the end and the beginning.

10.. 9.. 8.. 7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1..

Yappy Hew Near 7002!

More to be added later!

it sucked.

I was going to write a long entry and email to post here for Christmas,
but...

Christmas sucked. Badly.

So, I'm going to bed early. Goodnight!

what am i?

You are The Fool

The Fool is the card of infinite possibilities. The bag on the staff indicates that he has all he need to do or be anything he wants, he has only to stop and unpack. He is on his way to a brand new beginning. But the card carries a little bark of warning as well. Stop daydreaming and fantasising and watch your step, lest you fall and end up looking the fool.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

fixing something.

The comments pages are on the fray. Hope to get them fixed by tonight!

new hat.

Neal and his 2 daughters got me a new hat and sweater with zipper for
Hanukkah.

I really like the hat! It's a reminiscence of Arizona with all the hot
weather during Spring and Summer!

a christmas present.

Finally! I got the supersampler camera for Christmas!

Every year, my brothers and sisters do this gift exchange. So, I'm
giving many thanks to one of my sister-in-laws!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :)

wish granted: a fisheye camera.

It was a pleasant surprise when I answered the door to find out I got a
Fedex delivery from Mipperjean!

Thanks, Missy! I'm forever in your debt!

Tags: camera, lomography

a firefox favorite: gbutts

I totally fell in love with GButts! It is a Firefox Add-on or Extension
that adds a drop-down menu of buttons to many services and features
provided by Google.

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/3576/

a speed test.

I thought my cable connection was 512kb. Boy, was I wrong!

updated signature.

For quite a while, this was my email signature:

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks
out."

- Walter Winchell

Now, I am using this new quote as a signature:

"It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

deep thought.

I have seen this quote a few times before. I decided to post a brief entry about it.

Sometimes when you try too hard to get something, you won't be happy. Usually, you have to let things happen naturally and enjoy life, then you'll be truly happy.

delicious italian cake.

Neal and I went to Trader Joe's for dinner 2 nights ago. We wanted to
get a quick sandwish or wrap before we went to a joint Deaf
organizations' Happy Hour fundraiser.

While we were at Trader Joe's, and after we picked our choice of food to
eat, we went to the food sample serving area. We found someone working
the table and asked if we could get our food microwaved bec it is so
cold outside. The worker reminded us that they aren't supposed to warm
up food for customers, but sensed our urgency and went ahead anyways. I
noticed a tray with slices of some kind of bread with diced fruit in
them. I tried a sample...

Mmmmmmh! It tasted really good!

While our food was getting heated up in the microwave, I asked about the
price of the type of bread. I forgot how much exactly it was. I can't
find the receipt, but I know it was somewhere between 6 to 7 dollars.

There was a big stack of the fruit bread in boxes. I noticed the boxes
came in 2 colors. I asked the salesperson what's the difference. The
darker colored boxes are raisins with candied fruit bits, and the
lighter colored boxes have cranberries instead with candied fruit bits.
Based on the salesperson's suggestion, I made my choice and grabbed it.

» insert classic zelda sfx «

Huzzah!! I bought a package of Trader Joe's Cranberry Panettone!

lomography fisheye camera

I've had my eye on this camera for quite some time. I think I will get this within the next 2 months for my Photography class at CCBC. Amazon is selling it right now for $36.60 with free shipping! It's times like this that I wish I was employed! :(
link...

tags: [lomography] [cameras]

via Wists: link

cat humor.

a nice surprise.

I was baking 3 kinds of cookies today when Neal came home from work. He walked in the kitchen and we chatted for a bit while I set the dough on the coockie sheet. He was playing with Pepper, then asked me to close my eyes for a minute. So, I shut my eyes.

He tapped me on the shoulder and I opened up my eyes. He held up a box with a small fiber optic Christmas tree in it.

I didn't have Christmas things or decorations around the apartment. Neal felt bad that he and his family will celebrate their Jewish traditions and holidays this month, and I won't be celebrating Christmas. Now the little tree is sitting in the corner of the living/dining room area.

I'm really touched. It really meant a lot what he did for me today! I wonder if he understood what that meant to me..

Anyway.. Happy Hannukah (spell? I'm gonna check dictionary for this one), Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all!

Testing Blogger.com

The damn blogger service won't work 3 times already.

a favorite anime.

For as long as I could remember, Grave of the Fireflies is the only anime that made me cry. It was very thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. I'd recommend this movie to everyone.

Blockbuster Online - Grave of the Fireflies on DVD

women with raging testosterones.

Rosie O'Donnell might be going too far, too quick with her recent spat with Kelly Ripa about Kelly's comment towards Clay Aiken. Wow. And, Kelly's comment towards Clay were pretty harsh.

Whether Kelly meant that comment as homophobic or not, I have to wonder if the only phobia she has is towards germs. Why else is she the Tide spokeperson?? Kelly's response about flu and cold season makes perfect sense. Although, she should have kept her tongue in cheek, because, as the saying goes, "If you have nothing good to say at all, don't say it."

And, poor Clay. I'll bet Clay didn't expect this would happen to him. He should have kept his hands to himself unless he is "really close, best friends" with Kelly Ripa. Then, it would have made sense for him to cover Kelly's mouth. Thank goodness, Clay had clever help from Tori Spelling to lighten the mood of the controversy!

Really. I think people, especially a select group of women with abnormal amounts of testosterone, really need to lighten up and back off.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2672565&page=1

wacky haiku.

By MadHaiku:

just in time for thanksgiving...
a new cooking show:
"eat, drink, puke with rachael ray"
she's so glamorous!

personality colors test.

I love taking personality colors tests! I learn more about myself everytime! I think everyone else should make it a habit to play a few personality colors quizzes or tests once in a while!

Here's my result from this test:

You Chose:TYPE 5
High Sensation Seeking

High Sensation Seeking (HSS) means that you really enjoy high-energy, thrill-seeking kinds of activities. You seldom follow the crowd. Your idea of a good time is a thrilling emotional experience that challenges you to the max. Because you seek out high-energy experiences, other people probably think of you as a risk-taker. The people in your life may admire you as an avant-guard, leading-edge kind of individual who is likely to be tuned into new trends ahead of the curve. People are drawn to your adventurous spirit.

Find out more about your personality here!

spam poison?

I've used it in the past, and wasn't sure if it really works. Won't hurt to try posting it again!

ten on tuesday.

Every Tuesday, check here for 10 on Tuesday's latest meme! Here's this week's meme:

10 Things You Love to Eat During the Holidays

1. Molasses Ginger Cookies.
2. Ganache on fresh fruit pieces.
3. Warm Neiman Marcus cookies.
4. Homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
5. Homemade apple pie with cream.
6. Fruitcake and milk.
7. Homemade cheesecakes.
8. Caramel covered apple slices.
9. Turkey meat on legs and wings.
10. Cooked grated carrots with bacon bits.

free rental

Check out redbox to pick up a free movie rental! I like renting new releases from Redbox because it's only a buck per night! One drawback though, it's due the next day by 7 pm. So, you better plan on watching what you rent! Ya don't want the moolah go to waste, huh?? ;)

YOU MUST READ: Issue with Forwarded Emails

I am trying to be nice. I am gonna do a soft, short and sweet rant. I am sick and tired of getting forwarded emails from family and friends who don't know how to use the [Bcc:] feature! So, I typed out this email and sent it via [Bcc:] to everyone's email addresses I could find in those forwarded emails. Read the following:

Hello everyone!

I'd like to take a few minutes of your time. You'll find out why I have your email address.

Four of my family and friends sent me several forwarded emails with loaded with attached email addresses. If you got this email, it is because your address was also listed!

Not to worry and thank goodness for YOU, I am not a spammer and I do not work for advertisement in pornography, sexual medical advisement centers, drugs or other junk companies.

I feel this this is my civil duty to inform you the following -

Keep in mind that I say this with much love and respect.. and a lot of patience.

If you love, respect and cherish your family and friends, PLEASE stop using [To:] for listing your family and friends' email addresses whenever you forward emails! Learn to use [Bcc:] and use it faithfully and religiously! [Bcc:] stands for Blind Carbon Copy. When you send out emails via [Bcc:], everyone will NOT see other people's email addresses! Only the sender's. If you use [To:], you only want to use your own email address. If you add other email addresses in [To:], you are exposing your family and friends' addresses to potential strangers when the forwarded email arrives its destinations several times. Where is the privacy?!?

If you got a forwarded email and before you forward it again, PLEASE erase any listed emails FIRST, those people would appreciate your support and help in respecting their privacy. Your family and friends would appreciate NOT having to scrooooooooooooooooooooooooooooll down past all the former recipients' and senders' email addresses and forwarded subjects and inset lines sometimes with double and repeated posting of the email's contents all the way down and a few more clicks of the mouse scrolling to the bottom to get the point of the message. (annoyed loss of breath) Get my point?

If you already practice using [Bcc:] and cleaning your forwarded emails by cropping out unnecessary contents and former recipients' and senders' email addresses before you send it out... THANK YOU with the bottom of my heart! Well, your family and friends will THANK YOU tremendously, too!

It will reduce the spread of unwanted spam and virus.

I'm happy to be here to help you understand the joys of using [Bcc:]!

Happy Holidays!
Philip

P.S. Please forward this email to your family and friends, I am sure they would appreciate to learn of [Bcc:]. Before you do that, erase the senders' or my email addresses from this email! thanks again!

P.P.S. I rarely use this email account, so I probably cannot reply.

pilates and diet

I was reading on the Craigslist forums, and found a discussion group where a person was complaining of a bad back as a result from surgery. Several people made suggestions on exercises. One of them said a few words about checking out the Winsdor Pilates, "Perhaps this exercise would work?"

I immediately replied with the following:

I have had a weak, bad back for quite a number of years.

I got fed up with feeling depressed, sore and fat. My depression often gets so bad to the point where it was disabling me, rendering me a hermit, always living indoors away from family and friends. I started taking Pilates over a year ago, and it was tough and hard. I kept at it and wasn't easy for me.

Now, it has been a year and a half, and I am so GLAD I took Pilates! My back problems have reduced maybe 80% less than before. I don't get that painful twinge in my lower back anymore. I have more energy, better posture and happier attitude.

I've been on diets and exercise programs before. Nothing worked. I was quickly gaining what I have lost and some extra. Ugh!

After starting Pilates, I went from 239 lbs to 214 lbs in 18 months and the weight STAYED OFF! Just be consistent with your Pilates routine, eat whole wheat products, more fruits/vegetables, proteins and drink lots and lots of water. Changing the way you eat is your own decision. Don't immediately force yourself on a diet, or you'll feel overwhelmed and give up. My changes in diet happened v e r y  s l o w l y. I made one or two adjustments here and there. It does make a difference! I still eat fattening foods, but ate in good moderation. Don't forget to follow the recommended serving size!

After exercising for long enough, I noticed my cravings for my favorite soda and sweets have gotten less and less. :D In the end, the changes in eating habits along with my exercises have helped me overcome most of my depression issues.

I haven't given up my sweets and soda yet! ;) Gotta have my chocolate fix!

Anyway, Pilates won't work unless you really want it to work. If you gave up on it, that means you don't want it badly enough. You have to really want it badly enough to make a positive difference in your health!

bitch mood.

I'm in a bitch mood today.

I'm tired of having to get permission to love someone unconditionally.

a poem.

Do not stand by my grave and weep
by Mary E. Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep:
I am not there.  I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the softly falling snow,
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the field of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,
I am in the grateful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom.
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing.
I am in each lovely thing.

So do not stand by my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.

dessert at centerstage

Neal, Gerri and I went to see a Russian play, "The Three Sisters" in Baltimore. I had the honor to meet two actors, Wawa Snipe and Willy Conley. Wawa was there to watch the play. Willy is in the play. His wife and her friend were also there. It was great making friends with new faces!

Anyway, Neal, Gerri and I had a quick dinner before the play started. I bought dessert and got this some kind of chocolate covered, layered cake with a slight taste of mocha with molasses or maple. I have no idea what it is called! Never seen such dessert before! If you know, please let me know!

Junk Face OUT! Junk Face OUT!

Last weekend, I got into a heated debate with this guy who I am sort of dating. We talked about the crisis at Gallaudet University. He goes, "Oh, my friend said that the protest is going on, and one of the reasons the students are upset is maybe because the new president is 'not Deaf enough'!" I asked who this friend of his, and he emphasized that it was this Deaf ASL teacher at Mesa Community College, who also personally knows Jane Fernandes! Ugh! I went off on him in a bitch-rant. I'm SO disgusted with ASL teachers who are ignorant or stay hidden in their little shells, never updating their own signing skills and professional knowledge of the current ASL/Deaf issues or trends.. I re-educated him about the real facts going on at Gallaudet.

Two nights ago, I got a hold of my sister in Utah. We were catching up with what's going on with her and what's going on with me. Then, somehow, the topic about Gallaudet came up. She said that she heard about the protest, and thought it was about Jane K. Fernandes being "not Deaf enough". Ugh! I explained to her what was going on and the real reasons for the protests. My sister didn't know those stories. So, now she knows the truth!

I just spoke with my best friend in Portland early this morning. He teased me lightly about Gallaudet. And I went off on a heated rant, then he said that a lot of hearing people still thinks it has to do with "not Deaf enough".. Now he knows the real story.

I'm shocked to see how much f**king damage I. King Jordan and Jane K. Fernandes has done to the Deaf community. Their lies has already impacted Oregon, Utah and Arizona! The crooked king and his fat dog set us back 50 years in my opinion!

Junk Face needs to be taken to the pound!

new firefox.

Time to upgrade!

last night.

Soon, I'll be doing a vlog and post it up here tonight. It'll be about my visit to Gallaudet.

It was also great to see old friends there! :)

Unfortunately, I couldn't do the fire show... But, I did meet Billy and Allan who are also part of spinning! Now, as far as I know, 5 Deafies are spinners!

this Saturday?

Will I be doing a fire show at Gallaudet University this Saturday? Only the lawyers know! ;)

Gotta play it safe!

If approved, I'll do a 5 minute show for donations. Funds collected will be given to FSSA for their daily needs.

Cross your fingers, peeps!

may Glenn rest in peace.

ksl.com - Utah's Online Source for Local News & Information Head-on Collision on I-215 Leaves Two Dead

Salt Lake Tribune - Collision on I-215 kills two, sends two more to hospital

I know Glenn Williams, Mitch Moyers and Adam Shewell.. It was a sad day when I found out the sweet, short guy Glenn was killed. I really feel and my heart goes out to Laurie Moyers, Jennifer Shewell and their children! Most of all to Glenn's family.

Glenn is an AWESOME guy who tried to change his life for the better to keep his family together.

sleepytime.

Aww, Pepper is such a kid! He was hyper, ball of boundless energy all day. Then, now, he's all worn out and fell asleep in the middle of the floor with a doggy bone in his mouth.

Cute! Cute! Cute!

That little son of a bitch knows he can get away with a lot for just being cute!

USB flash drive?

I want this USB drive!

about macaroni grill.

I mentioned earlier that Neal took me to Macaroni Grill just outside of Baltimore for my birthday. I was talking to my mom on AIM during the drive to the restaurant. My mother joked this is the "Gourmet McDonald's" restaurant. I don't know what she was getting at!

Anyway.. Neal was treating me to a birthday dinner. When we got our sodas served, we ordered:

Me:
Mozzarella Fritta
Fried mozzarella with a zesty pizzaiola sauce and basil pesto.

Pollo Magro "Skinny Chicken"
Grilled chicken breast served over steamed spinach with fresh tomatoes, red onions, fat-free feta cheese and honey balsamic vinaigrette. Approximately 5 fat grams.

Tiramisu
An Italian tradition of ladyfingers dipped in espresso liqueur, then layered between rich mascarpone cream.

Neal:
Mama's Trio
Three Italian favorites on one plate. Lasagna, Chicken Cannelloni and Chicken Parmesan.

Smothered Chocolate Cake
Topped with warm homemade chocolate ganache. (Chopped pecans topping is standard, but he ordered it without nuts.)

Instead of eating Mama's Trio, he would rather have:
Penne Rustica
Imported penne pasta with shrimp, grilled chicken and smoked prosciutto baked under a golden crust of Parmesan cheese.

By the way, it was my first time to try Tiramisu! Not bad, but I felt they used TOO much whipped creme that killed the overall flavor. I'm gonna try making a homemade one and see if I could make it better than Macaroni Grill's.

for my birthday..

First, I want to say, "Thank YOU!" to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday!

I also wanted to say, "Thank YOU again!" to 6 people: Mom & Dad, Braedi, Neal, and Larry & Kt!

Mom & Dad: some money that went to food ( I was starving! I could have bought this camera if I wasn't so hungry! :P ) and fare for the Metro. Once I get a job, I'll treat myself with that camera I wanted. Thanks, Mom & Dad!

Braedi: a handmade card about cats in a shape of a cat. Thanks, my cute, lil' niece! I'm gonna have to make something for you.. ILY!

Neal: thank you for the dinner at Macaroni Grill on my birthday! I want you to know that you meant a lot to me. You're an inspiration! ILY2!

Larry & Kt: thanks for the Willow DVD! When it arrived in the mail, Neal was teasing me about me wanting movies like "Willow". Heh! That DVD made me ツ! From one movie buff to a couple of movie buffs, THANKS!

All of you guys are great! Xoxo!

a sunbathing puppy.

Last Sunday, Neal, Jennifer and I went to Paws On Parade event in Reistertown, MD. Naturally, we took Pepper along with us.

It started at 10 am and ended at 2 pm. We arrived about 12:25 pm. We got out the car and started to walk to the booths. Pepper was getting agitated, making whining sounds and lurching forward. It was very overwhelming and a shock for Pepper because it was his first time being in a large crowd of people with dogs.

*high pitched barking*

We got him microchipped and found out it was free of charge from Humane Society. Whoohoo! We walked back to the booths, spent a couple hours looking at the tables, introducing Pepper to the diverse crowd of people and dogs.

*high pitched barking*

Neal saw one booth selling portraits, so he ordered 3 photos. It was a challenge to get Pepper to hold still. After all, he's only 4 ½ months old! The portraits wouldn't be ready for an hour.

*high pitched barking*

We went to take a long walk. Pepper was being a brat, trying to follow me everywhere. I feel bad because Pepper see more of me than Neal everyday. Naturally, Pepper would follow me around. We decided that Jennifer and I walk quickly ahead, leaving Neal and Pepper behind so Pepper can learn to walk with Neal. It was frustrating the Hell out of Neal. Poor guy!

*high pitched barking* Omg, Pepper... Shut the HELL up!

Pepper keeps woofing and barking at every dog that passed him. Some of them were dressed up. My favorite one is a german shepherd dog in a police outfit. That was so cute!

People started cleaning and packing up the booths. Neal went back to the portrait booth, and they still haven't developed Pepper's pictures yet! I went ahead to the car and took Pepper with me, just to give Neal a break. I sat in the car with the door open, laid Pepper out. He looked like he was sunbathing! Aww, so cute! I just had to take a picture!

It was taking too long. I got out the car with Pepper and went back to the booth. They were still waiting for the photos, but didn't take long when they finally printed them out. We walked back to the car.

*sigh!* *more barking.*

After we got in and buckled up, I turned to Neal and asked, "Aren't you just glad we didn't bring Pepper with us to Fells Point Festival last week??" Neal glared at me with wide eyes, and took a deep breath, "Oh my God! YES!"

Then we went home, stopping by a fast food for a quick dinner. Whew! What a day! At least, it was good for Pepper to try to break in and develop his social skills!

federal p.o.v.?

I want to save this link to Federal Support for Gallaudet University for later reference and educational use.

Thanks to Jordan and Jane, the quality of education isn't up to par with the national average! What a waste of buttloads of money and emotional payouts!

Save Gallaudet or get the F**K out!

who coined this?

I was reading across various blogs which were covering the news, events, hot topics at/about/from the protest that blossomed from Gallaudet University.

From reading the comments, I wondered who coined the phrase - "JUCK FANE!"?

Know what? I can top that! ;)

Try,

"JUNK FACE!"

spare some change?

261432341_8bbd8a9e4c.jpg">
This reminds me of the ongoing situation at Gallaudet. Sometimes money doesn't bring change that is necessary, people do!

2 minutes ago.

For those who didn't know. My 33rd birthday ended 2 minutes ago!

:]

pepper.

Here's Pepper asleep on my leg!

Whew. He was being a brat for hours tonight, and now, it seems that he has winded down.

Earlier today, I was talking with 2 friends on AIM, trying decide whether or not I should go to Gallaudet University to show my support. One friend had plans which was cool with me and the other took too damn long to answer my IMs. So, I ended up staying home to work on some projects. I was also too tired.

After all, there's still Gallaudet's Homecoming next Saturday. I'll be going for sure with my spinning poi!

good luck in threes.

I've always thought 3 was my favorite number.

I'll be 33 in 3 days, and today is Friday the 13th. So, it should be a good birthday and a beginning of a good year for me.

Here I am, sitting in Owing Mills' AMC with Hilary and Jennifer, waiting for a movie to start. The 3 of us are going to see The Grudge 2 for my birthday!

Whoops! Movie's startin'!

Thanks, girls! Xoxo!

okay. busy. real busy.

PAH! It looks like my SK2 can send email and pics with little or no problems!

I've been so busy trying to reorganize myself, my emotions and my priorities. I've got a long list of things to do and checking each one off. One of them is to redo the blog and website. I plan on adding another section or two, but again, it takes a lot of my time. A few other things to do are to organize my papers in my bedroom and finish some craft projects. One friend keeps reminding me that I need to stop thinking about the end result and focus on the "here and now".

Speaking of projects, wanna buy a wallet made out of duct tape? If so, what color? It's 20 bucks with free S & H!

And, if I could only find a decent job, I'd be less stressed out!

working on my sk2

It was almost 3 months since I've been struggling with my SK2's camera feature. I couldn't email or post any pics I've taken!

Now, I'm testing to see if this post will go through or not.

wishlist links

Froogle: Unsorted
Amazon: Cameras & Supplies
Amazon: Books & Movies
Amazon: Clothes

exactly what I meant.

A while ago, someone posted a comment (adding link later) on my blog claiming and assuming I was ranting about Jane Fernandes being "not deaf enough". Well, as Ridor and P.I. put it perfectly with the stats, check this link: http://www.ridorlive.com/?p=1920

According to her past work and administrating track record, Jane Fernandes was NEVER qualified to be the new president of Gallaudet University!

She and her sourpuss face need to GO!

more on my wishlist.

I want to add this art by Cassie Haynes in a frame to my wishlist.

You rock, Cassie!

wishlist addition.

Cyber-shot® DSC-R1 Digital Cameraspacer is going on my wishlist!

quiz plug.

Take The Ewan McGregor Test!

my twin, where art thou?

I was watching this fascinating Discovery Health's episode on Vanished Twins. During the introduction, the narrator said that one in 8 people had a vanished twin. One twin would disappear or in rare cases be developed inside the other fetus. There are different causes and ways one twin would vanish during development.

Then it hit me.

I remembered that my mother explained when early on in her pregnancy with me. The doctor told her that I was going to be twins. She was HUGE! I had sets of everything in reds and blues!

After watching this Discovery show, I had to wonder... I've always felt something was missing for a long time and haven't found the cause for it. Perhaps, I got a vanished twin?

4sale: snazzy duct tape purse

If anyone is interested, this purse took about 2 to 3 days to make! You can see colored duct tapes on each side as rainbows. It also have an inside side pocket as well. The size of the purse is 3" thick, 9" wide and approximately 23" long with strap (purse bag height is about 6" tall).

It's 50 bucks plus shipping and handling or better offer. Please drop a note if you are interested!

a rant.

Without Deaf people -

Music would have been a lot different today. Thank Beethoven.

We all would still be playing live music, using fireplaces, oil lamps, ink pens and paper! No Napster, iPods, TVs, computers, etc! Thank Thomas Edison.

Phones would be nonexistent today! Thank Alexander Graham Bell’s wife! No thanks to Alexander for being a hearie who wanted all Deaf people to be sterilized!

There wouldn’t be any Girl Scouts of America! Thank Juliette Lowe.

Sport games would have been boring and short. And the wives would have been a lot happier! Thank the Deaf players for the huddle and hand signals!

Considering what I have listed above, to all the Hearies who opposed the captioning services for the Deaf people - You are selfish, greedy bastards who don’t deserve the daily privilege of using services and products that sprouted from the benefits of what the Deaf have created for you! Most of all, if weren’t for Deaf people, you wouldn’t be blogging and reading this!

Good-fucking-grief! Please show some real appreciation and give us some credit!

If you don’t recognize - Fuck off.

texted.

I woke up this morning and checked my Sidekick2. There was a text message from my sister. She sent it to me about 7 am, then I remembered it meant she sent it 4 am from Arizona. She said:

"I hate charlies! So many hot guys!"

Bitch! You asked for it!

She wouldn't go with me when I asked her months ago! :P I hope she had a great time there!

recipe.

A recipe from snowflurrybaker's stumbleupon page:

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Method:
Cream butter and sugars in large bowl until light and fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.  Thouroughly incorporate peanut butter.
 
In seperate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.  Mix well, and add to butter and sugars.  Stir until *just* combined.  Do not overmix!
 
Scoop onto parchment lined cookies sheets (if you have it; otherwise use non-stick sheets, or as a final resort, a lightly buttered sheet).  Flatten with tool of your choice: a fork, the bottom of a pretty bevelled glass, or the palm of your hand!

Bake at 275 C for 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned and the top is "set".  Never trust your cookies to a 350 degree celius oven!  Ever!  Most home ovens run 50 degrees hotter than the dial temperature.  It's better to bake them a little longer than to risk burning/overbaking.  Transfer to wire racks to cool, brew a strong cup of coffee, or pour a glass of milk and enjoy!  Oh, and sharing with loved ones makes them taste even better!

quiz plug.

What Your Bathroom Habits Say About You

You are a giving soul. Way too giving in fact. You often get stuck doing the dirty work that no one else will do. Your look is put together, classic, and stylish. You always look fashionable without trying. You are a little shy and easily embarrassed. You often wonder if you are normal. In relationships, you tend to be very romantic and demanding. You'll treat your partner like gold, but you expect a lot in return.

What Do Your Bathroom Habits Say About You?

I dunno about the shy part. Easily embarrassed? I dunno about that one, too! Everything else just hit the right spot.

another firefox extension

This is a MUST for the blogger and blog reader! coComment keeps you updated on any comments you posted on other websites. I use it now. And it works on flickr, digg, blogger, wordpress and more! Go to the coComment's homepage and learn how!

new wish list

My new wish list is being hosted on Froogle.

For some reason, I am not satisfied with Amazon's wish list feature. Maybe it is because it feels "noisy". I dunno.. I should just use Froogle's wishlist from now on, but will let my Amazon wishlist collect dust unless they have something listed that Froogle doesn't have.

Regardless, here is a small wishlist! Some friends can stop asking me what do I want for my birthday (Oct. 16)! lol!

an east coast quirk.

I noticed if you're on the West Coast and you order fajita something, you get the real fajita deal with authenic taste. But here on East Coast, they think fajitas comes in doused with sweet bbq sauce, topped with grated cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce and salsa!

Bbq sauce WITH salsa?! Eww, yuck!

leather?

http://media.adventchildren.net/wallpapers/site/ac_poster_1024.jpg

http://media.adventchildren.net/wallpapers/site/ac_sephirothflames_1024.jpg

I like this outfit that Sephiroth (for those who don't know, that's the silver haired guy) is wearing, but I bet it is f$%#ing expensive!

recipe.

A recipe from fatfree.com:

Fat-free Chewy Chocolate Cookies
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. Karo (light or dark)
3 egg whites

Spray cookie sheets with cooking spray. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Stir in corn syrup and egg white until blended (dough will be thick and slightly sticky). Drop by rounded teaspoon onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes or just until set (cookies will be soft when pressed). Do not overbake. Cool on rack.

I add less than 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor. If you really want the 'pure chocolate' taste, omit using vanilla extract!

flies-b-gone.

Believe it or not, it really WORKS! My brother bought a 2-story home and the backyard always have flies. The neighborhood is next to some farms and newly developed land. Naturally, there'd be hordes of flies everywhere! He put ziploc baggies full of water and hanged them on the border of his back porch's ceiling. The result?

No flies.

From the page:

Zip-lock water bags

Many people swear that a zip-lock bag filled half-way with water and attached over entry-ways will repel flies. No one yet knows how or why it works, but there is speculation that it has something to do with the way the moving water refracts light. If you have tried this please use the tips form at the bottom of the page to hare your results with the rest of us.

new p2p.

Another excellent Firefox extension! Get it here!

hauntingly eerie.
I find this a very creative, yet eerie thing for those people to make a giant girl puppet!

crocodile hunter dies.

Wow! I never thought 'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin would die this soon! He's only 44 years old, death by a stab to the heart from a stingray.

WTC Movie to give 10% profit?

Puh-lease!

I just watched a movie based on true story. It's titled, "End of the Spear" and at the end of the film, it said 50% of the film's profits go to the funds to help the Waodani and other tribespeople in the Amazon Jungle.

That movie was really good and touching. Go rent or buy the "End of the Spear" film!

flash fights back.

new stuff.

some new stuff coming soon!

rosa parks part two?

First, they made Raed cover his shirt, then moved him to the backseat of the airplane! This is Rosa Parks all over again!

Wow! Raed doesn't deserve this kind of discrimination!

recipe: 5 Bean Salad

5 Bean Salad

1 (15 ounce) can Garbanzo (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can Black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can Red beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can Pinto beans or Black-eyed Peas, drained and rinsed

Put all beans in a bowl.  I don't rinse them, but you can if you wish
to.  Then, make dressing:

1 small onion, sliced into thin rings
3/4 cup white sugar
2/3 cup distilled white vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Shake in bottle, then pour on the 5 beans in bowl.  Stir until all is
coated and well mixed.  Best served cold.

Re: Beating a Deaf citizen IS a hate crime.

Looks like I got a reply from Jimmie Slack in San Diego. I hope they'll find the people responsible for the beating. I also hope the police will consider this crime as a hate crime.

Best of luck to Pepe into making this right and safe for San Diego Deafies!

-----Original Message-----
From: Jimmie Slack <JSlack@sandiego.gov>
To: deaf258
Subject: Re: Beating a Deaf citizen IS a hate crime.
Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:24:09 -0700

Thank you for your concerns. Hate crimes are very serious issues and the San Diego Police Department is working diligently to find the criminals who did this. This crime is also being featured on Crime Stoppers.

Your support in helping to address this matter is appreciated.

We will all breath a sigh of relief when they are behind bars.

Jimmie Slack
Chief of Staff
Councilman Tony Young
236-6644

new item.

Adding this to my birthday wishlist:

Lomographic Super Sampler Camera 4 Lens
FREE UPS
LOMO.com
Here's how this camera works:

me wacky.

I was being wacky today.

Neal took his daughters out to eat at Olive Garden and I joined them. We were celebrating Hilary's birthday. There is a funny story I wanna add later. Anyway, Jennifer took pics of me while we were on our way home. I was making faces and saying one-liners to go with the expression I was wearing. Jennifer couldn't stop cracking up!

Beating a Deaf citizen IS a hate crime.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this e-mail to express my anger and disappointment in the City of San Diego for not protecting its own Disability community.

On August 13th, a deaf boy was beaten up in City Heights because a group of men that attacked him "didn't like the way he looked at them." According to one police officer: "The other guys in the park think he's looking at them funny, and they don't like it," he said. "So they approach and he's unable to respond, so they beat him up."

As a Deaf person, I use my facial expressions to communicate more than a typical hearing person would as a consequence of my hearing loss. I can understand how another person would mistaken my very expressive facial expressions as "looking funny" at someone else. That is what seems to have happened in this situation. Because this boy was Deaf and acting Deaf, he was beaten up. This argument, if correct, means that this was a hate crime.

Yet the San Diego Police Department, more specifically Officer Donelson has not been respectful or helpful to the Deaf Community. He refuses to consider the strong possibility that this was a hate crime. He keeps stating that this was not a hate crime because the Deaf boy was not beaten up because he was Deaf. Officer Donelson says this because he is not willing to understand that Deaf people do use facial expressions extensively that may be translated as looks that would make some think that we are "looking at them funny." He has already stated that "looking funny" at someone and getting beaten up for it is not a hate crime. This is true for others but not for people who use their faces extensively like I do because of who I am. I am Deaf and I will not allow some thugs to scare me into not signing and using my facial expressions because they beat up one of my own kind for having the characteristics of a Deaf person.

Please use your position and your heart to tell the San Diego Police Department that enough is enough and they need to devote more resources to getting these thugs off the street so they cannot commit anymore hate crimes and harm other Deaf people.

Only last month, 3 gay people were beaten up and the City of San Diego rallied to nab these hate-mongers in less than a week. Yet when a disabled person is beaten up because they had characteristics of their disability, they still have yet to capture anyone nearly two weeks after the crime. This is not right, just because we are not as visible as the GLBT community, we should not be put on the backburner.

Please take action and help push the San Diego Police Department to recognize that this was possibly a hate crime and needs to be treated like one to remove these criminals from the streets to make the streets safe again for San Diego's Deaf Community.

Thank you for your time,

Sincerely,

Philip Mecham

P.S. It saddens me to see the lack of effort and response from the San Diego's public service to protect its Deaf citizens. This will affect the present and potential, future San Diego Deaf residents, because Deaf people want to live in a city where they know they will be safe or protected. Right now, San Diego isn't looking like a great city to live or visit!

blind double?

I googled myself and found something 258.

Apparently, he is blind and I am Deaf!

a quiz plug.

disgusted.

It was several weeks ago when I was flipping through the channels, and happened to see the movie preview to the new WTC movie.

What the f...?!?

OMG! I cannot imagine watching that tacky, new WTC film! Why? Because I feel that it is a disgusting ploy to make money off of false patriotism. While some people claim to watch it to "support 9/11", others, such as myself, absolutely refused to watch that piece. Who, in their right minds, would want to relive the painful memories that happened on September 11, 2001?! And I have to ask, "Where does the film profits go?" I would really like to know where the money is going!

Why now? Why make a movie about WTC? For a couple of examples, why don't you take Titanic or Pearl Harbor. When did those events occurred? Why make a film of an event from 5 years ago? Why not wait until 50 years has passed and do a film then? The making and showing of the WTC movie is like rubbing salt in open wounds. The people who died should be remembered and honored WITHOUT the commercialized propaganda!

Shit. It's just downright nasty!

So.. If you want to show your true patriotism.. Please put your 9 bucks and some dollars for soda with popcorn into better use! Don't watch the movie, just donate those greenbacks of yours to one of those WTC scholarship funds or non-profit organizations!

• Twin Towers Orphan Fund
• September 11 Scholarship Alliance
• World Trade Center Survivors Network Links

UPDATE: I went and did a little looking at the slow paced, sleep inducing, flash based layout at WTC Movie. I learned that the movie will donate 10% of its profits to their approved list of WTC charities. Why not 100% or 90%?! Or better yet, to be fair, 50% of the proceeds to be donated? 10% is a measly portion of peanuts! Make sure you donate! 100% of your donated money goes to charity!

Flixster

Hi guys,

I just took a movie quiz at Flixster.com. If you come take it too we can see if we like the same movies!

Take the quiz!

Philip

how interesting!

From Wikipedia:
Fuck, a word connected to sexual intercourse, is among the strongest and most controversial vulgarisms in the modern English language.

When the word was expelled from polite usage, becoming profane, is unclear. Some evidence indicates that, in some English-speaking locales, it was considered acceptable as late as the 1600s, meaning 'to strike' or 'to penetrate'. [http://dictionary.reference.com/help/faq/language/f/fword.html]. Other evidence indicates that it may have become "vulgar", in polite use, as early as the 1500s; thus other reputable sources such as the Oxford English Dictionary contend the true etymology is still uncertain. The two seemingly contradictory hypotheses might reflect cultural and/or regional dialects. For more information, see the the section on etymology below.

a plug?

I am very flattered to find a link leading to my blog is found on Best Gay Blogs homepage!

Thanks, BGB!

a silver bit.

I would't mind buying this pendant because I noticed I am starting to have a thing for snowflakes.

a quiz plug.

You scored as Piper Halliwell. You are Piper Haliwell. You are the oldest sibling and the smartest. You are very family oriented. You are hard on yourself Piper Halliwell 95% Cole Turner 85% Prue Halliwell 85% Phoebe Halliwell 60% Paige Halliwell 15% What charmed character r u created with QuizFarm.com

a quiz plug.

Philip Serial Killer Extraordinaire

'What will your business card say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

get userplaned!

I set up this webchat with video support because my sister wanted to see me. Aww!

Anyway, thanks to Userplane for this free service! They're new partners with AOL, so expect something new with AIM later on!

One more thing, I noticed a downside to this service. The Userplane's fps (frames per second) rate isn't fast enough (needs to be between 24 to 30 fps for ideal usage) for using ASL on video. Perhaps, will that change later on?

sprayed art.

When I saw this video, I was immediately reminded of this old guy who paints like this at the Phoenix's Art Walk. Now, I wonder what has happened to the old guy. I'd like to buy one of his pieces!

a dead muse.

I am trying to get my muse to regain its life so i could start writing again. It's been 2 years since I couldn't write something decent and lengthy.

I'm sorting my blogs and erasing a few of them.

Why?? Because Blogger and Google decided to come up with this.

Anyway, I found 2 poems, one completed and one unfinished. Here they are:

:: macabre ::
waking up one day, slowly
feeling naked to the world
stepping out of my home
during the chilling season
swaying leaves fall about
dancing in wide circles
dreaming breeze whispers
walking along the street
rumbling cars and trucks
rolling past lonely me
uncaring and smoggy
striding faster, windy
stopping to observe
spinning around, around
ignoring the sensations
blind little ol' me
crushing bones, snapping
flurring red and white
falling flat
dying

- Deaf258 © 2004

All the songs I could sing
I can't even hear the music
It seperates me from you
You may think I am crazy
You must think I am nuts
Can't you even go backwards?
Can't I just go on forward?
While you just listen and I'll just leave


(Continuing work)

pepper.

Last Saturday, my roommate decided to buy a little puppy! It's so cute! It is a male Mini Schnauzer. His name is Pepper. Here's a pic of Pepper looking at everyone in the car for the first time.

Aww!

Now, I'm SO tempted to get a white kitten and name it "Salty."

you are my friend.

Friends (family too) are like butt cheeks. Shit might separate them, But they always come back together.

Send this to all your butt cheeks

a new fascination.

Google never fails to amaze me to no end! This is fascinating!

Check out Google Maps + Google Video + Mashup - Claude Lelouch's Rendezvous.

a book meme.

Grab the nearest book.
Open the book to page 123.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.

Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.

From the book, My Guy: "Some gay men who say they want to be single are choosing a reasonable option in life. Marriage isn't right for everyone. For example, there are generational preferences, with the desires and ideals of a twenty-year-old expectedly different from those of a sixty-year-old."

258.

aww, this sucks.

I've always thought Krispy Kreme had better quality than Dunkin' Donuts. I hope someone else will continue the business!

http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/0811krispykreme11-ON-CR.html

Thanks to Evan for this link!

a lesson.

I've learned that most Virgos are really mean, abusive drunks. If I find out you're a Virgo and a mean drunk...

BE GONE!

a quote.

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

- Walter Winchell

cdi?

I thought it was funny.

frustrated.

I am getting frustrated with Blogger, T-Mobile and Gmail. I noticed I got bombed with many blog posts via email today. Those emails were sent out last week!

There gotta be another, easier way to post to my blog via my Sidekick! Aurgh.

from allrecipes: tri-color pepper slaw.

I'll be making this Wednesday night! I'll let you know how this one goes!

Tri-Color Pepper Slaw Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 6 (change)

INGREDIENTS: 2 green bell peppers, sliced 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced 3 medium tomatoes, sliced 1 (8 ounce) bottle balsamic vinaigrette 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, gently toss the green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, and feta cheese. Allow to sit 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe source: http://recipes.allrecipes.com/Utilities/PrintRecipe.aspx?RecipeID=77256&servings=6&Format=4x6

the search for the ink.

Well, I've been going to different tattoo parlors lately. Because I'm thinking about getting a body tattoo that is almost like a mural. Hoping that I make sense, this is what I want:

*my right leg would have a pond theme with some fish, frog and lotus flowers. *my buttcheek will be covered with grass, boulders and pebbles. *my lower right back will have a cherry tree growing towards my right shoulder and arms, the tips covered in cherry blossoms.

Anyway, much to my delight, I saw some koi tattoos in a magazine. Maybe one of these will go on my lower right thigh.

sequels.

I am looking forward to watching some movie sequels!

Ju-on - The Grudge 2
The Power of the Dark Crystal

html & css editor.

I think this is a great, free program for editing HTML and CSS!<br><br><a href="http://nvu.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://deaf258.com/images/nvu.png" alt="powered by nvu" border="0" /></a>

new image gallery.

I love how simple this one is!<br><br><a href="http://folderblog.tetto.org/" target="_blank"><img src="http://deaf258.com/images/folderblog.gif" alt="powered by folderblog" border="0" /></a>

secured by touch?

According to this, our wallets and credit cards will be more secure.

in a mood?

Someone made mood flowers out of FED lights. It is supposed to detect the voice patterns and establish a mood light in nthe flowers. Maybe this is a great toy for the Deaf, so we can test the hearies' voices, whether if we are pissing them off or not! ;) Check it out @ Pink Tentacle!

another favorite extension.

Check out DownThemAll! for Firefox!

quiz plug - muscle car?

Take the quiz:
What kind of muscle car are you?

1972 Chevrolet Nova SS
You are a 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS. You car is fast as hell....you don't care about making it really flashy...because you'll shut down whoever wants to race you! You are a die hard Chevy fan...you wish they made Nova's again....on second thought.....nevermind....because you'd probably hate the design they'd come up with!

Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!

notes.

I was taking some notes of websites to check out later.

Www.dimensions-crafts.com 73098 Savvy stitches Embroidery transfers

www.Klutz.com

www.Knit1mag.com

www.Jintattoo.com

Www.demoniausa.com

www.gothicroseantiques.com

Www.vampirewear.com

Www.arcaneindustries.com

Www.shatteredglassdesigns.com

Www.taissaladadesigns.com

Www.folterclothing.com

Www.scottradke.com

Www.x-tra-x.de

Www.plastikwrap.com

Www.heavyred.com

Www.badattitude.com

Www.vampirefreaks.com

Www.hanzismatter.com

Www.inkedmag.com

Www.spiraldirect.com

★ • · . philip . · • ★

"The past will often attack the present with the pain of your memories." - Seiichi Kirima

are video clips accessible?

"Expressing my concerns about having the option to view internet video clips with subtitles. Deaf people are at a loss when they view these clips without subtitles." I am glad Jared took the time to make this excellent video clip to prove a point. It would be great if all media on the internet is 100% accessible to the Deaf users. It would also benefit the Deaf people in other countries where captioning or subtitling isn't prevalent. Thanks, Jared!

new exercise.

I have been thinking about joining a class for this kind of workout.

a tattoo concept?

Neal found this tattoo and though it fits me the best, with fire poi I play with and my favorite color blue. I'll consider it, but I do want one of a kind!

a reconsideration.

After looking at the pages at Red Alt, maybe I should reconsider using WordPress instead of Blogger? I dunno. I like Blogger for the archiving.

another favorite.

Spice up your Gmail's GUI with gmailskins!

new chat.

Go check meebo.com. I can use Gtalk (same chat as in Gmail), AIM, YahooIM and MSN Messenger. If you sign up for an account on Meebo, you can log in once and automatically logs you in 4 different IM services! And, best of all, you don't need to download anything! If your school blocks chat sites, you can try some proxy sites and get around it.

Meebo is cool!

one more.

Ampersand Appliances Font set.

font lust.

I added this to my wish list: Ampersand A la Carte Volume Font Set.

new favorite extension.

I love this Google Bookmarks extension from page!

hot.

I want Jack and Bill from Feuerwear.

No, perv. Go take a look!

too cute.

Now I want a kitten!

a new book.

Okay. I found out more details about Terry Brooks' new book, "Armageddon's Children," from Borders.

From the Border's Title Detail page:
Title: Armageddon's Children

Bibliographic Data: Hardcover, 384 Pages, Ballantine Books, August 2006

Author: Brooks, Terry

List Price: $26.95
In-store prices may vary. See your local store for the most up-to-date pricing.

Status: Not Yet Published

About the Author: A writer since high school, Terry Brooks published his first novel, The Sword of Shannara, in 1977. It was a New York Times bestseller for more than five months. He has published seventeen consecutive bestsellers since, including The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Ilse Witch and the novel based upon the screenplay and story by George Lucas: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. His novels Running With the Demon and A Knight of the Word were each selected by The Rocky Mountain News as one of the best science fiction/fantasy novels of the twentieth century. The author was a practicing attorney for many years but now writes full-time. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.

Description: Terry Brooks is one of a handful of writers whose work defines modern fantasy fiction. His twenty-three international bestsellers have ranged from the beloved Shannara series to stories that tread a much darker path. Armageddon's Children is a new creation -- the perfect opportunity for readers unfamiliar with Brooks's previous work to experience an author at the height of his considerable storytelling powers. It is a gripping chronicle of a once-familiar world now spun shockingly out of control, in which an extraordinary few struggle to salvage hope in the face of terrifying chaos.

Logan Tom is doomed to remember the past and determined to rescue the future. Far behind him lies a boyhood cut violently short by his family's slaughter, when the forces of madness and hate swept our world after decadent excesses led to civilization's downfall. Somewhere ahead of him rests the only chance to beat back the minions of evil that are systematically killing and enslaving the last remnants of humanity. Navigating the scarred and poisoned landscape that once was America and guided by a powerful talisman, Logan has sworn an oath to seek out a remarkable being born of magic, possessed of untold abilities, and destined to lead the final fight against darkness.

Across the country, Angel Perez, herself a survivor of the malevolent, death-dealing forces combing the land, has also been chosen for an uncanny mission in the name of her ruined world's salvation. From the devastated streets of Los Angeles, she will journey to find a place -- and a people -- shrouded in mystery, celebrated in legend, and vital to the cause of humankind . . . even as a relentless foe follows close behind, bent on her extermination. While in the nearly forsaken city of Seattle, a makeshift family of refugees has carved out a tenuous existence among the street gangs, mutants, and marauders fighting to stay alive against mounting odds -- and something unspeakable that has come from the shadows in search of prey.

In time, all their paths will cross. Their common purpose will draw them together. Their courage and convictions will be tested and their fates will be decided, as their singular crusade begins: to take back, or lose forever, the only world they have.

In Armageddon's Children, Brooks brings his gifts as a mythmaker to the timeless theme of the unending, essential conflict between darkness and light -- and carries his unique imaginative vision to a stunning new level. Prepare for a breathtaking tour de force. To those who are new to Terry Brooks, welcome. And to those who have read him for many years: prepare for a dramatic surprise.

Now, the problem is deciding where to buy the book from: Borders or Barnes & Noble. I have membership rewards from Borders, but Barnes & Noble have a cheaper pre-order deal. What to do?? What to do?? :)

the search for the ink.

Well, I've been going to different tattoo parlors lately. Because I'm thinking about getting a body tattoo that is almost like a mural. Hoping that I make sense, this is what I want:

*my right leg would have a pond theme with some fish, frog and lotus flowers. *my buttcheek will be covered with grass, boulders and pebbles. *my lower right back will have a cherry tree growing towards my right shoulder and arms, the tips covered in cherry blossoms.

Anyway, much to my delight, I saw some koi tattoos in a magazine. Maybe one of these will go on my lower right thigh.

it arrived!

Finally, I got my art in the mail from art4mba.com! I'm gonna put it on a mat and frame it. Thanks, Jason!

new favorite.

It's my new favorite bug. A firefly. You can see the glowing light the bug is emitting. I love to see fireflies dance across the grass and woods. It is enchanting to watch!