Jumping down the rabbit hole...

I have this distant memory of being a little girl in Sweden one summer. We were at my Mormor's summerhouse in Särdal and there was an organized event that really captivated me. One of those memories that come back to you and give you a warm, loving hug. Over the years, I've desperately tried to figure out what that was and piece together the mental images. It was like a scavenger hunt, but only in the forest and slightly different. I remember there were many people from the community taking part in the event and we were kind of paired off - especially since there were several young children (me included) that were with adults. I distinctly remember coming to a tree that had a piece of paper attached to the trunk with a picture/sticker of a rabbit on it and that was a clue or item that we were otherwise meant to find. This paper told us which direction to go next and almost like a riddle of what we should find next. As far as I can remember, each "team" had to take note of what they found throughout the exercise and the first to finish and get all the "clues" essentially won.

Orienteering seems to be the closest I can come to what this event was. Oddly enough, wiki's history says it originated in Sweden ! This must have been a lite version of Orienteering and for some funny reason, this is one of those memories I love. First of all, it occurred at my favorite place in the entire world. Also, it absolutely appeals to the part of my brain that loves a good puzzle...and better yet, a hands-on, Alice-in-Wonderland type of riddle.

To add to my cerebral hedonism, I stumbled upon this during my feverish searching.

Do you ever wonder how one goes about finding what they are meant to do ? Or what one is really good at ? A bit off topic, perhaps, but I've always wondered how others found their passion. Like the story of the man who picked up a piece of wood upon being bored and ended up whittling a beautiful animal with no previous training ? The wood spoke to him, his knife and hands were the instruments that created a new life out of an otherwise boring chunk of timber ?

Right, so my point being - what if this delectable memory that has been floating about in my brain, reoccurring ever so often, has been there because that is something I should be doing ? An activity that will speak to my desire to be out, enjoying the beauty of nature and also incorporating the richness of the riddle. I won't know until I try and if it's a flop, then I will treasure this memory as I always have. Of course, this brings about the idea that I'll have to be social to a degree and gather up the nerve to actually attend one of their events. Don't take this as a deal breaker by any means - I can be gregarious when life calls for it.

I Can Transform My Own World for Me. . .

Make lists of positive aspects. Make lists of things you love—and never complain about anything. And as you use those things that shine bright and make you feel good as your excuse to give your attention and be who-you-are, you will tune to who-you-are, and the whole world will begin to transform before your eyes. It is not your job to transform the world for others—but it is your job to transform it for you. A state of appreciation is pure Connection to Source where there is no perception of lack.

This brought to you by my daily Abraham-Hicks quote. Go there now and be inspired.

ZOMG !

This blog has officially survived One Month !
Happy Anniversary and thanks for visiting.

Recipe Recap (finally !)

First of all, for the love of potatoes, can you all run out and try this recipe RIGHT NOW ? Please ? Because I can't be the only crazy girl in love with this simple, perfect recipe. I digress, let me move forward to some photographic evidence:

Before going into the oven:
Now, for some crazy reason, I only have "afters" of the potatoes ! The steaks were lovely, really -- just no evidence of them !



The other new, exciting item of interest that makes the Mr's heart go pitter patter.


Our very own hot dog cooker. The buns steam under the red and white stripped canopy as the dogs rotate on the warmer. I don't know if I should feel like the local 7-11 as we prepare for dinner or perhaps just like I'm spending another night at the circus. Either way, the dogs came out quite nicely and the buns we perfect. I also have to add that finding hot dogs with no trans fat and sodium below 400mg is next to impossible, sadly. This is a "special occasion" type of meal since eating this way too often will likely shorten one's life drastically. However, if you're feeling dangerous, you can run right over to Amazon and get your very own. You'll be the belle of the ball - the hero of the neighborhood.

On another note, I wanted to thank the powers that be for sending me some positive vibes today. While it was a challenging day, I had some great things happen that I really needed to have happen. So next time you forget:

The reason things always work out for the best, Kimberley, is because this is actually the highest of all spiritual laws.

Any apparent exceptions are simply evidence that work is still in progress, whether or not it can be seen.

Always,
The Universe

Annoyed

So I was going to do this fun post with pictures of dinner from last night etc, etc...........however, Blogger is having an "internal issue" uploading my photos [insert annoyed smiley here].

I shall move forward, as scheduled, with a different post about a different subject.

Dear Mr. Next Door Neighbor With The Really Loud Motorcycle:
Why do you start up your chopper and drive away and then come home SIX TIMES a day ? Do you have MPD ? Do you forget where you are going ? For the love of Harley Davidson, does your motorcycle need to be so loud because each time you start 'er up, I feel a little piece of my life escape me. Living on the edge, I think I may follow you one day, just to see where such a cool guy such as yourself goes six times a day.

I hope you're wearing your helmet.
Signed,
Me

__________________________

Dear Crazy Cat Lady Who Lives Behind Us:
Why must you call for your animals (since we can't figure out if they are cats or dogs) 12 times a day starting in the early morning hours and ending late in the evening ? Obviously, you have a backyard, that is fenced in, where they can roam, scratch, pee, poop and otherwise frolic without needing to be screeched at on a regular basis. We imagine your pets must cringe as we do as your bellowing, shrill voice carries throughout the neighborhood. Do they not listen - because surely they hear you (as half of Oregon does). Your choice of names are precious. In fact, I bet nobody else on this bloody planet has been quite as clever as you.

RICKKKY ! LUCY ! RICKKKY ! LUCY !

I hope you've had your shots.
Signed,
Me
__________________________

And with that said, I shall post tasty yummies for your enjoyment at a later date :)

Sunday, lovely Sunday

The previously mentioned beautiful garageless house is currently occupied, so there shall be no spying or peeking through windows without written permission and a Guest badge. The Realtor says that this can be scheduled - just let her know. Oi. It gets nerve wracking but we're just looking ! Right ? We drove by not once, but t w i c e yesterday. Not stalking, just looking. The Mr. loves it in person too. What's not to love though, really. (minus the missing garage)

Yesterday was pretty low key. I have found a new amazing website to add to my list - The Pioneer Woman. I've been reading about this site for awhile from LCF. The recipes have been raved about over and over and I guess I just had a block because the name just didn't "appeal" to me (or something). It brought up images of camping or complex backwards ingredients so I just never went there. I can't remember the thought process, but something drew me to check it out and I'm so glad I did ! I have mainly focused on her recipes. I love the pictures and step by step commentary of how she creates each different item. So....I will be making her Crash Hot Potatoes (don't they look to-die-for ?) to accompany a Pan Fried Ribeye Steak for today's enjoyment. I purchased two succulent steaks yesterday, baby red potatoes and fresh rosemary (since I can't seem to keep one alive no matter how hard I try).

She really does a beautiful job on her website -- it's clean, pleasing to the eye and everything is elegant without being in-your-face. I would like my site to aspire to be similar. Blog/Cooking/Otherexcitingthings. Not the same, because that's just creepy, but similar in the sense of being a blog with more. I'm in the midst of domain name brainstorming, so we'll see where this takes me.

I'll report back on the cooking and maybe I'll even have some pictures.

IE7 Errors with Sitemeter and Saturday

I was irritated last night because even though it was my verylovelyfridayevening extraveganza, I couldn't get to my blog. I kept getting an "Operation Aborted" message. Egads ! So, after deleting my last post, my Weeds widget, and weather widget without prevail, the Mr. told me to back away from the blog and deal tomorrow. I absolutely did not do a search, which would have answered my conundrum quite quickly.

And in the frenzy, I deleted the last cross post to Ryan's Punk Music Blog and to Russia making emo kids cry. Read it. You'll giggle.

So back to last night -- work has been stressful. I'll leave it at that. The point is, I knew I was bound for a dismal Friday evening if I didn't get my head in the right place. This was a 911 emergency if I ever had one. The beautiful moment was upon driving home, I thought back to Susan and a story she had recounted to me only a few days ago. Nothing major, but a snippet from one of our conversations was her telling her son that she needed to go for a walk to get some good endorphins flowing because she was in a bad mood. [sic] So, I let Mr. know to keep his distance and that I needed to walk off the day. I was out the door in merely a few moments. No headphones, no phone. I decided silence was the answer this evening. It was overcast, but not too cold and not too hot - just perfect, really. Not only did I snap the funk, but I also spied possibly the most lovely house for SALE that I've seen in months. An English Cottage, to be exact. Possibly 10 minutes from where we live now. I'm not going to go into huge details and warp my mojo, but it really is lovely. I came home and left the broker a message that we'd like a viewing after He agreed that it really IS perfect. The ONLY downside that I see so far - and this is a big one - no garage. I didn't realize it until I got home and we were looking over the informational flyer I had picked up. Why oh why would this be the case ? Ah well.....as said many times to me by my parents, "we'll see". And now, it fits.

As typical for me, there are no plans yet for today. There are options.....oh yes, but no hard set plans as of yet. My immediate need is to savour this coffee (that I ground with our NEW burr grinder) and click around for a nice recipe to make this weekend.

And maybe I'll take another walk....not because of a grouchy mood, but perhaps because I want to.

The Dark...

...Knight. No matter how much I try, I can't say that I liked the new Batman. I don't want to get into a long, drawn out explanation, but gawd, I just didn't like it.

Confusing and hard to follow. Call me a dumb ass, but I found the movie quickly became a jumbled mess of action and the concepts were just lost.

Tried way too hard. Seriously, I know we have great technology and everyone making a movie wants to incorporate every new possible effect into it, but it was too much.

It lost the lovely dark feel that was found so prevalent in the first few Batman movies. This felt boring and modern day. It lost that mysterious shroud that really added to the ambiance of all the previous flicks.

The Joker. Yeah, I'll go to hell for this. I liked Heath. He was a fine actor. He played this role well. But I just don't find it hard to imagine several other male actors doing just as well if not better of a job with this role. Let's be real - this was a great opportunity to dig your teeth into a gritty, insane character. Did he do it better than others could have ? I don't think so. I still like Nicholson better - so there.

Since I'm on a roll, I'll add to my list of things to be critical about: Weeds. I love Weeds and I'm totally enjoying this show. The problem is that we are now "caught up" and only being able to watch 30 minutes once a week is insanely irritating ! O M G. This show not only deserves, but needs to be an hour long. It's not a fluffy sitcom where 30 minutes is enough - this is a show with some great story lines going on and to try to squeeze it all into 30 minutes is just ludicrous. I'm such an "out of touch" tv watcher. :)

Lost. We started Season 1 Disk 1 last night. Intense. I hadn't realized it was so.....wow. I think we finished the first three episodes and it was really tough to pull myself away, yet, I knew I could only handle so much in one sitting. I felt my tummy turn to knots as we watched, yet, I couldn't turn away...the perfect train wreck (or should I say plane wreck) type of situation.

The other item I am searching for is the perfect messenger bag. I will find one, someday. One with enough funk to fit me, but enough class to not scream adolescence. They seem to be too big, too small or too punkrawk. I like Dickies, but why is it so damn hard to find an online retailer that carries a selection or prints/colours ? They all seem a bit hokey and meager in their selections.

And one last item - the perfect fonts at House Industries. That font to the right is called "Swing" and I l o v e i t !! There are several others that are just about to die for too. Run, don't walk, and check out the fontolicious love they have to offer.

Saturday morning and random, caffeine induced thoughts and ideas...

It's a perfect day when you wake up casually at 8:49am, brew up your first pot of coffee and jump on the net only to be delighted by visions that just *speak* to you as if they had been awaiting your arrival. Case in point, my first clicked delight this morning was finding a very close bikram studio to my house - huzzah ! It's been several years since I have attended a class, but something I would love to do again - soon. I'm nervous about being so out of practice that I feel I should throw in a disc and do a little at home before I embarrass myself in front of the masses. Perhaps that's just silly, but something I think about. Their intro special is $29 for one month unlimited ! That seems like quite the deal.

The second exciting discovery was Technorati's Top 100 Blogs which led me to Joystiq, a fantastic gaming blog which was screaming to my inner fan-grrl. We've been discussing forming a guild on the horde server - Grimly Fiendish. How great of a name is that for a roving band of dead (or beautiful, as the case may be for belfs) thugs ? And plus, it pays homage to one of my most favorite bands of all times, The Damned. Many won't agree, but Phantasmagoria is possibly my favorite Damned album. I find it dark and yummy and frankly, music to my ears.

Back to yoga and keeping my thoughts and energy revolving back there. They have the poses on their site and I'm inspired enough to post them here where I will look at them often:

1. Standing Deep Breathing

2. Half Moon Pose

3. Awkward Pose

4. Eagle Pose

5. Standing Head To Knee Pose

6. Standing Bow Pulling Pose

7. Balancing Stick

8. Balancing Separate Leg Stretching
9. Triangle Pose

10. Standing Separate Leg Head To Knee Pose

11. Tree Pose

12. Toe Stand Pose

13. Dead Body Pose

14. Wind Removing Pose

15. Sit-up

16. Cobra Pose
17. Locust Pose

18. Full Locust Pose

19. Bow Pose

20. Fixed Firm Pose

21. Half Tortoise Pose

22. Camel Pose

23. Rabbit Pose

24. Separate Leg Stretching Pose

25. Spine Twisting Pose

26. Blowing In Firm Pose

This is funny, but I always enjoyed the mystery of what pose would be next when I was new to the practice. Since then, I've forgotten the list and what it entails, so it will be somewhat new and exciting again. I'll work on refamiliarizing myself though.

So, that's the thought process so far on this Saturday morning. Zen, blogs, gaming and music. All things that get this girl's attention.

Cosmo, my dear ?

It's Friday again and all is well in my little corner of reality. I worked late, got a ton of work done and then went to Costco. Beer, pizza, crazy-expensive graphic design magazines, but no Nutella. Who is buying all the economy sized Nutella in Portland ? Okay, that's an entirely different post.

Being in the line of work that I am, I find it funny that I can get so damn irritated with people. Don't get me wrong - I'm here to help, I do my best at being pleasant, etc. I just have no patience for stupid people. I feel that's part of my anxiety with what I do -- there are some sweet people who don't always deal with a full deck. I want to help, I'm paid to help.....but there is a reason why some people just aren't working. That's awful, cynical....but it's painfully the truth. The problem is, I find myself empathetically immersing myself in their dismal state and finding that it brings me way down. It takes all kinds - I know this but somehow, I just can't help it. Perhaps that's what makes me good at what I do ?

A quote I received from The Universe this week was, "The person who remembers they can always reach out and help others, Kimberley, never runs out of things to do, always has friends, and rarely needs advice." Somehow, this really *said* something to me. I tend to get so caught up in the minutia, that I often forget the simple things. Things like, I have a gift of helping others - of really having an impact on someones' life. I have found that when I succeed in this, I do have a "friend" even if it is far from my particular definition of "friend", I sometimes gain their respect or perhaps even their trust.

"and rarely needs advice."..... This part, I'm not sure how to translate for myself, because I believe that we all need advice - I know I do. Or, am I so caught up in the crud, that I fail to take my own advice ?

I'll leave it at that for now. It's Friday, I'm going to relax and let The Universe get back to me on that one.

Sleepy time....

The new mattresses arrived on Sunday and the Mr. had the new bed put together shortly after. I really love it. While the picture does not do it justice or seem to show just how big it really is (or seems to us), it will work. I got the quilt/shams at Crate & Barrel several months ago. I was on a green kick and I just HAD to have them. They are appropriately called "Margarita" and they just represent the perfect summer ensemble for our new bed. Of course, I didn't realize until Sunday afternoon that we did NOT have queen size sheets for the new bed. And, of course, Target was picked through something awful and choices were slim ! I ended up purchasing organic cotton 300 thread count sheets. They *felt* softer than the higher thread count sheets for some reason and they truly are divine to sleep on. I got a funky brown/bronze color because it was really the only thing they had. Everyone in the world has a queen and everyone picked Sunday to shop for sheets. So I was sheet out of luck.

The mattresses are lovely too. Just the right amount of *cush* but still firm enough for our tastes. So, if you care, we ended up with the Sealy Posturepedic Glen Marie Reserve Cushion Firm. Jim at Sleep Country was great too :)

I came home crabby today, so talking about the bed is immensely calming. Waaaay back when, I had Holly Hobby sheets. I loved those sheets so much. As a little girl, my mom would often treat me with new sheets. If I got good grades, was sick, or just did something nice, I would often be surprised with new sheets on my bed. Sheets are special. Somehow, sheets represent comfort or reward. I think I still have a Holly Hobby pillow case somewhere...just for memories.

When I was a teenager, I bought black sheets. A set of cotton, all black sheets with a small satin piping along the seam. I remember the first night I slept in them, I felt like I was sleeping in a coffin or a crypt and it was fantastic. I felt soooooo cool. (yes, I still have the pillow cases...). Then I moved onto funky prints. I have some really great sheets that I love in a bizarre paisley print. On those, there is a vague hint of sparkle because some of the threads somehow glimmer if you look closely. I also have an amazing floral set that have tulips and daffodils on them. I bought those just because of the daffodils. While at Target, they had a Shabby Chic set that took all I had not to buy. Essentially, they screamed GIRLY and pink and the Mr. would have DIED if I came home with them for our new bed. (plus, pink rosebuds would *not* have matched the margarita quilt or....?)

Hair and some slap

New hair.....shiny, sparkly and jammy. I think the colour resembles a lovely blackberry jam. This is how I spent the morning (before going back to roll around on mattresses). With that said, we chose a mattress that will be delivered tomorrow between 12-2. Nice and comfy. I can't wait.

Roll in z hay, roll in z hay.....

Ok, not quite. Those are my eyes lined in the new BE Legit color with my new Classic Eyeliner Brush. I'm not so sure on the lining with BE. I found that the colour rubbed off onto my eyelid during the afternoon. Perhaps that won't happen with their "Weather Everything Liner Sealer" (I used eye drops to liquify the Legit).

So, shockingly, I have my BE list growing again for my next shopping bonanza. I suppose this is how it goes....when you find something new that you like. You get a little crazy trying all the new wonderful discoveries until the next exciting thing hits your radar.

I believe the next exciting thing to purchase is a bass. I'm still happy with the idea of the SG - basic black, 4 string, simple. Basic is lovely though, really. If you're intrigued enough, there's a great interview with Kira Roessler here. Kira was the bass player for Black Flag from 1984-1986 and essentially has the 10½. Everybody needs a role model and having a gender specific role model is even better. Kira started playing bass at 14 after playing piano for many years. She practiced a TON to get good quickly and has been playing ever since. I would like to listen to Dos, the two bass duo, formed with her then husband, Mike Watt. Just things to listen to, become inspired by, and get excited about. I would LOVE to know what kind of bass Kira fancies...that's one thing I have yet to find on the web.

Music from Weeds

One of the best things about watching Weeds is listening to the music. "Who will do the theme song this episode ?"

Little boxes on the hillside, Little boxes made of ticky tacky
Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes all the same
There's a green one and a pink one and a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses all went to the university
Where they were put in boxes and they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and there's lawyers, and business executives
And they're all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course and drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children and the children go to school
And the children go to summer camp and then to the university
Where they are put in boxes and they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business and marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.

Love on a Friday Afternoon....or,

How I "Bare"ly made up my mind....

ok, gimme a break on the dumb ass title. Being witty does not always come easily (no, really, I'm serious)

What a glorious Friday it was, dear readers ! Everyone should get off work at 1pm on Fridays - it should be a law (written in blood and wax sealed). As soon as I scampered out of the office, I was off to Sleep Country to peruse the mattress selection and get an education on all that is comfy ! Good ol' Jim greeted me at the door and whisked me into the showroom to show me the selection. I was like the Princess and the Pea, folks. We started firm, because, well, that's what I like.

"this one's too firm"......

Off to another corner, where I dived into a pillow top covered in lavender flowers....

"this one's too soft"......

And then, I was introduced to the Sealy Posturepedic Glen Marie Plush. Oh my.

Now, I need to get Mr. Lovey back to the store in the morning to test out this little slice of heaven. It's tentatively being delivered on Sunday (that's the day AFTER tomorrow -- gotta love instant gratification)

After rolling around on mattresses, I was off to the mall. I'm pleased to report that the mall 2 miles from our house has a Bare Escentuals boutique. As you'll read in a previous post, I had finally caved and had tried BE. I'm still liking BE -- my skin seems happier, I seem to notice that it's keeping the shine down a bit better than liquid and it's new and exciting.........so why not ? The sweetest young thang greeted me warmly as I floated into the boutique and went on to tell me all about the eye colours, brushes, brush shampoo and glimmery magical face dust. I had jealously noticed a row of high chairs with ladies being "worked" on at the length of a long counter - I secretly wished I was one of them. Soon after, my spry guide suggested I sign up for a "consultation".

ORLY ?

Another lovely lady kindly informed me that my "consultation" would be at 2:45 and I should return then. Score.

I busied myself through the mall....glanced into windows and made my way to Starbucks. Grande Iced Americano with an XTRA shot. Heaven can never have enough espresso.

2:45 arrived and Leah, a blonde pregnant young lady with lovely eyes, greeted me and continued to dazzle me with all that is BE. She "did" my eyes in a selection of plums and lined them with a nice, dark plumish sparkly number called "Legit". Then I was blushed, buffed and lipsticked. I left with the following:

• Flawless Radiance
• Pink Champagne lipstick
• Legit eye colour
• Well-Cared For brush shampoo
• A classic liquid eyeliner brush
• Refillable Mirrored Compact

Chaaaaaching. Life is good.

THEN, off to Costco to purchase some of our favourite low-fat burritos, bread and clementines. And then, home.

All in all, a FUN afternoon full of mischief and wonder.

And you are....?

Uff....what is your remedy when you come home wearing your grumpy pants ? Peel those dang things off quickly....yes ? I did that and I'm still cranky.

Irritability is like depression. It sets in quickly, often for unknown reasons and lingers longer than you wish it would. My initial reaction is SHOP ! But once I get my head wrapped around the idea of what that entails and how it will most likely be, I'm over it. Funny enough, I get more and more irritated the more it's ignored. Some would wish to be left alone - fearful they may scratch out the eyes of the next person to speak to them. I am to a degree, but I find that I like to have it acknowledged and THEN to be left alone. Not that the world should weep at my feet because I'm cranky - just acknowledge me, dammit.

And all of this is funny, because quite frankly, I'm having a KICK ASS week at work. I've managed to win over several new clients and find a few fabulous people great jobs. I was even squeeled at over the phone today when I let someone know they were offered the position. And really, it doesn't get better than that.

So WHY AM I CRANKY ?

Dreams

"To dream that you are a witness to a theft, indicates that others are

wasting and stealing your time, energy, and ideas."

So yesterday was just odd. The day itself wasn't odd, but looking back, it's made me feel weird and I can't put a finger on why. We had a normal dinner, watched Corner Gas (don't ask) and went to bed when we normally would. It was hot....I mean, really hot. I just couldn't get the upstairs cooled off. There was no breeze, the air was heavy and humid. I already felt restless....like, I knew I needed to get some sleep, but I really couldn't calm my thoughts. I was thrilled to have spent part of the afternoon talking to an old friend, but some part of me was just out of sync with the rest of my head. My cell phone rang at 10pm and that kind of startled me out of bed. It was a Washington number....but no idea who. So back to bed....back to sleep. I had one of those sleeps where I woke up all night. Each time I moved, turned over, I woke up. I awoke at 3am and started feeling panicky that I was awake (silly girl, I know). I remember hearing a car go by and trying to focus on relaxing. Then my head took over and I thought I heard something downstairs....on the stairs and I kept looking in the hallway. Nothing. I tell myself to knock it off and sleep.

Then it gets weird.

As I often do, I fell back to sleep, but didn't realize it. Reality blended into my dreams and the next thing I remember was the Mr. and I in a bigger version of our bedroom. We're laying on the floor (?) and we're close to the closet. There's a group of unknown people in our house and he pushes me into the closet to hide. I'm trying to be quiet but I'm scared of him dealing with anything and don't want anything to happen to him. I vaguely think I have a cell phone, but can't dial it or something. The group of people have a "leader" - a male - who is somewhat telling them what to do. They are meticulously stealing items from us. One odd thing is I remember watching them go through the closet and the clothes. As they are finishing up taking what they want, the leader is summing up how much they can get for what they have taken. I remember two numbers - approximately $750 and $850 for each lot. As they are getting ready to leave, I say, "I just want to ask one question - I don't mean to be confrontational, but I want to ask"......"Can I rest assured that you won't come back to our house since you've been here once now ? Since you've taken everything of value, will you leave us alone ?" He tells me he cannot promise that. The moment before he answers, I feel somehow good to have this nearly behind us and feel that they won't be back.......but then when he answers, I know I cannot rest knowing they may be back.

Violation and fear are common trends in my dreams and I don't know why. I'm OCD about doors being locked and feeling "secure" all the time, even in the car. I somehow need to come to an understanding of where this stems from and what I can do to quell any feelings of unfounded fear. I feel it may all be traced back to being a teenager and having freak-boi banging on my window at all hours of the night (and we all know how that ended) but that was 20 years ago. That was many houses ago. Granted, that was awful, nerve-wracking and the epitome of violation..........but god,

. . . : : l e t i t g o, K i m b e r l e y : : . . .

. . . l e t i t g o . . .

New Friends.....Old Friends

That feeling you get when you reconnect with an "old friend".......those butterflies, feelings of anticipation and familiar warmth.

It's a beautiful thing. Reconnecting. Familiarizing yourself again with someone who knew you so well at one point in your life. I feel fortunate to have that opportunity.

It's odd at the same time.....because you have to explain where you've been, what you've seen and what you've been through. Sometimes, that can be a lot. Sometimes, there are stories upon stories that get the listener to the current location.........the current "situation" of the friend. A friend will take the time to get there......will listen and learn.

It's a beautiful thing. This world is so damn harsh and lonely. I know you know that......but seriously LONELY. I love the idea of reconnecting, relearning and re-knowing something that meant the world to me. The funny, odd thing is.....I don't remember when we last spoke. I kind of mean that in a "Total Recall" sense. Why don't I remember her last words to me....because, at this moment, it would clarify something. Bring back that fragment of time when I felt I was able to move on.........or something.

Perhaps it's of no use right now......which I believe to be true.

Regardless, Susan, I'm glad to have you in my life and I hope we can continue knowing, supporting and helping each other.

*BIG HUGS* to you :)

Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad
"A refreshing light pasta salad with a delicious Asian flair. Great for a summer cookout or picnic."

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta (used whole wheat rotini)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup light soy sauce
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons white sugar (used less)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (used more.....fresh and minced)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast meat
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped green onion

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain pasta, and rinse under cold water until cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, and pepper. Shake well.
4. Pour sesame dressing over pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in chicken, cilantro, and green onions.

Kimberley adds:

Shredded carrot -- about 1/3 cup

Snow peas -- about 1 cup

Fresh, minced garlic -- about 2 Tbsp to dressing

Uh Oh....did I forget to encrypt something ?

Thursday, June 19 2008 @ 10:38 AM EDTContributed by: PrivacyNews

On Memorial Day, the offices of Colt Express Outsourcing Services, Inc. in Walnut Creek, California were burglarized. Computers containing the personal information of approximately 6,500 of CNet's current and former employees and their dependents were stolen.

On June 4, Colt notified CNet of the incident. Colt administers CNet's employee benefits plan, and the information on the stolen computers included first and last names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, hire dates, benefits group numbers and relationship to policyholder (for dependents).

CNet was not the only Colt client whose data were on the stolen computers. According to the notification letter from Alan Charles Raul of Sidley Austin LLP, CNet was "among many of Colt's clients whose data were on the stolen computers."

In his notification letter to CNet, Samuel G. Colt III, CEO, wrote:By this letter and enclosures, we are providing you with all of the information we believe you need, and that we are able to give you. We do not have the resources, financial and otherwise, to assist you further. Towards the end of last year, our customer base was reduced to an unsustainable level. Colt has been in the process of going out of business, while at the same time providing time for remaining customers to find alternative solutions. Those decisions are now final."

A state-by-state breakdown of the number of CNet employees and dependents is included with the letter. Of the 6500 affected, over 4,000 employees and dependents are in California.
CNet arranged with Equifax to offer its employees the Credit Watch Gold program.

Updated 6-23-08: A Cnet spokesperson just confirmed that the data on the stolen computer were not encrypted. The computer has not been recovered to date. So far, there have been no reports of misuse of the data
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Aside from the obvious, this is irritating because one would hope that a company that does business with such names as Google and Cnet would have their ducks lined up - apparently not.

Minerals-a-go-go

So I gave into the frenzy of Bare Escentuals. It was a hot day, I was on my second beer and I was crazy with the idea of wanting something new. LCF had yet another post about BE and the raves droned on into the night from those crazed fanatics with perfect skin.

So I did it. I ordered the starter kit (Fairly Light/Light) and I've been swirling-tapping-buffing away ever since. I'm a makeup whore....I love to try new products and I love the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone. I am happy to report that the basic BE foundations do NOT have a shimmery, sparkly glow to them. THAT is the main thing that worried me. I believe the glow comes from the other powders - but I'll be testing that theory as well.

I don't like to change often and I stick with what I know works for me. I still wear liquid eyeliner like I did 20 years ago. It's me. I take pride in having a steady hand and perfectly lined kick ass eyes. I've been using Cover Girl Clean Pressed Powder in Classic Ivory since HS. (That's right, I have and I just don't see a reason to change !) It's the perfect light shade....most other offerings are not as good or as light ! (thanks to Deana Drenik for that recommendation oh-so-many-years ago....where ever you are) I also refuse to use mascara on the bottom lashes. I can't say I've ever willingly applied it to them. I just doesn't belong.

The other wacky-outside-the-box-thing I've started experimenting with is blush. I've been opposed to blush since day one - but I'm trying to allow it to find its place and I think I'm ok with it. Prior to BE, I'd casually messed with a Clinique blush sample. It didn't seem to show very much, but I can notice it in pictures. It gives that healthy glow and seems to fit in for the summer months. (Egads....I'm saying this and it's weird). The BE starter kit came with "Warmth". Warmth scares the crap out of me. It's DARK and once applied, it's just THERE. So I very carefully and sparingly apply a few morsels to my brush and blend with a ferocity that should peel the paint off the walls.

My next exciting purchase will be Glee. I like the idea of getting the "look of pure joy". Not often do we get this kind of opportunity ! PURE JOY folks.......not "just kinda happy". In the video that comes with the starter kit, the commentator says that it was scientifically found to resemble the color of a woman's cheeks when she's very happy (or something along those lines). Wow, that sounds.......so bizarre. Like a group of white lab coats observed a gaggle of ladies and told them a variety of orgasmic lies and then took notes on the color of their cheeks ? (or something....)

Another item which calls to me is Flawless Radiance which is described as a sheer luminous ivory. Ooooh, that sounds nice. Perhaps I shall resemble....or not. I'll let you know.

The glimmers and glimpses speak to me also, but I have such a stash of Clinique eyeshadows at the moment, I just haven't talked myself into them. I would like to head over to the local Makeup Mecca and play...and maybe that will change my mind.

So to summarize, BE is supposedly "makeup so pure you can sleep in it". I have indeed failed to notice one blackhead since using it this week. Not a one. This makes me happy (or gleeful ?) I have not noticed my pores minimizing either. Nor have I really seen my skin tone or texture improve (it wasn't bad to begin with, but I am generally oily - especially in this hellish humidy)

But it's only been a week....perhaps the benefits are still yet to come !