Oil in the Gulf

I‘ve done a really good job of burying my head in sand, so to speak, regarding the horrific BP incident in the gulf. Of course the media is doing a great job of helping me in this regard. I honestly believe we have not seen half of what is really going on. Notice how it’s always the same video shot from BP, or the same isolated beach shots? I’m guessing that like myself, most people want to stay blissfully ignorant as to the oil leak in the gulf. With ‘top kill’ failing miserably, however, that is increasingly unlikely.

I drive past a BP station everyday and have never given it much thought until (obviously) recently. I don’t recall ever getting gas at a BP, mainly because RaceTrac and 7-Eleven are on the routes I take in my everyday routine. When I drive past BP now, however, I get a sick feeling in my stomach that lasts until I get home, and the same thoughts run through my head: I may be a hypocrite, but I have to drive (especially in central FL). I refuse to stop at BP, however. As I was thinking this the other day I was surprised to see how many people were still getting gas at BP. I would think that with this oil disaster people would be shunning BP gas stations like the plague. I was disheartened to see this isn’t the case.

I know my personal ban on BP won’t change a single thing but it gives me some sense of action. I can’t say I’m driving less, because I really don’t drive that much to begin with. Mass transit, which is all but nonexistent in the area I live in, is also not an option. I guess I’ll have to take my small victories and in the meantime, pray that God, or Buddha, or Allah or someone is looking over the Gulf and will intervene to protect what is left to protect. BP certainly can’t be counted on to do it.

This is such an important and worthwhile cause that I’m having Zachary walk with me. I’m so looking forward to Zachary meeting my friend’s son, Will, who was born premature (at 25 weeks) and has his own share of challenges. From what Janey has said, Will is a funny, precocious, lively and dear kid and I think he and The Goose will get along famously. I hope The Goose can keep up with him!

I need some help, though.
As you can see if you look over there ————————————>
I’m a little short of my goal. Every little bit helps. $10, $15, $25, etc. Please open your hearts and your wallets and donate a little coin to this wonderful organization. Help me and Zachary help babies in need. Just click on the badge.

If you’re interested in learning more about Will, Janey is always too happy to talk about her wonderful son. Check out Confessions of a Middle-Aged Suburban Diva.

Who art in The Dome,

Hallowed be thine arm.

Thy bowl will come,

It will be won.

In The Dome, as it WAS in Lambeau.

And give us this Sunday,

Our weekly win.

And give us many touchdown passes.

But do not let others pass against us.

Lead us not into frustration,

But deliver us from self-destruction.

For thine is the MVP, the best of the NFC,

and the glory of the Purple and Gold,

now and forever.

Go kick some ass. Amen.

I swear I just did this. Ah well, as they say, Carpe Flies, no. Seize the fish. No, Time Flies—That’s the one! Speaking of Carpe Diem I have to give a great big SHOUT OUT to sweet Citizen Janey! She completed this: The Women’s Half Marathon. And let me tell you, the time she completed it in, well it would have taken me a hell of a lot longer. Who am I kidding? I wouldn’t have lasted 10 minutes! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION JANEY!

But enough about her. Let’s talk about my week.

I think I broke my toe a few weeks ago. Here’s a tip: don’t leave a case of 32-count diet soda sitting in an unexpected place in your kitchen, and then go wandering around for a snack after a few pints after the kids have gone to bed. I also don’t recommend re-banging it on the bunk beds a week later. Damn boys need to start changing their own sheets!

I don’t actually know for certain if it’s broken, but since the family has been to see Aunt Ivonne three times in as many weeks, I figure I’d give her a break. I do know for certain that being off the weight loss drugs has really sucked. Yes, I’ve gained a little weight back. I’m not up to where I was at my ‘peak’ but I’m up enough to be uncomfortable in my clothes. Could someone out there please tell me how to fit in 50 hours of work, domestic slavery duties, making sure two boys are fed, clothed, bathed and put to bed AND fit in an hour a day of Wii Fit??? I know the Miller Lite’s not helping (my waistline anyway, but I have two boys who are still breathing), but I’m sure if I could counteract it with some exercise I’d be ahead of the game (or at least able to keep up). If there is anyone out there who knows the secret, I beg of you, tell me what it it!!

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put a tomato in fruit salad.

I do know that stress is contributing to it a little bit. I’m a stress-dinner-eater. By the time dinner rolls around I’m so ready for my day to be almost over and I’m ready to relax that I shovel my dinner in. I know I should monitor my portions, not take seconds, put my fork down between bites, yadda yadda yadda. Unfortunately, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. ((Sometimes I know the difference between knowledge and wisdom and sometimes I ignore it!))

As I’m coming back to this, I just finished dinner. Yep, there was some stress eating involved. *sigh* Maybe tomorrow. For tonight I’m going to put the boys to bed and get myself a glass of wine. Zachary is on vacation, so by extension, so am I. It’s just easier to take the week off when he’s home for five days. We went to a wrap place for lunch while waiting for my car ((My car is another blog: if you really want to read about it check out at The Saab Blaag.)) and the girl behind the counter, while looking pointedly at me, asked Zachary if he was on a break. No, silly girl. I keep him home to do the domestic chores. Who else would do all of our laundry? But thanks for asking. Really, it is your business. ((Okay, Zachary only has to do all of the domestic chores when he’s home on break, like this week for Thanksgiving. ))

Oh yes, I was talking about wine. The boys are now in bed so it’s time. I bought my bottle of wine at Winn-Dixie tonight and they actually had me remove my ID from its holder and they scanned it. WTF!? I don’t like the idea of the grocery store scanning my ID every time I buy a bottle of wine or some Miller Lite. And don’t give me that BS about it reading my age. If the cashier can’t READ my age, they shouldn’t be in a position to determine if I’m old enough to purchase a bottle of wine. Big Brother is watching, from Winn Dixie.

I have no segue here, but I have to say I’m trying to learn more and get the most out of my MacBook Pro. Since I’ve started reading Mac|Life and Macworld, I’ve realized I have not even scratched the surface with all the cool shit this computer can do. I’ve installed some great apps (most of ‘em free), I’ve made changes to make the most of my doc, spaces and exposé, and I’m seriously enjoying my upgrade to Snow Leopard. Of course Snow Leopard would totally rock if my company’s exchange server was up-to-date so I could take advantage of SL’s newly integrated exchange support, but I guess a girl can’t have it all.

So that’s the past week of randomness. Would you like some more? Be sure to check out The UnMom. She’s as cool as me, lol!

1. I am happy to provide this information, but you have to use it at your own discretion. I am not responsible for any problems you may encounter with your computer, your iTunes, your iPhone, or any other electronic device even surrounding said items.
2. I am not your tech support. I will answer questions (if there are any posted in the comments) to the best of my ability a) if I know the answer and/or b) if I feel like it.
3. I tested this on my MacBook Pro using Leopard, iTunes 8, and my original iPhone ((no iPhone 3G for me )) I also tested these steps on my PC using XP and iTunes 8.
4. No animals were hurt during this process.

The Steps

Step 1: Paging Captain Obvious! Step 1 is to determine what song you want to use. NOTE: This process will not work for songs actually purchased through iTunes. If you ponied up the cash for a song in iTunes, pony up the additional $1 to create a ringtone.

Step 2: While listening to the song, note the start and stop times of the snippet you’d like to use. You’ll need to keep this gem shorter than 40 seconds.

Step 3: When you’ve determined the length of your ringtone and are armed with the start and stop times, right-mouse click on the song in iTunes, select “get info” and then the “options” tab.

Enter your start and stop times in minutes:seconds (like 00:10) and click “ok”.

Step 4 ITUNES 8 OR OLDER: Right-mouse click on the track again and select “create AAC version”. This will create a new file with just the snippet of time you selected. It does not modify your original in any way.

Step 4 ITUNES 9: With the music track selected, click on “Advanced” in the menu bar and select “Create AAC Version”. This will create a new file with just the snippet of time you selected. It does not modify your original in any way.

Step 5: When the “duplicate” file appears in your iTunes, right-mouse click on it and select “delete”. Click on “remove” for the first pop-up asking if you are sure you want to remove the song from the playlist. Then click on “keep file”. DO NOT send the file to the recycle bin.

Step 6: Now you need to find the new file, which was saved in the same place as your original file and has the exact same name, with a few exceptions. ((The fact that you’re following these steps leads me to believe you know a little somethin’ somethin’ about your computer and where your files are stored. If not, leave a comment and I’ll try and help.))

1. The new, snippet version will have a file extension of .m4a.
2. If you are using a song that you ripped from a CD using iTunes and all of these files have the .m4a extension, don’t fret. Your snippet is the one with a 1 appended to the file name.

Step 7: Once you’ve located your new snippet .m4a file, change the extension to m4r. You’ll be warned this will self-destruct your computer. Do it anyway.

Step 8: Only 6 more steps to go. Kidding! Now just double click on your .m4r file and it should open in iTunes under ringtones, and be ready to sync.

Step 9: Sync.

These steps actually work. ((At least they did for me and Topsurf!)) I hope someone else will find this handy. Now go forth and (ringtone) prosper!

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices last night. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant.. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now……………..

I have not been a very good blogger lately. While I’ve managed to scrape by with some posts here (just barely, though), 10 things I hate about your site has been withering on the vine. I haven’t posted there in over a *gasp* month, and I’m seriously struggling with design issues.

I’ve spent the better half of the last month trying to design my own WordPress theme. What a nightmare, and I’m an effing designer!! So, now I’m spending my evening trying to find a new theme. Believe it or not, I’m very picky discerning. Finding the right theme for 10 things is not an easy task. I need widgets, and ad space, and a place for my favorite banner image of all time (which I may have to let go ), and lots of other stuff. So here I am, trolling the internet.

Of course I’m looking for a free theme. Yeah, good luck with that!

Today, Wednesday’s words are all about Mother Earth.

The world is finite, resources are scarce,
Things are bad and will be worse,
Coal is burned and gas exploded,
Forests out and soil eroded,
Wells are dry and air polluted,
Dust is blowing, trees uprooted,
Oil is going, ores depleted,
Drains receive what is excreted,
Land is sinking, seas are rising,
Man is far too enterprising,
Fires will rage with man to fan it,
Soon we will have a plundered planet.
- K. E Boulding

Future

Sweet Mother Earth, lovely daughter of Ra
wonderful cosmic creation you are
spinning through aeons evolving and shaping
dying from twenty short decades of raping
now you are burning, in sadness you smolder
heat slowly rising yet future looks colder
Soon all your children will hurt you no more
mankind raps loudly on grim reaper’s door
dragged to its future as convicts in chains
rivers and streams clogged like varicose veins.

Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth. ~Henry David Thoreau

Forests and fields turn to debris and dust
greed and abandonment violates trust
dig, rip and kill is the cry of the age
teardrops are falling on history’s page
written in blood from the animals lost
profits are rising, so discount the cost.

Rush through their lives as the air above burns
see daily damage, yet nobody learns
meek is the voice from humanity’s cry
too busy gathering trinkets to try.

Slowly your body turns barren and bare
the future is written – there isn’t one there.

- Graeme King

Happy Earth Day. Let’s try and take care of Mother Earth.

Literally. I have the Dyson DC25 Upright Ball and I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this thing. I know, you’re thinking it’s lame to be blogging about a stupid vacuum, but I’ve had this post as a draft for months. Every time I vacuum, I remind myself that I need to finish it. ((This should tell you how often I vacuum, and explain my need for a really good one. )) I think the world should know how great this vacuum is.

Hate to vacuum? You wouldn’t if you had this baby. The ball was a brilliant idea and I can’t believe it took this long for someone to think of it. Like my favorite prostitute said about the Lotus Esprit, “This baby corners like it’s on rails!” ((Let’s see who comments with the movie reference.))

And suck? The ball does! My Dyson picks up dirt from the lady who lived here before, and we’ve been here over three years. With 2 kids, 1 dog, 1 husband, 1 cat, lots of dirt, sand and dust, I don’t know how I survived before I got this thing. It also goes easily from carpet to bare floor at the touch of a button at the top of the vacuum and not the bottom.

If you can, do yourself (and your floors) a favor and invest in one. It’s the last vacuum you’ll ever own. This site has the DC24 for $399 and free shipping–not a bad deal.

Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day. It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some countries like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday (first started in 1911). I do find it interesting how it’s NOT a holiday in the United States.

In honor of this day, I want to celebrate the many women in my life, letting them know how they affect me and celebrateing them for their diversity of strength and character.

Those who influence

My Mom
While we may agree to disagree on so many things I can honestly say that my mom can be amazing. I owe my love of music (and my love of the diversity of music to her. She is charismatic, sarcastic, smart, and snarky, all at the same time.

She managed to raise two kids, on her own. ((NO child support, NO man, NO health insurance.))  I don’t care what day and age you’ve lived in–raising two kids single-handedly is probably the hardest task anyone could ask. Many people try and fail. My mom, she did a pretty good job. ((My brother and me aren’t in jail, are we? ))

Mary
Mary is my mother-in-law. She is one of the most formidable (in a good way) women I’ve ever met. She is strong, smart, and no-nonsense. She raised three pretty remarkable sons under some pretty tough circumstances. She has also overcome many of her own demons to be a successful business owner and a remarkable woman.

Michelle
Another remarkable woman. Michelle is currently raising two toddlers by herself. (At least me and my brother were 10 years apart!). A person with little self-esteem due to things I won’t mention here, she has overcome and has become an amazing mother.

Oh, and she managed to get herself through school, while working full-time and having two small boys. That’s pretty amazing.

KrUsher
Kristen is everything I am not. Easy-going, mellow, and not very materialistic ((I’m really trying to work on my materialism!)).  It is true that opposites attract! I consider her one of my dearest friends, even if I moved 1500 miles away and am lucky to talk to her once a week.

Currently, KrUsher is going through a tough time. She’s having to deal with the reality that our parent’s don’t live forever. I think of her everyday and can’t wait until I hear the news that there will be a mini-KrUsher coming.

Lisa
Another über-amazing woman, Lisa has also faced some tough challenges and has come out ahead. She’s the mother of three beautiful kids and I can only hope my boys turn out as fabulous as hers appear to be.

Lisa is one of those rare women who accepts her faith and like God, understands that people are fallible. She also knows that her tattoos, her love of a good tequila, and her one indiscretion during her life will not overshadow the fact that she is a beautiful, amazing, compassionate and devout chick!

Besides, all she needs to do is show St. Peter the F’ing amazing tattoo of Our Lady of Guadalupe that covers her entire back to get admittance through the pearly gates.

Nicole
Nicole was my first Florida friend. What’s really ironic about that is she moved here from Denver about 6 months after I did! How’s that for a small world?

Her and her husband are raising three beautiful girls with lots of patience ((Okay, some patience and a lot of threatening.))  and even more love. I’m glad I found her here, and not in Denver.

Ivonne
Ivonne is either driven, or nuts. How else would you explain a woman who works full-time as nurse practitioner, has two girls in elementary school, and is going to school to earn her doctorate’s degree? Sure, her husband is a big help, but come on. That’s a lot going on! She is beautiful, smart, driven, and generous, and I’m honored to have her has a sister-in-law.

Those who get me through the day

Working online, from home, can be a lonely endeavor. Thanks goodness I have a great network of eFriends to keep me company!

Miss Caught Up
Her and I became friends after I started following her blog. We started chatting through Blog Catalog, but that is annoying. I invited her to Plurk, and the rest is history.

I hate that she lives SO far away, meaning the odds of us ever meeting in person are pretty slim. What’s ironic is that if a day goes by where I haven’t talked to her, my day doesn’t seem complete. We exchanged Christmas cards, I know her real name and her boyfriend, and I truly consider her a friend.

Miss Caught Up is funny, smart, crazy, and addicted to all things internet-chick-gamey ((Like YoVille on FB, or Season One, or Plurk!))  Which is probably why we get along so well!

Fragile Heart
While I don’t talk to Reggy every day I try to talk to her as much as possible. She’s sensitive, humorous, and like the rest of us, is trying to figure shit out. Reggy, however, is airing it all online. Which also makes her brave!

Lyndi
Not only is Lyndi the WordPress guru she is probably the nicest person, online or offline, that I’ve ever met. Her blog, Nice 2 All, means just that.

CarolineFB
I’m not sure how to describe Caroline. Snarky, sensitive, bitchy, sweet, belligerent ((She’ll understand the reference ))   and funny. I enjoy every one of our conversations. She’s a bit of a mystery still–I haven’t figured out if that is really not her in her blog profile. But every day I love chatting with her and learning more.

There are more–too many to name them here. Great women like Niamh, Sonya, Deana, Jackie, Amber, Trisha, and so on.

Thank you all, for being women. For being wonderful, amazing, great women.