Sunday, December 30, 2007
Creative Zen V Plus 4 GB Portable Media Player (Black/Blue)
Anyway, that's all for now. I may try to find some inspirational photos to post up tonight. I've been feeling a lack of inspiration. It's sad. It makes me anxious. It makes me want to bust out of this bitch of a haze.
Take care folks!
-BP
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Cool or Not?
Ok, so today I mentioned to Erica (I'm not how this topic got raised in the first place)about making a lamp out of old CD's and DVD's, or what are commonly called coasters from failed burning etc.
Laugh at me she did...then threatened to "accidentally" break it if I did make one:(
Now, from these pictures (which are not mine incidentally), I'd like peoples opinions about said subject. Please even ask other people who are not visitors to this blog. Would you have something like this in your lounge room or wherever?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Asshole of the week award goes out to...
Anyway, props go out to the guy on the corner of one of the streets that I walk down. He makes a nice clear path on the side walk. He's a nice old guy who actually offered me a ride one day when it was raining. But you know, your inner child kicks in and says, don't accept rides from strangers. No matter how sweet and innocent they look.
Oh yah, another positive was....I only worked until 5 today!!!!!!!!!!! I love working a whole hell of a lot more when I don't have to work sweat shop hours.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Update on the ankle.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Interesting and offbeat Aussie stories.
Kangaroo farts could fight global warming: scientists
Posted Thu Dec 6, 2007 1:19pm AEDT
Updated Thu Dec 6, 2007 2:28pm AEDT
Australian scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroos' flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.
Queensland Government senior research scientist Athol Klieve says 14 per cent of emissions from all sources in Australia are from enteric methane from cattle and sheep.
"If you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 per cent," he said.
Researchers say the bacteria also makes the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers.
"Not only would they not produce the methane, they would actually get something like 10 to 15 per cent more energy out of the feed they are eating," Dr Klieve said.
Farming view
Even farmers who laugh at the idea of environmentally friendly kangaroo farts say that it is nothing to joke about, particularly given the devastating drought Australia is suffering.
"In a tight year like a drought situation, 15 per cent [more energy] would be a considerable sum," said farmer Michael Mitton.
But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate the bacteria before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep.
Another group of scientists has suggested Australians farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos.
The idea is controversial but about 20 per cent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already.
Peter Ampt, from the University of New South Wales's Institute of Environmental Studies, says the meat has health benefits.
"It's low in fat. It's got high protein levels. It's very clean," he said.
"It doesn't get drenched. It doesn't get vaccinated. It utilises food right across the landscape. It moves around to where the food is good. It's a good food."
- AFP
Prostitute offers sex for charity
Posted Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:06am AEDT
A high-class Chilean prostitute touched by a charity telethon's bid to raise money for handicapped children has stepped forward with her own contribution - 27 hours of sex.
That's how much paid sex work the escort, Maria Carolina, has said she wants to contribute to the Teleton association.
The money she earns from the marathon session, scheduled for November 30-December 1, will go to the charity, Ms Carolina said.
She said she would post a picture of the bank deposit slip on her website afterwards to dispel any doubts.
"I am going to contribute with my work to a purpose that touches me deeply," Ms Carolina said.
She has spread her message through several online sites and television programs.
But the administrator of the Teleton foundation, television presenter Mario Kreutzberger, has thrown cold water on the proposition, saying it falls well outside his moral guidelines and he cannot accept it.
Ms Carolina, though, said she was determined.
"How can someone question a person who wants to put her job at the service of a noble cause?" she asked.
- AFP
Wedding dresses, sitar up for grabs in 'dead letter' auction
Posted Sat Nov 24, 2007 9:16am AEDT
Two wedding dresses are among a range of unusual items up for sale today, at Australia Post's annual auction of undeliverable mail in Melbourne.
There will be 15,000 items auctioned, including a sitar, a saxophone, and 27 coffee machines.
Australia Post spokesman Don Elgin says the auction lots are just some of the 8,000 items posted every day without the correct address.
"Unfortunately people haven't found out about the addressee's correct address, they haven't put a return address on there and so they end up in what we call a dead letter office, basically the end of the road," he said.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Busting my ass and a clean bill of health.
So false alarm I suppose. Went to the walk-in clinic today and they said. "Erica you have no blood in your urine." I asked him three times if he was sure. SO there you have it. I am healthy. As far as kidney health goes. Other than that though, on Monday or Tuesday, who knows now that the days blend together , but anyway, I was on my way to work and was so proud that I hadn't slipped and busted my ass (because the sidewalks were treacherously slippery) I was walking along and BOOM! I busted my ass so hard sprained my effing ankle, bloodied up my knees ( see photos above). At first I didn't think I could walk on it. But I said to myself OK get your effing ass up Erica, you CANNOT be late for this shitty retail job. So I got up, shook myself off. Bit my lip and pulled my scarf up under my eyes and cried hysterically all the way to work. I swear I didn't think I could stop really. My ankle is still screwed up and I stand on it all day because I have to. I don't know. I am really hating life right now. I just can't wait until I can move out of this place and finally just be happy.
K, so enough ranting. I'm done.
Goodnight folks and have a good rest of the week.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
High Brow Humour...not.
"Ever since that day, we have never had a single problem."
Jack took his father's advice and as soon as he got Jill alone after the wedding, he did the same thing; took off his trousers, gave them to Jill and told her to put them on. Jill said that the trousers were too big and she couldn't possibly wear them.
"Exactly," replied Jack." I wear the trousers in this relationship and I always will. I don't want you to forget that."
Jill paused and removed her panties and gave them to Jack. "Try these on," she said, so he tried them on but they were too small.
"I can't possibly get into your knickers," said Jack.
"Exactly," replied Jill, "and if you don't change your fucking attitude, you never will."
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Christmas lights and Snow
I did have a picture of me with this big huge snow bank but I looked to chubs so I opted with this one. Enjoy.
Gettin around to that tag
- Provide a link to the person who tagged you, and spell out the rules of the meme on your blog.
- Share 7 (seven) random and/or weird facts about yourself. (I believe this is the part that constitutes an actual meme)
- Tag 7 (seven) random bloggers with this meme and post links to their blogs at the end of this post. (Free advertisement, and for some - a pain in the butt... from what I hear)
- Let those who have been tagged know so by leaving a comment on their blog, and telling them where to find information regarding the meme they are now obliged to do.
REH from Ramblings Of A Madman was the one who tagged me for this beast.
*Note to reader, I know some or none of you may know these facts about me, I was just having a brain freeze so just take em as they come.
1. OK for the first one, I am going to go straight to the dirt. I've been married before. For less than a year I was married to a guy in the Army. I was young dumb and lonely. Surely no reasons to tie the knot. But such is life. You learn from your mistakes. Hopefully.
2. Pickles are my favorite food. MMMM Pickles.
3. Christmas used to be my favorite holiday. Until I started working retail and things started getting ridiculous.
4. I totally love Justin Timberlake. His voice is like an angel from up above.
5. Before work everyday, I watch cartoons. Mostly "Spongebob".
6. I was afraid to come back to the United States from Canada because I thought the world was going to end before Mik and I could end up together. Now I don't think that will happen until at least 2009.
7. I am afraid of the dark.
I am going to go with the random blog selections to pass the MEME along too.
http://astroskies.blogspot.com/
http://ykwang84.blogspot.com/
http://ghostparanormal.blogspot.com/
http://toxicmonday.blogspot.com/
http://martinacarlsson.blogspot.com/
http://allefam.blogspot.com/
http://ninetski.blogspot.com/
Phew that was harsh. That will be the one and only MEME thing I will do. The only reason I did do it is because the kind REH tagged me. Anyways, have a relaxing Sunday.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
One more day of Nablopomo
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Immigration Physical
Monday, November 26, 2007
Today was good. I cleaned all day though nothing better then the sheen of a clean and waxed floor. It was kind of payment for my roommate letting me borrow her vehicle for the immigration physical tomorrow. I just want to get it over with really. I am so nervous. Every time I have to go to the doctor for any reason I get nervous. Everything has been going so well with Mik and I, With the immigration progress. Anyway, I can't think of even the possibility of us not having a life together. It will and IS going to happen.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Baaad Morning
Next year Christmas is cancelled.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Holiday/Poll Results
Australia(Thats a given) | 3 (25%) |
Canada(Our friendly northern pals) | 2 (16%) |
Ireland(Kiss the Blarney Stone) | 6 (50%) |
Germany(Sprecht en si deutch) | 2 (16%) |
Denmark(Pickled herring anyone) | 3 (25%) |
Africa(Let's try not to be mauled) | 2 (16%) |
England(Cheerios!) | 3 (25%) |
France(Gay Paris) | 2 (16%) |
Japan(:Shrugs:Bonzai trees?) | 2 (16%) |
Mexico(Montazumas Revenge!!!) | 1 (8%) |
Egypt(Walk like an Egyptian) | 1 (8%) |
Votes so far: 12
Poll closed
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Dreaded Black Friday Is Arriving At A Mall Near You!
So, the plan for tonight is to stay up late. Which can be anywhere from 12am on. Depends on how long Burger King coffee lasts in my blood stream. Then, in the morning I am one of those crazy idiots who gets up early to watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on t.v.. Then I make my cheesecake and it's nap time for this biatch. Because Lord knows, the real madness will begin for me 8 am Friday effing morning.
I work both shitty jobs and I know I harp on work quite a bit but good Lord holidays suck. People are mean. Greedy. Companies are both. Who wants to deal with that kind of BS when the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy.
Maybe I bit off more then I can chew this year with two jobs working maniacal hours. Because I know about halfway through December I am going to snap and go hysterical about something or another. I will just excuse myself politely and walk off sobbing. That's how things usually go with me. Then after that I try and get myself together, or my boss will feel bad and send me home.
Well, anyways, I know this post is a bit incomplete, but it's all I got for tonight. Have a good night everyone. Take care YO!
PS REH from the madman ramble he's got to work on Thanksgiving. That poor sap:(. I'd go on strike for sure. They better be paying you mucho overtime guy!
PPS We will touch on the mental illness of black Friday shoppers on Friday possibly. Depending on how dead I am from working a fourteen hour day.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Working With Wimmen.
I swear it, working with a bunch of women makes me want to rip my hair out. It was the same at my former other job and it's the same here. It always makes me feel like I am back in high school. With all the yapping and gossiping sometimes it's hard to keep things straight. I just want to go to work, do my job, and a have a couple of laughs with my co-workers and customers. It never ends up that way though. There always has to be some sort of crazed drama. Today it was the schedule.
My manager has the authority to make up the schedule. But people get all pissy about it because it's not done to their specifications. Then she always has the DM, RM and assistant DM breathing down her neck and making her change it millions of times. So not only is she pissed off so is everyone else because they have to keep changing their work schedule.
When I try and defend her, I get the "you don't have to defend her" crap. Usually what then comes out of my mouth is, I'm not defending anyone. I just want to work in a peaceful situation. I am tired as hell at the end of the day as it is and the last thing I want to deal with is a bunch of cranky old bitches griping over the schedule.
Anyways, that's my post for the evening! Ten more days and NaBloPoMo is done. Lord knows I might not post for a little while after that. Especially considering the hours I am going to be keeping.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday Dinner and Monday Lazy Bastardness...
I made a meat pie for last nights dinner. It came out great except for a couple of over done parts on the crust. I used ground turkey meat instead of ground beef this time. Other than that I use onions, assorted spices, and loads of cottage cheese. It may sound gross but the cottage cheese melts like ricotta cheese.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Horses Arse
I haven't even really been able to have a meaningful talk with Mik because I am practically snoring half the time he calls. We just hold on to the fact that this is almost over. Australian adventures will begin. Then I will have some really exciting posts for you.
Anyway, I see on the poll above no one wants to go to Canada! Poor ol' Canada.
It's a fellow bloggers birthday today so be sure to wish R.E.H a happy birthday over at "Ramblings of a Madman".
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Juuust in case....
Here's some friendly neighborhood photos just in case I am too bloody tired to make a post tonight. I have a couple of long days today and tomorrow, so Lord knows how I will feel. Especially since I can't shake this damn cold. Have a good Friday folks. Be kind to your local retail slaves!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Nothing to say...
But I suppose in posting that very simple fact instantly negates the initial premise of my statement. If in fact I did not really have anything to say, then I really wouldn't be making this post.
If one then takes that further, anyone who reads this post could also come to the conclusion that...why the fuck is he bothering to post anything then? I have no idea.
But it seems for somebody who has nothing to say or post about, he sure has said a lot, but the quality of the said post doesn't say a lot about whatever it is he may or may not have anything to say about, umm and furthermore, umm........... Forget it. It wasn't worth saying.
Enough said.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Get Ready For Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits
| |||||||
1 (10-ounce) can crushed pineapple 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature 10 maraschino cherries 1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 count)Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease 10 cups of a muffin tin. Strain the can of crushed pineapple, save juice for later. Combine the pineapple, sugar, and butter, and mix well. Divide the pineapple mixture among the muffin cups. Place a cherry in the center of each muffin cup, making sure cherry hits bottom of cup. Place 1 biscuit in each cup on top of sugar and pineapple mixture. Spoon 1 teaspoon reserved pineapple juice over each biscuit. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Cool for 2 minutes. Invert the pan onto a plate to release the biscuits. Serve warm. |
Monday, November 12, 2007
Day by day by day by day.....
Things were good today. Relaxed a lot. Of course I am still sick. The worst part, it's the beginning of the work week. Same old shit it seems.
I made my appointment for the immigration physical today. What a pain in the ass it is. First off I have to get all the way over to Buffalo for it. Then, the doctor only does physicals on Tuesdays. They are booked up until the 27th. How effing inconvenient. On top of it, I may have to take part of the test at a later date. They government physicians sure aren't in any hurry. Plus, they are going to charge me 350$. Which I suppose is peanuts compared to how much Mik has shelled out for immigration costs, which I think ranks up there to about 3000$ so far. It's all craziness. I can't wait to get it over with. So I can finally get on with my life.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Cutting It Close
Well, it's about an hour and half til the day is over with. I seriously am getting lame with this NaBloPoMo. It's just hard when I work a zillion hours a day. Let me tell you Christmas really takes it out of you.
Oh and by they way, Santa Claus came to mall today. Aren't you just thrilled to death.
To reiterate Rich (http://beantowncaffe.blogspot.com/) HO HO Freaking HO.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Holy Crap I Almost Forgot
So here we go. Today was alright, got up at the arse crack of dawn, even though I didn't have to, just to hear Mik's voice. Was, pretty relaxing for awhile after that, then I got wicked tired. So I took me a nap, I never take naps either. So it was kind of nice. Until I had to wake up. Boy was I groggy. But I got through work nonetheless. Boy the ladies I work with are absolutely nutty, older women too! You'd never think. Although it is contagious, it keeps me going with my energy level. Especially after working the whole day and being zombified from crazy mall goers.
Anyways, that's my post for the night, lame, yes I know. But alas, I have kept the NaBloPoMo streak going!!!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Early Morning Posting
So, I am posting this morning because I have to work late tonight. I'm pretty paranoid of missing a day for the NaBloPoMo thing.
Yesterday was a really awesome day. I love working my second job. The ladies I work with are usually pretty fun and always entertaining. The stupid truck didn't end up arriving until 11am and so we had to sit around from 8am until then scratching our bums. Was alright though because in the end I got up enough guts to ask for 20 more cents per hour. An what the hell do you know I got it! The Regional manager said it was because I did such a great job last year. I did do a good job last year, I even blew the manager out of the water during a secret shop she got a 60% and I got a crisp, clean, and beautiful, 100%!
I aim for the same this year. Just, I hope that I won't be too tired from working my day job to treat customers like gold. Everything should be alright, considering it's mostly old jolly people that come up and want to be waited on. I get along with those types pretty darn well. Even if I don't I can fake it. :D
Anyway, it's about 8, I need to get my arse up and start getting ready for work. Have a great Thursday everyone!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Emergency Post
I know I know I am totally laming out on this NaBloPoMo thing. But I really really am trying.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Poll/Update On Meh Day
Other than that, my day was a normal day I suppose. I actually personalized four ornaments. It, was scary. I showed the people really quickly and shoved it in a gift bag. They seemed to be pleased. Next time I am on I will take a photo of an ornament I personalized. Good news though, I found out once it starts getting busier, there is a designated register person and designated personalization experts, which I will be hoping and praying I won't be.
Anyways, I'm tired. Hope everyone else's Tuesday was A-OK.
Back to work
It should be fun really seeing as I have no idea how to run their register, or how much anything is. It's probably going to be quite interesting.
Just keep my in your thoughts folks. I know it's a hard thing to ask since well we don't really know each other. But Lord knows I need good thoughts thrown my way to aid in my ornament personalization nightmare.
I am sure there will be an update at some point after my work day is over. Have a great Tuesday, and remember kids 49 more days til Christmas is OVER.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Church Lady I Am Not
Anyways, moving back onto topic, church will be a non-event for awhile, because of the whole retail slavery thing. Although, I have had a bunch of days off and I am dying to do some work again, I am sure that will change right quick consider I have to work tons this weekend.
Ah well, you're damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Nick Tahou-Garbage Plate
Nick Tahou's is one of Rochester's must go restaurants. They aren't ritzy. More like a dive, but the food is outstanding, greasy, and huge proportions. It's noted to be one of the best places in Rochester to eat with people from all walks of life, including hookers and pimps. When we were there, there wasn't any of the sort, just a bunch of old timers hooting and hollering.
It was my second time, my roommates first time. The first time I went was with Mik and a few other church friends. It was an experience. We didn't go to the original we went to one close by here but. it was waaay greasier than the original.
Anyway, I ate my whole plate. I was starving and never ate lunch that day, but looordy was it good. Was I stuffed.
So, if you ever take a trip to Rochester, and you want to eat some greasy, locally historic food. Go on down to Nick Tahou's!
http://www.garbageplate.com/
Friday, November 02, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Fridgedaire
Nablopomo!!!
Anyway, for all of you who don't know Nablopomo is National Blog Posting Month. Make a post everyday for the month of November. So I will do my damnedest to try and post everyday.
Good luck to everyone participating.
Happy Anniversary Angel
It's been two years already since we first bumped into one another on the internet Erica, and here we are, despite the distance, the heart ache, longing and pain, about to start our lives together, finally. I don't know what my life would be like now if I hadn't met you, but I do know my life is certainly richer and much happier with you in it.
I love you and adore you, my beautiful angel, and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend the rest of my life with.
Love you always, in all ways.
Mik
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds
1/2 cup butterscotch caramel sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon extract
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups pumpkin seeds, roasted
1 cup almonds, crushed
Lightly coat baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet, slowly melt the caramel sauce and sugar. When melted stir in cinnamon extract and cayenne. Continue cooking until mixture reaches a temperature of 310 degrees F. Stir in pumpkin seeds until completely coated. Spread caramelized seeds onto the baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed almonds. Separate seeds with wooden spoon until cooled.
Cook's Notes:
Melted sugar is very hot. Please use extreme caution when handling and pouring. Pumpkin seeds may be purchased already roasted. If using the seeds from a jack-o-lantern, rinse and clean seeds. Place on a baking sheet, lightly coated with cooking spray, in a preheated 250 degree F oven. Roast seeds for about 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes. The actual seed of the pumpkin is inside the hull. The hull is edible.