Heh, Heh, Hildy.

I'm here! Sitting by the ocean, drinking a margarita, and using this newfangled dingy-ma-thing that transmits the internet wirelessly to my laptop via a plug and an ethernet. It's very cool. I'm very impressed I figured it out. You have no idea how amazing that is.

Impressions:
The ocean is fabulous.
Mexican food is fabulous.
A bubble baths is fabulous.

Life is beautiful here in CA. Plus there are all sorts of people in ridiculous costumes having a halloween festival in the park just across from my room. It's quite a sight. Playboy bunnies with afros and monks wearing brain masks. I don't know what it means, but it's cracking me up. Or maybe it's the margarita.

Margaritas are also fabulous.

Hugs to Heidihug. So sorry to hear that Grandma Heidihug is doing poorly. And hugs to Aussie Girl. I'm waving at you across the pacific, right to the sunshine coast. You should be getting your Hildycookbook soon. It's winging it's way to you as we "speak."

Everyone have a ..... fabulous ... weekend. (What is the word du jour?) I hope you all get your respectively kissed, spanked, drinked, and rocked! And Hildy, I hope you don't get into any trouble, you crazed fan!

Me in pirate costume

I did indeed give a kiss to my work crush - a Hershey's kiss. ;-)

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!

Just checking in. Hope everyone's well. Now gotta get this dang house ready for a party!

I'm so glad that you did stop by, suctionprints. Writing to you was on my list of things to do this little holiday. I hope you are feeling better, and that all your family is doing well. Have a great time at the party tonight. I'm sure it will be.... fabulous (what else?)

Hurray for kisses, the chocolate variety included, Neptune. I love the costume - you look positively Pearl Island-ish. Arg!

Good to see you, suctionprints! Have fun tonight!

Thanks for the photo, neptune42 - and I have to once again commend you for your pixel challenge entries. If anybody hasn't seen them, go to the TV Potluck section and enjoy! VERY often, when I see one that I particularly enjoy and look to see who did it, it's n42.

Hope you're having a great time in CA, yogi, and thanks for the card.

We understand how busy you are, wsd, but stop by when you can.

Hey, heidi - isn't it time for you to come to the Twin Cities for some holiday shopping and carousing? Bring Beep and Squirrel!

I threw my back out the other day and am still in yooge pain, so I can't sit for long. I'll stop back later. Hugs to all.

Yesterday morning, I ran at sunrise with my coach, Kathy, in the park across from my hotel room. The park is a long, thin stretch of grass a palm trees along the ocean. The highlight is the little cove where the seal live. You can walk down and hang out right next to the cute critters. After a nice little run and walk, my coach and I came back and had a healthy breakfast together on the terrace of my room, again overlooking the same little park and ocean beyond. It was the perfect start to the day. We both could have sat there all day, but I had places to go and things to do. I had an appointment for an aromatherapy massage and a plan to visit my favorite little bookstore in town. What a great day!

Thank goodness, I was in bed by sunset, because this morning my idyllic little park has been completely transformed. It is now completely filled with a huge triathlon – athletes, bicycles, volunteers, friends and family. I have literally got the ringside seat to all of this activity from my little deck. I definitely abandoned my plan to run or swim this morning. As a bit of irony, I had on the local news as I was watching the activity, and they had a reporter interviewing Robin Williams just across from me. I feel sort of guilty that I insisted on staying in my favorite room. It’s such a cool room to view the race. It probably should have gone to a racer’s family, but there you have it. I’m very happy to be here.

Little Yogi is with his cousins, all dressed up as a Dementor for the local Halloween Party. I hope you are all having a fabulous day filled with all the sweet things you love!

Babalu, dear one, rest that back, you poor thing. I hate to hear that you are in yoooge pain.

Hi I am here to once again put off studying for this dumb test. Speaking of the way education is structured (well we were a page back or so right?) An eight hour test is just not conducive to so many people. For me, with the laptop, it will be fine. A lot of the older students in my group who are not as tech friendly dread this like a 24 hour flight (hey mate!).

So now that my engagement and such is off and my test and classes are almost completed I am planning a few celebrations. One will take place a week from Saturday when a good guy friend is taking me out. I get to make the plans so you New Yorkers feel free to advise! He is more of a...he is not like me. So although I want something cool restaurant wise and a nice club/bar it will have to meet some of his likes in order for him to be comfortable. He eats pretty much only American-ish food (meat!) and likes bands and big clubs. Any ideas? I will throw some thoughts out later this week when i again am not studying.

Hope your trip was great Yogi and everyone else have a great Halloween!

Hi guys. things have settled a little with Big Little Aussie, though we are still concerned and trying to work our way through it all. Thanks for all the hugs.

Heidihug, hugs to you and your grandma. I hope that she is better soon mate.

Yogi what better way to start the day than breakfast by the ocean? Well, maybe having brekky with Robin Williams! And what a perfect day, aromatherapy massage and a bookshop! Looking forward to getting my Hildy cookbook - thank you! And here's a wave across the Pacific right back atcha!

We spent the weekend up at the Sunshine Coast for the wedding. The wedding was beautiful, the bride (my friend) looked fabulous in a shimmering dress. Everyone got such a huge surprise when they announced they were marrying! It was so lovely to celebrate with them. The venue was almost magical, it had a Balinese theme, with a big pond with lily pads and ducks, and little fairy lights and little bridges. And the food, oh man! Superb! Some of the best food I've ever had.

The resort we stayed in however, was a bit disappointing. It is spread out over about 350 acres, and they have these little apartment blocks spread out among the 9 swimming pools, shops, golf course etc. You have to leave your car in the car park which is miles away, and take a little shuttle which runs every 10 minutes to your apartment or breakfast or wherever you want to go. But it stops running after about midnight, so there we were, dressed to the nines, and having to walk and find our way in the dark and through the mud as it had rained that day. I had three blisters on my feet too. Ouch! So much for my beautiful brand new shoes I bought to go with my designer dress! Anyway, the wedding was lovely and it was nice to share it with them.

Hi Babalu, Suctionprints, Neptune, Hildy, BK, everyone else, and hey mate to Ricci too.

Thanks for the props, Babalu. I have a graphic arts diploma, yet I make my living by being an Excel jockey. The Pixel Challenges allow me to express my warped sense of humour and let my creativity out. I could never do a reality show, because I'd need access to art supplies or Paint Shop Pro.

I'm sending lots of healing vibes for AussieGirl's blisters. Ow ow ow I know the pain!

Hey all! Hope you all had a great Halloween!

I actually had an extremely enjoyable weekend! It got off to a great start when I got to go home two hours early with pay Friday, which meant I got to get a nap in before my ex-roommate's birthday party. She loved the gifts and it was great seeing her again, and a little surprising that for her birthday two years ago, we were living together and she'd just started dating this one fellow architect, and now they're married and their baby girl is walking around on her own! Overall though, it was very much culture clash for me because I was one of the few people who wasn't a 30-something architect or other professional, so while everyone seemed nice enough in a 30-something professional way, it's not like we had a whole lot in common to talk about. I kind of felt like I was at a party with Apprentice candidates or something and rather bored.

Had a much better time at the Halloween party last night thrown by one of my former castmates from the show I was in over the summer. It's just so refreshing to go to a party where you really don't know anyone, and yet everyone is really friendly and easy to talk to so you completely feel like you fit right in...great mix of people! A lot of them seemed to be in a Gilbert & Sullivan repertory company together. And then I took the subway home with this one guy from there and it was rather sweet...I got the impression he thought I was cute but was too shy to actually come out and say it, so he asked if I worked with the hostess on a regular basis and when I said no, so far we'd just done that one show together, and he was like, "Oh. Well, if she has more parties, you'll go, right?" So I just smiled and gave him my card and he was like, "Oh! Cool!" It was so cute! I'm not used to guys being shy around me. Now, in keeping with my "all men are interchangeable until they prove otherwise" philosophy, let's see if he actually contacts me!

What else...got in two great East River powerwalks (possibly the last of the year depending on future weather), did a lot of relaxing and vegging, and saw two guys dressed as the Bowling Moms from The Amazing Race when I went out to a local gay bar later Friday night, which was awesome. And now, since I was out WAAAAAY too late last night, I am dead dead dead dead DEAD. But well worth it!

Hope all your weekends were similarly enjoyable! Oh--and if you haven't checked out the latest Pixel Challenge, run, don't walk. It's on ways to improve Survivor and it's hysterical!

Last Dodo, I thought of you yesterday. I went to see Avenue Q and I was thinking of you through the whole Mix Tape song. Loved the show, by the way, even though three of the principals were out. It probably was Halloween related, so I was a little pissed that they let so many of them have the same day off. I know last year the Kate Monster operator was special correspondent for NY1 at the Halloween parade, so I assume she did it again this year. I guess there is more than one of each puppet. At least John T. was there - he is incredible.

Cool! I love that show. Had you seen it before?

And speaking of songs, I now officially feel old. My boss leaves his radio on the classic rock station and I just heard "Under The Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Classic rock should be stuff from when my parents were in college, not when I was! Get off of my lawn, all of you!

ETA: Completely nonrelated question: have any of you ever used those refillable inkjet printer cartridges where you have to fill them with ink with a syringe? Because they're so much cheaper than the regular ones, which cost an arm and a leg, but if they don't work as well or are too much of a hassle or print unevenly then it's not a bargain, you know?

{crossing fingers this post works} Hi Pumpkinheads! I have tried to post here but there are goblins preventing me from the Market of Meat. Bwah ha ha! Hallow's Eve was good - we went to a party of costumes on Saturday (my Jenna was good, but my roommate's Teresa Heinz Kerry was better). Lots of drink, a few bars & I was done for by 2. Then yesterday was catching up on TV -- I didn't sleep at all Friday, & Saturday was restless even with the DST. Bah.

Good thing - I thought I had a virus on Friday & was freaking & just shut down, went home & poured myself a stiff one. Then today I turned it on, got ready with back up disks awaiting the inevitable & boo yah, she's fine. I must have been more crazy than I thought on Friday.

Glad everyone had good weekends. Now I'm smart & saving this post in word & still crossing fingers....

Hiya!

Okay I first want to give my props to all y'all women out there casue, ow ow ow, I am in so much pain, but I guess that's what happens when you spend about 15 hours in drag, my poor feet well never recover lol, but of course I had a blast and pics well be coming as soon as I can get them develuped and then have some one try and get them on the computer place cause all that crap is beyond me.

The Last Dodo,

Word to that! I was in high school when that came out and refuse to believe that it is classic rock. I mean yeah it is classic but it does not belong on an oldies station just yet.

Well looking forward to later on today and voting. See you all later!

Poor Aussie Girl and Woodlock, both suffering from blisters. I do feel your pain as I have had a long term love - hate relationship with 3 inch heels. They look so pretty and they hurt so bad. Though it does sound like you both had excellent weekends (with both of you looking lovely in your respective ensembles.) Can't wait to see the photos.

I'm glad that your computer is virus free, skagirl. That's a good end to a good weekend. I'm sure you and roommate made quite the political pair, regardless of political affiliation.

Have fun voting, BK. I remember my first vote. It was for x2rblke8v. Or, you could call it "classic" voting.

I have never used a syringe to fill a printer, [p]Last Dodo[/b]. It sounds messy. Really, really messy.

I have been thinking about restaurants for your celebration, Ricci, but I tend more toward fish than meat. Also, how fancy or expensive do you want to go? Is all ethnic out, or would he enjoy Italian? These are important questions to consider while blowing off studing for the big test. Best of luck to you!!!

Today, I went swimming. My coach changed one little movement on my stroke, and now I am deeply sore. My lats, my lats, my lats. Ugh. However, I'm swimming faster and cleaner than I ever have in my life, so I guess it's worth it. Right?!?

It was my first time seeing Avenue Q, although I've seen It Sucks To Be Me performed in person twice and at least two other times on TV. I think I knew all the words to that song before I went.

80 minutes on line to vote this morning - go democracy!

Hey everyone. It sounds like you all had pretty fun Halloweekends, blisters and all.

My weekend was a lot of fun. Friday, our friends came into town, and we all worked on our costumes, went up to the hottub on our roof, and drank until early in the morning. Saturday, we all went to the Queen Mary (a retired cruise ship) Halloween fright fest thing, but that sort of sucked. It was $40 for a bunch of cheesy mazes, but I did get scared a few times, so that was okay. Some of the other people we were with were freaking out and screaming at the top of their lungs, so that made it a bit more fun too. I was hoping for some dancing and debauchery, but there wasn't very much of that at all, so in all, I was disappointed.

Sunday was awesome. We all finished our costumes, and we went out to the West Hollywood parade. Our group costume was AWESOME; pics will come soon. We were the Mario Brothers crew, and we had Mario, Luigi, both princesses (Peach and Daisy), Yoshi, Wario, and I was Toad. Since our costumes were made almost entirely of felt, we looked like we'd just stepped out of a cartoon. We could not walk 10 steps without people wanting to take our picture. I felt like a celebrity. People were honking their horns at us from their cars, flashing pictures of us, and one dude even ran across the street to take our picture, and got chastised by a cop for jaywalking! It was AWESOME.

And then, after we were done strolling through the street, we went to a couple of bars in WeHo. I got so drunk (way too many Irish Car Bombs), I actually left my ATM card at the last bar we were at, and forgot to close out my tab! I had to call the bar yesterday, and then drive back to sign my tab and get my card. Embarrassing, to say the least. I was paying for my Halloween revelry all day yesterday, and then I had to do grades and comments for my students. I'm running on about 6 hours of sleep in 2 nights, so I'm passing out once I get home this afternoon. And then, off to an Election Night party! No rest for the weary, I guess.

Keep all of your fingers crossed today!

Yogi we forgot to take our camera to the wedding, which is a shame, as we both looked pretty damned good! It's not often I can get Mr Aussie dressed up like that. But a friend at the wedding did take some, so hopefully I can get hold of them and email them.

My sister left early this morning for New York. She'll be making her speech at the UN on Saturday.

wasim I totally know the Mario Brothers characters you mentioned here, thanks to Big Little Aussie and his Nintendo!

And BTW, fingers are crossed over here too, I'm watching the election coverage as I type.

Hi! Hope everybody's Halloween was a blast! I sure had fun. Went to a football game, sat at home Saturday, and carved pumpkins and played with my new dog on Sunday.
His name is Eddie, he's six years old and so, so hyper! He's a Jack Russell Terrier and is so smart! A family friend was getting rid of him because they just had a baby (so cute!) and poor little Eddie was getting ignored and barking and waking up Remy (their little girl). So he stayed for the weekend as a trial visit to see if he fit in and got along with the cat (which he did). Eddie is so well-trained! He knows how to close doors (open locked ones too), play fetch, go to his bed, go to sleep, and he is just great at listening to people. If you tell him to leave something alone, he will. The only downside is... he knocks over garbage cans. And there is nothing to do to stop him. But he is just so darn cute! Sigh...
wassim, you krazy teacher! Heehee, I know, if only your students knew what you were really like, eh?
Oh man, AussieGirl and Woodlock! I remember when I wore heels for the very first time, when I was 11. The only piece of advice my dad gave me: "Don't walk like a trucker." Thanks, Dad, thanks a mil.
Yogi, how long are you in California?
Did everyone (who could) vote?! Vote! Vote you crazy hooligans! Wait..I guess only people in the West Coast can still vote....Jeez that whole time thing just messes me up. Still...VOTE!

Hey Pinki, how are you mate? I keep forgetting to say hi to you! As for the voting, the US election has been followed here like never before, as is the case all over the world, according to my overseas friends. I really hope that the US, and the entire world, choose a more peaceful path from here on, no matter who wins the presidency.

And BTW, I can't believe you know someone with the name Remy! It's been my favourite name for about 25 years! I always said that when I had a girl, I would name her Remy. Of course, I then went on to have 2 boys, and I even considered naming them Remy, but Mr Aussie wouldn't hear of it (spoilsport!).

Well, gotta go get the 2 said boys in bed! Goodnight!

The only question is: For an extended (say, 4 years) visit, which would be better, Oz or Canada?

Heh. Exactly. Between this and all the gay marriage outlawing, can we just make "It Sucks To Be Me" my official theme song for the day?

Whew. I took a peak over the edge of the MM on the Lost thread, and I was practically burned by the vitriol being cast about. I am retreating here to the Surv MM which is much friendlier.

[political aside] Those who are disappointed in the (very preliminary) election results and are moaning that they want to move to Canada and don't know how they can possibly live through the next 4 years? Please, now you know how others of us felt 8 years ago. [/political aside]

Aussie, I am thrilled with the high voter turnout here. Many of my friends who I know voted opposite of me made sure to go to the polls and I was very proud of them. That's what the process is about - the freedom to vote - or not - and the freedom to vote for whom you want.

Well I was at my local Democratic Party convention type thingy, and I think there was like 30+ People there so whoo hoo! We probably not all the votes are in just yet, but got our State Rep, and a county judge so not too bad for the red dominating area known as Wichita Falls.

Canada! You can still drive back and see family. Plus we have hockey and good beer.

I was going to try to avoid typing about politics today because I'm quite upset and confused and frustrated on so many levels. When did an election turn into such a three-ring circus, with people's votes thrown out or "challenged"? I think I'm making myself physically sick over this.

I'm really upset about the gay marriage ammendment passing in so many states. I don't understand when we've made so many strides in other areas & used to be considered the home of equality & tolerance that something so hateful could be passed. If people are so concerned with the decline of the American "family", in what way is this going to solve it? What is the rationale in telling my friends and loved ones they can't be married?

Well, whatever side you're on, it's official. Kerry just conceded.

And word, skagirl.

And Tim Horton's! Plus, a very good singer named Remy Shand. ;-)

Well, but no hockey right now, sadly. And what's this I hear about pouring cheese curds on perfectly good french fries?

I figure I'm going to get through the next four years by having an astonishingly vibrant fantasy life, so if you see me writing about the palm trees in my Minnesota back yard or the fact that I ate all my leftover Hallowe'en candy and still lost ten pounds, you'll know why. Like most places, there was a huge turnout here, but we apparently timed it right. We left work early and there was only one person ahead of us when we arrived. Of course, nobody I voted for won, as usual. That's what I get for living in the suburbs.

Amazon said they're shipping Hildy's book to me next week - there's something to look forward to!

Oooh, I want to live in your fantasy life too, Babalu's. I like the idea of loosing 10 pounds after eating all my candy. That sounds most excellent and satisfying.

What is a cheese curd? Is it anything like cottage cheese? It sounds repulsive. Though I do enjoy fries with many various condiments including Belgian mayonaise, ketsup, French mustard, and Greek diner gravy. Oh a fry is a wonderful thing.

As far as voting day is concerned, I'm proud y'all got out the vote. Good job, Meet Marketers! I was on the front page of my college newspaper many years ago registering folks to vote. I still believe it's so important.

wasimmerdude,You hav some guts going on the Queen Mary. I remember hearing that it was haunted. And when my family went out to California we went to see the Queen Mary and I cried (I was 10 years old) because I was afraid that the ghost were going to get me.

As far as politics goes my father once told me two subjects that you do not talk about in public are religion and politics. I will say this I am not happy with the Southern States and in America as a whole. This is a sad day for the U.S.

I am not gay and I know only two openly gay men. However, I just feel that it is an injustice to not allow homosexual men and women the right to have their marriages recognized.

Well I better get off my political soapbox before a Mod warns me again (I got warned on the Real World Forum for comments on the War on Iraq).

So hopefully we can all endure four more years and then maybe the gray skies will clear up.

BK it's a sad day not only for the USA, but for the rest of the world too. The reaction here has been one of utter astonishment, and disbelief. Some of the reports in the paper included such statements as "cannot understand what would lead Americans to perpetuate the disaster of the last 4 years" and "much of the international community is astonished at what it sees as the bad judgement of the American electorate, and will be confirmed in their sense that they are from Earth and the Americans from some other planet". Well, I wouldn't go that far, but the feeling here, and according to my friends in many other countries, is just a general sense of sadness, mixed with bewilderment. And a sense of desperately trying to understand.

Ska we've been hearing too about the challenged and thrown out votes. A letter to the editor reads: "It is astonishing that when the US, the world's leading democracy encourages its citizens to vote, it cannot provide a uniform system with sufficient capacity". We Aussies just cannot understand how votes can be lost, thrown out or challenged. Here voting is compulsory, when you are 18 you must register, and if you do not vote and have no reasonable excuse, you are fined. Our electorate system is different to yours too, I have tried my best to understand how yours works. But luckily, here we don't seem to have lost, thrown out or challenged votes. Not yet, anyway.

The main thing I cannot understand is this: just about everyone I know in the US, (and that's many, many people, given I have been going there since 1981 and lived there) and most of the people on internet boards I post on, wanted to see a new President. That's about 95%, and even allowing for people who changed their minds etc, let's say the figure was above 80%. What I want to know is, if the 80% is indicative of how many in the US feel, how did this happen? I absolutely respect people's choice in voting for who they feel is the best person, I am just wanting to understand. You all know how I love your country so much, I consider it my second home, and Mr Aussie and our children are Americans too.

I guess we have to look at the good things that came out of all this - for one, that many millions more people were inspired to exercise their right to vote. And that maybe, despite our differences, we can find a way to reconcilliation not only in the US, but also in the world. So congratulations to Dubya, and let's all go for peace and move forward from here on.

So anyway, the one bright spot in my day - Hildy's cookbook arrived today! Yeah!!! A million thank yous Yogi!. What an amazing book. I particularly like the recipe on page 45, Yogi's Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks! And on page 46, is "Basic Potato Skins" (you may recall how I have shared with you how much I lurve potato skins) and the next page, Quesadillas (Mr Aussie loves them) so I can't wait to try the recipes out, starting with those three. Superb job Hildy, and your brother. And poor Mr Hildy, having to try out all those recipes, heh. Lucky man! Yogi I've sent a little thank you, something quite Australian, to you via my sister. She will give them to your assistant, so look out for that and enjoy!

And Hildy Oz or Canada? Right now I'd be inclined to say neither, and go for New Zealand!

Here's to blue skies.

Aussiegirl , glad you liked it! We did have fun writing it, but I think you might want to add a few things to the potato skins. I am not a minimalist when it comes to 'skins.
Okay, New Zealand it is! I've always wanted to go there.

So this morning my husband and I were talking about something as we got ready to head our separate ways. HildyGirl was sitting on the ground under our little bar counter area, cutting up a piece of paper with her kid's scissors, an activity she enjoys. Well, I looked down just in time to see her snip a one-inch cut into the placket of my lovely Eileen Fisher boiled wool jacket, which was hanging on the bar chair (Lesson to me: HANG UP COATS immediente.) And she completely did it on purpose, because she'd already had a conversation with her Grandma about how one should not cut clothing (Last week at Grammie's house she wanted to cut a hole in her dress.)
I was flabbergasted, and it showed. I gasped loudly and said, "FULL NAME IN CAPITAL LETTERS, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
At any rate, she didn't even wait for me to tell her, but went right upstairs to her room.
I waited till Mr. Hildy and HildyBoy went out the door and went and chatted with her. I was wondering if she was just curious about what it felt like to cut cloth, but upon further reflection, I also think she did it because she wanted my attention. Well, she got it.
Poor girl really was horrified by what she'd done--she was clearly remorseful, and at this point, I was trying hard not to laugh. We sat and talked about it. I really didn't know what to do for punishment. I don't want to say no sweets or TV, because I don't want to elevate those things, and I don't want to deprive her of books, either. Here's what I came up with: She is banned from using scissors for a week, and because I don't get to wear something I really enjoy wearing, neither does she. No dresses for a week. In fact, she had to change into pants this morning. She was very good about her punishment, but I'm still kind of floored by the whole thing. I mean, the kid is no dope. She knew exactly how to hit me where it hurts most--my wardrobe!

You are such a good mom, Hildy. I think it showed great restraint not to clock Hildy Girl, but your actual punishment was absolutely reasonable and creative. I think coming down hard on a child that is already remorseful is often counter-productive. One week without dresses and scissors seems just right.

I'm so glad the book made it all the way around the world, Aussie Girl! I must confess, when I sent it off, I wondered how many weeks, months, or years it would take to arrive. Oh my heck, you live a long way away! Anyway, I think the book is great too. The veggie section is my favorite, but your dinner sounds scrumptious indeed. Yum.

I met two of my goals this week - I ran a new distance and I climbed a hard hill without needing to stop. I've also done really hard swimming workouts every day. I'm very, very proud of myself. I love my coach!!! Seriously, she is so good at what she does. I can't believe anyone could get me to run (It's a miracle,) much less love it.

I didn't know the Queen Mary is haunted. How interesting. I remember in grade school we used to do this thing in front of the mirror in the girls bathroom. We would turn out the lights by sticking a hairpin into the switch (They had these crazy special switches. It's amazing we didn't get electrocuted.) Then, in the dark, we would repeat "I believe in Bloody Mary" in these seplecural voices three times as we turned in circles. Then, we would look in the mirror and supposedly see Bloody Mary. In fact, we were sure we did. Did any of you do anything like that, or perhaps I went to school with a group of psychotic girls in dresses? Heh. Maybe.

I can't wait for my Australian treat. I wish Aussie-Sis and I were not missing each other. I'm looking forward to meeting her soon!

I was too scared to do "Bloody Mary" but my friends did. I was also too scared to do the "levitation" thingy. I was a skerdy kat kid.

Hildy, those punishments are very reasonable & it sounds effective. I remember the one time I did something which warranted punishment --my mom didn't speak to me the whole ride home and then asked me to stand in my room until she'd calm down. She was (& is) one of my biggest supporters & there weren't really time outs & no spankings so for me, I was devastated. I was around 7, so 20 years later I still recall that. Ugh.

When are you forced to return to the land of rain & no sun after 5 pm, Yogi?

Hildy, those punishments sound sound entirely reasonable and clever, and I think they're very fair and fitting. I'm impressed with how calm and restrained you were able to be.

yogi, congrats on reaching your two goals! I should totally be more active, but I'm too lazy. It's sad, actually. I need someone to whip me into shape, too.

Aussie, I often forget and take for granted the fact that I live in such a heavily democratic and liberal city, and that there are many, many people who probably have wildly differing views from mine. I'm also young, and am a teacher, both groups which tend to be on the liberal side, so I think that almost compounds it for me.

BK, I totally hear you as well. I don't claim to be very well versed in politics, and I often get too frustrated to remain calm, so I usually shy away from political speech. I was actually a theology major in college and am quite religious, but if I can say so myself, I can talk about religion in a rather delicate and diplomatic way. I guess bottom line is tolerance and trying to be understanding. I only wish that I could talk about politics in the same way, but unfortunately, I get too emotionally invested, so I can't.

I forgot that the Queen Mary was haunted. Honestly, though, nothing about that night was really that scary except the fact that we'd shelled out $40 for it.

I'd totally heard of the "Bloody Mary" thing, but was always too scared to try it. I've heard of another mirror trick, too: sit in a pitch dark room in front of a mirror, and place a candle underneath your face. Apparently, the flickering from the candle allows your true countenance to appear. Probably just more weird than scary.

Oh, and as promised, here is a picture of my group's halloween costumes. It's a pretty grainy shot, and it's so cheesy that we posed in front of a retaurant called Mario's, but what the hey. I'm second from the right. It was an awesome night - we got stopped so many times to snap photos with people at the parade.

Hildy, I think you rock, not just as a cook, but as a mum too! You dealt with Hildygirl's little scissors escapade in the best possible way you could have. Me, I think I would have done the usual, no Playstation or TV without giving much thought to other options. And BTW re the potato skins, I'm going to have guacamole, bacon, cheese and sour cream with them, just like I had the very first time I tried them in the US. Or maybe some Ranch dressing, I can buy that here now, rather than having to rely on friends and relatives in the US sending it to me.

Hooray for Yogi meeting goals! Good job, mate! You must be feeling so fit. I didn't know the Queen Mary was haunted either, and the only thing I know about Bloody Mary's is that they are drinks, heh.

Great pic, Wasim, the Marios at Mario's! I can totally see why everyone wanted to get photographed with you all! My son would have just looooooved to meet you all!

Hi Ska, Babalu, BK, Dodo, and everyone else.

BTW, has anyone heard from Samina? It's been ages since she posted here. Didn't some of you meet her at a TWoP Con? I miss her. I wonder what happened to her. I remember she was trying out for Survivor 10. You don't think....? Hmmm.... now that's got me intrigued.

Wasim that is too awesome for words :)

Yogi, I'm glad things are going good for you up in Cali, excersize is one of those things I wish I could do cause I know I need it but I'm just too lazy for and I have not found anyone to force me at gun point yet.

It's starting to get cold and I don't like it, it only got into the lower sixtys today (ducks objects thrown from those of whom actually experiace cold weather). So as you see unfortunatly I cannot move to Canada which I would love to do for a little bit, becuase of my wussiness to the cold.

Thanks for putting it so thoughtfully. Kerry won Wisconsin, which many people where I live find horrifying. If not for Dane County, which is the home of the "Berkley of the Midwest" U of WI, Bush would have taken Wisconsin by over 100,000 votes. And that includes the traditionally Democratic Milwaukee County.

I understand your interest in the election, considering that your husband and children are US citizens, Aussie. Something that the rest of the world needs to understand is that we are quite the independent thinking bunch here in the US, and most of what the world sees in the US media is generated on the East and West coasts. They are most definitely NOT the concensus views of us here in the "Heartland". We are not stupid, sheep-like or brainwashed, or any of the other things which are being said. We are generally thoughtful, well-educated and care VERY much what happens to our country. I do not want to get into a debate about politics, but what y'all see on the web is definitely skewed toward the liberal side of things, which is in the (thoughbeit by what may be a relatively small margin) minority here in the US.

I think a lot of people do see us that way & don't consider all of us ignorant. What concerns them (and this is from my convos with people overseas) is that to they, who have access to a wide variety of news sources, don't see the candidate who won as a reflection of America's ideals for over 200 years & thus are confused and angered. They read in speeches and saw on film someone who lied over & over, who speaks in terms of God and higher power. If a child lies, they are punished, and they don't understand why someone who lied was given the power to serve America and the world. They see (or saw) us as a place of religious freedom and tolerance, and now see America with extreme views on Christianity and intolerance for other religions. They have become much more tolerant about GLQT rights, while we take steps further & further back. And most of them have a much wider range of new sources than us, with partisan news dominating our options. A lot of them wanted to reach out & help after 9/11 and now see a very different place than the one they admired and held in esteem. I haven't seen the news as liberal and have been told for the last 72 hours that I am not moral -- it's scary for me, and I understand the confusion of our friends, allies and enemies overseas.

ska, I believe the winning candidate is reflective of the majority (51%) of Americans' ideals. I think that citizens of other countries should expend their energies on shaping their communities and governments instead of telling those of us in the US who voted for President Bush that we are wrong, and are ignorant or stupid or intolerant because we do not agree with their take on our political views. I would never presume to tell the citizen of another country how to vote. Or criticize them for voting the way they do.

The Democratic party used to be known for its inclusiveness; that is no longer the case. I vocally support gay marriage, but have never been criticized or been called immoral for this by any member of the local Republican party leadership - I have, in fact, been welcomed. On the other hand, Democrat party leaders (I work with some) repeatedly scorn me when I voice my support for the war, hunting rights, or property tax relief. It's perplexing.

And, no matter what your political views or where you are from, I value everyone's opinion here at the MM. Civil discourse, no matter the subject, is wonderful. And part of what makes America what it is.

I was speaking historically - a place of freedom, equality, forward thought, tolerance - why so many have come to our shores.

As sad as I am about the presidential election result, I think the gay marriage referendum result makes me sadder. If there had been a nationwide referendum on allowing interracial marriage in 1960 or 1950, I wonder what the result would have been. And are hard core racists more against gay marriage than interracial marriage? What year are we going to be able to look back on 2004 and wonder, what were all those people so afraid of?

I remembered where I heard about the Queen Mary being haunted it was on that show hosted by the late great Robert Stack.

As far as the Bloody Mary thing goes, I have heard about that as well. I never would try it though just in case it is true. Much like saying Candyman in the mirror three times ( I know I know it was just a movie but even so...).

My opinion is this their are good members of the GOP and their are good members of the Democratic Party ( In fact Rhode Island has a Governor and Seator who are both part of the GOP and I think that they do a good job). I just happen to think all of what Bush and his Vice President are doing is wrong. Hell I would say I am much more conservative than I am liberal. However, President Bush is just not doing the job. Would Kerry have done a better job? I am not sure but I would have loved to see him have his shot. All I know is with Bush my life has the chance of getting worse and has gotten worse over the last four years.

I graduated college four years ago and I can not find a job anywhere because of the terrible economy. So I work part-time at a supermarket (a job with which it hate). And there are many other reasons which I will not go on in here.

However, only time will tell and maybe President Bush will be better these next four years.

I think that citizens of other countries pay more attention to what goes on in the US that we do in reverse, and shame on us for being so oblivious. But, that said, they kind of have to pay attention to us. We are one of the global gorillas and every time we flex a muscle or scratch an itch, it has global reverberations. So yes, they pay attention, b/c what we do in many ways directly affects them.

As far as the gay marrige thing goes, I actually understand it, because growing up in a christian home, I still am a Christian by the way, I was taught that homosexuality is wrong and it is in the Bible, unlike interracial marriges which people against that are just plain dumb, I think that a lot of people that just goes against their every beilive as it did mine untill I relized that I myself was gay, and it did take me a while to adjust to that, and my mom is actually still adjusting to it to this day, so I guess what I'm getting at is that for a lot of people it is a moral thing, and most of them don't really know unless it happens to them or some one close to them.

In lighter news I shave to day whoo hoo! baby butt soft ;)

Heidihug please be assured that I don't think for a moment that you, or anyone who voted for Bush, are wrong, stupid, intolerant or ignorant, even if I can't understand why. I never said you are sheep-like or brainwashed. Everyone has the right to vote however they choose. That is what it is all about. What I was doing was letting you and everyone else in the MM know the general feeling and confusion about the results both here in Australia and in many other countries.

And just so you know, I am not just interested in US politics merely because I am married to an American and have two children with American citizenship. I am interested because firstly, I live on this planet, just like you, and as Hildy said in her post below, I have to be interested (and sometimes concerned). Because the US is the world's superpower, it's actions sometimes directly or indirectly impact the lives of millions of people living in places other than the US. It has also been my experience, as ska said, that people living outside the US have access to far more more news and information about events in the world. At times when I have lived in the US, I have felt starved of news of other countries. It seemed that in newspapers and on TV 99% of news was only about the US, and I was starting to wonder if the rest of the world had somehow ceased to exist. In fact I ended up getting my mother to post Australian newspapers to me on a weekly basis, just so that I could hear what was happening in other parts of the world. I was stunned at how little Americans generally knew about other countries. I guess what people around the world are feeling is that given their sense of how little Americans know about other countries, will Americans care about how their foreign policies impact peoples of other nations?



That's just my point - it is not only what makes America what it is. There is an entire world out there.



I'm glad to hear you feel that way. But it seems your president has other ideas. He told us on TV who we should vote for - saw it with my very own eyes. While many were outraged, his comments didn't worry me - he has a right to his opinion like everybody else, and I was voting for who I wanted regardless of his views.

Anyway, Heidihug it is not my intention here to offend you or anyone else. I am truly sorry that you have been scorned by Democratic party leaders (and I am also sure that many Democrats would say they too have been on the receiving end of the same from Republicans). I think that sucks. I like you as a person, respect your beliefs and values even if I don't agree with them, and enjoy reading your posts. I am also big enough to congratulate George W Bush on his win, and hope and pray that he will use his power responsibly. I think what the world needs to do now is to put aside our differences and work together. And to remember that we all inhabit the same Earth.

This week sucked. An important Twin Cities rock club closed, my dad went back into the hospital, stupid job really pissed me off, a friend suddenly went blind in one eye and her sight hasn't returned, another friend took seriously ill on Saturday on his way to my party, and oh yeah, I wasn't all that excited about the outcome of the election on the national level. (Statewide, it's good news for Transit and my stupid job.)

But, hey! Here's some TWoPcon photos from a happier time. I'll post some Halloween party photos when I have a little more time this weekend.

The sun is shining here. It has been the weirdest, warmest fall. Looks like I'm going to be able to plant garlic for next year. And get to go see "The Incredibles" today. And tonight I'm going to see Giand Sand with a good friend. I will need a couple of beers, I think.