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This week’s random plurks

melissa — Sat, 09 May 2009 13:39:31 +0000

I have to admit, I’m stealing using an idea I found on the blog of someone requesting a 10 things review. I found the idea of my week in tweets an intriguing one so I’ve gone back through my week of plurks, and picked some gems for you.

May 1 WebBetty shares WTF???

May 1 WebBetty shares Patrick broke ranks and chose drag over the bow tie.

May 1 WebBetty really hates IE6. Seriously–everyone who still uses it needs to upgrade!

May 4 WebBetty gets really frustrated when everyone assumes I can do all kinds of peripheral work just because I work from home.

May 5 WebBetty is NOT ready for the boys to get bunk beds this weekend!

May 5 WebBetty is having a battle of the wills with The Bear.¹

May 6 WebBetty is at Wet ‘N Wild!²

May 7 WebBetty just booked her anniversary trip to Vegas!!!³

May 8 WebBetty says the crib has been taken apart. No more bars for The Bear, Which strikes fear in my heart.

May 8 WebBetty is plurking while the boys do all the heavy lifting.

May 8 WebBetty is amazed. 8 trips back and 75 minutes later, and The Bear is asleep in his bed. No more crib!

May 8 WebBetty says this is the current state of my living room

And now some random plurks from my pleeps:

2ManyBoyz needs a good wake-up slap!

AsianAly says Sammi and I are going to do a walking workout video and apparently it’s pretty hard. How hard is walking in place?

Bronsont says Hell Yes, it’s Hell’s Kitchen.

CarolineFB wonders why.

countess janey says what’s new, Pussycat?

MissCaughtUp Holy crap it is hard to read Old English.

You can catch all of this, and more, at Plurk.

This post was generously brought to you by colon cleanser. Don’t ask.

More on the subject...
Which I won, BTW.
Zachary and I got wet and wild!
Who’s coming with us?!

Neglect

melissa — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:40:25 +0000

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!

This post has been generously brought to you by appetite suppressants. Which I am in serious need of if I’m going to look hot for my anniversary in Vegas!!!

Wednesday’s Words: It’s Earth Day!

melissa — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:11:21 +0000

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.

This post was generously brought to you by information on mesothelioma. Another man-made problem.

Random Tuesday Thoughts: the Entertainment Version

melissa — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:06:45 +0000

Alas, dear readers. It has been too long. I apologize for the absence. Life, believe it or not, takes precedence over blogging.

But it’s a nice Tuesday evening. The boys are in bed. Chris is off playing poker (and hopefully winning–baby needs a new pair of shoes!). So I’m taking a little time for some Random Tuesday Thoughts!

We watched Kung Fu Hustle over the weekend. It was fabulous and you should definitely check it out.¹ I loved Landlady and wish I could kick ass like that in my housecoat and curlers.

While we’re on the topic of entertainment, I’m seriously pissed at my DVR. It keeps messing up all of my programs. I’m missing things I want to see. The Brighthouse box is a piece of crap.

And segue to American Idol. since I had to reset my DVR I forgot to set AI up to record. For the past three weeks. So I’ve missed all the Adam glory. Poop.

I guess this is turning out to be the all-entertainment version of Random Tuesday Thoughts.

So, who knew a bunch of geriatrics could sound so good. The Fleetwood Mac concert last night was awesome! Stevie Nicks sounded amazing and Mick Fleetwood looked like he was having the time of his life. Thanks Nicole, for going with me!

I can’t wait for the U2 concert in October. We’re taking Zachary² I’ve seen them twice–both shows were amazing. I really like the new album, even though some people are slamming it. Hey, not every album can be The Joshua Tree.

And on an I’m-my-own-entertainment note (for this entertainment post), I’m now off to check out Westgate Reservations–they have a Vegas resort (Westgate Flamingo Bay). Let’s see what deals they have for hubby and me. Vegas in June baby!

More on the subject...
Unless crap like Twilight is more your thing. In that case, don’t bother. You wouldn’t understand Kung Fu Hustle.
We haven’t told him yet–we’re giving him his ticket on his 6th birthday.

This is not a 10 things review

melissa — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:44:53 +0000

I know this post is better suited for the blog-that-shall-remain-nameless, however, for various reasons I am posting my review of Saint Joseph’s University PMP exam preparation site here at the Web-Betty Blog. If you’re interested in a Project Management Curriculum, check them out! If you’re interested in my review of their site, not 10 things style, read on:

This review will not be quite different from those prepared for 10 things I hate about your site the blog-that-shall-remain-nameless, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to give some definite feedback. So here goes.

My very first impression of this site is not favorable. It’s a very dull page and while there is nothing overtly wrong with it, I just don’t find it very inspiring. The color scheme is lacking–the red/rusty logo and header colors clash with the turquiose-y background color in the banner image. In fact, the banner overall is missing a very professional feel. It looks like it was put together by a Photoshop beginner and is not of the professional caliber I would expect from a site for a project management curriculum. Also, the banner is not scalable. Anyone viewing this site on a smaller monitor or with a lower screen resolution is going to experience horizontal scrolling.¹

I also don’t like that the second column starts at the top of the first column’s paragraph. It should start at the top of the page, in line with the “Online Project Management Certificate Program” subheader.

The Good

Yes, there are some good things about this site. First, it’s nice and crisp–always a good business choice. I also like that the navigation clearly shows where there is a dropdown, and on these the top-level is not a link.²

The line-length is excellent. Breaking the page into columns gives the site more visual interest, and helps readability. And finally, I really like the pages for the certificates. The Flash banner is appealing and the pages are more visually interesting than the others.

Overall, these pages do get the job done. With a few minor edits however, these pages would definitely stand out.

More on the subject...
Horizontal scrolling is always a no-no, unless intentional!
It’s very irritating with drop-down navigation when the top “links” acts like links but are really just “headers”.

Wednesday’s Words: The Moon is a Cookie

melissa — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:28:10 +0000

I know, there are a lot of bloggers out there who do a “Wordless Wednesday” post. Call me a rebel. I’m reversing the trend and going with “Wednesday’s Words.”

Today’s words were penned by none other than The Goose (aka, Zachary). We were all sitting at dinner some time back, talking about stories and the writing he was doing in school when out of the blue, he makes up this poem, The Moon is a Cookie.

Enjoy!

The Moon is a Cookie

The moon is a cookie;
The moon is a flower;
The moon is a rose, that blossoms at night.
The moon is a sliver that slips through the treetops,
and crosses the ribbons of slivers of light.

Poem by Zachary. Punctuation by me.

This post was generously brought to you by some jewelry. Remember what Madonna Marilyn Monroe taught us, “…diamonds are a girl’s best friend…”

Mini-vacation

melissa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:27:46 +0000

I’m writing this post after just getting back from West Palm Beach, and our nice little mini-vacation. It’s always so nice to get away from central Florida and go more coastal (not postal ). We love the beach but just don’t manage to get there as often as I would like. It can be tedious lugging 2 kids, 4 beach chairs, a treasure chest of beach toys, towels, sunscreen, a cooler, (etc., etc., etc.) 45 minutes to Daytona. What makes our trips to West Palm Beach so great is that 1) we stay for the weekend so the “lugging” doesn’t seem that bad, and 2) we’re staying literally right on the beach. What’s not awesome about that?

Unfortunately, we didn’t actually make it to the beach as often as we wanted–it was SO windy. We did go to the mall on Saturday for tea with the Easter Bunny and some underwear shopping for daddy. Then we relaxed in the penthouse the rest of the afternoon. I was afforded the luxury of an afternoon nap while the boys and Nana made their first beach attempt. We hung around for awhile, then Chris and I went for an early dinner at this wonderful restaurant next to the water called Tiki on the Water. Open air with a palapa-thatched roof, and FRESH seafood. And no kids. It was divine!

Sunday morning, and the beach Gods were with us. No wind, not too hot, just right. We spent a great morning building sandcastles, running after, and away from, the waves, and in general just loving the ocean. It was a nice trip–too bad it was so short.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

This post was generously brought to you by historic hotels. We didn’t need one this weekend.

Obsession starts early

melissa — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:55:18 +0000

I’ve been a Star Wars fan ever since standing in line with my Dad at the Cooper on Colorado Blvd in Denver, patiently waiting to get in to see the best sci-fi movie ever. I wasn’t even 6 at the time, which seems SO young to watch this film. Then it hits me that Zachary isn’t 6 yet and he’s been a Star Wars fan for over 2 years now. His delight with the franchise started with Legos, and a GameCube–the Lego’s Star Wars Game–which he earned at 3 by sleeping in his own bed seven nights in a row.¹ I finally succumbed to the pressure and let him watch the movie when he was 4, with me and dad, of course. He followed the movie, wasn’t scared, and when talking to him about it to make sure he wasn’t scarred for life, I was the silly one, “They aren’t real, mommy!”

Fast forward a few years. While I thought Zachary was tenacious (we often refer to him as “Tenacious Z”), he’s got NOTHING on his brother. Tenacious or obsessive, you be the judge.

Jonah has grown to the ripe old age of 2, watching Zachary play all forms of Star Wars. From the Lego’s Star Wars game I, and then II; watching bits of the movie here and there when no one thinks I’m paying attention; putting together Legos Star Wars battleships; playing with the light saber Zachary was given by my brother.² There is no shortage of Star Wars in this house. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Jonah has developed a complete and total obsession with the franchise. He literally wakes up in the morning with the battle cry “Mommy! Daddy! Star Wars!”

He loves to “play” the Lego’s game with Zachary on the GameCube, jumping up and down and mumbling to himself, just like big brother. He’s also fascinated with actual Legos. Now that I know he won’t put them in his mouth, he’s allowed to play with them. He carries his plastic container full of them through the house, perching here and there to swap out little hats, remove legs, and build little ships he then pretends to fly through the air. If it weren’t so damn annoying wasn’t such an obsession, it would be really cute.

He also “conducts” whenever he hears either the Star Wars theme, or the Imperial Death March,³ and he will carry around Zachary’s Star Wars sticker book literally for hours.

Actually, it is really cute. The part that’s not fun is having to repeatedly tell him “No!” when he attempts to find and play Zachary’s Nintendo DS. That is the one thing I won’t give in on. Those things are expensive–and Zachary should have at least one thing to call his own, right?

Watching these boys, I have to wonder where they get their obsessive tendencies from. Hmm, by the way, have I mentioned that we’re going to Vegas in June?

This post was generously brought to you by a box cutter. They come in handy when I have to open all those Legos boxes.

More on the subject...
Bribery works, he really wanted that GameCube. He’s been going to bed in his own bed quietly ever since.
I need to remember to thank him for bringing what is akin to a baseball bat into my home, to be swung around at random.
You’d be shocked to know that those songs actually play on an almost daily basis here.

Dammit–Tagged Again!

melissa — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:00:56 +0000

Facebook is like a virus. And not the good kind. I’ve managed to avoid being tagged for some time. But, it, appears, my time is up. And so here we go again. More crap you probably don’t want to know about me.

This is the Four Things tag/meme/crap:

Four names that people call you (I’ve put mine in order):

1. Mommy
2. WebBetty
3. Mel
4. Melissa

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Mom
2. Instructional Designer
3. Hooters Girl
4. Bartender

Four movies I’ve watched more than once:

1. Pretty Woman
2. White Christmas
3. Pretty In Pink
4. Star Wars

Four places I have lived:

1. Denver, CO
2. Lakewood, CO
3. Wheatridge, CO
3. Apopka, FL

Four places I have traveled:

1. Cozumel, Mexico
2. Puerto Vallerto, Mexico
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. San Diego, CA

Four People who e-mail me:

1. My client Dave
2. My eCollege coworkers
3. Facebook
4. Immigrants who will give me money to deposit their long-lost family members earnings

Four of my favorite Foods:

1. Pasta
2. Green Chili
3. Strawberries
4. soup

Four places I’d rather be right now:

1. on a beach
2. Vegas
3. on a beach
4. on a beach

Four things I’m looking forward to this year:

1. My 10-year anniversary (in Vegas )
2. My sons becoming even more awesome.
3. More wonderfulness for my friends and family.
4. A better economy.

Four TV shows that I watch:

I have to list only 4? bummer.

1. Dexter
2. CSI (all of them)
3. Saving Grace
4. Law & Order (all of them)

Ha ha! That’s actually 9 shows, so there!

So there you have it. More crap about me you probably didn’t want to know!

This post was generously brought to you by luggage. If you want to go to Vegas in June with us, you’ll need some.

My vacuum sucks

melissa — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:04:54 +0000

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.¹ 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!”²

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.

More on the subject...
This should tell you how often I vacuum, and explain my need for a really good one.
Let’s see who comments with the movie reference.