Holy cow....where *is* everyone?!? I checked in here last night & was too wiped out to type.....so here I am at 5:30 Sat. evening. Spent today cleaning & doing laundry (d'oh! I forgot the laundry in the dryer....need to get that out). We were going to go for a walk, but not sure if we're going to make it. It's been a dull day (hottie wise) on Fox. I had the weirdest dream last night. I was at work (yeah, another work dream) BUT with a twist. I had to go take a couple of files over to an underwriter to review, so I took them over to Todd (Connor!) LOL!! What was weird, is that he was like an underwriter but also a journalist. Go figure. See what too much work & Fox does to me? Anyway, I was happy to have a reason to have to go over to him (it's hard to explain, but I wasn't so giddy to know that he worked there- it was as if it were totally normal; but more so that I had a reason to have to go to his desk). He was just as cute as ever, with the curls & goatee, and looked even better up close LOL! He was on the phone and I kind of waited for a minute. He looked at me/saw me but since it sounded like the call was going to be awhile I just mouthed, "I'll come back" and left. I think I remember going back, but have no idea what I said or what happened. That just came *way* out of left field! Although short, and not juicy, it was still a great dream (despite the work theme). LOL, I think Rick's going to have competition!! :)

Sherry- I was going to say that what you were describing with not being able to see the posts sounds a lot like the problem I have at work. It sounds like yours returned to normal (split screen). I'm going to have to watch my tape from yesterday. After all the action Thursday, I figured better safe than sorry on Friday. Is it just me, or does it seem to be that they all tend to show up on Thursdays?? Maybe it's a coincidence. Nan gets Adam in her area, and who do I get in the SF area? Geraldo. LOL! How are the kitties doing? Sounds like Chilly is adjusting- I'm sure it'll just be a matter of time. You naughty gal, "wet with that I just got out of the shower look" LOL! Can't blame ya though..... Yeah, I like Mancow too- more of the funny aspect; though he is cute. Naturally, cuter with the goatee..... I missed the Ollie bus, that must've been on before I got up.

Nan- I think some people at work did the same- took off early LOL! It just seemed like a ghost town when I left yesterday; it appears *a lot* of people are on vacation next week. Should make things interesting. They made Todd cut the curls, huh? :( LOL, should have known that that wouldn't have lasted. Just as long as he's able to keep the goatee, lol! Maybe Fox sent them all in to get haircuts? Or it's just an end of summer thing. LOL- what does your son think of your Fox hotties? That would be great if he was able to get photos of Adam if he covers the pending end of September Ahnold event. You know, the ads that always seem to run on our satellite system on Fox are DirecTV ads (sometimes 3 in a row), Cristy Lane, Dytek, and the ADD commercial. I know there's more, but I don't remember seeing CNN. Maybe we're getting DirecTV when others are getting CNN?

Leslie- a gray & raining Friday is *perfect* for laying in bed & reading! :) I thought the same thing this morning- it wasn't rainy, but it was gray (foggy). I ended up getting up & got busy with cleaning & laundry. Tomorrow & Monday may be my lazy days, or I may work on my writing.

Jayel- Thanks for the updates! :) Regrettably I didn't set the VCR that day, but there will be others. I'm actually taking the 11th & 12th off, so maybe that will give me an opportunity. Last year I wished I had taken the 11th off and didn't so this year I did. I'm hoping that the cell phone thing with Hannity on F & F will show up on the 'Say What' portion of the Fox Fan Central part of the Fox site. That would fit right in there. LMAO about the Steve & Brian talking about their home improvements & their shopping stories. I think Nan & I had posted about the "Mexifornia" book. I'll have to check into the others that you mentioned too.

So help me....if this Bustamante gets elected, I'm electing early retirement to TX. Check out this article on Fox Bustamante Won't Renounce Ties to Chicano Student Group. THIS is why we get so frustrated in CA. You gals should have seen the 'choice' classes I had to choose from to complete my creative writing degree at SFSU. You would be livid. Normally I don't mind learning about other cultures- yes, it can be very interesting. But I will not have it *forced* on me and shoved down my throat at this state seems fit to do. I guess that's why I'm up in arms about Bustamante. OK- *rant over* - it's safe to come out from under the tables..... : ) Looks like it's a ranting kinda day! :P I guess since some of you are watching Fox today as it's on you've prolly heard about the N. Korea nuclear rhetoric. That stuff has me wary. OK- AIM just kicked me off and won't let me sign back in. I don't know if any of you are having problems with it or not....


Melissa- I thought someone somewhere had mentioned seeing CNN commercials before on Fox. That's really bizarre- not sure why they'd want to do that, unless it's a ploy by the cable or satellite company. (Just kidding....or not??) You'd be so cool to post the pix from today! :) (of course, you're cool anyway!). Sorry you're having spontaneous-employee-vacation problems there, that sounds really frustrating! LOL- you're cruel, but from what you said I would think the same thing too- hope he drives up the 4 hours & then only have to turn around & drive the 4 back. Serves him right!

OK-like I said, I'm scooting my butt outta here on time today, if not 5 minutes before so I can try to catch Fox Report. Traffic is usually heinous on Thursdays, so we'll see. I barely got one break,, lunch has been shaved a little bit, and I'll be lucky if I get a second break. *Time for work rant* What really annoys me about people here, is that some think they deserve a smoke break every hour. Kevin told me to take a break when they do, so I kinda have been by checking in the blog when they go out. These same people complain about being so friggin far behind. I *so* want to say, "well if you didn't go out & smoke every hour, maybe you wouldn't be so far behind!" but being the somewhat nonconfrontational person I am, I don't. I usually go along to get along, and if I don't have something nice to say to these people I don't say anything.

Later!

Hey guys this may seem like a silly question, but do they ever show CNN commercials when you're watching FOX? I just saw one, and then I KNOW I saw one last week as well. What is up with that?

Looks like I was right again, Rick is back. :) I turned on the tv this morning to see his smiling face. Ok he wasn't really smiling (dangit - he was talking to Brigette) but he was there no less, and that made me smile.

Nat I did get the photos. I'll try and post them at lunch, but since this dial-up internet is soooo slooooow here at work, I may have to wait until tonight. But I won't be home until late tonight becuase I have class at 7:00. -- edit: Rick is "out in the field" today. :) He's dressed all spiffty today too. Navy blazer, light blue shirt, and a yellow tie. I got some pic off the tv and I'll post those tonight as well.

Leslie - I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. I hope Sarah is doing better as well. I'm sure everything will be fine. :) No you weren't hearing things last night. Rick did say Shep would be back today! :) When I heard him say that I think I jumped up and down and squealed "YAY!" they were doing SO good with all the hotties being on, then they just took them away again. I think they're teasing us, sort of like the dollar on the string trick, they give ya enough time to get excited, and then they rip it away from you.

I forgot who asked about the WalMart's, but here we have some really nice and clean ones with nice people, and then we also have some grungy nasty ones where I think the employees are hiding in the clothes racks, it just depends what part of the city you're in.

Our maintainance supervisor, Kris, hasn't been here ALL WEEK and I'm getting pissed. He didn't even call me to tell me he was taking a "spontanious vacation" and all he did was tell another maintainance man, Steve, that he'd be back in time for the meeting on Thursday, all because he got a "once in a lifetime opportunity to go on a house boat." *frickin asshole* --sorry I'm a little pissed-- Well he's not here right now and the meeting was supposed to be tonight at 6:00. Lucky for him the meeting has been rescheduled, but I just hope he shows up at 6:00 tonight to see the notice posted on the door. He lives and hour away, so I hope he drives that far just to see the notice, all because he didn't have the decency to call. He ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS pulls this crap! Whenever my mom decides to take a vacation Kris decides he's gonna take one too but doesn't tell anyone, and that's B.S.!!!!!! My mom *rarely* takes any time off, so why Kris couldn't wait until this weekend is beyond me! I mean we're even off on Monday for Labor Day. Ok, sorry for the ranting, I just had to get that off my chest. Oh GREAT even better, I talked to Steve and he said Kris was going to drive 4 hours (from where he was vacationing) up here JUST for the meeting, and then go back down. So now Steve keeps trying to get ahold of Kris to let him know there's no meeting. I know it sounds mean, but I REALLY REALLY hope he doesn't get a hold of Kris just so he has to waste 8 hours of his day. I asked Steve not to call Kris, because I'd prefer for Kris to call us, but he's like "No I'm not going have my 'boss' be mad at me." But what Steve doesn't realize is, it looks ike Kris isn't going to be his boss for very long. Looks like he'll be demoted, because my mom is sick of this crap too. And if my mom doesn't do anytbing this time (because this is like the 3rd or 4th time he's done it) then I'll quit, because my mother doesn't have the heart to be a boss, and let's those men walk all over her, and I won't sit here and watch them do it. Ok -- sorry again, it's all off my chetst now.

Well I'll catch up in just a little bit after I fix lunch here in about 15 minutes.

Hey Gals!! Well I went a record 3.5 hours with my hard lenses in last night. It's getting a little better, but sometimes my eyes feel *so* dry. I guess I'm building up the 'calous' that everyone I've talked to has mentioned. The first time I heard that, I was like 'calous'????? On my eye??? Ewww! Anyway, did ya'll catch Fox & Friends this morning? I saw from Mancow on (off & on) to the end. Geez Louise I can't believe Harrison Ford is falling in with all the libs in Hollyweird now. I'm disappointed. It was kinda funny this morning though, they were digging into him. They had Hannity on at the top of the last hour and his cell phone started ringing and it was his sister. He answered & then gave the phone to Steve and he told her "Hey, he's on Fox & Friends right now, he'll call you back". It was hilarious! I think they've had someone different filling in for ED each day all week. Wonder who it'll be tomorrow? Prolly not Jane! (Side note- it's really annoying when you work in cubes & someone uses their speakerphone to dial out....grrr....there's 3 people around me who do that). Anyway.....so Shep should be back today- YAY! I miss Shep. Rick F's been doing lots of filling in- today he's in for Jon Scott. He's going to need a vacation by the time everyone else comes back.

Jan- Sorry you missed your game due to the heat, but happy to see your post! :) Brag anytime! :) That's cool- I forget how long we Targets in AZ- seems like since the late 80's. "If the DCFS was that picky with foster and natural parents, we would have so much less child abuse problems" AMEN!! Sneaky Pete could also be Lucky Pete- how sad that people do that kind of crap to defenseless creatures. Very good thing her boyfriend stopped to see what was in there. VIVID- yes, that's the word! I thought of that yesterday morning at 4:30 (don't ask)....I tend to think of things at odd hours. Kind of like the thought that if it wasn't for Rick & the other Fox hotties, we all prolly never would have met. I was thinking (yes, again at 4-5 AM yesterday) that it would be cool if we sent a "thank you" card or something to Fox and/or Rick saying as much. We could send the card to each other so we can personally sign & then the last person could forward to Fox/Rick. LOL, it sounded better at 5 AM. ROFLMAO- "WaRshington"......you know who does that is my mom. She's originally from Indiana. I think it's a midwest thing- but not all people say it like that in the midwest, so I'm still trying to figure out how the heck that started. She says waRsh too instead of wash. LOL. "Baja Oregon"- LMAO!! You really have me laughing this morning!! "Welcome to Iowa, please set your clocks back 20 years" LOL!! When I heard of Steve Brown being in Peoria yesterday, I thought of you. Awww.......I'm sure he cares! Maybe he lost track after he sent yours (like he knew for sure he did, but then forgot the rest of us so we had to "gently remind" LOL).

Leslie- Glad things are looking up on the medication front. I know that sometimes when you watch for so long you start thinking that you're seeing things that really aren't happening. I think I'd be a terrible mommy (in the paranoid sense) because I'm really good at doing that. I've perfected it sometimes. If it's any consolation, I'd prolly be a Mommy-chondriac too (kinda am with the cat- "does she look ok? are you sure?"). Hope you get some sleep, girl! LOL- The Life of Riley.....my hubby says that all the time about our Maggie. He will say to her as she's stretched out on the floor or in some really comfy position "ah, the Life of Riley". The first time he said that, I was like, "HUH?". It's funny that you should mention that- 'cause I can't recall anyone using that phrase before him (if I have, it's been a LONG time). About the sinus stuff- I'm glad it's not just me! Strange weather.

Nan- isn't it funny how Fox will trick us in the late evening? Think you're getting Cavuto, but *surprise!* there's Fox Report. I like those surprises. :) But you're right, it's *much better* with Shep. Many imitators, but only one original Shep. That's right- Victor Davis Hanson is a professor at Fresno State- sometimes I forget these little things and either remember much later in the day or I "get a little help from my friends" :) I should have remembered that considering that one of my stepsons is attending Fresno State LOL. His views sound interesting....there was just a statement he made that didn't make sense (naturally I can't remember now what it was, but I'm sure hubby remembers so I'll post it later unless I forget). Yep- I'm familiar with that book holding pattern- I think I have two or three right now. LOL! "Either way, none of them ever inspired me to set my recorder to tape a news show"- wow, you really struck a chord here. It just occurred to me when I read this in your post. Funny how things work out, huh? I never thought I'd find a couple of journalists 'hot' LOL, let alone a few of us on the same plane/line of thought. That's great that the USC team of liver cancer surgeons have agreed to take your dad as a patient. I'll be praying that he will be in great hands and that there will be great success. Sometimes you have to hang onto the glimmer of hope and dispell the rest- hang in there.

OK- as usual, gotta get to work. C-ya at lunch!

EDIT: Oh, fudge.....I knew I shoulda set the VCR...Now I have to get out of here on time today- I'm sure Shep will have him on later. Jayel- was he in the office or "out in the field"?

Hey gals! I think I'm still in the same mode as yesterday- sleepy but gettin' through some crappy stuff (stuff I've been dreading doing here at work). It seems like I've had a nonstop-to varying degrees-sinus headache for the last 5 days. I'm thinking it's time to call the Dr. to see what's going on, but will prolly stall for another few days. I think it's just the weather changing so much from cool to hot to cool again. It's SO much cooler out now than it was on Monday. God bless the fog that comes in after a heatwave! :) I take it that Adam must be the only one of the hotties on today or everyone's up to their eyballs with alligators. I guess Steve & Brian scared Jane away yesterday- Kiran was in for ED today. I got riled up about the whole illegal thing on the way to work- they were talking to the author about his book that just came out called "Mexifornia". I need to check out the author- not sure where he is on the liberal/conservative scale. Also not sure that it'd be a good idea to read the book, as I told my hubby, I'd prolly throw it against the wall LOL. Some of what the author was saying just didn't make sense to me..... like it was coming out of "left" field.

Sherry- Glad you got the kitten!! YAY!! I *know* he'll have a good home with you. Riley would be a *great* name! One good thing about Walmart (or Wallyworld as my mom calls it) is that they *do* have a lot. I think my mom is more Walmart than Target; but then it could be 'cause Walmart's a lot closer to her house.

Leslie- Hope everything is OK with Sarah, and that today is better than yesterday. Hang in there!

Jen- got your IM! Sorry I'm not getting a chance to reply. Hope you didn't pass out by the computer! You'll be back into the swing of it (school, studying....) before you know it. It's that initial start that can be rough (and the finals...but let's take one step at a time!). You'll do GREAT.

Melissa- Let me know if you didn't get my email & I'll try again. Hope you're hanging in there too. EDIT: Hey, I talked to Teri today! :) She wanted me to relay a message to you- she hopes that your broken writing hand mends soon (i.e., WRITE, LOL!).

Jayel- ROFLMAO at the potential nicknames we could have if we weren't LevenGals! Very scary! "If more of the hotties don't return soon, we may as well start watching CNN. (Despair setting in)" OH, THE HORROR!! Either that, or I'm going to have to eat a lot of dark chocolate & drink a lot of red wine (hey, they *did* say today (one more time) that both are good for reducing your blood pressure....with all this stuff going on (war, recall, lack of hottie coverage) I may need a little treat and blood pressure reduction LOL.

OK- need to make another run to the post office. I'll catch ya'll later.

A quick post before I go home- I'll get as far as I can and then pick up where I left off tomorrow.

Melissa- I sent the pix- let me know if you don't get the email. I think those dreams have a lot to do with being overwhelmed. What lifelike & (dang, I had the word & now I've forgotten it....) visual maybe? dreams those are!! I'm so sorry to hear about Bree- I'll keep her and ya'll in my prayers. It really is hard- they are a member of the family and it's next to impossible to not feel a loss. It's supposed to be cooler here today, there's some wind at least, so that always helps. Work is getting better....still don't trust anybody here at work, but at least it's 2 days & no drama. Good chatting with you today (even if I couldn't for long).

Sherry- A 13 hour trip is an excellent reason for getting a CD player in the car.:) We always plug the discman into the lighter when we go on trips. MUCH better than tapes. Girl, you hit the nail *right* on the head when you said that you want to rescue all the cats & dogs- Kevin went to pick out Maggie 'cause it's just too heartwrenching for me to go in there. I can't even think about it for long otherwise I obsess about it and feel very very sad. I think I'm twisted- I feel more sorry for the animals than I do for the homeless. LOL- my cat sees the cat carrier (an open top box type) and she jumps in. She *loves* boxes. She hasn't *quite* made that connection yet that the box=vet. Good luck with the kitten!!! : )

Jayel- Know what you mean about the media- the local media here always seems so negative about Iraq. I think a lot has to do with them being heavily liberal and anti-war so all they can be is negative about it and point out how bad things still are. I think someone needs to remind them that Bush never promised an overnight success. It's a work in progress and will continue to be for as long as it takes. We're very fortunate to have Fox to give us the "silver lining". I saw Jane on Fox & Friends this morning- I was surprised! I think she prolly does do better with Shep than Brian & Steve. Did you see the falling goat thing??? I've heard of that before, but I was seriously ROFLMAO!! As always, thanks for the rating updates- I love those! :)

Leslie! Good to see you back & "reporting". I'm sorry to hear about Sarah and the emotional strain it's put on you- my thoughts are with you. Those possible side effects are scary, to say the least. I'll be sending LOADS of positive vibes and thoughts your way!! **GROUP HUG TIME AGAIN**!! I think you're right about what you said: "You read some of the horror stories with adopted kids and foster kids, and wonder if it isn't easier to get a kid than a pet." I think that's right up there with Nan's realization that if she had a daughter, she could get an abortion without her knowledge, yet her son has to have her present to get blood drawn. *shakes head* Nothing makes much sense anymore. I saw you on IM, but was trying to get through some stuff- I chatted briefly with Melissa during lunch. I have astigmatism, but it's not the lasik-fixable kind. I have keratoconus (sp?)- my corneas are cone shaped. I've had lazy eye in my right eye since I was 3, and have worn glasses since. I can see without them up close (really up close) but far away, I'm hopeless. The hard lenses work much better for my distance vision than the soft lenses, so I'm hoping I can adapt. Nah, don't feel guilty!! My eyes seem really dry too- I think it's allergies, but I'm not sure. I always have to make sure my eyes are good & ready before I put either sets of contacts in. LMAO about "ShepLite"- very true. MMMMM.....pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting.....I'll be right over.

Hey Gals. I'm typing this offline, so I can type as I can so I can just come post it at lunch. I read some posts last night, but by the time I was done reading I was tired and ready to go to bed. I found out yesterday that my dad it gonna put one of our dogs, Bree, to sleep. She's hurt both her back legs (she has 2 torn ligaments) and it would cost us about $2000 to get the problem fixed, and then after that it's not even a sure thing that she'd get better. This is really hard on us because she's only 5 years old, and she's the sweetest dog in the world. She's so mild and calm. I got up early so I could shoot some final photos of her with the other dogs (Boomer and Tara) because I think my dad is gonna have her put to sleep this afternoon after he gets home. Tara is gonna go nuts because she always whines and cries if we even just take Bree to the vet and leave her at home. It sucks because you try so hard not to get attached to a pet, but it's hard becuase they're always there.

Anyway, it's been another crazy morning at work, but when is it not? Oh and the idea to ask about Greg wasn't my idea. I told Jen about my reply to Rick and she said I should ask if he knew where Greg was. She was just kidding, but I said "No, I'll ask. It couldn't hurt." Or something along those lines.

Nan - I hope your father will be ok. You and he will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sherry - Don't worry, Adam is a *look but don't touch* kinda guy for me. I think I was just happy to see some sort of sex appeal on Fox yesterday considering they had been seriously depleated during the day. LOL I'm still a "Rick Cick" all the way, and am hoping he'll be back by tomorrow. :) Sorry about the printer probs, I know all too well the pain you suffer. We've had problems with our past THREE printers, and thankfully now have a printer that funtions properly for now. *knocks on wood* I think we could all use a nice big *GROUP HUG* :)

Nat - I hope things aren't so crazy at work now. That fire alarm sounded scary, stay safe over there ok? Glad jury duty went ok, and you got a day off from your crazy work place. How strange about the electricity. I feel ya about the heat. For the past week and 1/2 it's been in the 100's non stop here! It's crazy, because the average temp here for August is 87 degrees.

Jen - you know I think you should definately take the opportunity to go to Oxford if ya can. You don't have anything holding you back now. :)

Leslie - I hope you're still feeling well and that those "intersting" dreams aren't TOO interesting. LOL

Jan - Yeah I remember it saying Rosenthal on that article, that was pretty funny. Poor man can't even get his name spelled right in an article ABOUT him. :)

Jayel - LOL @ your jury duty story. What a dirtbag that guy was! I don't think I'd be a very good juror, becuause I have emotional reactions on an impulse, and don't always think things through. I'm sure I'd have stood up and yelled something along the lines of, "You dirty bastard! You deserve to be tortured for the rest of your horrid life!" lol.

I've had some strange dreams, so I thought I'd post them before I post my main post. What do you guys think all these odd dreams mean??? I guess all the water/flooding may just have to do with me being a little overwhelemed with things?? I dunno, or it's just my mind giving me some crazy adventer that I'm seriously lacking in my life right now.

#1 - The first one I had was almost like a movie, and I'm not sure if I can fully describe it with the impact it had on me. I remember I was in some highrise type apartment when the ground started to shake and rain started pouring. Buildings were falling to the ground and the ground was being flash flooded. After just a short amount of time the city I was in was in complete ruins and the city was flooded. (just like when you see the buildings of Manhattan in the movie A.I.) I remember flying around in a helecopter and seeing all the cities that had been destroyed. It's almost like the east and west coasts had sunk into the ocean and only the high mountains and and hills of the midwest were above sea level. People were swimming around trying to find safety and there was noting I could do to help them except watch. I can't really explain the look and feel of the way my dream looked. It was night time a it was like buildings were all knocked over and crumbled the water was pitch black and freezing cold. There was rain still pouring down and the sky was blanketed in thick black clouds. Flashes of lighting lit up the water and hellecopters with spotlights were flying all around searching for survivors. I finally woke up and was a little stunned to say the least. Then I went right back to sleep and had ANOTHER strange dream.

#2 - This dream was sort of a continuation of the previous dream, but yet not. I think a lot of time had passed, but I had memories of that night. I remember being really sad and almost having a type of "survivors guilt." I was sitting in my car (it looked like a red and black Camero - I have no idea why that was my car. LOL) and I was fixing something on the steering wheel. (I have no idea which way is *up* when fixing anything on a car, so again I dunno why I was fixing it. LOL) but anyway that's not the point. I was sitting in my car fixing something on the steering wheel, and for some reason I was parked outside a local community pool. I remember not wanting to go into the pool area because I didn't want to be near the water, but I wanted to go get a friend who was there to help me fix my car. All the sudden this hottie life gaurd (in red swim trunks with 3 stripes, white/black/white, on the side. - matching my car. LOL) walked up to the car and opened the passanger door to sit in my car. I was a little stunned, becacuse I obviously liked this guy, but thought he had no idea who I was. He sat down and tried to help me with the steering wheel when all the sudden he kissed me! My dream sort of cut in and cut out to us sitting in my car parked near the edge of a cliff where the water was crashing against it. And off in the distance was an eery fog that was rolling in as the sun was setting. I told the guy how bad I was feeling about all the death and destruction that had happened, and wondered why I was one of the people that lived. He told me that I shouldn't feel ashamed for living and that it wasn't my fault that all that happened, and that I should make the best of my life that I am living, and shouldn't waste it by feeling guilty and not worthy of surviving.

#3 - This one has nothing to do with the other two, but it has a similar "theme" to it. I was in my old house and it was pouring down rain and the grounds began to flood and I kept trying to keep the water from coming in under the door and I was trying to protect the animals. Then after a while I decided it'd just be easier to open the door so I could try and get to the truck. SO I opened the door and all this water came rushing in and it completely swept me off my feet. I woke up after that, but it was SUCH an odd dream!

I just can't figure out what all these mean, or why they've been so vivid lately.

Another day, another..... well I guess we can fill in the blank LOL! Our power went out again last night for about 20 minutes. This time it just went off followed by a couple of loud booms. It didn't sound good and I thought for certain this would be an all-nighter. Luckily it came back on- while we were on the cell phone with PG & E. Hope everyone has a better Tuesday than Monday.

Sherry- PLEASE keep us posted on the kitten- I hope everything works out well!

Jen- GK being that nearby must be positively nervewracking for you (to say the least!). I had to LOL about the shirt options- I could see the second one happening. Don't panic yet though- I'm *sure* he got it. I'm sorry to hear about your hair! :( Hang in there!

Jayel- I agree. I got a little spoiled last week with that one hottie filled day, and then a little more with Todd making a reappearance on Friday. This is torture, LOL! I smile when Adam's on- I think of you gals here who like him. I imagine he will have lots of airtime until early-mid October.....and who knows what will be happening here after that. There always seems to be *something*. Yeah...we're pretty greedy! :) But....we *do* have good taste! :)

Nan- I thought I heard something about that hurricane too- not sure if it'll make it up to us, but sure would be nice. It's been awhile since we've had rain. LOL about what you said about CA truly being a "God forsaken place". I think CA pretty much has it all here.....all except common sense (well, ok-we have a little common sense). Geez.....seems to always be a common thing *they* want *justice* when they're here *illegally*. Speaking of common sense, WHERE IS IT WITH THIS STATE & THIS ISSUE??? *exasperated to tears* I guess I'm a little slow on the uptake (must be the last of sleep the last two days)- you're absoloutely right- that would create more votes for Bustamante. I just didn't think of it that way till you mentioned it. I'm sure my hubby realized it too, but like I said in my sleep deprived state it went right over my head, LOL. Elvis.....ROFLMAO! Walmart.....could be a CA thing- the ones I've gone to in TX (Lake Travis & Marble Falls) were decent, and I *think* the one in AZ was...but less certain on that. Seems like when I go there (to the one in AZ) there's always a bunch of kids running around and a lot of people only speaking "Espanol". I've never found a Walmart in our area up here- they must all be in the East and South Bays. Target is our store of choice. Give me a Target over Walmart any day (must be a familiarity thing).

Gotta get started- I'll check in at lunch.
EDIT: Melissa- I'll email the photos at lunch!

Hey!~ Decided to catch up now instead of tomorrow morning....then I'm going to eat & hit the sack. I *should* try the hard lenses again, but I'm not sure that I'll make it up that late- LOL!

Melissa- Again, that's awesome that you got two replies in one day! :D Maybe he's working his way down to mine LOL. Your description of your monring sounds like my description of my afternoon. I hate when I have to tell people "no" ten different ways before they start to get a hint. Hopefully that mess is behind me now! :) Sounds like Rick's catching up though from when he was off. I always hate coming back to 140 emails in your "inbox" LOL- very daunting. You always hope they're mostly "so-and-so will not be in", "food in the copy room", etc. LOL- I'll bet it shocked ya! Especially the second time around! ;D That's like the day I had where I got two replies in one day, one fairly quick after the other- does kinda throw you for a loop. I have some photos fo forward you- some came out OK, so maybe you can post them if you want. I'll email them from work tomorrow and I won't overload your email in box- I promise! LOL! I forwarded the Adam ones I took to Sherry, so I'll pick the best ones plus a couple of Rick (and of course Todd-hehehe). If you want to post- post away!

Sherry- Sounds like you've been going through resume hell (is there any other kind of resume, I wonder?). Resumes are the pits, as well as printers that don't work as they should. The Marin Humane Society here was about the same way. Kevin had a much easier time getting Maggie at the SFSPCA. I'm sorry they're being so difficult- with all the animals out there, you'd think they'd make it easier for you. I hope your day got better, or at least tomorrow will make up for today! **GROUP HUG** As always, feel free to rant away! Sounds like we were all having a "Monday" or more like a Monday from hell. OK- I'm really hthinking that I gotta send that email to Todd now! Geez Louise......I'm all wound up and yet so darned tired. LOL! Yeah- it got to 92 up here in San Rafael. It's down to 82 outside & inside. Not bad considering it was 85 last night at 10. Glad you're getting some great weather- especially no humidity- isn't that odd for you there? I've always heard how yucky it can be in the east (and midwest, and southeast....). You gals talking about school make me kinda miss being in school. I told Jen that I always liked getting my books (well, not the prices, but the books-yes) and perusing each one to see what I was going to be learning. I *don't* miss the research papers. Writing was fun, especially reading what everyone else came up with.

*My head hurts* <----- just a random thought! Hey- Jane Skinner said that Shep is coming back later this week! YAY!! :D

EDIT: One more thing- Nan- what do you think about Davis trying to push through all this stuff (ala Clinton) before he's ousted? I'm sure you're as riled up as I am about it. I was asleep in the car on the way home today & I woke right up when they said that the CA Assembly (I believe) are at this moment deliberating over if illegals should be able to get CA drivers licenses. If they do this, mark my words, the next "9/11" will occur here in CA, because *anyone* will be able to get a CA license without having any background checks or fingerprints. God help us.....seriously.

Hey gals- just a quick post before I have to start into work again. I'm completely dazed & confused today- I think I got about an hour's worth of sleep last night- it was sooo hot. Yesterday it got to 95 outside (85 inside- with fans on). At 10 last night it was still 80 inside. I think it was a combination of the heat and Sunday Night Insomnia. Then this morning I took a Sudafed, so I'm really on a roll now. I'm somewhere where I'm half here & half somewhere else, and yet I'm really productive. Very odd. I take it there's either been no hottie sightings today or that everyone is away from their TVs (and haven't been able to view their tapes). I didn't tape today- had a feeling it'd be a slow hottie day for some reason.

Nan- Glad you had a great weekend! Sorry Logan's tournament didn't go as he expected, but it's good that he made the realization that he needs more practice- a lot of kids don't make that realization (or don't like to admit it, lol!). You are *so welcome* for the words of encouragement- you always have us here- even on slow/vacant days! :) I'm hoping the fog will relieve us of the heat- it feels hot in SF today- and it's usually cooler here than in San Rafael. Quick check of Weather.com says 83 degrees (feels like 84) in SF. San Rafael is 90 (feels like 89). So, about the same as yesterday. It peaked at 95 around 3:00 yesterday. It looks like things should be cooling off again- YAY!!

Jen- I'm sorry you had to sit on the ground in your current state! I remember how those first days back were- people would try to crash classes and the room was always way overfilled for the first or second class meetings. Sounds like they intend to really keep you busy there this semester! I'm not a very quick reader- I was always behind. I was always afraid of overlooking something if I read to fast. Hopefully it'll be interesting enough to hold your interest and get through it quicker. Hang in there! And enjoy it while you can (I sometimes miss going to classes- even if it meant studying all the time.).

OK- gotta get ready to go home- I'll check in with ya'll tomorrow. I gotta get some sleep tonight. Have a good one!!

EDIT- wow- a lot of you posted since I started this! Melissa- congrats on the reply!! I'm still waiting, but.....who knows. Sounds like you're having a *happy happy joy joy* afternoon- YAY!! : ) Hmm.... you seem to have the right way of asking.... I may just have to ask you to send Todd that email for me requesting a photo LOL!! : )

Oh this day is getting better! Adam is on!!! He hasn't been on all day, and now it's like *bam* he's on. I cried "ADAM!" when he came on. LOL I think I'm just being deranged LOL. It's been a hottie overload for me today. First Rick replies, then a hottie who lives here at the townhouses comes up to the office TWICE, then Rick replies again, now Adam is on. All this excitement within an hour! *big grin* This afternoon is definately making up for the bad morning. LOL

OH lookie Jen -- I guess I should be careful what I ask for. (A quick reply that won't give me a heart attack from surprise.) Except it was so quick of a reply that I am nearly dead at the moment. LOL Guess I just can't win.

just talked to greg.
he's at the pentagon this week, fulfilling his marine corp requirements, and
will be back in atlanta next week.

all the best,
rick

So I guess that answers the age old question of "Where's Greg?"
Later girls! I'll be back tonight.

Hey guys I read some of the posts this morning, but have long since forgotten what they said. LOL I'll reply when I get home tonight. But look what I got in my Inbox to cheer up this crap ass morning I've had.

i can't remember if i sent you a photo or not...
did i?

if not i'll get one out to you this week!

thanks,
rick

I think my heart stopped for a minute straight when I saw it. This is the second time a reply has come much later than I thought, and it has shocked the crap outta me. :-) I replied and told him he did send one, and thanks for it, and complemented him on the great job he's doing in W. Va. I also put in a special PS for all the people who were wondering where Greg is. I just basically asked if he'd even know what Greg was up to, or if he was still in Iraq. I doubt he knows, but it's worth a shot. :) Well I gotta get back to work.

Hey girlies! Everyone must be having a busy weekend! It's going to be a hot one here today- it's already 82 outside (75 inside) and barely a breeze. I think it must be fairly humid too, as it's that balmy kind of heat. It wouldn't be so bad if we had a cooler or AC, but as long as I'm in front of a fan, it's not bad. ;) Kevin's up on the mast again- the back one.

Jan- Hopefully your cousin won't be a bridezilla & then wifezilla. Maybe she'll tone down in time- I can see how that kind of behavior can be rough on a marriage. My aunt does great at the scrapbooking thing too- she is a rep for one of the scrapbooking companies (can't remember the name off hand right now- it'll come to me). When I saw her last Nov. she had all this really cool stuff and has done extremely well with her scrapbooks. I wish I had the time & the space to do that. Maybe it'll be one of those things I do once Kevin retires and we move to TX (hoping/assuming I don't have to keep working- we'll see). LOL about the QVC thing! We watch every once in awhile- I forget who always has the computers, but Kevin will pause on there and say that they sound like a great deal- but I'm the skeptical one. They do get some really good deals on a lot of things in general on there. Ya know, I think we're all like long lost sisters or something! We seem to have a lot in common with one another! :D Your nightmares sound exactly like what goes through my mind when the power goes off. I just *know* someone is lurking in the shadows, LOL. What you say makes total sense- that when you're in control of the lights it's one thing but when you're not- it's something else completely. Good question about the smoke and the wires. I'd say this smelled more woodsy than electrical though.

Sherry- Adam's been on a couple of times today too- you're lucking out! :D Hobby & craft day on QVC prolly would have been dangerous for me too- I got on a latch hook rug kit kick (try saying that 3 times fast LOL) last summer (Ebay, Michael's & Ben Franklin's) and bought all kinds of kits. Then it was the needlepoint and OOH- I gotta try embroidery and cross stitch! So now, I prolly have more kits than I can possibly do in a lifetime (hmm...added to all the books....). Three of my Christmas presents to family members last year were latch hook rugs & a needlepoint. I did a TX flag with "Texas" in the middle of it for my mother in law- that one I did by hand, but their flag is easy enough to do. My mom really gets into craft stuff too- she was always doing embroidery, needlepoint, crochet, and some bead stuff later on. LOL- good thing I didn't see QVC yesterday. Funny you mention Geraldo- today they're saying that they were going to have footage from the wedding. Which is fine & well, but if they're going to do that, why couldn't they have had more than 30 seconds of Rick & the Operation Welcome Home parade from last weekend??? Argh. LOL, you know, Friday night Kevin said "what do you think they did in the old days without electricity?" And I, in my sarcastic fashion said, "well they were used to it- they didn't know what it was to have it. They always used candles then and didn't know anything different." LOL It was nice with the candles, but still unnerving at the same time. OMG....HotToddie....that boy (lol, ok, MAN) has been heavy on the brain since Friday....talk about hottie overload! Unless Rick starts showing his face more, Todd may beat him out! LOL!! I have some photos that I took Friday of Thursday's videotaping- Adam, Rick & Todd- I'll forward the Adam ones to you probably tomorrow morning. It's easier to send them from work (newer computer). What's really a drag with Windows 98 is that I don't have the "thumbnail" option when it comes to viewing files in Windows Explorer, so I have to open each photo file to see what photo it is. At work, it lays them all out at once so I can see what I'm selecting. I'm thinking I may get a new laptop later this year when all the deals come out.

OK- gotta try to get my old lenses in now. Tried the hard ones earlier- I think the right one is too tight- my eye was watering like crazy. The overall weird feel to them is getting better and I'm able to get them in & out easier. We'll see what my optometrist says Tuesday- I know she said one looked a little off- I'm hoping it's the right one (as that would explain the uncomfortableness of it). Chat with ya'll later!

Hey gals! We had a little "excitement" last night. I was about to shut down the computer for the night when all of a sudden the power goes gim & then out. It was very strange. Usually it just goes out, not slowly out. We went out to see what was going on & someone said that PG & E (Pacific Gas & Electric) was out by the grocery store working on the lines. Kevin went over there and found out that it was the transformer. I guess PG & E could tell there was a problem & sent a crew out who then turned off the power. They said one of the lines was fixing to catch fire and it could've been a lot worse. We were only without power from 8:30 to about midnight; it took them longer because they had to go to their warehouse to get a couple of specialty-like parts. We have battery back up, but we didn't want to drain it so I lit a bunch of candles and waited it out. I started to get sleepy and then blew them all out. I have never liked complete darkness- one of those childhood things that still give me the heebie-jeebies. There was some light in the back of the boat (not sure what from as I didn't see the moon- I guess from distant city lights). But when I leaned out of the bunk & looked forward, it was pitch black save for the battery power guage light. Yeah, I'm a baby when it comes to complete darkness. I have *NO* idea how you guys affected by the East Coast blackout did it. I guess you just *do* and make due with what you've got. I admire ya'll for that. It was nice with the candles- I *love* candles and it gave me an excuse to light a lot of them.

Jan- What you wrote to Nan was beyond words- you said what I was thinking but couldn't gather the words to write- all very true! Yeah, HR is on my to do list for Monday- I think I will write out something this weekend. MSN is weird with email I've noticed (and now remember). My other stepson has MSN and it seems he has trouble opening attachments (or they just disappear altogether). My grandma & her boyfriend (hehehe- cute, huh!) have MSN too and sometimes I have trouble sending to them too. LOL- Jonathan Hunt & Elvis Costello- YEAH! There *is* something similar about them, huh! I'm going to have to go back to the article again- I missed the Rosenthal connection.

Well, I'm going to try to be on AIM today. I need to get some stuff done around here today, especially now that a killer sinus headache has left the boat. I think there was a big fire around here somewhere yesterday but I couldn't find anything about it online. The smell was very overpowering- so much that I had to use my inhaler (and this was late last night), so I think that had something to do with it. But I've had my drugs of choice (Sudafed Cold/Allergy & Advil) and I'm back in action. So.....I'll prolly be on, and if I'm away, I'll try to remember to put my away message on. I need to help Kevin outside here & there (he's painting the lower part of the mast that they didn't get done last weekend) so I'll need to crank the winch (the thing that raises & lowers sails & now humans-lol- up & down the mast).

Hey gals! Time to catch up! I was only gone for about an hour this morning- boy did I ever luck out. Supposedly I'm good for two years now. LOL- makes me wonder if I should have already been good- I just went last August. Either way, it's a 3 day weekend for me-yay!! I've been getting laundry done & going through yesterday's tape. I took a *bunch* of photos. Yesterday was a great hottie day! Today was ok (since Todd was on a bit- same story, but that's ok). There's something burning outside somewhere- it's smelled like smoke for the last 2 hours or so. Hopefully it's nothing nearby & not my storage unit. :-/

Jen- I got your email & need to reply to ya. Great to see ya posting though! :) Sorry the oompas are paying a visit. I will definitely try to catch you on AIM this weekend since it'll be email only once school starts for you next week. Study abroad would be great! If I hadn't been so relationship bound (mentally, as I see myself as being so boyfriend-dependent (read as: clingy)) I might've done that. That BF later turned first marriage really axed a lot that I could have done- but as they say hindsight is 20/20. (OOOH- Todd's on Fox Report!) Ya know, between watching that tape from yesterday & what I've seen of Todd today, I've got to have good dreams tonight! MMMMMM HMMMMMMMM.......LOL!! ANYWAY.....If you have the chance to do the study abroad, girl, I'd go for it. We'd miss you, but that's what email is for, and I'm sure you'd have access there at the library of wherever you choose to go. ;) Wow, girl, you poor thing! To have lost so many family members to cancer. I've had a cousin (like a once removed cousin or something like that) and a great great aunt die of cancer, but we seem to have more heart related problems in my family. I lost both grandpas to heartattacks (one at 53 and the other at 64). I remember my dad's dad, but my sister was 2 months away from being born when he died. We've had a close family friend and I lost a coworker last year to breast cancer. I'm planning on doing the 'walk for the cure' this year in memory of her. I really like what you wrote about the book of prayers that they have at your mass. That's so powerful!

Nan- I agree- Leslie will have to share her 'interesting dreams' with us- *some* of us here don't have exciting dreams! We need to live vicariously through ya'll who *do* have great dreams. LOL! The contacts were a bit better last night- other than the initial burning, the only other thing is that my right eye (more muscle wise) is sore after I wear them for a time. I'm very sure that it's a stronger prescription 'cause God knows I can see better detail on stuff with the new ones. Definitely worth going through the temporary pain. I think these things take time to get used to- glad your glasses are getting a bit better. I still listen to quite a bit of 70's stuff like Frampton, Eagles, Santana, etc because it reminds me of home & my family (I was raised on classic rock- I used to say I have 'hip parents'). It's comfort music to me. LOL- poor Rick! Don't let Joan Rivers get to him- she'll rip him to shreds for his clothing choices that day LOL! (Also to Jan)- I haven't seen the Will & Grace episode, but it sounds hilarious! I'm *really* sorry to hear about your dad's cancer coming back. You know you can *always* count on us if you need a shoulder or more. Also remember that doctors don't always know everything and that the mind has a big role in how things go a lot of the time. I tend to react the same way- put my head in the sand and hope that when I come out again, everything will be like it was before (all better). You're not a downer! Like everyone else said, we're all here for you. I'll be praying for you! Know what you're saying about the whole aids thing- that's been our argument too- that it's totally preventable and yet they get all the attention. Just sickening..... Kevin said I should put my concerns in writing to HR. I probably should. I notice that they're taking more visible action now- I'm definitely going to bring home just about everything I have there (desk decorating stuff) which is disheartening because it does really give more comfort to the day; I'd rather have it than not, though. I need to talk to my co-worker again- I Yahoo IM'd her this morning, but since we don't know who's checking what she can't tell me *all* of what's going on. She's doing ok, but shaky. She was one of the ones whose cords were cut but they also defaced some of her pictures she had up and wrote something really bad on one of them- something threatening. I worry about her because she's pregnant (like 4 months) and don't want anything to happen. She was my mentor when I first started so we've been semi close. You're right- this is CA, the land of the lawsuits! Good luck to Logan on his tennis tournament tomorrow!! : )

Sherry- Nope- no trial- but I tell ya, I was holding my breath when she was reading off the names of the people who were to go downstairs to the courtroom. I only had to wait another 10 minutes before what was left of us there were dismissed. There really weren't that many people that showed up- and it was to have been groups 2 through 23 that were to have reported. Last time I went there were a lot more people. They probably called to reschedule- LOL! I think if I wasn't working and had nothing else going on, it'd be interesting. LOL, I must've just missed the Rosen/mole thing this morning. I had it on, but was probably in the other room at the time.

Melissa- No Rick today as far as I could tell. I like Todd's hair that way too. It's so funny, 'cause when you look at his Fox photo (in the bios), it hardly looks like him- he needs to update his bio photo! LOL He is really cute the way he looks now.... you know what's funny, is that his nose reminds me of Kevin's. Has a sorta similar shape or something. I caught Fox & Friends for the last 45 minutes. I'm not crazy about that Kathy chick they had on (she's ok- kinda funny, but was starting to get on my nerves), and Richard Simmons....well, I'll just leave that at that. I should have taped it too, but wasn't thinking last night. I loved the croc guy when he was wrestling the stuffed alligator and then Brian says "bad news- he's got a son!" ROFLMAO!! There were some other funnies, but I forget now what they were (bad, huh?). OMG- I'd be freaking out if I saw my keys hanging from the front door! Look on the bright side- you'll probably never do it again- LOL! Sounds like something I would do given the opportunity. Actually, my version would be more like dropping my keys into the water. LOL- poor Palkot- between he and Tobin, we're always teasing them one way or another, LOL! I completely missed the Just & Kelly thing- I was so engrossed in catching up on the blog LOL! And I'm *right* in front of the TV too....sad!

Jayel- Despite only seeing the last 45 minutes of Fox & Friends, I was also hoping for some Fox reporters to show up or have replays of them. Aww, how thoughtful of you to put the Bible verses there for Nan! :) I know it's been said before, but feel the need to say it again: I'm proud of our little group here and how we're all here for one another. ***group hug*** LOL at your jury duty story- I *know* I'd have that same look on my face. I was laughing to myself when I left there today that they probably saw I'm a registered Republican and thought "oh, get rid of her- don't call her name". I was hoping for Rick today too....especially since I was off for most the day. Wow, if Dan has already left Iraq, he didn't stay very long. Maybe he was 'relief' for Greg P. LMAO about the Greg P. analogy! Too true....

Have you gals ever checked out the "Say What?!" portion of the Fox Fan portion of Fox's site? There's some good stuff on there (including James Rosen's Howard Cosell & Muhammad Ali impressions). Rick's in there too- with Shep when he did the bear story (about the sleeping bag & Shep keeping more than food in his sleeping bag). They also have a Fox & Friends video there with some of best moments. I haven't watched that one yet, but it can be found here at
The Very Best!. The "Say What?!" archive is at Say What? Archive. I *think* the bear thing is in the July 18th one.

ROFLMAO @ Rick F. right now! Did you all catch that "Just & Kelly" joke they played on him!!! Even my dad was crakin' up! I'll be back in a little bit gotta head off to dinner.

I haven't had a chance to read any of the posts this morning sof I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive. I haven't seen Rick yet this morning, but I imagine he'll be on sometime today. I saw Todd this morning. His hair is getting longer in the back. I like it better that way. It gives him sort of an "edge" hehe.

BUT OMG! *whines* I COMPLETELY forgot to record Fox & Friends this morning!!! I woke up late at 7:30 this morning becuase I forgot to set my alarm so I was rushing around this morning. OH and I was running around my house for 15 minutes trying to find my keys, so I finally gave up and borrowed my dad's keys, and on my way out I noticed my keys hanging from the front door. THANK GOD no one took them! I seriously would loose my head if it weren't attached to me.

Jonathan Hunt is in Gaza right now and they're showing clips of the "protest" parade that went on yesterday and they were shooting off guns. He better be careful! His voice sounds just like a local talk radio guy we have here.

YAY! James is on right now. Hopefully he'll be funny, but probably not because he's reporting on the UN's reaction to the bomb. ------ Nope, no funny quips. :(

Oh now Adam is on! Talking about Arnold and Gray Davis as usual. UGH Adam is interviewing this lady that works where Arnold will be visiting today. Wouldn't you just LOVE to be that lady? Adam looks nice in a light blue shirt a black (maybe navy) tie. He also has a nice watch on. :) Hopefully it's not a Rolex. LOL!

Wow Patty Ann looks really pretty today! Someone did her makeup really nice today. Maybe she got a haircut or something as well.

Wow now all I need is Rick to help make this morning look a little brighter. :) A little Greg K. would be nice, but I'm sure he's relaxing in some European hotel right now. I told Jen that I think they gave him a little time off, but that he probably didn't come back home because they'd probably just send him back over there soon after he got back, so he's probably vacationing in Europe somewhere. :)

Well I gotta get back to work. I'll come catch up at lunch.

edit: Greg "Valum" Palkot was just on. I told Jen yesterday that he sounds like one of those smokers that has to have a voice box when he speaks. Either that or he sounds a lot like that scientist on The Simpsons. hehe

It's a Todd kind of day!! : ) Yeah, I'm home- I ended up getting called in for jury duty which is good- I need a break from the drama at work. I can probably go into more of what's going on on AIM- hopefully if I get out of jury duty early enough today. Idon't have to be there till 9:30- so I thought I'd check in really quick. My keyboard is acting up again, so I may respond to posts later. Wow, I can't believe I've been so lucky to see Todd twice already! *What* a hottie! Brings a smile to my face every time! ;-D

Leslie- I'm glad things went well, but sorry that you're sore! :( Hope you feel better soon! Even on Percocet, you've got your sharp wit! :) I'm tellin' ya, this stuff at work is like nothing I've experienced before. They put out an email that they have now installed security cameras, and like my co-worker said though, whomever is doing it will prolly stop now...but.....IF the person set the fire yesterday, I would say that the chances are good that cameras will not stop. AND we still have one person out because she's afraid to come to work (details to which I can't go into here). This is just so wrong. Like I told a couple of supervisors yesterday, I just want to come to work & get my work done without the jr. high school crap. I'm just bamboozled over this- it just reminds me that there really *are* people that are capable of this kind of stuff out there, and they're *not* just in other countries. I'll email you- I'm curious!!

Jan- I think if the stuff at work keeps going on despite the cameras, or if it's just an instinct- I'm going to just go straight to HR and tell them flat out that I don't feel safe and ask what my options are. Maybe I'll finally go out on stress like everyone else there seems to have done within the last year LOL!! But probably not. I do want them to know that I don't feel like it's safe as of late- the more people speak up probably the better. Hmmm.....there was a fire in LA at a Hummer dealer or warehouse. Why is it that people do this crap?? It's just so lame. Here's a creepy thought....more wires cut on Weds., fire on Thurs......what's going to happen today??? Maybe there's a reason why I've got jury duty today???

OK- on that creepy note, I gotta finish getting ready for jury duty. I'll chat with ya'll later (and catch up on posts later).

Sherry- Ah, yeah....black & white photos do have that grainy quality in the paper. I was thinking it was color for some reason. You may be able to get a better one with the camera. I was quite surprised that sometimes it's easier to take a digital photo of something rather than scan it. Funny how that works, huh! Sounds like Rick was on Dayside too- that's the only time in the AM that I didn't tape, but that's ok- it sounds like he was on a lot of other times today too. : ) I haven't been watching the 70's thing on VH-1, but heard about it being on- that must be fun to watch though! I think if anything, I see myself as a definite 70's child (I was born in '68). My guess is that we have about 200 people or so here. Some are hotellers (claims & risk management) so they are only in the office every so often. I'm actually hoping for jury duty tomorrow so I don't have to come here, LOL!! Now just watch, I get stuck on a case! Gotta be careful what you wish for.....just may come true! : )

Jayel- Yeah, I know what you mean- lol, calm isn't usually a word to describe me in these moments. I think I know *who* the suspect may be, but it's all speculation. Thankfully (to my knowledge anyway) I'm in their good graces. I'm *so* looking forward to seeing my tape! Thank God I set the VCR! : ) I almost didn't, but thought, 'if he was on yesterday.....and being the story it is....chances are he'll be on today". And Todd too- I hit the jackpot there! Right now I totally believe this is a copycat case- but who knows.

Ooh Sherry, yeah you gotta scan and send to Melissa so she can post! You got me curious so I looked up the paper online but this photo is all I can find- it looks like they cut him off of there (assuming it is the same as what's in your paper). The Fox News mic is in front though!

They haven't found out what started it yet per se, but from what I heard from a reliable source is that it's suspicious- let's just say it'd be hard to say that it was an "accident". Someone here is pulling stuff, and it's getting greater & greater. I'm really afraid that whomever it is is going to go one up and bring a gun in or something. My ever running imagination has gone berserk and many scenarios are plaguing me right now. In spite of that last sentence, this really is a *SERIOUS* deal here. There is really someone here out to wreak havoc, and not in a good way.

Girls, I am absolutely friggin freaking right now. The fire alarm went off around 10 or so and thinking it was just a drill, went downstairs with only my cabinet key- nothing else. On the way down the stairs I hear that there was smoke (not cigarette) coming out of the ladies' room. My face went white and I was like oh crap (NOT my exact words, but I'm trying to be ladylike here at least). I left my purse, a bunch of photodiscs- unreplaceable- locked in my cabinet. The FD shows up, the police show up. We were out there in the park across the street for an hour & a half. Now, on the surface this doesn't sound bad. What's bad is that I'm certain someone here is playing friggin' games 'cause there's been other stuff happening too (I can't go into it). And it's really starting to make me very pissed off and very paranoid. I may get on AIM 'cause it's really hard to concentrate on what I *was* trying to do before. I *did* finally get my contacts (soft) in though, so that's a positive, in addition to everything being OK in here. I am going to take stock of what I have here and take home anything that I can't replace. I absolutely trust *no one* here. I'm just really tired and *very much* on edge. Isn't there *ENOUGH* stuff going on in the world than to have to put up with this crap too?????

EDIT: I *did* set my VCR today though!! **happy dance**

OH! I haven't seen Rick yet this morning! :( People have been wanting to come in the office and talk my head off. I usually turn off the tv for people I know will talk for a long time, because then they want to talk about the news and they're there even longer. Anyway hopefully I'll get to see him later on. I only saw him once yesterday.

I swear I just don't understand how my mother does things in the amount of time she does them. Like in the morning she gets up at 6:00 (the same time I get up) and somehow she manages to get up, take a shower, get dressed, put on makeup, dry her hair, drink coffee, feed all 3 dogs, water the flowers, feed the cat/scoop litter, put in a load of laundry, and be ready to leave the house by 7:00. I can't figure out how she does all that in only and hours time!! I've been late to work the past 3 days because I haven't figured out a proper time schedule. Luckily I have no one to answer to because of my tardiness because my mother is my "boss" and is on vacation. :) From 6:00-7:00 I ususally get up, take a shower, get dressed, sometimes (rarely) dry my hair, and sometimes put on makeup. Let's just say I'm not a fast mover in the morning.

Well I'll be back in a hour to catch up from last night and the morning. The stupid internet wasn't working last night. :( I think it was working this morning, but I didn't have time to check.

edit: Rick is coming up. He just did a "coming up" type preview thingy. I think his shirt is that "heather grey" color. It looks kinda light blue, but has flecks of grey in it. :)

OK gals- humor me- did they have Rick on Fox Report today? Just curious!

Sherry- Yeah, I occasionally check into the Smoking Gun site- I used to subscribe to their newsletter emails, but I was getting so many newsletters I had to nix a couple and theirs was one of them- but they always had interesting stuff on there. LOL about the books- you betcha! Awww.....I'm sure you don't watch crap. I know we have our 'comfort shows'- you know how guys can be! :-P

Jayel- Fox & Friends has really grown on me- their chemistry & humor is priceless. LMAO- I saw the Britney video thing, but missed the comments (or it was just too early & it went over my head- probably more likely!)! LOL about the Rush Limbaugh thing (and Al Gore! LOL!). Davis is *completely* monotonous.....I don't think I've ever heard him get up in arms or excited about anything in his speeches (not that I watch a lot, but I don't think you have to, to see this point). Drudge is good too- they have him on the morning show we listen to sometimes (along with Ann Coulter, Rich Galen, & a few other good ones). I agree- I think the hottie situation may be finally looking up!

Leslie- Hope everything with the surgery is going well; I'll be thinking of you and will continue sending happy thoughts your way (as I've been doing today).

Bummer- I didn't set the VCR today. Has Rick been on again since then? I'm going to miss Fox Report because my hubby has to drive home to move the cars forward so the marina people can finish the parking lot (dumba**es didn't put a sign up to tell us....they had caution tape on some areas & not on all. They said they ran out of tape. So, I guess logic should tell us then that they ran out???) Anyway....so I gotta take the bus home & no Fox Report for me today unless they rerun it tonight. :( Ummm....oh yeah- so here's some buying logic for ya gals- since I have to take the bus home, I need reading material so I'm going to go to the bookstore at lunch and see what's new : ) LOL! Makes perfect sense to me. My eyes are burnin' and I have cramps....yuck! I resorted to my old lenses- they're burning too but at least I'm not blinking all the time and I can see (as opposed to not having either ones in). I think I'm going to have to work my way into the hard ones.....

Hey gals! I went and got my new lenses yesterday- the hard gas permeable ones......it'll be a little bit of a struggle- I'm blinking like crazy. When I'm not blinking like crazy I am completely amazed how my distance vision has improved. I actually can tell what the pattern on the carpet at work is. I'd say the absolute hardest part is getting them out. MUCH harder than I thought it'd be. (Which is odd considering I'm always afraid of losing them by blinking them out or something). They're kinda burning like my other ones did in the AM, so I may not have gotten rid of that problem- she said it's because my eyes are dry. I probably look like I've been out partying all night or something- my eyes are half shut LOL. The news in Baghdad & Jerusalem is just terrible. The poor kids.... On the gas front, our gas prices went up .20 in the last two days....the cheapest in our area is now $2.09. We just paid $1.99 yesterday. Most of my family in AZ is affected by the gas shortage that they're talking about on Fox. My mom said there's no gas in the stations by her house and the lines are atrocious. She had 3/4 tank still when I talked to her on Monday. She was saying that they're saying there it's going to be next week before there really is any again. If she has to, she's just going to use some of her vacation time since she has so much of it still.

Sherry- Congrats on getting your room done!! Wanna come help me with the boat? I'm back on track with the Weight Watchers again. I've had my fun, now it's time to get serious and back in shape. Adam was on this morning, but I was putting my lenses in in the kitchen so I didn't see him. Sheesh, has it really been a month now since Rick & Todd were on? Where has the last month gone? The year is really beginning to fly by. I was one of the ones that mentioned Keen Eddie- we were just talking about that last night. I really like that show and I asked my hubby why it always seems to be the good shows that get axed. I'm going to have to remember to tell him that you found it. LOL- he only knows about Rick- don't even dare to tell him I think Todd's cute too. What's funny, is that Rick's been on when he's been in the room and he hasn't said *a word* until the other night- caught me off guard. I have the email still- I'll forward to Jan & Melissa this morning.

Denise- Yeah, I think I saw the same footage- Greta had it on her show. They were in the building with a camera running when you heard this BOOM and people were screaming......it gave me chills too. The first thought that came to my mind is how many of those you can hear screaming made & didn't make it. When I lost the 35 lbs two years ago (10 of which I have now gained back), I literally was able to get a new wardrobe and what I thought interesting was that I didn't want to wear the baggy clothes before (which I have preferred for at least the last 15 years or so, so it was a *huge* thing for me that I changed that). I still have some 'comfy' clothes (thank God), like my lounging around the boat uniform that consists of flannel or cotton bottoms and t-shirts. It was hard to see the girls on the blip they had- all of their hats casted a shadow on their faces so you could only just barely make them out. They were cute from what I could see. I just thought it was so sweet, and such an honor for them (as well as Rick) to have gotten to experience that. Like Nan said, we do have pockets here & there in CA where people appreciate the troops and Bush. Davis is.....such an idiot. Did ya'll check out that picture that I posted the link to yesterday? LMAO!! Yeah, I'm glad Rob got to stay on For Love or Money too. I didn't like that Eric guy *at all*- too smarmy or greasy or *something*....not sure what it was.

Leslie- I hope everything goes well in the surgery!! I'll be thinking & praying for you girl! It sounds like you're well prepared (if maybe only housewise) and it's great your mom's there to help out. Glad the toilet was easily fixed- you're so innovative! I'm sure it's annoying, but the thought of the girls getting a kick out of the rubber duckie and flushing the toilet all night have me ROFLMAO! Never give up on getting to where you want to be weightwise- believe me, I *never* thought I'd get to where I am now, let alone where I was last year (pre-ten lb weight gain-back). I do the same thing....my top two excuses are "It's Friday! (or Saturday.)" and "I need a treat- it's been a God-awful day".

Melissa- Sounds like you're having loads of fun (NOT) while you're mom's on vacation! It does feel different when you have your own place if that's any consolation. I used to *love* rearranging my room when I was still at home- I had a lot of options and always tried different things. I think that started around 7th grade. I don't think I did it as much when I moved out 'cause the places I had didn't have as many options, but the bug still got me once in awhile to try something new. Can't do that so much on the boat now- LOL. Everything is pretty much already there. I guess I've gotten used to the running around & stuff, but part of my 'kids or no kids dilemma' is that I don't know that I have the energy to be running around after them. The recall thing is weird- I heard that there hasn't been a recall in 80 years too, but AZ recalled one of it's governors about 14 years ago or so (I took part in that one too- hehehe)- when they recalled Mecham. I'm a little bamboozled on that one- but I've heard the same thing here. LMAO- those proportions seem WAY off- maybe they got the length & the hips mixed up LOL. How can you have a 26 in. waist & 60 in hips (although I think something close to that size of hips runs on my mom's side of the family.....if I'm not careful, I'm liable to end up with them.). LOL- Rosenthal- that's true, huh- it does bring James Rosen & Rick to mind.....what's funny is that my first creative writing instructor's last name was Rosenthal. Sarah Rosenthal to be exact. You know what's funny is that I've heard there are now "groomzillas" too! The groom is actually more controlling about wedding plans and how things have to be 'just so' than the bride. "You've got to e-mail me "why the words "Shepard Smith" and "bulge" attracted my attention at 1 a.m." now you've got me curious!"-- ME TOO!!!

OK- speaking of work, I need to get to it.
Later!

Hey guys, I lied, I didn't get time to come catch up on Monday. :( Work has been INSANE, and I dunno how my mother can even stand working there, especially all by herself! *shakes head* I won't even get into the details right now... But since my mom is gone on vacation I get to do all the fun "womanly duties" of the house, and it sucks! I don't wanna grow up. LOL! I suppose I'd probably have a different frame of mind if it was my own house. Then again if anyone were to look at my room they'd see how much of a mess it was all because I decided to re-arrange it last week, and never finished. Maybe I just would need to hire a maid. LOL. But anyway I've been pretty tired with all the running around I've had to do. How do you guys do it?

I watched some of the news yesterday, but when they cover tragic things like that, then they do it ALL DAY LONG and I can only take so much bad news, so i was flipping the tv on and off a lot yesterday. Maybe today will be a Rick day if nothing bad happens again.

Just some useless info. My dad was looking up info on the recall yesterday, and he said there hasn't been a recall for 80 years until this most recent one, though I'm sure you all know by now it's the first one in Cali history.

Oh something funny I found on Ebay. I was looking at swing dresses, and I found this cute pink one, and look at the measurements -- Chest: 36 in. Waist: 26 in. Hips: 60 in. Length: 38 in. -- doesn't that seem a little misproportioned to you? Especially the chest to waist measuremts. The only reason the "hips" were that big was because it was a poofy skirt.

I just read a couple of the posts right now. Nat, that is too funny about your hubby teasing you, he'll never live it down. :) You'e right, I can't believe Fox isn't cashin' in on the war footage. I mean they'd be doing a service and providing a product that is very high in demand. And I don't blame ya for not buying the 9-11 footage, some people just can't be trusted, and that's sad. Besides I don't think I could willingly watch the footage. Watching any kind of documentary on 9-11 makes me cry, so I dunno what that "raw" footage would do to me again. But anyway, on a lighter note I'm not sure where or when, but the other day I saw someone with the last name of Rosenthal, and I had a good chuckel becuase it reminded me of James Rosen and Rick all at once. :)

Denise, yes I plan to make photography my full time career. I'm still testing myself on what feild of photography I want to be in. Right now I'm leaning towards Photojournalism, but I'd also like to do some fine art photography on the side. I think weddings would be fun, so long as I don't get many "bridezilla's" LOL. But I really have no desire to do portrait/studio photography. At first I wanted to do nature photography, but I couldn't imagine sitting in a feild (or wherever) all day long waiting for that "perfect shot" that may not come for a few days. My teacher also suggested documentary photography, because it's sort of like photojournalism, while it still has that fine art feel too it. Sort of like some of the shots you see in National Geographic.

Leslie, LOL! You've got to e-mail me "why the words "Shepard Smith" and "bulge" attracted my attention at 1 a.m." now you've got me curious! I think your wedding probably would have been a riot to shoot! But I'd have been too busy laughing to be able to take any decent pictures. I think you'd have a lot of pictures of your guests shoes. LOL. Good luck with the surgery. :)

Well I'd comment more, but I gotta run to work or else I'll be late like I was yesterday.

I just thought of something else that was really funny..... I was telling Kevin yesterday how I get emails from Fox saying who's on the afternoon programs and stuff. He was like "an email???" I said yeah, you sign up for it and every day they tell you what's on. He was kidding and said "oh, is it from that Levinson? The guy you were in love with?" I'm like "*WHAT????* *WHO*??" (playing with him) and I also said, "I wasn't *in love* with him, geez! You mean Leventhal?" He says, "Ah- see you know who I mean!" He was kidding me about it- I prolly never should have even said anything, 'cause now he'll never let me live it down LOL.

'Morning all! I don't know how many of you out there are familiar with Pfaltzgraff, but I got an email that they had some of the "By Request" items left over & were on sale- there's some great deals, but the site's *so slow*..... The ones I have (sort of) are Folk Art & Yorktown(e?). My mom has the Folk Art ones, but she's not using them anymore so she's saving them for me. I used to have the Yorktown ones but sold off the main set, save for some odds & ends. I just love the vegetable bowls to use as plates. Dang, trying to get from page to page in this site reminds me of calling the radio station trying to win stuff when I was a teenager LOL!

Jan- Yep, this is history and Fox is crazy for not compiling stuff, especially when CNN is- God knows they'll distort it to unrecognition. It's interesting that you should mention the 9/11 footage....every so often I check Ebay for "Fox News" and there's someone who's selling Fox footage of 9/11. I've been tempted, but 1. $25 is *way* too much and 2. When it comes down to it, I don't like someone profiting off of people's sorrows- it'd be different if this was Fox and they said that the proceeds were going towards something (memorial fund, etc), but when it's someone that I don't know, and they're asking for that much, I just don't feel good about that at all. LOL- yeah, if you send the photo to Leslie hopefully it doesn't come out in Chinese- I still say it's on my end. God knows what kind of firewall software we have here & what it does.

I think that what was giving me "shoe issues" yesteray *may* have been fixed- we'll see. It's just so frustrating- they look at "risk counts" and although it's the easiest to track, it's just not accurate. You may have a county with 1500 risks, but another county with 900 may be twice as busy. Some just have higher turnaround than the others. They just don't get that. They're going to split a busy one I have so maybe that will help. I like to work behind the scenes too. All that time I was at "Things Lost & Forgotten", I never liked dealing with people- I only liked to engrave. I guess I like to work on my own and not be bothered by calls & people (LOL- makes me sound antisocial- which I'm really not but the last two jobs I've had have kind of made me feel that way sometimes). LOL- don't you just *love* those people who do that to you? "But...but...but...I need it *now*! I'm catching a plane in an hour!" Sometimes I feel like I need a sign that says "Does not play well with others" LOL!! Bustamante = "big boobs" LMAO!! Hey since you mentioned the whole Bustamante/CA thing....check out the site of our morning talk show- they have a hilarious photoKSFO-Bustamante and Davis They are having a caption contest this morning.

OK- I need to complete this Pfaltzgraff transaction & get breakfast & get to work....chat with ya'll later!

OK- one last post before I go home-

Jayel- Good point about the fact that Rick could show up on F&F this week- I should probably tape it too. Yeah, I like you record & FF till I see something I want to see and then stop to watch it. Probably wears out the VCR, but I've already had this one for 12 years now so...... Scarily enough, yes, Bustamante *could* be the next CA governor. Right now, even though I would normally vote for McClintock, I would vote for Arnold just to keep Bustamante out. Sad that things have to be that way, but I think that's the way a lot of voters vote. I guess it's the old "who's the lesser of two evils" theory. OMG- ROFLMAO!! Chickenlips!! That's a good one- gotta remember to tell the hubby that one! EWWW I could so *not* imagine even *wanting* to kiss him *shivers* One of our morning talk show guys does a dead-on impression of Davis- it's too funny. Oh- they had a guy on this morning (sorry, don't have the name off hand- too early, no pen & paper, yada yada yada) who has a book called "Islam Revealed" (I think!- I wrote it down when I got to work and now I can't find it). The guy was very interesting to listen to. I know his last name starts with an "S". If I find it, I'll let ya'll know. There's also a website (written on that very same missing piece of paper) that sounds good to check out too. Maybe one of my liberal co-workers took and & destroyed it LOL!! And like our morning show, F&F is just not the same without all the regular hosts.

Hey gals!
Been ready to 'tie my shoelaces' (which is tricky considering I'm wearing clogs) a couple of times today. People just don't get it here and they never will. (I *know* that sounds horribly negative, but it's really true, sad to say.) I'm not sure I'm going to make it here five more years- it's going to take more patience than I think I can muster. I'm quickly getting to that "I don't care" attitude again, I mean, if I've voiced my concerns and they don't do anything that actually helps, then why should I care anymore at that point? I'll get done what I can, and what I can't, well that's tomorrows were made for. (If you gals knew me better & for a long while, you'd know that "I don't care" practically doesn't exist for me- I prolly couldn't be further from it, which is what makes it so hard for me to deal with huge loads--it's just in me, I *have* to care...I just need to care less than I do). Hard to explain, but maybe ya'll see what I mean?

Leslie! Glad to see you posting again! Sounds like you had a great few days on vacation! Sorry you got stuck with CNN....bummer! "Sarah seranaded us on the way home with "I don't HAVE any school tomorrow!" For four hours."- I'm sorry, but I LMAO- girl, you have a great way of sayings, and your humor always makes me laugh. Kids say/do the darndest things. My sister sang the Gilligan's Island theme for most of the 6 hour trip to San Diego one time when she was about 5. LOL-I'll bet my parents had fun with us on that trip- I was about ready to tape her mouth shut! I'll be one of the first in line to buy your cookbook!! All the meals you describe always sounds soooo goooood!!

Sherry- got the email- thanks! I needed that! :-D

Melissa- Girl, where have you been? What's your excuse? LOL!! Sounds like you got a lot of insight to wedding shooting- that's great! "JJ said the next lady is more paticular about what she wants"- hopefully she doesn't turn into a bridezilla! I would think that would be the worst part of shooting weddings is working with a difficult bride. Otherwise it sounds like a lot of fun, especially when (in your case) you have an eye for light, etc.

OK- gotta finish my lunch & get a couple of things done.
Later!

Hey Gals! It's gonna take me HOURS to catch up on here! :) I'll do that tonight when I get home. I'd do it now, but my mom is on vacation for 2 weeks and I have lots of work to keep me busy. I didn't get to watch FOX at all this weekend, but it looks like I missed the small blip of Rick. :(

I helped JJ shoot the wedding, and it went pretty smooth. I actually didn't get to shoot very much, because I was helping JJ so much, but it was a great learning experience. I get to help JJ shoot another wedding in September, so I'm excited about that! She said next time I can shoot more so we can get double coverage of the wedding, plus JJ said the next lady is more paticular about what she wants, so me taking pictures will definately help.

Well lunch is over and I gotta get back to work. Talk to y'all later.

Whoa, I seriously thought I was going to lose that post there..... so, so that I don't risk actually losing it this time, I'm doing a separate one.

Jan- I'll definitely be checking for any photos....to which, did anyone here happen to tape Fox Report today who also happens to have a digital camera? If it's on again later, I'll tape it & try to take a digital photo. Our TV is like 10 years old, so it's not the best picture. I was wondering about the all white too. That was great that he had his girls there- I'm sure they had fun participating too.

Well, I'm going to call it an early night; not sure what's going on. Just kinda shaky and weak all day. Chat with ya'll later!

Hey! Did you gals catch Fox Report? Rick's parade thing was the shot of the day! OK- my computer's acting weird- more later!
EDIT: OK- so what they showed was Rick & his two girls on either side of him- he was all in white with a white boonie like hat (I think). It was hard to see his face since the hat shaded it quite a bit. They *may* have had it on our Fox news affiliate here last night at 10, but I was talking to my stepson in the other room and when I came back in I saw a tank (which may have been the one he was on- if so I *just* missed it. They talked the most about it, but nothing about Rick from the last bit I heard. Regrettably I couldn't stare at the TV as I wanted to since my hubby was watching it too LOL-- I had to just kinda watch it the way I watch the rest of the news. I'm hoping for a repeat tonight..... I wish the Bay Area was more supportive of the troops instead of always protesting the wars. Now, of course since the blackout is at the top of the news, they're talking about how we could be at risk here in CA. Kinda works to our favor here in a way, because it reminds people of Davis being responsible of the electricity fiasco 2 years ago when we had to have rolling blackouts.

Jan- Loved what you wrote about you & your sister seeing Mort Kondrake at the airport! Unfortunately the only sorta famous person I've seen at the airport was Dan Rather (I think)- it was also in an airport over 10 years ago. I must've missed that earlier clip of Rick (feeling like a *complete* dunce now- I didn't read the posts first before I first posted...D'OH!). Probably missed it when we were outside seeing Niall off. Dang it. Maybe they'll add it to the Fox Fan area of FoxNews.com. Sounds like the same bit I saw at the tail end of Fox Report though.

Jayel- I'm definitely going to email them- I'll give them kudos for showing it, but "more, please". Yep, I don't know very many people (outside ya'll) who watch Fox and fully appreciate the things we say/like about our Fox hotties. I think a couple of people I work with think I'm crazy for thinking a journalist is a hottie LOL!! I'd really get a kick out of it if they had Rick L instead of Rick F, but it sounds like Jane Skinner may be filling in tomorrow for Shep (at least that's what Laurie Dhue said tonight). OH NO!! Not Geraldo! *shudders* Rick Rick RICK!! I think Rick needs "his day" again. LOL- I had to gasp when I saw you had written "what if Geraldo is there when Saddam is found?". I'm terrible....I'm sorry! (Well, maybe not that sorry- tee hee hee). Wow, I don't think I could've made it for that long w/o power, but I think people surprise themselves by getting through times like that (that they are tougher than they realize). "Right tilting"? Who talks like that?? Oh yeah, CNN! It just sounded odd. Great quotes- and yes- it's true that it does make a difference who is reporting. I think we're evidence of that; I think everyone in general has their personal favorites.

Nan- Congrats on the great finds! And on the well-timed whine! :-D Yep, you're right there - the Bay Area is a completely different planet in another universe! :-D And I want off of it LOL! I'm actually pretty partial to this laptop, which is why I've put off getting a new one, but it *is* slow compared to what's out there. Plus I'd have to move everything from this one to that one....and networking....ugh. You know what's funny, is that I'd be more excited about seeing one of our Fox journalists than seeing any Hollyweird celebrity (well save for maybe Harrison Ford LOL!). We just watched the A&E Biography
of Tom Clancy a few nights ago- it was pretty good. I think it's funny that he used to sell insurance- gives me hope (since I'm in insurance too, and like to write).

Sherry- I think I'll probably be waiting till around after Christmas- Kevin was saying they have good sales then too. I've been checking them out at Costco but haven't been able to make a decision.

Well, I watched the third local news station and they had about 30 seconds.....no Rick. I wonder if something came up and he couldn't make it? I'll check for articles online tomorrow, plus Monday when Samantha brings in the CC Times newspaper. In a way, I'm not surprised that they didn't show him; none of them are Fox affiliates, plus this *is* the ultra liberal Bay Area.

Sherry- I wish I was too- but you know, I was thinking about it and it *was* hot, and there may have been no guarantee that I would have seen him. In a way I'm glad it's over now so it's not in the back of my mind anymore LOL. I would have felt out of place by my lonesome there. Yeah, the blackout thing's getting old- 'course it wouldn't be if Rick or Todd (well, for me anyway LOL) were handling the story. You know, I was thinking.....I wonder if Rick took all this time off because he's going back over there to Iraq or somewhere else? Just a thought. I'm sure two weeks off will be good for him to be able to spend time with his kids before they go back to school. I think that's why August is such a big vacation month- it's the last chance for families to go places before school starts. Oh NO!!!! They had Compaq laptops on QVC??? Good think *I* didn't see that! I've been looking....I'm still using Windows 98 LOL!! I haven't been actively looking- still deciding on laptop or desktop. I *love* my Compaq laptop- just that it's 5 years old now (1998 model, but bought in 1999). Is Christmas the *best* time to look for new computers? It sounds like it from what you wrote.

Well, I'll check in tomorrow- I think I'm going to be one of the last few of the LevenGals to have a summer cold. I think I've got one coming on- scratchy throat & clammy like (isn't it funny how these colds start *just* before Aunt Flo arrives so that you have both at the same time LOL!!). Oh yeah, I think I may have successfully set up a MSN Group where I can better post photos (like they do on FNCC). I'll let ya'll know when I have more stuff in there.

Melissa- I tried what you suggested about linking the photo/images from my homepage to my blog & it looked like it worked for a time, but now it's not, so I'm going to try from my MSN site. Maybe tomorrow.

Jayel- If you find anything online about the parade please let us know (you're *awesome* at finding that stuff!!)

I'll chat with ya'll manana- have a great one!!

OK- I'm flabbergasted. Completely. I watched TWO local news channels just now, BOTH had footage of the "Operation Welcome Home" and NEITHER showed Rick. I assume that either he couldn't make it for whatever reason, or that they just didn't think he was important enough to talk about. I have one other channel that I'll be watching in a few minutes. I'll keep ya'll posted. Apparently the celebration was to have gone to 6:00, but it was so hot there that people were thinning out earlier than that.

Hey, did everyone go to the parade without me? Well, the parade is going on now- unfortunately no one is carrying it locally here, but that's no surprise being that most of the TV stations are most likely liberally run. And Fox..... Fox is covering the 26th anniversary of Elvis's death (well here & there)- but *come on*.....*this* isn't more important than a guy who has been dead for 26 years???? I'm not an Elvis fan so maybe I just don't understand it, but I would think this is more important than that. I'm looking out of one of the hatches as I type & my hubby's about halfway up the 75 foot mast. Niall is helping him out this weekend. Our DirecTV guide is still funky, and their customer so-called-support was no help- they only wasted about 50 minutes of our time this morning and only told us the obvious- that we need to adjust our dish which we already know. The guide just doesn't seem to work very well on the local channels. I *did* find the guide online though, and according to it, there's no local coverage of the parade. I'll check out the local news later and see if they have anything.

Hey gals! Just when I thought I was going to have a weekend to myself....my stepson calls & says he's coming up tonight from Fresno LOL. Well, this weekend they'll be outside working so I'll have the daytime for myself. I just hope he hits the road soon so he doesn't get here too late. I went to Chevy's with Samantha - it was fun, but I ate *way* too much- let's just say I don't need dinner- unless you count Tums as dinner LOL! No Rick sightings in the City today (not that I was expecting to have any, but that'd add some excitement to the day, that's for sure!). It's almost unnerving (in a funny way) knowing he's in the area. I do have to wonder what he'd make of all the cars with the yellow stickers with "NO WAR ON IRAQ" in black.....I'm sure there were variations on this theme around the country, but they were very prevalent here (naturally- go figure). Segue- it sounds like someone was firing a gun outside- but I'm not sure if that was it or not. There's some houses not to far but far enough- it sounded like it was coming from there- there were like three shots or something. I have my cd on and didn't quite hear the first two clearly but heard the last one clearly. There's another one! They'd better not be shooting at my mallards or I'll shoot them LOL! I love my mallards.....they're so cute! I'm sure it's nothing, it's just out of the ordinary. Three more just went off. It could be one of those nailguns, but it's awfully loud to be one of those. I guess if I hear sirens nearby I'll know it wasn't a nailgun unless they had an accident. My hubby's working tonight till 10 or so, so it's just me & Maggie (my cat). And the mallards if they come back (we feed them cat food)- there were about 12 of them out there earlier and they took off when I forgot to feed them the next batch of food (my bad).

Nan- I think I've seen that Smoking Gun photo of Shep. I used to sub to that but then I was just getting too many things in my email inbox so I cancelled it. When I heard Shep was at the airport, the first thing I thought of was Shep meeting Rick out in CA LOL! Guess, though, that if he was at the international terminal that chances are he's not going to CA. Unless CA is a different country now LOL- sadly enough, it *could* happen!

Sherry- I think you're right- I believe Goldblatt was in Detroit. I was thinking, "whoa, that's a name we haven't heard in awhile!" LOL! I guess I didn't hear about the hotels kicking people out- yeah, that would make me very mad if they did that to us.

a- Sounds like whatever company Fox is using is still charging an arm and a leg and some blood for the footage. I don't get them either- you'd think they'd get a clue that people are interested in the embedded coverage. We can't be the only ones contacting them. LMAO- Blackout 2004? Hopefully they're not having premonitions!

Jayel- wow, two weeks w/o power? That would really be rough. It's amazing how much we take it for granted- we never know till we're without. Ours has gone out here before (once due to the breaker biting the dust- lucky it didn't catch fire) and a couple of times due to the power going off during high winds. I think the longest it's been was a day or so though. I *always* worry about the fridge/freezer stuff. Last year when we came back from our vacation the freezer had gone out and since we were gone for 2 weeks, we had no idea how long it'd been. Good point that it's the hotties that disappear, not the women.....although I haven't seen Jennfier Eccleston on there for awhile. It's time for the women to go on vacation so the hotties can get the stories LOL! I'm still trying to find out if the parade will be on the local chanels or not. My satellite guide keeps saying that the schedule I'm looking for is unavailable.....so once Monk's over (taping it for hubby but I like it too), I'll check. I'm hoping that they may have it on the news tomorrow, and that I get to watch the news tomorrow....

Denise- Vibes were somewhat better today- being Friday always helps! :) She kinda threw something back on me and it was easy to be mad at her (she handles this county now, so she should have done it....) but I have others to blame too. Basically this large group has been billed/paid their premium but we never sent the renewal documents (from April). I just set it aside- I never got the request in my inbox to process the renewal docs anyway. I'm hoping the parade will be televised....*crosses fingers* There's some smaller stations that may carry it. I'm going to check in a little bit (DirecTV satellite guide willing). For some reason (even though the guys aren't bad looking) the all girl one guy shows just seem more memorable to me- must be the catfights LOL. I've read something before that women (maybe men too?) have this secret wish sometimes to see one another fail- like in the competitive sense. God knows there were more than a couple I wanted to see off of these shows LOL! I hear ya, girl about the conservative stuff. I was so elated to see that there were others out there like me! :) And doubly happy when I saw there were other Fox and Fox hottie fans out there :)) . You're in the same situations as I (and prolly Nan too) am here. I think you have a point about smaller towns being more conservative. So I guess the 'NO WAR IN IRAQ' stickers here will be replaced by the "Anyone but Bush in 2004". All I know is I will be more than happy to point out screw-ups to the dems if (God forbid) a dem is elected in 2004. Hang in there! There's always a few Iraqis to spoil the good stuff that's coming out of the war- they definitely could have had it much worse.....