Wednesday, December 31, 2008

How did this happen? - from my spaces.live blog

How did this happen?






Here it is, the last day of the year.

I haven't posted since Thanksgiving, if you want to call that a post.

It's not that I have been that busy, just haven't been able to come up with anything I wanted to talk about.

Work has been pretty good for the past month, home life has been outstanding.

I have found a man, who loves me. I love him, and we are going to have an amazing life together.

I wish everyone health and happiness and prosperity for the new year!

Love, Char

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Thursday, November 27, 2008

happy thanksgiving! - from my spaces.live blog

Thursday, November 27, 2008, 12:38:09 PM



I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

I have a lot to be thankful for and I know you all do as well.




Take a moment today to reflect on the good things in your lives.


Love, Char

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Monday, November 17, 2008

Wedded Bliss - from my spaces.live blog

Wedded Bliss

Monday, November 17, 2008, 6:57:39 PM



More details to come.



Char

Comments (2)

Friday, October 17, 2008

Thursday Thirteen - Slacker catch up edition - from my spaces.live blog

Thursday Thirteen - Slacker catch up edition


Friday, October 17, 2008, 5:32:05 PM

I've been off my game. Here's two in one to catch up :)



Thirteen fond childhood memories


Playing in the “hose” out front, and making boats and cars float down channel made of steel that dad had laying around.

Eating fresh fish, lobster, and conch very often

Going out on the boat on the weekends

Always having family around

Going to CB Smith, Markham and T.Y. Park on the weekends

My neighborhood

Walking to school – all three – elementary, Jr. High and Sr. High

The lady that lived down the street from Norway who let me swim in her pool

Hanging out with my cousin

Going to sea world with mom and JoJo and the kids

Ginnie Springs

The “pond”

The mattress trampoline



Thirteen not so fond childhood memories

Always having to leave the house on Christmas day and go to someone else’s house

My Grandpa Wood dying

Getting into a car accident at 16

A memory a five year old should never have

Third grade multiplication tables

Being spanked

My dad being carjacked

Being broken into and having a strange man found hiding in our bedroom while we were asleep

Babysitting during the summer break

My dad being weird and not letting me hang out at my aunt’s house

Being grounded

10th and 11th grade

Bernie the parrot

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Having an anxious moment today... - from my spaces.live blog

Having an anxious moment today...

Sunday, October 12, 2008, 8:19:38 AM

Things that scare me.



Losing a family member.

Losing one of my cats. I am better off for having them in my life, even knowing they will eventually leave me, but I love them so much, I can’t imagine life without them.

Having a family member get seriously ill or injured. I feel like our family has been so lucky, but the law of averages always hangs over my head, and our family is so large, it is just inevitable that something will happen eventually.

Being a good mom. I want to be a mom so badly I can’t stand it. I’m afraid I won’t do it correctly.

Being overprotective because of the above.

If I’m a mom, having a child die or get seriously injured.

If I'm a mom, having my child get into a situation like gangs, drugs or alcohol where I can't help them.

Not having enough money to keep my house.

Not having enough money to retire and live comfortably.

I know there are other things, but these things are weighing heavily on me today.

Char


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It's been a while - from my spaces.live blog

It's been a while


Sunday, October 12, 2008, 8:11:03 AM

Can you take this without deleting any questions?

sure, why not


What's going on between you and the last person you kissed?

we’re engaged


What was your worst mistake in your life?

I haven’t made mistakes, I’ve had “learning experiences”



Would you get back with your last ex if they asked you?

no way.


Name 3 thoughts you have at this exact moment?

I’m hungry, I hate needles, I look forward to John getting home.


You're walking down the street with your love, where are you goin?


To a restaurant.



What's something you really want right now, be honest?

To not be in pain.


Three feelings at the moment?

Stressed, cranky and tired.


Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

I get them a lot.


Does anything hurt on your body?

My needle pokey area.


Who was the last person to disappoint you?

She who must not be named.


Do you still talk to that person?

Yes.


Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?

John.


What are you listening to right now?

Law and Order on TV


Have you ever punched a hole in the wall?

Hmmm… no but I broke a bed once.



Do you know someone in jail?


Not currently.


What about in DH?

wth is that?


Where were you at 2:00 this morning?

sleeping


Who did you copy this from?

Samantha


When was the last time you saw them?

It’s been too long!


How well do you know them?

I used to change her diapers !


Wheres the weirdest place you've changed clothes?

In a moving car


Do you wear glasses?

Yes and contacts.


Who do you love?

Family and Friends


What's the cd in your player?

Fergie


Anything annoying you right now?

Just the pain.


Anybody you're looking forward to seeing soon?

All the family and friends coming to our wedding.


Is there a friend particularly that you miss?

yes


What will you be doing in a half hour?

eating


What is your underwear color?

Green


Anywhere you'd rather be right now?

I wouldn’t mind being in the spa.


Do you have plans today?

No, not really. It’s raining cats and dogs.


Are you waiting for anyone to call right now?

No.


Will you call them if they don't call?

N/A


Last kiss mean anything?

Oh yes.


What's a fact about the last person who had their arms around you?

He is a good man.


Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?

I’m actually wearing the “universal” – I don’t remember where I got it, but it isn’t going to be around much longer. There are several “hits” on it.


When was the last time you were told you were amazing?

Last night or the night before.


Could you go a day without eating?

Yes, I’ve gone several weeks just on liquid alone. It’s not fun, but it is what it is.


What was the reason you got grounded for last?


I can’t remember that was over 20 years ago :P


Do you wish you never dated someone you dated?


No.


Do you still talk to the person you last dated?

Dated – no.


Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with a C?

Hm… Probably. Can’t think of the name at the moment though.


Do your parents force you to go to church or let you make the decision?

no they never did


Do you smoke weed regularly?

hell no


When it comes to the opposite sex, what's your "type"?

I don’t have a type per se – but I have found the man of my dreams.


Where is the furthest place you've traveled?

North – Canada

South – Jamaica

East – Bahamas

West - Utah


How long does it take you to shower?

depends on if I have to shave or not


Can you do splits?

If I stretched a bit I could probably get most of the way down.


Is the last person you kissed older than you?

yep


What was the last thing you drank?

waterrrrrr


If you could have one thing right now what would it be?

A good bit of money would make me pretty happy.


What was for dinner tonight?

I think John is making beef tenderloin stroganoff.


Does your ex miss you?

No.


Does anyone love you?

Yes!


How has the week been?

Hellacious – and the week before was worse, and the week before that was even worse.


Does the last person you shared a bed with mean anything to you?

Yes.


Do you curse in front of your parents?

I try not to, but it just comes out sometimes.


Are you slowly drifting away from someone?

I dunno.


What girl/boy can you tell everything to?

John.


Have you ever kissed anyone who's name started with an A?

Probably.


Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed?

I don’t think so.


When a friend walks out of your life, do you go after them or let them go?

I refuse to answer on grounds it may incriminate me. I eventually get the hint and give up.


Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms?

*love* it


Do you still talk to the person you last kissed?

yep


Does anyone hate you?

Probably.


Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

hmmm depends on the person,



Have you chewed gum after someone else already has?

probably


Have you ever seen your bestfriend cry?

yeah


Do you dance in the car?

sometimes

Do you walk around naked?

love being naked



Char

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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

How to annoy me - from my spaces.live blog

How to annoy me


Wednesday, October 08, 2008, 5:24:43 PM



Getting stuck with multiple needles several times a month for the last few months with nary a thing to show for it.



Char

Comments (0)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

How to Annoy Me - from my spaces.live blog

How to Annoy Me


Tuesday, October 07, 2008, 6:12:40 AM



Change the software for my DVR, so I mistakenly delete the season premiere of NCIS, and I totally miss recording the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy.

Char

Comments (0)

Thinking out loud #2 - from my spaces.live blog

Thinking out loud


Tuesday, October 07, 2008, 6:00:54 AM



Should I be upset that - "We will not talk about this again", "You are like a three year old", "I am the boss of you, and you will do as I say" were actually said to me - by an adult - today.

Or should I be more upset that the things I took from that conversation are - "You are more stubborn than any person I have ever known - and I have no chance again that kind of stubborn", "You think very little of me", and "Who is really the three year old here"...

Oy.

C

Comments (1)

Thinking out loud - from my spaces.live blog

Thinking out loud


Tuesday, October 07, 2008, 6:00:12 AM




How much do McDonalds Chicken Nuggets weigh? Do I have to count the sauce.



Char

Comments (0)

Monday, October 6, 2008

Snapping Crayons - from my spaces.live blog

Snapping Crayons


Monday, October 06, 2008, 5:30:41 PM



To take a directly appropriate phrase that Holly from "Why mom drinks rum" is the owner of....

I'm officially snapping my crayons today. Oh and I love crayons too... So you know that's not a good thing!

This is not pretty. Stay Tuned.

I would also like to give props to Heather at www.dooce.com today - because of her -I know better than to detail WHY my crayons are snapping in great detail on this blog.

Char

..sent from my motorola Q voodoo phone...

Comments (0)

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Party like it's 1999

Tonight is my bachelorette party!

My sisters have planned a lovely evening, accompanied by some of my favorite people, spent in Orlando, in an amazing hotel that has access to a world class restaurant and lots of lovely beverage establishments, without the need for a car.

This will be a girls night out, and something I haven't done before.

I'm very excited!

Char

Monday, September 22, 2008

Camera Woes - from my spaces.live blog

September 22


Camera Woes

We really want to get a new camera, but I've been on the fence for a while now - unable to determine what I want. Tonight, I figured out the problem...

In a perfect world, I’d get the D90, unfortunately we’d still need to eventually get other stuff for it.

I am sure I’ll be happy with the D80 – If not there’s always ebay J

http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25412/D80.html

So if I were to make a wish list for everything I think we’d need (Stuff that I had before Shaun took our last set up) – These are the things that I’d get – In order of importance.

1 – 699.98 – The camera: The Nikon D80 & a lens: 18-55mm basic lens with vibration reduction for sharp focus - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00128SQDC/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

2 – 184.88 – Not the highest end flash, but not the lowest end either - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002EMY9Y/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

3 - 89.99 – High Speed Memory card – necessary for fast focusing – large capacity – cause well - we will take a lot of pictures - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0013TVAB0/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

4 - 63.50 – Nikon backpack case – This is the only type of case I would buy – I was worried Nikon wouldn’t have one. – Whew! - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000WZV5FW/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A1A5WKXZLE8CDR&v=glance

5 - 109.99 - 50mm lens – necessary for great indoor shots of people (esp kids) this is the lens that Rusty uses indoors - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005LEN4/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

6 - 219.88 -55-200 Vibration Reduction Lens – Nice zoom – includes vibration reduction for the all important sharp focus. - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000O161X0/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

7 - 13.59 – Digital Field Guide - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0470120517/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

8 - 33.34 – 52mm 3 pc filter kit – protects and enhances remaining three lenses - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004ZCKX/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

9 - 99.95 – Macro lens – for taking food photos – also Long zoom – think the red barn picture – amazing lens for the price - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000A0UHXU/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6&v=glance

10 - 22.54 – 58mm circular polarizer – must have for above lens (Protection and polarization)- http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00007LA0T/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6&v=glance

11 - 134.88 – Battery back up system – uses camera batteries or AA batteries in a pinch, gives camera ability to show us battery life - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000HJ5N2Y/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

12 - 36.14 – Extra battery – Use in battery back up system instead of AA batteries – Lasts longer - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BYCKU8/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

See why I’ve been on the fence so long.

Char

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

46 Days

I'm getting married in 46 days!

That is all.

Char

7:55 PM
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Contentment

Thursday Thirteen - Fifteenth Edition

Thursday Thirteen - Fifteenth Edition


I'm sorry I'm such a slacker with this. I've been overwhelmed, blah blah blah. I really have no idea what my TT is even going to be, I'm just making this up as I'm typing now. This'll be a brainless one, but one that is near and dear to my heart.

My Thirteen Favorite foods right now.

1 - Crab Legs

2 - Salted Butter

3 - Brownies with nuts

4 - Pasta with Alfredo sauce

5 - Carrots

6 - St. Andre Cheese

7 - Mini Saltine Crackers

8 - Friendly's Butter Crunch Ice Cream

9 - Bacon Wrapped Scallops

10 - Curly Wurly Candy Bars

11 - Boars Head Deluxe Ham

12 - Chicken Liver Pate

13 - Seared Tuna with Wasabi

What, I have one vegetable on there :)

Char

7:52 AM
Permalink
Thursday Thirteen

Saturday, September 13, 2008

When stressed - Bake

September 13


When stressed - Bake

So yeah, I'm still stressed. Much better today than the rest of the week. For several different reasons, this week was hard for me. I'm glad it is over.

Here, have a brownie.

Don't worry, I didn't forget about the Thursday 13 this week, just haven't had a chance. Maybe tonight.

Char

1:43 PM
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Food and drink

Friday, February 15, 2008

Frustration - from spaces.live

February 15


Frustration

I'm so annoyed because I want to move all of my blogging stuff to one place. I still haven't found the best place yet. I'd like to think this is, but the fact that it won't

let me change the date on a post annoys the hell out of me.



I received my first Avon order today. There were like 4 people in the office that ordered. I'm only doing this cause I buy the stuff and it is convenient, plus cheaper for me.



I'm watching "In the womb" right now on national geographic. What an exceptional program.



Unfortunately, i also reminds me that I am 36 and still childless



C7:49 PM
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Life

Why is it - from spaces.live

Why is it...


That when someone tells me I can not or should not do something, I can think of doing nothing else but that.



Just to piss them off.



So thats how my day is going. How is yours?





Char



..this is being sent from my Motorola Q voodoo phone...

2:46 PM
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Life

Valentines Day part 5 - The end - from spaces.live

Valentines Day part 5 - The end.


The day was salvaged. We ate incrediby well, apologies were made, grape martinis* were had along with an excellent bottle of cabernet.



Let me just say that www.livelob.com Has got the most amazing food.



We enjoyed two south african lobster tails (well worth the price, WELL worth it.), scallops and mashed potatoes and we were VERY happy. Better that I didn't

have to cook :-) Not that I dont like cooking, mind you... Theres just something really special about someone cooking for you.



Char



*No more drinking multiple martinis on a school night if you know what I mean.... Mmmmkkkkaaayyy? (holds head)







..this is being sent from my Motorola Q voodoo phone...

11:17 AM
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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentines Day part 4 - from spaces.live

February 14


Valentines Day part 4

Well things are looking up. My roses are opening nicely... My boss hasnt fired me yet, and im leaving here to see ms. Smarty pants in 10 mins.





Char



..this is being sent from my Motorola Q voodoo phone...

4:46 PM
Permalink

Valentines Day part 3 from spaces.live

Valentines Day part 3


Well I knew it was too good to be true. Lunch was good and its been downhill from there. A goof up at work and sensitive tears do not make for a good day :-(



This usually happens when I try too hard.



Moderation has really never been my bag.



Time for a brand new bag....



Char



..this is being sent from my Motorola Q voodoo phone...

2:49 PM
Permalink

Valentines Day part 1 & 2

Valentines Day part 1 & 2


This day started off so so.







It has turned Fabulous. I am looking at 18 gorgeous roses. I got a very nice email. I got an unexpected card and godiva chocolate and jewelry (nice!) from my boss - which has mostly made up for not winning the lottery. Im having lobster for dinner.



I'm all smiles. Stay tuned!



Char



..this is being sent from my Motorola Q voodoo phone...



11:35 AM
Permalink

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Bleh

February 13


Bleh

I have like a billion things in my mind that I want to write about but I haven't found the time, so i'm making notes.



Today, I want to say that I've decided that I need to pull myself together and get some things in order. I need to do something different.



I cant seem to focus sometimes. A lot of the time. More of the time than I'd like to admit out loud.



This has got to stop.



I am one of those people who gets something in her head and goes with it... for the last two years it's been... not in a good way.



It is affecting a major part of my life now, and I have to get a grip on it.



/fussing



We're going to dinner at The Shack tonight. We were supposed to have pulled pork sandwiches, but we both had crappy days, so we're going out.



I'm fine with that.



Char

6:25 PM
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Life

Monday, February 11, 2008

Blog home

I'm still looking for a most comfortable home for my blog... for right now they are here...

http://lifedramatic.spaces.live.com/default.aspx

CJ

Sunday, February 10, 2008

HBDTM - from spaces.live

February 10


HBDTM

Happy Birthday to me.



My birthday celebration officially kicked off on Friday. I had flowers and cake and people at work sung HBD to me. It was wunnerful.



Friday night, we went out with a friend and checked out a new martini bar www.lexitapas.com . It was very cool inside and the martinis were fantastic. I had a few... One French martini and two Surfer Dude martinis. Then we went to On Tap Cafe where I proceeded to eat something and have a dirty martini with bombay sapphire.



Yesterday I had Mom, Dad, and the two miniatures from O-town; Miss Sweet Pea and the Huggy Kisser spend the night.



Today, Dad fixed breakfast for everyone with veggies from the garden omelets and lots of bacon! Mmmmm bacon.



Now Dad is taking the Huggy Kisser fishing and Mom and I are taking Miss Sweet Pea to visit Grammie Darling and then We're going to do my favorite thing... go shopping!!!



Tonight... dinner at Chart House with my very good friend!



Tra la la la.



Char



10:36 AM
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Life

Fun Stuff - from spaces.live

I'm really bummed, I don' t know how to transfer this post!

Read my visual DNA and 1996 Theme song

C

Thursday, February 7, 2008

The Happy Birthday Song

February 07


The Happy Birthday Song

Seeing how today is my nephew's birthday and my birthday is just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time for a Birthday related PSA.

Did you know when you wash your hands, you should wash them for about 20 seconds according to the CDSC (http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/home_work_school.htm).

This amounts to how long it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice.

I love that.

I'm doing it.

Plus I like singing Happy Birthday to myself.

It is my favorite holiday you know!

Char

4:46 PM
Permalink
Health and wellness

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Wow - From spaces.live

February 06


Wow

There are still ways to outsmart a computer.

Yay for me.

I'm having my own little happy party right now.

Yes, I think I have earned my new nickname at work "Miss Silver Lining"

Whee!

C
10:11 AM
Permalink
Computers and Internet

Saturday, February 2, 2008

The Fat Snook - The Review - From spaces.live

February 02


The Fat Snook - The Review

In case any of you are in cocoa beach someday and wander by The Fat Snook http://www.thefatsnook.com/, I thought I might share my experience with you.

I called around 2pm on Friday and made reservations for two. We wanted them at 8:30, but they didn't have anything available until 9, so 9 it was.

When we arrived there were only two tables that weren't taken. There are only like 12 tables in the place... plus about 6 seats at the bar.

We ordered appetizers... Tuna Carpaccio with mooli salad and Peppercorn bacon wrapped scallops with Raspberry Paint.

The tuna was perfect. Slightly seared and dressed with spicy sesame oil and a little rice wine vinegar. The mooli salad seemed to be made up with julienned daikon, cucumber and scallion. VERY tasty. Here is a link to a recipe ( http://thepassionatecook.typepad.com/thepassionatecook/2004/06/sesamecrusted_t.html ) that I think would be similar to what we had last night.

The scallops were my favorite of the entire evening. Even though they were smallish, they were very flavorful. I liked the peppercorn bacon, which was very crispy. The raspberry paint (which was raspberry coulis) absolutely made the dish though. It was unsweetened pureed raspberries. Mmmmm. You can see a picture of the scallops, tuna and some of their other dishes here http://www.thebeachsideresident.com/the-fat-snook.htm.

I would have been happy with having a few more scallops and calling it a night... but no. We ordered a glass of the house pinot grigio, which was delicious. My friend also ordered a Stella Artois.

The salads came next. The caesar salad had a true caesar dressing. I'm certain that they mixed it up themselves in the back room, raw eggs, anchovies and all. The lettuce was chopped up nicely, and it even came with a few halved grape tomatoes. I ordered the Spinach Salad. It was dressed with a catalina type dressing and had finely chopped red onion, bacon and one tiny piece of egg. The salad was delicious, but I would have liked a little more egg.

For our meals, my friend ordered the special of the day "Callalou" and I the Delmonico au Fromage. The Callalou was ok. It had nice firm fish, but my friend thought that it was a little over cooked, and could have used some rice or something. It was $27.95, and seemed a bit over priced.

The Delmonico au Fromage on the other hand was incredible. It was probably 10oz sliced in half, plated on top of a nice blend of roasted fingerling potatoes, carrots, zucchini, peppers and yellow squash. The "au Fromage" tasted like a mixture of blue and goat cheese with perfectly browned sliced crimini mushrooms and herbs. I was very impressed. I was especially impressed that this was only $24.95!

I also had coffee. Unfortunately, they use an airpot, and it must have been there for a very long time, because although the coffee tasted ok, it was barely warm... very unfortunate for me, because I needed the heat from the coffee to loosen my lap band. That didn't work, so I ended up bringing most of my steak home, which is fine. I'll have it for dinner tonight.

All in all it was a very good meal. Total cost with 20% gratuity - $121.00.

Not bad considering that the beverages made up $25 of that.

The ambiance in the place was ok. Unfortunately there was tile on the floor, and tin on the walls, and while it does look nice, it was horribly loud. My friend and I could not hear each other unless we leaned in, and we were constantly saying "what?" when the other spoke. That was the only downside.


C

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Testing

Is this thing on??