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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
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3:31 pm - Yaaayy!
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| Wednesday, September 13th, 2006
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11:48 am
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| Monday, June 19th, 2006
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8:49 pm
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Since I know a few of you enjoy new, good fantasy books... I'd highly recommend Brandon Sanderson's Elantris. Very, very well done.
One of the things I thought most interesting about the book, though, was something that also almost kept me from it, initially. When checking the Borders website (since I like to check their stock before I waste my effort driving over there ;) *not a Borders shopper by nature, since it's /much/ harder to get to than Barnes and Noble... but I digress*), it informed me he was a grad student at Brigham Young. Now, don't get me wrong. The person who recommended this book to me has been a very good friend over the years and also attends BYU. It's not an issue with that religion, or any one religion-- but what intense religion tends to /do/ to some people. I didn't want to spend time trying to enjoy a fantasy tone while being fed undertones of religious zealotry. Fortunately, the author seemed to agree. What I ultimately took from the book was a perception I agree with: it's not religion itself that makes someone bad and/or dangerous, and in fact belief can play a powerfully positive role for some people, it's what you /do/ with it. Religion played a major role in the book, and there were some zealots... but I, at least, took away from the book that zealotry can be scary =P
So, yeah, it pleasantly surprised me in that regard... Given how many /bad/ fantasies I've read over the years, it's always exciting to pick up a quality one *hop* He's got a new book, the start of a series coming out... debating whether or not to check it out or wait for the paperback... I generally have to reaaallly want a book to invest in a hardcover.
Next on my reading list... an author who writes with enough scope to be occasionally referred to as the next George R. R. Martin. I hope he's not that bloodthirsty as well, oy.
current mood: geeky current music: Lisa Loeb "Stay (acoustic)"
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| Friday, May 19th, 2006
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8:27 pm
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Is it just me... or if, should you knock at someone's door and they don't answer, should you NOT let yourself in anyway? Yeesh. Worried about someone else in the house who just had surgery or not, it's generally a better idea not to invade someone's privacy. =P
And imo, if you let yourself in and my dog knows no one let you in, then she's fully warranted to keep barking. In fact I'd prefer she /didn't/ relax, because just because I know the person who let themselves in this time, doesn't mean I will the next time.
Plus people who are mean/snippish to my dog get on my nerves vverrrrrrrryyyyyy quickly. Pfft.
This random snippet has been brought to you by a formerly studying Meg ;) (just three more weeks left this term, yaaaay)
current mood: irritated
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| Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006
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11:28 pm
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Ah, Spring Break. So far I've put my free time to the impressive uses of... napping and getting some RP in. *cheer self* I'm greatly looking forward to the chance to just relax this time around (ugh Winter was a particularly hard term this time around). I was thinking today how nice a chance to go to the coast would be, since it's been a couple years since I've gotten to take Noelle, but it's fairly unlikely. Not to mention it's March, so probably raining and cold there (not to be confused with the rain and cold of summer at the Oregon coast ;)), ah well. I'm at least making it a goal to read a couple new books over Spring Break... not that I've decided which ones yet, but I figure I've got a couple days. *snicker*
Have I mentioned how relieved I am the term's over? If you wanna talk about terms that seem to drag on forever, ugh. And hey, now I can go back to having some vague idea what's going on at PotP! (Frankly, though, I'm not sure I'm going to know what to do with all this free time now that I've gotten so used to being busy from the time I wake up until I sleep)
current mood: cheerful current music: Saving Jane "Girl Next Door"
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| Friday, March 10th, 2006
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9:13 am
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You know what's the most awesome thing about living in Oregon? There's /maybe/ 1/4th of an inch of snow on the ground and everything starts closing.
This is awesome, anyway, until you realize you still have class regardless. *grumps*
current mood: grumpy current music: Duncan Sheik "Barely Breathing (acoustic)"
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| Wednesday, December 28th, 2005
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2:10 am
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There are really days where I think I must've missed out on some key part of being female... As I was remarking to a friend earlier, some women see babies and immediately get some sort of baby fever where they're just dying to have them. I see babies and get violently annoyed. I'm fine with admitting I don't really like children. Now, friends' children I'm ok with. Just so long as no one expects me to share their joy in the sheer idea of child raising *shiver* As I'm quite possibly the least maternal person alive, I have absolutely zero intention of having children. Of course... being immune to baby fever, I'm quite vulernable to a different kind of illness. The oh-so-dreaded puppy fever. Put me in a room with a puppy and man... To cut a long story short, I met the most beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy tonight. I've been researching the breed for ages, as just about everyone knows who's listened to me ramble about dogs for five seconds =P, but its not been quite the right time to get a puppy so far. I estimated this puppy to be about four months old, and her sire was the most winning Rhodesian Ridgeback in the history of the breed (MBIS MBISS Ch. Spring Valley's Great Gatsby). I'm sure I've said at least once I'd kill to have a Gatsby puppy. In any case, I usually don't meet dogs I feel so bonded to immediately. There wasn't any doubt I wanted a Ridgeback, but now there's absolutely less than no doubt (if that even makes sense *snicker*)
Christmas was... eh. Another holiday, really. I spent most of Christmas day sitting around. Dinner with relatives, which we did Christmas eve, is never exactly what I'd call the terribly exciting. I was gifted with this awesome collar for Noelle that I really love in this style. Its black, with her name in white and a pink bone. A bit overly shiny, perhaps, but I did always like sparkly things ;) If I ever get access to a working camera again I'd love to get a couple pictures of it on her, it looks good. Better once I find a black leash that looks nice with it, though =P I also got a nice kit for making an impression of her pawprint, the sentimentalist in me likes that. Mind I haven't used it yet thanks to a lack of someplace to let it dry... one of these days, though. Although I got other things I enjoyed, I'd have to say those were probably my two favorites.
I'm only about 150 pages into A Feast For Crows, and even though half the plotlines are missing (including, imo, the two most interesting) its still quite good *mm* Even when he's writing what feels like filler GRRM does a hell of a job keeping a plot together.
current mood: optimistic current music: Fall Out Boy "Saturday"
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| Monday, December 19th, 2005
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5:07 pm
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...
From Robert Jordan's blog: "I'm afraid there aren't any further signings until late June of 2006. And those will be in Anchorage, Alaska and Seattle, Washington."
I think the phrase that comes to mind is FINALLY. I've yet to get to attend an RJ book signing because he (courtesy of Tor) shuns the Northwest. I mean, really, shunning Seattle is just inexcusable *tsks at them* GRRM drew a huge crowd when he was up there, I hear. In any case, I think it should go without saying I'm definitely going to be there assuming I'm able/RJ's not misinformed/etc. *crosses fingers*
current mood: geeky current music: Mariah Carey "Always Be My Baby"
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| Saturday, December 10th, 2005
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2:03 am
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Yeah, so... an update. Hmm.
I've already been sick twice this winter, so it would seem I'm off to a fine start. It would seem I've got a tradition of being sick on Holidays. Something about a high fever and feeling flu-ish really ruins my ability to enjoy Thanksgiving (not that I usually enjoy it /anyway/, but at least the food's better when I feel good). At least I've not been as sick as many times as I was last year... yet. *knocks on wood* I can't help but think I'd feel better more often if I overhauled my diet a bit more. I've cut back on fast food a lot, but actually eating red meat and *gasp* actually drinking water or juice more often reaallly couldn't hurt. *terrible that way*
Oh and about a week ago, as if to further reaffirm my insanity, I drove 500 miles in a day on... well, an hour's worth of sleep. If I'm lucky that's how much I got, anyway =P On the upside, I got to partake of KISS 106.1's Jingle Bell Bash as well, and that made it all okie *snicker* I wish I would've thought to see if I could pester mintaka_rising for a bit-- I'm up that way so rarely, hanging out with her would've been awesome! Unfortunately, the trip completely did a number on my body. I've been completely useless all week and I'm tired aalll the time. Ugh. Incidentally I rather enjoyed the drive itself, I just wish I wouldn't have been quite so completely dead on my feet. Maybe I'll see if I can head up that way again in a month or so for... something. A dog training fun match or something, hmm!
Noelle's been out of training since like... September. She's beginning to bounce off the walls more than a little bit. I did find a nice competitive obedience class for her, which we'll probably be starting after New Years. I wanted to start sooner, but due to a busy couple of weeks I missed the last sessions before the holiday break. Blarg. I've also been talking to a really nice woman who teaches agility. She's got an international reputation /and/ is used to working with reactive dogs. And I really appreciate the fact she was willing to arrange a class that would just be me, her and one other person so I wouldn't have to wait ages to get Noelle into a class that was around her level. She actually seems to be able to grasp that a trainer should treat the people in their classes as paying customers and not people who are lucky the instructor gives them the time of day... that would be something our previous trainer never figured out, which played a large part in why I haven't gone back.
I'm feeling even more unfestive this year than I did last year. I used to love Christmas, but eh. Maybe once it actually seems like I'll have a decent one I'll go back to being in a better mood ;) Until then... bah I say! (I think I need a special Grinch icon for Christmas =P)
current mood: cheerful current music: The Click Five "Catch Your Wave"
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| Monday, November 14th, 2005
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2:04 pm
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Well, since everyone's doing it... from dragonhame.com and ganked from quite a few people =P
And your inner dragon is a .... StarShield Dragon In the war between good and evil, StarShield Dragons take the side of the noble and good. When it comes to the powers of Chaos vs. those of Law and Order, your inner dragon tends to do things by the book. As far as magical tendancies, a StarShield Dragon's nature does not lend itself well to the ways of Magic. During combat situations, a true StarShield Dragon prefers to defeat opponents by the use of spells and other tactics. Dragon Description:
The StarShield Dragon appears as the darkest midnight blue, with each of it's scales containing small reflective shards that refract and concentrate light into small star-like beams. StarShield dragons are fast graceful creatures.
StarShield dragons often make their homes in remote areas, often in the far north or south where the weather is cold and human settlements are few and far between.
These dragons are nocturnal, only coming out at night. They mostly keep their distance from humans, and spend their time enjoying the comforts of nature. StarShield dragons see well at night and can sometimes be seen hunting during a full moon.StarShield dragons are mysterious in nature and seem to have a direct link with the universe about them, they are known far and wide as the bringers of good fortune.
This Dragons favorite elements are: open spaces, opals, and wisdom
current mood: silly current music: Something Corporate "Down"
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| Thursday, October 27th, 2005
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7:50 pm
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Study: Instant Messaging is Surprisingly Formal. Interesting... I'd especially believe this part: "For example, it took two women on average 41 seconds and nearly 10 exchanges to close a conversation. This is similar to the prolonged goodbyes that characterize face-to-face communication. Men, perhaps not surprisingly, ended their IM sessions more than twice as quickly." It takes me forever to end a conversation when I'm talking to good friend who's female... (its quite necessary to have another mini-conversation after one or the other announces we've gotta go *sage*) but conversations with guys never seem to stretch on like that. I never really thought about the difference until now, but its definitely very distinct.
And I was thinking last night... if I were Robert Jordan, I'd delight in having the last book end with Lews Therin waking up in the middle of the night and reflecting on what a strange dream that had all been. Obviously a pre-sealing Lews Therin. I don't know *why*, except that that'd be the last thing I'd ever see coming. There's just something so wrong about my favorite characters ending up being a dream in some future-madman's head. Mercifully I don't think he'll actually do that. Just as well, since as amusing as I find the idea in theory I don't think I'd like it very much in fact. ;)
current mood: bouncy current music: Nickelback "Savin' Me"
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| Thursday, October 20th, 2005
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9:55 pm
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I think I've just seen the most brilliant concept car ever. The only downside I can think of is, well, there's not much cargospace (cargo space = invaluable when you're designing for the market they are. trust me, I'd know ;)). I have to concede I do think its kinda ugly, but that's ok. The concept is still ingenious! About time car makers finally thought about tapping this market *sage*
current mood: blank current music: Jack's Mannequin "The Mixed Tape"
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| Thursday, September 15th, 2005
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3:32 am
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Not really much of any substance to say, but I feel like updating for some reason, so.
I spent the entire weekend enjoying the Emerald Cluster, a four day dog show here in Oregon... and, all in all, it was awesome. I made it a point to get there early enough to see the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed ring all four days, and I was thrilled to note Ruger was there once again. Ruger, of course, was the dog that took my breath away when I first laid eyes on him (in the breed ring during this same show last year). He's just absolutely fantastic, and I have to admit no matter what other dogs were in the ring I was secretly biased towards him. I also spent some time beforehand studying the breed standard to work on developing a better eye for dog type... If nothing else, it was a terribly fascinating study. I'm getting a bit better at picking out the small things. *sage* Other than the RR breed judging, I split my time between the obedience competition and group judging. After watching the most basic obedience classes I really suspect Noelle could title *easily* if I put in 8-12 weeks of steady work. It all seemed like very basic stuff, and (better still) stuff she is very well-suited for anyway. Definitely something to consider. The first three days were the best, but by the fourth day... well, the inevitable politics that surround dog shows were beginning to grate a bit. It makes no sense to throw a fit because the dog next to yours moved and "made yours move too". Riiight. That's half the point of those exercises-- to test your dog's ability to obey around other dogs. And more absurd still, the judge on Sunday put up a puppy over the excellent dog that had one the other three days. The puppy was a nice dog, but not on that level... there was definitely something else motivating that decision. Not an unfrequent occurance at dog shows at *all* unfortunately.
*cough* I always come back bitten by the dog show bug after those things-- I have to stop watching the conformation aspect. Getting motivated to do obedience may actually be a good thing, since I'm currently looking to find a new trainer for Agility. If that works out it'd free my Wednesdays for a competition obedience class *plot* Oy. There are days where I suspect I only have a one-track mind, but that's ok.
Mini-rant: I'm getting awfully tired of hearing the ultra-conservatives refer to the New Orleans poor as sheep, or talk about how well it worked out for them. Because, apparently, you have to have money to have memories or things you care about. Right. Maybe its just the liberal in me, but I do have to admit I think its the right of all people to expect some level of care and not to be labelled as 'sheep' if one can't afford to take care of oneself.
/mini-rant
There's a rather unpleasant bruise forming from when my computer chair decided to spontaneously break yesterday morning. Niiice. Its a rather unpleasant way to finish waking up, that's for sure. Not to mention the chair I've got now is killing my back for some reason... probably because I can't lean back in it at all. Or maybe its just my body's residual anger at me for over-exerting myself to an extreme last weekend. Eh, one way or another. =P
Oh, I've been re-reading George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire... I swear, this series may be one that actually gets *better* the more often I read it. I've been having fun reading over some of the more popular theories as well, something I didn't do the first time around. Up to A Clash of Kings now, which is going to be a shorter read than it should be due to my copy missing a good 100 pages or so *eyes the then-teething dog*. I hope they aren't pages that were *too* crucial, but I guess I'll never know =P
current mood: exhausted current music: Ryan Cabrera "Shine On"
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| Sunday, August 21st, 2005
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3:49 pm
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After posting on a silly note to anowyn about her topic about the relative intelligence of cats and dogs, I have to admit the urge to ramble about it a bit more... that, and my usual 'wait, that makes no sense' desire are kicking in, so...
( Briefly, because I like to ramble )
Hmm at least I managed to keep that semi-short. *tries to resist the urge to ramble s'more* (obviously that was only a cursory overview, but I saw no need to give it more than that =P) It make me wish I could get my PhD in behavior and study the differences on a more scientific level, instead of the basic ancedotal knowledge I have now. Or maybe the affect nature vs. nurture has on canine intelligence *mmm*
And yes, that is daily proof that Alesta is quite boring ;)
current mood: thoughtful current music: Mariah Carey "Shake It Off"
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| Tuesday, August 9th, 2005
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12:10 pm
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Wow.
After reading the article on my start page and the site itself, I can't decide if this guy is an inspiration to caffeine drinkers everywhere or frighteningly addicted. Hmm.
I have to admit, even before I cut back I suspect the amount of caffeine in 29 in one day would make me terribly ill... so that kind of tolerance is impressive by itself. And seeing that many different Starbucks would have to be interesting-- I just have no idea why anyone would want to go out of their way to do it. =P In any case, I do think the quote he chose for his page was a great choice. It was... terribly fitting, somehow. *snicker*
current mood: sleepy current music: Tommy Lee (feat. Nick Carter) "Say Goodbye"
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| Tuesday, July 19th, 2005
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7:21 pm
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| Monday, July 4th, 2005
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2:50 pm
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You know, moreso than remarks about what an obedient dog I have, I much prefer the remarks about what a *friendly* dog I have. Most people prefer it the other way around, but then... most people had friendly dogs to start with. Noelle's always been so shy that its a lot more satisfying to hear it remarked what a social Border Collie she is. Anyone (well, almost anyone) can have a well-behaved dog... it takes a lot more work to work through reactiviyt like that. Which is, more or less, part of the satisfaction of training dogs. I love the challenge of seeing how their minds work and finding the best way to communicate a specific behavior, of course. Once you've accomplished something, especially something difficult, its extremely satisfying... but then, its that way with most all accomplishments, too. I have to admit, I've always enjoyed accomplishing things in general. What's so enjoyable about this is the process of getting there, more or less. Its not just something to be accomplished just for the accomplishment itself.
I think its kind of a bad sign I was more excited about Canada day than I am the fourth of the July. Frankly, I get less patriotic every year. Its hard to be *too* patriotic when civil rights manage to disappear so rapidly these days. And I have to admit, its a little frightening to hear someone say they're going to defeat terrorism. Terrorism's been present in history, though not in its present form, for *ages*. I get the gist of what he was saying, I guess, but... its just so easy to get caught up in stamping out 'terrorism' that the potential for being a terrorist eventually becomes anyone who's different. If it were just the terrorism in Iraq, then ok. But how long until you're a terrorist for, say, peacefully dissenting? Or even just verbally disagreeing? Not to mention nothing good *ever* comes of mixing religious zealotry and the government.
Two books I've been (not so) patiently waiting for are both coming out this fall. A Feast for Crows is almost guaranteed to be good (if albeit the first half of an ungodly long novel). I have to admit I'm really looking forward to Knife of Dreams, too, despite Robert Jordan's less than impressive last display. I still have high hopes he'll eventually start picking things up again... someday...
current mood: accomplished current music: Krystal "You're The Reason"
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| Thursday, June 30th, 2005
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3:23 am
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Yeah so, this giving up caffeine thing I've decided to undertake isn't nearly as easy as it should be. I've managed to cut back-- and rather substantially at that-- but I still haven't managed to cut it out completely. On the one hand withdrawal symptoms suck, on the other hand... even just cutting back I've felt better. Overall things just seem to be *better*. I can't really think of another word for it. Not that I don't have the most terrible cravings ever even with that in mind. So... I'm not quite sure how I'm going to manage quitting entirely, but I'm determined to do it one way or another.
I really need to learn how to distribute my time better. I seem to be doing all of one thing in my free time, though which one thing varies. Its either mudding or several hours of WoW, or several hours working with the dog. As much as I enjoy any one activity, I'm also a big fan of variety... not to mention the fact that even though Noelle's getting her daily couple hours outside, I'm not training her like I'm supposed to (ie: Not daily. Still a few times a week, but that's not really ideal). I think she's still on track to compete in September, but she won't stay that way if I don't get better about that *prod self* I find the idea of Noelle possibly getting her first titles on her birthday to be strangely amusing (geez she's going to be /four/ this year. That's positively mind-boggling right there.)... but I'd reaallly have to get to work if I want to get that far. Recently, we finally managed to solve one training problem I've been having with her for what seems like ever, which was satisfying at least... I read a fairly interesting article on training with specific goals in mind (and how to do it to maximize sucess). Haven't done too well following it, but the ideas were good nonetheless =P
If we're going to have a summer here, I've seen zero sign of it. This is like... early spring weather. Not precisely thrilled with that either-- I want my warmer weather! I mean, really... high 50s-mid 60s is /not/ what I'd expect for the end of June. *mutter* I have to admit, even I wouldn't mind an 80 degree day or too sometime soon.
Very envious of anowyn. Hope you're getting settled in okie. *hugs*
If there was a reason for all this besides alleviating boredom, I'm not sure what it was. Ah well.
current mood: lazy current music: Backstreet Boys "Lose It All"
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| Friday, May 20th, 2005
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10:26 pm - Me? Liberal?
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Well... maybe just a little. *cough*
Your Political Profile
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Overall: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
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Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
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Personal Responsibility: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
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Fiscal Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
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Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
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Defense and Crime: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
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current music: Breaking Benjamin "Sooner Or Later"
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| Monday, May 2nd, 2005
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9:51 am
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Well, the swelling in my throat finally went down enough that I can swallow without gagging (there for awhile even small sips were too much *ugh*), and the last of the pain finally dissipated... I can only imagine this is a good sign. Granted, because somewhere its written that there should be no peace for Meg atm, my asthma immediately kicked up with a vengence to make up for it. Bah, who needs to breath anyway? =P Of course, all the gunk currently in the air around here courtesy of construction really can't help. Being the industrious souls these people apparently are, they're always ripping up /something/ new. Because, hey, why do one project all at once when you can do six? There are a couple new roads I know of, not to mention new housing, office buildings... and a few other large things sprinkled in. Combined that makes for a /lot/ of dust in the air... which most certainly is compounding my problems. And then there's the noise, which they start with /obscenely/ early in the morning. That may irritate me more than the other *snicker*
But! On the upside Noelle's doing better than I would have expected, given the slackening of active training. We were working on front crosses a bit over the past few days... she switches sides very well now. Once I can keep up with her again, its gonna rock. I've been very relieved to mostly work on contacts the last couple training classes, despite the fact we've been working on them for a YEAR and my dog is the only one with a reliable behavior. *mutter* Better still, the contact obstacles are her absolute favorites to do... and being a Border Collie, she never gets bored. So eh, between that and the jumping exercises we've been working on, I've managed to keep her fairly busy (thus ensuring what little sanity I have left remains intact!). I'm tempted to teach her useful things, like getting things for me and turning lights on/off. Hmm, its definitely a thought, even if fetching items can be a fairly complex behavior. Gives her something extra to do, and gives me a new training challenge. Is half of what I enjoy about training dogs, the challenge of how to teach new behaviors most effectively.
I think I've finally figured out a way to help myself sleep better. I do sleep, but... its very lightly and restlessly, and usually not for long. Which, I suspect, is part of my getting sick problem =P Even with a fairly high fever I just cannot settle down and relax enough to sleep, and I have no idea /why/. My mind just does not stop going, and consequently it doesn't take a lot to wake me up. I've tried a lot of the more common ways to improve sleep quality, with little to no luck whatsoever and honestly I have /zero/ desire to try sedatives or sleep aids. So I'm really crossing my fingers this at least helps, ugh. Kinda at a loss for what else to try otherwise. I can tolerate the constant racing thoughts for the duration of manic episodes, but it doesn't hurt I also don't feel tired under those circumstances. When I just can't settle down the rest of the time, eventually I do start to feel exhausted (imagine that!).
Oh, and MUDwise, I've started looking at the RP counts finally. I did a little bit Sunday evening, so I'm hoping to slowly get that caught up over the next few weeks. Going to go through and get notes and other misc. stuff caught up today and then... something. Oy. So far behind! At least I won't be lacking for things to do when I'm up and have some free time, I guess. I'm beginning to twitch from RP withdrawal symptoms though *sniff* its been like... a month. At least. *oy*
I think the point of all this was mostly to assert that I'm still around... sure, I could've done that in one sentence, but I like to ramble ;) And given how little I've gotten to talk to most people lately, I think there's no lack of need for that reminder. *snicker*
current mood: restless current music: Rob Thomas "Lonely No More"
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