If You Ask Me

Stupidity Abounds!

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:41:21 GMT

So, a former coworker told me back in July that he and his wife were expecting a baby, and they already knew it was a girl. I bought yarn and found a pattern I really liked and was leisurely crocheting a bit in the evenings while watching TV. Last week, I messaged him on our company's chat app to ask if the baby had arrived yet. He sent me pictures of a 3-month-old!

I THOUGHT I HAD UNTIL THIS MONTH!

I guess it never occurred to me count or to ASK when Olivia would arrive.

I've been crocheting like mad and finally finished it last night. Now, I have to get it to the post office and mailed to them... after I message him again to ask for his address.

Mom, I humbly apologize for every time I made fun of you being forgetful

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Just Babbling

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:36:48 GMT

This was a stupid day.

I slept very well last night, woke up with plenty of time to make some breakfast and coffee. But once I logged into work, my mood did a complete 180° turn.

Everything I touched needed far too many steps to complete. Most of it was cleaning up messes someone else had made, for no reason other than not following the correct workflow. I suffered through, complaining to myself, but managed to finish my entire queue.

On the bright side, my new contact lenses came today, which made me very happy because I only have one fresh pair left. Also, I only have the border left to finish on a baby blanket I'm crocheting for a coworker's baby shower.

So, I suppose it could have been worse, but it definitely could have been better!

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Double, Double, Toil and Trouble! Fire Burn and Cauldon Bubble!

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 04:07:11 GMT

No prompt today – I want to talk about a movie I just watched.

Ghost Light

A traveling Shakespeare troupe arrives at a lodge/resort for their latest production of MacBeth. Two of the actors are having an illicit affair, one wants out of her marriage and the other wants to be famous. They intentionally break the tradition of speaking the true name instead of calling it "The Scottish Play", and all Hell breaks loose.

There are some funny moments, but it is not a comedy. There are some serious jump scares, and intense moments. No real gore, it isn't a slasher film, but the ghosts, witches, and totally traumatized human cast make this a very fun watch.

I give it 7/10 stars.

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Day Nine Post Prompts

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 06:44:20 GMT

What are you most looking forward to?

Right now, it is the Sertoma Chili Cook-off, a fund-raising event for children's charities here in town. I always describe it as New Year's Eve, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick's Day rolled up into one huge party. I usually work in the concessions stand, selling non chili food items, and non-alcoholic beverages. There is live music, the businesses that rent booths are over the top and hilarious. The people who attend are laughing and happy – in the 15 years I've been volunteering, I've only seen one altercation that had to be contained, and the participants expelled.

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Day 8 Post Prompts

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 01:27:07 GMT

Do you donate time, money or blood?

All three – I volunteer several times a year for a local chapter of SERTOMA (Service To Mankind). They're involved with several children's organizations here in town. I have a payroll deduction to the Mercy Way that provides aid to patients and their families, coworkers in need, etc., and I donate blood regularly.

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Day Seven - Post Prompts

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 03:21:26 GMT

How did you end up in your current job?

This is a bizarre story to say the least. I had worked at a Family Practice group for sixteen years, did all the physicians' transcription, reviewed every patient invoice to ensure correct diagnosis and procedure coding, etc. We had a new physician join our group and this person was difficult, in every sense of the word. One morning, this doc came to the front reception area requesting a chart. We were unable to locate it. The doc threw a kicking, cussing, screaming fit – everyone in our waiting room, the building's front lobby, and people waiting in the pharmacy could see and hear. I walked over with my arms outstretched trying to herd the doctor out of the room, but they ended up storming out by their own decision.

As I walked back to my desk, I told my colleagues, "If I had anywhere else to go, I'd walk out right now and never look back!"

I sat down at my desk and my computer pinged indicating that I had a new email. It was a very good friend, who used to work at the practice with me. The subject read: Are You Ready?

She said that the department she worked in had multiple full-time, permanent positions and did I want to interview; she'd attached a transfer request to the email. I filled it out, went to another area in the building and faxed it. I received a call to schedule an interview within fifteen minutes. I interviewed that same afternoon, on my way home from work. HR called me the following morning and offered me the position, which came with a $3,000/yr raise.

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Day Six Post Prompts

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 02:51:45 GMT

What’s your favorite time period in history, and why?

Now – a span from the late 20^th century to present. Central heat and air, garbage disposals, hot steamy showers, flush toilets, ice makers, dishwashers, high-definition flat screen televisions, streaming television apps, high speed internet, smart phones, laptops, news broadcasts within two or three minutes after a disaster or major event -- everything we have now.

I do not want to imagine carrying water from an outside well, heating water on a wood stove to clean the house and bathe, using / maintaining an outhouse, chopping wood, getting up in the night to make sure the fire hasn't gone out, all the things / tasks some of our parents, and most of our grandparents lived through.

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Day Five Post Prompts

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 03:53:59 GMT

List three things that you’re grateful for today

A house with heat – it's currently 16° F.

Food in the refrigerator and pantry.

The entire family is in for the night - the roads are still iffy, no one has to attempt an outing.

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Day Four - Post Prompts

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 04:46:41 GMT

Where would we find you at a house party?

In the kitchen where the food and drinks were located. Not because I am a hog - everyone comes to the kitchen. It gives me a chance to see and talk to each person. Plus, I feel like I'm giving the host/hostess a chance to enjoy the party, if I help keep everything restocked and the area clean and tidy.

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Day Three Post Prompts

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 04:35:29 GMT

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Entertainment value for the ticket price: Pink Floyd, June 20, 1994, Division Bell Tour. A local radio station offered a "package", which included a bus ride to and from Kansas City Chiefs Stadium, ticket to the concert, a tee shirt, and a pre-concert party at a local bar/club.

There was no opening band, David, Nick, and Richard came out and played for ninety minutes, took a thirty-minute break, then came back and did another ninety minutes. There were enormous screens behind them that alternated between videos and what was happening on stage.

Just plain fun regardless of price: Judas Priest and Kiss, September 22, 1979, Dynasty Tour. Six young idiots, still in college, piled into a car and drove to St. Louis. My companions, the sense of adventure, the concert, and even the sleepy drive home is still one of my favorite memories.

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Friday 5 - Firsts

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 11:03:16 GMT

I grabbed these questions from archersangel

1. First time you cooked for someone else.

In my teens for my mom and sister.

2. First time you threw up in someone else's toilet.

I honestly can’t remember. I’ve never been much of a vomiter; I can always talk myself out of it.

3. First time you did anything illegal.

There are no photos, no videos, no eyewitnesses. No one can prove anything.

4. First time you saw snow/the ocean (whichever is more exotic).

Where I grew up, and still live, we have snow every winter. When I was 9-10, we went on a family vacation to Florida.

5. First thought when I say "crumple-horned snorcack".

I know it was in one of the Harry Potter books, can’t remember which one. But it also sounds like something from a Dr. Seuss story.

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Day 2 Posting Prompts

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 06:07:38 GMT

Is your personality different with different people? If so, how?

Yes, and I believe this is true for most everyone.

When my parents were alive, we communicated well, but there were certain subjects I didn’t feel comfortable discussing with them. With my older siblings, I could talk with them about most anything. They were genuinely kind when it came to those types of discussions and asked plenty of questions, to make sure they understood my concerns, and if they’d answered my questions.

My twin sister and I had that weird twin connection. If one of us was concerned about something, the other could sense it. If neither of us had a real answer, we’d research together.

My best friend of fifty years has almost the same bond as I had with Cathy. Not quite as strong but it works and I’m truly grateful for it. Additionally, I can express my true feelings about certain people / situations, because she listens but doesn’t judge. She, Cathy, and I shared so many adventures – good/wholesome, and bad/dangerous. I can be my true self with her, the same as I could be with Cathy.

With casual acquaintances and work colleagues, I do my best not to discuss anything regarding politics, religion, spirituality, and the ways I like to have fun. Additionally, I find myself saying what I think they want to hear, rather than my real opinions – sort of go with the flow.

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Day One - post prompts

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:28:12 GMT

Did you grow up around religion? Would you change anything about that if you could?

Yes, my family attended church regularly – twice on Sundays and again on Wednesday night. We attended the Assemblies of God Pentecostal church. I stopped attending at age 18, when my mother could no longer force me to go.

I feel that all Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical churches would concentrate on the teachings of Christ, since they refer to themselves as “Christians”. Additionally, they’re tax exempt; I believe they should completely stay out of politics. If they want to be involved in the government, they should pay taxes, just like the rest of us.

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Happy Birrrrthday!

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:38:50 GMT

archersangel

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I'm Bragging Again

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 03:29:17 GMT

Once again, I've proven myself as The Shopping Queen™. I was at Amazon on Friday, just wishing, no intentions of buying. I saw a banner for coffee on sale. I clicked and found a buy one get one free on both Maxwell House and Coffee Mate. I went to the Walmart website to check their price and Amazon was cheaper so I ordered.

My package arrived this afternoon - I received two 38.8oz canisters of Maxwell House for $8.06 and two 56oz canisters of Coffee Mate for $10.99. I had to rearrange a cabinet so they would all fit. If I'm careful/conservative, I may not have to buy either until Spring...

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A Rant... You've Been Warned

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:52:58 GMT

I posted this over at the Book of Faces, but I'm still angry, so I'm posting it here, too.

What's on my mind? Have a seat and I'll tell you, though Fair Warning - if you're a fan of Matthew Perry, you may want to skip this one.

People have been ridiculing Matthew Perry basically since 2004, when Friends went off the air. They laughed about him being high all the time, how much weight he'd gained, how old he looked, etc.

Exactly one year ago, he published "Friends Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir". People were calling him a narcissist, a junkie, etc., and totally pissed off over what he said about Keanu, for which he never apologized, by the way.

Perry died last week and now people are extoling him as though he were a hero, the second coming of Wonderful.

Someone please explain it to me, because I sure as hell don't get it.

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Since I could hold my head up high

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 20:49:25 GMT

I found this at the other big name social media site. I wanted to post it there, too, but have already burned too many bridges. So, I'll share it here.

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Ah... Nostalgia

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:15:18 GMT

This is something so insanely stupid and "out there", not to mention pointless, but I must share because it made me so fu-reek-ing happy.

When the alarm went off this morning, instead of hearing beep-beep-beep, I actually heard:

♫ Say you don't want no diamond ring, and I'll be satisfied. Tell me that you want the kind of things, that money just can't buy! ♫

It seriously made me laugh, but also think, "where the hell did that come from?"

Then, I remembered going to my Granny's to see the Beatles for the first time ever on the Ed Sullivan Show. How much fun it was, Cathy and I (we were 4 years old at the time) wanting to be just like the older cousins, so we screamed our lungs out, and pretended to faint. How we, Cathy and I, discussed which one we loved the best, it was John for me and George for her.

I googled it and today is the anniversary of that night.

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Happy New Year!

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 08:59:21 GMT

I wish each and every one of you a kind, gentle, and blessed 2023.

For my New Year's Resolutions, these are what I wish to aspire to:

1. Always be grateful for what I have.
2. But never stop working for better.
3. Read the books I currently have before buying more.
4. Find a writing prompt calendar and write at least a paragraph a day.
5. Let others do what they want without judging, if it doesn't affect me or hurt others.
6. Volunteer and give more. There are so many kids here in town that truly need... basically, everything.

I haven't been reading too much "fannish" lately but I hope to remedy that, too. As far as binge watching, I can't seem to let go of Supernatural. I love The Boys on Prime, Evil on Paramount Plus, I allowed myself to get sucked into Big Sky and Alaska Daily on ABC, Only Murders in the Building on Hulu, Sandman on Netflix and so many others, I'm embarrassed to list them all.

I'm thrilled we have this place to resume our confabs! ❤️

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It just keeps getting worse

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 01:58:18 GMT

5.4million Twitter users' stolen data leaked online, more shared privately

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On the Road Again!

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 05:17:24 GMT

My sister and I are actually taking an excursion! Our first since 2019, before the shelter orders! We only get to stay overnight, but... WE'RE GOING SOMEPLACE THAT ISN'T HERE IN TOWN!!

In case you didn't sense it, I'm really excited!

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I Had Fun Today

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 09:04:59 GMT

Since the future of my Twitter account is hazy, I went to investigate several alternative social media sites/apps.

The first visited is CoHost! It’s beautiful, extremely easy to maneuver and set up, and I think I’ll like it very much. However, without an invitation code (which I did not have) there is a waiting list for new users. It may take as long as 2-3 weeks for my posting access to be approved.

The second site visited is Counter Social It’s not pretty, in my opinion, a dark background with white text. It looks remarkably similar to Tweet Deck, with individual columns for the main feed, notifications, friends, etc. Registering was effortless, adding an avatar, setting preferences, and little tweaks extremely easy to figure out. I was able to begin posting as soon as I verified my email address.

The third site visited is Mastodon. It was a bit confusing at first, users must pick a server, but there is a wizard that really was helpful. As soon as I verified my email address, I was able to set up my account and begin posting. The interface is beautiful, and very easy to customize. The only problem I encountered is finding friends. I had their user name, but not the server they chose, which is necessary to find them, the search string must be username@server name. I’ll have to wait until my peeps are online to ask them for the information.

Each of the three sites are perfect for newsfeeds, keeping in touch with friends, and any other reason I use Twitter. The two drawbacks I found: Counter.Social isn’t very pretty, and Mastodon makes me jump through hoops to connect with my friends.

If you ask me…. Go have a look for yourself, and have fun doing it!

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Sat, 05 Nov 2022 21:49:50 GMT

bethbethbeth, lunaris1013, cherrypinup, miafeliz, tingler, trixiefic, vickita, cherrypinup42, archersangel, for the time being, until the fate of Twitter is determined, I'll be posting here periodically, just to keep up with everyone.

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Penny Dreadful - City of Angels

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 23:06:21 GMT

I. Love. This. Show.

The first installment began in May 2014 and ended in June 2016. The writers took characters from 19th century British / Irish Gothic fiction and put them all together in one show – Mary Shelley, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Robert Louis Stevenson, and just for fun, they threw in some Marquis De Sade.

We were treated to a man who could regenerate dead bodies and what happened to his creations afterward, a man who never aged, vampires and vampire hunters, werewolves and werewolf hunters, necromancers, witches, a man who could change into a different person on stage before a live audience, and Justine, who was rescued from a torture house.

And magic - oodles and gobs and bunches of magic!

Season 3 – Episode 4 is probably some of the best television I have ever seen. It was as though someone reached out from the screen, grabbed me by the collar, and pulled me in. I felt like I was present, watching the events unfold as they were happening.

The second installment began April 26 and is set in 1938 Los Angeles. Maria Vega is a devotee of Santa Muerte, a goddess/angel of protection, healing, and she also transports souls to their afterlife. Maria also does a little dabbling in magic, and her animal spirit is the Coyote. Maria's firstborn, Santiago, Tiago for short, was branded as a child by Santa Muerte when he tried to save his father's life. He still bears her handprint on his chest, where Santa Muerte pushed him when he got too close. Now, Tiago is the first Chicano to be promoted to detective in the LAPD. Raul is the second son and the peace maker. Josephina is the third child and only daughter. She decides to turn from both her Catholic faith and her mother's devotion to Santa Muerte when she encounters Sister Molly, a famous evangelist in the ilk of Jerry Faldwell or Pat Robertson. Mateo is the baby of the bunch; he decides to throw in with the Pachucos and wears a purple zoot suit.

Santa Muerte has a sister, Magda, who is a demon. My reasoning is that Magda fell when Satan was cast out of Heaven, but her origin hasn't been explained. Magda and Santa Muerte meet and Magda states that humans are inherently evil and sets out to prove her point. She presents herself, in varying forms, to Mateo and other people with connections to the Vega family.

Just to keep us on our toes, we have a demon tormenting people, an angel standing by watching, Maria trying to keep things under control, ritual killings with the bodies painted and positioned as though they were sacrificed, racial tension between the Anglo and Mexican communities, and… wait for it… Nazis.

We have one episode left before the season finale. Episode 9 was horrific, but wonderful at the same time.

The Vega clan has had in-fighting, causing Maria to ask both Josephina and Mateo to move out of the home thanks to Magda, who realized Maria is her biggest adversary and is trying to weaken her defenses.

At the end of this episode, the entire Vega clan unwittingly end up at the same night spot, Josephina and a couple of her gal pals, Mateo with the Pachucos, Raul, Maria, and Tiago with his girlfriend… Sister Molly. Of course, there is a shouting match, but Raul intervenes and because he makes the best peace, everyone settles down and realizes they really do love one another.

They go, en masse to the dance floor while the band plays a Spanish flavored Sing! Sing! Sing! It evolves into the kids and their friends forming a circle around Mamacita, everyone laughing, loving, and happy. It was fun and touching. However, it was also primal -- magic at its most pure form. One could see and feel Maria receiving power from the dance, the celebration, and her children's love.

Magda, in one of her many forms, stands on the sidelines with a look of apprehension on her face… I think she's figured out that this won't be as easy as she initially thought.

City of Angels

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Stranger

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 16:49:58 GMT

A fiction prompt

In hindsight, I should have run over her.

My supervisor, Dave, hired a woman for our team, I'll call her Shelley. She was six-foot-tall, three hundred pounds, with bright red hair in a bi-level cut, the left side was just below her earlobe, and the right side was collar length.

I am not a superficial person; I don't judge others by their appearance. Hell, I would never win any beauty contests myself. However, there was something about Shelley... a niggling, prickly sensation at the back of my head, an anxious feeling in my chest, a warning to keep my distance.

A week or so later, on my lunch break, I pulled out of the parking spot and started toward the exit. Shelley stepped right into my path and stopped. Shelley, with her outlandish hair, long purple coat, and gray boots.

Just standing there, staring at me.

After I rolled down my window, she explained that her car was in the shop and she was on foot, would I mind if she rode to lunch with me?

That's how it started. The next day, when I left for lunch, she went with me. She always had horrible situations going on in her life, her boyfriend said mean things, her mother said mean things, her friends weren't generous enough, you name it. If it was bad, it was happening to her.

Then, she started having money woes, didn't have enough money for groceries or to buy lunch, didn't have enough money to buy cigarettes. It progressed to not having money to pay her rent. I got a drunken, hysterical call one night asking if she could pitch a tent in my backyard because her friend threw her out and she had nowhere else to stay.

I felt drained all the time, exhausted. Then, I got sick. After nine months of dealing with her, I ended up in the hospital on intravenous antibiotics for a massive respiratory infection.

Shelley quit her job a few steps ahead of getting fired. After she left, I never heard from her again.

In hindsight, I should have run over her

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