Warning: Schematic Inaccurate

formspring.me

2010-02-15T18:42:00.001-06:00

If you could bring life to one inanimate object for 24 hours, what would it be and what would you ask it?

Oh wow, that is a hard question, because there are so many choices! Probably something Bast-related from ancient Egypt, because there's so much we don't know about their culture that I could learn! I'd have to hire a stenographer or three, I think. :) Or possibly a mummy; they're inanimate now, so that counts, right? :) I'd pick someone from the middle class, if I could, because they would have had enough money to be mummified, but also would know what their society and culture were like from more of an everyday perspective, versus the royals, who wouldn't have the same perspective. Plus I think a royal who considered themselves on par with the gods would be kind of a pain in the neck to deal with! :D

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-15T18:38:00.001-06:00

What color are the walls in your room?

In the room I'm in, they're a medium to light yellow. In my bedroom, they're kind of peachy. I didn't pick either one, and if we had the money/time/energy/babysitter to repaint, I would definitely change them to a pretty light green and a light purply-blue, though I'm not sure which would go where! The people who owned this house before us had some.... /interesting/ color tastes, let's put it that way. :)

Ask me anything

2010-01-26T01:35:00.001-06:00

RT @bpal: RT to win Neil Gaiman's Vertigo Tarot & Black Phoenix oils from @bpal & EE's @geekgirldiva!... http://bit.ly/53comx

2010-01-25T04:14:00.001-06:00

For fear you will be alone
you do so many things
that aren’t you at all.
- Richard Brautigan

2010-01-24T19:24:00.001-06:00

RT @ohnomrsa: RT to win a MassEffect2 prizepack including a collectors edition of ME2. http://bit.ly/4OCut7 Let's get masseffect trending

2010-01-24T19:23:00.001-06:00

RT @purplemoonshoes: RT to enter to win the Neil Gaiman's Vertigo Tarot, bpal oils & more from @bpal & Entertainment Earth's @geekgirldi

2010-01-22T21:35:00.001-06:00

RT @cunningminx: Wanna win $100 for sex toys? Tell @evilbeet what your fave toys are and why: http://is.gd/6LV5w Please RT!

2010-01-22T12:10:00.001-06:00

RT @ImSoKay: I have a feeling this motion sickness patch is just a glorified sticker. (LOL awww... I hope it works!)

2010-01-22T01:59:00.001-06:00

Heading afk, hopefully I'll sleep off some of this flare.

2010-01-22T01:36:00.001-06:00

So headachy. Vicodin? Also: http://ping.fm/Qmx09

2010-01-22T01:34:00.001-06:00

RT @wootshirt: $10.00 : Behold a pale horse… http://shirt.woot.com (OMG WANT THIS IS TOO CUTE)

2010-01-22T01:20:00.001-06:00

RT @Riayn: I wonder where I fit into this Venn Diagram - http://bit.ly/EF4z8 (I'm definitely a nerd)

2010-01-22T01:18:00.001-06:00

RT @piratesmiles: Too much drama in my life. (What is it with drama lately? There's been a lot of it in a lot of lives. I blame Mars.)

2010-01-22T01:15:00.001-06:00

RT @cjtkirk: I've taken action that could give Haiti a chance to rebuild. Tell the IMF to cancel their debt http://bit.ly/6xpGRi

formspring.me

2010-01-13T15:39:00.001-06:00

Who's your favorite musician?

O.O Oh geez, I don't even know, there's too many good choices! And "musician" is kind of broad and can mean a lot of different things. So I guess I'll go with: My favorite band is the Decemberists, Colin is an amazing songwriter and musician and the rest of the band are frickin' awesome musicians and everything else they do, although right now I have an unhealthy like for Kesha and Lady Gaga (I know, it's weird, I don't even know). There are a lot of songs I'd turn up the radio for and sing along, so that's not a determining factor, nor is "willing to get up and dance to", because again, LOTS of stuff.

Short answer: Too vague so I can't really answer it. :)

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-31T14:53:00.001-06:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/Kitrona

formspring.me

2009-12-31T01:08:00.001-06:00

What would your dream job look like?

One where I could be paid to research interesting things, where deadlines existed but were flexible, and that I could do from home if I felt like crap that day. Or opt to take a day off if I need to. More than 10 sickdays a year, with an understanding boss and interesting co-workers who wouldn't mind if I brought my kids in. :)

Who would win in a fight: pirates or ninjas?

As much as I hate to admit it, the ninjas, probably. Though it would be a close match; both parties were pretty thoroughly untrained and relied on luck and intimidation more than actual fighting skill.

What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow? :p

The average cruising airspeed velocity of an unladen European Swallow is roughly 11 meters per second, or 24 miles an hour. Source: http://www.style.org/unladenswallow/

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-31T00:46:00.001-06:00

What is your favorite color?

A shade of purple that's more blue than pinkish. Maybe it's called indigo, but that's a touch too blue. I don't think the shade has a name, so I usually just go with purple.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-31T00:25:00.001-06:00

Do you love me? :3

If this is who I think it is, yes. :) If it's not... I'd have to know who you are first!

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-31T00:22:00.001-06:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/Kitrona

Kitty kitty kitty!

2009-11-08T04:26:00.001-06:00

I'd need more details about the kitty to decide what to name it, but let's assume I found a pretty little female tortiseshell. And that Mar lets me keep it. I'd probably come up with a really stupid name that I loved anyway. Or maybe name it after a Decemberists song, there's lots of good names in there. Yeah, I'd name her Maggie or Eliza or something like that. If it was a male, probably Isaiah or Eli... there's not a lot of male names in their songs, though.

Babies are awesome, but there's no such thing as "clean" when they're around!

2009-11-01T04:07:00.001-06:00

I have a two year old, and it's impossible to keep anything clean! If he's not rummaging around in whatever's around, he's spilling food or drink on the floor (no matter how close I watch him) or causing an avalanche of the things piled up that I can't get put away because I'm trying to keep him out of trouble! Puppies are trainable; small children are smarter, and therefore get into more trouble and make more messes. My son even knows this: "Oh! I made a messy!"

I dread hearing those words.

And that's without getting into his diapers. At least he's stopped spitting up.

Check out my Vicodin and many other things tree

2009-10-29T17:45:00.001-05:00

Deaf Sheltie puppy

If I had a magic tree, it would grow.... ummm... well, I'm gonna skip the obvious "$20 bills". Because it's obvious. But I'd be happy with any of the following: $5 bills, $10 bills, Vicodin and/or my other meds (I'd definitely keep it inside!), shoes, puppies, milk (we go through a LOT of milk), clean dishes, silverware, pots and pans.

My favorite flower (thanks Plinky!)

2009-10-27T04:07:00.001-05:00

Dis here be my fav'rit flower. I should have a bush of them.

white peony

I like peonies. When I was growing up, we always had peony bushes, and it fascinated me how they lived in symbiosis with the ants. (Ants eat the sticky covering of their buds; without ants, they can't flower.)

Another interesting peony fact is that their color depends on the acidity of their soil; transplanting a white peony bush to the spot where a pink one was just makes it flower pink instead, and vice versa.

Also, they're pretty and they don't have a strong scent. Yay allergies!

2009-10-26T18:20:00.001-05:00

just hit level 6 on thesixtyone! - http://ping.fm/1IVQL

2009-10-26T07:20:00.001-05:00

just unlocked level 2 of the listen up achievement - http://ping.fm/m5GnZ

2009-10-26T06:20:00.001-05:00

commented on Code Name: Raven by House of Heroes: "Very nice. :) " - http://ping.fm/ryaaU

2009-10-26T04:20:00.001-05:00

just hit level 5 on thesixtyone! - http://ping.fm/E1wd8

2009-10-26T03:20:00.001-05:00

listening to Poesy by Coax - http://ping.fm/Kb4sC

Theoretically...

2009-10-26T03:03:00.001-05:00

... if we were going across the country.

Then we could see Mar's family and stop off to see Katie and check out Portland! We'd probably alter the route some to visit other friends, too.

2009-10-25T04:21:00.001-05:00

likes Knocks by Rebecca Turner - http://ping.fm/S78WI

2009-10-24T20:21:00.001-05:00

commented on Tennessee by TJ McFarland: "This is beautiful." - http://ping.fm/LxNdP

Better sorry than safe?

2009-10-24T19:50:00.001-05:00

In love. I'd rather take the chance and have the experience, even if it hurts, than be afraid. (Note, this is NOT in sex... that's ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry!) Really, in any big adventure, like traveling, I'd still rather have the experience. That may be my privilege talking, too, though; I've had opportunities that I know not everyone has, and they've generally turned out ok.

2009-10-24T19:21:00.001-05:00

listening to Aedee by Evan Brightly - http://ping.fm/jwXz7

2009-10-24T07:20:00.001-05:00

just hit level 4 on thesixtyone! - http://ping.fm/1KDcA

When I get home, I kick my shoes off (duh!)

2009-10-24T06:25:00.001-05:00

I can't stand wearing shoes if I don't have to (unless they're cute!) but if I went to the trouble to get dressed, I'm leaving my clothes on.

2009-10-23T23:47:00.001-05:00

http://tinyurl.com/ykvvmye OMG too cute!!

2009-10-23T04:02:00.001-05:00

Blogger's back up.

2009-10-23T02:27:00.001-05:00

RT @wootshirt: $10.00 : Zombie Candycorn http://shirt.woot.com Very cute!

2009-10-23T02:23:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/h0lM7 Blogger's down, Google knows. Just FYI.

2009-10-09T19:08:00.001-05:00

Alive, feeling comfortably relaxed after the AWESOME Decemberists concert last night! I got video, will post when it's cleaned up.

2009-10-07T16:56:00.001-05:00

Hello, tweeps! The sun is shining and I'm glad to be alive and me right now! Must remember this for later.

2009-10-04T02:57:00.001-05:00

http://bit.ly/I9Y6s I think I love this man.

2009-10-02T23:43:00.001-05:00

http://bit.ly/OpBnz Made of awesome. I kind of love Chris Rock. :)

2009-10-02T23:32:00.001-05:00

http://bit.ly/2JnSZ0 Hello, Uncanny Valley... ugh. It's literally making me nauseated looking at that picture.

2009-10-02T23:20:00.003-05:00

#comfortbooks I can't read the Vanyel series or the last two Arrows ones if I'm depressed.

2009-10-02T23:20:00.001-05:00

#comfortbooks One of mine is Good Omens. Others include the Mercedes Lackey Valdemar series; which one depends on my mood.

2009-10-02T23:15:00.001-05:00

http://bit.ly/13eg8W FUCK YEAH TEXAS

2009-10-02T03:20:00.001-05:00

just hit level 2 on thesixtyone! - http://ping.fm/mPeco

2009-09-30T00:50:00.001-05:00

RT @FynnAlice: dammit, now they know. RT @JackAllTimeLow No matter what they tell you... Girls only want one thing...your pokemon cards

2009-09-29T23:30:00.001-05:00

2 good things about the scarf: 1. I got decently far just knitting for a little bit 2. I did the stripes ok. Pretty good when my hands hurt.

2009-09-29T23:19:00.001-05:00

Ok, so, the scarf looks a bit of a mess. There's a big string that I pulled, thinking it was the loose end... it wasn't.

2009-09-29T23:13:00.001-05:00

RT @omshantihand: Sold & relisted: Thanks Jitka! http://bit.ly/1k0LWs One day left in the sale! <-- Best. Soap. Ever.

2009-09-29T22:33:00.001-05:00

I gotta say, I am NOT fond of these acrylic needles; they grab the yarn and then i lose stitches.

2009-09-29T19:20:00.001-05:00

RT @cueballex: RT @KidTherapist: Don't forget that next week is Mental Illness Awareness Week! Let's remove the stigma from Mental Illness!

2009-09-29T14:37:00.001-05:00

RT @KateHarding: If you liked yesterday's foaming-at-the-mouth Polanski rant, you'll love today's! http://bit.ly/OeKKs GOD YES THIS

2009-09-29T06:03:00.001-05:00

*sigh* So much for readjusting my sleep schedule; i'd gotten to 4:30 am, but I'm back to sleeping at probably 8 am. I'll do better tonight.

People and their suckitude or lack thereof

2009-09-29T02:25:00.001-05:00

I posted something on a message board today that made me happy. This was a big thing for me, because the weather changed last night, dropping from 75 during the day to the low 50's, with a huge rainstorm. All this weatherly activity, plus running out of my overnight muscle relaxant, caused a huge increase in pain, so me finding ANYTHING positive about the day was a major accomplishment.

When I posted said happy thing on said board, someone basically accused me of posting it just to get attention. That HURT. I know, it shouldn't, let the ignorance pass you by, blah blah blah. Despite "should" (which really, why are we applying "should" to feelings?), I was hurt. I haven't really felt accepted or welcomed to that board anyway, although I'm beginning to suspect that I won't feel that way about any board, but I digress.

I reacted fairly calmly, I think. Yeah, ok, well, I used the term "attention whore", but that's better than I wanted to do, which was hunt down this guy and stick something sharp into his person and then write off the board forever. Then I wandered off on the net to read some size acceptance blogs (oh dear, this has been a huge struggle for me, moreso because I'm trying to find the balance between accepting myself and knowing that I need to lose weight for my health; my knees would thank me, at the very least, although my cholesterol and blood pressure tend to be almost TOO low. Again, I digress). When I came back, I was pleasantly surprised to find that two people had told me that the other poster was an idiot. True, someone else heavily implied that /I'm/ weird, but hey, one more reason to be proud of myself: I told him if he has a problem with me, take it to PMs, otherwise knock it off. I STOOD UP FOR MYSELF. TWICE.

This doesn't sound like a big deal, probably. And to most of you, it probably isn't. But I've been bullied my whole life, by "friends" and family members alike, and it's easier for me to pull back into my shell and back off than to stand up for myself. Like, it'd be easier for me to sprout wings and fly than to tell someone that their obnoxiousness was unwelcome, and that's not hyperbole. Think about all the ways that society says that girls "should" (there's that damnable word again!) be: should be thin, should be pretty, should be conforming, should be quiet, should be well-behaved, should laugh quietly if at all, should accept whatever attention that's given.... all that bullshit.

Now, add on to that even more "shoulds", spoken or unspoken, that I got at home from the bullying family member, and at school from people I considered "friends" (because I didn't have anything approximating what a real friend is; they all were considered "unacceptable" by the bullying family member). There was no place safe except my room, and I holed up in there listening to music for hours. That was my "safe space" (sort of, as long as the door was closed), because if I fought any of the bullying, I was either ostracized at school or punished at home. Or both.

So, having been thoroughly taught by experience that I'd be punished in some way for standing up for myself, that makes it all the more amazing that I stood up for myself TWICE today. And having never expected any help (for I never had an ally when I stood up for myself, anywhere), I was incredibly shocked and delighted that someone even casually was on my side.

In conclusion: People? Yeah, they can suck, but they can be incredibly awesome in ways they don't even know.

2009-09-29T01:21:00.001-05:00

fuck i hate people sometimes. just because YOU are an attention whore, mr. attention whore, don't assume that /I/ am.

2009-09-28T21:29:00.001-05:00

Ben is quite enjoying hot cider. "It's wawm, wawm, wawm! Mommy, I need moe gink."

2009-09-28T21:10:00.001-05:00

RT @cleolinda: RT @cmpriest: North Georgia school flooded, complete loss. Needs help - http://tinyurl.com/y9hz586

2009-09-28T21:08:00.001-05:00

RT @KateHarding: RT @JessicaValenti When Texas says abstinence ed isn't working, you KNOW that shit is done for: http://bit.ly/eNYw fb

2009-09-28T21:04:00.001-05:00

RT @fashionpirate: lmao nerd pick up line of the day: if I was nature, I'd totally select for you (i <3 it)

2009-09-28T21:03:00.001-05:00

i have hot mulled cider. and sweatpants. and socks. and a warm blanket. maybe these will help. i also have the best husband evar. :)

2009-09-28T20:56:00.001-05:00

RT @cleolinda: RT @fuggirls: It's Banned Books Week! Go ask your librarian to find you something juicy.- J http://bit.ly/1gHQnD

2009-09-28T20:54:00.001-05:00

RT @weirdnews: Video captures Jackman chiding cell phone offender http://is.gd/3Lh29 Awesome and classy!

2009-09-28T14:42:00.001-05:00

time to wrangle child into bed for his nap. then me to my bed for my nap. :)

2009-09-28T14:37:00.001-05:00

aaaaaand now someone has planted a knife in my brain. this day gets better all the time.

2009-09-28T14:35:00.001-05:00

what really scares me is this: if i feel this bad on meds, what happens if i can't afford meds? one is $2000 a month.

2009-09-28T14:31:00.003-05:00

post cute & silly to help cheer me up. yesterday ben panicked when his diaper fell off. "mommy! i drop my diapo!" froze in place. v. cute

2009-09-28T14:31:00.001-05:00

yay, child getting sleepy! that means i get to nap too!

2009-09-28T14:30:00.001-05:00

i post cute & silly to help cheer me up. yesterday ben panicked when hid diaper fell off. "mommy! i drop my diapo!" froze in place. v. cute

2009-09-28T14:25:00.001-05:00

also gate was flapping in the wind all night and it sounded really creepy. also? screw you, pms, you're not helping. fuck today. in the ear.

2009-09-28T14:10:00.003-05:00

only one good part of dream: i got a wolf pup. named her Rose. she was adorable. everything else horrific

2009-09-28T14:10:00.001-05:00

UGH. weather changed last night = a million percent increase in pain. plus bad dreams; i had to breathe ghosts and find a head

2009-09-28T00:25:00.001-05:00

Last one, promise. "I am a kindhearted, intelligent, attractive person, and I am fat. There is no paradox there." - Kate Harding

2009-09-28T00:22:00.003-05:00

look like me - -and like your mom, your neighbor, your coworker, your kid's teacher..." - Kate Harding I <3 this woman!

2009-09-28T00:22:00.001-05:00

"... whenever you read an article about THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC BOOGA BOOGA BOOGA, you should know that they're talking mostly about people who

2009-09-28T00:21:00.001-05:00

real fat people are all sorts of nasty, ugly things I'm not." - Kate Harding

2009-09-28T00:20:00.003-05:00

your face to tell me I'm not fat because you can't bring yourself to put me in that nasty, ugly category, you're buying in to the idea that

2009-09-28T00:20:00.001-05:00

"...fat should mean only having more adipose tissue than the average person, but it doesn't. And every time you ignore what's in front of

2009-09-28T00:18:00.001-05:00

Interesting article: http://bit.ly/up2D8

2009-09-27T22:20:00.001-05:00

Ok, everyone needs to read @wildfeather tweeting a ghost/suspense/timetravel/i don't even know but it's awesome story!

2009-09-27T04:25:00.001-05:00

*happy sigh*

Insomnia, how I loathe thee

2009-09-26T05:25:00.001-05:00

So, I ran out of Flexeril. It's my own fault, I should've gone earlier to get a refill, and then I would have known that I have no refills left and that I needed to call my doctor. And it would've been on a weekday, so I could've called then and not had to wait over a weekend.

But I didn't, so it's not, and I can't, and I have to. And Flexeril is what relaxes me enough to get to sleep. I guess I'll have to rely on Tylenol PM until I can get a refill.

If I could find it.

*sigh*

2009-09-21T05:20:00.001-05:00

just unlocked level 1 of the listen up achievement - http://ping.fm/NXXor

Invisible Illness Week

2009-09-17T21:13:00.002-05:00

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness(es) I live with is/are: Fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, depression (no, really? :P )

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: tail end of 2007 for fibro and RA, 1994 for depression.

3. But I had symptoms since: for so long, I can't quite remember when it started. I had no symptoms when I was pregnant, though.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Admitting I can't do it all. Secondarily, that people who assume things about me can go jump off a cliff.

5. Most people assume: I don't know, as none of them has ever actually said anything, but I would bet they think I'm faking or exaggerating.

6. The hardest part about mornings are: the first 15 to 30 minutes, which includes getting out of bed, up the stairs, to the bathroom, and into Ben's room. Hopefully I get to Ben's room before I fully wake up, because then I can put off the pain until after I have him out of the crib.

7. My favorite medical TV show is: I don't watch TV. I've caught a few episodes of House, but the last medical TV show I actually watched on a regular basis was ER (middle of the run, when it was still good).

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My gloves. They're cheap workout/weightlifting gloves, but they work as compression gloves and they don't stink (like my old ones did).

9. The hardest part about nights are: how long it takes me to actually get to sleep; after taking my meds, getting reasonably comfortable, and putting on my CPAP mask, it'll still take me half an hour to finally GET to sleep.

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. No vitamins, but most days I take 4 pills, 2 in the morning and 2 at night, except once a week I take 10 at night. I also have an IV medication once a month.

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Wish they were covered by insurance. I would absolutely ADORE a hot stone massage, or any kind of massage, really. But I'm just waiting for a brain electrician, honestly. Plz to rewire my brain nao?

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: I have no idea. It'd be nice not to have people think badly of me because they can't see how much I'm hurting, but on the other hand, I also have enough good days that I appreciate having all my body parts in (relatively) working order.

13. Regarding working and career: It'd be nice to be able to work, but I'm glad I get to spend as much time with Ben as I do. He'll never be this little again, and I missed enough of Alex's early childhood that I regret it; I don't want to regret missing Ben's milestones, too.

14. People would be surprised to know: how difficult this actually is. How grateful I am for my awesome family (and friends that have become family). That pain isn't always just pain; I've had weeks where I felt like different parts of me were being electrocuted. How scared I am that I'm gonna get worse. The sheer variety of symptoms and locations.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: that I have to say no. Sometimes things come along that would be tons of fun, but I still have to turn them down because I'm not up to it.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: survive. While taking care of a baby, no less. (Not on my own, of course, but on my own for a significant portion of the time that he's awake.)

17. The commercials about my illness: make me laugh with all the things they DON'T include, like the fact that most fibro drugs are hit-or-miss, or the reality of being on Orencia including a nap after each treatment.

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: thinking straight and having a good memory. (Fibromyalgia has a ton of cognitive ramifications) (I admit I kept this one from the girl I got the meme from. It was just so good and true!)

19. It was really hard to have to give up: smoking. Yeah, yeah, I know, I should quit anyway, blah blah blah. I have discovered that it makes me hurt more, so bye bye. :(

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: MMOs, I guess? I've learned to knit, too, although I keep forgetting to do it. I think I will take it with me more places to do when I'm waiting somewhere, or possibly when going somewhere.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: I have no idea. Probably go hiking or to a museum.

22. My illness has taught me: assertiveness and communication. I've had to tell people how I feel and what I need, and I've had to figure out the words for both (not easy with cognitive issues... I "lose" words a lot). I used to be a little mouse, but now I can pretty well state what I need. Sometimes I still hide behind people though.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: people don't usually say anything to me. I don't know why.

24. But I love it when people: smile at me or actually talk to me instead of whoever's with me.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: "People are people, no matter how small." But I put my own cynical meaning to it. :P

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: don't be afraid to try new things, do your own research, and don't let your doctor befuddle you with bullshit; it's YOUR health, and if you feel strongly about a course of treatment, tell the doctor. If they disregard you, find a new doctor IMMEDIATELY.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how much people actually care about me. :)

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: let me sleep.

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: many people, with the best of intentions, stigmatize people with invisible illnesses because they can't see the pain and/or other symptoms. I want to bring this to peoples' attention, and emphasize the fact that people with invisible illness need understanding, not judgment.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: amazed and thankful. :)

More money troubles

2009-03-28T03:49:00.003-05:00

So my husband works at Borders. He's been getting weekends only, which is way less than we need but more than some others have been getting.

We're looking at either filing bankruptcy or losing the house. Not immediately, but within the year.

This depresses me beyond all telling. I nearly had an anxiety attack tonight, and only held it off by distracting myself. I've applied to work for KGB, but I really don't think that'll bring in enough to make a difference. I'm going to apply for disability, because I am not well enough to work, really (don't ask me how I think this KGB thing will work out; I'm determinedly lying to myself about that) and I don't see myself improving any time soon.

To be honest, I don't see any of this improving any time soon. I don't know what to do, and it's hard for me to find a reason to not give up and just accept that we're going to lose everything we've worked so hard for, and all for nothing. We've sunk EVERYTHING into this house, all our money, our hopes, our dreams... to lose it will break me, I think. That's my biggest fear: that I will break, irrevocably and for all time.

Times Is Hard

2009-03-18T17:23:00.002-05:00

We're facing some serious money issues. Some people said that they wanted to donate, so here's a button for you. Clicky!

Thanks, y'all. Sorry to be all "help us out!" when I'm sure you're all feeling the crunch as well.

Why I deserve to win this Vivienne Tam clutch notebook

2009-02-09T02:55:00.001-06:00

I deserve to win this gorgeous little thing because then I could keep in touch with my friends from anywhere! I unfortunately don't get out much, because I have autoimmune disorders, specifically rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, which means I'm in a great deal of pain unless I take far too many painkillers than should be necessary for someone who's 30. So my doctor is thinking about switching one of my meds, and one of the options is to have an infusion once a month. Because I can't get around very well, most of my friends are online, and it would be a huge comfort to be able to communicate with them while I'm sitting there hooked up to an IV that's pumping hard-core pharmaceutical drugs into me, not to mention while I deal with the side effects afterward. And this one is so cute, I just know I'd get comments on it, and I'd MUCH rather get comments on my adorable clutch than on how miserable I look! So please, let me put the spotlight on this beauty instead of on poor haggard me!

The day from... somewhere.

2009-01-06T20:35:00.000-06:00

Wherever that somewhere is, I never want to go there again.

Today... oohhhhhhh, today. We got up and went out to look at another van. We had received a decent sum of money from the husband's equivalent to a 401k from when he worked for the government, and yesterday had gone out to look at an inexpensive van. Yesterday turned out to be a disappointment, but I found the van we looked at today and we decided to go check it out.

So we got up and got going. I had an eBoost (these little powder packets that you put in water; they fizz and they've got lots of vitamins and they give me energy for hours without giving me jitters and keep my head clear) and a Mountain Dew and some cold pizza, so I was WIDE awake. We got to the dealership and were greeted by a really nice guy who asked how he could help us. Skip past introductions and whatnot and he found out we wanted to see the used van. Right away he went to get the keys and pull the van around, a decided change from the first place, where they were more worried about the financial aspect of the transaction. We drove around for a ridiculous amount of time trying to get some cash out of my debit card, but we were frustrated at 4 banks, 2 ATMs, and a currency exchange. It seems that I hadn't activated my PIN when I got it, even though I thought I had, and the dealership doesn't take debit or credit for vehicles bought outright. (I can't blame them for this; it would be all too easy to have a charge not go through AFTER the customer had left with the vehicle, and at that point it's all hassle.)

Finally we just put down a deposit and negotiated a price, agreeing to come back with the cash by Saturday. This is doable thanks to the wonderfully understanding and generous housemate, as my card is through an internet bank and thus has no local branches. Disappointing but at least we're getting the van. It's nice, a 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager in silvery sage green.

Ahh, but the saga is not over. When we finally got home, there was a message from my bank. I called back, but the manager was gone, as it was 5:30 their time, so I called the regular customer service. Turns out that we couldn't access the money as there had been a hold placed on it because the name associated with it wasn't mine, and I'm the only one on that account as of now. I have to call the manager tomorrow to get the hold taken off; I could've today, but for that half-hour.

All in all, a very stressful and frustrating day. I'm glad it's almost over.

(Incidentally, sorry for the lack of posts. The holidays and life both attacked, I'm sure you know how THAT is. Thanks for still reading. :) )

Holiday Interview Series: Robyn Solley

2008-11-23T21:07:00.003-06:00

Today's interview is with Robyn Solley, seamstress and haberdasher. At this time she doesn't have a webpage; however, she can be reached at fullcirclestitches [at] gmail.com.

1. What kinds of products do you specialize in and why?
I specialize in "period" (meaning good enough to pass at a Ren Faire or other environmental theater-type setting, not necessarily at a stitch-counter's re-enactment) garments and some accessories, more specifically the Tudor and Elizabethan periods, just because that's where I got started. I'm branching out more and more as time passes, however, and am currently having a lot of fun with Victoriana.

2. What materials do you use to make the products? Is there anything special about your materials?
I use a lot of fabric. I actually use a lot of plastics when it comes to a few more specialized pieces-- industrial zip ties in place of steel boning for example, or plastic canvas instead of buckram. I try to use more natural fibers as a lot of the people I make clothes for like them not only for comfort, but for the fact that they do better in 100 degree weather and will let you sweat. Dead dinosaur fabrics won't. The materials I use are meant to withstand heavy use over a large period of time in any weather.

3. What got you started making these products? What inspires you to continue and create new products or designs?
I started making my own ren faire stuff about 8 years ago because it was so darned expensive to buy. My inspiration comes from the desire to improve my own work and get closer and closer to period while still preserving the original purpose-- inexpensive, but excellent appearance for ren faires, parties, cons, etc.

4. How long does it take you to produce each piece? What's the crafting process?
It varies, honestly. Anywhere from an hour for a simple coif, to 300 hours for a full noble's gown. Everything starts with planning and choosing fabrics.

5. How is your product unique or special?
I wouldn't say I'm too unique or special. Other than the fact that I'll tell you the utter and complete truth about how well that fabric's likely to go over at your SCA event, or how that 1960's prom dress isn't a Civil War ballgown... There's a million places to get costumes made or bought, but I work cheap. Lol.

6. What's the price range for your products?
Just like the hours vary, the price varies greatly. It depends on what you want me to do with it. My base rate is usually around $10 an hour, plus expenses. You do the math.

7. What one item from your inventory would you recommend as the perfect holiday gift, and for whom?
Hats are always nice. Of course, hats are kind of out of style... I wish the 40's would come back where you weren't dressed to go out without your hat. ...I sound like a Jaeger from Girl Genius.

Good job, Motrin.

2008-11-16T16:00:00.002-06:00

It's amazing that in this day and age of instant communications and quick opinions, Motrin messed up so very badly.

The hot topic on Twitter last night was the new Motrin ad. Having just seen it and yelled at my computer in response, I can see exactly why so many moms were talking about it. "Supposedly it's a great bonding experience," said in a tone of skepticism and derision, is not exactly flattering to the market segment they're targeting. "It hurts your back, your neck, did I mention your back?" Someone clearly didn't do their research; this was the part I yelled at the computer about. If you're baby-wearing RIGHT, it doesn't hurt. If it hurts, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG. And believe me, I'm quite familiar with pain and what causes it. If it doesn't hurt ME when I do it right, it really demonstrates that if it hurts, it's WRONG.

Just to put this in perspective, I've been taking vicodin for the past three days because I couldn't take my rheumatoid arthritis meds. And I would STILL use a baby carrier if we were going someplace like, oh, Chicago, or the airport, or on a plane.

The ad is insulting, and her tone even more so. "It totally makes me look like an official mom, so if I look tired and crazy, people will understand why." I can only splutter in disbelief that they actually included that line. Thank you, Motrin, for saying that moms look tired and crazy, and that we have to have an excuse to do so. Oh, not to mention that we don't look like "official moms" unless we've got a kid in a carrier.

In short? I'm welcoming generic ibuprofen into our medicine cabinet from now on. Name brand pain relief? That honor goes to Tylenol, you know, the brand that didn't think it was a good idea to insult the majority of people who make the decision on what painkiller to buy. Thanks for making that easy for me, Motrin. Now slink off into a corner and think about what you've done.

Review: Sleep Sheep

2008-11-13T15:38:00.002-06:00

My first review! (I think?)

My son got a great gift for his birthday in September. It's called Sleep Sheep On The Go, and it's adorable! Soft and snuggly and really cute, but the best part is that it makes environmental noises.

There's four of them: rain, creek, waves, and whale songs. There's a setting for time; you can have it run for 23 minutes or 45 minutes. And as soon as my son hears it, he calms down and breathes easier.

Sleep Sheep is only one in a line of products designed to help everyone fall asleep, from newborns to grown-ups. If you've tried any, please let me know how they worked out!

Attack of the Life!! (aka, Why I Have Been Quiet) with bonus linkage

2008-11-09T18:38:00.003-06:00

Thanks to everyone who replied to my last post. I really appreciate the support and the lack of attacking. :)

I promise I will be posting more this coming week. This past week has been full of "stuff" like Swordsage starting his new job; me getting a UTI, PMS, a flare, and running out of my fibro meds all at the same time (which continues today); and Thing2 figuring out how to throw a temper tantrum and doing so quite often. Naturally, this has left me feeling less than chipper, so I hope I can be forgiven.

To make up for it, I present a list of interesting, informative, touching, and/or funny links. :)

http://www.lazypatch.com/ This is basically a "wearable blanket", or a comforter made into a lounging suit. It looks really warm and comfy, and I'm sure there are quite a few people who could really use this besides me. It's never warm enough in my house, no matter what the thermostat says.

http://www.cockneyrhymingslang.co.uk/ Like it says, Cockney rhyming slang. This is a very inventive kind of slang, and I didn't know about it before Swordsage told me a few months ago. Basically, you substitute a rhyming phrase for the word you're replacing. The classic example is as follows: "She lives around the corner and up the apples and pears" instead of "up the stairs". Yeah, it's kinda weird.

http://metalsmithsinaction.webs.com/index.htm In the same vein as my Interview Series, this is a group of Etsy crafters who craft using metal. Some of their things are so beautiful I can't look at them again or I'll start whining to Swordsage that I want some pretties! :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TheGreatHatsby A Wikipedia article about a certain AIM bot that I somehow got targeted by. It's interesting, and if it had been an opt-IN system instead of an opt-OUT one, I might not have minded so much.

http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2008/07/pierce-brosnan-poses-with-controversial-wife-keely-shaye-smith/ Actor Pierce Brosnan with his beautiful wife, Keely Shaye Smith. Some say this is controversial because she's heavier than the usual sticks that are held up as some sort of ersatz "feminine ideal". I think she looks amazing: beautiful, healthy, AND happy. When's the last time you saw one of the "big stars" qualify for all three of those adjectives? (Angelina with her babies doesn't count.)

http://readymech.com/ Free, flatpack toys you can make yourself; just put some heavy paper in your printer and have some double-sided tape handy.

http://www.eviloverlord.com/lists/overlord.html Peter's Evil Overlord List describes all the things he will do when he is Evil Overlord, including hiring a 5-year-old child as an advisor. Any plan that the child can see through will be scrapped immediately. Good read, good advice; just remember me when you become Evil Overlord and be nice to me?

http://wanderingpeanut.blogspot.com/2008/01/donate-your-expired-coupons.html A blog post from the Wandering Peanut that explains how to donate your expired coupons to military families.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4582795_cheese-quick-nibble-bread-buffets.html Cranberry Cream Cheese Quick Nibble Bread; doesn't even the name sound delicious? Here's how to make it.

Ok, I think that's enough. I'll have more links later; I've got tons up my sleeve. Er, in my Read It Later file. Incidentally, this is a Firefox plugin and I love it; it's stuff I don't know if I want to bookmark, but I don't want to lose it, either.

Have a great week, everyone! I'm heading out to replenish my supply of chocolate. :)

Changes in my life

2008-11-07T13:21:00.001-06:00

This is just an informational post, because 1. I wanted to inform everyone and 2. hopefully squee a little. :)

My life has changed a bit recently. My husband and I met a really neat lady through YouTube, and the relationship between the three of us has deepened over time, to the point where we are now all committed to each other. Put less unambiguously, my husband and I have a girlfriend. :)

That probably sounds kind of freaky to some people. And to me, it would've sounded the same way not more than a month ago. But it feels very natural now. We're not planning on adding anyone else; a triad is fine. It's actually nice, because there's that much more love and caring going around.

Anyway, that's my short informational post. I shared because this will probably show up in some of my blog posts, and I didn't want anyone to be confused. So if any of you have objections, now's the time to unsubscribe. No hard feelings if you do; I know this isn't something that everyone can accept, and I don't want anyone feeling uncomfortable because of me, but at the same time, I gotta be me. (Don't worry, I will NOT blog about anyone's sex life! Some things just shouldn't be spread all over the internet. :) )

So. Be gentle, please?

Holiday Highlights Interview Series: Kate Jones of Om Shanti Handcrafts

2008-11-03T19:47:00.007-06:00

First, I'd like to apologize for being mostly absent last week; some family stuff came up and needed dealing with. Everything's fine now, if still settling out, but it required a lot of my attention at the time.

And now for the main feature! My guest today is Kate Jones, of Om Shanti Handcrafts. Check it out!

Kate herself is a wonderful lady who was kind enough to send me some small samples of her products. I can attest to the fact that they are made with the greatest of care and are absolutely delightful in quality, fragrance, and pampering.

****This just in: Kate says: As a little pressie for anyone reading this, mention this interview within the next week (until, what, November 11?) and get 10% off of your purchase.****

1. What kinds of products do you specialize in and why?

My main focus is my all-natural herbal bath and body products. I never
paid a lot of attention to this sort of thing -- I'm not a very girly
girl -- but when I loved from Pennsylvania to Colorado, hydration and
moisturizing rapidly became an issue. So out of sheerest self-defense,
I started making lip balms, salves, and soaps. I really enjoy
researching herbs for my medicinal products and just playing with
scents for the 'fun' things.

I also make jewelry, basically cos it's a lot of fun.

2. What materials do you use to make the products? Is there anything special about your materials?

They're all natural -- but I get into that below. I choose my
ingredients carefully; I'm pretty picky about what I'll put on my skin
and I don't want to sell anyone anything I wouldn't use myself. I
wound up getting oils from a bunch of different places before I
settled on the few companies I use.

I get my beeswax locally -- there's a big honey farm (is that the
right word?) about twenty minutes away. I'm looking into getting more
of my materials locally but that's been difficult.

I do get most of my beads from a local bead shop, though. Awesome folks there.

3. What got you started making these products? What inspires you to continue and create new products or designs?

I sort of answered this one above but I guess I can talk about my
inspirations. Most of my jewelry ideas come from music -- sometimes
from specific colour cues in the words, sometimes just from the feel
of the piece. Sometimes I get my ideas from seeing two colours
together, like an amber and jade necklace I made after watching the
kitten walking in the grass.

New products -- I always have something new in mind, one way or
another. I get emails and comments from customers pretty regularly
saying 'hey, do you make something like this' and if I don't already,
I usually will be soon. Right now I'm vaguely working on the idea of a
'that time of the month' rub -- crampbark, yarrow, sage, and perhaps
some other things in a light massage oil. I know more will go into it,
but I haven't work out quite what yet.

4. How long does it take you to produce each piece? What's the crafting process?

Anywhere from half an hour to several weeks. Many of my products start
out by steeping herbs in olive or grapeseed oil -- I'll put everything
into a glass jar and put it in a windowsill for several weeks, to let
the virtues from the herbs slowly transfer to the oil.

Once that's done, though, it's a simple matter of mixing everything
together, gently heating until it's all melted and blended, and then
pouring it all into jars (and trying not to get too much on the
countertop).

5. How is your product unique or special?

My ingredients are all natural. Many people making bath and body
items, even if they make them at home and by hand, use fragrance oils
instead of essential oils -- fragrance oils are less expensive, yes,
and come in a much larger variety than essentials, but they're also
artificial, frequently include petroleum products, and don't have the
therapeutic qualities of the real thing.

I'm tired of reading the back of the bottle and seeing ingredients I
can't pronounce. I want to make things that are real.

6. What's the price range for your products?

My herbal products range in price from $4 for a one-ounce lip balm to
$9 for anything in one of the big jars -- bath salts, herbal teas,
bath teas.

My jewelry ranges from $12 for a pair of earrings to $75 for my most
complex (and, if I may say so myself, awesome) necklace.

7. What one item from your inventory would you recommend as the perfect holiday gift, and for whom?

For a pregnant woman, I'd recommend a bottle of Pregnant Momma Belly
Rub. It's chock-full of ingredients that'll moisturize your skin and
help prevent stretch marks -- and it's got relaxing lavender in it,
too. This is a present for _her_, not for the baby-to-come.

(I might also recommend one of my herbal teas, but I've always had a
hard time picking just one thing for this sort of questions...)

Thanks for reading! I have more interviews coming up with Sarah of 90210 Organics and with Carole from Hippos Toes' kids' clothes. If you know anyone who either makes their own products or is a small business owner, tell them to contact me; I'd be more than happy to interview them! My goal with this series is to keep as much money as possible in the hands of the hard-working folks who make and sell these great products, and OUT of the hands of big corporations. They have enough money; this is MY version of "redistribution of wealth". :)

Holiday Highlights Interview Series: Static White's Stitchery

2008-10-27T23:40:00.009-05:00

This is the first interview in my series, Holiday Highlights, spotlighting people who make their own products. This way, the money goes directly to the person(s) who produced the products, instead of first through a big business. They also get far more of your dollar, enabling them to make a living instead of working in *shudder* retail or other industry that's not their main focus. (Nothing against retail, but that is HARD work for far too little pay!)

Today's interview is with Static White, of Static White's Stitchery. You can find her shop at Etsy. So, without further ado, here's the interview!

1. What kinds of products do you specialize in and why?
My specialty are OOAK (one of a kind) art dolls, particularly bats and costumed jointed (Angel, Demon, Pirate, Bellydance, Fairy etc) bears but I've also happily made flying pigs, lemurs, hippos, zombie monkeys and more. I also occasionally do costuming, jewelry, fabric portraits and of all things bloomers!

As for why, well, it's just fun. I enjoy working out the patterns, designs, costumes and doing the finishing touches by hand. Custom requests with free rein on creativity are the best.

2. What materials do you use to make the products? Is there anything special about your materials?
Many of the fabrics I use are factory samples, bolt ends, discontinued or vintage fabrics that would have otherwise gone the way of the landfill. I happily recycle, FreeCycle, reclaim, and refashion whenever possible. My absolute favorite fabrics are almost anything with stripes and jewel-toned brocades.

3. What got you started making these products? What inspires you to continue and create new products or designs?
My grandma & great grandma were both seamstresses. My grandma started teaching me to sew and other crafts when I was about 5 or so. I really didn't get back into the swing of things until HS when my mom bought me my first sewing machine and being an Art major it just blossomed from there.

I generally have an over-active imagination and "think too much" so my brain can be overflowing with ideas at times. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and really keeps me going in doing what I enjoy. Also having wonderfully wacky and imaginative repeat customers is great!

4. How long does it take you to produce each piece? What's the crafting process?
Sometimes I sketch out an idea first but more times than not I choose my fabrics and dive right in. I always keep a photo record of each item and will later sketch out variations for the future. The time for each piece greatly varies. About an hour for a completely hand sewn 4" tall ornament, 8+ hours for a 15" tall costumed bear, days for a fabric portrait. New ideas usually come from things that I'd want or wear myself, sometimes from the weird conversations I have with my husband, or dreams, or a modge podge of what I see/hear/read.

5. How is your product unique or special?
I am very particular about how patterned fabrics line up and love to hand embroider the details and finishing touches. I generally also work on and complete one piece at a time. That, plus the limited amount of fabrics I get makes each item one of a kind. My costume and accessories work are limited runs also because my beautiful fabrics are in short supply.

6. What's the price range for your products?
Charms & earrings run $5 to $12. Clothing, tote bags and pillow slip covers run $30 and up. Art dolls can go for as little as $32-35 for Scrap Bats™ and as high as $100+ for large custom pieces (such as a 15" bear with costume & accessories).

7. What one item from your inventory would you recommend as the perfect holiday gift, and for whom?
Well for these lovely wintery holidays I would suggest Yukiko, the Winter Angel Bear. Not only is she adorable but she's perfect for any bear or angel collector. Even if the giftee is not a collector, kids, moms & grandmas alike love these! (Though I would not suggest these for the wee tots due to small parts and my bears are not made to be played with roughly.)

Many thanks to Static White! I know I'm eyeing some of her pieces myself. Hmm, I should probably start a wishlist to give my poor husband a clue!

I have several more interviews lined up for your reading and perusing pleasure. Next on the roster is Kate Jones, of Om Shanti Handcrafts.

15 Things I Like About Me - Raise your self-esteem!

2008-10-23T22:55:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine wrote:

"I had a rather heartbreaking conversation with a friend sometime back in which I asked her to tell me about some times when she felt good about herself. When we broke it down, it turned out--she couldn't list any. There were no specific times when she felt good about herself, and no general times either. She couldn't tell me anything she really liked about herself.

It made me really sad.

So, I thought about it, and then posted a challenge on my LJ, asking my friends to list 15 reasons why they thought they were awesome. I expected that a few people would do it, and most would continue on their way. It was amazing...even people who hadn't posted in several weeks showed up to do the meme. I was so happy. And so were they--some of them protested that they had to work really hard to think of 15 reasons, but...that's the point. If the world were a better place, we'd all be hard-pressed to pick JUST 15 reasons why we thought we were amazing.

So, I'm extending the challenge to you. List 15 reasons why you think you're awesome. Or you can just post messages to yourself about how great you are. It's not bragging. It's not conceit. It's not self-absorption or anything else that our crazy society tries to tell us self-esteem is. It's just taking care of ourselves."

Here's my list:

1. I have amazingly beautiful skin. This is not due to anything I do to it, either; I rarely use moisturizer, I don't even own any makeup, and I only wash my face in the shower; it's the EDS. But it's still me. :)

2. I have a very tender heart, and quite often squee over cute things.

3. I can almost always find something to like about someone, and try to give out complements in that vein.

4. My hair is gorgeous. Nearly waist-length and the color of dark honey, except for that purple streak.

5. I have nice legs. :)

6. I'm smart. I can usually figure computer problems and other things pretty quickly.

7. I have common sense. Some people have told me that my advice is "freaky Bene Gesserit stuff", but it's just the logical outcome of the situation, to me.

8. I can write well. It's tempting to write this off as a result of my genes (my parents are both very literate) or my upbringing (again with the literate, and my mother constantly corrected my English), but however it came about, I do write well.

9. I'm always open to learning new things. Pretty indiscriminately, too... I'd be as happy learning how to paint with oils or watercolors as learning how to reshingle a roof. Er... better not practice that last one, though. :P

10. I'm a good mother.

11. I'm creative. I may not be able to work, but I'm making a little bit of money to pay for my meds and my "wants". I also asked a girl if she'd sell me the shoes she bought that weren't the right size, since she wore them and can't return them, so I'm getting them for half price.

12. I have pretty eyes.

13. I have cute feet.

14. It's hard to keep me down. I get depressed sometimes, especially with all the stress that's been going on during the past two years, but I always eventually pull myself up and keep living, even if I am depressed.

15. I'm getting better at follow-through. I get all these great ideas, but follow-through is one of my weak points. I'm getting better at it, though! :)

What are 15 things you like about yourself?

Halloween? Not around here.

2008-10-23T17:49:00.003-05:00

I admit it, I'm lame. Well, really, I am... I can barely walk today. And typing this is taking the last of my fingers' spoons. But you gotta grab inspiration when it hits, right?

Everyone's talking and blogging about Halloween, costumes, candy, and party ideas. Except me. It's not that I'm against Halloween; I kinda like it. But this year, it's kind of pointless for us to do anything. Thing2 is too little to appreciate dressing up, and our neighborhood apparently doesn't "do" trick-or-treating, based on what happened last year. Not one kid came to our door. Not one.

I mean, yeah, we got to keep all the candy we bought, but it was very strange to me. I didn't even see anyone out further down the street. I think our neighborhood is not very neighborly; I get the feeling that everyone's so busy working and trying to make ends meet that being social with the people next door falls by the wayside.

Also, we have very few offline friends around here to party with. The one party we were invited to is a 21 and over party; not feasible with Thing2, and we don't have money for a babysitter. Not only that, neither I nor my husband drink. His is a personal vow; I don't drink because of my medications. Not much fun watching everyone else drink while we're stone sober. The other friends we have around here aren't going to be here that weekend.

We did get a pumpkin, and we're probably going to carve it later this evening. And we got candy, just in case someone shows up. But Thing2 isn't getting a costume, even though we saw some very cute ones.

It's probably a good thing there are no Halloween festivities to attend this year. We honestly don't have the money for a costume, and the weather here has played havoc with my joints, so I'd probably be lame in the mobility sense anyway. Better that we use that time to hang out as a family, maybe tell some spooky stories and drink hot chocolate. And the sugar buzz will make up for the lack of alcohol. :)

Anyone else opting out of Halloween?