Random Babbling

in memory

Liselle — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:09:37 GMT

I didn't realize when I made my yearly appointment that I scheduled it on my mother's birthday. But it was appropriate that I had a mammogram today. She died of breast cancer at age 53. I wondered as I was being squished (ouchie) if she had ever even had one? Were they common practice back then? (22 years ago) I just know she left me way too soon. When I was 24, to be 53 years old was unimaginable anyway, but now it's around the corner. I didn't know my mother much on an adult level - in fact, when I compare the rich relationship that I share with my youngest daughter, I'm even more sad that I didn't understand or communicate with my mother half as much. I guess that's all. Loss and hope across the generations....

so TRUE

Liselle — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:23:49 GMT

Just add an arrow pointing to the gulf coast side of Florida, and label it -------> my brother, obnoxious nutball in a pickup truck.

why not -- faire meme

Liselle — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:35:34 GMT

The wedding is over - what else do I now have to look forward to, but FAIRE!? Btw - Wendy gave us a gorgeous framed print of this photo, and now it hangs on the wall above my computer. Speaking of sunburn.... 1.Tankard, Goblet, or Plastic Cup? Wooden tankard or wooden goblet, depends on my character of the day. 2. Did you dress your 1st time at Faire? No - took my kids on a whim. 3. Big Faire, Dam Faire, or Southern? ?? Never been to southern, but never heard of the others 4. Do you regularly smuggle alcohol into Faire? I always fill my flask(s), but I've put them in some irregular places... 5.What was the last thing you bought - other than food and drink? hmm... probably jewelry? or clothing accessories 6. Do you regularly pirate pictures? 'pirate'? like take from others collections? yes, but I usually try to give credit. I share the ones I take too 7. Ever followed the parade all the way through Faire? under duress, I maybe last 3/4 of the way 8. Have you seen every show? the ones I've wanted to - usually see bits and pieces 9.What does your favorite pin say? Mound O Wenches 10. MUST your costume be period? Must it be faire approvable? for most events 11. Where was your last out-of state Faire? never done one - looking forward to it though 12. Do you know the words to a Poxy Boggards' song? maybe - I might not know that the song belongs to them, cuz I've never seen them perform. 13. How many costumes do you have? I think 3 - well, counting Dickens 5 14. Do you carry a blade? always - at least eating utensil 15. Have you been flogged? no 16. When was your virgin year? 1996? 17. Who originally introduced you to Faire? Fayre Oaks faire drew me in after seeing it advertized a few years in a row. I took my kids by myself. 18. Have you been drunk at ale stand zero before ever entering Faire? Heavens no, that'd be like 9:00 in the morning! I presume 'ale stand zero' is a euphemism for the cooler in the car? 19. Ever gotten a henna tat? Yes - and my girls have too. 20. Had your hair braided? many times 21. Do you use a tankard cover? No. 22. Do you have pockets? pouches 23. After seeing what happened to TruBBle, will you tell anyone it's your birthday? Who? What? Where? 24. Do you carry a cell phone where it can be seen? in my pouch or basket, but I do pull it out to check the time, and sometimes call my daughter. I try to step behind a tree or back of a tent. 25. Will you shed part of your costume if it's hot? usually just whine to go home. Dangerously overheated, yes, then I get out of costume. 26. Do you want an article off of someone else costume? Ha - I think this implies desiring someone elses costume? But I laughed at Rydell's answer. I admire other's accessories, but rarely want an exact copy. I've never wanted a tail or ears though. 27. Ever had a run-in with security? No. I'm a good girl 28. Do you bother with Faire-speak? *bother*? I LOVE to use accent and syntax to play a more authentic historic character. But, maybe sometimes I am not as meticulous as I should be. 29. Have you been on either end of the blue ribbon? Hell no. see #27 30. What do you carry on you, that most other people probably do not? ha - my pouch or basket of many wonders is always coming up with something amazing and unique. ask me for what you need, and I'll surprise you. 31. Is sunscreen a normal part of your costume? normal, and imperative! I burn even WITH SPF 50, are you kidding? 32. What color is your shirt? I've had green, pink and white chemises, and white partlets.

did ya miss me?

Liselle — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:48:18 GMT

LOL Just got back from a week at Sea Ranch. It is a rental community on the coast about 30 miles south of Mendocino. We had such a good time! This is a pic from the first hike we took from the house. Those are seals bobbing around in the surf. Unfortunately, that's the closest we ever got to see them. And we didn't see any whales. But lots of birds, and gorgeous coastline scenery. It was a great honeymoon vacation! And now I have about 1,000 messages to go through, cuz there was no computer access there! But I wasn't bored, we found things to do for entertainment. ;-)

love the rain

Liselle — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:27:47 GMT

hate the leaks in our roof! This is the 3rd time we've had to have put bowls and buckets in our house to catch leaks. 3rd time the roofer guy came out, and told us the roof is mostly shot and needs to be replaced. 3rd time the property management company only gives authorization to patch where it's currently leaking, and 'see what the owners decide'.

subconscious meanderings

Liselle — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:59:07 GMT

Ever since I heard about and saw pictures of Rydell and Terese's new years wedding (felicitations to them, btw) I have been thinking and worrying - esp. *dreaming* about MY impending nuptials. 2 in a row last night, and they were WEIRD! Hopefully, we will get the invitations finished and sent out in the next few weeks. That was one of my dreams. We *forgot* to send invites, and no one came. :-( On the other hand - my dress (which isn't even made yet) looked GREAT! LOL

I will miss you all!

Liselle — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:48:21 GMT

I am staying home to visit with my sister this weekend, so I will not be attending Dickens fair. Although, the Major will be there without me. So keep an eye on him! LOL I have the feeling he'll have more fun than I will on Saturday. My sister and I .... well.... lets just say we don't see eye to eye or have much in common. She being a rather uber christian Republican and me... not so much ;-) It'll be what it will be. She's probably wondering what the visit will be like with her weird California fringe, hippie sister, too! I suppose I should try to be as 'normal' and non-threatening as I can be. On another note, I am starting some dental work on Monday - replacing 2 back molar crowns, and because ceramic tends to crack (which is why they need to be replaced) gold is a better choice. All I could think of when the dentist explained this to me, was ... "AWESOME! I'll be a scavenger hunt prize!"

2 truths and a lie

Liselle — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:25:40 GMT

Ok... so the rules of the game are that you have to say 2 truths and 1 lie. Then each person has to guess which one is the lie. Good luck! See how well you know your friends...... 1) I nearly died from scarlet fever when I was 4. 2) I got married when I was 17 years old. 3) I've never been to Disneyland. which is the lie? Thanks Felicity!

open wide - not your mouth, your wallet

Liselle — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:45:48 GMT

the only thing more painful and irritating than going TO the dentist, is trying to find a new one. If you are in Sacramento area, and love your dentist, can you please give me the office info? My dentist sold his practice to focus only on his specialty of pediatric dentistry, and now I need 2 new crowns! In calling for details to the new staff, I'm told the new doc doesn't even offer nitrous gas for procedures. This may be not a big deal to some, but to me it is a red flag on the quality of general care provided. I'm not looking forward to paying my share of cost for this expensive work AND dealing with the next days muscle spasms and stiff neck that used to happen to me before the miracle of my introduction to 'happy gas.' Anyway, my day has already been full of the anxiety of PPO coverage, In or Out of Network provider, and the list of dentists provided by my insurance company as preferred plan members. It's such a crapshoot to find a competent medical professional these days, so if anyone can suggest a dentist they trust and are happy with, I'd appreciate it!

Help!!

Liselle — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:17:40 GMT

Please someone, tell me it's possible to repel and /or remove a skunk from my bedroom window vicinity, without having to hire someone to catch it in a trap. I haven't seen it yet, but OMG have I smelled it.

difficult decisions...

Liselle — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:38:38 GMT

We have reluctantly decided to not do Golden Gate this year. We love this faire - we have gone every year since it started. I had quite a list of things to do and buy there, but we need to stay home and get our house in order. I love saying that.... OUR house! *sigh* Anyway - so I'll have to wait and shop Casa in 2 weeks (or is it 3?) We'll definitely be there opening Saturday! So - somebody have a drink for me at GG, and pray for poor doomed Jane Grey... LOL We'll miss you this year!

To mutual Aimeanna's friends:

Liselle — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:32:02 GMT

to aimee's friends! Just got a call from Anita B. - Ms. Sophia asserted her independent mind AGAIN, and refused to wait til Monday. Please think good thoughts - arrival is imminent, after some difficult hours since yesterday....

We did it!

Liselle — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 11:41:38 GMT

With lots of help! Nearly 100% of our belongings are in the new house. Somewhere (god knows where) in a box, but nonetheless in the same house. Never again to say to each other - goodnight, drive safe, see you tomorrow or maybe not til Wednesday. Soon, hopefully, I'll be able to sleep all through the night again..... Can I just say - I love our friends! We had some awesome people come help us move, and could NOT have done it without them! Thank you! See you at Golden Gate - I DO know which box holds my costuming gear. Hopefully, every little important piece will be where it should be.

3 things..

Liselle — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:14:07 GMT

I'll get on the bandwagon! Things you don't really care about me: Three names you go by: 1. Lisa 2. Mom / ma ma 3. Liselle Three Parts of Your Heritage 1. German (mother) 2. English 3. Irish Three Things That Scare You 1. spiders 2. people who take pleasure in hurting others 3. losing loved ones Three of Your Everyday Essentials 1. coffee 2. checking e-mail 3. hearing 'Coo' from Mykall before going to sleep Three Things You Are Wearing Right Now 1. silver jewelry (forgot one of my rings, and it feels 'empty') 2. work clothes 3. reading glasses Three of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists: 1. Enya 2. Tempest 3. Pink Floyd Three Things You Want in a Relationship (other than Real Love) 1. kindness 2. laughter/wit 3. affection Physical characteristics that appeal to you 1. people who are taller than I am 2. good hygiene 3. warm brown eyes Three of Your Favorite Hobbies 1. cooking 2. Reading 3. Re-enacting / playing in costume Three Things You want to do really badly right now 1. MOVE into my new house! 2. not have to work 3. visit my aunt who's ill Three Places You Want to go on Vacation 1. Hawaii 2. Ireland 3. England Three Things You Want to Do/Be Before You Die 1. financially comfortable 2. see my children happy and successful 3. visit Pennsylvania / hometown again Three Ways that you are stereotypically a girl 1. love to cook and bake 2. bad at math 3. screams at bugs Three Ways that you are NOT stereotypically a girl 1. hmmm.... 2. I'm thinking..... 3. well, I've never said "not tonight, honey, I have a headache".....

public bathroom etiquette rant!!

Liselle — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:17:43 GMT

here goes..... OK people! When you take an enormous DUMP in the doctors office bathroom, and whether or not you spray toxic levels of the horrendous air 'freshener' supplied therein thinking you are covering up the stench of your used lunch, can you at least shut the damn door and leave the exhaust fan running before you abandon the building? brought to you between gasps and gags from the poor office slave who deals with this on an average of every single DAY! What is WRONG with people?!? and this is just the random everyday patients who come through our doors. This is not addressing the long term patients who have regular appts and display this disgusting habit EVERY time they come in!!

piratey fun, mate

Liselle — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 04:06:33 GMT

Sure everybody wants to be the Captain. In fact, quite an amusing gig that the Privateers of the Dauntless were playing with was "Catch and release program for Jack Sparrows". they coerced, threatened or lured every single Jack that was seen lurching about the festival, and marked him with a magic marker (not so frightening as a Black Spot) then let him go. Keeping a record of the total, of course. When we finally decided to leave we checked one last time and they had a tally of 33 by about 5:30pm. *snicker* I had a grand time. There was a very lively crowd all day - it was cool and extrememly breezy all day. We were right by the bay (or whatever that body of water is called) and that wind was right brisk. It kept me from feeling the effects of the too much sun I knew I was getting - but there was really no solid shade to be had. Most of the serious parts, I'd covered well enough with SPF 30, but ouchie - the back of my hands were forgotten. (or washed off) I love to laugh with my imaginative and jolly friends at faire - and this one we had no duties or timetable to adhere to. We browsed up and down the shops - there seemed to be a healthy trade going on most of the day. The ale, cider and flasks were plentiful - as were the Jack Sparrow wannabes. LOL It was just a great time. What could be better than laughing and playing with heavily armed and beautiful friends? Hope to repeat next weekend at Fair Oaks - even though I know it will be without the wonderfully appreciated sea breeze.

news and blues

Liselle — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:01:26 GMT

Dress blues that is..... I looked everywhere for a picture of a lady cop, but I couldn't find it. Where are all the female police officers - that aren't a joke? Well - my daughter is going to BE one! Yesterday, she chose her major, and signed up for her starting classes at our local community college for this fall. Criminal Justice, baby! Look out, world! Those sleazeballs don't stand a chance against my tough girl!

my daughter's going to disneyland and.....

Liselle — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:14:58 GMT

....all I'm getting is: peace and quiet for 3 days. the car IN the garage when I need it - WITH gas. no dirty dishes or mess to come home to after work. But in fact, I think, I'll miss her a little. I'm not meant to live alone - I never have in my entire life, and it would be hard to do full time, but I do appreciate solitude once in a while.

perfect timing!

Liselle — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:47:44 GMT

Imagine my surprise at randomly cruising interesting pictures today and coming on this date! I had no idea today was the anniversary of the battle of Culloden. *shiver* credit to Claudia, from Dicken's tribe for the photo - I couldn't resist snagging this shot, it looked like a wonderful trip! I wanna go some day :::: whine::::

funny and true!

Liselle — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:36:55 GMT

morning smart aleck radio show hosts were picking apart dumb 70's pop hits, and started in on the line where it said - "she makes me feel like I'm a man" and the (male) DJ said - every time I've ever done something that makes me feel like a man - it makes any woman nearby feel like I'm an ass. OMG - I almost ran a stop sign laughing so hard!

tempest night

Liselle — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 22:31:49 GMT

Finally got to see Damien performing with Tempest last night. They were playing at Constable Jack's in Newcastle. Oh - the memories! 7 years ago I had never heard of Tempest, when I went there to see them for the first time. In fact, I had just started trying to get serious with my involvement at faire (and Mykall LOL). Damien, Susie, Ren and several others were new friends who I was just getting to know, and wasn't sure how I would fit in, at the time. But I was living it for all it was worth. And I really liked how those people, and experiences seemed to bring out a part of me that I really enjoyed! I never dreamed my life would evolve the way it has, and I am so proud to know all my friends who have grown along with me, and branched out into their own strengths and beauty. I am just amazed that so many beautiful, interesting and outstandingly talented people call me a friend! Thank you!

FAFSA

Liselle — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:59:02 GMT

Many of you know I am working toward getting my daughter plugged into college this fall - then *I* can have my own life again. If you have ever dealt with college financial aid - federal, grants, loans, scholarships...etc... I NEED YOUR HELP! I just got a copy of the 'SAR' which I thought would be the answer to my prayers. But in fact, it tells me nothing that I can make sense of. It doesn't tell me if or what grants she's qualified for. It doesn't tell me how much she needs, or where to get it. It tells me that my EFC is 2909 - whatever THAT means... *whimper* I'm guessing my next step is to contact the college financial aid dept... The form says that the college got a copy of this application - I plan to wait a few days, and then follow up there, if they don't contact me first.

A year of ME

Liselle — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 17:35:10 GMT

I'm actually not bored, just don't want to work right now! JANUARY 1. Did you have a new year's resolution this year? not a particular resolution, but I think things over and make plans... 2. Who kissed you at midnight? Who else? Michael - actually, a few others, too. 3. Does it snow where you live? no 4. Do you like hot chocolate? Yes. especially added to some coffee 5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop? No. FEBRUARY 1. Who was your Valentine?: Michael 2. When you were little, did you buy valentines for your whole class? yes, and I never got as many as I gave . :-( 3. Do you like Valentines day? Yes - I always find someone to show love to, and my daddy always used to make it special for us kids, so I tried to do the same for my kids. MARCH 1. Are you Irish?: I estimate yes 2. Do you wear green on St. Patty's day? Yes, if I have anything green in my closet 3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2006? Calaveras in the snow. APRIL 1. Do you like the rain? Iove it. 2. Did you play an April fool's joke on anyone this year? no - I don't like practical jokes much 3. Do you get tons of candy on Easter? less and less - what I do buy is quality 4. Do you celebrate 4/20? I celebrate every day! - wait, that's not what you think it means..... MAY 1. What's your favorite kind of flower? hyacynths - just can't spell them. I like most flowers though. 2. Do you like the spring? except for the allergies. 3. What is the first color you think of when you think of Spring? bright green JUNE 1. Did you realize nothing special happens in June? Yes it does! My honey's birthday!! JULY 2. What did you do on the Fourth of July? I think this year I got stood up by some friends I was expecting. we BBQ'd anyway 3. Did you go on any vacations during this month? Redwoods for a week. It was hot 4. Do you blast the A/C all day? As much as I can afford the electric bill. AUGUST 1. Did you do anything special at the end of your summer? recover from Redwoods trip. LOL 2. What was your favorite summer memory of '06? Redwoods 3. Did you have a sunburn? HA! I get sunburnt in MARCH! It's just a matter of degree with me. 4. Did you go to the beach a lot? Not enough - I love the ocean. I prefer it in winter - can't take the fierce sun in summer. SEPTEMBER 1. Did you start school? no 2. Did you celebrate homecoming? Vicariously through my daughter - she is REVELING in her senior year, and I'm enjoying watching her do it. 3. Anything special happen? Lots of trips to Faires - my birthday - new outfit for faire OCTOBER 1. Do anything Halloween-related? I celebrated Samhain though... a Quiet night with Michael and candles, and remembrances of ancestors. 2. What were you for Halloween? oh - the party at Anita's - a gypsy something or other. wasn't my favorite costume, but the party was fun - as always. 3. Carve pumpkins?: No, but the uncarved one we bought in anticipation is still on the back porch. NOVEMBER 1. Do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Oh yeah! My favorite time! I love to cook for family! 2. Do you watch football? not just no .... but HELL no. 3. Going anywhere special? rather stay home and cook - opening of Dickens the weekend after. DECEMBER 1. Do you like Christmas? Yes, but it's stressful and takes it's toll 2. Do you have Christmas break? I rarely get a break.... ;-) But I do get an extra day off work with pay this year. 3. Are you excited for a new year? Yes.... and apprehensive ... HUGE changes to start this year. Daughter graduating, Mikal and I moving in together.... can she make it on her own? Can I finally have my OWN life? Can I survive the intensity of actually sharing a house with Mikal, or will I perish from the experience (or from complete bliss)

it never fails (minor rant)

Liselle — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:51:21 GMT

every year in December (since ever I've worked in the medical industry) we get calls from people who have met their deductible for the year, and want to RUSH right in and get that medical thing they've been putting off since SUMMER done before the end of the year. But they don't take into consideration that 1) we have no appts available for a week or two, 2) it takes at least 2 weeks to manufacture the brace they want, 3) holiday hours for our manufacturing and shipping companies mean longer estimated arrival time, 4) the doctor is taking time off for the holidays too, so he's not available either, and 5) last but NOT least - their insurance probably requires a pre-authorization, which takes time, too, AFTER I get records that prove necessity from the ordering doctor. All in all, don't expect services to be rushed in the month of December. So sorry. It's not my fault, you don't understand the way *your* insurance coverage works. It's sort of a holiday tradition. :-)

50 questions

Liselle — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 18:37:30 GMT

stolen from Richard - so many of these going around lately - christmas, one word, so I thought I'd do something, too. I don't know the significance of these questions, though... 1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? this morn can't remember - but often when I look in a mirror, I think, wow! I look better than I thought! (when tired, irritated or rumpled) 2. How much cash do you have on you? $ 12 or so? 3. What's a word that rhymes with "DOOR?"? poor 4. Favorite planet? Venus 5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? restricted # - most likely Mikal 6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? pachabel's canon in D 7. What shirt are you wearing? Green long tee, with overshirt when cold 8. Do you "label" yourself? labels aways hurt when you peel them off 9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing? FlyFlot 10. Bright or Dark Room Bright 11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? he's a busy man 12. What does your watch look like? I don't wear a watch - use cell phone 13. What were you doing at midnight last night? sound asleep 14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? 11:11 my sweet 15. Where is your nearest 7-11? corner of auburn and van maren, 2 miles, never go there 16. What's a word that you say a lot? thanks 17. Who told you he/she loved you last? Mykall 18. Last furry thing you touched? Kat's collar? 19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? lisinopril, claritin, albuterol, maybe one other ;-) 20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? None. 21. Favorite age you have been so far? 41 22. Your worst enemy? none 23. What is your current desktop picture? redwoods from July 24. What was the last thing you said to someone? I don't know (no that's really what I said) 25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? A million. 26. Do you like someone? of course 27. The last song you listened to? voluntarily, pink floyd album - I'm subjected to constant background annoying music at work. 28. What time of day were you born? 9:30pm 29. What's your favorite number? 3 and 11 30. Where did you live in 1987? Orangevale, Ca 31. Are you jealous of anyone? No 32. Is anyone jealous of you? couldn't say 33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? In my bedroom, getting ready for work. 34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? if monitored, then I complain and try to get refund. 35. Do you consider yourself kind? yes, kind-hearted 36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? never, ever - wouldn't happen 37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? russian? french? gaelic? can't decide 38. Would you move for the person you loved? Yes. 39. Are you touchy feely? affectionate to loved ones - not strangers. 40. What's your life motto? it changed as I have - what's a motto with you? 41. Name three things that you have on you at all times. rings, contacts, LIP BALM 42. What's your favorite town/city? sonoma, marin, napa, monterey - thereabouts 43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? milk 44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? can't remember- years 45. Can you change the oil on a car? why would I *want* to? I'd get dirty! ick! 46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? in jail - probably out by now 47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Civil War time 48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? Dickens outfit for fair 49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? right hip 50. Have you been burned by love? not really-what burned me wasn't love. True Love has saved me!