the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx's greetings have gotten out of hand and just today I found out some people have been counting the damn things
It has been bothering me for awhile so I am going back to my roots.
I will no longer be giving x's willy nilly.
The max I will pass out is 3 UNLESS we have been doing this since time began.
Some of you I will be giving up x's with and instead you will be getting a hug. Really I'd rather hug those I care for than xxxxxxxxxxxxxx across the room anyway.
It is totally ridiculous to xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ppl just because you happen to see them all the time.
I am going to be a bitch and just hug the ones I love.
If you get a hug it is because in my mind you deserve one.
If you don't get one, it might just be because I don't know you well enough yet.
Putting one more game to bed,
ju

So we were talking hockey in chat and I asked about detroit fans throwing octopuses. I am not a hockey fan and never did know why. Well along with the reason behind it I found there was also an octopus ettiquette.
Who knew????

Octopus etiquette
There is a certain etiquette that must be followed for fans that wish to throw octopuses onto the ice.[3]

Beforehand, an octopus should be boiled for at least 20 minutes on high heat with a little lemon juice and white wine. This will mask the creature's odor as well as reducing the amount of slime. A raw dead thrown octopus would result in a smelly ball that would stick to the ice upon impact and possibly leave an inky stain, while a well-boiled octopus will bounce and roll across the surface of the ice.

After the octopus has been properly prepared it must be smuggled into the ice arena, as it is against the law in Detroit (and other NHL cities) for a fan to throw anything onto the ice during a game. A preferred method is to wrap the octopus in plastic (a trash bag or a large Ziploc bag will do) and then wrap the package around one's middle section to give the appearance of a beer belly.

The most appropriate time to throw an octopus onto the ice is after the national anthem is sung or after the Red Wings have scored a goal. The octopus must be thrown onto the ice surface in an area that is clear of all players. It is never acceptable to aim for opposing players. Tactics are also used to protect the identity of octopus-throwers from arena security. It is common practice for the hurler to ask the surrounding people to stand up with him to shroud the task in anonymity.

Experienced throwers grasp the octopus around the middle of its arms with the octopus's head (or more correctly, its mantle) hanging down near the thrower's knee and then swings the octopus with an overarm motion. Holding the octopus by the ends of its arms prior to the throw may result in the mantle of the octopus breaking off during the wind-up.

After successfully participating in this peculiar tradition, the octopus thrower is left with a tell-tale indicator: stinky hands. It is advisable to bring along a wet wipe and a slice of lemon to assist in removing the odor.

I have put this here for future reference. Incase of the unlikely event I end up in Detroit and at a hockey game.
Laughing again,
ju

a morning person. I really do tend to be a totaly oblivious to anything going on around me when I first wake.
The email I got this am in response to an email I sent to support woke me right up and I had to clean the coffee off of the monitor and the keyboard.
A good laugh is a great way to start the day.
Over 12 hrs later I am still thinking it is funny,
ju

day 2 a lot, the designs I had done for a new program were all approved and off of my desk when I arrived. The morning was a bit chaotic because they didn't really know what to do with me because everyone was so busy. Just before lunch I was handed a new creative to do. It was fun farting around with a program I had never used trying to make it do what I wanted. Once I had that figured out the design was very simple. So simple in fact I had the finished product on the boss's desk before 3pm. Working for people who haven't got a clue about design is very rewarding in one way. They are in awe of just about anything you do. On the other hand it can be very frustrating. Their time line for each project was several weeks. I had them complete in the first two days.
My next few days will be spent doing boring office stuff but there is another creative on the horizon, nothing challenging but at least it will get me away from the doledrums.
The really fun bit of my day was when I got home. I had an email from my friend Ron who was lamenting his sobriety. I fired off an email back to him and then dialed for beer. I had no plans what so ever untill the delivery guy showed up, he is one we both know. I asked him if he could get some beer to Ron. He said he had a bunch of deliveries to do first and I told him no big deal he doesn't know it is coming.
About an hr and a half later I got a call. On the other end was a VERY happy Ron. I could hear the smile in his voice. It didn't take him long to piece it all together and figure out who the beer fairy was. We have made plans to get together Fri when I am done work, we haven't really touched base since the week after new years and we need to get caught up.
I also got my daughters schedule, she has one exam tomorrow morning and then is off for a week other than swim practices and meets. This coincides wonderfully with me settling into a new routine. She now has cooking and laundry on her list of things to do during her time off Lord knows what we will be having for dinner tomorrow but I am leaving her some money to do the shopping and will come home to a suprise dinner.
Over all it was a fun day.
ju,
the designing beer fairy

Today was my first day and I got to do some creative which is perfect for me. I also met Eve and Princess, 2 of several cats that live there and Edith and Archie a couple of budgies.
Everyone there is super friendly which really helps. I have my own office kinda tucked away in a corner which I also love because it means I can just get on with my job.
I also found the smoking "room" It is really quite cosy. It is a gazebo out on the lawn and even has a bench! It is quite peaceful out there surrounded by acres of snow.
We shall see what the next few weeks bring but so far I am loving it.
ju

for being comfortable in your own skin.
I still remember the day oh so very long ago, high school in fact when I ceased to care what others thought. It was a revelation I will never turn my back on.
I am comfortable with me. I know I have short comings but also recognize my strengths.
What prompted me to blog?
Seeing others who haven't gotten there yet for whatever reason.
There is a huge amount of freedom in being at peace with your self. Knowing you are your own best friend, advocate, etc and not relying on others to tell you that you are ok.
Acceptance of yourself is the ultimate strength.
Persue it, accept who and what you are.
The world is a far friendlier place for those who realise they have a place and occupy it with dignity.
Thoughtfull and tired,
ju

I went for an interview for a placement for co op today and it was sooooo good! Seems my reputation preceeded me.
Of course the woman I met with knew I was coming and she also had a little back ground info (knowing my back ground is graphics) She was so welcoming and a wonderful person to speak with!! She has several projects lined up for me which thrill me to no end! I will be working in 3 diff departments, 4 if you count relief reception. You have to know I love reception cause I like talking to people, shocker I know.
I am just getting such positive vibes about this placement. I neither know nor care if it ends up as permanent, it just feels so right!
I start Monday morning and immediately have a meeting with one of the dept heads for a really delicious project I can't wait to sink my teeth into. Then will meet with another dept head who also has creative that will involve me.
The hours are perfect, the timing is perfect and the last one fucked up for a reason, I was meant to be in this place at this time.
It has been a long time coming for various reasons but I am finally looking forward to something new.
Grinning like a fool,
ju

It is -24c or -10f this morning. I have crappy windows or this wouldn't happen but it is kind of pretty.





This is our coldest day so far this year. I have to go out today but think I will wait till it warms up to -15c. I knew it was coming and should have gone yesterday when it was 0.
Kicking my own ass for procrastinating,
ju

I got all the way down there this morning and after 20 mins the guy decided he didn't have time to teach me anything.
Back to the drawing board,
ju

I start as my co op placement in the newsroom of the local paper doing my thing... Graphics!
I have 7 weeks to wow them but even if I don't, it at least counts as recent experience and a reference. Frankly after all this time being home I need both badly!
I am not at all worried about how I will do on the job. My huge worry is how the hell am I going to get us all organized and out the door when we need to be?
I am predicting little sleep and lots of anxiety tomorrow night but know I will settle into the new routine quickly.
Happy something is finally falling into place,
ju