The Ding/Pbbbbttt Method..

Wow... I have a blog, do you remember that I have a blog? *laughs* I was chattering with a friend of mine in Second Life the other day and was trying to explain to him the glory that is my Ding/Pbbbtt Method. After explaining and much laughter on both sides, I was informed that he needed an Ahnya Encyclopedia to help explain these little things. I found an old post of mine on this blog and decided that it might be fun to try to explain it here.

I am a stubborn girl.. and I HATE being told that there is a right or a wrong way to do anything. After bashing my head against a wall enough times, I'll occasionally agree that there is one... but I just need to figure it out for myself. Over the years I have discovered a simpler method though, that doesn't leave me with a headache. I have also been told in the past that I am an old soul, whatever that means... and apparently this is an example of that.

When I first started really exploring religion, there were certain things that the pastors/ministers/teachers said that just totally made sense to me. It was like a bell going off in my head, ringing to draw my attention to say, Pay attention... this feels right! But then there were times when the same teachers told me something that made my head blow a mental raspberry... Pbbbtttt...

I started paying attention to this little internal barometer and have since then applied it to many other aspects of my life, usually with great success. Some people equate it to a bullshit meter that rates more than just bullshit. When I was younger, it was like a voice of wisdom reminding me of things that I already knew... and just didn't know that I knew. (That old soul thing, I guess) For me it's a comfort to be able to trust that inner voice, I can't always explain WHY it works... just that it does for me.

I think in the future, if the blogging bug bites again, that I'll try to explain some of the Dings that I have discovered in my life and see if anyone else agrees.

Firsts! (Including first post in AGES!!)

So I've learned that I'm a wretched blogger. *chuckles* Good to know! Anyhow, my dear hermit/friend Bettye, who's blog I occasionally get a change to catch up, on tagged me with something that made me grin. I love trips down memory lane, so welcome to the inside of my head!

These are my firsts. If I tag you it means I want to know yours. Copy and paste this note into your blog or comments here, delete my answers and fill yours in. Tag me back and anyone else whose "firsts" you wanna know about...

Your Firsts

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Phil... he had the coolest car and he was an "older" man... Wow, that was a picture perfect night.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
No, last time I saw him (see above) was at a renaissance festival years ago.

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
I got drunk when I was 10 on Mimosas... the waiter asked my dad how many we wanted and he said everyone (meaning the adults) The waiter brought them for everyone and brought refills! Dad thought we were drinking orange juice...

4. What was your FIRST job?
Pier 1 Imports. I loved that job... worked there on and off for years.

5. What was your FIRST car?
1972 Convertible Classic Super Beetle named Horatio. Blue body and white ragtop, I claimed him as mine as soon as I was old enough to understand that cars belonged to someone... I was 4.

6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
What is this texting that you speak of? (asks the girl in the stoneage of cellphones)

7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
My cute husband... he crawled under the covers after his night shift and was freezing! Talk about an abrupt wakeup!

8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Betty Wright... now why on earth do I remember that.

9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
Probably to Texas to visit my grandparents. (Yes, this is Bettye's exact answer, but I think it's mine too!)

10. Who was your FIRST best friend and do you still talk?
Katherine Smith... aahhh... the trouble she got me into! I haven't seen her since college, last I knew she was a pharmacist.

11. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
My boyfriend from 2nd grade... I was a tawdry wench! Just kidding... we didn't really understand what "boyfriend" meant and his mom babysat me overnight.

12. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
A freezing cold husband... see #7.

13. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
Hm... honestly I think mine! Always a bride... never a bridesmaid! Well, I've only been married once so that doesn't entirely work.

14. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Warmed up the cute husband. (see #7 and #12) I'm a nice wife.

15. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Up... up with People! I think I was 12. *chuckles*

16. What was the FIRST record/tape?
Ooh, I got to pick two tapes from Columbia House and got John Denver and Captain and Tennille. I was hip! First LP though was Tony Basil with "Micky"

17. FIRST hospitalization?
I had an emergency Appendectomy in college. Strangely it was a fond memory despite the pain. I laughed alot over how it was such a comedy of errors.

18. FIRST foreign country you've been to?
Mexico

19. FIRST movie you remember seeing?
I think it was ET... that one really effected me!

20. When was your FIRST detention?
Yeah... um... *mumbles* I stabbed a kid in 7th grade. It was only with a pencil and it was in his leg! I just kinda forgot I was holding it when I leaned over to hit him for being a pest. Though I did get called into the principle in 1st grade for throwing a rotten donut at a school bus. Does that count?

21. Where did you FIRST meet your spouse/partner now?
I met him at the candy store... he turned around and smiled at me.. you get the picture... oh wait. That was the Leader of the Pack. *giggles* I met him at a bar. It's actually one of those internet-cafe/bar/poolhall type places and a mutual friend introduced us.

22. Who was your FIRST roommate?
My folks? *chuckleS* I honestly don't remember my first college roomie... we only roomed together for the first semester and then I moved in with a friend. I think her name started with a "J".

23. What did you do with your FIRST paycheck?
Gas for the car! Not terribly exciting, I know... but Dad wanted me to be responsible and I wanted to drive around.

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Why only 23? Hm... odd. Anyhow, I guess I'm supposed to tag back Bettye and then I'm going to tag the Seraph Crew, whoever might read this!

Dogs and Cats living together... Mass Hysteria!

I had to share something that just makes me laugh and in some ways is SOOO true!

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Excerpts from a dog's diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am- A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am- A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am- Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm- Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm- Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm- Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm- Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm- Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm- Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm- Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a cat's diary:

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 tonight. 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...............

A Deserted Island...

Alright, this is for Katiri! In the past we've had some really great conversations about music. Both in SL and out, she's one of my favorite music aficionados. On her profile in SL she basically states that if you want to talk to her, send her a list of the 30 songs you couldn't live without on a desert island.

I finally decided that I'd try to write mine down, though I have a feeling that it will change on occasion! It took me 2 months to finish, but here it is! (I think...)

1. Green and the Grey - New Model Army
2. Good Day - Dresden Dolls
3. Tupelo Honey – Van Morrison
4. Faded Flowers - Shriekback
5. Spirit in the Sky - Dr. and the Medics
6. Lucky Ones - Bif Naked
7. Marlene Dietrich’s Favorite Poem - Peter Murphy
8. The Highwayman - Loreena McKinnet
9. Muscoviet Mosquito - Clan of Xymox
10. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
11. She’s in Parties - Bauhaus
12. Tear you Apart - She Wants Revenge
13. Carmina Burana - Carl Orff
14. I Will Follow You into the Dark - Deathcab for Cutie
15. People Who Died - Jim Carroll
16. (I’ll Love You) Till the End of the World - Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
17. Calling All Angels - Jane Sibbery
18. Ant Music - Adam and the Ants
19. The Promise - When in Rome
20. Young Pilgrims - The Shins
21. And I – Wolfsheim
22. If You Were Here – Thompson Twins
23. Smile Like You Mean it – The Killers
24. Spinning Me Around – Modern English
25. King Volcano - Bauhaus
26. Stand and Deliver – Adam and the Ants
27. A Nervous Tick Motion of the Head to the Left – Andrew Bird
28. Sour Times – Portishead
29. Then She Did - Janes Addiction
30. Landslide – Smashing Pumpkins

16 Things About Me (or, You've Been Tagged)

Ok.... the holidays are over and I need to get my tush back in gear and do some posting, eh? *winks* I've been tagged by Bettye! It's my first time so treat me gently and here goes...

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1. I live to laugh... and luckily an easily amused so it works out well!

2. Am saddly addicted to Diet Coke.

3. Sometimes I have a hard time saying "no" when it comes to work. Or letting people know when I have too much on my plate. I tend to smile, nod, and take on more than I can accomplish.

4. I feel like the luckiest person in the world because I found the love of my life who puts up with me despite everything.

5. Always wanted to be a bellydancer because of the cool costumes.

6. Worked for the Rennaissance Festivals for 10 years selling wares and being a saucy wench.

7. I seem base alot of my life around when my godson was 3 yrs old. Apparently that was a good year because I always catch myself saying, "Well, let's see... Andy was 3..." (He's now 17)

8. Almost burst into tears today with joy when my 2 year old daughter looked at me with a very serious expression and said, "Momma, I just love playing with you."

9. Talk about my 2 year old daughter way too much.

10. Thought of something really cool to jot down 10 minutes ago and promptly forgot. *sighs*

11. I used to have panic dreams that I would forget to wear my costume to a sci-fi/fantasy convention. (Yes, I am that much of a geek)

12. Spent most of the day today in the closet. Of course that's because our paper cutter is in the closet and I spent most of the day hacking pieces of paper into little shreds.

13. Was a terribly unsuccessful "goth" in highschool because I was too happy. I think my perpetual giggles annoyed the "cool" goth kids. Still love the music though!

14. I met my husband in a bar. I know that lots of people try to meet folks there, but I don't know many successful relationships that started that way!

15. I love to read cheesy romance novels. They're tacky, tawdry and great fun!

16. I think that friends are family and the cornerstone of life. Thank you to my dear friends for being part of mine.

There we go! Now for the sad part, I don't think I know enough bloggers to tag! Doh... So I guess, if you actually read this... Woot! You're tagged. *giggles*

I BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS!

I got the best story via email the other day and just had to pass it on! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her. On the way, my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns.. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted .... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it! That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter.

His mother always wrote a note telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down."Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.
Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

And always remember, if you quit believing in Santa Clause, you get underwear for Christmas!!

Sometimes I just have to laugh at how well my friends know me... I got this random text message on my cell phone the other day. (By the way, check out scottgbrooks.com. Love his quirky artistic style!)

"I just heard on the news someone checked into the psych ward wearin just a thong & riding a goat. I'll come get you, but I swear, This is THE LAST TIME!"