Congratulations on a great review WSDude! I remember those observations as being very stressful. I'm glad yours went so very well.

And where is this Land of Candy, suctionprints, and how do I get there?!? Seriously. Yummy. White Chocolate peanut butter cups? Sounds so good it's almost obscene.

I totally envy you a beach, Aussie Girl. I haven't been to the water since last May. But! I just finished planning a little trip to California for Halloween. Whooo Hoooo! It will still be warm enough for some wonderful swimming (for me at least, Californians are notroriously whimpy as far as swimming in the ocean is concerned.) Mr. Yogi and Little Yogi will be doing a really fun trip together with Halloween parties, costumes, and cousins while I am off. It's a good thing because Halloween is very hard for Little Yogi after 9/11. A woman at our church who worked around the corner died of anthrax right before Halloween. Between the events of 9/11 and the anthrax scare, he developed some serious phobias at that time. But those things are easily forgotten when he is happy and having a great time, as he will be with his dad at all the festivities. Leaving me free to enjoy the ocean and mountain that makes me so very, very happy. Hurray for Halloween!

(I hab a nasdy cold, so 'scuse my coughs and sniffles)

I'm happy that you will be able to enjoy some time in the warm CA sunshine yet this fall, yogi. You deserve it.

Yay for wsdude and his teaching skills. I have found that, no matter how cool the school club is, most kids won't join unless they like the teacher/advisor. So, of course your SNL club is popular!

suction, wish I could have joined you in MN for your mini-TARfinalecon. I was on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket, feeling miserable. But I watched TAR, and mmm, it was fun and made me feel better. The weather here has simply been stunningly gorgeous. Still in the 70's today with hardly a cloud in the sky. A bit cooler this weekend, but, that's ok, I need to do some garden work and cooler is better for that.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. The only time I pulled the "birthday" card was at the salon - they flooded from the flash floods on Saturday, when I was due to come in. This is not the first disaster where I've been there, inlcuding but not limited to: Blackout 2003, dryer overheating, the old salon lost hot water, etc. So they give me shit, and I was like, "Yo. Stop. Collaborate & listen. It's my birthday & I have to go work into the evening so cut it out." They were cool. I'm going out to dinner tonight with some friends, should be fun.

Hope that you're feeling better, HH. And Yogi who rocks!, the end of October trip sounds great.

Here it is; let the magical link take you there. Click on "More Fine Chocolate" to get to the PB cups. The Candyland in DT Minneapolis is revered because it makes the corner of 8th and Nicollet smell so good!

Reese's also makes white chocolate peanut butter cups, but not quite as tasty!

Hope you're feeling better, Heidi! Well, did you at least get to sniffle through TAR instead of going out to dinner? We're supposed to have a nice weekend too, but if it's like today, it'll be gray and gloomy. Which is fine with me; I need to get Suction Manor cleaned up, toot sweet!

Give 'em hell, ska! And have a great time tonight.

Wow, SNL club! We would have totally gone for that at my highschool.

Bleargh. Tryin' to get motorvated, and getting cute $16.00 polka dot flipflops for $2.25 ain't lifting my mood today.

Oh my, the Land of Candy is just ... so... yummy! Why is it that Minneapolis has all the cool stuff? Malls of America and Lands of Candies - what riches. Is the candy at Candyland as tasty as it looks, suctionprints? It is up there with See's Candies?

Way to work the salon thing, skagirl! Have a fabulous weekend. I hope the birthday lasts for a month.

Sorry to hear you were so sick, Heidihug. I also had the flu that lasted for a long time. It was beyond dreadful. Luckily, my super-terrific wonder acupuncturist put me back on my feet again on Wednesday. I love my acupunturist. He is a needle god.

Mr. Yogi just brought me a new CD from Starbucks to go with my afternoon coffee. It's actually quite good. Ray Charles - Genius Loves Company duets with a whole bunch of folks including some favorites like Norah Jones, B.B. King, Diana Krall, Van Morrison, and Bonnie Raitt. It's very enjoyable. I made Mr. Yogi come in my office and dance with me to "You Don't Know Me" cause it sounded so good with Ray and Diana Krall singing it.

Poor Mr. Yogi. The things he has to do. Heh.

On the other hand, dancing is always a good thing to do.

Wasim good to hear that things improved for you and that your review went so well. Good stuff, mate.

And yay! for sunshine, oceans and mountains, Yogi. You totally deserve to enjoy that. Mr Yogi must be a really good sport, to dance with you in your office like that. I seriously doubt Mr Aussie would have done that, lol. But he does a lot of other cool things, so that's okay.

Heidihug hope that nasty cold goes away pronto!

And Ska how was your birthday dinner? Did it include dancing on tables etc? Heh.

I can't say, because the only See's candy I ever ate was part of a Christmas present from an acquaintance. I suspect it was a regift - no problem with that, usually. But the chocolate had an off taste, like say it had been stored poorly by the donor for the better part of a year? Some other friends promise to provide me with a better sample soon, though.

Bah. Still gotta get motorvated. This warm fall, it is making me nuttier. It's still as warm as summer, but the light's definitely fading! I want to pull out my sweaters and chug hot chocolate, dammit!

We are having a big Halloween party, which you are all invited to. It's October 30. I just gotta get movin' on sending out invites. Bah again. Also, another (!!!) TWoPcon on October 16, check the TWoPcon thread for details.

Well clearly, in the interest of science and all that is pure, you must have a sample of delicious, non-stale, See's Chocolate to compare with the yummyness of Candyland's delicacies, suctionprints. How revolting is it to gift someone a one year old box of something perishable? All I can say is: WWHS? (What would Heidihug say?) I know that she of the perfect kitchen would frown on such behavior.

I had dinner out last night on 5th Street and Avenue A. They were filming on the next block so there were cameras, crews, and caterers (Oh My!) everywhere. We think Uma, or her double, was hanging about. Does anyone know what's filming?

Dinner was yum - though Italian, not Dim Sum (heh, Suctionprints. We ended up at the table for over four hours chatting with our charming hosts before I stumbled home to bed. So tired, so tired.


From deep in my soul, Aussie Girl, I answer that cheer with my own Universal YES! How I long for it. And in the words of the Immortal Sheryl Crow...
I'm gonna soak up the sun...

Oh wow! You were right in my neck of the woods! But to bring everything full circle, I was at skagirl's birthday party at the time; it was quite fun! Great mix of people, including our hairstylist and his wife, and we went from an upscale SoHo restaurant/lounge to a Bulgarian dance club in two stops...all within walking distance, no less!

All I know is lychee martinis? Damn good. And damn addicting.

Hope all is well with everyone! You know, at this new temp assignment, I actually have to do work half the time! Can you believe it? What's up with that? Don't they know this is my TWoP time?

suctionprints, this will be possible in Minneapolis once the See's kiosks show up in the malls before Christmas. The Southdale Mall always has a See's kiosk, starting sometime in November. Mmmmm, Nuts and Chews.

Perfect kitchen? Me? Surely you jest, yogi. It is but a mess, lately. And, yes, I do agree, old chocolate is very very bad. I did make some wonderful fresh salsa this weekend - the second batch so far, with fresh tomatoes, onions, chives, jalapenos, habaneros, lemon balm, and lots and lots of spices. Oh, and my beets are boiled and ready to be sliced and frozen. Mmm. Beets with butter.

Suction? I just have one thing to say...
[hand raised in horned salute]Metallllliccccaaaa!!![/hand raised in horned salute]

And speaking of chocolate, I just received a box of it in the mail, from a woman I'd sent the Marquesas dvd's to. It was the second box she'd sent me as a thank you, the first one came after I'd sent her the tape of the Rupert million show. Mmm....delicious, but I just went to the dentist yesterday and now I feel almost guilty eating them after having my teeth cleaned. Heh. But it was a lovely gift. Mr Aussie was asking a lot of questions about who was sending me chockies in the mail, heh.

It is so hot here already. I have all the overhead fans on and feel lethargic. Got to tackle some of the housework and washing, so here's hoping you all have a great day!

I know, it's been a looong time. No, I don't hate you, I hate computer viruses that infect my harddrive causing it to crash and me to call my sister to fix it....
Anyways, remember how I said that our school district is trying to settle a contract? Well, it's not happening and the teachers are working now without a contract. But I just had to share this horrible letter with you by a board member. Just keep in mind that this is a board member. You'll see. Read the end, when he compares the teachers to Saddam Huissen.
This is why they can't settle. Oh, and the "contract" they offered the teachers to put to the members to vote on? Was rejected by 91%.
More later. Gosh darn homework getting in the way of my TWOP fun!
ETA: I forgot, magical links don't appear unless you put them there.

When I was in the neighborhood, I did think, "Maybe I will have a Last Dodo sighting!" Alas, it was not to be. Maybe next time ;) Our own skagirl's birthday sounds like a good time, though I'm sorry that the Cubs did not produce a win for her on Saturday or Sunday. But the Saturday game was so close - I'm sure it afforded some good watching.

I've always wondered how one can find out what is filming. Sometimes they close off my little block to film. I think it would be fun to see how it looks in a movie, but if you don't know what movie or TV show it is, you'll never know. I did seem to always know when it was Sex and the City however. I think the clothes were a big tip off.

I don't think it counts that your kitchen is a mess when you are cooking in it, Heidihug - heh. My gosh, homemade salsa is a wonderous thing. I eat buckets of it when I am in California. Yum. For years, I hated salsa, but like all things, homemade salsa and salsa from a jar are two completely different foods. I also love beets, but I don't think I have ever had them with butter. I think I usually eat them with vinegar. Now I have something new to try. Beets are one of my favorite roots.

I can't believe you brought up Christmas, Tracey Bee. Even in the context of See's candies, I felt my blood pressure increase. Though I have finished almost all my Christmas shopping, and my assistant from this summer (the angel) is coming to help me wrap in early October. Thank goodness, so much to do.

Maybe you should tell Mr. Aussie Montana that your chocolates are from Peachy, Aussie Girl? A little tease... heheh. I'm so evil.

I'm sorry to hear about the strike possibilty, PiP. As both your parents are teachers, I imagine this is really very upsetting to your whole family. And WOW, the writer of the article you linked obviously has lost all perspective. No wonder he is not negotiating - way to offend the people you are trying to "strike" a deal with. I would imagine our own suctionprints may have some hard won wisdom on this issue.

Yesterday, I had a good day because Little Yogi had a good day. I tell you, my son is my hero. Every day I learn so much about bravery, discipline, tenacity and forebearance from watching him. I guess we'll get through all this together, Little Yogi and me :)

Awwww. Giant hug for both Yogis, and I truly hope that this school year turns out to be better than currently predicted. It really burns my bacon that you guys are not getting the help and education that LittleYogi needs.

skagirl, so sorry about the Cubbies this weekend. Didn't they know it was your birthday? You should have had Rupert tell them!

Hildygirl and I are flying down to visit my sister this weekend. We are going here, and I am very excited. The crafts are truly outstanding, and since the entire town and surrounding countryside is a National Historic Landmark, it's just a visually stunning place to be. I love to go to this fair. I plan on doing a lot of Christmas shopping, about which I was feeling a little smug until I read that Yogi is ALL FINISHED with hers. Man!

Usually a few days before filming there are notices out telling people which day they can't park on the street and the name of the production is always on them. If you just happen upon a shooting, just ask one of the low level people running around with a walkie talkie trying to act important by preventing residents from walking on their own sidewalks. Those PAs really piss me off sometimes. It's not Production Assistant, it's Pain in the Ass when they're on their power trips.

That's exactly why I don't ask those PAs, ImE. It's amazing the attitude you get. Literally, there is a fricken catering truck parked 6 feet from my front door with all sorts of folks running around, and you can't even get a reasonable answer to the question, "So what'cha doin'." Ugh.

I love fairs! And this one looks just gorgeous. That area is in my old stomping grounds, Hildy. I was born in Virginia. My family has called it home for centuries. Unfortunately, no possibility of a fair for me this week as my sister from Georgetown is coming to see me on Thursday (and thus continues my weekly and bi-weekly visits from family.) Maybe I will get her to take me to the fair next year? The thing is, my family all likes to visit me because I cook their favorite foods, run their baths, and take them to the spas. Now how do I get them to do this for me, hmmm?

Hildy I tell ya- they did NOT receive my message. I said "Blow them away!" not "Blow the game." Silly players. However, we had a lot of action in our area with balls hitting people. Crazy.

I feel like I've been running non-stop, between the birfday, a board meeting that I had to stay for, 2 days of Cubs games and finally our benefit last night. I think it was actually better than last years, and I think more successful (crossing fingers & toes). However today is our day to suffer the wrath of the rains of Jeanne, so I'm procrastinating on picking up our organization's banner from the venue.

I can say that I don't remember ever going to a fair. We had the ghetto carnivals in the K-Mart (then Builder's Square, then Sam's Club, now to be a grocery store) lot, and I went to one renaissance fair. It probably wasn't something I'd be into given my fear of the outdoors & farms. Well, not fear as much as city-esque kid who ewwwed at the smells.

And I hope Babalu is doing well - stop by when you have a chance!!

[hand raised in horned salute, but in a hoarse whisper]Metallllliccccaaaa!!![/hand raised in horned salute]

Suction, we had an excellent time last night at the concert. Metallica was awesome, but, I gotta say, Godsmack totally blew me away - high energy, superb musicianship, very friendly with the crowd, played every song I wanted to hear and some of the stuff off of their most recent CD, which was incredible. Metallica could hardly top that, though they gave it their all for over two hours. Their St Anger stuff was growing on me by the end of the night, though their older stuff made everyone go crazy, of course. Beep and his friends, Mr. HH and I, and our friend Shanny were tired and wringing with sweat at the end of the night. Got in after 1 and then stayed up talking about the concert with Mr HH a while longer, so it was LATE when I turned in.

Got up this morning to get the kids off to school, and, though I had taken the morning off of work, I went in anyway since I was up and dressed. Sleep? I don't need no freakin' sleep.

Yay for beautiful craft fairs, Hildy - I want to come!

And, yogi? When I come to visit you, I will not permit you to draw my bath and make my meals (the spa, though? yep, I'd go for that). Being a guest is fun, but half the fun of being a good guest is enjoying helping out. And Christmas? That's that holiday in December, right? Hmm. Presents? Will have to work on that sometime. Before December.

You are absolutely the BEST Heidihug! (And I know Heidihug is telling the truth because when we were roomates at the TCcon, I went to make up the pull out bed for her, and she looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I can do that myself." You have to love a person who is willing to make their own bed and brings kutchen as well!)

Congratulations on another party well planned, skagirl. You have a definite gift in this area. Maybe you should leave not-for-profit to become a party planner?

I have an important question to pose. Little Yogi is going to his first Bat Mitzvah. What is the appropriate gift for a NYC Bat Mitzvah? Anyone know. I haven't been to a Bat Mitzvah in many, many, years, so I have no idea what is appropriate.

It's sad, but I'm going to guess and say $150. If they're more the earthy-crunchy type $100.

Cash? Would you actually give cash? Or should I buy some sort of nice little thing at Tiffany's? And is it like a wedding - all gifts must be sent ahead - or do you bring the gift with you like at a birthday party or shower?

Thanks ImE, for the help!

ETA That really does sound like an awful lot of money for a dance party.... Ugh.

Oh, Yogi, I didn't plan the benefit! That takes serious craziness to do. Our organization is a member of the Catalog for Giving, which honors orgs. which are dedicated to helping young people & each group's young "urban hero" each year. Now granted, I did do a ton of stuff for it, but planning? Whoa. Couldn't pay me to do so. Well, maybe for enough money...hee.

If you get a gift, I would probably send it ahead to save yourself and the family the hassle of carting it around on the day. People do give cash or checks in those little window envelope bar mitzvah cards you can buy. In my day it was all about savings bonds. I don't know if that's still the case, but I remember a lot of newly 20 year olds at college flush with bar mitzvah bond $ that finally came in.

I'm having a really hard time wrapping my mind around the idea of my son giving another 13 year old $150. It's not like he's going to a sit down meal, he's going to a party for a friend in his class. That just seems outrageous. Truly, ImE and Gang at MM, I'm not a cheap person, but this is just an unbelievable amount of money to give at his age to someone whose house he has never even visited. I'm thinking about converting now. Almost makes one willing to give up Christmas.

I love the Urban Hero concept, skagirl. Does the winner get a cape?

I think you should plan Bat Mitvahs. Sounds like there is a fortune to be made there!

Yogi it was a bitter day when I found out confirmation parties in no way, shape or form equal the take from a bar/bat mitzvah. Not that it's the point of the day, but when an aunt gives you a Precious Moments figurine and your friend's aunt gave her enough to buy a leather jacket & a pair of Guess? jeans, bitter bitter bitter comes bubbling out.

I do remember a New York mag article on the competition of kids & parties and how it's gotten out of hand (from these events to sweet 16 to graduation). Really, if you're not blood related, the kids aren't super close (never been over to play??), and it's just the party, not the meal & service, I'd do a nice birthday-gift equivalent, like CDs or video games or whatever girls like. Perhaps you can ask another parent on the sly what their impression of this event is. I think the jewelry is lovely, but can get pricey although a lot of girls love the blue box.

No capes for the young people, but they did get Timberland jackets. And a medal. It's a great concept, and actually the attendees felt pretty good seeing where their money went to since each of the teens gives a 2 minute speech. Very moving.

Yeah, you're not kidding. They try to make you feel like a criminal for, you know, trying to go to work in the morning. Or trying to come home in the afternoon. HATE.

Skagirl, hope your birthday party was a blast.

Heidihug, you saw Metallica in concert?!! I'm sooo jealous.

The Last Dodo, good luck with the temp job. Though if it's cutting into your TWoP time, you might have to lodge a complaint with HR or something - we've got to have our priorities straight! Hee!

Hey guys!

I remember when they were filming Mission Impossible (not the movie, but the second series, still with Peter Graves) in Australia, Yogi, back in '89 and '90. I was living on the Gold Coast then, about 100 yards from the beach, and there were trailers and film crews everywhere. It was such big news that we already knew in advance that it was MI. I used to love watching it on TV and seeing the place I lived in and all the local landmarks was a real thrill. A friend of mine was Peter Graves' stand in, and he got to know most of the cast. My friend ran a floatation centre, and the cast all came by for a float, but I missed it!

And Yogi, thinking of you and Little Yogi. I truly hope that he gets all the assistance he needs with his education. Anything less is just unacceptable.

Christmas shopping? Isn't that what all of us mad shoppers do in the last couple of days before Christmas? Do you mean to say you have finished all that already? Man, you're good!

Have a great time at the Fair, Hildy!

It sounds very affirming, for both the attendees and the young people who were awarded, skagirl. I would imagine also for you -- it's a good feeling to be part of an organization that is doing so much for folks who need it so much.

Thanks for the Bat Mitzvah suggestions. I think I'm going with a gift card to Bloomies. That's always a good gift.

How 'bout this weather, Ugh? I was caught in a complete deluge on my way home tonight. I seriously hate it when it rains like that and I have to walk home. Thankfully, I wore my canvas sneakers to work today, because the puddles were lake-like. Poor folks in Florida. My MIL is so tired of moving her lawn furniture, but at least she kept her electricity. I hope Draadje fared OK. Between the hurricanes in Aruba and Florida, I expect she has had enough of this rain.

What is a flotation center, Aussie Girl? Do they sell life preservers or something fun like those rafts that have a little hole for your drink?

As far as Christmas is concerned, I have finished a lot, but I start in January as I have so many gifts, tips, and cards to give. It's my busiest time of the year. It's hard not to be a bit Grinchy sometimes, but I always save the "it's not necessary" gifts for last. Those are the ones that give me such enormous pleasure. I'm smiling just thinking about it!

I remember when they were shooting Men of Honor down on the beach in my hometown. Everyone was sooo excited to have them here, especially Cuba Gooding, Jr.! In one of the shots you can see Mt. St. Helens (which has been rumbling lately. Not good.) and in another you can see the Lewis and Clark Bridge. Someone (it's been so long, I forgot who) had a party to watch the movie. They had a contest to see how many identifying features of Rainier they could spot. Very fun. And then when they shot the Goonies in Astoria, that was big too. I just watched that movie last week. Good movie.
Flotation center? Got floats? Like rootbeer floats? Sounds good to me!
Heehee, poor yogi. And the Floridians. We in the NW have had sun, breeze and 70 degree days for the past two weeks! I'm sorry I can't send some there...:(

tracey, thanks for the update. I forgot that the See's booths come out at the holidays. I think Rosedale has one, too.

pinki, I feel for your parents. That is an abominable comparison. I was on strike at the bus company earlier this year and was called everything from a whore to a greedy parasite. And a lot of crap in between. Our medical plan was compared to owning a luxury car. But your folks should hang in there, and definitely appeal to the public as much as possible.


If you reverse the bands, and substitute "50 minutes" for "over two hours" you'll get my opinion of the show when I saw them earlier! ;) Hey, I need a sound file of the whole HH family going "CON-TROL-ING BASTARD! FACE YOUR MASTER!" during "Master of Puppets" to make my life complete. Hee. I actually got to bed the same time as you on Monday/Tuesday, except I went to this hipster gig with a Japanese psychedelic band and a great young raga-guitar prodigy and ended up gabbing with my ride home for about 45 minutes in the parking lot at the bar. And I drank a bunch of white Russians and made fun of my friends who were DJing. Other than that - the very same night!

Last night I had a dinner called "seven courses of beef" at this Vietnamese restaurant called Mai Village. It was truly an experience. They start you with a great salad with some beef in it, two different kinds of spring rolls that you cook and assemble yourself (bubbling pots and fire are involved), and then you get a plate full of a steamed beef and noodle kind of pudding thing, little sausages and meat grilled in grape leaves. Finally you end up with a little bowl of beef and rice soup. The restaurant is simply one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The bathroom has silk swags, you walk over a bridge and a coi pond to get to your table, and there are all kinds of gorgeous carved wood pillars and embroidered wall hangings. The menus are wrapped in raw silk with tiny flowers satin-stitched on them. It is an oasis of beauty and calm in one of St. Paul's worst neighborhoods. The the owner took us up upstairs after dinner- he's an Asian furniture dealer, and is planning on opening that part of the restaurant as a store in the next few weeks. Truly fascinating. But, man, I have a cow hangover this morning.

later, taters. Gotta moooooooooove.

suction that sounds amazing....mmm....beefy goodness.

Yogi I just saw a write up on the movie. It was supposed to star Sandra Bullock but now it's Uma. As for the name? Totally forgot. Will check at home. One of the announcers/guides on the double decker tour bus which stops outside my work window has been promoting that the pizza place on the corner is the one that Spiderman worked at in Spiderman 2. I haven't seen the movie but I do remember them filming, plus they painted a sign on the side of the building that says "DELIVERY" which they left up. They used to promote it as one of the oldest & most famous (it still has a coal (?) burning oven...or is it wood? whichever one makes it old).

Good Gravy (so to speak,) that beef dinner menu sounds fantastic! Excuse me while I go wipe the drool off my keyboard.

And HH and suctionprints, way to go on the concert going! That's truly exhausting and impressive, and my ears hurt thinking about it.

When I live in Jackson Hole, they came to town to film one of the Rocky Movies (the one that ostensibly took place in Russia), and a couple of the minor character actors hung out at the bar in which I spent inordinate amounts of time. THey were very generous with sharing their expense account drinks with us, I think in hopes of getting lucky. It never worked, but I did enjoy all the free booze.

So my brother wants to know: What does a proctologist and a road-paving crew have in common?

They're both asphalt specialists.

(Yes, he made that up all by his little lonesome. Yes, my family is twisted.)

Yogi, I misunderstood. I thought you were going as an adult to a kid's bar mitzvah, like maybe a co-worker's kid or something. I haven't been to one that hasn't included a sit down meal. It's just the service and then a party for kids with no food or just finger food? That would change things, I think. I agree that a $50 gift certificate to a CD/videogame store or something like that wouldn't be out of place.

suction, oh please, pretty please, can we go to the lovely beefy restaurant next time I am in town? It sounds wondrous. As for the concert, glad you had a good time on Monday watching live music, too. I was thinking of you. We seriously plan to see Godsmack next time they are in Wisconsin, they were that good. We also want to see Some Kind of Monster - it opens in Green Bay this weekend. Have you seen it? AlmondEyes, if you get a chance to see Metallica, jump at it - it is well worth it, and their tickets are cheaper than most other bands of their caliber (of which there are few, IMO). My right shoulder still aches from doing the fist/finger horns thing for 3 hours.

Mr. HH and Squirrel are going to close up the cottage (*sniff*) on Saturday, but I am staying home to clean house (for Beep's surprise 17th birthday party on Sunday), and help Beep and his girlfriend get ready to go to the Homecoming dance. She asked me to do her hair; evidently her mom doesn't get into that sort of thing. After they leave I have to make a turkey for sandwiches for the party on Sunday and finish last minute stuff. So, it will be a busy weekend!

I want to go to a flotation center! (I just like saying flotation center.)

Mai Village sounds like My Kind of Village, suctionprints! The food sounds yummy - very, very creative and interesting. What a lot of beef, though - Almost like going to one of those steakhouses that serves the 20 oz steaks, and frankly, that's one scary steak at that size! And I'm sorry but a bowl of beef and rice soup for dessert? I think not! Break out the Candyland white chocolate peanut butter cups.

What's in a White Russian? I have a new favorite drink - Kristal Cosmo made with white cranberry juice. It's much less sweet and so smooth going down, it's hard to stop at just one (which is usually my limit.)

What excellent sleuthing, skagirl. You must tell me your secret. What a strange cast change. I don't think Uma and Sandra Bullock are at all similar though.


No service either, ImE. Just a dance and some sort of food buffet. I've had birthday parties like that for Little Yogi (yes, NYC has insane birthday parties for children,) so I'm thinking the gift is maybe along the birthday party line. I'm also considering a gift certificate book to the big Sony (now Lowes) on the Broadway and 68th. I love that theater best in the city. We always cross town to go there. I think that would be a groovy gift!

I can't believe Beep is turning 17, Heidihug - Wow! How time flies, and how very young you look! Your son must be so proud to have such a beautiful mom who does so many thing so well. What a tremendous compliment to have your son's girlfriend want to be with you before she goes to the prom. It's a very sweet thing. It sounds like your weekend is going to be fabulous, almost as good as seeing Metallica, but in a different way.

Oh and Hildy? The joke? Very punny. Heh (Yes, my sense of humor is as well developed as HildyBrother)

Hildy your brother's joke made me snerk. Hee. I'm so 13 I'm 12. When is the trip to the fair again? Is it a road trip???

HH I think it's great that your son & his girlfriend are so comfy with you guys. You hear (or see on the WB) all these stories about kids gone wild, but you know, there's got to be a lot of normal ones out there & you have definitely raised a great young man.

PIP meant to say that the school board/strike stuff is just awful. People just don't think at all. Bah. Hope things are resolved soon & with good results.

AlmondEyes, I have to say I've been pretty lucky with filming. I've only been asked twice to walk on the other side of the street, and one of those times I was passing Michael Imperiolli (sp?) who was also gawking a bit (I believe it was for the new Jimmy Fallon movie, "Taxi"). But generally they've been ok in my neighborhood, but then again our streets are so narrow & it's a mix of residential & commercial. Murphy's Law, I just saw they had holding signs up, which will probably mean they'll block off the laundromat where I must go to take care of the 4302 loads that are attacking my room.

Hmm...does rolling your eyes a lot and grunting in response to questions reflect pride? Yes? Then he is very, VERY proud. Heh.

Homecoming dances around here are not as dressy as prom (which is in the spring), so not as big a deal. But I will still have to go shopping before week's end to get Beep some sort of clothes that are dressier than khakis and a T-shirt.

I am going to a baby shower after work today for a woman whose only other child, her son, is Beep's age. I just can't imagine. I wish I could give her some bottled energy, she will need it. She is expecting another boy.

Filming - I approached by one of the CSI or Law and Order shows - the one with Vincent D'Ofrio, that's all I know. Our building manager recommended our office. They wanted to use our office to film. Lots of trouble, it was, but the money was good. I was going to say yes, but they decided they needed a view from the other direction. Then they wanted to use our office as a staging area. The money was bad, so I said no. Then, they wanted to use our living room, but stood me up for the appointment, and I wouldn't reschedule. Who needs the agrivation? Other than that, I'm on the street with the other pedestrians when the filming occurs. All in all, I find it quite inconvenient.

Having a baby and a seventeen year old? This does not appeal to me. On the other hand, I hold firmly to the belief that a baby is always good news. I guess in the end nothing would thrill me more than having one more (handed to me, not inside of me, that is.)

A floatation centre, Yogi is a place where one goes to float in a floatation tank. You know, to de-stress in the sensory deprivation tanks. When they first opened the centre, I was their guinea pig. We experimented by doing all night floats, and I once did 20 hours floating over a weekend. That was a tad too much.

Vincent D'Onorfrio (Law & Order - Criminal Intent) spends a lot of time in Australia, his young daughter lives here with her mother, actress Greta Scachi.

Oh God, I can't imagine having a child 17 years after the last one. Eight years between my two was enough for me. But I too love babies, it's nice to help out the sleep deprived mother and all, and it's also nice to think that those days are over for me. :)

Sounds... interesting. I'm not sure I quite understand it. You float around in water to de-stress? Hmm, we don't have anything like that here. I'll assume it's an Aussie-thang and leave it at that. My head can't take anymore thinking. I have three tests tomorrow, and have yet to study. Bah.
My sister and I are 5 years apart, but that's not too much, IMHO. Except when she stopped playing pretend with me because she thought it was "babyish." And when she lorded over me about being able to drive. And when she could babysit for me and would make me do chores. And when she was the only one who had a house key and stayed after school one day without telling me and I had to wait outside the house in the rain, dying to go to the bathroom for 2 1/2 hours... In other words, I love my sister dearly. Well, some of the time. Most of the time. Maybe.

Hi Guys!
As far as I know there as not been a movie made here, but I think that's because celebrities try to avoid this place, in fact we don't ever get concerts besides country artist of which I hate the music and has been rock bands, like ratt in such. And the few famous folk that have come from here I think convenutly forget, I know Dr. Phil is from here, and Mia Hamm for a little bit.

And other crappy news I lost my job yesterday but I'm gonna go out tomorow and try to sell myself, wait that came out wrong, I mean I'm gonna try and get a Legal job. lol.

Oh no, my Elfin Friend. I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm sure there is something else out there you even better for you, but ugh. I'm going to cross all fingers and toes for your speedy success.

Well, Aussie Girl, imagine that! A flotation tank? How did I miss this wild and marvelous treatment? I wonder if it is more of a Down Under thing. Is it dark in there and totally enclosed in there? Sounds a tad claustrophobic. Like PiP, I would say that I had never heard of this, but I believe Maris (Niles' wife on Frasier) had one such tank. I don't know if I have ever been to a place that offered a flotation tank, because I'm sure I would have tried it. I love to do things like this. You wouldn't believe some of the crazy things I have tried. My most favorite spa treatment? A Pizichelli massage - two massage therapists, each with a continuous stream of warm, herbalized oils - let me tell you, words do not, can not, do this experience justice. It's an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that is the last word in decadence. But you can only get one at a very few difficult to get to places - like India - heh. Sigh. I want one now.

Can't sisters be infuriating? I have three, and we are all very different. And we weren't so nice to each other growing up as the five of us (one brother) are only seven years apart. Catholic, you know. When my youngest sister was born, my mother told Sister Nurse, "Call this one Omega, because it's the last one." My father was mortified. He told Sister Nurse, "Oh, it's the medications." To which my mother cried out, "It. Is. NOT." Heh.

Hee. "Omega."

Why am I up so early? Golly, could it have been the drip...drip...drip I heard? Yea. So I get up around 6:20, confused, and feeling water coming out of my ceiling fan. So I stop the fan, and it's still dripping, I freak out, leave message for landlord, ran to upstairs who said he had nothing. Well, landlord called & said someone would be here around 8.

The weird thing is that it seems to have stopped, but the fan itself is soaked, so either there is a leak into the wiring (?), the fan is overheating (it was on a low setting & didn't go on until midnight), or there is a leak in a pipe that is dripping through it. But I am afraid to shower because the pipes run in the walls of my room. Gah.

Yikes, skagirl, what a wake up call! I can't imagine the fan overheating would make it drip. My guess, the guy upstairs had some sort of flood he's not 'fessing up to.... not that anyone I know has ever done anything like that.... no..

Well, Pavel & Stasz just showed up and they said his shower in the corner & they think the leak is through the grout. If that's all it is, I feel bad for spazzing out, but seriously? A fan dripping water over my bed? Is scary. But then the guilt comes back & I feel stupid for freaking out but I'm home alone. Bah.

My mom called (because 700 miles away? I still call), and said that I should tell them to take the fan down - it's totally soaked & while Pavel & Stas just said "Oh, no it's fine" I'm going to play annoying New Yorker because I'd really like not to have faulty wiring in my ceiling. What a frickin' day.

Eek! Sorry to hear about that. So is it one of those things where to add insult to injury, you're trapped at home until it's resolved and either losing money or wasting paid time off, or were you able to go to work?

Well, in no particular order:

Flotation tanks I've heard of, but I think I'd cause tank tsunamis as my claustrophobic self tried to climb out of that darn thing. How did you do it, Aussigirl? Was it really relaxing? Didn't freak a tiny bit? I'd be scared to do an MRI for the same reason.

When water drips from a ceiling fan, you are entirely justified in screaming loudly for a plumber, skagirl. Nobody needs water where it doesn't belong.
A baby and a 17 year old? No. Just No. you don't even get to use the free babysitting, b/c he/she will be at college in just a short year. I loved my babies, but I'm very glad that they aren't babies any more. The older they get, the better they get, I tell you.

So I can't wait to hear what you finally choose for Homecoming attire, HH.

Yea, I got in by 8:45, well before anyone else (naturally). I'm glad it's nothing more severe, but I'm afraid I'll find two men on my floor (and not in the good way) later. Did you know you can get a lot of sweeping done at 7 am? I made a mild mess moving things out of the way, like my futon bed (thus sweeping) and moved some valuables in case the ceiling caved in. Seriously, I feel spastic but there was a constant drip. Whatever...I'm sure my landlord thinks I'm nuts, but then again, they gave us a notice for "Jeff" to pay his rent. Oy.

Floatation tanks are great, I highly recommend trying floating if you get the chance. And by the way, it's not an Aussie thang, PiP, in fact, I think they originated in the good ole US of A. You get in the tank, which is filled with salt water, and you can either close the lid or not. I used to leave it open just a crack, in case I fell asleep. There are speakers in the tank, and they pipe some very gentle soothing music in. After a while you become weightless, and go into very deep relaxation, Yogi, Hildy. You just seem to lose your body, and after awhile, your mind stops chattering away too. It's a wonderful experience. For awhile there I used to have a one hour float every day, and sometimes follow that up with a massage. And it's not at all hard to climb out of them, you just open the lid, sit up, and get out. I know they have floatation tanks in the US, because I once had a float in Chicago.

PiP my older sister (by 3 years) absolutely hated each other all through our childhood, and even into our 30's. Now we are so close it's unbelievable. Once we had children we really became friends. She is a senior lecturer in international relations at the uni here and travels around the world meeting world leaders etc - our lives are so different, and yet we are so close. I can't figure it out.

Woody so sorry to hear that about your job. But I'm sure that something better is heading your way. And you go sell yourself, mate, everything will work out.

Poor dripped on Ska - sounds like a terrible experience. That does not sound good. I hope they find the problem and fix it straight away. Yikes.