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Would you like some sauerkraut, German boy? German boy?
 "I will do the German dance for you. It's fun and gay and tra-la-la. I hope you will enjoy my dance. Fiddle-aye, fiddle-aye, ay."

That there is the sound of Cartman and I doing the German dance, then running to hug the new side-by-side fridge and stove in our new house that we just PAID OFF right in time for the holidays! Whoo hoo! *running off to hug them now*
posted at 07:57 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



Pa rum pum pum pum
 A few days ago Michele started making lists of her favorite alternative Christmas music for CDs. I'm starting to get in the spirit myself. Maybe it's the NyQuil-induced haze. So here are twenty-one of my favorite "non-traditional" ones:

1) 12 Days of Christmas - Bob and Doug McKenzie
2) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Tori Amos
3) Little Drummer Boy - Tori Amos
4) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
5) Gabriel's Message - Sting
6) Oi to the World - No Doubt
7) Christmastime - Smashing Pumpkins
8) Santa Baby - Madonna
9) Oh Holy Night - Eric T. Cartman
10) Swiss Colony Beef Log - Eric T. Cartman
11) Thanks for Christmas - XTC
12) Mele Kalikimaka - Jimmy Buffett
13) Merry Christmas (I Don't Want...) - The Ramones
14) Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC
15) Winter Wonderland - Annie Lennox
16) Christmas Song - Weezer
17) Christmas Celebration - Weezer
18) 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (reading) - Henry Rollins
19) Christmas Wrappings - The Waitresses
20) Blue Christmas - Sheryl Crow
Bonus Track: Christmas Wish (reading) - Steve Martin
posted at 02:39 PM | link--it | mail it | (6) shout it



Are you lucky, punk?
 Well I can go ahead and announce this since it seems everyone on the planet but me can see the new URL for my blog. Drumroll please...http://www.blogblogbaby.com! (Make sure to hum the Queen/Vanilla Ice tune when you read it.)

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE DOMAIN/SPACE CHRISTINE! So if you're a lucky one that can see blogblogbaby.com, you can go ahead and update your links now... Thanks!
posted at 02:15 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it






Gift exchanges
 While plugging away at all the Martha Stewart changes on "Wholly Matrimony!", it dawned on me that a lot of you may never have want or reason to visit a "wedding" site. But with the holidays coming up, there's a really good (homemade) gift exchange idea, and you don't have to be engaged or newlyweds to share with your significant other. Check it out!
posted at 10:23 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



Code, code, code...breathe...code, code, code...
 I hate days like today. I'm finally getting around to realizing just what a pain Martha Stewart cancelling her affiliate program is going to be. My "Wholly Matrimony!" site is basically based on her program. I have my own wedding store, but quite frankly I'm loyal to Martha and liked the extra revenue. So now I have to change each and every banner, each and every link, each and every individual product image.....I may be done by Christmas at this rate and the program ends 11/30.

And just to make things more fun, I also have several of her new banners on Clueless that I have to remove. And because the DNS information updated there sooner than expected (I thought I'd have 'til tomorrow before the switch was complete) a rotating image script linked to Clueless from "WM!" no longer works either. Breathe in...breathe out... I'm so glad Todd picked this week to give me the flu! I started getting sick late last night. Le sigh.
posted at 05:29 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it



Late night
 Shhhhhh! I made a surprise for Joy since her old comments were broken and my massive blog is off the old server. She doesn't know it yet though! Tee hee...
posted at 02:42 AM | link--it | mail it | (16) shout it






November 28
 This was fun to look through -- famous people that have my birthday: Jon Stewart (from The Daily Show), Randy Newman (of "Toy Story" fame), Paul Shaffer (from Letterman), Ed Harris, Judd Nelson, Anna Nicole Smith (*cough, cough, ahem*), and of course, Melinda Truett-Goodwin (a good friend of ours from our days at OU)
posted at 04:03 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



Feelin' the love
 I just want to thank each and every one of you -- for all the little things you do -- and for making this seriously the *best* birthday I've ever had! I just finished up reading over 27 e-cards, even more e-mails, and sweet notes in blogs...and I'm just touched beyond words... I'll try to thank each of you individually as I can, but for now, a huge collective THANK YOU!!!!!
posted at 02:28 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



Press release
 From my mommy...
Norman (AP) - Oklahoma University Athletic Director, Joe Castiglione, announced today that due to recent developments, the renovations at Owen Field are well ahead of schedule and will come in under costs. Seems over 71,000 fans shit a brick during the fourth quarter of the bedlam football game, providing the necessary materials to begin work right away.
posted at 01:57 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



Prezzies prezzies everywhere!
 The UPS guy just dropped off a package from Scott. He sent me The Best of Martha Stewart Weddings -- something that's been on my birthday and Christmas wishlists for-evah! Thank you so much Scott! I think I'm turnin' 29 more often...
posted at 01:11 PM | link--it | mail it | (7) shout it



Can you tie 'em in a knot?
 Ok ladies, don't have any liquid in your mouth while viewing this card!
posted at 12:06 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



The birthday girl
 I opened the door to the most beautiful flowers this morning from Tara and Tommy and just had to share! (Thanks guys!) Take a peek: photo 1, photo 2
posted at 11:42 AM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



You say it's your birthday?
 Ok...first post to test things out... Let me just start off by saying Christine ROCKS! As my birthday present she gave me space on a server that can actually hold me (*evil glee*) and a new domain name (to be announced soon). I am so happy right now I've almost forgotten OU lost last weekend! THANK YOU CHRISTINE!!!!
posted at 12:25 AM | link--it | mail it | (19) shout it






Whoa!
 This is so cool (link snagged from Jo)! Think those hideous old webpages you've made in the past are gone forever? Think again... The Way Back Machine lets you (and others) type your URL into a search form and see old "cached" versions of your site. It may take awhile to process your request, but it's worth the wait just to laugh at how far you've come. Oh my!
posted at 06:48 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



The sky is falling
 Note to self...live in Florida...beware of flying ducks...
posted at 03:37 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



Whoo freakin' hoo!
 My Bucs won! My Bucs won! My Bucs won! We beat St. Louis at home tonight to go to 5-5, but this is a huge win for the franchise! I really hope they can capitalize on this momentum with Detroit and Cincinnati up next... Both weeks this season that OU lost, the Bucs came through with big W's (first Minnesota and now the Rams). Man I hate Kurt Warner and his cheap Fingerhut catalog wearin', Flowbee-haircut sporting wife! To make the win even sweeter, my own personal hero John Lynch wrapped it up with a key interception at the end. Warren Sapp was in rare form tonight -- I wish we could get a highlight reel of his antics. And I about fell off the couch when Dennis Miller implied that Sapp and Favre were going on a comedy tour of sorts when they leave the league. An interesting note from Al Michaels gift wrapped for the Rams with a big Lynchy bow -- no team in NFL history that lost to the Bucs went on to win the Super Bowl that season!
posted at 12:28 AM | link--it | mail it | (6) shout it






He's a sicky
 In case you've been wondering why Todd has been so quiet lately...this weekend he just didn't have all that much to say, but right now he's fighting some evil flu... He didn't go to work today and the poor guy has spent most of the day moaning on the couch with fever and chills. I'm doing my best to nurse him back to health right now so we can enjoy my birthday (assuming I don't come down with this, too). If you want to send him feel-better greetings, you can e-mail him here!
posted at 11:32 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it



Seas and Greetings
 Holiday greetings from sunny Florida! Click here to see fifteen photos of our holiday decorations thus far...
posted at 01:47 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



Font request
 Jeanne from Canada: All replies to you are still bouncing, but you can download the font you want here, ok? Sorry -- I've tried numerous times now and nothing gets through!
posted at 12:34 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



Merry Grinchmas
 It feels like the holidays everywhere now -- I just put my Grinchy wallpaper back up. If you'd like a copy of it for your PC, go here for 1024x768 resolution, and here for 800x600 resolution.
posted at 11:42 AM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it






Oh Christmas tree
 I've been a bit quiet today, I guess. Besides us both not feeling all that great, I've been busting my arse as much as I can getting the place all decorated. I'm going to set up the second tree tomorrow while Todd's at work, but here's a photo of the big 8-foot tree that we put up in the dining room. More to follow tomorrow... Hope everyone had a safe, peaceful, and relaxing holiday weekend!
posted at 11:18 PM | link--it | mail it | (6) shout it






Let there be lights!
 In case you didn't hear, today was national "put your husband on the roof day". I had to giggle driving through our neighborhood on the way to lunch, because every other house had a husband on sitting on top with a very stern expression. Todd started putting our lights up this afternoon and finished up after the game. It looks great! We put green-only "C7" lights up all around the roof's perimeter. It's the first time we've been able to decorate with outside Christmas lights since we were married -- I'm very excited to finally be able to do so! Here are a few shots from the day: one, two, three
posted at 10:56 PM | link--it | mail it | (7) shout it



It's over isn't it?
 Well, it was nice being at the top while it lasted...good luck next week Colorado!
posted at 07:13 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



WTF?
 OSU just went up over OU 16-13 with 1:36 left. I don't know what to say, except if we lose this, we don't deserve to be where we are. We never did. Trying to believe in Sooner Magic...but...
posted at 07:07 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it






Big Red in the face
 Oh Nebraska -- WHAT happened?!? Not that I'm complaining... Barring the unthinkable in Norman tomorrow, we'll go up in the polls (most importantly the BCS) and play Colorado in the Big XII title game. That said, with them hangin' halfa hundred on the Huskers today, they are not to be overlooked. And since OS-Who darn-near derailed our train to the national title last year neither are the Pokes. This is what we live for! Oh yeah!
posted at 07:30 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



Santa Claire
 I swear on the half-remaining holiday roll that this photo is not staged. She fell asleep right there, and it was so precious I had to snap two shots (one, two) for posterity. That's my baby!
posted at 01:37 AM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it






Aaaaaaaaaaah
 Ok, that new Target Christmas commercial with Kathy Griffin has been on like one day now, and seriously, if I hear it again I'm going to go postal. Stop the insanity! Make her GO AWAY! It's like nails on a chalkboard.
posted at 11:35 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



Try again?
 Note to Jeanne from Canada: I tried to e-mail you back and attach the font you wanted, but the e-mail bounced back. Is there any other way I can contact you?
posted at 10:50 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



Gotta getta geek
 I just wanted to let all of the single gals out there know...you gotta marry a geek. Not only do they make great housepets, but they also insist on doing the dishes for you after Thanksgiving dinner! Thanks again Ryan (and Chel) -- we're so glad you joined us!
posted at 10:07 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



Best of all is Butterball
 We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! How was yours? Here are a few photos from the day. Forgive all the tableware shots -- they were gifts!

It really feels like the holidays now! Todd found the B.C. Clark christmas jingle online! We haven't heard that song since we moved to Florida. We somehow miss it EVERY single year. But not this year -- god bless the internet! You may be going "huh?" if you didn't grow up in Oklahoma, but to anyone that's ever lived there, the song is a holiday-staple that you know all the words to.....so go ahead and sing along with us now.....

Jewelry is the gift to give, 'cuz it's the gift that'll live and live; so give the gift you know can't fail from B.C. Clark's anniversary sale. Most sales are after Christmas, but Clark's is just before. Most everything is marked way down; savings you can't ignore.....at.....Oklahoma's oldest jeweler, since 1892. So gift the gift you know can't fail from B.C. Clark's anniversary sale!
Ahhhhh, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Time to put up the tree!
posted at 09:45 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



Happy Thanksgiving!
 Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We're sitting here stealing a few watching the Macy's Parade before the Festival of Cooking begins. I was probably five years old before I realized the parade was for Thanksgiving, and not just because of my birthday. *g* I just wanted to wish everyone the best of holidays and list a few things I'm thankful for...

  • My wonderful husband -- it just keeps getting better!
  • My family -- even though far away, I know we're all still together in spirit.
  • Our beautiful new home, and the fact it will be filled with friends and laughter for our first Thanksgiving here.
  • Our amazing friends -- both in real life and on the 'net. It's been a year where we've truly seen the worst in people, yet the close friendships we have make us realize that in the end good will always triumph over evil because evil is dumb. Or something like that...
  • The fact that even in a year of loss, so many new lives coming into the world truly makes you appreciate and stare in awe of the circle of life and the miracle each and every breath is.
  • Knowing that even though I may not have my health -- I have my life -- and that's truly the best gift of all.
  • And last, but certainly not least, that each of you visit here each day. For something I didn't even know if I would keep up with it in the beginning -- it has allowed me to meet several incredible people (both online and in real life now!) -- and blogging has also made it possible for my husband to discover a voice he thought he'd lost long ago. We're addicted to blogging -- and we're proud of it!

    • I have to save the rest of the sap for the Thanksgiving desserts. Have a wonderful day!
    posted at 10:45 AM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it






    Holiday Roll Recipe
     Since I've had requests for the holiday roll recipe (as shown here), I thought I'd just go ahead and put it up online. It's one of Todd's family recipes that I finally mastered last year -- kind of like a very sinful cinnamon roll/pastry recipe on acid. YUMMY! Give me a yell if you have any questions...
    posted at 10:58 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Holiday ro-ooooohhh-ohll
     I give to you....drumroll please....Holiday Roll 2001! If you'd like the recipe, just let me know!
    posted at 09:17 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Busted!
     My secret is out! Being without DSL access all day forced me to actually accomplish things. Now I wonder how many times Todd will "accidentally break" the connection. Tee hee.

    First I baked a punkin' pie this morning and added the finishing touches to a cheeseball that had to set overnight. After that I made "pink stuff" (that Cool Whip/cherry pie filling/pineapple/pecan concoction you know and love from dear ol' mom). And I just finished up "holiday roll" (an absolutely evil twisted-cinnamon bread the size of a pizza pan) which has to rise for 30 more minutes before I bake it. The turkey lurkey is almost thawed -- and it's beginning to look (and smell!) like Thanksgiving around here. We found out that Ryan and Chel didn't have anywhere to go tomorrow since their parents have other commitments, so they're coming over to feast with us now. I've got all of my Christmas china out, and the table is just about set, since I'll have more than enough to keep me busy in the morning. I'm so excited!

    I want to wish everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings! For those who are travelling, have a very safe journey to and from -- and for those who are staying put, I hope your homes are filled with happiness, love and friendship. With everything that's happened this year, I think we're all just a little more thankful -- and grateful -- just to be able to celebrate together and appreciate all that we do have -- especially each other. Finally...it's almost the night of Christmas trees and pie! Enjoy the turkey, and please pass the gravy!
    posted at 08:25 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Short 'n' sweet
     This is short-n-sweet because our DSL is down right now and I'm on dial-up (*gasp*) -- but I just had to come on and share the photos Susannah took at our grand ol' time last night! We had a blast, if I haven't emphasized that enough already -- it was so much fun meeting everyone! Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the note she left on our car was priceless. Thanks again for taking the time out of your holiday schedule -- hopefully again soon!
    posted at 03:32 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    For Ryan
     Dear Ryan,
    Never question my completely useless entertainment trivia knowledge. Just ask Todd!
    Love ya',
    Robyn
    posted at 02:04 AM | link--it | mail it | (7) shout it



    Another birthday girl
     Today is Joy's birthday! Make sure to drop by her site and wish her a happy one... I hope you get all your heart desires and then some Joy -- happy birthday!
    posted at 01:25 AM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Susannah Rocks!
     Well we finally got to meet Susannah tonight! And I must say she's even cooler in person than in her blog, if that's even possible. We're digital camera newbies and lost battery power just as the photo-takin' got started, so she should have much better ones than we do (with hopefully everyone in them). Go here for photos. Sorry the format isn't fancy, but it's late -- and we're tired.

    It was great meeting you and everyone that you brought with you Susannah -- hopefully we can further corrupt them all soon! Have a happy Thanksgiving and a safe trip back home!
    posted at 01:07 AM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it






    More ornament ideas
     Since Cheryl mentioned being in an ornament exchange, I thought I'd post photos from last year of the ornaments I made for friends, in case anyone else is looking for ideas: one, two, three To make them, we bought garlands of flocked greenery and cut small springs with wire cutters to put inside of the clear glass bulbs. I inserted 3 red berries in each, and then put "rub on" transfers (found in the Michael's craft department) on the outsides of the clear bulbs. I topped each with ribbon, and also added our names and the date. They were also really easy to do!
    posted at 06:40 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    Your "real" age
     This was just on the news...calculate your "real age". Since I'm about to turn 29, I'm not sure I want to know. At least flossing your teeth can make you 6 years younger!
    posted at 05:15 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    Getting in the spirit
     NO PEEKING YET SUSANNAH! I just finished making a combined "belated birthday" / "happy to meet you" gift for when we meet Susannah tomorrow. Click to hear more about it. The flowers, tree, and holly are painted on with stuff called "flocking". I got it at Michael's and LOVE it! You hand-paint your design on the ornament like you would with regular paint, and blow an (enclosed) bottle of tiny same-colored fibers over the wet paint-adhesive. The effect ends up like wallpaper flocking -- almost velvet-like when it dries! I put little star and circle crystal rhinestones in the centers of the flowers, put a star crystal on top of the tree, and put three crystal berries on the holly. I topped it with a "Ho Ho Ho" ribbon, and "voila"! If anyone wants more info, just e-mail me. I'm really happy with how this, and similar ornaments I'm making this year, have turned out so far!
    posted at 08:32 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    We're sorry, the call you made could not be completed as dialed
     So if you're getting server errors when you try to post a comment, just take comfort in the fact for every 1 you get, I'm getting at least 5 on my end. Ryan just became his very own webhosting company today (domain to be active soon). We are SO kissing this server goodbye when he's ready for us! Just wanted to let you know that the move is coming soon. (The Dress Contest is over for another year and I have no more excuses to stay here.) Your comments shouldn't be lost if you get an error, btw. I just have to rebuild - when it will let me - for them to show up. Let the countdown begin...
    posted at 05:48 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Yippee!
     Todd just got off the phone with Susannah, and we're going to meet her tomorrow night at the Green Iguana in Ybor-- I can't wait! We're dragging along Ryan and Chel, and she's bring her sister and friends, so it should be a good ol' time. I promise to post pics just as soon as we have 'em!
    posted at 05:36 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Lizard Cam
     I added nine new shots to "Lizard Cam" over in the left-side menu, all shot today with my new digital camera. The original set of "Lizard Cam" pics taken on 9/28 are still in the archive section.
    posted at 03:02 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Chili Monkey
     This one is for Christine and Ashley. Don't ask...
    posted at 12:16 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it



    Sucky!
     Well bummer... Todd just read on CNN that Conoco and Philips Petroleum are going to merge. This means lots of job losses in Ponca City, OK ("including its 1,900 worker refinery") -- which is where I grew up, and where a lot of my family and friends still live and work. What a wonderful Christmas present. Can''t they ever wait 'til after the holidays to announce this stuff and implement the changes? Sigh.
    posted at 12:44 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Tarjhet discounts
     Target and Amazon are doing a "spend $50 and get $15 off" holiday décor sale through November 27th. Go...now!
    posted at 12:33 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    Make it a Blockbuster night
     I just added five pages of wedding movie ideas to Clueless, so go ahead and make it a Blockbuster night!
    posted at 11:22 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Da' Bears
     I've got to hand it to Chicago. They deserved to win today. That last-second field goal "plonk" off the upright by Gramatica pretty much sums up the 2001 Buccaneer season. Good thing I'm a Bears fan, too!
    posted at 07:35 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Sunday summary
     Whew...we had a busy morning! We're just now sitting down and catching our breath after doing massive amounts of yardwork. I made cherry turnovers for breakfast. After that I started a list for our Thanksgiving feast, gathered up all the coupons we'd clipped that went along with those items, and then we headed out to the back yard. Todd grabbed the weed-whacker and I grabed the pruning sheers. I hacked back several of the shrubs and palmettos, all of the plant-life around and in our pond, and pruned a few trees as well. We finished up with two full lawn bags and came back inside to watch the Bucs-Bears game -- only to be greeted by an announcement that the game had been moved from 1 to 4 p.m. So we went back out to the front yard and I cut back several of the shrubs and flowers out there as well. Two more trash bags later...back in the house we came...because it's getting HOT outside. We actually need the AC today. But we got so much accomplished! Props to Todd for also draining and refilling the hot tub, too.

    The Bucs play the Bears today, as mentioned above. What a year it's been for Chicago -- I can't remember the last time the Bucs were the underdog going into this game. I love both teams, and on all other days would cheer on Chicago -- but with with my Bucs barely clinging in there at .500 this season, I hope Sapp, Lynch, and crew have a stellar day! Now...I rest...and get ready for da' foosball...
    posted at 02:05 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Presenting...the Dress of the Year
     The 2001 Dress Contest Winner has been announced! So did the dress you thought would win take home the prize? Congrats to all of this year's contestants -- and thanks to everyone who's linked, judged in, voted in, and supported the 2001 Dress Contest!
    posted at 12:40 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    Sooner Great
     We got to meet a Sooner legend at today's watch party -- Lee Roy Selmon -- Outland and Lombardi Trophy winner, eight-time All-American, University of South Florida athletic director, and the only Tampa Bay Buccaneer enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
    posted at 10:39 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Tuck Fexas

    Once again, Lee Corso can kiss my big crimson and cream ass! For the second straight year, OU wins the title "Texas State Champs" after going undefeated (5-0) over Texas teams - North Texas, texas, Baylor, A&M, and Tech - and handing Tech a 30-13 loss in Lubbock today. And to make the victory even sweeter, six texas players (including Major Applewhite and Sloan Thomas) watched their hopes of an invite to the Big XII title game slip even further away live and in person. It was so good, it was almost like beating them twice! They quietly left the game with "no comment" under strict orders from texas coach Mack Brown -- and the Daily Oklahoman headline reads "‘Horns waste gas money, Sooners waste Tech". Boomer...you know the rest!
    posted at 09:27 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Icon me baby!
     Erika wrote this afternoon about the little heart-icon that shows up in your address section if you bookmark this site in most versions of IE (Todd has a Hobbes icon for his blog now). It's actually really easy to do if you're interested! First go read this article at CNET.com, and then go get this sharewear program to draw your icon and save it as an .ico file. The CNET.com article will tell you what to do from there! If you get stuck, give me a yell. (Forgot to add -- go check out Erika's new bitchin' design that just went up today!)
    posted at 01:39 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Tackle Tech
     I am officially about to go into mourning. This is the last regular-season "away" game on OU's schedule. We're taking on the Red Raiders at Texas Tech. Next weekend is our last regular-season "home" game, where we get to take our favorite whipping boy OS-Who (74-14-7) out behind the wood shed. Where did the time go? It seems just like yesterday when I was taking my lucky t-shirt of out mothballs... We may not be watching a "perfect" season right now, but what I wouldn't have given to be sitting at 9-1 even three years ago. I can't complain. I won't complain. And I certainly won't be like the idiotic boo-birds at last week's game -- where we held A&M to just THREE offensive points and less yards than even Tulsa put up on us. We've had injuries, we've lost our quarterback, and still my boys keep hanging in there and finding out ways to pull out a "W" at the end. So BOOMER SOONER baby -- prove Corso wrong and pummel Tech today!
    posted at 12:27 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    Here comes Leonid!
     In case you've missed it on the news, we're about to have a huge meteor shower this weekend! At the rate of 1-2 every second at times... "For meteor watchers in North or Central America, the best viewing opportunities arrive in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 18...those looking eastward from dark locales with clear skies could expect to spot several thousand meteors per hour around 5 A.M. EST. Meteor watchers in Australia and East Asia will be treated to a display in the early morning hours of Monday, November 19. Observers in prime locations may see ten thousand meteors per hour." Here are a few viewing tips!
    posted at 05:22 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Friday boredom
     Just playing around with the digital camera a bit more this afternoon.
    posted at 03:08 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Tee hee
     A few friends and I are doing a second-annual Christmas ornament exchange this year, so this HGTV project site is for them, in case they might be stuck on ideas. Purely an inside joke...please indulge us...
    posted at 02:32 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it






    Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3
     Just a few shots playing around with the new digital camera: one, two, three
    posted at 09:40 PM | link--it | mail it | (7) shout it



    Writer's block?
     Cool link snagged from "a pie in the sky" -- The Topics Blog -- great ideas for those days you have writer's block and just can't think of anything to blog about!
    posted at 08:44 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    It's beginning to look a lot like...
     Well in between server errors (totally my host's fault, and not MT's), I've been able to update the look around here a bit -- the main page and archive pages vary ever so slightly. Maybe one of these days I'll actually sit down and tackle skinning the site???
    posted at 07:54 PM | link--it | mail it | (13) shout it



    Wahoo!
     Yippee! My birthday present from Todd just showed up -- our very first digital camera! (I'm not cheating and opening it early -- I knew it was coming. So there! Nyah nyah!) Can you believe we've made due with just a webcam all this time? I can't wait 'til he gets home so we can play with it... To read more about it, you can also go here and here. We can shoot mini-movies with this thing, too!
    posted at 05:27 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Sephora
     Heads up! I just got a notice from Sephora.com that they're doing free shipping on orders over $25. They sent me a code, so if anyone wants it, e-mail me. I'm not sure if it will work more than once -- so I'll update when/if it's asked for first -- and then you'll just have to try your luck after that. Enjoy...
    posted at 01:26 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Vehhry tasty!
     How to tell you've watched UHF one too many times back in high school.....they review a fancy Asian cuisine restaurant on the news, and when they show the red snapper, all you can hear in your mind is, "Ahhhhhh...red snappah...vehhry tasty!"
    posted at 12:20 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    15 Minutes of Fame
     It's the 15th of November now (yikes!), so you know what that means -- a new Fifteen Minutes of Fame wedding feature! This month is Holly and Scott's wedding.
    posted at 12:09 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Birthdays, birthdays, everywhere!
     Hey guess what?!? It's another birthday -- go wish Susannah a very happy one! It looks like we may get to meet her next week, too. We're so 'cited!
    posted at 12:00 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    Yo, Ding Dong man! Ding Dong man, yo!
     So Mr. Pollman and I were just sitting here and talking about wayfaring adult Americans, living in parts of this great nation that they were not raised in as children. Every once in awhile, even after almost five years in Florida, we'll just get this *CRAVING* for something available only in Oklahoma (or parts similar). More often than not it's a Braum's chocolate malt, or a Sonic cheese coney and cherry limeaid. But sometimes it's as simple as seeing a box of Little Debbie honey buns on the shelf, and not finding a box of Hostess ones in sight. (We're still looking for them.) To this day, my mom is our favorite bar-b-que sauce pusher (Head Country BBQ Sauce from Ponca City, OK). Like clockwork, about every six months we can expect a big ol' bottle. And that first week we have bar-b-que everything...chicken, steak, ribs...you name it...

    I remember when I moved to Philly, a friend in Mobile had me send him boxes of Tasty Kakes the entire time I was there. (He made up for it by sending Krispy Kremes overnight, before they'd made it that far up the eastern seaboard.) I guess there were certain types of Tasty Kakes that you just couldn't get anywhere else. There are days now where I'd gladly empty the checkbook for a real Philly pretzel or an authentic cheesesteak from Pat's. And I can't believe we've yet to fork over the twenty-bucks or so plus shipping that Progress Grocery in New Orleans wants for muffulettas.

    Obviously a lot of favorites are too perishable to ship -- but bloggers are spread out across the fifty states in regions we all didn't grow up in -- and I know I'd gladly send a bag of plantain chips to someone in exchange for a real Hostess brand honey bun. (No dirty comments needed from you Ryan!) As the season made for eating fastly approaches, is there anything you've been craving, and just can't get at your local supermarket -- because there just might be someone in the blogging community that would gladly pay you on Tuesday with what you crave in exchange for a Hostess honey bun today. Be specific on what you're hungry for! Maybe we could all work out some sort of exchange?
    posted at 09:43 PM | link--it | mail it | (19) shout it



    Stuffing
     With turkey day fast-approaching, I thought I'd share my award winning (well at least with my husband and family) stuffing recipe... I can't wait! Bring on da' gravy!
    posted at 01:13 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    You say it's your birthday?
     HAPPY BIRTHDAY DELARA! Hope you have a *wonderful* day!
    posted at 11:55 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    'Tis the season!
     Just finished adding over three pages of holiday movie recommendations to Clueless Books, Music, and Video. Make a note of it -- I promise it will come in handy when you head out to Blockbuster for rentals in a couple of weeks!
    posted at 11:16 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Random acts of kindness
     ::doing the happy, happy, joy, joy dance:: In a much appreciated random act of kindness today, Jennifer sent me a supah-cool script she wrote -- and customized -- for my site out of the blue and "just because". Instead of entering my blog archive section over there <--- by hand in MT now, her handy dandy code will do it for me! She also made a comment script for MT which will differentiate between 0, 1, and multiple replies -- so make sure to visit her blog and tell her she rocks! Thanks again Jennifer!
    posted at 09:51 PM | link--it | mail it | (10) shout it



    Isn't she lovely?
     So I've been kinda quiet today...this is why... Another brag photo of our "baby" Claire. I groomed her today!
    posted at 08:38 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Get a clue!
     You know how if you look at something long enough, you just get sick of it? Well that's how I got with Clueless Books, Music, and Video. It got to the point I didn't even want to update the page anymore -- but I had to update the page with all the traffic it receives. So I scrapped the whole site (which hadn't really been touched since 1999) and started over again with the main page. I'll be adding a lot more content in the next few days, so make sure to check back soon!
    posted at 12:36 AM | link--it | mail it | (7) shout it






    Maybe some birds shouldn't fly
     Seeing Michele at "a fire inside" write about being frightened of living under a flight path really brings it all home. Our new home is under not one -- but three -- Tampa International, Tampa Executive, and MacDill AFB (home of Central Command). As if that wasn't enough, you can throw in the private airstrip at the ritzy neighborhood across the street, where the residents park their Cessna's in the yard.

    I've always had a love-fear relationship with airplanes -- both flying in them and having them fly above me. As a child, I loved to fly. I lived for the shopping trips to Dallas with my Gma. Then one day I was home sick with strep in 1983. My mom came in with a chocolate malt from Braums, and she says she's never seen me look so pale. (Which for someone like me with translucent skin is quite a statement.) My mouth was open, I was shaking like a leaf, and I couldn't even speak. Why? Right outside the window I had just watched a T-38 from Vance AFB crash into my neighborhood. There was a huge fireball that seemed to stretch into the heavens. Not good for a Cold War era child in the year of "The Day After". So what does my mother do to comfort me? She screamed, "OH MY GOD!" and took off out the door at lightning-speed. I was too sick to follow. I thought I'd been left there to die alone. She actually grabbed a couple of her friends and took off to the back of the neighborhood where the crash had occurred, but I can't even type out the thoughts that went through my mind right then. To this day, I still have plane crash nightmares. (For those wondering, the pilot ejected from that plane and landed safely in a field behind Kmart with just a broken leg, but it killed two on the ground.)

    Fast-forward to right after Todd and I got engaged... I was on an American Eagle prop-jet into DFW (on my way back up to Philly). We hit the worst turbulence I've ever experienced. They didn't serve drinks, and the flight attendants were ordered to strap themselves in. I was on the first row, facing one of them. She started crying, and telling me about her little girl and how hard it had been to leave her that morning. It sounded like the plane was splitting into pieces. I haven't flown in anything with propellers since -- and never will again. Every plane ride from that flight on has resulted in white knuckles and non-stop prayers from start to finish.

    My best friend is a pilot -- just promoted to Cap'n Robbie the week after 9-11. He's always tried to talk me through my fear of flying -- and fear of things flying above me. He took me up in a Cessna my senior year at OU because I was terrified of small planes, and I ended up singing "Amazing Grace" all the way to Enid and back to Norman. Experiment failed. I've heard all the stats over and over. But whether today was just a horribly-timed accident, or something else beyond comprehension -- how do I ever look up (much less think of getting in a plane myself, or letting my husband do so) the same way again? I love to travel, but I don't have to fly to do so.

    Think of those poor people in a quiet Queens suburb that had just buried over 100 of their family and friends in the worst series of air disasters in U.S. history. It's all just too much. Maybe some birds just weren't meant to fly...
    posted at 02:26 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    Speechless again
     What do you say? I got up just before 7 this morning, and turned on the "Today Show". I just had this gut-feeling I couldn't explain and I wanted to see that things were "ok" and my mind was just on overdrive. Todd got out of the shower and couldn't figure out why I'd turned the TV on so early either. I stayed awake until he left for work, and then went back to sleep for a little bit as I'm still not feeling all that well. So of course when I woke back up just before 11 and turned on the TV in the living room when I got in with Claire, I just knew instinctively. They weren't saying or doing anything other than going over a diagram of the type of aircraft that crashed -- but they didn't have to -- they'll never have to again. Something that really gives me the willies is that after my bath last night, I went into my closet to grab a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. The next shirt in the stack of "sleep tees" was the one I was wearing on 9-11. I looked at it, and just couldn't put it back on. So I grabbed the one under it. But that moment of looking at it just sticks with me. I pray this isn't terrorism again. I pray that as many lives as possible can be saved today. And I pray that God will soon realize New Yorkers have had enough. If it has to happen again, please spare them the next time. Please.
    posted at 12:17 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    Wookin' pa' nub
     I just wasn't happy with the search system I added the other night. Atomz is great if you want to pay -- but I don't. I'd rather have a few text-ads slapped up on the search results page, and have the query take my visitors straight to what they were looking for, rather than dump them on a huge archive page with multiple entries and say "weed it out yourself from here". So I kept looking... And tonight I added in a FreeFind search box over there in the left menu-bar under the calendar. So far, so good! It seems to have all I was looking for -- heads up to new MT users looking for something similar.

    Atomz is great if you have a relatively small blog, but for people like me that have a tendancy to never shut up, you're left in the dark with their free version. They stop indexing your site at 500 pages -- and won't add any others from that point on. My blog and archives aren't 500 pages total...but...the individual entry archives added up to about 540 pages to index after the Blogger and Greymatter entries were imported. So of course Atomz stopped at 500 -- and the remaining 40 entries (and anything from that point on) would never be indexed unless I wanted to upgrade my Atomz account and pay for it. I keep hoping the MT upgrade with a search feature will come out soon and make that need to pay obsolete.

    Unlike Atomz, Freefind doesn't have a limit on the number of pages it will index. You can customize your search-results page by submitting your own HTML template (although they will put small ads just before the results list). With Freefind you can get reports on when your site was searched, and what terms were searched for -- including the top 50 keywords. You can customize your search box (the one I'm using over there is exactly how I had it appear with Greymatter). It will make a sitemap of your site if you want one (I didn't). You can schedule indexing, break your site into independently searchable sections, add additional URLs, and prevent certain sections of your site from being spidered. Definitely something to check out if you miss your Greymatter search functions, and Atomz is too limited for the size of your site!
    posted at 09:42 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    A little analogy
     While watching the Bucs vs. Lions game, Todd told me that I had to post my analogy of what it feels like to watch the Bucs play this year. It's like watching your best friend -- someone you really love and admire -- date someone terrible. They're seeing someone you can't stand, someone deep down you know they shouldn't be with, but all you can do is sit there powerless. Mostly you just look away from the downward spiral -- until they're ready to leave the situation and help themselves. At first, during their moments of clarity (take the recent Vikings game for example), you get all excited. You think maybe they've realized what they're doing to themselves and that things are going to change. But soon, everything goes back to the way it was, leaving you nauseous with a need to just look away again. It hurts too much to watch most days, because deep down you know they're better than this. But you won't leave their side because you love them so much. That's what it means to me being a Bucs fan this season (and take your pick between the special teams coach and Brad Johnson as the boyfriend I'd like to shove off the nearest cliff)...
    posted at 03:01 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Stop, remember, and say thanks
     Natalie Merchant sang, "How would life have ever been the same if this wall had carved in it one less name?" On Veteran's Day I'd like to take a few to reflect, because you can never feel sick enough to not be eternally grateful... Happy Veteran's Day!

    It is the soldier and the sailor, not the reporter,
    Who has given us freedom of the press.

    It is the soldier and the sailor, not the poet,
    Who has given us freedom of speech.

    It is the soldier and the sailor, not the campus organizer,
    Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

    It is the soldier and the sailor,
    Who salutes the flag,
    Who serves beneath the flag,
    Whose coffin is draped by the flag,
    Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

    -- Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC

    posted at 01:18 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Bleh
     I hate that moment where your mind switches over from "I'm not getting sick" to "ok, I'm sick...and I want to die and/or I want my mommy". You feel so defeated. We made the trek out to Wal Mart around 1 a.m. to stock up on cold meds, Cold Eeze, zinc-echinacea-vitamin C lozenges, OJ (the beverage, not the psycho killer), and Puffs -- only to get home and discover the Cold Eeze didn't make it home with us. So back out we went...and we're just getting in... If you don't hear much out of either of us tomorrow, we're curled up under the covers feeling sorry for ourselves. Hope you all manage to avoid the death flu -- enjoy what's left of the weekend!
    posted at 03:02 AM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    Dress Contest Finalists
     The 2001 Dress Contest Finalists have been announced! Go check 'em out! (Awards are located with the individual entries -- just click entries to launch their windows.)
    posted at 12:42 AM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it






    Gators chew off Cocks
     So much for thinking the Gators would have their hands full tonight...they're in the middle of an ass-whoopin' in the 4th, now 54-17! I tip my visor to Spurrier tonight -- go Gators!
    posted at 10:41 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Saturday wrap-up
     Ever feel like you're walking through wet cement? I'm having one of those days... We were bad little Tobyns and stayed out 'til 3:30 a.m. last night -- we didn't make it to sleep until almost 4:30 in the morning. There are times you realize you're just not 19 anymore, and last night was definitely one of them.

    We can't complain too much though. We went to Ryan and Chel's, and a group of us played Cranium not once, but twice! We had four teams going -- and let me just say that this game rocked! (And not just because Todd and I blew the competition away the first time, and Todd and Ryan romped around the board the second game...) It's a board game that combines trivia, "Pictionary" with your eyes closed, charades, "name that tune", clay sculpting, and more. I highly recommend having Leo's girlfriend Linda there to guess what the sketches are though! *evil grin*

    We didn't even bother with the alarm this morning, and rolled into Lee Roy Selmon's for our watch party near the end of the first quarter to find OU behind 0-10 vs. Texas A&M. We sat down and got serious and watched OU tie it up by the half. We scored 31 unanswered points, and wrapped it up at 31-10. I'm sure people across the nation were grinning with evil glee after that first quarter though! (Todd came up with a great plan for next week against Tech. Hybl doesn't seem to get warmed up and find his groove 'til the third quarter -- so we want him out playing against the practice squad for two full quarters before the actual game starts.) And I thought we were going to get whiplash in the fourth quarter going back and forth between our game on the big screen and the Miami vs. Boston College game on the TVs over the bar. The score doesn't even come close to showing how close this game was -- and how close Miami came to losing -- unless you were watching it. Those kids at BC definitely gave it their all, and Miami seems a little less invincible now.

    After the game, we headed to the new International Plaza across the street. The Body Shop has their Christmas fragrances in now -- Snow and Cranberry line the shelves! I was good though...my birthday is too close to run wild in there... (Dammit!) And joy of joys, Bath & Body Works are re-releasing their Sugar Plum scent again this season! They didn't release it last year for the first time since I was at OU, and there was darn-near rioting in some of the stores. (I hopped on eBay and snagged 4 bottles of bubble bath before they started selling for over $30 each!) It comes out on Monday, and you'd better believe with two $10 gift certificates tucked in my wallet that I'm heading back. They usually sell out the first week -- so heads up if you like that scent! On our way out we hit the Godiva store since I had a certificate for a free box of their chocolate mint biscuits. They were handing out free bags of their hot chocolate to each of their customers that entered, and we each got one. Godiva freebies rule! I walked out with a bag full of goodies and only had to plop down the cash for three truffles. We got three birthday cards and a house-warming card, and headed home for a long winter's nap.

    We're just getting back up and turning on the Florida vs. South Carolina game. Looks like the Gators might have their hands full tonight if they're not careful! (FSU already went down at home earlier tonight.) We both have that "I'm not getting sick...I'm not getting sick..." feeling right now, so I expect we'll do a whole lotta nuthin' the rest of the weekend. But stay tuned! The Dress Contest 2001 Finalists are released after midnight tonight!

    Happy weekend everyone...
    posted at 08:50 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it






    <--- Over there
     I just added Todd's wishlist over to his section in the side-menu, too...
    posted at 05:36 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Damn his black soul!
     Take two of the finest things in life -- Oreo cookies and Girl Scout thin mints. Then combine them into one. Presenting: new "Fudge Mint Covered Oreos" in grocery stores near you. Thanks to my husband, and refrigeration, I may never see a waistline again!
    posted at 04:06 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



    Le Sigh
     Well it's official now...OU QB Jason White will be out for the season...after knee surgery next week. Good luck Nate -- we're all pulling for you! And we hope you heal up quickly Jason -- hang in there! Up tomorrow is Texas A&M (*waves* to Christine). BOOMER SOONER!
    posted at 12:59 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    It's beginning to look a lot like...
     The news just showed the Christmas tree being delivered to Rockefeller Plaza in NYC -- can you believe the holidays are that close now?! Whoo hoo!
    posted at 12:17 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Search party
     Thanks to Ashley and Christine for all of their help with site search info tonight! Until MT adds in a search feature, please try here instead! It won't take you straight to the entry, because I'm too cheap to shell out cash for the pay-version since an MT-fix is coming -- but it will take you to the archive page the entry you're looking for is located at -- and you can use your browser's "find" feature from there. Go crazy...it is Friday after all!
    posted at 01:22 AM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Go get IE already
     I'm always completely amazed when I look at my stats at the number of people that still cling to Netscape. I don't know how they do it. Enjoy pain? Glutton for punishment? Using a braille keyboard? But for those 1.33% of viewers still on Netscape 3 (or using 4-6):

    1) Go here already!
    2) Enjoy MT, since you're not forced to read this in Times New Roman's font-size 1!
    3) Repeat step 1.
    posted at 12:20 AM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it






    Calendar girl
     So the calendar at the left doesn't have days/posts linked anymore -- it's not an MT feature yet. It's there for me. I liked it. I used it. I kept it. Hope that's ok with you!
    posted at 10:48 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Are we here?
     *taps the mic* Testing, testing...is this thing on? Because of all the problems with comments, I've decided it's time to make Greymatter go bye-bye, and I've imported my whole blog into Movable Type (including the old entries from Blogger). Please be patient -- but I think I'm gonna like it here! And let me know if you have any troubles, ok?
    posted at 09:21 PM | link--it | mail it | (9) shout it



    Blast from the past
     Reading about the "classic football game" in Todd's blog today reminded me of another favorite childhood toy -- the Merlin. The site I found it on is SO cool! Todd and I were having a blast talking about it on the phone just now and reminiscing. So many of my favorite childhood toys were in the 70s and 80s section -- including the Big Wheel, Easy-Bake Oven, Fashion Plates, Lite Brite, Mad Libs, Mr. Microphone, Shrinky Dinks, Simon, and Sit 'N Spin. Go check it out! You'll feel 8-years old all over again...
    posted at 01:51 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it



    Wussy
     It got down in the 50s last night and it's...so...cold...in here. Sign me up for my "Wussy Floridian" t-shirt. I'm shivering, and it's too cold to sleep. Bleh.
    posted at 07:35 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Ohhhhhhh mom...pssssst...pass it on!
     Since I know my mom stops by here now, and the birthday ticker is still counting down up there, I thought I'd finally throw together a wishlist. Much easier than fielding 50 e-mails going "You know your birthday is in x-days and we still haven't got a list for you." Please pass it on mom! You'll notice I don't read much. I have my husband for that. After four years of majoring in history and minoring in political science, like Kelly Bundy, my brain got full -- and if I add something in, something has to forever leave in its place. But just about anything from Sephora or Tiffany is guaranteed to make me squeal with delight. So there you go...
    posted at 12:44 AM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it






    Bandwagoner
     Following a link seen in a lot of other blogs, most recently at Christine's, my Colorgenics Profile (click the more link to read mine)...

    You work hard ...seeking success. You are self-sufficient and in spite of all the trials and tribulations that have beset you in the past - you carry on regardless... You are one to be admired because you pursue your objectives single-mindedly and with initiative. You know that you can "do it" and what is more - you will .. without necessarily being dependent upon the goodwill of others..

    Being a somewhat gentle, emotional and sensitive person, you are, at this time experiencing a considerable amount of tension. What you really need is someone who can be close to you and to listen to what you have to say...

    We are all conditioned by our environment...and as such we respond to peoples perception of ourselves...but you feel that conditions are not right at this time...You are experiencing certain reservations that are precluding you to develop a particular relationship, business-wise or personal, that is being offered...It is 'make your mind up time'...The decision is all yours... but whatever decision you make...it will be the right one.

    You are pretending that the situation around you doesn't matter, but the effort of trying to conceal your emotions and anxieties is resulting in untold stress. The existing situation is disagreeable. You feel unwanted and lonely and you would really like to associate with someone whose ideals are as high as your own. You want to be above the standard of mediocrity... and this need to be needed and that need to need has almost become an obsession. You are trying to magnify the need into a compelling urge. You would really like to tell the world how great you are.. but no.. you are holding back because you feel that your peers may treat you with contempt. This is a great pity because you have in fact a unique quality of character but the continual restraint that you impose on yourself make you suppress this need for others and you pretend you don't really care. You treat those who criticise you with contempt. However, to be honest ... beneath this assumption of indifference you really long for the approval and esteem of others.

    You need to be respected as an exceptional individual. This is the only way that you can hope to achieve the status that you wish to achieve. You set yourself very high standards ... and come what may ... you abide by them.
    posted at 10:46 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    HEADS-UP!
     PROCEED WITH CAUTION: I have caught a new glitch twice today concerning my comments here (just after I got Todd's blog all patched up). If it gives you a 500-internal server error when you try to post a comment, about half the time it completely wipes out the entry under it when everything is republished. For the next couple of days, if you get a server error posting comments please e-mail me and let me know! I need to check and see if a backup is necessary so I won't lose more entries and comments! I really need to move servers...sigh...
    posted at 07:27 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it



    Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
     Lookee what Todd brought home for me today! He got it for sitting through a boring lecture and taking a quiz. This is the first time I have ever used, and probably will use, the term "w00t!"
    posted at 07:07 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Shirley Q. Liquor
     I have Kathy to blame for this link. I've only listened to a couple, but they had me rolling!
    posted at 03:05 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Thanks honey!
     Leave it to my husband...'nuff said...
    posted at 03:01 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Could my life be ANY more lame?
     Ok, I really have to get a new daytime hobby starting NOW. No, seriously. Just announced: In an ongoing campaign to lure Latino viewers, "The Bold and the Beautiful" has hired Erik Estrada for an extended period starting November 14 to play the role of Tony's father. The former "CHiPs" star says he's hoping B&B will be home for a while.
    posted at 01:34 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



    Hi mom!
     Hey folks -- that "in stereo" sound you may be hearing right about now isn't a trick of the imagination. My mommy just stopped by! *waves* And we sound exactly alike on the phone, huh mom?
    posted at 12:39 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    Back up again!
     Oh whadda night... We are just now getting Todd's blog back up again. You know you've done something bad when the software designer runs multiple diagnostic tests in order to figure out what happened! Go read our thank you to Ben to get the scoop -- and also drop by the main page of Todd's blog, and the just-updated and overhauled "biography page" that started this whole fiasco! Nighty night...catch you LATE tomorrow morning...
    posted at 01:41 AM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it






    Blog go bye-bye
     If you're wondering where Todd's blog went...well, we are, too... We went to add a new entry saying the biography page had been completely updated, and there was an error posting it. Now all the current entries will not publish and the entire index page went blank, save for the template around where the text goes. Ben from Movable Type has replied lightning-fast, and we hope/pray for a cure soon -- but please bear with us. Times like this I'm very happy we have separate systems (me with Greymatter, and him with Movable Type)!
    posted at 11:09 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Fey Rules!
     This one is courtesy of Tara, and it darn-near caused a spit-take! QUOTABLES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE'S" "WEEKEND UPDATE WITH FALLON & FEY" - 11/3/01 - CO-ANCHOR FEY - “ On Monday, Attorney General John Ashcroft issued a terrorism warning asking all Americans to be on 'high alert' this week. Then on Friday, he announced that the period of high alert would be extended indefinitely. I think I speak for all Americans when I say, 'Bitch, I can't be any more alert than already am. I'm opening my mail with salad tongs. I take my passport in the shower with me. I'm watching so much CNN I'm having sex dreams about Wolf Blitzer. How this, how about you be on full alert. I'm gonna freeze my head like Walt Disney and then you wake me up when everything's cool, OK?' ”
    posted at 05:33 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    You could hear a pin drop
     If you're sitting there wondering why I've been so unusually quiet today, Todd wanted a new look, and I was more than happy to oblige. Go check it out!
    posted at 05:30 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it



    It's the most wonderful time of the year
     Just starting to think about Christmas shopping? Be sure to check out "Who Would Buy That?" I wonder why this one make me think of you and start giggling, Chel?
    posted at 10:49 AM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it






    Blogaholism
     Found this at pie in the sky today (and she has a coo' new design you have to check out!): Are You a Blogaholic? My results: Your Score: 56 / 100 (179 people have taken this silly test so far, 62 people have scored higher than you) - "You are a dedicated weblogger. You post frequently because you enjoy weblogging a lot, yet you still manage to have a social life. You're the best kind of weblogger. Way to go!"
    posted at 07:27 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    Ahhhhh...boredom!
     Am I the only one that will download two of the exact same MP3s at the very same time, just to watch them "race" each other and see which will win first (T3 vs. T1, etc.)? I...need a life... And for the record, the T1 beat out the T3 last round, finishing 6% earlier.
    posted at 05:30 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



    BCS
     As expected, OU dropped to #3 in the BCS this week, since Tulsa wasn't exactly a "quality win" (even if we did blow 'em out).
    posted at 04:22 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Un-freakin-believable!
     Oh yeah, I plan on flying again soon.....NOT! Are Mo, Larry and Curly in charge of airport security in this country?!? (Not to mention my uncle Mike is actually a "local authority" in the Chicago area...the system that originally let the guy go...) Have we learned NOTHING?!? What were they thinking releasing him!?!
    posted at 12:53 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Oh happy day!
     Philosophy is now offering a full-sized 16 oz. version of their popular (and divine smelling) cinnamon buns body wash! In the past it was only available in a 2 oz. (and then later a 5 oz.) bottle as part of their cookbook. Mmmmmmm...
    posted at 12:31 AM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it






    It's just like Christmas!
     CHRISTINE RULES! Thank you sooooooo much for all of the fonts! I can't wait to play...
    posted at 11:59 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Congrats Arizona!
     The D-Backs broke the Yankees monopoly on baseball -- congrats to 'em! And Todd says a Tampa boy (Gonzalez) knocked in the winning run!
    posted at 11:23 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    And poof it was gone...
     I hate it when new-found loves vanish from view... I was just discovering -- and loving -- "s'wonderful" for many many reasons. Lovely title. Lovely site. Lovely graphics. Lovely writing. And she lives in Tampa Bay. We'll miss you Melanie!
    posted at 10:40 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Leave it to a Sooner!
     So are you watching what would have been the end of the Bears/Browns game?!? Leave it to a former Sooner (James Allen) to come up with the touchdown! More to follow...it just went to OT with 0:00 left! As much as the Bucs are stinkin' it up lately, it's a good thing I've been a closet Bears fan since I was a little kid... (Updated to say: Sa-weeeeet! The Bears win in OT after Mike Brown intercepted Couch -- his second OT interception to help the Bears win in OT in two weeks. Someone's agent is going to be pushin' for a raise soon.)
    posted at 07:25 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Best Dress Sites Reset
     I reset the Best Dress Sites list today. (This is a separate list and contest than the 2001 Dress Contest and Dress of the Month.) Here are the new winners for November 2001.
    posted at 06:45 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Dress Contest 2001
     As promised, here are the contestants in the 2001 Dress Contest! Semi-finalists and honorable mention dresses have been awarded -- and they have also been notified privately via e-mail. If you want to vote for the five finalists this year, and then the top 3 dresses the following week, you must be a member of the Newlywed Ring! Please e-mail Robyn if you have any questions and/or need the location of the ballot. (Your site ID, URL, e-mail address and name are required for this!)
    posted at 12:27 AM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it






    Amazing!
     Hey -- if you're sitting around reading this, turn on ESPN2! The Ole Miss vs. Arkansas game is about to go into its FIFTH overtime! This is incredible -- I have never seen anything like this! Poor Katie must not have any nails left right now... (Updated to say: This is now the first six-overtime game in the history of NCAA overtime, which began in 1996! Then updated to say: It is now 50-50 as we enter the first seven-overtime game in NCAA football. Over four hours and five minutes of play thus far. Unbelievable! And then updated to say: Poor Katie! Arkansas wins 58-56 in the seventh OT, after Ole Miss failed to make the 2-point conversion. I didn't even realize it 'til this game, but it's mandatory to go for the 2-point conversion beginning in the third OT. This was, ironically, supposed to reduce the number of lengthy-overtime games. This game went into OT at 17-17!)
    posted at 10:52 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Snake bite
     Man, is Arizona taking out some pent-up frustrations tonight or what? Normally I don't give a flying flip about baseball (unless it's watching the Sooners play at home on the lawn just beyond the outfield while drinking "juice" in thermoses with friends), but I have to say the little bit we have payed attention to this Series, it has been interesting! The Yankees spring-training home is here in Tampa and that's about the extent of association we have with either team. Still, in a way, I'd like to see Arizona take it all -- just because I know deep down they can! And we haven't been able to say that about any other team up against the Yankees in a long, long time.
    posted at 10:16 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Summin' looks funny
     You may not even notice...but just in case some of you are neurotic like me and do...there's a slight change here. Since I added comments and thus don't really have guest bloggers anymore, I moved the "posted by/when/comments" links under the entries, instead of above them. I changed it to the way it had around here for quite awhile way back when...but now it's back to "normal" (or as close as you can get to that here) again... That is all. Whee!
    posted at 09:55 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    We spanked 'em!
     OU defeated Tulsa 58-0 today, or in the immortal words of Barry Switzer, we "hung halfa hundred on 'em" (and then some). Up next is A&M in Norman, who lost to Texas Tech today 12-0. We upset the Aggies at their house last year, so it should be interesting! And Corso picked us to lose to Texas Tech in Lubbock two weeks from now, so all is right in the world again. I think we'll probably drop to #3 in the BCS this week since Tulsa has a 1-7 record ("quality of win" scores go out the window) -- and Miami whomped on Temple 38-0 -- but at least our hopes are still alive!
    posted at 06:32 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



    When the clock strikes 12
     Watch this space: At midnight tonight, the ten 2001 Dress Contest semi-finalists will be announced -- and you'll finally be able to see all of the dresses for the first time! Are you pumped?
    posted at 04:03 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Do I get fries with that?
     How to tell you reeeeeeally love the Sooners... When you're just about to plop down twice as much to watch them play crummy Tulsa on pay-per-view as an all-night porn-fest would cost. $24.95 -- ouch! That was roughly the price of my student season tickets back in college, I kid you not. C'est la vie. Boomer Sooner, baby! Oh, and on a happy, happy joy, joy note...we just found out the Sooner Club is meeting at Selmon's for next week's watch party...w00t (from Todd)!
    posted at 12:27 PM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it






    Fertile as them thar hills
     So how would you word these birth announcements? Eeeek!
    posted at 11:32 PM | link--it | mail it | (4) shout it



    I am not a freak!
     I just want the record to show that I don't think Scott's a freak. That little "snip" (for that section of blogs I'm discovering) is from an old Belly song called "Super Connected" -- I mean it as a compliment. You're not the freak, they're gathering 'round you (which I guess they would be me)! *pinky swear* ;-)
    posted at 09:52 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



    Hodgepodge
     Here are two older photos we just got back tonight (that were on the roll of film below). The first is from Todd's 29th birthday party -- shown from left to right are Michelle, Leo, Ryan (playing on my laptop), and Todd. Sorry for the lighting quality on that one! The second is from the Tampa Bay Sooner Club's OU vs. tx 2001 watch party. I'm second from the bottom-left...
    posted at 09:23 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    MegaWHATs?
     A few of you may have seen this 'net-joke circling around a few weeks back. I first saw it at Jo's blog, of all places. I say "of all places" because she's down under -- and when I read the caption with the photo, it said it was taken in New Port Richey, Florida. Turns out this place was just five miles up the road from our new house! What are the odds? Fast forward to today...I batted my eyelashes at Todd when the alarm went off this morning and convinced him to call in with the 8-hour flu... We did a lot of driving around this afternoon, and took the camera with us. Our journeys took us by -- well I'll just let you see the photos for yourselves! Christine has talked about fonts a lot in her blog lately -- and this story is proof-positive that the right font is essential. Otherwise, you too might be a MEGAF|_|CK! Oh, and just for good measure -- we also signed up for membership cards before snapping the photos! We're now official card-carrying former MEGAF|_|CKs. (Although you'll notice on the card that they're changing their name. We didn't have the cajones to ask if the 'net-campaign was the reason why!)
    posted at 08:44 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Where do you want to get pissed today?
     I found this in Jo's blog today -- it's too freakin' funny! Go look now!
    posted at 12:16 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    Uh oh
     Oh dear me -- Amazon.com has added a Tarjhet store! Does this mean I'll never be able to leave their site without dropping at least forty bucks, too? Affiliate gift certificate, here I come!
    posted at 12:56 AM | link--it | mail it | (5) shout it






    Mmmm...little chocolate donuts...
     Oh how I needed an honest-to-God, out of nowhere, make me snarf™ (trademark Ashley) item tonight -- and I found it here in these comments -- the unlikeliest of places. (But it's John Belushi's skit.) It's the little things. Memories, like the corners of my mind...
    posted at 11:23 PM | link--it | mail it | (1) shout it



    Screw you, Webring!
     I finally got a spare few and moved the OU Sooners Ring over to Ringsurf! Buh-bye Webring once and for all! No, no. Buh-bye!
    posted at 06:56 PM | link--it | mail it | (0) shout it



    I miss you Grandpa
     I debated all afternoon on whether or not I should blog about this...but you know what...it's my blog, and I want to pause and reflect for a bit. So I am. I miss you Grandpa! But somehow, I just know you're up there smiling at me because OU is the defending national champ...and it all started the last time we saw each other...
    posted at 04:16 PM | link--it | mail it | (7) shout it



    Quack, quack!
     I love random acts of kindness! Lookee what we just got in the mail from Jana and Ben -- a glow-in-the-dark devil rubber ducky for our hot tub! It's so cool! (Pictured in hot tub photo are Todd, Ryan, and Chel with our squeakless duck that can tell no tales.) Thanks so much Jana and Ben!
    posted at 04:00 PM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it



    End this war in 60 minutes flat
     An excerpt from the editorial page in OU's student paper -- an article titled Let’s end this war in 60 minutes flat: "...This is how we solve things here in America. When Oklahoma has a problem with texas, when we think they’re being arrogant or overbearing, we don’t hijack their Ford F-150’s or release vials of 24-hour flu into Austin. We do civilized things — beat their best football teams by large amounts of points and turn their players into 22 separate lumps of clay. Sure, some broken bones result, but it seems a small price to pay for conflict resolution..."

    Let’s end this war in 60 minutes flat by Reilly Capps Marching in formation from the locker room in Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, drenched in the sweat of anticipation and tight jock straps are your Oklahoma Sooners, one of the best college football teams in the country. Marching in from the other locker room come the al-Qaida All-Stars, the best football team international terrorism has to offer. Quarterbacked by Osama bin Laden, with Ayman al-Zawahiri as the featured wingman, the al-Qaida All-Stars line up to face the Sooners, with the future of international security riding on the outcome. Al-Qaida has agreed to turn in all weapons if the Sooners can beat them on the field, otherwise the U.S. military will have to beat them on the ground. What a great offer for the leaders of al-Qaida and the Taliban. Put down your weapons and your anthrax. Come settle things honestly on the field, with Mullah Omar and George W. Bush in full chearleading gear. This is how we solve things here in America. When Oklahoma has a problem with Texas, when we think they’re being arrogant or overbearing, we don’t hijack their Ford F-150’s or release vials of 24-hour flu into Austin. We do civilized things — beat their best football teams by large amounts of points and turn their players into 22 separate lumps of clay. Sure, some broken bones result, but it seems a small price to pay for conflict resolution. The Sooners will be at home this weekend to play Tulsa — a slightly less important game than the United States versus al-Qaida matchup. During the game, there will be no international incidents and no bombs thrown, save those junior quarterback Nate Hybl intends to throw. When OU wins, Sooner fans can go back to hating on Oklahoma State and vowing vengeance on Nebraska, all of which will take place on a football field. We are a peaceful Sooner nation, and al-Qaida should be, too. I hope al-Qaida accepts this offer to face the Sooners. We can play the game at a neutral site, give al-Qaida the home field, spot them a few men, two timeouts and, oh, say 650 points.
    posted at 03:21 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    We're taking over
     I found another Robyn blogger today! And she spells her name rYght!
    posted at 12:28 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Michelle, ma belle
     We've been watching TD #15 turn into TS Michelle all week with much amusement, since we're good friends with Michelle here in Tampa Bay. Looks like it's picking up steam though (almost at hurricane strength now), and the latest track has her taking a turn right towards the FL peninsula after she passes Cuba. It's NOVEMBER -- doesn't Michelle know it's a bit late in the year to be going through the hurricane checklist? Sheesh! I guess it's a good thing I just took out that flood policy on the house...
    posted at 12:07 PM | link--it | mail it | (2) shout it



    Sweet November
     Can you believe it's NOVEMBER?!? The end of Dress Contest submissions...the month of my birth...the week I start to completely panic because Thanksgiving dinner has to be cooked and on the table in three, count 'em, THREE weeks! Aaaack! But first, I sleep... Happy November everyone!
    posted at 12:43 AM | link--it | mail it | (3) shout it