Ramblings of a Redhead

Mercury Retrograde

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:27:18 GMT

Well, not according to astronomers/astrologers and other such people, but the way things have been going on lately, it may as well be. I'd go into greater detail here...but my dearest lady love mizuki_hana2 has already done a good job chronicling the ups and downs (mostly downs) of our life, recently. Besides I'm lazy. <g>

Mostly this post is to let y'all know that I'm still here, alive and, for the most part, well.

And I'm reading your posts, so watch out. (Teeheeheeheehee...)

Zeb Olsen showcases Google's Wonder Wheel

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:52:48 GMT

This looks pretty cool!

For Mith, for Yule

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:00:33 GMT

Behold the fruits of Thy Name!

And yes, this is retaliation for musically landing yourself in that "special Hell." Now, go forth and love the snark. Love it, I say!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, mithrigil sent to me...

Twelve bastards drumming

Eleven consequences

Ten plot restrictions

Nine tropes a-dancing

Eight assholes milking

Seven bunnies swimming

Six repercussions

Five assle-e-e-ess chaps

Four Wartenberg wheels

Three Cadbury eggs

Two chainmail bikinis

...and a berserker in a controversy.

Do-Nothing Day

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:23:19 GMT

It's gotta be the stress.

Yesterday we held Thanksgiving at Mom's House. Normally, this would be a happy time. This year, however, the tension was so think you could cut it with a dull knife — or even a spoon! — and serve it up as Jello™. Nene's kitcheon witchery gets all funkified when there are negative feelings floating around. Thank Goddess we had C4 with us; his presence prolly prevented a poisoning! As it was, the cranberry chutney was a little too tangy, and the turkey meat not quite as juicy as in past years. (We brine our bird, so even the white meat comes out tender & juicy. Yummage!)

To top it off, Mom decided to drive us all home as soon as the table was all cleaned up, and the dishes squaared away. "Drive us all home" meant fitting five adults & one toddler into a 4.5-person sub-compact. C4 sat on my lap, in the worst place a body can be: the middle back seat. Ugh! We [Nene & I] could have taken the train home, and Mom gone back & driven C4, Katydid, & Grandmere to our house. But it would have been "a waste of time and gas" for her to do so. *growl*

So now we, everyone not my Mom, are taking a Do-Nothing Day Off to decompress & chill out. I needs must return on Saturday to the Hellhole of Stress to finish raking leaves. Because that's what sons who give their mothers grandkids are for, don't ya know. Hard labour.

OTOH Nene's giblet gravy is made of WIN!

UPDATE: 1714 EST – Sat, 28 Nov. Back home from Mom's. Pleasant enough. She left me alone while I worked in the yard, and she left me alone to grade papers and pay bills. For the first time ever, in my life, I used those 30 gallon lawn & leaf bags. I'm actually impressed; they can hold quite a lot, if you make sure to compress the leaves regularly. I still much prefer simply raking the leaves across the yard, despite the great length of time this takes. I burn more calories that way. :-)

C4's downstairs waiting for Grandmère to finish watching her show so he can get back on the PS2. The Kingdom Hearts series is his current addiction (again). Nene is somewhere past the Gates of Horn and Ivory. Datydid is sitting with Grandmère boobin' the tube. All is as well as can be hoped.

Worried

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:08:02 GMT

Mistress was supposed to have picked up Gnome at c.1400. She never came. She called at 1720; she'd been unconscious under one of her cars she was repairing. Best guess: Sugar coma. She's diabetic (among other things...) Said she'd call back from hospital when she knows more.

Still no word.

Her kids are fine; every one accounted for and staying with relatives. Mostly their respective fathers. Please send prayers, positive energy, etc. her way.

Gommen Nasaimashou

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:53:39 GMT

I'm sorry, love. It's sometimes hard to hear the Truth of it when you say how much you love me. Sometimes it sounds rote; as though "I love you" is just a phrase one says to one's SO. I know it's not; that you really do love me. No holds barred, all the way to the Moon & back again.

Y'know that old cliché? "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"? Well it's true. I do miss you. Yes, it's nice to have a quiet vacation from all the chaos that comes with a family. What parent doesn't want that from time to time, eh? That doesn't mean I love my family &mdash particularly you, Mizuki, my loving wife — any less.

But back to Mistress's comment.

I simply found it refreshing to hear "I love you for being you, Gaer" from someone else. That's all. Nothing more.

And y'know what? In the immortal words of Fred Rogers: "You're special, and I [love] you just for being you."

It's Nice to Be Reminded

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:01:59 GMT

Mizuki's had a bad time, lately, fighting a deep depression. She sees herself only as a "fat lump unworthy of anyone's love." An image she projects with greater and greater skill; 'til it's almost become reality. From my perspective, she's either sleeping, or she's on the computer blogging or playing games (or doing both) in order to, as she says, "Accomplish something. If I can't do it in the real world, at least I can do it here."

I so rarely see her, my Nene; the warm & cuddlesome woman I fell in love with. I miss her so.

Thus it came as some surprise to me when Mistress S. complimented me by saying, "Y'know that's the thing about you, Gaer — you're one of those rare people. You have so many sides to you.".

Asked what she meant, she went on about the fact that I know when she's being serious or simply venting. How I'm willing to be patient and listen. There's the White Knight part of me, the gentleman, the husband, the father, the lover, et cetera. All parts of a whole and all of them complimentary. In short, I'm a Good Friend.

And it wrought me to my core. I hadn't been told I was...treasured for so looong.

*weepy tears*

It's nice to be reminded.

Writer's Block: Play it again, Sam

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:17:02 GMT

If you could only listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?

Submitted By lexxyloser

View Answers

Sweeny Todd. The original Broadway cast. I sing "Pretty Women while shaving. Seriously! Über props to Johny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman — and to Tim Burton for including Sondheim's music & lyrics — but no one equals Len Carou & Angela Landsbury. No one.

A Pittance of Time

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:15:55 GMT

Gacked from morilith:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MITH!!!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:24:00 GMT

Today, mithrigil is a year older & more awexome!

And since LJ doesn't allot enough space for it…

Music: Overture to Der fliegende Holländer by Richard Wagner

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:32:29 GMT

Various Memes from Blogthings:

You Are ScooterBrainy and knowledgeable, you are the perfect sidekick. You're always willing to lend a helping hand. In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going. "15 seconds to showtime!" [It's true, it's true! Oh, Dear Goddess, it's so, so true!]

The Muppet Personality Test

Your Autumn Sense is TouchYou are a very tactile, physical person. Your favorite fall activities revolve around doing something. Whether you're going for a hike, cooking Thanksgiving dinner, or decorating for Halloween, you like to keep moving.

You like the feel of crisp fall air as well as you like the feel of a roaring fire at night. You like invigorating mornings, perfect afternoons, and cozy nights. Whatever feeling fall brings to you, you embrace.

What's Your Autumn Sense?

You Are Warm Apple CiderYou love to feel warm and full. You love all the small comforts that come with fall. Unlike most people, you are as active in fall as you are in the summer. You just make sure and keep warm.

For you, fall is the perfect time of year to visit cafes or go for long walks. The season makes you feel energized. You love the bustle of everyone being back from the summer vacation and back to work.

What Autumn Smell Are You?

You Are DumplingsYou are cute, polite, and considerate. You are well known for your generosity, and you truly love to share. You have a real style and presence about you. You know how to take the simplest thing and make it look chic.

You tend to order carefully and conservatively off the menu of life. Simplicity is your motto, and you don't like to take on too much at once. You are the type of person who does one thing at a time, really immersing yourself in the moment. You detest multitasking. [Gaer: Amen!]

What Kind of Chinese Food Are You?
Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

This Is Why You Wait 'Til You're Absolutely Certain the Kids are Asleep

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:42:48 GMT

From Something Positive by R.K. Milholland:

Opportunities
Moments of Doubt

Jason, you fool. As a father myself, I'm proud of you, man. But you poor, poor fool...

Warning: Angry Rant, Ahead

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:41:04 GMT

THAT FUCKING ARROGANT, SELF-RIGHTEOUS BASTARD!!!!!!!

I AM SICK TO DEATH OF HIS POSTURING. I AM SICK TO DEATH OF HIS IDIOCY. I AM SICK TO DEATH OF HIS DEMANDING HIS "RIGHT" TO MY GNOME!!! GET THIS TROUGH YOUR THICK SKULL, YOU CRETANOUS NEANDERTHAL: HE IS MY SON!!! I CHANGE HIS DIAPERS. I TUCK HIM IN AT NIGHT. I HOLD HIM WHEN HE'S SCARED. WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU DO? YOU PAY $80.00 IN CHILD SUPPORT EVERY TWO WEEKS FOR THE PRIVILEGE TO SPEND A WEEKEND WITH MY GNOME EVERY FORTNIGHT. BIG FUCKING WHOOP.

GODDESS FORGIVE ME, BUT I WANT HIS JOINT CUSTODY REVOKED, AND I WANT TO FORMALLY ADOPT THE GNOME AS MY LEGAL SON. AND IT SHALL HAPPEN, I PROMISE YOU THAT, YOU PIG-FUCKING, REDNECK ASSHOLE! IT MOST DEFINITELY SHALL...

Ewww

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:29:38 GMT

Memeage and Stuff

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:38:55 GMT

You Are a Pumpkin Latte
You are a total homebody. You love the fall because it gives you an excuse to stay home a little more often and be cozy.
Fall is your favorite time to cook a pie, read a good book, or watch your favorite movie. You're the type who prefers handing out candy at Halloween and hosting Thanksgiving at your place. You have a lot of different autumn activities, and they all take place inside the comfort of your home.

What Autumn Drink Are You?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones

Top Commenters on gaerfindel's LiveJournal
(Self and anonymous comments excluded from rankings)

1	mitsuki_chi	38
2	bijili	34
3	pinzowandrea	26
4	mizuki_hana2	23
5	wylddelirium	20
6	findingjes	14
7	gipsy_dreamer	14
8	petiteamazon	14
9	demongrrrrl	13
10	mithrigil	10

_______________
Report generated 10/13/2009 9:47:35 PM by scrapdog's LJ Comment Stats Wizard 1.7

Love Meme

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:33:21 GMT

So there's this love meme going around...

Tarot Bandwagon

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:16:45 GMT

You are the Hanged Man

Self-sacrifice, Sacrifice, Devotion, Bound.

With the Hanged man there is often a sense of fatalism, waiting for something to happen. Or a fear of loss from a situation, rather than gain.
The Hanged Man is perhaps the most fascinating card in the deck. It reflects the story of Odin who offered himself as a sacrifice in order to gain knowledge. Hanging from the world tree, wounded by a spear, given no bread or mead, he hung for nine days. On the last day, he saw on the ground runes that had fallen from the tree, understood their meaning, and, coming down, scooped them up for his own. All knowledge is to be found in these runes.
The Hanged Man, in similar fashion, is a card about suspension, not life or death. It signifies selflessness, sacrifice and prophecy. You make yourself vulnerable and in doing so, gain illumination. You see the world differently, with almost mystical insights.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Weekend Update...Or Something

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:32:55 GMT

As has become usual, spent the day with the kidlets at Grandma's House; aka the Weekly Laundry Run. Also got to spend time with my Bro, trying to jury rig a way to allow Mom to connect her cable box to her DVD/VCR (which we did) and figure a way to boost the wireless signal to her computer (which we didn't). Due to the latter, no blogging or surfing yesterday. Fail.

Knight Rider

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:25:06 GMT

Do You Want to Date My Avatar?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:19:22 GMT

Lost a friend today

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:35:00 GMT

Lost him to juvenile bullshit.

*Glares directly at kittysroar*

Where in SciFi do you fir?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:53:11 GMT

You Scored as Babylon 5 (Babylon 5)

The universe is erupting into war and your government picks the wrong side. How much worse could things get? It doesnâ€™t matter, because no matter what you have your friends and you'll do the right thing. In the end that will be all that matters. Now if only the Psi Cops would leave you alone.

Babylon 5 (Babylon 5)

100%

Moya (Farscape)

100%

Heart of Gold (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

94%

Serenity (Firefly)

94%

Nebuchadnezzar (The Matrix)

88%

Deep Space Nine (Star Trek)

69%

SG-1 (Stargate)

63%

Galactica (Battlestar: Galactica)

63%

Enterprise D (Star Trek)

56%

FBI's X-Files Division (The X-Files)

50%

Millennium Falcon (Star Wars)

44%

Bebop (Cowboy Bebop)

44%

Andromeda Ascendant (Andromeda)

44%

My..."Adorable" Children

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:23:41 GMT

..are acting spooty.

Katydid seems afraid of her bed. This is understandable, since the POS is breaking down as the speed of rotting compost. Thus 'tis easier for her to roll over and either fall off her bed or, worse yet, fall into the space between her bed & the Gnome's. As with this morning. *sigh*

And they're whining. Why, I can't figure, but I've lost all tolerance for it. No yelling or screaming, this time, though. Just "house arrest" — or more accurately, bedroom arrest.

Good News! (Sort Of)

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:47:41 GMT

Thanks to the week-long sleep-deprived EEG, back in August, we now know the origin point(s) of my seizures! w00t w00t! "Bilateral frontal lobe" *mdash; The seizures originate in the frontal lobes, and there's no detectable difference between the two hemispheres. This is such good news; now we can tailor my meds to fit the location. Phew!

And speaking of meds, I spoke to my neuro about the Kepprage. Since I don't suffer much in the way of side-effects from Lexapro™ or Trileptal™, he's upping the dosages of those and dropping the Keppra™ down to zero over the coming month. (Well, okay, my blood sodium level *does* drop as the Trileptal™ increases. So I just eat saltier foods.) No more Kepprage, whoohoo!

x-posted to epileptics

Morning Glory...Not

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:33:32 GMT

Mizuki, for reasons I've yet to comprehend, decided to take the kids this morning. While I am grateful for the time to sleep in, I'm...well, worried. I woke to Mizuki screaming at one or both of the kids. She's not used to "dealing" this early in the morning. Send her love & hugs.

On a semi-related note: Neurologist appointment today. Praying he & I can figure out something that will control these blasted seizures!