Kibbles and Bits

Kibbles
My panicky friends at EMERGENCYEMAIL.ORG have been so worried about me they've mailed me twice. What was the cause of their concern?

Email the first: It's windy.
Email the second: Never mind.

Keep in mind we're not talking tornadoes or hurricanes or anything I might consider real weather. Just, you know...windy.

...And Bits
Sent to me by a colleague who is currently working in some faraway state that starts with "I". I'd like to think this was all parody, but as this is the last week of class here at TunaU, it hits closer to home than one might imagine.


...And Bits
For a long time my Spam subject lines had taken on a wacky biblical flavor that I thought were pretty hysterical. Sadly, they hast perished like unto the dust, and now I am getting spam messages from ... ME. Evidently I am now spamming myself to buy products to enhance body parts I don't have. I know there are days when I'm tired and kind of out of it, but, puhleeze.

...And Bits
Indexed is one of my new favorite online comic blog-type-things.
Check it out!

Kibbles and Bits

Kibbles
My panicky friends at EMERGENCYEMAIL.ORG have been so worried about me they've mailed me twice. What was the cause of their concern?

Email the first: It's windy.
Email the second: Never mind.

Keep in mind we're not talking tornadoes or hurricanes or anything I might consider real weather. Just, you know...windy.

...And Bits
Sent to me by a colleague who is currently working in some faraway state that starts with "I". I'd like to think this was all parody, but as this is the last week of class here at TunaU, it hits closer to home than one might imagine.


...And Bits
For a long time my Spam subject lines had taken on a wacky biblical flavor that I thought were pretty hysterical. Sadly, they hast perished like unto the dust, and now I am getting spam messages from ... ME. Evidently I am now spamming myself to buy products to enhance body parts I don't have. I know there are days when I'm tired and kind of out of it, but, puhleeze.

...And Bits
Indexed is one of my new favorite online comic blog-type-things.
Check it out!

A Bit of Earth

My boyfriend wants to remind everybody that today is Earth Day, 2007.

I'm grateful that my corner of the world decided that on this particular Earth Day the weather would be gorgeous, providing zero excuses not to mow the lawn.

So I did.

But first I had to buy a new gas can because I couldn't find the old one
(until I got back and found it)

And bought new gas to put in the new gas can
(which I brought home and filled right up)

And said a prayer for the mower that hasn't run since November
(Amen)

And gave a great yank
(Just call me "muscles")

And off I went.
(Hallelujah!)

I have to admit it was a nice first-mow of the season, and I got a chance to visit all my outside friends as I mowed past. In the front yard were the tulips that SticksTuna had helped us plant several years back. I always think of Sticks every year when these come up and smile because it's such a beautiful part of our yard.

All the flower beds in the front yard are practically miracles. The front of the house used to be barricaded with overgrown evergreen hedges. And on either side was a mini forest of crowded evergreen trees that enveloped the entire house. BSTuna and TallGuyTuna came over with ingenious contraptions and voila! they were gone (To be truthful, it was much less voila! and much more hard, hard labor in the rain, but time softens those memories and allows for a bit of revisionist history). What remained was a much more open and inviting front yard and four new flower beds ready to be filled.

In the back yard, Fred and Ginger are going strong. Both are transplants from the Upper Peninsula, and were brought back from The Boy's Centennial Farm. It's a bit daunting knowing that plants entrusted to your garden were grown and tended by children, parents and grandparents before you, however, Fred and Ginger are thriving, which is a very polite way of saying they could thrive a little less and they'd still be WAY overgrown. But both of them amuse us greatly, and we've had plenty of offsprings to share with others.

There are some old favorites that seem to have disappeared. We miss the evening primrose show and lying on our stomachs at dusk watching the protective green leaves split apart one at a time. When they finally burst open -- as if it were time-lapsed photography sped up for our viewing pleasure -- you couldn't help but ooh and ahh over the entire thing. It was as if they were alive, and then you remember, oh yeah...they are.

As I mowed, I walked by all sorts of projects. Some are completed, some are in progress and others still live in the land of someday. There are a few cautionary tales too, such as: never plant chives directly into the ground unless you either want a chive farm or are planning to open a baked potato stand. Seriously -- these things are indestructible.

At this point in spring the tulips are pretty and the few daffodils that managed to survive the April frost are cheerful. The crocus are gone and the peonies have just started to peek through the ground. But what I like about our little bit of earth -- flowers, weeds and all -- is that it isn't just about the plants. It's that everywhere there are reminders of the people who gave their time and lent a hand to make this little corner a bit nicer. And where there are no plants yet, there are possibilities.

People and possibilities. A living legacy for today and hope for tomorrow.
Happy Earth Day.

A Bit of Earth

My boyfriend wants to remind everybody that today is Earth Day, 2007.

I'm grateful that my corner of the world decided that on this particular Earth Day the weather would be gorgeous, providing zero excuses not to mow the lawn.

So I did.

But first I had to buy a new gas can because I couldn't find the old one
(until I got back and found it)

And bought new gas to put in the new gas can
(which I brought home and filled right up)

And said a prayer for the mower that hasn't run since November
(Amen)

And gave a great yank
(Just call me "muscles")

And off I went.
(Hallelujah!)

I have to admit it was a nice first-mow of the season, and I got a chance to visit all my outside friends as I mowed past. In the front yard were the tulips that SticksTuna had helped us plant several years back. I always think of Sticks every year when these come up and smile because it's such a beautiful part of our yard.

All the flower beds in the front yard are practically miracles. The front of the house used to be barricaded with overgrown evergreen hedges. And on either side was a mini forest of crowded evergreen trees that enveloped the entire house. BSTuna and TallGuyTuna came over with ingenious contraptions and voila! they were gone (To be truthful, it was much less voila! and much more hard, hard labor in the rain, but time softens those memories and allows for a bit of revisionist history). What remained was a much more open and inviting front yard and four new flower beds ready to be filled.

In the back yard, Fred and Ginger are going strong. Both are transplants from the Upper Peninsula, and were brought back from The Boy's Centennial Farm. It's a bit daunting knowing that plants entrusted to your garden were grown and tended by children, parents and grandparents before you, however, Fred and Ginger are thriving, which is a very polite way of saying they could thrive a little less and they'd still be WAY overgrown. But both of them amuse us greatly, and we've had plenty of offsprings to share with others.

There are some old favorites that seem to have disappeared. We miss the evening primrose show and lying on our stomachs at dusk watching the protective green leaves split apart one at a time. When they finally burst open -- as if it were time-lapsed photography sped up for our viewing pleasure -- you couldn't help but ooh and ahh over the entire thing. It was as if they were alive, and then you remember, oh yeah...they are.

As I mowed, I walked by all sorts of projects. Some are completed, some are in progress and others still live in the land of someday. There are a few cautionary tales too, such as: never plant chives directly into the ground unless you either want a chive farm or are planning to open a baked potato stand. Seriously -- these things are indestructible.

At this point in spring the tulips are pretty and the few daffodils that managed to survive the April frost are cheerful. The crocus are gone and the peonies have just started to peek through the ground. But what I like about our little bit of earth -- flowers, weeds and all -- is that it isn't just about the plants. It's that everywhere there are reminders of the people who gave their time and lent a hand to make this little corner a bit nicer. And where there are no plants yet, there are possibilities.

People and possibilities. A living legacy for today and hope for tomorrow.
Happy Earth Day.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... And You Think:

1. Found :: Lost

2. Male :: Female

3. Spoken :: Oral

4. Life :: or Death

5. Tonight :: West Side Story

6. Fingernail :: On a chalkboard

7. True :: Dat

8. Give Up :: Quit

9. Shining :: Star

10. Everywhere :: Or Nowhere At All

Sadly, for the most part, this is one of those highly uninspiring let's-say-the-opposite or every-thing's-a-song-cue kind of list. I think my unconscious isn't firing on all cylinders yet this morning.

Do a better job than I did HERE.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... And You Think:

1. Found :: Lost

2. Male :: Female

3. Spoken :: Oral

4. Life :: or Death

5. Tonight :: West Side Story

6. Fingernail :: On a chalkboard

7. True :: Dat

8. Give Up :: Quit

9. Shining :: Star

10. Everywhere :: Or Nowhere At All

Sadly, for the most part, this is one of those highly uninspiring let's-say-the-opposite or every-thing's-a-song-cue kind of list. I think my unconscious isn't firing on all cylinders yet this morning.

Do a better job than I did HERE.

Friday's Feast

I know, I know. What's for grub?

Appetizer: What is your favorite kind of bread?
Gifted and Green. Preferably with pictures of Ben Franklin.

Soup: When was the last time you bought a new pillow?
And we have a winner for THE most random question on the planet! Most likely, when mine was flat and they were on sale.

Salad: Approximately how many hour a week do you spend surfin' the net?
Nice try. The correct answer is: Zero.
It's called research.

Main Course: What's the highest you remember your temperature being?
That's for me to know and Scout to find out. Ba-DUMP-bump!

Dessert: Fill in the blanks: When I _________, I __________.

When I post a Feast
I give non-question answers
and break rules. Hai-KU!

Friday's Feast

I know, I know. What's for grub?

Appetizer: What is your favorite kind of bread?
Gifted and Green. Preferably with pictures of Ben Franklin.

Soup: When was the last time you bought a new pillow?
And we have a winner for THE most random question on the planet! Most likely, when mine was flat and they were on sale.

Salad: Approximately how many hour a week do you spend surfin' the net?
Nice try. The correct answer is: Zero.
It's called research.

Main Course: What's the highest you remember your temperature being?
That's for me to know and Scout to find out. Ba-DUMP-bump!

Dessert: Fill in the blanks: When I _________, I __________.

When I post a Feast
I give non-question answers
and break rules. Hai-KU!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about GREENTUNA
Thirteen Weirdly Random Things I Cannot Do


1. Tie a Balloon
I don't know what it is. I can blow them up, but I'm always the one passing it along to someone else because I cannot ever seem to tie them. Guess I'd make a lousy clown.

2. Whistle
Technically I have about a 3 note range that is 98% breathy and/or spitty. It's not pretty, and neither is my face when I try to do it. Others in my family are great whistlers, but somehow I missed the genetic boat on that skill.

3. Sight Read Using Solfege
Yes, Do(e) is a Deer, a female deer, but when applied to a non-Sound of Music ditty, it has me totally mystified. Not that I cannot sight read -- I can sight read anything put in front of me. But asking me to associate Solfege syllables with notes on a page is on par with asking me to sing in Sanskrit. Except, wait. I've actually done that. Regardless. Do-Re-Me is more like Don't-Make-Me because when left to me, it's more like drunken babbling.

4. Eat Just One Potato Chip
I can eat none, I can eat some or I can eat lots. But show me a person who can eat just one potato chip without having to leave to get married or catch a bus or have a baby, and I'll show you a person with no soul.

5. Remember Hebrew Months When I'm Doing a NY Time Crossword Puzzle
I suppose in theory, knowing the Hebrew months isn't high on the priority list for an Episcopalian. But I swear, every time I get to one of these clues I always wonder why I don't take 10 minutes and just learn these so I know them. And do I? Heck, no.

6. Make Armpit Noises
I figure this is a guy thing. Besides, I think OlderBrotherTuna, YoungerBrotherTuna, NephewTuna and Scout could (and would) play a pit concerto if asked.

7. Go to the Movies and Not Eat Popcorn
This is another one of those things that somehow it feels Un-American not to do it. Movies and popcorn go together like Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, or Chico and the Man. And NO, nachos don't count. Nachos are not movie food, and frankly, hot dogs and pretzels are on the edge. Be it comedy, drama or slasher, I need me a double-butter corn and a large Diet. And if you're TeenTuna (or Scout, as I was saddened to learn) and you plan to dump chocolate in your popcorn, then you better get your own bucket.

8. Do A Cartwheel
I understand the motion: Hand-Hand-Foot-Foot. And actually, I think I am a most excellent cartwheeler, conceptually speaking. But ask me to put it into practice, and I will stand there, feet glued to to floor as if they were saying, "What? Leave the floor? One at a time? So sorry, we only move in a pair." It's too embarassing for words.

9. Win "Minesweeper" In Any Manner Except Totally By Mistake
This one makes me mad. Minesweeper. One of the freebie games that has come free with computers since the dawn of Windows 3.1. Still in all, I have never had the patience to actually learn the strategy behind this game besides random clicking until a bomb goes off. And then I don't understand why. Give me Solitaire any day of the week.

10. Draw
And I mean anything. My stick people are questionable, and when Pictionary was the hot game in town, I was pretty much death to any team I was on. Everything I draw looks like a mutant horse/cow combination. I was born to study and appreciate the visual arts, not create them.

11. Put Runny Things on the Same Plate as Not-Runny Things
Yes, I am one of THOSE really don't like my food touching kind of people. Yes, if Fine China came with little divided sections like TV dinner trays, I'd have a complete set. Yes, I have heard that it all goes in the same place. But EWWW people. That's vile. Do you really want to live by that philosophy and throw everything (soup, salad, entree and dessert) into one big pot and glop it into a bowl? I think not. And besides, what did my poor hot dog bun ever do to deserve a nuclear bath of applesauce and baked bean goo?

12. Watch NASCAR on TV
Because, why? And this comes from someone who doesn't even mind watching golf on occasion.

13. Think There is Ever Enough Cowbell
Because let's face it. You always need more. Always.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about GREENTUNA
Thirteen Weirdly Random Things I Cannot Do


1. Tie a Balloon
I don't know what it is. I can blow them up, but I'm always the one passing it along to someone else because I cannot ever seem to tie them. Guess I'd make a lousy clown.

2. Whistle
Technically I have about a 3 note range that is 98% breathy and/or spitty. It's not pretty, and neither is my face when I try to do it. Others in my family are great whistlers, but somehow I missed the genetic boat on that skill.

3. Sight Read Using Solfege
Yes, Do(e) is a Deer, a female deer, but when applied to a non-Sound of Music ditty, it has me totally mystified. Not that I cannot sight read -- I can sight read anything put in front of me. But asking me to associate Solfege syllables with notes on a page is on par with asking me to sing in Sanskrit. Except, wait. I've actually done that. Regardless. Do-Re-Me is more like Don't-Make-Me because when left to me, it's more like drunken babbling.

4. Eat Just One Potato Chip
I can eat none, I can eat some or I can eat lots. But show me a person who can eat just one potato chip without having to leave to get married or catch a bus or have a baby, and I'll show you a person with no soul.

5. Remember Hebrew Months When I'm Doing a NY Time Crossword Puzzle
I suppose in theory, knowing the Hebrew months isn't high on the priority list for an Episcopalian. But I swear, every time I get to one of these clues I always wonder why I don't take 10 minutes and just learn these so I know them. And do I? Heck, no.

6. Make Armpit Noises
I figure this is a guy thing. Besides, I think OlderBrotherTuna, YoungerBrotherTuna, NephewTuna and Scout could (and would) play a pit concerto if asked.

7. Go to the Movies and Not Eat Popcorn
This is another one of those things that somehow it feels Un-American not to do it. Movies and popcorn go together like Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, or Chico and the Man. And NO, nachos don't count. Nachos are not movie food, and frankly, hot dogs and pretzels are on the edge. Be it comedy, drama or slasher, I need me a double-butter corn and a large Diet. And if you're TeenTuna (or Scout, as I was saddened to learn) and you plan to dump chocolate in your popcorn, then you better get your own bucket.

8. Do A Cartwheel
I understand the motion: Hand-Hand-Foot-Foot. And actually, I think I am a most excellent cartwheeler, conceptually speaking. But ask me to put it into practice, and I will stand there, feet glued to to floor as if they were saying, "What? Leave the floor? One at a time? So sorry, we only move in a pair." It's too embarassing for words.

9. Win "Minesweeper" In Any Manner Except Totally By Mistake
This one makes me mad. Minesweeper. One of the freebie games that has come free with computers since the dawn of Windows 3.1. Still in all, I have never had the patience to actually learn the strategy behind this game besides random clicking until a bomb goes off. And then I don't understand why. Give me Solitaire any day of the week.

10. Draw
And I mean anything. My stick people are questionable, and when Pictionary was the hot game in town, I was pretty much death to any team I was on. Everything I draw looks like a mutant horse/cow combination. I was born to study and appreciate the visual arts, not create them.

11. Put Runny Things on the Same Plate as Not-Runny Things
Yes, I am one of THOSE really don't like my food touching kind of people. Yes, if Fine China came with little divided sections like TV dinner trays, I'd have a complete set. Yes, I have heard that it all goes in the same place. But EWWW people. That's vile. Do you really want to live by that philosophy and throw everything (soup, salad, entree and dessert) into one big pot and glop it into a bowl? I think not. And besides, what did my poor hot dog bun ever do to deserve a nuclear bath of applesauce and baked bean goo?

12. Watch NASCAR on TV
Because, why? And this comes from someone who doesn't even mind watching golf on occasion.

13. Think There is Ever Enough Cowbell
Because let's face it. You always need more. Always.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

What I Wanted To Tell You

Yesterday what I wanted to tell you was all about Fabio the bunny.



What I wanted to tell you was how I had spent a large chunk of time Saturday afternoon cleaning out his cage in preparation for a very special Sunday afternoon, when he was going to have company. Dates as it were. Plural.

What I wanted to tell you was how I was converting his cage into the Love Shack and what a lucky little bunny he was going to be to spend some time doing that thing that bunnies do so well.

What I wanted to tell you was how Sunday afternoon, with a lovely young girl bunnette in the cage, Fabio seemed to decide he was a Panda, or some other creature that generally doesn't get (or care about) the whole dating - procreation process, and spent the entire time sniffing her and wondering if I had any more bananas for him to munch on.

What I wanted to tell you was that no amount of encouragement, positioning or humming Barry White songs seemed to help, and my career as a bunny pimp was over before it started.

I wanted to tell you all these things yesterday. But I couldn't. What I wanted to tell you yesterday quickly gave way to hours of time frantically trying to reach my Uncle Tuna, who is a professor at Virginia Tech. At 2:40pm, we finally heard word that he had, in fact, was not gone into campus that morning and was shaken and horribly saddened, but was OK.

And I wished beyond words that all I had to tell you was a story about rabbits.

What I Wanted To Tell You

Yesterday what I wanted to tell you was all about Fabio the bunny.



What I wanted to tell you was how I had spent a large chunk of time Saturday afternoon cleaning out his cage in preparation for a very special Sunday afternoon, when he was going to have company. Dates as it were. Plural.

What I wanted to tell you was how I was converting his cage into the Love Shack and what a lucky little bunny he was going to be to spend some time doing that thing that bunnies do so well.

What I wanted to tell you was how Sunday afternoon, with a lovely young girl bunnette in the cage, Fabio seemed to decide he was a Panda, or some other creature that generally doesn't get (or care about) the whole dating - procreation process, and spent the entire time sniffing her and wondering if I had any more bananas for him to munch on.

What I wanted to tell you was that no amount of encouragement, positioning or humming Barry White songs seemed to help, and my career as a bunny pimp was over before it started.

I wanted to tell you all these things yesterday. But I couldn't. What I wanted to tell you yesterday quickly gave way to hours of time frantically trying to reach my Uncle Tuna, who is a professor at Virginia Tech. At 2:40pm, we finally heard word that he had, in fact, was not gone into campus that morning and was shaken and horribly saddened, but was OK.

And I wished beyond words that all I had to tell you was a story about rabbits.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... And You Think:


10. 70 :: Happy Birthday!

9. Sisters :: Siblings

8. Anchor :: 's Away

7. Cow :: MOO!

6. Survival :: Well, there is that cow over there...

5. Ironic :: Eating the cow but jonesing for milk

4. Merits :: Deserves

3. Painting :: Gallery

2. Naturally :: Without Interference or Additives

1. Freeze :: Reeally cold. Like Ice Cream. (Wish that cow was still here)


This Topsy-turvy version of mutterings only seemed to work backwards. But, that's ok, because as you know, insanity and blatant rule-breaking is fairly commonplace in my world. I don't think anybody will mind too terribly much (except, maybe the cow).

Smile and nod and MOOOve along.
Yes, I'm milking this for all it's worth.
And yes, it's udderly ridiculous.

Insert your best 5th grade cow puns in the comments, and don't forget to mutter HERE.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... And You Think:


10. 70 :: Happy Birthday!

9. Sisters :: Siblings

8. Anchor :: 's Away

7. Cow :: MOO!

6. Survival :: Well, there is that cow over there...

5. Ironic :: Eating the cow but jonesing for milk

4. Merits :: Deserves

3. Painting :: Gallery

2. Naturally :: Without Interference or Additives

1. Freeze :: Reeally cold. Like Ice Cream. (Wish that cow was still here)


This Topsy-turvy version of mutterings only seemed to work backwards. But, that's ok, because as you know, insanity and blatant rule-breaking is fairly commonplace in my world. I don't think anybody will mind too terribly much (except, maybe the cow).

Smile and nod and MOOOve along.
Yes, I'm milking this for all it's worth.
And yes, it's udderly ridiculous.

Insert your best 5th grade cow puns in the comments, and don't forget to mutter HERE.

Friday's Feast

It's a mid-afternoon serving of Friday Feast. What's for grub?

Appetizer: When you were a child, which crayon color was your favorite?
I had no favorite color (that I can recall), but I have always preferred brand new crayons. Even crayons subjected to a Crayola crayon sharpener are never the same; they are just much, much smaller. There is nothing sadder in the world than a soft, dull crayon.

Soup: On A Scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest), how likely would you be to change jobs if it required you to move?
Negative 27.

Salad: Take all the numbers in your birthday and your phone number and add them up, one by one. What's the total?
This definitely qualifies as a random math problem solving nothing. And as with many math story problems, I have more questions for clarification than I have phones and phone numbers. And am I on a train heading west to Chicago at 10 mph or east to New York at 30 mph? Do I have to give the answer in base 8? Do I have to show my work? Can I have a bathroom pass?
Answer: 73 (totally made up)

Main Course: Have you ever re-gifted anything? If so, what was it and who did you pass it on to?
I'm too stingy with presents to give them away. But if I ever did re-gift something, I would neither remember nor admit to any such thing.

Dessert: Name something you need from the store
Money. But all I need are free samples. Lots and lots of free samples.
Tens and twenties, preferably.

Friday's Feast

It's a mid-afternoon serving of Friday Feast. What's for grub?

Appetizer: When you were a child, which crayon color was your favorite?
I had no favorite color (that I can recall), but I have always preferred brand new crayons. Even crayons subjected to a Crayola crayon sharpener are never the same; they are just much, much smaller. There is nothing sadder in the world than a soft, dull crayon.

Soup: On A Scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest), how likely would you be to change jobs if it required you to move?
Negative 27.

Salad: Take all the numbers in your birthday and your phone number and add them up, one by one. What's the total?
This definitely qualifies as a random math problem solving nothing. And as with many math story problems, I have more questions for clarification than I have phones and phone numbers. And am I on a train heading west to Chicago at 10 mph or east to New York at 30 mph? Do I have to give the answer in base 8? Do I have to show my work? Can I have a bathroom pass?
Answer: 73 (totally made up)

Main Course: Have you ever re-gifted anything? If so, what was it and who did you pass it on to?
I'm too stingy with presents to give them away. But if I ever did re-gift something, I would neither remember nor admit to any such thing.

Dessert: Name something you need from the store
Money. But all I need are free samples. Lots and lots of free samples.
Tens and twenties, preferably.

The True Definition of Temptation

When your last student of the day...
Who is the last student of the week...
Who also happens to be the last student of the semester...
Not to mention the last student of the academic year...

Is ten minutes late for her lesson.

The True Definition of Temptation

When your last student of the day...
Who is the last student of the week...
Who also happens to be the last student of the semester...
Not to mention the last student of the academic year...

Is ten minutes late for her lesson.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about GREENTUNA
Thirteen Things I Must Admit I Simply Do Not Understand


1. 2001 : A Space Odyssey
It could be because I've never managed to remain conscious throughout the entire film. But if I combined the several attempted viewings, it would probably make one complete movie. Still in all, I don't get it. Monoliths, monkeys, Blue Danube Waltz and A Bicycle Built for Two? Color me confused.

2. "The Little Prince"
I first saw the not-so-great movie version of this famous children's story starring, among other people, that slightly bizarre combination of Gene Wilder and Bob Fossee. Then I saw the contemporary opera version starring nobody I ever heard of but with a very nice score. I still didn't get it, so I bought the book. And I read it. And I still don't get it. Maybe it needed a monolith.

3. Raising Speed Limits Because Everybody Is Already Speeding
This has happened twice in the last few months, and I just don't understand this philosophy. It speed limits were always raised to match the speeding speeds the speeders speed, then the speed limit in Detroit would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 125 mph.

4. Holidays for Days and Weeks or Not At All
In the olden days, Spring Break was five days off. Monday through Friday. Throw in a weekend on either side, and it was fine. TeenTuna just finished her spring break last week. It was five days, plus a weekend on either side, plus two more days just because. This follows her President's Day which was really President's five days (Friday - Tuesday), which of course had followed three more days off for 7th grade camp. Meanwhile, poor GreenTuna is in the midst of the five month holiday drought. Once we're back from New Years, it's NOTHING until Memorial Day. President's Day? HA! Martin Luther King Day? Well, there are no classes, so students and professors get it off. But staff? Back to work.

5. Why iTunes Files Things Under "The"
Consider this the library nerd in me, but the minute you start filing things under "The" nobody is going to be able to find anything, and the world as we know it will come to an end. Nevermind "save the cheerleader, save the world" -- world peace depends on following the basic rules of filing.

6. That Guy Trifecta of NASCAR, Wrestling and "Gladiator"
This is a Scout-inspired entry as I love to tease him about the awfulness of Gladiator and watch him get seriously mad. I mean really. It's Batman in a toga. As for NASCAR and Wrestling, well I figure they are about in the same league. It's a very scratch, sniff, chew and spit kind of world. I think maybe I wasn't meant to understand.

7. Green Christmas, White Easter
Considering where I live it is a little silly to be complaining about the weather. We get lots of weather, sometimes all at the same time. In the last week we've had very warm, cold, snow, rain, sleet, slush and thunderstorms. I had to dig through my car yesterday to find my scraper, and the poor daffodils and tulips have assumed the duck and cover position until further notice.

8. People Who Don't Understand the Concept of a Four-Way Stop
It really isn't that difficult, but my word, people just don't get it. In fact, I have such little faith in humanity that when I approach a 4-way stop, I being to explain to all the drivers who is supposed to go and when it is their turn, as if a. they can hear me, and b. they would follow directions.

9. Websites Without An RSS Feed
Why oh why would anybody ever do that? These days I would be lost without my feed reader, and sad to say, if your site doeesn't contain the magic code, I'll forget to read it again until months and months later, when I try to add it to Bloglines and it tells me (again) that there is no feed. Please people. Feed the Tuna.

10. Concert Attendees Who Must They are Invisible
Last Friday evening (Good Friday, to be exact) I was the Soprano soloist for Bach's St. John Passion. My solos were the very definition of "spread out". I sang the first one and then sat for the next hour and twenty minutes until the last two showed up at the end. During my non-singing time (when I am sitting in the front of everybody) I must be quiet, look interested and wait (and wait and wait and wait) for my turn. It's not that difficult to do. However, during my first solo, three people walked in late (bad) and sat in the front row (bad) right in front of me (bad) and proceeded to spend the next hour SENDING TEXT MESSAGES ON THEIR CELL PHONE (BAD). Seriously. I don't understand. Do they think nobody else can see them? Do they think nobody can see their open cell phone that is all lit up in a dark concert hall? It's not the movies. I can see you. I can hear you. I can stare at you, but sadly I cannot give you the Motherly Look of Death because I'm being paid to look and sound professional. But I can think hateful, hateful thoughts. And I did.

11. Why I Can't Seem To Remember How to Use a Mac
I am very grateful for a computer in my studio. I am very grateful for breaks in my schedule so I can use the computer in my studio. Why can't ever seem to remember how to cut and paste on a Mac? Because Macs don't believe in the CTRL key. It's the Apple key. So, when you go on automatic pilot, and don't even look at the keys because sheesh, I KNOW where CTRL is, but then nothing happens, it's because DUH, it's APPLETHINGY+C to copy and APPLETHINGY+V to paste. Doh. Curse you, Applethingys.

12. Why I Cannot Escape AT&T No Matter How Hard I Try
Once upon a time I left AT&T and went to Cingular because I was sick of AT&T. Granted, Cingular was a giant corprate headache too, but they seemed to be marginally better. And now, look what has happened. AT&T took over Cingular, right after I got a new phone which came with the mandatory two year contract and I'm back to being an indentured servant to AT&T. Rats.

13. Why With a Thursday 13 I Can Always Come Up With 12 Really Fast and Then
Uhhhhhh.........

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about GREENTUNA
Thirteen Things I Must Admit I Simply Do Not Understand


1. 2001 : A Space Odyssey
It could be because I've never managed to remain conscious throughout the entire film. But if I combined the several attempted viewings, it would probably make one complete movie. Still in all, I don't get it. Monoliths, monkeys, Blue Danube Waltz and A Bicycle Built for Two? Color me confused.

2. "The Little Prince"
I first saw the not-so-great movie version of this famous children's story starring, among other people, that slightly bizarre combination of Gene Wilder and Bob Fossee. Then I saw the contemporary opera version starring nobody I ever heard of but with a very nice score. I still didn't get it, so I bought the book. And I read it. And I still don't get it. Maybe it needed a monolith.

3. Raising Speed Limits Because Everybody Is Already Speeding
This has happened twice in the last few months, and I just don't understand this philosophy. It speed limits were always raised to match the speeding speeds the speeders speed, then the speed limit in Detroit would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 125 mph.

4. Holidays for Days and Weeks or Not At All
In the olden days, Spring Break was five days off. Monday through Friday. Throw in a weekend on either side, and it was fine. TeenTuna just finished her spring break last week. It was five days, plus a weekend on either side, plus two more days just because. This follows her President's Day which was really President's five days (Friday - Tuesday), which of course had followed three more days off for 7th grade camp. Meanwhile, poor GreenTuna is in the midst of the five month holiday drought. Once we're back from New Years, it's NOTHING until Memorial Day. President's Day? HA! Martin Luther King Day? Well, there are no classes, so students and professors get it off. But staff? Back to work.

5. Why iTunes Files Things Under "The"
Consider this the library nerd in me, but the minute you start filing things under "The" nobody is going to be able to find anything, and the world as we know it will come to an end. Nevermind "save the cheerleader, save the world" -- world peace depends on following the basic rules of filing.

6. That Guy Trifecta of NASCAR, Wrestling and "Gladiator"
This is a Scout-inspired entry as I love to tease him about the awfulness of Gladiator and watch him get seriously mad. I mean really. It's Batman in a toga. As for NASCAR and Wrestling, well I figure they are about in the same league. It's a very scratch, sniff, chew and spit kind of world. I think maybe I wasn't meant to understand.

7. Green Christmas, White Easter
Considering where I live it is a little silly to be complaining about the weather. We get lots of weather, sometimes all at the same time. In the last week we've had very warm, cold, snow, rain, sleet, slush and thunderstorms. I had to dig through my car yesterday to find my scraper, and the poor daffodils and tulips have assumed the duck and cover position until further notice.

8. People Who Don't Understand the Concept of a Four-Way Stop
It really isn't that difficult, but my word, people just don't get it. In fact, I have such little faith in humanity that when I approach a 4-way stop, I being to explain to all the drivers who is supposed to go and when it is their turn, as if a. they can hear me, and b. they would follow directions.

9. Websites Without An RSS Feed
Why oh why would anybody ever do that? These days I would be lost without my feed reader, and sad to say, if your site doeesn't contain the magic code, I'll forget to read it again until months and months later, when I try to add it to Bloglines and it tells me (again) that there is no feed. Please people. Feed the Tuna.

10. Concert Attendees Who Must They are Invisible
Last Friday evening (Good Friday, to be exact) I was the Soprano soloist for Bach's St. John Passion. My solos were the very definition of "spread out". I sang the first one and then sat for the next hour and twenty minutes until the last two showed up at the end. During my non-singing time (when I am sitting in the front of everybody) I must be quiet, look interested and wait (and wait and wait and wait) for my turn. It's not that difficult to do. However, during my first solo, three people walked in late (bad) and sat in the front row (bad) right in front of me (bad) and proceeded to spend the next hour SENDING TEXT MESSAGES ON THEIR CELL PHONE (BAD). Seriously. I don't understand. Do they think nobody else can see them? Do they think nobody can see their open cell phone that is all lit up in a dark concert hall? It's not the movies. I can see you. I can hear you. I can stare at you, but sadly I cannot give you the Motherly Look of Death because I'm being paid to look and sound professional. But I can think hateful, hateful thoughts. And I did.

11. Why I Can't Seem To Remember How to Use a Mac
I am very grateful for a computer in my studio. I am very grateful for breaks in my schedule so I can use the computer in my studio. Why can't ever seem to remember how to cut and paste on a Mac? Because Macs don't believe in the CTRL key. It's the Apple key. So, when you go on automatic pilot, and don't even look at the keys because sheesh, I KNOW where CTRL is, but then nothing happens, it's because DUH, it's APPLETHINGY+C to copy and APPLETHINGY+V to paste. Doh. Curse you, Applethingys.

12. Why I Cannot Escape AT&T No Matter How Hard I Try
Once upon a time I left AT&T and went to Cingular because I was sick of AT&T. Granted, Cingular was a giant corprate headache too, but they seemed to be marginally better. And now, look what has happened. AT&T took over Cingular, right after I got a new phone which came with the mandatory two year contract and I'm back to being an indentured servant to AT&T. Rats.

13. Why With a Thursday 13 I Can Always Come Up With 12 Really Fast and Then
Uhhhhhh.........

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants