Thursday, November 30, 2006

Bass-ic HNT

Remember when I dropped my computer and the monitor caught the corner of the external drive? Remember how the initial contact point looked? It's now about 5 weeks later. See how the screen appears to be "bleeding"? Just a point of information--don't let your computer fall...

Click 'em to big 'em!


I was chatting away with someone about the 25 Questions post (and thanks to all who asked questions) and the other question meme, and realized that there's something about my music life that I haven't really talked about much here. No, I'm not the 5th Monkee, nor the reincarnation of Spike Jones (I hope some of you know who he was...).

Here it is--I've got another secret love in my life. Her name is Betsy. Not quite the love that I share with Michelle, but this one was around long before her, and is still around. She's got a great shape--oh, a wonderful shape. She loves to be fingered and stroked, and is at her finest when she's wrapped around me. Just like Michelle, she's been a little abused, but has been loyal to me. Betsy's also got a sibling, just like Michelle, but this one's been staying in a foster home. I'll see her on occasion, but not at all recently.

In my chat mentioned above, it dawned on me that Betsy and I haven't been close in a long time. So I pulled her out into the light today. I plucked her a little. It was good. It reminded me of the times when I was an undergrad and we were inseparable. When we were out playing jazz or some rock together. Egads, even were able to disco! We don't have the chance much to get out these days. It was just wonderful to see her again!

Back in the day, I was an excellent bassist. These days, I'd say I'm pretty good. I don't have the technique that many have, or the electronics to really sound "contemporary", but I read better than most, and can play jazz changes far better than most. Quite frankly, I feel far more comfortable playing bass than I do bone. With apologies with some other HNTers who have posed with their basses (the best one coming to mind being Everything Nice), I present myself and Betsy. My Gibson SB-450 bass guitar. (maybe more pictures at a later date...)


Red wine and red velvet. A beautiful combination. Oh, our Mystery Guest is here too! She has not contacted me about revealing herself, so unless I do, she's going to stay a mystery. I can tell you that she's a longtime HNTer, though there was that long time that she took off... She's beautiful, she's fun-loving, and she's got attitude! Loved by many, hated by none. Be sure to check back to see if she tells us who she is! Feel free to email her if you think you know!
"...the Other HNT" is running pretty light tonight. Must be too many people getting fat over Thanksgiving... Be sure to stop by!
There's plans for the HNTs of December. Check the top of my sidebar with links to the last three Thursdays of the year!

Monday, November 27, 2006

More stuff about me...

OK--I stole this from Leesa, only because I bombed so badly on hers, and she told me I had to do this. So...

WITHOUT going into my archives.... Can you answer these questions?

What is my middle name?
How tall am I?
What kind of car do I drive?
Am I left-handed or right-handed?
Where did I go to school?
What am I afraid of?
Do I smoke?
Do I drink?
Do I have any siblings? How many?
What state was I born in?
What year?
Name a state I have lived in other than Montana.
How many piercings do I have?
Am I shy or outgoing?
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
What’s my favorite color?
Name something I love?
Name a talent I have?
What kind of shoes do I wear?
Do I have any pets?
What is my worst habit?
If I were stranded on a desert island, what would I bring?

Leesa was giving a prize, don't expect one from me!

Have fun!

More Miscellaneous Mish-Mash/Musical Monday #11

All sorts of stuff to talk about. But first, many thanks to Leesa for allowing me to use a couple of her photographs in my header over the next month. That's hers up above!
Be sure to check out the post below for the answers to the "25 Questions" post. Lots of eye-opening answers!
Check the top of the sidebar to find links regarding the HNT plans for December.
Well, two of the three Montana football teams playing in the playoffs won on Saturday. The Carroll College Fighting Saints lost 14-7 against the Cougars of St. Xavier to end Carroll's domination of the NAIA football ranks. Four national titles over four years. A run that will probably never be duplicated. The Montana Grizzlies beat up McNeese State, 31-6. Sorry Tommy--your team never had a chance! Oh, yeah. The MSU Bobcats beat Furman, 31-13 in a shocker. Overall, a fine day for football in Montana!
I came down with something on Saturday and ended up pukey. Missed the wedding of two of my best friends that night. Chris & Leanne, if you're reading this, I wish you the very best! And see you Tuesday!
Spent alot of time sitting at home watching football and movies. I saw "White Christmas" this morning. No one had legs like Vera-Ellen! If you don't know who she was, I urge you to check imdb.com and see what else she's been in!
HEADS UP!--the next showing of the "Grinch" on TV will be Dec. 6th, 7:30PM, on the Cartoon Network!
I haven't been to McDonald's yet to grab a McRib. I know. I suck.
Have you seen all the cool things that Crayola comes out with now? When I was a kid, you knew you'd been a good little boy or girl if you got the 64-color box of crayons. The 128-box was unknown. And now there's markers and paints and colorless spray guns that turn color but don't hurt the carpet. And now they say in their ads that you can find this stuff in the Crayola aisle at your store. There's an entire Crayola aisle??
As I'm getting into the Christmas spirit, I don't want to burn you out on Christmas music. But I ran across this after a long time of not hearing it, and thought it was appropriate. "Always Look At the Bright Side of Life", by Monty Python. Truly, a wonderful thought!

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Sunday, November 26, 2006

25 Questions Answered (LONG POST!)

Well, I actually got more than 25, and some asked more than one question, but I can handle that! A couple of you went for the jugular this time, and I actually had to do some thinking! And, as usual, I rarely answer with a short answer... Without further ado, here's my answers!

#1 - Px - I have 2 questions...#1 Can you get me a job? and #2 Being from the UK, is there any place over here that you'd like to visit/see? No, I can't get you a job. If I could, I'd do it for myself first! I would love to come to Ireland--there's some ancestry there that I'd like to explore. Scotland would be a nice place to check out too, especially for the golf. No real desire to go to England, though I'm sure I'd have a good time.

#2 - s - What's the longest you ever went w/o sex? I'll assume you mean with another person... Can't really give an answer here, as it's a work in progress. I can say that it's easily spanned more than one presidency.

#3 - Queen of Ass - What brings you peace? Truthfully, when everything goes the way it should go. The way I envisioned it. When everyone just does what they're supposed to do, at the time they're supposed to do it. When it goes that way, I'm at my most peaceful. If you're asking what I do when all around me is crumbling, then it's listening to classical music. If you're asking if I've found peace, then I'd say yes. I've made mistakes in the past, and I've been severely screwed over in the past. I've learned to let them go--there's no way you can change what's been done. You can learn from them, but I tend not to dwell on the past. What's happened (or not happened) has happened. No sense in spending time trying to erase it. That brings me a general sense of peace.

#4 – geekgirl - Have you ever played a valve trombone? If so, how does it compare to a slide trombone? Yes, I have. Valve trombones tend to have a smaller bore (skinnier) than the horns I usually play, so I generally don't like the tone quality I'm hearing. They're sort of a hybrid instrument that really haven't gained accecptance in many circles. But they're fun to play!

#5 - Chelle - What qualities do do you look for in a woman? Or in a friend in general? Openess, honesty, humor, low-maintenance. I'm at the point in my life where I'm not interested in playing games anymore. If you have a problem with me, let me know. I no longer have an interest in trying to interpret "signals". Secondary qualities--someone who isn't having a life-long pity party; someone who can laugh at their own mistakes and follies; someone who will stand up for their beliefs and passions. Oh, if they're smokin' hawt, that's a plus!

#6 - Snow White - When ARE you going to visit Texas? I want to come to Texas so bad you can't believe it. My first bloggerfriends (pre-HNT) live in Texas. And now there's so many more there! When the time comes, I'll be sure to let everyone know! Party's at Andi's, btw!

#7 - Naughty Nikki - Have you ever been to Newfoundland? Nope. I've never had the pleasure. I love what I've seen in pictures, though. What part do you live in?

#8 - Tara Tainton - I want to know... the reason(s) why you REALLY chose to begin blogging as well as why you're still driven to blog and share select thoughts of yours so publicly now. I started because Moose said she was starting one. I'd seen a few, and figured it was time for me to start. I started thinking I was going to use it as a journal, but that didn't happen. As far as why I continue--I like the contact I get with others. While I'm not a comment whore, I do like visitors. And I've never been one to pass up an opportunity to pontificate, so I'm happy to post a few times a week. And others might not agree, but I'm not just HNT 24/7!

#9 – Art - You mention you would like to not live paycheck to paycheck and you also mention that at some point you'd like to have someone special to come home to soooooooo....now you have found a magical symphony which if played you can have either one 'money' Or 'love' which will it be and why? Hate to be materialistic, but at this point, I'd take the money. Unless the love comes with alot of money attached!

#10 - Exposed - I would like to know how you feel about various ethical debates. so take your pick of a few...and please answer at least a few..
    abortion
    gay rights
    affirmative action
    euthanasia
    cloning and or genetic manipulation
    gun rights
    death penalty
    any others that may come to mind
Geez--I thought we were friends... OK, here we go.
Abortion--I think that it's sad that it ever comes down to this sort of thing, but ultimately, I think I'd consider myself pro-choice. I don't believe any one of us can tell another what's best for them. Disagreement is fine, but forcing an opposing view because it's "right" is the pure hutzpah.
Gay rights--It's sad that minorities (gays, women, ethnic groups) need special "rights". Theoretically, "all men are created equal", so special rules shouldn't be needed. So in that sense, I'm against gay rights. Not because they shouldn't have them, but theoretically, because they already do have them. To better answer it--do I have a problem with gays? No.
Affirmative action--Living in an overwhelmingly white state, I've never really met up with affirmative action, to my knowledge. I don't really have an opinion.
Euthanasia--I believe that the right to die is a personal thing. If it's documented that I would rather die than live in a vegetative state, then someone shouldn't get in trouble for helping that along. But it would have to be based on medical conditions. Not because I had a bad week at work...
Cloning/genetic manipulation--I'm in favor of it, in the limited scope of curing horrid diseases. I don't want to see a human cloned (or animals, even) or fetuses grown only for stem cells.
Gun rights--See the above comments regarding gay rights... Just kidding. Guns don't kill people, people kill people. And deer, and ducks, and bears and all sorts of things. I'm opposed to gun control legislation in general, though I don't know why a normal person would need an AK-47. But again, it's a government control issue. No, I don't own a gun.
Death penalty--I'm in favor of it, but I think that the process is convoluted. Years and years of appeals diminish the effect. I'm comfortable with the sorts of crimes that have a death penalty, but think they need to be applied uniformly, and then, by law, meted out within a year.
Smoking bans--I find it unconscionable that if I were to own a bar for the past 20 years, the government can then tell me that my patrons can't smoke in there. If someone doesn't like the smoke, they don't have to patronize me. That's they way I run my business. Smokers have been punished for years with higher prices, higher taxes, forced outdoors to smoke and meant to feel like second class citizens. No, I don't smoke.
Minimum drinking age--I grew up when it was 18. Everyone was afraid that high school seniors would be having keggars in the parking lot between classes. Didn't happen. Then it was raised to 19. Disagreed with it, but understood the concept. Kept most high schoolers away from legal drinking, but college kids could. Then the federal government told the states to raise it to 21, or risk losing federal highway funds. Can you say blackmail? Has it kept alcohol out of the hands of high schoolers? I think the whole binge drinking that has plagued many college students would disappear if they were of legal age.

Hope this is what you wanted to see, Exposed!

#11 - Robyn - You have a few things you've been telling me you'd tell me... and yet to tell me yet... so my question is.... when ya gonna tell me? In due time!

#12 - Tish - If you could meet one blogger that you haven't already met, who would it be? I have thought about this question more than any of the others. There's so many that I want to meet, and probably will in the future. And I don't want to name one of them, and piss the others off. So... of the ones that I really want to meet, but don't see a convenient opportunity to do so, I'd have to choose Spinning Girl. Then again, I hope I'm wrong!

#13 - Jen - What's your least favorite thing about Helena? (I lived there until about three weeks ago and man could I give you a long list...) The lack of opportunities to hear live music. When I was in high school, there were at least a half dozen places to go on the weekend to dance, drink beer, and have a good time. More importantly, places for local bands to go play. Currently, there's not much, and high school kids can't get into them. It was a major influence to my musical career back then. Bands around here today can't play more than an hour of music without running out of material. Because they don't need to. There's no place for them to play.

#14 - Susie - What is your favorite late night snack? I don't really have a favorite. I'll eat whatever might be around. Chips or cookies, I guess...

#15 - Binsk - Do you like to watch? Yes I do. Not just in the was she was sort of leaning me towards, but I also love watching people in general. Not that I spend time in the airport watching others, but I'm fascinated by watching what people do when they don't think about the fact that people are all around. The gentle touches of others, the unabashed scratching of an itch, the pocketing of something insignificant, the people who talk to themselves (or the voice in their head).

#16 - Spinning Girl - What do you most despise? Ooh--tough word. There are two individuals in my life that I'll despise till the day I die, but I don't waste time thinking about them. Anymore. I guess, in general, I despise ignorance and ignorant people.

#17 - MG - What type of behavior would cause you to discontinue an otherwise good relationship? (friend/lover/family member) I don't think I could discontinue any relationship with a family member. Anyone else...maybe if they started up with some new sort of harmful behavior--heavy drug use, alcoholic tendencies, illegal activities. Mind you, if they do things like that at the time that I meet them and decide to be friends, that's one thing. Those that would take it up afterwards would be a different story. But it would only be after trying to talk them out of it. I can't imagine dumping somebody cold turkey.

#18 - Stealthbombshell - Have you ever done something scary like lose your mouthpiece at the last minute before a show? I've never done that. Probably the most scary would be the time that our computers at work froze. The short story is that I replaced an entire store inventory (at least 500MB file) with a preference file (4kb). My defense is that I was talked through it that way. NOT MY FAULT! I also just erased a 60GB drive belonging to my boss last week. Again, because of faulty directions left to me!

#19 - THIS GUY - When you color, cause I know you (like me) still do, do you try and stay inside the lines or are you a free spirit and make your own boundaries? Another one of these question within a question questions? When coloring, I definitely stay within the lines. In my "real life", I tend to stay close to the lines, but often straying outside. And usually not caring about that. Unless I'm fined over $1000 for it...

#20 - Melon - When you take a shower, do you clean the lint out of your belly button? My belly button is like a cavernous hole. Lint is the least of my concerns when cleaning things out!

#21 - Melon - What is the most interesting story behind a scar you have? Not so much interesting as it is stupid. A self-inflicted knife wound from 7th grade homeroom. I had brought a serrated-edged knife to school (back in the days that you could bring a knife to school) to cut through some styrofoam for a class project. As I was talking with classmates, I was unaware that I was rocking the knife back and forth across the top of my knee. Not until a girl looked down and saw blood on my shoes. I had sliced through my corduroys, and about a half inch through my leg. I had no idea. I still have a distinct one and a half inch scar there.

#22 - THIS GUY - When you get up, which foot hits the floor first in the morning? Usually roll over to my left, and my left foot hits first.

#23 - Regal - What is your deepest darkest secret and if you can't share entirely can you find a way in words to express something about it? Is it about a lost love? Is it about something you did one time? Well, I can't tell it! Let's just say it involved poor judgment on my part, could have (should have?) been arrested for it, and had a bad influence on me for quite a few years.

#24 - Phain - If you could live anywhere other than MT - where would you live? I was pleasantly surprised by Nashville. With the amount of music going on there, I'd be happy. But more logical would be anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. I think I could live in the Florida Keys, too.

#25 - Sheets - Where do you see the HNT experience leading after it's second year? I didn't see it going anywhere beyond its first 3 weeks! There is a constant turnover in participants for whatever reason. There are new people jumping in every week. It's already lasted longer than many other "fads" out there. I have noticed that there's a pendulum effect with HNT. It started very safe, and then there was a time when some considered it softcore porn, and now I see it swinging back towards the safe side. Alot of that might be because of the anonymous site. The next step might be marketing, but I've avoided that. I think that making money would put a different spin to HNT. Then again, t-shirts, cups and calendars could be fun...

#26 - Fairytales - CAN I WEAR THE OS SHIRT IN NYC? I tried to get it to you! Let us blame the USPS... I'll get you back in the loop!

#27 - AnnieAngel - Do you love me for my body or my brain??? No question that the body is lovable! Still trying to figure out your mind. You're a bit of an enigma!

#28 - Hollz - Boxers or briefs??? Sorry--briefs. White. Cheap and functional is all I need, thank you!

#29 - Susie - What has been the most important part of HNT, and how has it affected your life? I think the most important has been that individuals have found a place where they can take a chance to try things they'd never thought possible. A very real community has developed. And it's more than just showing more skin than they ever have thought possible. The positive atmosphere has enabled people to see that maybe they ARE more beautiful/talented/worthwhile than they gave themselves credit for. How has HNT affected me? I've made more real friends than I have in years. People who are genuinely interested in me, and people who are genuinely interesting to me. And I won't deny it--I like the notoriety that has been attached to the name Os. Who'da thunk it??

Friday, November 24, 2006

Da Count #11

Another easy one this week. It's all about family. Thanksgiving dinner was hosted by my baby sister this year, and it grew to 22 people, with our family and parts of her husband's family. Rachel stopped by after gathering with her own family. She brought a maple pecan pumpkin pie to the festivities (many thanks, dear!). While she was not part of the 22, she was welcome to stay, but the turkey and wine was taking effect, so she ducked out. She was invited to Christmas dinner before she left, though. Hope she invites me, because I don't know any of the details...

I have often mentioned my family here over the past months. We don't seem to have the bickering and fights that many seem to have. We get along as well as any group of people that you can imagine. And we're all "there" whenever we need to be. And that's what counts.

If you want to read more about "Da Count", click on the button below...

dacount

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Butterball Edition HNT

First off--my apologies to anyone who knows me in real life. It ain't gonna be pretty!

I love this time of year, despite my incessant proclamations to the contrary. I've made it known that I listen to Christmas music exclusively from the 1st of Dec. through Christmas Day. Though the countless hours on the road to Nashville and back last year almost took my sanity. Almost tossed my iPod out the window. Yes, there IS such a thing as too much Bing Crosby! But I digresss...

I love that the symphony will be keeping me busy (no!--I didn't really just write that!). I love that In Cahoots will be playing some holiday gigs. I love the football playoffs. Etc., etc....

All of this starts with Thanksgiving dinner. This year, S3, my baby sister, volunteered to host the dinner. Without going into great detail about guests, there's going to be 22 of us! I can only hope that there's cold beer, and alot of it (oh, who am I kidding? Of course there will be!). And hopefully some good photo opportunities! I'll do my best. Phain (she's posted her HNT, btw) posted about being thankful for her family, even if it sounded sorta sappy. I have to admit--I'm thankful for the same thing. It's always been a close family, and these times are the best!

So there you have it. I needed to find something turkey-ish for HNT. I knew I wasn't going to have a nekkid turkey around, but then I remembered a picture I took about a year ago. Right after I got my new camera. A series of pictures reflected through the bell of Amy (that's my smaller trombone, for the newbies--yeah, I name my horns). It was pointed out to me that I used this picture in July, but it makes more sense to use it now. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Even my heathen Canadian friends who celebrate early! ;-) I present to you, my Butterball. Sorry--no giblets showing!


This week's Mystery Guest will remain a mystery. She won't be revealing herself. It's convenient, though, that she was chosen for Thanksgiving week. I told her that I'd make juvenile references to turkey breasts, etc., but I'll be damned if I can think of one now! She's a fun-loving, adventuresome lady. Who enjoys hot tubs with a glass of wine by her side. I will tell you that she a redhead. Which should conjure up all sorts of behavioral problems (my apologies to any other redheads out there...). Oh--she also snorts when she laughs! If you think you might know who this is, feel free to stop by her site. She may or may not tell you!
"...the Other HNT" is a little sparse due to the holiday, but still is NSFW. Or NS for the dinner table! Be sure to stop by!
Stop by the OsShirt site. Another couple of visits have been posted.
There's going to be some things happening with HNT in the month of December. Check out the top of my sidebar. There's links to what's going to happen each week. Don't be left out!!!
Does anyone else find it appalling that Walgreen's and K-Mart are advertising that they'll be open on Thanksgiving Day until late? Or that most stores will have specials when they open at 5:00 AM??? Commercialism has totally taken over.

Though Staples is selling 200GB internal hard drives for only $19.98, after rebates. Friday only, 6-10AM. I'll be there!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Dec. 14th - Christmas Tree HNT
(hey--that rhymes!)

Any of you who were around at this time last year may remember that I was in a deep funk. Only the trip to Nashville kept me sane! This year, things are different. Mostly in part because of a number of you that I chat with regularly. I am in a much more happy place inside my mind!

So much so, that I'm doing something I haven't done in 10 years. I'm putting up a Christmas tree! The living room has been rearranged to accommodate that (how can you end up with less space and more furniture than when you started??). And so, in my non-drug-induced happiness, I'm wanting to see your Christmas tree. And while you're at it, I want to see you half-nekkid with your Christmas tree! The young ladies below have the right idea:


Do you HAVE to do this? Of course not! No tree this year? Then give us an alternate. Celebrate something other than Christmas? Your alternate will work as well! Don't celebrate at all? Just be half-nekkid!

But I really want to see the Christmas trees..

Dec. 21st - Three Christmas Wishes

This went over so well last year, that I figured we should do it again! Below are the instructions from last year:

To avoid the hassle of having to take HNT pics with holiday plans, families getting together, and all the other things getting in the way, we will suspend HNT this week. INSTEAD, in the spirit of Christmas, we'll do this--pick three HNT/blogger participants, but only three. And then tell the world what you'd get them for Christmas, if you had the means to do so. To make this work, don't pick three people that you might normally send a card or a gift to anyway. Pick three people that you may have just met, or have been following for awhile, or found through other blogs.

This can be serious, humorous, from the heart, or from the mind. Hopefully this will prevent some sort of "gift guilt reciprocation". One last thing--when you post a comment like you would for HNT, just list your three people. That way someone who might not expect something from you will know to take a look.


Last year, there was some confusion, so...
    I apparently have confused people. This is how it will work:
  • YOU will pick 3 fellow HNT/bloggers.
  • YOU will choose ones that you aren't necessarily close to, since you'll probably be doing separate Christmas wishes for them anyway. So Phain won't pick Fame, Betcha won't pick No One, MG won't pick TG, etc....
  • YOU will tell us what you're going to get them for Christmas, if you had the means to do so.
  • YOU will do all of this on YOUR site.
  • YOU will leave a comment here to let us know that you've put up your list, and to whom you're gifting.
  • YOU will comment to, or email, the recipients to let them know you've listed them, so they can come to your site and see what they'll get.
  • (optional) - YOU will post a picture of each gift, if that's possible.
  • WE will go to your site and see how generous you are to total strangers.
Even though some of you just can't show enough half-nekkidness, try to abstain for this week!

Dec. 28th - Your Own Favorite HNT of 2006

For the last HNT of the year, it's time to go back to YOUR OWN archives and choose YOUR favorite HNT of 2006. This is the one that YOU think is best. Post the picture again, and let us know why it's your favorite. Link back to the original, if you want. Even if you've only done a few HNTs, we want to join in too!

NOTE: This is NOT a request for the best HNT of all HNTdom. We all have our favorites from other people. I'm not interested in that--this isn't a contest! Never has been! This is YOUR picture, not someone else's!

Monday, November 20, 2006

Miscellaneous Mish-Mash/Musical Monday#10

The three football teams I was interested in all won this weekend! Friday night, the Helena Capital Bruins (my old HS) beat the Billings West Golden Bears for the state AA Football Championship. Quite handily, at that!

The Carroll College Fighting Saints won their first-round playoff game against Montana-Northern. They will host St. Xavier this coming Saturday.

The UofM Grizzlies beat cross-state rival MSU Bobcats in a defensive battle. That put the Grizzlies at 10-1, and are seeded #2 in the playoffs. In an interesting twist--the Cats apparently impressed enough people that they will also be in the playoffs with a 7-4 record. And hosting a first round game! So in my best Montana neighborly fashion--congrats to the Cats!
I might have mentioned that there was a bet involved with the Cat/Griz game, which I obviously won. Be sure to check back for the payment of that bet!
I had the pleasure of a 2 and a half hour chat with a new friend last night. Hope we do that again real soon!
Watched the Will Farrell movie "Elf" this weekend. I generally dislike Will Farrell in his slapstick mode. This was a nice surprise, though. I might have even let a tear roll down at the end when everyone sings. Sometimes I'm such a girl....
I got all my 25 Questions. Thank you! I'll post the answers soon.
Jessica Simpson doesn't really do a thing for me, though she can be spectacularly attractive. I didn't bother to watch "The Dukes of Hazzard". But her commercial for DishTV or whatever it is she's trying to sell where she's in her Daisy Duke shorts and says "I totally don't know what that means, but I want it."--I could watch her say that line all day long.
For Musical Monday, I offer the fight song for UofM, "Up With Montana".
GO GRIZ!

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Saturday, November 18, 2006

25 Questions, ver.3.0

C'mon, people! I still need 7-8 more questions! Anyone? Bueller?

I was perusing my archives the other day, and ran across something I haven't done in about a year. I took the plunge last August and allowed my readers to ask me a question. Any question. And I'd answer it. Enough people were left out that I did it again in November. Since many of you are new here since then, it seems like it's time to do it again.

Go back and check to see what was asked before, and/or go to my 100 Things... list. If there's anything left up in the air or something that no one's asked, go for it! If you've asked a question in the past, let someone else have a turn. All questions will get a serious answer.

Lord, why do I do this to myself??

Friday, November 17, 2006

Da Count #10

Very simple Count for today. Those who have been around for awhile will remember SisB. And Soldier Boy. And HD. And the various trials and tribulations that they've gone through. The good news from yesterday--they are new parents! Of an absolutely adorable little girl.

Things still aren't what I'd term "smooth" for them. There's alot happening in their lives, but this event certainly was able to push all that aside. Congrats to them all. They've brought a beautiful new life into the world, and that counts for something really good!

If you want to read more about "Da Count", click on the button below...

dacount

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Improved HNT

Just heard from Spitfire this morning. She just got home from the ER after suffering severe tummy pains. Appendicitis-like. She's on meds and bedrest, and has a follow-up in a couple of days. She'll be surfing today in a post-morphine induced stupor (like we'll be able to tell?). She's just a little bit scared and nervous, and could use your good thoughts, wishes and prayers. Go by and say hi. She said she'd get an HNT up today too, so there's an added bonus!
Sometimes you people are just weird! The number of you who thought I was "cute" with my bedhead last week are freaks! But I appreciate it...

I was so overwhelmed by your outpouring of kindness, that I decided I needed to spruce up the place. Not the blog--my apartment. So I donned a HazMat suit and spent some quality time cleaning the bathroom. For the sickos that asked if I was going to take before and after pics--sorry to disappoint you. Suffice it to say that if you saw some of the before pics, you'd never come back here. Also did a little rearranging of the living room. How is it possible to have LESS space and MORE furniture than you did before you started? All I really have to take care of the bedroom. Might take pics of that...

Also noted that none of you disagreed about needing a haircut. So I took care of that, too. Feel free to compare this one to last week's. An improvement, I believe. Including the Diana Krall poster (personally autographed while backstage in Spokane!) in the background. An improvement all the way around!


I read somewhere that the average lifespan of a blog is 6 months. I find that hard to believe, but it's always notable when a blog hits its first birthday. This week's Mystery Guest is celebrating her first year this week, and has celebrated by making a movie of the year on her new iMac! You can find that here. No--you won't see anything to tell you who it is, but you should be able to tell from her movie.

She comes from the northwest (all the good people do!), where she's been self-employed for 12 years. She's a sold copyrights to a number of her photos, and is a self-professed computer & camera geek. She's also been known to start her own meme! I'll reveal her Thursday afternoon, but if you recognize her gams or her movie, feel free to stop by her place and congratulate her on her first year!
These lovely legs belong to our favorite gardener, Ceeci! Be sure to stop by and congratulate her. You can see see her movie there, too!
A new adventure or two over at the OsShirt's place. Hopefully a couple more by the weekend!
We will have HNT next week, but no specific theme. Yeah, it's Thanksgiving, but we had plenty of participation last year! If you need to take a break though, this might be the week...
"...the Other HNT" is full of all sorts of things that will be NSFW! Be sure to stop by!
I'd really like to get the rest of the "25 Questions" taken care of! See the post below for the details!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Grizzlies vs. Bobcats/Oh, and a Dad update...

'Tis the week! The annual Brawl of the Wild! University of Montana Grizzlies (#2 1-AA in the nation) vs. Montana State Bobcats (#15 1-AA in the nation)! At stake is the Big Sky Conference championship. And playoff implications that extend as far away as the Carolinas and Delaware.

Ah, the playoffs! None of this BCS Championship crap. A TRUE and undisputed national champion. Now, realize that the Griz will be in the playoffs, regardless of what happens. This will be their 14th straight appearance in the playoffs. They are a dynasty among the 1-AA ranks. Go here for a great story about Grizzly football over the past 2 decades.

On the other hand, the Bobcats need this win for even a slim chance of getting an at-large berth. It's all or nothing for the Cats. Which makes this game so unpredictable. The Griz had a 16-year winning streak over the Cats, but the Cats have won 4 of the last 5 (or something like that). Including the last time the Griz won the National Championship!

The Grizzly/Bobcat is the 9th oldest rivalry in college football. It literally divides the state in half. The game will be seen by satellite at alumni parties in every state of the Union. Notre Dame/USC? Pshaw. Yale/Harvard? Ha! Michigan/Ohio State? Thbthbthbthb... The real game--the one of any importance--will be this Saturday in Missoula. Anyone up for a bet (you know who I'm aiming for here...)???
Actually, there's another game starting up their playoffs in town, too. The Carroll College Fighting Saints, the 4-time defending NAIA National Football Champions, start their bid for an unprecedented 5th championship in a row on Saturday against the University of Montana-Northern Lights. The Lights handed the Saints their first loss since late October, 2004. Their coach, and a number of players, are from Helena, so there will be a standing room only crowd of about 7000 (most NAIA school are lucky to get 1000 to their games). Carroll isn't as strong as in years past, but have more playoff experience than anyone else in the NAIA. GO SAINTS!!!
An update on Dad--I got an email from Mom (yes, they still live a whopping 2 blocks away...) telling me that we'll be doing Thanksgiving at S3's house, Mom & Dad will be in Vegas the entire week after that, and then Dad is going in to have his bladder tumor removed. This is the one that they found a few months ago and wouldn't take out. I guess it's grown. I don't know anything more. I'll let you know when I do.
Please see my post above about the 25 Questions. I've only gotten 17 so far. Ask me anything. Serious or silly. Answers go up when I get them all.
HNT will be 18 months old this week. Are you kidding me?!? I'm always looking for MG pics and anonymous HNTs! The earlier you can get them in, the better!!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Musical Monday #9

During one of my conversations/chats this weekend, I made the comment about "stroking my ego". Immediately, I knew what song I was picking for "Musical Monday"!

This is "Strokin'", by bluesman Clarence Carter. The strokin' being talked about has nothing to do with egos... We (In Cahoots) used to do this song during the early days, and had a female lead singer that could pull it off pretty well. Too well, on occasion! More than once we had to wait for her "return" after an out of town gig because she was out "strokin'" some local boy!

On a side note--Clarence Carter is playing all the instruments on this song!

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Saturday, November 11, 2006

TONIGHT!!!

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Saturday night, Nov. 11th
TBS, 7:30 PM EST


I'll watch it, but isn't this just a tad early??

UPDATE! It's on again tomorrow!
Sunday night, Nov. 12th
TBS, 7:30 PM EST
(Leesa--that's 5:30 for us!)

Friday, November 10, 2006

Happy Birthday, Andiroo!/Da Count #9

Today is the birthday of one of my longest-running bloggerbuddies out there. I'm not quite sure how we got connected, but there were three of them that were book geeks. Why I got involved with people who read is beyond me, but I know I was fascinated with the picture to the left. Anyone who looked that good had to be someone to bookmark! Well, you knew that was too good to be true (besides--that's just a freakishly long neck!). But what we got to see was a wonderfully funny, snarky, driven young woman!


Born 26 years ago, she took the world by storm. At the tender age of 24, she was in the process of earning her Master's degree. She was teaching at the college level, soaking in all the academia she could muster. As she's turning 26, she's just completed her application for her Ph.D.

She keeps us up to date with all the aspects of living single in the great state of Texas. I am humbled by the imagination that this girl possesses! I have learned terms and phrases that boggle the mind. And others just poke fun. Some recent samples:
    Asswhip (she uses this one alot)
    Randomativity
    A book-lover's orgasmatron (well, I've heard of that...)
    Absolutely flingin'-flangin' loved it.
    I can't stop sniffing myself.
    *squeeee*
    I'm academically constipated!!!
    There's something unavoidably odd about blogging from a professor's bed.
    Dr. Claw's Home Uterus Removal Kit (without question, my favorite!)
    Add: Vomitously horrid (Andi reminded me of this one--I'd forgotten all about it! I believe my very first comment to her site was to commend her for the use of this wonderful bit of vocabulary!)
Eventually, her love of blogging and literature came together in her blogzine, "Estella's Revenge", full of features, columns, reviews and fiction.


She has a borderline obsessive crush on Hugh Laurie from the TV show "House". I think she's sucked all the "House" pics off the internet. These were the only Hugh Laurie pics I could find, but you can get an idea of why she'd like him...



Andi is a wonderful writer, voracious reader, fun-loving party girl. And she's got the most gorgeous eyes!


There's alot more that I could write about her, but then she'd never have a thing to do with me again! She, and many others of you, make it a joy to get online. And that definitely counts! Happy Birthday, Andi! Many hugs and much love! Don't embarrass yourself tonight, or take pictures if you do! If you want to read more about "Da Count", click on the button below...

dacount

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Bed Head HNT

Be sure you check out the post below this one. I'm giving you the opportunity to ask 25 questions. This will be the third time I've done this, but many of you haven't been around before the last one. Lurkers are encouraged to ask too!
I'm down to one two Mystery Guest pictures left in the folder. Anyone who wants to be the MG, send me your submission. Anyone who sends a picture for the MG will be featured at some point!
I actually thought about this picture before taking it. It was taken within 30 seconds of waking up this morning. Before I looked in the mirror. Before taking that first trip to the bathroom of the day. Before my eyes fully opened and focused on the day. I was curious as to how truly hideous I look first thing in the morning. I didn't disappoint! Precious few have ever gotten to see this in person (yeah--I'm whining). Looks like I could use a haircut. Maybe that would help...


"Her unapologetic way of writing can sometimes leave you laughing, sometimes crying, sometimes cringing - and sometimes all in the same post! She's not afraid to wear her heart out on her sleeve at times but doesn't often give you all the answers to the puzzles in her life. She walks a wafer thin line between private blogging and a very public forum and sometimes she falls."
Again, not too much of a mystery, but this is the Skittish Kitty herself, Phain! Stop by and say hi!
"...the Other HNT" isn't quite as "out there" as it's been over the last couple of weeks, but still definitely NSFW!

Monday, November 06, 2006

Your sexual identity

According to studies, the first letter of your first name reveals your sexual identity...

I got this in an email from my sister. Way to big to post here, so I stuck it way back in January. Go here to check it out and see if it's close...

Musical Monday #8

I rarely write about politics or world affairs here. But tomorrow is Election Day, and I couldn't think of a better song for Musical Monday than Alice Cooper's "Elected". This election has major implications on the national scene, with party conrol of both houses of Congress hanging in the balance. Moreso than it's been in years. As the pretty lady in the header says, "Vote like it matters - then maybe it will!"

Too many people in the U.S. dismiss their obligation to vote. There are people in the world who have given their lives for the right to vote, yet many Americans will "forget" or decide it's too much hassle. That is SO pathetic. Even if you go to vote just for one race or one ballot measure--at least your voice was heard! If you don't vote, then don't complain or criticize your local, state or national elected officials. You don't have any leg to stand on! Go vote!

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Sunday, November 05, 2006

Lost, Found and Unidentified

Velma--Where are you??
Aunt Bea--I know you!!
Razberrykiss--Who are you??

Saturday, November 04, 2006

At least the night started on a high note...

Some bad news over at Redneck Eskimo's. Stop by for details.

We played for a fundraiser last night. Private college, pricey dinner, high production presentation, fancy dress-up, live and silent auctions, lots of money dripping all over the place. Typical of the sort of thing we usually play. But more on that in a minute.

The absolute highlight was meeting my 21st blogger! It was No One Special (not to be confused with No One In Particular)! She called just as we were getting to town. Told her to pick me up in two hours. The band sets up, we get checked in at the hotel, and I wait to hear from her again. Well, in the midst of a sound check, the phone rang, which I missed. The poor girl had been sitting outside waiting for me! Ack! Anyway, we meet, head to Old Chicago (Jess--you weren't kidding!), and have some appetizers and beer. She wanted to make sure that I told you that she isn't a crazy person! Far from it! I wish I had more time with her--we only had about two hours. She's a little shy, not crazy, quite attractive, has a wonderful smile, and I think this wasn't the last time I'll see her. Hope not, anyway...

The gig started out with great promise. Probably the biggest banquet that we've played for. The auctioneer was good, keeping things clicking along, and was only about 5 minutes behind. We were ready to go immediately afterwards. And then it went downhill. We had hoped that the typical dinner/auction/dancing crowds in Helena were an anomaly. Apparently not. By the time we took our first break, over half the crowd had left. By the time we ended, the only people dancing were some of the students that showed up to tear down. Why did we stay to the end? Because of the one table in the corner with about 10 people. And a contract is a contract. But man, is that a lousy way to end a night. Unless you're a performer, you have NO idea how deflating it is when you have no energy coming back from an audience/dance floor. Even though we played a pretty good gig, we ended the night on a low.

To put a cap on the evening, I wore the bad shoes, so that my knees were shot, and the back spasmed trying to take pressure off the knee, and as I went to bed, I tossed and turned trying to avoid leg cramps. And this morning I did the "old man shuffle" to get to the van to go home. I'm just getting old, I suppose. How do Mick, Keith and the boys do it??

Friday, November 03, 2006

Da Count #8

Da Count for me this week can be boiled down to one name--"Michelle". I first mentioned Michelle in September of last year, which took many of you by surprise. In fact, many of you were quite upset with me. Particularly with the way she was treated by me. It's not that my behavior is intended to cause problems. It just does from time to time. You can read that post here. I recommend you read it.

Well, we're still together, and regardless of my relationship with some of you--the chats, the emails, the phone calls--if I'm with her, she generally will get my full attention. It may sound sappy, but my life really does revolve around Michelle.

This has been a good week for the two of us. We've spent a good deal of time together. She was with me at the symphony concert last weekend, and I'll be taking her down to Billings with us for a gig on Friday night. It's going to be a really good one, too. We'll spend the night there, and head back Saturday. Hope the weather cooperates...

Oh! And the best news! I get to meet Blogger #21! No hints as to who that is, but there will probably be a picture (actually there has to be, for proof!). I'll leave Michelle behind with the rest of the band after we get set up and have a sound check, and then spend a couple of hours with #21. I'm very excited for this one--it's been put off for too long!

So Michelle, who has had to endure me for as long as she has, is ultimately the one that counts for me! If you want to read more about "Da Count", click on the button below...

dacount

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Chocolatey Goodness HNT

For however many years I've been living in my current apartment, I can count on one hand the number of trick or treaters that have graced my threshold. Of course, I never answered the door those times, because I've never bothered to have candy, since no one ever comes by through the complex anyway. See my reasoning?

Anyway, for whatever reason, I felt that this Halloween was going to be different. At the last minute I run down to the store (illegally in my criminal car...) and buy some candy. I rush home (under the speed limit, of course), when the car in front of me stops in the middle of the street. Back doors open, and two kids run up to the front porch of the nearest house. I pass the car, and make it home.

As I'm emptying all the candy into a bowl, I started thinking about the Halloweens of my youth. How different it all was. I honestly don't remember any costume I wore. Mom was too busy with my sisters to take pictures. What I DO remember is that my mom told me to be home by 9:00. Nine o'clock?? That was like ALL NIGHT to a grade schooler! Oh, all the things that brings to mind.

The days when parents just allowed kids to go out and traipse through two or three neighborhoods while they stayed home. Not worrying about finding pins or razor blades in an apple. Meeting up with other kids from school. Going into a new neighborhood as a group, because you heard that the class bully lived there somewhere. Dumping out our candy when we got home, and giving my sisters all the crappy candy that I didn't like. Sneaking some pieces and hiding them in my room to eat after my parents went to bed. Taking a bagful of candy to school to trade with others (or to show off to others!).

All this time that I'm reminiscing, I don't even notice that the doorbell hasn't rung once. I was a little jittery, but I figured it was because it was Halloween and I was watching scary movies. But then I looked down and discovered a terrible thing. There was no more candy in the bowl! But I did see this:

Milky Ways, KitKats and M&Ms. Damned that bite-sized packaging! I should have realized that there wouldn't be any trick or treaters. I figure the chocolate high will be gone by the weekend...


(If you've ever wondered what a big pot of unwrapped KitKats, Milky Ways and M&Ms looks like, take a look in here) --->>>





Sometimes you just need to see the gentle curves. Or her hair flowing down her back. You don't even need to see her face, but you know that she's beautiful. Both in body and spirit. Her nekkidness is apparent, even with her clothes on.

This week's Mystery Guest is well known to us, and is the loving mother to three. I'm not sure if she's revealing herself, but I'll do that Thursday afternoon, if necessary.

Not too much of a surprise here--the Mystery Guest is our favoriteTexas Spitfire! Hope you're feeling better, babe!



"...the Other HNT" has some new faces (so to speak). Definitely NSFW, but stop by and check them out! Once again, the guys are taking the lead this week. Be careful when you open!
A new adventure over at OsShirt's site. Hopefully more over the weekend!