Monday, February 28, 2011

Status Update

Saint-Saƫns and Gounod have failed to beat me down, though the Catholic Church is doing its best. Even Mother Nature has finally taken pity on me some! Will hopefully be back on track tomorrow.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

#49 HNT

I was a bit early. I wanted to avoid the downtown rush hour traffic, and hopefully get a parking spot near where we were to meet. As I walked in, I was happy to see that it wasn't really crowded yet, so I did a quick look around to see if she was there already. But there's that feeling of "will I recognize her?" as I'm checking out the tables. Satisfied that she wasn't there, I waited for her at the front door.

As the minutes passed, my mind started to wander... Would I recognize her as she walked in the door? Would this be a quick dinner, then get out of the place? Could I entertain her with any sort of discussion? Would I be a bore? A disappointment? Or even worse...how could I sneak away without appearing obvious if she turned out to be psycho or started on some super conservative topic of conversation??

There's two things that immediately struck me as Gucci Mama walked in. And they weren't her boobs (but, oh my!). First was her auburn hair. She's never quite captured that color in any of her pictures, but damn! Secondly, she was far taller than I anticipated. Of course, when I mentioned that to her, she immediately showed me the 4 inch heels she was wearing. You know that first impression you get when you meet someone for the first time? And you just know you're going to click? She nailed it!

We had a great time! We gossiped. We talked about you. And you. And definitely YOU! And him. And the icky him. All of them. And her. And him and her. And her and him and her. And...well, you get the idea. Personal secrets/stories were shared. Pinky pacts were made (three, I believe). Then we finally got around to ordering dinner! All while being checked-up on by her sister, who was texting her every half hour to be sure she was OK. They even had a "code" word, just in case! She didn't want to have Gucci and me headlining the next edition of Dateline or something! (I think it was bad enough that Gucci was having dinner with one of those 'internet people'. Good thing she didn't know it was that 'nekkid' guy!) All in all, we spent about five hours together. Eating, drinking, sharing, laughing, surprising. And embarrassing each other with our amazing pool-shooting abilities... Probably could have gone longer, but by that time, her sister had pulled out the big guns and put the Wee Guccis on the phone, crying for their mama.

If I had to describe Gucci, I'd say she's exactly what you'd expect from her online persona. And nothing at all like it. Make sense? Intelligent, confident, and a hoot (don't know if that's "Gucci-like", but it's an apt description). As for the boobs and ass, yeah, I scoped them out pretty well while she was bent over the pool table for those long awkward shots. I think she purposely opted for those particular ones. But definitely two thumbs up! I'm fairly certain that this won't prove to be a one-time meeting. At least, I hope not. Thanks for a great time, Gucci! I now have a much better idea of what we should wager for the next Grizzly/Bobcat game!


The shadowed dark

The amber glow

They call to me

Cloaking woman

In whiskey warmth, alluring touch

Whispering words

Of passion, of sultry sensuality

Echoes of the man craved

From white dawn to rose-tinted dusk


This week's Mystery Guest will be revealed Thursday afternoon. Of course, leave her a comment on her site if you know who she is!
Not too hard to recognize this week's MG as Cheeky Minx! Stop by and say hi (and wish her a late happy birthday, too!).

A good showing over at "...the Other HNT" this week. Definitely NSFW. Leave some comment loving for your comrades over there, OK?
Jobthingy sent me an email this week with a link to a story on power of anonymity - the good and the bad. It's a pretty good read, and food for thought. And it off-handedly refers to HNT, too!
It's going to be sub-zero temps for the next few nights, the wind's blowing, and it's snowing. Must mean the symphony has a concert at the Cathedral this weekend! Things start up on Thursday afternoon, so it might take me a few days to make the rounds... Hopefully I'll get some stuff posted, too. The MT Legislature is the best comedy in town these days, except their actions are affecting real lives. Not quite the sideshow as Wisconsin or Indiana at the moment, but equally embarrassing and frustrating!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Road Trip & Other Things

Mini road trip this afternoon. Hope to come back with all sorts of pictures and stories!

#49--here I come!
In other news...I've got about 4 posts swirling in my head, but haven't found the time nor desire to actually get them written out. I do have notes, though, and they aren't time-sensitive, so they'll eventually get out.
The most screwed up symphony concert of the season (or decade--yeah, I know that's a bold statement for being so early in said decade) occurs this weekend. Five rehearsals or performances in four days, with complete set-up/tear-downs FOUR times. Funny how the church we're performing in considers itself a place of worship rather than a concert hall. On the plus side, we've run into so many obstacles that we may give up ever playing there again, which would be my ultimate goal! So I'm just rolling with the punches this weekend!
I'm finding that even though I'm not online a great deal these days, Word With Friends is keeping me in touch with an awful lot of people! Thank God they finally came out with an Android version!
Unless someone steps up to the plate, I've got no Mystery Guest this week. It's open to the first to request it--email me!

Friday, February 18, 2011

In case she snuck over here...

Happy Birthday, VK!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Coming Out of the Closet HNT

I had a routine doctor's appointment last week. Just a six-month checkup on how the diabetes is going, and how I'm doing with it. I'm happy to say that I'm still doing pretty well. For the most part. I've actually gained weight, but I'll blame that on winter, for now. My blood sugar level is pretty good, but my blood pressure is a little higher than he'd like. So there's an adjustment in my meds. I got my cholesterol test results back today Tuesday: 134 (LDL level was 67--feel free to be impressed if you know what "normal" is!).

So this was turning out to be a decent visit, with my doctor being pleased with just about everything. Until, out of the blue, he asks, "Have you had a screening for colon cancer?" WTH?? Where did that come from? Now, for the record, I know full well that I'm at an age when there's all sorts of tests I should have had by now. That pesky "no insurance" thing has pretty much kept me from scheduling them. But now, in my condition, I need to start thinking of all these things, especially if he's going to be bringing up the subject. I knew he was serious when he gave me a "kit" to take home to take a stool sample. And I could just stick that in the mail and send it in. There's so many things wrong with just this part of things, and we hadn't even started discussing the actual procedure!

He went into his whole spiel about why I should have one, and what they're looking for, yadda, yadda... A colonoscopy, which is what I really need, costs really big bucks for someone who's uninsured, so we talked about the poor man's alternative. A flexible sigmoidoscopy. Google it, if you need to. The good news--he only shoves this ten-foot long rod up your ass part way. The bad news--nothing to sedate me. "You might feel some discomfort..." Ya think?!?

At this point, let me note that this particular area has always been a one-way street, exit only, other than the times that my mother used to take my temperature down there when I was six (for you young whipper-snappers, a rectal thermometer was the only way to take your kid's temperature back in the day. Right, Tony?). Anyhow, he went into some detail about the preparation for this inspection, including the fasting and the cleansing and how people generally take the day off for something like this because they were up all night sitting on the toilet, 'cleansing', because lord knows they want things spotless up there while they're exploring one's ass. How he'll "gently insert" this gargantuan rod, and take a look around the walls of my colon. It'll be like a parade, where they close off the streets, run the parade the wrong way on the one-way streets of downtown, and bring in the pooper-scoopers to make sure it's all clean once everyone's gone through. And then it turns into an art stroll. If he sees something interesting, he'll just pluck it off the wall and take it.

So, sometime in March (date is yet to be set), I'll be losing my anal virginity. Coming out of the closet, as it were. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to supply candy or flowers or anything. Maybe candles? Wine? On one hand, I'm sure I'll have some good blogging material. On the other hand, it might open up an entirely new lifestyle for me. I'll let you know. If I'm lucky, I could ask for a prostate exam while he's down there and get myself a two-fer!


"Nice legs Daisy Dukes
Makes a man go woo hoo.
Tight jeans double D's
Makin me go woo hoo...
Push it baby Push it baby out of control
I've got my gun cocked tight
And I'm ready to blow"
"Starstrukk" ~
3OH!3

I am not your typical girl.
I tell it like it is and I hold nothing back.
I'm stubborn and over analyze the world, it's both a gift and a fault.
I'm a fighter and I'm sure I could kick your ass.

Know who I am yet?

Check back on Thursday afternoon to find out!

This week's MG shouldn't have been too difficult to figure out, but in case you're not sure...it's Daisygirl! Stop by and see some more pics in her jersey!
A little low on the numbers at "...the Other HNT", but not lacking in quality! Stop by and check out your fellow HNTers over there! And leave some comments! NSFW, as usual
If you missed it earlier, there's a new adventure on the OsShirt page! It's Vixen and Roxy, with more pictures and stories than what they let on last summer!
There's still time to help out Cher and her cancer treatments by purchasing something from one of a couple of different sites. There's the Scentsy site, which is all explained here, or the stuff from My 31 here. There's also a Paypal account set up in case you'd just like to donate money directly for her. She's currently undergoing radiation treatments, and has suggested that she might sneak in a picture or two while she's glowing for HNT! How could we ignore something like that?!?
It's been awhile that I've said anything, feel free to ask me a question or two in that Formspring box up there in the sidebar! Nothing's off limits!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!

Let me say it right off the bat...I don't hate Valentine's Day. I delivered VDay roses around town once! THIS blog even went all pink and red and hearts a few years ago. I'll deny it if asked, but I really don't mind the holiday. Most likely because I haven't had to worry about it anytime recently.
  • I don't have to come up with some sort of romantic offering for anyone.
  • I don't have to succumb to the crass commercialization that is almost approaching Christmas and Easter proportions.
  • I don't have to watch a weekend of romance comedies on TV.
  • I don't have to hustle to get the half-priced chocolates next week, thanks to my disease.
I'll treat today like any other day. To those who hate the holiday, try to find something/someone to like about it. If you totally get into it, then a Happy Valentine's Day to you!
All sorts of excitement around here sometime this week. And you should all be jealous. No details right now, but there's a 99% probability that I'll get to meet #49 on my list over there in the sidebar in a few days! I promise it will be well documented!
Remember Vixen's post in July recounting her weekend at Roxy's with the OsShirt? She didn't get into much detail, and the pictures were small, and in a collage. Stop by the OsShirt site to see better pics, and get the real story of the weekend!
After getting dumped with a ton of snow last weekend, most of it has already disappeared. Thanks to temps that hit 60° on Saturday, and strong (really strong, house-shaking) winds through the night and into Sunday. Spring is just around the corner!!
And because it's one of the great love songs of all time...a couple of versions of "My Funny Valentine". Enjoy!















Thursday, February 10, 2011

iPhone HNT

Verizon and Apple officially release the iPhone 4 on Thursday. I have been an Apple/Mac geek since I bought my first computer way back when (holy cow! almost 25 years ago!). Needless to say, I was more than just a little miffed when Apple & AT&T came to an exclusive agreement. Not a big deal for those of you in the big city, but a problem for most of the western/plains states, where the network pretty much sucked. But now, Verizon gets their hands on it, and won't have to put up with all those early-day glitches.

Granted, I have never jumped on the bandwagon when Apple releases new toys. I let at least the first generation come and go, so that any unforseen glitches that might appear can be taken care of. So this time around, I'll sit back and let this one come and go as well. There's a rumor that the iPhone 5 will come out in the summer. I would hope that Verizon and AT&T will release the same models at the same time. That will give me time to hear the good and the bad. To make a decision between the iPhone and iPad (and I think I'll only get one or the other). And it will give me time to come up with the money needed for one or the other...

So here I am, with my Droid. With the shattered screen. Which I'm stuck with for awhile. And I can sit here and dream about better days ahead...


"I know a girl who's tough but sweet
She's so fine, she can't be beat
She's got everything that I desire
Sets the summer sun on fire

I want candy
I want candy
I want candy
I want candy

Candy on the beach, there's nothing better
But I like candy when it's wrapped in a sweater
Some day soon I'll make you mine
Then I'll have candy all the time

I want candy
I want candy
I want candy
I want candy"

"I Want Candy"
- Aaron Carter

Please note that this week's Mystery Guest has also included this week's theme! She'll be revealed Thursday afternoon, but if you know who it might be, be sure to stop by and say hi to her!
Sometimes I wonder if I make the clues to easy... Of course, this week's MG is Cande from Diary! Be sure to stop by and say hi!
If you didn't help out Cher last week by buying something from Scentsy, there's another way you can help. Again, in her own words...
My friend Karin set this fundraiser up. It is through a company called My 31. It sells a variety of things. Purses, wallets, accessories, etc. Its pretty cool. We still have the Scentsy fundraiser going until the end of February, as well as the Paypal for those not interested in buying anything but want help. The direct link to My 31 is below. Pass along if you wish!
CLICK HERE
Now go buy something!
A weird day over at "...the Other HNT". Started out slowly, but we've got a decent showing over there. As usual, it's NSFW, but be sure to check out your fellow HNTers and leave lots of comment loving!
You'll notice that over the past three days I've been posting updates/Twitter statuses about Barefoot Dreamer's hospital stay. She's sore, on drugs, can't pee, can't eat real food, but survived. She's got about another week left in the hospital, but I won't post updates anymore unless things go bad. So with any luck at all, there won't be any!

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

"We Can Rebuild Her" - Day 3

Continuing updates from her FB statuses...
Update #1 - "they r rebuilding the nursing station which is RIGHT outside my door. So loud"

Update #2 - "but hey i get red jello this morn' love how they r mixing it up for me"

Update #3 - "Today has been a rough day. Shower, bandage change (ouch), first meal ( hard to digest) a walk.... I'm spent"

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

"We Can Rebuild Her" - Day 2

Updates as I get them...
Update #1 - In her own words: "May I just say 'ouch'."

Update #2 - In her own words: "So much pain. Morphine every 2.5 hrs."

Update #3 - In her own words: "TV is not fair with all it's food commercials when I am on a liquid diet"

Monday, February 07, 2011

"We Can Rebuild Her" - Day 1

As mentioned on BFD's site, I'll keep you updated on her hospital status, since she won't have a computer for the next week or so. If you haven't kept up, she checked into the hospital on Monday morning to have major surgery. Ureteral reconstruction. Google it if you need to--it's as bad as it sounds.
Update #1 - Out of surgery at 1:30 PM.

Update #2 - She's awake-ish, in pain, and very drugged up...

Update #3 - In her own words: "Made it through surgery. Woke disorientated and in pain, but feeling a bit better now."
More in the days to come...

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Even Roseanne's version was better than that!

Was that not the absolute worst performance of the National Anthem that you've ever heard? Forget screwing up the lyrics! Just her entire performance... Where is the public outrage? How does the public let those in charge of these things know that we're tired of this crap? Why didn't that quartet of young girls from Dallas get to sing it? Or bring in that guy Chicago used during the playoffs? It IS possible to get a decent performance of the song, you know!

Don't ask my opinion about the halftime show...

Friday, February 04, 2011

TV, or not TV? That is the question...

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Groundhog Day HNT

In spite of his brethren's observations in other parts of the country,
this furry prognosticator saw his shadow today,
thus guaranteeing 6 more weeks of winter weather.
Enjoy it, everyone!


California girls, we're unforgettable,
Daisy dukes, bikinis on top!
Sunkissed skin,
So hot we'll melt your popsicle!
Oh oh oh ohhhhhhh!
"California Girls"
--Katy Perry

OK, this week's clue is sort of like a trick question. Be sure to come by Thursday afternoon to find out who the Mystery Guest might be!
This MG is one half of "Married In Ohio" (California Girl and Midwestern City Boy). By all calculations, they are the longest-running HNTers out here (other than myself). Go check them out, but be aware that they tend to be more NSFW than most! And be sure to say hi!

Time for a bit of pimping, as I haven't done that much recently...

You may remember her as "~C~". Or maybe as "Cher". Her blog was "Sexy, Sassy, ENGAGED!" She participated in HNT, was a Mystery Guest, and might have even been found over at OHNT. About a year and a half ago, she disappeared to the Dark Side (Facebook, for the uninformed...). I've kept in touch with her off and on over there. About half a year ago, she started posting statuses about recurring trips to the ER. And was frustratingly private about what she'd let be known. She finally spilled the beans a week or so ago. In her words...

On September 27, 2010 I was going in for my 5th (yes, 5th) D&C surgery in less than a 2 year time span. The results came back abnormal. The next step was a biopsy and this time the results gave me the biggest shock of my life. I have CANCER. Me, a 25 year old, otherwise healthy mother, daughter, sister, friend.. I have Cancer. Uterine Cancer. Two ugly, horrific words... UTERINE CANCER.

I only have one option.. I have to fight this and I will fight it to win. I will not let CANCER take my life nor my spirit.

I recently obtained a new insurance policy, if you would go so far as to call it that. My first five doctor visits are at a copay of $50. Each visit after that I have to pay out of pocket until I meet my $7500 deductible. Once I meet the deductible the doctor visits will be covered 100% but the other stuff such as lab work, x rays, etc will only be covered 75% after I meet the $2500 deductible for those which is in addition to the $7500 deductible for the doctors visits and my $176 monthly premium for the coverage. The insurance also does not pay for much of my prescriptions either.

In light of all this, my friend Stephanie, an Independent Scentsy Director, has set up an online fundraiser to help raise money towards my medical bills. Scentsy is a wickless, flameless warmer you plug in. The warmer uses a light bulb to warm the wax at very low temperatures emitting the most amazing scents ever. It is safe to use at home, at work, with kids and around the elderly. With no flames, it's perfectly safe to warm anywhere you please and with over 80 scents to chose from, there is something there for everyone. Stephanie will be donating 100% of her commission to help cover my medical bills and prescription costs. To order simply go to www.ditchthewicks.com and click on the link next to CHERYL CASTANON. All orders through this party will be credited to the commission Stephanie will donate to me. https://smclark3.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=24235880. Either link.

I would be forever grateful for your help and support as I begin my journey to fight cancer. Your thoughts, support and prayers are eternally appreciated. Together I know I can get through this but I cannot do it alone.

PS: For those of you who wish to donate and help but do not wish to purchase Scentsy products, you may donate directly VIA Paypal. All donations are 100% secure. You may go to WWW.PAYPAL.COM. The address is BEATTHECANCER@LIVE.COM .

If you're the type that likes candles or scents in the house to cover up, say, kid's or dog farts, hubby's smelly shoes, last night's dinner, or just like to have a scented house, I urge you to check out the Scentsy products. If you're going to buy things like that anyway, you might as well buy them from there! Hopefully Cher will be back in the near future with a new blog that chronicles her progress.
Yet another good week over at "...the Other HNT". Yeah, it's NSFW, but it's worth checking out! Be sure to leave some comments for your fellow HNTers!
THEME ALERT! - Short notice on this one, but it literally just came to me. NEXT WEEK, on Feb. 10th, Apple and Verizon will be releasing the Verizon version of the iPhone 4. To celebrate this long overdue event, please include your iPhone as part of your HNT! Of course, if you don't have one, you can't really do the theme (or can you...?). Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!