Cookies done, a few ingested. But that isn't why I am posting again tonight. I think it's time to shift the dominance in the house. Once again tonight we had a squabble, this one outside, far from anyone or anything they should have been squabbling about. Danika is once again a-okay and Vixen was a bleeder (small cut in her ear - same side as her cheek wound). *sigh*

Clearly the rolling and submissive stances Danika took initially were too good to be true. Vixen is, after all, a submissive gal. Time to make my baby take a back seat, whether I like it or not. SO... for all you who visit: be sure to pet Danika first. She'll be eating first and heading out the door first from here out now too.

Shocking as it is - I have everything I need to do my taxes as of today. Unfortunately, I have no clue what gives. At first I thought perhaps I crossed a tax bracket, but it's looking like a combination of making a little more on the rental, having less in mortgage interest, and giving less to charity burned me this year.

Ok, it could be much much worse, I look like I'll get approximately $10 back from the government - which is a wash once you account for e-filing fees. I don't owe, I should be happy... but let's keep in mind I have BOTH of my employers withholding EXTRA from each paycheck.

The major shitter is that, it is highly likely that while I didn't change brackets in 2007, I probably will in 2008, which will cost me even more in taxes. Wah! I was so hoping for a return.

I guess it's time to go make some cookies for Saturday. I did come up with some other side dishes to prepare.

The first and only natural one of my of four is aching.

Between a few different stops, I think I have everything I need for Saturday's shindig... booze, snacks, booze, grub, booze, soda. Good to go. Anyone else want to put in a Lia Sophia order?! Now, the next few nights are all about cleaning and prepping. Of course, when it's rainy and nasty I never want to clean, it seems so futile, but it has to be done.

Hopefully I'll sleep better tonight that I have the past two. My shoulder is being a bitch again, ahh... getting old, and has been keeping me rather uncomfortable at night.

How many times can I be told "I owe you one"? If we're talking purely auctions - ya owe me like seven, but who's counting. I know I'm crazy. I'm stupid enough to gladly stroke the ego because the others I'd rather spend my money and lather my affections upon are fools (fools who I assume are trapped under very heavy things).

I'll just claim this evening was shopping therapy. The victory did pull me out of a bit of a grump.... but I will now forever think of Peptobismol (aka pepto-abismol) as a tax write off.

There is such a fine line between "too little too late" and "doing just enough to get by". I haven't decided which side the timber fell. Was it a genuine act? I'd like to think so, but I still think perhaps it was my recent lack of attention, or a priming for tomorrow. Regardless, dancing the line is still preferred to no attempt whatsoever.

I did it! At long last I am capable of sitting down at my dining room table for a meal... hell, it's so clean right now I could sit down with five other ppl for that meal. Still not totally in order, but this is definitely a large milestone. I started to attempt to move the larger bookshelf, but after getting it propped at an angle against the fourth step I realize it was definitely not going to happen on my own (as I suspected).

In other progress news, Vixen's wound from Danika is doing well and healing slowly. I'm continuing to keep a close eye however, because heaven knows the second I stop watching it will end up infected.

Further my latest to do at work has been completed. Normally that gives me a small amount of breathing room, but not this go round, this time I am behind on tasks on my other efforts - so I 'll need to stay dug in for a while longer.

Let's see, what else what else? Found several ladybug things and ordered them for the kitchen, so before you know it (after my Lia Sophia party) I'll be bitching about having the kitchen a wreck again. Ok, time to bury my head back in the sand for a day or two.

After waking early, starting to watch a movie, and falling back asleep this morning, Beff and I headed out for a little grub, chatting, and shopping. From there - across town to meet Buster, the Law family's latest addition. My God is he a cutie. I love love love puppy breath. I tuckered him out, let him nap on my lap, and left when he perked back up. After all, I do have to make the point with his mum of "HA!" Yes, I remember Vixen as a puppy all too well. If I wanted to stay up most of the night due to crying again, I think I'd just have a rugrat.

It's hella cold around here today. So thanks to someone for the warming images and thoughts.

For those who can't translate on the fly... check out Joe's translation of my recent man-shopping document. I love you Joe :) thank God there are ppl out there with my sense of humor.

Am I sick? Yep. Am I twisted? Uh-huh. Is there clearly something wrong with the way my mind works and my sense of humor? Oh - you betcha.

So, I'm discussing men with a friend (go figure) and we jokingly liken checking one out to inspecting a horse. Of course I then go Googling for what one might look for when checking out a horse and find an article. Now, under the premise of "inspecting a man for dating potential" give this a read. If you don't laugh, your sense of humor needs some work. Lighten up.

Good news good news - I almost have a room that looks like a dining room again. One more solid evening of effort should have the table back in the middle of the room and fully cleared off. With the help of a strong friend or two I can easily get the larger bookshelf and computer desk upstairs and out of the way. I am so incredibly bruised from all the little bumps at this point. A couple nights 'off' watching hockey is just what the doctor called for.

After that all that remains is organizing upstairs, redecorating a bit in the bedroom, and shredding things up in the kitchen to get things rounded out and properly transitioned - I say "all" like that is some small task.

I made even more progress last night that I didn't report on ... two bookshelves moved upstairs and many many books organized and routed up and down the stairs. Where this left me today however prevented me from getting even further this evening. The shoulder that has recently been a bit grumpy was quite sore this morning and now this evening I am also feeling the effort in my leg. Dah-mn I am out of shape.

Why is it one effort tends to spawn desires for other large efforts. I haven't even started in on the necessary changes to the kitchen and I am already looking forward to pulling down the bedroom decorations, patching the old holes, and rehanging things. I almost feel like I am having a very early bout of spring cleaning.

Once again this evening I drug home from work tired as can be. I didn't fall asleep while chilling out in the hopes that I will rest better tonight - last night was wacky dream after wacky dream. But if the hottie that was in last night's (albeit odd) dream wants to make another appearance I'm down with another restless night.

Putting away the CDs, movies, and books: 80% done. The CDs aren't organized, but they're away and the books need a little more thought to determine what all needs to go upstairs. I did get two more boxes of books on the shelves though. Vacuuming CHECK! Emptying the dishwasher CHECK! Changing out the bed CHEEEECK... and two loads of laundry complete! I also made a grocery run this evening.

Hanging of shelves and scrubbing the kitchen floor... incomplete, but I have a semi-excuse on this one. I also didn't get to wipe up the kitchen counters etc, which is a predecessor to scrubbing the floor.

Instead, I ended up rather distracted by a bit of a squabble between the girls. This one ended up a bit messy for Vixen. *sigh* I wish I knew what they say to one another that spurs these fights out of nowhere. Sadly, Vixen, who outweighs Danika by 20lbs is usually the one getting her ass kicked. Dani has a small scratch on her leg that she milked with Satin-level proficiency gimping and looking sad to get coddled and tended to, perhaps because of how long I spent with Vixen after the initial once overs.

Vixen has two good sized owies by her eye and a few more lacerations around those main wounds. I cleaned it once as she winced under the medication and gave her a baby aspirin and came back to clean it again about an hour later. There isn't a lot of blood, but I know it hurt - it sure looks like it hurts like the dickens anyhow. We'll see how things look in the morning with another cleaning and another aspirin to make sure she isn't aching. Hopefully we won't be making an emergency trip to the vet.

There was a beautiful dusting of snow when I got up this morning. A little more fell today, but the roads have remained remarkably clear. This is the type of snow I can deal with, even if I did take a bit of an odd slide on Tener Street on the way back from the grocery store.

Let's talk about "say what you really mean" in marketing:

Domino's... you're only kidding old people and little kids with your "BFD". Big fantastic deal, right. In this case, this marketer pulled an easter egg on his company. You also drew my attention QUICKLY to the TV when I heard BFD. Kudos to you. You're probably laughing all the way to the bank to cash your paycheck.

WWF TNA - Total Nonstop Action? Um, no. Granted this lovely acronym truly fits what they're trying to sell, at least as evidenced by the half naked women prancing about now a days. I use to adore wrestling when I was younger. Did you see Ms. Elizabeth scantily clad? NO! The pay per view specials may as well be porn, since they rape you in the price anyhow.

I slept a wee bit late today... after an early rise to get the dogs outside, and I still didn't cross things off of my to do list, but I did get my butt in gear and did some running. I also buzzed through some work-work that will lighten my load this week.

Maybe if I make a list for myself here and everyone berates me if I leave it incomplete tomorrow night I'll get somewhere. I need to finish putting away the CDs, movies, and books. I also need to hang up a couple shelves. Then there is the vacuuming, emptying the dishwasher, changing out the bed, and scrubbing the kitchen floor. Hold me to it people!

Posted the earlier portion of this post a half an hour ago but remembered some other things I should have highlighted here... so here goes:
My desire to get in gear in the post sparked me to clean the toilet and sink again as I headed to the shower.

Went to mom's yesterday to celebrate her 76th birthday. She is now out of the age of tracphone and has a real cell phone. Hopefully lessons each time I visit will have it old hat in no time. As a bonus she picked Olive Garden for her birthday meal... I love that place. I'm sure I would be sick of it if there was one in Jtown, but I digress. The curse of not having an Olive Garden nearby means that when I AM there I MUST get the black tie mousse cake. So I ruined any assemblance of eating lighter yesterday.

To compensate I immediately put the new treadmill together when I got home. So it's ready to roll... look out world, my return to my smaller ass is coming right at you. I also ate popcorn and an apple for dinner, to feel less guilty.

My mind does get way too active later in the evening. If I can shut down, I think it's time to catch some sleep.

Not a new leaf, but to prove I am not always negative... I found one thing I really like about Valentine's day drawing near. The stores are loaded with red things - decorations, clothes, little things. I wonder what a shrink would say about red and black being my favorite colors.

Let's see what the wealth of ALWAYS TRUE information the Internet has to say thinks:
Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can't stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.

Black: Dignified and impressive without being showy, Black people want to give the appearance of mystery, but their preference may also indicate a suppression of desires and worldly aims, suggesting hidden depths and inner longings.

After pondering in the shower what a past anonymous comment-poster had to say. I'll offer this other insight into myself:

When I allow myself to be somewhat numb to things (not allowing myself to feel passion of any sort - anger, desire, etc) I can appear tame to the rest of the world. I am sure I am not telling anyone anything they didn't know when I say that opening the door to feeling happiness often sneaks in pain and anguish.

Am I better off to just go numb again - or to appear as nothing but negative to the outside world? I am tired of feeling hurt or slighted (not just by those around me but even by my own God) but I keep arguing to a friend who has pondered the desire to shut off feelings "those short bursts of happiness are worth the pain". All I am saying is... the teeter totter needs a fat kid on the other side for a while to renew that hope.

I'm snobby about some things, but for the most part I am "common folk"... case in point, I think the "tall" would be large at Starbucks. Just another one of my pet peeves. Is that why I am posting this morning? No - it's for the woman in Starbucks w/ her daughter and friend. The woman who sat there sipping her complicated order and prattling on about how she just doesn't know if she should put her daughter into all day or part day kindergarten and how she just doesn't know if she (the daughter) could handle it. Um, you mean you wouldn't have anything else to do but sit on your ass all day at Starbucks. Cary Mom alert. Yes, I am sure it's jealousy but I am entitled to bitch a little - I earned the money that paid for my boring old cup of coffee myself.

Rant number 2 for today: It may have taken years to get back to me... but I assure you I may not be the whore you left for, but I am not vanilla.

For a guy who wouldn't even TOUCH himself in front of me... you have a lot of nerve labeling me and my glow in the dark finger paints anything other than the best thing that ever happened to you. Oh, let's call the girl whose virginity you took names - you dickless, spineless, brainless schmuck. You are the one who was skanking around since before your teenage years, you'd think you'd have some knowledge to impart to your latest conquest. Some flavor of your own let's call it.

My employer thinks we are all complete freaking idiots. Throughout the buildings more and more "tip" signs appear periodically. The latest and greatest? A reminder that sharing tweezers and razors could spread disease! You think? What kind of sped shares that shit with a coworker?

The mere amount of money that has to be spent on these retarded signs is mind boggling. If we're stupid enough to warrant these reading materials we really shouldn't have gotten hired here. I swear if they hang signs in the stalls reminding us to wipe I will snap. Perhaps it is just my recent piss poor attitude bubbling up and over, but I am at that threshold again.

I am so tired of people pounding on my inbox and door asking for shit that I was never suppose to be doing (taking on crap other ppl frelled up) and others never being responsible when they don't get back to me or don't bother to do their portion of a task that I am relying on to move forward. No matter how you cut it I feel like I look like the ass. I am tired of the timelines I establish getting blown to shit because of things stuck in process hell and putting me "behind". If I am going to look like an ass, why not embrace it and just say frell it all?

I know, I know, this is just a hormonal freakout. It perfectly explains my other recent frustrations and internal mental struggle about relationships or lack there of. Sometimes it just helps to spill it all out... perhaps someone else will get a small chuckle. Laughter is the best therapy after all. Perhaps that is why those that snap and go to the looney bin are portrayed as giggling fools.

Oh, and can you believe my files STILL have not made it to my new doctor? Rediculous.

SNAP... CRACKLE... POP... and I am not talking about derivatives here ppl.

The most recent theme is lazy. Sometimes I swear I could sleep for a week straight. It's often in the winter - hibernation? Not like I am missing anything terribly exciting. What is strong enough motivation to rouse me from nappy time? The thought of a nummy burger from the Corners.

As promised... keep in mind, these are still mid-healing (Heck, the butterfly is still puffy), and I had a hard time getting good photos.

Many thanks to Matthew's Party tattoo for my latest additions. Gorgeous.

Do you know the very best thing about the Rickety ol' Furniture Shoppe? You don't even have to place an order... and they make you the most lovely items. I was gifted both in presentation and graced sense with a beautiful Christmas gift from ye' ol' shoppe. You'll note that I linked to the Boxes section of the website, that's because if this new item is added to the site I will be able to boast a 50% ownership rate of the items listed. The latest box is the smoothest, most loved piece of wood with a beautiful hand carved oak leaf atop.

I'm sure the above details have detracted from the true main event of the evening, but believe me the gift of spending an evening with the Laws would have more than sufficed, even if Jacob wouldn't give me a hug!

Fresh ink... good buzz. WOOHOO!

The butterfly is GORGEOUS. I love my cutie little lady bug... and the cross I will gladly carry with me everywhere. Photos to come when the redness passes and swelling subsides.

No one can say I didn't get my use out of the day off, that is for sure. As you can note from my earlier post I was up earlier than I normally would be on a day off. I started off by kicking up the washing machine and emptying the dish washer, and then putting away the last few Christmas gifts I received. The pork, kraut, and mashers were fantastic, I am actually looking forward to the leftovers tomorrow (if I don't forget to take some for lunch).

Being the expert procrastinator I am, I then took to shopping and tried to get some odds and ends that I identified as necessary for the living room (coax, a couple doileys, flower garland), two black media storage towers, and other odds and ends. One thing I want and haven't been able to hunt down (even online) are quite the throw back to the 80s - a cheap corded phone that lights up/glows when it rings. So if you spot one hit me up!

By the time I got home I was so ready for a nap, but I kept my butt moving by putting together the two media towers. That of course led me back into the living room and starting to hang pictures (finally). Everything isn't in place just yet, but it actually looks like a living room once again. Hopefully I'll stay motivated and get the rest of things in order.

For now, I am going to go stand in a hot shower to soothe my achy back and shoulder. Too bad I can't teach Vix to rub feet, they are also quite displeased at this point.

Happy New Year to all! I simply cannot believe that 2007 is over... it seems to have gone so incredibly fast. I thank C and V's friend for last new years' midnight kiss for good luck. I am not overly superstitious, but I can't help but think it helped to ensure me someone to spend some time with and smootch this year when the ball dropped. Time to tend to the pork and kraut... superstition? Nah... tradition.