Well it's about time I belt out some discussion on the dogs. And what better than to talk about than this past weekend's oddity which was Vixen being obscenely nice to someone right from her first meeting of them and Satin not wanting to even get petted. Yes, Tony was adored by Vixen. Satin eventually warmed up, but we all know she can't turn down getting petted for too long.

While I'm greedy and wished he could have hung around Altoona/Johnstown for another week, I'm just glad we got to see each other a couple times and he got to meet a few of my friends, even if it does probably mean that too much information sharing will probably take place down the road. Just remember I get even, and I know SO much. *grin* Either way, I hope the drive is going well and that you find Arizona pleasing.

Happy happy camper. I think all things combined most definitely allow for the classification of this weekend as stellar. There are no words to explain what brings me extreme joy at this moment on top of the rest of the weekend, but mayhaps a photo will suffice. (Must temper my excitement until I get it in my grubby little hands.)

Paulie's back on the ice and fighting again *woohoo*. I even have photographic proof of it! Thanks to Hogwild for sharing his photos online. He must have been in on Friday, just 'silent' (read: no penalties or goals). Unfortunately it didn't help get the Beacons up last evening. Now, when it comes to the Chiefs - it was an excellent weekend producing not just one, but two (regulation) wins against Peoria. Last night's game ended at 5-2 with goals by Hildy, Reid, James, and BK with 2. I missed a good bit of it as I was working the photo booth all night, but what I saw was a great game.

And, it was made even better by my company. While it's always lovely to go to a game with the Slipster, last evening we also had Tony in tow. Nothing better than getting laughed at for the obsession he started. Follow up the game with a few drinks at Jerry's and it was a great night. Of course late nights and old age don't work well together - so I may be taking a nap later today.

Mike also was nice enough to deliver a photo I roped him into taking the night prior. I look terrible in the photo and Jean looks either 1). terrified of girls or 2). ticked at Mike. *smile* Yeah, I guess I've decided to cheer for Jean Desrochers this year. It's not quite the same but I do need to avoid being christened Mike James' fan. Besides, I have no desire to hold his purse. *grin* I still maintain that the way Tremblay sticks up for him that there is some kind of odd relationship going on there *laugh* I'M KIDDING.

The big question on your SATs this year:
Jonathan Tremblay is to Mike James as Butch is to _____.

Woohoo! A legitimate win, and no overtime - all thanks to Mr. Desrochers and his goal with 1:22 left in the game. He was even nice enough to stop for a photo with me after the game, so let's hope that picture isn't God-awful. Other goals came in from Hildie (with 2), Mather, Tallari and PL. It was a pretty nicely sized crowd. Hopefully that doesn't mean tomorrow night will be dead. Either way, good work toasting the River-women, do it again tomorrow.

Another loss for Port Huron this evening, and indicators are that Paulie didn't play (again). What gives toots?

I also had the special treat of watching the game with the Laws, and my dearest Jacob - even if he did bring a spider with him *grumble* In preparation for this event I skipped out on grub all day to ensure I would be able to get an ample sugar buzz. After 8 cups of coffee this morning, the cotton candy, and ice cream I will likely be awake half the night.

Earlier today I managed to sleep til noon, something I haven't done in a while (I'll blame my amazing new sheets for the regained capability), I wrapped a ton of gifts, and I watched a few movies.

I neglected to report yesterday that I now have two freshly bathed dogs. While Vixen isn't too happy with the little girlie bow on her collar, I think she'll live, at least now I'm willing to cuddle with them more again as I don't leave smelling of dog.

Last night I slept like a baby, in my brand new black satin sheets. Ugh! My mother is crazy, sure the comforter may start to slide off of them a little, but it's so incredibly comfortable.

As for today's escapades - it's shopping time! The slipster and I hit Monroeville. Still no dress for me. I think I'm going to have to buckle and buy "the dress" that I adored online and pray that it fits, looks good, and doesn't fall off my less than robust chest at an inopportune moment (it's strapless). I did however get a few Christmas gifts purchased, so that makes me happy. Nothing like making an effort to put a couple hundred on a bare credit card.

I did a little shopping last night (pre-hockey games) too, to warm up for today. It is SO incredibly nice to have a Bed, Bath, and Beyond again. I missed that store. I also enjoyed getting to go through Ross and TJ Maxx. The creepy part is being in the Richland Mall parking lot and feeling like I'm in NC again. I don't know what it is about that new complex, but it just feels like the shopping areas I frequented down south.

The Beacons lose, the Chiefs fall.... in guess what, a shoot out. *ugh* At least it's yet another point. At least I have the next two days off of work. God I love keeping government 'hours'.

Clearly some people do watch movies and believe what they see is acceptable. I say that with as much sarcasm as I can muster, but reading this news article just cracked me up. Has anyone seen the movie Secretary? There is nothing better than getting to email a friend and say "hey this news article about bosses spanking their employees made me think of you".

"Punkass are you listening, can you hear me? -Disturbed"

I get to see Tony today! After spending many years without seeing him - talking through both of our Ds online and his time in Iraq it will be good to see my old friend, even if it is just for lunch. Hopefully he'll be able to squeeze in some more time to get to the hockey game on Saturday (hint hint). After all, it _is_ his fault that I'm obsessed with the sport.

"Do you ever wonder where we would be if we'd have tried a little harder? -Stabbing Westward"

Time for a PMS-esque babble. I am sick of being single again, but at the same time I see opportunities around me for relationships and I'm not interested. I have to wonder if I'm just never going to get the huge spark thing like I've had in the past again or if I'm just not finding guys that fit the bill. Maybe not having interest is my way of protecting people too - because I know I'm still not ready for something major.

It's kind of a strange feeling to have both the "not ready for all that bs" tugging in one direction and the haunting thought of turning 30 next year pulling in the other direction. I can't believe it, but yes - in SOME ways I'm ticking. Maybe it's my mind telling me to live like I'm 20, but my heart telling me to get over that.

Part of it is that, if my nighttime dream world holds any water, my past is not truly buried. One can't exactly find Mr. Right if those types of things still have plans to haunt. (And yes, I do believe in the foretelling power of dreams.) In the mean time - despite getting good sleep again I remain distracted in my everyday life. Right now, if I could just find someone that is attractive enough of an option to call a date for the Christmas party I'd be happy. Guys traditionally LIKE girls that aren't clingy and don't have any desire to be. So what gives?

"I feel like I'm living the worst day, over and over again. -Simple Plan"

Port Huron wins 2-1, but the Chiefs fall in the shootout to the Trenton Titans. BK scored both of our regulation goals. Needless to say between maintaining my audio connection and reloading the UHL scores page I didn't get much work done on my paper this evening. Although, not much of a loss - as I can't get on the class website anyhow.

Another win, and against Reading. The smell of victory hasn't been frequent, but if we only win against Wheeling and Reading - but we do it every time I'll be happy. Scoring wasn't happening for either team until the third period, but Lazarev and Cavy gave us the win (2-1).

My day went fast... I feel productive at work, which is a good thing, given that yesterday I didn't have any projects or charge numbers for Monday morning, but now it looks like I'll be over tasked. Lesson number 1: a few simple emails to people you've worked with in the past tends to pay off. Lesson number 2: unless you ask, you'll never know if there is work available.

Here's to my plans of sleeping in tomorrow. Kiddies - enjoy your rest now, while you're young. One day you'll wake up (early) and you'll realize you're old. Yes, it's true, at some point your eyes start popping open at 8am on weekends and you can't sleep til noon if your life depended on it. Where has my youth gone?

I wisely did the bowling thing last night and didn't even try to work on my paper - instead I opted for sleep. I still could have easily left at noon today to return to my soft, warm, bed but I do feel a good bit better in the sleepiness department. It was a good thing I was a little better rested today too - as I had a few work odds and ends doing their share of irritating.

I'm not the type to turn down tasking simply because it isn't in the realm of "what I do", but for once I said no - and now I'm waiting to get a bit of a butt chewing for it. It's not the work, it's the people (person) that I may have to work for. It's been years since I've worked for this person, years since they sent me home nearly crying daily... I can't believe they still have a job given the way they treat people, but regardless, I don't plan on putting my head in that chopping block again.

I guess it's time to get into the paper mindset for the evening, but boy would a nice night out at a bar feel good right about now.

My vote has been cast, and amusingly I was voter number schfifty five this morning. I admit, this is my first time voting in Pennsylvania, I didn't start making a menace of my voice until I was living in North Carolina. First, let me point out how ass-archaic and sad the PA 'system' is compared to NC. I'm not quite sure how/why they'd trust Pennsylvanians with a pointed awl-type object. Maybe PA can be the next Florida this year. AND... no "I Voted" sticker. I feel unpatronized for doing my civic duty. Can I at least have a cookie?

I am almost looking forward to the pathetic election day coverage on the _unbiased_ television stations this evening. I wonder how many hours early the election will be called, and how many days we'll be hearing about the idiocy of voters who can't read instructions.

"I see jealousy. -Liz Phair"