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Nov. 10th, 2009 @ 04:13 pm In which our celebration is predictably short-lived...
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Yes, that's right...

After an unplanned two month hiatus, we return to our regularly scheduled Tide! And there was much rejoicing.

Since it's been so long, it might behoove the audience to review where we last left our heroes:

http://laurelwen.livejournal.com/245894.html#cutid1

( So what next? )
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Hurt Jo
Speak to Me, Baby
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Nov. 3rd, 2009 @ 08:31 am Costume breakdown
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We decided to go as an airship/sky pirate crew (because it allowed us to use things we already had, saving money and time). I was actually inspired by the outfit that Milla wears in the third Resident Evil movie, but I didn't want to just copy it.

I found a free online pattern drafting tutorial for a short double-breasted vest. I drafted it up in my measurements, made a mockup out of muslin, then altered it from 3 pieces with darts into 5 pieces by changing the darts into side front and side back seams. The idea was to make it easier to incorporate the changes I was about to make at the bottom. I tacked some extra muslin on the bottom of each piece, then fiddled with them until I had a skirt width I liked. I used this mockup as a pattern to cut a second mockup. Once that was put together, I decided on a hemline that I liked and cut it appropriately. I used this as the pattern to cut the fashion material.

The outside is a dark olive green herringbone-weave suiting fabric with a nice drape. The lining is Potting Soil colored bemburg. There are 12 copper buttons--and let me tell you that placement for 2 symmetrical lines of buttons is quite the task. I rocked the buttonholes out in no time, since Judy's precise needle placement settings makes it really easy.

The shirt and shorts are thrift store finds. The boots I got last year to wear with my Jedi costume, but they're lovely and versatile. The stockings are a jury-rig--upside down stirrup pants. I cut the stirrup at the bottom seam, then cut the opening bigger and wider to fit my thigh rather than my ankle. I chopped the leg off higher up and just tucked them into the boots. The tops are just safety pinned underneath the shorts. All in all, I think it worked out well. I had been planning to serge the edges and make it look a little neater and more deliberate, but I found I was satisfied with that, and I had some other things to take care of during the day.

The black map case is from the telephoto lens for the camera I inherited from my mom. Throw on a gold leaf brooch on my lapel, and a large gold clock attached to my belt (hooray for Hobby Lobby ornaments!) and the outfit was complete. I was unable to find any goggles that I liked, so I skipped them. There's always the future. Or the past. Whatever.

I did learn a few things from the vest. I would have been better served to interface the entire front panel, rather than just half of it--this would have helped the front bottom hang a little more smoothly. Attaching the armhole lining was a bitch and it still doesn't lay quite flat, so I would find a better way to do that. The collar was a bit larger than I though it would be, and the neckline was higher than expected, too. I would change the shape of the side front seam just a bit. Overall, I'm very pleased with how it turned out. Also cool: I could wear it over a fairly fluffy skirt if I wanted, so there are numerous styling options.
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Binah Designs
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Oct. 27th, 2009 @ 09:43 am Project Mayhem...er, Runway...er, Halloween Costume
As per usual, I'm down to the wire on the Halloween costume thing. It's just the way that I work, and I've learned to accept that. On the positive side, however, I am moving right along with the main piece I am making, and I've already bought the pieces I needed to buy. The real bitch is going to be the buttonholes. But...I think this new machine will make those easier to do, once I have done some fiddling.

On the machine end, so far so good. I've gone through plain cotton, and now a thicker poly/wool. Next up, I'll see how it does on some thin lining. After that, the only things I will want to check are super heavy fabrics, esp vinyl and upholstery, and superfine fabrics like chiffon. But Miss Judy sews like butter so far, and for that I am thankful. According to the manual, there are a bunch of fancypants options that I could experiment with when I have more time, and I'll definitely want to look into getting some of the specialized presser feet. Feet? Foots? I don't know!

I feel like I should have a framed photo of Tim Gunn on my sewing wall, casting a critical eye over all my work.
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Make it work
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Oct. 8th, 2009 @ 12:26 pm Weather, Judy, and more
When fall snapped up north, we got hit with a lovely wave of cooler weather. However, it ratcheted back up into the nineties shortly thereafter. We've been hit with quite a few waves of rain, and with the humidity, the heat index is now in the 105 range. It's high enough that they're issuing warnings to people. All this in October. The forecast calls for a cold front to move through and then we might actually hit normal October temps (upper 70's to mid-80's.) It's a surreal experience to drive down the street in unbelievably hot weather and see all the houses decked out for Halloween.

In other news, I just picked up a Singer 500a Rocketeer sewing machine from the early 60's. All praise to Craigslist. This model is all metal gears (no belts), and has a devoted following among vintage machine fanciers. It seems like quite a workhorse, so I might finally be able to easily handle the heavy upholstery fabrics so often used for good costumes, not to mention the possibilities for vinyls and even leather. It also means I might be able to start into some corsetmaking endeavors, since those involve several layers of heavy fabric as well. I even ordered a CD copy of the original manual for a few bucks online. It's in lovely condition--either it wasn't used much or it was well cared for. I can't tell you how exciting this is. I've wanted a solid machine for a while, and my current one was having a nasty issue that I wasn't willing to get fixed (due to costs and the low quality of the machine in the first place.) So now I have one that will hopefully last me a long time and be able to handle the tough stuff. Also, it is named Judy. Look up a photo of the machine and you will see why. The best part is that this new toy coincides with this season of Project Runway, so I'm all fired up to make some stuff.

On a related note...now I can really start working on Halloween. I'm playing it fairly simple this year to save money and time. I'd really like to go all out on Mardi Gras, so I need to save money for this holiday in preparation for that one. I also need to start saving for a down payment on a new(er) car, so...I'll be combing the thrift stores for alterable items on the cheap. I think I may only be making one major piece and some accessories.

It was time to replace my falling apart summer shoes, so I picked up two pairs from Payless last night. I hate flats (I'm too short and stout to look good in them) but I got a pair anyway because they're so damn ubiquitous. I also got a pair of perfect character shoes. Not too high of a heel, nice plain black, thin strap. Very versatile and relatively comfortable since they make them in wide. I'm a 6 and 1/2 W, so often I end up in 7's which is not usually a perfect solution. Now I just need to supplement my work wardrobe with a few new shirts and pants for fall and I'm all set for a while on clothing. One of the great things about down here is that I can really wear most of my clothes for most of the year. Come Dec I won't be wearing capris much, but everything else is good to go.

Now I just need to find a good bike on the cheap. The bus is treating me well, but I can get to work faster on a bike, and on my own schedule. Still sad about the almost new Schwinn cruiser that slipped through my fingers. I keep combing the ads, though, and rely on the bus until then. It's only a 2.5 mile ride, so I don't fear not being able to make it and I'll get to kill two birds with one stone--commute + exercise every day.

Also, I cannot wait till James starts using his birthday present-gas grill. My mouth waters just thinking about it. It's a crime that we went this long without a grill down here. It's usable all year, too. And our walkway to the backyard is so narrow that the grill won't even fit through it, so no worries about it vanishing. To answer the obvious question, I bought the grill in the box, took it all out of the box to fit it into James' car, then carted the pieces to the backyard and assembled it myself. It took me a couple hours, but it saved on the delivery cost to have an assembled one trucked out to our house. Plus I love to feel like I can do things myself. And now I know I can put a grill together! Grand Moff Tisper does not fear complicated tasks.
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Make it work
4 dreams
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Oct. 2nd, 2009 @ 03:27 pm Also...
using the street view on google maps, I've discovered that my coffeehouse in college, Fourth Coast, is now a restaurant called The Crow's Nest. I am simultaneously sad and kind of happy about this.

Using the street view again, I found the house I lived in during study abroad, and the one I lived in with the two craziest people I had ever met during my senior year (in which I got to have the hobbit room--so named for it's shorter-than-me door and sharply pitched roof).

Also, I am worried that I can't see the old asylum tower in street view...did they tear it down? That would be sad...it was quite a landmark.

Have I mentioned how much I love maps? Google maps just keeps getting cooler.

Also, if you know our Nola address and you look it up in street view, you'll see the house as it looked before renovation, all yellow and weird. It's much better now. In fact, I think the photo was taken during renovation--there's a big dumpster right in front.

The ways I kill time on a Friday afternoon.

The next couple days are going to be hella busy with shopping and cleaning and whatnot. But that's okay.
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Muse
3 dreams
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Oct. 2nd, 2009 @ 12:19 pm Notes from the Land of Tisper
Well, I'm a few dates in with a guy from Craigslist. Still a bit crazy, but it's been fun. Don't know if it will be something serious or longterm, but I'd rather just live in the moment for now. How many times in the past have I jumped in headfirst, full speed ahead? By this point, I think I've learned it's not generally the best way.

Seems like the Dragon Wagon might be permanently retired. When the mechanic (who stands to gain a lot of money from it) doesn't think it's worth repairing, that should be a warning sign. And maybe I could spend another $500 bucks and it will fix the problem...but how long before another one pops up? So...I might be cashing it in for parts, and buying a bicycle for the time being. It's a good season for the bike--past the extreme heat of summer and before it gets actually cold out. When it rains, I can always take the Magazine St. bus downtown (it's more reliable than the streetcar, if less fun.) And in the meantime, try to save as much as I can for a down payment on a new or newer car. I'm also going to go apply for a credit card to start building some positive credit history. My score is average, but not having any active credit accts certainly hurts. And in an economic climate where even people with exemplary scores are getting reamed on financing, I need to do whatever I can to get the best possible rates when it's time to buy a car. A brand new car may still be out of my range for now, but even a couple year old car will be better than I've ever had before. And please, please, please let it have AC. AC is so important to quality of life down here. On the plus side, I'll be greener and getting in better shape at the same time. On the minus, I'll be adding a bunch of time to my commute (which is annoying) and experiencing the lack of freedom to go where I want, when I want.

As we round up Season 5 of Lost with Rach (my second time through), I am just getting more and more excited for the final season. I yearn for January, but I dread it, too, since it means that Lost will soon be over for good. I also worry about the fate of my favorite characters (you can guess which ones those are). I spend a lot of time online looking at reference sites and blogs about Lost. I find it distinctly fascinating to experience Lost for the first time through another person's eyes, and see the way their interactions with the show develop and change over time. This has further led me to investigate the entire notion of transmedia storytelling, too. I know, I know...I'm a little late to the game. I think ultimately, I have a fan mentality. I'm picky about the things I obsess over, but I find it to be a fun and fulfilling experience whenever I do come across a new subject. Enthusiasm. It's been an elusive thing for me over the last few years, but I find a source of joy in Lost and our Savage Tide game.

Speaking of which, we haven't played since Labor Day! I hope the dry spell will end soon--next weekend maybe???

James' birthday will be celebrated on Sunday, and I think our plans are pretty awesome. I could be biased. Of course, I still have to go shopping for the present. Aieee! At least we know what we're getting.
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Dragon
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Sep. 24th, 2009 @ 08:46 am Updatery
Well, we're a couple weeks into our hiatus from game and I'm feeling the itch in a bad way. Can has teh gamings? We NEEDS it, precious. See our icon of pain and longing?

Anyway...

In other news, James and I started watching the first season of Fringe (which is online). So far I am enjoying it. It's very X-Files-y. I don't know how I feel about the blonde yet, but I like Joshua Jackson's character, and I LOFF John Noble's character. He totally rocks it out. Also, I find it odd to see M______ A______ running around in a Skinner-type role (only cooler, if that was possible). We've only really seen the two hour pilot and two more episodes, so it's early to make a judgment on whether I think it's going to stay strong long term. But since a bunch of you have been on my ass to watch it...enough with the cajoling already. I'm on it.

Despite being technically fall, it's still quite warm and humid. We've dropped down to the high 80's most days, but still damp which makes it seem hotter. It is exciting to be moving into some of the most beautiful weather we get down here...October seems to rule.

I've actually gone out on two dates with someone I met on craigslist, if you can believe that. There's some potential there, but we'll have to see as time goes on. At the very least, we both seem interested, and there's definitely some chemistry. I'm basically just trying not to have any expectations. If I have some fun, great. If I end up with a new friend, also great. If it develops into more than that, Greaty McGreatballs.

In other other news, I need to get off my ass and start working on my Halloween costume. I've got the idea, but nothing tangible yet. Since James will be out of town, and I have no other plans, this weekend seems like the time to get it moving. It will be nothing so elaborate as what I've done in the past. My sewing machine is still acting up and I can't afford a new one right now, so I'm going to keep it as simple as I can.
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Hurt Jo
3 dreams
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Sep. 8th, 2009 @ 03:38 pm In which we catch someone's attention, and a chapter closes
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The funny thing is...I've had this icon ready for a while and was waiting for my chance to use it. Why is that funny? Read through the post and find out!

( So we teleported back to Farshore... )
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Pretty Jo
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Sep. 8th, 2009 @ 11:01 am A lovely weekend...
Had a nice, long, relaxing weekend. Took care of errands on Saturday--shopping mostly. I have now broken not one, but *two* sets of earphones for my iPhone, so I had to buy another pair. Did some grocery shopping at Whole Foods.

I decided to get some swordfish. I've cooked fish maybe a total of three times before this, and I wanted to try something new. I did overcook it just slightly--moreso around the edges, but the middle was good. It's hard to judge something like that. But it was still tasty overall, and strange since it has such a meaty texture.

On Sunday, we headed off into the unknown (James knew, but we didn't), and ended up at Oak Alley Plantation. We walked the grounds, did the tour (oh how I wish I was allowed to just browse through at my own pace). The house was quite beautiful, but it made me wish I could walk around it in period costume. The 300 year old oaks were amazing of course, and the front alley that gives the home its name has been filmed any number of times (the most important to me being Interview with the Vampire.) It rained while we were there, which just made everything smell even better, and was awesome to watch while we hung out on the veranda with our mint juleps.

Then we went just across the road to the levee, and climbed down to the river to skip rocks and whatnot. I found some killer driftwood pieces that sparked some project ideas for me. Also, I discovered a plant that I have been looking for since I was 5. Seriously. I was in a greenhouse with my mom and the employee showed me this little plant with stems of itty bitty leaves. When you touch the leaves, they fold up together along the stem. It was a magic plant! Since then, I can't help touching plants that look similar just to see if they're the same kind. Well, I touched this one and turns out...I found it! I also took a picture with my phone to see if I can identify the plant online.

Then, since storm clouds were rolling in again, we headed off into the rainstorm. We picked up corn dogs and cherry limeade at Sonic, then drove back to the city. When we got home, we started talking about game which led to us watching the first episode of season 5 of Lost before bed.

Monday was game day. I got up early to do my magic item shopping before anyone else was up. Then I made breakfast which was turning out beautifully...until the last step. I made croque madames, which are basically hot ham and cheese sandwiches with an egg on top. But, as they were sitting under the broiler to melt and brown the cheese...they started on fire!!! Our oven has a weird top broiler instead of the ones in the drawer at the bottom. And I didn't know how close was too close. I do now. So, after the damage was done we pulled the charred tops off and the rest of the sandwiches were fine, so I put the egg on and we ate. Still good, but the top had a large portion of the cheese, so I was sad. I did manage a killer bechamel sauce with some dijon mustard in it. Mmmmm.

So then we gamed...that will be discussed in my next post. It was good, it was great, it was hella awesome. And we ended early enough to eat some dinner and watch two more episodes of Lost.

All in all...a good weekend. Getting up for work wasn't even as hard as I thought it might be. And now I have a four day week. Oh, and I think I managed to brainstorm a costume for Halloween that won't break the bank or be too time consuming (although you never know on that front). Wooooo!
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Gibson Girl
5 dreams
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Aug. 31st, 2009 @ 11:02 am Weekend
I got so little accomplished this weekend that I should feel ashamed of myself...and yet I can't dredge up the shame. It was still a nice, relaxing weekend overall.

Since I only recently heard about it through the grapevine, James and I went to the Island of Salvation botanica run by Sallie Ann Glassman in the Bywater. We learned that A. she charges WAY less for 7 day candles than Authentica in the Quarter and B. the temple (which is located between Piety and Desire!) is open to anyone, so long as you wear white and bring an offering. This is supercool, as it means I may actually be able to work up the nerve to go. I've always wanted to, but it's intimidating when you're an outsider who doesn't know very much about Vodou other than the ultra basics.

Still, it was nice to hang out for a while, and we learned that railroad spikes are plentifully available down on the tracks in that area.

Next we headed over to Authentica and Trashy Diva, before hitting Central Grocery to satisfy my Unholy Craving for muffalettas. Dear lord, they are SO good. Watched some crazy Quarter types while we ate, then headed home. All by 3pm. (Also, telling dirty jokes for the parking faery works every time.)

And that was about ALL I did this weekend of any note. Got some breakfast at Slim Greasy's on Sunday. Drove through an insanely crazy rainstorm for Wendy's on Sunday night. Watched some ABDC--the Bollywood challenge was cool. Still not as enthralled with any of this set of teams the way I was with Fanny Pack, who fucking rocked it out.

Dreamed that these two teenage girls stole my iPhone and I chased them through the hallways of a hotel I was staying at, yelling "thief" and "stop them" which everyone ignored, and I was too slow to catch them. Anxiety about technology? Feeling like I don't belong in the modern world? Worried about getting old? I don't know. But I was definitely pissed off about it.
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Gibson Girl
1 dream
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Aug. 25th, 2009 @ 12:54 pm In which Bliz gets a mudbath...
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( As the rushing waters carried Jakara and Adamant away... )
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Savage Jo
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Aug. 18th, 2009 @ 09:52 am In which we're swept off our feet...
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( Dungeon craaaaawl! )
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Beat-up Jo
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Aug. 13th, 2009 @ 03:58 pm In which we jump right back into the fray...
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( The next session... )
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Savage Jo
Speak to Me, Baby
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Aug. 12th, 2009 @ 12:07 pm In which there are revelations...
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I will do my best to convey the gist of these scenes, but without an actual transcript, some of the nuance, subtext, etc will be lost. I can only remember so many details, particularly when I am engrossed in RP and thus not taking notes (and most especially when the RP is of an emotionally charged nature). ( Without further ado:  )
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Lost Jo
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Aug. 10th, 2009 @ 02:39 pm Clothings and game bits
One thing I've realized: Jeebus I need more office-y clothes. I've been getting by on the same old crap that I wore to the Dial (where standards were rather lax)--and which largely consisted of only a couple pairs of pants at any given time, a bunch of men's shirts that were hand-me-downs from ex boyfriends and few random bits that I found on clearance or at TJ Maxx or both. This is no longer going to work, given that I will be interacting with clients more often (instead of hiding in my cubicle).

And while we're on the subject, can anyone tell me why a skirt is acceptable and even encouraged, while dress shorts in the same material and the same length are not okay? I mean seriously, what century is this, anyway?

Of course, these days I really dislike clothes shopping because of the amount of time it eats up and the precious little I have to show for it at the end of the day. My shoulders are too broad, so most button down shirts have a terrible gap at the bust. I discovered this because I have a shirt with puffy sleeves that magically doesn't have that problem--shoulder ease is my friend. And a lot of the doesn't-button-dressy-shirts these days are just butt ugly--especially if you have a normal size bust and normal sized waist. Shapeless bags is what I like to call them. Wish me luck.

As for game...there will be much posting as soon as I wrap my head around the insanity of our doubleheader and have a good chunk of time to write it. Let it be known that a good time was had by all. Woooo!
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Art
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Aug. 7th, 2009 @ 09:03 am
So...I am starting as a paralegal today. What does this mean?

I will be moving to another department within the firm (Admiralty) to work with one other paralegal on the biggest case in the whole firm (it's Katrina related). I will be working with two attorneys who are quite frankly hard-nosed, old-school, Type-A, get it done yesterday types--and they will expect me to know what I'm doing right off the bat.

I will have my own little office (no window) with an actual door. Step up from the cubicles, certainly.

I will get a raise--how much specifically I'll see on my next check.

My leisure time at work is over. The amount of work that needs to be done on this case is enough for 3 paralegals so I'll be keeping busy.


So basically, I'm stepping up into an extremely challenging, high-stakes position with no real training in the paralegal field. However, while you can go through training programs for the paralegal profession, there is no certification requirement for the job. Getting a certificate from an ABA-approved program will help your employment chances, but plenty of paralegals just learn through experience. Luckily for me, I've been here at this firm for well over a year, so there's no learning curve on firm procedures, software, equipment, etc. The main thing will be to learn what duties my predecessor fulfilled and what projects she was working on. I've got a week to breathe (relatively) easy while one of the atty's is out of town.

There is very little in this world that I can't learn how to do...so I'm not worried that I won't be able to do it. It's just a big adjustment in environment and habits on my part. It even helps that I was an English major.
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Hard Core
6 dreams
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Jul. 29th, 2009 @ 03:36 pm Because I've always wanted to try this...
Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist: Ani DiFranco


Are you a male or female:
Joyful Girl

Describe yourself:
Shameless

How do you feel:
Sick of Me

Describe where you currently live:
Glass House

If you could go anywhere, you would go:
Out of Range

Your best friend is:
Not a Pretty Girl

You and your best friends are:
In the Margins

What's the weather like:
Here for Now

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Freakshow

What is life to you:
Swandive

Your last relationship:
Studying Stones

Your fear:
What If No One's Watching?

What is the best advice you have to give:
Face Up and Sing

Thought for the Day:
Falling Is Like This

How you would like to die:
Revelling

Your soul's present condition:
Light of Some Kind

Your motto:
Imagine That
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Sammy
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Jul. 28th, 2009 @ 02:01 pm In which there is a hot mess...and my dice betray me...
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( Without further ado... )
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Hurt Jo
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Jul. 21st, 2009 @ 11:10 am In which there is adventure, and a hat...but no whips
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When we left our heroes, there was about to be a big stink regarding murdering enemies who surrender.

But first...( a flash. )
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Savage Jo
3 dreams
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Jul. 21st, 2009 @ 10:55 am Mashup mania
So, I highly recommend checking out DJ Earworm (at http://djearworm.com/) to hear some really good mashups. I followed a link to his latest, an Annie Lennox themed mashup, complete with some of her insane videos.

I highly recommend Heartless (In a Bottle), a little further down the page. If I can get permission from the computer's owner, I might want to download that song just because it's a damn fine song overall. Srsly, check it out. It's rare that I hear a mashup that I honestly like as a song in and of itself. This is one.
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Gibson Girl
2 dreams
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