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Beck: Rally meant to reclaim civil rights http://ping.fm/40VNu #

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House smells like Osso Bucco and garlic. Just like Grandma's, if your Grandma was from Sicily that is. #

Guess what I found in Orlando yesterday? Heirloom Tomatoes!! Yes, before you even ask, my Panzanetta was amazing. Caprese style even. #

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Waiting to be advised… everybody needs advice, right? (@ PSC – Lakeland Campus) http://4sq.com/cu0OIW #

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There are days when I know that I could be the ruler of all I see before me. Days when I can see forever in a beam of sunlight streaming down from a crisp, cloudless, almost-Fall sky. Days when I believe that I could fly high on the intoxicatingly cool breeze that gracefully stirs the rustling treetops.

And then there are the days when I am content to bask in the sun and nap in fits and starts as I consider all these things that I could do.

Some days I am taken aback by the limitless future I see.
And then there are the days when I am grateful just to be.

Today I am.

Thank you.

-gotta go, posting on the run!

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I'm at Flying J Truck Center. http://4sq.com/bC5BCw #

Yummy! Greek salad, hummus, and Gyro. (@ Hellas Greek Restaurant) http://4sq.com/9JSSPw #

@bshendr bob and I found a certain familiarity between TS & Gatlinburg. Only with sponges, and better food. in reply to bshendr #

I earned the Lone Wolf sticker on @GetGlue! http://bit.ly/9ZmgRO #

If you have been obsessing over someone you love recently, now… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

First time in 23 years that this is my first day of school too. Hope the other kids like me! #

The Situation To Make $5 Million This Year! http://ping.fm/utNQN #

Today's psychic Pisces Full Moon illuminates your 10th House o… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

You are totally confident that you can get your ideas across n… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

@lauradavis Yes, indeed we are. Now that's an interesting lifestyle story idea… young vs. old – same class, different perspectives. in reply to lauradavis #

A sudden change in the emotional climate at work could free yo… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

I'm at Starbucks (Oakbridge Pkwy, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/8PUFmp #

Your unleashed enthusiasm could have a major effect on your pa… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

I'm at Casa de Weiner w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

I'm at The Coal Mines (The Frontage Road, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/bDyYcf #

I'm at Winghouse (4515 South Florida Avenue, Alamo Dr, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/4oark2 #

@bshendr I'll be there around 630! in reply to bshendr #

I'm at Casa de Weiner (A Top Secret Location, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

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I'm at Casa de Weiner (A Top Secret Location, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

I'm at Sams Club (Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/76LvDA #

I'm at The Mall At Millenia (4200 Conroy Rd, At Millenia Blvd, Orlando) w/ 9 others. http://4sq.com/56rQOG #

I'm at Pinkberry (7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd, at Sand Lake Rd, Orlando) w/ 3 others. http://4sq.com/9Y0GI0 #

I'm at Casa de Weiner w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

Haven't mentioned how comfy our new 500 tc sheets are… but they certainly are that. #

Oh, and Beck, Palin… that fire @ mosque site in Murfreesboro? You own that. It's yours. You didn't strike the match but you lit the fire. #

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The idea of love may sound better than your current experience… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

@CocoHolder Puzzled- my hubby @bobweiner1's in Florida, Weinermobile is in driveway. Hmmmm. in reply to CocoHolder #

I earned the Addon Adhesive sticker on @GetGlue! http://bit.ly/bQsmgf #

This may be what I want for Christmas… yoo hoo, Santa! #LivescribePulseSmartpen4GBProPack http://bit.ly/a0EXJQ #

@LadyRetromodern yes… Indeed you should! in reply to LadyRetromodern #

I am watching Mad Men #MadMen http://bit.ly/9pNzLs #

I am watching Hitler's Bodyguard #HitlersBodyguard http://bit.ly/9hZMx8 #

I am using GetGlue.com, a social network for movies, tv shows, books and more. Sign up so we can share our favorites! http://bit.ly/aKjv6c #

Just installed @waze on my iPhone – it's a free navigation app with fun gaming & social elements! http://bit.ly/LkkkW #

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I'm at Casa de Weiner (A Top Secret Location, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

Tonight we did "low rent/low humidity" workout. 2 laps of Lakeland Mall & 5 min testing Sears Ellipticals in 30 min. #

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Working my Blog-Fu http://bit.ly/aLJwvh #

Installing windows 7 to @bobweiner1's lappy… Here goes nothing! #

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You may not feel very lighthearted today because you have so m… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

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@LadyRetromodern healthetrim… Still on it. It works really well. in reply to LadyRetromodern #

@tma my opinion on textbooks exactly. Oh, and my justification for my future iPad! in reply to tma #

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Free is a sign… also a signal… also usually a reason. #

Oh dear… did we find the Marley of French Bulldogs? We shall see. #

Under the heading of I don't believe it… puppy's overabundance of energy appears to have run out… for a few minutes anyway. #

Also under the heading of "I don't believe it" …"fine Christian Faith Healer" in Knoxpatch still calling me veiled names. #bitchplease #

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I'm at Walmart (8990 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando). http://4sq.com/4UowZh #

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I'm at Publix – Southgate (2515 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/9eJINb #

I'm at Casa de Weiner w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

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So, yeah, did I mention we’re crazy?  Okay, so did I mention that we’re suckers for a cute mashed furry face?  Yep… you knew that too.  So then none of you will be surprised that our family grew a little today.

Ariel

Yes, Ariel joined our happy tribe.  And, damn, I’d forgotten how much fun a puppy is.  Yes. puppy.  We just got Mabel to the well-adjusted adult dog stage, and now we have a 9 mo. old.

We are nuts.

She’s also a Frenchie.  She was free to a good home.  Her parents just wanted to make sure that somebody would love her like they did.  And so we are 5.

Did I mention she has a heart shaped fur patch on her rump?  So cute.  And she’s just a little girl.  Little for a Frenchie that is.

So we’ll see how this goes.  School, new dog, job searching.  Wow.

What are we thinking?

That love is a cold nose and a furry face.

Yeah.

Okay, so, contrary to what you see in this space most of the time, I actually used to be very active on here.

I know, shocking isn’t it?

But, yeah, this used to be my Therapist’s couch/Soapbox/Wailing Wall, and there was a time when even two days between posts was just unthinkable.

The Horror!

And now, sadly, such is not the case. Not because my life is any less interesting. Au contraire ma Cherie… But there’s just a lot I don’t talk about anymore. And then there’s the time factor. And then there’s the whole micro-blogging thing. And then … well, you get the picture, there’s a lot of reasons why I don’t, but the result is the same.

I don’t blog that much anymore. But I think I’m going to change that.

No, don’t expect me to start doing the dreaded product reviews, don’t think you’ll start seeing fashion tips, and for Jeebus’ sake I won’t be blogging about poo or babies. But I am feeling the need for an outlet, a place where I can talk about my life, current events, and things that make me go ARRRRGGGHHH. Because these days I’m going through some changes… okay, lots of changes, and those changes mean I need a place to talk. And maybe the feeling that somebody is listening, and maybe even feeling some of those same thoughts. Well, let me qualify that, somebody other than the mentally deranged – we share a lot of thoughts. And that’s not a good thing.

But anyway, that’s why I started blogging to begin with. To talk. To get viewpoints from people who aren’t just in my inner circle. To feel out my half-baked theories and see what the rest of the world believes. And I think it’s time to start doing that again. And I have. And I’ve just got to say that seeing the Statcounter numbers that show me you are reading those efforts? That’s making me feel good. No, that’s making me feel really good. Like maybe I shouldn’t have stopped doing this to begin with. Because maybe my bloggity blog blog therapy sessions were at least the written equivalent of that accident on the interstate for some of you. But, really, whatever your reasons are for reading my scribblings (or peckings, as the case may be), you do read. And that’s what I do this for.

Not the echo sound I get when I shout these thoughts down a well.

That’s not a good sound BTW. That echo. I heard that for a long time. And then you started reading. And then this became fun.

And, amazingly, after a hiatus, it’s fun again. Thanks. I appreciate you all… yes, even you, down there in the very front. You’re all my favorites!

You may be offered a tough choice today, especially if you are… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

Challah French Toast and Brown Sugar Bacon – Breakfast of a mixed Marriage! #

@Jess_Alyn And paired with Bacon Candy? Nothing better! in reply to Jess_Alyn #

I'm at Westfield Brandon Town Center Mall (459 Brandon Town Center Dr, Brandon) w/ 4 others. http://4sq.com/7tmgGh #

I'm at Sweet Tomatoes (10017 East Adamo Drive, Brandon). http://4sq.com/9cuidb #

I'm at Target (3570 Harden Blvd, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/dgztro #

I just became the mayor of Burger King on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/dzyqmT #

I am watching True Blood #TrueBlood http://bit.ly/9hzIE7 #

I'm watching True Blood (via @gomiso) http://miso.io/8ZVWUV #

I am watching Mad Men #MadMen http://bit.ly/9pNzLs #

I'm watching Mad Men (via @gomiso) http://miso.io/909lLr #

Your schedule could fall apart today because you attempted to … More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

Just did something really scary- reapplied to college after 20 plus years out. OMG! Oldest Freshman ever? #

I'm at Casa de Weiner (A Top Secret Location, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

@Jess_Alyn getglue does music, books, tv& movies in reply to Jess_Alyn #

You may run into a problem with someone who has your feelings … More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

So if who you are as a person is demonstrated through what you do with the things that happen to you then I must be a freakin' Superhero. #

Which is cool, but only if I get to pick out my own cape. And I want a shiny one – just so you know. #

And on that note – happy Tuesday!!! Now I've got to go save the day, or eat some chocolate, those are interchangable. #

Huge plus to whole "going back to school" thing? I get a nifty new backpack AND a matching pencil box. #iheartschoolsupplies #

Amazing how one person can tear apart an entire good mood. #boyimgladshesnotmyneighbor #

How do you know when someone has asked you a question … — You usually get an email notification telling you that… http://4ms.me/9QHqKl #

Just making sure you are OK – heard on the news that a… — I'm fine… and Bob has never been brave enough to do … http://4ms.me/d08oQn #

I almost wonder if you & Bob live in the same house.Yo… — Yes, we do really live together. I know, amazing. But… http://4ms.me/a6dAmT #

Well haven't you opened up a can of worms with your "g… — Nope, still working, but I am seeking something that w… http://4ms.me/92g012 #

@dealsplus Just grabbed up 6 of those tee shirts from Kohls!!! Thanks for the tweet! in reply to dealsplus #

I'm at Casa de Weiner w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

Just set up Seesmic Web, think I like it better than the desktop app. Is pretty cool! #

I'm feeling the need to cook something yummy this weekend. Suggestions? Did I hear Osso Bucco? Yes, that might be just the thing. #

You might be tempted to sneak out for some fun today, instead … More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

So, how much do you really intend to sell if your Inside Salesperson is only making $22000 a year with no commission? Good luck w/that! #

Dear Employers, Does bad economy + high unemployment = wage exploitation for you? Really? Because that's what it looks like from here. #

I'm at Pizza Hut w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/8xofcL #

I'm at Chili's Grill & Bar (3750 Lakeside Village Court, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/dmBiIh #

Save me, somebody, anybody, please? #HitlersBodyguard http://bit.ly/9hZMx8 #

Things I learn fm TV: Hitler had "colossal flatulence", because a case of farts not important enough? #

@chrissyweiner you know your dad would love that thing! in reply to chrissyweiner #

It's difficult for you not to turn each molehill into an insur… More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

BBC News – US school road marking spelled wrongly http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-10936604 #

Okay, that was a little bit of a letdown. But, you know, my best trait is the unwillingness to give up. Yep, that's me. #rubberbandgirl #

On a good note – I am qualified for Financial Aid!!! You should all be pleased that finally your tax dollars are going to a good cause – ME! #

@RussM Now seriously… would you ever consider me to be Sorority material? LOLOL in reply to RussM #

I GOT ACCEPTED!!!!!! Yes, it's Polk State, but still, I GOT ACCEPTED!!!!!! #

@RussM And I am so all about the experimentation… got it covered!!! in reply to RussM #

I'm at PSC – Lakeland Campus (3425 Winter Lake Rd, Bartow Hwy, Lakeland). http://4sq.com/cu0OIW #

Got my 2 classes- one online, one at night- now I'm waiting for the folks at Financial Aid. Feel very old. #

Something new since I've been doing this gig- Digital textbooks. But is it Kindle version? Or BN e-reader? #

@Jess_Alyn @ psc don't think I could hit an adult with a rock in any direction. in reply to Jess_Alyn #

@Jess_Alyn dang… I have both of those… NOT! #notfittinginverywell in reply to Jess_Alyn #

I'm at Southwest Middle School w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/ckVKVC #

I'm at Peking House (2411 South Florida Ave, Oak Dr., Lakeland). http://4sq.com/aXiWEd #

The smartest way to get in step with your world now is to let … More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

You know Twitter, I hate those people suggestions on Facebook, I'm not feeling any different abt them on you either. Make that stop soon? #

"Hey! You're not Santa! You smell like…" gasoline! Yes, Buddy the Elf, you are indeed correct! http://bit.ly/d9Qw9b #

I am that girl http://bit.ly/9rrQAN #

Did they include pork chops? http://bit.ly/9DCZMP #

Step 2, the shopping http://bit.ly/ayMJia #

I'm at Casa de Weiner w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

What a nice bloggity blog blog night… felt good to let the words flow again. Yeah, I can do this thing. #

Today can offer you a bit of respite from a rather tumultuous … More for Gemini http://twittascope.com/?sign=3 #

Where can you buy a snooze alarm for your Body Clock? Because I really really need one. #

Country Ham, Gouda Cheese, and Bacon Grits… That's what's for breakfast at my house, how about yours? #

So how long exactly has it been since we cleaned out this office? 3 years? Damn! #

I'm at Casa de Weiner w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/7rdErO #

I'm at International Plaza & Bay Street (2223 North West Shore Blvd, at Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa) w/ 7 others. http://4sq.com/6cpVwT #

I'm at Hamburger Mary's w/ @bobweiner1. http://4sq.com/78coF2 #

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But I sure wish we didn’t.

Which answer?  Oh several.

To quite a few different things I’ve been wondering about.  Not that I wanted to read these answers in the paper, along with the rest of the people in the world who’d like to cause mayhem in our country.  But I did.  So did they.  And I’m telling you, right now that butt-load of tax dollars that we’ve spent on two extremely important areas of our lives – Homeland Security & Education- are making those bank bailouts look like the investment of a lifetime.

And before you get started on my math skills, you can just STFU because buttload is too a number, and besides, I’m too busy being creative to take the time to count all the zeros in the actual amounts.

But I digress.  Today kiddies, in one news story, both of those aforementioned government programs are now shown to be the Epic Fail of our lifetimes.

Major epic, actually.

Yeah, I’m talking about the three kids from Jacksonville who decided that their Summer didn’t have enough fun in it.  So while Mom & Dad were hard at work these  three managed to pack suitcases, take a taxi to the airport, buy plane tickets, get past countless adults who are supposedly in charge (including the much-vaunted TSA), and fly to Nashville, Tennessee…

TO VISIT DOLLYWOOD!!!

With $40.00

Wow.  Just wow.  This whole story illustrates failure on so many levels that it should be taught in school all by itself.  Reading & Math so you know how much it costs for three kids to get into Dollywood.  And, of course, Geography – so you know where to fly into in order to reach your goal.

And now we know the answer to W’s question from back in ‘double naught…

“…rarely is the question asked: is our children learning?”

Because tonight we know.  In Geography and Math? Not so much.  But in ingenuity? Well, at this point I’d say they all get an A+.  And much more important than the Geography and Math fail that they confirmed, is the huge gaping hole in our airport security that these three intrepid young explorers just showed the entire world.  Yeah.  Our much touted airport security system?  Well apparently it only works well if your name is Makmoud Ahmadinajad, or you’re wearing tennis shoes filled up with explosives. But if you’re three punk kids- ages 15, 13, and 11- with no discernable ability to read maps or count but one hell of a lot of chutzpah?  Oh, you can manage to get themselves to an airport and on a plane with nothing but cash and a couple of cell phones.  And that’s where we all need to ask ourselves this question tonight.

How safe are we exactly?

Um, not so much.

So, I think here’s where we need to propose a “No Government Left Behind” program.  Because, clearly,  ours hasn’t learned much at all since 2001.  But the same cannot be said for our kids.  They may not be able to find Dollywood on a map, even if you spot them the state it sits in.  But if you give them too much vacation from school, way too damned much money in their Piggy Banks, and not enough supervision, then they’ll sure as hell find some trouble.

Yeah.

Mom?  Dad?  Are you awake?  Are you reading this?  Because clearly there are lots of you out there who are asleep at the parenting wheel.  Because the kids are not safe.  They are not alright.

And after this, neither are we.

So, yeah, got my classes registered. That’s different these days. You know, because the last time I did this college gig Al Gore was still too busy poppin’ his collar and polishing his Raybans and he hadn’t quite had the time to hook up all those tubes we call the Internet. So, yeah, registration was a whole bunch different back when we did it on The Oregon Trail.
But anyway, got my 2 classes. Renting my books if I can’t suss them out at Used Book Store. Getting my Student ID in a week. And today? Oh this was the cherry on top!
I bought my completely matching and coordinated school supplies.

Yes. They all coordinate. With my bookbag.
Somehow I’m beginning to think you can take the girl out of fourth grade loserdom, but you’ll never take fourth grade loserdom out of the girl. So, this means I’ll be sitting alone at Recess again.

Hope they have a chair that matches!

-gotta go, posting on the run!