Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-01T14:01:24-04:00
Huh, I didn't even know there were codes! Then again, I don't have a smartphone to play the app game, so it doesn't really change anything.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-02T06:18:01-04:00
Morning kittens! I had a real chill weekend. No festivals and such so I just stayed at home and caught up on sleep. I did manage to watch "Battle of the Sexes" last Friday. Very good movie. I love Steve Carell in most anything he does.
I think we have another company holiday coming up. I'm going to check with my boss and if so, I will be enjoying a 3 day weekend. Which is great since I have the Art on the Avenue craft festival and the State Department book fair. Both are my favorite things to attend (outside of BaKhan's Halloween party, of course) during the year so I'm really looking forward to this.
I think we've officially entered fall weather. I've had to use the space heater a bit, otherwise it was rather chilly in my apartment.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-02T07:06:59-04:00
@BaKhan: How did you and the Mrs. like the movie "IT"?
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-02T08:36:51-04:00
Morning kittens!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-02T08:38:00-04:00
@LZ, I hope that you can do that upgrading education while still being able to hold your position, I can't imagine it would be easy to support your family whilst going to school! It is exciting though!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-02T08:41:26-04:00
@Geist, we really enjoyed IT! I thought that they did a really good job with the kids part of the story, I can't wait for the second part! Lots of really good super creepy scary parts, I loved how they did the bathroom scene... ;) I'm glad that you enjoyed Battle of the sexes! I too am a big Steve Carrel fan, it took me a long time to appreciate "the office" but it was him that won me over. ;) I think that we're going to be waiting till rental for that one though. So many things happening, and not enough time to do it all! ;)
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-02T10:16:26-04:00
@BaKhan: I hear ya. I rented Passengers and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and I thought both were merely "meh". I just cannot "get" GotG. It's ok but I don't see how this movie franchise keeps brining in big bank at the box office.
@Geist: Because of the comic industry. People love their super heroes, and GotG ties into a bunch of the other Marvel comics quite regularly.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-02T11:18:34-04:00
@Geist, I actually like GotG2... I thought it was fun, and I like that type of movie, just enough plot to make me pay attention, not so much going on that I have to try and think about it. Theres a balance there for sure. Sometimes, I just want to watch something, and not keep tabs. I think thats why I like it, and well: fun. ;)
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-02T12:34:38-04:00
@BaKhan: I felt that way about the Kingsmen sequel. Kept me entertained when I needed to get lost from the real world for awhile.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-02T13:15:31-04:00
It's confirmed. I get this coming Monday off. Woot! That will give me time to rest up from the festival and book sale. Then after that, Kitten Con 2!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-02T13:30:36-04:00
@Geist, its just like you're getting Canadian Thanksgiving too! Huzzah!
@Geist: I just got confirmation that I have next Mon-Thur off. I have to work on Friday, but that's because my manager already had the day booked off for an exam she has to take.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-02T13:52:43-04:00
Morning, all!
BaKhan, I'm really hoping to be able to work while going back to school. It'll be stressful, but I think I can do it.
I got a blister yesterday from working on my Halloween costume. That made me nervouse about continuing, but the blister is gone today, so I can press on!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-02T14:27:12-04:00
@LZ: What are you doing that is causing a blister? The only thing I could think of is sewing something together
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-02T14:35:11-04:00
@BaKhan & GM: What traditions do you have with your Thanksgiving? Do you have turkey with all the trimmings? I figure that the reasons you celebrate it are different from ours.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-02T14:36:34-04:00
@LZ, Well, good luck bro! I know that you can do it!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-02T14:41:18-04:00
@Geist, Our thanksgiving actually comes from you guys. Prior to 1812, Canada was mostly peopled with folks from the United states, in fact Canada didn't have much of a national identity until Yorktown (Toronto) was attacked by the US army. After that, everyone kinda pulled together and the result was Canada (very basic, and simplified version). Funny thing is, if they wouldn't have blown up Fort York, Canada would probably be a part of the US today! ;) So where that was all going was, its the same celebration, with the same brouhaha, just earlier so that we can still feel somewhat thankful rather than, you know, just frozen. ;)
@Geist: Turkey with all the trimmings most years, sometimes we have ham. As for the reason...pretty much giving thanks for everything we have(and spend time with family) is how we do it in my family.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-02T14:46:34-04:00
Good to hear that about the Kingsmen sequel. I'm going to be seeing that probably sometime this week, and I'll be needing an escape from reality.
`
LZ, It'll be really stressful, but that's what we're here for! ;)
I know you can do it. It's going to take some work, but it'll be well worth it in the end.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-02T14:49:49-04:00
Aaand the week's already off to a blazing start. For the first time in maybe 2 years, I forgot to set an alarm, but somehow, luckily, I woke up just as my first class was starting, so I was able to get there halfway through, which still counts. Unfortunately, it also means I had no breakfast, and now because of having to meet with a professor for a German oral exam, I won't get to until 3:30-ish.
`
So... yeah, just think of the lyrics to Mr. Fahrenheit and that's how my day is going... while I sit and watch it all blazing around like a ferret on LSD and try not to fall behind.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-02T14:51:49-04:00
My costume is a vampiric knight. I made the chainmail shirt several years ago. Now I'm working on the coif.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-02T15:41:03-04:00
Ooh, working on chainmail? That's awesome. And yeah, it really hurts your fingers!
My older brothers used to be really into it, so I know a bit about it, and from the little I messed with it, I know how important the tools are to your fingers. No matter how tough you think you are, chances are you're not literally iron/steel-hard.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-03T08:36:36-04:00
Morning kittens!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-03T08:37:39-04:00
@LZ, that sounds awesome man! Certainly worth a blister! ;)
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-03T09:19:52-04:00
Morning kittens. Tom Petty has passed away. Damn. I'm gonna miss him.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-03T09:25:42-04:00
Noooooooooo! Ah damn! He was one of my true music heros! I never took the chance to see him, and now I never will. He was 50% of why I wanted to learn guitar, and write songs. What a loss!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-03T10:13:19-04:00
@BaKhan: He had a massive stroke and never recovered. Seems like half of my childhood music idols are dropping like flies. I was expecting them to live as long as my grandmother and she is 91.
@Geist, I know exactly what you mean, except that its probably much more than half for me, and it all started with Freddy Mercury for me. This whole getting older whilst people die all around you thing, is getting old! Its not fair, and to be entirely childish.... waaaah!
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-03T13:41:32-04:00
I agree. I dread the day when I see the headlines about my favoritest musicians passing. They're getting up there in age; and some have partied pretty hard in the past.
In other news, my office feels like a refrigerator today. It was alright at first, but it's getting less and less pleasant.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-03T16:12:15-04:00
Well, don't worry about Ozzy and Jagger and a couple others, they accidentally embalmed themselves with drugs, so they'll probably live forever, or at least 2 or 3 millennia.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-04T06:29:15-04:00
Morning kittens. Sorry I couldn't post much yesterday. Month end close and a payment run coming up this Friday. This three day weekend can't get here fast enough.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-04T06:32:07-04:00
@LZ: the environment on my floor (no one has a private office. Not even the partners) has been pretty nice. I purchased a short sleeved sweater a week ago and it's enough for right now. Will need to think about getting some warmer jammies now that the temps in my apartment are dropping.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-04T08:45:59-04:00
Morning kittens,.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-04T09:42:15-04:00
Wow, it's actually chilly this morning! I hate it when it's cold in the mornings, which unfortunately is pretty normal. The only time I ever don't like cold is when I'm tired, especially just after waking up. I'll appreciate it again in a couple hours.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-04T10:01:00-04:00
@Zem, lol, the only time I hate it when its cold, is all the times... ;p
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-04T12:06:04-04:00
I downloaded a hot chocolate/red velvet hot chocolate recipe. I think I'll make a batch of that so I'm all set for winter.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-04T15:23:41-04:00
Haha, BaKhan. Well, until one of us figures out our weather-teleporter, I guess we're stuck with what we have! ;)
`
Red velvet hot chocolate?! Dang, that sounds delicious!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-04T16:08:14-04:00
Ok, hold on a minute here... having made red velvet cake a couple few times... its just chocolate cake, with red food colouring, seriously, thats it. So how would red velvet hot chocolate be any different than regular hot chocolate other than being red?
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-04T20:19:14-04:00
You add way the hell more butter/shortening. Also cream cheese icing.
Wait... now that I put it like that... nope, yeah, that should taste amazing!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-05T02:49:58-04:00
Morning kittens. 13 straight hours yesterday and only 8 of those I earn a wage. I'm now 3 hours past the minimum hours I will need to turn in my time card and I actually had an event to go to. *sigh* Before the year is out, I will have a plan to get out of this profession.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-05T02:57:50-04:00
@BaKhan: I looked back at what I downloaded and you were right. It is colored with red food coloring powder. I've never made red velvet before and looking at this, I wonder why some people like it over regular chocolate. Below is the recipe that I got from "The Flavor Bender" website (by way of Pintrest)
Super Chocolately Hot Chocolate Mix and Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Mix
Author: Dini from The Flavor Bender
Makes/ Serves: 2 .5 cups of hot chocolate mix
What you need:
3.5 oz 70% good quality chocolate
¼ cup plus 2 tbsp Valhorna cocoa powder
¾ cup - 1 cup white sugar (I add about ¾ to keep it less sweet)
¼ cup cornstarch (cornflour)
½ tbsp cinnamon
½ tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp (3 tsp) red food coloring powder (for red velvet mix)
Method
1. Grate the chocolate and transfer it to a food processor.
2. Add the cocoa powder, white sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and food coloring (if you're making red velvet) and process until you get a fine powder.
3. Store the hot chocolate mix in an air-tight, dry bottle/jar.
To make Hot Chocolate
1. Heat 1 cup of milk.
2. Add 2 - 3 tbsp of hot chocolate mix and stir briskly to mix.
To make a frothy Hot Chocolate
1. Place 1 cup of hot chocolate in a small saucepan. Add 2 - 3 tbsp hot chocolate mix and heat the mixture while stirring, until completely dissolved and the drink is nice and hot.
2. Place the hot chocolate mixture in a sealable bottle OR in a small french press.
3. Shake the bottle until the milk is frothy, or use the french press by moving the depressor up and down vigorously to froth the milk.
4. Pour into a mug, top with marshmallow and serve. Enjoy!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-05T06:37:49-04:00
@BaKhan: I just took a look at the flight schedule that I sent you a few week ago. The airline changed the flight times and I only looked at the times that I would be arriving, not the time I would be leaving. I'll see if I can change that. Worse case, you could drop me off at the airport at 8 pm. That would give me plenty of time to check in and get some reading in.
(I don't travel places without a book or two)
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-05T09:19:15-04:00
@Geist, yeah thats what I thought. Had a good chuckle at Zems comment about the more shortening/butter, and I thought, nope!... But again, I just made a red velvet and a chocolate stout cake for my sister in law's wedding so the recipes are still fresh in my mind. I don't believe I've heard of powdered food coloring before either tbh.
As per the flights, no worries, I think for international they ask for 3 hours ahead anyways, so either way, we'll get you there! But that would mean, around 8 or 9pm on the 29th right?
@Geist: I'm the same way when it comes to traveling, I always have at least one book. Even during the week when I go to and from work I always have a book with me.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-05T13:09:57-04:00
Morning all! I'm having a super busy week. I just thought I'd check in real quick.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-05T13:20:04-04:00
Howdy LZ! I know how it is. I'm going though month end close for the rest of the week.
On another note, I read an article in the paper yesterday that Black Friday is slowly losing it's popularity because consumers are now use to getting deals during the year. While I'm glad that there are less people willing to trample others just to get an appliance or TV, I'm guessing that kind of madness doesn't happen in Canada because the temps in winter would prevent someone from camping outside for weeks just for an electronic. No matter how cheap.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-05T14:18:54-04:00
@Geist, you'd be surprised! As Black Friday is a relatively new thing up here (only the last 10 years or so, picking up speed every year) people are getting crazier as it goes. Lining up for hours prior to open, and a few hard cores bringing chairs and blankets and such to wait it out overnight. Honestly, the more time goes on, the distinction between Canadian and American behavior is being lost. I would say theres much less difference now, than there ever was. Less people, less guns, public health care, those are the primary differences now.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-05T15:24:21-04:00
Wow it's raining today! I mean, I haven't seen much, I've been lucky, but apparently, even though it's only 2:21, we've broken the record for rain today! (specifically for Oct. 5, but it's still a record.)
We've had 1.15 in. as of just before 2pm, and the record was 0.89 from 1908. In general, for the first time in a long time now, we're actually above the average Year To Date, so wow, we're actually not slowly becoming a desert! The droughts have been hitting Nebraska as well.
`
The main thing is that it's going to rain all day today and tomorrow, so yeah... it's a wet one.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-05T15:32:14-04:00
Speaking of which... okay, now it's picked up. I can definitely see how we've gotten that much rain already. Come to think of it, I think this is the most rain we've gotten all year. So... yeah, glad I don't have many classes today to go to!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-05T15:39:22-04:00
@BaKhan: Don't forget butter tarts! We don't have those. And you maple syrup is top notch. ;-)
Ah the American influence. I find that odd only because as a person of color and female, I belong to a group that experiences the darker side (no pun intended) of US culture than most.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-05T15:43:29-04:00
The last time I worked retail, on Black Friday, I was scheduled to come in at 6 a.m. to work in the jewelry department. At 10 a.m. the store was empty. When I speculated out loud as to why we are all standing around with nothing to do, someone quipped "They are all at Best Buy".
Makes sense. I guess a TV is more interesting than body decorations even if they are 60 to 70% off.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-05T16:00:23-04:00
Okay, so I just got off the phone with an academic advisor. She told me that I don't need a Master's if my end goal is a PhD. The awesome thing about the PhD program is there's no tuition; they'd pay me to go to school. The downside is that they wouldn't want me to work. At all...
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-05T16:18:25-04:00
Wow, that is a tradeoff, and kinda defeats the purpose, at least for the meantime.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-05T17:11:32-04:00
Yeah, I'm going to see if the clinic is willing to work with me at all on this. I think if I can get them to agree to letting me work for a couple of hours every day, I should be fine.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-05T21:03:32-04:00
I really hope so. It would really suck to not be able to stay with your job, but to be forced to not work for a couple years until you get your Ph.D., then have to basically be rehired back on.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-06T06:13:49-04:00
Morning kittens! Friday at last! I will NOT be working past 8 hours today and I will not be working on Monday. I thought about doing that but I think I'll just take that time to relax. Get prepared for Kitten Con 2 and start researching alternative careers.
@LZ: If you had to stop work at go to school full time to get the PhD, how long would that take? If 3 to 6 months, would that be doable?
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-06T09:12:48-04:00
Morning kittens!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-06T09:15:20-04:00
@LZ, I really hope that this all works out for you! I can't imagine how stressful it would be trying to complete a phd and supporting a family at the same time. Kudos to you! I know you can do it! You've already climbed higher mountains! ;)
Morning all, I came in early today because the mass spec is coming sometime between 8 and noon. It's about a quarter after 8 right now, and of course it'll be another two hours before it gets here. But if I had come in at my normal time, it would be here already.
Anyway, if I get into the PhD program right away, it'll take two years to complete, starting in Fall 2018.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-06T11:18:41-04:00
@GM, congrats bro! I hope you have a great weekend!
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-06T11:32:50-04:00
GM, 6 day weekend?! Now we're talking! Have a great, very relaxing weekend!
`
LZ, I know that feeling. If I go to a certain event 10 minutes early, nobody shows up until 15-20 minutes after. If I show up 5 minutes late, there've been people there for half an hour already!
So, I had a craving for Arby's today for lunch...and when we got down to the mall where it is...it was replaced with some stir fry place....I was sad, I really wanted a Beef'N'Cheddar with loaded curly fries. Ended up having to go to the KFC/Taco Bell place and having a Zinger combo.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-06T15:10:44-04:00
Ah, that sucks, I definitely know the feeling. Arby's is really good, too!
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-09T09:43:43-04:00
"Okay, I have 2 tests monday back to back, one will be pretty hard. I should study this weekend."
Hahahahahaha!!! You think you'll have time for that? Lol nope. For the entire weekend.
"Okay, well... I should at least get some good sleep sunday night so I'm not dead tired at them."
Well.... yeah, no. You're not going to be able to sleep until 2:30. Have fun just lying awake in bed wishing you could sleep!
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-09T09:47:59-04:00
OH NO!!! Man, there's 111,191 comments - we missed 111111! Hopefully I see that again before 123456.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-09T13:21:12-04:00
Why's it so dead in here?
Anyway, the mass spec came at 8:45 on Friday, so it was a good thing I went in early.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-09T14:53:37-04:00
Yeah, seriously, I don't know. Usually there's at least 1-3 comments when I wake up, a full conversation by now! Nothing, though, since friday morning, though I can understand the weekend. But this is the first totally quiet day we've had in awhile.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-09T15:14:41-04:00
Oh, it's columbus day. I guess some people get that day off. I don't. Don't really care, either. His accomplishments are blown way out of proportion, in my opinion.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-09T15:38:02-04:00
He actually didn't accomplish virtually anything and did more harm than good. Here's a good Columbus Day video about his accomplishments! https://www.youtube.com/watch… Not sure why that episode is animated.
I wish I got today off! But would the Canadians have a holiday for it? I dunno, seems like they'd more get... like Lief Erikson Day off. Heck, we should too; he should be who we attribute as the first European discoverer, and moreover settler, of North America.
Thankfully I just found out Lief Erikson Day is the same day anyways!
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-09T16:24:40-04:00
It looks like it's Canadian Thanksgiving today, so that's why they're not here.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-09T19:13:38-04:00
Aha... dang, luckies! That does explain it, I definitely don't blame them for not being here today then. And Geist is probably just busy, plus she never seems to respond directly to any of my comments, so she might have also been avoiding me? I don't know, it's weird.
But yeah, holidays are nice, I wish it were one. Or rather, it is one, but I wish I had it off. Fall break next mon. and tues., though!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-10T06:57:54-04:00
Morning kittens! What a weekend. Spent Saturday at one of the last craft festivals of the year. The temp was nearly 90 in the sun and with the trongs of people that attended made it almost unbearable. The good news is that the church thrift sale was also going on despite them saying they weren't going to do it this year. I found some great stuff and they let me have it at half price since it was half hour 'til they closed. Then, as I was walking toward the door after purchasing a ton of stuff, one of the volunteers said "If you wait just a few more minutes, we will be giving all the rest of this stuff away. Pick what you want". Well, that was all she had to tell me. I loaded up on things I had my eye on. Oh man, was I a happy kitten. The rest of the festival was nice. I was able to purchase enough handmade soap to last me nearly a year.
The Sunday book sale at the State Department wasn't as much fun, mainly because they decided to keep the air conditioners off until about an hour after I arrived. It was so damn muggy on Sunday that I felt I could barely breathe. My clothes were sticking to me, sweat was running down my face and after I had purchased nearly a suitcase full of books, lugging them to the subway drained me of energy.
However...earlier on Sunday, I had purchased a ticket to a secret screening of an horror movie that was happening later on that day. The theater wouldn't say what was showing and neither was the company hosting it. When I picked up my ticket and got to my seat, I was ready to snooze right then and there. It's a good thing I didn't because they movie they showed was an upcoming horror movie called "Butterfly Kisses".
I know what you are thinking. How frightening can a movie be with that title? I'm not kidding when I say, as a horror veteran, it scared me. The whole audience jumped and screamed when the frights jumped out at you. Hell, I had my eyes closed during the last scene. The story was great. It was like a horror documentary with cameos by real locals and one famous director. The acting in it was great!
After the movie, two members of a geek meetup and I were talking outside of the movie theater when the director and some of his team were walking by. We stopped him and told him how much we loved the film and he invited us to have drinks with him and the cast. HOW FRICKING COOL IS THAT??? Of course we said yes and off we went to the pub around the corner. I'll be honest, we mostly chatted with the wives/partners of the director and cast but that was fine by me. It was still a thrill. The director even invited me to FB friend him! What a great end to that day.
You're probably wondering what wonderful thing I did on Monday (holiday). The answer: nothing. I just stayed in bed and internet surfed, snoozed and ate. Nice way to wind down, don'tcha think? ;-)
Lots of catching up to do today but after work, I've got a free advance screening ticket to see the movie "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women". Should be a good flick and you can't beat free.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-10T06:59:03-04:00
Canadian Thanksgiving? Hmmmm...maybe BaKhan will still have some delicious stuffing and gravy left for me to try when I get up there.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-10T08:07:59-04:00
Wow. Just got an email at work that says the company will be closed from Christmas until New Year with all employees getting paid time off. No using your leave or anything. I asked my boss would I still have to use my vacation time since I already asked for it off and she said no. It's like getting an early Christmas present.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-10T09:29:19-04:00
Morning kittens!
Yes it was thanksgiving in Canada! I made a nice honey/mustard/garlic glaze and applied it liberally throughout the cooking of the ham! Did up some butternut squash with fresh ground nutmeg, turnips with butter and brown sugar, scalloped potatoes (that sadly took much longer than the recipe said was supposed to take 45 mins, actually took double that, and probably could have used a bit longer...) and cauliflower in a cheese sauce. It was a full table and we had some friends over to celebrate with us, it was great! I can't eat turkey, so no stuffing, I debated doing up a couple of chickens, but was told they would rather have my ham! ;) Its only somewhat legendary, as only the people who have tried it know of its awesomeness... ;)
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-10T09:30:26-04:00
@Geist, glad you had such an awesome weekend! It truly sounds like it was legendary! Thats going to be a tough one to top for sure! I'm so happy for you!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-10T09:31:46-04:00
@Geist, also, congrats on the Christmas to New years break! Thats the way it should always be in my opinion! Who actually gets any work done during the couple of days that aren't holidays anyways, right? ;) Huzzah!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-10T09:52:59-04:00
@BaKhan: I loooove ham. I'd try to bake some for myself but they don't have hams that serve 4 people and my freezer isn't big enough to store the extra meat. Is there any of yours left? *makes big puppy dog eyes*
I have to make amendment to the time off: the company the office will be close but you have to use your own PTO. *sigh* It's a good thing I have plenty to spare.
Lord Zombitten 2017-10-10T12:29:11-04:00
Wow, Geist! You had quite the weekend! Also, I'm jelly you all got the day off yesterday. I only get 7 paid holidays every year.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-10T13:08:44-04:00
Wow, Geist! That day sounds incredible! You're so lucky! Glad you got to have so much fun!
`
BaKahn, you're lucky I'm just about to eat now, because you just made me super hungry talking about that ham!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-10T13:29:45-04:00
@Geist, yeah me too! I don't think that there will be any left in 16 days though... Maybe next year? ;)
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-11T00:23:21-04:00
Well all I can say is there'd better be some left when I come up there! By which I mean preferably not leftovers from this time, since it'll probably be at the very least a year or two before I could visit you, but I definitely want to try some of that.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-11T06:15:37-04:00
Morning kittens!
Saw a free screening of "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women". Interesting. A bit predictable. Titillating in places so great for a couples night out? Definitely worth checking out on Netflix.
Tonight I'm going to a free screening of "The Foreigner" which star Jackie Chan. I've seen some of the trailers and even though it looks a LOT like the movie "Taken", I'm willing to give it a chance.
I still want ham though. Now I can't get it out of my head.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-11T08:34:40-04:00
Morning kittens!
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-11T08:35:18-04:00
@Zem, I tell you what, if you can make it up (when you can make it up) we'll do something special to celebrate! Deal? ;)
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-11T08:37:52-04:00
@Geist, if you were coming up for longer I could of possible done another ham. But even as it is, we are short on time! We'll be going to Drumheller on the 29th, as thats the only time I can fit it in. You get here on the 26th, and I'll be in full Halloween prep then, 27th another full day of prep, 28th party day!, 29th Drumheller, then back so you can pack, cause we'll have to get you to the airport later that night as your flight out it on 12:50am on the 30th right? Its going to be busy busy! ;)
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-11T09:49:37-04:00
@BaKhan: I was only kidding. I'm just happy I can come back and celebrate Halloween with you guys. And see Pumpkin too. :-) I'll start seriously gathering stuff for the trip next weekend. I've got most of it already. Just a few more surprises that I want to get.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-11T13:42:06-04:00
@Geist, we're pretty darned excited to have you come up too! 15 days!
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2017-10-11T15:20:24-04:00
Dang it, BaKhan, way to pressure me! ;)
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-12T08:06:50-04:00
Morning kittens
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-12T08:43:34-04:00
Morning kittens! When and saw Imagine Dragons last night! So Good! The two opening acts left much to be desired though. K. Flay opened and it was just weird. She had a drummer and a guitar player... but that was it on stage. Even though you could clearly hear a bass line, keys and a dj... where were they!? Then it was Grouplove. Their studio stuff isn't very good in my opinion and their live set is even worse... yikes! Imagine Dragons more than made up for it though! They were just fantastic, and did a version of Bleeding Out, where everyone but the keyboard player and singer where playing orchestral strings... I still have chills... ;) They totally nailed it, and they had a strong message about people getting help for mental illness, which I thought was very timely and important. Over all, a great great night (barring the lack luster opening acts...). If you guys ever get the chance to see them, do it!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-12T10:19:47-04:00
@BaKhan: I like some of their music. I'll purchase a ticket the next time they are in the D.C. area. I'm just getting to know about them since the songs "Radioactive" and "Levitate".
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-12T11:25:57-04:00
Ok. Now I'm mad and getting depressed. I seriously need to leave this shitty profession that I'm currently in.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2017-10-12T12:16:28-04:00
@Geist, I'm sorry its hitting you so hard right now! You certainly deserve better! Time to turn that anxiety into motivation! ;) Be strong, we're all here for you!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2017-10-13T08:14:46-04:00
Morning kittens.
@BaKhan: You're right. I need to sit down at my desk and start coming up with a solution to this mess. Funny thing is, I sorta/kinda have an idea. It could work as a plan to pay for school and a back up plan if I fail. I'll have to give it some more serious thought this weekend.
Now that it is Friday (THANK JIBBERS CRABS!) lets end on a positive note. As you know, I saw the advanced screening of the upcoming movie "The Foreigner". Stars Jackie Chan in a more dramatic role than people are used to seeing him. Personally, I thought the movie was very entertaining. Like I said before, it's like the movie "Taken" mixed with "Death Wish". Not bad for a discounted movie and worth a look on Netflix.
Huh, I didn't even know there were codes! Then again, I don't have a smartphone to play the app game, so it doesn't really change anything.
Morning kittens! I had a real chill weekend. No festivals and such so I just stayed at home and caught up on sleep. I did manage to watch "Battle of the Sexes" last Friday. Very good movie. I love Steve Carell in most anything he does.
I think we have another company holiday coming up. I'm going to check with my boss and if so, I will be enjoying a 3 day weekend. Which is great since I have the Art on the Avenue craft festival and the State Department book fair. Both are my favorite things to attend (outside of BaKhan's Halloween party, of course) during the year so I'm really looking forward to this.
I think we've officially entered fall weather. I've had to use the space heater a bit, otherwise it was rather chilly in my apartment.
@BaKhan: How did you and the Mrs. like the movie "IT"?
Morning kittens!
@LZ, I hope that you can do that upgrading education while still being able to hold your position, I can't imagine it would be easy to support your family whilst going to school! It is exciting though!
@Geist, we really enjoyed IT! I thought that they did a really good job with the kids part of the story, I can't wait for the second part! Lots of really good super creepy scary parts, I loved how they did the bathroom scene... ;) I'm glad that you enjoyed Battle of the sexes! I too am a big Steve Carrel fan, it took me a long time to appreciate "the office" but it was him that won me over. ;) I think that we're going to be waiting till rental for that one though. So many things happening, and not enough time to do it all! ;)
@BaKhan: I hear ya. I rented Passengers and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and I thought both were merely "meh". I just cannot "get" GotG. It's ok but I don't see how this movie franchise keeps brining in big bank at the box office.
Morning kittens.
@Geist: Because of the comic industry. People love their super heroes, and GotG ties into a bunch of the other Marvel comics quite regularly.
@Geist, I actually like GotG2... I thought it was fun, and I like that type of movie, just enough plot to make me pay attention, not so much going on that I have to try and think about it. Theres a balance there for sure. Sometimes, I just want to watch something, and not keep tabs. I think thats why I like it, and well: fun. ;)
@BaKhan: I felt that way about the Kingsmen sequel. Kept me entertained when I needed to get lost from the real world for awhile.
It's confirmed. I get this coming Monday off. Woot! That will give me time to rest up from the festival and book sale. Then after that, Kitten Con 2!
@Geist, its just like you're getting Canadian Thanksgiving too! Huzzah!
@Geist: I just got confirmation that I have next Mon-Thur off. I have to work on Friday, but that's because my manager already had the day booked off for an exam she has to take.
Morning, all!
BaKhan, I'm really hoping to be able to work while going back to school. It'll be stressful, but I think I can do it.
I got a blister yesterday from working on my Halloween costume. That made me nervouse about continuing, but the blister is gone today, so I can press on!
@LZ: What are you doing that is causing a blister? The only thing I could think of is sewing something together
@BaKhan & GM: What traditions do you have with your Thanksgiving? Do you have turkey with all the trimmings? I figure that the reasons you celebrate it are different from ours.
@LZ, Well, good luck bro! I know that you can do it!
@Geist, Our thanksgiving actually comes from you guys. Prior to 1812, Canada was mostly peopled with folks from the United states, in fact Canada didn't have much of a national identity until Yorktown (Toronto) was attacked by the US army. After that, everyone kinda pulled together and the result was Canada (very basic, and simplified version). Funny thing is, if they wouldn't have blown up Fort York, Canada would probably be a part of the US today! ;) So where that was all going was, its the same celebration, with the same brouhaha, just earlier so that we can still feel somewhat thankful rather than, you know, just frozen. ;)
@Geist: Turkey with all the trimmings most years, sometimes we have ham. As for the reason...pretty much giving thanks for everything we have(and spend time with family) is how we do it in my family.
Good to hear that about the Kingsmen sequel. I'm going to be seeing that probably sometime this week, and I'll be needing an escape from reality.
`
LZ, It'll be really stressful, but that's what we're here for! ;)
I know you can do it. It's going to take some work, but it'll be well worth it in the end.
Aaand the week's already off to a blazing start. For the first time in maybe 2 years, I forgot to set an alarm, but somehow, luckily, I woke up just as my first class was starting, so I was able to get there halfway through, which still counts. Unfortunately, it also means I had no breakfast, and now because of having to meet with a professor for a German oral exam, I won't get to until 3:30-ish.
`
So... yeah, just think of the lyrics to Mr. Fahrenheit and that's how my day is going... while I sit and watch it all blazing around like a ferret on LSD and try not to fall behind.
My costume is a vampiric knight. I made the chainmail shirt several years ago. Now I'm working on the coif.
Ooh, working on chainmail? That's awesome. And yeah, it really hurts your fingers!
My older brothers used to be really into it, so I know a bit about it, and from the little I messed with it, I know how important the tools are to your fingers. No matter how tough you think you are, chances are you're not literally iron/steel-hard.
Morning kittens!
@LZ, that sounds awesome man! Certainly worth a blister! ;)
Morning kittens. Tom Petty has passed away. Damn. I'm gonna miss him.
Noooooooooo! Ah damn! He was one of my true music heros! I never took the chance to see him, and now I never will. He was 50% of why I wanted to learn guitar, and write songs. What a loss!
@BaKhan: He had a massive stroke and never recovered. Seems like half of my childhood music idols are dropping like flies. I was expecting them to live as long as my grandmother and she is 91.
Morning kittens.
@Geist, I know exactly what you mean, except that its probably much more than half for me, and it all started with Freddy Mercury for me. This whole getting older whilst people die all around you thing, is getting old! Its not fair, and to be entirely childish.... waaaah!
I agree. I dread the day when I see the headlines about my favoritest musicians passing. They're getting up there in age; and some have partied pretty hard in the past.
In other news, my office feels like a refrigerator today. It was alright at first, but it's getting less and less pleasant.
Well, don't worry about Ozzy and Jagger and a couple others, they accidentally embalmed themselves with drugs, so they'll probably live forever, or at least 2 or 3 millennia.
Morning kittens. Sorry I couldn't post much yesterday. Month end close and a payment run coming up this Friday. This three day weekend can't get here fast enough.
@LZ: the environment on my floor (no one has a private office. Not even the partners) has been pretty nice. I purchased a short sleeved sweater a week ago and it's enough for right now. Will need to think about getting some warmer jammies now that the temps in my apartment are dropping.
Morning kittens,.
Wow, it's actually chilly this morning! I hate it when it's cold in the mornings, which unfortunately is pretty normal. The only time I ever don't like cold is when I'm tired, especially just after waking up. I'll appreciate it again in a couple hours.
@Zem, lol, the only time I hate it when its cold, is all the times... ;p
Morning kittens.
I downloaded a hot chocolate/red velvet hot chocolate recipe. I think I'll make a batch of that so I'm all set for winter.
Haha, BaKhan. Well, until one of us figures out our weather-teleporter, I guess we're stuck with what we have! ;)
`
Red velvet hot chocolate?! Dang, that sounds delicious!
Ok, hold on a minute here... having made red velvet cake a couple few times... its just chocolate cake, with red food colouring, seriously, thats it. So how would red velvet hot chocolate be any different than regular hot chocolate other than being red?
You add way the hell more butter/shortening. Also cream cheese icing.
Wait... now that I put it like that... nope, yeah, that should taste amazing!
Morning kittens. 13 straight hours yesterday and only 8 of those I earn a wage. I'm now 3 hours past the minimum hours I will need to turn in my time card and I actually had an event to go to. *sigh* Before the year is out, I will have a plan to get out of this profession.
@BaKhan: I looked back at what I downloaded and you were right. It is colored with red food coloring powder. I've never made red velvet before and looking at this, I wonder why some people like it over regular chocolate. Below is the recipe that I got from "The Flavor Bender" website (by way of Pintrest)
Super Chocolately Hot Chocolate Mix and Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Mix
Author: Dini from The Flavor Bender
Makes/ Serves: 2 .5 cups of hot chocolate mix
What you need:
3.5 oz 70% good quality chocolate
¼ cup plus 2 tbsp Valhorna cocoa powder
¾ cup - 1 cup white sugar (I add about ¾ to keep it less sweet)
¼ cup cornstarch (cornflour)
½ tbsp cinnamon
½ tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp (3 tsp) red food coloring powder (for red velvet mix)
Method
1. Grate the chocolate and transfer it to a food processor.
2. Add the cocoa powder, white sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and food coloring (if you're making red velvet) and process until you get a fine powder.
3. Store the hot chocolate mix in an air-tight, dry bottle/jar.
To make Hot Chocolate
1. Heat 1 cup of milk.
2. Add 2 - 3 tbsp of hot chocolate mix and stir briskly to mix.
To make a frothy Hot Chocolate
1. Place 1 cup of hot chocolate in a small saucepan. Add 2 - 3 tbsp hot chocolate mix and heat the mixture while stirring, until completely dissolved and the drink is nice and hot.
2. Place the hot chocolate mixture in a sealable bottle OR in a small french press.
3. Shake the bottle until the milk is frothy, or use the french press by moving the depressor up and down vigorously to froth the milk.
4. Pour into a mug, top with marshmallow and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe by The Flavor Bender at https://www.theflavorbender.com/hot-chocolate-mix-red-velvet/
@BaKhan: I just took a look at the flight schedule that I sent you a few week ago. The airline changed the flight times and I only looked at the times that I would be arriving, not the time I would be leaving. I'll see if I can change that. Worse case, you could drop me off at the airport at 8 pm. That would give me plenty of time to check in and get some reading in.
(I don't travel places without a book or two)
@Geist, yeah thats what I thought. Had a good chuckle at Zems comment about the more shortening/butter, and I thought, nope!... But again, I just made a red velvet and a chocolate stout cake for my sister in law's wedding so the recipes are still fresh in my mind. I don't believe I've heard of powdered food coloring before either tbh.
As per the flights, no worries, I think for international they ask for 3 hours ahead anyways, so either way, we'll get you there! But that would mean, around 8 or 9pm on the 29th right?
Morning kittens.
@Geist: I'm the same way when it comes to traveling, I always have at least one book. Even during the week when I go to and from work I always have a book with me.
Morning all! I'm having a super busy week. I just thought I'd check in real quick.
Howdy LZ! I know how it is. I'm going though month end close for the rest of the week.
On another note, I read an article in the paper yesterday that Black Friday is slowly losing it's popularity because consumers are now use to getting deals during the year. While I'm glad that there are less people willing to trample others just to get an appliance or TV, I'm guessing that kind of madness doesn't happen in Canada because the temps in winter would prevent someone from camping outside for weeks just for an electronic. No matter how cheap.
@Geist, you'd be surprised! As Black Friday is a relatively new thing up here (only the last 10 years or so, picking up speed every year) people are getting crazier as it goes. Lining up for hours prior to open, and a few hard cores bringing chairs and blankets and such to wait it out overnight. Honestly, the more time goes on, the distinction between Canadian and American behavior is being lost. I would say theres much less difference now, than there ever was. Less people, less guns, public health care, those are the primary differences now.
Wow it's raining today! I mean, I haven't seen much, I've been lucky, but apparently, even though it's only 2:21, we've broken the record for rain today! (specifically for Oct. 5, but it's still a record.)
We've had 1.15 in. as of just before 2pm, and the record was 0.89 from 1908. In general, for the first time in a long time now, we're actually above the average Year To Date, so wow, we're actually not slowly becoming a desert! The droughts have been hitting Nebraska as well.
`
The main thing is that it's going to rain all day today and tomorrow, so yeah... it's a wet one.
Speaking of which... okay, now it's picked up. I can definitely see how we've gotten that much rain already. Come to think of it, I think this is the most rain we've gotten all year. So... yeah, glad I don't have many classes today to go to!
@BaKhan: Don't forget butter tarts! We don't have those. And you maple syrup is top notch. ;-)
Ah the American influence. I find that odd only because as a person of color and female, I belong to a group that experiences the darker side (no pun intended) of US culture than most.
The last time I worked retail, on Black Friday, I was scheduled to come in at 6 a.m. to work in the jewelry department. At 10 a.m. the store was empty. When I speculated out loud as to why we are all standing around with nothing to do, someone quipped "They are all at Best Buy".
Makes sense. I guess a TV is more interesting than body decorations even if they are 60 to 70% off.
Okay, so I just got off the phone with an academic advisor. She told me that I don't need a Master's if my end goal is a PhD. The awesome thing about the PhD program is there's no tuition; they'd pay me to go to school. The downside is that they wouldn't want me to work. At all...
Wow, that is a tradeoff, and kinda defeats the purpose, at least for the meantime.
Yeah, I'm going to see if the clinic is willing to work with me at all on this. I think if I can get them to agree to letting me work for a couple of hours every day, I should be fine.
I really hope so. It would really suck to not be able to stay with your job, but to be forced to not work for a couple years until you get your Ph.D., then have to basically be rehired back on.
Morning kittens! Friday at last! I will NOT be working past 8 hours today and I will not be working on Monday. I thought about doing that but I think I'll just take that time to relax. Get prepared for Kitten Con 2 and start researching alternative careers.
@LZ: If you had to stop work at go to school full time to get the PhD, how long would that take? If 3 to 6 months, would that be doable?
Morning kittens!
@LZ, I really hope that this all works out for you! I can't imagine how stressful it would be trying to complete a phd and supporting a family at the same time. Kudos to you! I know you can do it! You've already climbed higher mountains! ;)
Morning kittens. Almost the 6 day weekend for me.
Morning all, I came in early today because the mass spec is coming sometime between 8 and noon. It's about a quarter after 8 right now, and of course it'll be another two hours before it gets here. But if I had come in at my normal time, it would be here already.
Anyway, if I get into the PhD program right away, it'll take two years to complete, starting in Fall 2018.
@GM, congrats bro! I hope you have a great weekend!
GM, 6 day weekend?! Now we're talking! Have a great, very relaxing weekend!
`
LZ, I know that feeling. If I go to a certain event 10 minutes early, nobody shows up until 15-20 minutes after. If I show up 5 minutes late, there've been people there for half an hour already!
So, I had a craving for Arby's today for lunch...and when we got down to the mall where it is...it was replaced with some stir fry place....I was sad, I really wanted a Beef'N'Cheddar with loaded curly fries. Ended up having to go to the KFC/Taco Bell place and having a Zinger combo.
Ah, that sucks, I definitely know the feeling. Arby's is really good, too!
"Okay, I have 2 tests monday back to back, one will be pretty hard. I should study this weekend."
Hahahahahaha!!! You think you'll have time for that? Lol nope. For the entire weekend.
"Okay, well... I should at least get some good sleep sunday night so I'm not dead tired at them."
Well.... yeah, no. You're not going to be able to sleep until 2:30. Have fun just lying awake in bed wishing you could sleep!
OH NO!!! Man, there's 111,191 comments - we missed 111111! Hopefully I see that again before 123456.
Why's it so dead in here?
Anyway, the mass spec came at 8:45 on Friday, so it was a good thing I went in early.
Yeah, seriously, I don't know. Usually there's at least 1-3 comments when I wake up, a full conversation by now! Nothing, though, since friday morning, though I can understand the weekend. But this is the first totally quiet day we've had in awhile.
Oh, it's columbus day. I guess some people get that day off. I don't. Don't really care, either. His accomplishments are blown way out of proportion, in my opinion.
He actually didn't accomplish virtually anything and did more harm than good. Here's a good Columbus Day video about his accomplishments! https://www.youtube.com/watch…
Not sure why that episode is animated.
I wish I got today off! But would the Canadians have a holiday for it? I dunno, seems like they'd more get... like Lief Erikson Day off. Heck, we should too; he should be who we attribute as the first European discoverer, and moreover settler, of North America.
Thankfully I just found out Lief Erikson Day is the same day anyways!
It looks like it's Canadian Thanksgiving today, so that's why they're not here.
Aha... dang, luckies! That does explain it, I definitely don't blame them for not being here today then. And Geist is probably just busy, plus she never seems to respond directly to any of my comments, so she might have also been avoiding me? I don't know, it's weird.
But yeah, holidays are nice, I wish it were one. Or rather, it is one, but I wish I had it off. Fall break next mon. and tues., though!
Morning kittens! What a weekend. Spent Saturday at one of the last craft festivals of the year. The temp was nearly 90 in the sun and with the trongs of people that attended made it almost unbearable. The good news is that the church thrift sale was also going on despite them saying they weren't going to do it this year. I found some great stuff and they let me have it at half price since it was half hour 'til they closed. Then, as I was walking toward the door after purchasing a ton of stuff, one of the volunteers said "If you wait just a few more minutes, we will be giving all the rest of this stuff away. Pick what you want". Well, that was all she had to tell me. I loaded up on things I had my eye on. Oh man, was I a happy kitten. The rest of the festival was nice. I was able to purchase enough handmade soap to last me nearly a year.
The Sunday book sale at the State Department wasn't as much fun, mainly because they decided to keep the air conditioners off until about an hour after I arrived. It was so damn muggy on Sunday that I felt I could barely breathe. My clothes were sticking to me, sweat was running down my face and after I had purchased nearly a suitcase full of books, lugging them to the subway drained me of energy.
However...earlier on Sunday, I had purchased a ticket to a secret screening of an horror movie that was happening later on that day. The theater wouldn't say what was showing and neither was the company hosting it. When I picked up my ticket and got to my seat, I was ready to snooze right then and there. It's a good thing I didn't because they movie they showed was an upcoming horror movie called "Butterfly Kisses".
I know what you are thinking. How frightening can a movie be with that title? I'm not kidding when I say, as a horror veteran, it scared me. The whole audience jumped and screamed when the frights jumped out at you. Hell, I had my eyes closed during the last scene. The story was great. It was like a horror documentary with cameos by real locals and one famous director. The acting in it was great!
After the movie, two members of a geek meetup and I were talking outside of the movie theater when the director and some of his team were walking by. We stopped him and told him how much we loved the film and he invited us to have drinks with him and the cast. HOW FRICKING COOL IS THAT??? Of course we said yes and off we went to the pub around the corner. I'll be honest, we mostly chatted with the wives/partners of the director and cast but that was fine by me. It was still a thrill. The director even invited me to FB friend him! What a great end to that day.
You're probably wondering what wonderful thing I did on Monday (holiday). The answer: nothing. I just stayed in bed and internet surfed, snoozed and ate. Nice way to wind down, don'tcha think? ;-)
Lots of catching up to do today but after work, I've got a free advance screening ticket to see the movie "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women". Should be a good flick and you can't beat free.
Canadian Thanksgiving? Hmmmm...maybe BaKhan will still have some delicious stuffing and gravy left for me to try when I get up there.
Wow. Just got an email at work that says the company will be closed from Christmas until New Year with all employees getting paid time off. No using your leave or anything. I asked my boss would I still have to use my vacation time since I already asked for it off and she said no. It's like getting an early Christmas present.
Morning kittens!
Yes it was thanksgiving in Canada! I made a nice honey/mustard/garlic glaze and applied it liberally throughout the cooking of the ham! Did up some butternut squash with fresh ground nutmeg, turnips with butter and brown sugar, scalloped potatoes (that sadly took much longer than the recipe said was supposed to take 45 mins, actually took double that, and probably could have used a bit longer...) and cauliflower in a cheese sauce. It was a full table and we had some friends over to celebrate with us, it was great! I can't eat turkey, so no stuffing, I debated doing up a couple of chickens, but was told they would rather have my ham! ;) Its only somewhat legendary, as only the people who have tried it know of its awesomeness... ;)
@Geist, glad you had such an awesome weekend! It truly sounds like it was legendary! Thats going to be a tough one to top for sure! I'm so happy for you!
@Geist, also, congrats on the Christmas to New years break! Thats the way it should always be in my opinion! Who actually gets any work done during the couple of days that aren't holidays anyways, right? ;) Huzzah!
@BaKhan: I loooove ham. I'd try to bake some for myself but they don't have hams that serve 4 people and my freezer isn't big enough to store the extra meat. Is there any of yours left? *makes big puppy dog eyes*
I have to make amendment to the time off: the company the office will be close but you have to use your own PTO. *sigh* It's a good thing I have plenty to spare.
Wow, Geist! You had quite the weekend! Also, I'm jelly you all got the day off yesterday. I only get 7 paid holidays every year.
Wow, Geist! That day sounds incredible! You're so lucky! Glad you got to have so much fun!
`
BaKahn, you're lucky I'm just about to eat now, because you just made me super hungry talking about that ham!
@Geist, yeah me too! I don't think that there will be any left in 16 days though... Maybe next year? ;)
Well all I can say is there'd better be some left when I come up there! By which I mean preferably not leftovers from this time, since it'll probably be at the very least a year or two before I could visit you, but I definitely want to try some of that.
Morning kittens!
Saw a free screening of "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women". Interesting. A bit predictable. Titillating in places so great for a couples night out? Definitely worth checking out on Netflix.
Tonight I'm going to a free screening of "The Foreigner" which star Jackie Chan. I've seen some of the trailers and even though it looks a LOT like the movie "Taken", I'm willing to give it a chance.
I still want ham though. Now I can't get it out of my head.
Morning kittens!
@Zem, I tell you what, if you can make it up (when you can make it up) we'll do something special to celebrate! Deal? ;)
@Geist, if you were coming up for longer I could of possible done another ham. But even as it is, we are short on time! We'll be going to Drumheller on the 29th, as thats the only time I can fit it in. You get here on the 26th, and I'll be in full Halloween prep then, 27th another full day of prep, 28th party day!, 29th Drumheller, then back so you can pack, cause we'll have to get you to the airport later that night as your flight out it on 12:50am on the 30th right? Its going to be busy busy! ;)
@BaKhan: I was only kidding. I'm just happy I can come back and celebrate Halloween with you guys. And see Pumpkin too. :-) I'll start seriously gathering stuff for the trip next weekend. I've got most of it already. Just a few more surprises that I want to get.
@Geist, we're pretty darned excited to have you come up too! 15 days!
Dang it, BaKhan, way to pressure me! ;)
Morning kittens
Morning kittens! When and saw Imagine Dragons last night! So Good! The two opening acts left much to be desired though. K. Flay opened and it was just weird. She had a drummer and a guitar player... but that was it on stage. Even though you could clearly hear a bass line, keys and a dj... where were they!? Then it was Grouplove. Their studio stuff isn't very good in my opinion and their live set is even worse... yikes! Imagine Dragons more than made up for it though! They were just fantastic, and did a version of Bleeding Out, where everyone but the keyboard player and singer where playing orchestral strings... I still have chills... ;) They totally nailed it, and they had a strong message about people getting help for mental illness, which I thought was very timely and important. Over all, a great great night (barring the lack luster opening acts...). If you guys ever get the chance to see them, do it!
@BaKhan: I like some of their music. I'll purchase a ticket the next time they are in the D.C. area. I'm just getting to know about them since the songs "Radioactive" and "Levitate".
Ok. Now I'm mad and getting depressed. I seriously need to leave this shitty profession that I'm currently in.
@Geist, I'm sorry its hitting you so hard right now! You certainly deserve better! Time to turn that anxiety into motivation! ;) Be strong, we're all here for you!
Morning kittens.
@BaKhan: You're right. I need to sit down at my desk and start coming up with a solution to this mess. Funny thing is, I sorta/kinda have an idea. It could work as a plan to pay for school and a back up plan if I fail. I'll have to give it some more serious thought this weekend.
Now that it is Friday (THANK JIBBERS CRABS!) lets end on a positive note. As you know, I saw the advanced screening of the upcoming movie "The Foreigner". Stars Jackie Chan in a more dramatic role than people are used to seeing him. Personally, I thought the movie was very entertaining. Like I said before, it's like the movie "Taken" mixed with "Death Wish". Not bad for a discounted movie and worth a look on Netflix.
Morning kittens! Its Friday!!!