I want to live long and live well.*







*And I mean that in all possible (and positive) ways.

velveteen_girl was once known as "shannon_elaine" and with her rename she also lost some of you good people.

She'd appreciate it if you'd remedy that if you are so inclined.

"florida_phoenix" changed her LJ name to thepheenixeyri and in the process lost everyone.

She's been adding people back, but because no one knows who she is and it's a holiday week...

You get the picture.

Do the do if you need to do.

Thanks.

Monday, Monday can't trust that day...

- Actually, as Mondays go, this is a pretty good one.  There was no one on the road this morning on the way to work and with minimal traffic I was able to run an errand BEFORE I went to the office and still get her on time and above expectation  (That part after the "and", that's a little in joke for me from my time as a management consultant.  Feel free to ignore it.  Oh, you have already?  Good!).  And I have authorization to work from home the rest of the week as there is no one in the office.  So not a bad start.  I'll take it.

- On the way in to the office, I drive past a billboard for Seaton Hall basketball with the phrase THE TIME IS NOW!  It was only today that I realize how incredibly stoopid (sic) that phrase is.  "The time is now".  Of course the time is "now".  When else would it be?  Last century.  Which wasn't really all that long ago, but I digress.  Geez, that just started me on another tangent.  I was born in the PREVIOUS century.  Yeah, I know that everyone reading this thing was, but WOW!  That sounds so much more monumental than it is.  But again, I digress.  Anyway, "THE TIME IS NOW" is a stupid phrase.  Unless you are referring to Morris Day and The Time, who while cool aren't really relevant anymore so in that case "THE TIME is YESTERDAY" (Oh wee Oh wee Oh) makes perfect sense.  What?!?!  Too much?  /silly rantings

- I have a respectable number of Bucs fans on my f-list as well as a respectable number of Saints fans.  Reading my f-list yesterday was a hoot and a holler after the Bucs-Saints game as there were alternating cries of "WHOO HOO!!!" and "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"  Repeatedly.  Made me to laugh.

- Speaking of football, in honor of my JETS potentially backing into the playoffs I will give the JETS chant, although in an appropriate way.  S-T-E-J!  STEJ!  STEJ!  STEJ!  Yeah, that works.  Also, speaking of my JETS, when the season started I had the Giants in the playoffs and the Jets without a shot.  Now the Giants have no shot and the Jets do.  What the heck happened?

- BTW football fans, how did you feel when the starers got pulled in the 3rd quarter of the JETS game?  Did it make you mad?  Disappointed?  Angry?  I was thrilled of course.  WHOO HOO!!!   However, if you are a fan of a team that might get eliminated because the Colts and now the Bengals might soft pedal this week and next you might have a different take on this.  And was it just me or did it look like Peyton Manning wanted to get back in there ASAP?  He NEVER took off his helmet and he had this very disappointed look on his face.

- I wanted to take this opportunity to give a hearty round of applause to shadowwolf13 for her HOLIDAY LOVE post.  It's one of the most beautiful things I've seen and it's nice to see people saying kind things about one another.  You did a good thing Shadow, you should be proud. 

- Also, in that vein I wanted to thank brandedeclipse for starting a thread for moi and those of you who responded.  You gave me a precious gift and it warmed the cockles of my heart (and I hate it when my cockles are cold  ;D).  I am exceedingly grateful and I count myself lucky.  Thanks.   And yes, I sniffled on occasion.  Stop sitting there and pretending like you're actually shocked. 

- I was going to play Dragon Age: Origins yesterday, but I'm so busy debating what kind of character I want to play that I'm suffering "analysis paralysis".  So I haven't started.   Yes, this makes me made of lamesauce.  Darn you Bioware.  Darn you to heck. You and your rich game worlds with options.

- Backward Compatible gets us geeks.  Really it does.

- And Sheldon explains Pug science once again. 

- I had pancakes for breakfast yesterday.  There is something comforting and homey about the pancake.  The thought of it makes me smile.  Today's breakfast was a blueberry muffin which had poor texture as it was overly flakey.  I like a good balance between cakey and flakey and this failed.  If it falls apart before you can shove it in your pie hole.  It's an unfortunate muffin.

- And now...a moment of shame.  Lisa and I went to see Avatar on Thursday.  In a complete violation of all that is good and decent, we snuck food in.  *hangs head low*  Yes, we are theater criminals, because as we all know movie theaters make their money from concessions and not the movies.  The concession stand is the business, the movies are the draw.  Anyway, part of the package was homemade cookies from my darling wife (whom I love).  However, they were oatmeal raisin walnut cookies.  Lisa's not a fan of the oatmeal raisin cookie, so I assumed they were all for me.  What I didn't know is that she put a couple of other cookies in the bag so that she could get some.  I ate the entire bag and left my love hungry.  And why didn't I notice the other cookies, because I do not bite food...I inhale it.  I threw an entire cookie in my mouth at a time.  And chewing?  That's for losers.  It works a little something like this: 1.) toss entire cookie in mouth.  2.) Chew four times.  3.) Swallow.  4.) Repeat with next cookie.  You know how I say that my favorite deadly since are Sloth, Gluttony and Lust.  Our pal "Gluttony" was topping the list that day.  Asa result, Lisa, who had not had breakfast, sat through the almost 3 hour movie without anything to eat.  I think she ended up with a hunger headache.  All my fault.  Sorry baby.  You may throw popcorn at me.  Keep in mind, I may eat it.

- The other day I realized that I'm using only 46 of a possible 54 icons for my LJ.  You guys have any ideas on how I can fill up that space?  Suggestions are always welcome.

-  For those of you on my f-list seeking LJ testimonials, please use the following: "popfiend  TESTED. popfiend APPROVED!!!"  For those of you who have engaged in in person hugs with me, you may also add "He/She gives good HUG!"  I stole the idea from fragbert .  If you like it...thank me and if you hate it...blame him.  And thus, the way of the world.  :D

I hope you all had a nice weekend and that your Monday is starting swimmingly and let me be among the first to say that I hope your 2010 is the beginning of good, grand and glorious things for you.  Including awesome amounts of alliteration.  What?!?!?

Peace,
- O. (aka popfiend )

Yeah, here we go again! It does happen when we get bored. Just highlight or make these statements in bold if they are true for you. It's fun!

I avoid some people on purpose
I’ve thought about cheating
I hate the way I look most of the time
I actually like the way I look
I’ve been swimming in an ocean
I’ve been swimming in a lake
I have a sibling
I have pets most of the time
I’ve been on vacation recently
I love meeting new people
I am insanely shy
I’m on a sports team
My best friend is a boy (one of them at least)
I play music
I don’t remember the last time I mailed a letter
I talk on the phone almost every night
I drink milk almost every day
I’ve kissed someone in a bathroom
I’ve kissed someone in bed
I’ve kissed someone at school
I’ve kissed someone I just met
I’ve kissed a good friend
I like to read
I like to watch tv
I could care less about video games
I hate my mom and dad
I’ve had a crush on someone for 5+ years
I’ve never asked someone out (not since...haha)
I can touch my nose with my tongue
I love pizza
I actually love going grocery shopping
I love to travel
I’ve been to another continent
I wish I had time to watch more movies
I miss being a little kid
I’ve been to a public pool recently
Summer is my favorite time of the year
Winter is my favorite time of the year
I have a favorite holiday
I have a favorite holiday other than Christmas
I’ve been to a concert recently
I drive
I have my own car
My room is almost always messy
I’m listening to music right now
Music helps me work
The last person I texted was a boy
I want a new phone really bad
I love cartoons
The last thing I drank was water
I used to play with barbies
I collect something
I’ve been to a carnival recently
I know what syncopation is
I need to charge my phone
I have a huge crush on someone right now
I’ve kissed someone within the last 24 hours
I’m still in my pajamas
I have to go to school tomorrow
I need to clean something
I’ve hurt myself on purpose
I’ve thrown up on purpose
I’ve broken a bone
I’ve eaten something weird
I’m an extremely picky eater
I’ve been out to eat recently
I love going to the mall
I hate big groups
I remember the last party I went to
I’m on the phone right now
I’m watching tv right now
I’m eating right now
I’m on the phone, watching tv, and eating right now
People say I’m funny
People say I’m pretty
I’ve been told that I have gorgeous eyes
I need new clothes really badly
My hair is up right now
I need to shave my legs
I remember the last time I went to the doctor
I actually use my locker at school

I get good grades
I have a MySpace
I showered last night
I spy with my little eye something that is green
I spy with my little eye something that is round
I spy with my little eye something that is broken
I’ve had surgery
Someone I know has died
Someone I know has had cancer
It’s past my bedtime
I’ve moved before
I’ve moved 4+ times
I’ve gotten something removed
People tell me that I have good hair
People tell me that they like my clothes
I wish I had some money right now
I have a job
I need a job (a regular one)
I actually got a stupid class ring
I’m listening to someone talking right now
I wish I could talk to the boy I like right now (haha, he's in Dumaguete right now, if I'm not mistaken.)
I’ve kissed someone in front of my parents
I’ve kissed someone on New Year’s
I love Halloween
I remember the last time I tripped
I can see a picture of me from where I’m sitting
I can see my reflection from where I’m sitting
I’m kinda scared of the dark
It’s hard to sleep with the door open
It’s hard to sleep without a blanket
It’s morning
I played soccer when I was little
I played basketball when I was little
My ears are pierced
My belly button is pierced
I plan on going to college
I plan on getting married
I plan on having some kids
I babysit
I still get an allowance
I curse a lot
I got so drunk last night
I’ve been to a wedding recently
I’ve met someone special on vacation
I have an accent
I know someone who has been homeschooled
I know someone in a band
I can sing really well
I can dance really well

I’ve never slow danced with anyone
I suck at spelling
I suck at math
I recycle
I am pro-choice
I know some rednecks
I want to get a tattoo (does henna count?)
I want to get a new piercing
I hate MTV and VH1
I miss an ex
I still love an ex
I’ve slapped someone
I’ve punched someone
I’ve been told that I have a nice butt
I think my boobs are too small
I wish I could lose some weight
I can play the guitar
I can speak another language
I am fluent in another language
I can play the piano
I’ve been told that I can’t dance
I’m a cheerleader
I have a sweet tattoo
I have a sweet facial piercing
I need to practice something
I want to go to Mexico
I want to go to Canada
I’ve traveled across the country
I live on the east coast
I went to the beach last summer
I remember the last time I was insanely sunburned
I like to waste time
I like to sleep
I think I’m going to get asked out soon
I keep a journal
I don’t remember the last dream I had
My first kiss kinda sucked
I think smoking cigarettes is gross (sorry, smokers)
I’m wearing something that belongs to someone else
My mom fixed the last meal I had
I’ve never gotten my nails done
I should be doing homework right now
I’m adopted
I love sappy movies
I love horror movies
I love musicals
I’ve seen a broadway show
The last person I hugged was my mom/dad
All of my grandparents are alive
I miss my boyfriend
I haven’t talked to my best friend all day
People tell me that I’m short
Sometimes my socks don’t match
I can’t wait till my birthday
I’m a procrastinator
I’m not like everyone else
I like strawberries
I like thunderstorms
Someone’s mad at me right now
I hate when people are rude
I’m an optimist
My first relationship ended badly
I love when boys hold doors open
I’ve kissed 2+ people in one day
I’ve had a boy sleep over at my house
I bite my nails
I’ve been caught doing drugs
I’ve been caught cheating (DURING MY 4TH GRADE, HAHAHA.)
I haven’t been to Disneyland/Disneyworld
I’ve passed out from drinking
I get angry easily
I’m laid back
I hate most girls
I love getting new shoes
I hate Chinese food
I don’t remember the last time I was grounded (because I never was)
I’ve been in love before
I’ve been cheated on
There are certain songs that remind me of my ex
I gave someone their first kiss
I straighten my hair more often than I should
I’ve been to a funeral this year
I am insanely hungry right now

(includes a few things I forgot to mention in my earlier Christmas post)

---

- Lisa and I managed to snag a light up reindeer for 50% yesterday. It will be joining the sleigh, gift boxes and penguin in the front of the house next year.

- We'll be hitting Hallmark later in the week to get some more geeky ornaments. They'll be 50% - 70% off in the coming days and I need additional geekery for the tree.

- 8 people in the house for a 24 hour holiday event produces as much garbage as Lisa and I produce in a week. :) Side note: recycling is supposed to be Friday, but of course it won't be. Have to check the schedule (schedule checked - it's Saturday).

- Thanks to unseasonably warm temps (plus yesterday's all day rain), the snow that decorated the house is mostly gone. I honestly thought it would hang around until March. Thank you nature for being unpredictable and wonky (at least until the next blizzard at which point I will curse you again).

- Played D&D last night and that time with my friends was among the best gifts I got this year.

- Does anyone actually give anyone a car as a Christmas present? And do they actually put the giant bow on it?

- I sat down a little while ago and realized that I've been going non-stop for about a week, and I'm bone tired. Most of it was worth of it. Some of it wasn't. Need to get it managed a little better for next time and need the weather to cooperate a little bit too.

- Normally when guests leave my home, there is a sense of melancholy. Didn't have it this time. I miss my family, but they left so very happy that all I can think is that Lisa and I did a good job and we should be proud. So I'm proud. Feels good.

     As always, I've been going to the school yard (the playground at an elementary school) to think. It's always so quiet there and there's swingsets that I swing on and listen to my IPod. I mostly just daydream about who I want to be and what I want to happen. Everything I daydream about is very realistic.
Yesterday and today I've daydreamed about the same thing. I was picturing myself with my dad's side of the family (which I haven't seen for atleast 2yrs) for Christmas. I was healthy and happy, thin and wearing a cute sweater dress with black tights underneath and some cute shoes. Very sophisticated.
     My main goal this year is to be thin. That's been my main goal for a while. It's like once I'm thin then all my problems will be solved. Every second of every day I'm thinking of my body image. When I'm skinny I can primp myself with the cutest clothes and wear the cutest shoes (my legs are really big and I could never wear cute boots or long socks).
     So, I've decided to start Mission 101. I think it's the greatest thing I've found. It's a mission for you to complete 101 things in 1001 days. I'm finishing up my list of goals and I will post them later. My start date is going to be January 1, 2010. It's perfect. It will end September 28, 2012. It seems like a long ways till' the end but it'll come faster than we think. 
     Questions and Comments will be answered. Have a nice day!
     

Reasons to be happy:
-I'm getting my laptop back tomorrow :D :D :D
-Seeing Joe tomorrow :D :D :D


Reasons to be sad:
-Emily went out last night, and had people round hers, and didn't invite me. Thanks, best friend.
-Rachel has ignored my txts all xmas and then told me over facebook today she was SO ILL AND WAS BEDRIDDEN ON XMAS DAY OMG, and then went offline. Nice talking to you :/
-Katie is being weird, I keep asking her whats going on with hospital e.t.c. coz I am worried but she's not replying and just talks about other stuff
-I haven't seen 1 friend since being back home this x-mas



IDK It could be so much worse but I just feel like I have so few friends.

Christmas isn't officially over until you do the post-Christmas report and detail what you did, who you did it with and what swag you ended up with.

So in that order...

What we did for Christmas/Who we did it with...
This is our 3rd Christmas in the house. Since our first Christmas in the house my parents, my sister, my twin aunts (N.& D.), and my godson/cousin C. all come over for the Christmas meal, we exchange gifts (which is the only time we really use the living room), and we talk for the rest of the day until it's time to go to bed. They stay over and the next morning they get fed a hearty breakfast (trillsie, dr_p_venkman, dragonladyrm, kradical and terri_osborne can tell you about the heartiness of said breakfasts). After breakfast they hit a few of the local stores and then they return home. It's about a 24 hour window.

The menu was:
Herb roasted turkey (Lisa and I created a herb emulsion of sage, thyme, rosemary, shallots, lemon zest, Dijon mustard and olive oil which we placed under the skin of the turkey and coated the turkey with it. We also stuffed it with lemons, oranges, sprigs of the aforementioned herbs, carrots, celery and onions. We used the Alton Brown cooking method, including the turkey triangle. Thanks titaniumjunky and regalpewter.) We also had a ham glazed with pineapple-orange juice, brown sugar and Dijon mustard. There was also dressing, sauteed kale (with chicken broth, shallots, garlic and olive oil), roasted broccoli, roasted asparagus, baked macaroni and cheese, rice cooked in chicken broth and candied sweets. Dessert was marble cake, red velvet cake, sweet potato pie, pear pie and apple pie (we also have ice cream for that al la mode thing). My dad has a phrase for when he has eaten or been fed well, "I have dined sufficiently." We ALL dined sufficiently. Food is a big deal for my family, what Lisa and I have added to the tradition is a little Food Network upscaledness to some of our preparation. They seem to enjoy it and although it's a lot of work (e.g., dishes [which are done] and laundry [which is nowhere near done]), the satisfaction we see in their faces and their enjoyment of the day makes it all worthwhile. And everyone seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood this year. It was a good Christmas.

Swag...
I got:
- $$$
- The Venture Bros. Season 3
- Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1 - Blu Ray
- Superman (the Fleischer Bros. cartoons 1941-1942)
- Heroes Season 3
- Burn Notice Season 2

Lisa got:
- $$$
- Seasons 2-5 of NCIS
- And she got this great casserole dish. Big and heavy. It's a beautiful piece if cookware and it WILL get used. And *I* will benefit. YUM!!!

So what did you get?

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( My Christmas pictures... )