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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Earlier today, as I was stuck dog sitting, I sat with my needlepoint and pattern in hand...

Fuck... Fuck... Fuck.Fuck.FUCK!

The pattern wasn't working right and I realized I had screwed up somewhere around 3 days ago. I had to rip out half of what I had accomplished on my first project since trying to pick up this hobby again. And in the midst of doing so I realized something...

I didn't have to make it right, no one would have known the difference between a few missing stitches and the ones that were put in the right place. I wanted to make it right.

How many chances does life offer for a genuine do-over? How many times do you get a second chance to really make something right?

That thought took a lot of the anger away as I appreciated the simple chance to start over when so often we are not granted the ability to do so. Sometimes all it takes is the right perspective and all is right again with the world.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:22 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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You want to know about my favorite part of sleeping with a man?

(totally safe for work) more...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 08:12 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Oh, that is so.... well, true, I suppose. And I so do not fart in my sleep!

Posted by: Ogre at August 18, 2005 10:33 AM (/k+l4)

2 My least favorite part of sleeping with a woman is when she gets all snuggly and I end up pinned against the wall and falling into that little crack between the bed and the wall.

Posted by: Telebush at August 18, 2005 12:32 PM (rKPyj)

3 I feel bad for all the girls who have to sleep next to a hairy back...... Oh and 100% agreement with Tele on falling off the bed.

Posted by: the Pirate at August 18, 2005 02:36 PM (SksyN)

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I sat here thinking about this whole situation a lot over the last couple of days and I realized two things.

1. I am without a doubt my father's daughter
2. It's not about the money.

It irks me that my family is out the money but it isn't the end of the world that we are. Assuming the jackass goes to his court date at least some of the money will be returned by the courts. That means only the car costs and chiropractic costs will be left unpaid.

What really irritates me is the fact that my dad has jumped though hoop after hoop because of this pair. The time off work, the trips to the auto shop, the time spent thinking about what to do. The girl has been nothing but disrespectful from the beginning but Dad has a soft spot for people that live a tougher life than he does. He excuses away bad behavior with reasons of their stress or worry. Sometimes I think he'd just keel over on the spot if someone tapped him on the shoulder and said 'Thanks for all you've done but your services are no longer needed - no one in the world needs helping anymore.'

And because of that generosity he now has a car in his posession and there is nothing he can do with it. He doesn't have the title so he can't sell it. And even if he wanted to just hand it back to her and be assed out the cash, he can't - she won't return his calls and he doesn't know her address. The car is the stress on his life that he doesn't need.

So I believe Eric said it best earlier '... some people need a good beating, that is for sure...'

Posted by: Princess Cat at 10:55 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Remember that accident I was in a month ago? Yeah, still not resolved.

The guy who was driving, that got arrested, and I bailed out of jail? Not returning my phone calls. Where's my $1600, pal?

The chick who's car he was driving? Still being a manipulative bitch. Not returning phone calls either. Dad took her car to be repaired under the agreement that she either repaid the money or would give him the title so he could sell it. Now she's doing neither. She wants it to run perfectly before she makes a decision. It had an exhaust leak and it sounded like a go kart before the accident. What do you want from us bitch? Where's the $1700?

Why am I so angry about it right now? Because I care about my dad and I care about how much stress he is under and I care about nice guys getting screwed over. He was nice to these people because I was in the car at the time of the accident...no.other.reason. Dad has just found out that his wife may have cancer, again. Yes, again. This would make the third time for her, I believe. And while I don't like the woman, I don't wish that torture on her or for the anguish it puts my dad through.

So I am angry at these two yahoos for kicking a gift horse in the teeth. I feel like my hands are tied since this is all taking place in LA and I am not there. And I can't make my dad teach them a lesson. He has bigger, more important things going on in his life. When push comes to shove he'd probably take the hit to the wallet just to avoid the hassle of court.

If anyone in LA wants to handle this for me or break a jackasses knees in Brooklyn, let me know.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 09:22 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I woke up his morning with the distinct feeling that something, somewhere, was going terribly wrong..if it hadn't already. Not quite a panic but more than a worry - it started my day very poorly.

So far I haven't figured out what the evil I was feeling is so maybe it was just my dream...

I woke up in the middle of a dream where I was house sitting with friends. We were watching something on TV and a few of us were getting a little too loud. Cops showed up and sentenced me to pay for the actions of all with 10 mins in jail. I set off to find the jail and was having one hell of a time doing it. A little later my best friend showed up with the same sentence. She and I were still trying to find the jail and having no luck. We asked cop after cop in the middle of festivals that were going on. We made it to the justice center but the family area with food courts, shopping, fountains, and lush green terraces was so hugely like a mall that we still could not find where official business was to be conducted. We talked as we walked and discovered the officers who had handed out our sentences told each of us individually that we were paying for the actions of one man... and that each of our friends would continue to do so until he stopped. I was tearfully asking yet another officer how to find our way to jail and listening to him tell me to come back at 2am when things would be quicker when I woke up...

I hope this day is better than it feels like it's going to be...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:57 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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WitNit has a list of things said by Dennis Miller that I believe everyone should go read. But I'm biased... I find Dennis Miller to be funny... usually just stating something that should be obvious, but somehow that is funny to me.

Anyhow... this one struck a little close to home...

"Never ever discount the idea of marriage. Sure, someone might tell you that marriage is just a piece of paper. Well, so is money, and what's more life-affirming than cold, hard cash?"

You see...I've dated more than my fair share of anti-marriage commitment phobes that were ready to angrily and disgustedly wrap me in plastic and toss me to the curb like a 3 day old fish carcass accidentally left to bake in the sun on the kitchen counter while they flitted off for a posh weekend with their toothpicky mistress... that is once things got a little rocky or I dared complain... They'd never give me up on good terms - I mean, come on... this is me we're talking about... and who throws out a perfectly good doormat? You at least wait until it gets signs of wear or a touch of mildew...

If I viewed marriage like the piece of paper that they thought it was, I might be married...or I might at least be able to see myself married at some point in the future. Right now, that ain't happening. Just call me Jade-d.

Sure, sure...I hear what you're saying...It must be that my parents getting divorced that jaded me so. Sorry, no. It isn't the divorcees that have me down on marriage. It isn't the people that have gotten re-married. It is the vast sea of unhappiness I see in people that have chosen to stay married. I respect the whole til death do we part and I have issues with the 'if it doesn't feel good, don't do it' society of today, but COME ON! My parents staying married did me absolutely NO favors. Couples that aren't honest with one another... couples that talk disparagingly about one another (sometimes in front of the other person...or in public)... couples where half stays late at work just to get some peace... It's all the bad marriages out there that makes me wary. I can think of only one example of a good marriage out of all my family, friends, and exes. Those don't seem like good odds to me, especially not with my track record of winners...

But there is one thing that I think marriage and money have in common... neither one can ever make you truly happy...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 02:00 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Part of the mandatory requirements for the cadaver course I took in high school (go read here if you don't know what I'm talking about) were two parents' nights. The first one had great repercussions leading me to believe you should always avoid doing your best work, unless you know that no one will find out it was you...

The night of the first presentation was what you would expect...rundown of the highlights, say some thank yous to the people who donated to us, give some awards to people that were especially helpful in fasciliating our program...but the best part was showing off our handywork.

My parents came in and checked out Lucy for a minute or two before Dad got too queasy to take it anymore. Guess he can deal with the dying, just not the dead. Apparently he damn near faints at the sight of blood too (not that there was any)... are we sure I'm related to him? Anyhow, Dad went next door to examine more pleasant sundries ... the cookies and punch ... while Mom jealously investigated our cadavers.

'You're getting a better gross anatomy class than I ever got in school!' she bitterly protested, while still somehow proud of me. Now you tell me that's not scary... a bunch of high school students get more up close and personal time with the inner workings of human anatomy than someone paid to actually care for your health and well-being? YIKES!

But just when I thought I could escape the night in triumph with something to hold not one but both of my parents ... reality set in...

There had been enough opportunity for a parent-teacher conference from which I was unknowingly absent. Being the loving, kind, caring, adoring instructor that she is, she talked up my talents. She told them how I stayed late, never let anything get in my way, and did fantastic detail work, carefully removing fat and connective tissue from muscles, nerves, veins, and arteries. At this point I imagine my parents looked at one another quizzically... this could not be their daughter she was speaking of... their daughter wouldn't load the dishwasher because the task was 'too icky.' She reassured them that nothing about Lucy was too icky for me....

And with my girly cover forever blown, I did the dishes from then on....

Posted by: Princess Cat at 08:12 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I have had a roller coaster of a weekend and I'm not sure I'm still the same person. I mean, what kind of ass-kicking, name-taking, un-apologizing princess does crafts?

I don't know what to tell you, folks... but I have paint brushes and plans... this could get a little strange...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 10:24 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I just got home from lunch with a potential new roommate.

The high points:
Crab cakes
Pitchers of beer

The iffy points:
Young'in
Frat Boy

I've been talking with a friend about moving into a four bedroom house with him, his roommate, and his friend (the guy I was just introduced to). That would make 2 guys, 2 girls...but we haven't found a house yet.

I'm eager to live with someone I can actually interact with and I'm sick of living under the back up cast for riverdance...but am I really eager enough to move in with a couple of frat boys that I could hardly hold a conversation with? Don't get me wrong...I have nothing against the guys whatsoever. It's just that they are much more interested in which restaurant to get drunk at or eat crabs at all day or if anyone has talked to a certain 'friend' lately than any other kind of conversation. I didn't have anything to add to the baseball conversation - I don't follow the sport more than on the very minor surface. I didn't go to their university so I'm not obsessed with it or that fraternity like they are. They would more be drinking buddies or the guys who threw a BBQ that I automatically get to go to because I live in the house.

*shrug*

I'll figure it out eventually, I'm sure.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 04:10 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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Do you live in a noisy apartment/condo/townhouse? Have you ever wondered why your neighbors are playing such loud music? If you live near me, maybe the reason is YOU.

I can't win the battle to keep the evil upstairs quiet so the only thing I'm left with is to fight back. The kids are constantly jumping off of the furniture, banging their toys on the window sill that just so happens to be directly above my bed, or screaming off the balcony which is also just a few feet from my bedroom. The adults have never heard of walking - they insist on stomping everywhere. Or screaming on the phone while on the balcony. I've bitched about this before where I noted they are so loud that the vibrations actually knock things off my walls. With a little help from Sheila and her wonderful 4.1s, my response is now loud music.

I tried being tolerant. I tried banging on the ceiling. I'd try talking to them but they don't speak english. I can't hear them annoying me, problem solved. If it pisses them off, bonus for me.

Sure, it might continue in a you annoy me, I annoy you battle of escalation but I'm a bitch when you piss me off... I'm pretty sure you'll regret messing with me once you push too far.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:29 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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1 I've done the "play loud music" bit myself in order to get my "former" downstairs neighbors to stop with their incessant bassy rap music and VERY loud arguments. I usually seemed to win on this one seeing that I have two VERY large 18" club speakers which are designed for use in dance clubs (I normally use them in my music studio). These babies I am sure set off Richter Scales around the Continental U.S. not to mention causing serious structural damage to the building I live in. If that didn't work, I just phoned in a domestic abuse complaint for the friggin' losers (which most times was actually taking place). Must have worked cause their butts got the ol' eviction notice some time back. Good luck with the neighbors. Wanna buy some industrial grade loudspeakers? (I can't sell them to you if you are pregnant or have a heart condition though).

Posted by: Jeff at August 16, 2005 02:16 AM (CJfh2)

2 If I recall correctly they are arab neighbors upstairs... be careful. Or instead of calling the domestic abuse line you can call the terror hotline.

Posted by: Telebush at August 16, 2005 03:15 PM (3+SvD)

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Today served me with a very helpful reminder...
Some people just can't seem to get their head out of their ass.
No matter how nicely you ask, how patient you are or how long you wait, they continue to prefer the stench of their own shit to the fresh air of reality.

When did the world get so full of arrogant, selfish, short sighted, self serving, ignorant pricks that you couldn't sneeze without hitting one?

Some days it just makes me so angry that I can't even blog...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 06:39 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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