Evolutionary Plume

Make Ourselves a Christmas Gift for Christmas a Poem for Christmas

Make Ourselves a Christmas Gift for Christmas a Poem for Christmas

A poem about self-actualization for the Christmas season and christmas gifts.
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Mr. Life and Death

Mr. Life and Death

Science fiction short short, micro fiction about life on a planet from a mother's perspective for National Novel Writing month.
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Stress and Shell Shock and Thinking

 Both Bob and I woke up from nightmares in the night, Bob all worried because we had sold our home, had nowhere to put the furniture and the new house hadn't closed. Amusing. Sort of. Sometimes I just sit and stare, thankful for no noise, no duty, no worry. We're both rather exhausted. Thank heaven we didn't do this five years later when Bob was seventy. Meanwhile, the holiday arrangements arose and passed around. We got my astronomic maps up today and I got to look at galaxies on Galaxy Zoo. Not what I was supposed to do, but what I said I would do. Meanwhile, Nanowrimo, ugh, ran into the end of my short stories planned which meant side research on other stuff, or deal with the aliens. And with alien world-building you have to go back to the start, why are they where they are, how do they live, what customs do they have, where did they come from, and on and on. Requires thought. It is nice to throw words at a page, but nicer yet to think. Meanwhile got my overview, some of the methods, some of the reviews written and the books read. Finished up "symmetry and the beautiful universe", Our Cosmic Origins, Almond Blossoms and others, and Chinese Space Policy A Study in Domestic and International Policy. I have to resist writing what I think is desired in the proposal versus what I actually do and put that instead. I guess it shows how much I often act the translator and the hidden. Miss my Moon Brother.

Ten Sweet Nothings Make Romantic Christmas Gifts for a Male Lover

Ten Sweet Nothings Make Romantic Christmas Gifts for a Male Lover

Want to make sure that special man in your life is treated well for Christmas? Try these sure pleasers, they cost little and add romance to your life.
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Decision Making Complicated

"Await on the will of heaven" is always a nice policy but I have preferences, too. Openness of ideas and to outsiders is one. Another is prejudgment about someone based on how they look--vileness. Another is ability of organization to support a non-threatening aspect. Another is opportunity and liking. Another is the ability to communicate well and get support.

When I worked at Boeing, I had a flexible work schedule that responded to my needs and I had to map my schedule to what my customers needed. It failed only once when I had an autocratic boss that demanded control full time of everything I did. He drove me crazy. Lack of crazy making in life is a wonderful gift. Everyone should aspire to it.

"Know thyself" is one of Plato's commands. To know another is to love them. Without understanding / knowledge there can be no love.

Raw Foodists Need These Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

Raw Foodists Need These Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

Don't know quite what to buy your favorite raw foodist loved one for the holidays? Budget tight? Try these inexpensive Christmas gifts sure to please that has everything raw foodist on you Christmas gift list.
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Are My Concerns About Taking H1N1 Vaccine Real?

Are My Concerns About Taking H1N1 Vaccine Real?

The discussions circulating the internet about the swine flu vaccine mention thimerol, mercury, and the potential for side effects including allergies; here's my concerns and why they're important.
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Challenge Your Mind with the Top Ten Unusual United States Museums

Challenge Your Mind with the Top Ten Unusual United States Museums

What do feathers, cowboys, UFO's, a strange house, missiles, an aircraft carrier have in common? Ten of the most unusual museums in the United States, read more.
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Business Travel Savings Made Easy with Five Easy Tips

Business Travel Savings Made Easy with Five Easy Tips

If you're traveling for business constantly and want to save money, these five tricks can save you money.
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How to Hike and Still Make Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day

How to Hike and Still Make Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day

Friends of mine sponsored an annual Thanksgiving day hike, here's how to work this fabulous idea into your own life.
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Raw Foodists Need These Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

Raw Foodists Need These Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

Don't know quite what to buy your favorite raw foodist loved one for the holidays? Budget tight? Try these inexpensive Christmas gifts sure to please that has everything raw foodist on you Christmas gift list.
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Promotion for Promotion Sake / Parent Child Relationships

Seems a bit counterproductive. I appreciate opportunities, ones that are legitimate; not ones set up to make you look like a fool. I want to finish my projects, not spend useless time spinning my wheels on somebody's brilliant idea of what builds skill and thoughts.

I am old enough that I have become quite disgusted and extremely irritated by parent-child relationships. Relationships with parents that say:

- do as I tell you without question

- do as I say not as I do

- do as I say or you will be punished

- what is mine belongs to the family

- I am going to be in your face directing every moment of your time

Most grown up relationships form partnerships where you each have a goal and you're both working to achieve the same thing. I am very clear about what I want to accomplish: writing and selling my stories. I am not selling stories to make money although I'd like  to sell well. I'm not writing because I need to be in the spotlight and have millions of friends. I am not writing to inflict something on the world. I do believe that I have a unique viewpoint that is worthy of a read. I offer something to readers: an easy way to learn something scientific while being entertained and a way of viewing the future that might open the doors to benefits for humans.

I am barely moved in and have a lot I want to do. Sorry if that seems selfish but sometimes eras in people's lives make them be selfish: when they have to retire or move or deal with health problems. Believe it or not people, it is okay to take time for yourself.   

Friends that Tell You to Prove You Don't Lie

So I went out of my way for a friend for nearly four years, doing what he asked and feeling a bit mistreated. I thought it was because he was pushing me beyond my limits for my own good. But it turns out, it was all for him, and the people he really wanted to encourage. Everything I did, benefited those he cared about and me not much. Then I found all of his promises were false. Then I offered something to him and he said, yeah, but first, prove that you're not lying.

I am off line through November for National Novel Writing Month. That's my answer to him and others. I am working on what matters to me. If you're a friend, then you'll be happy that I'm getting what I want, too, and will be my friend on my return.

Oh, and to that friend, I heard you loud and clear, your intent, your treatment, your "use" of me. There is nothing to save you from the jinx you brought upon yourself by the karma that protects me. I believe this. Justice will come to me.

Best Airplane Flight Beauty Tips to Keep You Fresh from Take Off to Landing

Best Airplane Flight Beauty Tips to Keep You Fresh from Take Off to Landing
Even short flights can stress your ability to look your best; try these best beauty tips to feel like you just stepped onto the airplane after you land.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2190099/best_airplane_flight_beauty_tips_to.html

Frustrated, slow coming together

Too many family problems showing up on my door.

Top Ten Healthy Eating for Business Travelers

Top Ten Healthy Eating for Business Travelers
Top ten healthy eating tips from a world-wide and business traveler. Make your life easy and eat right, here's how.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2165881/top_ten_healthy_eating_for_business.html

A review of Contagion by Patrick M. Garry :: The Compulsive Reader :: A Haven for Book Lovers

A review of Contagion by Patrick M. Garry :: The Compulsive Reader :: A Haven for Book Lovers

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Scary Story Contest : Hungry for You

Scary Story Contest : Hungry for You
Here's a creepy story to scare you just in time for halloween.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2162083/scary_story_contest_hungry_for_you.html

Top Five Travel Supplies for Traveling with Babies

Top Five Travel Supplies for Traveling with Babies
Here's the most essential supplies needed to travel with babies, bring your sense of humor is advised.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2161701/top_five_travel_supplies_for_traveling.html

How to Play Bingo, Bango, Bongo Golf

How to Play Bingo, Bango, Bongo Golf
Here are fun game directions for Bingo, Bango, Bongo, a social golf game that will liven up your golf game and improve your golf skills all at the same time.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2107295/how_to_play_bingo_bango_bongo_golf.html

Top Ten Winter Travel Destinations

Top Ten Winter Travel Destinations
Need ideas where to escape the cold and winter drear? Try these great golfing, beach, ski resort and culture down under winter travel escapes.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2142677/top_ten_winter_travel_destinations_.html

Moving--once in a lifetime event

Some people move at the drop of a hat. I had a room mate who grew up in a military family and she loved the idea of moving every couple of years.

Me, I lived within 50 mile radius of where I was born for fifty years. Moving to Florida is like pulling up the roots of a mighty maple, deep and carrying great weight. My mind is no longer just a brain. It's an index to everyone of the books I've carted with me. I grew out of the need to store information, I just know where I need to find it. Without the store, I am lost. I look forward to delving into my library rights with UCF, it should be an experience.

Some people thrive on attention, me, I thrive on the shadows, I have been under examination for nearly 5 years and I should wish it were more comfortable than a magnifying lense. It feels like having my wings clipped. I can't rely on intuition and exploration and silence any more, I have to endure intrusion, continually and I fail to see the benefit in my work. I know acceptance means public review, but beauty means coming from the soul.

Finally into our new home

We checked out of our third room in two weeks, this time to camp out in our new home, still three days before the floor is dry enough to set up a bed permanently. I managed to get my UCF card, several shopping trips, visit the bank, insurance company and hope to have cleaned the bathroom and kitchen for use. 

Bob and I both got a bit testy when the work crew decided to leave and wanted our sign off but had no plans to install the toilets or put the washer and dryer back to use. Luckily Lowe's is pretty consciencious and allowed us to live here. Meanwhile, I've got laundry about done, we were five days late on getting laundry privileges. 

Meanwhile, everything is filthy from the construction, fine dust everywhere -- three inches thick on the top of cabinets-- yuck!

Although I have writing things to do, I have to put them on hold in order to be prepared for the start of school. Then I have to start preparing MFA applications since the new out of state policies in Florida affect my school budget (the cash from the sale of my first home not needed for Bob and my shared home) far too much. Of course, maybe next year I'll have better ideas for scholarships and the like.

Beat tired

Rolled two bedrooms, one twice to get the paint to cover and did the edges of one bathroom. I'm covered head to foot in salt and ready to crash with my Chinese history book.

The Difference between Renting and Buying a Home

When you rent a home, you have minimal roots. You don't notice the maintenance issues, you call the manager. You expect a freshly painted room, working toilets, replaced carpeting.

We're on day 9 today of a promised 5 day but beautiful flooring installation--the workmanship of the Lowe's crew is super first rate so I forgive them their extension, some things are worth the hassle.

Meanwhile, I have 10 more rooms to paint before the furniture we shipped shows up on the 18th. I have the process down now--paint the room edges while Bob removes screws, blinds and metal storage, spackles, knockdowns, removes old wallpaper set into the plaster, etc. Then I paint the ceiling edges, clean the air conditioning grates and ceiling fans covered with inches of soot and roll the never painted and quite filthy ceiling. Then the walls. The trim will have to wait, I expect to do that last, although the build up yuck gets wiped off. All the "blue rooms" need to be painted twice which is a total hassle.

Bob is fixing lights that don't work, one fan with a switch and light that doesn't work, others to be examined yet. 

Meanwhile, we've begun to pick up the furniture we are replacing that we sold. The two office chairs and desks are timely since it will give us a place to perch once we move from the hotel. It needs finishing though since we both love real wood. The bed is due for delivery today, we hope the guys will have the floors grouted someplace when it shows up. I look forward to the washer and dryer being rehooked up, I hope to paint behind it before they put it back. Meanwhile we need another taller ladder and grout seal, that will probably be another one day job.

I ordered my school books, we finally got our mail yesterday and paid bills. Hopefully, I will be able to figure out why my UCF account is always locked. At least if we're living in our home, we'll be able to quit driving miles and eating out and get more done.

The World is Against Me

One more day in a hotel is all, I hope. I write a flash fiction, hate it. Write a new one that's better, have Associated Content erase it. Start again to post, have them erase it again. Then the internet logs me off. Then Associated Content won't allow me to enter it. It will let me enter other items, just not this one. No Fair.

I am exhausted and just want to have my home, soon!

Free Things to Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

Free Things to Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

Tired of the cold of winter or need a summer beach retreat? Try Corpus Christi and find excellent free activities.

Protecting Business and Personal Financial Information from Clampi and Other Viruses

Protecting Business and Personal Financial Information from Clampi and Other Viruses

Here's a list of practical tips for how to manage your online financial dealings to help protect business and personal financial data.

Women's Rights to Wear Pants in Public Forty Years Later

Women's Rights to Wear Pants in Public Forty Years Later

In my lifetime, women in the United States won the right to wear pants to school, now women in Sudan would like to do the same, but have been whipped when they did so. Should we show solidarity?

Chaos

I'm feeling the affects of chaos in my life. Unable to complete scheduled tasks because I have no control over events or plans. I would just like to have my live settle into a predictable schedule in a clean ordered home, then progress will follow.

Best Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince MySpace Layouts and Graphics

Best Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince MySpace Layouts and Graphics
Here's the scoop on where to find Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Myspace layouts and graphics.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1998514/best_harry_potter_and_the_half_blood.html

Memorable Place in the United Kingdom on Our Honeymoon

Memorable Place in the United Kingdom on Our Honeymoon
Here's a showcase of some of the best places in the United Kingdom taken on our honeymoon trip around the countries.
http://www.associatedcontent.comslideshow/24540/memorable_place_in_the_united_kingdom.html

Oddball Honeymoons Test Your Marriage Vows

Oddball Honeymoons Test Your Marriage Vows
Here's guidance about honeymoons and why you should take them with care and forethought, maybe even before the wedding.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2010710/oddball_honeymoons_test_your_marriage.html

Top Ten Aesthetic Mistakes Made in Selecting Flooring

Top Ten Aesthetic Mistakes Made in Selecting Flooring
Selecting flooring for your home is a matter of taste, yet despite your preferences in color and pattern, here are some mistakes that make your flooring really look bad, especially to potential buyers.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1983242/top_ten_aesthetic_mistakes_made_in.html

Top Ten Common Expensive Home Improvement Mistakes

Top Ten Common Expensive Home Improvement Mistakes
If you're planning to doll up your home, check these common and expensive mistakes home owner's make with home improvement, it will save you plenty in the long term.
http://www.associatedcontent.com

Best Easy Day Hikes Near Moses Lake, WA

Best Easy Day Hikes Near Moses Lake, WA
If you're escaping the gloomy overcast days of the Western part of the state to camp or vacation in the Moses Lake area, this list of best hikes can keep you on your toes and healthy.
http://www.associatedcontent.com

Checking Out--Spokane

A super busy day, awake at 6am, head into packing, watch the movers pick our boxes up while we madly stuffed the miscellanea into boxes or doors, do a little visiting with friends and relatives and then head down the road. Exhausted and my muscles are aching, can it be the last round of shotss

Dipping

Dipping
Poem about dipping parts in acid while working as a decal maker at Boeing and truth.
http://www.associatedcontent.comaudio/9361/dipping.html

Burnt Store Marina Area Slide Show--Everything Fun to Do

Burnt Store Marina Area Slide Show--Everything Fun to Do
Here's a slide show of the best photographs taken in the Burnt Store Marina, Florida area of everything fun to do.
http://www.associatedcontent.comslideshow/23106/burnt_store_marina_area_slide_showeverything.html

Must Have Toys for Newborns to Two-Year Old Infants

Must Have Toys for Newborns to Two-Year Old Infants

Toys can teach, amuse and provide comfort, learn which toys are top sellers and why.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1956484/must_have_toys_for_newborns_to_twoyear.html?cat=7

Best Wedding Advice My Husband and I Recieved

Best Wedding Advice My Husband and I Recieved

The sages we met offered these five best pieces of advice for making your wedding turn into a long lasting marriage. 

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1956494/best_wedding_advice_my_husband_and.html?cat=7

Top Changes I Would Make to My Personal Computer Operating System

Top Changes I Would Make to My Personal Computer Operating System

Here's my top list of things I'd change in my Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1956616/top_changes_i_would_make_to_my_personal.html?cat=9

Five Romantic Night Life Experiences at Burnt Store Marina, Florida for Lovers

Five Romantic Night Life Experiences at Burnt Store Marina, Florida for Lovers
These five night life activities and photographs may be the things to do that justify a week or month long stay at Burnt Store Marina with your lover.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1956386/five_romantic_night_life_experiences.html?cat=16

Stuff and nonsense and juggling

Immensely frustrating weekend where Bob and I find a home we'd like to buy, make an offer, have it accepted and then I spend two days checking for when the papers are going to be emailed to me for signature. This morning I wake up at four, go back to sleep, the alarm rings at 5:30, I shut it off after a half hour, then I wake at 8:30 am. I check my email, find the papers have finally been faxed and rush to get them signed and sent back for $28.00. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the owners, a church, have being working to get that house offered to someone else in their parishioners. Bob has had an inspection arranged for Tuesday, we think there's no problem, but the church suspends our offer because of their wheeling and dealing with church funds. So after all that imagining a new home, discussion plans for how we'll live there and what needs to be changed to make it liveable, the whole thing is called off and we're scrambling to find a new place. So Bob will have to extend his stay unless we find something tomorrow, make an offer and have it accepted, which means I'm going to have to pack his stuff up ... cascading changes from an incredibly tight schedule, costing us more and more money. I'm considering a "broken contract small claims suit" asking for damages as a result of these people's decision.

Meanwhile, I'm about 2/3 the way through restructuring the novel. I thought I could edit sections but until placed in context, it's not easy to do. Have two new short stories I'm laying out and researching and plotting -- I think I have them but ...

Tips for Parents Living with a Sexual Predator in Your Neighborhood

Tips for Parents Living with a Sexual Predator in Your Neighborhood
When you know a sexual predator is returning home to your neighborhood, what should you do to ensure your child's safety?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1895380/tips_for_parents_living_with_a_sexual.html

Improved state but still a frustrating day

Had lunch with my mom, OJ, and Mary at the food court. That was good. Then tried to get to writing but I couldn't find certain files, not good. So I packed 7 more boxes, that was good. Found the story I was looking for hallelujah! Found the research on several others stories, that was good. But finally took on the disks--I still had 5 1/4 disks with data, threw a whole pile away after transferring them to my computer and only required one CD to store it all, awesome. But tiring. And no writing done. Still, sooner or later you have to pay for all your learning mistakes and put the stuff where it belongs. No reading and no swimming-frustrating. Still, Bob was upbeat about the neighborhoods he'd seen and I recieved pictures of several that looked really good, so now its about finding out about pools and seeing the actual homes in person. It's beginning to look possible.

Patriotic Fourth of July Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Recipes

Patriotic Fourth of July Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Recipes
Ice cream is a traditional taste treat especially in our family. This basic recipe comes from my mom who adjusted it for our less sweet tastes and I've added some colorful and patriotic variations sure to please.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1890080/patriotic_fourth_of_july_red_white.html

Best Practices for Recording Audio Articles

Best Practices for Recording Audio Articles
Need help recording written presentation, poems and articles. These best practice tips will give your performance the polish needed.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1890370/best_practices_for_recording_audio.html

Doing archaeology on my work

Problem with working on the road is I often use notebooks. If I don't have time to polish something, good materials sits waiting for my return. Then, there's the stuff that calls out to me, come do me, come clean me up. Sigh. Then I need find it. Oh, and I need to clean up my backup disks and see which are real. Purpose of all this is to clean up, of course, thank heaven Bob isn't watching my mess making in our pristine emptiness. Meanwhile I was up to nearly 4am finding it all. Progress, however unfinished is good. Need to do book reviews soon.

Had a good day yesterday, article reading, swimming late, promotion of articles (still backlog on these to do), forward progress on my Fortune Cookie book I'm reading. Plus laundry, packing 5 boxes full, feeding the hummingbirds, dishes.

So far uncovered quite a few articles to finish but still looking for my Peru writing.  Meanwhile, fell into storyland and finding Bob's favorite Kyung Wha Chang recording of the Mendelssohn / Bruch Violin Concerto impossible to resist and fine mood music.

Today I get to see OJ and Mom for lunch, should be fun.

Best Wheelchair Accessible Walking Trails South of Seattle

Best Wheelchair Accessible Walking Trails South of Seattle
Several of the best wheelchair accessible, flat or minimal elevation change walking trails in the South of Seattle available for fun and exercise.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1894914/best_wheelchair_accessible_walking.html