I went to see The Prestige on Friday with the Girlz (Ariel, Trin, and Micky my evil twin). It was very last minute. Ariel called and asked if I wanted to go. I wanted to, but Imah had commissioned me to move the top of the evil bunk beds into another room–but first I had move a whole bunch of other stuff to make that possible. I had to have it done that day. Fortunately, the bunk would not fit through the door without my having to take it completely apart. Why do I say "fortunately"? Because, my dear reader, the necassary tools were lacking. We had borrowed tools from someone to put the bunks together.

This freed up some time, and I was able the see the movie. The plot is so complicated, Ariel and I had trouble explaining it to her mother (who wanted the whole story). I think it was to die for though. (*ahem* perhaps that is a poor choice of words *ahem-hem*.) I like to make my plots rather complicated. I’m afraid some are too complicated. We shall see, shan’t we?

Despite my certainties against it, I actually did go to Puyallup again this weekend. This time, Ariel took along a couple of her sisters, Talitha and Tryphena. Five-year-old ‘Phena had boundless energy and attached herself to poor Chris (the cool musician dude). Hey, better him than me. Yoseph brought his CD player and some of us did some dancing (I’m going to call him Yoseph now because it’s so awesome that way). 

Afterward, I still felt like dancing, so Ariel took me home (her original home) and, after I’d said hello to all the family, we danced some more. I must mention my evil twin’s creation: she has been working on a clay tiger for three weeks–and it’s amazing. Beautiful. Such talent in that family.

Now, for today’s Unconscious Mutterings: 

1. Costume :: ball (or party)
2. Beg :: (I think of) dogs
3. Hottie :: David Krumholtz. There, I said it, ok? 
4. Celebrity :: see above
5. Saturday :: My favorite day of the week. Especially, when I spend it in Puyallup.
6. Buckle :: boots
7. Doorbell :: prank
8. Rude :: drivers
9. Absence :: leave of…
10. Hyper :: me on caffeine (Can you say "Hammie the Squirrell"?)

And for a random questionnaire I received from a friend on myspace: 

Who was the last person you…

Went to the movies with? I went to see The Prestige with Ariel, Trinity, and my evil twin.

Went to the mall with? Went shoe shopping for Talitha and Tryphena with them and Ariel.

Have you ever been searched by the cops? Heavens no!

Do you have a Dog? Not anymore/ not yet.

Do you consider yourself creative? I like to imagine myself that way.

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

I like my job. I do. I’m not planning to be there forever though. Let’s just say that I have the gift to be happy wherever I am (really). These last couple weeks have been hard on me though. More hours (earlier too); less sleep (must give late night shows and/or late night reading); sore/swollen feet (my mother had me lie with my feet elevated above my head the other day–it helped the swelling but not the soreness; so much for gel insoles); flu going around. I’m recovering from a bad cold and now there’s this terrible flu going around work! It sounds like a bad one. Great. And, of course, if the people can stand up, they still have to come in (to infect the rest of us–not to mention the customers). I really don’t think harshly of people who don’t come in when they’re sick. Besides…it’s just more hours (i.e. money) for me.

On another note, Imah has yet again been seized by a fit of "switch-a-roo". As I type, she is moving furniture and objects around–"trading rooms" so to speak. The good news is: I’ll have a "bedroom" again instead of sleeping in the living room. Maybe it’s that time of the month, but when Imah told me about her plans, I argued against it. Ah well, it will be nice. I’ll get used to it.

Friday’s Feast 107:

Appetizer
Create a new candle scent. Desert Mist, a gentle scent of a desert oasis’ sand, pool, and palms.

Soup
Name one way you show affection to others. Teasing. If I tease you, I like you. If I torment you, we’re tight buds.

Salad
What is your favorite writing instrument? I like the pencil. Simple. Erasable.

Main Course
If you were given $25 to spend anywhere online, from which site would you buy? Amazon.com–books. *drool*

Dessert
Are you dressing up for Halloween? If so, what are you going to be? I hope not. I’m not really into Halloween. Odd–because I like dressing up. Can’t stand the little squirts knocking at my door though.

Thank you. That is all. I shall now rest in eternal slumber…until I go to Puyallup with Ariel (again) tomorrow.

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

Wahoo! Did I have fun!!

Ariel, the Highly Explosive One, picked me up after work on Friday and we went to the Puyallup area to Calev’s enthusiastic church (where we met up with Calev and Josi–who are now courting!!! And to think that I introduced them! Wow–I’m like the Matchmaker!). While I thought the service was a little too enthusiastic, the next morning when we went to Joseph’s church, I nearly went nuts because they all seemed like zombies (whoa, um…no offense). I mean, I hadn’t had much coffee and I was sleepy, yet I still thought it was slow. I liked the teaching though. I didn’t agree with some of it, but it was very informative–which is the way I like it (as opposed to emotional).

Of course, there were the perks of seeing my friends again. So nice. And dancing! Oh the joy! I got to dance Friday evening with Ariel, Josi, and Calev after the service; Saturday, with Ariel and Joseph after that service and again with Ariel, Josi, and Calev at a nearby park. Oh, it was so much fun. So good to dance again.

Well, that was brief (what do you want from me? To type over and over how much fun I had?). On to the meme!

Unconscious Mutterings:

1. Stuff :: a fond term used for my possessions (by me–by my mother, the term is "junk", "crap", or…I’d rather not say.)
2. Block :: sun-
3. Ingredient :: watch what’s in your food (especially if you have friends like mine!)
4. Flagrant :: Am I and mine flagrant in our ways? My mother might say so–flagrantly immature.
5. Dandruff :: prevented by a good brush
6. Betty :: Crocker. Mmm…scalloped potatoes…
7. Tide :: -pools–that’s what makes Tongue Point so fun!
8. Judges :: my favorite book of the Bible
9. Take it easy :: generally what my friends say when a paroxysm of extreme excitement or laughter comes over me.
10. Chef :: Boyardee (Agh! Can’t remember how to spell it. Haven’t had any since I was a little squirt.)

Thank you, Ariel for being my hostess and chauffeur!

Farewell!

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

Oh! I was just updating My Novel’s Progress box, and I realized "Hello? You’re leaving town right after work. You won’t have a chance to blog until Sunday!" So, I’m kindly informing you of this.

Today went well. I could have done with more coffee. I was a bit lacking on energy. On the bright side, I got to work extra (and may more often) because a bunch of people wimped out (as one of my bosses put it). So, while I sometimes have to make a customer wait while I hack away, I still come to work and get paid–and am very willing to take the hours of someone who is "too sick" to come to work.

Anyway, I’m going to spend my weekend with my dancing buddies and we’re going to dance til we drop! I’m SOOO excited. I’ve been itching to dance so badly lately. Also, a couple of my favorite dancing friends are courting! I’m terribly excited about that. I admit I had kind of entertained thoughts about them–about wow, wouldn’t that be awesome! Now, it turns out that it’s actually happening! (Whoa! First time I’ve predicted something good!) So, I’ll get to congratulate them in person. Yay!

I’m just way too excited. How will I ever get to sleep? Argh. I have to get up early in the morning and exercise. Coffemaker, here I come! Er…in a *few* hours.

Toodles! (Uh, Farewell, too!) 

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

Well, I’m still sick. Imah’s claims I wouldn’t be if I had taken her remedy–right away. (Anyone who can down that stuff is not human.) Despite my having to make my customers wait while I hack into a paper towel (so much for the cough drops I was constantly taking), I had a good day. Cheerful, perky, energetic.

My co-worker Prince displayed signs of mischievousness this morning. Another co-worker had put a note on her time-card saying not to move it. Prince looked it over carefully, and, with an impish grin at me, moved the time-card to the bottom (backwards and upside-down at that!). It was really hilarious. I felt a little bad for her though, when, later, she couldn’t find it to go on a break. I carefully stared at all the time-cards, noted one that was backwards and upside-down, and picked it up. What do you know! It was hers! Surprise, surprise. 

That’s it. Neither of my water buddies were there today. The evil dishwater decided I was clean enough without a shower from itself (though it apparently didn’t think the front of my jacket was clean enough). I still have not fallen on my posterior from either the dishwater’s leakage or just my frenzied running about. Don’t worry. It will happen.

With that I say…

Farewell! 

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

It doesn’t feel like Monday for some reason. Despite my going to work a couple hours early, and my cold getting worse (and Imah’s home remedies), I was perky all day at work. It worried me. Usually, when I’m really goofy (and I was), it means I’m tired and will soon "crash". When I crash, it isn’t pretty.

But no! Perky all day. Until I got off work–then I took a nap. Now, I’m here. Shortly, I’ll be somewhere else.

I got myself another "water buddy" and we nearly got into a spraying match with each other. Maybe we didn’t because I was already so wet. Oh yes, of all days, with my cold, the dishwater decided I needed a shower–not once but twice! In my first hour of work, I was drenched! Good thing I was in a perky mood. I rather thought it was funny (after all, Imah had given me her nice, warm coat which protected my uniform–so no, I wasn’t exactly drenched, but I sure looked like it!). Some of my co-workers thought it was funny too.  We all slid around on the sopping wet floor until someone finally took the time to mop it up. Aw, it was kind of fun sliding around like that–even if I kept thinking I’d end up on my posterior.

That’s it for today. I’m starting work early in the morning, so I’ll need to get to bed tonight at a decent time.

So long! Farewell! 

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

Too much has happened. My employers have started me on a new position and used (the very lo-o-ong) last week to break me into it. I think it’s rather fun (on the whole), but it has it’s drawbacks. Oh, the people! Thank God for those who laugh when I make a mistake (and believe me, I’ve done some royal goof-ups). Thank God for the strength to talk to the crabby people in a sweet, sweet syrupy voice and give them an angelic smile (it makes me feel like a smart-ass though–because that’s what I do sometimes when I tease, bug, out-argue or otherwise annoy someone. Haha!). And, most of all, thank God for coffee!!

I need coffee more now than ever, because, though I’m still getting off my shift at the same time, I’m starting my shift at 7-9 in the morning! For a night-owl like me who hated getting up before 9am, it was horrendous. Then, take into account that I’m slow–and that if I drink my coffee too fast (or eat breakfast too fast) I’ll get an upset stomach–and oftentimes if I drink coffee before breakfast, it will kill my appetite. So, I get up much earlier than need be, so that I can eat and drink in comfortable leisure. Unfortunately, I have to get up so early, I can’t watch my "late" night crime shows and get enough sleep.

Last week, I was terribly giggly from lack of sleep. I’m sure I amused some of my co-workers–judging by the looks on their faces. Oh, yes, I’ve done it again. I have found myself another water-splashing partner. Big J and I are constantly sparring at each other. He told a friend of mine that I had spilled ice cream on him. I was outraged. I retorted that I had done nothing of the kind–but I would have if the opportunity had arisen. (Now that I think about it though…why waste a perfectly good dessert?)

I remember laughing when I read on a friend’s blog about the "cute smiles from male customers". In my new position, I am getting some of that experience. I find it more amusing, however, when there’s a young couple in the car and the guy either smiles with careful politeness or avoids as much eye contact with me as possible, while the girl watches him and me like a hawk. LOL! Oh lord–that relationship is doomed!

Then, there was this guy that asked me if I could recite poetry for him. I didn’t really know how to take that at first, so I just laughed and told him no poetry today. He’s one of the elderly men that likes to tease. The first time I met him, he asked what sign I was (he thought I was a gemini or aquarius–I can’t remember–because I come across as shy to people at first…usually.) When I told him I was a scorpio, he dramatically backed away. Oh, it was comical. Very comical.

Last of all, this is a story I must tell: At work the other day, I was exposed to the cold for a long period of time (actually, I was all week, but that day was coldest and I, thinking it would warm up as the day went on, did not bring a proper coat). Prince (as I shall call him because of his name and because of this forthcoming noble deed), saw me shivering (and jumping up and down) and offered me his coat. I was shocked. Shocked. People still do that? Men still do that? (I have to point out his bravery in this. What if I’d turned out to be a ranting, raving feminist? LOL!)

Well, being freezing and noting how huge the coat was, I accepted. Besides, Prince is a good guy. I wouldn’t have taken a coat from just anyone (in case of any "strings" attached to the coat [go ahead and say it–I’m a suspicious person. LOL!]). It was sooo nice–the coat. Nice and warm. It was great. I have to get myself one of those (nevermind the feathers it left on my clothes!). Thank you, Prince!!

To change the subject, here’s a poem that just popped into my head. I haven’t written any poetry for years. It wasn’t ever a regular thing with me. My poems always came just as this one did: pops into my head, is spilled onto paper, tweaked, and finished. This one took over me. I was in the middle of my cool-off stretches after exercising when all of a sudden I get this idea and hurry over to the computer (which was playing my exercise music). I "spilled" the general idea and keywords onto a document so I could finish my stretches. When I returned to the poem, I worked on it a bit until I was satisfied (for the moment). So, with no further ado, here it is:

 Though the roses have died,
And God’s children have jaded,
Through the many times I’ve cried,
I remain yet Unfaded.

 There it is. Not bad for a ten minute (or less) poem. It rather bugs me to use "jaded" in that way, but "have become jaded" won’t work. Believe me, I counted out all the syllables in each line. It may not be perfect in the mathmatic standards of poetry, but I know when the number of syllables sounds right. 

And now, for today’s Unconscious Mutterings 193:

1. Weeks :: work
2. Cough :: drops (what I’m using a lot of right now)
3. Jail :: get out of __ free
4. Produced :: stock
5. ? :: ???
6. Stapler :: to be used on paper not hands (I know too many people who have stapled themselves.)
7. Next :: chapter
8. Perky :: puppy
9. Oxygen :: good for fire
10. Musical :: genius

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

…I wish.   After last night, I’m praying the worst is over. I’ll still be popping pills another couple days though.

Unconscious Mutterings 192:

1. Opinion :: blog
2. Tardy :: slip
3. Peer pressure :: destroys
4. Grownup :: a person of certain age–regardless of his/her maturity level
5. ! :: (short for: ) Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
6. Beer :: yuck! Go for the wine!
7. Sit :: ups!
8. Shower :: mmm (bath is better though)
9. Consumate :: finish it!
10. Wasting :: …food at the table means not getting as much next time

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

Yeah, I would say I’m down for the count, except that that was only on Wednesday. Yesterday, I forced (I’m talking blood, sweat, and tears forced) myself to go to work. It wasn’t pretty–but, despite how much it felt like I would, I neither threw-up nor fainted. Yay. I’m just praying today will be better. Fortunately, today is my Friday, and I intend to sleep my weekend away.

Friday Fun:

1. What are you going to be doing this weekend? Sleep! And take aspirin.
2. Do you tend to plan ahead or live for the moment? I’m ususally a plan ahead person, but I can be impetuous at times.
3. Do you live by your calendar or are you techno-savvy with high tech organizers? If so, which one do you use? Eh, I live by my calendar.
4. Where do you see yourself in a year? In 5 years? One year: in a better job. Five years: Who knows?

Friday’s Feast:

Appetizer
Name a song you know by heart. Adon HaKavod.

Soup
What will you absolutely not do in front of another person? Shower.

Salad
How often do you use mouthwash and what kind do you like? Ocassionally. Ilike cinnamon.

Main Course
Finish this sentence: I am embarrassed when…my mother tells stories about my rowdy childhood–to people I don’t even know!

Dessert
What was the last food you craved? Crispy chicken.

 Thank you. I’m going to lie down and try not to feel so sick before I head to work. Hopefully, I’ll be back this afternoon.

 Farewell!

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill

I got my first taste of working full time today. Yay. A full 12 hours on my feet–and I had to get up at 6am! That is the tragic part.  Then, I got so nauseous for the first few hours of my shift, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do the last part of my shift (I was asked to work extra, and I agreed–Hey, it’s money.). I finally got better mid- to late afternoon.  The crazy part was morning.  My assignment was a difficult one (doubly difficult for a "newbie" like me). *ahem* But I’m still here. Still breathing, still *moderately* sane. My feet and hips are killing me. But I’m fine.

I have another long day tomorrow, too, but *hopefully* not as long as today. I have things I need to get done. Anyway, here’s a meme:

Manic Monday:

What is your ideal time to go to sleep at night? How about morning? The 2-5am range is good.

If you had your choice, what time would you get up in the morning? If I went to sleep when I wanted to, then I wouldn’t be getting up in the morning.

How many pillows do you sleep with on your bed? Four (two are in one pillowcase).

Are you particular about your bed sheets? I depends on how tired I am.

What size bed do you have? Is that the size of your choice? Twin. It’s fine for now.

Farewell for now.  

Chronicled by: Her Grace, Duchess of the Digital Quill