Thinking Out Loud

Sunday Night – Wrappin’ Up. . .

2009-10-18T21:45:00.001-04:00

I curse Facebook games.

I love October and the anticipation of Halloween parties and dressing up. Can’t wait to be ‘my thang’ this Halloween, and Peter’s will be great too. Heeee!

Guilty pleasure (among many) The Hills – Lawd, can you believe the previews for ‘this season on the Hills’? Oh, that Justin Bobby. Bad, bad JB.

Coconut shrimp and Asian crunch salad for dinner in front of the fire while watching Coronation Street.

Writing . . .received my very first PAID freelance writing job!

Really, it doesn’t get better than that – so I’ll just stop here.

The History of Jack O' Lanterns - History.com

2009-10-07T22:45:00.001-04:00

From History.com

“Pumpkin carving is a popular part of modern America's Halloween celebration. Come October, pumpkins can be found everywhere in the country from doorsteps to dinner tables. Despite the widespread carving that goes on in this country every autumn, few Americans really know why or when the jack o'lantern tradition began. Or, for that matter, whether the pumpkin is a fruit or a vegetable. Read on to find out!

People have been making jack o'lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o'lanterns.”

Coming Soon. . . .

2009-10-02T11:59:00.001-04:00

joycekristine.com

All about writing. My writing, my books, my ideas.

Stay tuned.

Why Can’t Every Day Be Like This?

2009-10-02T11:58:00.001-04:00

Understand that I don’t really believe all this hooey – I believe I have a destiny and that God has a plan. But who’s to say He doesn’t speak through this kind of thing sometimes? This one is pretty positive – and I want all my days to be like this! Who’s with me?

The Devil
The Sun
The Wheel of Fortune

Today | This Week

The rays of the Sun and the Devil's flames are bringing plenty of heat your way today, dear Joyce. There's passion in the air. It's a time of intense feelings, passionate declarations, and tender and sensual encounters. There's not a cloud in the sky to darken these moments of love and intimacy that you'll be sharing with your loved ones. So enjoy it while you can! In your working life, your lively spirit and charisma prove to be infallible weapons as you march along the road to success. There's no stopping you with the Sun and the Wheel of Fortune on your side! You've got an answer to everything, you take an interest in everything and take effective action in every area that has an impact on your work, directly or indirectly. So it's the ideal moment to go for that pay rise or promotion. Go for it!

Very Interesting. . .

2009-10-01T22:06:00.001-04:00

Your horoscope for October 1, 2009

Maintain a positive attitude, Joyce, and things will naturally flow your way. Tell a few jokes and keep things light and energetic. You will find that you can multi-task very well, and that you have the built-in ability to make everyone around you smile. Don't shy away from things, move toward them. Put away your self-doubt and be more proactive in your approach to everything you encounter.

October 1, 2009

Here's your Tarot Reading for today, Joyce:

Love
Touchstone
Career

The World
Justice
The Emperor

Today | This Week

Today, you reach a balance in your emotional life, Joyce. Justice and the World set the scene for stability and faithfulness - it may even be that an affair you've kept secret up until now will be brought out into the open. You feel as if you're on solid ground and you're not afraid to look into the future of your relationship with confidence. And marriage is in the air. At work, now's the time to profit from your heightened charisma to bring things to a head, and why not try to sort out disagreements that still rankle with you? This is undoubtedly the time for discussion with your colleagues or partners. The Emperor and Justice reinforce your secure state of mind. Make use of your influence to justify your point of view and stabilize the situation.

I Promise Myself. . .

2009-09-22T10:47:00.001-04:00

“To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and to give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, as longs as I am true to the best that is in me.”

-Christian D. Larson 1874-1954

-The Optimist’s Creed

Why Do Friends Disappear?

2009-09-20T17:06:00.001-04:00

I’ve always wondered. How someone can be so important in your life for so long and then just fade away, no matter what you try.

Ever wonder about those friends? I know – there are life changes, and life happens, and kids and busy schedules and all, but to completely let a friendship slip away is just a shame, you know?

Even with Facebook, I can’t seem to connect. I feel almost like a stalker, like I’m trying to connect with someone who sees me as invisible, so I’ve given up.

I know they’re happy – and Lord knows I’m happy, so I guess that’s all we can hope for our friends, right?

When you love someone unconditionally, you can wish the best for them, no matter what. No matter what they think, or why they don’t want to be in your life anymore.

Even if it hurts, even if you don’t understand why – it’s okay to let go. Why beat your head against a rock, you know?

I am so blessed and so grateful that I have so many wonderful friends. I guess my story with this friend is finished though, that whatever purpose God had for our friendship has been completed.

And that just makes me sad, because this person was so dang important to me, no matter how far apart we are.

Live well, my friend. Know that I will always wonder why we drifted apart, why the communication just stopped. But more importantly, I want you to live your life to the fullest and complete whatever destiny God has in store for you.

I will never feel anything but love for you, because you were such a very important part of me.

Hug your friends, people. You never know when they will take a different path in life that doesn’t include you.

And be sure to embrace the new things that are given to you. You also never know where your next best friend could come from!

The Right to Bare Arms? Are You Kidding Me?

2009-09-11T00:32:00.001-04:00

This is really the front page of the newspaper the other day. Michelle Obama in yet another (gasp!) sleeveless top, while she’s golfing, no less. The harlot!

And the thing is – it’s actually some sort of controversy over propriety – her ARMS.

When we can’t feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, employ the masses, or keep the money from greedy idiots. Our planet is crying out to us, and for some reason, we can’t grasp the concept of unconditional love.

So yes, let’s make Michelle Obama the centre of a bare-armed controversy – because yes, that makes tons of sense.

Sigh.

Our Highest Power

2009-09-07T20:18:00.001-04:00

“Our highest power is love, and it is one thing each of us has an unlimited amount of. How much love do you give to others in one day?

Each day we have an opportunity to set out with this great, unlimited power in our possession, and pour it over every person and circumstance.

Love is appreciating, complimenting, feeling gratitude and speaking good words to others.

We have so much love to give, and the more that we give, the more we receive.”

From The Secret Daily Teachings

I’m 16 Again, and Looking for Gas Money

2009-08-26T13:18:00.001-04:00

How did that happen? I ran out with a $20 in my hand. Went to the printers to make them re-print something I should have checked before I left the place.

Then as I was driving towards Timmy’s to get our daily iced cap fix, the dummy-fill-your-tank light comes on in my car. Okay, one more stop to make. Gas right next door to Timmy’s, so we’re good.

I pull up to the pump and get out, grabbing my wallet to use my debit card. . . crap – where is it? Can’t find it. Okay – will use credit card instead. WHERE IS IT?

Sigh.

I have no money, except the money for iced caps and lunch (need groceries, too.)

So I pull out of the gas station and sit there for a minute – what to do? Iced caps or gas to get home?

I decide to get the drinks and use 10 bucks for gas. That leaves a couple of bucks left over for value meal lunches.

So I scrape as much change as possible for the gas attendant and manage to give her 10 bucks without touching the other money. I am so proud that we can still have lunch (pathetic, I know) when I dump the 10 bucks on her counter and tell her that I’ll take 10 bucks on #2.

I go out and pump but it doesn’t stop at $10 – I notice this at $13.46

ACK!

So I dig for more change and have the attendant help me count it out.

And I made it. And got our frosty iced caps and lunch. Wahoo! What an accomplishment, right?

But still – I felt 16 again when scraping for gas money to get anywhere with the pals that had the wheels.

All because I left my cards at home. Sheesh.

A Love Affair with My Hammock

2009-08-25T19:05:00.001-04:00

Yes, today. Yes, for more than an hour. I had a stupid’s night sleep last night, and it hit me at 4:00 p.m. today. Peter was leaving for what? Soccer (Gasp! Shocking, I know.)!

So I went full-throttle. Grabbed the Zune (yes, I am the ONE person who owns one), a quilt and a pillow and headed for the yard.

Yes, it’s absolutely WRONG that I am using the word ‘quilt’ in August, but I was really trying to protect myself from the bugs that enjoy sucking my blood.

The I remembered – it’s dragonfly season – which means mosquito season is on a significant decline. This small revelation, along with the fact that I was looking at my roped target as it practically glowed in a warm patch of sunlight. Definitely no bugs. Not even a deer fly

And the next thing I knew Peter came to kiss me before he left and gave me a push.

When I woke up it was an hour later and there was a mosquito on my forehead.

And that’s where the love affair ended.

Riverside Jam Tales 2009

2009-08-06T12:36:00.001-04:00

There is so much that happens at Riverside Jam, it’s nigh on impossible to condense the weekend into one short article.

Do I start with Freddy Dixon trying to convince me he was Johnny Cash? Or dealing with the fact that I had been given a green light to interview Doc Walker once they’d finished signing autographs? What about how easy it is to make our wonderful Bowes brothers laugh? Or do I tell you how long I held my breath and waited for Terri Clark to give me just one minute of her time?

I met with Freddy Dixon and The Straight 8 Showband on Saturday afternoon. If I didn’t know better, I’d never have guessed that Freddy Dixon was an Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame Member and Entertainer of the Year 2000. Nope. What I received when I shook his hand was a draw into a hug with a “Hello darlin’, I’m Johnny Cash.”

I couldn’t help but tease him (by reminding him how healthy he looked for a deceased person) although I know Dixon is very well known and loved for his portrayal of the Man in Black. It really is uncanny to watch him on stage as he sinks into a Johnny Cash tune.

Speaking with any of the Straight 8 band members gets nowhere near a straight answer. Freddy and the Straight 8’s know how to laugh and tease one another (and one confused writer!). All that camaraderie and laughter among the band’s members turns into one entertaining performance. Knowing how much fun they are having makes you want to be up on stage with them. Dixon and the Straight 8 are definitely a good time with their rockabilly country and blues.

Saturday night, watching Doc Walker was nothing but a build-up of excitement knowing I would be able to ask them a few questions so we could all get inside their minds a little bit.

As I waited for the ‘go’ signal, Doc Walker’s road manager Kevin answered a text on his cell phone, looking a little frantic. He had just received word that the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta stage had collapsed from a deadly strong wind storm. He waited until we were all in the designated Doc Walker dressing room (a room inside Carleton Place High School) to deliver the news to the band. The mood changed for a moment as the realization struck. Chris, Murray and Dave were scheduled to perform on that stage the night after their Carleton Place performance.

Chris asked Kevin if they were still traveling to Camrose the next day. “No man, I’m changing the flights in the morning and we’re going home.”

We were silent for a moment. Chris gave me a smile and I plunged ahead. “So what’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you while on the road?”

They looked as if there was no way they could choose just one thing. But Chris’ eyes twinkled as he told this story: “We were on tour with Dierks Bentley and were performing Renegade by Styx. We didn’t know it, but Bentley and his band had gone out and purchased 80’s glam-rocker costumes and wigs and plastic guitars. They came out on stage while we were performing and started messing with us by banging cowbells (off-beat) in our ears, shaking their rocker hair everywhere and smashing their plastic guitars all over the stage. That was the best practical joke.” Murray and Dave agreed with hearty laughter.

And just like that, new friends are made. No wonder Doc Walker are nominees for three major awards at this year’s Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMA). They are nominated for Group of the Year, Songwriters of the Year (One Last Sundown) and Fan’s Choice (visit www.cmavoting.org/fanschoice to cast a vote for your favourite). I know who I voted for!

Sunday evening brings the opportunity to chat with the Bowes Brothers. Always fan favourites, they signed autographs even while Terri Clark took the stage and revved up the crowd. When I was given my ‘your turn’ signal, we wandered into a quiet school room. Terri Clark’s dressing room door was shut and labelled. The Bowes Brothers led me through an unmarked door.

We sat and bantered for a few moments. It was apparent that the Bowes family was well-stocked in the humour department, although I found a couple of the boys to be a bit shy. Nevertheless, there was always Andy. Ever the charmer, he tells a story of how, even as recently as two years ago, they would tell people “We don’t play” when asked to perform somewhere. “It was never a formal thing,” the youngest Bowes brother states. The ironic thing about the “We don’t play” answer? They were usually asked for booking information immediately following a performance. “There was a lot of hand gesturing towards the stage and ‘but I just saw you play!’ back then.”

Their favourite thing to do on days off, besides nothing? “Check out the concerts of the people we couldn’t watch while we were performing or signing autographs.” Andy says. I wonder if he means checking out the yodeling dog act he was telling me was his recent competition?

Terri Clark. We were all pretty happy to see her in concert. I know she’s a big star, born in Montreal, Quebec. She blew out some birthday candles on stage Sunday night. Her birthday is August 5^th, and she let us know that Carleton Place is the closest she’s been to her hometown while celebrating her birthday in several years.

Yes, Terri puts on an amazing show. She’s a really talented songwriter and performer. Her music is grass roots and rock and roll and country all rolled into boot stomping, sing-a-long favourites that will span generations.

After the show, Terri spent signing autographs. The first 100 fans that purchased something were guaranteed an autograph (as long as they didn’t lose the orange sticker that gave them the golden ticket). They were placed in their own special line. The second line was filled with the hopefuls. If Terri still had time to sign, she’d go on as long as she could. But when it was over, it was over. Security was tight.

Although my chances earlier in the evening were on the almost definitely side, I was told Terri had changed her mind and didn’t want to talk to anyone after the autographs.

She stood less than ten feet from me. I was fighting disappointment. She headed towards me. This was my only chance.

“Terri?” Nothing. She kept going.

“Terri? “ I’m a little louder now even though she’s only three feet away from me. “Terri, I own seven of your albums and I just want to ask three questions for the local paper.”

She was going to keep going. But I’m pretty sure the “I own albums” thing got her.

“Okay. Three questions.”

“When did you know your life was going to change with your music?”

“When I received my first CCMA award.”

“What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you on the road or in recent memory?”

“There’s so many to choose from. Go to my blog and choose one.”

Gee, thanks.

“Last question.”

“Sorry, Terri has to go now.”

Wait, that was only two questions. Before I could protest she was gone. Andy Bowes stood next to me. “Hey Andy, couldn’t you have put in a good word for me?”

He laughed. “She has no idea who we are.”

“Wait, didn’t you just open for her?” Andy just laughed louder.

Still, I got the interview.

I just wish that Terri and performers such as her would remember that if people like me hadn’t bought 7 albums, she wouldn’t be on that stage.

I know Terri was worried about her friends in Alberta. She’s performed on that same stage many times in her career. But still, Diva? I don’t think so.

Thank you to the Diamond Foundation for another successful year at Riverside Jam. I can’t wait to see what next year holds!

Some Days Inspiration (because I know I’ll forget to do it every day)

2009-07-30T15:42:00.001-04:00

“If you find yourself in a negative situation with someone in your life, take a few minutes each day to feel love within your heart for that person, and then just send it out into the universe. Just doing this one thing helps to remove any resentment, anger or negativity towards that person.

Remember that feeling resentment, anger, or any negative emotion attracts it back to you. Feeling love attracts love back to you. What you are feeling for another, you are bringing to you.”

From The Secret Daily Teachings

I’m Back on Riverside Jam Duty!

2009-07-30T15:36:00.001-04:00

Oh yes, people – I have my two all-access passes to Riverside Jam 2009! Hmmmm – who is playing this year? Highlights include The Wilkinsons, Doc Walker and none other than the gorgeous Terri Clark!

Although I don’t know if I will be as lucky as I was last year when I got to share beer with Gord Bamford and his band, I am happy now to have my all-access (just TRY to keep me out) passes again. It should be a good time! So – who wants the other pass?

Daily Teaching . . . If'n Ya Like

2009-07-22T22:27:00.004-04:00

Believe what you like about the concept of the Law of Attraction, and The Secret, but the teachings inspire me and are a reminder for me of what's really important in life. Imagine what we would all be like if we could live as these teachings suggest.

"Every day, or at the very least once or twice a week, take a few minutes and focus on seeing yourself in joy. Feel yourself in joy. Imagine only joy ahead in your life and see yourself basking in it. As you do this the Universe will move all people, circumstances, and events to bring you that joy. You can't be in joy if you have money worries, or health worries, or relationship problems with friends or family. So deposit some joy in the bank of the Universe as often as you can. There isn't an investment that is more worthwhile."

Now isn't that a nice picture? What's your universe made of right now?

Again I'm Slacking on the Wrting, But. . .

2009-07-21T14:42:00.004-04:00

Yes, it's still been too long. I know I have one reader! Below is the latest column I wrote for the paper. It's about my darling father-in-law being 100 years old.

Enjoy. Photos are on Facebook. Find me there!

June 13th, 1909. That day was just a little more than 100 years ago. That was also the day my husband’s father was born in Hungary.

On Saturday June 13th, 2009 we celebrated Dr. Laszlo Joseph Menyasz’s 100th birthday. Even writing it looks surreal. One hundred years is a long time to view life and the world around you. My father-in-law Leslie still looks at his world through smiling eyes. I wish I could climb in his head and see things as he sees them, as only a man who has lived for one century can see this world.

1909. The Austria-Hungary-Serbia Pig War had just ended, although it would ultimately be one of the causes of World War I. Instant coffee was invented. Lifesavers, neon lamps and talking motion pictures had not been invented yet. A blouse cost 45 cents.

And here’s my father-in-law, learning to live. Learning to walk, talk and survive. A little baby boy that had no idea what he would learn, see and survive in his amazing life.

Leslie was a very smart young man who studied to become an ear, nose and throat doctor. His choice of profession would not only heal others, but it would eventually prove to be a skill so valuable it would save his own life.

Dr. Menyasz joined the armed forces in Hungary to serve as a doctor during World War II. He was taken prisoner in Yugoslavia by the Russians and was taken to an interment camp. A prisoner of war, his medical skill may be all that saved his life. The Russians found him valuable enough to keep alive, although he suffered the starvation and horrible conditions that came with those camps during WWII.

In 1949 Leslie met and married Kathleen. In 1952, their only child Peter was born. Dr. Menyasz had set up a nice practice in Budapest and family life was happy.

At the end of WWII, the Russians liberated Hungary. It was soon apparent that liberation was really domination under tight communist rule. Led by a group of students in 1956, a spontaneous Hungarian Revolution ensued. Freedom fighters fought hard, but Russian tanks fought harder.

The Menyasz family was no longer safe. There was no choice but to flee Hungary and start life over again.

In 1956, Dr. Laszlo Menyasz took his wife and sedated child with nothing but the clothes on their backs and fled Hungary. The stories Leslie used to tell are amazing. The survival. The fear, the sheer determination to make a better life for his small family.

They landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, like so many other immigrants that year. The Menyasz family settled in Saskatchewan and began their lives over again. Dr. Menyasz updated his medical education to start a practice in Canada. Peter grew into an amazing young man (I’m totally objective).

And now, here we are, celebrating Leslie’s 100th birthday. With family, with friends, and with others who fled Hungary during those turbulent times. And still we learn more from them.

It’s impossible to cover everything Leslie has seen through the length of his years. But it does astound me. A century of life, and he’s still doing great. Now, if only I could decipher what his sweet smile really means. . . Happy 100th birthday, Leslie!

I Can't Believe It's Been 2 Months!

2009-05-10T22:58:00.002-04:00

Okay - so it's been a while since I've written on my blog. That means it's been more than two months since I've published a column in the newspaper.

Strangely enough - I have been asked by dozens of people why they don't see my column anymore. I've even had one really kind woman phone me out of the blue and ask why on earth I wasn't writing anymore.

I told her what I was told: "The paper is really cutting down on editorial. Don't know if we can get you in."

Okay. So there goes my weekly ego feed. But the thing is, we writers, we have to write. It's something that helps us breathe!

I stopped by the newspaper office and spoke to my friend on the 'inside'. She told me when the editor works. Turns out I may have to go pitch my wares all over again. Have to hunt him down in his office and beg for my paltry 600 words again.

Until that moment, I am going to try and at least post some writings that are more current than March 21st. For those of you that are on Facebook, please look for me there!

I apologize for the layout errors. I am trying to solve them - but have no idea how to fix it!

What's happening in May for everyone else?

What’s Happening? SPRING is TODAY!

2009-03-21T16:04:00.001-04:00

Okay, not that it’s so warm and toasty or anything, but the sun, warm enough to melt the SNOW, is really all I need. It’s been so sunny these last few days that it’s surprising that there’s still snow outside when I go out.

Which sends me right back in the house to put on a jacket and scarf.

Dang winter.

Oh, but WAIT. Today is the 21st. Guess what? It’s SPRING! Yahooooooooo!

Happy Spring my friends!

Thinking Out Loud

2009-02-18T00:06:00.001-05:00

February is Already Half Over!

2009-02-16T15:12:00.002-05:00

And I'm sitting here thinking, it's 2009.

2-0-0-9.

How did that happen?

I have a very vivid memory of my very first marriage proposal. I was 8. Christopher was also 8. We had a mutual crush that transcended the playground boundaries of elementary school.

We played together even though other children taunted us about marriage.

You know that familiar taunt - "two little lovers, sittin' in a tree . . ." When they got to the part about marriage, I raised my hand and stopped them with a declaration of such wisdom, they closed their mouths immediately.

"I will not get married until the year 2000."

The only reason they were all quiet is because they were trying to figure out how old we'd all be at that time. Christopher didn't care. "Then will you marry me?" He asked.

Alas, 2000 came and went with no Christopher (thank goodness, since I met Peter in 2001).

Being on the playground, I remember thinking that the year 2000 was so far away that I probably wouldn't even be alive to see it. The year then was 1973. Funny how to an 8-year-old, 27 years is a whole millennium (not that I knew that word at 8).

And now it's February 2009. I was so sure we'd be flying like the Jetsons. I couldn't wait to have Rosie do the dishes, to have my dinner appear as if from nowhere.

Let's face it. The Jetsons gave me unrealistic expectations about the future, just like Disney gave me unrealistic expectations about princess hair.

I wonder if the 8-year-olds of today are saying crazy things like they won't get married until the year 2050? That being said, I'm sure mothers everywhere are going to train their 8 year olds to say just that.

So I guess I am a little disappointed that we aren’t quite as technologically advanced as I’d hoped when I was 8. But with the invention of the Roomba and microwaves, I guess it’s just a matter of time.

However, I would like to formally request my flying car first.

Today’s Horoscope

2009-02-03T12:19:00.001-05:00

“Any enemies you may have at this time are easy to locate and identify. You needn't try any clandestine methods to find those who work against you.”

*********************************************

At last! I can take a break from my night-vision goggles, my constant surveillance and security measures to let my enemies come forth on their own! Finally! Oh, but there’s NO way I’m clearing the moat of the man-eating sharks.

About The Sims 3

2009-01-31T12:37:00.001-05:00

I’m not convinced that anyone even reads my blog, even though the hit counter says there is at least a peek or two.

Today, I think I must confess my fear of The Sims 3.

Truthfully, I was fine with the original Sim City – that came out about 20 years ago or so. Then EA Games went deeper into the city and developed The Sims – the first of its kind, allowing people like me with serious control issues and a God complex to create and rule right down to the bathroom detail, the lives of virtual Sims.

After five or six upgrade packs, my favourite being Sims Superstar – where you could make your Sims famous, EA Games went all 3-D virtual reality and came up with The Sims 2.

Now this game – wow – it feeds the creative soul like no other game can. I can build mansions, populate gardens with gorgeous plant-life, and even hire a gardener to make sure it all stays in perfect condition.

My Sims have amazing careers (one as a professional party guest). They can live on the ocean, on the lake, in the mountains, in the city.

It’s the greatest virtual escape ever created, as long as you have the patience to create within the game’s realm.

So the Sims 2 has been around for a few years – and it seems that every 6 months or so they come up with yet another expansion pack. Most of them are no more than 20 bucks, but once you add up a few expansion packs – it gets a little pricey.

And I was happy with my second generation Sims. I even gave the old games to my neighbour, but she is now into the Sims 2 as well.

Uh. Oh.

The Sims 3 promises more than I could ever imagine with the Sims 2. But that means I will have to leave my other Sims behind – and I’m not sure I’m ready to do that.

But the third generation looks a little too tempting. . .

Obama's Inauguration on the 20th

2009-01-10T18:15:00.001-05:00

So I'm pidaddlin' on Facebook, and notice that a few of my pals are attending the history makin' Inauguration of the first black president of the United States of America.

I have never been so proud to be a voter.

So there's this Facebook event that you can state your purpose by replying that you will 'attend' the event by watching CNN that day.

I respond that I will attend - like I'd miss it - there will be more watchers that day than anything else in history, I'm thinkin'.

Of course there are the usual comments listed below the event. So many are proud, others cause an eye-rolling with their democrat hating rants.

And. Then. There. Are. These.

His comment? NoBOMBa

Sigh. I wonder what the secret service would think of this idiot? He may be perfectly harmless, but wouldn't it be great if he got a personal 'scared straight' episode of his own?

It gives me glee just thinking about it.

Not only did this idiot's picture frighten me - he's smoking SOMETHING while driving in his car and pointing a stinkin' GUN at the camera.

Why is this necessary in his world?

It's just sad. Besides the sick feeling in my stomach from this, there are no words.

A Recent Breakthrough on the Book Writing, and . . .

2009-01-10T16:01:00.001-05:00

Your horoscope for January 10, 2009

"A project that you have worked on for a long time could be bringing some money your way. However, don't be too disappointed if you don't have it in your hand to spend today. There might be a short delay of some kind, perhaps due to a muck up in the mail service. You might be turning your thoughts now to new projects, and while you have a lot of ideas, Joyce, you aren't likely to make firm decisions or definite plans today. "

Sometimes, these silly horoscopes just hit it right on the 'money', ya know. When I read it, I knew it was about my book, and the dozens of others waiting to get out of my head and into a manuscript.

It Has Recently Come to My Attention . . .

2009-01-09T21:14:00.001-05:00

That indeed I do have a few readers who miss my columns in the local paper. It was brought up at a recent town council meeting, that ever since they laid off the editor, my friend Dianne Pindermoss, the paper has gone to ****.

Because it is true, I can't let my own ethics allow me to write for them at this time.

However, I am going to try to be really diligent about writing here.

If you read my blog, you know what to expect. If you're new here - be ready for irreverent, sarcastic, and unedited. It's my blog, and although I love knowing that my writing entertains - these musings are still, after all, my own thoughts.

That said - I wouldn't mind knowing what you're thinking from time to time, either.

I'll keep writing if you comment...