This is that giant (and growing) icicle out behind the office. It's bigger than I am, I think. O_o

( also, )

Things going through my head today:

The taste of icicles (very much like ice cubes, as I recall).

The futility of railing against the weather.

The fervent hope that the roof doesn't cave in, either here or at home.

The daffodils that bloomed in March last year. Wondering if that's even possible this year.

Memories of summers past, and plans for future summers.

And, for some odd reason, the WWII air show in my hometown. That was always fun. No idea why that popped into my head today.

It was a random sort of day. Long, dull, and random.

( random pictures )

...and because I just don't have anything else to say right now, I'm reposting the "random things" meme I just did on Facebook. Sorry to those of you who overlap. ;)

***

I've been tagged enough times that I suppose I should do this "random things" meme. Because I am contrary, I'm not going to number them or tag anyone. Do it if you feel like it.

* I like to cook, but I rarely do. It's just not as much fun to cook for one.

* I always have music playing in my head, like a running soundtrack.

* I don't consider myself a geek, but I do have some geeky tendencies. I love Star Trek and BSG and Doctor Who, but I'm not a gamer or computer nerd.

* I have a terrible memory. I come by it honestly: my mother is the same.

* I love kids, but I've never wanted any of my own. I like being an auntie.

* I have a bazillion beads, and I really should do something with them.

* I love walking in the woods more than just about anything.

* I don't have a very highly developed sense of smell. Most things smell "good" or "not good" but I can't identify most smells.

* I'm very tactile; I love the texture of clothes as much as color or style.

* I'm a wuss when it comes to violent, graphic movies. I refuse to watch "Pulp Fiction" and most horror. Scary is OK, just not bloody or brutal.

* I think my perfect job would be "blogger." No, seriously.

* I really could not care less about the Superbowl. Especially the commercials.

* I'm stopping now to make brownies.
(and the brownies are now in the oven)

I spent this frigid day indoors, and mostly away from the computer. My power went out for a little while this morning, which was a little scary because I had been watching the news, which said it was below zero outside. I bundled up under a blanket and read for a while, and thankfully it came back on after half an hour or so.

Um, the FDA is saying to not eat peanut butter. I had peanut noodles this week, and so far, so good. I'd be sick by now, right? I'm thinking Teddy wasn't one of the brands affected. Still, eek. This has happened before, and it makes one pause to think about where our food comes from. Unless you're a determined localvore, there's no way to really know. Around here, it's very difficult to eat local year-round.

More snow expected tomorrow. Oh, joy. At least it won't be quite as cold. Some consolation!

Oy, I'm so glad it's Friday afternoon. This morning and yesterday were tough. Busy, which is good, but I was surrounded by well-meaning helpers who needed a lot of help, artists who apparently couldn't follow simple instructions (well, ok, one artist in particular), and difficult customers whose rep is on Nantucket at the moment. I swear, the next customer who keeps talking over me is getting disconnected! There were a couple who, if I could reach through the phone lines, would have gotten a good whack upside the head.

Since they only scheduled coverage until 2:00, and I didn't get to go to lunch until 1:15, I got a short lunch break today. Just long enough to go to Rite Aid to get my hair color (and a big bar of extra dark chocolate), and read a couple of chapters of Stephanie Plum while sipping an Izze Sparkling Pomegranate. I feel much better now. *g*

I wanted to get a fabulous new nail color, because I am bored with all the ones I own, and nothing was catching my eye. I am bored with *all* nail colors, apparently. I will have to make do with what I have, I guess. Maybe I'll paint my toenails blue again. That will cheer me up. Oh, there were some pretty ones, but nothing that I'd actually wear on my fingernails. Pale blue, dark purple, frosty pink. Colors that clash with everything I own.

Anyhoo. I'm feeling extra overworked and underappreciated today. Not one person here has remembered that tomorrow is my birthday. For you non-Leos, that is a mortal sin to we lionesses! *growl* I'm looking forward to a glass of wine and the season finale of Doctor Who this evening, and Lammas with the coven tomorrow night. Ooh, and the July 4th rained-out fireworks have been rescheduled for this Sunday, so they're my birthday fireworks now. *g*

Busybusy this morning! Unfortunately, that put me way behind (not to mention the fact that I worked two fewer days this week), so I didn't finish typing in ads until way after 12:30. Usually, I'm done by quarter after, and I'm waiting for Kim to finish up. She beat me for once!

Of course, it was those darn network ads, which are the bane of my existence. I hate them with every fiber of my being.

It was also the picky customer who thinks he's a designer (they all do, really), and wanted nearly impossible things from a 2" square ad. But! Leo pulled through, and they were happy. I owe that man cookies.

I've had more than my share of difficult customers this week, which is doubly remarkable due to the shortness of said week. Mercury retrograde, much? Sheesh. Alas, the weekend is nearly here, and they will have to vent their ire on someone else for a couple of days. Such a pity. :P

I don't remember if I mentioned this before, but I'm in the midst of reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Another one of those books you'd think I'd have read years ago, but never actually got around to. They had it at the library, there was a long waiting list for the new Stephanie Plum, and so I checked it out. It's quite different from what I expected, and also quite different from any film adaptation that I've seen, even the ones purported to be faithful to the book. I have to admit, though, that as I was reading the section with the old man and the violin, my mind went directly to Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. *g*

I got to squee over last night's episode of Lost with the assistant editor today, who is the only other person here who watches it, as far as I know. I miss having people to squee over shows with; I know there are tons of online outlets, but it's not the same as face-to-face squeeage. I just don't watch the same shows as most of my coworkers.

It looks like it's going to be a rainy weekend, which makes me not feel so bad that I couldn't swing the SEF retreat up in Deerfield. Part of the appeal for me is being able to amble about in the woods, which isn't as much fun in the rain. I hope those of you who do go, though, have a lovely time. Think of me, and remember me to the trees. :)

Have a lovely weekend, all!

Treated myself to two episodes of Torchwood this evening, since I had such a dull day.

Oh, hey, it's Cinco de Mayo... does anyone celebrate that besides tequila and Mexican beer companies? Do Mexicans actually celebrate it? I think it's one of those things that's fun to say and an excuse to drink. ;)

One of my coworkers brought in her puppy today, but I wasn't able to get any pix. It's, I think, a Min-Pin. Very tiny! I'm not a big fan of little dogs, but who can resist a puppy? Not I.

The green nail polish was a big hit at the office. I love to shake things up. *g*

Yes, I'm tired, why do you ask? *g*

Things weren't too much of a mess when I came in this morning, which is good. Sometimes when I take a day off, there's a mountain of stuff to catch up on.

I'm very glad the drizzle waited until today to happen. It would not have been fun yesterday.

I went to Walgreens on my break and bought a fabulous bright green nail polish to replace the one I had that got all gunky. I used a gift card, so further yay for not costing me anything! I can't wait to paint my fingers & toes with it. :)

I overheard the former mayor, whose office is next to mine, singing a little ditty that amused the political junkies in the office this afternoon. It was, "I fought the law and I won," a reference that I don't get but it cracked me up all the same. I'm sure he has no idea that we can hear him. I often overhear snatches of things, but nothing incriminating so far...

The phone has been ringing an awful lot for a Friday afternoon. It's usually very quiet in here at this time.

How awesome was Sawyer last night on Lost? All protective of Claire and Aaron. What a guy. *sigh*

Speaking of the telly, has anyone been watching The Sarah Jane Chronicles? What do you think of it? I'm not sure I like it. Is it meant to be more of a kids' show than Doctor Who? I know DW is a kids' show, but this seems to be specifically aimed at kids, where DW doesn't. Which is too bad, because I always liked Sarah Jane.