Ioma's LiveJournal

Dear eBay Guy

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:48:30 GMT

Congratulations on winning my auction! Also, congratulations on ruining Christmas for my family and flushing my emotions down the toilet.

Something that I attempted to explain to you, but you either did not understand or decided to completely ignore was this: When PayPal processes a payment through eBay for more than $100, PayPal puts a hold on that money until the buyer leaves feedback, or until 30 days have passed (I think).

Despite the fact that I put directions regarding this in my listing, directions which you should have followed without my having to ask you to do so, I politely asked you to leave me feedback so PayPal would lift the hold on that money, allowing me to transfer it to my bank account, which is where it belongs. Instead, you replied with a rather nasty e-mail, accusing me of trying to steal your money, among the rest of your paranoid, poisonous, snooty, holier-than-thou ranting. Your e-mail was so emotionally-charged that reading it sent me into a panic (having autism sucks). Thanks for that (the freak-out, not the autism).

I have no access to that money. I shipped your items anyway, even though what you have done is like going into a grocery store and putting a bunch of groceries on the counter, showing the cashier your money, and then asking to leave with the merchandise so you can go home with it and test it, and then come back to pay once you’ve decided that the merchandise lives up to your expectations.

How do I know that you’re not trying to steal from me?

Anyway, back to the ruining Christmas thing. That money was supposed to pay for Christmas presents for my family this year. More importantly, I am not the only person waiting on that money. I helped a friend of my mom’s sell his stuff; he was generous enough to split the winnings with me in exchange for my help. I’m pretty sure you fucked up his Christmas, too.

And yet I see you have a perfect, 100% positive feedback rating! How is this possible?

Here, I have no problem saying all this, but to you, all I could say was, “I was simply hoping to have the money by Christmas. I’m sorry to have made you so angry.”

But seriously, I appreciate your withholding money from me, contacting PayPal to prove me wrong (and taking delight in telling me so, talking to me like I’m a 5-year-old), and sending me not only one, but two vicious e-mails.

Again, congratulations on winning the auction! I sure hope you find the items “satisfactory.”

Sincerely,
A Very Upset Seller

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Better Late Than Never

Wed, 06 May 2009 17:57:30 GMT

And because blogging this is a lot more productive than blogging about how pissed off I am that I have to see yet another [probably useless and ineffectual] cardiologist.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:11:56 GMT

I’m 25 today (and every day until this time next year). I spent most of the day watching TV with a little brown cat stuck to me. I decided to go the healthy route and had a Big Mac for lunch and warm brownies with cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream for dinner. Isaiah blew out my candles for me because I have a severe phobia of fire. He won’t tell me what he wished for because, “Then it won’t come true.”

So how about wishing me a happy birthday? You know you want to. But NO singing. I hate singing.

And I’m STILL waiting for my birthday spanking…

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

And Venus Was Her Name

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 06:01:43 GMT

Mom wanted to get me a cat for my birthday (tomorrow!). A few days ago, she picked up a newspaper, which she very rarely reads, and opened it to some random page. On that page was a black and white picture of a Siamese cat available for adoption from a shelter about 30 minutes away. They named her Venus and she was 2 years old. Very affectionate, but didn’t care for dogs, they said.

I said, “I’ll bet someone has already adopted her. She’s gorgeous!” We called the shelter, expecting to hear that she had indeed been adopted. Instead, we were thrilled to hear that she was still there. Someone put a hold on her a few days ago, but called and took it off earlier that morning.

We jumped at the opportunity and arrived at the shelter a few minutes before it opened. We were taken back to see her. She was sitting calmly in her cage, surrounded by cages with cats who were meowing, rubbing their bodies against the bars of their cages, and reaching their arms as far out of their cages as they could, trying to grab me. We were allowed to open the door to Venus’ cage. I stuck my hand in to pet her. She rolled around affectionately for a bit before rolling onto her back to show me her belly. She licked my hand and then laid down with her head in my hand.

I stayed with her while mom filled out the paperwork, secretly afraid that someone else would adopt her before I could. Several couples passed by her cage, “Look at the Siamese! Now that’s a beautiful cat!”, but they quickly shifted their attention to the cats who were enthusiastically thrusting their arms out, crying for attention.

She was so well-behaved in the car; it was as if we didn’t even have a cat in a carrier in the back seat of our car. She protested for a few minutes after first getting her into the carrier, but she calmed down and sat with her paws tucked under for the rest of the ride home.

As soon as we got home, we let her out to explore her new home, which she did with almost fearless curiosity. I had to lay down and take meds almost immediately, because apparently being upright for two hours is Unacceptable. Just as I was thinking that I should lay down in the living room instead so we could get a chance to bond more, she ran into my bedroom, jumped up onto my bed, and curled up on my chest, purring and laying her head on my cheek. We fell asleep and stayed that way for a few hours.

She is so affectionate. She loves to curl up under the covers. She gives kisses. She wags her tail like a dog. Looking at her is like looking back in time at Sienna; being reminded of how Si-Si looked about 7 years ago. She’s pretty vocal, but in quantity rather than volume. She has attached herself to me, literally. She does not like to be separated from me - she cried when I left the bedroom to get a drink. She’s asleep on top of the monitor right now.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Day Before Ioma’s Birthday, EH-HEM, I mean Valentine’s Day.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

EDS on Mystery Diagnosis

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 10:50:14 GMT

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome will be featured on Mystery Diagnosis this coming Monday, December 8th, at 10:00 p.m. on Discovery Health Channel. The episode is called The Baby Who Wouldn’t Stop Crying, and I’ve heard that EDS will be featured during the second half hour of this hour-long show. It will replay several times during the week and you can check the schedule for more times.

I wanted to apply to be on this show, but it looks like I’ve lost my chance. I don’t think they’d feature EDS again - although this will technically be the second time EDS has been mentioned on this show (the first time being an episode about a girl with Chiari malformation and EDS), and I have a different type of EDS than the person being featured (but that’s just splitting hairs). I’m just glad that someone is spreading awareness of EDS.

I wish my doctor could see the show, but I have no way of telling her about it until I see her on the 19th. She and I haven’t been seeing eye to eye for a while now (and I don’t particularly like her nurse, who is ~~sometimes~~ always cranky), and I have had a lot of stress and worry around the situation with no real way to fix it. But that’s another story for another day.

I also have appointments with The Useless Rheumatologist and a(nother) cardiologist this week.

I have to go back to the rheumatologist because my doctor can’t make up her fucking mind about whether or not I should take pain medication for, you know, MY PAIN. As she says, “If the rheumatologist says it’s ok, then I’ll be ok with it.” Now I have to go back to a doctor (rheumatologist) who I felt didn’t really understand EDS and definitely doesn’t really understand my pain JUST to ask if it’s ok to continue on medication and hope he says yes. And when he does say yes, I’m holding my doctor to it.

I’m going to the cardiologist because my heart rate and rhythm has been out of control for several months and we can’t quite figure out why. My blood pressure has been way, WAY out of whack - it’s either extremely high or extremely low. We’ve been trying medication after medication to try to fix both problems, but nothing has helped. And let’s not forget the echocardiogram to take a look at my wonky ticker and its fabulously enlarged aorta (Dear Aorta: Bigger is NOT better. Love, Ioma) and pray like hell I don’t hear The S-Word (surgery).

My symptoms are drastically worse when I’m vertical - the longer I’m sitting up, the crappier I feel. I can only sit up for about 30 minutes before I’m forced to lay down because of dizziness and blacking out, or pass out and scare the neighbors with the mysterious THUD (and wake up with a dislocated…something, no doubt). This is part of why I haven’t been blogging or commenting much (I am still reading people’s blogs, though!). I haven’t really felt like blogging because I don’t always have something nice to say, and I know that nobody wants (or cares) to listen to me whine about my health and how they can’t fix it and my doctor doesn’t get it (or care).

So, watch Mystery Diagnosis on Monday night, and if anyone needs me, I’ll be in The Angry Dome.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Food 4 Thought Friday #1

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:57:16 GMT

Since Friday’s Feast has been gone for so long, I’m serving up something new thanks to the lovely Jodi. Drumroll please, and get ready (readyreadyreadyreadyready - sorry, I’m a total music addict!) for Food 4 Thought Friday!

Breakfast
What is one thing you look forward to each day? Each week?
I look forward to talking to my mom each day. I look forward to checking my “dailies” – websites, blogs, and forums I enjoy. I also look forward to watching The Simpsons (every day at 6 p.m.). Now that the new season of House has begun, I look forward to that each week (Tuesdays at 8 p.m.).

Lunch
Are you a hoarder or a chucker?
I’m a hoarder for the most part (because I’m a sentimental softie), but I go through phases where I chuck things.

Dinner
Do your dinner meals consist mostly of home cooked meals, convenience foods (i.e. boxed, frozen, heat & serve, etc.), or fast food? Who does most of the cooking in your home?
I don’t really eat “dinner” per se. I eat when my wonky tummy will let me! Most of my meals consist of convenience food because I’m a horrible cook, and also because it allows me to make smaller portions (I get sick in the middle of eating and have to stop sometimes, UGH). I’m downright dysfunctional in the kitchen. If I’m in the kitchen, you can expect things to get explosive. I do 99.9% of the pyrotechnics “cooking” in my home, except for the times my mom cooks (home-cooked meals) when she and Isaiah visit me.

Midnight Snack
Has the rising cost of gasoline caused you to restrict, limit, or alter anything in your life? If so what?
Actually…no. My mom doesn’t have a car right now, and I can’t drive.

Recipe for this Week (instead of your recipe for life - what is it for just this week?)
Don’t do what you do or say what you say because you’re afraid of how you’ll be judged by others. People will like you if you like yourself first. Do and say what’s in your heart – be true to yourself.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

So Not About 9/11

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:39:12 GMT

There are far greater tragedies, like the daily assault on my poor lungs and sinuses. To that end, a brief letter:

Dearest Idiot Neighbors (all of you),

Do not smoke outside on your balcony while it is raining. The increase in moisture makes the smell infinitely worse and carries the smoke directly into my breathing passages.

Better yet, do not smoke. At all. Ever. Thank you!

Smoking can kill you, which would be bad enough by itself, but if you continue to smoke, *I* shall be forced to kill you.

Your loving, caring neighbor,
Ioma

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Slip the Pills to Me, Jill*

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:48:38 GMT

Alternate Title: One of the Pharmacists at My Pharmacy is a Fucking Moron

Before I go into the drama that occurred a few Saturdays ago, I’ll say that up until recently, I’ve really liked my pharmacy. There are two pharmacists that I can recognize by sight – The Blonde One and The Brunette. I do know their names, but for the sake of privacy, Blonde and Brunette it shall be. Blonde has physically gone out of her way to help me in the past, bringing my medication to my home when she got off of work once. Blonde is a total sweetheart. Brunette, on the other hand… Well, she was always polite, but that’s about it.

This time, Brunette has gone beyond rude. She accused me of doing something extremely illegal, and not to my own face, but to my mom’s.

When I pick up my prescription at the doctor’s office, I don’t scrutinize it. I look at it quickly and make sure that 1) it’s mine, 2) it’s for the right medication, 3) it has the right date on it, and 4) that the doctor remembered to sign it. This prescription looked fine to me. I did notice that the 5 in the number 15 (for the date) looked a tiny bit darker than the other numbers, but I didn’t think much of it and I assumed that nobody else would, either. I dropped it off at the pharmacy without a second thought.

When mom went to pick up the filled prescription the next day, she immediately noticed that the “N” slot (my last name starts with N) was empty. “Oh, shit. Did they not fill it yet?” she thought. One of the pharmacists saw her and she asked if they had filled it yet. The pharmacists whispered back and forth, right in front of her, for a few moments before Brunette came to the counter with my medications, wearing a nasty look on her face.

“Was there a problem?” my mom asked. Brunette, still holding my medications hostage, slid the prescription slip across the counter and pointed to the date, “That number 5 is darker than the other numbers. We were suspicious that your daughter, or someone, tampered with or altered the prescription.”

Cue my mom getting REALLY freaking pissed. She pointed to the prescription and, “See that 8? It’s narrow and kind of looks like a 6. Do you want to nitpick about that, too? My daughter doesn’t even see well enough to do what you’re accusing her of doing.”

“Well, you’re right. That 8 does look like a 6…” Brunette says nastily as she hands over my medications.

What the hell is wrong with people?! Brunette is lucky she didn’t have to deal with me. I’m not nice like my mom.

If she was so concerned with the date, she should have called my doctor’s office to confirm before filling it.

I would take my business elsewhere, but they are the only pharmacy in town. I’m hoping this was just a one-time incident. Otherwise, Brunette may find herself without a job.

NEWSFLASH: Dearest Brunette, I do not like having to take this medication, or any medication. I don’t like being in pain and having a condition that could kill me. I also don’t know how to get the fuck over feeling guilty about having pain, especially so young. And so far, no medical professional or authority figure has made me feel ok about any of this. And my doctor is taking the medication away soon anyway, so you won’t have to deal with it anymore.

*Her name isn’t Jill. I just parodied a line of an already very funny song.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Back to the House of Pain

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:28:17 GMT

Last week, I went to my doctor for what should have been a routine appointment. Our appointments usually follow the same pattern: the doctor talks to me about stuff and refills any medications that need refilling. We almost always discuss the same thing – my pain. It’s not always the only topic of discussion, but it always comes up.

After being on the same medication at the same dose for a little over a year, she has suddenly decided to take me off of it, even though it’s helping my pain.

At our first visit, she tried to get me a referral to a pain management specialist (a doctor who exclusively treats chronic pain, nothing else), but found that there is nobody in the area who accepts my insurance. She said she’d treat my pain herself. She seemed very laid back about it. The things she said made me believe that she understood that EDS was just plain painful and that pain, unfortunately, does not discriminate.

She did give me the name of the pain management specialist she wanted to refer me to, and I wrote him a letter. I received a phone call from his receptionist about a week later. He thought I was interesting and wanted to see me in consultation free of charge. He was a wonderful person – kind, compassionate, understanding, and very knowledgeable about EDS and pain in general. Because my insurance won’t pay for any prescriptions he would write, he wrote a letter to my doctor with recommendations for medications that might help me. If cost wasn’t a limiting factor, I’d go right back to him for my pain management in a heartbeat. He and his staff are incredible, and I know my pain would be understood and not undertreated there.

My doctor said she received his letter, but she made no comment other than how nice it was that he was willing to see me for free (and I agree). She is not prescribing the medication he recommended and I did not ask why.

When she first started treating my pain, she would emphasize quality of life, saying things like, “We can help make you more comfortable.”, “You may be on this medication for the rest of your life.”, and “I have to give you a pat on the back for how well you’re dealing with this.”

I told her that I understood that, even with the best pain management in the world, I would most likely have to deal with some degree of pain, possibly for the rest of my life. I know that she is not a magician, she’s a doctor. And when it comes down to it, she’s a person, a regular human being, just like me. I was not expecting her to work miracles, but I was expecting some understanding, compassion, and, most importantly, consistency.

Things have changed. Now, she says, “We don’t like to keep patients on this medication for very long.” and “You’ll just keep needing more and more. You’ll be 40 years old and bedridden, disabled, and blaming me for putting you on this medication.” I haven’t had a medication change or increase in almost a year. I’m 24 years old and already finding myself stuck in bed because of pain. How do I get people to understand that?

I can understand her wanting me to try other medications. I think it’s a great idea to get some x-rays of The Big Offenders (the joints I have the most problems and pain in) to check to see whether or not I have any arthritis. We already know I have osteoporosis in my hips and spine, and it would be nice to know if I have any arthritis we should be treating. I’ll be willing to try whatever she wants me to try.

I’m not as upset about the medication as I am about the abruptness of the change. There was no mention of this during my June appointment. Her whole attitude, and even her tone of voice, has changed. She almost sounded scared, somewhat frantic, at times. I remember what I heard during my previous appointments, and this was not the same. It was as if I was talking to a different doctor altogether. She was so abrupt and different that I feel like I’ve done something wrong. The whole appointment felt wrong. When I asked about ordering the x-rays and starting a new medication that day, she said that she didn’t have the time – we’d do it in a month. As she left, she asked if I had anything else for my “list of complaints”. She probably didn’t mean for that to sound mean, but it bothered me slightly. I realize I’m a pain in the ass, medically speaking (and probably in many other ways), but you don’t have to remind me.

She is a good doctor. She listens to me and gets the job done. She was probably just having an “off” day because she was so rushed – while I was sitting in the waiting room, I overheard that a few of her patients were late for their appointments, and she already had patients backed up.

But I’m starting to think she might have bitten off more than she could chew when it comes to taking care of me.

Still, I feel strange about how the appointment went. It feels like we’re not on the same wavelength anymore. I thought we had established some trust and some kind of routine, and this sudden change has left me feeling a tiny bit betrayed, or at least lost. I’m a little irritated that she chose to change my medications as we’re going into winter – the time of the year when my pain increases significantly. Also, with the pain under a little better control over the past year, I started doing more stuff, including getting a part-time job and considering going back to school. I hope the pain doesn’t increase so much that I have to give any of that up (again).

Have I done something wrong? What do I have to do to get some freaking respect? Do I have to go in there in a wheelchair, crying to get someone to understand? I sure hope not, because that’s not my style. I am so tired of being judged, looked down on, and feeling like a bad person because of my pain. Perhaps respect is just too much to ask for, especially considering I’m too young to have earned it.

At the risk of being thought of as a huge(er) drama queen, I’ll simply say that since I may be looking at a shortened lifespan because of the vascular nature of my EDS, I do not deserve to live that life with untreated, or undertreated, pain. I wish I could find a doctor who got that.

This isn’t such a big deal compared to what happened at the pharmacy on Saturday…

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:30:40 GMT

Today is Isaiah’s 8th birthday! I didn’t get to spend it with him because of our little lack-of-car situation. Mom’s downstairs neighbor said he’d drive her and Isaiah in to see me tomorrow. That’s all fine and good, and I am grateful, but I’m still pissed off that we couldn’t spend TODAY together.

I don’t have any pictures (yet - mom promised me she’d take pictures), but I hope to have some in the next few days.

To my little brat brother: Eight years ago today, I prayed that you’d be born normal, healthy, perfect. My prayers were answered. You were a strong and happy baby. You always laughed so hard that you got the hiccups - like when I would look at you and roll my tongue, or stick my tongue up my nose. You’re becoming an avid Simpsons fan, but when you were a baby, your favorite movie was Dumbo…except for the part where Dumbo gets taken away from his mom. I would see it coming and stand in between you and the TV and fast-forward through it so you wouldn’t cry. You’ll never admit it, but just a few years ago, you were terrified of bugs - now you aren’t afraid to pick them up and scare the girls with them.

Some day soon, too soon, you’ll be taller than I am (but you’ll never be smarter!), but you’ll always be my little bro. I love watching you grow.

Happy birthday, buddy! You better have saved me some cake!

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

The C Word

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:21:17 GMT

I didn’t really know how to feel about what he’d just called me. My logical self knew that I shouldn’t be bothered by it, especially considering his age and maturity level. He still had no right to call me that. He should have been minding his own business, anyway.

I was invited to a birthday party for a friend of Isaiah’s. It was being thrown at the pool, which is within walking distance of my place, and there would be pizza and cake. Normally I don’t go places where there are lots of kids, but I can’t resist pizza, cake, and the opportunity to swim.

Because I’m a special, special snowflake (you know how some people say their body is a temple – I say my body is more like an amusement park where the rides break down randomly and suddenly), I have to consider logistics whenever I go somewhere. How much sun exposure? How hot will it be? How easily accessible is the place? How easy would it be for me to get back home if my body turned hateful and I felt I had to leave?

The whole thing seemed quite doable. There would be almost no sun exposure because it started at 6 p.m. and the sun had already dipped down behind the mountain. It would be hotter than hell, but remember – POOL party. Plus, I was willing to risk dizziness, fainting, and seizures for pizza and cake. With the exception of one big, fat flight of stairs, the place was easily accessible and only a five-minute walk from my house.

So I went, and had a rockin’ time! Good food, pretty good music, and except for dislocating a shoulder while pulling Isaiah through the water while he held on to me (never fear, he can swim), a good time all around.

I finally hit my ditch point – the point where my pain level got so bad that I had to leave pretty quickly. I said goodbye to as many people as I could and thanked Isaiah’s friend’s parents for inviting me (and apologized for having to leave so soon). My arms were not cooperating and I was too stubborn to let someone help me get dressed, so I wrapped a towel around myself and shuffled off in the direction of home.

Just as I came around the last turn, I heard, “Hey! Hey, you!”

The voice was that of a boy who, I would guess, was about 13 years old. I could follow the sound of his voice and I knew exactly where he was, despite not being able to see much of anything. He was on the steps of a house I’d passed by tons of times; a house I’d always thought was vacant. I never feel particularly comfortable responding to someone I can’t see, and a voice that I didn’t recognize, for that matter. I still wasn’t even sure if he was talking to me, and I was in too much pain to care.

Up until that moment, I hadn’t considered my physical appearance. I assumed that nobody would be looking or checking me out. I hadn’t thought about my very noticeable limp, which only worsens when the pain worsens, and the fact that when I’m in pain, I fold up like the former Pope. I could only imagine how limpy and folded-up I looked at that point. I looked straight ahead and kept going.

“HEY! HEY, YOU!”

I continued to ignore him. I didn’t feel like socializing anymore, and what the hell did he want, anyway?

“HEY! HEYYYYY!”

Oh SHUT UP. I tried to walk faster.

A second voice piped up…

“Forget it. Nobody would want an ugly cripple like her, anyway.”

Ouch! Well, that was a first for me! I’ve been called a freak, freak of nature, mutant, mistake, retarded (by my first grade teacher, no less!), “a shame”, and a thing (also by my first grade teacher – “Why does God make…things like you? You shouldn’t even exist.”), but never a cripple…until then. And UGLY, as if to add insult to injury.

I suppose I asked for it, walking home in a towel like that. I should have let someone help me get dressed. Dumb! Dumb, stubborn girl! Everything was fully covered.

But I can’t take it too personally. After all, they were only about 13. A 13-year-old boy saying jackassy things isn’t unheard of. Once I had some time to think about it, the whole thing seemed like a rite of passage for them rather than a personal attack: Get girl’s attention. If girl ignores you, insult her thoroughly.

I can’t help wondering if they’ll regret it someday, or if they’ll push it out of their brains and forget about it completely, like I should.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Dead.

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:44:11 GMT

Our car is dead. Like DEAD dead. It died on Friday, but I’ve been too pissed off and anxious to write about it until now.

We knew it was inevitable. It was a used car to begin with, and in the past month and a half, it was having problems starting. Mom was in front of a mechanic’s once when it just would not start, and he looked at it for her. He said something about coils and pressure, I don’t know, I’m not a mechanic. He gave it a terminal diagnosis.

The guy who sold us the car had brain cancer. He passed away in June. Now his car has gone on to The Great Beyond, wherever or whatever the hell that is.

Why the anxiety, you ask? Well, there’s just something about not having a car that really fucking gets to me. Not having a car reminds me of the times I was stuck in the ER alone – both with the Hysterectomy from Hell with resulting bowel and ovarian ruptures, obstructions, and abscesses (just mix-n-match, everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong), and when my gallbladder went into its final self-destruct sequence. I know that these things aren’t directly related to being carless; it’s the memories of being alone that weirds me out.

Geez. I’m an adult, and I shouldn’t…*sigh*…but am I the only one who wouldn’t want to be in the ER alone?

I’m not saying I’m going to be making any trips to the ER, I’m just freaking out for the sake of freaking out. This is MY blog and I’m allowed to freak out.

In a way, it’s a relief that the thing has been officially “pronounced”. Now we don’t have to worry about, “Oh boy, I sure hope it starts this time!” or, “We’d better keep it running so it’ll…keep running.”

The mechanic who diagnosed it took it for parts.

Rest in pieces, Shit-Mobile.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Friday’s Feast #21

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:35:45 GMT

Our usual chef is experiencing technical difficulties, but Jodi has come to the rescue!

Appetizer
What are your feelings towards lightning/thunder storms?
I think storms are sorta scary, but sorta exciting. I really hate it when they knock out the power, though, because most of what I like to do requires electricity.

Soup
Have you ever experienced an earthquake?
My mom says we had a small earthquake when I was a baby, but I don’t remember it.

Salad
Dry heat or humid heat?
Dry heat, hands down. I lived in Arizona for three years, and people think I’m crazy when I say that it feels hotter here in Virginia during the summer than it ever felt in Arizona because of the humidity here. When it’s humid, taking a shower doesn’t make me feel any cleaner – I feel just as sticky and gross as I did before getting in the shower.

Main Course
Are you a skier…snow or water?
Neither, I’ve never even tried. Both activities would have the same end result – a trip to the emergency room.

Dessert
What are your top three favorite ice cream flavors?
Chocolate-chip cookie dough, Neapolitan, and anything that has both chocolate and caramel in it.

Originally published at Odyssey of an Oddity. Please leave any comments there.

Friday Fill-Ins

Fri, 23 May 2008 17:00:47 GMT

There's no Feast this week, so have some Fill-Ins instead. :)

1. On my laziest day, I like to spend all day in bed, watching TV!
2. Exercising makes me feel like I'm being productive.
3. I love little kittens and big cats.
4. This summer, I want to take a trip to the beach.
5. Curiosity and boredom made me start my blog.
6. Red apples and orange carrots.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to reading and watching TV, tomorrow my plans include more reading and watching TV, and Sunday, I want to read and watch the new episodes of The Simpsons and Family Guy!

It's Random Survey Time!

Sat, 17 May 2008 01:42:23 GMT

Friday's Feast is served over at my blog, but if you don't wanna check that out, here's another random survey thingy! :)

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was 14 years old. I was living with my mom in Sedona, AZ. I was either about to graduate or had just graduated from the 8th grade at Big Park Elementary School and was looking forward to starting high school at Sedona Red Rock High School. I don’t remember where we were living exactly, but this was about the time that my knees started getting really bad, and the rest of my health went down the toilet.

What are 5 things you need to do today?
~ Clean out some of my e-mail.
~ Wash dishes.
~ Think up a new graphic project to get started on (for fun).
~ Take a shower.
~ Reply to comments on my blog, and visit (and leave comments on) some of my friends’ blogs.

What are some snacks you enjoy?
~ Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches
~ Chocolate Turtle Chex Mix
~ Cheese and crackers
~ Sun Chips
~ Cashews
~ Drake’s Cakes (ALL of them! I have to buy them online because they don’t have them in the STUPID SOUTH! I hate the south.)

What would you do if you were a billionaire?
~ SHOP like there was no tomorrow
~ Eat out a lot more
~ Hire a maid service to clean EVERYTHING
~ Hire a cook to make all of my meals (or just pay my mom handsomely to do it)
~ Buy my mom a few new cars
~ Go to Disney World at least once a year (preferably around a holiday, since we don’t have family to celebrate with)
~ Worry a lot less
~ Anything I damned well please!

What are 3 bad habits?
~ I tend to freak out over nothing.
~ I take things way too seriously/personally.
~ I bite and pick at my fingernails.

Name 5 places you have lived
~ Riverhead, NY
~ Sedona, AZ
~ Deadwood, OR
~ Detroit Lakes, MN
~ Asheville, NC

What are 5 jobs you've had?
~ Medical transcriptionist
~ Medical documents editor
~ Print-to-Braille translator (I’d take books in print and transcribe them into Braille)
~ Webmaster
~ Graphic designer

Friday's Feast #12

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:46:11 GMT

It's time once again for Friday's Feast!

Appetizer
Name something you would categorize as weird.
Something about myself or something in general? Something weird about myself: I’ve been told I take pills backwards. I take a sip of something first, and then I carefully slip the pill between my lips and swallow the pill. I can’t do it any other way. Something weird in general: The English language, specifically silent letters. Either pronounce them or get rid of them! Drives me nuts.

Soup
What color was the last piece of food you ate?
I just ate a Klondike ice cream cone. It had vanilla ice cream, caramel filling, fudge and chopped peanuts topping, and a fudge-lined cone. So, it was different shades of brown, white, and a pretty golden color.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone?
I’ll say 9. I’m one of those people who really needs her alone time, but I enjoy small social gatherings on occasion. I have to know that it won’t be too crowded or noisy, and that I can leave whenever I want without anyone getting offended because I get dangerously overstimulated quickly and sometimes very suddenly.

Main Course
Fill in the blank: I will _________ vote for ___________ in _______.
I will never vote for a republican presidential candidate in my lifetime.

Dessert
Describe your sleeping habits.
I have a hard time getting to sleep despite keeping my room dark and quiet. Once I do fall asleep, I can sleep for more than 12 hours, but I can only stay asleep for an hour or two at a time (stupid pain!). I move around a lot and sometimes talk in my sleep. I almost always fall asleep on my right side, and I have to sleep with a pillow between my knees so my kneecaps don’t touch and push each other apart, causing one or both to dislocate. Recently, I’ve been sleeping during the day so I can try to avoid the heat.

Hump Day Boredom

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:53:47 GMT

I'm bored out of my mind, so it's random survey time! Hey, that sort of rhymed. :)

Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
I don’t think I’ve experienced my first love yet. I’ll say no, though, because I don’t talk to the first guy I can remember having a crush on.

What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
Red wine at Christmas Eve.

What was your FIRST job?
I was a medical transcriptionist. I started when I was 17.

What was your FIRST car?
I’ve never owned a car.

Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Nobody texted me today.

Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
I don’t really remember, but it was probably my mom. I vaguely remember wondering whether or not she would be coming in today (she did).

Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Mrs. Levine. She didn’t like me very much, and she took every available opportunity to let me know it.

Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
I went to Disney World when I was 8 years old. I didn’t mind flying then, but I hate it now.

Who was your FIRST best friend and are you still friends with them?
My first best friend was Amanda, and I am still friends with her. We’ve been friends for 17 years now.

What was your FIRST sport played?
I started learning karate when I was 7 years old.

Where was your FIRST sleep over?
It was at Erin’s house. Erin was a friend who I only saw when I was at my dad’s house.

Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Mom.

Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
The first wedding I participated in was my mom’s friends’. I was the ring bearer.

What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Staggered out of bed to go pee, get something to drink, and take my medication.

What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Do Raffi concerts count? I went to loads of those when I was 4 or 5 years old. If not, then it was Rod Stewart at Madison Square Garden three days after my 10th birthday.

FIRST foreign country you went to?
I’ve never been to a foreign country.

What was your FIRST run in with the law?
I’ve never had a run-in with the law.

When was your FIRST detention?
I think it was in 3rd grade, and I got it for not having my Braille homework done on time.

What was the FIRST state you lived in?
New York.

Where did you go on your FIRST limo ride?
I’ve never been on a limo ride.

Who was your FIRST prom date?
I never had a prom date. I was too sick to go to either prom.

Monday's a Bitch - Crackin' Up

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:42:43 GMT

Here are five fun questions to start off the week - Monday's a Bitch!

Crackin' Up

1. What's your favourite brand of cracker?
I buy Keebler Club Crackers, the multi-grain kind. I've tried lots of other crackers, and I still like them the best.

2. Do you like crackers in your soup?
No. I don't like the texture.

3. What's the best kind of cheese to put on a cracker? Or do you have a different favourite cracker topper?
I love sharp cheddar cheese on my crackers. I love it even more with a thin slice of green apple on top.

4. Have you ever set off firecrackers? For what occasion?
I'm terrified of loud noises, so I've never set off firecrackers myself. I have been around other people who were setting them off, though. The only holidays that people around here set off firecrackers for are the 4th of July and New Year's Eve.

5. Have you ever seen The Nutcracker ballet?
No, but I'd like to.

Sunday Randomness

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:57:43 GMT

There's nothing good on TV and I don't feel like reading (neck hurts), so here's a totally random survey.

1. Are you tan?
Nope, not even close! I’m so pale, I practically glow in the dark.

2. How old will you be in 13 months?
I’ll be 25 years old.

3. Where did you get the underwear you are wearing right now?
I got them at The Bulk Underpants Outlet. Just kiddin’. I got them at Victoria’s Secret.

4. What are you looking forward to in the next month?
Getting paid and maybe getting some new household things, the weather staying nicer but not necessarily the heat, and going to see the next Chronicles of Narnia movie.

5. Are you easily confused?
Only when it comes to directions and spatial awareness. I can’t find my way out of a paper bag.

6. Do you think you would make a good wife/husband?
It would depend on what a man is looking for in a wife. I don’t think I’d make a very good wife in a traditional sense (i.e. cooking, cleaning, and popping out babies), but I think I’m a nice person despite my physical limitations.

7. Have you ever liked someone who treated you badly?
I’ve liked someone who treated me negligently, but I’ve never liked someone who treated me badly. I’m pretty good at ditching people who treat me badly.

8. Do you fall for people easily?
Sometimes, but I’m being careful to not let that happen anymore. I’m trying to make sure that I’m the one being fallen for, rather than the one falling for someone who might not be worth it.

9. What are you listening to right now?
Just the hum of the computer. This is one of the rare moments I don’t have any music playing.

10. Do you live with both your parents?
No. I live with my kitty-cat, Dave, and my mom and little brother live about a 15-minute drive from me.

11. Last person you said I love you to?
My mom, and before that, it was Amanda. <3

12. What is it you truly want right now?
I want the pain in my neck to go away, and a couple million dollars would be nice.

13. Are you wearing jeans right now?
No. I’m wearing black cropped yoga pants from Old Navy.

14. Do you think too much or too little?
Probably too much. I definitely worry too much.

15. Who is in your house right now?
Hopefully, it’s just me and Dave.

Saturday Six

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:10:40 GMT

I'm bored again, so here's a very nutty Saturday Six.

1. You’re ordering a hot fudge sundae. Do you order it with nuts or without?
I’ll order it with nuts. I like all kinds of bells and whistles on my ice cream.

2. You’re buying a jar of peanut butter: which brand do you buy most often? Creamy or crunchy?
I don’t buy any particular brand more often than another. I always go for crunchy peanut butter.

3. What was the last kind of nut you remember eating?
I ate some honey-roasted peanuts. They were in Chocolate Turtle Chex Mix.

4. Take the quiz: What nut are you?
It says I’m a cashew. I love cashews!

You Are a Cashew

You are laid back, friendly, and easy going.

Compared to most people, you have a very mild temperament.

You blend in well. You're often the last person to get noticed.

But whenever you're gone, people seem to notice right away!

What Nut Are You?

5. This one will do a lot to indicate where you’re from: when you hear someone refer to “boiled peanuts,” are you intrigued or grossed out?
Uh, a little bit of both. I’m slightly more grossed-out than intrigued.

6. What is your favorite synonym for the other kind of nut, as in “a lunatic?”
Cuckoo-bananas, or pathologically high-spirited.

My ABCs - Revisited

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:23:47 GMT

Yet another ABCs-themed meme.

A - Act your age – Sometimes
B - Boyfriend – None at the moment
C - Chore you hate – Washing the dishes
D - Dad’s name – Roger
E - Essential make-up item – I don’t wear makeup
F - Favorite actress – I don’t have one
G - Gold or silver – Silver
H - Hometown – Riverhead, NY
I - Instruments you play – Flute
J - Job title – I have more than one (webmaster, editor, artist, professional pain in the ass)
K - Kids – None
L - Living arrangements – In an apartment with my cat, Dave
M - Mom’s name – Dunnea
N - Number of people you’ve slept with – None
O - Overnight hospital stays – A LOT, somewhere in the neighborhood of 40
P - Phobia – Fire
Q - Quote you like – “The smallest feline is a masterpiece.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
R - Religious affiliation – Spiritual, but not religious
S - Siblings – Isaiah
T - Time you wake up – All different times
U - Unique habit – I can’t think of one
V - Vegetable you refuse to eat – Eggplant
W - Worst habit – Biting my nails
X - X-rays you’ve had – Way too many to name
Y - Yummy food you make – I don’t cook
Z - Zodiac sign – Aquarius

Boredom Strikes Again!

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:24:41 GMT

Do you like strawberries?
Yes, especially if whipped cream is involved.

Who was your first best friend?
Amanda. She’s still my bestest friend.

Have you seen The Notebook over a million times?
I’ve never seen The Notebook.

Laptop or PC?
I have one of each, but I prefer working on a PC. Laptop keyboards were not made for those of us with long fingers.

Did you ever see the Sound of Music?
Yes, but it’s been forever since I’ve seen it.

Do you like hip hop or rock better?
Screw both of those. I’ll take world music or techno, thank you.

Do you believe in God?
Yes.

Have you ever smashed your head against a pole and/or wall?
Yes, thanks to a lack of depth perception.

Have you ever been on a plane?
Yes. I hate flying.

Were you ever in a play?
Yes.

Have you ever seen Stand by Me?
No.

Have you ever seen the movie Rent?
Parts of it.

Do you listen to music regularly?
Almost constantly!

Did you ever have braces?
On my teeth? No. For my joints? Yes.

Did you ever ride a horse and/or donkey before?
No.

Have you ever licked the spine of a book?
Ew, no.

Have you sat in a photo booth and just hung out without taking a picture?
WTF? No.

Have you ever seen someone you knew and purposely avoided seeing them?
The problem with not seeing very well is that you can’t really do that. Most people I know see me before I see them. So, no.

When you see the abbreviation, "rofl", do you say it aloud in your head as, "rawful"?
Sometimes.

Are you friends with your best friend's significant other?
My best friend doesn’t have a significant other.

How did you dress in middle school?
I went naked! Just kiddin’. I dressed comfortably, just like I do now.

If you were one of the Seven Dwarfs, which one would you be?
Is Achy one of the Seven Dwarfs? No? Crap! Ok, how about Pukey? No? CRAP! Well, fine then. Now I’m Grumpy.

Have you ever flown first class?
Yes.

Would you rather surf in California or ski in Vermont?
Even though I can’t surf or ski, I’d choose surfing in California. California is beautiful, and surfing seems a bit safer and a whole lot less terrifying than skiing.

What is one topping you MUST have on your pizza?
Does cheese count as a topping? If not, then pineapple.

Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction books?
Either, but I usually prefer fiction.

Would you rather read books or magazines?
Books.

Have you ever seen a shooting star?
Yes.

Have you ever torn your pants in public?
Yes.

Do you know the difference between a conjunction and an adjective?
Yes.

How many times a day do you brush your teeth?
Once. My gums can’t handle twice a day (collagen disorders suck).

Do you chew on ice?
Yes! It drives people absolutely crazy!

Do you watch TV or read before bedtime?
I usually watch TV before bedtime, and often fall asleep with the TV on.

Are you allergic to anything?
Yes, my allergies are killing me right now, as a matter of fact.

How many times a week do you wash your hair?
I wash my hair every other day. If I wash my hair every day, I get really weak (like “can’t move” weak) from the heat of the shower.

Do you own any plaid pants?
Yes, they’re pajama pants!

Have you ever been in a natural disaster (flood, hurricane, etc.)?
Yes, a few hurricanes and a tornado.

Have you ever had food SO bad in a restaurant that you sent it back?
No.

Do you sleep in pajamas?
I sleep in a hermetically-sealed container to lock in my natural freshness.

Do you talk in your sleep?
Sometimes, loudly.

Have you ever swallowed your gum?
Yes.

Where is the most inappropriate place your cell phone has rang?
Nowhere. I almost never leave my cell phone on because I use it only to call out.

Have you ever gone white water rafting?
No.

Have you ever faked sick?
I’ve never totally faked sick, but I have exaggerated my sickness when I was much younger to get out of going to school.

How many times have you broken a bone?
I’ve never broken a bone by accident, but I have had most of the bones in my left foot broken surgically.

Have you ever had anyone tell you that your fly was open?
No.

Have you ever successfully pogoed on a pogo stick?
Ha! If doing it one time and falling flat on my face counts, then yes.

Do you eat breakfast?
No. My stomach hits REJECT if I eat too soon after waking up.

Can you pick things up with your toes?
Yes! I can even write with my toes!

How many foreign countries have you visited?
None.

Would you rather clean the bathroom or the kitchen?
The kitchen – it’s slightly smaller than my bathroom, and it doesn’t have a bathtub in it.

What is your favorite breed of dog?
It’s a tie between pugs and dachshunds.

Have you ever eaten frog legs?
No.

Your absolute favorite shirt is dirty. Would you still wear it?
How dirty is it?

Have you ever put your tongue on a frozen pole?
No. I’m not a total dumbass.

Have you ever blown bubbles in your milk?
Yes. :D

What did you call your baby blanket?
Blankey.

Have you ever worn bell-bottoms?
Sure!

Can you read while traveling without getting sick?
Oh hell no. If you even see me somewhat near a car, or if you think I could be reading or thinking about a moving vehicle while I’m holding a book, PLEASE STOP ME.

What is a noise that you cannot stand?
The sound of people eating or chewing food. The sound that you make when you rub your eyes.

Do you know how to do a cart-wheel?
Yes, but I don’t feel like mutilating myself today.

What is the most you are willing to spend on a pair of sunglasses?
I love sunglasses, so probably…more than I should.

Does your mom vacuum early in the morning while you're asleep?
No. I live by myself, but am terrified of the vacuum, so I get someone else to vacuum while I go out.

Do you take pills of any sort?
Yes.

Do you plug your nose when swimming under water?
Yes.

What was your elementary school called?
I had four: one near my dad’s house that I don’t remember the name of (first half of kindergarten), Riley Avenue School (second half of kindergarten and all of first grade), Phillips Avenue School (second and third grade), and Pulaski Street School (fourth and fifth grade).

Do you maintain any friendships originating from elementary school?
Yes.

What is your most favorite word of all time?
Hmm…“yes” is a good word.

Do gothic people scare you?
Nah.

What kind of relationship do you have with your dad?
A non-existent one.

Would you forgive a friend for telling your biggest secret?
Yes.

Is there anyone you like?
I like a lot of people.

Do you like the color orange?
There’s a time and a place for orange, but it’s not one of my favorite colors.

Do you find it in your heart to forgive?
Usually, although I find it hard with certain people (*cough* mom’s ex-boyfriend and really horrible doctors *cough*).

Last thing you cooked?
A quesadilla.

Are you in a good mood?
Meh. I’m sick or have allergies or something, and my stomach is really acting up, so I’m in a good mood considering.

What is your star sign?
Aquarius. My moon sign is Leo and rising sign is Taurus (your rising sign is the zodiac constellation that was on the eastern horizon, or rising, at the time of your birth).

Do you believe in luck?
Yes.

Last person who told you your problems were going to be okay?
My mom.

Do you have more or less than five real best friends?
Less.

Be honest, do you like people in general?
Yes.

What are you doing this weekend?
Not much. Mom and Isaiah might sleep over and bring Sienna.

What do you think about?
Too many things.

Sometimes, do you wish you were someone else?
Yes.

Got any nicknames?
No.

Do you like Starbucks?
I’ve never had it.

Are you named after anyone?
No.

Are you taller than 5’ 6”?
Yes. I’m 5’ 8”.

What is your background on your phone?
It’s a tropical sunset (purple, pink, and orange) with a palm tree.

Which is more powerful: actions or words?
It depends on the situation. They can both be equally powerful.

What are a few false perceptions you think people have about you?
That I’m lazy, that I don’t care about people, and that I’m distant and not paying attention.

What is the greatest lesson a friend has taught you?
That I’m lovable just the way I am. That I’m a stronger person than I ever thought I was.

Who taught you how to ride a bike, and when?
My dad taught me how, and I was probably 8 years old.

All right, so have you ever actually sat down and thought about why you like the person you like?
Not really.

When people say, "Honestly, I don't think I've ever talked shit about anyone" do you think it's possible?
No.

How do you feel about gay marriage?
I’m supportive of it. I think any two people who love each other should be able to get married.

Is there someone you'd really like to hang out with and just talk about stuff?
Sure.

Is there something that has happened in your past that you don't like talking about?
Yes.

Do you think a lot of people think bad things about you?
Maybe.

Do you think you're approachable?
Somewhat. It depends on where I am, how I’m feeling, and what I’m doing.

Do you regret doing anything this week?
No, but the week isn’t over yet!

Name something you wouldn't want to buy that's been used.
Underwear.

When did you last cry?
A few days ago. A song made me cry.

How late did you stay up last night?
I stayed up all night last night. I went to sleep around one o’clock this afternoon.

Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you?
Other than my dad? No.

What do you think of the most when you are alone?
What I could be doing.

Would you ever become a vegetarian or even vegan?
No. If God didn’t want us to eat steak, He wouldn’t have invented steak sauce.

What do you think of people who hate vegetarians?
I don’t really think about those people, but now that I have, I think they should mind their own fucking business.

Are you a flirt?
I don’t think so.

Would you rather have jet black hair or cherry red hair?
Cherry red! My hair is almost jet black as it is.

Do you make sexual innuendos about everything?
Sometimes! And by sometimes I mean sometimes.

Have you ever held hands?
With my parents or little brother, but never with a guy (yet).

If you need a new pair of jeans, what store do you go to first?
Delia’s or Old Navy.

Have you ever gotten upset because somebody said they'd call you and they didn't?
No.

Have you ever met a real life prostitute?
No.

Can you do push-ups?
I’m stealing another EDSer’s answer: I could try, but start the car for the emergency room.

Do you have a car?
No.

Where's your dad right now?
In New York.

Are you single?
Yes.

What's your favorite animal?
Kitty cats!

What's on your mind?
“Man, I feel like SHIT right now.”

Favorite football team?
I don’t have one.

What color are your eyes?
Blue.

Where is your phone?
In my purse.

What's your biggest fear?
My loved ones or friends dying.

Does your family get family portraits done?
No.

Are you mad at anyone?
No.

Annoyed with anyone?
Yes, my downstairs neighbors for smoking outside on their deck so their smoke wafts up into my open bedroom window. Assholes.

Do you have a best friend that knows you inside and out?
Yes.

Can you cook harder things than spaghetti, pancakes, and macaroni and cheese?
Not without causing destruction and mayhem.

What's your favorite time of year?
Autumn, specifically the month of October.

Do you know a lot about cars?
No.

What is your favorite childhood board game?
Trivial Pursuit.

Do you change best friends a lot?
No.

Do you think that you’re a good person?
I try to be a good person. My mom thinks I’m a good person.

Do people underestimate you?
Usually.

What is the background on your computer?
This picture is the background on my computer.

Does everyone in your life know the real you?
Probably not.

Who was the last person to hug you?
My mom.

Beach or mountains?
Beach.

Does someone love you?
I sure hope so!

Is your birthday on a holiday?
February 15th is National Gumdrop Day!

Do you vote?
Yes.

Do you have any friends or family in the war right now?
Not that I know of.

Life... How do you feel about it?
Meh. It’s ok. It could be better, and it could be worse.

Coffee or tea?
Tea. Coffee is nasty.

Have you ever been in love?
No, I’ve never really been in love.

Do you talk to yourself?
All the time! We have great conversations.

Have you lived up to your parents' expectations?
I doubt it.

Are we more likely to find you in a coffee bar or a nightclub?
Neither. You’re more likely to find me sitting on my ass, watching TV.

Has anyone ever told you that you would make a good stand up comedian?
No.

What color is your couch?
It’s fugly brown and red plaid.

Has anyone ever mistaken you for a family member?
Only when talking over the phone. My mom has this one friend who can’t tell our voices apart.

Do/Did you want to go back to school?
Yes.

What was your grade 6 teacher’s name?
I had a different teacher for each class, so I had a whole bunch: Mr. Neely, Mrs. Mackey, Mr. Simcheck who passed away and was replaced by Mr. Apicello, Mrs. Walsh-Edwards, Mrs. Mediatore, a music teacher whose name I can’t remember for the life of me, and there was always Mr. Ahern.

Have you ever tried Propel Calcium Water?
Yup. It tastes ok, but it makes my throat itch.

Has anyone ever told you to your face what they truly think about you?
Oh yes. Mom’s ex-boyfriend Randy did it all the time, and he was nasty about it. I could kill him for being that way.

What color is the cloth/sponge you use in the shower/bath?
It’s a lavender, white, and blue loofah-thingy.

Would you rather have a tarantula or a python as a pet?
A tarantula. They’re fuzzy!

Do you actually enjoy reading?
I do!

What is something people may not know about your province/state?
I have no idea. I hardly know anything about this state.

Have you ever heard of Newfoundland?
Yeah. What about it?

What is the worst thing you've ever said to a teacher?
This isn’t really bad, per se, but I had a…um…disagreement with my 8th grade English teacher over the difference between hanged and hung. We students were in groups of two or three, acting out scenes from…I think it was the witch trials…and my job in the group was to be the narrator while my partners acted out the scene, which included a hanging. I said something like, “…so-and-so was hanged for their misdeeds.” My teacher interrupted with, “The word is hung.”, to which I replied, “No, when you’re talking about people, it’s hanged. Pictures are hung, and people are hanged.” She kept insisting she was right until I just sat down and shut up, but to this day I know I was right – IT’S HANGED, BITCH.

What's the best book you've ever read for school?
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston.

Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet?
Of course.

How do you flush the toilet in public washrooms?
The same way everyone else does – I perform an ancient ritual that invokes The Great Toilet God to come down from the Heavens and whisk my waste away to The Afterworld.

Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
I wear a seatbelt to bed, too.

Do you have a crush on someone?
No.

Name one thing you worry about running out of?
I’m stealing another EDSer’s answer, again: Medication.

What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble?
None…?

What is your favorite pizza topping?
Pineapple.

Do you crack your knuckles?
All the time.

What song do you hate the most?
I strongly dislike The Grateful Dead.

Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head?
Nope, but it’s only because I’m already listening to other (good) music.

What are your super powers?
I possess the ability to laugh or make jokes in scary situations.

Peppermint or spearmint?
Peppermint.

Where are your car keys?
I don’t have car keys, but my house keys are on the top shelf of my computer desk.

What's your most annoying habit?
Cracking my neck.

Where did you last go on vacation?
Edisto Beach, South Carolina back in 2005.

What is your best physical feature?
I’ve been told I have great hair.

What CD is closest to you right now?
A stack of blank ones.

What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator?
Cream soda, Ranch dressing, and butter. I’m going ultra-healthy these days.

What superstition do you believe/practice?
I’m kind of superstitious, but more in a curious way.

What color are your bed sheets?
They’re tan with patchwork-looking kitties and moons on them.

Would you rather be a fish or a bird?
A fish. I love to swim!

Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive?
I talk on my cell phone when other people drive.

What are your favorite sayings?
“HOLY FLYING FUCK!” Appropriate for any occasion!

What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower?
Whatever songs I’ve been listening to recently.

What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie?
I don’t have one.

What CD is in your stereo?
There isn’t one in there right now.

How many kids do you plan on having?
Zero. I can’t have kids, but if I fall in love with someone who already has kids, that’ll be fine. If my guy really wants kids, we might consider adoption, or he can just get a job working with kids!

Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep?
Peacefully in my sleep.

Can you walk around your house at night with the lights off and not run into anything?
Yes.

Ever received a "why don't you write me?"
No, but I have received a “where the hell are you?”

Ever taken your frustration/bad mood out on others?
Yes, and I regretted it later.

Ever had a huge argument and then realized that you were wrong?
Yes.

Ever left things the way they were just because it would be harder to resolve it?
Yes.

Ever been so dazed that you take a drink of water but completely miss your mouth?
Yup! I’ve also been so weak that I’ve tried to take a drink and spilled it on myself instead.

Ever dropped your toothbrush in the toilet?
No. What kind of toothbrush gymnastics do you think I’m doing?

Can you sleep better at night or during the day?
During the day. When it’s hot (like it is now), I try to sleep through the heat of the day. I still wake up feeling totally sick, but it’s better than staying awake for it.

Is your favorite color evident by the clothes you wear?
Yup!

Is there a movie that you can really relate to?
Nothing comes to mind.

Ever found lyrics to a song that almost exactly describes you?
Yes.

Ever said a word so many times in a row that it didn't even sound like a word anymore?
I used to do that for fun when I was a kid.

Was there a book series you read growing up?
Absolutely!

Ever written a letter to someone and weren't able to give it to them because it was so personal and detailed?
No.

Are you able to act?
Yes.

Can you give public speeches without freaking out?
Yes.

Ever find humor in a part of a movie that no one else does?
Yes, I find humor in lots of things that no one else does.

Are accents a turn on?
It depends on who has the accent, but usually, yes.

Do you dream more good than bad?
I dream more weird than anything.

Can you interpret your own dreams or do you have to have someone else tell you what they think?
A little bit of both. I like sharing my dreams with other people.

Ever regret saying something hurtful?
Yes.

Ever regret expressing your love?
No.

Do you think some things should be left unsaid?
Yes.

I got bored, so I did this really long survey thing. Enjoy!

Now I know my ABCs...

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:04:03 GMT

A silly survey, just to prove that I *do* still use this thing sometimes...and because I'm killin' time. :)

THE LETTER A
are you available?: yes
what is your age?: 23
what annoys you?: loud noises, bright lights, crowds, having to rely on others to do stuff for me

THE LETTER B
do you live in a big house?: no
when is your birthday?: February 15th

THE LETTER C
what's your favorite candy?: Twix, red Twizzlers, gummy candies, sour candies, peppermint
who's your crush?: I don’t have one right now
when was the last time you cried?: Saturday (I finished reading a book and the ending made me cry)

THE LETTER D
do you daydream?: constantly
what's your favorite kind of dog?: I really don’t like dogs much
what day of the week is it?: Monday

THE LETTER E
how do you like your eggs?: I don’t – eggs make me puke
have you ever been in the emergency room?: yes

THE LETTER F
have you ever flown in a plane?: yes – I hate flying
do you use fly swatters?: no
have you ever used a foghorn?: LOL no

THE LETTER G
do you chew gum?: no – my jaw can’t take it
are you a giver or a taker?: hopefully a bit of both
do you like gummy candies?: love ‘em

THE LETTER H
how tired are you?: not that tired
what color is your hair?: very dark brown – sometimes mistaken for black

THE LETTER I
what's your favorite ice cream?: cookie dough, or vanilla with rainbow sprinkles
have you ever ice skated?: once when I was 11 or 12 – I sucked at it
do you play an instrument?: no – I used to play the flute

THE LETTER J
what's your favorite jelly bean?: not a huge jelly bean fan, but Jelly Belly’s Juicy Pear flavor is pretty good
do you wear jewelry?: yes, a kitty ring on my left middle finger and a necklace

THE LETTER K
who do you want to kill?: nobody
do you want kids?: no, and I can’t have any, either
where did you go for pre kindergarten?: I didn’t go to pre-K

THE LETTER L
are you laid back?: sometimes, I wish I was more laid back
do you lie?: sometimes

THE LETTER M
what’s your favorite movie?: I don’t have one favorite – I LOVE horror movies
do you still watch Disney movies?: sure
do you like mangoes?: love ‘em

THE LETTER N
do you have a nickname?: nah
what’s your favorite number?: 37
do you prefer night over day?: yes

THE LETTER O
what’s your one wish?: to not have to worry about anything
have you swam in the ocean?: yes

THE LETTER P
what one fear are you most paranoid about?: fire
what are your pet peeves?: loud people, people who compare their (physical) pain to mine
what's a personality trait you look for in people?: compassion, friendliness

THE LETTER Q
what's your favorite quote?: “When you do things right, people won’t be sure you’ve done anything at all.”
are you quick to judge people?: I try not to be

THE LETTER R
do you think you're always right?: no
you watch reality tv?: not really
are you one to cry?: it depends on the situation, and how is this for “R”, anyway?

THE LETTER S
do you prefer sun or rain?: rain
do you like snow?: yes, but only if I don’t have to go out in it
what's your favorite season?: late autumn

The letter T
what time is it?: 1:46 p.m.
what time did you wake up?: 5:51 a.m.

THE LETTER U
are you wearing underwear?: why yes, I am!
underwear or boxers?: how about stark naked? :D just kidding, underwear is fine

THE LETTER V
what’s the worst veggie?: eggplant
where do you want to go on vacation?: Sedona, AZ or Disney World

THE LETTER W
what's your worst habit?: picking at my fingernails and the skin around them, playing with the clasp on my necklace
where do you live?: Virginia
what's your worst fear?: fire

THE LETTER X
have you ever had an x-ray?: tons of ‘em
do you own a xylophone?: no

THE LETTER Y
do you like the color yellow?: meh, only certain shades
what’s one thing you yearn for?: to not have to worry about anything, to get what I want and RIGHT NOW thank you

THE LETTER Z
what’s your zodiac sign?: Aquarius sun with a Leo moon and a Taurus rising
do you believe in the zodiac?: yes
favorite zoo animal?: anything in the feline family

My Daemon

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 03:10:12 GMT

I took the test 3 times and got a feline every time. Yeah! :)

Two Quizlets and a Survey

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 03:48:40 GMT

Posting random nonsense here because I'm feeling guilty about not writing in my regular blog for so long. I'm just not feeling like writing lately.

You Are a Marble Cake

Eclectic, inventive, and peaceful.
You are never willing to accept what's "normal." You live to push the envelope.
You find it hard to make up your mind. You prefer to have everything you want, right away!

What Kind of Cake Are You?

Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP)

Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive.

Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all men
You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

SECTION ONE: THE FACE
1. Do you wear makeup? If so how much and where? I don’t wear makeup.
2. Do you use face creams/moisturizers? Nope.
3. Do you pluck/wax your eyebrows? No, but I probably should.
4. Have you made any permanent changes with surgery? No, nothing cosmetic.

SECTION TWO: HAIR
1. Which brand of shampoo do you use? Whatever’s around. I usually go for a 2-in-1 because it’s quick and takes very little effort (heat intolerance SUCKS).
2. Do you condition? Usually.
3. Do you blow dry/straighten/curl your hair? Nope. I just throw a towel at it, brush it quickly, and go.
4. Do you use mousse/hair spray/any added volumisers etc? I use a leave-in conditioner occasionally.
5. How often do you go to the hair dressers? Never.
6. Is your hair colored? Nope, it’s too dark to color and when I tried to bleach it, my hair started falling out before it got light enough. I did Henna a few years ago, but haven’t done it again because 1) it doesn’t really show and 2) the Henna gunk itches like hell.
7. Have you got streaks/highlights? I have some natural coppery/reddish highlights that show up in the sun.
8. How do you usually wear your hair? Down, or sometimes back in a headband.
9. Ever had extensions? Nope.

SECTION THREE: THE BODY & CLEANLINESS
1. Any piercings? If so how many and where? One in each ear.
2. Any tats? If so what are they, where are they, how many? None yet.
3. Do you wear jewelry? How much? I used to wear a lot of jewelry, but now I only wear two bracelets: my EDNF bracelet on my left wrist, and a charm bracelet on my right wrist.
4. How much of your wardrobe contains brand names? (as a percentage) Probably less than 20%.
5. Favorite item of clothing: My black cropped yoga pants from Old Navy, or this one pair of jeans I’ve had for a while that fit well and feel great.
6. Do you own any fur? Ew, no.
7. Brand of deodorant: Whatever’s around, I don’t have a favorite brand.
8. Perfume/Aftershave: None.
9. Shaving foam/shaving gel/wax/ugar/soap and water? I use conditioner or shower gel.
10. Do you shave/wax your legs? Neither, the hairs are blonde and soft, I don’t have the patience (or energy) to bother with it.
11. Do you shave/wax your arm pits? Yes, I shave them.
12. Do you shave/wax your arms? Nope.
13. Do you shave/wax bikini line? Yup.
14. How often do you shave? I plead the fifth, especially during the winter.
15. Do you use talc? Nope.
16. Do you use a body moisturizer? Nope, it doesn’t absorb into my skin properly and feels slimy and nasty.
17. Brand of bubble bath: I don’t use bubble bath – I can’t take baths because I can’t handle the heat.
18. Brand of soap: It’s always something different, whatever’s around.
19. Brand of washing powder: N/A

SECTION 4: FOOD & DRINK
1. Do you prefer fizzy/still drinks? Fizzy.
2. Favorite hot drink: Hot chocolate, but I drink it rarely.
3. Favorite cold drink: Lemonade.
4. Favorite snack: It depends on my mood. I can always go for cashews, though.
5. Favorite meal: Chicken Pad Thai.
6. How many meals do you eat a day? One or two, when I remember to eat, that is.
7. Do you eat out? Not very often.
8. Convenience food agree/disagree? Agree.
9. Favorite fast food outlet: McDonalds or Taco Bell.
10. Regularity of eating out: Ummm, maybe once a month.
11. How often do you cook? Pfft, not very often. I don’t like to cook.
12. Milk: semi skimmed, full fat? Whole milk.
13. Bread: white/brown/wholemeal? I love rye.
14. Butter/marg? Butter.
15. Do you own a food mixer? Nope.
16. Slice your own veg/buy ready prepared? Buy pre-sliced; I’m dangerous with a knife.
17. Oven/Microwave? Microwave, most of the time.

SECTION 5: OUTDOORS
1. Favorite sport: Gymnastics, track/running, and basketball. Favorite sport that I can still actually DO: Swimming.
2. How often do you work out? I try to exercise daily.
3. In any clubs/societies for sport? Nope.
4. Own a car/vehicle? Nope, I can’t see well enough to drive.
5. How often do you drive? Haha, never. See above.
6. Prefer to walk/drive? Drive or be driven, walking is becoming less and less of an option for me these days.

SECTION SIX: TECHNOLOGY
1. Own a computer? Heck yes!
2. Email/Hand Written Letter? Both are great, but I use e-mail almost exclusively.
3. Hand written notes/typed up? Both, and it depends on my fingers and the length of the note.
4. Broadband? Wireless? Dial up? Broadband with a wireless network.
5. How often do you use your computer? Constantly.
6. Have a fax? Nope, I go to the library and use their fax.
7. Have a mobile phone? Not anymore, I don’t get service up here.
8. How often do you use your mobile? N/A, but when I had one, I used it every day.
9. Is it just the one mobile phone? N/A
10. Average bill monthly? When I had a cell, it was $50-ish. The land line I have now costs me $30-something.
11. Pay as you go/contract? It was Cingular’s pay-as-you-go.
12. Ever used your mobile over the landline to save time walking? N/A
13. Cable/Sky/Freeview? Cable.
14. Do you own a DVD Player? Yup.
15. How many DVDs do you have? Not many, less than 10, believe it or not!
16. VHS? None, but I have a VCR.
17. Stereo system? A small one.
18. Laptop? Yeah, but it’s my mom’s.
19. PDA/Blackberry? Nope.
20. How many game consoles you do own? None. I play a lot of games on the computer, though.

SECTION SEVEN: PERSONAL THINGS
1. Smoke? How many a day? No, smoking is disgusting. I smoke 0 cigarettes per day.
2. Brand of cigarettes: N/A, see above.
3. Drugs? Nope.
4. Drink alcohol? Very rarely, and I don’t have any in the house right now.
5. Favorite alcoholic beverage: I don’t have one.
6. Pick litter up/leave it? I always pick it up if it’s mine.
7. Turn off lights/appliances or not bother? Turn them off.
8. Leave the tap running when cleaning your teeth? Yup.
9. Sort trash into separate bins? Nope.
10. Recycle? *blush* Nope.
11. Worry about the world? Of course.