Good Evening Humble Readers...
Dinner is in the oven, and I am at the end of my pseudo long weekend, and I am at peace. Of course, I am disappointed that this wasn't the cycle, but I'm ok with it. If it happens for us this next cycle, then I might get an extra special birthday present.
******
I hope that you will all stop by tomorrow... I'm launching a new project, and tomorrow is the start of the trial run. I'm looking for guinea pigs to help me make sure that all is working correctly.
******
I'm in the mood to bake. That's probably just the pre-AF need for chocolate speaking. Maybe it's time to try some new Christmas cookie recipes.
******
Our hobbit hole is all decorated for Christmas... I did it yesterday whilst my Beloved watched the Grey Cup. I'm happy with how the living room looks, but the kitchen needs something. Not sure what yet. Is it just me, or is decorating for Christmas almost as fun as opening presents on Christmas morning. I love taking all my decorations out of their boxes and tissue wrappings. It's like greeting old friends. The only slight blight on our Christmas decor is the tree itself. We bought it two years ago, when we were habitually broke and living in a teeny tiny apartment. It's quiet possibly the ugliest artificial tree I have ever seen. It drops more needles than a real tree. We have agreed that at the end of the season, this tree will be retired and we will get a new one next year (or during the Boxing Week sales).
******
And speaking of the Grey Cup... the Roughies lost. Oh how they lost! It was heartbreaking, and there is someone on that Roughrider team that's kicking his own ass, let me tell you. Fourth quarter, 5 seconds left in the game, the Roughies were in the lead 27-25, the Alouettes had posession and were going to try for the 3 point field goal. The thing is, their kicker had been sucking wind all afternoon. It was going to be close. My Beloved never looked more tense... The ball snapped, the kicker does his thing, and it goes totally wide. Complete miss. BUT.... someone on the Roughrider bench gets overexcited and runs out onto the field in celebration, before the whistle. Penalty flags fly. The official call was 'illegal substitution'. Ten yard penalty, and Montreal got to kick again. Of course, this time the ball went through the uprights, the Alouettes win, and the Roughies go home with their heads hung down in shame.
******
I made it through NaBloPoMo! I actually did 32 posts in 30 days! Woohoo! Check out my groovy badge in the column to the right. Didn't do so well for Iron Commenter tho... I got through about 110 blogs before I ran out of steam.
******
Totally random observation of the day... This hobbit is fearfully nearsighted, and one of my favourite things to do at Chistmas is to take my glasses off while looking at the Christmas tree. The lights look beautiful!
******
Winter has officially arrived on the flatland. It was snowing and blowing so much today that I couldn't see across the street.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Well, Crap!
Nothing good about this morning, Humble Readers...
Spotting has started.
Lame!
I'll be back later to post a final NaBloPoMo post... for now I need to recover from my PLOM disease.
(PLOM - poor little ol' me)
Spotting has started.
Lame!
I'll be back later to post a final NaBloPoMo post... for now I need to recover from my PLOM disease.
(PLOM - poor little ol' me)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Is There A Patron Saint of Infertiles?
Good Evening Humble Readers...
So, that title... Enquiring minds want to know. I'm sure there is, but because I was raised Lutheran rather than Roman Catholic, I have little knowledge of the Saints.
Today is the first Sunday of the Christian church year, the first Sunday of the season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, both for the celebration of Christmas commemorating the coming of Christ as a baby into our world, and also for his awaited return. A lot of language heard in church during this season is about waiting, hoping, expecting.... sound familiar?
On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the Hope candle on the advent wreath.
Hope is something we talk about a lot in the ALI community. Hope, or the lack thereof, colours much of our discussion. Hope is our life preserver during the tww, while we are waiting for the next round of tests, and when we are making the big decisions about building our families.
And yet, I know it's easy for me to get so distracted by all these things (and more), and to let go of that very hope that gets me through. Today at church, the Gospel lesson was from Luke 22 and included "Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with ... the anxieties of life." Again I ask... sound familiar?
Living life in the present, not stressing out about what tomorrow will bring, is a tough thing to do. But, I think if we truly cling to hope, let it soak into every corner of our lives, it might just be a little easier. Hopefully.
So, that title... Enquiring minds want to know. I'm sure there is, but because I was raised Lutheran rather than Roman Catholic, I have little knowledge of the Saints.
But if there is, then of the entire church year, today, this Sunday would have to be their feast day.
Today is the first Sunday of the Christian church year, the first Sunday of the season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, both for the celebration of Christmas commemorating the coming of Christ as a baby into our world, and also for his awaited return. A lot of language heard in church during this season is about waiting, hoping, expecting.... sound familiar?
On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the Hope candle on the advent wreath.
Hope is something we talk about a lot in the ALI community. Hope, or the lack thereof, colours much of our discussion. Hope is our life preserver during the tww, while we are waiting for the next round of tests, and when we are making the big decisions about building our families.
And yet, I know it's easy for me to get so distracted by all these things (and more), and to let go of that very hope that gets me through. Today at church, the Gospel lesson was from Luke 22 and included "Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with ... the anxieties of life." Again I ask... sound familiar?
Living life in the present, not stressing out about what tomorrow will bring, is a tough thing to do. But, I think if we truly cling to hope, let it soak into every corner of our lives, it might just be a little easier. Hopefully.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Aggravation as Distraction
Good Evening Humble Readers...
First and foremost, a cycle update: No sign of AF. I was fairly pissy earlier today, but more on that later. B00bs are so sore I want to chop them off (my Beloved is four square against that idea). Mild twinges of cramps again this morning, but gone by this afternoon. Tired... check. Bionic nose... check. Slight nausea (mostly connected to the nose thing)... check. Feeling goofy... check.
*******
So why was I pissy? Let me tell you... Every Saturday, my Beloved and I have a not so healthy tradition. We have breakfast from the golden arches. So, this morning he went to go hit the drive thru, and he couldn't get Petey the PT Cruiser to start. But not in that 'it's the first really cold morning of the winter' way. The ignition would not turn. You know, when your steering wheel locks up and it takes three or four tries to get it to budge? Well, multiply that by 20 or 30 times.... and it still didn't work. This is the same problem we were having late in the winter/early in the spring. The thing is, I'm sure we had it fixed. Between March and May of this year we sunk almost two grand into the car. Anyway, we called AMA and had the car towed to Canadian Ti.re. After a while, they were able to get it started, but very strongly suggested that we take it to the dealership to get them to take a look at it. Of course the dealership service department isn't open until Monday. Argh!
******
So, because of Petey's health issues... all of our weekend plans are down the tubes (did I mention that I have this whole weekend off?!?!). No going to the MIL's place for the Grey Cup. No Christmas shopping. Not even a regular grocery shopping trip. All because we don't want to get somewhere, only to find that the car won't start to get us home. (We are going to risk it to go to church tomorrow, but that's it) The only thing on the weekend list that has gotten done is that while the car was at Canadian Ti.re, my Beloved thought to have them swap the all-seasons for the winter tires.
******
And speaking of grocery shopping... Because we couldn't do our shopping at our regular store, we had to do the best we could at the little grocery store across the back lane from us. Now don't get me wrong, I like the little grocery store across the back lane. The staff there know us. They are really nice and their store is great for those nights when I've forgotten to take something out of the freezer for dinner. Their bakery is great, and their meat is always fresh. But just by restriction of their size, there are regular menu items for us that they don't carry. I wasn't able to get chicken wings, so my Beloved will be wingless for the game tomorrow afternoon. I can't count on them to have fresh garlic and they only carry little boxes of breakfast cereal. They didn't have shallots, or light eggnog, or chai tea... (good heavens, I'm a food snob). But... and this is so great... I just found out today that they have an order service for fresh turkeys! I ordered our Christmas turkey, and we will pick it up on December 23rd. Yay! I've always used frozen turkeys... fresh, from a local farm, has got to be miles better, right?
******
And speaking of cooking... I tried two new recipes tonight, and while I don't want to give it all away because I want to save it for Show and Tell, I can say that polenta is fantabulous! And super crazy easy to make!
******
In other news... I have been consulting Dr. Go.ogle about IBS. The big thing I found recommended is fiber... lots of it. I know that fiber is good for you, and I don't get the recommended daily amount, but in my situation it seems counter-intuitive. I don't really need something that is going to make me spend more time in the bathroom. But I'm going to give it a shot. All Br.an Bu.ds here I come.
First and foremost, a cycle update: No sign of AF. I was fairly pissy earlier today, but more on that later. B00bs are so sore I want to chop them off (my Beloved is four square against that idea). Mild twinges of cramps again this morning, but gone by this afternoon. Tired... check. Bionic nose... check. Slight nausea (mostly connected to the nose thing)... check. Feeling goofy... check.
*******
So why was I pissy? Let me tell you... Every Saturday, my Beloved and I have a not so healthy tradition. We have breakfast from the golden arches. So, this morning he went to go hit the drive thru, and he couldn't get Petey the PT Cruiser to start. But not in that 'it's the first really cold morning of the winter' way. The ignition would not turn. You know, when your steering wheel locks up and it takes three or four tries to get it to budge? Well, multiply that by 20 or 30 times.... and it still didn't work. This is the same problem we were having late in the winter/early in the spring. The thing is, I'm sure we had it fixed. Between March and May of this year we sunk almost two grand into the car. Anyway, we called AMA and had the car towed to Canadian Ti.re. After a while, they were able to get it started, but very strongly suggested that we take it to the dealership to get them to take a look at it. Of course the dealership service department isn't open until Monday. Argh!
******
So, because of Petey's health issues... all of our weekend plans are down the tubes (did I mention that I have this whole weekend off?!?!). No going to the MIL's place for the Grey Cup. No Christmas shopping. Not even a regular grocery shopping trip. All because we don't want to get somewhere, only to find that the car won't start to get us home. (We are going to risk it to go to church tomorrow, but that's it) The only thing on the weekend list that has gotten done is that while the car was at Canadian Ti.re, my Beloved thought to have them swap the all-seasons for the winter tires.
******
And speaking of grocery shopping... Because we couldn't do our shopping at our regular store, we had to do the best we could at the little grocery store across the back lane from us. Now don't get me wrong, I like the little grocery store across the back lane. The staff there know us. They are really nice and their store is great for those nights when I've forgotten to take something out of the freezer for dinner. Their bakery is great, and their meat is always fresh. But just by restriction of their size, there are regular menu items for us that they don't carry. I wasn't able to get chicken wings, so my Beloved will be wingless for the game tomorrow afternoon. I can't count on them to have fresh garlic and they only carry little boxes of breakfast cereal. They didn't have shallots, or light eggnog, or chai tea... (good heavens, I'm a food snob). But... and this is so great... I just found out today that they have an order service for fresh turkeys! I ordered our Christmas turkey, and we will pick it up on December 23rd. Yay! I've always used frozen turkeys... fresh, from a local farm, has got to be miles better, right?
******
And speaking of cooking... I tried two new recipes tonight, and while I don't want to give it all away because I want to save it for Show and Tell, I can say that polenta is fantabulous! And super crazy easy to make!
******
In other news... I have been consulting Dr. Go.ogle about IBS. The big thing I found recommended is fiber... lots of it. I know that fiber is good for you, and I don't get the recommended daily amount, but in my situation it seems counter-intuitive. I don't really need something that is going to make me spend more time in the bathroom. But I'm going to give it a shot. All Br.an Bu.ds here I come.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Infertile Math
Good Evening Humble Readers...
So, infertile math...
it's kind of like girl math...
You know... where you can have an extra helping of dessert because you had a salad for dinner? Or because you saved big time on that super cute handbag/pair of shoes/sweater, you can justify the purchase of those adorable earrings.
Infertile math... if I O'd on this date, then the earliest I could expect AF is that date. And if my temps don't start to drop by 12dpo, then I'll let my self start to hope. If my phantom symptoms are an 8 or higher on the intensity scale, then I'll let myself think about testing.
So, with that in mind...
If I'm correct, and I did O on CD14, then AF should be here by Sunday. But, if by some suspension of reality, and if Fertility Friend is correct that I O'd on CD17 (never o'd that late in the two years I've been charting), then I'm really only 9dpo today, and AF won't be here until Wednesday.
Confused yet? I know that I am, but I'm dyslexic so that might explain it.
I am going to hold on to hope. Maybe this morning's bfn was accurate. Maybe it wasn't. I know it's not truly over until AF shows her ugly face.
I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but my b00bs are really killing me. The cramps I had this morning twinged themselves out without really developing into anything at all. No spotting and the little bit of a lower backache I had this morning faded before I even left for work. I have been hungrier than normal, but as soon as I start to eat I feel very full and can't bring myself to eat much.
But... (everyone join in on the chorus now!)
I know it's probably all in my head.
So, infertile math...
it's kind of like girl math...
You know... where you can have an extra helping of dessert because you had a salad for dinner? Or because you saved big time on that super cute handbag/pair of shoes/sweater, you can justify the purchase of those adorable earrings.
Infertile math... if I O'd on this date, then the earliest I could expect AF is that date. And if my temps don't start to drop by 12dpo, then I'll let my self start to hope. If my phantom symptoms are an 8 or higher on the intensity scale, then I'll let myself think about testing.
So, with that in mind...
If I'm correct, and I did O on CD14, then AF should be here by Sunday. But, if by some suspension of reality, and if Fertility Friend is correct that I O'd on CD17 (never o'd that late in the two years I've been charting), then I'm really only 9dpo today, and AF won't be here until Wednesday.
Confused yet? I know that I am, but I'm dyslexic so that might explain it.
I am going to hold on to hope. Maybe this morning's bfn was accurate. Maybe it wasn't. I know it's not truly over until AF shows her ugly face.
I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but my b00bs are really killing me. The cramps I had this morning twinged themselves out without really developing into anything at all. No spotting and the little bit of a lower backache I had this morning faded before I even left for work. I have been hungrier than normal, but as soon as I start to eat I feel very full and can't bring myself to eat much.
But... (everyone join in on the chorus now!)
I know it's probably all in my head.
*Sigh*
Good Morning Humble Readers...
Thank you for your prayers and warm thoughts. I did in fact test this morning and got a bfn.
Is it just me, or is there a direct correlation between how expensive an hpt is to how quickly you start feeling twinges of cramps after using it? I swear, the little control line hadn't even appeared when I had that first pinch of cramps.
But my b00bs still hurt (a lot), still feeling nauseous...
Let the insanity begin.
Thank you for your prayers and warm thoughts. I did in fact test this morning and got a bfn.
Is it just me, or is there a direct correlation between how expensive an hpt is to how quickly you start feeling twinges of cramps after using it? I swear, the little control line hadn't even appeared when I had that first pinch of cramps.
But my b00bs still hurt (a lot), still feeling nauseous...
Let the insanity begin.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Only An Infertile Would Understand
Good evening, Humble Readers!
You know you are an infertile when you don't even bat an eye walking into your favourite discount big box store and spending $30 on several different brands of hpts, and $5 on fem-hy products.
Yes, I've decided to cave and test tomorrow. I will be 12dpo, which is only one day shy of my usual luteal phase. My phantom symptoms have been pretty incredible today... I've actually been really nauseous today, exhausted, and oh the pain in the b00bs! In a normal cycle, by this time in my cycle the phantom symptoms are starting to fade.
I know it's probably just all in my mind, but that little seed of hope is still there.
You know you are an infertile when you don't even bat an eye walking into your favourite discount big box store and spending $30 on several different brands of hpts, and $5 on fem-hy products.
Yes, I've decided to cave and test tomorrow. I will be 12dpo, which is only one day shy of my usual luteal phase. My phantom symptoms have been pretty incredible today... I've actually been really nauseous today, exhausted, and oh the pain in the b00bs! In a normal cycle, by this time in my cycle the phantom symptoms are starting to fade.
I know it's probably just all in my mind, but that little seed of hope is still there.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Simple Words
Good Evening Humble Readers...
I don't have a lot to post about today, so here is a list of simple words that describe my day...
I don't have a lot to post about today, so here is a list of simple words that describe my day...
Migraine
Nausea
Tired
Wasted Day
Cold
Lazy
Unproductive
PMS?
Tomorrow will be better, hopefully.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Small Things for Small Minds
Good Morning Humble Readers...
Just a few random thoughts and ramblings for you today. I'm also looking for a few opinions.
******
I always love seeing different peoples' reactions when they first walk in my home. My mother would call it Ukrainian (like an Easter egg), I call it colourful. My boss and his wife just stopped by to drop off the freezer we are buying from them (yay, a freezer!). The look on their faces was awesome as they took in my school-bus-yellow living room with the cranberry red couch and the and dark dark brown tables and book cases. Add to that the sage green kitchen walls and white cabinets... well, I know it's not everyone's taste. (and at least they didn't see the crimson bedroom!)
******
It's my Beloved's office Christmas party this evening. It's being held at a pub so jeans should be okay, right? If I wear something sparkly on top?
******
Cycle Update: The way I figure it, I'm 9dpo. The extra ewcm combined with the recent cold snap that started this week that has messed with my temps just after O caused some confusion for Fertility Friend, so according to them I'm only 7dpo. Phantom symptoms are in high gear... incredibly sore b00bs, nausea, bionic nose is up and functioning, fatigue (although that is more than partially contributed to by a couple of very bad IBS flares the last couple of nights). Because of my lack of sleep, I'm not really trusting the jump my temps made this morning, but we'll see. I'm expecting AF on Sunday... the day we are supposed to go to my MIL's house for a Grey Cup party.
******
The Grey Cup... the Canadian Football League's equivalent of Super Bowl Sunday. My Beloved's family are lifelong serious Saskatchewan Rough Riders fans. The Roughies are playing Montreal, a team they haven't beaten in the regular season for 3 or 4 years. For the party, should I do wings or ribs?
******
I bought two new cookbooks yesterday that I'm very excited about. One is for artisan breads. the other is for slow cookers... Yay for new recipes!
******
Speaking of recipes, I'm pondering setting up some sort of Bloggy Holiday recipe exchange. I'm thinking if I set it up like Show & Tell, Shout Out Sundays, or Perfect Moment Mondays, with a McLinky thing. Do you think it will work?
Just a few random thoughts and ramblings for you today. I'm also looking for a few opinions.
******
I always love seeing different peoples' reactions when they first walk in my home. My mother would call it Ukrainian (like an Easter egg), I call it colourful. My boss and his wife just stopped by to drop off the freezer we are buying from them (yay, a freezer!). The look on their faces was awesome as they took in my school-bus-yellow living room with the cranberry red couch and the and dark dark brown tables and book cases. Add to that the sage green kitchen walls and white cabinets... well, I know it's not everyone's taste. (and at least they didn't see the crimson bedroom!)
******
It's my Beloved's office Christmas party this evening. It's being held at a pub so jeans should be okay, right? If I wear something sparkly on top?
******
Cycle Update: The way I figure it, I'm 9dpo. The extra ewcm combined with the recent cold snap that started this week that has messed with my temps just after O caused some confusion for Fertility Friend, so according to them I'm only 7dpo. Phantom symptoms are in high gear... incredibly sore b00bs, nausea, bionic nose is up and functioning, fatigue (although that is more than partially contributed to by a couple of very bad IBS flares the last couple of nights). Because of my lack of sleep, I'm not really trusting the jump my temps made this morning, but we'll see. I'm expecting AF on Sunday... the day we are supposed to go to my MIL's house for a Grey Cup party.
******
The Grey Cup... the Canadian Football League's equivalent of Super Bowl Sunday. My Beloved's family are lifelong serious Saskatchewan Rough Riders fans. The Roughies are playing Montreal, a team they haven't beaten in the regular season for 3 or 4 years. For the party, should I do wings or ribs?
******
I bought two new cookbooks yesterday that I'm very excited about. One is for artisan breads. the other is for slow cookers... Yay for new recipes!
******
Speaking of recipes, I'm pondering setting up some sort of Bloggy Holiday recipe exchange. I'm thinking if I set it up like Show & Tell, Shout Out Sundays, or Perfect Moment Mondays, with a McLinky thing. Do you think it will work?
Monday, November 23, 2009
I've Come to Realize...
Good Evening Humble Readers...
I'm copping out a little again and using a meme to help me through NaBloPoMo. (I'm barely going to squeak this one in on time) I really liked this one I found over at Mugsy's place.
I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . . is a pain in the butt.
I’ve come to realize that my job. . . is not going to be my forever career.
I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I talk to myself.
I’ve come to realize that I need. . . to find out what is going on with my IBS.
I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . . my waistline.
I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . when someone belittles me for working retail.
I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . I get sleepy.
I’ve come to realize that money... doesn't define my life.
I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . are just grumpy. No way around it.
I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . be a procrastinator.
I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . are grown ups now. In my mind they are still children.
I’ve come to realize that my (bio)mom… didn't have a lot of choices.
I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . is a glorified in-box.
I’ve come to realize that when I wake up in the morning. . . I'm not the nicest person.
I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I should have known it was going to be a bad night.
I’ve come to realize that my (foster) dad. . . did more than I ever gave him credit for.
I’ve come to realize that today. . . I don't like it when customers pick on my staff.
I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . going to be a long one.
I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . I get a freezer!
I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . go back to New York.
I’ve come to realize that life. . . goes by too quickly.
I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are few, but true.
I’ve come to realize that this year. . . feels wasted.
I’ve come to realize that my exes. . . taught me that I deserved better.
I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . be more active.
I’ve come to realize that I love. . . anything with goat cheese in it.
I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . how my nose can be freezing, but my toes can be roasting.
I’ve come to realize my past. . . is done and gone.
I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are not as fun as they used to be.
I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . that I'm all talk and no action.
I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is getting better all the time.
I'm copping out a little again and using a meme to help me through NaBloPoMo. (I'm barely going to squeak this one in on time) I really liked this one I found over at Mugsy's place.
I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . . is a pain in the butt.
I’ve come to realize that my job. . . is not going to be my forever career.
I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I talk to myself.
I’ve come to realize that I need. . . to find out what is going on with my IBS.
I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . . my waistline.
I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . when someone belittles me for working retail.
I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . I get sleepy.
I’ve come to realize that money... doesn't define my life.
I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . are just grumpy. No way around it.
I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . be a procrastinator.
I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . are grown ups now. In my mind they are still children.
I’ve come to realize that my (bio)mom… didn't have a lot of choices.
I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . is a glorified in-box.
I’ve come to realize that when I wake up in the morning. . . I'm not the nicest person.
I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I should have known it was going to be a bad night.
I’ve come to realize that my (foster) dad. . . did more than I ever gave him credit for.
I’ve come to realize that today. . . I don't like it when customers pick on my staff.
I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . going to be a long one.
I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . I get a freezer!
I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . go back to New York.
I’ve come to realize that life. . . goes by too quickly.
I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are few, but true.
I’ve come to realize that this year. . . feels wasted.
I’ve come to realize that my exes. . . taught me that I deserved better.
I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . be more active.
I’ve come to realize that I love. . . anything with goat cheese in it.
I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . how my nose can be freezing, but my toes can be roasting.
I’ve come to realize my past. . . is done and gone.
I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are not as fun as they used to be.
I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . that I'm all talk and no action.
I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is getting better all the time.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Spending Someone Else's Money
Good Evening Humble Readers!
Just a quick post tonight...
Do you recall when I was yammering on about the fund raising we were doing at work for a local school's library?
Well, tonight the principal, librarian, and some helpers came in and spent two hours on a shopping spree. We got to help them spend more than $3500. They still have a bit left to spend, but they were rather overwhelmed with all that they had already purchased.
It was so much fun! I love the idea of all those kids getting have all these new books to explore.
It was great to have a local impact...
It was a good day.
Just a quick post tonight...
Do you recall when I was yammering on about the fund raising we were doing at work for a local school's library?
Well, tonight the principal, librarian, and some helpers came in and spent two hours on a shopping spree. We got to help them spend more than $3500. They still have a bit left to spend, but they were rather overwhelmed with all that they had already purchased.
It was so much fun! I love the idea of all those kids getting have all these new books to explore.
It was great to have a local impact...
It was a good day.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
November ICLW - Through the Eyes of Google
Welcome Humble Readers... and all you ICLW-ers!
This is my favourite time of the month! And I'm really excited that there are soooo many new (to me) blogs on the list! I'm still going to try for Iron Commenter status, but I'm not holding my breath on this one.
I got this idea last month from Venting Vagina. I thought it was totally cute! The only rule is that you have to link back to the blog where you found it. That's it. So, for this month's ICLW intro... this is me, through the eyes of Google.
I got this idea last month from Venting Vagina. I thought it was totally cute! The only rule is that you have to link back to the blog where you found it. That's it. So, for this month's ICLW intro... this is me, through the eyes of Google.
Where I Live - the Canadian Flatland
Where I Work - Bookstore
My Hobby - Writing 
Favourite Beverage - green tea 
Favourite Food - hummus (or anything greek/mediteranean) 
First Car - 1989 Skoda
Celebrity crush - Donnie Wahlberg
Celebrity look-alike - Sweetums
Childhood toy - toy typewriter
Random picture - A Hobbit Hole
So, that's me. I look forward to getting to know a lot of new blogs, and reconnecting with a bunch of regular ICLW-ers. Spread the bloggy love, people! Comments are the new hug!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Cycle Update, et al
Hey Humble Readers...
Not much to tell today except that it's been a bit of a trying day. Nothing that could be classified as galactic badness, just a collection of irritants that, when taken together, are more than a little aggravating.
In terms of my cycle, not a whole lot to report either. I'm pretty sure that I'm 5dpo (temps indicate it, mostly, but the extra two days of ewcm is throwing me a bit), and the phantom symptoms are making themselves known. The 'girls' are sore, I'm pooped, and there is a hint of cranky stomach (but as previously stated, that could just be ibs).
I'm just trying to get through...
And that's why I'm so thankful that ICLW is almost here! If you don't know what it is, check out the link to the left. It will help keep me occupied for the next week.
Not much to tell today except that it's been a bit of a trying day. Nothing that could be classified as galactic badness, just a collection of irritants that, when taken together, are more than a little aggravating.
In terms of my cycle, not a whole lot to report either. I'm pretty sure that I'm 5dpo (temps indicate it, mostly, but the extra two days of ewcm is throwing me a bit), and the phantom symptoms are making themselves known. The 'girls' are sore, I'm pooped, and there is a hint of cranky stomach (but as previously stated, that could just be ibs).
I'm just trying to get through...
And that's why I'm so thankful that ICLW is almost here! If you don't know what it is, check out the link to the left. It will help keep me occupied for the next week.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Winter Hazards and the Hobbit
Good Evening Humble Readers...
Yes, I live in Canada... on the flatland... so winter is unavoidable. (beware, whining ahead)
I have posted previously about how clutzy I am, and how snow and ice are not my friends. I have planned ahead this year though, and have purchased some of those stretchy things that you can put over your shoes that have extra little grips on them. (do you all have any idea what I'm talking about?)
But honestly, I would give just about anything right now for it to snow. Anything to add a little moisture to the air. My skin is drier than dry and I'm breaking out constantly.
However, I could live with dry skin. I could. Lotion can help, and being smart about not letting my showers get too hot (which is really hard, I love love love hot steamy showers) would help too.
The thing that I can live without is the nosebleeds. Two today. Twelve in the last two weeks. And I'm not talking about just a little trickle... I'm talking gushers. Fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. It just sucks!
I know I need to get a humdifier. That should help some. I don't do nasal sprays well, so I'm hesitant to try a neti pot or saline spray.
This has never happened before. I grew up on the prairies. This is my third winter back here... I should be able to handle this.
Do any of you wonderful souls out there have any other suggestions?
Yes, I live in Canada... on the flatland... so winter is unavoidable. (beware, whining ahead)
I have posted previously about how clutzy I am, and how snow and ice are not my friends. I have planned ahead this year though, and have purchased some of those stretchy things that you can put over your shoes that have extra little grips on them. (do you all have any idea what I'm talking about?)
But honestly, I would give just about anything right now for it to snow. Anything to add a little moisture to the air. My skin is drier than dry and I'm breaking out constantly.
However, I could live with dry skin. I could. Lotion can help, and being smart about not letting my showers get too hot (which is really hard, I love love love hot steamy showers) would help too.
The thing that I can live without is the nosebleeds. Two today. Twelve in the last two weeks. And I'm not talking about just a little trickle... I'm talking gushers. Fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. It just sucks!
I know I need to get a humdifier. That should help some. I don't do nasal sprays well, so I'm hesitant to try a neti pot or saline spray.
This has never happened before. I grew up on the prairies. This is my third winter back here... I should be able to handle this.
Do any of you wonderful souls out there have any other suggestions?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Show & Tell: My New Favourite Commercial
Good afternoon, Humble Readers...
Ok, so this is a rather lame Show & Tell, but this commercial makes me laugh so hard (we're talking snorts here)... It brightens my day just seeing it.
I love when 'she' says pothole.
Do you have a favourite tv commercial? One that makes you laugh so hard you could spray milk out of your nose?
Now don't forget to stop by Mel's place to check out what the rest of the class is showing!
Ok, so this is a rather lame Show & Tell, but this commercial makes me laugh so hard (we're talking snorts here)... It brightens my day just seeing it.
I love when 'she' says pothole.
Do you have a favourite tv commercial? One that makes you laugh so hard you could spray milk out of your nose?
Now don't forget to stop by Mel's place to check out what the rest of the class is showing!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Blathering On & On
Good Evening Humble Readers...
In an effort to meet my NABLOPOMO commitment, I have to post something today, but there really isn't much to tell... so you are just going to get some EXTREME randomness.
*****
In case you were wondering, dealing with IBS isn't fun. And dealing with it when you are an infertile is just obnoxious. Twinges that I feel in general vacinity of my ovaries might signify ovulation, or it might just be gas. Nausea in my tww could be a legitimate symptom of pregnancy or it could just be that trigger food that I really shouldn't have eaten. Oh, and that ache in my lower abdomen might be AF showing up early or it might be killer constipation. Gah!
*****
Ok... CM question for all my sisters out there who still chart. How many of you have had EWCM after you O'd? I am very certain that I o'd two days ago (confirmed by two days of very clear increase in temps), but I woke up this morning with some serious EWCM (more than I had before O actually).
*****
I confess that I am a huge fan of Dancing With The Stars. I have only missed a couple of episodes this season. I have been pulling for Kelly Osborne the whole time. They are 15 minutes away from announcing if she's in the finals next week, and I'm going nuts! And really, why would they have the BeeGees on tonight? Those dudes are just scary all the way around.
*****
Have any of you heard Sting's version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen"? That song has always been my favourite Christmas carol, but his version is absolutely outstanding! I may actually have to buy the cd... and I rarely buy cds any more.
*****
Yahoooooooo! Kelly's in the finals! (I need to get a life!)
In an effort to meet my NABLOPOMO commitment, I have to post something today, but there really isn't much to tell... so you are just going to get some EXTREME randomness.
*****
In case you were wondering, dealing with IBS isn't fun. And dealing with it when you are an infertile is just obnoxious. Twinges that I feel in general vacinity of my ovaries might signify ovulation, or it might just be gas. Nausea in my tww could be a legitimate symptom of pregnancy or it could just be that trigger food that I really shouldn't have eaten. Oh, and that ache in my lower abdomen might be AF showing up early or it might be killer constipation. Gah!
*****
Ok... CM question for all my sisters out there who still chart. How many of you have had EWCM after you O'd? I am very certain that I o'd two days ago (confirmed by two days of very clear increase in temps), but I woke up this morning with some serious EWCM (more than I had before O actually).
*****
I confess that I am a huge fan of Dancing With The Stars. I have only missed a couple of episodes this season. I have been pulling for Kelly Osborne the whole time. They are 15 minutes away from announcing if she's in the finals next week, and I'm going nuts! And really, why would they have the BeeGees on tonight? Those dudes are just scary all the way around.
*****
Have any of you heard Sting's version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen"? That song has always been my favourite Christmas carol, but his version is absolutely outstanding! I may actually have to buy the cd... and I rarely buy cds any more.
*****
Yahoooooooo! Kelly's in the finals! (I need to get a life!)
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Two Week Wait
Good Evening Humble Readers...
It's that time again.
The two week wait.
Stretched out ahead of me like the Canadian prairie in the middle of winter. (it's not even a full two weeks. My lp is only 13 days usually, and today was 1dpo) Just going on forever, and rather bleak.
I know that this tww should not be any more challenging than any other, but I'm feeling very apprehensive. It was in November last year that we conceived Olivia, and I can't help but feel that crazy mix of hope for a sticky bfp (third time's the charm, right?) and dreading that even if we are pregnant at the end of this month, we won't be by the new year.
That fear is there every cycle, but it's just so much more in my face this month. It's like the shadow that is always there on the edge of my line of sight is twice it's normal size and flexing it's muscles.
Thank heaven it's a busy time at work. For at least eight hours a day I will have something to distract me.
It's that time again.
The two week wait.
Stretched out ahead of me like the Canadian prairie in the middle of winter. (it's not even a full two weeks. My lp is only 13 days usually, and today was 1dpo) Just going on forever, and rather bleak.
I know that this tww should not be any more challenging than any other, but I'm feeling very apprehensive. It was in November last year that we conceived Olivia, and I can't help but feel that crazy mix of hope for a sticky bfp (third time's the charm, right?) and dreading that even if we are pregnant at the end of this month, we won't be by the new year.
That fear is there every cycle, but it's just so much more in my face this month. It's like the shadow that is always there on the edge of my line of sight is twice it's normal size and flexing it's muscles.
Thank heaven it's a busy time at work. For at least eight hours a day I will have something to distract me.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Shout Out Sunday: Of Computers & Movies & Monsters
This is my second week joining in on Full Circle's Shout Out Sunday... a really cool way to recognize those fantastic people on your blogroll and spread the love!
Here's how Shout Out Sunday works:
Choose a blog that has moved you. A daily must read. One you stalk. One that makes you laugh, cry or scream at the monitor. A new blog you would like to give exposure to. Someone you would like to introduce to your readers and send a warm fuzzy while you're at it.
My Shout Out this week goes to If Optomist for many reasons. She is funny, thoughtful, and supportive. She is a computer tech who understands the world of technology in a way that I can only dream of. She works on movies, which sounds incredibly fun (but is probably like all jobs, with good days and bad). She has had a long IF road, and has gone through countless procedures in the last few years to get her to where she is now... pregnant with two little 'monsters'! She lives up to her name, sharing her optomism and contented outlook on life with her readers. I almost always walk away from reading one of her posts with a smile. And even when she's having a bad day, her love of life and happiness is present. She inspires me to see the world through 'glass-half-full' eyes.
Don't forget to check out the SOS list, and stop by If Optomit's corner of the internet and say hi. (She's had a rough weekend, and can use some words of bloggy love!)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Happiness Is...
... an actual weekend off to spend with my Beloved!
It's been over a month since my Beloved and I had a day off at the same time. He works in an office and I work retail, so our days off rarely match up. My 'weekend' is usually Tuesday and Wednesday. Normally it's not so long between my real weekends off, but taking two weeks off in September threw things out of whack.
This weekend, though, is about us just hanging out.
Today we spent the day Christmas shopping at a new huge mall, about an hour south of here. It was fun exploring new stores and hinting at what I would love to see under the tree. We had lunch at a great burger place in the mall... who knew that goat cheese on a burger would be so darn good?!? We spent a couple of hours going our separate ways to actually buy presents for the other... and I can't tell you what I got him (because he reads my blog) but I will tell you that I'm pretty sure he's going to love it!
Of course, I also found a few things for myself. Ever the bargain shopper, I am proud to say that I found two work appropriate tops (in a rather high end plus size store) for less than $70 combined. Now I know that some of my friends south of the border are probably raising their eyebrows at that, but things are a titch more expensive here... and did I mention that it was in a plus size store (yes, the bigger ladies get burned all the time with the cost of our clothes!!!)?
But my best find of the day (other than my Beloved's gift) was this beautiful new handbag....
It's been over a month since my Beloved and I had a day off at the same time. He works in an office and I work retail, so our days off rarely match up. My 'weekend' is usually Tuesday and Wednesday. Normally it's not so long between my real weekends off, but taking two weeks off in September threw things out of whack.
This weekend, though, is about us just hanging out.
Today we spent the day Christmas shopping at a new huge mall, about an hour south of here. It was fun exploring new stores and hinting at what I would love to see under the tree. We had lunch at a great burger place in the mall... who knew that goat cheese on a burger would be so darn good?!? We spent a couple of hours going our separate ways to actually buy presents for the other... and I can't tell you what I got him (because he reads my blog) but I will tell you that I'm pretty sure he's going to love it!
Of course, I also found a few things for myself. Ever the bargain shopper, I am proud to say that I found two work appropriate tops (in a rather high end plus size store) for less than $70 combined. Now I know that some of my friends south of the border are probably raising their eyebrows at that, but things are a titch more expensive here... and did I mention that it was in a plus size store (yes, the bigger ladies get burned all the time with the cost of our clothes!!!)?
But my best find of the day (other than my Beloved's gift) was this beautiful new handbag....
I know it's not a great picture, but it is a truly awesome handbag! I got it from Fos.sil. It has multiple interior pockets (I hate the bottomless abyss purses), it's red (officially the colour is strawberry), leather trim, and because of a tiny little defect on the front I saved $90!!!!! Woohoo!
Tomorrow is church, and a quiet afternoon at home. I might put the Christmas lights out on our balconey... if I feel motivated.
Humble Readers, I hope you are all having a great weekend!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Blessed Chaos
Good Evening Humble Readers...
I hope that you all had a good day. For me, it was a pretty good day. It was crazy busy at work, which is always fun, and all is well with Petey the PT Cruiser. Yay!
After work tonight, I told my Beloved that he was taking me out for dinner. I was feeling done-in. We went to a rather popular italian chain restaurant that likes to think it captures the New York style and ambiance (not a chance... lol). I do love their italian wedding soup, though.
I was expecting that it was going to be busy, so I wasn't surprised when we found our table for two was wedged in between two larger family groups. On one side was a group of adults, mostly middle aged or older. On the other side was a multi-generational group including grandparents, aunts and uncles, parents, two preschoolers and a toddler.
After a long busy day in the store, going out to this type of restaurant was probably not the best idea. It was very loud, so loud that my Beloved and I didn't actually try to talk through most of our meal. One of the preschoolers was fussing to get out of her high chair, the toddler was just plain old unhappy, and two of the uncles were being overly enthusiastic in trying to keep the little ones entertained. The little boy was was making car noises as he drove his hot wheels car around the table, and when their ice cream arrived there was a great debate between the little girl and her mom about whether or not the cherry on top had contaminated the dessert. Spoons were dropped on the floor, and there was mild shreiking when grandma tried to wipe a little face.
The family group on the other side of our table were very obviously put out at the noise and the crowding in the restaurant. I overheard several comments about how it was 'too loud to think' and how parents 'shouldn't bring little ones out this late' (it was only 6pm). I swear they even broke out that old chestnut, 'children should be seen and not heard'.
In all honesty, I was initially irritated by the noise. I just wanted a mellow dinner and maybe a walk through the Pi.er 1 store next door.
But as I watched the family with the small children interact, I recognized that I wasn't so much irritated with the noise as I was with that prickle of envy I was feeling. You know the one. That little zing that feels like a tug at your uterus and you heart at the same time.
The family with the little ones finished and left shortly before my Beloved and I finished our dinner. The grandmother, on her way past apologized for the noise and made a comment about how we could now enjoy our dinner in peace.
One lady from the group on the other side of our table muttered something about how we would finally have some 'blessed peace' as the little ones and their entourage made their way out.
And seriously, all I could think of was how quiet our lives are right now, and how I would give my left b00b for just a tiny measure of that chaos.
I hope that you all had a good day. For me, it was a pretty good day. It was crazy busy at work, which is always fun, and all is well with Petey the PT Cruiser. Yay!
After work tonight, I told my Beloved that he was taking me out for dinner. I was feeling done-in. We went to a rather popular italian chain restaurant that likes to think it captures the New York style and ambiance (not a chance... lol). I do love their italian wedding soup, though.
I was expecting that it was going to be busy, so I wasn't surprised when we found our table for two was wedged in between two larger family groups. On one side was a group of adults, mostly middle aged or older. On the other side was a multi-generational group including grandparents, aunts and uncles, parents, two preschoolers and a toddler.
After a long busy day in the store, going out to this type of restaurant was probably not the best idea. It was very loud, so loud that my Beloved and I didn't actually try to talk through most of our meal. One of the preschoolers was fussing to get out of her high chair, the toddler was just plain old unhappy, and two of the uncles were being overly enthusiastic in trying to keep the little ones entertained. The little boy was was making car noises as he drove his hot wheels car around the table, and when their ice cream arrived there was a great debate between the little girl and her mom about whether or not the cherry on top had contaminated the dessert. Spoons were dropped on the floor, and there was mild shreiking when grandma tried to wipe a little face.
The family group on the other side of our table were very obviously put out at the noise and the crowding in the restaurant. I overheard several comments about how it was 'too loud to think' and how parents 'shouldn't bring little ones out this late' (it was only 6pm). I swear they even broke out that old chestnut, 'children should be seen and not heard'.
In all honesty, I was initially irritated by the noise. I just wanted a mellow dinner and maybe a walk through the Pi.er 1 store next door.
But as I watched the family with the small children interact, I recognized that I wasn't so much irritated with the noise as I was with that prickle of envy I was feeling. You know the one. That little zing that feels like a tug at your uterus and you heart at the same time.
The family with the little ones finished and left shortly before my Beloved and I finished our dinner. The grandmother, on her way past apologized for the noise and made a comment about how we could now enjoy our dinner in peace.
One lady from the group on the other side of our table muttered something about how we would finally have some 'blessed peace' as the little ones and their entourage made their way out.
And seriously, all I could think of was how quiet our lives are right now, and how I would give my left b00b for just a tiny measure of that chaos.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Navel Gazing
Good Evening Humble Readers!
Tonight's post is just a little bit of odds and ends. Nothing too earth-shattering...
******
We've finally decided on what to get my Beloved's mom for Christmas. There is this teeny tiny little town south of here that is home to an incredible dinner theater. When I say teeny tiny, I mean super-dooper teeny. As in, the theater arts school, staff and resident theater company are the bulk of the population. As in, there isn't a gas station in the town. That's TEENY! Anyway, we are going to take Mom C to one of the shows there in the spring. Now if I could just convince my Beloved that we need to go to their Christmas production this year (A Child's Christmas in Wales)...
******
Today was a bit of a bummer for me at work. One of my favourite staff members told me that she's going to have to give her two-week notice. She's just landed a great new job, and on a personal level I'm really happy for her. It's just going to suck losing her... especially at this time of year.
******
Ok, so I've been drinking the grapefruit juice... and liking it a lot actually. The thing is, I haven't noticed any change in my cm, except perhaps for it's absence. Hmmmm....
******
Why is it that when you have a canker sore or an achy tooth you can't help but tease it all the time? I burned the roof of my mouth the other day on some pizza, and that little piece of skin between my two front teeth is driving me insane!
******
I think that it is a statistical improbability for me to have a pair of socks for more than a month without putting a hole in at least one. I am so sick of trying to match up socks that aren't air conditioned.
******
I think the "paycheck vacuum" (courtesy of Alana) may be headed our way. The check engine light came on in the car yesterday. Here's hoping that it's just that the gas cap wasn't put on tight enough or something.
Tonight's post is just a little bit of odds and ends. Nothing too earth-shattering...
******
We've finally decided on what to get my Beloved's mom for Christmas. There is this teeny tiny little town south of here that is home to an incredible dinner theater. When I say teeny tiny, I mean super-dooper teeny. As in, the theater arts school, staff and resident theater company are the bulk of the population. As in, there isn't a gas station in the town. That's TEENY! Anyway, we are going to take Mom C to one of the shows there in the spring. Now if I could just convince my Beloved that we need to go to their Christmas production this year (A Child's Christmas in Wales)...
******
Today was a bit of a bummer for me at work. One of my favourite staff members told me that she's going to have to give her two-week notice. She's just landed a great new job, and on a personal level I'm really happy for her. It's just going to suck losing her... especially at this time of year.
******
Ok, so I've been drinking the grapefruit juice... and liking it a lot actually. The thing is, I haven't noticed any change in my cm, except perhaps for it's absence. Hmmmm....
******
Why is it that when you have a canker sore or an achy tooth you can't help but tease it all the time? I burned the roof of my mouth the other day on some pizza, and that little piece of skin between my two front teeth is driving me insane!
******
I think that it is a statistical improbability for me to have a pair of socks for more than a month without putting a hole in at least one. I am so sick of trying to match up socks that aren't air conditioned.
******
I think the "paycheck vacuum" (courtesy of Alana) may be headed our way. The check engine light came on in the car yesterday. Here's hoping that it's just that the gas cap wasn't put on tight enough or something.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Remembrance Day - In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
In Flanders fields.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street
Good Afternoon Humble Readers! 
So, today is the 40th birthday of the ultimate in children's television programming, Sesame Street! It's funny to think of Sesame Street as only a few years older than me. The show has always had a sort of eternal quality to me. It's been around all my life, and I can't imagine being a mother some day down the road without it.
So, today is the 40th birthday of the ultimate in children's television programming, Sesame Street! It's funny to think of Sesame Street as only a few years older than me. The show has always had a sort of eternal quality to me. It's been around all my life, and I can't imagine being a mother some day down the road without it.There are so many segments of the show that are lodged in my memory. I can't count to 12 without hearing the pinball music. When we were in New York, every time we went past a row of brownstones I couldn't help but think of Sesame Street. SS exposed me to music and cultural icons of the 70s and early 80s that I wouldn't know of otherwise. I learned how to find my way home when I'm lost.
Because of Sesame Street, I learned my first Spanish and French words (yeah, French... SS trivia for my friends south of the border. SS broadcast on Canadian channels always added French elements. Today there isn't Sesame Street on Canadian tv... there's Sesame Park, with a different cast of muppet characters. Sesame Street is still available on American channels available through cable service.) I also learned about death... I remember the day that Big Bird learned about Mr. Hooper's death. I remember crying right along with the only bird that never ever scared me.
When I was little, I was super envious of a cousin who had this:
Oh how I wanted the Sesame Street play set! Mr. Hooper's store, the alley, the brownstone where Bert and Ernie lived. This was the ultimate Sesame Street toy pre-Elmo.
Happy Birthday Sesame Street! Happy Birthday!
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Hobbit Around the World
Good Morning Humble Readers!
Like many of you, I signed up for a Goo.gle An.aly.tics account. It's fascinating! I signed up back in June and I love checking what keywords (most are hobbit related terms of course) bring people to my corner of cyberspace and which posts get read the most (who knew that my Show & Tell post about the farmer's market would be so intriguing?).
But what I'm drawn to most is the map overlay. I love seeing where my readers are from. I know that a lot of people just click right through and don't ever really stop to read or comment, but I'm fascinated by where they come from.
Is it silly that a visitor from a state or country that has never stopped by before makes me happy? Probably. Do you know how goofy I was the first time someone from South America stopped by? I love it! My little celebration this week? New Mexico! Only 3 more states to go!
(Yes, this post counts as a 'nothing' post, just so that I can say that I wrote something today! :) )
Like many of you, I signed up for a Goo.gle An.aly.tics account. It's fascinating! I signed up back in June and I love checking what keywords (most are hobbit related terms of course) bring people to my corner of cyberspace and which posts get read the most (who knew that my Show & Tell post about the farmer's market would be so intriguing?).
But what I'm drawn to most is the map overlay. I love seeing where my readers are from. I know that a lot of people just click right through and don't ever really stop to read or comment, but I'm fascinated by where they come from.
Is it silly that a visitor from a state or country that has never stopped by before makes me happy? Probably. Do you know how goofy I was the first time someone from South America stopped by? I love it! My little celebration this week? New Mexico! Only 3 more states to go!
(Yes, this post counts as a 'nothing' post, just so that I can say that I wrote something today! :) )
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Shout Out Sunday: Friends Across the Continent
Good Evening Humble Readers!
I heard about this groovy meme from Kristin over at Dragondreamer's Lair. It was created by Melissa of Full Circle fame. If you are familiar with Show & Tell, then you will have no problem catching on!
Here's how Shout Out Sunday works:
Choose a blog that has moved you. A daily must read. One you stalk. One that makes you laugh, cry or scream at the monitor. A new blog you would like to give exposure to. Someone you would like to introduce to your readers and send a warm fuzzy while you're at it. The list is open from noon on Saturday until 6am on Monday.
For my first Shout Out Sunday, I would like to introduce you all to Alana of Alana-isms. I came across her corner of the internet during my first ICLW in the early part of this year. She is a teacher who is passionate about giving her best to her students, a Disney-holic, wife to a budding author, mom to the adorable and precocious Miss Emma. Since dealing with a miscarraige in early 2009, she has struggled with secondary IF. Even in the midst of her most challenging days, she always has a kind word and a hug for those who are stuggling too. She hasn't been able to post often this fall due to her work schedule, but I always look forward her updates. Even though we are on opposite sides of the continent, I have come to value her as a dear friend.
Stop by Alana's place and say hi... and stop by Full Circle and check out how you can participate in the Shout-ing! Share the love, people!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
If Only I Believed in Karma...
Just over a week ago I got the H1N1 vaccine.
5 and a half hours waiting in line for the shot.
Being 2 hours late for work.
Spending a week dealing with minor reactions to the shot.
Being mocked by friends and family as being a hypocondriac.
Waking up this morning with a sore throat and stuffed sinuses... and knowing it's just a cold.
Priceless!
5 and a half hours waiting in line for the shot.
Being 2 hours late for work.
Spending a week dealing with minor reactions to the shot.
Being mocked by friends and family as being a hypocondriac.
Waking up this morning with a sore throat and stuffed sinuses... and knowing it's just a cold.
Priceless!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri
Good evening Humble Readers!
Please forgive my ramblings this evening... I'm very tired tonight. Today was my last 7am shift for more than a month. Yay!
*******
Breaking News: We now have a matched set of lamps in our living room. I know, nothing terribly exciting there. However, I have wanted lamps in our living room for as long as we have been married. Up until now, we have only had a small desk lamp to illuminate our main living space. I went shopping at Ho.mesen.se the other day, and got the two matching lamps for $30 each. Very pleased with how they look.
*******
My Beloved and I went to see the "Men Who Stare At Goats" tonight. Oh my, I don't even know how to describe it. Funny, odd, twisted and amusing. I loved it, but at the same time I left the theater wondering what the point was.
*******
If you are a regular reader, you know that I work in retail. I love my job, the products we sell, and my staff. Today was a day that I had to keep reminding myself of that fact. I don't understand the mindset that says it's okay to cuss out retail employees. More than once this week some of my staff have had to endure verbal abuse, being cussed out by customers who were at the best rude, and at the worst antagonistic bullies. In what world does calling someone a f#$!ing idiot, or telling them to go to hell get you better service? I know everyone has a bad day, but that kind of behavior is indicative of how far our culture has deteriorated.
*******
I love this time of year for new book releases. I have updated my "to read" list to the left. New Edward Rutherfurd, new Stephen King (one that actually sounds interesting), the follow-up to Graceling, and a long-lost LM Montgomery title. So cool!
*******
I came across something rather random the other day. Does anyone know about the connection between grapefruit juice and fertility? Is it the same kind of thing as green tea or is there actually some study somewhere?
Please forgive my ramblings this evening... I'm very tired tonight. Today was my last 7am shift for more than a month. Yay!
*******
Breaking News: We now have a matched set of lamps in our living room. I know, nothing terribly exciting there. However, I have wanted lamps in our living room for as long as we have been married. Up until now, we have only had a small desk lamp to illuminate our main living space. I went shopping at Ho.mesen.se the other day, and got the two matching lamps for $30 each. Very pleased with how they look.
*******
My Beloved and I went to see the "Men Who Stare At Goats" tonight. Oh my, I don't even know how to describe it. Funny, odd, twisted and amusing. I loved it, but at the same time I left the theater wondering what the point was.
*******
If you are a regular reader, you know that I work in retail. I love my job, the products we sell, and my staff. Today was a day that I had to keep reminding myself of that fact. I don't understand the mindset that says it's okay to cuss out retail employees. More than once this week some of my staff have had to endure verbal abuse, being cussed out by customers who were at the best rude, and at the worst antagonistic bullies. In what world does calling someone a f#$!ing idiot, or telling them to go to hell get you better service? I know everyone has a bad day, but that kind of behavior is indicative of how far our culture has deteriorated.
*******
I love this time of year for new book releases. I have updated my "to read" list to the left. New Edward Rutherfurd, new Stephen King (one that actually sounds interesting), the follow-up to Graceling, and a long-lost LM Montgomery title. So cool!
*******
I came across something rather random the other day. Does anyone know about the connection between grapefruit juice and fertility? Is it the same kind of thing as green tea or is there actually some study somewhere?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
September & October Reading List
Greetings Humble Readers! Okay, so I'm a bit behind. I missed posting my September reading list because of our vacation, and then November just kind of snuck up on me. Over the last couple of months, I have become addicted to a new-ish teen series... and have found a couple of new authors that I'm stoked about. I'm up to 50 books towards the Book Challenge, and no where near the 100 I predicted. Oh well... still some great reads! Maybe next year I will make a better prediction on how much I will read.
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - Wow! You know how the Twilight series is getting all the press these days for teen fiction? Well, I can honestly say that Hunger Games is by far the best teen fiction I have ever read! A blend of sci-fi futuristic-ness and well crafted adventure, this series will appeal to both boys and girls. The Capitol uses the annual Hunger Games to keep the twelve districts in line. Every district must send two competitors, chosen by lottery, to battle for their lives inside the arena that the gamemakers control. Katnis and Peeta, the representatives from District 12, are the dark horses in the competition, and must work together if they want to last even one day inside the arena. Victory equals food, comfort, and ease for their families... losing equals death. Sooooo good! (And not a vampire or werewolf in sight!)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - Ok, so you just read what I think of Hunger Games? Well, this is the follow-up to it. I don't want to give too much away here, but let's just say that the Capitol's hold on the Districts is weakening and rebellion is brewing! Katnis and Peeta are the faces of the rebellion and the Capitol is not pleased! Very well written, engaging, and I am dying for the third book in the series (not out until next year!).
Alana... you must read these! No ifs, ands, or buts!
Wed Him Before You Bed Him by Sabrina Jefferies (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - This book would fall into the trashy smut category. I think it's the last book in the School for Heiresses series... I think. Good time wasting reading! While all the other stories in the series are about the students and their adventures in finding husbands, this one is about the headmistress. The thing that I loved about this book is that you finally get to find out who the mysterious Cousin Michael is. Fun and a quick read!
The Eight by Katherine Neville (2 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I really looked forward to reading this one. The tale of Charlemagne's chess set, rumoured to destroy any one who played with it... it is a quest story a la the Davinci Code or the Labyrinth. For centuries the set was hidden by the church, but to protect it from a power-hungry archbishop, a nun separates it and scatters it across Europe. Present day power-mongers are on the hunt for it, and there is only one person who can truly bring the set back together. I had heard lots of great things about this book, but honestly I was bored to death.
The Pages In Between by Erin Einhorn ( 4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I will admit that I am not quite finished this one. It's my 'break' book at work, so it't taking me a while to get through. That being said I am loving it! It's the memoir of a young woman on a search to find the Polish family that hid her mother as a child during the holocaust. Relying on just scant information she was able to get from her mother before she passed away, Erin seeks out the remaining members of her mother's foster family. But, instead of a fairy tale ending with happy reunions, she finds that her mother's memories were those of a young child, coloured by the pain of losing the only family she had ever known. She also finds a property dispute that goes back more than 60 years. It just goes to show that family stuff is never cut and dried. There are always secrets, there are always other ways to remember how things happened.
Extreme Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I want to preface this by saying I love Stuart McLean's work... usually. For my readers south of the border, think of Garrison Keilor minus the Lutheran references. McLean is a CBC radio personality, who tells the funniest stories about Dave, Morley, their kids, and their community (a neighbourhood in Toronto). For those who haven't read or heard it, you have to check out "Dave Cooks the Turkey" sometime before Christmas. You will be crying from laughing so hard. All that said, I was greatly disappointed with his new book. There wasn't even one story that really made me chuckle. Two of the stories weren't new at all, I was familiar with them from his audio books. I bought the book soley because I was jazzed about it being a new Vinyl Cafe book. I was just very disappointed.
Valley of Horses by Jean Auel (4 out of 5 hobbit toes) - The second in the Earth's Children series (the first was Clan of the Cave Bear), I have always enjoyed this book. This is my 6th or 7th time through it, and I love it as much as I did the first time I read it. It follows the journeys of Ayla, now on her own, bannished from the Clan and Jondalar, a man of the Others. Ayla's journey is one of discovery, as she learns to live on her own and debates seeking out the people she was born to. Jondalar's journey is to follow his brother to the end of the Great Mother river. Ayla and Jondalar are destined for each other, and are brought together through tragedy. My only complaint about this book is that the author spends a lot of time in flashbacks, repeating the same elements over and over.
Love Comes Softly by Jannette Oke (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I have a soft spot for this series. It's pretty tame, very similar to Little House and other prairie stories like it. Marty, a young widow, marries Clark out of convenience. She needs a home, his daughter needs a mother. Marty must learn how to live on the prairie, with few neighbours, and fewer conveniences. Her first attempt at baking biscuits results in black lumps that even the dog won't eat. In an effort to clean their cabin, she ends up destroying the chinking between the logs. As she becomes more comfortable in her new home, she finds that she is also becoming more comfortable as Clark's wife. It's a sweet story, albeit with too happy an ending. Something fun and quick to read on a Sunday afternoon.
So, humble readers... besides blogs, what are you reading these days?
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - Wow! You know how the Twilight series is getting all the press these days for teen fiction? Well, I can honestly say that Hunger Games is by far the best teen fiction I have ever read! A blend of sci-fi futuristic-ness and well crafted adventure, this series will appeal to both boys and girls. The Capitol uses the annual Hunger Games to keep the twelve districts in line. Every district must send two competitors, chosen by lottery, to battle for their lives inside the arena that the gamemakers control. Katnis and Peeta, the representatives from District 12, are the dark horses in the competition, and must work together if they want to last even one day inside the arena. Victory equals food, comfort, and ease for their families... losing equals death. Sooooo good! (And not a vampire or werewolf in sight!)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - Ok, so you just read what I think of Hunger Games? Well, this is the follow-up to it. I don't want to give too much away here, but let's just say that the Capitol's hold on the Districts is weakening and rebellion is brewing! Katnis and Peeta are the faces of the rebellion and the Capitol is not pleased! Very well written, engaging, and I am dying for the third book in the series (not out until next year!).
Alana... you must read these! No ifs, ands, or buts!
Wed Him Before You Bed Him by Sabrina Jefferies (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - This book would fall into the trashy smut category. I think it's the last book in the School for Heiresses series... I think. Good time wasting reading! While all the other stories in the series are about the students and their adventures in finding husbands, this one is about the headmistress. The thing that I loved about this book is that you finally get to find out who the mysterious Cousin Michael is. Fun and a quick read!
The Eight by Katherine Neville (2 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I really looked forward to reading this one. The tale of Charlemagne's chess set, rumoured to destroy any one who played with it... it is a quest story a la the Davinci Code or the Labyrinth. For centuries the set was hidden by the church, but to protect it from a power-hungry archbishop, a nun separates it and scatters it across Europe. Present day power-mongers are on the hunt for it, and there is only one person who can truly bring the set back together. I had heard lots of great things about this book, but honestly I was bored to death.
The Pages In Between by Erin Einhorn ( 4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I will admit that I am not quite finished this one. It's my 'break' book at work, so it't taking me a while to get through. That being said I am loving it! It's the memoir of a young woman on a search to find the Polish family that hid her mother as a child during the holocaust. Relying on just scant information she was able to get from her mother before she passed away, Erin seeks out the remaining members of her mother's foster family. But, instead of a fairy tale ending with happy reunions, she finds that her mother's memories were those of a young child, coloured by the pain of losing the only family she had ever known. She also finds a property dispute that goes back more than 60 years. It just goes to show that family stuff is never cut and dried. There are always secrets, there are always other ways to remember how things happened.
Extreme Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I want to preface this by saying I love Stuart McLean's work... usually. For my readers south of the border, think of Garrison Keilor minus the Lutheran references. McLean is a CBC radio personality, who tells the funniest stories about Dave, Morley, their kids, and their community (a neighbourhood in Toronto). For those who haven't read or heard it, you have to check out "Dave Cooks the Turkey" sometime before Christmas. You will be crying from laughing so hard. All that said, I was greatly disappointed with his new book. There wasn't even one story that really made me chuckle. Two of the stories weren't new at all, I was familiar with them from his audio books. I bought the book soley because I was jazzed about it being a new Vinyl Cafe book. I was just very disappointed.
Valley of Horses by Jean Auel (4 out of 5 hobbit toes) - The second in the Earth's Children series (the first was Clan of the Cave Bear), I have always enjoyed this book. This is my 6th or 7th time through it, and I love it as much as I did the first time I read it. It follows the journeys of Ayla, now on her own, bannished from the Clan and Jondalar, a man of the Others. Ayla's journey is one of discovery, as she learns to live on her own and debates seeking out the people she was born to. Jondalar's journey is to follow his brother to the end of the Great Mother river. Ayla and Jondalar are destined for each other, and are brought together through tragedy. My only complaint about this book is that the author spends a lot of time in flashbacks, repeating the same elements over and over.
Love Comes Softly by Jannette Oke (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I have a soft spot for this series. It's pretty tame, very similar to Little House and other prairie stories like it. Marty, a young widow, marries Clark out of convenience. She needs a home, his daughter needs a mother. Marty must learn how to live on the prairie, with few neighbours, and fewer conveniences. Her first attempt at baking biscuits results in black lumps that even the dog won't eat. In an effort to clean their cabin, she ends up destroying the chinking between the logs. As she becomes more comfortable in her new home, she finds that she is also becoming more comfortable as Clark's wife. It's a sweet story, albeit with too happy an ending. Something fun and quick to read on a Sunday afternoon.
So, humble readers... besides blogs, what are you reading these days?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Show & Tell: NYC in Pictures
Greetings Humble Readers!
This post is very long in coming, and for that I apologize. I PROMISE, there will be a post about Terwilliger Turtle's Traveling adventures. He saw and did some fun stuff. But for tonight, you all get just a random sampling of some of my favourite pictures from our trip.
Us... waiting in line at the Letterman Show! Very Cool!
This post is very long in coming, and for that I apologize. I PROMISE, there will be a post about Terwilliger Turtle's Traveling adventures. He saw and did some fun stuff. But for tonight, you all get just a random sampling of some of my favourite pictures from our trip.
The Empire State Building. I loved this veiw.
Central Park... the most amazing urban greenspace ever!
The Chrysler Building... one of my better nightime shots.
Some navy boys in Times Square...
I don't know what his deal was... but we saw him all the time in the Park.
Some street performers... very cool to watch!
Lady Liberty... but why did she turn out white in this pic? Enquiring minds want to know!
From the top of the Empire State Building, at around 9pm.
An Italian cheese shop... I drooled buckets over those huge wheels of parm!
Us... waiting in line at the Letterman Show! Very Cool! Now, make sure you head over to Mel's place to see what the rest of the class is showing!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Be Still My Heart!
Good evening Humble Readers! (Two posts in one day! Who knew I had it in me!)
So, this Hobbit's fantasy/sci-fi loving heart is all aflutter! I just finished watching the pilot episode of 'V'. I loved it!
I remember the 'V' mini-series from back in the 80s. I remember not being allowed to watch it, but sneaking out of my bedroom to hide behind the couch while my parents watched it. I remember being freaked out big time by a woman giving birth to twins, one looked human but had a forked tongue and the other was full out lizard-person.
Tonight's episode was fun and freaky all at the same time. It was so good that I actually forgot about the chicken I was roasting.
Any new shows this fall that have you totally stoked?
So, this Hobbit's fantasy/sci-fi loving heart is all aflutter! I just finished watching the pilot episode of 'V'. I loved it!
I remember the 'V' mini-series from back in the 80s. I remember not being allowed to watch it, but sneaking out of my bedroom to hide behind the couch while my parents watched it. I remember being freaked out big time by a woman giving birth to twins, one looked human but had a forked tongue and the other was full out lizard-person.
Tonight's episode was fun and freaky all at the same time. It was so good that I actually forgot about the chicken I was roasting.
Any new shows this fall that have you totally stoked?
Creme de la Creme 2009
Hey Humble Readers! I hope you are all well and that the November greyness isn't getting you down!
Soooooo, do you see that groovy button over on the right? The one with the milk bottle? That's the one... Let me tell you about it.
Every year, the ALI goddess Mel, opens the Creme list for everyone to shamelessly self promote. Which of your posts from the past year do you think is the best? The one you would be heartbroken over if it was gone forever? Which post do you wish everyone would have read? Which post are you most proud of?
This isn't a time to be modest! Mel is giving you permission to toot your own horn, and so am I! We are all writers here, and sometimes our most powerful words get missed because our regular readers are having a busy day and don't get a chance to read them.
Any ALI blogger is invited to participate... even if you just opened your blog yesterday. You don't have to be a regular ICLW-er, Bingo-er, Show & Tell-er, or even a regular reader of any one particular blog.
Your voice deserves to be heard, and your story needs to be told! And only you can submit something from your blog.
Click on the milk bottle, and read about how you can submit your best post of 2009! The list will be posted on January 1, 2010. Submissions will be accepted until March 1, 2010. Mel's shooting for 300+ listings, but preferably one from everyone on the blogroll (more than 2000)!
So, come on! Go through your archive... find your best... we want to read it! And for those of you who I read regularly, prepare yourselves... I'm going to be pestering you!
Soooooo, do you see that groovy button over on the right? The one with the milk bottle? That's the one... Let me tell you about it.
Every year, the ALI goddess Mel, opens the Creme list for everyone to shamelessly self promote. Which of your posts from the past year do you think is the best? The one you would be heartbroken over if it was gone forever? Which post do you wish everyone would have read? Which post are you most proud of?
This isn't a time to be modest! Mel is giving you permission to toot your own horn, and so am I! We are all writers here, and sometimes our most powerful words get missed because our regular readers are having a busy day and don't get a chance to read them.
Any ALI blogger is invited to participate... even if you just opened your blog yesterday. You don't have to be a regular ICLW-er, Bingo-er, Show & Tell-er, or even a regular reader of any one particular blog.
Your voice deserves to be heard, and your story needs to be told! And only you can submit something from your blog.
Click on the milk bottle, and read about how you can submit your best post of 2009! The list will be posted on January 1, 2010. Submissions will be accepted until March 1, 2010. Mel's shooting for 300+ listings, but preferably one from everyone on the blogroll (more than 2000)!
So, come on! Go through your archive... find your best... we want to read it! And for those of you who I read regularly, prepare yourselves... I'm going to be pestering you!
Monday, November 2, 2009
CD 1... AGAIN!
Well, Humble Readers...
AF has arrived, in all her usual glory. At least she didn't toy with me this month.
Back to the drawing board, I guess.
Cycle 22 is bound to be the charm, right?
AF has arrived, in all her usual glory. At least she didn't toy with me this month.
Back to the drawing board, I guess.
Cycle 22 is bound to be the charm, right?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hobbit-ish Randomness Galore
Good Evening Humble Readers!
First up, this is my first NaBloPoMo! That crazy acronym is for National Blog Post Month. The goal is to write a post every day for a month. We'll see if I can pull it off.
******
Halloween was a non-event for us last night. No kids. No pumpkins. No candy. *sigh*
******
For all those people out there (not in blog land, but in irl) who gave me a rough time about waiting in line for 5 and a half hours, being two hours late for work, and freezing my hind end off for the H1N1 vaccine... I send you a hearty PPTTTTHHHBBbT! :p After the first two public clinics, my city is temporarily out of the serum for the vaccine. At this point they have cancelled all the upcoming clinics.
All has not been entirely rosy since we got our shots. My Beloved had a fever yesterday and was feeling mildly flu-ish. I have had a large red very sore patch on my arm at the injection site, and have been feeling rather icky for the last couple of days.
*******
We began our biggest merchandising project of the year tonight. Changing the store over to Christmas is always a lot of work. I'm excited for the season to really kick in, but I am always unsure if we are actually going to be able to do all the displays and handle all the product at this time of year.
*******
Cycle update: Tomorrow is d-day. AF is due tomorrow. No sign of her yet except a backache and some crazy intense acne. If she doesn't show, I'm not going to test until Tuesday.
*******
What are you most looking forward to in the holiday season? Personally, I am stoked for some good turkey. I missed Thanksgiving (Canadian t-giving is in Oct) because I had to work. A co-worker and I are getting together later this month to cook a turkey, just to give me a fix to get me through until Christmas.
First up, this is my first NaBloPoMo! That crazy acronym is for National Blog Post Month. The goal is to write a post every day for a month. We'll see if I can pull it off.
******
Halloween was a non-event for us last night. No kids. No pumpkins. No candy. *sigh*
******
For all those people out there (not in blog land, but in irl) who gave me a rough time about waiting in line for 5 and a half hours, being two hours late for work, and freezing my hind end off for the H1N1 vaccine... I send you a hearty PPTTTTHHHBBbT! :p After the first two public clinics, my city is temporarily out of the serum for the vaccine. At this point they have cancelled all the upcoming clinics.
All has not been entirely rosy since we got our shots. My Beloved had a fever yesterday and was feeling mildly flu-ish. I have had a large red very sore patch on my arm at the injection site, and have been feeling rather icky for the last couple of days.
*******
We began our biggest merchandising project of the year tonight. Changing the store over to Christmas is always a lot of work. I'm excited for the season to really kick in, but I am always unsure if we are actually going to be able to do all the displays and handle all the product at this time of year.
*******
Cycle update: Tomorrow is d-day. AF is due tomorrow. No sign of her yet except a backache and some crazy intense acne. If she doesn't show, I'm not going to test until Tuesday.
*******
What are you most looking forward to in the holiday season? Personally, I am stoked for some good turkey. I missed Thanksgiving (Canadian t-giving is in Oct) because I had to work. A co-worker and I are getting together later this month to cook a turkey, just to give me a fix to get me through until Christmas.
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