My Trip the to Hospital

So, it turns out that when you throw up a bunch of times and then you pass out a bunch of times and have a very high fever, you (or me to be more specific) get a fun trip to the hospital!
Hospitals are the opposite of fun. They stick you with needles to put an allegedly "needed" IV in and then they pump you full of really cold liquid. Mean.
Matt, my Mom and Kelli were nice enough to stay with me for hours and hours in the hospital instead of sleeping, in really uncomfortable chairs. Such troopers!

I was finally sent home only to go insane and not know where I was and flail at the people around me. The flailing and shaking eventually subsided and I realized that I was in my own bed.

I'm feeling slightly better today, eating slightly solid foods and everything.

In conclusion, I'm sick and I blame the child Amara for she was sick first. Now Matt is sick and I'm going to attempt to take care of him while I am on the mend.

Why I hate Skiing

So, Matt took me skiing for the first time ever and I have to say that it was not enjoyable. First and foremost, above all else, ski boots are the most uncomfortable and painful thing that I have ever put on my foot. And I have worn a LOT of uncomfortable high heels in my time. But the heels were worth the pain because... cute! Ski boots, not cute in the least, thereby making the pain so not worth it. The boots cut off circulation, so my feet kept going numb, plus they put pressure on my shins, calves, toes, tops and bottoms of feet an inside of foot. Additionally, it didn't matter if I was standing or sitting, the boots were painful just to have on. They also force you to stand in a way that my muscles are not in the least used to.

The actual gliding on the snow part did not go too unfortunately, I was a little shaky at first because I was scared or skiing out of control and falling, but eventually I was able to keep my skis straight. Oh, I should mention that I didn't actually go down a hill or mountain or anything. I rode the rope (a training rope that teaches you to ski) down a slight decline and then I rode it back up again. This was the extent of my skiing experience and it was more than enough!

My legs did not like standing in the position you must stand in in order to ski. My muscles would start to shake and threaten to not hold me up any more and I would have to stop. So, just to ride the rope down the slight decline, it took me like 45 minutes. Plus, the ski boots caused me so much pain, I just couldn't stand in them for prolonged periods of time.

Additionally, when riding the rope back up the slight incline, I had to use my arms muscles so that it could pull me along. It was then that I realized that I have no arm muscles. I was able to ride the rope up the whole way with out needing a rest, but again my muscles were shaking and they did not like it!

After I was done riding the rope down once and up once, I was done for the day. I have concluded that I am not a fan of skiing. The whole experience would not have been so bad if it weren't for the boots. I was able to deal with the feeling of having the skis on and gliding through the snow and I can always condition my muscles to getting used to standing in the awkward skiing position, but the boots were unbarable! I couldn't wait to get those painful boots off!

I didn't even go on the ski lift, which I thought was a plus because I'm afraid of heights and that lift looked like it went really high! And, there was no bar to pull down in front of you in the ski lift at Alta. I'm pretty darn sure I would have been scared out of my wits and hyperventallated and had an asthma attack and died. Good thing I didn't do that.

Matt was very good to me the whole time though. He was patient and followed me around on the rope and taught me what to do and sat down and took a break with me when I wanted to. He was wonderful! Plus, he carried my skis for me when I wasn't wearing them. DJ was also very patient as I attempted to learn how to ski. Matt took me up to the restaurant after I was finished and bought me hot chocolate. He is pretty much the best boyfriend ever! The unfortunate skiing experience was in no way related to Matt, it was merely those blasted boots!

In conclusion, Matt will have to pursue his skiing activities with people who are not me.

Hypnotism and Fire-ings

So, I meant to post a couple of days ago, but for reasons unknown, my blog was blocked at work via the website filter. I guess there was offensive material on my blog.

Here is the latest announcements: Makau has instituted another layoff and sadly, our own Marie was one of those sacked. Luckily, Marie has a two week paid vacation! I wish that I had a two week paid vacation, but no such thing has occurred.

Now, it is time for another "Here's My Dream" story telling! (Try to stifle your excitement.)

So, Baby and I lived in a Bed, Bath and Beyond, I don't know why, we just did. And Baby and the Parent's had decided that they would hypnotize me without my knowledge or approval because it would supposedly help me sleep. So, every night, when Sarah and I went to bed, (in the Bed, Bath, and Beyond) Sarah would hypnotize me and I thought that I was sleeping, but really I was hypnotized! Evil! Sarah would then make me do tricks (like a dog would) and she would take care of me while I was in my hypnotized state. But, dream Becky was unaware that she was being hypnotized. I woke up kinda resenting Baby for doing this to me. Plus, I kept talking in my sleep last night and kept waking myself up, so it was an unfortunate night all together.

Did anyone else have an interesting dream they would like to share?

And when is Mike getting into town?

My Conning Days Are Over!

It is a good thing that I have given up going to conventions because about 500 people who were suppose to go to a Firefly con just got screwed out of their money. The day that they convention was suppose to happen, the convention-puter-oners cancelled it. And everyone is out their money and they are not getting refunds. It makes me glad that I stopped going to conventions because it is fun once, twice, maybe three times, but after that it is just the same ol' thing.

But, I pine for all those who lost their money in an elaborate fraudulant scheme. That is what you get for showering. Lesson learned.

How to Be Persuasive

What Is Persuasion?

Persuasion is the act of getting a sentient being other than yourself to adopt a particular belief or pursue a particular action. This tutorial will teach you how to excel at doing just that. Our examples will assume a variety of different specific circumstances, but the principles we present will be applicable in a myriad of situations. Whether you're trying to persuade a pseudo-intellectual that his political beliefs are, in fact, as savory as unwashed socks, or whether you're trying to persuade a vicious dog to please kindly release your coccyx, the techniques of persuasion you must employ are fundamentally the same.

To be persuasive, you must make use of a number of different tactics. The more you can utilize in conjunction with each other, the more persuasive your argument will be. We will start by isolating and identifying each of the different techniques, and then we'll show how they can be used together in a single compelling argument.

Verbal Techniques
As debating is primarily a verbal undertaking, most of the techniques you will need are verbal in nature. We'll start with those, then look at how you can polish off your style with other types of techniques.

Stubbornness
The cornerstone of good persuasive arguing is stubbornness. You must never, under any circumstances, concede that your opponent might ever possibly be right. Openmindedness has led to the downfall of many great debaters. If you find yourself doubting the correctness of your position, don't let it show. Repeat to yourself, "I am right. I am right." If you can't convince yourself that you're right, you'll never convince others that they're wrong. Here is an example of the use of stubbornness in a debate:

· You: "The moon is made of cheese."
· Opponent: "Umm. It's a proven fact that the moon is NOT made of cheese."
· You: "The moon is made of cheese."
· Opponent: "Ok, look, I have a piece of moon ROCK at my house. It is not made of cheese. It is made of ROCK."
· You: "The moon is made of cheese."
· Opponent: "No, it isn't. We've sent ships to the moon. People landed on it. They looked at it. They said it was made of ROCK. They brought back ROCK. It is made out of ROCK."
· You: "The moon is made of cheese."

Strategic Compromise
Compromise would seem to be prohibited by the previous tip about stubbornness,
but it's not, because you should only use compromise as a diversionary tactic. Don't ever compromise your main point. But if you introduce points you don't even care about, then compromise on them later, you can often trick your opponent into conceding. For example:

· You: "We should go out to eat tonight."
· Opponent: "But we ate out last night, and we need to save our money."
· You: "I don't care. We should go out to eat tonight, and then we'll treat ourselves and all of our neighbors to a Broadway play."
· Opponent: "But that would cost a fortune!"
· You: "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Gosh, that would run hundreds of dollars, wouldn't it?"
· Opponent: "Yes, it would."
· You: "Ok, just dinner it is, then."

Big Words
Use of big words is persuasive several times over. They make you look all smart and other people look all stupid; hence, your argument becomes the more compelling. Furthermore, use of big words means you'll talk longer, and usually whoever talks the most is the most convincing. "Wow, look at all he has to say about this," people will say to themselves as they observe you making a protracted argument. "He must know a lot about this subject."
By way of example, compare the persuasiveness of the following two statements:

· "Hockey is better than football."
· "You are the manifest profusion of delusional ideology incarnate if you do not fulminate against the institution of football with great superciliousness and promulgate the preeminence of hockey."

Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness is a powerful debating tool. You must use this tool wisely, because it can be a devastating weapon in your fight against ignorance. Here is what you should do: in the middle of your argument, forget what you're talking about. This may sound counterproductive, but by forgetting your point you show the person you're debating with that he is so utterly wrong, it's not worth the trouble to follow the course of the conversation. For example:

· You: "Virginia has never produced any good presidents."
· Opponent: "Yes it has. Actually, most of our better presidents came from Virginia."
· You: "But that's exactly what I'm saying...I think...I dunno...I forgot."
· Opponent: "So we agree?"
· You: "Yup. I'm right."

Interruption
Talk relentlessly, especially when your opponent is also trying to talk. Interrupt constantly. If you never give your opposition a chance to give the other side, you win by default.

· Opponent: "Australia seems like a cool place to visit."
· You: "What? How can you say that? Australia is too hot! You'll die of thirst! And there are diseases and wild dogs--"
· Opponent: "But--"
· You: "--and you can't see the ground because there are so many snakes and spiders, and they are ALL DEADLY. But that's ok, because the jet lag will be so extreme that you'll spend your entire vacation sleeping in the hotel room, which will probably smell and have deadly spiders crawling--"
· Opponent: "No--"
· You: "--around it, and plus everybody talks funny, and they're all CRAZY. Have you SEEN 'The Crocodile Hunter'? The hole in the ozone down there gives them all brain cancer--"
· Opponent: "B--"
· You: "--and they all get tumors which drive them insane!"
· Opponent: "..."
· You: "..."
· Opponent: "..."
· You: "..."
· Opponent: "Well--"
· You: "And furthermore, they're all criminals! Australia is just one big country-sized maximum security prison for thieves and murderers! I can't believe..."

Lies
Facts might be the best way to substantiate an argument, but lies are the next best thing. If the facts don't prove your point, make some up.

There are varying degrees of lies. A "fib" is a small exaggeration of the truth. A "hyperbole" is a larger exaggeration of the truth. A "lie" is a statement that has nothing whatsoever to do with the truth. A "big lie" is not only blatantly untrue but will cause your great grandmother to roll over in her grave with shame. The big lie is normally the way to go.

· You: "Dogs are better than cats."
· Opponent: "I prefer cats."
· You: "But cats eat babies! They dig their rabid muzzles into infants' chests and rip their kidneys out!"
· Opponent: "No they don't!"
· You: "They do! And they killed my great grandmother! Twice!"

Rhymes
No persuasive argument would be complete without a little rhyming. Not only does it make you sound clever, but, when used correctly, it can make your opponent sound ignorant. To employ this amazing persuasive tool, you take one of your opponent's points and make up a nonsensical rhyming word to go with it. This tactic has no known refutation.

· You: "There are no people on this planet that do not believe in democracy."
· Opponent: "Yes there are. They're called communists."
· You: "Communists schmommunists!"
· Opponent: "..."

Taunting
Taunting is a crucial element of a persuasive argument. The purpose of taunting your opponent is to intimidate him into submission.

· You: "Modern art is stupid, and Picasso was a loser."
· Opponent: "I disagree strongly. Picasso was a visionary genius."
· You: "Nyah nyah nyah."
· Opponent: "Er, well, I am entitled to my opinion."
· You: "Bring it on!!"

Random Comments
The interjection of random comments is a useful diversionary tactic. Although the best way to win an argument is for your opponents to concede the debate to you, this last ditch effort can be used in an emergency to secure a secondary victory by disorienting your opponents so much they don't know how to proceed. This tactic has the side benefit of presenting yourself as knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, so observers are bound to be impressed by your breadth of expertise.

· You: "School lunches suck."
· Opponent: "Despite the taste, school lunches are, in actuality, very nutritional."
· You: "On the contrary! Mahogany is one of Honduras' primary lumber exports."
· Opponent: "Mahogany? Honduras? This has nothing to do with school lunches!"
· You: "Yeah, well, I could beat you at arm wrestling!"
· Opponent: "What does-- But-- You--"

"Clearly"
When in doubt, say "clearly." It may not be clear, but your opposition doesn't know that. By offhandedly suggesting that a particular train of thought is obvious to you, you will come across as a daunting force of intelligence difficult to reckon with.

· Opponent: "I don't see how you can say clothing is immoral."
· You: "Clothing was invented as a means of concealing immorality. Anyone wearing clothing is clearly doing so for the same reason."
· Opponent: "No, people wear clothing for a number of reasons. To stay warm, for example."
· You: "Clearly, these reasons are rationalizations made up after the fact."

Subliminal Messages
Subliminal messages are important components of a persuasive argument. Why? Because subliminal messages cannot be argued. If your opponent doesn't know you are suggesting things to his subconscious mind, what possible rebuttal can he have? Convey subliminal messages by whispering under your breath quietly enough so that your opponent does not consciously hear.

· Opponent: "I'm afraid you'll have to come with me."
· You: "These aren't the droids you're looking for."

The Last Word
Above all, you must get the last word. Getting the last word in an argument is terribly important, because it means everyone listening to the argument -- both those involved and those observing -- will leave with the last word as the dominant memory of the debate. If you have the last word, that means your side will be the most remembered. For example:

· You: "Paper does not come from trees."
· Opponent: "Yes it does. My father works in a paper mill. I have personally observed the process by which lumber is processed and turned into paper. These four books I have here describe this procedure in minute detail."

This certainly looks like an argument you've lost, doesn't it? But consider how much stronger a case you make for yourself with this slight modification:

· You: "Paper does not come from trees."
· Opponent: "Yes it does. My father works in a paper mill. I have personally observed the process by which lumber is processed and turned into paper. These four books I have here describe this procedure in minute detail."
· You: "Nuh-uh."

Name Calling
Name calling is an efficient way of pointing out your opponents' weaknesses and call into question the authority with which they dispute your position. By encouraging your opponents to doubt their competence, you can undermine a contrary argument from the inside. For example:

· You: "I believe all short people should be beaten with rocks until they bleed."
· Opponent: "I think that's a very horrible and malicious idea."
· You: "Well, you're fat! Fatty fat doo doo head!"
· Opponent: (sobs)

Yelling
Yelling is one of the most instinctive and exciting methods of getting your point across. It is also very effective. When you yell, you gain people's respect and awe. The louder you yell, the more respect you incur. When yelling, remember three rules:

1. Be loud loud loud. If you aren't loud, you aren't yelling.
2. Accompany your yelling with eye bulging. The further out of your head your eyes bulge, the more effective the yell.
3. Turn red. Red is a color of power. The redder you get, the more power you have. Observe the logo for this tutorial, at the top of this page. Notice how compelling the 'a' is, because it is red? The other letters are quiescent and relatively nondescript. But you wouldn't want to tangle with that 'a', would you?

Witness the following use of the yelling tactic:
· You: "Canada is a stupid country."
· Opponent: "Canada is a fine country that has made many contributions to the world in the areas of economics, cuisine, and the arts."
· You: "No it isn't!!!! Canada is lame!!!!!"
· Opponent: "That's a totally unsubstantiated opinion."
· You: "SHUT UP!!! CANADA IS A STUPID COUNTRY!!!! STUPID!!! STUPID!!! CANADA SUCKS LIKE A VACUUM!!!! BAD!!!! BAD CANADA!!! BAD!!! BAD!!!"

Swearing
Swearing is absolutely crucial if you want to convince someone of something. Swearing is a sign of great articulation, vocabulary, and bravado. By swearing, you can demonstrate that you are mature, for you understand mature concepts, and that you are daring enough to thwart the oppression of social convention.

· You: "**** you, man! ****** Canada is a **** ******* *** of a ***** country!!!!"
· Opponent: "Can you tone it down a bit? And Canada is a very important nation."
· You: "***** *** * ***** ******** ******, MAN!!!! ******!!!!"
· Opponent: "Could you please watch your language?"
· You: "Oh, so **** you too, ****, you just go **** ****** *** **** your ***** *** ****** **** ***** **** *******!!!!! **************!!!"

Physical Techniques
Even the most solidly constructed verbal arguments can crumble if your physical stature is not imposing enough to back it up. Here we will discuss how you can use body language to support your arguments.

Flailing Arms
The flailing arms strategy is used to express surprise and to reinforce your arguments. It's very hard to disagree with someone who waves his arms in confidence. For example:

· Opponent: "Water is very important. You need to drink it to survive."
· You: (waving arms wildly) "Water is poisonous!"
· Opponent: "Whatever you say man, just please, don't hurt me!"

Being Tall
Physical stature is an important intimidation tool. Your opponent is more likely to concede an argument if you appear to be bigger than he is. Shortness is associated with children, who are dumb, while tallness is associated with authority figures who know better. Consequently, you should never debate someone at anything less than eye level. If your opponent is sitting, stand. If your opponent is standing, stand taller. Wear thick-soled shoes. Stand on tip-toes. Stand on chairs if you have to.

Another effective gesture you can make that increases the power of your presence is to make a fist with one hand and ominously punch the open palm of your other hand.
Here is an example of how physical intimidation can sway the course of a debate:

· Opponent: (sitting) "I love old movies."
· You: (standing up) "Old movies are all boring and stuffy."
· Opponent: (standing up) "That's just because you have no sense of taste. Modern action flicks have dulled your brain."
· You: (standing on tiptoes) "They're boring, and the acting is bad."
· Opponent: (still standing) "On the contrary, Laurence Olivier, for example, is one of the greatest actors of all time. Um, what are you doing?"
· You: (standing on a chair) "Old movies suck, and Laurence Olivier was a poser." (punches palm)
· Opponent: "Uh. Riiiight." (sits down)

Biting
Biting is a last ditch effort. You use this tactic when the other person has been given every opportunity to conform to your opinion and still refuses. It is normally best to go for an important artery or organ. The jugular vein is recommended, as it is located roughly at mouth height.

· You: "I'm right."
· Opponent: "I don't agree. In my opinion, yo--"

Using These Techniques Together
Here is a sample debate that illustrates each of the techniques given above. Notice how, when used in conjunction with one another, you can create an unstoppable argument.

· You: "Our daughter should not be dating."
· Opponent: "Our daughter is mature enough to date, especially if we transport her to and from the restaurant and the movie theater ourselves."
· You: "Our daughter should not be dating."
· Opponent: "She has shown herself to be level-headed, of strong moral character, and very trustworthy."
· You: "Our daughter should not be dating."
· Opponent: "But she's 17 years old!"
· You: "Our daughter should not be dating."
· Opponent: "The guy she wants to date is the boy next door, whom we know is nice and would treat her right."
· You: "Your adjudication is fallible if you do not contraindicate our Y-chromosome deficient offspring commencing to consort with potential inamoratos."
· Opponent: "Huh?"
· You: "Our daughter should not be dating."
· Opponent: "Come now, be reasonable. Don't you see, if we keep her from dating now, what happens next year, when she can date without our permission? She should learn about dating now, while we're here to guide her."
· You: "Well...well.... I tell you, nothing makes me madder than those teachers' unions! They're too powerful! Why, combustion engine emissions are tearing through the ozone layer even as we speak! Oh, what were we just talking about?"
· Opponent: "Our daughter, dating."
· You: "Oh, right. I agree with you. Absolutely out of the question."
· Opponent: "But--"
· You: "BOYS ARE EVIL!! DATES ARE JUST AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A BOY TO CORRUPT OUR DAUGHTER! THEY'LL FIRE SOVIET MISSILES AT HER!! THE KID NEXT DOOR HAS PILES OF THEM IN HIS BASEMENT!!! NEXT TO THE TWELVE WOMEN HE HAS UP IN CHAINS!!!!"
· Opponent: "Good heavens, what are you talk--"
· You: (waving arms wildly) "CLEARLY HE MAKES THEM EAT LIZARDS!!!!! ******! HE **** AND ***** AND MAKES THEM **** ** **** *****!!!!!"
· Opponent: "Gracious! I have never heard you use such language! What is wrong with you? I can't have a discussion when you're like this."
· You: "Discussion schmiscussion!"
· Opponent: "Calm down. And get off that chair."
· You: "Why don't you make me!? Nyah nyah, can't make me! You're a wimpy dimpy loser!"
· Opponent: (crying) "I don't believe you said that."
· You: "You're right. I'm sorry. I don't really think you're a wimpy dimpy loser, and I'll get down from this chair, as long as our daughter isn't allowed to date."
· Opponent: "Thank you. I didn't quite realize you felt so strongly about it. Why don't we let her date just this once and see how it goes, and then--urk...gurgle--"
· You: "Right, then. No dates."

*Note* I did not write this, I am merely passing it along for it is hilarious and I want you all to be good arguers. I don't know who did write this. That is all.*

Why I Hate Mondays

So, for Baby's Birthday, we decided to take her laser tagging. I love laser tag because it is competitive, not to difficult and I am usually good at it. Well, my skill was greatly overated in my own mind last night.

We were playing, about 12 minutes into the game, and I got up on one of those sniper steps two shoot down the little guys, but after I stood there for about four seconds, I realized that there were only five us in the game and only two people on the other team. So, in genius like fashion, I stepped off the big scary step onto the dark and cavernous floor and for reasons unknown, my foot rolled, I twisted my ankle and I fell to the floor, hitting my elbow in the process.

I yelled of course and people came a running to my rescue and though I lobbyed for a continuation of the game, we momentarily stopped. I just marvel at my own stupidity for falling as I did. Darn me and my lack of coordination! The sad thing was that I was in fourth place even before I fell and hurt myself.

Well, the game did continue, after my shoulder sensors were turned off to give me an advantage, and the game went muchly better for me. I was more difficult to hit and therefore took advantage of that, limp and all. The girls won both rounds and Baby got MVP. I got second in the second half of the game and that was pleasant.

I'm still all gimpy this morning and my ankle is fatalicious, but I had a good time nonetheless. We all may now mock me and my gimpiness.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today is Baby's Birthday!

She is a whopping 18 today, so be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday. Also, if you have any words of wisdom for Baby, feel free to include them as well.

Baby, it will only get harder. You may think that being older gives you more rights or cred or something, but really it only means more work. Enjoy!

Your Baby,
Becky

11 o clock and all is well

Shopping maddness is the best/worst of times in the Christmas season. I love shopping and I love buying gifts, but come Christmas season it seems to take up a lot of time. I think it is the maddness and swarms of people that is the most frustrating part. Why must everyone flock to the store while I am there? Don't they know that I am most important?

Additionally, I have to think of gifts for other people. Most of the time, this is not to difficult because I am good at thinking of gifts, but this year it seems to plague me. For instance, I have to get a gift for Norm and I'm just not quite sure what to get him (suggestions helpful for those of you who know Norm). Buying for my parents is nigh on impossible because they buy most of the things that they need/want and I still haven't thought of a gift for my Mom. Hopefully, that will come to me soon.

For this reason, I've decided to shaft my friends this year and get them nothing because I hardly ever see them and unless there is a party or a consensus on a gift exchange, nothing will be given. That just leaves buying gifts for family and significant others and myself (can't forget about getting me gifts!). Shopping will be hopefully minimal this year.

Gobbler Day

This year for Thanksgiving, I will be baking pies! Now, I've baked a pie before, a pumpkin pie (with the close supervision/help of Matt), and that pie turned out fairly well, so I have some confidence in my baking skills. But, Marie and I are the only ones in charge of pies, so I feel that they really should be quite good. I've decided to do three different kinds of pie because Marie claims that she will be purchasing her pies rather than baking them and that is just not an acceptable pie. My pies will be the traditional pumpkin (which should be present at every quality Thanksgiving feast), apple (which can prove difficult with that top crust, so I will be doing a crumb crust), and chocolate pudding (because easy and oh so yummy). I think that baking might go better for me than it has gone in the past.

In the past I have not been allowed to bake things. I have a tendency to burn things or to sink things and my baking priviledges were therefore taken away. That is why I had a Lisa. Lisa did the baking of the cookies and other such oveny things (I'm afraid of the oven, it is a burn thing). But, now my Lisa has left me and I must venture out on my own and conquer my fears. Hence the pie making.

Thanksgiving will be at the Parents again this year and, unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) the marrieds will not be coming. Excellently, we snagged Darin and Deanne for Thanksgiving dinner. It is excellent because Deanne makes the best rolls ever. Her rolls are the best rolls I've ever had and there are always too few of them. I don't know how we snagged them on such late notice, but somehow we did and I am joyful. Anthon will also be attending the festivities with children in tow and this is also joyful as he has not yet come to a holiday dinner with us.

The best thing about Thanksgiving is not the food, it isn't the time with my family, it isn't the day after shopping, but rather it is the short work week. Three day work week is pretty much the best thing ever! Just one more day of work and then five days off. I love not having to work for the joy of sleeping in is sweet. Though, I am looking forward to day after turkey day shopping. Hello pretty things for Becky!

Side note: I did not get a PS3 and it is sad. I pine for me.

Happy Thanksgiving Blog viewers!

Dreaming of Superman

So, I had this strange dream last night and we all know that I like to reveal my dreams on my blog for reasons unknown.

In my dream I had a child that rapidly grew and I was Superman. I had all the Superman powers only I was female and me. Anyway, Lex Luthor was the parent of my child and the baby girl started out as a baby, but rapidly began to grow into a toddler. It was all very strange because the whole time in the dream, the little girl felt like she was really mine and I woke up feeling like I was missing something. It took me moments to realize that I did not have a child and I was not Superman and Lex Luthor was not the father of my non-existant child.
I always find it very disconcerning when I wake up with the same emotions I had in my dream. Now I really wish I could fly though.

I've always assumed that all women dream of being pregnant or having children, but then I thought that maybe I was wrong, maybe I'm just a strange dream weirdo.

In conclusion, I've learned that it is not the best idea to watch TV right before I go to bed because I will then dream about tv.

I'm flying

Heroes rocks! Watch it, love it, live it.

Make the Madness Stop Already!

Justin's lamo post could not be the first thing that my blog viewers see, so I had to put up something new. I've been serioiusly slacking my blog duties as of late and I'm thinking that that has got to stop.

I'm always working and when I'm not working, my social calendar is always very full, and I think to myself, "How did I ever have time when I was in school?" Between work and school, I'm not sure how or if I had a social life at all! Now, I have so many social demands on me that I have to often turn people down. It is so hard being popular AND beautiful.

The other night, at Buffy night, there was a birthday/halloween themed event and it was buckets of fun as we ate and caroused... until... They (the group) were picking out a movie to watch (of the scary variety) and they had begun shouting about one that they wanted to watch. I politely and quietly asked someone by me what the movie was rated (I don't watch movies with an R rating), she continued to shout the question to the crowd. The crowd responded, "Does it matter?" She said that it did, and the movie was rated R and everyone realized that said girl was asking on behalf of me. Then it just got really awkward because some still shouted for the R movie, while others (the host included) said that we could watch a different movie. I said that it was no big deal and I would just cut out of the party earlier. There were many protests to this statement. They did not want me to leave, but they wanted to watch their movie, so one individual checked the rating content in an effort to pursuade me to watch because there was only nudity, sexual content, violence and language that made the rating R. I declined said watching and a PG-13 movie was chosen. But, then, other party attenders left because they didn't want to watch the PG-13 movie. This just made me feel really guilty and out of place because I was the only one who did not wish to watch the R movie, so I once again said that I was taking off, again to great protest. So, the other avid R watchers departed not long after the PG-13 started.

So, in response to this whole experience, I wonder why some people are so afronted or offended by those who don't want to watch some content and try to force their viewing choices on others. I did not try to force my viewing choice on the rest of the group, I simply attempted to remove myself from the situation so that others may do as they please. But, some found this distasteful because they would feel guilty if I left the party. Why would they feel guilt for a choice that I am making? Why would others try to pursuade me to act as they do? Why would some become so offended by the situation that they leave? It is perplexing to me.

The whole situation made me extremely uncomfortable, and though I am normally perfectly comfortable around these people, (though many hold different beliefs than I) this was the first time that I was not comfortable in the least.

In conclusion, I'm going to stay away from Buffy night for a bit because it left me with an unsettling feeling.

My Blarg-off

This is teh Ju'tin. My Blarg-off will consist of the following:

BLARG BLARG BLARG HONK HONK BLARG!!BLAAAAARRRGGG!!!! HONK HONK BLARG HONK HONK?? BLARG HONK BLARG BLARG HONK!!! HONK BLARRRRRRRARG!! HONKONK!!! BLARG HONK BLARG BLARG HONK, HONK BLARG!!! BLARG!!!

Blarg.BLARG HONK BLARG BLARG HONK HONK BLARG? HONK HONK BLARG BLARG HONK. HONK BLARG!!! BLARG HONK HONK BLARG HONK BLARG BLARG: BLARG, HONK, HONK BLARG, BLARG BLARG. BLARG BLARG HONK--BLARG BLARG--HONK HONK BLARG BLARG. BLARG HONK!!! HONK BLARG BLARG HONK BLARG HONK, BLARG HONK HONK BLARG BLARG BLARG, HONK HONK. BLAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!

From,

(C)@|3()$3

Matt had a birthday almost a month ago. The pictures that follow record the celebration that we held. His age will not be revealed to protect the innocent, but lets just say that he is older than Baby, but younger than Santa Claus.  

We played Balderdash and there was an uncontrollable laughter syndrome that went around and DJ caught it. I won the game and that is all that matters. 

Carlos has a fork. He is ready for cake. 

Matt blowing out candles. 

Here is a picture of me on Matt's birthday because I felt that there should be at least one really pretty pic in the bunch.

This is Matt and I on his birthday. It took a few shots to get this pic, but I think that it turned out well. 

Balderdash with the Kimballs and Aguileras. 

Ann looks scary here and I think that that is awesome! Carlos looks normal in this pic and that just means that they have a balanced relationship. Or that Ann is crazy and Carlos isn't, but that isn't likely. 

Ann is laughing and Carlos is not, I don't remember why. But, there it is. 

Here beginnith the only pictures that I took in Washington on my trip. I should have taken more pics, but it didn't happen for reasons unknown. This is at the wildlife park, it was awesome. 

This is me and Matt in Washington when we went to visit his parents. I look awesome in this shot, but Matt is sad. He is sad because he was forced to stand next to me. 

Here is me in Washington with hair in my face. I don't know how that happened, but it looks really silly. 

These are Matt's parents. I took this pic at the wild life animal park. The park was pretty much awesome. 

My Halloween Party

As many of you know, this weekend was my Halloween party. I once again lack the pictures to show you the results of the event, but maybe my beautiful older sister will be happy to oblige with that in the future.

The evening began with me and Matt cobwebbing Marie's house. I felt that it was thoroughly scary after we cobwebbed everything and anything with edges. Unfortunately, my cobwebbing skills were shot down as Matt proved to be more apt at applying cobwebs. I hang my head in cobweb shame!

Kelli, beautifully supplied the cider, dry ice, spooky punch bowl, which I thought looked smashing for the first hour until it lost it's smokyness and was just a bowl of slushy cider.

Eventually, guests showed up and we had a motley of characters attending. The characters were as thus: Gia (um mother earth or however that is spelled), Kitty, Pumpkin Head (who turned out to be the murderer of the evening), Betty Rubble, House (from the tv show), Wacko & Dot (of the animaniacs, still can't believe that Kelli doesn't know who they are), Nefi (played by Zach), Dai Monsterdai (the vampire hunter who wears a thundercats shirt), Ann Angrimob (the local tavern wench), a Goth horror writer in really tall boots, Count DeBodies (a film actor who wears scout metals), an Indian princess (as in from India), Superman (complete with fake muscles), Cinderella, a Harry Potter student, and I'm thinking that that is it. I'm pretty sure I forgot someone, and to that person, I am not sorry because your costume obviously wasn't memorable.

After much eating and some waiting around for all of the cast to arrive, we gave up and guests were gracious enough to fill in for missing cast members. I thought that the reading of the mystery went quite well, and the added ad-libs just made all the more funny. There were a mysteriously large amount of letters floating around in the game that helped to solve the mystery. Baby thought that there were too many letters, but I thought that there was just enough.

Post mystery, the party came to a close as people had to leave and I began frantically cleaning up. Matt, Karmen and Kelli were gracious enough to aid in the cleaning process. Many stuck around for prolonged chatting and such and it was a good time. We all pattered off around 12am.

I felt that it was very successful. Not my best party, but it was still a fun party with excitment and dressing up. To all those that did not make it to my party, you were missed. To all those who said that they were coming and then didn't show, *shakes fist heartily.*

Don't You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like My Baby?

This is a not so small reminder to all of my blog viewers that Saturday is my Halloween Party and everyone should come, though not everyone is coming. Alas! Not as many people as I hoped to attend are actually attending, but I think that there will still be enough people to guess the mystery. And, if not, then there will be food and it will still be fun. So, everyone should come! Saturday, at 6pm, at Marie's house (The party house if you will).

In other news, tonight is Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars and that just gives me all kinds of glee. You should be gleeful too! Be gleeful dangit!

Weekend Blues

I've got the weekend blues. Which is really an oxymoron because the weekend is suppose to be funfilled, exciting and without work or care. But, my Matt-face boyfriend is working over the weekend and it gives me the blues because I will see him less than I would like. Luckily, I have my Baby that I am going to see tonight and that cheers me up more than a little.

I wish that I had fanciful and exciting plans this weekend, but I don't. Hopefully, it will be better than last weekend when I rode the ski lift. Gotta say, I don't much care for ski lifts. Now I understand why I never learned to ski.

The parents are out of town too, so I can't even look forward to Sunday dinner at their house, which I was looking forward to because I have been in like three weeks and I miss the fam. Especially the marrieds that I only get to see at that time. I think I will soon forget what Norm and Rand look like because it has been so long since I have seen them.

Additionally, I put my big, beautiful, 27inch flat screen in the livingroom of my condo, which gives me the blues because I liked being able to go into my room to watch tv. The wonderful, beautiful Kelli lent me her bitty tv to put in my room, but, for reasons unknown, it won't recognize the cable channels, only the first 14 channels. Which means it leaves out channel 15, the favorite of all the channels.

And so, I have the weekend blues.

Oh, and it is Friday the 13th... fear impending death and doom.

Blog Off - Realities Collide

Spike, Tifa, Rikku, and Squall (A Character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and three Final Fantasy games respectively) were adventuring through the forest. Spike and Rikku were bickering as usual and Squall was in his 'Whatever' mood. That's when they heard a 'tapping' noise like one heard in Metal Gear Solid.

The group ran toward the sound and found Wolverine from X-Men Comics and Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series guarding a hatch which resembled that depicted on the popular TV series Lost. They noticed the two men guarding the hatch were 'Questgivers' like those on World of Warcraft and proceeded to enter the hatch. Once inside they decided to take some R&R and read some books and watch Gilmore Girls.

Just then, Dr. Cox from the hilariously funny sitcom Scrubs arrived complaining at the Heroes about their rude arrival and apparent quest to kill all the bunnies. The team set off into the corridors of the hatch where they heard the voice of the narrator, but ended up slaughtering a vile rabbit with Balefire as depicted by the One Power in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time book series. The group began to bicker about XP and looting options when the producers called and cancelled the blog and thus the team dispersed.

Is it Wednesday?

Okay, so I made a bit of a flub in timing when challenging my blog viewers to a blog off. I forgot that this was my first week at Dentrix and that I would be one busy little bee. Only not a bee at all because I'm not fuzzy, yellow, an insect and I don't think that I have a stinger. Something that is more like human worker rather than bee. Moving on...
So, I was a little delayed in inviting and giving rights to my two challengers (Mike and Justin). But, Mike has accepted and Justin is pending. I will take a little bit to actually post my Blog Off post, but I will label it "Blog Off" so that all know that it is the competing post. I may post lesser, non-good, non-competing posts, but they are not my excellante one.
I encourage my competitors to also label their posts in some way as "Blog Off" posts.
Additionally, I agree with Justin that the content of the post can not be a reaction to a previous post.
Oh, and bloggers, don't abuse your priveledges and change things you are not to change on the blog like templates and stuff.

In other news...
I'm thoroughly enjoying my new job and I have been kept very busy. I'm doing a "learn as you go" kind of approach. I'm learning the software as I right about it. Additionally, I'm getting a crash course in InDesign. My InDesign knowledge is very beginner and I'm trying to learn fast all the features. I actually really like the program and if I actually had personal electronic layout needs, I would totally want it for me. But, seeing as I am layoutless, I'll be content with doing it at work.
I think one of the best things about my new job is that I have two computers to do my work. It pretty much rocks.

Oh, and I recently returned from my Washington trip. I think I took like two pictures (bad me for not taking more) I will post them someday... maybe. The vacation was good, but the driving was less than fun. I think that I will stick to flying for my next adventure.

I love my Baby, that is all.

Blog Off!

Seeing as how SOME people think that my blog is free advertisement space, I felt it was necessary to ASK FOR A CHALLLENGE!

I Challenge all active bloggers who view my blog to a BLOG OFF!

"What is a Blog Off?" you ask. Well, it is a cook off, only with blogs, not cooks, or food rather. Each blogging participant will create one post and post it here and others, the "judges" if you will, will comment on said posts, and the blogger with the most comments, not including their own comments, will win!

"How will said bloggers post here Becky?" I'm glad I asked. All who want to participate will make it known here and I will add them to those who are allowed to post on my blog, thereby allowing them to post here.

"What if no one steps up to the challenge?" Well, if no one wants to participate in the Blog off, then that just means that it will be so much easier for me to win because I will be the only one posting. You COWARDS!

"What are the rules of the posting?" The rules are: No plagerism, it must be your own writing! No, videos because I don't know how to post videos and so no one should be able to do it. There is no word limit, write to your heart's content. And, finally, no bribery. I won't have people bringing in outsiders to comment on their post because they were paid in goods and or services. But, threats are allowed; bloggers may threaten others if they don't comment on their post.

"Becky, what is wrong with you? Why are you doing this?" Well there are multiple reasons:
1. Because some people felt the need to advertise their blog on my blog.
2. Other people claim that the only reason that I have so many comments on my blog is because Justin is funnier than I am (a blasphemy!).
3. Because sometimes I have nothing good to say, so I have to make up junk like this just to keep things interesting. If only my real, non blogging life were interesting.

So, if you would like to enter the blog off, please indicate, and if you wouldn't, please mock me now.

Haircut

I finally caved and cut my hair. I hadn't really cut my hair in about three years, so this was a big deal for me considering I was planning on growing it another three inches so that it would be as long as my back. But, surfing online did me in when I saw a cute cut and color that I liked.
Now, I would normally post a picture of my cut, but I forgot to take a picture of myself...alas. So, I will have to leave it to your imaginations for now. No telling Marie and Sarah!
Adieu!

Poppyseeds are the Devil!

So, to go along with my new job, I got the awesome opportunity to get a drug test. I'm not really sure why I must be off drugs in order to write manuals for dental software. If you think about it, most dentists are probably on drugs because of all that access to it. So, it isn't as if they are going to know what I am writing about anyway. Plus, there is aparently only one place in the valley that is doing drug testing. I was told to get there early so that I could beat the rush. I think I got there too early because they weren't ready for people yet when I got there. Oh well. Here's hoping I pass the test. *crosses fingers*
Luckily, Seinfeld has taught me well and I avoided any and all poppyseed muffins before taking my drug test. What would I do without Seinfeld? TV has done so much for me.

Dentrix, Who Knew?

Well, I'm officially leaving Makau on Sept. 29th!

I had an interview with Dentrix on Monday and they offered me a job that same day as a Technical Writer. I took the job because it is more money and I like money. Plus a lot of benefits from Dentrix. Dentrix seems like a pretty good company, so I am excited to go and to learn a new position and work for a new company.

But, as glad as I am that I finally found a good job, I'm sad because I am leaving Makau. Makau gave me a home and started me out in the business world, teaching me everything from filing, to accounting, to technical writing. I have appreciated everything that Makau has done for me and it truly feels comfortable working there, but I feel it is time to challenge myself.

I'm nervous to begin a new position in a new company, when all I have known for the last two years are the large cubicles at Makau. Now, I am going to be in a little, itty bitty cubicle with people all around me and the lights turned on full. I will actually have to stay awake during work and that is a total bummer.

Well, 9 more days at Makau, I better enjoy the large cube and the shorter drive to work as Dentrix will be a longer commute. Wish me luck!

Murder Mystery

So, I'm planning a Halloween Party, because that is what I do. I've decided to make my Halloween party a murder mystery. But, in order to do this I need people to be my cast members for the murder mystery as all the rest of my guests attempt to know who done it. So, I guess I have two questions for my lovely blog viewers who live in Utah. (all those who read this blog and live in Utah will of course be invited.)

1. Would any of you be willing to be my cast members for my murder mystery?
2. Do you think that people would come out to Eagle Mountain to my parent's house for a party if I held it there?

It is a good mystery and I think it would be fun for all involved. The parents have a bigger house and that is why I am considering having it there. Well, if there are no comments on this post, then I will assume that everyone hates me, murder mysteries, and Halloween.

Aquire'D

Today is my first full-time day at Makau and I've nothing to do. Don't tell Makau, but there isn't a lot of work here for me currently. I've got a few things to rewrite and then I'm sailing free like a bird to do as I please. I love my job, I just wish I had more of it. I guess I will take my free time to do some of my extra curicular editing. Hello Sarah's story.
If your bored and you know it, clap your hands.

Oh yeah, completely off topic: I'm looking for the board game Aquire. Has anyone seen it?

We Love Linda

Upon purusing my stepmom, Julie's, blog, I found out that my Aunt Linda has cancer. So, this message is for Linda.

We love you, we are thinking of you and our prayers are with you. If I could send an airborne hug to you, I would, if only science would catch up with fiction. Start feeling better soon because you nieces and nephews say so.

I'm a real Boy or Girl rather!

I'm finally a full-time employee at Makau!

It only took me finding another job at a different company and telling them that I was leaving unless they made me full time for Makau to finally get in gear! I was beginning to think that college was completely pointless because I was fruitless in my employment search for anything above 10 bucks an hour. And a college graduate working for ten dollars an hour just seems wrong, especially since I have been getting paid more than that for a while now.

But, it is good to know that college is not a complete waste of time, and it is possible to find a full-time, semi well paying job post college. I know that I will never make as much as my ever ambitious and oh so smart brother Mike, but not everyone can be as much of a geek as he is. They can try, but they just won't always succeed to master his level of geekiness.

So, I am almost fully a full-time employee of Makau. Yay! Much celebration. Here's hoping that Makau doesn't biff and drive itself straight into bankruptcy.

I like my job. I like editing and writing technical documents because I'm good at it. Plus, I get to work with the wonderful Moses brothers everyday and it doesn't get much better than that. And, my pirating connection is at Makau. Pirating as in "Arrr ye mateys" not that other thing that I would never participate in. (Side note: talk like a pirate day is this month on either the 18th or the 19th, I forget which. Just talk like a pirate both days to make sure)

*Raises glass of water* Well, here is to you, you other full-time employeed friends! May you find joy in your occupations.

A One and a One and a One

I've recently ventured into the wonderful world of 24. Jack Bauer is the most powerful man alive. NOTHING can stop him! There can be a secure complex with 50 guards and one hostage inside and Jack Bauer can get in and out with the hostage and everyone one in his path will die and Jack Bauer won't have a scratch on him.
Additionally, Jack Bauer is always right. If Jack Bauer has a hunch, he is right, he has psychic instincts that can save the day! I don't know why characters continue to doubt Jack Bauer when history has shown that he is always right.
Plus, Jack Bauer has a power name that you can't just say one part of his name, you have to say the whole thing. He's JACK BAUER!
So, 24 is pretty much awesome and there is no denying the oh so sexy deep voice of Keifer Sutherland. Thus, Jack Bauer is the most powerful man alive. Move over Bob Barker.
Oh, and, watch 24, but don't give spoilers past the third disk of the first season here because that is where I am. I don't want to know what will happen until it happens!


It is the ticking of that 24 clock that just gives me chills up my spine and I know, Jack Bauer is unstoppable.

Just don't know what to do with myself

I'm out of school and this is joyous, but I don't work full time and this is the opposite of joyous. So, I find myself with a lot of time on my hands. I've been advertising this time and have been trying to pawn it out to people so that my time may be filled in a more productive manner than watching massive amounts of TV on dvd. Though the second season of Veronica Mars just came out and I'm really liking it.
Now, I find myself without time again because I'm making commitments to many people during all my free time. Maybe I should have just put myself on hiadus and used all my free time to sleep and look for work. Speaking of work, if any of you lot see a technical writing position up for grabs you just let me know.
Additionally, all my reading that I had begun to catch up on, has now been put on the back burner again. Darn you alluring and addicting tv! Life is so the opposite of hard, I'm so deprived.

Until next time...

Bill and Mom in limo. 

Limo riding in DC. 

I think that we look smashing here! Look how my lips shine. 

Mom and Bill even took a ride. 

Ha ha! We went for a ride in ...I want to say razor(rugrats trivia anyone?) but we left Anthon outside. Got you there fish. 

Here we are at the very hot King's Dominion. We are white and we are melting. But it had some of the awesomest roller coasters ever. 

We flew in a lovely little harness from a very large height and aparently Marie is the only one who knows how to pose while wearing this lovely harness. 

This is the govenor's palace in Williamsburg. 

This is aparently a really painful torture because Ree and Fish are sitting on a metal bar. 

What did I do to deserve this treatment? 

Our hat has three corners and I'm very tired. 

Marie thinks guns are hott.