Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Another one!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY
YOJ!!!


She's been one of my longest blogger reads of all, even through all of her numerous incarnations. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Yoj in Nashville, even though she had to leave early. She's been celebrating her birthday all week, exactly as one should. And the best is yet to come!

Have a great time, Yoj! See you on the other side!

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Happy Birthday!

I'm not quite sure who found the other first. I was just a newbie with this whole blogging thing. I think she left me a comment, so I went to check her out. Sort of a strange woman, but there was something about her... This was her profile pic at the time (or one very similar to it).

I don't remember exactly when we met online. I had left a comment about scary movies or something, and she responded that we lived in the same town. I also seem to remember a post about her blue bra being stolen off the laundry line, which seemed odd, since it was February. But I digress. We eventually met face to face, and I ended up finding the best beer drinking buddy one could find. I even got her to meet some other friends of mine. Little did I know how THAT would come back to bite me on the butt!

We've been friends for about 2 years, now. I couldn't ask for a better one. I've seen her cry--hell, I can make her cry on demand! She's told me to fuck off in that really serious way that friends can do. We laugh, we drink, we eat, we watch movies. We've discussed conquests, gossiped about you guys, and basically had a pretty good time together. You all should be jealous.

When you get a chance, go by and wish Rachel a Happy Birthday!! Hope you enjoy your day off, babe! (No, I've not had the pleasure of seeing this particular view in person...)

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Another Dad Update!

As has been mentioned on numerous occasions, Mom & Dad are in the midst of their yearly 3-month stay in Hawaii. Last year they bailed on Hawaii to take us to the Caribbean, but they've been doing this for almost 20 years.

It's been a tough year or so for Dad. But he doesn't complain. Loudly. Too much... The pacemaker, the cancer, the arm ripped out of its socket, the bladder surgery and subsequent self-catheterizing ritual, the frustration of not regaining full use of his arm--all of it has taken a bit of a toll. So a few months of relaxing in Hawaii should be a good thing, right?

Well, a couple of weeks ago, he misjudged a step, and fell onto his "good" arm. Hurt his ribs, too. Dad, who takes the blood thinner Coumadin, will bleed uncontrollably from a simple scratch. When he bruises, he puts us all to shame. Need proof? See below--


Not just the big honker on the upper arm, but the additional bruising on his lower arm, as well as the band-aid near his elbow.

Other than this, they seem to be enjoying themselves with friends and golf. They go to concerts, they go to movies (air-conditioning, ya know!), play golf, and basically lounge around. They did go out for Chinese New Year's. Mom emailed this account:
    "Dad's ribs are fine now but he has a crescent shaped cut on his forehead
    where he ran into a parking sign in Chinatown. He's too tall to live here!"
More updates, if and when they become available!

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Mystery Guest ID

Wow! Chatted with Tish after stealing her meme (see below), and she asked about this week's Mystery Guest. I forgot to reveal her! Symphony week has kept me busy... Without further ado--this week's MG was YoJ. Didn't hear from her about linking, so I'll hold off on that for now.

Eeek! A MySpace Meme!

Found this on Tish's site. As much as I dislike all things MySpace (except for those on my friend's list!), this meme from there is kind of fun. The rules are simple. Answer each question in three words. No more, no less.

1. Where is your cell phone? Next to me
2. Boyfriend/girlfriend? Too far away
3. Hair? Gray, but there!
4. Your mother? Greatest Mom alive
5. Your father? Will post picture
6. Your favorite item(s)? Michelle, Powerbook, Camera
7. Your dream last night? Didn't dream--zonked
8. Your favorite drink? Beer with friends
9. Your dream guy/girl? I found her!
10. The room you are in? Messy, dusty, warm
11. Your fear? Being found out
12. What do you want to be in 10 years? Alive and breathing
13. Who did you hang out with last night? Lots of musicians
14. What are you not? Skinny, young, rich
15. Are you in love? Believe I am!
16. One of your wish list items? Winning the lottery
17. What time is it? Time for bed
18. The last thing you did? Scratched my ear
19. What are you wearing? Sweatshirt, gym shorts
20. Your favorite book? What's a book?
21. The last thing you ate? Pizza from Domino's
22. Your life? Not too bad
23. Your mood? Fairly upbeat, actually!
24. Your friends? Spread all over
25. What are you thinking about right now? I started this??
26. Your car? Really, really dirty
27. What are you doing at this moment? Chillin', postin', yawning
28. Your summer? Not soon enough
29. Your relationship status? Warm and fuzzy!
30. What is on your TV screen? M*A*S*H opening credits
31. When is the last time you laughed? Last night's rehearsal
32. Last time you cried? Last night's rehearsal
33. School? University of Montana

Now post your own answers on your blog, and let me know that you're participated!

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Wiped-Out HNT

I'm not going to gross you out with anymore stories of being sick. Though I was going to tell you one about the 6-inch crusty booger that ran from just inside my nose, all the way to my throat where it constantly tickled and made me cough, but I decided I'd better not.

Rather than stay comatose for 5 days, I did attempt to do some things. I did a load of dishes. I finished up some paperwork. I even tried to play my horn. Try being the operative word. Couldn't do it. Every time I took a breath, my upper chest would gurgle. Every time I exhaled, my upper sinuses would counter with a jab of pain. Kind of where that nice cool mouthpiece is (see below). Plus I couldn't hold a note for more than a second. It was quite frustrating. I did show up to rehearsal, but didn't even bother bringing my horn. Not only would I have been worthless, but imagine how I could have directed all the germs coming out the bell! "Hey, you, oboe player...remember how you laughed at my solo during the last concert? Take this! Blaaatttt..."

All in all, I'm feeling much better today, and anticipate a full recovery soon. Of course, it's symphony week this week, so something's bound to screw up. But I have to say--now that I have these new duties with the organization, the fact that the large truck that we use to transport equipment died earlier barely even phased me!


This week's peek-a-boo Mystery Guest is actually back for an encore. It wasn't too long ago that she appeared here (ah, the luck of the draw!). She's been a longtime HNTer, and has recently rejoined the ranks of active participants. She's a music lover, and can be found listening to anything from Daft Punk, to Stevie Wonder, to Frank Sinatra or Thelonius Monk. And she's got her kid listening to the same stuff and loving it! I think we'll be revealing her to you on Thursday, but be sure to stop by and say hi, if you think you know who it is!
"...the Other HNT" is a bit on the sparse side this week. In fact, the only ones that submitted were a couple of newcomers. That's OK. Sometimes it rolls like that! Be sure to stop by. As always--NSFW!
Haven't mentioned much about my parents, since they're spending my inheritance in Hawaii for another 6 weeks. I did hear that Dad had a minor fall, but that means major bruising, at least. There's supposed to be a picture and a story, so that might be coming in the near future! Other than that, they're having fun!
Things are definitely still in the warm and fuzzy stage!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Message from Phain

I got this message from Phain, who asked if I could relay to you, the masses:
    On Sunday night at 10:30 p.m., I discovered that my soon-to-be-ex husband, better known as Dr. Asshole, found my blog. Not only did he find it, he devoured it. He spent 2 1/2 hours pouring through 46 pages, month by month and then over and over again before he started downloading the archives to his hard drive (yes, premium Sitemeter documents all of this). My hands began to shake as I felt the blood drain from my face and I literally started to feel lightheaded. Yes, there are posts that can and probably will be very damaging to me as we progress through this divorce. I still do not know fully what I will do with the blog. For now, it will remain private and that will hopefully keep him from viewing any new posts. I'll be sending out invitations to view the now-private blog. If you get left out of the first wave of invitations and want to be a part of the second, email me: lechatquiapeur (at) gmail (dot) com. Please include a link back to your own blog because I will not be inviting anyone who I do not recognize or am unable to verify otherwise. *~*Phain*~*

In other news--just when I was feeling up to doing some surfing and catching up, I find that my cable and internet were disconnected. When I called to complain, I was told it was their mistake, and they'd connect me ASAP, probably tomorrow morning. Wonderful. I'm currently at my parent's house using their internet (while they relax in Hawaii). Still hard to look at porn in the same spot that my mother plays online poker at...
Since I'm here--I could use some anons and MG pics. My MG folder will be empty after next week, so feel free to get something sent in!
One more night of NyQuil induced sleep, and I should almost be back to "normal"!

Gross Alert.....

There's a light at the end of the tunnel. No, it's not a train coming at me, or a proctologist's scope, or even the gates of Heaven opening up. I can almost breathe again! Oh, sure. The tunnel is still snot-encrusted, and I wheeze like a beast perishing for love (I googled that one!). But I'm about one day away from feeling better (I hope).

I've been in a NyQuil-induced coma/haze since Saturday morning, and I haven't been around much. The violent coughing finally hit--where you double over like you're about to puke, and then feel chunks of your lungs coming loose. Where every muscle contracts and spasms. Where the phlegm (one of the greatest words ever) sort of sits in a pool and gurgles with each breath. Yeah--I've had plenty of time to come up with these descriptions! But I've had no desire to surf or chat--I must be sick. Thanks for checking up on me though. I do appreciate it!

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Snot Bubble

I actually did this once today! Couldn't recreate it for the camera--thank God for Google images!


I'm so sick that I've reduced myself to watching "Napoleon Dynamite" on Comedy Central. Sorta disappointed that I did...
This cold is happening just as we head into another symphony week. While the stress of the past couple of years is gone due to the new position, there's still alot of b.s. and ass-kissing to do. Fortunately, I'm really good at that!
Not overly happy with the background on the template here, but I'm too icky to bother with it now. It's Bach, if you're interested.
Happy New Year to my Chinese friends, and anyone else who follows the Chinese calenday. May the Year of the Boar be good to you!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Stick a fork in her--she's done!

You have to wonder if K-Fed saw this coming?

Friday, February 16, 2007

I'm a sick puppy...

No, not that kind of sick puppy. This kind...










I'll be on and off all weekend. Hope yours is better than mine is shaping up to be!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Love Is In the Air HNT

OK--I promise not to get morbidly gaga over things in the future. Today just seemed like a good day to do it! Thanks for all of your kind comments to the both of us. We're excited about what the future may bring!

I know she likes chocolate, but I didn't actually get any to her today. I figure it'll make a better impression when she least expects it. And even though I said there wasn't a theme today, it doesn't mean that anything VDay related was off limits! So here's the Valentine box of chocolate that I didn't get her. It's heart-shaped. Really! Hope you all had at least a tolerable Valentine's Day!

Thanks to Crimson for doing the Photoshop work for me. I have no skillz!

Some people live in parts of the country where it's cold and windy and snowy. Others live in a parts of the country where it's essential to have a full body tan year-round. That would include this week's Mystery Guest. She's witty, intelligent and peace-loving, but knows how to use a pistol, and will! She's also a bit of a techno/gadget geek, and has just recently dropped some serious coin for a new toy! I'll be revealing her Thursday, but if you know who it is, feel free to stop by and say hi! And tell her to be sure to turn over so she doesn't get burned!
Oops! My bad! This week's MG is DRM2B! You can check out her HNTs there. There might even be a surprise! Be sure to stop by and say hi!
"...the Other HNT" has some new participants, and is, of course, NSFW. Be sure to check things out!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

LOVE (caution--mushiness ahead!)

I've never been one to wax poetic about Valentine's Day. The last one that I remember truly enjoying was back in 1994. Life was not going well for me at the time. In fact, it was during some of my darkest days. I had been laid off 2 months earlier, and my grandfather died unexpectedly in December. But a local florist was looking for people to deliver flowers on Valentine's Day. I had nothing better to do, and the unemployment people would like to see that I actually attempted some work, so I signed on. For 12 hours, I delivered roses all over town. I think there were 6 of us. Run out with as many deliveries as we could fit in our vehicles, and run back to pick up some more. I love the smell of roses anyway, and the minivan was reeking of them. To walk into an office building with one or two dozen roses, past all the women drooling in anticipation--it was a kick! To see women break into tears when you stopped at their desk (or not). To see the joy on their face when you made your fourth return trip with THEIR dozen roses. It all made for a wonderful day for me. But it was pretty much the last one for many, many years. Until this year...

As you've noticed, things have sort of changed around here. Actually, it's been noticed by some "real world" people too! I've hinted at it for a couple of months now, but today's the day to actually come out and say it. I've fallen in love. Or something pretty darned close to it. It started in late November, and has been growing ever since. My whole outlook on life has changed. Christmas? Loved it! Did the tree thing. I truly enjoyed the season. Today? Valentine's Day. Loving it! Celebrating it. Forcing it down your throats and making no apologies for it. All because of this thing called LOVE.

Who is she? Well, that's going to have to remain quiet for awhile. Some of you have been privy to her identity, and I'd appreciate it if you kept quiet too. But most of you don't know. I promise that, when the time is right, you'll know too. I will say that she's happy, I'm happy, and therefore, the whole world should be happy. It's been a long, long time since I've felt like this, and I'm more than just a little excited about it. Every cliché and quote you've ever heard about love? They're all true! This isn't something that we went looking for--it sort of dropped in our laps. But we plan to make the best of it, that's for sure!

Don't worry about the template--it'll be going back to black, but probably not until the weekend. Just a tad too much pink to keep up here... But look for more mushiness to come! To "her"--thank you for taking that first step. I know that we're going to have a great journey together. And a long one at that! And in my unabashed way, I want to wish every one of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

I'm beyond help.... I ROCK!!

Well, I tried my first template change since moving to the new blogger. I don't like the font, and it's screwed up the spacing. I don't know why it changed--I didn't do it! Like a dork, I forgot to copy/paste the old code so I could go back to it. And I didn't use their drag 'n drop technology--I actually went back to the "classic" html coding. So when it comes time to revert back to black, who knows what I'll end up with?? Hope it's as easy as some of you think it is!

EDIT--I figured out HOW to fix the text thing (simple punctuation error on my part), but I don't understand WHY it did what it did. Someday I might have to take a class...

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Inspired HNT

I was inspired last week by AAG's HNT, where she was sort of lamenting the fact that she hadn't really had any reason to deal with the personal gardening duties down in her nether regions. In her own words, "I suppose it's not really that I'm lazy, but that there's been little necessity to engage in rigorous hair-removal strategies of late. I'm kind of enjoying it. For the love of God don't click if you are at work!" And she had this same picture (below) that you could click, and you could see exactly what she was talking about (yes, it's what you think it might be).

Though she's been lax due to a lack of activity (well, she apparently doesn't mind it herself!), around here it seems to be a much more common occurrence during the winter months. It's more of a defense mechanism, it seems. It's easier to stay warm in the winter if there's a little hair on the lower extremities. And if you're not shaving the legs, then there's no real reason to go anywhere else. And one might generally let things maybe get a little out of control. Desperately in need of a trim. Or in come cases, a complete shave. I think it's a northern thing. I don't have any way to know about southern girls.

Like I said up above, I was inspired by her post. And the beauty of her garden picture (which, btw, is really green!). And the cleverness of the click-through. I said, the cleverness of the click-through. Hint, hint... (click at your own risk!) Thanks for the inspiration, AAG!


I've never had anyone actually tattoo my name on their body, that I'm aware of. So imagine my joy when I got this picture submitted to be the Mystery Guest! No, it's not a tattoo, but it was a sharpie, and it didn't wash off right away! I'm honored! Maybe I need to come up with an "Os" tattoo. Maybe not... This MG has decided not to reveal herself this week. Not sure why, but she apparently must think there's something a little risqué! If you think you know who it is, stop by and say hi!
"...the Other HNT" is a little sparse in participation this week compared to other weeks. Still NSFW though!
I'm beyond the giddiness part. Warm and fuzzies have started. I'm a lost cause...

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Phallic Symbols

I missed the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" from a few years ago. Oh, I watched the halftime, and I saw the "incident", but didn't even realize it. Once I heard about it, I chalked it up to the fact that I was at a party, I'd been drinking beer, it was noisy, and I wasn't really paying attention because it was SUCH a piss-poor halftime show. But I was one of the zillions who googled it to see what I missed. Obviously, I was quite disappointed.


Fast forward to this past weekend. No party, no beer, no noise, and it was a kick-ass show. I guess I missed it again. Apparently, there are those who are claiming that Prince's use of the translucent sheet enhanced the image of his guitar, which was purposely used as a phallic symbol. My first response would have to be, "Duh..." This is Prince we're talking about. Does anyone honestly believe that he did anything different for this show than he has for any other show??? My second response would be "Get a life." Yes, the game was fairly bland (after the first quarter). Yes, the suspense of who would be MVP was lacking (King Peyton was crowned before he even stepped on the field). But to complain about this?? Give me a break! I'm guessing that even if he used a regularly shaped guitar, he'd be accused of this, like hundreds of other guitarists have been!

But I did find a great quote in all of this. "If people want to be hypersensitive, they can be hypersensitive," says Rolling Stone's Gavin Edwards. "Those trombones are phallic, too. What are you going to do?" I don't think I've ever been so moved....

Monday, February 05, 2007

Os the Pimp (and other stuff...)

Maybe it's because it hit 60 degrees here today (YES!!!). Maybe because I know how to take a bribe. Whatever the reason, I'm pimpin' again tonight--
    A longtime favorite blogger has taken a new direction and is wanting everyone to stop by. She's done her first HNT, and has a meme for you to steal. For our purposes here, you can call her Lily (no, not that one, nor that other one, nor even that third one over there...). You can check her out here. Stop by and say hi!
    Evalee has posted a personals ad for herself on her site. Rather than trying Match.com or one of the other freak magnet sites. Interested? Know of someone else who might be interested? Be sure to stop by!
    No One In Particular, over at Tasty Tidbits of Life has finally changed her template reworked her blog and gotten rid of that hideous purple and zebra theme it looks great! Nothing overly flashy, but at least it loads better!
    I got my CD in the mail last week from my dear friend Rhanda (rhymes with panda). It is as good or better than I expected! She's having a CD release party later this month in Missoula, and I'm trying to get her to come here and do the same thing. She emailed me to let me know that she found my blog, and thanked me for promoting her. She didn't mention anything else... Check my post link, and the link to her site from there. Lots of CDs still available!


    Brock
    R.I.P.



    The post below about Summer getting engaged is all you'll get from me. Her site is by invite only. Sorry!
    Now that my position with the symphony has changed, a HUGE amount of stress is gone! The woman who took the bulk of my prior position is having the same problems that plagued me for 3-4 years. It really is a vindication for me. And I think the rest of the staff is finding out the same thing.
    Keep sending your pics in for the Mystery Guest and anon sites!

She said yes!








Summer & Mr. Sexy!

It's on!

Congrats to both!

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Super Bowl Something or Other

The Super Bowl is soon about to start. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I'm sitting at home by myself to watch it. No parties, no bars--nothing. I haven't been so uninspired by a Super Bowl in ages. I just don't care about either of these teams. I suppose I'll root for the Bears, since everyone else is picking the Colts. But that's the only reason. Well, and because I think of Peyton Manning in the same way that I think of John Elway. Which is not particularly in a good light.

So I'm watching the Super Bowl today by myself. I might surf the net at the same time. The pre-game has been too long. The halftime "show" is embarrassingly overproduced anymore (why can't we bring back the "Butt-Bowl"??).


In fact, the "game" is less and less the focus anymore. I find it sad that the only thing to look forward to will be the commercials. And after last year's offerings, I'm not optimistic.

EDIT--Nice job by Billy Joel. No lip sync. No pre-recorded orchestra. The Piano Man and his piano. In the rain! Then they had to show Marlee Matlin...

EDIT 2--Now THAT'S how it's done!!! Chicago up, 7-0!

EDIT 3--Well, I have to admit that the halftime show wasn't too bad, and it actually DID have a marching band, and Prince kicked butt. But it was still too overproduced...

Friday, February 02, 2007

Full Moon

Nothing like a full moon reflecting off the sparklies of a new snow. I'd take a picture, but it's freakin' cold out!

The Big Bang

As I was driving to work this morning, wishing that my car would warm up faster (-10 degrees last night!), the radio DJ mentioned that today was the 18th anniversary of what is known around here as "The Explosion". Anyone who was in Helena at the time will never forget that day.

The circumstances actually started a day earlier. Personally, I was teaching in a small school about 70 miles south. I remember vividly that I was home sick that day--a Wednesday. It was a warm sunny day (for Montana in February), but the weather forecast called for an Arctic cold front to come through the state. While laying on the couch, I surfed the handful of channels I could receive, including the local cable company's channel that had the time and temperature. I watched as, in the span of less than 2 hours, the temperature fell from a (Montana) balmy mid-40s to temps in the teens. As I watched the news that night, the governor did something that rarely ever happens--he canceled all school classes for the remainder of the week. And the temperatures dropped.

In the early morning hours, temperatures in the mountains outside of Helena dropped to near -40 degrees, with wind chills of -70 degrees. A freight train stopped near the top of a mountain pass, with crews having to manually re-couple cars and engines. I don't remember all the details, but the result was that a number of unmanned cars slowly started rumbling down the mountain. They picked up speed, and rolled unobstructed into town. No warnings, no bells, no lights. Their final resting place--just off the campus of Carroll College. Some helper engines were on the track, and the runaway cars ran full force into them. No one came forward to say that they actually observed the crash, but many heard the crash. But no one knew what was to happen next. From the National Transportation Safety Board's safety recommendation after the crash:
    "...Two aluminum DOT-111A tank cars containing hydrogen peroxide (a strong oxidizer) and one steel DOT-111Atank car containing acetone and isopropyl alcohol (in dual compartments) were severly damaged and released their products. Fire and explosions resulted, dispersing fragments of one of the aluminum tank cars as far away as 1/2 mile. About 3,500 persons were evacuated, 2 persons were injured, and damage and cost of cleanup exceeded $6 million"
The explosion could be heard and felt for miles. The fireball lit up the dark pre-dawn skies. Literally every window in the girl's dorm on campus was shattered, as well as homes and businesses within a mile. Power was lost in the entire city for hours on the coldest day in recent history. Water pipes burst, and the water instantly turned to ice all over town. The local fire department couldn't do much, other than to let the hazardous materials burn themselves out. And keep the flames from spreading. The remaining cars that weren't blown to smithereens were stacked 3-4 stories high, and were coated in foam and ice. The Cathedral of St. Helena, a huge church on a hilltop a mile away, literally shifted. It was closed for a full year a decade later as repairs were made to the cracks to the interior pillars.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the explosion, other than the fact that there was no known loss of life, was the flight of a train axle. I spent hours looking for photos online, but was unsuccessful (if I find any, I'll post them). But visualize this--on the picture below, the explosion happened just to the left of the blue area in the lower left corner.

A train axle was blown OVER the entire campus, over building #6 in the center of campus, and landing through the roof of a house that used to sit approximately where the two blue parking lots are on the right side of the picture. Next to the bedroom of the elderly lady who lived there. For a better visualization, see below--

The girl's dorm is on the right, and bldg #6 is the one on the top of the hill. (axle would have come from the right side of this pic, diagonally over the tallest bldg.)

Even though I wasn't here to witness this event, it still stands out as one of the biggest events of the past 60 years (or more). And as I drove to work, I realized that it might not have been as cold as I originally thought.

Da Count #18

A simple Count for today. I've been eating Raisin Bran over the past couple of weeks. I generally don't eat breakfast--cereal is a dinner food for me. Two scoops of raisins per box. Cold milk. It doesn't get much better!

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

dacount

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Hiding HNT

"Hiding" isn't quite what I was going for when I took this week's HNTs. Sometimes a good idea doesn't quite work the way you want it to.

I already mentioned earlier in the week that Rachel and I spent Sunday afternoon doing the pizza/beer/DVD thing. It was also the first chance that she was able to give me a Christmas present. Well, not the first, but since I was at her place, she didn't have to forget to bring it to me! We had spent time at our local WalMart early in December to look for lights and ornaments, since I was in such a happy Christmas mood. As we walked around, there were a couple of shelves of those little tabletop water fountains that gurgle and drip and flow and generally make you relax. I've never had one, but I mentioned that I've always wanted one. The seed had been unknowingly planted.

Well, you guessed it. She got me one! And it's been flowing for a couple of days now. It really IS relaxing, especially if there's no other sounds (TV, stereo, etc.) and it's dark. I generally keep it up by my plants--they seem to like it too! I had hoped that the little lights at the top would have illuminated things better, but they didn't. By the same token, the darker ones certainly hid me well! Click 'em to big 'em to see me! If you can't see me in the top two, you can see me playing with the flash a little bit in the bottom two.



Like I said, the "hiding" isn't what I was really going for, but it turned out well for that. Sometimes you just have to accept what you get and do the best you can with it!



This week's Mystery Guest is a relative newcomer to HNT. She was born in Canada, and has traveled the world extensively. She's well-known for her writing. In fact, she's a full-time writer, but isn't afraid to take her turn behind the bar and sling a few drinks. She's not going to reveal her identity, but she'll admit to it if you were to email and ask her.





"...the Other HNT" is still bringing lots of visitors, but not the comments. Please feel free to leave on for your fellow HNTers! As usual, it's NSFW!
I know I don't do this anymore, but JeannieGrrl had to post early due to some house-moving issues. Go check out her new site!
I'll make the announcement now--there will not be a specific Valentine's Day theme. Everyone is invited to show off their mushy side, but there's just as many who despise the day as those who love it. So no particular theme, OK?
Good news--the new Blogger hasn't screwed up anything on my site. Yet.
Update--giddiness still runs rampant.