tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63052732011-12-01T11:37:48.304-08:00eclectic thoughts in random orderchrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.comBlogger2071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-31461462466730150462011-11-30T18:56:00.000-08:002011-11-30T19:12:38.978-08:00

And it's ooooover (in my best Kitchen Stadium announcer voice). NaBloPoMo has come to an end once again. I learned a few things this time around:I'm much better at photo blogging than word blogging.I'm very good at procrastination.I should write more so I won't be quite so rusty.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-80599489885159176862011-11-29T19:21:00.000-08:002011-11-29T19:34:54.652-08:00

In one of our rapid-fire text messaging sessions, Ken said stability is my comfort zone and that is why I stay put. I guess that's true in that I don' like change. But I find it odd since I rarely feel like things are stable. There is always some sort of chaos swirling around me and it seems like it has always been that way. Maybe it is time to take a leap of faith and see where I land.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-79882763123862392202011-11-28T20:29:00.000-08:002011-11-29T19:18:39.027-08:00

When some people ask for help or advice, they really only want you to agree with them.You can only do so much for another person. Some things they have to do themselves.You can only change yourself.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-59442965438190973692011-11-27T20:30:00.001-08:002011-11-27T20:30:38.317-08:00

For you, a photo by chrissanna68 on Flickr.When I was little I used to go junking and driving around with my Papa in his old pickup that we affectionately called bloop bloop. I often wanted to pick these purple "flowers." Papa would stop the truck and pick me a bouquet. Several sprung up in our yard before the recent cold spell. Ken picked this one for me.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-50222345994127075192011-11-26T20:35:00.000-08:002011-11-26T21:55:00.042-08:00

My taste in music is to say the least eclectic. I may listen to classical one minute and punk the next. Sometimes it depends on my mood, other times I just let iPod shuffle me so tunes. Here's a few of my favorites:Drive-by Truckers: Any of their songs are OK by me.Etta James: Wish I could wail like she does.Social Distortion: Mike Ness's voice makes me want to sing along at the top of my

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-70338778987619477512011-11-25T20:56:00.001-08:002011-11-25T21:30:01.145-08:00

One of the highlights of the week when I was a kid was "The Muppet Show." I loved the skits, loved the music and loved the guest stars (even though some of them I had never heard of before.) So today we skipped the Black Friday shopping insanity I hate and went to see the new movie with Kermie, Piggy and the gang. My personal favorite is Gonzo. If you liked the show as kid and just want some

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-21133568032838853422011-11-24T19:15:00.000-08:002011-11-24T19:18:13.258-08:00

Here's hoping you didn't get bombed by live turkeys.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-60839447615341883192011-11-23T21:40:00.000-08:002011-11-23T22:49:46.187-08:00

Tonight I am making cornbread. It's better for the dressing that way -- not stuffing, dressing. It needs time to sit and dry up a little so it can so soak up the chicken broth. There used to be a whole houseful of people in this very house on Thanksgiving. My grandmother would cook for days. Pies, cakes, huge turkeys, vegetables and all that stuff. Tomorrow I will be working, and there will only

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-66458965084686074052011-11-22T19:14:00.000-08:002011-11-22T19:38:28.901-08:00

Today's word is frustration. Everything I have tried to do has taken longer, required more effort and annoyed me more than it should have.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-35450782034717777932011-11-21T17:56:00.000-08:002011-11-21T18:20:42.866-08:00

It's day four with the Nook Tablet, and I'm absolutely thrilled with it. In fact, I'm writing this review with it. I was pleasantly surprised to find plenty of free and inexpensive books available. My first download was Jules Vernes' "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" for free. It is an excellent e-reader, but its web and video capabilites beat my high expectations. I watched a free Smithsonian

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-16511902016618423442011-11-20T19:44:00.000-08:002011-11-20T20:11:19.897-08:00

It's going to be a short but busy week. One of the flaws of working for a seven day operation is holidays aren't really holidays. Someone will need to cover, much work will need to be done before days off and you don't always get the actual holiday off. This year I am working Thanksgiving, which isn't a big deal really since there will only be two of us here. I'll try to get some turkey and

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-74771561809438060552011-11-19T21:10:00.000-08:002011-11-19T21:50:10.075-08:00

Some random thoughts:I become easily obsessed with things, especially in miniature.I deconstruct swiss cake rolls and eat gummy bears in order from least favorite to most favorite.I prefer odd numbers to even ones.I don't like to make eye contact unless I know someone really well.I like kung fu movies with Bruce Lee. I have a hard time letting go of paper.Talk shows make me feel uncomfortable and

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-1144536274197612512011-11-18T17:53:00.000-08:002011-11-19T21:09:34.465-08:00

I'm a fan of print. I love paper and ink. I will search for the most untouched copy in the stack, but this has created a clutter issue. So to keep getting the books I love and avoiding the hoarding I hate, I bought a Nook tablet today. Review to follow.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-66073454167353669122011-11-17T20:26:00.000-08:002011-11-19T21:52:51.177-08:00

With everything going on in the world, can someone explain to me why "Twilight" and the demi-ashton divorce are in today's top stories?

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-25020595262600007882011-11-16T17:57:00.000-08:002011-11-16T18:05:34.444-08:00

Two things I won't be standing in line at midnight for:The latest episode of the "Twilight" sagaBlack Friday shopping

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-65638055610443313192011-11-15T19:43:00.001-08:002011-11-15T19:43:32.894-08:00

Photo bomber, a photo by chrissanna68 on Flickr.Happy anniversary, honey! After two decades, you still make me laugh. Love you past, present and future.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-6570833545857913242011-11-14T18:51:00.001-08:002011-11-14T19:06:58.669-08:00

in addition to various other proof i have received that it's monday, my blackberry won't type capital letters. i wish i could have stayed in bed with a good book. it's been one of those days.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-10794068219103236592011-11-13T21:14:00.000-08:002011-11-13T21:53:30.870-08:00

Last year we lost someone very dear to my family. My cousin was a teacher, a friend, a column writer a chili cookoff competitor and a world class scrapbooker. She had a smile that lit up a room and I miss laughing with her until my sides hurt. But one of her most important roles was as a fierce advocate for her two boys with autism. I walked in two Autism Speaks walks last year in her memory, and

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-56276234380378792642011-11-12T21:37:00.001-08:002011-11-12T21:37:21.516-08:00

Being sweet, a photo by chrissanna68 on Flickr.I sure miss these moments. I never imagined 14 would be so different than 9. He's growing up, and I'm sure we will all eventually adjust. But in the in-between time is surely difficult. I have a greater appreciation for what my mom went through when I hit that age.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-45416370005660012022011-11-11T18:26:00.000-08:002011-11-11T18:36:10.198-08:00

"Better to fight for something than live for nothing." Gen. George S. PattonIf you enjoy any of the freedoms of this country, thank a veteran. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and the granddaughter of a World War II veteran, I am amazed and inspired by the courage of military men and women.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-83844746529710177412011-11-10T17:59:00.000-08:002011-11-10T18:09:27.675-08:00

Right now I'm just getting started on Michio Kaku's Physics of the Impossible. I'm already in love with its concept of what is impossible today may not be tomorrow.Kaku is rapidly becoming my favorite physicist. Although I'm not sure I had one before him, maybe Einstein. I must confess that I have a little crush on Kaku for watching him talk sexy about physics on all those science shows. Science

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-25491463200273536512011-11-09T10:37:00.000-08:002011-11-09T11:18:38.282-08:00

I typically avoid writing about politics because I believe in that old adage. You know the one that says you shouldn't talk politics or religion if you want to keep friends and avoid arguments. So this isn't going to be too political, but you can't talk about health care in this country without a small dose.It's that time of the year when most companies are offering re-enrollment in their health

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-69745673818834959932011-11-08T12:01:00.000-08:002011-11-08T12:09:04.053-08:00

Have you heard about the aircraft-carrier-size asteroid that is passing between the moon and the Earth tonight? I'll be at work, but I think it might be worth stepping outside for a look.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-43027439602636334052011-11-07T17:03:00.000-08:002011-11-07T17:18:35.516-08:00

I've hit the seven-day slump. It happened last year, too. I have all these great ideas that I just can't formulate. Tomorrow will be better. It's been a long time since I've written a column so I think I'll start Wordy Wednesday. I'll pretend I still have a print column. This week I'm thinking health care and insurance. Blogging is hard work.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-31518923755613140862011-11-06T21:31:00.001-08:002011-11-06T21:31:06.598-08:00

Leaning, a photo by chrissanna68 on Flickr.I see beauty in decay -- the texture, the colors, the new shapes created by thing falling apart. In this house were a human family once lived, new life thrives. Baby birds were safely in a nest in the closet, a pack rat or some other small animal had built a nest in the kitchen cabinets. Nothing is wasted; everything has a purpose even when we don't see

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-73960866717910808722011-11-05T21:04:00.000-07:002011-11-05T21:30:56.194-07:00

Journalism lost a beloved curmudgeon today. I remember watching "60 Minutes" as a kid after the late Sunday football game. Andy Rooney's matter-of-fact manner was kind of comforting after a the harder news stories. I was a news geek even then. I also liked watching a young Geraldo Rivera do undercover investigations on "20/20." I think any journalism endeavor can use a dose of both. You want the

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-81599114911072378072011-11-04T12:54:00.001-07:002011-11-04T12:54:57.551-07:00

March 3, 2007, a photo by chrissanna68 on Flickr.He looks like he could be useful as head butter. That doesn't look right, but you know what I mean.Via Flickr:Hook 'em

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-72333242288505419442011-11-03T18:12:00.000-07:002011-11-03T18:23:43.578-07:00

I find it interesting how some people get drunk with power - even when they don't have very much. It's a little like Cartman from "South Park" running around saying "Respect my authority." It's hard to respect someone who doesn't earn it or have any meaningful authority.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-30058555998779294312011-11-02T18:24:00.000-07:002011-11-02T18:31:01.292-07:00

I still need to finish my Life Unchained (aka bucket) list. But while I was looking it over for ideas, I discovered I had crossed something off. No. 7 was get a freelance job, and this week I finished my first one! It was a real sense of accomplishment with the promise of more work. Now I need to finish the list up, and get to work on making more things happen.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-22985608724219362532011-11-01T18:19:00.000-07:002011-11-01T18:51:20.925-07:00

We went to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on Saturday night and had such a great time. I threw toast. But the best part was I picked up some new catchphrases. The two kids seating next to us had plenty of gems. They were obviously were Rocky virgins, but didn't go up for the ritual hazing.Some of the highlights:"This isn't exactly a movie. It's a sing-a-long.""Is that John Belushi?" (It was

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-90618733394695896192011-10-19T08:29:00.000-07:002011-10-19T08:32:12.163-07:00

I'm still getting updates on a child I don't have from a place I've never been -- now they come in Spanish.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-8613751465196246942011-02-01T10:29:00.000-08:002011-02-01T10:32:26.779-08:00

I let the dogs in early this morning because it was bitter cold. West Texas temperatures should never reach negative numbers. The basset laid down and took a nap with me. The junkyard dog? She ate a book.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-88679431479547205132011-01-04T21:42:00.000-08:002011-01-04T21:44:53.186-08:00

It's been on of those days where inspiration has been fleeting. I think my creative battery needs a recharge. I struggled during work to come up with two pages that I didn't hate. Finished products just made me think, "meh."

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-51027614064840569322011-01-03T21:24:00.000-08:002011-01-03T21:47:26.654-08:00

Last night, my husband was watching a show about Diane Sawyer while I was at work. He sent me a text message that said I was like her and should have been a reporter. It was sweet and made me smile that he could see me in that light. I don't really see many similarities, but when I graduated all I wanted to be was writer. I envisioned a career as a political reporter or a nature journalist,

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-87134049751312286702011-01-02T11:45:00.000-08:002011-01-02T11:57:34.775-08:00

I've mentioned my affinity for odd numbers before, so it's probably no surprise that I am hopeful about 2011. During 2010, I spent a lot of time reacting and worry to situations that I have little to no control over. This year is going to be the year of focusing on what I can control. I can do better things for my health. I can make changes to my job skills and my work status. I can put effort

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-7255516834647611712011-01-01T21:20:00.000-08:002011-01-01T21:36:33.687-08:00

The basset hound came into our lives seven years ago - a cute puppy that captured my heart with an online picture. I had recently lost my rottie that was the great dog in so many ways. Let's just say the hound was different. The rottweiler was house trained in less than a week. The hound not so much. It's something we are still working on. The rottie could spend the day in the house and not touch

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-48447111513911035712010-11-30T10:43:00.000-08:002010-11-30T11:04:27.614-08:00

Thirty days ago I committed to blogging every day for the month of November. There were days I didn't think I would make it -- squeaking by with a post shortly before midnight, just writing a few words or sharing a link. I've struggled with how much to reveal and setting a tone, but all and all I'm glad I did it. I haven't decided if I will continue the trend in December, but I do plan to post

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-63225259697619831142010-11-29T21:21:00.000-08:002010-11-29T21:28:30.922-08:00

I just noticed my receipt from the doctor's office says I had an extensive visit. I waited for an hour, saw her for less than 10 minutes and had blood drawn. Her definition of "extensive" must be different than mine.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-85186979602439238072010-11-28T20:02:00.000-08:002010-11-28T20:07:12.255-08:00

It's amazing how quickly the time passes on the way to take B back and how slow it moves on the way back.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-67832765389122951802010-11-27T21:10:00.000-08:002010-11-27T21:26:23.458-08:00

I stumbled across a link on a blog to this article on introverts. I wish I had bookmarked the blog because a lot of it resonated with me and I haven't been able to find it again. I sometimes wish I was an extrovert. It seems like an easier life if you enjoy interaction and self-promotion. I think introverts can be shafted at work and life in general because we don't put a happy face on things.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-15649971533700620052010-11-26T17:52:00.000-08:002010-11-26T18:59:40.654-08:00

I refrained from any shopping on Thanksgiving, but we did make a short mall run today. It was way too crowded for the family of introverts. The guys did a little tool shopping and we walked maybe a quarter of the mall. It's been a peaceful couple of days and I am hoping the trend continues for the next couple. Big changes at work are starting next week, and that always makes me a little nervous.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-66266680816965291012010-11-25T14:30:00.000-08:002010-11-25T14:36:22.502-08:00

The last few years I have started a new tradition. While I'm cooking I watch one of my favorite episodes of one of my childhood favorite sitcoms."As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." Enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving. Have a safe and blessed holiday!

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-26753466181150107542010-11-24T20:37:00.000-08:002010-11-24T20:40:38.140-08:00

I'm making the cornbread tonight for the dressing tomorrow. Many of my family traditions have fell by the wayside, but this is a must for Thanksgiving. No other dressing can compare to the way my grandmother made it.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-15441612463058534662010-11-23T18:54:00.000-08:002010-11-23T19:16:55.830-08:00

I can't believe I nearly missed a day this far into NaBloPoMo. It's been a busy week trying to get ready for the holidays at home and at work. Why does work have to double so you can get days off? It's never made much sense to me. I've been thinking a lot about traditions and family, in part because of recent events and in part because this house used to be so full at the holidays. I may work it

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-42942802734112620352010-11-22T11:09:00.000-08:002010-11-22T11:10:52.351-08:00

If I every get independently wealthy, I am going to pay to have my groceries delivered. Today's shopping did not put me in the holiday spirit.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-63246306817382010602010-11-21T11:52:00.000-08:002010-11-21T12:00:44.091-08:00

I'm looking forward to two four-day workweeks in a row, but first there is a lot to do. Crossed two things off my list this weekend. It felt good, so I'm going to push for another few before B arrives Tuesday and the Thanksgiving feast on Thursday. With big changes in the works at the office, I'd like to have my home life a little more orderly.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-69654615595849719842010-11-20T13:54:00.001-08:002010-11-20T13:58:04.983-08:00

Cleaning out the refrigerator in preparation for the Thanksgiving feast has unveiled some self-truths.1- We eat out way too much. I basically just threw money in the trash because we didn't eat what I bought.2- I am desperately out of shape. Cleaning the refrigerator should not make one sweat.3- I takes me longer to think about doing housework than it does to just do it. I need to get with the

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-49103349060625013662010-11-19T14:41:00.000-08:002010-11-19T17:24:54.317-08:00

Slowing my roll with a new Kid Rock CD and facebook games while waiting for our steaks to be delivered. I've been thinking of something profound to say all day and it just isn't happening, so I'm just going to enjoy a few guilty pleasures.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-56778825138230327672010-11-18T12:30:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:38:39.270-08:00

I have looked at literally a hundred or more Thanksgiving recipes in the last few weeks while building Food and Life & Times pages and here are my conclusions.1- Stuffing or dressing: Dressing, cornbread. Any other kind is pointless.2- I like vanilla and I love pepper, but I am never going to try that recipe for vanilla pepper turkey. That sounds vile.3- Keep it simple. Green beans do not require

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-86899810918199094512010-11-17T10:30:00.000-08:002010-11-17T10:36:10.681-08:00

One of these days I'm going to figure out how to make everyone happy, but for now I'm going to worry about making me and a select few a little more happy.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-15837197311480171562010-11-16T10:06:00.000-08:002010-11-16T10:31:04.626-08:00

NASA's Chandra Finds Youngest Nearby Black Hole I love that NASA offers so many gorgeous pictures of wonderful things. Sometimes I look through its gallery just to feel small and insignificant. It puts things in perspective.Photo credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/D.Patnaude et al, Optical: ESO/VLT, Infrared: NASA/JPL/Caltech

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-86855363908082386612010-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:002010-11-15T10:44:22.159-08:00

The pushmi-pullyu (pronounced "push-me-pull-you") is an "gazelle-unicorn cross" which has two heads (one of each) at opposite ends of its body. When it tries to move, both heads try to go in opposite directions. Dr. Dolittle meets it on his voyage to Africa to save monkeys. (See: The Story of Doctor Dolittle) Source: Wikipedia

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-19813937272831308412010-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:002010-11-14T12:05:21.075-08:00

I'm not the conductor or the engineer, I'm just along for the ride.Inspiration via Mom

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-80530351657632512172010-11-13T18:20:00.000-08:002010-11-13T18:22:00.292-08:00

Some days I would just like to trade all this drama in on some comedy or maybe even a good mystery.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-39386480429500953422010-11-12T21:28:00.000-08:002010-11-12T21:33:32.328-08:00

Being sick is one of my least favorite things. Being sick on my days off is even worse. So only a few things for my Life Unchained list. Then another aspirin and back to bed.20- Spin yarn.21- Conquer a fear.22- Learn to roller skate.23- Take a trip by train.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-68040416195066041222010-11-11T10:14:00.000-08:002010-11-11T12:39:46.932-08:00

War made me. No, I'm not a veteran. But if it weren't for World War II and a handwritten letter I wouldn't be who I am. How does a young man from the dusty desert of West Texas met a young woman from Michigan's Great Lakes Bay region? Written on the camp's gold embossed stationery and dated in August of 1943:Dear Miss Shirley, Louis Sylvester told me about you so I thought I might write to you. I

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-8325876283904985382010-11-10T12:30:00.000-08:002010-11-10T12:41:07.362-08:00

I've been trying to read more. I love to books, but I seem to put them on the back-burner a lot lately. So today I was getting in a few minutes of reading while waiting and this passage from Anne Rice's "Angel Time" really spoke to me for some reason."But in every family there are bad people, and weak people, and some people who can't or won't withstand the trials of life, and who fail

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-12060109922561222542010-11-09T10:25:00.000-08:002010-11-09T10:38:11.986-08:00

So I woke up today stumped for a post. I'm working on a really good one (I hope) for Veterans Day and I'll have more time to come up something tomorrow. So for today, just additions to my Life Unchained list, again special thanks to Mighty Girl for the inspiration.10- Swim with dolphins.11- Visit the Smithsonian.12- See a bear in Alaska.13- Get to visit a specific relative face-to-face.14-

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-52309229243803154952010-11-08T10:08:00.000-08:002010-11-08T10:23:21.116-08:00

Daylight savings time has never really made sense to me. The idea that we can trick ourselves into using daylight seems a waste of time, but on a positive note it did get me up an hour earlier. Two loads of laundry are done, the dogs are fed and water has been added to the fish tank. Oh, and I've had more time to kill on facebook and surfing the Net.I figured today would be a good day to start my

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-80972201751686633972010-11-07T09:30:00.000-08:002010-11-07T10:57:22.739-08:00

As we were standing in line purchasing our shiny new BlackBerry phones, he says "I bet it will be cheaper tomorrow." The agent reassured us we were getting an extra discount and waived activation fees, so I was pretty pleased. Today I open the paper to see an ad that offers them $50 cheaper and in three new colors.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-2012405909966555352010-11-06T14:44:00.000-07:002010-11-06T14:51:36.303-07:00

It's been the best kind of Saturday, relaxed and drama-free. I splurged a little on a new phone and new bedding. Bonuses are a good thing. I'm kicking around some post ideas for next week -- some serious and some fun. I've been inspired by Mighty Girl's Mighty Life List. It's similar to a bucket list and I plan to call mine the "Life Unchained List" to match my freelance company name. It might

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-71273033834963978042010-11-05T13:12:00.000-07:002010-11-05T13:30:19.882-07:00

Since the larger posts I am working on haven't come to fruition yet, here are five random thoughts for Friday and Day 5 of NaBloPoMo.1- I'm not sure how I got here from there.2- Why I have I formed more attachments to stuff than I have to people? Now the stuff smothers me and makes it hard to let people in. What do I do to fix that? 3- Why can't most people talk about politics or religion in a

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-10316341441874955582010-11-04T12:28:00.000-07:002010-11-04T12:43:10.702-07:00

Have you seen this? Law curbs Happy Meal toys. Instead of blaming a lack or activity or too much food for childhood obesity, San Francisco is blaming the toy in the box. I'm all for healthier choices but this kind of mandate is just another example of people refusing to take responsibility. An occasional kid's meal with a toy is not going to make a kid fat. I've had a weight problem all my life

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-42494218432187006512010-11-03T12:30:00.000-07:002010-11-03T12:35:05.347-07:00

Here I am at Day 3 with hundreds of topics in my head that I can't get to the page. Wandering is what I seem to spend a lot of time doing. My mind wanders to frivolous things, my body wanders through life. I can focus on the minute details, but the big picture eludes me. I thought I'd have my shit together by this age.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-32029559058781839942010-11-02T10:19:00.001-07:002010-11-02T10:22:36.794-07:00

In an effort to get back to writing, I have committed to posting every day this month through National Blog Posting Month. I expect to write a lot of crap just because of the volume, but may be in the process also come up with something clever, funny or insightful. The goal is to find my voice again. I know it's in here somewhere.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-7527791201318089262010-11-01T18:06:00.000-07:002010-11-01T18:11:34.783-07:00

Apparently I have a previously unknown child who likes to skip classes a few times a week at Flowery Branch High School in Georgia. Matthew, please go to school. You might need that knowledge later in life. And while you are there, please give the attendance secretary your mother's real e-mail address. Thanks so much.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-16567906044841064222010-01-14T19:24:00.000-08:002010-01-14T19:25:25.014-08:00

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-55146383922982452042009-12-24T00:14:00.000-08:002009-12-24T09:54:16.436-08:00

It's that time of year again, and I've been thinking about this whole "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas" issue. Apparently many people I know feel strongly about it. I, however, don't. I really don't see the harm in wishing someone glad tidings in whatever form.You can tell me "Happy Holidays," "Merry Christmas," "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Hanukkah" (although that one would be slightly

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-69441415650165312232009-11-25T23:10:00.000-08:002009-11-25T23:19:06.811-08:00

Sunday I was building 1A at the newspaper when we got word of breaking news. I began reworking the page as more details came in. There will be four empty chairs at somebody's Thanksgiving table today. A father, a mother and their two tiny children, 4 and 2, were found dead from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. They didn't have electricity and were using a borrowed generator to stay warm. As

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-9791431819755573922009-06-05T19:26:00.000-07:002009-06-05T19:34:03.514-07:00

A conversation via text message:Me: The CEO of Freedom is resigning to become the CEO of Playboy. Thought you'd appreciate that.Him: That's f***ing cool!!!!!!!Me: Porn is probably more stable work than papers right now.Him: And pays a hell of a lot more as well ...

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-21910984426801355042009-03-05T20:54:00.001-08:002009-03-05T20:54:53.543-08:00

a little more common sense, a little less panic and a whole lot more personal responsibility.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-29020218588078941062009-02-13T01:27:00.001-08:002009-02-13T01:27:09.905-08:00

At a very rough time in my life, my mom sent me a card with these words: "Don't forget, you are stronger than you think you are." And she was right.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-43134545372955839822009-02-05T23:34:00.000-08:002009-02-05T23:35:28.868-08:00

I'm playing with answering prompts at www.plinky.com to get over some writer's block.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-1736089992661376912009-02-05T23:33:00.001-08:002009-02-05T23:33:43.168-08:00

I learned a few computer basics in high school and college, but didn't get online until I met my future husband. He had a smoking hot Tandy TRS-100 (an example of this modern technology: http://oldcomputers.net/index.html) Seems like we spent days on the local BBS chat. We really thought we were computer geeks when we got a Tandy desktop with external 300 baud modem. And when we bumped up to

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-77440162918387473922009-01-29T00:44:00.000-08:002009-01-29T00:49:35.164-08:00

This story about an elderly man freezing to death in his own home infuriated me. Locally, a cancer patient on disability had her water cut off over $26. Yet they take a $1 "donation" on my water bill for parks. Where is the compassion and common decency?

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-60158808371397075532009-01-23T19:28:00.000-08:002009-01-23T19:32:36.688-08:00

Newspaper claims suspect transformed into a goat. Maybe this explains why newspapers are struggling in the U.S. We need more magic -- or maybe more goats.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-6066580602856967862007-07-28T00:57:00.000-07:002007-07-28T01:13:21.341-07:00

Psychology giant Albert Ellis died this week. I attended one of his speeches in the early 1990s. At the time I was thinking of adding a degree in psychology to my mass communication degree. He was under the weather with a cold, but he gave a wonderful talk and even lead us in a song about "stinking thinking." I bought one of his books and he patiently autographed dozens that day. I still haven't

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-34500270154125780492007-06-28T10:59:00.000-07:002007-06-28T11:01:51.426-07:00

Spice Girls reunite. And now of got that stupid lover song stuck in my head.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-35108153011262734392007-06-25T11:15:00.000-07:002007-06-25T11:19:58.282-07:00

When I hit the lottery, (no rich relatives and a pitiful savings, so it's going to have to be the lotto) I'm going to buy 1,000 acres (preferably in the Hill country or other green Southern area) and build a house in the middle of it and then build a moat around it (piranhas and alligators optional). We'll only lower the drawbridge for people we like. I'm just saying...

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-34529030998734122452007-06-21T12:46:00.000-07:002007-06-21T12:49:39.874-07:00

Man steals venomous snakes, gets bit. Brilliant

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-61387507525223216502007-06-02T09:06:00.000-07:002007-06-02T09:09:10.734-07:00

Man falls off balcony in spitting contest.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-48909406763254857472007-05-20T00:13:00.001-07:002007-05-20T00:16:55.621-07:00

and profilin'. Now I just need to find one of those belts. From the "Complete Guide to Modern Knitting and Crocheting" by Alice Carroll, published 1942.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-62421291798803303082007-05-14T10:41:00.000-07:002007-05-14T10:43:11.367-07:00

You would think educators would be smarter than this: Teachers stage fake gun attack on kids

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-1751743587896476782007-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:002007-05-10T11:48:53.660-07:00

aka those bars are there for a reasonYou know it's not going to end well when a story has lead like this: Climbing into a giraffe's cage at the local zoo seemed a good idea after a few drinks.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-30887833736278050732007-05-10T02:16:00.000-07:002007-05-10T02:19:39.351-07:00

The cukes may be toast, but the tomatoes, rosemary and at least one of the peppers have survived.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-69757684023926001462007-05-04T14:21:00.000-07:002007-05-04T14:25:53.725-07:00

I have no problem with a man in a kilt. Kilts can be sexy. But Target man in the black utilikilt just say no to the Hawaiian shirt and faux Birkenstocks next time. I'm just saying ...

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-40181224429816695962007-05-03T10:28:00.000-07:002007-05-03T10:32:37.272-07:00

All my love -- past, present and future.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-3253580845949373632007-05-03T01:51:00.000-07:002007-05-03T02:15:19.132-07:00

Saturday we hit the grand opening of a new garden store. I had been toying with the idea of little vegetable container garden. Good potting soil, two different types of tomato plants, lemon cucumbers, mexibell peppers and rosemary followed me home. A little bit of time playing in the dirt and voila a tiny garden was born. They looked a little shell-shocked at first. But Day 2 the rains came and

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-850996640569604252007-04-22T02:01:00.000-07:002007-04-22T02:02:19.674-07:00

As if kids didn't have enough pressure -- in today's "Happy" Meal, the judgmental mic.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-70095328859192304802007-04-21T00:44:00.001-07:002007-04-21T00:44:10.223-07:00

Red eye Originally uploaded by chrissanna68. I know exactly how he feels.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-59171538684982823452007-04-13T15:27:00.000-07:002007-04-13T15:29:17.447-07:00

My great-grandma said something good always happened to her on Friday the 13th. It's always been good to me too. This time the luck came a day early, but I will take it all the same.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-22083599035246435922007-04-07T13:08:00.001-07:002007-04-07T13:08:12.298-07:00

Easter egg in snow Originally uploaded by chrissanna68. This is West Texas. It's April. It was high 70s all last week. This is not right.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-47201802622300721212007-03-07T21:25:00.000-08:002007-03-07T21:27:49.983-08:00

Man burns genitals in 'Jackass' stunt. The title alone should be a clue not to try these things at home.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-46290736204289359182007-03-06T11:38:00.001-08:002007-03-06T11:38:06.194-08:00

March 5, 2007 Originally uploaded by chrissanna68. Two clicks and the camera's batteries went dead. First shot out of focus and this one. When I came back with fresh batteries, of course, it was gone. But that's OK.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-15354896194401814202007-03-03T20:34:00.001-08:002007-03-03T20:34:54.015-08:00

March 3, 2007 Originally uploaded by chrissanna68. Hook 'em

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-2000491313504575152007-02-27T12:29:00.000-08:002007-02-27T12:31:06.140-08:00

This case gets more pathetic and sad by the day. Bury her already.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-47757613875282993042007-02-01T11:16:00.000-08:002007-02-01T11:20:15.728-08:00

Doctors warn of poisoning from hand gels. What kind of idiot looks at a bottle of hand sanitizer and says "mmm, yummy and cheaper than vodka."

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-36206039389568541302007-01-29T23:00:00.000-08:002007-01-29T23:38:09.941-08:00

I've been practicing with my new camera and spending a lot of time on Flickr.I've experimented with different shapes.I've tried artsy sepia. I've taken shots of weird things to find in west Texas.But what is getting the most action? The joke shot I took of my boot to send to Ken.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-1169090101579157632007-01-17T19:10:00.000-08:002007-01-17T19:15:01.596-08:00

Snow is highly overrated. Not a big fan of the cold. Asthmatic bronchitis not enjoying that either. I'm ready for a hot West Texas summer.

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305273.post-1168548413467862762007-01-11T12:45:00.000-08:002007-01-11T12:46:53.483-08:00

that I kind of want one of these?

chrisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933440737724991374noreply@blogger.com0