Fun Weekend...

So did you have a good weekend? I did!

I spent Friday at my parent's place playing with Maggie and eating cake. My Mom's the best, she made a cake since I was going to be there for dinner, isn't that the best. Saturday I was up with the rosters and off to the mill to work. It turned out to be a bit of a slow day so I was allowed to leave a bit early and head back to the big city.

I went out to dinner at the Starliner Diner, I had never been but it was very tasty. Then headed to Byrnes for a pint and Irish music. Ah how I love the Irish music. Speaking of which, mark your calendars kids, there will be a party at my humble little place on March 15th in honor of St. Patrick. It's a couple of days early but I have to work on Monday and likely you do too.

Lou has been doing prep work for the party...

He's been calling friends working out details

Listening to music from the home country

Reading Recipes, thinking about a possible party menu

Trying out snacks to make sure they will be suitable for a party

He's been spending a lot of time looking at pictures from the home country, missing it so.

Ok, so I had some free time on my hands Sunday while doing laundry.

I need…

I need a lot of stuff:
mental health (am I wrong?),
ice cream (always),
cake (LOVE birthday cake),
flowers to brighten my office (they would simply be a nice touch),
sleep (I can never get enough these day, too many late nights and early mornings-when did 11:30pm/12am become late?),
spelling lessons (spell check is not allowed during Scrabble games),
a light bulb for my desk lamp (I killed two in 3 months, one is now fixed the other is slumped over in shame),
well the list could go on and on, but I’ll leave it as is for right now.

The item I recently discovered I need is a scanner for my computer.

I was ruffling through some old photos the other day, actually they are still in piles in my living room, some day they will make it back to their allotted space. I found some great old pictures. I need a scanner to share them with my blog viewing audience. These pictures are too good to be sitting in a box only to be riffled through once very 4 years. I had a great conversation with Robin Williams about world affairs and someone thought to snap a photo. I feel I need to share this with the public along with all the others, so hence forth, I need a scanner. Ok, so it’s not likely I’ll get a scanner any time soon, so I may have to take a picture of the picture to see if they will turn out and create an electronic version that way.

If anyone has a random scanner sitting in their hall closet and you want someone to take it off your hand, you look me up. (due to free trade policies only working scanners excepted) heehheheheheh

IT’S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

39 Days...

Can you believe it? 39 days until St. Patricks Day. I have a feeling there will be many posts in the next few weeks geared toward this glorious holiday. It's my favorite next to Christmas. If only more people put up green lights on their homes for St. Pats then it would be my favorite, but I love Christmas lights so it edges out St. Pats by just a bit.

Think green people and check your calendars for March 15th, I think there might be a party that day.

He's coming out to play soon...

Shaky Leg Syndrome…

I suffer from the shaky leg syndrome. It gets really bad if I’m nervous or hyped up on sugar or caffeine. This morning I’m full of caffeine and sugar.

I was startled from a cozy sleep this morning around 2am by an intense storm. It sounded like the rain and wind were going to break right through my windows. I had to get up and check the street, it tends to retain water (much like I do when Aunt Flow comes to visit) when there is a hard rain all at once. I don’t park near that section of the street most of the time because of an unfortunate experience on the same street years ago with a different car. My car was fine, there was more wind than rain so no flooding.

However, I was doom, I could not seem to fall back asleep, the noise was so loud. I laid there for ages, and then finally must have fallen asleep and turn off my many alarms and woke up at a lovely 7:12am. I’m technically supposed to be sitting at my desk at 7:30am. I did a quick gathering of cloths, did a mini shower, and raced for the door. However, I knew I was not going to survive the morning without some good coffee. I have this stuff in my office right now that I’m not real keen on, it’s almost gone, so I’m waiting it out. I ended up stopping at what might be my new fav coffee place, Cup O Joe, and lucked out. The flavored coffee of the day was… cinnamon hazelnut, one of my favs. So off I headed to my office coffee and scone in hand. Now here I sit, typing 10000 words per minute because of crazy sugar and caffeine and my leg is propelling enough energy to take flight.

In other news, yesterday was also Fat Tuesday in addition to Super Tuesday. Did you celebrate, eat loads of great food? I did! I had a lovely spinach linguine with a creamy cheese sauce topped with grilled chicken and button mushrooms. YUM!!!!!!! This was only to be topped off with a nice piece of tiramisu, another fav. I had dinner out, if you can’t tell, this would not happen in my kitchen. Ok, maybe the pasta, it would not bee too difficult, but tiramisu, never. I was feeling like it was Fat Tuesday by the end of the evening.

Ok, so back to work and doing some stuff. Boy, don’t I sound super important.

Super Tuesday…

Today is Super Tuesday--all states exept Ohio get to go out and vote, crap. Ok, not all states, but it feels like it and I don't get to go vote until next month! You can watch all day coverage on MSNBC and likely many others. I’ve been listening during my lunch here, it’s interesting the swing back in forth on who everyone thinks is going to win. According to Tim Russert on NBC the key today will be Conservatives on the Republican side and Women on the Democratic side. In some places turn out is very high. Yeah, people are paying attention and want to help make decisions in the world.

Also, it’s brilliant outside today. This morning started a bit rainy with thunder and lightening very early, but now it’s a wonderful damp 60 degrees outside. Ok, so I didn’t measure the temp, but I would say that’s a close guess. It's Great!

In addition, I found this neat little tool on photoshop today. You can add symbols to your pictures. I may have found my trademark watermark for my photos. Heehee. Just kidding.

These pics are from a recent visit to my parents home. It’s a real farm there, as you can see. *grin*

Pigs or hogs as a farmer would call them. They thought I was going to give them food, but I just wanted a picture. No worrries, Farmer Dad did feed them.

Max! This Newfoundland dog has so much puppy in him, but he just doesn't realize his size. He does love the snow. Just look at that happy face.

My Mags! She's just so darn cute!!!

Another pig, hog--as you will, can't you just hear her saying, "But I need out to play."

Eli...

A man named Eli made me smile last night. He happens to be the quarterback for the NY Giants. I’m not really a fan of either team, but I just didn’t want to see the Patriots have a perfect season. Eli and his team took care of the Patriots and it made me smile. I was at a terribly fun super bowl party with the marrieds, but left as half time started because, of course I had to work this morning. I didn’t expect to actually watch the game when I got home, but I turned it on as I was doing other stuff and then got sucked in.

I had fear in the 4th quarter as the Pats took the lead again. I wasn’t certain Eli could handle the pressure. I was worried something stupid would happened like a pass interception. However, I was surprised. Eli took the team down the field and scored a much needed touchdown. Less than 1 minute left in the game, could the Pats come back and win? NOPE! Heeeheee.

They had to turn the ball back over to the Giants. The crowd was ready for a win, ready for celebration of a come back season for the Giants. However there was one small, tiny, little problem. There was 1 second left on the clock. NFL rules say the clock must run out to finish a game.

The officials were trying desperately to get the fans, extra players, coaches, and media off the field to finish the game. Everyone knew Eli would take a knee, but he had to do it to end the game. Finally, a cleared field allowed the last play, the clock to run down, and the NY Giants won the 42nd Superbowl.

I found the fact the Pats coach left before the game officially ended to be very un-sportsman like and simply sealed the deal for me that the best team won last night.

(Sorry if you are not a football fan, check in tomorrow for other topics.)

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZ….

GRINNNNNNNNNNNND, SCCCCCCCCCCCCRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPP. These are all lovely sounds I will be hearing later this afternoon. I have a half day at work today, yeah, because I’m going to the dentist to have a cleaning. I’m one of those people I don’t really mind the dentist much. He now has this computer with a screen saver of fish swimming around, it pretty distracting while they are digging in my mouth. I do get annoyed because they keep telling me to open wide. I actually have a small mouth. I know, very surprising but I do. It’s difficult for me to open wide without dislocating my jaw. So anyway, I’m off to the dentist this afternoon. I’m more excited about the half day of work and not because I’m spending quality time in my bathroom. Ok, I’m done discussing my bathroom.

Happy Thursday People!

Just a mess...

So my house is a wreak, somehow, I’m not sure exactly when it happened. I was gone all weekend and then have been sick for two days, so when exactly did it happen. I guess I came home Sunday night and just destroyed any sense of organization that was there before. I have been very acquainted with my bathroom and bed for the past couple of days. I feel tons better today. Last night I slept from about 4pm until 7pm. I got up, then was on the phone most of the night, move from chair to loveseat to chair to loveseat to chair, I could not get comfortable. I finally gave up and went to bed again around 11pm and slept until 6:30am. Ah sleep. So this is a horrible blog entry but hopefully my public will be a bit understanding.

Elephants Playing Soccer…

Ever seen this? Me neither.

I am alive, didn’t freeze to bits. However, yesterday afternoon, my stomach felt like there were elephants playing soccer in it. I’m feeling a bit better today, have kept down some 7up, hoping to make it through the day and then straight to bed.

Thanks for the concern of everyone. :)

Did you know…

1. I have been a barista, pre-school teacher, and feed store employee.

2. I have watched the movie “Cutting Edge” so many times the VHS tape broke. Sad, but true. Sad the tape broke!

3. I lived in Dingle, Ireland for a summer.

4. I’d rather be someplace super warm right now.

Have a wonderful weekend Kids. I’m going to working outside in the bitter cold all day tomorrow. If you don’t see a Monday post, you know I froze in the tundra.

Frozen...

This was the best term to describe me at 12pm today. I decided I needed to get out of my office for lunch today. I wan't really hungry, just needed a bit of fresh air. I took my little self outside and bam, cold! I figured once I started moving I'd be fine. I started off on a little jaunt around campus. I found myself by the stadium in a window tunnel. My face was frozen, ears screaming, and legs so unhappy they just didn't want to move. I figured I better head back, of course I might not have been so frozen if I had a scarf, gloves, you know proper winter weather attire. I have these items, but ran out the door this morning without them, at least I did grab my coat.

By the time I made it back to my office, my legs were as red as the buckeyes uniforms. My hands would barely function to unlock the door. I had to go to the ladies room to run hot water over them to warm them back to workable condition. I couldn't feel my face or ears at first, but then---CRAP!--burning, horrible, why am I an idiot pain.

That was my lunch. How about you?

# 5...

This is the 5th scarf I have made. Late posting, it was a Christmas present to a little girl. Sorry, super short blog, crazy busy--gotta actually do some work. :)

The Presidential Race…

I’m loving it. I love watching Meet the Press and all of the Political Analyst shows. This morning on the radio the DJ’s were complaining on how much they have to hear about it and how many more months it’s going to go on. I say-well good, you need to be hearing about it. You need to make an educated decision and if you don’t get out and vote then you don’t have a foot to stand on when you start complaining about the state of our government. Do you want to have 4 more years of an “I’ll do what I want no matter what, screw you” President? If you do fine, I may question your sanity, but at least have an opinion! For the love of Pete at least we have the opportunity to vote!

COSI II...

There is a section in COSI called Progress...

can you guess what year it is in the town of Progress?
I would be lugging this camera around instead of my handy dandy Kodak. I don't know that I would have enjoyed that quite so much.

This actually looks like the cash register in my parents store. Theirs might be a few years older, but not much. :)

Crap! I could have sworn my horse was tied here, now where did Jan go? For those of you who do not know, Jan was actually the name of a quarter horse I had as a child.
Hummm, I knew they were close, but didn't know they connected.
Now I'm not a fan of ironing, but seriously, there's no way if this is what I had to use. I would simply be a wrinkled mess. Bonnie would just love that--ha ha Bonnie, look at me now. (sorry, bitter long story, someday maybe I'll share, but it's still brings too much acid to my throat.)

Get ready to guess!

READY!?

Got an answer?

If you guessed 1898, you are super smart and you should run to your doors and shout it for the world to hear and give your neighbors a fright.

Happy Friday...it's a long weekend, maybe I'll get my camera out and take pictures of the tundra. You know the high for Sunday is all of 10 degrees with the wind chill it will feel like -12, yes, I said, -12. Good Times.

Oh I forgot to mention...

Apparently a lot of people vomit at the movie theatre. This was a very clear point made by the girl interviewing me. Part of the job I was interviewing for would be to clean this up, in the event it happened during my shift. What? I've never vomited at the movies. I got sea sick from sitting in the 3 row watching Titanic, but I didn't vomit. ICK!

Beware…

I cut myself in the shower this morning shaving my legs. It’s a huge gash on the back of my ankle that I finally gave up and tracked down a band aid for because it would not stop bleeding. I was running late this morning, unwilling to move from my cozy covers to the cold 60 degree house surrounding me. Why was I even shaving? Habit I guess, I just tend to do it and I was too sleepy or too rushed to pay attention and not scar myself. I mean, my goodness, I seriously haven’t cut myself this badly since Scary Spice was skinny the first time.

I have guilt, I sucks, but I have it. Guilt over loads of stuff, but specifically over a job interview I had last night. I’ve been on a mission, ok more of a roaming search for a 2nd job. Something part time that I could make a little money, have a little fun, and maybe make a small dent in my pile of debt. So, I had this interview with the local movie theatre. The interview lasted all of 10 minutes. I talked to a lady on the phone the day before, she sounding very encouraging. I had to work at least 3 nights, two of the weekend nights, and I could make arrangements to have the same day off on the weekends. Great, perfect, works for me, the only draw back is getting of work at 1am and going to work early in the morning. I need my sleep. I know people say they need sleep, but I really do. Just ask Ms. H. You should see the email exchanges when I don’t get enough sleep or have a night full of nightmares and don’t feel like I have slept. Example email exchange:

Me: I need coffee, I’m dying.
Ms. H: Yeah, coffee rocks. I’m having fun selling condoms today.
Me: Argh, these lights are killing my eyes.
Ms. H: Sorry, maybe you should take an Advil.
Me: Argh, I’m going to fall asleep on my keyboard—help.
Ms. H: You should do a workout, you would feel better, have energy.
Me: Your are right, but I’m lazy and just want to be a complainy pants.
Ms. H: I know but love ya anyway.

Ah, that Ms. H, she tries to be a good influence on me, but I just resist all good influences and run toward the bad ones. Anyway, back to the interview. I go to this interview. I’m even nervous; I always get nervous before events I know are coming up. I feel like I’m going to puke, I get very warm, and start to think of all possibilities of things going wrong. Now give me an emergency and I’m on it. I don’t have time to think. I react, get whatever needs done done and then hours after the emergency I have a breakdown. I guess that’s beside the point for this little rant.

I’m answering her silly little questions about would you steal, how would you handle this, blah, blah, blah. I ask about having a set schedule. She says, nope, you get your schedule on Wednesday’s for Thursday-Wednesday each week and we work you when we need you. Ok, well what are the typical hours? She says, you must start at 6pm. I can do that, no problem. She says, some nights you will be here till 12am, sometimes, 1am, Fridays, Saturdays, and most Thursdays you will be here until 3pm. WHAT! I need sleep, didn’t I just discuss how that was really important.

So, I leave the interview and stress. Ok, so they didn’t offer me a job, they may not, but what if they do. Can I do it, can I work those hours, not knowing from week to week what my hours are going to be? I don’t think so, I mean, yes, I would like some extra money, my credit card people don’t want me to, but I do. However, I don’t want to start hating my first job and if I don’t have a set schedule, how can I ever plan to have dinner with the marrieds, coffee with Ms. H, or Alison time. Alison time is needed, I may need more than many need their alone time. I get burnt out if I’m surrounded by people all the time. I need to for me, to stress about all the stuff I’m not doing or not accomplishing, that I haven’t started my PHD, but do I want a PHD, do I want to do all that work. If I don’t does that make me a bad person? What is my next career move going to be? If I don’t know, then how am I going to advance, how am I ever going to get to the point where I don’t need to think about getting a 2nd job. Do I need the PHD to get a career move? What am I going to have for dinner? Good grief my brain never shuts off—if I didn’t have that Alison time, then my head might actually explode. So I decided, guilt laced, that I was not going to take the job if offered it. I’ll turn my heat down to 55 and eat plain rice for weeks if I have to, I can’t give up certain things in my life right now. Sleep and Alison Time are two very high priorities for me.

I did decide if people come visit me, I’ll turn the heat up for them, so now I need guests, a real reason for heat. Kidding. I do love guests, but I’m not going to freeze myself. I’m making it just fine. I’m just not paying down my debt, but everyone has debt right? I will still work on the plan to find a job, but not stress about it. I know what I’m looking for is rare, but I do believe there is a job that I can work a couple of nights a week and have a set schedule of when I’m going to work. In the mean time, I’ll keep on working the plan of marrying rich. If I have debt, it will not matter, he can pay it off. Right?

Also, if I have this debt, why in the world am I thinking about buying a computer? People have told me it’s a fairly good buy and I could use it to jump start my photography business plan. If you know any seniors graduating this year, send them my way. But again, is this a smart idea? I want a laptop, I want to be mobile. I can go to a coffee shop and use their internet for free and not add a $40 bill to my life every month. Oh well, more stuff for my brain to stress about.

Today, I feel like my favorite poem. Sick, from “Where the Sidewalk Ends”.

Sick

by Shel Silverstein

"I cannot go to school today,
"Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut--my eyes are blue--
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke--
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!"


Borrowed from this link…http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16480

I love google, you can find anything. So today, I feel like the poem, only it’s not Saturday—why not? It’s only Thursday, but it’s a long weekend, so I’m trying to think positive and trying to keep this in mind, all the while trying to keep my mind somewhat quiet, full of less guilt and less stress.

Wow! That’s a lot, sorry; I guess you can’t control how long rants are, can you. But, hey, I warned you in the title. Ok, gotta go back to work, crap!

COSI...

A couple of weeks ago the university offered a free night at COSI. I love free...so away I went to have fun while learning about science. I had not been to the new COSI since it has been completely finished. I went several years ago to the original while I was in grade school, then again about 6 years ago when the new one opened. I had a friend working there at the time and before it opened to the public they had an opening for employees and friends. Not everything was completed at that point though.

The Ocean--Could you guess?

Fun water with water
Love Fishes
You better listen to Zeus, I think it's Zeus. I didn't do so well with mythology.
Munchkins playing in water
More fishes, I told you I like them

There was even a a sub--you could go in, but I don't do small spaces
It's a ghost in my picture
OK-not a ghost, a skeleton made out of wire hanging from the ceiling
An entire skeleton, it was pretty neat

Although in this pic, it looks like a figure from a horror movie

Survey Day...

Your Karaoke Theme Song is "Livin' On a Prayer"

You believe the best things in life are mostly forgotten, and you're definitely more than a little nostalgic . You're likely to still like the same foods, fashions, and music as you did when you were a teenager. You have a knack for knowing what elements of pop culture people have missed, without them even realizing it. It's great to remember the past, but don't forget that not everyone is as stuck in it as you are. You might also sing: "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Rapper's Delight," and "Cherry Pie" Stay away from people who sing: "Toxic"

What's Your Karaoke Theme Song?

Your Love Life is Like Casablanca

"Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time." For you, love is never finished. If you've loved someone once, you'll always love them. You're an old fashioned romantic... even if your relationships don't end up as romantic as you'd like. Your love style: Traditional and understated Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Complicated and ambiguous

What Movie Is Your Love Life Like?

Your Elf Name Is...

Stubby Twinkle Wink

What's Your Elf Name?

You Are an Irish Coffee

At your best, you are: wild, spontaneous, and outgoing At your worst, you are: too extreme and reckless You drink coffee when: you want to keep drinking booze Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

You Are a Jam Cookie

On the outside, you project a straight-laced, innocent vibe. But on the inside, you're complex, exotic, and full of flavor.

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

The List…

Do you have a list? If you are married, engaged, or otherwise in a fabulous relationship, you don’t likely have a list and if you do, then the relationship might not be so fabulous. If you happen to be single and looking, you may have a list. I have a list, well had. I’m attempting to get rid of my list. I’ve been told my some (names not released for their protection) that my list was very limiting. I’m trying to grow as a person, tear up the list and allow for possibilities. So, in other words-yes, now I guess I can date a guy with kids. My throat tightens up a bit at the idea, but I’m growing. I dating a guy once with a kid, but she was in a different state, so I didn’t have to deal with it, except for Sunday afternoon phone calls.

Kids, along with other items on the list have been eliminated. The list is no more. Well that is until the next wave to compulsion makes me run back to the list. I remember everything on there, so creating a new one will not be a problem.

1 or 2...

I took this photo about a week ago. I simply liked the design on a wall and decided to take the picture. I then started playing with it in photoshop. I'm going to have to get a book on photoshop from my local library and actually learn all the really neat features it has to offer. I liked the original photo, but really like the tweaked one better. I can see the 2nd one framed and hanging on an office wall. Am I crazy? No, wait, don't answer that, I'm not making enough money for therapy sessions right now.

Photo 1-Original
Photo 2-tweaked

Deal or No Deal…

Would you like a fast track to heaven? Great, all you need to do is plan a trip to Southwestern France, Lourdes. The small town of Lourdes is celebrating the vision of the Virgin Mary by a young girl 150 years ago. Pope Benedict has promised those who visit Lourdes will skip purgatory and will go straight to heaven. The offer is only good for this year to celebrate the anniversary, you must act now.

So...Ms./Mr. Catholic…Deal or No Deal?

Maybe I should look more into the religion.

Good Reads...


Did you have a favorite book as a child? Do you have one now? I was in my local public library the other day and found one of my favorite childhood books. (My mother is so proud of me when I go to my local library.) I was not in the kids section, obviously this book was in the wrong area, but I did stop and re-read the short story that amused me so as a child. I have to say, I was smiling the entire way through the book. I strongly encourage you to take a moment and read an Ameila Bedelia book. It will put a smile on your face.

You can learn more about Amelia on her publisher's website, there are even games. I love games. Harper Collins, put in Amelia Bedelia.

January 7, day in history…

1. January 7, 1610 Astronomer Galileo observed three satellites orbiting Jupiter

2. January 7, 1913, the process to obtain gasoline from crude oil was patented

3. January 7, 1953 President Truman announced the development of the hydrogen bomb

4. January 7, 1922 French flutist Jean Pierre Rampal was born

5. January 7, 2008 OSU lost to LSU in the BCS Championship game

The student newspaper on campus stated it well.
The headline read “O-H N-O”.

Moment From My History...

Picture it Vegas 1996…no seriously. At the time I was an undergraduate student at OSU, the university was on winter break. A friend at the time (who later had devil like tendencies and was later dubbed the “spawn of the devil”) offered me a free flight to Vegas. I being of sound mind and body of course jumped at the idea. This would be my first trip to Vegas and I was over 21 so legal to gamble. While spending a few fun filled days of mostly people watching, I was on a college student’s budge remember, I saw Corey Feldman. Do you all remember Corey Feldman? He was in Stand By Me, License to Drive, and The Goonies. All quality flicks.

We were visiting the Hard Rock Café Casino and there he was Mr. Corey Feldman. I don’t think I would have noticed him, except that he was surrounded by 3 huge bodyguards. I’m not sure why he thought he needed three. His career really reached its peak in the 1980’s and by 1996 he was really an afterthought, but 3 were there. He was a tiny guy. He only stood a few inches taller than me and as you know I’m not completing for any height contests these days. We didn’t chat like old friends meeting up after years of not seeing each other. He walked to one end of the casino and I continued my people watching and viewing of all the music memorabilia in the casino. (Hard Rock was one of my favorites, small but fun.) I know this story is lacking a climax, but I thought of this moment in my history last night.

Last night I was channel surfing my 5 channels and there was little entertainment to be found. I was watching Deal or No Deal for a few moments when Corey Feldman waltzed onto the stage in his white pants, black sweater, and sunglasses. They were doing some crazy 80’s theme. Anyway, at first Corey was too good for the show, just there to fulfill his contract for his appearance. However, then he appeared to get into the game, he even took of his glasses and spoke a few words, even smiled a time or two. I was curious of two items. 1. Who is his wardrobe consultant? White pants after Labor Day, I know it’s not as big a deal as in the past, but men in general should never be wearing white pants. 2. What happened to his hand? He was wearing a cast. Was he beat up after no paying on a casino debt? These are important issues to be contemplated.

On a different note: Go Bucks! OSU will take on LSU for the BCS National Championship tonight in New Orleans. Likely it will be a late night for me with toothpicks and loads of coffee needed in the morning. Kickoff is not until 8:15pm. Go BUCKS!

A Sign?...

I was talking on the phone last night to a very good friend. We had a long discussion about loads of different topics, I tend to jump topics frequently sometimes. One of the items up for discussion was healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. Then today my co-worker sent me the following forward:

'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick .
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet! ~Author Unknown~

And now I ask, is this a sign. Should I actually start paying attention to the food that graces my tastes buds? Hummm, I'll think about it while I enjoy this Hersey Kiss. hhehehehehheheheh

DoDoDoDoDo...

*creepy horror movie like music playing*

Picture it Sicily1945 ...or my office this morning. A student (who will remain nameless) walks into my office. She is a pleasant young lady will a fairly simple question. I ask for her information so I can find her in the system to answer her simple question. I type the information in and... I see my name! Yes, my name! Ok, so the last name is not the same, but the first and middle are exactly the same even down to the spelling. I stopped, stared for just a moment, and then in my very professional manner proceeded to answer her question.

Can you believe it though? I mean, yes, I'm sure there are many of us, but usually there are different spellings. My parents must have had a British printed version of the name book. I found this out in my European travels--I could find stuff with my name spelled correctly everywhere. It was great. I really wanted to revert to my 6 year old self and buy it all. I could never find stuff with my name spelled correctly as a child. Of course neither could my mother or my sister, so I guess it was only fair. My father is the only one with a name that is spelled the same practically universally around the world.

Ok, well off to eat my Mac & Cheese for lunch, I just thought I'd clue you into my unusual moment today.

NYE Recap…

So what did you do this year for New Years Eve? I went to a bar to see a friend’s band. It was a great time. I had a driver and so I drank till my heart was content and my liver was quivering. It was a holiday so a special drink was called for—Grey Goose Extra Dirty Martini---YUM X 5. The band was rocking. They are a cover band and I think my favorite song they play is “Laid”. New Years Day I stayed close to home. I did have my pork and sauerkraut—want to make sure I’ve got as much luck going into 2008 that I can get. I also took a nap and watched some football—good quality time. I even smiled when Michigan won, of course being an OSU fan, I’m also a Gater Hater, so as long at the Wolverines were playing the Gaters, they are allowed to win.

No New Years resolutions here—why make them I never stick to them anyway. I simply plan to enjoy every day of 2008 and take a break from the Grey Goose for a bit.

Cheers!

New Year...

A New Year deserves a new look. I have changed the blog look just a bit, nothing drastic just a spruce up. I hope everyone enjoys New Years Eve and has a wonderful 2008. Drink, be merry, but don't do this and get behind the wheel kids, it's just not a good idea. I may have grand stories to tell in the new year, but don't hold your breath. You might turn blue or purple before the stories actually make it to the blog.

I'll see you January 2.

Christmas...

I feel this picture sums up the Christmas holiday, let's move on to the new year.

My Interview with a Rock Star…

I had a written interview with a Rock Star, well he is as close to a Rock Star that I’ll ever likely meet. The written interview is as follows. (Oh it had to be written, because he does lead the Rock Star life and was extremely busy, but was able to email answers to questions in between Rock Star like stuff.)

Name?
Brian Kerr
(Have you ever meet him? Supper nice guy!)

Where were you born?
In a hospital, I think. I can't remember.
(I was really looking for a more specific location. He does have an accent, by the way.)

What instrument(s) do you play?
kazoo, slide whistle, guitar, bass, mandolin and assorted other junk.
(Wow!)

What band(s) are your currently part of & where do you tend have gigs at?
I usually have a few projects going but Six Pack Theory (myspace.com/6pt) is my main band. We are playing all over town, Abobe Gilas... the other Adobe Gilas, you know, everywhere.
I just started with an Irish punk band, it's sounding good and will be a lot of fun, nothing booked yet.
(Irish Punk—this is news. I love every thing Irish.)

What if your favorite genre of music?
I don't know that I have a favorite genre. I'm a big fan of Beck and Bjork because they don't stick to one genre.
( hummmm)

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
Hmm. I don't know much about trees, according to http://www.paradiseawaits.com/Tree.html I'm an elm. Who knew?
(I had to ask this question. It’s my go to question, when I don’t know what else to ask. I was asked this question in a job interview once and I didn’t have an answer, maybe that’s why I didn’t get the job. According to this site, I’m a “Cedar, The Confidence Of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, wants to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.” I always thought I was a Weeping Willow—I love them you know.)

Have you played with any famous bands or people?
None that anyone would know. I did see one of the Oasis guys in a train station once. I didn't want to go to jail for manslaughter so I ignored his request to teach him how to play and start a new band.
(Hey, what about the Waterboys? I love that band—well the Fisherman’s Blues song.)

What is currently your favorite song/musician?
I've had Funky in the Middle by Nickodemus in a loop in my head for about a week or so now. Great track.
The Lab Rats (local guys) are amazing.
I just discovered Laura Veirs. Her lyrics are kinda strange and I like that she's trying to express herself in a unique way.
I saw KT Tunstall doing some solo live stuff and was very impressed by her. I like people that have some talent outside the studio. It's easy to make anyone sound good with enough studio time, live is where the cracks show.
(hummmmm)

What song do you get really annoyed by when your audience requests it?
I don't get annoyed at any single request. The most requested song is Free Bird but I doubt the requester really wants to hear it. I think they just want to be involved in 'the magic'. I do get the occasional inebriated patron that asks for a band/song that I don't know and keeps asking all night even after being told I don't know it. "Keep asking, maybe I'll know it by the second set".
(I actually like Free Bird, even the really long version.)

If you could play at any venue in the world, where would your dream venue be?
Ooooh, that's a tough one. I'd rather play at an event than a specific venue. If I could have played at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert at Wembley, that would have been cool, or the Enchantment Under The Sea dance at Hill Valley High in November of 55.
Peter Gabriel did a show at the Acropolis in Athens, I guess that would be cool.
(Athens would be cool.)

Have you learned to play “Fields Of Athen Rye” yet?
Um, yes, twice. Sling me an MP3 of it and I'll see if I can stick it in the new years set.
(I don’t know how to sling an MP3. Anybody who knows how let me know asap. I LOVE this song. It is a pretty slow sappy one for New Years, but I love this song. I almost positive I'm going to go see Six Pack Theory for New Years, anyone interested in going, let me know.)

Thanks Brian for taking time out of your Rock Star life to entertain me and my loyal followers. Wow, that almost sounded like a cult. No cult, promise-only really awesome friends-who are REALLY bored. :)

Please note, I will be off the blog, but on the wine, until Dec. 27. I will be spending an extreme about of time with my family and as you may remember they function in the world of dial up.

Enjoy your holidays!!!

Bonus Entry-2 in one day, who can stand it…

10 Random Things About Me…

Because it’s all about me, isn’t it?

1. I hate snakes. I don’t even like to see them in photographs or on tv. ICKS!

2. I love coffee. My coffee preference depends on where I’m at. Staufs—Highlander Grogg; Caribou—skim mocha no whip; Starbucks (bottom of the choices)—skim white chocolate mocha, no whip, iced; Panara—hazelnut!!!; home---dark roast. Unless my coffee is a fancy coffee, I drink it black. I’m also a big fan of tea and hot cocoa.

3. I love the tv show “Bones”. I really miss the tv show “Alias”.

4. I secretly read Pioneer Woman’s blog daily. I’m fascinated by her ranch life and how she gets 2000 plus comments on one blog entry. I guess that’s not so much a secret any more. Opps.

5. My favorite childhood toys-well that I remember—were Digger the Dog (a small plastic dog that had a string attached to it and you could pull it behind you) and Cindy (a movable version of Barbie, but she had a lovely black horse).

6. I adore accents: Irish, British, Southern, Australian, Canadian…all accents really.

7. I have never eaten sushi and have no desire to.

8. I have a cat named Maggie. Just testing you, you should know that one. But, did you know I once had a bunny rabbit name Abby and a dog named Tiny?

9. I enjoy walking in the rain, not cold freezing rain, but warm spring rain. I love the smell of rain. The smell right before it actually starts raining.

10. I tend to refer to all children as munchkins. This avoids the embarrassment of calling them by the wrong name in front of their parents.

Bonus! I’m all about the bonuses today.

11. I hate green beans. I believe they taste like dirt smell and why eat dirt?

Now, how many of these did you know????

Handy Dandy Answers...

Question 1: You all should have gotten this one correct, I gave the answer to you. :)

Question 2: Dennis Kucinch

Question 3: Mike Huckebee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Fred Thompson, Barak Obama. (Sorry, this one was a bit of a trick one.)

Question 4: Ron Paul

Question 5: Fred Thompson

Question 6: Hillary Rodham Clinton

Question 7: Bill Richardson

Question 8: John McCain

Question 9: Mike Huckebee

Question 10: Bill Richardson

So, how well did you do. Let me know.

Political Science Rears Its Evil Head Again…

I can’t help it really. My undergrad degree was in Poli Sci and I am drawn to the insanity of our American government. I know most are not, so I wanted to make this a bit fun for you. A quiz. YEAH a quiz! Now, by no means am I trying to persuade you toward one candidate or another, I would just love for people to be a bit more educated about the candidates. (Maybe in the future, I’ll do some persuading.) Also the information in this quiz is just random crap I found interesting and by no means indicates if the candidates would be Presidential material.

Get ready… ready? Get a pencil and paper, write down your answers, then tomorrow put in a comment of how many your got correct. It will be fun. It will be damn it, do it!

Ok, here we go…

Question 1: Name at least 2 Republican and 2 Democratic Presidential Candidates? If you can’t do this then I’ll help you because you are really going to struggle with the next ones. The top runners are the only ones to concern yourself with for both the Republican and Democrat sides.

Republicans running for Presidential Candidate: Rudolph Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Tom Tancredo, and Fred Thompson.

Democrats running for Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson.

Ok, so now that you have the names of the candidates, you will do much better with the following questions.

Question 2: Which candidate is currently an Ohio Congressman? I have to say until I started doing a bit of research I didn’t even know there was an Ohio candidate.

Question 3: Which candidate has an August Birthday? Oh course I find this interesting because my birthday is in August and at one time I thought I should be President. I think it also may have something to do with the “leo” personality.

Question 4: Which candidate is currently a Gynecologist? Yep, I’m not kidding.

Question 5: Which candidate is an actor, most recently on Law & Order? Hint, I wrote about this candidate in a previous blog entry.

Question 6: Which candidate was born in Chicago? Oh how I love the windy city. I really must return for a visit soon. Ms. K-get your floor ready. Heehehee

Question 7: Which candidate has a BA in French and Political Science? Parlez-vous le français?


Question 8: Which candidate was a Prisoner of War for 5 1/2 years? Seriously

Question 9: Which candidate is a Baptist Minister? Yep

Question 10: Which candidate has been nominated 4 times for the Nobel Peace Prize? I’m still researching what the nomination was for.

Ok-keep you answers handy and tomorrow I will reveal the answers. Now didn’t this make your day complete? Hey-it’s a break from the holiday madness, no?

Nollaig Shona Dhuit (NoLik Suna Ditch)…

(Merry Christmas in Gaelic)

How many of you have a holly wreath on your doors? Many do in the spirit of the holiday season. Did you know this tradition started in Ireland? Holly was a plant that was in season during the Christmas season and abundant. This gave those that did not have money a way to decorate their homes for the Christmas holiday. In Ireland all the holiday decorations are traditionally taken down on Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan, January 6th (the Feast of the Epiphany). It is considered bad luck to them down before this.

May the roof above us never fall in,

and may we friends gathered below never fall out.

Holiday Cards...

The Christmas cards are flying in to my office and my home. I thank each and every person that took the time to mail a card. The ones at home are lining my mantel and look so nice. I was a putz this year and didn't get around to an actual card. However, I wanted everyone to receive this electronic holiday card from me. So, Happy Holidays--enjoy this holiday season with family and friends and remember wine does wonders.

When My Heart Finds Christmas...

I love this CD by Harry Connick, Jr. It's fun holiday music with just a dash of jazz. Who wouldn't love it. I'm listening to his lovely voice right now. I took the day off work to return to the home I grew up in to make holiday cookies with my Mom. Welp, like all best planned events they got changed. This is kinda why I don't really plan, for some it drives them insane, but they love me anyway. I'm currently at the library. I am a "volunteer" today because my Mom end up working and not only working, but working by herself. So, here I am, holding back the lines of eager readers, movie watchers, and music listeners. Ok, there are no lines, it turns out it's crazy slow, but we are waiting on the pony. I know a pony so exciting, I hope he likes carrots. Ok, it's not that kind of pony. The pony is the delivery of items from other libraries that persons from this library requested and items other people requested from this library and are returning them. Once the pony gets here, I'm told there will be lots to do. I'm also sure once the school lets out there will be a batch of munchkins about.

Enjoy your Friday kids and hope that I get some holiday cookies later this evening. My arse is not nearly as large is it could be, right.

How to Fill a Day of Nothing…

1. Surf web: myspace.com, blogs, craigslist.com, travel sites, etc.
2. Go for a long lunch at a cheap location, i.e. Wendys
3. Email friends with time on their hands
4. Watch a tv show in the computer
5. Do a bit of work
6. Drink cups of coffee
7. Make multiple trips to the ladies room
8. answer random questions

You ask I answer…

1. Why did you name your blog irishprincess?

I love everything Irish and I feel I should be treated as a princess. Hence forth—Irish Princess.

2. What would be your dream vacation?

A dream vacation would be one that never really ends. I would love to marry rich and travel the world. Since I don’t think that will happen any time soon, I would love to spend some time in many places, but shorter trips. Of course I love Ireland and would go there as often as possible. Other places I will make it to someday include: Greece, Italy (the whirlwind was not enough), Germany, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Spain, and of course the entire US.

3. What will you be drinking on NYE?

Wine or margaritas likely. This will depend on what my plans end up being. I haven’t committed to anything yet, I’m not stressed though, I have a feeling this year will be a quiet New Years.

4. Who is your favorite celebrity hunk?

Will Smith would top the chart, boy does that man have a body on him. Of course there are others for odd reasons: Pierce Bronson, Aidan Quinn, the guy on Bones, Shamar Moore, and others.

5. Will Maggie ever get a sibling?

Maggie will not have a cat sibling. I would someday love to have a golden retriever. Although Maggie will most likely be offended and not speak to me again, if indeed I do get a dog.

More questions...just ask.

Wednesday Trivia...

1. Did you know Jack Daniels was only 9 years old when you began making whiskey?
2. Did you know in WWWII, Mongolia was the last country to entry the war on the side of the Allies?
3. Did you know President Ford gave Nixon a full pardon on September 8, 1974?
4. Did you know Akron, Ohio is nicknamed the "Rubber Capital of the World, due to B.F. Goodrich opening a rubber company in the city in 1869?
5. Did you know Central Park in New York is over 800 acres?

Now you do! :)

Reflection & Holiday Fun…

This post is the 100th post of this little blog. Oddly, I have signed in and typed my random thoughts on the world and you have read them 100 times. This makes me want to take a moment to review the past 100 posts and the past year. In the past 100 posts, I have talked about my cat (Maggie), many friends, and family, ranted about random issues as I see them, and posted fun photos. I began regular postings in July of this year. In the past year I have ranted about large bugs, books, festivals, football, the Challenge, trips, birthdays, movies, work, and trivia. I should be super tired. But I’m not, I’m only motivated to continue my rants and enjoy each day posting on this blog—well at least Monday-Friday (a girl does have to have a bit of a life you know). Good things have come out of doing this blog. I have realized I’m not traveling to Europe right now, but I do have a fun time and enjoy the small events that occur in my life. I also have a quick way to recap bits of my life. I now tend to carry a camera around with me everywhere I go, because I’m weird, but also because what I capture may make a good blog posting. So, if you are with me, I’ll continue on this crazy journey of the world According to Alison.

Ok, enough reflection and on to holiday fun. It has become a yearly event, the marrieds and I go out to a nice meal for the Christmas holiday. Last night we celebrated the oncoming insanity at Abuelos Mexican restaurant at Easton. If you have never been and you enjoy Mexican food, you are truly missing out. I enjoyed the crisp, thin chips to begin my meal and moved into chicken fajitas. Oh, it makes my mouth water as I think about them. The chicken is marinated in some kind of wonderful and then served steaming hot on top of a pile of caramelized onions and peppers. Oh baby are they delicious.

Often I am asked, who are these marrieds you speak of. I will channel Ms. Jones and try to introduce them with thoughtful details.

Thoughtful details, thoughtful details...ok please allow me to introduce Mr. B. Mr. B is a lovely father of two adorable little girls. (He is holding Munchkin A--7 month old heart breaker.) Mr. B is a graduate of OU and devoted Bobcat fan. He makes the trip every year to the OU homecoming game. He is an intense board game competitor, airplane pilot, and winner of the Challenge. He is also the smart man to married Ms. A. This is Ms. A, married to Mr. B. Ms. A is the wonderful mother of these two Munchkins. Ms. A is a High School Spanish teacher, turned Mom and Pampered Chef guru, turned awesome. She is a phenomenal chef to the delight of all those who have dined at her table. She too is a Bobcat graduate and avid fan. Although she has a strong dislike for OSU, we get along swimmingly. Munchkin I could not resist having her picture taken by her Dad. Munchkin I loves Blues Clues, Elmo, Dora, and long walks on the beach.
Ah, this brings us to couple two of the marrieds. Mr. A and Ms. A. Have you noticed there are a lot of "A's" in my life? Both Mr. A and Ms. A are graduates of Urbana High School, yikes, these Urbana-ites are taking over the world.

Mr. A is the biggest Cubs fan that I know. He travels to as many games a year as possible and like all Cubs fans sincerely believes they will make it to the World Series and suffers a day of depression every year when the reality that this is dream is not going to come true yet again. He is currently returning to college to pursue a degree in the medical field: nursing, sonography, radiography-he's still exploring his options. He also knows so much random music and movie trivia it's scary.

Ms. A is a High School French teacher. She has lived and traveled to France so many times I have lost count. This smart woman even found a graduate program where she studied two summers in Nice. I believe last year she took a class in wine tasting--now come on, they are going to give her a Masters degree for this? Ms. A took a blow the heart when Alias was cancelled and Vaughn now longer graced her television screen for a hour every week. She has recovered, I think, but only because she now has the DVD's to view at her leisure. Don't worry Mr. A knew of this connection she had with Vaughn. Who do you think got the show cancelled?

Well these are the marrieds. Love them to bits.

Monday Madness…

Ok, so there’s really nothing mad about today, but it kept you reading didn’t it. I had a typical weekend, no new exciting news to report, so I’m just going to share a few photos.

Oh and for those of you interested, the picture of the turkey was just a random photo I put up. It was a gift from my aunt and I put it up in my office, because one of my co-workers said my office was sterile. I “won” a Santa beard circa 1975 in the department white elephant gift. The entire process was very bizarre. I donated the beard to the department for future decorations. I’m not sure if it was used or not, but I wasn’t feeling it.

Oh and by the way. I learned today, the post office has international flat rate boxes. You can ship whatever fits in the box, no matter what the weight for one price. I believe the postman said it was $36 or $38. I don’t remember for sure. I have used the domestic flat rate boxes a lot, but didn’t even know about the international ones. Goes to show, I learn something new everyday. Now, if only I didn’t forget 5 things everyday, I’d be amazing.

Ok-prep for random photos...

My office is located in this building--taken last Friday while the snow was still on the ground.
I really wanted to take a moment and ponder the worlds problems,

but I wasn't up for a damp seat.
I think if this shrub were to come alive it could make a really interesting sci-fi movie.
My new desktop--I got a complement on it this morning from a student. I didn't tell him I took the photo, I didn't want to appear too self absorbed. However, I did consider giving him this blog address, but in the end decided it was not in my best interest, again, I might appear too self absorbed. heehee
Photo of the 2nd scarf I made. It was knitted last year, but didn't get the fringe on it until a couple of weeks ago. My Aunt P is now the happy(?) new owner of this scarf.

Happy Birthday Aunt P. 5th scarf I have made. A little girl will be getting this in her Christmas gift tonight, so I felt it was ok to share now. This is the first project I have done using two ball of yarn at the same time. I forgot to take a photo of scarf 3, it went to my Mom for her birthday. Scarf 4 is a holiday gift, so you will have to wait on the photo.

It's Friday...

Itttttttttttttttttt'sssssssssssssssssssssss Frrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiddddddddddaaaaaaaayyyyyy!

Chilly Winter Story…

Picture it, Sicily 1945 or Grandview 2007. I woke up at 6:30am stuck one big toe out from under my mound of covers and immediately tugged it back into the warmth. CRAP! It was cold. I drag my sleepy self out of bed and to the hot shower, ah the warmth again. CRAP! I have to get out of the shower; this means warm toes eventually have to hit the icy tile. I quickly dressed in sweats and tiptoed to my car—I’m was oh so clever to go warm up my car while getting ready. I get ready, finally ready to start off into the wild streets of the city to head to campus. Again, I tiptoed to my car make it in safely and it’s even defrosted! I slowed tread down my street to the main one and make it to campus with no stresses. I pulled up to the garage, pull out my handy pass, drove through, parked, grabbed work bag and gift for department holiday party. CRAP! No gift. It was sitting on my couch at home. I had grabbed my work bag, but forgot the gift. What to do?

I pondered this for a moment. I didn’t have a gift for the party. It’s a “white elephant” gift, supposed to be “something from your garage sale that did not sell last year”. I haven’t figured out why even do it, but who am I. I didn’t have anything in my office, no wrapping paper, nothing. I quickly came to the conclusion that I only lived a few minutes away and could run home, grab gift, and rush back. Put car in reverse, back to garage gate, exit and head back to the house.

CRAP! Bus, of course, I get behind a school bus that seems to stop every 2 houses to pick someone one. Although, these kids don’t really look like kids, they look more like adults. Finally the bus pulled onto another street and I saw it was a work program bus, now I understand why they looked like adults-they were. Anyway, I finally made it home, tiptoed into house, grabbed gift, and headed back to car. I started the entire process again.

I finally made it into my office only about 40 minutes late. Good thing most students have finished their finals and I have a very light appointment load today. I also have the gift. Some sorry soul better appreciate the angel candle that has been around most likely since the 1990’s. I did tape an instant lotto ticket to the box, so that might make them a bit happier.

The holidays will soon be here!
I did decorate a bit :)

I hope your morning was just as adventurous as mine! Happy Thursday!