After dinner last night, after Mike, Todd, and GDT left, the remaining group sat around talking about diets. Mostly the Atkins diet and what foods were and weren’t “Atkins friendly.” The attentions turned to weight, specifically how much we weighed. The majority of us dipped into the bathroom and weighed ourselves – just to see. Yeah, not a one of us was under 200. Not even Steven, whose weight has shot up since his surgery and inability to really get around much.

So we have created a diet pool. Here’s how it goes: Starting on Thursday, February 5th, when dinner will be at Chas’ house, we (those in the diet pool) are going to weigh ourselves and mark this as our starting weight. Then, we are all going to put in one dollar a week for the next 10 weeks (payable to Joe – who has graciously accepted the job as holder of the pool) until the final weigh in on April 15th. The one person who has lost the most weight wins (at least, I think that is what we ended up deciding). If anyone has actually gained weight, not only loses (duh) but has to put in another ten dollars. Just a little incentive to actually lose – if only one pound.

Now, yes there are those of us who could ostensibly lose more weight than any of the others, but with a time limit and doubting highly that any one of us will do anything drastic to our health to lose the weight, I don’t really see that as a problem. The only limitations are no surgery, liposuction, or getting sick and having to stay in the hospital for any length of time (that one’s mostly because of Darrell).

Currently, the participants include: Steven, Chas, Darrell, Tony, Bob, and I. Good luck to everyone involved! I know we’ll all at least feel better about ourselves at the end. Providing Vivie and I can keep away from the Edy’s.

The number 5: This is the number of minutes it takes me to get home at night.

The number 3.2: This is the exact mileage from my driveway to my parking spot.

Life really is good. :)

When, oh when, will our dearest Viv post again? She says that she'll post when she has somethin' to say. So does this mean her mind has been a vast void since January 6th?

Luv ya, Viv. Really.

WORD OF THE DAY:

in·ter·est ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ntrst, -tr-st, -trst)
n.

A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something: an interest in sports.
Something, such as a quality, subject, or activity, that evokes this mental state: counts the theater among his interests.
Regard for one's own benefit or advantage; self-interest. Often used in the plural: It is in your best interest to cooperate. She kept her own interests in mind.

A right, claim, or legal share: an interest in the new company.
Something in which such a right, claim, or share is held: has interests overseas.
A person or group of persons holding such a right, claim, or share: a petroleum interest.
Involvement with or participation in something: She has an interest in the quality of her education.

A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount loaned.
An excess or bonus beyond what is expected or due.

An interest group.
The particular cause supported by an interest group.

tr.v. in·ter·est·ed, in·ter·est·ing, in·ter·ests
To arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of: Your opinions interest me.
To cause to become involved or concerned with: tried to interest her in taking a walk.
Obsolete. To concern or affect.

Idiom:
in the interest/interests of
To the advantage of; for the sake of: thinking in the interest of the whole family; ate breakfast on the train in the interest of time.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin, it is of importance, third person sing. present tense of interesse, to be between, take part in : inter-, inter- + esse, to be; see es- in Indo-European Roots.]

Over the past week, anger has been a premier emotion in my life. I was angry when they let GDT go. I was angry when they let me go. I was angry when they let Sirena and Bridget go. I was angry when Pat cheated at his die roles. I was angry with my bowling. I was angry with myself for over sleeping Monday morning (which thankfully didn’t matter since I didn’t have to go in until 9am.)

Now this isn’t to say that this was the only emotion affecting me this past week. Elation, worry, joy, happiness, and frustration were all a part of my week. But the anger that I felt was more prevalent because of the things that I kept inside. I know that in hindsight, there were a few things that I should have/could have said or done that would have made things better. But playing that kind of game doesn’t do anyone any good. Ever.

The past is called the past for a reason. Get over it and move on. Or you’ll find yourself stuck where you are - forever. I’ve moved on from my anger over all my issues and put myself in a better place. I feel great and can now say, with no malingering issues, that I’m in the best place in my life than I ever have been.

Life is good.

Last night was fun. Ended up dying someone's hair and it came out more interesting than anticipated.

Just wait until tomorrow night. :)

Things today are a little busier - at least there is plenty for me to do right now. I'm so happy here that I could just cry - and those of you who know me know that I don't cry easily. I wish I had applied for this job earlier than I did. Now if only I can figure out my phone number is, I'd be set. :)

I have a new audience! I'd like them to know that I appreciate that they are reading here and keeping up with how things are going with me. I know they only wish me the best in my life and are happy that I'm doing so well. I also hope that they know that most of what they hear are lies and would pay no attention. They should know me better than that.

Be good all and don't forget to watch your back.

Even with the delay this morning, my first day at work is going relatively easy. Of course, there isn't a whole lot to do and Mike's crammed enough info in my brain that I'll probably need a sippy of something this evening. :) This is going to turn into an interesting week. Especially considering how long it's been since I've "started" a new job.

The weekend was fairly smooth, with bowling sucking to high hell on Sunday. Saturday was - of course - fun, with gaming in Shel's game. {And apparently, someone's half-orge isn't as big and bad as she thought she was and no, I'm not talking about mine.} We ended up playing until almost 2am - a record since we've joined the game - but had one of the best nights gaming. I just hate that I have to wait another month for his games.

Perhaps this is my year of change. Normally, when the hubby has to transfer, we leave our comfortable surroundings and move on to something new. This is the year, though, that this is not going to happen. So perhaps Rimble decided I needed change elsewhere in my life instead. Getting a new job is not a bad thing - in the least in this case - and the change *will* do me some good {even if Mike calls me his bitch.}

Now I worry about the other changes that may be in store for me. The hubby will be going away sometime this year, for six months (or more depending on what happens over there and the Navy in its infinite stupidity are talking about making these cruises last nine months) and that is more of a worry than most people know. Friends may move on to other cities. I may get pregnant (though not really worried there.) School may be starting up soon.

But change is always good, whether we can see it at the time or not. And this is coming from a confirmed pessimist!

This morning, I get to work, and find out that they fucked up my password to get onto the server. Yeah. I have to wait until after 9am before I can get things fixed. So, not being able to actually work, I decided to clean out the "my documents" folder and get all my personal shit off the computer - especially after what happened to GDT. That took some time, there was a lot of crap on there! After that, I still couldn't do any actual work, so I cleaned out the top drawer of my desk - throwing shit out and whatnot.

I then get the chance to get onto the server and get some work done. My co-workers and I divided up GDT's cases and set about getting them straightened out. It is almost lunch time when I get a phone call from Karen Freeman, our HR Director {formerly known as BooBoo the Fool, the ghettoest bitch you'll ever know}. She asks that I go up to her office and talk to her. Yeah, I saw the writing on the wall. So up I go. And into Mary Louis Campbell's (the "esteemed ice queen bitch who cares more about appearances than actual work performance" president) office Karen and I go. And yes, resign or be terminated. Whatever, I have an interview already set up and was leaving anyway! I took the resignation. And technically, the letter they gave me said they were "accepting my resignation," so I still am formally putting in a resignation letter that will include some of what I posted yesterday. I'm hand delivering it to them and mailing it to Mike West, at the regional office. They will be sorry. :)

So, I am handed a box and head back downstairs. As soon as I walk onto my floor, I lift up the box. "Guess what!" I clean everything out - ended up needing three frickin' boxes - and pack up my car. Before I leave, I made a point to go see George Harden, the only VP worth a damn at The Planning Council, and an all-around great guy, just to shake his hand and tell him that it was a pleasure working with him. After leaving the office, I called my immediate supervisor, Vicki Reece {the best boss I have had thus far in my life and I've been working since I was 18} and told her that I just called her to say goodbye. She asked if I was leaving for the day, and I told her, no, I'm leaving for good and proceeded to tell her what had happened. She said she knew nothing about it - which I knew anyway because she had asked me yesterday before I left to take care of something for her and get ready to send more letters out.

Anyway, so on to the future and my interview. Harry was definitely better looking than I had pictured {don't tell, Mike} and was a really nice, funny guy. Basically, he told me in not so many words, that I had the job and did I mind the hourly wage I was going to have. I said no, and then he proceeded to tell me exactly what I'd be doing, etc. He also informed me that I was spoken highly of (thank you again and again and again Mike and Mary!!!!) and that he was impressed by my resume. And I start on Monday.

So, in one day, I'm basically fired and then hired by a better company. This is a "City Slickers" thing but, definitely the best and worst day of my life.

Oh, and the "woman" that I spoke of yesterday that will micromanage that place to death? Ipek Taffe - the worst thing that could ever have happened to "The Planet Council."

On the phone, talking with someone who is a) not completing his sentences in our conversation and b) talking to himself - all at the same time.

One guess who it was.

After reflecting upon the events of the day, I only have more resolve than ever to leave my current place of employment. I actually told my co-workers, whom I like very much, that I had an interview with another company tomorrow {And there was Sirena saying she knew about it already. Whatever. She's so much like Madam C. it's disgusting - but that is the past and were moving forward now} and that I wanted to get away from there as soon as possible. You can better believe that a final copy of my resignation letter be CC'd to the Regional office. I think it's time to really shake things up and open their prospective eyes to the truths that they have conveniently ignored.

We are doing a thankless job, and I don't mean thankless from our clients - I mean our "superiors." We do our job to the best of our ability, with out-dated "trainings," out-dated equipment, ungrateful clients, ungrateful managers, a pittance of a wage that isn't even comparable to other employees who do the exact same job in other cities, and deal with a very frustrating office environment. We are currently being micromanaged by a woman who has no clue as to the true nature of our job. You expect to hire people who have spent 'x' amount of dollars for their bachelors degree, yet treat them like they lack the basic principles of courtesy and sense. We are talked down to like we are children. They treat us like thieves. They spy on our every move.

Big brother is watching you, ladies and gentlemen, whether you realize it or not. And I don't just mean the Bush adminstration.

I really could have used it today. To sum up: There's another 3 hours of my life that I'll never get back. Staff meetings here are a joke. The "training" is subject matter that is best applied to college kids getting ready to enter the work force for the first time. I need to be taught (by a woman who once wore a chain with padlock attached around her neck to a staff meeting no less) how to behave in an office environment??? Um, no. I've been working in a professional environment since 1987!

On top of that, this "training" was so sexist and out-dated, it was laughable. I really was so offended by it, I made note of that fact on the "evaluation worksheet" that BooBoo the Fool (our *cough* affectionate term for her) wants everyone to do. I even called her out on the fact that she should have known it was sexist and out-dated. And - get this one - there was a part in the "training" that talked about smoking courtesies and such, and she doesn't even smoke! Example: Don't smoke in a conference room, even if invited to do so. Um, excuse me, but can anyone tell me one employer that allows this in the first place (besides maybe the cigarette manufacturers?), because I want to work there. Yeah, that tip was useful - around 1987 (just when the employer I started to work for made it official that we couldn't smoke in the building until after 5pm.)

I'll be more than happy to get the hell away from here. In talking with the hubby about the interview coming up, he stated that he didn't realize how unhappy I was at my job. Well, whether some of you bitches believe this or not, I don't normally complain to him about my job. Complain to him about everything else, but not the job. I reserve that for just about everyone else. :) And I really don't hate my job here - I don't. I just hate the company and the upper management that doesn't have clue one about what's really going on around here.

*sigh*

I've already told a few people, so I might as well just tell everyone. Thursday is the big day for me and hopefully, it'll be the day that will change my life. Okay, it's not that dramatic. I have an interview at Mancon - yes, where Mike works - tomorrow. As far as I know, with all of Mike's snooping around Harry's office, there is only me and one other person interviewing for the job, so I have a 50/50 shot at it. I just hope that I get it so I can tell Ikea (not her real name) exactly what I think. I just dread having to talk to Vicki about it. She's not going to be happy. But I am hoping that this job will eventually lead into an accounting position - which is what I've wanted for some time now. As soon as I can get Mary out of that office...... :)

Welcome to your 50's dear. I hope that they bring you more happiness than your 40's.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

Yeah, really want to get out of here today. It's too cold to work. :) This weekend was great. Spent most of the time indoors, having fun with friends on Sat. (which Chas *was* invited to) making up new characters for the game that I'll be starting - which coincidentally starts on Valentine's Day. Sunday was full of bowling - which we took FIVE out of seven points from Mike and Viv. Then the rest of the day was concentrated on sleeping and reading. Monday - the last holiday we have until frickin' May - was spent actually mapping out the entire planet of my D&D world, and subsequently zooming in on a certain region that I'm going to subject my victims, um, I mean, players to on said VDay. The only reason I left the house Monday - except to take the puppy out - was an invitation to a wonderful left over dinner at Chas' place. Delicious!!!

I was going to wait until tomorrow when I got to work, but decided to comment today:

Peyton Manning should have stayed at home.

"Told ya so!"

*big shit eating grin*

I can't wait for the Super Bowl!

In a galaxy far, far away, I lived in a small town. For some reason or another, I began thinking today about a few of those people that I was friends with at one point of my life or another. Where are they now? Are they happy? Are they doing what they originally wanted to when I knew them?

The five people I would like to have dinner with again, if given the chance:

Ruth Upper*
Denise Tobichuk*
Chris Ayers*
Susan (Can't remember her last name, dammit.)
Kelly Apgar* (dammit to hell, but I think I'm close)
Jennifer Miller

Granted, of these women, these are maiden names, and the chances of finding them are pretty slim. None are listed with any of those highschool.com type things - not even the one for my own high school.

And yes, I have tried googling them! It amazed me the number of Chris Ayers, Kelly Apgars and Jennifer Millers.

*= yeah, pretty sure they are gay/lesbian.

Dinner was good - I make a mean pizza (which I *am* taking credit for because I used to work at Pizza Hut!) - and the conversation was as good as always. I was glad that Chas could make it later for left over pizza and dessert (which I'm going to save for tomorrow night, Viv and Todd!) Really am looking forward to drinks tonight - I have a feeling that I'm really going to need it!

Tomorrow night is probably going to be the highlight of my weekend. Introducing new people to D&D is always fun and I think that once Viv gets the hang of stuff, he'll really have a lot of fun with it. :) I think he should make up a character that closely resembles himself - and leave that comment for interpretation by the audience. :)

You're chocolate. You're the old soul type, people
feel that they have known you their entire
life. Many often open up to you for they view
you as thoughtful and trustworthy. Although
people trust you, you have a hard time trusting
them. You prefer to keep your feelings bottled
up inside, or display them very quietly. It is
alright to open up every once in a while.


Which kind of candy are you?
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You'd carve them up with your chainsaw. I like your
style, you show much promise. Join me?


How would you Murder?
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Orlando Bloom


What Celebirty are you going to MARRY?!(14 outcomes with pics for anyone)
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Congratulations!! You're a smart sophisticated and
beautiful martini!!


What Drink Are You?
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Rain: You are the sound of rain. You have two
important sides. There is your strong, powerful
side and your calm, gentle side. Both are very
important. Rain also reflects a bit of darkness
in your personality. It isn't bad, just shows
that along with the good, you also can see bad,
which can come in handy. (please rate my quiz)


What Sound Are You?(now w/ pics)
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kiss on the lips - you're sweet and simple but
quite daring. you move for the kill confidently
knowing the other person wants the same thing.


What Sign of Affection Are You?
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Pirates of the Caribbean!


What movie Do you Belong in?(many different outcomes!)
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You are Form 3, Unicorn: The Innocent.

"And The Unicorn knew she wasn't meant to
go into the Dark Wood. Disregarding the advice
given to her by the spirits, Unicorn went
inside and bled silver blood.. For her
misdeed, the world knew evil."

Some examples of the Unicorn Form are Eve
(Christian) and Pandora (Greek).
The Unicorn is associated with the concept of
innocence, the number 3, and the element of
water.
Her sign is the twilight sun.

As a member of Form 3, you are a curious
individual. You are drawn to new things and
become fascinated with ideas you've never come
in contact with before. Some people may say
you are too nosey, but it's only because you
like getting to the bottom of things and
solving them. Unicorns are the best friends to
have because they are inquisitive.


Which Mythological Form Are You?
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Your wings are DRAGON wings. Massive and
covered in scales, they shimmer with strength
and magic. They are the most obvious display of
your power - though it runs equally throughout
your heart and mind. You are uncompromising and
grave, with a profound sense of justice. You
have firm ideas about what is right and what is
wrong and set out to fix what problems you can.
You realize that you are more capable of
dealing with life and evil than most, and as
such you see it as your responsibility to
protect those who cannot defend themselves. You
have existed since antiquity and as such you
are wise far beyond your years in this
lifetime. While you strive for fairness and
peace, if someone should steal from your cave
of treasure (though not all that glitters is
gold) or compromise the happiness of you or one
who is close to you - they have signed their
death warrant. You have a mighty vengeance and
will unleash it upon such people immediately
and mercilessly. Arguing with you is
useless...you rarely back down and are known
for holding firm in your beliefs. Sometimes you
feel intensely burdened with the troubles of
others...acting as a Guardian can get so
wearisome. But you never give up...you see it
as your life's mission. Often very introverted,
you can be so smart...it's scary. Such a
combination of intelligence, creativity, power,
beauty, and magic is often intimidating to
those around you - who are also unlikely to
understand you. Arrogant, proud, overserious,
and sometimes a bit greedy or obsessed with
whatever treasure you choose to pursue...you
have enchanted people for centuries, and will
continue to do so.


*~*~*Claim Your Wings - Pics and Long Answers*~*~*
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I have been a bit bored today. Can ya tell?

No, still don't know what I'll be serving. We'll see what I run over on my way home.

Still have no clue as to what I'm making. Maybe I'll be inspired when I get to the grocery store. Whatever we end up having, at least it will be fresh. :)

I miss Dawn. For some reason, this really hit me this morning on my way to work. Don't get me wrong, I'm so glad that she is happy in Colorado and doing so well. But I wish she'd come back. :(

Yup, a complete waste of three hours. And our division VP praised *Ikea* for her work in Subsidy??? What work? Except bitching over forms that are needed and she is ignorant of. Grrr.

Bet the hubby doesn't even realize how lucky he is to be working tonight. :)

That really annoy the piss out of me. I understand that when most people get to work, you hang out a bit, get your coffee, and what-not. Most people cannot just walk into their office and sit down to work. I don't for the most part, making my coffee is much more important. However. It's another thing to come in *late* and hang around and chat with your co-workers who have already started working. And I don't think this would really tick me off so much, but for the fact that the person in question (NOT GDT) spends at least half the day at someone's desk, chatting, and on the internet, checking her horoscope and latest entertainment news. When we were told that we *had* to help two of our co-workers, everyone of us immediately pitched in to help them - except her. This is the norm for her, though. Because everything is about her (or her child) and she sees no need in helping those around her. Even just listening to her talk about men (she's single) is disgusting. All she cares about is what they are going to do for her and they have to have enough money to take care of her. No wonder she's still single at 30. Even talking about her kid, she says the kid is going to support her later on in life when she becomes a famous model/actress/whatthefuckever. Sometimes I feel bad for her child (who I like and she is cute as hell) in what she is going to have to put up with later on.

Why do I have such problems with Cancer women? She's just another reason on the list of why I really want to get the hell out of this job and move on - even if it does mean a pay cut. She will never change and even if something is said to her (and some things have been said to her), she doesn't care.

*sighs* To top things off today, we have a "refresher training" this morning that is just going to bore the hell out of me. Sorry, I know my job and since nothing new has been added to our procedures, I see this "training" crap as another attempt by our VP Ikea (not her real name - just our nickname for her) to meddle in our affairs and perhaps learn what the fuck we actually DO around here. Not that I hold out any high hopes for her to learn that, but you never know. We just worked so much better down here when the upper management left us alone. Now with her around, she has to be notified if we take a shit - okay not literally but you get my meaning. She too is on the list of why I want out of here. Micromanagement is *not* the way to run things - especially when the person in charge of our department has been running things just fine for the past 11 years - long before she ever even came to this country.

Oh, yeah, I'm in a great mood today.

The weekend was fairly quiet, with the exception of two issues on Sat. and Sun. Saturday, the hubby was forced to go out into the freezing cold to assist a poor sap with his car door - that he eventually had to call a locksmith for. Saturday night saw a small S.A.S.S.I. meeting with the chairs and officers. That proved interesting - with most of the talk centered around Mr. Hays and his lack of follow through. Some money issues were settled, but there is still the problem of Mr. Hays and his receipts.

Sunday was a fun time bowling. I did fairly well, hitting my average all three games, with a high game of 167. Of course, now my average has gone up but hopefully I'll be able to keep it up. The S.A.S.S.I. meeting on Sunday - with everyone that could make it - proved even more interesting, especially when Mr. Hays stated that he had $100.00 left over from the check he had written to himself from the S.A.S.S.I. account. Needless to say, I was pissy - no, more like furious - by the time we ended up at Uncle Louie's. But some Lumpia and Mile High Chocolate Cake eased the anger.

This morning, I've sent an email to Barry about getting together - just the two of us - and discussing the list from all the things I wrote down at Uncle Louie's (they have paper over the table cloths - quite convenient. Shut up, Viv). If anyone has any other issues that they have thought since, let me know.

I want - no need - a drink. The is nothing more frustrating and fucking annoying than having to listen to one co-worker singing aloud to the radio and another co-worker chewing like a goddamn cow eating her popcorn. I really just want to get away from here....NOW.

After a wonderful dinner of Mad Cow Stew, I arrived home to find a message on my voice mail. Sharon called and left a rather lengthy message regarding her trip this weekend. Seems as though she has come down with the flu and will not be able to make it! :)

She is trying to change the weekend to the 24th, but as some us know, that weekend is out of the question. Shel's game comes first and foremost! :)

Let's try these - and remember - these are *not* actual size!

Happy now Mike?

Apparently, Red Lobster leftovers reheat better than expected...including the mondo-delicious cheesy biscuits! :)

I am *so* not looking forward to this weekend. My friend Sharon, whom I have spoken of before, is coming in to town Friday night and will be leaving Sunday afternoon. I have no idea what the hell we'll be doing, and no, I won't be bowling (which really sucks). *sigh* At least it's only 48 hours. :)

I am The Chariot The Chariot often appears when hard control is or could be in evidence. At its best, hard control is not brutal, but firm and direct. It is backed up by a strong will and great confidence. The Chariot can mean self-control or control of the environment. This card also represents victory. There are many types of wins; the Chariot's is of the win-lose type. Your success comes from beating the competition to become number one. Such moments are glorious in the right circumstances. For a full description of your card and other goodies, please visit LearnTarot.com

What tarot card are you? Enter your birthdate. Month: Day: Year:

So far, I've created the following four logos for SASSI. There are B&W versions as well. Let me know what you think.

Child of Satan


Seriously...How evil are you REALLY?
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GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD:

1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, ! but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.



SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 20 success is . . . going all the way.
At age 35 success is . . . having money.
At age 50 success is . . . having money.
At age 60 success is . . . going all the way.
At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . having friends.
At age 80 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.

There will be another Oscar party this year, and yes, another contest! This year, the winner will receive a copy of each movie (in DVD format) nominated for Best Picture. The loser? Hehehe....you'll find out later. I'm also opening this contest up to anyone who reads this blog. As soon as the nominations are out, there will be a link to the ballot under the contest heading on my sidebar.

Rules for the contest:

For blog readers: Your picks must be in my email-box no later than 11:59pm on February 28th, 2004. Please be sure to put ALL your picks and don't forget your snail-mail addy, in case you win! If you forget or skip a category, it will not be counted in your total.

For those of you who are able to attend the party this year: Your ballots will be waiting for you at the door and we will exchange ballots for verification as per last year. {Here's hoping that Darrell doesn't lose again.}

The winner and loser {and the loser's prize} of the contest will be announced {first names only} here on March 1st.

Good luck to everyone!

ADDENDUM: Just to clarify further, points will be totaled in the categories you guessed correctly. The one with the highest total wins and the one with the lowest total loses. Tie breakers, in either winner or loser, will be settled as follows: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress. For example; G has a total of 23 and R has a total of 23. Both guessed Best Picture and Director correctly, but R picked the correct Best Actor - so R would win. Questions?

Yes, belated to some but I wasn't about to get on the computer when I had four and a half days off and could do whatever I wanted. :)

New Year's Eve was great. And there are a few pics that I will post in the next day or two. This does include one with me and a champagne bottle with my incredibly long straw. :P When through 3 bottles and no hangover the next morning. Pretty damn good for me. While I could have done without David being at the party, I was happy that Leslie came *and* had a good time. We need to invite her to more of our "functions." Of course, she may not want to hear all the penis conversations. {Don't ask, you don't want to know.}

Bowling yesterday went fairly well. I'm the frickin' VP again - though this will be the last season that I will hold that office. {I'll explain in a bit.} According to the ABC/WIBC rules, I have no duties other than doing the Pres. job when he/she can't, but somehow I get stuck doing a lot of crap anyway. :) I ended up bowling progressively better with each game, and ended with about the same average that I had at the end of last season - so I really can't complain. Congrats to Mike on the 203 average...and good luck keeping that up! Of course, Mike was not the only one with a very high average to start. My teammate Rick ended up with a 217 average - he was really hot yesterday. And he was pleased to have beaten CJ (our other teammate and his partner) in two of the games and with a tie in the first game.

An interesting twist and more drama (seemingly you cannot have a gay/lesbian league without it - and I'm not stereotyping here, just an observation) came in the form of Sharon. She did not find out until that day that she was not going to be on her team this season. Apparently Shawn has some form of problem with her and is holding a grudge. She informed me of several things that her old teammates (Monica, Dawn, and Shawn) have been saying behind my back. I'm not supposed to share some of the info, but I will share some here. One thing she said - that truthfully, I already knew - is that Shawn does not like me. This doesn't affect me at all, as I do not care for him and have no problem with letting him know what I think about him. But one thing she informed me of that did tick me off a bit, was that Shawn had accused me of pocketing money that should have gone to SASSI. Excuse me? I can show, with documented records, how much money has come in and gone out in my hands. Meanwhile, he still has *not* produced receipts for the $250.00 that he has received from SASSI (which he is being accused by one person at least that he bought himself a new printer with this money).

Something that I was not supposed to share, but it's something that I have sort of stated previously so I have no qualms about telling you all, is that there seem to be some people who are asking why a straight woman is trying to take over a gay league. WHAT? Um, no. First of all - quit nominating me for president (I don't want the job anyway!) and second of all - what the fuck is the problem?

A: Every gay league needs a token straight couple. :)
B: Hate to break it to ya, but I'm bi anyway! Maybe I need to bring my girlfriend some Sunday?
C: I started bowling on a gay league in 1991, long before the accusing personnel began bowling.
D: The majority of my friends are gay and always have been, so why can't I bowl with them?
E: If I really wanted to take over (and trust, I don't), I'd make an effort to do so. Have I? No.
F: I've only taken up the post as VP because normally it's Barry and quite frankly, he has enough problems with SASSI right now.

This is why I figure that this is my last season for this post. Barry can take it back the beginning of the Fall season, since SASSI will be over then anyway. That should end all the tongue wagging in my direction, though I highly doubt it.