. Go figure.

Feel better Rosie and gt! gt so far your cold is in heck? Reckon Phil the Prince of Insufficient Light will keep it there? :D

My neighbors are ok. I know the ones on either side and the one across the street from me. None of them are ax murderers as far as I know. I consider that a good thing.

Now I must seek more caffiene and brekkie for rumbly tummy. Then I must purtify for deheathenization. I get to ush today in addition to it bein' brunch Sunday.

Happy Sunday Y'all!

Sticks and Scones

12-04-2011, 06:26 AM

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Not sure why. But, I woke up at 45 minutes early this morning. It's ok, though. My afternoon plans got cancelled so I can be a slug and take a nap or two later if I want.

I've been playing with my tumbler and it's great! However, I think I'm going to call the store on Monday and see if they'll let me return it and upgrade to the double barrel model. I did some experimenting between the direction sheet which said to tumble for 1-2 hours and what the lady in the store said, to tumble 4 hours. Yep, the stuff that I tumbled for 4 hours looks better. So, considering the quantity of spoon rings that I make alone, I think I'll need the one with more capacity. Hope they won't mind if I switch.

Ok, guess I should contemplate breakfast and clothing before church.

VunderBob

12-04-2011, 06:41 AM

A short video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UqEhUm2B_8&feature=player_embedded) on surviving the holidays...

FairyChatMom

12-04-2011, 07:03 AM

We've lived here over 7 years and we really don't know any neighbors. The young couple next door have been here 2 years - he's into racing, as we can tell from the hours of fun-filled revving we hear in the nice weather months. :rolleyes: I've never seen her. The neighbors in back are nuts - he's the one who came and warned me about illegal aliens sneaking thru my back yard at night - illegals from Puerto Rico!!! :eek: Yeah, he was serious...

Across the street to the side is a family that has a white dog that kept coming into our yard to crap - we have to keep the gate closed because of that. And across the street in front lives an older lady who gets around with a walker or a scooter. We're not anti-social or anything - it's just that the neighborhood is so spread out and houses are so far back from the road, interaction opportunities are pretty limited.

Good morning! Scruffy didn't start barking till well after 7 - huzzah!! FCD is still abed - I'm glad he's getting rest. It's 32°F, but a day in the mid-50s is predicted. When it warms a bit, we'll go to the marina and winterize our boat. I need to stop and get dog food sometime - almost out of kibbles. Other than that, nothing exciting on the agenda.

BBBobbio - that video was most informative and helpful. Fa-la-la-la-la!

Happy Sunday!!

Ashes, Ashes

12-04-2011, 07:10 AM

Bedtime for this kiddo. It's a three dog night, just 35 degrees!, but I'll make do with one pug and an electric blanket.

Weird doings-- two of my smoke alarms started meeping. Who'd have thought the batteries would go out at exactly the same time?

Happy Sunday!

ems

12-04-2011, 07:45 AM

I managed to sleep until 7 this morning. Yay! This getting up at 4.30 lark on a weekend was gettign old. LibbyCat is fed and I am drinking coffee and mr ems is still snoozing. I may have to go poke him with a stick soon to get him up as I am hungry!

All the Christmas presents for this side of the water are wrapped and under the tree. Christmas pressents for the UK side of the water are on the spare bed. It is going to take a lot to fit them in a suitcase to get them home on the 15th! :eek:

Today I will write all the Christmas cards.

It was nice in the house last night. Candles on, lights out, Christmas tree twinkling. I love this time of year.

The OK weather can't make up its mind if it is going to snow tomorrow or not. I am hoping not as I have a flight to catch tomorrow afternoon.

Feel better rosie and gt!

gardentraveler

12-04-2011, 09:03 AM

Good morning, all.

I seem to be winning the battle against the cold; thanks for the good wishes.

Up and contemplating what to do with the day.

The knitting seems to be calling.

Hugs.

GT

FairyChatMom

12-04-2011, 09:20 AM

I've got a pan of brownies in the oven, and when they're done, we'll be heading down to Solomons. Stoopit boat...

dogbutler

12-04-2011, 09:23 AM

Morning.

gotpasswords

12-04-2011, 10:06 AM

I may have made a tactical error in not getting DH an iPad of his own. He has discovered the Mahjongg game I installed. :smack:

anyrose

12-04-2011, 10:51 AM

I seem to be winning the battle against the cold; thanks for the good wishes.I lost. :(

Taters

12-04-2011, 10:55 AM

Good morning, I managed to stay in bed until about 7:45 or so.

We had a great time celebrating our friend's birthday and didn't get home until after 1:00 in the morning.

I have a bit of a headache this morning. I felt the headache coming on last night while still at our friend's house. I was really ready to go home. However, we had to drop off another friend before we could go home. By the time we got home, my head was pounding. I went straight to bed after letting the dogs in.

I thought my head would fee better this morning, and it does feel a bit better, but not much. I sure hope I'm not coming down with something. I really, really don't have time be sick.

I plan to do laundry and laze about. This is the extent of my plans and all I want to do.