ok.

I've commandeered the cutest dwarf hamster ever from my new friend/activity partner, "T". Every time I go over to his place, I am loving on his hamster, George. The little critter and I bonded quickly, eventually leading me to take him home forever more to keep. YAY!

So, although I was provided a little bit of bedding and food, I will need to buy some more very soon. Who knew there are so many types of bedding to choose from?! Hamster bedding/litter sold in the store is usually pine or cedar shavings. I have also noticed, "alpine" shavings as well. Which do I get?

In reading about cedar/pine shavings, it is reported that the use of it in cages is actually quite toxic and can contribute to respiratory illness among other ones. Cedar seems to be particularly bad; also happens to be the option I liked most, at the time, not that I have used it yet.

Alpine, according to the various literature, is considered non-toxic. I may purchase that.

However, I would like to consider the options-- and see what others opinions are on this. Does anyone know of alternatives that would be appropriate, environmentally friendly and super safe for a russian dwarf hamster? I am open to anything..

Thanks in advance!

I'm really disturbed that the cedar and pine shavings are packaged for use as bedding/litter for these creatures, when in actuality they are toxic and can greatly reduce their already short life span.

I've updated my music collection and I am rather pleased with myself, haha.

It had been awhile since I looked for music- I get so consumed in the search that several hours will go by unnoticed. Not a bad thing- just need to save it for a day that I can do that.

I have added new artists to my collection and have had the pleasure of acquiring more songs from some of my favorite artists. Bonus.

I also deleted a slew of music that I just seem to never bother listening to. It almost felt sad.

While I have a pretty cool music selection, there is plenty to be embarrassed about as well. I need to tuck those away into a folder all of its own. Shut up; you have a few dirty beats that get cranked up when no one else is around-- most likely in the car, right? right?!?! Thought so. :)

alright.. in no particular order..

well, the first three are the only ones that I did not have any music from, so I look forward to 'bonding' with the 'new' stuff:

• Mindless Self Indulgence
  
• Goldfrapp
  
• Shiny Toy Guns

the remaining artists I already have in my collection, but just managed to find more of.. (yay!).. although some are still skimpy- -must keep looking:

• Interpol
  
• Nuclear Ramjet
  
• Sphongle
  
• Dead Can Dance
  
• Blaqk Audio
  
• Chemical Brothers
  
• Dandy Warhols (my fave, along with Moby)
  
• Dashboard Confessional
  
• Tegan and Sara
  
• a couple here and there from ..Moist, Nickelback, Lords of Acid, J-Lo
  
• oh, and a slew of "mash ups" -- fun stuff.

--can always use more Aphex Twin, Fischerspooner, Infected Mushroom, Muse and Moby; although just not a priority right now.


I'm looking for some hard hitting aggressive stuff. Not even sure what genre. BT is working right now, but I'm thinking something edgier.

Suggestions of all sorts are welcome.

I'm also looking to add to my "Her Space Holiday" collection.

and to find and buy, Charlie Hunter Trio. good stuff, and my collection has been just begging for his (their) stuff.

Saw Charlie Hunter Trio at Thursday at the Square with a date, "T". The music was entertaining, although I was a bit weirded out with the company I was with. Glad I don't jump into anything with anyone- ever.

Random, lame-o ramble. But I gave myself a chuckle.

Its Sunday, I read all day, immersed my mind in various contemplative thought and jotted down a bunch of things pertaining to my own life action plan. Then I merged into another sphere of thought...

In a recent AIM session, (e:pyrcedgrrl) and I were chatting about Indian cuisine among other things. Yep, preempted by all the curry chatter on (e:strip)! Awesome post, btw, (e:tinypliny)! I know realize how little I know about one of my favorite cuisines. Anyway, neither one of us have ventured out recently to any of the many restaurants offering Indian cuisine. And I havent driven anywhere because my car still sucks and I havent found anything yet. Any day now though. On a positive note, I havent purchased much gas in comparison! So, in contemplating a good restaurant to go to, I, as always, began to pine for a few select entrees. I'm fond of all "curry" and many of the Palak/Paneer variations. Although not at all hungry, my mind and stomach wanted something more. Perhaps it just needed something more substantial and less..funky. I then thought about what I ate this evening, remembering that I pulled together an odd assortment as my dinner. In hindsight, I ask, WTF was I thinking? If anything, the following smorgasboard reinforces my need to get groceries. I really do need to pick up a few items of sustenance. I hate to see what I will come up with tomorrow, if I don't. My stomach is rebelling in tonights dining choice.

Carey(10:01:59 PM):pistachios, beef jerky, lucky charms and hard boiled eggs was my 'dinner' (and a few garlic crackers)

Carey(10:02:19 PM): i should have at least been high for that concoction

Carey(10:02:51 PM): now I will finish it with a glass (or swig from bottle) of cheap champagne and some halloween candy

Carey(10:03:58 PM):haha I just mentally macroed myself.

Carey(10:04:03 PM) "Class. You're doing it wrong"

Dana(10:13:49 PM) : wow. that was quite a combo!!

Dana(10:13:50 PM): ha ha

Carey (10:19:35 PM) : yessss I would love to stick my finger down my throat if it wasnt already preoccupied with Mini Nestle Crunch bars

Dana(10:24:26 PM) : lol!!

The combination as a whole was not a lot of volume and it was also on a predominantly empty stomach. Although I now feel like I ate a ton of food. So do I stop there? no. I decide to finish off a bottle of champagne. I have a penchant for cheap champage. Well, I'm sure I would like expensive champagne as well, but I only ever by inexpensive or on sale varieties. I dig bubbly drinks :) I also dig gummy bears. a lot. Somehow in the past, I have consumed them and champagne about the same time, to where I now have paired the two together for consumption. Gummy bears and Champagne. Try it. Anyway, I don't have any gummi bears, but I remembered that I have some candy I bought for the pinata bashing at my recent bonfire-birthday party. In the 'leftovers' bowl, I dug out some chocolate. Yum. and gross. My stomach rebelled further, and continues to as I recount my Sunday evening foodfest.

oh yes, all so classy.

Alright, so, when I mentioned that I mentally macroed myself, I then immediately thought of a couple of champagne drinking pictures; which brought me to actually making a macro. Its sad that just a short few months ago, I was disturbed over the increasing use of 'macrosisms' in everyday talk. Alright, so I never really heard anyone speak that way, mostly restricted to actual image macros. Actually, it was all me. Ive been speaking it for kicks. I began to pick up on the lingo and began mentally macroing everything and everybody (especially the cats, ofcourse) and eventually began to love the macro* world. Its delightfully sarcastic, hence my love. I know. I totally hated and judged something that is very much a part of who I am and what humors me endlessly. Just call me Hitler. And so, if you dig macros, you'll get it. I still have lots to learn and I'm aware that the font isn't in the standard, but essentially its all there.

and maybe you'll Roffle.

FTW!?!?

if not, STFU! :)

kthanxbai!

haha

• not sure how long this obsession will last. I tend to get into something with a fierce amount of awe, only to drop it later and be embarrassed by it, years later. In the mean time, I love the damn LOLcats and other related memes.

New season of South Park has begun as of yesterday. I've been watching it on and off for years. I can't believe that its been on for 10 years now. Ten!!

Those early episodes got me through study breaks while attending UB.

So then that made me think of how long the Simpsons has been on. Has it been about twenty? So I look, and yeh, it sure has. April 1987 it first appeared on The Tracy Ullman Show, and three seasons later it took its own prime time spot. wow.

I was in sixth grade.

(WIKIPEDIA - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simpsons)


Never thought a time line of animated comedy would propel me into thoughts of mortality. heh.

Just clearing my head a little bit. No details.. just a general overview.

I'm sad when my friends are down, really really down. I wish to be able to do-say something that really helps. I know they can only figure out things on their own. I know that they know that I am around (and other friends/family).. and they do talk. So at the minimum, my ears are wide open.

One has a really full plate- the primary thing that he ("T") is dealing with is a challenge for me to wrap my mind around. Then there are many issues spiraling off of that main one. A lot of change and decisions are necessary and its anxiety provoking for him. Right now he sees a lot of it as a crisis. I gently point out the excitement and opportunity that can come from these situations; which over time may be possible for him to see and experience as well. Right now, its the transition process taking a toll. As one to need structure, security, and logical progression, it will be a challenge for him, but one that I feel positive that he will be fine about. I think. There is just so much going on! Anyway, I think he is in a good position to step back, reframe the situation and systematically form an action plan; something that will appeal to the structured side of him. Its just getting there..

Another friend has his ("B") immediate life-future up in the air and its killing him inside. This really makes my stomach turn in empathy and helplessness. As opposed to my first friend, he doesn't have as many resources at his side or any sense of security or foundation to stand on. I think he has good coping mechanisms and can be resourceful.. but its going to be a scary ride. Honestly, I don't know if this will plummet him further down the depression abyss. I think he's not in a good position to figure things out, since he has little to work with, which is a warning flag of some sort especially considering the immediacy. Despite his ability to usually take care of himself, his current experience must be weighing him down. I'll attempt to track him down later, what the plan is, if there is one.

so my thoughts are with them. Sometimes we have life moments that leave us feeling weak, exasperated and lost. Often its very temporary but its scary in the moment. Having friends, family and other resources to turn to can ease the burden a bit by sharing the weight. The hard part is choosing/allowing to do that. I think these two are open to that. And so I offer my strong shoulder to them..

still wish I could just twitch my nose, ya know?

On a side yet kind of related note-- has anyone noticed the increase in depression medication ads on tv very recently? As though its extra marketing doled out for the season..

My friend/date/activity partner, "T" and I have decided to take on as many Halloween activities as we can find and afford. As much as I love Halloween, I haven't really done anything fun in relation to it in years. I gobble lots of candy though :)

We went to Fright World tonight, located on Union. It was an after thought to go, seeing as our original plans to go on a ghost walk out in Springville turned out to be a dud. This would have been called, "terror in the trees", I think. It sounded super cool, and I was looking forward to it. It was a nice long drive out anyways, complete with pretty decent conversation.

So we still want to check that place out, but it appears to either be closed or not exist this year. We had seen info on it online, but the website dates quite possibly may have been from last year. We couldn't find anything along the route, even after stopping at a little convenient store, where the cashier said that many people had been in inquiring of the location of the place. So, yeh, hopefully this place still exists and we can head out another time. I enjoyed the evening ride, so it wasn't for naught.

Fright World wasn't as amazing at House of Horrors, but it still had its worthy components. There is so much to see and do for Halloween, that we are breaking it down to one or two things a week. Its my favorite time of year, so its nice that the activities have begun.

Is apple season over or still in progress? I want to pick apples.


I found this a short while ago..






oh, (e:janelle)....

My mind has drawn a blank. I don't use Google all that often (still hanging onto Yahoo), but I remember that the Google banner changes on occasion to depict a holiday or something significant. I don't recall how to check out what it is. Something drastically simple, I'm sure. So what brings me to post today is that I noticed that the Google banner has a pinata today.

what is it for? does anyone know? I feel like I should..?

Google adds flare to their banner for various holidays. Some have left me stumped upon initial glance leading me to figure it out one way or another. With a little bit of poking around, I determined, or at least, figured that it might be that it is the Jewish holiday, Sukkot? I was thrown off by the pinata, as that doesn't seem to have anything to do with it, but some sites have "sukkot pinatas" (help me on this)- some of literature I have read doesn't explicitly mention a pinata, it appears that people use it as part of the celebration, according to one site I found. Again, why? and..well, why not? pinatas are fun! So I gather that Sukkot begins this evening and proceeds for the next seven days? Or did it start late last night?
and again, does the banner have anything to do with it?
If not, then this post will be a provide a little education on it that you may not have otherwise known about.
(WIKIPEDIA - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukkot)



From the University of Kansas: Valuing our Differences, Celebrating Diversity website:     

[box]Sukkot, also known as Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles, begins at sunset the day before the 15th day of Tishri in the Hebrew calendar and lasts for seven days. Only the first two days are celebrated as full holidays. The word Sukkot means 'booth' and recalls the time that Israelites wandered in the desert during their journey to the promised land and lived in the sukkots.

Sukkot is the third Pilgrimage festival mentioned in the Old Testament and is a holiday of joy and happiness. It is observed by the building of a temporary dwelling (Vayikra 23: 42-43: "In booths you are to dwell for seven days ...so that your generations will know that I caused the children of Israel to dwell in booths when I took them from the land of Egypt....") and by the gathering of four plants (Vayikra 23:40: "And you shall take for yourself on the first day the fruit of a goodly tree, branches of palm trees, the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before Hashem...for seven days."). On the seventh day, the four plants are paraded around the synagogue in a celebration called Hoshana Rabba, or Great Hosanna.

Sukkot also signifies a thanksgiving for the harvest. In keeping with this, the temporary dwellings are decorated with fruits of the land.[/box]

So now I know just a tiny bit more than I did upon waking.

but I still want to know what the banner is about!

Last night my friend/date and I went to The Maize on Niagara Falls Blvd. It was dark, hot and fun. In previous times, I had only gone as part of a "field trip" with the consumers I worked with, therefore not having the opportunity to enjoy the Maize for myself (many behavioral challenges). Also, I never went at night; the ideal time to go get lost in a maze among the cornstalks. The light of the almost full moon added to the effect.

Its open until 9pm S-Th, until 11pm Fri and Sat. Cost is $7 Bring a flashlight and a couple of hours to spare. We arrived around 7:45 and finished around 9:30.



On Sunday, we had gone out to the House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs located on George Urban Blvd (near Dick Rd). We pretty much had the place to ourselves. I loved it!!

[box]General Admission $20
Includes Admission To All Monstrous Attractions:The House Of Horrors, Haunted Catacombs, and The all New Psycho Therapy and City Of the Dead In 3-D.

$3 Off Coupons Available at: Burger King, FYE, Mighty Taco, Best Buy, Blockbuster Video, Delta Sonic, Subway, Dunn Tire, Cold Stone Creamery, Verizon Wireless, Fantastic Sam's, and Tanning Bed Locations[/box]

This was insanely cool and not for the faint of heart. I mean you, (e:mike)! It will make you cry, lol. (e:ladycroft)- you would LOVE it. Why did we never venture out and explore all the halloween activities before? ok, it really does all add up. This one is $20 but TOTALLY worth it. I would do it all over again. Get your $3 discount at the above locations or print one out on the website.

Anyway, very sensory oriented- not for the claustrophobic! Some stinky stuff, some very unexpected things to have to do, fun actors, great props, awesome atmosphere. Honestly it was a turn on.

I can't get into it, because you just have to go an experience it and not know what to expect before hand. The hours run late-- seem to close the earliest at 10pm.. and some nights 1am. FUN!!

There are a lot more things going on-- I want to hit up as many as possible. It may seem a bit early, but some things I want to experience without a mass of people around me; which is sure to occur the closer to Halloween it gets.

On to the b-day photo dump. A LOT of pics ahead. Bonfire was fun- good food, drink and friends. Didnt keep track fully, but--I was very tickled to see (e:libertad), (e:mike), (e:paul), (e:terry), (e:jim), (e:james), (e:metalpeter), (e:zobar), (e:dragonlady7), (e:pyrcedgrrl), (e:vincent) also all my buds, Lynn, Damian, Shawn, AJ, Solomon, Shawn(girl), Rainy, Katie, Steve, (e:soma) was missed! Lishy, Barry, Rhonny, and others will get a kick in the ass!). I snagged a bunch of (e:metalpeter,41296) to add to my picture folder, so I hope not to accidentally add any of his here. Also a few pcitures from a b-day night out at Diablo are included.














































































































JIGGLY FACE montage:
this was really entertaining- it was hard for me to keep from laughing, as you will see..

damn tequila.

I vaguely recall some ass shaking.

...more when I get some quality sleep.

• was up very early this morning after going to bed just a few hours before, to get out and get things for the bonfire party on Saturday. I think all the food stuff has been figured out.

• (e:pyrcedgrrl) presented me with b-day gifts today. I LOVE them. A super awesome comfy pretty mottled pink sweater and a vibrating cow print roll pillow. I need to take a pic.

• thank you for all of the birthday wishes!

• Tomorrow (friday) I will spend time getting the yard prepared. My bonfire pit has a tree or something growing out of the middle of it. Apparently I haven't hosted a bonfire in awhile.

• TATS was crazy this evening. It pulled in one heck of a crowd, perhaps the busiest I have seen it in awhile. People were crazy for Dropkick Murphys.

• this is more than I care to get into at the moment, but the evening gave me a headache and a few "red flags". I hate miscommunication, but what can you do other than try to sort it out as easily and respectfully as possible? Crapola. Also too much contact with cigarette smoke at the square contributed to it too. yuck.

• if you are into Lolcats AND into Postsecret, there is now Lolsecretz. Its creative..

"The meeting of two of the internet's most famous memes- PostSecret and LOLcats."

• I'm sad when I miss the Colbert Report. I just realized I completely missed tonights episode. Stephen would have helped make me laugh and snicker my headache away.

• sigh*