Things that stick to black clothing:
Cat hair, lint, dryer sheets, socks, underwear, dust, snow, styrafoam, thread, confetti, yarn, glitter, glitter glue, eyelashes, mud, spooge, snot, hair, cat litter, crumbs, small shreds of paper, horse hair, dog hair, gerbil hair, gerbil snot, drool, coffee, mustard, cigarette ashes, miscenllaneous odors, sewing needles, dust bunnies, post-it notes, blankets, tiny rocks, paperclips, static, tissues, rain, little beatles, orange juice, marmalade, sour cream, whipped cream, cream cheese, cat food, dirt, hair balls, tears, lipstick, paste, sequins, beads, bandaids, duct tape, ice cream, tinsel, sawdust, cobwebs, leaves, very thin sticks, gum, candy canes, fudge, pumpkin pie, creamer, whipped cream, ointment, probably dust mites, germs, lotion, hand soap, synthetic fibers, burrs and thorns, sand, salt water, striped knee high socks, toilet paper, napkins, claw encasments from the cat, contact lenses, and sense of doom.
11.27.2006
11.24.2006
Oh My Gohd, What the Hell Have I Done?!
Yeah....so I switched over to the Beta version of Blogger.....this is going to be a headache to fix...
Six Subtle Traces of Hell
I wanna play too!! (tagged by my mom, via Shenry)
Six random things about Neko that you probably didn't know:
1. I've always wanted to know how to dance well.
2. I have dreams that I'm helping Japanese tourists find their way around.
3. When I was a kid, I used to have a cluster of gnarly warts on my big toe. I still cover that toe when I stand barefoot.
4. I don't ride bicycles because someone once called me the Wicked Witch of the West while I was on one.
5. All but one of the scars on my body are self-inflicted.
6. I think it would be fun to have a penis just for one day.
Six random things about Neko that you probably didn't know:
1. I've always wanted to know how to dance well.
2. I have dreams that I'm helping Japanese tourists find their way around.
3. When I was a kid, I used to have a cluster of gnarly warts on my big toe. I still cover that toe when I stand barefoot.
4. I don't ride bicycles because someone once called me the Wicked Witch of the West while I was on one.
5. All but one of the scars on my body are self-inflicted.
6. I think it would be fun to have a penis just for one day.
11.21.2006
They Like it When Hell Freezes Over
What is the deal with penguins these days? Yesterday, I stepped off of the light rail in the morning and a person in a penguin suit handed me a fortune cookie. I didn't eat the cookie because the wrapper was open. Years of trick-or-treating has taught me never to eat something that's not completely sealed. It should have also taught me not to take things from penguins, but I guess not. I did open the cookie to see what my fortune was. Apparently, my future holds public transportation advertisements. I felt screwed. Screwed by a penguin. Shenry says that penguins have large penis, so maybe I shouldn't complain.
But, again, what's the deal with penguins these days? There's a new penguin animated movie out, it seems that every marketing agency has adopted the penguin as it's new whore, and they seem to be everywhere. I imagine that it started with that March of the Penguins movie. Although I haven't seen the thing personally, I hear it was wildly popular. I'm just not sure how the concept of flightless arctic birds became trendy. They're cute and all, but why such an insurgance of popularity now?
But, again, what's the deal with penguins these days? There's a new penguin animated movie out, it seems that every marketing agency has adopted the penguin as it's new whore, and they seem to be everywhere. I imagine that it started with that March of the Penguins movie. Although I haven't seen the thing personally, I hear it was wildly popular. I'm just not sure how the concept of flightless arctic birds became trendy. They're cute and all, but why such an insurgance of popularity now?
11.17.2006
Into the Darkness of Hell
I have finally realized the one singular word that describes me best: dark.
I am physically dark.
My eyes and hair are dark. My complexion is dark (that's Italian dark, not African dark) My lungs are almost certainly black. The circles around my eyes are dark. I am always wearing a black garment of some form or another, if not dressed completely in black. The only makeup I wear is either red or black. I don't buy any clothes unless they're black or grey or have skulls or something.
I am psychologically dark.
My mood is usually dark. My sense of humor is dark. I like to lurk in shadowy places. My favorite color is black. My past is truly dark. My future almost certainly will be dark. My thoughts are regularly grim.
My interests are dark.
My favorite band is My Chemical Romance. I like art that blends the adorable with the gruesome. I enjoy walking around in cemetaries. I'd love to drive a Herse. My favorite movies are horror films and quirky french tales and Tim Burton. I have a black cat. I am have a preoccupation with haunted places and serial killers.
Yes, "dark" is indeed the word that describes me best. What's your word?
I am physically dark.
My eyes and hair are dark. My complexion is dark (that's Italian dark, not African dark) My lungs are almost certainly black. The circles around my eyes are dark. I am always wearing a black garment of some form or another, if not dressed completely in black. The only makeup I wear is either red or black. I don't buy any clothes unless they're black or grey or have skulls or something.
I am psychologically dark.
My mood is usually dark. My sense of humor is dark. I like to lurk in shadowy places. My favorite color is black. My past is truly dark. My future almost certainly will be dark. My thoughts are regularly grim.
My interests are dark.
My favorite band is My Chemical Romance. I like art that blends the adorable with the gruesome. I enjoy walking around in cemetaries. I'd love to drive a Herse. My favorite movies are horror films and quirky french tales and Tim Burton. I have a black cat. I am have a preoccupation with haunted places and serial killers.
Yes, "dark" is indeed the word that describes me best. What's your word?
11.14.2006
Starfuckers in Hell
A young woman stops at the street corner to adjust her black and grey striped stockings. She's dressed from head to toe entirely in black and shades of grey, except for an extra long blue knitted scarf that almost touches the ground, despite being wrapped around her neck twice. She scans the marque scrolling todays headlines across the newspaper agency's stone face while she waits for the light to turn.
Green. She carries herself, hands tucked into armpits to keep warm, across the busy intersection to the Starbucks coffee haus. Inside, she steps past a vagrant asking for the restroom key to make her way to the counter. The slender boy behind the counter, who obviously favors the company of men in his off-time, asks, "What can we get you today?"
"Yes, I'll have a Grande..." she pauses and twirls her finger in the air for a moment, "Gingerbread latte. Make it a triple shot."
"Grande triple shot Gingerbread latte!" shouting toward the barista.
"That'll be $4.52." quietly to the young woman.
She hands him a five dollar bill and he says something like, "Blah, blah, blah, blah, this morning?"
She smiles and nods, playing along.
Once outside, she sets her steaming drink on a white iron patio table that wobbles like a frat boy at last call. A moment of digging into her black hole of a purse yeilds a smoke and a purple lighter. She lights her cigarette, picks up her latte, and heads off across the street again. A teenage boy crossing from the other direction stares at her as if he's never seen a woman before. She dismisses his gaze with a haughty rolling of the eyes.
"Boys are so dumb" she thinks to herself as she climbs the hill toward a tall, marble government building.
Green. She carries herself, hands tucked into armpits to keep warm, across the busy intersection to the Starbucks coffee haus. Inside, she steps past a vagrant asking for the restroom key to make her way to the counter. The slender boy behind the counter, who obviously favors the company of men in his off-time, asks, "What can we get you today?"
"Yes, I'll have a Grande..." she pauses and twirls her finger in the air for a moment, "Gingerbread latte. Make it a triple shot."
"Grande triple shot Gingerbread latte!" shouting toward the barista.
"That'll be $4.52." quietly to the young woman.
She hands him a five dollar bill and he says something like, "Blah, blah, blah, blah, this morning?"
She smiles and nods, playing along.
Once outside, she sets her steaming drink on a white iron patio table that wobbles like a frat boy at last call. A moment of digging into her black hole of a purse yeilds a smoke and a purple lighter. She lights her cigarette, picks up her latte, and heads off across the street again. A teenage boy crossing from the other direction stares at her as if he's never seen a woman before. She dismisses his gaze with a haughty rolling of the eyes.
"Boys are so dumb" she thinks to herself as she climbs the hill toward a tall, marble government building.
11.13.2006
Hellatious
The cat situation is finally handled. Jiji came home on Friday with a bunch of meds, a bandage, and a $2,500.00 invoice. Jesus Fucking Christ. I had no idea that it could be so outrageously expensive to have pets. Initially, I was freaking the fuck out because the full amount of the vet bill is due upon release of kitty kitty. I thought I was going to have to start mugging people at the light rail station for the dough. However, my Dad came to the rescue and applied for the kitty credit card which allows you to pay off the vet immediately without dropping the entire sum in one go. So, I will be able to make payments to my father in a gradual way instead of having to prostitute myself.
I'm very happy that Jiji came through. There was some concern for a bit that he wouldn't make it. I wasn't sure that I'd see him again. Since I've had my furry companion for about 10 years, I've grown very attached to him. So, it would have killed me to have to put him to sleep. Glad I didn't have to make that choice. However, chasing him down twice a day to shove meds down his throat isn't much fun (for either of us). Keeping him confined to my bedroom (to make sure he pees) isn't great either, especially after Toby's quarantine. Why are all my cats getting sick??
Things could have turned out much worse than they did. I may have had to fork over a grip of cheddar and lost my best friend in the process. But, neither happened and I feel like I got away by the seat of my pants. If this wasn't a wake-up call, I don't know what is. It all comes down to money. Money, money, money. It's what makes the world go 'round (if you think it's love, get your head out of your ass). I've got to completely stop spending and also find myself a second job. That's the only way I'm going to move on from here.
In other depressing news, I haven't heard a peep from any of my friends since my Halloween party on the 4th. I must have been much more out of control than normal. I must have single handedly offended every single one of them. It's possible. I can do some stupid shit when I'm that drunk. I would have thought that maybe I was overreacting. However, I haven't heard from a single solitary person, so I figure that since nobody has contacted me, they must have all made a secret pact to avoid me and my embarassing behavior for good. That's okay, I guess, provided that I deserve it. I haven't felt much like talking to anyone either. Not because of anyone else. Just that I've been really stressed and depressed and can't bring myself to be social. I'm also a little embarassed with myself. Oh well, que sera sera.
I'm very happy that Jiji came through. There was some concern for a bit that he wouldn't make it. I wasn't sure that I'd see him again. Since I've had my furry companion for about 10 years, I've grown very attached to him. So, it would have killed me to have to put him to sleep. Glad I didn't have to make that choice. However, chasing him down twice a day to shove meds down his throat isn't much fun (for either of us). Keeping him confined to my bedroom (to make sure he pees) isn't great either, especially after Toby's quarantine. Why are all my cats getting sick??
Things could have turned out much worse than they did. I may have had to fork over a grip of cheddar and lost my best friend in the process. But, neither happened and I feel like I got away by the seat of my pants. If this wasn't a wake-up call, I don't know what is. It all comes down to money. Money, money, money. It's what makes the world go 'round (if you think it's love, get your head out of your ass). I've got to completely stop spending and also find myself a second job. That's the only way I'm going to move on from here.
In other depressing news, I haven't heard a peep from any of my friends since my Halloween party on the 4th. I must have been much more out of control than normal. I must have single handedly offended every single one of them. It's possible. I can do some stupid shit when I'm that drunk. I would have thought that maybe I was overreacting. However, I haven't heard from a single solitary person, so I figure that since nobody has contacted me, they must have all made a secret pact to avoid me and my embarassing behavior for good. That's okay, I guess, provided that I deserve it. I haven't felt much like talking to anyone either. Not because of anyone else. Just that I've been really stressed and depressed and can't bring myself to be social. I'm also a little embarassed with myself. Oh well, que sera sera.
11.08.2006
Hell Can Always Get Hotter
If there's one thing I've learned from life, it's this: No matter how bad you think things are, they can always get worse. Now, this might seem like a very pessimistic way of looking at things, and indeed, I am a pessimist. However, the key to this, as with most knowledge, is how it is applied. For instance, if life is delivering lemons, there's no cause to despair. Because, having lemons is better than having nothing at all. Down the line, it could be turnips and those lemons may look great in retrospect. So, bitching about the lemons isn't the best move. Maybe I subconsiously feel that mourning today's losses somehow invites more misfortune for the future. If life consistently gets worse, then maybe dealing with the present prepares us for the next bomb to drop.
The point is, I was just bitching and moaning about my lack of finances and acceptable living situation. I was fustrated with myself for not applying my resources more carefully. Boo hoo, woe is me, right?
Well, I arrived at home later that same day and my father mentioned, "Hey, you might want to check out Jiji. He doesn't look too good." Jiji is one of my cats, by the way. So, I went downstairs and he was laying on my bed. When I approached him, he didn't lift his head or meow or twitch his ears or anything. I had to check to see if he was even breathing. I decided that it was time to rush him to the emergency animal clinic.
My first cause for despair came in the form of the estimated cost of his treatment. It was well over a G. I don't have that kind of money just laying around. But, I thought that I should go ahead with the procedure. After all, my cat is far more important to me than money. At this clinic, the billed amount is due in one lump sum and there is only one "payment plan" type of option available. It's a credit card provided by the vet. With my credit, I shouldn't have even bothered to fill out the application.
So, there I found myself with an even larger and inanticipated obstacle to my relocation. I went home with that burden and went to work the next day. I thought, again, "woe is me, boo hoo, life sucks." And then life said, "BWA! HA HA HA HA!" That following night (which would be last night), I returned from casting my votes. My father said that he'd spoken with my cat's vet, who explained that my cat had only a 25% chance of survival. Dad said I should start thinking about putting Jiji to sleep. Great, just great. I was mortified.
Spoke with my vet today though, and heard that the animal may recover and "just another night in the hospital" (i.e. another 500 bucks). I'm terribly happy at the chance that I might indeed bring my beloved Jiji home. But, I'm terribly desperate to find a way to pay this bill.
So there it is. Perspective.
The point is, I was just bitching and moaning about my lack of finances and acceptable living situation. I was fustrated with myself for not applying my resources more carefully. Boo hoo, woe is me, right?
Well, I arrived at home later that same day and my father mentioned, "Hey, you might want to check out Jiji. He doesn't look too good." Jiji is one of my cats, by the way. So, I went downstairs and he was laying on my bed. When I approached him, he didn't lift his head or meow or twitch his ears or anything. I had to check to see if he was even breathing. I decided that it was time to rush him to the emergency animal clinic.
My first cause for despair came in the form of the estimated cost of his treatment. It was well over a G. I don't have that kind of money just laying around. But, I thought that I should go ahead with the procedure. After all, my cat is far more important to me than money. At this clinic, the billed amount is due in one lump sum and there is only one "payment plan" type of option available. It's a credit card provided by the vet. With my credit, I shouldn't have even bothered to fill out the application.
So, there I found myself with an even larger and inanticipated obstacle to my relocation. I went home with that burden and went to work the next day. I thought, again, "woe is me, boo hoo, life sucks." And then life said, "BWA! HA HA HA HA!" That following night (which would be last night), I returned from casting my votes. My father said that he'd spoken with my cat's vet, who explained that my cat had only a 25% chance of survival. Dad said I should start thinking about putting Jiji to sleep. Great, just great. I was mortified.
Spoke with my vet today though, and heard that the animal may recover and "just another night in the hospital" (i.e. another 500 bucks). I'm terribly happy at the chance that I might indeed bring my beloved Jiji home. But, I'm terribly desperate to find a way to pay this bill.
So there it is. Perspective.
11.06.2006
Hellish Monday
My depression has given way to a mid-high level of anxiety. I am supressing a seemingly constant onslaught of panic attacks. I'm sweaty. I feel ill. It's not to the point at which I'm tearing my hair out, but I can see that happening in the near future. The cause, to this moment, is unknown. I have my suspicions that it is a stress issue. I should have kept up with my meds better this past week. I'm on them now, but I've been spotty on the upkeep lately.
I imagine the stress to be brought on by two things: money and lack of suitable living situation. It's almost Christmas. I'm freaking out.
How long before I lose it completely, I wonder. How long before I have a complete mental breakdown and have to be hospitalized? It doesn't seem far off now. Oh god, I feel sick.
I imagine the stress to be brought on by two things: money and lack of suitable living situation. It's almost Christmas. I'm freaking out.
How long before I lose it completely, I wonder. How long before I have a complete mental breakdown and have to be hospitalized? It doesn't seem far off now. Oh god, I feel sick.
11.03.2006
Heavy In Hell
It’s amazing how quickly my body loses and gains weight. I’ve never been above 130 and once was a shocking 99 pounds. The latter was gross and disturbing. My thighs didn’t even touch in the middle. How sick is that? That’s before I kicked the heroin. The likelihood of weighing 99 pounds again is, thankfully, very slim (ha ha).
However, tipping the scales at 130 is gross and disturbing in its own fashion. I can’t look at myself in the mirror nude anymore without loathing myself completely. I see all the little puckers of cellulite and the sagging skin and the age and I want to cry and barf at the same time, while holding a gun barrel in my mouth. Dramatic, eh?
Right now, my friends who read this are thinking something like, “Whatever Neko! You are so not fat!!” It’s true. I’m not obese or even “chubby” really. It’s just that I’m not used to looking this way and I know I could change it if I just got off my expanding ass. But, I’m lazy. And, I can think of a million excuses. So what do I do? I just don’t eat for a couple of days. Real healthy, right?
But, not eating for 2 days, loses me 5 pounds just like that. The jeans that were almost too tight to breathe in a couple of days ago are having trouble grabbing my hips today. Just two days of absolutely no food intake kill the pounds like a flesh eating virus. It also makes me dizzy and shaky. Yes, I know starvation and anorexia are not the keys to healthy weight loss. I know smoking a cigarette whenever I get the munchies will not do me a whole lot of good. Chemo would really help me drop the weight, wouldn’t it?
The thing is, I can’t seem to keep an interest in myself long enough to commit to a steady standard of living that improves my health. On the good days, I aspire to cut out the donuts and snack on the celery. On the bad days, I just don’t give a fhuk and stay in bed all day. It’s a good thing I don’t pig out when I’m depressed. I do just the opposite.
I normally walk instead of taking the bus whenever possible. I almost always take the stairs throughout my day at work. I don’t eat meat or much in the way of sweets. So, there are a couple of miniscule things I do for my health. Actually, I do these things more out of impatience than anything else. I have nightmares about being trapped in elevators. Gyms cost money.
What I need is to get on a healthy regimen. I need to get back into yoga. I need to exercise regularly and eat more fresh veggies. I need to get my own place so that I feel the freedom to work out. Join a gym? They’re really expensive. I look like a dork and I’m embarrassed to be athletic in front of other people. Mostly, it’s because I don’t know what I’m doing. What’s an “oblique”? or a “tricep”? How do I know how many reps of what to do and how often? Hire a personal trainer? Ha! There’s the money thing again. And I can’t stand the type of person who spends enough time in the gym to be a “personal trainer”.
The most health conscious person I know is Shenry. I think I’d be able to work out in front of him without being totally beside myself with embarrassment. But, he’s on his Olympic weight lifting trip right now. He and I would be at completely different levels as far as fitness are concerned. There’s a scheduling issue as well.
So, for now it’s a diet of stress and nicotine. When I get an apartment, I’ll try to improve things. I’ll just have to be bloated and depressed until then. And yes, I would like some cheese with my whine.
However, tipping the scales at 130 is gross and disturbing in its own fashion. I can’t look at myself in the mirror nude anymore without loathing myself completely. I see all the little puckers of cellulite and the sagging skin and the age and I want to cry and barf at the same time, while holding a gun barrel in my mouth. Dramatic, eh?
Right now, my friends who read this are thinking something like, “Whatever Neko! You are so not fat!!” It’s true. I’m not obese or even “chubby” really. It’s just that I’m not used to looking this way and I know I could change it if I just got off my expanding ass. But, I’m lazy. And, I can think of a million excuses. So what do I do? I just don’t eat for a couple of days. Real healthy, right?
But, not eating for 2 days, loses me 5 pounds just like that. The jeans that were almost too tight to breathe in a couple of days ago are having trouble grabbing my hips today. Just two days of absolutely no food intake kill the pounds like a flesh eating virus. It also makes me dizzy and shaky. Yes, I know starvation and anorexia are not the keys to healthy weight loss. I know smoking a cigarette whenever I get the munchies will not do me a whole lot of good. Chemo would really help me drop the weight, wouldn’t it?
The thing is, I can’t seem to keep an interest in myself long enough to commit to a steady standard of living that improves my health. On the good days, I aspire to cut out the donuts and snack on the celery. On the bad days, I just don’t give a fhuk and stay in bed all day. It’s a good thing I don’t pig out when I’m depressed. I do just the opposite.
I normally walk instead of taking the bus whenever possible. I almost always take the stairs throughout my day at work. I don’t eat meat or much in the way of sweets. So, there are a couple of miniscule things I do for my health. Actually, I do these things more out of impatience than anything else. I have nightmares about being trapped in elevators. Gyms cost money.
What I need is to get on a healthy regimen. I need to get back into yoga. I need to exercise regularly and eat more fresh veggies. I need to get my own place so that I feel the freedom to work out. Join a gym? They’re really expensive. I look like a dork and I’m embarrassed to be athletic in front of other people. Mostly, it’s because I don’t know what I’m doing. What’s an “oblique”? or a “tricep”? How do I know how many reps of what to do and how often? Hire a personal trainer? Ha! There’s the money thing again. And I can’t stand the type of person who spends enough time in the gym to be a “personal trainer”.
The most health conscious person I know is Shenry. I think I’d be able to work out in front of him without being totally beside myself with embarrassment. But, he’s on his Olympic weight lifting trip right now. He and I would be at completely different levels as far as fitness are concerned. There’s a scheduling issue as well.
So, for now it’s a diet of stress and nicotine. When I get an apartment, I’ll try to improve things. I’ll just have to be bloated and depressed until then. And yes, I would like some cheese with my whine.
10.31.2006
Happy Hell-oween!!
Take a look at this comic. I think it's cute and appropriately themed for today.
I'm on my way after work to get a new tattoo. I think that it's going to be my annual Halloween tradition to go and get ink. Here's a peek at my design:
It was drawn by Jason Borne, so don't try to rip of the design, you bastards!!
I love Halloween (grin). It's absolutely my favorite holiday, without exception. Surprised?
I'm on my way after work to get a new tattoo. I think that it's going to be my annual Halloween tradition to go and get ink. Here's a peek at my design:
It was drawn by Jason Borne, so don't try to rip of the design, you bastards!!
I love Halloween (grin). It's absolutely my favorite holiday, without exception. Surprised?
10.27.2006
Side of Brain, Marinated in Hell
If I could just slow my brain down a moment, I think it would help. I'm terribly depressed today, but my mind is moving a mile a minute and none of it is productive. Maybe if I could just focus for a bit and think about some solutions to my many issues, I wouldn't feel so lost. It's driving me nuts. I wish I could just go back to sleep. I can't tell if the meds are helping or making things worse. My stomach is sick. I need to eat something or I'm gonna ralph. That and the weather and my brain are making me miserable.
Nothing seems to help aside from listening to the new MCR album, which I can't do while I'm here in the office. I know it sounds lame to blame my happiness on a band, but music often has healing properties. It helps me focus and takes control of my emotions for me. It's a welcome relief. Maybe one of the reasons I feel such a connection to this band is that whenever I'm feeling really low, they release a new album. Granted, it's not the happiest music in the world. But, it's sympathetic to my mood and that sympathy is what makes me feel better.
My favorite song so far from The Black Parade is I Don't Love You. It's one of the slower songs, but not as slow as Cancer. I really love Gerard's vocalizations in this track. It's catchy and of course I can relate to the theme. Someday I really have to meet this band. I love the whole group so much!
Nothing seems to help aside from listening to the new MCR album, which I can't do while I'm here in the office. I know it sounds lame to blame my happiness on a band, but music often has healing properties. It helps me focus and takes control of my emotions for me. It's a welcome relief. Maybe one of the reasons I feel such a connection to this band is that whenever I'm feeling really low, they release a new album. Granted, it's not the happiest music in the world. But, it's sympathetic to my mood and that sympathy is what makes me feel better.
My favorite song so far from The Black Parade is I Don't Love You. It's one of the slower songs, but not as slow as Cancer. I really love Gerard's vocalizations in this track. It's catchy and of course I can relate to the theme. Someday I really have to meet this band. I love the whole group so much!
10.26.2006
The Black March of Hell
As you may know, as I hope you know, as you should know, the latest release from My Chemical Romance, The Black Parade, dropped on Tuesday this week. Being as devoted as I am to the band, I preordered my deluxe, limited edition version of the album weeks ago. It came in a black velvet case with limited edition lithographs and a huge book of Gerard's drawings, etc. *swoon*
I've been reading many articles about this new album. Many say that it's got a Queen-like rock-opera quality to it. Some songs do have that essence and I can definately see the reference. Several articles have said that this new album ushers My Chem to a status of pre-legendary proportions.
I have only listened to the album a few times, but it gives me chills. I have the previous two albums, and the band seems to make a big leap each time they release something new. The Black Parade, however, is something incredible. I think this time, they've crossed a line and become something...how do I say....amazing, astounding...no, that doesn't quite do it. Epic, yeah that's the word! Anyhow, the music is like multiple orgasms in my ears!!! I can't help but feel terribly moved by it. It makes me want to do something...dramatic...
All of this aside from the fact that Gerard is the most incredibly attractive man to ever exist! I don't care what color he changes his hair to. I will remain forever obsessed and devoted!!
I've been reading many articles about this new album. Many say that it's got a Queen-like rock-opera quality to it. Some songs do have that essence and I can definately see the reference. Several articles have said that this new album ushers My Chem to a status of pre-legendary proportions.
I have only listened to the album a few times, but it gives me chills. I have the previous two albums, and the band seems to make a big leap each time they release something new. The Black Parade, however, is something incredible. I think this time, they've crossed a line and become something...how do I say....amazing, astounding...no, that doesn't quite do it. Epic, yeah that's the word! Anyhow, the music is like multiple orgasms in my ears!!! I can't help but feel terribly moved by it. It makes me want to do something...dramatic...
All of this aside from the fact that Gerard is the most incredibly attractive man to ever exist! I don't care what color he changes his hair to. I will remain forever obsessed and devoted!!
10.24.2006
Neko's Mental Hell -th Day
All this talk of mental health days and I just had to take one for myself. It feels good. I don't seem to be experiencing any of the guilt I usually feel when I call in sick to work. After all, they give "sick leave" for a reason, don't they? I'm going to take a little walk around the neighborhood, maybe a bubble bath, bottle of wine. I'll run some errands and then lounge around for a bit. It's going to be great! Anyone else out there have the day off?
10.23.2006
Alone in Hell
Once you realize,
that Alone is all we ever really are,
does that make it easier to be that way?
Once it's more than a realization,
when it becomes knowledge,
when it becomes indelible belief,
when it's finally a truth within,
shouldn't it become like a friend?
If you can reach happiness alone,
won't you always be that way?
that Alone is all we ever really are,
does that make it easier to be that way?
Once it's more than a realization,
when it becomes knowledge,
when it becomes indelible belief,
when it's finally a truth within,
shouldn't it become like a friend?
If you can reach happiness alone,
won't you always be that way?
Hell? Eh, Whatever.
My depression has been flaring up again. Saturday, it tried really hard to crush me. Today it's come back for a visit, but a little less strong. I'm dealing. I just feel like everything sucks today. Sure there could be many causes. Not going to jump off a bridge or anything, but no free smiles either.
Could it be because of Friday's "date"? I went out after work with the married cutie from the coffee shop. Let's call him "Mr. Grey" for the purposes of this blog. For starters, he's not actually married yet. He's engaged to a girl from another country who is apparently moving here in a month. He spent a good deal of time telling me about how great she is. He also felt the need to tell me that just about 4 weeks ago, the two of them had been "exploring other options" and seeing other people, but that they'd decided to stick together. That's just what I needed to hear, by the way. We had a few drinks at happy hour. I didn't know quite what to say, so I just let him babble on for a while. This guy can really talk up a storm.
After drinks, we met up with a couple of his friends (both of them terribly unattractive). They ate burgers. Juicy ones. I almost hurled. Then Mr. Grey and I went out to a late buffet at an Indian place. The two of us have much in common and he seems to have a head on his shoulders. The whole time, I had two things on my mind. One - gosh, he's really attractive. Two - why the hell is he hanging out with me? Weird. Towards the end of the night, his conversation took on a bit of a condesending tone. Maybe because he knows I'm attracted to him and I can't have him. Maybe because I expressed my envie at his well-travelled past. Whatever it was, I didn't like it. He dropped me off at the end of the night at my friend's apartment and that was all. Nothing terribly exciting, I know.
At several points I had a really, really strong wave of deja vu. It was really uncanny and a bit unsettling. I don't know what that was about.
But, Mr. Grey can go jump off a bridge for all I care. He's not the cat's meow and a bag of kitten chips. The more I think about it, the more I sort of resent his company that night. Whatever. I just don't have the energy or the desire to date anyone anymore. Nobody I meet seems to be A - worth it or B - available. So, done.
Could my depression be, in part, due to a situation some friends are dealing with lately? I'm not at liberty to discuss who or what is going on with them, but it seems to be absorbing much of my thought. It's not something I should stick my nose into, but it's been bothering me from the first moment I heard about it. I'd like to offer them both my friendship and support, but I really don't feel like I'm helping any. I don't know what to do about it. Since it's really not my deal, I guess I should just be there when needed and not dwell on the subject. But, it's really disturbing me. I hope that things work out for the best.
Could I be depressed because I'm hanging out at a friend's place while they're on vacation? The onset seems to coincide with that as well. I'm watching Random's place while she's trekking around the country with her hubby and two tots in tow. It's giving me a little taste of living on my own again. So, am I depressed because there's nobody to talk to, or because I realize how much my usual living situations sucks? Sigh.
Yeah, so.....what was the whole point? The point is that there is no point.
Could it be because of Friday's "date"? I went out after work with the married cutie from the coffee shop. Let's call him "Mr. Grey" for the purposes of this blog. For starters, he's not actually married yet. He's engaged to a girl from another country who is apparently moving here in a month. He spent a good deal of time telling me about how great she is. He also felt the need to tell me that just about 4 weeks ago, the two of them had been "exploring other options" and seeing other people, but that they'd decided to stick together. That's just what I needed to hear, by the way. We had a few drinks at happy hour. I didn't know quite what to say, so I just let him babble on for a while. This guy can really talk up a storm.
After drinks, we met up with a couple of his friends (both of them terribly unattractive). They ate burgers. Juicy ones. I almost hurled. Then Mr. Grey and I went out to a late buffet at an Indian place. The two of us have much in common and he seems to have a head on his shoulders. The whole time, I had two things on my mind. One - gosh, he's really attractive. Two - why the hell is he hanging out with me? Weird. Towards the end of the night, his conversation took on a bit of a condesending tone. Maybe because he knows I'm attracted to him and I can't have him. Maybe because I expressed my envie at his well-travelled past. Whatever it was, I didn't like it. He dropped me off at the end of the night at my friend's apartment and that was all. Nothing terribly exciting, I know.
At several points I had a really, really strong wave of deja vu. It was really uncanny and a bit unsettling. I don't know what that was about.
But, Mr. Grey can go jump off a bridge for all I care. He's not the cat's meow and a bag of kitten chips. The more I think about it, the more I sort of resent his company that night. Whatever. I just don't have the energy or the desire to date anyone anymore. Nobody I meet seems to be A - worth it or B - available. So, done.
Could my depression be, in part, due to a situation some friends are dealing with lately? I'm not at liberty to discuss who or what is going on with them, but it seems to be absorbing much of my thought. It's not something I should stick my nose into, but it's been bothering me from the first moment I heard about it. I'd like to offer them both my friendship and support, but I really don't feel like I'm helping any. I don't know what to do about it. Since it's really not my deal, I guess I should just be there when needed and not dwell on the subject. But, it's really disturbing me. I hope that things work out for the best.
Could I be depressed because I'm hanging out at a friend's place while they're on vacation? The onset seems to coincide with that as well. I'm watching Random's place while she's trekking around the country with her hubby and two tots in tow. It's giving me a little taste of living on my own again. So, am I depressed because there's nobody to talk to, or because I realize how much my usual living situations sucks? Sigh.
Yeah, so.....what was the whole point? The point is that there is no point.
10.20.2006
To Hell With Your Needs!
I suppose it's time for me to do this one. It's the ol' "type in your name + needs in Google" yadda yadda. Here's what cyberverse had in store for me:
Neko needs to bring the flood of goodness to Houston.
Neko needs at least another half-dozen songs.
Neko needs steady boyfriends.
Neko needs to be accessible from Apache.
Neko needs to check first if the pointer is odd or even.
The Neko needs a new neko.
Neko needs to go in for surgery to be neutered.
Neko needs her own bed again.
Neko needs a hand cleaning up his place.
Interesting results. The one about getting neutered was a bit alarming!
Neko needs to bring the flood of goodness to Houston.
Neko needs at least another half-dozen songs.
Neko needs steady boyfriends.
Neko needs to be accessible from Apache.
Neko needs to check first if the pointer is odd or even.
The Neko needs a new neko.
Neko needs to go in for surgery to be neutered.
Neko needs her own bed again.
Neko needs a hand cleaning up his place.
Interesting results. The one about getting neutered was a bit alarming!
To Hell With Marriage
I found out two important things this morning on my caffine run. #1: Coffee-house cutie does not have the same name as my father. #2 Coffee-house cutie also has a wedding ring. Damn. It must be true that all the good ones are married (or gay). However, married guys sometimes get divorced. Married guys are sometimes unfaithful to their wives. I don't have much of a problem with married men. Well, sometimes I do. If they happen to be married to my friends, I have a problem. If they happen to be supporting children, I do. I have, in fact, "been with" a married man at least once. As far as I know, it didn't destroy their marriage. I never met his wife. I suppose if he wanted to be with me, there was something wrong with his marriage anyway. Or maybe I'm just that hot.
On the bright side, he told me that he really liked my card (the one with my phone number on it). When I asked him if he was going to use it, he said,"possibly" and then pointed to his ring. I said, "Just my luck." But, he did say that he really appreciated it and that it'd been a long time since "that" had happened to him. He's got a really cute smile. Damn.
But, I left knowing that I'm not a complete idiot and that all the unnecessary fretting over whether or not giving out my number was a good idea was exactly that. So, I feel better now. I'll feel even better if he calls me though.
On the bright side, he told me that he really liked my card (the one with my phone number on it). When I asked him if he was going to use it, he said,"possibly" and then pointed to his ring. I said, "Just my luck." But, he did say that he really appreciated it and that it'd been a long time since "that" had happened to him. He's got a really cute smile. Damn.
But, I left knowing that I'm not a complete idiot and that all the unnecessary fretting over whether or not giving out my number was a good idea was exactly that. So, I feel better now. I'll feel even better if he calls me though.
10.18.2006
Poets Can Go To Hell
Anything can
seem
like it
is poetry
when
there are
only
a
few
letters on
each
line.
At
the office
today
I feel
almost
as if
my head will
fall from
my
shoulders
out of
sheer
boredom.
seem
like it
is poetry
when
there are
only
a
few
letters on
each
line.
At
the office
today
I feel
almost
as if
my head will
fall from
my
shoulders
out of
sheer
boredom.
What the Hell Did I Do That For?
I gave out my phone number again. And after I swore I wouldn't do that anymore. Well, there was this cutie at the coffee shop and I went back during lunch to drop him my digits. The creepy thing? He's got the same name as my dad. What's the policy on that, I wonder.
So, now I find myself waiting for a phone call. I feel like an idiot. This is the last time I give out my phone number unsolicited. Since, no guy in the history of Neko has actually asked for my phone number, it probably means that my phone number will never be given out. That's fine. The fewer complications in my life, the better. I feel like a total ass.
Sheeesh...
So, now I find myself waiting for a phone call. I feel like an idiot. This is the last time I give out my phone number unsolicited. Since, no guy in the history of Neko has actually asked for my phone number, it probably means that my phone number will never be given out. That's fine. The fewer complications in my life, the better. I feel like a total ass.
Sheeesh...
10.16.2006
How the Hell Does Everyone Do it?
I wonder, sometimes, how other people go about writing their blog entries. Do they meditate on them for a while, write out several drafts before committing? Do they type it out first in Word, do a spellcheck, cut and paste? Do they cover one eye, type out their post with the other hand and hit "enter", biting thier lip?
Is the time involved in posting directly proportionate to the quality of the content?
Is it important that spelling and grammar be accurate?
Is consistency more important than contemplation?
Personally, I use several methods. For Little Tragedies, I either have an idea that I'm exicted about, or a reaction to something I read. Then, I just sit down and let it flow through my fingertips straight to Blogger. I maybe premeditate a few lines before I get to the computer. Usually, I try to do my best at spelling and grammar and sentence structure and so on, but not to the point of looking up words or even clicking that little spellcheck button up there. I feel that it's more honest with all the mistakes, more me.
When I write my reviews though, I am very careful. There are several drafts involved. I'll type a paragraph, get up for a while and do something else, and then come back to it with fresh eyes and read it over. I do research, I do spellchecks, I create an intricate web of links to make everything flow correctly.
Just a little bit of curiosity early on a Monday morning. I was just interrupted by a coworker and it totally f*ed up my flow. Don't you hate when that happens?!
Is the time involved in posting directly proportionate to the quality of the content?
Is it important that spelling and grammar be accurate?
Is consistency more important than contemplation?
Personally, I use several methods. For Little Tragedies, I either have an idea that I'm exicted about, or a reaction to something I read. Then, I just sit down and let it flow through my fingertips straight to Blogger. I maybe premeditate a few lines before I get to the computer. Usually, I try to do my best at spelling and grammar and sentence structure and so on, but not to the point of looking up words or even clicking that little spellcheck button up there. I feel that it's more honest with all the mistakes, more me.
When I write my reviews though, I am very careful. There are several drafts involved. I'll type a paragraph, get up for a while and do something else, and then come back to it with fresh eyes and read it over. I do research, I do spellchecks, I create an intricate web of links to make everything flow correctly.
Just a little bit of curiosity early on a Monday morning. I was just interrupted by a coworker and it totally f*ed up my flow. Don't you hate when that happens?!
10.13.2006
Words Commonly Found in Hell
This one's for you, Shenry:
shenanigan
1. Trickery, games; skulduggery. To "Claim" or "Declare" shenanigans" is to rhetorically and ironically label something as officially deceitful, improper, or otherwise incorrect.
You should learn to spot their shenanigans and avoid being fooled.
2. A deceitful confidence trick, or mischief causing discomfort or annoyance. Often the term is used in the plural: shenanigans. The word may have come from the Irish language, however in some regions, shenanigans can merely be harmless mischievous play, especially by children.
"The advertisement said it would cost $50 but they charged me $75 at the register. I declare shenanigans." The speaker passes off the statement as having some sort of implied official effect, but in reality, it is simply a complaint.
• To "call", "claim," or "declare" shenanigans is to rhetorically and ironically label something as officially deceitful, improper, or otherwise incorrect.
• Shenanigan Kids, a 1920 animated series by Bray Productions.
• Shenanigans (television), a 1964-65 children's television game show.
• Shenanigans, a compilation album by Green Day.
• Shamrocks & Shenanigans, a song and a greatest hits album by the hip hop trio House of Pain.
from Wikipedia
1. A word that has no business in the rap song Neko was listening to last night.
from Neko
shenanigan
1. Trickery, games; skulduggery. To "Claim" or "Declare" shenanigans" is to rhetorically and ironically label something as officially deceitful, improper, or otherwise incorrect.
You should learn to spot their shenanigans and avoid being fooled.
2. A deceitful confidence trick, or mischief causing discomfort or annoyance. Often the term is used in the plural: shenanigans. The word may have come from the Irish language, however in some regions, shenanigans can merely be harmless mischievous play, especially by children.
"The advertisement said it would cost $50 but they charged me $75 at the register. I declare shenanigans." The speaker passes off the statement as having some sort of implied official effect, but in reality, it is simply a complaint.
• To "call", "claim," or "declare" shenanigans is to rhetorically and ironically label something as officially deceitful, improper, or otherwise incorrect.
• Shenanigan Kids, a 1920 animated series by Bray Productions.
• Shenanigans (television), a 1964-65 children's television game show.
• Shenanigans, a compilation album by Green Day.
• Shamrocks & Shenanigans, a song and a greatest hits album by the hip hop trio House of Pain.
from Wikipedia
1. A word that has no business in the rap song Neko was listening to last night.
from Neko
10.11.2006
Acclaim from Hell
Hey guess what?! My diary for my new cat, Toby, won "diary of the day" at Catster!! Sweet!
10.10.2006
Half Eaten Hell
It helps to keep a half eaten meal of some sort on your desk at work. That way, when someone comes up with a task for you, you can give them that mid-bite "can't you see I'm on my lunch?!" glare. Even if it's 4:00 in the afternoon, most people will back away with that confused apology on their face. To get the proper anger to burn effectively in your eyes, you need to walk alllll the way down to Einstien's Bagels and buy a cup of coffee. Then, you need to walk allllll the way back to work carrying the coffee. Finally, while trying to gently set it on your desk, you need to spill the whole damn cup all over the floor and the desk and a few important legal documents. That'll piss you off enough to ward off even the most "emergency e-filing" task.
Grrr! Then go outside and beligerently smoke a cigarette less than the required 15 feet from the office building's entrance. Make sure to look in all the windows.
Grrr! Then go outside and beligerently smoke a cigarette less than the required 15 feet from the office building's entrance. Make sure to look in all the windows.
10.09.2006
Kitties In Hell Have a tendency to Disappear
My adoption of Kaos, the blue-point Himalayan did not go through. By the time I'd gotten to the shelter on Friday night, he was gone. I'm supposing that he was adopted. But, while I was admiring and lamenting over the other prisoners there, my attention was drawn by a loud meowing. I didn't come home empty-handed.
My new cat's name is Toby. He's an extremely friendly orange tabby cat. I'm so in love! How long has it been that I've wanted an orange cat? Oh...say...since about the age of 7. Now I finally have one. He is a little sick though. Apparently, cats in shelters have a tendency to get "upper respiratory infection". So, he's currently and for the next few days, in quarantine in my bedroom. Even his little cat sneezes are adorable!
It's so nice to have a 3 day weekend. To all of you out there who aren't fortunate enough to hold a position with the state....NYA!!! I have managed to sleep through one entire day of my weekend, so I guess you could call it a regular weekend. Saturday night I went out and got loaded with Silver and friends. She likes to hang out at pool halls and this one was actually pretty nice. After about 5 shots, I didn't really care where I was and after 7, I didn't know where I was. It was fun. Neko got laid. Neko really, really needed to get laid. Neko is happy to have gotten laid. (smile)
On Sunday, my mom and I went out to the cemetery. You know, just to creep around and take pictures. I don't have any dead relatives in this state. I find it odd that my mother supports my odd fetish for tombstones. I took around 100 pics before my damn camera quit on me. That was only moments before I found the creepy crypt with the broken doors that you could see down into. There were some really odd things in this cemetery. A park that I used to live by had actually been a cemetery one upon a time and the bodies were dug up and moved to the cemetery I went to Sunday. Apparently, there had been a lot of controversy at the time because the "move" was a complete debacle. Remains were jumbled up together, not all the bodies were found, etc. Rumor has it that the park has ghosts. I never saw anything but male prostitutes and used condoms in that park. I would have preferred ghosts.
My new cat's name is Toby. He's an extremely friendly orange tabby cat. I'm so in love! How long has it been that I've wanted an orange cat? Oh...say...since about the age of 7. Now I finally have one. He is a little sick though. Apparently, cats in shelters have a tendency to get "upper respiratory infection". So, he's currently and for the next few days, in quarantine in my bedroom. Even his little cat sneezes are adorable!
It's so nice to have a 3 day weekend. To all of you out there who aren't fortunate enough to hold a position with the state....NYA!!! I have managed to sleep through one entire day of my weekend, so I guess you could call it a regular weekend. Saturday night I went out and got loaded with Silver and friends. She likes to hang out at pool halls and this one was actually pretty nice. After about 5 shots, I didn't really care where I was and after 7, I didn't know where I was. It was fun. Neko got laid. Neko really, really needed to get laid. Neko is happy to have gotten laid. (smile)
On Sunday, my mom and I went out to the cemetery. You know, just to creep around and take pictures. I don't have any dead relatives in this state. I find it odd that my mother supports my odd fetish for tombstones. I took around 100 pics before my damn camera quit on me. That was only moments before I found the creepy crypt with the broken doors that you could see down into. There were some really odd things in this cemetery. A park that I used to live by had actually been a cemetery one upon a time and the bodies were dug up and moved to the cemetery I went to Sunday. Apparently, there had been a lot of controversy at the time because the "move" was a complete debacle. Remains were jumbled up together, not all the bodies were found, etc. Rumor has it that the park has ghosts. I never saw anything but male prostitutes and used condoms in that park. I would have preferred ghosts.
10.06.2006
Sip This In Hell
I've just arrived from the inspiring pages of the Book of Shenry. Every so often, I feel the need to comment on a post more than the little comment box and internet ediquette will allow. So, I've left a calling card and am expanding on my thoughts in the privacy of my own blog. (privacy? Ha!)
The subject of the Great Lord of Gor Gor's post was beer. Specifically, how he's not intending to waste his time with such beverage. I understand his perspective on the subject. After all, unless I have an empty stomach, beer doesn't do much for me either. But, I say to people who say to me "I don't like beer" the same thing I say to people who tell me, "I don't like tofu." My response is that "you just haven't tried the right one or had it prepared the right way." After all, there is a world of beer out there (and a world of tofu). There are domestics and imports. There are lights, darks, ambers, etc. My absolute favorite all time beer is "Sheaf Stout". It's imported from Australia and hard to find where I live currently. It's got a dark, caramelly flavor and is not available in 6-pack form or canned. I drink Heinekin at bars (and strip clubs). My first beer was Corona. At home, I drink whatever shitty swill my father has in the fridge.
Yes, Neko is a lush. But, I don't generally puke on people or run out in the street and try to force my way into strangers' cars. I can hold it, because I've had so much practice.
My favorite non-beer beverage is a Vodka martini. There's a certain level of class associated with a martini, be it Vodka or Gin. A martini is something you sip in your cocktail gown at the cigar club. My preference is for olives and I used to drink them dirty. My grandma likes a Beefeater's martini with a twist of orange, and she'll kick your ass and give you what-for if you don't fix it right! A martini can, under no circumstances, be served in a plastic container. A martini must not be served in any other shaped glass than the classic "v" shaped martini glass. Martini's can be chocolate or creme brule flavored and still be martinis, but they don't carry the distinction of high society that the standard gin or vodka do.
All get back to this later...it's lunchtime.
The subject of the Great Lord of Gor Gor's post was beer. Specifically, how he's not intending to waste his time with such beverage. I understand his perspective on the subject. After all, unless I have an empty stomach, beer doesn't do much for me either. But, I say to people who say to me "I don't like beer" the same thing I say to people who tell me, "I don't like tofu." My response is that "you just haven't tried the right one or had it prepared the right way." After all, there is a world of beer out there (and a world of tofu). There are domestics and imports. There are lights, darks, ambers, etc. My absolute favorite all time beer is "Sheaf Stout". It's imported from Australia and hard to find where I live currently. It's got a dark, caramelly flavor and is not available in 6-pack form or canned. I drink Heinekin at bars (and strip clubs). My first beer was Corona. At home, I drink whatever shitty swill my father has in the fridge.
Yes, Neko is a lush. But, I don't generally puke on people or run out in the street and try to force my way into strangers' cars. I can hold it, because I've had so much practice.
My favorite non-beer beverage is a Vodka martini. There's a certain level of class associated with a martini, be it Vodka or Gin. A martini is something you sip in your cocktail gown at the cigar club. My preference is for olives and I used to drink them dirty. My grandma likes a Beefeater's martini with a twist of orange, and she'll kick your ass and give you what-for if you don't fix it right! A martini can, under no circumstances, be served in a plastic container. A martini must not be served in any other shaped glass than the classic "v" shaped martini glass. Martini's can be chocolate or creme brule flavored and still be martinis, but they don't carry the distinction of high society that the standard gin or vodka do.
All get back to this later...it's lunchtime.
Three Little Kitties from Hell
Some people spend their time on the internet downloading the latest Venture Bros. episodes, or watching midgets of mixed race get it on with amputee transexuals, or blasting their good friends all to Hell in a war game sim. Me? I use the net to watch homemade movies of people's cats chasing feathers, or a group of kittens in Korea pile themselves into tissue boxes. Sick, isn't it? Yeah, I know.
All of this animal philanthropy has gotten me into trouble. The last time I was dropping off a donation at the shelter, I made the mistake of going to visit the kitties. I love animals of all kinds, but the cats is where my true weakness lies. Someday, I'll have a huge ranch somewhere and all the kitties from all the shelters will come and live with me and none of them will ever be put to sleep again, as long as they're healthy. But, for now, there's one particular cat that's got my attention. His name is Kaos. He's a chubby blue point Himalayan. I saw him briefly through the glass of his confining little cage. Love at first sight! Sigh. He was sleeping all curled up in a big, fat fluff of a mound.
I happened to mention this encounter in passing to my father. I didn't even really think adopting Kaos was a possibility, so I didn't push, I just mentioned it briefly. He asked me to send him the info from the shelter. I did. Guess who's taking home a new kitty today!!! Yay! My older cat is going to be P I S S E D!! He's really going to hate me for a while. This Kaos kitty is an older cat, about 6 years, so I'm hoping that he'll be mellow. The little kitty I already have will adjust. I will have to leave one of the kitties behind when I move, because there's no way I can cram 3 cats into the size of apartment I can afford. But, the third kitty will live safely with my father, so I'll have visitation rights.
All of this animal philanthropy has gotten me into trouble. The last time I was dropping off a donation at the shelter, I made the mistake of going to visit the kitties. I love animals of all kinds, but the cats is where my true weakness lies. Someday, I'll have a huge ranch somewhere and all the kitties from all the shelters will come and live with me and none of them will ever be put to sleep again, as long as they're healthy. But, for now, there's one particular cat that's got my attention. His name is Kaos. He's a chubby blue point Himalayan. I saw him briefly through the glass of his confining little cage. Love at first sight! Sigh. He was sleeping all curled up in a big, fat fluff of a mound.
I happened to mention this encounter in passing to my father. I didn't even really think adopting Kaos was a possibility, so I didn't push, I just mentioned it briefly. He asked me to send him the info from the shelter. I did. Guess who's taking home a new kitty today!!! Yay! My older cat is going to be P I S S E D!! He's really going to hate me for a while. This Kaos kitty is an older cat, about 6 years, so I'm hoping that he'll be mellow. The little kitty I already have will adjust. I will have to leave one of the kitties behind when I move, because there's no way I can cram 3 cats into the size of apartment I can afford. But, the third kitty will live safely with my father, so I'll have visitation rights.
10.04.2006
My Little Soapbox In Hell
Oh...my....god. Has anyone out there heard of these "gay sheep" experiments?! I'm suprised that the University isn't being stormed as I type. As I feel is my duty, I wrote another letter:
Ed Ray, President
Oregon State University
634 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis, OR 97331-2128
RE: Frederick Stormshak and Charles Roselli Sheep Experiments
Dear Sir:
I am terribly concerned about the “Gay-Sheep” experiments being conducted by Oregon State University’s (OSU) Frederick Stormshak and Oregon Health and Science University’s (OHSU) Charles Roselli. The insidious rationale of this experiment is to identify a biological basis for homosexuality in sheep in an effort to “cure” it in humans. I find this incredibly offensive and unacceptable and I request that this experiment be stopped immediately.
I was shocked to learn that the experiments are being funded by tax payers. The dubious argument that the research is necessary to save ranchers from economic loss would be laughable except for the tragedy. What happened to artificial insemination of livestock? Male sheep don’t necessarily need to be attracted to female sheep in order for offspring to be produced. I’m appalled at this senseless and unnecessary killings involved with this “research”. Surgical estrogen implants? I can hardly express my distain at this bizarre experimentation.
Even more astounding is that researchers intend to translate their findings in sheep to humans. The implication that homosexuality in humans is something defective that must be “cured” is a slap in the face of all of those fighting to gain equal rights and respect denied them due to their sexual orientation. I cannot see that this will in any way help the reputation of the college or benefit its students or its taxpayers. There are so many other causes that are far more worthy to receive funds. Why not direct these funds to more deserving and important research – such as curing real problems like cancer and AIDS?
Thank you for your time and I truly hope that you will seriously consider what I have written.
Sincerely,
The smoking flames of my indignation have been fanned and my activism is ablaze today!!! Good god, I'd almost laugh if it wasn't such an Aldus Huxley nightmare!!
Ed Ray, President
Oregon State University
634 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis, OR 97331-2128
RE: Frederick Stormshak and Charles Roselli Sheep Experiments
Dear Sir:
I am terribly concerned about the “Gay-Sheep” experiments being conducted by Oregon State University’s (OSU) Frederick Stormshak and Oregon Health and Science University’s (OHSU) Charles Roselli. The insidious rationale of this experiment is to identify a biological basis for homosexuality in sheep in an effort to “cure” it in humans. I find this incredibly offensive and unacceptable and I request that this experiment be stopped immediately.
I was shocked to learn that the experiments are being funded by tax payers. The dubious argument that the research is necessary to save ranchers from economic loss would be laughable except for the tragedy. What happened to artificial insemination of livestock? Male sheep don’t necessarily need to be attracted to female sheep in order for offspring to be produced. I’m appalled at this senseless and unnecessary killings involved with this “research”. Surgical estrogen implants? I can hardly express my distain at this bizarre experimentation.
Even more astounding is that researchers intend to translate their findings in sheep to humans. The implication that homosexuality in humans is something defective that must be “cured” is a slap in the face of all of those fighting to gain equal rights and respect denied them due to their sexual orientation. I cannot see that this will in any way help the reputation of the college or benefit its students or its taxpayers. There are so many other causes that are far more worthy to receive funds. Why not direct these funds to more deserving and important research – such as curing real problems like cancer and AIDS?
Thank you for your time and I truly hope that you will seriously consider what I have written.
Sincerely,
The smoking flames of my indignation have been fanned and my activism is ablaze today!!! Good god, I'd almost laugh if it wasn't such an Aldus Huxley nightmare!!
10.03.2006
New News from Hell
Starbucks has returned my email. Yeah, I've been blown off again. I have the feeling that there's some admin over there that just went to Word, looked up their template titled "environment letter", inserted my name and hit "send".
Hello Neko,
Thank you for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company with your questions regarding our recycling efforts.
Starbucks is committed to protecting and improving the environment, and is continually pursuing opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle our waste products where commercial facilities exist. Most of our retail store recycling is conducted "behind the scenes" in the back room (boxes, milk jugs, etc.). If you are not certain that recycling is taking place in a store, please ask a store manager; he/she can explain what we are doing, what is recyclable in the local area, and what the landlord will allow for waste disposal. One of our challenges is that some parts of the country can process more recyclable materials than others. We are working with a recycling subcontractor to locate local recycling facilities to process materials generated from each store.
In addition to our retail stores, recycling programs exist in our other facilities, including Starbucks Support Center, our global headquarters in Seattle, and our roasting plants in Kent, Washington; York, Pennsylvania; and Carson Valley, Nevada. Additionally, we consider recylability, reusability and recycled content in our paper and packaging purchases to reduce our impact on the environment. Last year, Starbucks paper products contained 26% post consumer recycled content. We have targeted 30% post-consumer content for all future paper purchases.
On the waste reduction side, we are focused on encouraging reuse of coffee grounds by packaging them and giving them to customers to use as a soil amendment in their gardens. We also offer customers a 10¢ discount each time they use their commuter mug to enjoy their Starbucks beverage. Last year, our customers used their own mugs 13.5 million times, which prevented 586,800 pounds of paper waste from reaching landfills. Reusing coffee grounds and the commuter mug discount complement our recycling efforts because they help to minimize the amount of waste that is produced in each store.
Please know that we appreciate your comments and that we take our responsibility to the environment very seriously. Your concerns will be forwarded to our utility specialist, who manages in-store recycling for North America. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact us at info@starbucks.com or call 1-800-235-2883 to speak directly with a customer relations representative.
Thank you again for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company.
Sincerely,
Amber M.
Customer Relations Representative
If you would like to share your thoughts about your experience with Starbucks Customer Contact Center, please click on the link below to participate in a short survey. Your comments will be used to ensure that any future experiences with Starbucks Customer Contact Center meet your highest expectations.
http://www.starbuckscontactcenter.com/star_ccc_index.asp?group=CR&template=CR062
Hello Neko,
Thank you for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company with your questions regarding our recycling efforts.
Starbucks is committed to protecting and improving the environment, and is continually pursuing opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle our waste products where commercial facilities exist. Most of our retail store recycling is conducted "behind the scenes" in the back room (boxes, milk jugs, etc.). If you are not certain that recycling is taking place in a store, please ask a store manager; he/she can explain what we are doing, what is recyclable in the local area, and what the landlord will allow for waste disposal. One of our challenges is that some parts of the country can process more recyclable materials than others. We are working with a recycling subcontractor to locate local recycling facilities to process materials generated from each store.
In addition to our retail stores, recycling programs exist in our other facilities, including Starbucks Support Center, our global headquarters in Seattle, and our roasting plants in Kent, Washington; York, Pennsylvania; and Carson Valley, Nevada. Additionally, we consider recylability, reusability and recycled content in our paper and packaging purchases to reduce our impact on the environment. Last year, Starbucks paper products contained 26% post consumer recycled content. We have targeted 30% post-consumer content for all future paper purchases.
On the waste reduction side, we are focused on encouraging reuse of coffee grounds by packaging them and giving them to customers to use as a soil amendment in their gardens. We also offer customers a 10¢ discount each time they use their commuter mug to enjoy their Starbucks beverage. Last year, our customers used their own mugs 13.5 million times, which prevented 586,800 pounds of paper waste from reaching landfills. Reusing coffee grounds and the commuter mug discount complement our recycling efforts because they help to minimize the amount of waste that is produced in each store.
Please know that we appreciate your comments and that we take our responsibility to the environment very seriously. Your concerns will be forwarded to our utility specialist, who manages in-store recycling for North America. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact us at info@starbucks.com or call 1-800-235-2883 to speak directly with a customer relations representative.
Thank you again for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company.
Sincerely,
Amber M.
Customer Relations Representative
If you would like to share your thoughts about your experience with Starbucks Customer Contact Center, please click on the link below to participate in a short survey. Your comments will be used to ensure that any future experiences with Starbucks Customer Contact Center meet your highest expectations.
http://www.starbuckscontactcenter.com/star_ccc_index.asp?group=CR&template=CR062
9.28.2006
Heell...Oops..Hell
I have another update on the coffee thing. This morning, I had the chance to speak to my barista at Peet's. He said that if you bring you own mug in, they make the coffee in the actual mug instead of making it in a paper cup and pouring it into your mug. So, Shenry, if you go to Peet's, your idea works. I can't vouch for any other place though. I just know that I saw it done that way once or twice at another shop. As an added bonus, Peet's will take 10 cents off your order if you bring in your own mug. Spiffaroo.
9.27.2006
Another Answer To Hell
The second company to respond to my coffee condom idea is Deidrich. Here's what they had to tell me:
Ms. Neko,
Thank you for your suggestion. I have forwarded your e-mail to our
marketing team for review.
Please let me know if I can assist you with anything else.
Best Regards,
Patti Graves
Customer Service Specialist
Diedrich Coffee
Gloria Jeans Coffees USA
Coffee People
800-354-5282 ext.6703
Seems like they're blowing me off, but at least I got a response.
Ms. Neko,
Thank you for your suggestion. I have forwarded your e-mail to our
marketing team for review.
Please let me know if I can assist you with anything else.
Best Regards,
Patti Graves
Customer Service Specialist
Diedrich Coffee
Gloria Jeans Coffees USA
Coffee People
800-354-5282 ext.6703
Seems like they're blowing me off, but at least I got a response.
Do They Have Diedrich's In Hell?
Another letter outgoing:
Dear Dietrich Coffee,
I have been visiting your --- location in ---- for several weeks now. My favorite beverage so far has been the Mayan Mocha. While I enjoy the coffee and the atmosphere at this location, I have a concern.
Each time I finish with my mocha, I throw a cup, a lid and a sleeve in the trash. Considering how much coffee I consume and how many customers your store has, I can assume that this location alone produces quite a bit of waste. So, I began to ponder what could be done about the situation and I came up with an idea that I'd like to share.
The paper sleeves that fit over the cups to protect hands from being burnt seem to be the most practical product to save, as they generally stay fairly clean. What if Dietrich were to offer an incentive to return the sleeves? Say, for every one recieved, a donation could be made by your company to a local environmental concern. Or, they could be preprinted with some type of coupon or savings offer. This way, Dietrich would save money and gain public applause. Consumers would be encouraged to support your locations. The environment would be saved landfill space and have some portion of forest preserved.
I hope that you will consider my idea. Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
Dear Dietrich Coffee,
I have been visiting your --- location in ---- for several weeks now. My favorite beverage so far has been the Mayan Mocha. While I enjoy the coffee and the atmosphere at this location, I have a concern.
Each time I finish with my mocha, I throw a cup, a lid and a sleeve in the trash. Considering how much coffee I consume and how many customers your store has, I can assume that this location alone produces quite a bit of waste. So, I began to ponder what could be done about the situation and I came up with an idea that I'd like to share.
The paper sleeves that fit over the cups to protect hands from being burnt seem to be the most practical product to save, as they generally stay fairly clean. What if Dietrich were to offer an incentive to return the sleeves? Say, for every one recieved, a donation could be made by your company to a local environmental concern. Or, they could be preprinted with some type of coupon or savings offer. This way, Dietrich would save money and gain public applause. Consumers would be encouraged to support your locations. The environment would be saved landfill space and have some portion of forest preserved.
I hope that you will consider my idea. Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
Letters Incoming to Hell
I have already received a response from Peaberry coffee regarding my idea!! Since they are local, I suppose that they have more time to pay attention to individual emails. Here's what they had to say to me:
Dear Neko:
Thank you for your email.
I will pass it along to the President and VP of Operations.
We appreciate your comments.
And thank you for your patronage!
Sarah Lyons
Peaberry Coffee, Inc.
1299 East 58th Avenue
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 292-9324 x1016
Fax (303) 292-5179
Flippin' sweet!
Today, I am outlining my overall plan and starting some sketches for coffee condom designs. I'll share the sketches when I get home. BTW, I'm sure that if anyone would like to write to Peaberry in support of my idea, it would be welcome. (I didn't use "Neko" when I wrote to them.) If you do decide to support this plan, I'd love to see a copy of the letter you wrote. I sent my letters via email to each company's customer service addy listed on their websites. The nice lady that responded from Peaberry's has the following addy: sarahlyons@peaberrycoffee.com
Dear Neko:
Thank you for your email.
I will pass it along to the President and VP of Operations.
We appreciate your comments.
And thank you for your patronage!
Sarah Lyons
Peaberry Coffee, Inc.
1299 East 58th Avenue
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 292-9324 x1016
Fax (303) 292-5179
Flippin' sweet!
Today, I am outlining my overall plan and starting some sketches for coffee condom designs. I'll share the sketches when I get home. BTW, I'm sure that if anyone would like to write to Peaberry in support of my idea, it would be welcome. (I didn't use "Neko" when I wrote to them.) If you do decide to support this plan, I'd love to see a copy of the letter you wrote. I sent my letters via email to each company's customer service addy listed on their websites. The nice lady that responded from Peaberry's has the following addy: sarahlyons@peaberrycoffee.com
9.26.2006
Hell's Final Letter for the Day
One more for today folks, then it's homeward bound and rest for Neko.
Dear Peaberry,
I frequently visit one of your downtown Denver locations during my morning breaks from work. I do enjoy your beverages and the shop's location is very convenient. However, I couldn't help but notice that one cup of coffee yeilds a paper cup, a plastic lid and a cardboard sleeve that get thrown away. With the number of customers that your store brings in each morning, all those waste items add up quickly. So, I had an idea that might help to save at least the cardboard sleeves from ending up in the trash can.
You may be familiar with Yoplait's campaign to help fight breast cancer by having consumers return the used lids from their yogurt containers. It seems that a similar strategy could be used by Peaberry to help benefit local environmental concerns. What if, for each sleeve returned to Peaberry, your company donated funds to causes such as the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy or the University of Colorado's "Generation Green" efforts? The benefits for Colorado's environment would be wonderful, coffee drinkers could feel good about choosing Peaberry's, and your company may see some well-deserved positive public light.
Please consider my idea or something similar that gives something back to our environment. Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
I found out from their website that Peaberry Coffee is actually a local corp. Go figure!
Dear Peaberry,
I frequently visit one of your downtown Denver locations during my morning breaks from work. I do enjoy your beverages and the shop's location is very convenient. However, I couldn't help but notice that one cup of coffee yeilds a paper cup, a plastic lid and a cardboard sleeve that get thrown away. With the number of customers that your store brings in each morning, all those waste items add up quickly. So, I had an idea that might help to save at least the cardboard sleeves from ending up in the trash can.
You may be familiar with Yoplait's campaign to help fight breast cancer by having consumers return the used lids from their yogurt containers. It seems that a similar strategy could be used by Peaberry to help benefit local environmental concerns. What if, for each sleeve returned to Peaberry, your company donated funds to causes such as the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy or the University of Colorado's "Generation Green" efforts? The benefits for Colorado's environment would be wonderful, coffee drinkers could feel good about choosing Peaberry's, and your company may see some well-deserved positive public light.
Please consider my idea or something similar that gives something back to our environment. Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
I found out from their website that Peaberry Coffee is actually a local corp. Go figure!
Coffee Condoms from Hell Letter 2
My goal is to finish all my emails to the major coffee corporations today. I'll hit the little guys later on and start up my coffee condoms de arte idea this week.
Here's my email to Peet's Coffee and Tea (where I really get my morning coffee):
Dear Peet's,
Since it's Grand Opening recently, I have made a visit to your 16th Street Mall location in Denver, Colorado, part of my weekday routine. The coffee is delicious and the staff there is doing a fantastic job. However, I couldn't help but notice how much waste my personal indulgence creates. I throw away a cup, a plastic lid and a cardboard sleeve nearly every day.
So, I've come up with a suggestion that I hope you will consider. Why not offer the public an incentive to return the cardboard sleeves? Yoplait has a campaign in which they donate a certain amount to a breast cancer charity for every lid that is returned to them. It seems that a similar idea partnered with Peet's could help benefit wilderness conservation efforts. I've read about some of Peet's community involvement such as the California Coastal Cleanup Day and Aids Walk 2006 on your website. I think that my idea would fit well alongside these causes.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Neko
Here's my email to Peet's Coffee and Tea (where I really get my morning coffee):
Dear Peet's,
Since it's Grand Opening recently, I have made a visit to your 16th Street Mall location in Denver, Colorado, part of my weekday routine. The coffee is delicious and the staff there is doing a fantastic job. However, I couldn't help but notice how much waste my personal indulgence creates. I throw away a cup, a plastic lid and a cardboard sleeve nearly every day.
So, I've come up with a suggestion that I hope you will consider. Why not offer the public an incentive to return the cardboard sleeves? Yoplait has a campaign in which they donate a certain amount to a breast cancer charity for every lid that is returned to them. It seems that a similar idea partnered with Peet's could help benefit wilderness conservation efforts. I've read about some of Peet's community involvement such as the California Coastal Cleanup Day and Aids Walk 2006 on your website. I think that my idea would fit well alongside these causes.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Neko
More Coffee Condom Ideas from Hell
As I walked out of the building into the fresh air of my lunch hour, I was again struck with inspiration. Twice in one day?! What are the odds? Here's how it plays out:
Instead of working through the corporate coffee giants, why not cut out the middle-man and take on this beast myself? I can combine my artsy tendancies (if somewhat weak) with my desire to improve the coffee drinking experience! I'll keep the coffee condoms I collect each day and make them into personalized coffee condoms de arte! Then, I can sell sets of the suckers on eBay and donate the money myself to any enviro-charity I choose ~ which will probably be the Nature Conservancy. That could even be a selling point of the product. I can expand into gift-sets and holiday themes! Now, if only I knew someone savvy enough to set up a website for me. I could do it myself, but I haven't the time to learn all the tech-speak I'll need.
Of course, I intend to continue my letter campaign. That way, I can try both angles at once. Whee! I like to be inspired.
Instead of working through the corporate coffee giants, why not cut out the middle-man and take on this beast myself? I can combine my artsy tendancies (if somewhat weak) with my desire to improve the coffee drinking experience! I'll keep the coffee condoms I collect each day and make them into personalized coffee condoms de arte! Then, I can sell sets of the suckers on eBay and donate the money myself to any enviro-charity I choose ~ which will probably be the Nature Conservancy. That could even be a selling point of the product. I can expand into gift-sets and holiday themes! Now, if only I knew someone savvy enough to set up a website for me. I could do it myself, but I haven't the time to learn all the tech-speak I'll need.
Of course, I intend to continue my letter campaign. That way, I can try both angles at once. Whee! I like to be inspired.
The First Little Note From Hell
As promised, I've submitted my idea to Starbucks:
Dear Starbucks,
Not entirely certain that I'm writing to the correct department, I trust that this email with be filtered to the appropriate parties.
Every day, when I've finished with my morning cup of Starbucks coffee, I find myself alarmed at the amount of waste that goes into the trash can. There is a cup, a lid, and a cardboard sleeve to keep my fingers from burning. I can't help but wonder if at least one of those items could be put to good use after I'm finished with it.
Specifically, I am pondering what could be done with the cardboard sleeve and I have an idea that I'd like to offer. Is there some way that the sleeves could be returned? Say, for discounts or some similar benefit?
What if, for every sleeve returned to the store, a donation was made to an environmentally concerned charity? Yoplait yogurt has a similar campaign for which they trade lids for donations to Breast Cancer research. I'd be delighted if Starbucks were to adopt a similar cause, such as forest conservation efforts or recycling initiatives.
Please consider my idea and do this small part toward helping our planet.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Next up ~ Peet's Coffee and Tea
Dear Starbucks,
Not entirely certain that I'm writing to the correct department, I trust that this email with be filtered to the appropriate parties.
Every day, when I've finished with my morning cup of Starbucks coffee, I find myself alarmed at the amount of waste that goes into the trash can. There is a cup, a lid, and a cardboard sleeve to keep my fingers from burning. I can't help but wonder if at least one of those items could be put to good use after I'm finished with it.
Specifically, I am pondering what could be done with the cardboard sleeve and I have an idea that I'd like to offer. Is there some way that the sleeves could be returned? Say, for discounts or some similar benefit?
What if, for every sleeve returned to the store, a donation was made to an environmentally concerned charity? Yoplait yogurt has a similar campaign for which they trade lids for donations to Breast Cancer research. I'd be delighted if Starbucks were to adopt a similar cause, such as forest conservation efforts or recycling initiatives.
Please consider my idea and do this small part toward helping our planet.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Next up ~ Peet's Coffee and Tea
Trees Don't Go To Hell When They Die
On the way to work this morning, I was struck with an idea. This often happens on my morning journey, despite my brain not having mopped away the cobwebs of sleep so early. Ideas are often jangled and disorganized. But, every once in a while, I'll get a good one; one I can build on and make into something more than just a flash of meandering electricity. And this one is one of those good ones.
This one is too good to keep to myself, and so I'm putting it out there in cyberspace. Setting it free, as it were, like a sparrow from a windowsill. Chances are, I might not get to making it a complete project and I want someone out there to take it and run with it. So, here it is in all its simplistic beauty.
If you're anything like me, you make a stop on the way to work for coffee (could be tea as well). Every morning I stop at the same coffee shop and order the same thing and give the same fake name to the cashier (thanks Shenry). Every morning, I walk away with a paper cup, a plastic lid and one of those brown cardboardy sleeves that goes over the cup so I don't burn my hand. Every morning, I feel the same guilt as I toss the whole package in the trash (sans coffee of course). The only bit of the ensemble that doesn't get stained or slobbered on is that sleeve thingy. Let's call it a "coffee condom", for the purposes of this blog.
It was while pondering these very facts that I had my idea. Why don't I just save the coffee condoms and take them back to the store at the end of each week? Sure, that's not a bad thought but, wait, it gets better... Okay then, maybe I should have some sort of incentive for bringing these things back, like a discount or points or something. After all, aren't I doing the shop a favor? Wouldn't that be 5 less coffee condoms a week that they'd have to spend their profits on? I might be someone who thinks about the environment, but how do we get everyone else to copy? And it gets even bigger...How about something like ~ "For every 5 coffee condoms collected, Coffe Company A will donate a buck or so to Charity B." It works like the pink Yoplait lids. For every so many turned in, Yoplait donates money to Breast Cancer charity. Yoplait increases their sales, Breast Cancer charity gets funding, consumer feels happy. It's win, win, win! It could work for coffee condoms too.
So, someone please take this idea and make it a reality. Since I don't currently have the resources to follow through, maybe someone out there will. For today, I'm going to write to Starbucks, etc. with my idea. Then, I'll work on researching ways to make something happen.
Sometimes, coffee does good things for my brain.
This one is too good to keep to myself, and so I'm putting it out there in cyberspace. Setting it free, as it were, like a sparrow from a windowsill. Chances are, I might not get to making it a complete project and I want someone out there to take it and run with it. So, here it is in all its simplistic beauty.
If you're anything like me, you make a stop on the way to work for coffee (could be tea as well). Every morning I stop at the same coffee shop and order the same thing and give the same fake name to the cashier (thanks Shenry). Every morning, I walk away with a paper cup, a plastic lid and one of those brown cardboardy sleeves that goes over the cup so I don't burn my hand. Every morning, I feel the same guilt as I toss the whole package in the trash (sans coffee of course). The only bit of the ensemble that doesn't get stained or slobbered on is that sleeve thingy. Let's call it a "coffee condom", for the purposes of this blog.
It was while pondering these very facts that I had my idea. Why don't I just save the coffee condoms and take them back to the store at the end of each week? Sure, that's not a bad thought but, wait, it gets better... Okay then, maybe I should have some sort of incentive for bringing these things back, like a discount or points or something. After all, aren't I doing the shop a favor? Wouldn't that be 5 less coffee condoms a week that they'd have to spend their profits on? I might be someone who thinks about the environment, but how do we get everyone else to copy? And it gets even bigger...How about something like ~ "For every 5 coffee condoms collected, Coffe Company A will donate a buck or so to Charity B." It works like the pink Yoplait lids. For every so many turned in, Yoplait donates money to Breast Cancer charity. Yoplait increases their sales, Breast Cancer charity gets funding, consumer feels happy. It's win, win, win! It could work for coffee condoms too.
So, someone please take this idea and make it a reality. Since I don't currently have the resources to follow through, maybe someone out there will. For today, I'm going to write to Starbucks, etc. with my idea. Then, I'll work on researching ways to make something happen.
Sometimes, coffee does good things for my brain.
9.22.2006
Ayche Eee El El
So, I'm sitting here at my desk, chowing on a box of grape flavored Nerds and Sweet Tarts and looking over my shoulder. There's nobody there. There's nobody in this office at all today. Why? Because the dreaded plague (the one that I've had for 3 weeks now) has taken them. So, I'm killing time because my boses aren't around and I don't have anything to do.
I get to leave at 3:30 too. Why? There is an "office picnic" that I'm going to. It doesn't sound like any one else is going though. They are either sick or sissy about the weather. But, I see it as an obligation. Besides, I don't get to leave early if I don't make an appearance. Unfortunately, none of the hottie attorneys are planning to attend. AND I'll miss my "pseudo date" with hottie CPA on the rail after work. Oi.
The original point of this email is that I'm here at my desk, crunching these strawberry flavored Nerds (I eat Nerds like you for breakfast!) and realized that I hardly ever read other blogs aside from my own. The one I read the most is Shenry's. If he hasn't posted anything recently, I'll go over his links and pick someone to read about. Sweat Flavored Gummi is my favorite second option. But, I found the Legendary Ghost through Shenry's blog and that's pretty kickin' too. I just don't feel that I give the blogging community much back in the way of appreciation. Guess I need to get around more.
Incidentally, both my cats have their own blogs now. How out of control is that?
I get to leave at 3:30 too. Why? There is an "office picnic" that I'm going to. It doesn't sound like any one else is going though. They are either sick or sissy about the weather. But, I see it as an obligation. Besides, I don't get to leave early if I don't make an appearance. Unfortunately, none of the hottie attorneys are planning to attend. AND I'll miss my "pseudo date" with hottie CPA on the rail after work. Oi.
The original point of this email is that I'm here at my desk, crunching these strawberry flavored Nerds (I eat Nerds like you for breakfast!) and realized that I hardly ever read other blogs aside from my own. The one I read the most is Shenry's. If he hasn't posted anything recently, I'll go over his links and pick someone to read about. Sweat Flavored Gummi is my favorite second option. But, I found the Legendary Ghost through Shenry's blog and that's pretty kickin' too. I just don't feel that I give the blogging community much back in the way of appreciation. Guess I need to get around more.
Incidentally, both my cats have their own blogs now. How out of control is that?
9.21.2006
Those Crawling Bastards from Hell
Here's a nice little departure from the cute-fest that's been going on around here lately. I'd be one of the people to watch, rather than chow down. I hate those leggy bastards!
9.18.2006
One Hell of an Employee
Here it is, only 2 and a half hours into the workweek, and already I'm screwing around online! These State gigs are sweet! (actually, I'm trying not to get busted).
In truth, if I actually had work to do right now, I'd be doing that first, surfing second.
Anyway, the point is that I've found these 2 sites that rock. Thought my friends with pets out there (Silver, Roach, Random) could get into these. I've already signed up with the feline option! It's like MySpace for four-leggers.
Catster
Dogster
It seems that I'm getting more and more into the cutsie stuff, huh? Cute Overload has short-circuited my brain! Now all I can think of is bunnies and hammies and skunks and ducks.....
In truth, if I actually had work to do right now, I'd be doing that first, surfing second.
Anyway, the point is that I've found these 2 sites that rock. Thought my friends with pets out there (Silver, Roach, Random) could get into these. I've already signed up with the feline option! It's like MySpace for four-leggers.
Catster
Dogster
It seems that I'm getting more and more into the cutsie stuff, huh? Cute Overload has short-circuited my brain! Now all I can think of is bunnies and hammies and skunks and ducks.....
9.13.2006
Holy Eye Lazer Lovely
I thought my wallpaper this morning was cute. Pfeh!
Now THIS is fuckin' CUTE!!!!
Normally, I'm not into pics of people's kids. But, when they're in danger of this degree of mischevious adorability, I am.
Now THIS is fuckin' CUTE!!!!
Normally, I'm not into pics of people's kids. But, when they're in danger of this degree of mischevious adorability, I am.
Hella Cute
Take a look at what I have on my desktop at work:
Curtousy of Meomi Design. It's so cute!! What nicer way to start the workday than with an uber-cute pink picture on my computer? If you don't have wallpaper with a scantly clad r&b singer or a kick-ass pic of Wonder Woman up, go and download something adorable and slightly weird. (Hey, that kind of describes me)
Curtousy of Meomi Design. It's so cute!! What nicer way to start the workday than with an uber-cute pink picture on my computer? If you don't have wallpaper with a scantly clad r&b singer or a kick-ass pic of Wonder Woman up, go and download something adorable and slightly weird. (Hey, that kind of describes me)
9.11.2006
Holding Explosive Little Lessons
I'm totally infuriated. Read this and tell me how rediculous it is! It's about a new device called the "Rodenator" that this airport plans to use to explode Prairie Dogs! Sounds like a bad joke, doesn't it? But it made me red in the face to read the article. Don't these people know that there's a much more humane "vaccuum" machine that sucks up the critters alive so that they can be relocated?
I seem to have been on a rampage lately about these animal rights issues. Actually, I have been concerned about them for a long time now. I just recently decided to rememdy the fact that I feel so much guilt about not doing anything to help. So, I'm trying to be more active on that front. It's just that I think my blog is a convenient forum for such concerns. I don't plan to change Little Tragedies into a politial site. But, I do plan to include posts every now and then on the topic. Otherwise, it's business as usual.
I seem to have been on a rampage lately about these animal rights issues. Actually, I have been concerned about them for a long time now. I just recently decided to rememdy the fact that I feel so much guilt about not doing anything to help. So, I'm trying to be more active on that front. It's just that I think my blog is a convenient forum for such concerns. I don't plan to change Little Tragedies into a politial site. But, I do plan to include posts every now and then on the topic. Otherwise, it's business as usual.
Happy Equine Lovers Law
Remember when I posted and asked everyone to call their House Rep.? The Horse Slaughter Prevention Act? Well, good news! H.R. 503 Passed with a vote of 263 to 146. Yay!! Thanks to all of you who called up and supported the bill. Now it's got to go to the Senate for a vote before it goes to the Prez. to become law. So, the battle's not over yet, but if you'd care to make a call or send an email to your Senate Rep., that would kick ass!
9.08.2006
Horrendously Endless Loot Leakage!
My activist molecules kicking in, I went to visit PETA's website moments ago. Apparently, my generous tendencies warranted dropping 20 bucks on animal friendly related products. I thought I couldn't spend money if I didn't go out. Lies, all lies.
I've managed to spend around $800 dollars in one week. Good God! First, I had to take care of bills and debts that had piled up during my long period of unemployment. Then, I had to buy that iPod Nano as a reward for getting a job and maintaining perfect attendance for a month (until yesterday). I'd wanted one forever and damn the consequences. Tomorrow, Silver and I are going to the spa, where I will drop another $200. Yee gods. And I thought I was doing such a good job of restraining myself. Well, it's rice and beans and green tea for the rest of the month. If I spend one more unnecessary penny, I'm going to have to chop off a hand. I really don't make so much money!!
Holy Christ. At least Roach's Passion Party next weekend has some promise of earning me an extra buck or two. I hope the attendance is good and that people are feeling extra spendy on themselves. If nothing else, at least I can write the gas off on my taxes.
Whatever I've got to do to get a place of my own has to be done. Everyday at home lately has been a pressing reminder of how much I want to live alone. But, if I don't stop the wallet hemmoraging immediately, Neko will be going nowhere. I try to remind myself that next month won't bring so many bills. I won't have to repay anyone's loans and I just signed a new agreement with the cell phone vampires in hopes that they won't suck as much out of my bank account as they have been. Must not spend....must not spend...
I've managed to spend around $800 dollars in one week. Good God! First, I had to take care of bills and debts that had piled up during my long period of unemployment. Then, I had to buy that iPod Nano as a reward for getting a job and maintaining perfect attendance for a month (until yesterday). I'd wanted one forever and damn the consequences. Tomorrow, Silver and I are going to the spa, where I will drop another $200. Yee gods. And I thought I was doing such a good job of restraining myself. Well, it's rice and beans and green tea for the rest of the month. If I spend one more unnecessary penny, I'm going to have to chop off a hand. I really don't make so much money!!
Holy Christ. At least Roach's Passion Party next weekend has some promise of earning me an extra buck or two. I hope the attendance is good and that people are feeling extra spendy on themselves. If nothing else, at least I can write the gas off on my taxes.
Whatever I've got to do to get a place of my own has to be done. Everyday at home lately has been a pressing reminder of how much I want to live alone. But, if I don't stop the wallet hemmoraging immediately, Neko will be going nowhere. I try to remind myself that next month won't bring so many bills. I won't have to repay anyone's loans and I just signed a new agreement with the cell phone vampires in hopes that they won't suck as much out of my bank account as they have been. Must not spend....must not spend...
Jackie Chan Fights Dog Killers In Hell
I just knew that my love for Jackie Chan wasn't misplaced! (My $50 membership fee to the U.S. branch of his fanclub may have been, but my love lingers on.)
He's a good guy.
Warning: This link will take you to a page with photos of the dog killings. Not to gorey, but disturbing all the same.
(Can you guess what Neko is doing in the last hours before quittin' time?)
He's a good guy.
Warning: This link will take you to a page with photos of the dog killings. Not to gorey, but disturbing all the same.
(Can you guess what Neko is doing in the last hours before quittin' time?)
Hella Gross
What the f&#@ are the makers of candy thinking these days? What Airheads.
gross
And yes, I'm blogging at work.
And yes, I'm still sick.
gross
And yes, I'm blogging at work.
And yes, I'm still sick.
9.06.2006
Horse Eating Legal no Longer
Today is the national call-in day for voters to urge their House Reps to protect horses from slaughter in the U.S. Horse flesh is regularly sold overseas for human consumption. Almost 100,000 horses were slaughtered last year.
So, call your House Rep. and either say the following or make up your own script:
" I am a constituent, and I am calling to ask that Representative _____ please protect American horses from slaughter and support H. R. 503, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I also urge you to oppose any amendments to H.R. 503. I am very concerned about American horses, and I don't want them to be slaughtered."
So, come on. If I can get off my lazy ass and make this phone call, so can you! If people in other countries want to eat horse meat, let them eat their own damn horses. (Of course, I don't advocate meat-eating of any kind anywhere) It's easy to look up your House Rep. online.
This has been a public service announcement from Neko.
So, call your House Rep. and either say the following or make up your own script:
" I am a constituent, and I am calling to ask that Representative _____ please protect American horses from slaughter and support H. R. 503, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I also urge you to oppose any amendments to H.R. 503. I am very concerned about American horses, and I don't want them to be slaughtered."
So, come on. If I can get off my lazy ass and make this phone call, so can you! If people in other countries want to eat horse meat, let them eat their own damn horses. (Of course, I don't advocate meat-eating of any kind anywhere) It's easy to look up your House Rep. online.
This has been a public service announcement from Neko.
8.28.2006
Hummers Escalades and Lexus Limousines
I find that MySpace is good for the occasional meme or short spurt of angst. For long rambling rants such as this one, it's blogger where my thoughts find a home.
On the way home today, I'm in the turn lane headed left. However, there's a mammoth, silver SUV in the oncoming lane and although the light is green, I can't see around this bastard to look for approaching vehicles. The driver in the car behind me looks impatient. I don't want to be honked at. It's not so much that I care that this person at my rear will be a couple minutes behind their likely meaningless schedule. It's that I'm so full of loathing for the human race these days, that I think I might jump out of my truck carrying a tire iron. And, well, you can imagine where things would go from there.
So, I take a chance and speed off down the next street. Luckily, there was no one to collide with. But, the encounter spawned a rampant dialogue in my head. Let me see if I can make my train of thought logical enough to convey. Supposedly, there's a fuel shortage in this country. I don't buy it and here's why. If the world is such a place that Americans are in danger of running out of gasoline, why are car makers building the largest abominations they can manage? Well, that's because the fuel crisis is a load of bullshit dreampt up by the coordinators of the Middle Eastern war. Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself.
There is such a thing as the law of supply and demand. The way I understand it, the price of an item fluxtuates depending on how many consumers are willing to purchase it at a certain cost. If nobody is buying product, then cost will go down so as to encourage purchase. If the demand for something goes up enough, and the supply is low, cost will rise. Or, price will be higher if fewer product is bought in order to make enough money to survive from the sale of fewer items. Make sense? Thus, companies that do market research will generally produce only items that they sense a demand for.
Car makers do loads of market research. If people in America could truly not afford the prices of gas, we wouldn't be seeing ads for Hummer and Dodge Mastadon every seven seconds on television. The parking lot at my local grocery store wouldn't be crammed with Soccer Mom Vans. Car makers would be pushing the latest in hybrid mini cars. Unless of course, everyone in America is a complete freaking idiot. There are masses of idiots, but the smart people out there make up enough of the population to make a difference. What's that you say? "Why Neko, there are ads for hybrid vehicles" Right you are, my friend. That's because these companies see the paranoid section of us that do like to save money on gas and do pay attention to the destruction of the environment and do live in California. That's beside the point. How many hybrids do you see on the road versus trucks and SUVs?
So, we've established that there is a demand for gas-guzzling hunks of impossibly massive four-wheeled steel, just by observing what products are on the market.
If the car companies see that we are all willing to shell out mass quantities of cash in order to keep our monsterous trucks running, where's all this gas coming from. Here's a theory. Public support of the war starts to wane. So, a "gas shortage" is conjured. "Oh no," Americans say, "kill those Arab bastards and get us some gas." Support of the war goes up. And why are we at war in the first place, if our neighbors to the North have so much fuel? And why are there people saying that the U.S. can survive on it's own reserves? It's because G.W. wants to fight daddy's war for him. That's why!!
Okay, enough political raving for me right now. Just think about this. I'd be happy to hear a couple different views or supporting factoids. I'm I right, or stark-raving loony? or both?
Off to the showers to wash away the stink of human contact.
On the way home today, I'm in the turn lane headed left. However, there's a mammoth, silver SUV in the oncoming lane and although the light is green, I can't see around this bastard to look for approaching vehicles. The driver in the car behind me looks impatient. I don't want to be honked at. It's not so much that I care that this person at my rear will be a couple minutes behind their likely meaningless schedule. It's that I'm so full of loathing for the human race these days, that I think I might jump out of my truck carrying a tire iron. And, well, you can imagine where things would go from there.
So, I take a chance and speed off down the next street. Luckily, there was no one to collide with. But, the encounter spawned a rampant dialogue in my head. Let me see if I can make my train of thought logical enough to convey. Supposedly, there's a fuel shortage in this country. I don't buy it and here's why. If the world is such a place that Americans are in danger of running out of gasoline, why are car makers building the largest abominations they can manage? Well, that's because the fuel crisis is a load of bullshit dreampt up by the coordinators of the Middle Eastern war. Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself.
There is such a thing as the law of supply and demand. The way I understand it, the price of an item fluxtuates depending on how many consumers are willing to purchase it at a certain cost. If nobody is buying product, then cost will go down so as to encourage purchase. If the demand for something goes up enough, and the supply is low, cost will rise. Or, price will be higher if fewer product is bought in order to make enough money to survive from the sale of fewer items. Make sense? Thus, companies that do market research will generally produce only items that they sense a demand for.
Car makers do loads of market research. If people in America could truly not afford the prices of gas, we wouldn't be seeing ads for Hummer and Dodge Mastadon every seven seconds on television. The parking lot at my local grocery store wouldn't be crammed with Soccer Mom Vans. Car makers would be pushing the latest in hybrid mini cars. Unless of course, everyone in America is a complete freaking idiot. There are masses of idiots, but the smart people out there make up enough of the population to make a difference. What's that you say? "Why Neko, there are ads for hybrid vehicles" Right you are, my friend. That's because these companies see the paranoid section of us that do like to save money on gas and do pay attention to the destruction of the environment and do live in California. That's beside the point. How many hybrids do you see on the road versus trucks and SUVs?
So, we've established that there is a demand for gas-guzzling hunks of impossibly massive four-wheeled steel, just by observing what products are on the market.
If the car companies see that we are all willing to shell out mass quantities of cash in order to keep our monsterous trucks running, where's all this gas coming from. Here's a theory. Public support of the war starts to wane. So, a "gas shortage" is conjured. "Oh no," Americans say, "kill those Arab bastards and get us some gas." Support of the war goes up. And why are we at war in the first place, if our neighbors to the North have so much fuel? And why are there people saying that the U.S. can survive on it's own reserves? It's because G.W. wants to fight daddy's war for him. That's why!!
Okay, enough political raving for me right now. Just think about this. I'd be happy to hear a couple different views or supporting factoids. I'm I right, or stark-raving loony? or both?
Off to the showers to wash away the stink of human contact.
8.27.2006
Eating Out In Hell
Lo and behold, I've finally written a restaurant review! Follow the link at right to Neko's Veggie Reviews to read my review of Watercourse Foods. It's about damn time!
8.26.2006
Slipping Into Something A Bit More Hell
I am a night owl, no doubt. While my obnoxious brother and reluctant father slumber, I'm working on the better part of a bottle of wine. Daddy gave me money for movies. I came home with 3 DVDs and a bottle of Zinfandel. Ah, sweet drunken abyss...
Between watching movies and wallowing in my own brokenness, I've found time to paint more. Here is the progress...
Ick..instead of "SunDance", they should call them "SlamDance" - to your death! Well, at least these smokes were free. It's amazing what smokers will do for other smokers.
Ick...instead of "Blogger", they should call it "Bugger" - it takes so long to upload these images. It's probably my connection though, and not Blogger's fault.
Hey, how did these get in here?! I don't keep my kitty in a cooler..I swear...
This picture represents the painting as it stands now. I felt the need to fill in all of my sketches, despite my previous inclination. All that's left is a background. The stark whiteness is too much glaring purity for me to digest. I'm not yet disappointed with this work. It helps for me to step away from time to time, as I find myself staring at this new addition to my basement hideout. It still looks like so much coagluated blood, but me likes anyway.
Between watching movies and wallowing in my own brokenness, I've found time to paint more. Here is the progress...
Ick..instead of "SunDance", they should call them "SlamDance" - to your death! Well, at least these smokes were free. It's amazing what smokers will do for other smokers.
Ick...instead of "Blogger", they should call it "Bugger" - it takes so long to upload these images. It's probably my connection though, and not Blogger's fault.
Hey, how did these get in here?! I don't keep my kitty in a cooler..I swear...
This picture represents the painting as it stands now. I felt the need to fill in all of my sketches, despite my previous inclination. All that's left is a background. The stark whiteness is too much glaring purity for me to digest. I'm not yet disappointed with this work. It helps for me to step away from time to time, as I find myself staring at this new addition to my basement hideout. It still looks like so much coagluated blood, but me likes anyway.
More Movie Watching In Hell
There are two new reviews up at Neko Goes To The Movies. If you haven't been there yet, it's cookin' these days! The two new features reviewed are Silent Hill and Evolution.
8.24.2006
Why the Hell Wouldn't This Load?
I think I've picked up the spare.
That's as far as I got last night. It's kind of fun to stare at right now, so I can't decide to finish it or not.
That's as far as I got last night. It's kind of fun to stare at right now, so I can't decide to finish it or not.
The Circles of Hell
I must be depressed. Either that, or it's the lack of beer, lack of cigarettes, lack of sex, lack of money and lack of suitable living quarters that's driven me mad. Regardless, I started to paint again. And for the sake of misery loves company, I'm going to post pictures of my progress here. (It's not too late to visit The Book of Shenry).
This time, instead of sketching my design on paper beforehand, I just drew right on the canvas.
Now, I've added the first layer of color, which is the creamy hue of unsalted butter. It dawned on me that the lightest colors should be painted first. It's much easier to cover a lighter color with a darker color than it is to do the opposite.
Here's the next color. Keep in mind that when I paint, I only use the 3 primary colors and black and white to mix my colors from.
And so on...
Starting to see a theme? I've been trying to balance each color evenly throughout the canvas. The problem is, I think I might run out of colors in this spectrum before I finish filling in the design.
There's another picture, but I can't get flippin Blogger to load it up. Ah well, I'll try in another post.
This time, instead of sketching my design on paper beforehand, I just drew right on the canvas.
Now, I've added the first layer of color, which is the creamy hue of unsalted butter. It dawned on me that the lightest colors should be painted first. It's much easier to cover a lighter color with a darker color than it is to do the opposite.
Here's the next color. Keep in mind that when I paint, I only use the 3 primary colors and black and white to mix my colors from.
And so on...
Starting to see a theme? I've been trying to balance each color evenly throughout the canvas. The problem is, I think I might run out of colors in this spectrum before I finish filling in the design.
There's another picture, but I can't get flippin Blogger to load it up. Ah well, I'll try in another post.
8.20.2006
8.14.2006
Hell At Maximum Capacity
I've known for a while that things were in the works to get my little brother moved in with my father and I. I just thought I would have more time. I thought that another month would transpire before the proper court documents were made official. But, apparently, the school that he can actually get into at this point begins classes this week. Wednesday? Consequently, he's begun moving furniture and rearranging things. Unfortunately, most of my belongings (or at least the ones I use more frequently) are in that room.
This Saturday, I awoke to the sounds of voices and crashing about. Every time I'm rudely stirred from sleep in such a fashion, I silently renew my vow to find an apartment. So, I stumbled upstairs, eager for a shower and groggy and cranky. Guess what? My bathtub was occupied by a hose connected to a draining waterbed. Plus, we had a guest. My brother had decided that it was finally time to disassemble the leaky POS bed and he had invited his girlfriend over to help with the furnishings. So, no shower for me. Thankfully, his girlfriend is really cool and the two of us get along quite well. It's a nice change from the skanks he usually finds to drag around.
Lo and behold, I discover that the boy is on the fast track to moving in! It would have been nice to have a little more notice. I detest having people go through my belongings and would have liked to have the chance to remove them from the construction site. I was also hoping that I'd be able to save enough money to find my own place before the house was overrun. Sonofabitch! Right away, I can see one of the more serious issues is going to be the use of bathroom facilities. Every single f**ing time the little brat uses my bathroom, he pisses all over the damn toilet seat!!! I confronted him with this gripe and he pretended innocence. I know it's him because my father always uses his own, private bathroom. I'm not giving up the bathroom I have now because it's got the very best shower and accomodations. The one downstairs is adjacent to the litter box, and the only other option is through my father's bedroom. This is going to require my foot coming down.
So, that's the primary stress in my life right now. I just wasn't ready for all of this so soon. I hope and pray that the next 6 weeks will go by smoothly and enable my departure from this situation ASAP.
This Saturday, I awoke to the sounds of voices and crashing about. Every time I'm rudely stirred from sleep in such a fashion, I silently renew my vow to find an apartment. So, I stumbled upstairs, eager for a shower and groggy and cranky. Guess what? My bathtub was occupied by a hose connected to a draining waterbed. Plus, we had a guest. My brother had decided that it was finally time to disassemble the leaky POS bed and he had invited his girlfriend over to help with the furnishings. So, no shower for me. Thankfully, his girlfriend is really cool and the two of us get along quite well. It's a nice change from the skanks he usually finds to drag around.
Lo and behold, I discover that the boy is on the fast track to moving in! It would have been nice to have a little more notice. I detest having people go through my belongings and would have liked to have the chance to remove them from the construction site. I was also hoping that I'd be able to save enough money to find my own place before the house was overrun. Sonofabitch! Right away, I can see one of the more serious issues is going to be the use of bathroom facilities. Every single f**ing time the little brat uses my bathroom, he pisses all over the damn toilet seat!!! I confronted him with this gripe and he pretended innocence. I know it's him because my father always uses his own, private bathroom. I'm not giving up the bathroom I have now because it's got the very best shower and accomodations. The one downstairs is adjacent to the litter box, and the only other option is through my father's bedroom. This is going to require my foot coming down.
So, that's the primary stress in my life right now. I just wasn't ready for all of this so soon. I hope and pray that the next 6 weeks will go by smoothly and enable my departure from this situation ASAP.
Another Movie Review? What the Hell?
Two more reviews have gone up at Neko Goes To the Movies. The subjects under scrutiny are: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Final Destination 3. I'm also working on a little maintence on that site.
8.08.2006
A Scan of Hell
There are two new movie updates at Neko Goes To The Movies.
A Scanner Darkly and
Master and Commander.
A Scanner Darkly and
Master and Commander.
8.06.2006
Hell and Hitmen
There's a new post up at Neko Goes To The Movies. It's for The Matador, so go take a look-see.
8.02.2006
Might As WHell Try
I find that the dumbest mistake any criminal can make is to film themself committing a crime. I'll admit, when one is engaged in clandestine activities, especially when going on solo missions, it's tempting to want to preserve the occasion in some fashion. But, it's just plain idiotic. Not that I'm planning anything illegal....well, at least not anything that will bring harm to anyone....
It would be almost equally as assenine to go online and detail the various steps of such a hypothetical plan. James Bond would never get anywhere if his targets weren't fool enough to indulge themselves with a step by step outline of their master plans. Ever so foolish my dear Mr. Goldfinger. The only fanatics bold enough to leave paper trails are serial killers. I've been led to believe that these men are so intelligent, they'd never be caught if they didn't want to be. But...I don't plan to hurt anyone...not even a plant.
Actually, I had planned to hurt myself quite severely not so many days ago, but those urges have passed. It's a good thing I have friends. Well, I'd better finish off this bottle of wine and get to work...I mean BED...BED, I'm going to bed...
It would be almost equally as assenine to go online and detail the various steps of such a hypothetical plan. James Bond would never get anywhere if his targets weren't fool enough to indulge themselves with a step by step outline of their master plans. Ever so foolish my dear Mr. Goldfinger. The only fanatics bold enough to leave paper trails are serial killers. I've been led to believe that these men are so intelligent, they'd never be caught if they didn't want to be. But...I don't plan to hurt anyone...not even a plant.
Actually, I had planned to hurt myself quite severely not so many days ago, but those urges have passed. It's a good thing I have friends. Well, I'd better finish off this bottle of wine and get to work...I mean BED...BED, I'm going to bed...
7.29.2006
Hellish Update
Due to the fact that my personal life is way to painful to blog about at the moment, I've been spending alot of time at my movie review website. There are two new reviews up for your enjoyment: Lady In The Water and Munich.
I've also taken up needlepoint (of all things) to keep myself distracted while I'm not at work. Work, however, is going very well and it's the only thing I have to hold onto right now.
As soon as I can come to terms with all my emotional crap, I'll catch you all up with things.
I've also taken up needlepoint (of all things) to keep myself distracted while I'm not at work. Work, however, is going very well and it's the only thing I have to hold onto right now.
As soon as I can come to terms with all my emotional crap, I'll catch you all up with things.
7.24.2006
7.21.2006
Cute as All Hell
I seem to be developing a collection of cutsie links here. I just added Stuff On My Cats, Kittenwar, and Cats in Sinks to the links at the right. Now, your girlie squeel is just seconds away! Click Now, you bastards!!!
7.14.2006
What's Red and Blue and Speeds Like Hell?
I've just posted my first review on Neko Goes To The Movies. I've done a little mucking about with the template, but I'm not finished by any means. As it stands, it's functional and fairly appealing visually.
In other news, I GOT A JOB!!!!!! I start next Monday. While I'm not looking forward to waking up early and losing valuable video game time, it will be nice to feel like a productive member of society again. It pays much better than my last real job too. Finally, I can start thinking about an apartment and a new car! Hoorah!! And, I'll be in a cushy government position (thanks Shenry) which strikes me as slightly more stable than a corporate one. This time, I'm definately opening a savings account so I don't have to face months of mooching again. Hoorah!!
In other news, I GOT A JOB!!!!!! I start next Monday. While I'm not looking forward to waking up early and losing valuable video game time, it will be nice to feel like a productive member of society again. It pays much better than my last real job too. Finally, I can start thinking about an apartment and a new car! Hoorah!! And, I'll be in a cushy government position (thanks Shenry) which strikes me as slightly more stable than a corporate one. This time, I'm definately opening a savings account so I don't have to face months of mooching again. Hoorah!!
7.13.2006
Hell Comes In Threes
I've done it! Although not sober in the least, I've managed to create three new blogs on which to post my future reviews and opinions.
Neko's Toy Party is a blog for reviews of sex toys!
Neko Goes To The Movies is a blog for movie reviews!
Neko's Veggie Reviews is a blog for restaurants!
All of which are currently under construction. All of which may eventually give way to their own, independent webpages. All of which may end up as complete failures. All of which are sure to consume time. I've posted links under 'blog me' and I'll make sure to post here when I update the other sites. Whee! When in doubt about the above links, check the permalinks I've set up. I am so drunk right now.
Neko's Toy Party is a blog for reviews of sex toys!
Neko Goes To The Movies is a blog for movie reviews!
Neko's Veggie Reviews is a blog for restaurants!
All of which are currently under construction. All of which may eventually give way to their own, independent webpages. All of which may end up as complete failures. All of which are sure to consume time. I've posted links under 'blog me' and I'll make sure to post here when I update the other sites. Whee! When in doubt about the above links, check the permalinks I've set up. I am so drunk right now.
Hell Makes Neko Bitchy
If there's one art that I've cultivated within myself, it's the art of criticism. I carefully assemble my opinions and then give them freely. Some may call this "bitching", but whatever name it bears, it's a trait that I value. Recently, I have come across several subjects that I'd like to bitch about. Not only bitch, but protest and write letters about. I like reviews and giving reviews. Two subjects on my mind may just give birth to their own webpages or blogs in the near future.
Product reviews can be very valuable. I firmly believe in getting what you paid for, and so if I've been ripped off, I like to share the information in order to protect others from the same fate. I also like to prevent the bastards that ripped me off from making money. So, without further ado, here are the two topics of today's rant:
Topic #1: On the Border Mexican Grill
Those scurvy, scheister, bastards!!! I will never again willingly visit this establishment. People are going to get letters about this one. Stand away from my fiery laser eyes of doom!! I'm furious. Here's the story:
I went with Spike and his family Tuesday afternoon for lunch to OTB. Immediately upon hearing the name of our destination, I was leery. Would they have anything suitable for vegetarian consumption? The answer, it turned out, was a resounding NO (with echoplex effect)! On their menu, there are a microscopic selection of non-meaty dishes. Spike and I both ended up with the "build your own" items. I had two spinach-mushroom enchiladas (I will check spelling in my official letter to management). The dish comes with two sides. However, the pinto beans and the fried rice contain animal byproducts. All except one of the sauces contained meat products. That one sauce is the queso sauce. Thankfully, the waitress was familiar with these facts and helpfully warned us against the other options.
The meal arrives. Quite honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that my meal was taken out of a box and thawed in the microwave before making it's way to my table. The "queso" was hardly more than Velveeta with a few freeze-dried tomatoes. The mushrooms were obviously canned. My iced tea was even served in a dirty plastic cup! I'm thoroughly disgusted both with the fact that I had so few choices on the menu and with the fact that what I did end up ordering was so very poorly executed. (It should have been executed via firing squad)
Although I was not effected negatively by the service, other people in our party seemed to be. I saw one person's meal taken back twice for adjustments. Fortunately, I didn't have to foot the bill, but that doesn't make me any less angry. If you happen to be vegetarian as well, steer well clear of On The Border, my friend. I promise that you'll be horribly disappointed if you don't.
Just to be fair, here's their website. Check out what a shitty menu they have. Go ahead.
As an alternative, search for a link to a place called the Watercourse. It's my favorite eatery of late.
Topic #2: Ultraviolet the Movie
I rented this movie because someone told me it was good. That's the last time I take advice from my illiterate, retarded step-brother. I've had a bad run, lately, of making terrible movie choices when Spike and I visit the video store. I think that he's lost faith in me and my cinematic taste. Anyway, Ultraviolet rates low in the depths of crappy film. The script was absolutely appalling. The dialogue might have been written by a 12 year old with head trauma. The acting was weak, to say the least, although this might be attributed to the tragic script writing. The action choreography was equally pathetic. The only thing I can say for the action, is that it pointed out why it's a bad idea to form a circle of gangsters around the character you are intending to shoot. Spike pointed out that whoever designed the costume and props obviously had a hard-on for Steven Spielberg.
There are only two areas in which Ultraviolet could have actually sought to redeem itself. Number one is Mila Jovovich. She's hot, period. I don't care what moronic cesspool of shit she's cast in, she's just plain hot. If you're a Mila fan, just mute the movie and watch only the scenes with her. Number two is set and costume. Throughout the movie, Mila is constantly changing the color of her hair and outfit. It's neat on the scale of the nailpolish in Total Recall. Also, the sets are well done and fun to look at. They are colorful, geometric and just nifty.
If I had to rate this film on a five-star scale, I'd award it only one gold sticker. If you want action and Mila together, you're much better off with The Fifth Element or Resident Evil.
That's it for now, but look out. More ranting and bitching are yet to come. I promise.
Product reviews can be very valuable. I firmly believe in getting what you paid for, and so if I've been ripped off, I like to share the information in order to protect others from the same fate. I also like to prevent the bastards that ripped me off from making money. So, without further ado, here are the two topics of today's rant:
Topic #1: On the Border Mexican Grill
Those scurvy, scheister, bastards!!! I will never again willingly visit this establishment. People are going to get letters about this one. Stand away from my fiery laser eyes of doom!! I'm furious. Here's the story:
I went with Spike and his family Tuesday afternoon for lunch to OTB. Immediately upon hearing the name of our destination, I was leery. Would they have anything suitable for vegetarian consumption? The answer, it turned out, was a resounding NO (with echoplex effect)! On their menu, there are a microscopic selection of non-meaty dishes. Spike and I both ended up with the "build your own" items. I had two spinach-mushroom enchiladas (I will check spelling in my official letter to management). The dish comes with two sides. However, the pinto beans and the fried rice contain animal byproducts. All except one of the sauces contained meat products. That one sauce is the queso sauce. Thankfully, the waitress was familiar with these facts and helpfully warned us against the other options.
The meal arrives. Quite honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that my meal was taken out of a box and thawed in the microwave before making it's way to my table. The "queso" was hardly more than Velveeta with a few freeze-dried tomatoes. The mushrooms were obviously canned. My iced tea was even served in a dirty plastic cup! I'm thoroughly disgusted both with the fact that I had so few choices on the menu and with the fact that what I did end up ordering was so very poorly executed. (It should have been executed via firing squad)
Although I was not effected negatively by the service, other people in our party seemed to be. I saw one person's meal taken back twice for adjustments. Fortunately, I didn't have to foot the bill, but that doesn't make me any less angry. If you happen to be vegetarian as well, steer well clear of On The Border, my friend. I promise that you'll be horribly disappointed if you don't.
Just to be fair, here's their website. Check out what a shitty menu they have. Go ahead.
As an alternative, search for a link to a place called the Watercourse. It's my favorite eatery of late.
Topic #2: Ultraviolet the Movie
I rented this movie because someone told me it was good. That's the last time I take advice from my illiterate, retarded step-brother. I've had a bad run, lately, of making terrible movie choices when Spike and I visit the video store. I think that he's lost faith in me and my cinematic taste. Anyway, Ultraviolet rates low in the depths of crappy film. The script was absolutely appalling. The dialogue might have been written by a 12 year old with head trauma. The acting was weak, to say the least, although this might be attributed to the tragic script writing. The action choreography was equally pathetic. The only thing I can say for the action, is that it pointed out why it's a bad idea to form a circle of gangsters around the character you are intending to shoot. Spike pointed out that whoever designed the costume and props obviously had a hard-on for Steven Spielberg.
There are only two areas in which Ultraviolet could have actually sought to redeem itself. Number one is Mila Jovovich. She's hot, period. I don't care what moronic cesspool of shit she's cast in, she's just plain hot. If you're a Mila fan, just mute the movie and watch only the scenes with her. Number two is set and costume. Throughout the movie, Mila is constantly changing the color of her hair and outfit. It's neat on the scale of the nailpolish in Total Recall. Also, the sets are well done and fun to look at. They are colorful, geometric and just nifty.
If I had to rate this film on a five-star scale, I'd award it only one gold sticker. If you want action and Mila together, you're much better off with The Fifth Element or Resident Evil.
That's it for now, but look out. More ranting and bitching are yet to come. I promise.
7.08.2006
Hell To Wake Up To
Ah, my Spike knows me so well already. He emailed me this link. If I wasn't so down on my luck, I'd run out and get one. It appeals to both my pillow fetish and my old-school gangsta charm. Sweet!
7.07.2006
A Brush With Hell
I've been such an art whore lately. While I've always had an interest in the subject (I once considered a career path in the art field), it is rekindled monthly by my subscription to this magazine. It is also evidenced by the string of art students I was dating. More recently, I find myself rubbing elbows with the cultured wealthy and the twenty-somethings looking to sip free wine, nibble cheese and hook up.
First, there was the annual art fest, and tonight I cruised the downtown art circuit with a few friends. While the Cherry Creek thing doesn't differ much from year to year, the galleries we visitied tonight sparked some interest. I don't much care for landscapes and still lifes and the run of the mill traditional work. My tastes run a little more toward the fringe. I've added some new links to artists and such on the left, if you're into all that, or if you just want to see what I like.
While hanging out in the rain outside one of the more "fringey" galleries, I ran into a girl that I'd met last October. We'd both ended up in costume at one of my former co-workers house parties. She was a tiger and the only way I recognized her tonight was by her uber-cool accent. I remember pulling on her tail and trying to get my drunken flirt on. She was purring back at me and encouraging my advances. Well, I was completely wasted on "jungle juice" that night and it's the best I can reccollect (when in doubt, double all letters). But she certainly recognized me - out of costume! She reintroduced me to her husband, who just looked me up and down for about 5 minutes and didn't speak.
As I was standing there smoking, none other than Shenry's brother walked up to me! How odd is it that I should happen to meet two people that I'm aquinted with just randomly on the same street corner on the same night? I swear, coicidences must mean something. There's got to be some way to figure them out. I wish I had some sort of calculatory device that could immediately spit out the mathematical odds and probabilities of certain things happening.
Ah well. Paper Mario is calling me again. I am his slave...maaaario.
First, there was the annual art fest, and tonight I cruised the downtown art circuit with a few friends. While the Cherry Creek thing doesn't differ much from year to year, the galleries we visitied tonight sparked some interest. I don't much care for landscapes and still lifes and the run of the mill traditional work. My tastes run a little more toward the fringe. I've added some new links to artists and such on the left, if you're into all that, or if you just want to see what I like.
While hanging out in the rain outside one of the more "fringey" galleries, I ran into a girl that I'd met last October. We'd both ended up in costume at one of my former co-workers house parties. She was a tiger and the only way I recognized her tonight was by her uber-cool accent. I remember pulling on her tail and trying to get my drunken flirt on. She was purring back at me and encouraging my advances. Well, I was completely wasted on "jungle juice" that night and it's the best I can reccollect (when in doubt, double all letters). But she certainly recognized me - out of costume! She reintroduced me to her husband, who just looked me up and down for about 5 minutes and didn't speak.
As I was standing there smoking, none other than Shenry's brother walked up to me! How odd is it that I should happen to meet two people that I'm aquinted with just randomly on the same street corner on the same night? I swear, coicidences must mean something. There's got to be some way to figure them out. I wish I had some sort of calculatory device that could immediately spit out the mathematical odds and probabilities of certain things happening.
Ah well. Paper Mario is calling me again. I am his slave...maaaario.
7.06.2006
Where the Hell Did All This Rain Come From?
I'm back home again. I blogged on MySpace about my weekend, so I won't bother repeating myself here. One thing I did forget to mention on that site was that I went to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. My Dad and I have sort of an annual tradition of going, but it's getting to be the same year after year. So, it went perfectly with the rest of my bland weekend.
I'm really jazzed up about the Nintendo scene lately. I got back into playing Paper Mario and spent about 5 hours on it tonight. The new one is coming out soon. There's an article on it in the latest issue of Nintendo Power, which I subscribed rather grudgingly as part of my membership at the local game store. So, my goal is to beat the one I have so as to justify purchasing the new one. Spike also owns a GameCube and he was showing me some of his collection. He let me borrow Luigi's Mansion and a Wario game. The other GameCube title I was into, prior to my PSP mania, is Mario Party 7. See a pattern? It seems that the only games I really like for the system are games based in the Mario world. That's where the Nintendo company has me, you see. Obviously, any game that features Mario or any of his ilk will only be released on Nintendo systems.
I hear that the best RPGs are on Playstation. That means I'll have to get one of those too. At least Playstations these days play movies. I hear tell that the new system is going to be prohibitively expensive. Sigh. I'll just have to land a really sweet job and hook myself up.
In other news, I haven't been doing so well on my recent resolutions. But, I figure I'll let myself off the hook, what with it being a "holiday" and all. I did put forth some minimal effort though, so *shrug*.
I'm really jazzed up about the Nintendo scene lately. I got back into playing Paper Mario and spent about 5 hours on it tonight. The new one is coming out soon. There's an article on it in the latest issue of Nintendo Power, which I subscribed rather grudgingly as part of my membership at the local game store. So, my goal is to beat the one I have so as to justify purchasing the new one. Spike also owns a GameCube and he was showing me some of his collection. He let me borrow Luigi's Mansion and a Wario game. The other GameCube title I was into, prior to my PSP mania, is Mario Party 7. See a pattern? It seems that the only games I really like for the system are games based in the Mario world. That's where the Nintendo company has me, you see. Obviously, any game that features Mario or any of his ilk will only be released on Nintendo systems.
I hear that the best RPGs are on Playstation. That means I'll have to get one of those too. At least Playstations these days play movies. I hear tell that the new system is going to be prohibitively expensive. Sigh. I'll just have to land a really sweet job and hook myself up.
In other news, I haven't been doing so well on my recent resolutions. But, I figure I'll let myself off the hook, what with it being a "holiday" and all. I did put forth some minimal effort though, so *shrug*.
6.30.2006
Children In Hell Want Ice Water
I was feeling crappy this morning, but now I'm feeling "up". It's usually when I feel encouraged about life that I think about making changes. That may sound backward, but when I'm down, I don't really give a sh^t about anything. So, lest I forget, I'm going to post my new health agenda. To arrive at this list, I made a short list of my current health habits and tried to come up with attainable solutions. As optimistic as I may be this afternoon, if I make my goals sky-high then nothing will get done. Without further ado...
Problem #1: I smoke too much.
Action to Take: I have been trying to quit smoking for the past 2 years or so. You might say, "Neko, you haven't been trying very hard." But, if you're not a smoker, you cannot possibly imagine the kung-fu grip that nicotine has. Since I haven't found anything that works for me, the logical answer is to keep trying different methods. The new plan that I came up with is to try to cut down gradually by defining specific restrictions and adhering to them. The first restriction is to only smoke 1/2 cigs at a time. I only usually need half a stick to satisfy my fix anyway. The second restriction is to only smoke outside or when I'm on the computer. Spike can help me with this by forcing me to smoke only on his balcony. Now that the weather is nice, I shouldn't have any gripes about going outdoors.
Problem #2: I drink too much.
Action to Take: From now on, I'll restrict myself to only drinking past 5:00pm. I'll further restrict myself to a maximum of 2 drinks a day. Yes, I do drink a whole hell of alot. To limit my intake even more, I won't drink with Spike (he doesn't drink anyway) unless we are at a bar.
Problem #3: Coffee makes my nerves insane.
Action to Take: At least until I get a job, I won't drink any coffee at all. Instead, I'll replace it with tea, water or chai. Many of my friends like to frequent the coffee shops, but if they offer chai, I can drink with them and still be able to sleep at night. I don't believe in decaf either!!
Problem #4: I need more excercise.
Action to Take: This is also a two step process. I saw a commercial some time ago that advertised a drug to cure "restless leg syndrome". When I saw it, I thought, "holy crap, I think I have that" and it's been praying on me ever since. But, instead of popping even more pills, I'm going to pull out my yoga books and try to practice some leg excercises before I go to bed. That should help me relax, ease my muscles, and get me off to sleep faster. The next stage is to pull my little bmxer down from the garage and see what needs to be done to put it back in working order. Offhand I'd say that all it needs is a tire and some brake work. When I'm able to get it back together, I'll try riding that around the neighborhood in the evenings.
Well, that's it. Hopefully, I can keep these things in mind and I'll be on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
Problem #1: I smoke too much.
Action to Take: I have been trying to quit smoking for the past 2 years or so. You might say, "Neko, you haven't been trying very hard." But, if you're not a smoker, you cannot possibly imagine the kung-fu grip that nicotine has. Since I haven't found anything that works for me, the logical answer is to keep trying different methods. The new plan that I came up with is to try to cut down gradually by defining specific restrictions and adhering to them. The first restriction is to only smoke 1/2 cigs at a time. I only usually need half a stick to satisfy my fix anyway. The second restriction is to only smoke outside or when I'm on the computer. Spike can help me with this by forcing me to smoke only on his balcony. Now that the weather is nice, I shouldn't have any gripes about going outdoors.
Problem #2: I drink too much.
Action to Take: From now on, I'll restrict myself to only drinking past 5:00pm. I'll further restrict myself to a maximum of 2 drinks a day. Yes, I do drink a whole hell of alot. To limit my intake even more, I won't drink with Spike (he doesn't drink anyway) unless we are at a bar.
Problem #3: Coffee makes my nerves insane.
Action to Take: At least until I get a job, I won't drink any coffee at all. Instead, I'll replace it with tea, water or chai. Many of my friends like to frequent the coffee shops, but if they offer chai, I can drink with them and still be able to sleep at night. I don't believe in decaf either!!
Problem #4: I need more excercise.
Action to Take: This is also a two step process. I saw a commercial some time ago that advertised a drug to cure "restless leg syndrome". When I saw it, I thought, "holy crap, I think I have that" and it's been praying on me ever since. But, instead of popping even more pills, I'm going to pull out my yoga books and try to practice some leg excercises before I go to bed. That should help me relax, ease my muscles, and get me off to sleep faster. The next stage is to pull my little bmxer down from the garage and see what needs to be done to put it back in working order. Offhand I'd say that all it needs is a tire and some brake work. When I'm able to get it back together, I'll try riding that around the neighborhood in the evenings.
Well, that's it. Hopefully, I can keep these things in mind and I'll be on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
Hell For Your Pet
The fourth is coming up. While most of us plan to go get silly and watch things explode, don't forget about your pets! I'm passing this along from the ASPCA, because we all know I love the animals. There were some tips here that I hadn't even thought of. (This has been a public service announcement from Neko)
* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches, for example, contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing.
* Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
* Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.
* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases. (Neko's cat likes to drink Guiness)
* Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
* Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches, for example, contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing.
* Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
* Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.
* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases. (Neko's cat likes to drink Guiness)
* Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
* Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
Hell Not Quite Spoken
I absolutely BEG someone out there to take a look at Silver's page and my page (viewing sources on both) and tell me what the f*k I'm doing wrong with the whole "random quotes" code. It's driving me f*ing batty!!!
Updating and Reorganizing Hell
Neko's been messing around with the template again. If you haven't noticed, she added a few new links under "spank me" lately. Since that section was becoming overgrown, Neko separated the blogs into their own section and the fun stuff remains under the previous heading. Neko wants you to check out David Blaine's homepage, even though it won't load on her own crappy computer.
6.29.2006
Driving a Truck in Hell
Well, I'm moving right along in my job hunt and other responsibilities. I've only got one more job to apply to this week in order to fulfill my contract with unemployment. They don't really check to see if you apply for jobs, but I figure it's a good way to force myself into the job hunt. If I send out five resumes a week, something's bound to materialize, right? I've basically written off the temp agencies at this point. They've been neglecting to contact me back about the jobs they've offered and the interviews I've attended and they're not offering me anything new. Besides, I can't wait forever for benes, etc. So, a big middle finger up to the temp employment industry. I've worked how many years as a temp and what do I have to show for it??!! I just hope I can land something cushy, like Shenry has. I don't wish Silver's employment situation on anyone, except my brother (hee hee), but he already f#ed that one up.
I managed to score a little cash from my buddy Seven, which will allow me to pay some bills and retain my status as a PP consultant (I'm not allowed to mention the company's name online anymore). That makes me feel a little better. I still have to beg Dad to pay my car insurance bill. I'm hoping that he'll bend even though he just shelled out the bucks to fix my heap-o-truck. "But Daddy, you don't want me to go without insurance, do you?" *blink, blink* The PP business isn't going as well as hoped, but I can chalk that up to not going the extra mile 'n' stuff as far as pushing the products. My date planner is filling up with tasks to accomplish toward revamping my approach to the business. Plus, I ordered a bunch of nifty new things to add to my presentation. Having only two toys looks pretty lame. But, corporate just sent out an email announcement about how the consultants aren't supposed to mention the business online anymore, primarily because MySpace is getting such a bad public rep these days.
Of course I talked to Spike tonight. I've been a little stressed, since I returned home, about who's feeling what and if things are as great as they were initially. But, I've been reassured and I think it's just lack of meds and too much coffee that are driving me nuts. I cut down on my eating too. Spike's been treating me to totally yummy restaraunt food lately and I feel like a pig. Today I ate only a bagel and 2 bean & cheese burritos from the freezer. I know I shouldn't be starving myself. It's actually exercise that I need, not less food. But smoking all my meals is the lazy way out. We all know that if there is a lazy way out, I'll take it! Isn't that the way models stay thin? I'm not about to gag myself and retch up my lunch or snort coke to maintain my figure, so it's the next worst thing. I keep telling myself that I'll fix up my little BMX in the garage and go out riding. But, seriously, when't THAT going to happen?!
I managed to score a little cash from my buddy Seven, which will allow me to pay some bills and retain my status as a PP consultant (I'm not allowed to mention the company's name online anymore). That makes me feel a little better. I still have to beg Dad to pay my car insurance bill. I'm hoping that he'll bend even though he just shelled out the bucks to fix my heap-o-truck. "But Daddy, you don't want me to go without insurance, do you?" *blink, blink* The PP business isn't going as well as hoped, but I can chalk that up to not going the extra mile 'n' stuff as far as pushing the products. My date planner is filling up with tasks to accomplish toward revamping my approach to the business. Plus, I ordered a bunch of nifty new things to add to my presentation. Having only two toys looks pretty lame. But, corporate just sent out an email announcement about how the consultants aren't supposed to mention the business online anymore, primarily because MySpace is getting such a bad public rep these days.
Of course I talked to Spike tonight. I've been a little stressed, since I returned home, about who's feeling what and if things are as great as they were initially. But, I've been reassured and I think it's just lack of meds and too much coffee that are driving me nuts. I cut down on my eating too. Spike's been treating me to totally yummy restaraunt food lately and I feel like a pig. Today I ate only a bagel and 2 bean & cheese burritos from the freezer. I know I shouldn't be starving myself. It's actually exercise that I need, not less food. But smoking all my meals is the lazy way out. We all know that if there is a lazy way out, I'll take it! Isn't that the way models stay thin? I'm not about to gag myself and retch up my lunch or snort coke to maintain my figure, so it's the next worst thing. I keep telling myself that I'll fix up my little BMX in the garage and go out riding. But, seriously, when't THAT going to happen?!
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