Imah came to me yesterday evening and told me "I’m not going to fight it. People are going to come to the door. I’m going to give them treats."

That last sentence I had to pry out of her. My mood being pretty darn PMS-y, I sort of lost my temper. I see now that I overreacted. Usually, I merely find trick-or-treaters annoying. We leave our light off, ignore their insistent knocks, and go on with our lives.

Now, Imah wants to celebrate Halloween by giving out treats. This abrupt decision stunned me. This is not her! She would have flipped out if I had ever suggested going out on a Halloween–let alone go trick-or-treating.

It’s really driving me crazy. I’d ask, but she isn’t a person one can really talk to. She’s made her decision. I’ll be blockading myself in my room upstairs…listening to an audiobook with my headphones.

What I find interesting is that Imah says she doesn’t want to be the village grinch. (I, for one, have no problem being one.) Maybe that’s because she now lives where she works. I don’t know. I don’t understand it. She’s not exactly Little Miss Sunshine.

If you’re walking down the street with a smile on your face, she’d either comment that you look like a crazy person or tell you you’d better wipe off that smile before the wrong kind of guy thinks you’re flirting.

Oh joy. I can’t wait for our argument about Christmas. Fortunately, I (the Great Mastermind), got the family to agree to celebrating Thanksgiving at our place and then Christmas at my brother’s.  

Sorry. Life has me confused enough as it is. I need some boundaries. Having a menorah in one corner of the house and a Christmas tree in the other is just too much. I won’t have it. I won’t!

Ranting done, I think I’ve effectively diffused the yearly Christmas argument with Imah by my current arrangements.

Still… I could really use some anti-PMS. Big time.

Unconscious Mutterings, Week 247:

1. Inaugural :: …address
2. Pledge :: …of Allegiance
3. String :: simply kitty toy
4. Trot :: fox…
5. Fitness :: exercise equipment
6. Cinder :: …ella
7. Edge :: living on the…
8. 31 :: 5 times 6 plus 1
9. Blue :: …skies
10. Leather :: straps

Unconscious Mutterings, Week 166:

Appetizer
Name a great website you would recommend to others. Besides mine? I really love going to Behind the Name to find good/symbolic names for the characters in my stories.

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night? I’d give it a 2.

Salad
Did you have a pet as a child?  If so, what kind and what was its name? I had three dogs: Lady (a black German Shepard), Satin (a black and white mutt), and we rescued Bruiser (a Doberman pincher) who was "too dumb" to be turned into a "guard dog." (Yeah, it’s called brain damage. It happens sometimes when you beat the animal.)

Main Course
If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise? A coffee commercial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dessert
What is your favorite kind of hard candy? Hmm, I’m not really a hard candy person. I do enjoy those caramel apple lollipops, though.

Five on Friday: Trick or Treat:

Would you rather…

1: eat nothing but chocolate or go without chocolate for the rest of your life? Since I don’t like chocolate…the latter.

2: stub your toe or get a paper cut? I stub my toe all the time. It doesn’t hurt for very long. I chose that one.

3: write the news or make the news? Well, bad events make the news so I’d rather NOT make it.

4: lose 10 pounds or gain 10 IQ points? The latter definitely.

5: wear a costume to work or wear normal clothes to a Halloween party? I’m not really a Halloween person. In fact, I was talking to Imah about it yesterday, and she told me I had a very bad experience around age 5.

Friday Fill-ins #43: 

1. The last good thing that came in the mail was bad news. *edit: Yeah, um…I really wasn’t awake, I guess. Still, I don’t anything good in the mail–just bills.*

2. This week I’m grateful for training in my new position–my trainers have been great.

3. Vanilla ice cream with toffee and caramel is the most delicious thing ever.

4. Music inspires me.

5. I’m most happy when I am laughing (or writing).

6. And all the roads we have to walk along are tough but character-building.

7. As for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to shul, tomorrow my plans include watching more 24 (Season 2) and Sunday, I want to goof off! (Hmm, I should call my good friend C4).

Three times this week (including today), I have to go into work over an hour early because of the stupid bus system. So, what did I do? I bought myself a little CD player. Now, I can listen to music and play games on my cell phone.

Then, I realized (as I was randomly moping about how I don’t dance much anymore) that I can listen to my dance music at work! And I can go down into the basement (where there’s hardly anyone there and plenty of room) and dance to it!

Yay! Now, I can start work flushed but happy and energetic! Dance on! 

Unconscious Mutterings, Week 246:

1. Las Vegas :: one of my favorite TV shows
2. Linus :: security blanket
3. Struck :: …by lightning
4. Movie :: …night
5. Anxious :: upset stomach
6. Bandit :: stick-up
7. Picks :: tooth…
8. Lasso :: YEEHAW!
9. Dinner :: …for a dozen
10. Bargain :: …shopper

randomness…feed your mind and your blog

week of Oct21: Scary Stuff

Since Halloween is drawing near, lets blog about scary stuff….

1. What’s your favorite scary movie? Scary book? Movie: Hangman’s Curse. Book: probably The Oath.

2. Who is scarier, Freddy Kruger(nightmare on elm street), Jason(friday the 13th) or Michael Myers(halloween)? I don’t know; I’ve never watched any of them.

3. Do you believe in wherewolves, vampires and or zombies? Of course! I’m a half-breed of the first two. (Don’t ask how that happened.)

4. Are you superstitious? Why or why not? Why, no! It’s bad luck to be superstitious.

5. Are you afraid of the dark? I love the dark. (I prefer half-light, though, so I do still sleep with a small light on.)

6. Who is your favorite movie monster? I’d say Mystique, but the mutants don’t like being called monsters. Twilight hasn’t been made into a yet–neither has The Golden Compass. I know! Wookiee from Star Wars! (I still want a Wookiee…)

Master of Finances, forgive me! I got a bit spending-happy with my cell phone. 2 new ringtones (Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield) and two games (one’s a brain teaser, the other’s a card game). At least the games were super cheap. I probably didn’t even spend more than $10 for all 4 items, but I’m not supposed to be spending at all. That is the ultimate price for my new boots, sunglasses, and coat.

*Knocks myself on the head* He-llo? See the title of your blog? You’re not a princess anymore! You’re in exile!! *shrug* She never listens to me. 

Pardon the schizophrenia there. Have a great week, everyone! (Or should I say: shavuah tov!)

Friday’s Feast 165:

Appetizer
If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why? I would be a greyhound because they’re fast and they have lean, graceful bodies.

Soup
What does the color purple make you think of? Royalty!

Salad
Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning? Oh dear. Do I have to answer that? I like to give myself 2 hours because me+rushing+morning=disaster.

Main Course
How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them? I have too many cousins to count. Unfortunately, I’m not close to any of them; the closest of them live across the state.

Dessert
Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter) There’s no way I’m using every single one of my initials, ok? Let’s go with YAH = You are hilarious! (said sarcastically)

Friday Fill-in #42:

1. October is a pretty month. Not as awesome as November, but, hey, they can’t all be perfect.
2. Thunderstorms don’t scare me! Sort of…
3. Haunted houses are interesting in real life. I avoid the carnival ones.
4. My favorite scary movie is Hangman’s Curse because of the plot twist. I can’t spoil it by telling.
5. Don’t mind me. (Said just before I carry out another devious scheme.)
6. It was a dark and stormy night and everyone was nervous because they couldn’t see where I was. Muahahaha!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to getting out of work if this storm keeps up, tomorrow my plans include Jewish movie night! and Sunday, I want to put up my new mirrors!

Whew! Can I remember all that’s happened this week? Well, I went bowling til midnight on Tuesday. C4’s had this guy pursuing her, and she decided to use a bowling night to get her friends to meet and critique him. He passed the test.

My Evil Twin and I played the first game as one person. In between turns, we gabbed about movies and such. Somehow, we got to talking about how she is a werewolf (I can’t remember why–because she’s always warm?) and how I am a vampire (because I am always cold and my movements tend to be graceful). Musing about it now, I think we got it backwards: she prides herself on being (or appearing) calm and impervious; I tend to be excitable and hot-headed–though I, too, have perfected a cold, emotionless side for certain circumstances. Maybe we’re both half-bloods. Intriguing…

On another topic! I have covered the gap where my closet door used to reside with a pretty, pink curtain. I used two sheer curtains and tied them together to the rod with sheer, pink ribbon.

Notice the tassells? Those were Imah’s idea. Now, all I have left for my royal bedroom is to install my mini chandelier and put up those huge mirrors on opposite walls from each other–for a dance studio effect. (Also, Imah’s idea.)

I must say farewell now. Work demands to be done. Bills demand to be paid. And this thunderstorm might knock out my internet again.

Shabbat Shalom! 

Unconscious Mutterings, Week 245:

1. Illicit :: drugs
2. Go :: …"insert name"–it’s birthday! *repeat*
3. Jacket :: yellow… (ick!)
4. Blow :: let’s blow this joint
5. Coach :: soccer
6. Effort :: tug-o-war
7. Leadership :: skills
8. Snore :: to reduce noise, take pillow and smother
9. Fearless :: I wish I was.
10. Network :: let’s!

randomness…feed your mind and your blog

week of october 14: Have you ever seen a ghost? Keeping with the ’spirit’ of Halloween this weeks questions are:

Have you ever seen a ghost? Seen? No. But I heard them as a child. They really scared me–walking up and down the hall every night–until I got so mad, I yelled at them to cut it out. That’s when I started talking to them and realized, Hey, these guys are pretty cool. Some of them were my best friends.

Know someone who has? Just me.

Do you believe in ghosts? Not really, but talking with those childhood ghosts really helped my fear go away. I do, however, believe in spirits–something that never was nor will become human.

Ugh. I love my soundtrack from A Knight’s Tale, but I’m so tired. I need to get some sleep, too. I didn’t get much last night. I won’t get much Tuesday night, either because I’m going bowling with my Girlz. Late, late night. Work the next day.

Thank God I’m still young. 

Friday’s Feast 164:

Appetizer
When was the last time you were surprised? The last time someone jumped out from behind a corner and screamed at me–that would be about two hours ago. I have the funniest co-workers.

Soup
Fill in the blanks: My eyes are my best feature, but I wish they were even more expressive than they are–maybe not. I’ve made people nearly laugh themselves to death with my expressions.

Salad
If you were a Beanie Baby, what would you look like and what would your name be? I’d be a pink and black, winged, lightning-bolt-wielding tiger named…Sparky. ROAR.

Main Course
Name two things you consistently do that you consider to be healthy habits. My stretches and exercises. That’s it.

Dessert
What brand of toothpaste are you using these days? Do you like it? Why or why not? I buy what’s cheapest.

Friday 5: Lasts:

1. What was the last thing you baked? Pizza.
2. What was the last thing you tried on for size? Discounted summer blouse.
3. What was the last thing you purchased on credit? Nothing.
4. What was the last thing you put a postage stamp on? My brother’s birthday card.
5. What was the last thing you took a photo of? Hold on, let me check my Katana…me in my new "U BUG ME" t-shirt.

Friday Fill-in #41:

1. Once upon a time in a land with no physical entrance…(that’s how many of my stories could begin.)
2. Children screaming and laughing simultaneously. Oh, the joy.
3. Boiling white tea and ginger.
4. Way down under.
5. Keys excite mystery; locks bring bafflement.
6. Have you seen the Rafim? They’re so creepy!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going to shul, tomorrow my plans include continuing the final editing on my novel, and Sunday, I want to get it all done! (It’s a long shot, but what the hay?)

My bad mood has broken. I say broken because I really feel I had to break a part of myself to come free from this depression. I haven’t been as low as when it came to a head in a long time. Even now, there’s something weird…blank, missing…I’m just not sure if that missing thing is good or bad. Times like this *almost* make me wish I was a guy…but not quite. (No offense, guys.)

Getting a little more upbeat, I went shopping with Imah last night–originally to buy some cheap, sugarless soda pop to help ease my nausea–and came home with A Knight’s Tale. The DVD and the soundtrack. I love the movie and the music…well, it’s rocks me. My favorite song is "We are the Champions". I’ve had it playing every moment I’ve been home since it arrived here. Ok, not every moment. I also enjoy "We Will Rock You," "Lowrider," and "Taking Care of Business." But "We are the Champions" gives me the feeling of empowerment that I need right now. I’ve always been deeply affected by music.

On a final and most exciting note: I have finished my novel!!!!!!! I’m now in the final editing stages., following which I will immediately move on to volume 2 (I want to write the whole series before I try to publish).

I’d like to thank Her Majesty for her awesome help including typing up part of my story which was lost when my old computer died (Has anyone ever called you ‘Lightning Fingers?"). Thank you, also, Camp W girls for your interest and enthusiasm in the first chapters I released to the public. Finally, thanks to my (awesome-as-usual) co-workers for your interest and encouragement–and, specifically, you, Chauncy, for all the great advice and nagging. I don’t think I could have finished without you!

Speaking of nagging, Imah told me my title was boring. I’ve changed it several times. I can’t seem to get anything to fit. Then, I struck it–gold. It is now, simply: The Legend of Ruach. Yes, that’s also the name of the series. Hey, if Stephenie Meyer can do it, so can I.  

Rock on. Shalom! 

Unconscious Mutterings, Week 244:

1. Cluster :: grapes
2. Announcement :: Birthday party!
3. Respect :: …your elders
4. Incident :: …report
5. Accordion :: yikes 
6. Drunk :: hammered, wasted, flying high
7. If :: …I was a rich man–er, woman
8. Dexter :: tv show I want to see (getting cable isn’t worth it)
9. Wedding :: …crasher
10. Gambling :: vice

Friday’s Feast 163:

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you look forward to your birthday? I’m going to give this year’s an unusually high score: 8.

Soup
What is one word you don’t like the sound, spelling, or meaning of? Hm, I thought about this the other day, but I can’t remember the word that bugged me.

Salad
Do you wear sunglasses when you’re outside?  If so, what does your current pair look like? Yes, I love my sunglasses. They’re tortoiseshell with a rhinestone design on each side. I’d take a pic, but I’ve lost the sunglasses–again.

Main Course
If you were to write a book, to whom would you dedicate it? One of my Girlz.

Dessert
Name a beverage that you enjoy. COFFEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Five on Friday: Color Your World

1. What is your favorite color? Pink. (Then red, then green.)

2. What colors do you like to decorate with? Pink and green.

3. Is there a color that you absolutely hate? Bright orange or yellow.

4. Which colors look best on you? I told red does.

5. Which colors do you wear most often? Pink! LOL! (And red.)

Friday Fill-in #40:

Questions this week are courtesy of Amy; thanks Amy!!!

1. If I were a tree I would be an evergreen (probably a fir) because I love them.
2. If I were a bird I would fly over the hills of Scotland.
3. If I were a book I hope I would be humorous.
4. If I were a car I would travel more–in luxury.
5. If I could get rid of one piece of technology it would definitely be nothing because technology is awesome–and people will cause trouble no matter what.
6. If I could get rid of one bad habit at a snap of the fingers it would be cracking my joints.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching The Sixth Sense, tomorrow my plans include relaxing and Sunday, I want to get totally caught up on my sleep!

This is pretty cool. I was playing around with my feeds in the yahoo mail beta (which I’m trying out) and decided I wanted to blog.

Creature/Banquet Spoonerism 

A spoonerism is a transposition of initial sounds of two or more words (as in "tons of soil" for "sons of toil"). So… What is a spoonerism for a counterfeit creature as opposed to a banquet of oven-cooked foods? Check out for the answer.