Deep In The Forrest

Being a sheep this week, just following the silly little quizzes I found. This one I just filled in the answers to the words that they gave, and hopefully it's not too revealing-but I guess that's what blogs are for... but here are my answers (questions in underline): I Am a talented individual. I Want to invent a real time machine and go back to all the good times for a visit, whenever I feel like it. I Have a lot to be thankful for even if I don't always remember that. I Wish upon a star that I could be independently wealthy, and never worry about money again. I Hate every other driver on the road, and people that try to make others feel small. I Fear Wasps, Spiders and losing my loved ones. I Hear the crickets and birds chirping when I turn off everything electric and just listen. I Search for the magic wand buried in the back yard that I was convinced was there as a child. I knew it would solve everything! I Wonder what might have been. I Regret not having gone...

Title taken from the title of a book by Lewis Grizzard, Southern Humorist Actually, I guess i'd be the daughter of a gun, but that doesn't sound as 'catchy'. The story you're about to read is one of a true survivor, a man who lived through four daughters, and was happy with that, always helping us and letting us know we could do anything we set our minds to. I'm sure at times, he wondered what it would've been like to have a son but he was never dissappointed, and never complained... just patiently watched us all grow up. What can be said in such a small space to sum up such a great man? Our Dad. It certainly can't all fit. So I'm forced to choose a few things that will best show his personality, and let you get to know him. First, I was chatting a bit with my sister, Vickie (Nana) and we were thinking on all of the funny episodes that he had. He was always trying to do something "cool". If he couldn't buy something, he would at least t...

I wouldn't have posted this except for it named me the ugliest Smurf Name possible! ha-ha. After perusing Ordinary Janet's blog , I ran across it, and thought it might be fun on a lark. Anyway, if you were wondering what my Smurf name truly is, then suffer no more... for I am the "Nastiest Smurf of All"... oh and before I forget, "Happy Friday Y'all!!" Smurf Name Your Smurf Name is Nasty Smurf Get Your Smurf Name at Quizopolis.com

As good as the Dolmas (and other favorite dishes are), please... don't overdo it. Got to go. Suddenly, I feel like a nice run.

Last night, I made "Dolmas" (traditional Greek dish of Stuffed Grape Leaves).... Mmmm Mmm good! I've made them twice now, and I must say that i'm getting pretty good at them. Took some to work in a container, and they are even better after chilling overnight in the fridge. In my experience, they serve-up best with a nice greek salad, with olives, onions, feta cheese, peppers, & of course, hummus with warm pita bread. Mr. J liked them too-as I made them at his request. Very good little snack dish if you haven't tried them, that is if you are a fan of greek dishes. Looks like today was a popular day to be born ; Happy Birthday goes out to: 551 BC - Confucius , Chinese philosopher (d. 479 BC ) 1901 - Ed Sullivan , American television show host (d. 1974 ) 1926 - Jerry Clower , American comedian (d. 1998 ) 1934 - Brigitte Bardot , French actress 1937 - Rod Roddy , American television announcer (d. 2003 ) 1938 - Ben E. King , American singer and songwriter 1964...

Not too long ago, I saw this show on Satellite tv. I think I may have been out sick, and happened to catch it. I don't remember if it was on Showtime but one of the movie channels anyway. I got caught up in the plot and all, but I totally thought it was real! The biggest thing that got me interested in the plot was the fact that the guy that ordered this 'mail order bride', seemed to sincerely want to meet someone but didn't know how. Then when he got her, he slaved her around and began filming bizzare movies with her in his basement. So, I feel so ignorant for not realizing it was a fake. It really appeared to be a documentary, but in fact I just read about it being a 'comedy' and that it was designed more to be a "mockumentary" or I guess, maybe a "Fake-umentary"... At the least, it was interesting and funny and worth a look. I wonder how many other people may have seen this, and thought it was real like I did. Just can't be alone in t...

To many of you, today is just another day... "Hump Day" as some call it, just plain Wednesday to others. However, it has another remarkable remembrance. For some, today, September 27th is To Live Is To Die Day , which is an international event remembering the death of Metallicas ' Bassist (From 1982 - 1986 ) Cliff Burton , who died in Sweden in a Tour Bus accident on the 27th September 1986 . This event is remembered by Heavy Rockers and Metallifans all over the world, and is tributed on the 26th September every year, especially milestone years. (All information thanks to Wikipedia) To Live is to Die From Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia "To Live Is To Die" is an instrumental song found on Metallica 's fourth major label release ...And Justice For All . It is a tribute to their former bassist Cliff Burton who was killed in a bus crash in 1986 . Burton actually wrote the riffs for the song a few months before he died. Though the track is ...

Scenes from Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion... Guessin my high school reunion is a couple years away. I didn't go to the first one, for some reason, I just couldn't face it. I so wanted to be this "image" that I imagined for myself before showing my face to my classmates once again. For the popular kids, High School may be a time of fond memories and 'prime' stuff that they cherish, and to a certain extent for all of us, there are great memories there. But for those of us who weren't part of the "A Group" (or most-popular, voted cutest or most likely to succeed), it was a nightmare at times. There were people that I went to school with from Kindergarten through 12th grade that were 'aquaintance' friends that I didn't get that...

I remember so many great movies that me, my friends and family members have seen together over the years. First off, Edward Scissorhands was such a sweet movie, but then i'm a big Johnny Depp fan (this is just the trailer). And one of my all-time favorites, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (this is a longer clip) Makes me feel like i'm still in high school...lol

Good Monday to you. Made it through another in-law-touched weekend, and i'm here to tell about it so who says Life isn't magical! (ok, i'll be good, I swear ). Anyway, I felt like Social Distortion summed up my feelings this morning in a great song. I thought maybe it would ring true for some of you... If you like men, insert a "he" into the lyrics (as did I), if you're male (or like women) well then-you're set! :) -Enjoy these words, and better yet, grasp all the today has to offer... Tuesday will be gone before you know it. Story Of My Life (Social Distortion) High school seemed like such a blur I didn't have much interest in sports or school elections And in class I dreamed all day About a rock 'n' roll weekend And the girl in the front of the room So close yet so far Y'know she never seemed to notice That this silly school-boy crush wasn't just pretend Chorus: Life goes by so fast You only want to do what you think is right Cl...

Since Cappuccino Kid's post about Nirvana's "Nevermind" album's 15th anniversary, I was reminded of the Nirvana baby, Spencer Elden who's like 15 now. The funny thing is, well I guess it's not that funny really, he's not even a fan of Nirvana. This makes us all feel pretty old. It would be funny if he started dating Cobain's daughter... Just a thought. Here he is then and now. In honor of the anniversary of the album, here are 33 Things you need to know about Nirvana Have a great day... Monday looms in front of us...

I was lying in bed, very relaxed in that state where you could almost fall asleep, but you don't... and many things begin to rush through my head-like a brainstorming session-and the following things occurred to me as I was letting my mind flow freely: [Don't know where this one came from-it's not a memory, but I imagined it as if it were some memory that I experienced, I imagined that maybe it was one of those 'past life things'] An old wooden Staircase (white railing, and specifically the bottom step) the wood-flooring type (remembering the feeling beneath my bare feet of the wood and the texture and feel of the staircase). Although I kept coming back to this each time I got more relaxed, for some odd reason, my mind wandered around and I closed my eyes and envisioned the following things from the past... -Smelling or tasting Turnips (raw before mom cooked them) -Watermelon's fresh juicy taste as you bite into some that has been 'chilling' over the air...

It's late September here in Memphis, and that always stirs excitement. From the changing weather, and the turning leaves, and just the anticipation of Memphis's Mid-South Fair . I remember when I was in Jr. High School, sometimes my parents would let me take a day off from school so that they could take me to the fair. The rides, the animals, the exhibits, and of course, the food was always something that you looked forward to greatly... it only came 'round once a year, and we had to make it count. Art was my favorite subject in school, and subsequently my major throughout the rest of my education. Every year, our art class worked extra-hard to prepare our entries into the Mid-South fair's art competition, and we would take a field trip to the fair. One year, they had a Camel ride and I actually rode the camel with my art teacher, Ms. Pegram. She has the photo of that I think-but we laughed and she never forgot that day. Several of my art works won ribbons, but i'd...

Willie never ceases to amaze us, what with his long line of hits from his very successful music career, to his continuous work to help the environment and Solve Our Fuel Problem , or even his recent venture outside closets everwhere giving musically for the movie Brokeback Mountain . He is really one-of-a-kind. However, we are SHOCKED (not) at his very latest twist that he has gotten himself into... seems he ran into a bit of trouble with the law recently. Read More about Willie's Run-in with the law here . I jest, they must know that they caught Willie on a 'slow day', but then they only made it a misdemeanor so guess they weren't suprised either. He does keep us entertained though. Here's to you Willie! Your sad songs would 'bring a tear to a glass eye'. Put this one up for my neice, Kristie, who loves Willie Nelson almost as much as she does Johnny Cash.

Happy Birthday today to Nuno Bettencourt (formerly of Extreme), but quite a guitarist nonetheless. He graced us with his presence on September 20, 1966. However, things took an unlikely painful turn on this same day in 1967 when we were given the gift of these well-known twins . Gee thanks 'Dad'! Happy Birthday to you as well if you were dropped forth on this day. Make every second count.

Just to give a quick update, we got our air conditioner problem resolved, so that will save some of my sanity (such as it is). Everything is business as usual around the place, and although it had nothing to do with my strangeness, I feel alot more like myself... Caught this snapshot of my cat, Rodney relaxing atop my husband's Line 6 Amp-I thought it spoke well for the product as both my husband and the cat seem to favor Line 6 . Meow, and Rock On.

Just cruising through the past events of this date in history, and I was reminded of 1985, when Frank Zappa, Ozzy I think, among other musicians testified at the Congressional hearings on obscenity in rock music. That certainly stirred some controversy, and has been a growing issue for some time. Freedom of speech is supposed to be what we're all about, but more often than not, we are silenced. We're told more and more every day what we're supposed to think and say. I'm sure we've all gotten very familiar with the 'parental advisory' symbol. I bet they didn't count on the resulting boost in sales, rather than preventing kids from listening to the music that it marked. Come on you guys, it's well known that whatever we're not allowed becomes much more desirable, and even more sought after. Yes, I remember when all of that happened, not because I am good at keeping up on current events (because i'm not really) I was pretty young then. I knew ...

Here we are, on the 261st day of the year, with just 104 remaining in 2006... what are you going to do with them? Well, for one if this finds you in time you can still get to the stores to stock up for National Play-doh Day . I remember Play-Doh, it was fun... If you're not a fan of it, then don't lose hope, tomorrow, September 19, is International Talk like A Pirate Day ... imagine the possibilities... Yes, more unasked-for useless trivia, of which I always have ample supply. You can count on me! Although I payed tribute to my favorite guitarist of all time just the other day (with the exception of my husband of course), I have to mention him again. Today in 1970 marks the death of Jimi Hendrix , American musician (b. 1942 ). I can't get enough of Hendrix's music, for me he was timeless and one-of-a-kind... guess I would say my favorites are probably "Angel", and "Little Wing" (which holds a very special place in my heart). This one's for you J...

(cheesy I know)... In an attempt to get some relief from this insane humidity, I went on an expedition to the gas station to fill up my tank (something you will rarely catch me doing ahead of time), and I went to the car wash so I could listen to some music and soak up some of my car's arctic air. The clouds have been collecting today, and the sky keeps promising to rain, I saw a few droplets here and there. The darkened sky and the breeze outside today, hinting between summer and fall (but unable to make up its mind) are severely reminding me of home. I miss home sometimes very badly, and by home I guess I mean the whole package... Youth, Mom and Dad, my family, the good ole' days when we were all 'little' (you know-the way we were then), or even just 'younger'... riding around aimlessly without thoughts of wasting gas, college-staying out all night, thunderstorms, snow, the music of my childhood, and just that general feeling that was in the air I guess (maybe...

This is my brain... This is my brain without air conditioning... Any questions??

Wishing for cold crisp fall now more than ever. Something has yet again happened to our air conditioner, and once again, the air conditioner guy is taking his sweet time to get here. It is times like this when I second, maybe third and fourth guess owning a home. Pros and cons. Has been so sticky and hot in here, I took a bath in cold, yes cold water, and came out still feeling like I had sunburn. This is misery... Couldn't happen on one of those days where it actually did feel cool outside... no, today when it is sticky and 90+ degrees. Feels like a complete sauna! I can't think of anything interesting to say because my brain is totally consumed by the humidity. Gonna go outside and see if it is any cooler there... Please God let it snow.

Ok, it's later in the day, and i'm feeling a bit better... However, I am a girl of few words today. Sometimes it's great to pay attention, though, even when something is short and sweet. Have a great weekend folks... see you in the funny papers.

"Feeling like a Cubed Animal".

Maybe you can tell me the meaning of this Latin phrase? (see answer below). "Neque porro quisquam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit..." May I offer my latest tattoo as an example-or possibly, a hint. (This tat has now been filled in, but he did nice line work). I do so love the smell of a tattoo parlor. And if you're ever in Memphis , and you want to know who to go to for ink... the good stuff, I recommend my guys highly. They are Kevin & Shannon - Ramesses Shadow Memphis . Update: The translation of the above latin phrase is "There is no one who loves pain itself, who seeks after it and wants to have it, simply because it is pain..."

Barnze, with the recent discussion about Punk Music and your great story about the Derby 1978 , I had to give you a little pre-holiday fanfare-I hope you get to view it before you leave. Thanks for the great story, and have a safe and fun holiday!! Rock on for those of us who will still be working. The Clash (vintage 1978) This one's for you-Long Live Punk! Always enjoy your blog... See? Cats aren't all that bad! :) "Aunt Jackie"

We certainly have some interesting discussions in my group here at work. Yesterday, one of the team proposed the subject of Robots. All my life I can recall the movies and the t.v. shows that were fixated on Robots and the possibilities therein. They can improve our lives and take over the housework load like "Rosy" from the Jetsons. Or they can (try to) take over the world and destroy as in Terminator or I, Robot . Maybe they can get so highly advanced that they begin to have human feelings and emotions, and a desire to live life as portrayed in A.I. , or Simone . Clearly, humans are obscessed with Robots, their development, and what this might mean for the future. The way this subject came about was in the form of a question, designed to make you think (or at least spur quite the interesting discussion!). He asked us first, "If you could have a robot for a partner (i.e., spouse, significant other, etc.) and it was lifelike in every way and only you would know your par...

I know there has been alot of words swarming the internet about Steve Irwin since his uncanny death. My intentions were not to over-do that in any way, but I have to mention this. 10 stingrays killed since Irwin's death Now, I realize that alot of people really liked the guy-and they enjoyed his show and his antics, but I seriously hope that people aren't going out and killing an innocent creature of the sea--just because of Steve Irwin's death! Please! I mean, The Crocodile Hunter was a nutcase, you have to admit that (even you fans), who would do anything when it came to animals, but he was not an animal killer. If he knew that someone was killing these stingrays in retribution for his death, he would go off the deep end. The stingray was only acting naturally, and did not intentionally kill this man... as Irwin was swimming over the top of the Stingray, the stingray's automatic reaction in nervousness, is to swish its tail. This is a defense mechanism that is instinc...

It was three years ago today that the infamous Johnny Cash passed away. Most recently, I guess, the movie about his life, Walk The Line has brought some extra popularity to his music. That song in particular, I have heard recently used in some commercial, which of course I can't remember what the advertisement was about, but I remember a female voice singing the song. As a fan of Rock, I appreciate him for his personality and certainly his attitude, but since I don't like much country music, I would say that the lyrics at best interest me. However, as a fan of Punk Music as well, I do like a version of "Ring of Fire" which was recorded by Suicidal Tendencies , (CORRECTION! I meant to say Social Distortion (how could I confuse the two), but both bands I really enjoy. Their version of that song was quite good. However, I never really got comfortable with Johnny Cash recording Trent Reznor's "Hurt" . But you gotta give him props for going out on a limb. I...

Once upon a time, a wonderful happy baby girl was born, to a father and mother who were very happy to get one more girl in the family. Mind you, I was supposed to be a boy. The doctor told my parents I was going to be almost until the moment of birth. So to my father's (slight) dissappointment, another daughter. But he quickly realized that this was a great blessing. In the beginning, it was rolling along really well. I was the one and only baby of the family and that suited me just fine. But it wasn't long until the arrival of Stacey, my eldest Sister's very first baby. This is the first grandchild of our family, so it was an exciting event for everyone. Incidentally, it also made me an "Aunt" before my time. I was reportedly attempting to force Stacey to walk at a very early age, urging her to "Mon, Walk!!!" However, I adjusted to 'Aunthood' relatively well, and barely just a few months later, since my sister was getting quite good at this, Kri...

My intentions were to make today's blog entry about anything except for 9/11. Not because I don't feel for those who lost their lives or their families, because I do. But because my entry, I felt, would get lost anyway in the sea of posts commemorating and discussing the attacks of September 11. However, divine intervention successfully intervened, and here I am getting to work closer to 10:00 a.m. instead of my usual 'delayed 8:00'. Monday mornings are usually hectic around the Downtown Memphis area, but this morning was different-and I don't know why none of us really anticipated this. We work in Memphis's (mainly) tallest building, close to the river, and right across from the Fire Museum . The fire department commemorates many things, and have ceremonies alot, so I guess I was a fool not to arrive at 6:00 a.m. in order to secure a parking spot. Now, this was quite a long ceremony, and I guess all fire personnel were in attendance, so if anyone wanted to be a...

Been very occupied otherwise this weekend, trying to get a few things accomplished. Was going to think of something really good to post, but it looks like the weekend is over and my time has run out. Yes, i'm a victim of video game mania. I was knee-deep in enemies on World of Warcraft with my level 60 Pally, and we were fighting a big boss, so you must excuse my absence from the blog... my guild needed me. For those of you who are big video game geeks like me, you'll know exactly what I am talking about--the rest of you, please just excuse the outburst! :) Signed, "Sixxy" Level 60 Paladin 'Crusader of the Light'

Maybe you wonder what the definition of a true Goddess is? Well, I don't have to go into any lengthy explanations, I need only show you a picture of my Mom. "Mom", "Mee Mee", "Mrs. Rie" (or just Rie) as she was called by those closest to her, lacked just a tiny, hairline 'smidgeon' of being a certified angel. So I made her an honorary Goddess. So many things she has gone through in her life, along with the things that we, her family, have put her through, and she still always managed to come out on top, smiling, praying for each one of us and with keeping the faith that tomorrow would bring us all the sunshine that we had been holding out for. Now, I have already mentioned her allowing us to make the kitchen our personal laboratory as she was not one to discourage or stifle a creative mind. Rather, she would try to instill us all with the belief and conviction that we could do anything we set our minds to. So play and create, I tried-One partic...