Woodland Optical Ilusions

These were taken over Thanksgiving break. I found them on my ArtShare picture quest. Let me know what you think they look like!

Frankenstein Cyclops screaming at the avenging villagers.

Evard Munsch-like face screaming.

Heart lying on it's side or a just baked acorn squash half (with plenty of butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar!).

Ostrich eye and beak maybe? Or a duck profile?

My nod to Easter Island's statues.

I don't know, it could be so many things, I just like to look at it.

Cookies Galore!

I, the Queen of Multi-Tasking, made my father cookies for his birthday while simultaneously watching Prison Break’s “Fall Finale”, keeping the cats from any and all ingredients, making my own late dinner and eating it, and cleaning up after everything. I also managed to fit in both household products (at Target) and food (at the grocery) shopping trips after work. Bow down before my immense multi-taskingness!!

Here are some pics of the fabulous GingerSnapless and Molasses Cookies I made for my dad. YUM!! My co-workers got to nibble on all the ones that didn’t fit in the container for my dad. I certainly hope my dad likes them; there was much effort on my part. You can find the recipe below the pics. Sorry they are blurry, I had to run interference and my hands were gooky.

GingerSnapless and Molasses Cookies

Sift together:
6 cups of flour
2 Tsp Baking Soda
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
¾ tsp cloves (powdered or crushed)
¾ tsp ginger powder

Cream together:
2 ½ cups of sugar
2 ¼ cups shortening
3 eggs

Mix them together and add ¾ cup of molasses.
Work with hands.
Roll 1 inch balls.
Roll balls in sugar.
Put on cookie sheet 2 inches or so apart, they do spread a bit.
350* for 12 minutes, a tad more if you like super-crunchy.

Sorry Dad, Doodle and Moomin managed to lick a few of the done cookies and some of the to-be-cooked cookies. But I am not giving you those, I already ate them!

The Celebrations, Trials, and Tribulations of Being a MommiCat

1) I find that despite repeated crashings into walls and windows with his head, Moomin retains his native intelligence and showed me that he understands “cause and effect”. This is evidenced by his batting a mirrored ball in a sunny window this long weekend. After batting the ball, he chased the moving light dots (I didn’t say he was the sharpest tool in the box, but he’s not the dullest tool either by any means). Once the mirrored ball ran out of turning and swinging power, he ZOOMED up the couch, gave the ball another bat, and proceeded to chase light dots in crazy-man mode. He did this as long as the sun was coming thru at the right angle. Once the dots were gone, he was all done with the game.

2) The trio of furry goodness had turkey goodness for a special treat Thursday night. My mother saves me the “oysters” of the turkey for them. They loved it. Moomin was initially hesitant but once he saw how the others were chowing down, he followed suit.

3) They got two days of sunbeamin’ in and got nice and toasty!

4) I woke up Sunday morning to find that one of my cats (and my money is on Moomin) had dined on 4-5 inches of synthetic yarn that was attached to the rafters and to a toy (the toy was on the floor with a yarn segment missing). So now I’m on “poop’n’butt patrol” to make sure everything comes out okay.

5) I discovered over the long weekend that both my boys also have feline acne. I already knew Doodle did and she has been on the Kitty Stridex regimen for 3 weeks so far. Hobbes has a very bad case and Moomin’s is relatively light. Both Doodle and Hobbes’ chins are a mess. I thought Doodle’s was getting better so Murphy’s Law decided to step in and prove me wrong. I washed 3 kitty chins with Kitty Stridex last night. That was an adventure and a half. Doodle is used to the routine, pissed off, but used to it. I "burritoed" her up in a towel and that helped. She mellowed out some during the drying process when I shook the treat container in front of her (my mom’s idea, worked, thanks Mom!). Hobbes on the other hand, you would have thought I was trying to braid his whiskers, poke needles in his eyes, or jam a horse pill down his throat. I tried to “burrito” him up. That didn’t work too well. We finally compromised on a position that was truly funny. He was facing me pushing me away with his paws and I was holding him by the neck and shoulders, pushing him towards me. It was good for chin cleaning tho. I found he is missing quite a patch of fur on the right side of his chin. Poor baby. Well, the Kitty Stridex regimen has begun for him. I hope it helps. He does love the treat afterwards! I thought Moomin was going to give me a hard time. He was very well behaved and unsure of the treat. But then he decided he liked it enough to want to take Doodle’s place when it was her turn. I had to shoo him away. It’s lucky that he loves water! I hope it keeps going well with him. We’ll see.

An A-HA! Moment

-- Carsickness is caused by confusion in the brain over whether your body is in
motion or at rest. "There are several factors that contribute," says Dr. Karen
Belson, assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University Medical School in
Atlanta. "If the eyes see that you're moving but the body's pressure receptors
-- like your butt -- tell your central nervous system that you're stationary,
the brain can't process this input." – Excerpt taken from an article on
msn.com

Now it all becomes crystal clear… I get carsick because my brain and my butt are in mortal combat! My butt is interfering my brain’s ability to process. Nice.

I also found out recently that your gut has “a brain” of sorts, a collection of neurons, which is why we experience cravings, avoid certain foods, and have issues.

It’s an inner conspiracy. The organs are revolting, the organs are revolting! Save the cheerleader! Save the bodily universe!

What I Am Thankful For...

I’m thankful both my parents are alive and that I live near enough so I can get a parental infusion of unconditional love, support, and assistance when needed.

I’m thankful my brother hasn’t fallen into the ocean and that we have a great sibling relationship.

I’m thankful my Grampa is doing so well health-wise and has two people who regularly check up on him, do the heavier work he’s not able to do, and spend the holiday day days with him.

I’m thankful for my three furry felines who brighten my days, fill my ears with purring and growling, look forward to my homecoming, and comfort me when I’m sick or feeling down.

I’m thankful for my bevy of friends, who refuse to allow me to sink into hermithood and who provide me with a profusion of loving friendship.

I’m thankful for my home which is full of the things I love. Every time I come home, I feel wrapped up in comfort and safety, surrounded by books, cats, and family and friend mementos (pictures, furniture, gifts, etc).

I’m thankful for my health, things can go out of whack every now and again, but the basic foundation of healthiness is solid.

I’m thankful for having a job that interests me and provides me with a level of security income-wise.

I’m thankful for my car that’s bright red and tooting along just fine.

I’m thankful for my caseload, they provide me the opportunities to stretch my mind and be creative as well as providing me the outlet for being helpful.

I’m thankful for the ability to learn new things. I may resist the effort, but I appreciate the results and added knowledge.

A Triplet of Couplets

I may be physically alone
But my head is holding one hell of a party.


Hindsight is a cursed gift
The human race is blessed with.


I watched you romance the truth
When it had already fucked with me.

Small Poems, Big Ideas

There is emotional dust
Covering the memories of you
No matter how hard I try
I cannot remove the residue


If I cried in front of you
You would get drunk off my tears
Each tear is 100 proof
And everclear


Desiring
Once attained
Changed

Wanted to Share a Blast from the Past

I just wanted to share a picture that reminded me of the superfun times I had with my friend J! We always were up to something. That's her hand by the way! We're playing "Asshole" and I'm it coz I'm wearing the beer hat. Asshole always wears the beer hat, low man on the totem pole of levels in this game. "President" was the highest. If you are wondering what "Asshole" is, it's a drinking card game and for the life of me I can't remember the rules. I seem to recall they were pretty complex for a drinking game, but once we got rolling, it was actually tons of fun. My nose is red because we were on a two-day white water rafting trip. Can you say cold October water? I knew that you could and yes we were crazy. But we wanted the "big release" day and we got it in spades. Raft overturned and everything. My happy ass needed to be hauled in the boat by the back of my sweater because I popped up looking in the opposite direction of the raft (with my sunglasses still on because they were bungee-corded tightly to my face!) and all I kept thinking about was "nose and toes, nose and toes, and hold onto the oar for God's sake". Nose and toes coz you wanted them pointed upwards so nothing got caught in the rocks (you know, for the safety factor) and you had to pay for the damn oar if you lost it. Ah, those were the days. Can't say I miss the danger factor of some of the things we did...

To the Exclamation Point (!!!)

1) BORDERS is open! BORDERS is open!! Books galore! 5 minute ride to get there! Two bookstores in same area! Books! I think I’m going to overdose!

2) New clothes! I got some fabulous clothes at the Eddie Bauer Outlet this weekend! I wanted to use my 20% off coupon but the Outlet doesn’t take it! So I used the 10% off stamped thingie instead!

3) I ate a real 100% red meat hamburger this weekend (well-well done of course)! With a fried egg and bacon and lettuce and cheese and mayo on it! Called the Royal Red Robin! RED meat! No usual after-effects!

4) Got a letter telling me that my “internal” doctor is leaving and I have my choice of two unknown female doctors! Gonna call about that! I hate change! Talked to my mom and she comforted me and gave me a good idea! I love my mom!

5) My dad is now working closer to home! No more scary 1-2 hour drives to work and home in the dark or bad weather conditions! He doesn’t have to spend huge amounts of money on gas anymore! And if we see something at the store and tell him about it, he gets 10% discount! I love my dad!

6) I woke up in the wee small hours of Sunday morning with a killer migraine that felt like the back of my head was going to explode! Took some Aleve! I love Aleve! Because my head still felt “fragile” later Sunday morning, I didn’t go to the beach to take ArtShare pics! BUMMER!

7) So I spent the day in the Chair of Death with three very concerned and warm and fuzzy and loving and purry cats! I napped! I read! I had something for lunch that very much disagreed with me! Fragile head and stomach cramps! What a combo!

8) Woke up Monday morning (today) still feeling head fragile! But got to work anyway! Feeling better! Although I am experiencing some computer rage right at this very moment!

9) 3 day work week!

10) 4 day weekend!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Memo To Cats

Re: Potty Time

Moomin, Doodle, and Hobbes:

As your delightful and bend-over-backwards owner, I understand curiosity is a defining factor of the feline nature. I understand that when I leave a room, you MUST come and seek me out to make sure I am still present and accounted for. I totally get that you love me unconditionally unless I am doing something directly opposed to your wants like taking you to the vet, clipping your claws, or washing your chin with Kitty Stridex using a toothbrush to get to your skin under the fur.

As your owner, I have certain responsibilities outside the realm of providing you breakfast, dinner, and the coveted bedtime snack. I also do more than amuse you with my blonde human antics. I need to “scoop the poop” to keep your unflushable toilet clean and fresh for your use. One: to keep you from using other parts of our home as a urinal and Two: to prevent illnesses that can result from dirty litter boxes.

I make sure I do this at a time when none of you are using the litter boxes. I give you your privacy to make with the evacuations. I expect the same in return.

I’m a girl who values her privacy and I’m feeling like I am back in college with the group bathrooms. Having all three of you roaming in and out of the bathroom when I am otherwise engaged, is not flying with me. Especially trying to get behind the toilet, eating terry cloth strings hanging from my robe which you created by jumping on me after my shower, dumping over the trash to make used Kleenexes into jerry-rigged toys, and attempting to climb the shower curtain.

I don’t hover over you while you are digging to China and I would appreciate if you would leave me the fuck alone when I am trying to do what I need to do.

Having said this, I know in my heart-of-hearts you are going to completely disregard my memo and continue on your merry way of irritating the piss out of me. No pun intended.

Respectfully submitted by:
Your owner who is having her last nerve jumped on.

ArtShare - Out w/ Old, In w/ New

Well, I just visited an elementary school and what I saw there has made me chuck my original ArtShare plans for my 3 people!!

I am going to do what I saw up on their hallway walls!! It's the coolest thing ever and I can totally personalize for each person. Whooo hoo!!!

JJM Handcrafted: you may end up with a few cats too. I made one yesterday and discovered I have to do one a day coz by the second cat I've lost the oomph and it ends up a big mess!

Yippee for ideas!!!

Brain Update

My doctor called me on Saturday. Yes, he called me on the weekend so I knew it wasn't "an all clear" call. He said the doctor that reads the MRI discovered what may be a little abnormal magnetic resonance and they would like me to have a Contrast MRI done to see if it is anything. I liked how my doctor put it. "We're not sure what it is at this time and we're obligated to follow up with it." Let's just hope my insurance company agrees with the proactive approach.

Rainy Grey November Day

It's a grey and dreary day in November today. So was yesterday but I was able to stay in my PJs, read all day, nap with the cats, and had nothing scheduled. The Best. Today is not the best weather-wise, but I am slowly catching up at work. Just one more plan, a gazillion thank-you letters, and some visual picture schedules to make (this involves using a co-workers computer, a color printer, and a laminator - ah, brings out the teacher in me!).

This is a picture of my mom and me. It's a fall day. I thought it fit today's grey theme.

I am still in the planning stages for the ArtShare, but things are starting to gel. I should have started one of them this weekend, but the Laziness Demon had me in it's grip.

ArtShareMeme Mini-Update

JM Handcrafted: Your sister answered for you and you will be receiving the art a la cat project!!!

ArtShareMeme Update

Wednesday's Child (Mama-san): The colors have come together as well as the basic overall theme and the multi-media concept. I'm still working out the logistics of the theme and need to get materials.

JMHandcrafted: Do you like cats? If not then I can certainly adapt the idea above and make one of those. Let me know!

The Edward: I know what technique I will be doing, I just don't know what item to apply it to. I'm going to make you something arty yet functional (I hope).

Still swamped, so no witty repartee from moi!!

That's Not Something You See Everyday!

Yes, folks, I have ventured into the strange world of MRIs.

And I have seen MY BRAIN! Not the actual grey spongey stuff, but a MRI of it.

I got to see that although it appears pretty symmetrical, it’s not really. I have a swirly something or other on the left side just under the middle that isn’t on the right. But the lit up part was on both sides like a one-lobed two-wing butterfly.

I also noticed that my skull is not symmetrical at all. If I shaved my head, I would have a large hillock on the left side right above my ear area and two hillocks with a valley on the right side over my ear area. Not sure why they are there and what happened to create them. I also noticed that my jaw area is VERY unsymmetrical. Nice.

I just can’t get over the fact that I have seen an image of MY BRAIN! Yes, I have had X-rays of my arm (broken in two places), foot (bone spurs), and head (for wisdom teeth removal) in the past. Yes, I had some sort of radioactive body scan (for stress fractures and I never got to see it). But we’re talking MY BRAIN here.

I had to go to this little moveable detachable building attached to the hospital. I wasn’t allowed to take the stairs (not safety regulated) so the MRI person and I rode the honking huge ramp up to the sliding-garage-doorlike door. The whatever-you-want-to-call-it was divided into two sections – the MRI section and the desk/computer/music section. They asked me to remove all metal prior to coming (the questionnaire was truly interesting, I can see a be-pierced person having to list all their piercings on another page, I only had to list my ears) and to bring a CD. Glad I remembered to do both. Those machines are LOUD. I can see why people with issues have a problem with being in there. I just kept my eyes closed, listened to Fleetwood Mac, and tried not to shiver (not much insulation in the little traileresque thingie). I also concentrated on not having my cold fill up my nose and make it impossible to breath. I blew my nose thoroughly before lying down and being wedged in so I didn’t have any stuffiness like I had anticipated.

I’m feeling a bit naked at the moment. I forgot to put my jewelry (earrings, rings, necklace) back on when I stopped at home to grab my lunch on my way to work.

I got to see MY FREAKIN' BRAIN!!

Quick! Some Random Cat P*rn

I caught Moo and Doo together this weekend. Without me! Totally on Doodle's initiative. She was chilly and wanted to snuggle. Moomin loves when she does, well, he does when he's not in "I'm chomping everything in sight" mode!

Hobbes was up wandering around at this point which made Moomin on "are you playing anything I want to join alert" which made Doodle on "neck chewing alert".

Can I Be Any More Swamped?

1) So Halloween is over. All the trick-or-treaters got to meet Moomin. He was very interested in all the people coming, he even tried to sniff them thru the window a few times, and he got lots of compliments (mostly on how "he was a black cat on Halloween"). At one point I had a lull and he fell in the typical kitten coma. I had to lift him off my lap when the next wave came and the girls oohed and ahhed over him coz he's just so damn cute!!

2) I've been in a training for two full days.

3) I am so behind at work that I am doing the escape/avoidance technique of doing everything but what I SHOULD be doing.

4) And I have had 2 people jump aboard the ArtShareMeme. Edward, you can create something! I know you can. So while I am creating something for you, you be all creative and stuff and we'll do a swap. I have faith in your arty abilities! I still need 3 more. This doesn't have to be hard, the "art" can be in any medium that you feel comfy in. And I'm not an art critic so don't worry about what my fluffy head is going to think of it. I'll be thrilled to just get something in the mail from a real live person that isn't a mass mailing or pre-approved credit card.

5) I haven't heard back from the window people to confirm if they received my signed contract.

6) Work Work Work Work. So much backlogged paperwork, so much to print and sign, so much to complete and send out, phone messages to listen to and answer, so much to do and only one day to attempt it in!

I have to go, I really must get started!