Thursday, June 30, 2005

I give up...here's everything for now

So I've decided that the only thing I can do at this point is just to have every single post on the main page, because at the moment the silly Archives and Previous Post links still won't work! They did for a minute or so, then went back to...not normal.

On a lighter note, Casey has finished painting all of the interior doors! We have guests (family) coming tomorrow to stay for a few days, so the door thing is pretty important.

I was happy to get some nice comments on my "Storm coming" post at Leaning Tripod. I thought it might be a little too edgy compared to the other stuff I had been posting, but that's really why I wanted to post it. One comment (which I loved) alluded to The Wizard of Oz...nice. I put some heavier contrast in there -- so much fun! I hope to continue to post more regularly, but things at the house are crazy! I am trying to take down the guest bathroom wallpaper before the guests arrive. Why? Because I ordered new (and sooooo pretty!) bath coordinates and just hated the thought of all of it clashing. Yeah, I know, pretty silly. I ordered a wastebasket in that coordinates set -- handpainted ceramic, mind you -- and the thing was shipped in a bunch of pieces! Luckily, I was able to go online and let them know, plus print out a label to send it back so we don't have to pay for shipping. Crossing fingers (or "holding thumbs" as my mom says) that the replacement comes in fine. At least the other stuff looks great. Can't wait to set it up!

Monday, June 27, 2005

Ah, the 70's

I really like these James Taylor lyrics:

Don't be sad 'cause your sun is down
You can rise above it
Don't be sad 'cause you're on your own
You have to learn to love it
Don't be sad 'cause your sun is down
You're gonna find your way
Don't be sad 'cause your day is done
There's another day, everyday

(Chorus)
Everyday I wake up just the same
Waiting for something new
Every night I have myself to blame
For the dreams that haven't come true
But especially today I'm feeling blue

Don't be sad 'cause your son is down
Little mama he's bound to feel it
Don't be sad 'cause your boy is blue
It wouldn't do to conceal it from you
Don't be sad 'cause your sun is down
The night doesn't need your sorrow
Don't be sad 'cause the light is gone
Just keep your mind on tomorrow and carry on

Will you keep watching the Oscars?

Lowell from 'Wings' and a former SNL cheerleader have been invited. Consider yourself warned.

No longer worried about the all-important archive links

I knew the archives were there, because I checked and rechecked. It was just that you couldn't click on a particular archive link on the home page and get the correct page. I am thinking that I was the only one who noticed this, yes? Probably so. In any case, I am a happy blogging camper. Or...I am a happy camper who is blogging. Whatever!

Hey, wanna see our fenced-in backyard? Oh, I'm sorry, you can't because Casey took part of it down -- woohoo! I am very impressed, actually. We still have the L-shaped privacy part on the one side, but now the yard is open and much bigger than before. My patio/porch plans continue...


Speaking of the outdoors, the latest Leaning Tripod post (June 21) is Junebug no more. We felt it was finally time to invite her back outside to get to know her new surroundings. She has been a bit stir-crazy, and we have been a bit...sleep-deprived crazy. So, all is well once again. [Breathes a deep, peaceful breath.] And we got wind chimes! They are such a tranquil addition to our patio, and they are in the key of D Flat (no joke)!

Update: Okay, worried about the archives again. Dude, what is going on? I just don't get it. Maybe it's just me?

Friday, June 24, 2005

Well, now I have to read it


I am...A HOLE IS TO DIG by RUTH KRUASS.

I am full of simple ideas about everything, just like the way I look at the world.

I prefer the emotional rather than the physical, and I love the simple things.

Find out what Children's Book You Are!

Thursday, June 23, 2005

It's not easy being green

I've given Trace Talks a mini-makeover. I cannot figure out how to get rid of that little extra bit of green...so I just made it work with the other colors. Sigh. (Update: Obviously I did figure out how to get rid of the green -- woohoo! If you are wanting to research color palettes, I went to ColorMatch 5K.)

I don't know if you've noticed, but a lot of my latest posts have been about superficial, surfacey things. I know I don't usually get really deep (in the blog), but I have my moments. Anyway, I think what has happened is that in the past week I have done a lot of thinking and examining of self in respect to my attitude and my relationship with God. A lot of thinking. And I suppose that, because I am in such deep and serious thought in my mind, I have been using Trace Talks as an outlet, as a way to keep things light. Probably if I was sharing all of the deepness here I would be walking around shouting battle cries or something, so I think it's better this way. Another example of this involves my chronic illness and the pain that accompanies it. I have noticed that in times of pain -- not severe pain, mind you -- I have a tendency to make more jokes. The same is true for emotional pain. People have thought I was very joyful when I was going through the lowest moments in my life -- seriously. Strange, isn't it? That hasn't been the case in a long time, but Casey does notice me joking more when I have stomach or joint pain. It's like I'm trying to distract myself: "Hey, look over here, look over here! No, there's no pain, silly, look at the pretty lights!" Is this something that God instills in us, some kind of survival technique? Not sure, but I would love to hear circumstances similar to mine if you would be willing to share them!

Update #2: Unfortunately, I did something to my template when I changed up some colors and got rid of some borders, because now the Archives and Previous Posts links do not do what they should. I've contacted Blogger.com for help, so hopefully they can do just that!

Update #3: Woohoo! Whatever I did, or whatever Blogger did, has worked! The links now work and I am feelin' fine. Thanks Blogger!

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Dave's bloggerview questions

Ready, Dave? And don't worry about posting them for now...I know you've got more important stuff to do. I will post the rules after the questions.

Questions for Dave

1. Which sci-fi character did you turn out to be on the quiz? Ha, just kidding! The real question: What led you to choose a career in journalism?
2. Tell me about a gift that God has given you to use in serving others.
3. What has been the single, funniest moment during your trip to Buenos Aires?
4. Tell me about a song that evokes the most emotion in you and why.
5. What has been your greatest accomplishment in the last year?

Here are the "rules" I posted before, which you will post along with your answers:

1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Good luck Dave! I look forward to reading your answers!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

The Smell and Taste Institute has too much time (and grapefruit) on its hands

I really shouldn't have the access to the 'Most Viewed' news items on my toolbar, but I do, and thus I share with you. There is more below, as you can see, but first I had to share this little gem. I'm turning 30 this year, so I'd best get out to the fruit market!

What's new with the house, you ask? I really have been meaning to post some pics here at Trace Talks, but if you had dial-up at home wouldn't you be putting it off too? Anyway, last night was a big moment, because Casey finished the last hallway and trim work! Some of the doors still need a bit o' the paint, but it will all be done in time. Meanwhile, I am starting to design little plans in my head (or is that 'design plans in my little head'?) for our back patio. It's a good size, but not terribly pretty. We don't need lots of frills, but we are planning on utilizing it quite a bit in the campus ministry so I want to make it a little more inviting. Half of the yard is fenced in, and I know you are wondering why, so be patient and I'll tell you! The former owners had dogs, which were kept in there when not (yuck) in the house. However, there is the nice patio view onto the pond that we half-own, and fencing that in would have meant no more pretty pond views at sunset! That is why only half the yard is fenced. Now Casey and I are toying with the idea of taking down just one side of the fencing, leaving a sort of 'privacy' side up, but making the yard much more open for, I don't know, ultimate frisbee? Doubtful. Nevertheless, bring on the barbecue!

Monday, June 20, 2005

A post in which I use the term "dude" much too often

I finally saw Episode III on Friday! Dude. Casey had seen it in Argentina on the day it premiered, but of course he was more than willing to see it again. We went with Nathan and Carla, our new Friday night movie buddies. I wasn't sure how much I would like the movie. I mean, I am a Star Wars fan, but not a STAR WARS FAN, if you know what I mean. But I like the movies a lot and I wanted to tie it all together -- plus, this is one of those movies you have to see in the theater. Otherwise, is there really a point? No, don't argue with me, you know I'm right! Anyway, I must have been channeling a fifteen-year-old boy or something, because every time something big happened, I would turn to Casey and say, "Dude." It's the only word I could utter pretty much the entire time. I said it when Anakin started getting really evil, I said it when Yoda would use the force in a really cool way, and I especially said it when Darth Vader's helmet was in place and he took that first breath. Except that time I was like, "Duuuuuuuuuuuude." Honestly, I'm not sure what it is, but there are those movies in which the villain is just so villainous that I find myself thinking he is...I don't know, cool. I sort of admitted this to Nathan and Carla, and I think they thought the light must be off upstairs. But you know that if Darth Vader was really, really yucky and squirrely, like Captain Grievous or something, you would not want to watch him, am I right? George made him cool on purpose. He is just some kind of cool. And so when I see the Vader again in the theater I will continue -- if you don't mind -- to whisper under my breath, "Duuuuuuuuuude."

Edited later to add: Sally-Anne has corrected both my spelling of Grievous and his title. Should be General. So...oops.

Casey will be soooo jealous!

Which Fantasy/SciFi Character Are You?

Friday, June 17, 2005

Soko needs a shoulder to cry on...maybe

The big news is out, people. Big news. Have you heard it? Read here.

By the way, I have this little "Most Viewed" tab on my Yahoo! toolbar, and since I've been checking it more often lately, I guess I decided to share some of these little tidbits. No, I do not go looking for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes news.

Something I was going to mention about THE news was that apparently it was said that this announcement is "ending speculation about the fate of Hollywood's hottest couple." Um, really? Have they heard of a celebrity relationship, like, ever?!?

Enough ranting for me. Thanks for listening!

Thursday, June 16, 2005

How can I fail at having a chronic illness?

Ack! Okay, I just added a link to the American Behcet's Disease Association (ABDA) in the sidebar below the spoon (what a strange sentence). When I double-checked to make sure the link worked, I saw that I had totally missed the International Behcet's Disease Awareness Day! Not only that, but they had some kind of "challenge" you could take part in through...yesterday!! Boy is that frustrating. I didn't get to be aware of my disease on the official day, isn't that unfair?

Ann's bloggerview questions

Okay, Ann, you asked for it! Below are your questions, which you will post on your blog, along with the official rules which will come after the questions. Ready? Go!

Questions for Ann

1. Tell me the top three reasons you decided to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2. Tell me how you and your three sisters are all alike, and then tell me how you are all different.
3. What makes art and design so intriguing to you?
4. What are five memories or lessons you will carry with you from this mission trip for the rest of your life?
5. Tell me about a time in your life that you look back at and say, "I will never do that again."

Here are the "rules" I posted before, which you will post along with your answers:

1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Good luck, Ann -- I look forward to reading your answers at
The Gopher!

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Junebug surprises all

Every pet owner has their limits and boundaries. Some, I think, have none at all. I'm not talking about you, just those other people, you know, who let their pets do whatever they want. Casey and I adopted Junebug from the shelter nearly two years ago, when she was just five weeks old. One of our biggest rules was "No Cats Allowed in the Master Bedroom!" That has been a hard and fast rule for two years, but it never stopped her from trying, no sir. Not even when we posted the rules above her water dish did she pay attention (readers: please realize that at times I tend to exaggerate for humorous purposes).

So when we moved into the new house and had new carpet installed, it seemed a given that, of course Junebug would not be coming into the master bedroom. I don't remember just how the conversation went, but somehow we decided that if we were home and we hadn't gone to bed, Junebug was allowed to go into our room. How did we get there? Especially after making that rule, like, the biggest rule ever. I just don't know. Did I twist Casey's arm? Bat my eyelids? Say pretty please (he wouldn't care for the cherry on top)? I think we really did decide this together, like rational, normal pet owners. It was "the talk" for us as pet owners.

"Should we let her come in the bedroom?"
"But what if she..."
"Well, then we'll just have to figure it out from there."
"Okay."
"Okay."

And there you have it. We have realized that, no matter how much Junebug tries to present herself as a cool kind of loner, she's really just very insecure and longs for acceptance into our human club. But then we were leaving our door open while we were at home, but still closing it at night. I have gone over this again and again with Casey, and his reasons all go back to their family cat when he was growing up. He was not going to be able to sleep if we let Junebug in and that was that. I believed him. But now the problem was that we would say goodnight and shut her out, and then would begin the meowing. It didn't last all night, but it certainly began again at first light.

So...the really big decision was made two nights ago to keep the door open at night. People, that is a big deal. We do not take change terribly well, so this was a big step. And we thought it was a big, bad step after Junebug kept making noise, jumping on the bed (she will never be allowed on the bed!), and then meowing at first light like usual. What is she, a rooster?

But last night -- here it is -- we kept the door open again, thinking we were idiots to try this once more. And wonder of wonders (as my mom used to say), Junebug did not make a sound! In fact, I found her sleeping on the stepladder this morning! Who knew that all this time, it was all about leaving that silly door open during the night.

One last note: For those of you who are parents, especially parents of small children -- I know what you are thinking, and so you do not have to leave me a comment telling me what you are thinking since I already know! Thanks, that's all.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Let the bloggerviews begin!

I was excited when both Sarah and Heather wanted to be "interviewed." But then I was like, "Oh no, now I have to come up with questions!" I'm not all that creative, so bear with me here. I am including both sets of questions -- note that each of you has your own unique questions -- and then the instructions will follow. Have lots of fun, and I look forward to seeing your answers!

Questions for Sarah
1. What was your best "mommy moment" this past week?
2. If Kevin told you he’d fly you anywhere in the world today, where would you go?
3. What were the first five minutes like after you found out you were having twins?
4. What were the first five minutes like after you found out you were having a girl after having those twin boys?
5. Name the last book you read and tell me what you thought of it (and if I should add it to my book box).

Questions for Heather
1. What is your absolute most favorite thing about summer?
2. Put the following in order, from most favorite to least: being at the beach on a summer day; being inside with a cup of cocoa in winter; walking with a friend through the trees on a crisp autumn day; seeing and smelling the first flowers on a warm spring day
3. If you were not a student, what would you be doing right now?
4. Tell me a story behind one of your many ladybug things.
5. Name the last movie you saw and give me your own review – tell me if I should see it.

Here are the "rules" I posted before, which you will post along with your answers:

1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Good luck and happy blogging!

Friday, June 10, 2005

Isn't it too cute how our names rhyme?

Sarah mentioned something about wanting to hear about the anniversary festivities, and I thought I would go ahead and write about that, although I am warning you that it may be boring! I just thought I would give a different view other than the hundreds of "I love you's" that were displayed a couple of days ago. I guess that's the hopeless romantic in me, but when I see it in others I ask Casey, "Why does it look so silly when other people are like that?" And I'm not going to argue whether the Cruise-Holmes thing is real love or just a publicity stunt. I just know that I've said things to people about Casey being "so cute" and getting all dreamy-eyed, and I'm hoping that it is not a sickening thing. It's just...that I adore him.

Okay, anyway. The anniversary "festivities" have mostly been about food. Casey and I visited a restaurant downtown for the first time the other night called Boure'. We also got quite dressed up, something I haven't done in a while to go out to eat. It made me feel fancy -- a good fancy. Is there a bad fancy? Hmm. Anyway, if you're really into details, I had the grilled salmon and Case had the (spicy) ribs. Then it was off to Baskin Robbins for some World Class Chocolate goodness. The anniversary celebrating has continued with us getting some Abner's chicken the other day, and then having lunch at The Creek Cafe today. Oh how I adore their catfish. No, don't bother putting a menu in front of me -- I'll have the catfish, side salad (Italian dressing) and
the breaded oprah...I mean, okra. And then of course, I'll eat off of Casey's plate. After all, that is yet one more thing that makes marriage so wonderful! Men don't like their wives eating off their plates, but they will just have to accept that it is going to happen. Tonight we will possibly be seeing a movie with friends, and then each of us might still get a mini-gift for the other. After all, we did just buy a house, and shouldn't that be enough?

Updates

Junebug is still sleeping at the top of the stepladder. I took a picture that I might post sometime but I'm not promising -- I don't need that kind of guilt!

My spider bite is almost completely better. It is now much easier for me to stomp on those things without feeling bad about it.

Casey is almost done with our interior painting. I, on the other hand, am still working on memorizing all the buttons for my DVR remote. It's a busy time for us.

To use Amy's word -- "Bloggerview"

So I have been reading this blog as of late. Let me tell you something about me: if I really enjoy reading a blog or viewing a photoblog, I want to go back to the very beginning. I feel as though I am cheating myself out of something, like I'm starting in the middle of the book, you know? Anyway, that's just me. So while reading Amy's very excellent -- but humble -- musings, I came across a blog interview, or "bloggerview", that she had taken part in. At the end she said she would now "interview" the first three to respond. I thought, "Neat! I'll do it!" and left a comment. As I read further into her blog, though, I realized that Amy's blog had recently made a move, but the old comments had not, so I probably was not one of the first three. Doh! I felt a bit silly, but Amy is very kind and gracious, and gave me my five interview questions. Thanks Amy!

My Bloggerview with
Amy's Humble Musings:

1. I see that you’re crazy about your husband. Describe him in three words.

This is a tough one! Only three? Okay, since I am limited here, I will go with compassionate, humble and funny.

2. What do your Saturdays usually look like?

Lately they're pretty crazy since we just bought and moved into our first house. I guess a "normal" Saturday would involve laundry, a meal I can take more time on, maybe Casey and I walking at the park, and probably some cross-stitching in there as well. And lately, with the photoblog, I'll get out there and do some picture-taking.

3. Name three things that make you uncomfortable.

Can I name one thing that comes in a package of three? Just kidding. Um...I know that listening to those prank calls that radio stations make gets me pretty nervous, enough to the point that I turn the radio off. I can't do that to someone. And watching something like Candid Camera usually made me uncomfortable, if the person being pranked got really mad. I think that only counts as one, since it's kind of the same thing. When I am in a store -- department, grocery, whatever -- and there is an angry customer, I would rather not be there. I feel sorry for the person being chewed on, and I feel rather helpless. I don't know why it was difficult for me to think of a third, now that this last one came to me: I am very uncomfortable with speaking in front of a group of people, large or small. There are times when I have input in a Bible class, and sometimes I will actually speak up, but for the most part I feel so awkward and fumbling at that sort of thing. I think it's something I hide well (hopefully!), but inside I am climbing down into a hole.

4. Name four that make you squeemish.

Hair in the shower drain! Once, when I cleaned it out, I got this look on my face I was sure would stay there because I held it that way the entire time. Flying cockroaches are a big squeem factor for me. Once in high school, the house was pretty dark and I went upstairs and this thing flew at me and I will tell you that I squealed. Walking on a dirty floor with bare feet -- I don't even like thinking about it. Since I'm having a hard time coming up with a fourth, I'll mention the the stuff I cleaned out the bottom of the fridge -- and let me clarify, we bought that fridge from the same people we bought the house from, so it was not our mess. They are wonderful people, but when it came time to cleaning that monster out I thought at one point that there was no end in sight!

5. What characteristic about yourself makes you a good friend to have?

I'd like to add this question to my "uncomfortable" list. I like to think I am an encourager, but if I could be considered the friend that makes them laugh I'll take it!

Now, per Amy's instructions, I am offering to interview the first three people responding to this post. The rules are as follows:

1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”

2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here).

3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Thanks again, Amy!

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

...the rest of the story

If you've had a look at my photoblog post for June 8, you'll see a couple of the baby bird pictures I took. Now, here's the other side of it -- Junebug keeping a careful eye on the bunch of them.


Junebug and the birds

The Big Three

Happy Third Anniversary, Casey!
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Tuesday, June 07, 2005

That Miss Muffet, she was a clever gal

I completely forgot to tell about my Moving Day spider bite! Well, at least that's what we're assuming because I didn't actually see what bit me, so it couldn't have been a big spider. All I remember is a little stinging on my shoulder, so normally I slapped at whatever it was and never gave it a second thought. That is until about a day later, when the same area was red and hot and very tender to the touch. I was like, "Should I worry about this?" and Casey would go, "Nah..." A couple of days later, a bruise formed right near the bite area. Weird! But we still didn't do anything about it. I started putting hydrocortisone on it because it had begun to itch, but that was about it. Anyway, it's just a little spider venom in the ol' shoulder -- yes, the same shoulder that I've had physical therapy on. What is it with this shoulder? So, a week after "the bite" all I'm dealing with is a rashy looking shoulder and still a bit of soreness. Hey, I just checked, and the bruise is almost gone. Woohoo! And I realize that the spider did frighten her away, but still...she got away, didn't she?

I know, I know that I have not posted any photos, neither here nor on the photoblog. Please be patient with me, as I rummage through boxes to find the camera things. Okay, I really don't have to do that because I have all of that readily available. I just keep forgetting to do it! I want to post the baby bird stuff plus the house stuff. So, I am thinking about it, only when I do I am either at work or about to fall asleep (no, not at work!). I'll get there.

And now for something completely different. I will give my dad credit here since he sent this to me. A friend of his sent it to him, etc. so I really have no idea who to cite for this. All I know is that I enjoy the very humorous wit and wanted to share, so here goes.

Pilots v. Mechanics

After every flight, most pilots fill out a form called a "snag sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems; document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the snag sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're for.

P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

And the best one for last...

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

Monday, June 06, 2005

Okra Winfrey

Oh, where to begin? It has been a week since I last posted, much more than that since I posted on my photoblog! I think people were starting to doubt I'd be back, but here I am!

Casey and I are living a semi-normal life, and are now back at work with...regular schedules. That is, until we get home and continue the unpacking and painting that has become seemingly endless. I admit that Casey works much harder than me, but it turns out that I am able to work better in the evenings. Junebug is still exploring the house, has growled at the doorbell, and loves to watch me scrub out the freezer whilst she is perched on a stepladder. I think what was going through her little mind was, "Yes...work, human, work until you can work no more!" (evil cat laughter ensues). It was either that or, "Now -- where was my food again?"

So the days have seemed to run into one another, what with all of the moving craziness (can't believe it's been a week!) and then trying to find that exact perfect place for the saran wrap. What?!? Yeah, of all the things in the kitchen, I moved the saran wrap about three times. And that happened to be the one thing Casey was always needing (for the paint brushes). I would hear, "Where is the saran wrap now?" It's been a strange week. But we did get hot water, carpet and -- drumroll please -- a DVR! The Dish Network people came on Friday and set everything up. My poor VCR is soooo jealous now. Hey, we gotta move with the times, people! Not really, because we still have dial-up and probably always will. I can live with it if you can. Oh, did I mention that I fixed something that the Dish guy missed? No, I'm not at all extremely proud of that...nooooo. Okay, I bragged to Casey quite a bit. And it's not like I fixed it when he was there. I didn't even know it was wrong until a day or so later. It was just that he had said we could view the VCR/DVD stuff on AV2 (are you with me?), but when I did that -- zilch. I checked the hook-ups, and wouldn't you know it? He had put the lines from the VCR/DVD player in the in instead of the out! Still with me? Well, I changed the wires, all the while giggling with delight because how often do you get to be smarter than the guy who is supposed to know all of the technical details? It was too much fun.

And speaking of this post title, I will have to humble myself now after that horrible display of gloating (sorry, Dish guy). The other day I was trying to tell Casey about something I had seen on Oprah, and as you might have already guessed, I called her 'Okra' instead of Oprah. Casey was not about to miss that mistake, and of course we both laughed and laughed...boy, some fried okra sounds really good right now. Man, I am hungry!
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