Here is the picture of the islands …
Archive for the ‘Random Thoughts’ Category
One of my favorite authors is Kathleen Brooks (http://www.kathleen-brooks.com/). Her books are funny, exciting and generally just a good adventure. A little sex, but not so much that it becomes the central theme. The stories are always very good and 22 books in (Forever Devoted just came out) and the magic of the Keeneston Family is still very much alive.
Below are links to a spreadsheet and pdf file listing the characters, their spouses and their books.
Keeneston Family all on 1 Page pdf
I really recommend reading her books.
Her amazon link is here: Kathleen Brooks Amazon Page
I run a fun little co-op in the Township app with other amazing players.
We speak English.
Regatta: Our general guidelines are … 600 points (minimum) per regatta or opt out. 2 zeroes and we release (kicked out sounds so harsh) the player to find a co-op better suited to their play style. New players who join, don’t opt out of the regatta and don’t do any tasks are released after their first zero. Players who return after being released only get one shot to stay. Illness or other sudden act of life grants passes – but we need to know. We use chat heavily. We don’t require that you do a specific number of tasks – just reach a minimum of 600 points. If you have problems getting to 600 we are all here to help. We use the 3 Musketeers philosophy – all for one and one for all. When we work together we all succeed!
Help or don’t help – the reward are the clovers and the thank yous – it’s nice but we don’t require it like other co-ops.
Regatta: since we all pull from the same board and the same tasks we ask players not to delete just because you don’t like a task. We delete any task under 130 points unless it is reserved. If someone calls a task in chat (and they have a task reserved) we try to honor that. We plan ahead. We ask that you at least read the chat to know who has planted rubber trees, or started ice cream or sent for bananas (as examples) so you don’t delete or take that task. We ask that players don’t randomly delete without reading chat. If a task hasn’t been reserved it is free to take.
Once we see that you are playing and staying we will promote you to Elder. This means you can delete regatta tasks, send join request to your friends, accept new members, send notes through the co-op player list. If you cause a problem such as deleting task in the regatta, you will get demoted until we get on the same page. There are a handful of co-leaders. They are the folks that have been with me the longest and have my full confidence for running things.
Everyone has the same voice in the co-op and is free to help direct us. The only thing I do without asking for members thoughts is releasing players who don’t follow our regatta guidelines. All suggestions are taken seriously. This is as much your co-op as mine.
We understand this is just a game and people play to have fun a relax. Hence these are guidelines … not rules.
We do have 1 rule: Be nice and be respectful. We have players from all over the world and of various ages. Anyone who is aggressive or disagreeable with be sent packing immediately. We don’t talk politics (because it is irrelevant to the game) or religion (except to get a better understanding of the practices and always with respect (lack of respect will get you booted immediately)). If you have an issue with one of our members and want to talk in private you can contact me through email at Taciej at yahoo.com (just replace the at with @ and take out all the spaces).
This is a spreadsheet I’ve done once we grew past the first couple of members.
I love my spreadsheets! I’ve done both an excel spreadsheet and a pdf for those that can’t open excel.
Here are the most recent results…..
I love the power of my mind to meld various aspects of my life into one single thing. Last nights … well, really this morning’s because I woke up remembering … dream was a curious meld of my work life and Leverage. We watched the aliens episode last night – where Eliot play an ET nerd. It was really funny episode. But it must have really stuck with me because Christian Kane and various co-workers all played a part in my dream.
The Dream:
Or at least what I remember of the dream. It’s fading at this point. I was following one of my co-workers to their favorite lunch spot and I noticed that they were smoking. I know for a fact the Jack doesn’t smoke. I went into the restaurant to tease him and he wasn’t in there. The weird thing was, I’d never been in this place before, and it’s not on any map of West Chester I know either. So I come out of the restaurant and there is Jack behind me. How that happened I will never know. And I never did give him a hard time about smoking.
Jump to the very large wood panelled, lowly lit room above the bar. It’s a long room, 20, 25 feet. And I don’t know what we were doing or why but we were doing paper work for one of the departments here at the county. Although my job involves tons of paper, this wasn’t something I normally do. It’s fading but it had to do with register of will or recorder of deed. And I was kind of taking care of Chris I’m guess he had finished a set downstairs and he’d had a bit to drink. He was lounging on this sort of run down couch from on the games I play on my iPhone. And we were just talking while I was doing my paperwork and he decided to go home. Walk home. And this wasn’t any room that I remember being in before. So off he goes, and I wasn’t going to let him, but I realized I had his phone number on the work phone number list – I guess he worked with me at that point – and I could call him later to make sure he got home ok.
And at that point I woke up. But that’s just the frame work of the dream. The dream was very textured and very detailed. Sights, sounds and smells all rolled together. One of the interesting parts was CK definitely wasn’t the Eliot character. He was more from the concerts (I’ve seen him twice & met him once). His voice was the softer not Eliot voice, which I’m not as familiar with. I’m significant more familiar with the “Dammit Hardison” voice. Take the voice from last nights episode, but kill the twang. That is the voice that was in the dream.
Take some reality (my job), throw in some not reality (working in a different department, hanging out with CK) and tah-dah my mind blended them into a very real and somewhat amusing (especially now that I’m awake) dream.
A couple of years back a couple of guys ran a fantasy football league from the office across the hall. When they were having problems getting enough players I said I would love to join. They recruited the one guys aunt instead and then complained all season about her not wanting to play. To quote the old knight in Raider’s “he chose poorly.” And of course I mentioned that too.
Fast forward a couple of years. My one girlfriend at the office asked if I wanted to join a league her cousin ran. Read my 10/21/08 post on that one. And since I’m typing this from an iPhone and have NO idea how to link… you are on your own. And I must say WOW – 2008. I didn’t realize it had been that long.
Well, I’ve been happily loosing in my league for years. I’d get close and then blow it. Not close enough to get a good draft pick… just close enough to suck. This year started no different. But I managed to pick up Matt Stafford and some kicker (yeah, I’m into names) because my guys sucked. It didn’t hurt that I have Arian Foster… But dude spent a couple of weeks hurt. I kinda gave up at one point after forgetting to switch my QB. I played a a guy who got me 0 points. I did that a couple of times with various players. Both my QB’s were on bye at the same time … poor planning on my part … But the saving grace that week was the person I was playing against had a lot of Eagles players and I managed to win.
Long story short. I ended up in the top 2 in my division at the end of the season. Don’t ask – I’m not quite sure how. And the lady I beat, besides being really nice (which is completely irrelevant), had beaten me seriously the 2 games before. Which put me in the final 2. Well butter my buns and call me a biscuit. And going into the Monday night game. I was down slightly with 1 player to play. Nealla was up slightly with 2 players to play. Ask me how I beat her by 2 points. Go ahead – ask. I have NO clue. She should have won.
So I have bragging rights for the next 6 months… I am the Queen of my Fantasy League.
About 3 weeks ago I bought the most awesome pair of red high heels. 4.5″ with a .75″ platform. The “Joan & David ‘Flipp’ Pump”. Surprisingly they aren’t as uncomfortable as they sound.
Wrapped platform and heel elevate a timeless pump crafted from high-shine patent leather.
- Approx. heel height: 4 1/2″ with 3/4″ platform.
- Patent leather upper/patent leather and leather lining/buffed leather sole.
- By Joan & David; imported.
I was just watching Leverage “The Cross My Heart Job” and don’tcha know Sophie Devereaux whipped a pair out of her bag! How exciting is that? For me… pretty darned exciting!
Wrapped platform and heel elevate a timeless pump crafted from high-shine patent leather.
- Approx. heel height: 4 1/2″ with 3/4″ platform.
- Patent leather upper/patent leather and leather lining/buffed leather sole.
- By Joan & David; imported.
I’ve decided I want to do a Facebook World Tour. I want to visit my Facebook friends in the town in which they live for a meal, a drink, or an extended stay. Whatever is most appropriate based on proximity to my home and their tolerance of my presence!
This is going to be super easy for some, like my Beloved. He’s very tolerant of my presence. And he’s close! Then there’s gonna be some that are a little harder. The Mythbusters are going to be a bit of a challenge. We’ll work on that one later.
Off I go on my new adventure, which I actually started some time ago. I’ll write more when a) it’s not midnight and I have to get up for work and b) I’m not on a hand held!
As the old saying goes… “Party on Garth. …”
It’s been an odd day. It must be because I’m getting older. I know 3 families that have lost love ones today. One is an on-line friend in England – she lost her father to cancer. Another is an on-line “brother” who just happened to have a different mother & father – his ex-wife (who he was still friends with) passed from cancer. And the final was one of the members of my church. They say these things come in threes – they did today.
Well because I made it through today (or at least until now) I thought I should say thank you to the friends in my life who have mean something to me. Some are new friends, some are old friends who have come back, and some are old friends who have just stuck around. Any way you look at it you guys are all AWESOME in your own way and have made a big difference in my life.
And this is not a complete list by any means. If I’ve left someone off – it wasn’t on purpose. I just picked a handful of folks. And it doesn’t mean that, if you’ve been left off, you mean any less than those on the list. And I’ll warn you, this is going to get a bit sentimental and probably a bit sappy.
I’m not going to say anything about Mom & Dad. Besides, without them I wouldn’t be here to write this and they are the most wonderful parents in the world. And I’m not saying anything about my David… he’s got his own post. http://taciej.com/blog/?p=1480
Ready? And we’re walking….
We will start with my oldest and dearest friend David. I met David in 1972 in first grade at High Street School. What do you say about someone who you’ve known for 86% of your life? I’m allowed to call him David basically because I’ve been doing it for 86% of his life. It’s hard to change. He is wonderful. He’s always reached out to me no matter what. He took me to the Who concert… and we were close enough to see Rodger Daltry’s earring. How cool is that?! Even if we missed a couple of years of each other lives we could always catch up. He’s always been one of the pillars in my life, maybe slightly hidden, but always there. I love him.
Eric & Ruthann. I’ve known Eric since at least 1980ish. We went to Summer Science with Mrs. K before that, but didn’t really know each other. Eric & I have made it through 2 marriages, 2 divorces, and finding “the one.” He was the rock of my world for the longest time. I knew without hesitation that he was there. I could call him no matter when – 2 am, 4 am, whenever. And he met the most amazing woman. I always used to tease him, we’d end up 50 and divorced and back together again. And I’m thrilled to say that is not going to come true. I’m sorry I missed so much time with them. I will always adore Eric & Ruthann.
Mare. What can I say? I love her to pieces. We’ve been through it all. Friends, not so friends, friends. I read a quote once, about friends walking away and getting back together, and being better friends because of it. Sophomore year is when we met. Of high school, that is. It was great to have classes with her, because she always got out early from classes and needed someone to help her carry her books. And she had the key to the elevator! I’m so lucky to know her. She’s introduced me to some of the most interesting folks. Mare has always been on of those who’s been there in good & bad times. Some day we’ll be little old ladies looking back and laughing at the years. And I want to say Thank you to Anthony for loving Mare & making her happy.
I have the best bosses in the world. Ray, who I will miss, was so wonderful. He has a wonderful wife, 3 wonderful daughters & many grandkids. Hey! He was so proud of his girls & their kids. And he ALWAYS had a funny story and loved to laugh. My direct boss is wonderful too. He also has a wonderful wife, 2 wonderful kids & 4 grandkids of whom his is so proud. I’ve learned a lot from Bob & Ray. I think I have, anyway. Patience, forgiveness & holding my tongue. Although that last one still needs a little work. I am lucky to have been part of both of their lives over the last 13 years.
Auditor Ed. Thank you for not making it personal. Thank you for listening & teaching to make me a better at what I do.
Nealla. What can I say about Nealla. She’s type A nuts! And I love her intensity. She is exceedingly good at what she does and could be the head of her department… but she’d rather do what she’s doing. She’s drug me into a FF league – which is a blast – and into helping her with the election. No, I did not volunteer to help, (ok maybe I did!). I’m really glad our paths crossed. She’s added fun (and some comp-time) to my life!
Pastor Avery & GWM. My church family. What can I say. We are part of an amazing wonderful church family. I have been introduced to some amazing, amazing preachers (the Cuthbertson’s (all of them!), Minister Burrows & his beautiful wife, Minister Murray, and many more). I have learned much from all. The McKim’s, the Reeves, Sister Jones & her elegant, gorgeous (mind, body & soul) daughter Desiree, Aunt Anna & Deacon Anderson. They have accepted me with all my faults and flaws. I love them all.
Which leads naturally to Elaine. One of the nicest, easy going, sweet, wonderful ladies I know! Amazingly patient. I just love her. And she introduced me to the 2nd most awesome fries – Sloppy Joe Fries. She’s taught me a whole lot about patience… the ability to not worry about situations, they will always get better. I don’t know any one who has a more positive attitude. And grace in the face of adversity. She’s just amazing.
Bob & Cozy. Mare introduced me to Bob, who introduced me to his wife. What a cool couple! Very, very cool! They are both incredibly interesting and fun! I’ve learned quite a bit from Bob… or laughed my butt off at his e-mails. And I’m looking forward to eating spaghetti with chopsticks with Cozy.
Michelle. What can I say about Michelle. She is awesome fun! I love her. We went to high school together, but went friends. I think I missed out on some fun. But that’s ok. We are playing high school on FB these days. (insert eye roll here) She is a strong and intense person. Another type A – in a good way! I really enjoy her company. We’ve had some good giggles on FB and she’s really inspired me to blog more than just TV quotes. She one of those people who is instantly your friend. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and is willing to listen. I’m really glad she friended me on FB. I’m lucky to be able to call her friend!
There’s one person who I’m really not supposed to be friend with – Christy. She is married to a great guy who I dated in high. When he met her in college he fell absolutely head over heels in love with her. And I am incredibly lucky to call her friend. She is just so wonderful. It just goes to show that intelligent & charming women can always agree on the good things in life. And one of those things is she & her beloved husband are the cutest couple and are totally 100% meant to be. And I’m just blessed to have them as friends.
Arnold. What can I say? You are an AMAZING Dad! I am very sorry. You deserved better from me. Thank you for giving me a second chance to be your friend. I am looking forward to meeting your Becca some day soon. You are very talented artist. Don’t give it up.
Doug. I met Doug on FB because of the Mythbusters. Doug is a scream. He has made me laugh – a lot. I’m very glad I met him. He has introduced me to a bunch of fun and wonderful people. One of these day’s I’ve got to meet him up close and personal. Doug kept me company when I needed to be distracted. Thank you Doug for being there for me.
Greg & Kathy. Another Mythbusters find. Greg & I “talked” on FB and he asked if it would be OK if he called. 20 minutes later I hear “G’day!” Greg & Kathy are just wonderful people. I was thrilled to get to meet them (I still feel bad I was so late!) live and in person. Greg was another one who gave me a distraction when I needed it. Kathy is just an absolutely delightful lady. Thank you both for the offer to go “down under” and visit you! I can’t wait to take you up on it. They are a lovely, lovely couple and I am lucky to be able to call them friend.
We’re coming to the end…
Tina & Roxy. I’m going to lump you 2 together because without Tina, I wouldn’t know my clan mate Roxy. I met Tina over on the SPP boards when she was an Ambassador. She’s cool, sexy, sassy and terrific. And Roxy… what can I say. She and I are family. Well, in a clan kind of a way. Another amazing, sexy, sassy, cool, wonderful amazing woman! I am so blessed to have met these guys through FB. One of these days I’m going to meet both Roxy & Tina. I love you both!
And last but not least Law & Mynx. 2 amazing, amazing people. I met Law through Doug. Actually I think Doug said I should be friends with Law. He was right. Law is family too. I’ve been adopted. I love him a lot. He helped me through a rough time because he understood completely what I was going through. And I can’t say thank you enough for that. And Mynx… she shared him with me. That was just a wonderful gift. I can’t thank her enough for sharing her Beloved with me. I was lucky enough to get to meet them both up close in person. Law is sweet and kind. I will miss him over here on the east coast, but I am happy he is back home. He’s has been a blessing to my life.
And that is the end of this list. Please, please don’t be offended if you aren’t on the list. This is not by any means a comprehensive list. It’s just the people who popped into my head as I was typing. And it’s not everyone who means something to me.
Ok. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and choice of religion. HOWEVER, the people for Westboro “Baptist Church” are not of God! There is no way. They propose hate. Hate for gays, hate for the military, hate for Jews (ummmm hate to tell them, Jesus was a Jew), hate for, hate for, hate for. From Wikipedia “On Sundays, up to 15 churches may receive pickets.” Ummmm, ‘cuse me? Why aren’t they IN church? I’ve read bits that call them a cult. That’s more appropriate.
Mark 12:31-2 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. I guess they missed that one.
Enough about the nut jobs. There are counter nuts. The Patriot Guard Riders. These ladies & gentlemen “have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.” “The Patriot Guard positions itself to physically shield the mourners from the presence of the Westboro protesters by blocking the protesters from view with their motorcade, or by having members hold American flags. The group also drowns out the protesters’ chants by singing patriotic songs or by revving motorcycle engines.”
http://www.patriotguard.org/ is their website.
I can’t thank our veteran’s enough. They are the reason the nut jobs can do what they do. Without them I wouldn’t have the wonderful freedoms I have. Our veteran’s are the ultimate hero’s. They deserve our unquestion support and respect. So if you ever see the Patriot Guard’s out doing their thing – thank them. They are helping to protect those who protect us.