There is a certain blog I read that continues to annoy and nag at me. Why do I still read it? Because it isn't the blogger than annoys me. It is the commenters that piss me off. Again, you're asking why...

Simply put - These commenters don't understand the concept of blogging, the purpose of individual communication, and the appropriate use of public access forums.

The comments hardly ever have anything to do with the post that was made. They are generally from the blogger's parents making random statements or asking unrelated questions. Every time I see it I scream at the computer - "It's called e-mail! Look into it!" The rest of the readers don't care to hear about your weekend plans, what your wife got you for your birthday, or why you took the day off. I know damn well that you have your son's e-mail and his phone number. So how about you keep your business in those venues instead and I won't come up there and kick you in the head, ok?

It's a simple concept here people...
Stay on topic or stay off the blog!

whew ... I feel better now ... how about you?

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:49 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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I don't care how slim the chance is that a creepy crawly thing could actually hurt me... stuff like this is why they are simply and unwaiveringly banned from my house. I mean, just listen to this:

Thinking it was a mouse, I went to investigate the sound. The sound was coming from under some papers which I lifted, expecting to see the mouse scamper away," the 32-year-old psychotherapist said Wednesday. "Instead, when I lifted the papers, I saw this prehistoric looking animal skitter away behind a stack of books.

The Scolopendra gigantea has front claws that are adapted to deliver venom when it stings, which can lead to a blistering rash, nausea and fever. The sting is rarely life-threatening, but painful.

Banned. Period. Case closed.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 12:35 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I just got off the phone with Joshua Tree Superior Court in California...

And they tell me I need a lawyer now.

And I wasn't the one that got arrested.

But I won't see my bail again if I don't.

WHAT . THE . FUCK ?

Posted by: Princess Cat at 02:03 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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I was on dog sitting duty again a few days ago ... this dog never ceases to amaze me with his antics...

Not only does this dog piss on everything in sight - he constantly needs to drop a steamer ... constantly... Only he doesn't want you to know he's doing it. He regularly climbs into shrubs and hedges to avoid being seen. The back 'yard' where he lives doesn't have any foliage to hide in but he tries his best to hide under something.

On the day in question, Shit Monster went into the 'wooded' area that consists of dead branches, fallen leaves, and a sprinkling of trash.

Act One
He attempted to hide behind a tree in the neighbor's yard and gave me a hurt look when I wouldn't let him defile their property. He ran back to the center area and tried to go back to the house but couldn't ... he was too scared to move now that he had his leash caught on dead branches. I swear this dog is such a pussy. I yanked, the twigs broke, he freaked cuz they touched him, and he was free.

Act Two
He attempted to hide in something in the other neighbor's yard and again gave me a hurt look combined with the just let me shit, lady face. He came back to his own yard, climbed under some hanging twigs, and finally did his business ... and what looked like a couple of other dog's business as well ... as he waddled in a circle. WTF?

Finale
You guessed it, he's tangled his leash in the dead twigs again. This time he neared a full blown panic at being stuck. The more I tried to coax him in the untangling direction the more he freaked out ... and pranced from paw to paw like a little kid doing the pee-pee dance. The voices in my head were screaming at this point... NOOOOOO!! But he did. I snapped the twigs again and he was free... ready to go in the house.

He was agitated that I made him sit at the door instead of just letting him in. But I had to check to see if my worst fears had come true. Had he pranced himself right through the fresh pile? DAMMIT! He had.

A good hose down later I was bitter at him, he was bitter at me and we went our separate ways for the rest of the afternoon.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 12:26 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Yesterday I made the trek down to the International Spy Museum for what is beginning to feel like my annual fall tradition. This is the third August in a row that I have been. This time though, it was a special trip.

The current special exhibit, The Enemy Within, is being replaced and I had to see it one more time before it was gone.

It is a trip through terrorism, extremism, racism, hatred, violence, revolution, subterfuge, and sabotage in American history - both home-grown and foreign. The exhibit includes citizen acts against one another, acts against the government, and the reaction by both the American people and the government, as well as artifacts from different incidents. I have yet to find a better collection of historic facts relating to the ever evolving difficulty that is the balance between security and our way of life.

I disagree with some of the statements made in the video portion about today's world but I've seen it three times now - I must still like the exhibit...

Anyone who has the chance to see it before it goes off exhibit really should go. The museum is open until 8pm these days (last admission for the special exhibit only is 6:45) and the ticket is only $5!! But you better hurry, Sept 5 is your LAST CHANCE!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 04:33 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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How many times have you felt like this...

"It didn't have antlers going in...
but it sure had antlers coming out!"

Posted by: Princess Cat at 01:45 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I want to send best wishes to Gulf Coast residents. I can't even imagine what you are in for this week and in the weeks to come. Many a blog will keep people updated but this is not one of them. Bou and Eric most definitely have their share of coverage and more expressive words about the subject than I could dream of being able to write.

The most I can really say is that people I know have loved ones in Katrina's path and they are worried. They are upset because they know there is nothing they can do but call and ask if everything is still ok. I have been along the coast there from Pensacola to NO itself and it is a shame to think of the desctruction she is capable of brining to it. So many people's lives at stake and so many resources that will be spent to put the pieces back together again.

I know now is probably not the best time for humor but sometimes it is how I deal with what I cannot control. So just remember, when the water's coming, do what the stupid chick in the horror flicks always does when some psycho is chasing her around the house ... always go up!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:34 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Yeah, I'm thrilled... my company is sending me right into that area next week. I think my boss hates me.

Posted by: TheBisch at August 29, 2005 12:55 AM (D96xQ)

2 I just heard Navarre is taking a beating now. One of my best friends from college lives there... her husband is in Iraq... and she has 3 kids. What a mess.

Posted by: Bou at August 29, 2005 12:35 PM (5JHEt)

3 .. one nasty nightmare, that's for sure...

Posted by: Eric at August 29, 2005 12:43 PM (YlwMq)

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So that BBQ we went to on Sat? Umm... SUCKED!

And poor Feisty D who flew into town, made time in her plans to see me after all this time, and had to endure the bizzare mash of events. She was just as beautiful and charming as I remembered her to be. What else could I expect from a Hot-lanta woman? Full of laughter and quick wit, she's still my kinda chick.

But the torture I put her through...

First off, it decided to rain the entire day. Weathermen said it would break by noon and then be scattered thunderstorms throughout the afternoon. The actual chain of events were more like constant gray with a precipitation range of slight drizzle to moderate rain. I was cold the entire freakin day. Even once I was inside I could not get my body to warm up. So later that evening I burrowed into the couch in a fleece and homer simpson slippers watching shows about tattoos. But I digress...

Originally this BBQ was scheduled for 6pm. It got moved to 3pm. We showed up at 3:30 and were the first to arrive. The host was still in her grubs from powerwashing the deck (in the rain?) and had no idea what to do with herself.
Strike One.

The "yard" or "back patio" was sort of sketchy. Within the privacy fence there was a small deck area, a small cement area, and a small 'grassy area' - mostly taken up by a very large home made dog house - that was also mostly a big mud pit ... including the area dug out under the house. The window screens were shredded by dog claws and the patio door was atrocious. It looked like a scene out of Cujo.
Strike Two.

The only other person there to begin with was the strong, silent type...minus the strong part... Not so great for conversation...

So we took a seat at the patio table (after laying plastic down on the nasty chairs) and tried to have a conversation over chips and salsa. The only problem? The wind kicked up a little and we suddenly noticed how much the backyard reeked of urine. It smelled as if the deck wood were soaked in it. It was revolting.
Strike Three.

Once other people started showing up and the food was being grilled it felt a little more like a fun get together. But then the guests started talking... Very clique-ish, upwardly mobile, young adult crowd with lots they felt the need to brag about. Um... no. Last time I checked a backyard BBQ was about having a few brews and telling great stories.
Strike Double Three.

D left early for the wedding she flew up for and I was out of there shortly there after. I think I'll 'accidentally' lose the next evite to that house...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:24 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I was hoping to entertain you lovely loyal subjects today with my butterfly encounter from yesterday but there's just no time.

In just a few hours the lovely Miss Feisty D (not to be confused with the familiar Feisty Repartee) will be in town and we have A LOT of catching up to do. She and I went to Brown together 8 - that-seem-like-ages-past - years ago. I haven't seen her since she flew out to my house for Thanksgiving dinner in 1997.

And we have a BBQ to attend. So we'll see what kind of ruckous a little Cali girl and a Hot-lanta chick can cause together in DC today.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 10:08 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Two sons of members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have gotten together and released their first CD. The new duo has taken the moniker Hanna-McEuen, a simple joining of their last names.

They may seem familiar to you already as their song "Something Like a Broken Heart" has had radio play for several months now. But I urge you take a closer listen to the rest of their CD.

I can't quite put my finger on why but it is a CD I can't stop playing. Sure, I skip a song or two here and there but overall it is a very enveloping collection of tunes.

Hop on over to CMT.com and check out the free listen they have of the entire CD in their listening party...but it's only up for a limited time.

My current favs are: "Read Between The Lines," "Prayer For You," "Is It Only Me," and "Ocean."

Oh, btw... the listening party usually only works with IE, sorry Firefoxers...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 08:56 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Little Jacky-Poo was supposed to come live here on Tuesday and hang out with Blue Fish but it just didn't work out that way. I got an e-mail from the guy who was giving Jack to me that said, in short, 'Jack's dead...my bad' MURDER, I say!

*pout*

Seems he was taking down a tank and thought little Jacky would be ok with a big Oscar. Nope! Little Jacky never stood a chance! The poor fish...

To make up for the disappointment I was gifted from someone else a pair of these bad boys...

Now I just have to figure out what to name them...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 08:51 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Before MuNu took an unscheduled vacation, a friend pointed out how tacky my donation button might seem to some of my readers. I didn't understand. He pointed out my two trips to San Diego earlier this year, my recent trip to LA, and the most recent trip to Mississippi as examples of his point - how dare I ask my readers for money to do even more traveling?

Well... maybe he's got a point. I guess it could be a bit in poor taste given all those other travels.

My only defense was the fact that when I go to see family, family pays...that made LA and Mississippi on their dime. My trip to San Diego in June was my birthday present.

When it is for me and for my fun, the bill comes to my door just like it does to anyone else's. It isn't like me to ask for anything from others and I'm still not sure what possessed me to do it. But it is like anything else on this blog, if it doesn't strike you the right way, read the next post instead - maybe it will be more up your alley.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 03:10 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Everytime I turn around it seems that bloggers are talking about meeting one another or going on trips where they see each other again. Quite frankly, I'm jealous of all the fun they are having! But I must be selective about my travels - afterall, I am just a lowly, unfunded grad student. This is where you come in, dear readers. Yes, I'm going to swallow my pride and beg for donations. I don't want to make money off any of you lovely people, I just need a little help to join in the fun and help spread the joy.

So let's review:

Posted by: Princess Cat at 02:42 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 Oh yeah, do you want a present from the ATL? I'd get you an autographed copy of The Fair Tax Book, but I have yet to get mine signed so I have dibbs.

Posted by: Dorothy at August 22, 2005 03:42 PM (MD3a9)

2 No luck on donations here, damn school hiked tuition again, but only 3 times the rate of inflation this time around. Plus I gotta buy food for the upcoming BLF Potluck

Posted by: the Pirate at August 22, 2005 05:30 PM (SksyN)

3 Wait a minute -- did you just offer to "meet" people for cash? Isn't that illegal everywhere but Nevada?

Posted by: Ogre at August 23, 2005 09:58 AM (/k+l4)

4 if asking for money works, let me know...I am saving for lipo, a tummy tuck, and new front teeth......

Posted by: ArmyWifeToddlerMom at August 23, 2005 09:29 PM (gcZox)

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Contrary to the familiar trends of posessions, fashion, and technology that becomes so horrible boring and passe in a matter of figurative nanoseconds these days...have the formerly routine efforts of the chivalrous man become something newly grande?

Reading a magazine column, I found myself asking and wondering ... why?

Personally speaking, I would never dream of expecting chivalry from a man the way women used to be able to count on. If he wants to open doors, help me with my coat, or walk on the street side, I'm not going to stop him. Unless of course he's a dumbass about it. Which leads me to my next question...

Has chivlary died because men just don't believe in treating women with an extra touch of special or is it because we, as women, have stomped on their efforts so many times that they have given up trying?

I think the answer lies somewhere between them both, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of society as a whole. For example's sake, let's take a look at my life...

The men in my life are usually at fault simply because the majority of them are too caught up in something else (whatever that issue may be) to even make the effort. Gee, thanks. No, it's ok...don't get up. I feel just super special that you treat me just like you would your buddy that made you late for kick-off. At least you brought the car to a complete stop when it came time for ME to get out. Those that do make the effort usually don't for very long. And that is where the blame shifts to me...
I am at fault in my life because I am a firm believer in the idea that if you are going to do something, do it right. Like it or not, this applies to acts of kindness as well. I appreciate the effort put out by a man that wants open doors for me but if he is constantly opening the door into my foot, smacking me in the head with his elbow as he tries to reach over my head, or leaving me standing at a second door looking like a fool ... I'll do it myself, thank you very much. No, you don't get an A for effort. You get a D for poor attention to detail and the inability to learn from previous mistakes. I mean, I wouldn't dream of you making any unusual effort on my account. Maybe that just makes me a bit too bitchy for chivalry.

*shrug*

Where ever the blame lies, it is a sad state of affairs when being nice is something so unusual that it garners such attention and carries the expectation of praise in return.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 08:58 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I'm feeling a little lazy today... many errands have been run and many more tasks are yet to be completed... so no real blogging is to be had.

But since I've been messing with the fish tanks to welcome in a new guy, here's a pic of the type of fish I will be getting:

Go here to learn more about Jack Dempsey Cichlids, mostly because that's where I stole the picture from...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 07:02 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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1 I hear they're good fried...

Posted by: Ogre at August 22, 2005 07:47 AM (/k+l4)

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I'm thinking of heading to Boca for Christmas this year. Does anyone know how convenient/easy to use the West Palm airport is?

Anyone? Anyone?

Thanks!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 05:45 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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You know, it's about damn time someone recognized me as the rightful leader of this country!

But what's with all these posers ahead of me? Whatever...here's the plan...
First I have to kill Eric, and then VW...and then all those other people in my way.... and then ... if I can avoid being framed for the mysterious disappearances of these imposters ... THE SEAT OF ULTIMATE POLITICAL WORLD DOMINATION WILL BE MINE!! MUHAHAHAHA!

How long will you have to wait? Check here ... but be forewarned... I'm one tough bitch to kill.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:59 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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As I was walking past the park to my chiropractor's office today I noticed there were still a fair number of tourists in town. There were people enjoying lunch in the park and couples smiling to one another. I took a minute to look around at all of the windows and awnings I have walked past so often but never taken notice of. There was a bakery, a few restaurants, news stands, florists, tiny places to hit for lunch...all squirreled away in the office buildings of downtown DC. I saw a few places that seemed oddly out of place but interesting enough to try.

Strangely, it all reminded me of the time that SWG and Mrs. SWG were in town and I dragged them all over the Mall. They certainly hiked their way to dinner in Chinatown, asking all the while, "are we there yet?" at every corner. They were exhausted (and hungover) but troopers as I pressed forward to show them as much as I possibly could. (I'm an OCD organizer type...so sue me) Mrs. SWG had to be starving by this point (we all know that Eric was...men are always hungry). She had gotten a bagel earlier that morning for some breakfast but the cream cheese was damn near frozen...the poor dear. She was the sweetest gem all day though.

On days like today, I really miss those two. They notice the little things here and there and see value in what this city is often too busy to care about.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 09:19 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I went into the living room today and found my little sharky dead in a plant. The other is fighting it but well on his way to the same fate. Poor poor sharkies.

Best thing I can give them now is a 2 flush salute.
FLUSH! FLUSH!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 03:23 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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4 weeks ago today I went in to have a long over do check up. It had been about six years since I was looked over for cancer, despite my high risk status and previous findings of pre-cancerous tissue. I had been putting it off out of fear of what they would say. Mentally I guess I'd rather stay guessing than hear the bad news. I hate the scars that the biopsies leave behind and some part of me was avoiding that as well.

Last night I got a little pre-printed card from the doctor's office with only my name, address, and biopsy date filled in by hand. Even the doctor's signature was a very, very poorly stamped signature. It was good news but am I the only one that thinks this is seriously unprofessional? First I had to wait a month to find out if I was infected with these evil, malicious cells. Then I'm not even worthy of a phone call or a letter that is (1) less obviously a form letter, and (2) has less of a generic 'keep an eye on it' type recommendation?

This office had come highly recommended. I will have to respectfully disagree and never go back. The possibility of cancer is far too scary to be blatantly treated like a number, especially in a private practice.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:08 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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