Half tempted to jump in my car and head to Toronto for the evening. I had thought about it last night and disregarded it as I already had tenative plans set for this evening. A few buddies of mine have been wanting to get together and it has been a matter of freeing up some time to do it. My schedule is fairly open at the moment, but with one of my friends from this group who is working on their Masters, the efects of full time work and full time school can be exhausting. I completely understand all of that business and respect that they chose instead to take care of themself. When the timing is right, we will all chill over some beer, good food and laughs.

I am a bit antsy this evening. Part of me wanting to call friends over for a gathering, or seek out some social interaction (offers are a plenty, but not feeling any of it) and part of me just wanting to read. My brain is bouncing with ideas and making connections. Its operating extremely well right now and the need to feed it is pulling me in. So if that is the case, I would do well with going with whatever direction I feel drawn to.-- and let everything else go. There is time and place for everything else.

and for things that can not be attended to until Monday- I need to drop it from my mind. It will be taken care of then, with ease. so..

let it go let it go let it go..

gone.

ok, I'm totally open; unless something comes up, comes to me, I am staying in. I look forward to reading for a few hours followed by a movie- comedy, ofcourse!

Friday evening is looking good to me.

stay warm!

(e:deeglam) -I love Hello Kitty! I used to have an insane obsession with her. It began in my little kiddo years, escalated in my mid twenties, and has since greatly dropped off- but only in the actual accumulation of the little pink cutie. Many times I have had to refrain from buying- household appliances, telephones, and other objects of crazy cuteness. Jeezus even the vibrator is darling. I would sooo buy a Hello Kitty Humidifier!! I only have a few lingering items left of my collection (pencils, bracelets, car trash bag,), but will always have a special place in my heart for the Hello Kitty crew.

I didn't buy this humidifier:

hehe cute!


but I did buy this one today:

not so cute, but its totally doing its job! woo!

I bought the Hunter brand evaporative humidifier. I did not see any warm mist humidifiers, (e:zobar) - so I chose among the many cool mist varieties. I read the box, liked what it said and made my purchase:

* Low Maintenance. (cool, I dig low maintenance)
* Save up to $45 a year. (??)
* PermaWick Filter never needs replacement. (ah, thats why I save $$)
* Antimicrobial Properties inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi on filter and plastic parts. (I prefer not to be moldy. cool)
* Exclusive NiteGlo Night Light perfect for bedrooms. (I don't sleep with a night light, but since this will be in my living room, I just might opt for the ambiant glo..)
* Humidifies 1175 Square Feet (I could have opted for a 3500 sq foot version, but it was way more expensive, gigantic and I am pretty sure this size will do the job. I have a hydrogmeter- it has already increased from 21% to 33% humidity. yay!

Some more info incase anyone is curious/looking..

Features:

* Patented Anti-Microbial Properties in key plastic parts and wicks
that inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi.
* Regulated Release™ System eliminates stagnant water in reservoir.
* No white dust that can settle on furnishings or be inhaled.
* Perma-Wick permanent filter that never needs replacing, saving time and money.
* Pump System. Water flows from the top to saturate the entire PermaWick filter, expediting moisture output and preventing mineral residue build-up.
* Ultra-quiet, 3-Speed Hunter Fan. Radial blower design delivers maximum moisture with minimum noise.
* Limited 5 year warranty.
* Exclusive NiteGlo nightlight feature - separate ON/OFF switch.
* Exclusive ToteAway Tank. Balanced for easy transport. Extra large tank opening makes refilling simple in the bathtub or sink.
* Dishwasher-safe, Easy-Clean Base and Tank.



Low Maintenance
Both the plastic parts and the permanent PermaWick filter have antimicrobial properties to inhibit growth of bacteria, mold and fungi that may affect these parts. In independent laboratory tests, the built-in antimicrobial properties were shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the plastic parts and the PermaWick filter.

Why should you use the HunterCare Free Plus?

* Prevents dry, itchy skin
* Relieves chapped lips
* Relieves cold symptoms
* Reduces static electricity
* Helps preserve household wood furnishings
* Reduces vulnerability to infection by keeping mucous membranes moist
* Extremely low maintenance

• This product contains antimicrobial properties which are built-in to inhibit the growth of bacteria that many affect the plastic and PermaWick filter in the humidifier. These products do not extend to the water, humified air or users. Conduct routine cleaning and maintenance based upon use and individual conditions.

1. 1 Humidifier System. Preferred 10 to 1 by surveyed physician. *Independent study of physician conducted 12-96.

So thats that. I am glad to have found something reasonable and it appears that it will work out nicely. I have the receipt and the option to buy the big beast if needed.

Anyone catch tonights episode of Smallville ("crimson")? It was particularly drool worthy this evening. Clark was smokin' hot in his assertive fiery sexuality. Louis *almost* got some from him...It was a delightful mix of spice and humor.

Jimmy: (about Lois) 'It's so weird to see her acting like a girl.'
haha
a little glossy crimson lipstick will do that..

I apply the lotions and potions in the morning, after a shower and always before I go to bed and anytime in between. I keep myself lubed up and well hydrated from the inside out. I take good care of myself.

but with the dry cold weather..

and we are in for a deep freeze (stock up on the hot chocolate and wood!)..

my skin and throat are in need of some extra care. 21% humidity in my Y-Town appartment(comfy is 45%). I am sensitive to the air changes..

I keep zapping my cats and anyone else I touch with static electricity. Joe walked by my face and his tail and my cheek made a spark!! Their fur is sticking out on end and so is mine. Its HAWT!

I'm thinking of buying a humidifier- somethng that will take care of a few rooms. I don't want to boil water or hang laundry to dry or place bowls of water around.. I wish to buy an apparatus that will take care of the job.

My question and reason for this post: Any reccomendations, thoughts, suggestions? What kind, where to buy, etc?

I love the site, How Stuff Works. This link tackles the subject of humidifiers.

I'm about to slide into a tub of hot oil and stay there until we thaw
actually, that sounds kind of nice..

thanks in advance!

stay warm :)

eat cookies!!! mmmmm

Be an artist- even if just for a few minutes. Check out the following link. It will bring you to a blank canvas in which, with your mouse as a painting medium, you can create designs, ala Jackson Pollock. Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) was an American painter and the commanding figure of the Abstract Expressionist movement. He is best known for his 'drip and splash' style where he poured and dripped his paint from a can onto the canvas.Go replicate his style using this web site:


Use the left click to change colors. Simple amusment. Great for desk jobs!

tried to save my 'art work', but it didn't happen. Believe me, it was a masterpiece ;)

snagged Pollock work from Google images:

Sounds like some band and the title of their cd. ha, sounded fun strung together to me.. it doesn't need to make sense. word.


anyway..
I can't stop giggling over a girls reaction to my shaking her hand.

I came home last night to the immense pleasure of seeing (e:flacidness) , who's trip to B-lo I was unaware of. Yay! He came with his family of friends..

With introductions, I prepared everyone verbally that my hands are freezing as I had just walked in from the cold- not just from my car, but had also been walking around outside for a bit prior to that- and I had left my gloves in Sean's truck.

The shaking of hands proceeded as expected until the last one. How so? The girl recoiled her hand as if she had just been electrified by my touch and suddenly covered in ectoplasm, which she proceeded to wipe on her hip.

yes, i said, 'ectoplasm'.

I bust out laughing- finding such intense humor in it. Nothing negative, just an observation that I found to be really funny.

I hung out with the group- my beloved roomies and travelers- dancing to Kimya, Tony!Toni!Tone!, shaking my top and bottom to Beyonce, giving the men new 'hair dos', (floofy is SO in) playing 'dress up (e:terry) ' (he is such a doll!) and stealing sips of (e:Paul) 's screw driver. Just feeling light, feeling good, always enjoying time with friends.I wanted the evening to keep going as it was fun to relax with everyone. Instead, I grabbed a few belongings and headed back out into the night. I had some stuff to take care of, that out of responsibility, could not be put off. Coming in for an hour or so was a nice bonus to an already really lovely weekend. My needing to go back out wasnt a chore, as I new that shortly thereafter I would be able to go to bed- sleep that was much needed. I knew that my best choice of sleep arrangement for last night was to go back to Y-Town, so I could check in on my beloved furblobs, snuggle under a mound of blankets and get the rest needed to wake up fresh and ready to tackle some phone calls and bill paying. Mmmmm soft flannel sheets, a heated mattress pad and my stuffed turltle made for comfy and warm nocturnality. Indeed, I slept well, good dreams were had and remembered. It leaves me with a decidedly pleasant feeling... a continued effect of spending time with really wonderful people.

A weekend seminar was shared with new friends. Everything that was discussed has been a strong part of me for as long as I can remember. While some people went to learn or build upon what they know, I went for the experience, curiousity, the connection and to tweak some areas of my thought process. Bijan is indeed fun and informative, yet all that he says is all that I have long ago embraced on my own accord. tres cool..The absolute best part (which it was all good, even when literally running around Niagara Falls looking for lunch *wink*) is just spending time with friends and experiencing something so personal together. (e:inspiraysean) , (e:laurajean) and a few other most excellent people got together for this weekend. We had fun. fun. fun.

Meditations were deeply touching; I really like the guided variety. I am able to focus and follow someone elses words. When left to my own mental device- I go from meditating to another form of 'imagery" ;) or fall asleep. Right now is a time for me for sharing and strengthening a life time of observations and continuing with having a "can do" and "will do" attitude as opposed to the reality that many of us were brought up to beat down our abilities- whether by parents, friends, media, teachers, society in general. Much of this contemplation is infused in my writing- but it is not as overt as other writers.

In a speech by Nelson Mandela, there is a line that I have long ago thought to simply make sense. "...We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?..." exactly- really now, who are you NOT to be freakin' fantastic? Why wait for someone else to tell you or make you feel that way. You are and can be if you just allow it. Anything is possible, nothing is impossible- if you want something, if you want something more. That is why I keep at it- saying and doing things in a certain manner.,It just is. I just am. I will work on articulating my thoughts, as I have plenty of them :)

Right now I am just feeling through it all as opposed to being able to form words. I began this post to quickly jot some thoughts down as I down loaded some tunes off of Lime Wire, but I sense it going for a lot more than what I originally intended. I categorize posts that will have less than 500 words as "quickies satisfy"- which I typed in as I was only going to relay the humorous handshake. I have a few articles I am in the process of writing. Some pertaining to lessons learned early in life others relating to subjects that I havent written or read much about in awhile, such as Quantum physics, Quantum mechanics, chaos theory- fun stuff! (e:theecarey,133). I intend to use this post and accumulation of thoughts from this past weeked, as a spring board into writing about those topics.

While I have a few concerns, I am not a worrier- actually I am quite free spirited and laid back. And knowing this, I need to deal with it head on and let it go. I am very close to my child-like ways, so I never abandoned the fundamental need to have fun and to have a life that is pleasant and abundant in everything you want. Simple pleasures.. every day.. and each day is mine for the having.. and I like to share.

While my ruminations are usually subtle- occasionally I put it out there stronger. Yes, I am positive, but I am not deluded. I am well aware of the world and reality around us. There is no need to sugar-coat-- but there is a need to be kind to ourselves, to be grateful for what we have and who we are. Its easy to beat ourselves up. "I'm not good at that", "I'm out of shape", "I am always fucking up", "Drama always find me". Sometimes we put that on others, "S/He is like all the others, and will lie, cheat and be irresponsible, etc" If you have low expectations of yourself or others, you are usually correct in the outcome. If we can control just some of it- we can be better, feel better for it. Go ahead and tell yourself that you are a decent human being capable of anything. I figure, its all in my favor, so why not go for it?!

In the sociological and psychological applications, this is ground in the principle of 'self fulfilling prophecy'-a false definition of the situation evoking a new behaviour which makes the original false conception come true. This can be used to produce positive effects. With the Pygmalion Effect, this is directly applied to expectations set for another. Studies and literature primarily exemplify this in the form of student-teacher scenerios, where when teacher expectation of students were high, the students indeed tended to perform better. These studies were done to support the hypothesis that reality can be influenced by the expectations of others. In the 'spiritual' sense, you may find terms such as "manifestation" and 'power of the spoken word". There are many other 'effects', and hypothesis grounded in various fields of academic and life study. What they all aim to understand is how our perceptions- real or not will produce a very real outcome based on those initial thoughts.

So I choose, because it fits my life, to say and do things that support my attitude relating to this. I love my friends and family and all of the wonderful opportunities that come in to my life. I love making new connections and living in the moment. I have let go of a lot over the years and I understand that I accept me and you, right now, as is. Improvement will continue as I choose this. What I have said and done in the past that was shameful is just that: in the past. Awareness of areas that I want to improve is key. Before I open my mouth or make a move, I can decide if it is the best thing for me. Maybe it is, maye it isn't- but it will be my choice and ramifications good or bad are all on me. I am grateful that I often find humor and adventure in less than perfect situations. Not all great things will happen, but if I can get a laugh out of those other times, or use it as an opportunity to learn and grow- then I do. It may not be great while you are in it, but knowing that this will pass, and that you will get out of it- well, can be a profound experience. The last quarter of 2006 was a trying time of figuring out what the next step is. By reveling in my abilities and understanding where my heart and passion is, the situation I was dealing with dissolved and another door opened. That very night I was beaming bright with gratitude- (e:theecarey,356)

And so I am through that 'wall', that 'door'-- and I am not looking back. I am where I need to be and I am in a good place, for me.

2nd post.
I realized that I drastically under ate today. I will certainly survive ;) Some veggies this afternoon then some yummy pomagranite green tea (thanks, Sean!) was it. I just sometimes forget, especially when I am super busy, such as today. However the effect of looking through a home magazine that almost every page had food pictures on it, worked its way into my having a voracious appetite by the time I got home just a short while ago. I needed a nibble of something. My bachelorette choice for 'nourishment' this late evening:

Sauerkraut and a little rice crispy cereal w/ vanilla soy milk.
very.. beige.
Not my first choice, certainly not (e:mrmike) 's pot pie, but it sufficed. Dont like to eat late- but it is better than a growly belly in the night.

I found this odd- A small can of sauerkraut is broken down into 14 servings. really, 14? There isn't much in the can to begin with. So at 5 calories per serving, the whole can would be oooh 70 cals. don't go hog wild now. I always rinse the extra briney salt off. I just really dig the 'kraut sometimes.

Well, time for bed, so much good stuff going on tomorrow. ooh, but before I do, I must get the garbage out- there is a lot! brrrrrrrrrr!

As I finshed up the main portion of my personal purge and clean expedition, I found my thoughts in alignment to the task in a symbolic way. My generally tidy (but not too clean) apartment took on a whole new look and feel as I began (two weeks ago) to open up every drawer, cupboard and closet. What makes this different than prior purges which had a more functional motive to it, is that it began directly in relation to the beginning of a new chapter in my life; the full focus on myself. In the physical process of 'cleaning out my closets", I had made a huge mess. For the past two weeks, as things became simplified, they have also become more complicated (chaos theory)- yet in an exquisite, relaxing, grateful way; new projects arose from this- which will be worked on over time, no need to force it. In the symbolic process of 'cleaning out my closets', there wasnt so much a mess, but what was at first complicated is now so much more simple. Thank you!
Immediately I realized that I have an abundance of material items that are no longer necessary in my life. I gave away what I could and threw out the rest. Bringing garbage out to the road has been a delightful work out. Tonight it will need to be dragged through the thick snow, but it will get there. It is so nice to see the extra baggage leaving my sight. I began to make room for better as opposed to holding on. Its nice. Energy is flowing.

What originally brought me to post is that it had also been atleast two weeks since I have vacuumed, as I could not see the floor until just recently (I said I made a mess in this process!). Tired and hungry I considered saving the vacuuming until another day, yet I felt strongly compelled to finish. As I pushed and pulled the vacuum back and forth across the floor, varying thoughts and scenerios played out in my mind. Most revolving around the last quarter of 2006. Picking up bits of dirt and rummage was like picking up bits of these past few months. They were no longer needed and served no purpose other than to clutter my spirit. My thoughts weren't negative but they were cumbersome. When I realized the vacuum in essence was sucking up the last bits of residual work-related matter, my vacuuming efforts were now enjoyable, as just minutes before I *really* didn't want to do it. Oh boy, I felt better by the time I finished. Looking around, I know things are better.

very cool, and as I have been saying for years- I am grateful for that.

stay warm, peeps

wow-- my neighbor just came up my driveway with his snowplow. Now my taking out my garbage will be so much easier!

(e:pyrcedgrrl) sent me the following pictures of a Niagara Falls ice jam. A majority of online research claims an unconfirmed date of 1911, however local history books at the Niagara Falls Library provide a date of 1909.
Other noteworthy ice jams have been recorded for 1848, 1890, 1899, 1912, 1938, 1956.
Imagine living around here in 1848, the first time that Niagara Falls (American Falls) completely stopped flowing. People thought that this signified the end of the world!. The more adventurous of the locals wandered out onto the riverbed to explore the new vantage point. Others found really cool artifacts dating back to the war of 1812. Among these items were muskets, bayonets and tomahawks. This visual phenomenon was all possible due to the occurance of an ice jam at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Erie. This ice jam stopped the water from running down the Niagara River to the Falls.

In the following pictures, the ice jam slowed the water, which allowed the outer portions to freeze, however, the deeper sections of the falls continued to flow. The effects of ice jams were a common occurance prior to installation of the "ice-boom", which is installed to hold back most (but not all) of the ice that normally forms mid December. However, with the milder regional temperatures of late, the lake and river have not frozen over. When the lake does freeze, as with the falls, it freezes the surface portion still allowing for water to flow underneath. This creates an ice bridge at the bottom of the falls. People were allowed to walk out on the "bridge" for many years until one horrific occurance, in 1912, when three people died after breaking through. Yikes!

"The American Falls have frozen over on six occasions since the keeping of records began. Each were attributed to ice jams that have actually curtailed the flow of the American Falls to mere trickles."

"Unlike the Horseshoe Falls (which has never frozen over), the American Falls are susceptible to freezing because of the small amount of water flow."

"The installation of the ice boom at the mouth of Lake Erie, the building of the International water control dam (which regulates water flow) and milder winters have all but eliminated the possibility of the American Falls ever completely freezing over in modern times."

"The American Falls water flow was reduced to such an extent in 1909, 1936, 1938 and 1949 that it froze over."

"The American Falls today receives only 10% of the total water flow. In the early 1900's that flow was much less, perhaps only 5%."

above qoutes taken from following link:


Stay warm, peeps!

1. if your chocolate icecream is melting, you should probably NOT leave it sitting out. That is what a freezer (or the porch) is for. :(

1a. Melted icecream does not refreeze or do anything else well, other than being tossed in the garbage.

2. its SNOWING- time to go outside and play. woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

2a. XC skiing will be the play of choice, as snowball fights by myself may not go over very well with the locals. It would be funny though. (e:vincent) , do you have skiis or snow shoes to join me?


3. I am not a vegetarian, although a majority of my diet would say otherwise. What makes me totally un-veggie is the occasional need to sick my teeth into a cow. Yes, its that time of the year that I highly desire a slab of beef-grilled medium- and nothing else at all. I prefer poultry/fish when I get my meat on and occasionally any other form if it looks/smells good. However, this ravenous-carnivore desire is undeniable. It began yesterday, and I thought perhaps my body just wanted protein- so I selected a chicken sandwhich at Cafe 59 although an Eggplant sandwhich would have been preferred, taste wise. That didn't do it. So later on, I had an egg for dinner (brunch held me over). Nope, still not satisfied. Thats when I concluded that a pitstop at Federal Meats is in my future. Just a little is needed to suffice.

3a. With my steak, a side of red wine and an action movie is all that is needed, wanted.

4. My car is back. It was the brake line. The cost was nothing that I couldn't handle. Glad to have wheels again! :)


Be well, stay warm, drive safe!

Paul??

Ready for your spankings, dahling??????????


we know how to spank on (e:strip) hehe


HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xxoo



I totally stole the naked man pick from google images from a birthday card site. This card reads..

"what do you call a naked man in your back yard?....'ART' -Happy Birthday"

I could think of much more creative and delicious words and phrases to go with that image, so I will leave you to do just that.

again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Love, luck and lots of whipped cream,
Carey