LGBT

Leaving this here for sharing. Article link from +Mark Koenig, the only actively posting blue head I know ;)

I'll copy the text here since the pages seem to have issues loading (probably a traffic issue). There's a letter within a letter within a blog post, so I've put the blogger's comments in italics, left the mom's letter in regular font, and bolded her son's letter.

Link to this article: http://www.danoah.com/2012/04/a-teens-brave-response-to-im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html
Here is the original article referenced: http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I received the following email today in response to my post I’m Christian, Unless You’re Gay. I had decided a couple months ago that it was time to let the whole thing rest, but this response was so powerful, I couldn’t not share it with you all. It was from a woman who simply called herself, “One proud mom.”


Hello Mr. Pearce,

I am the Christian mother of a 15 year old teenage boy and about a month ago he came home from school with a copy of your article “I’m Christian, unless you’re gay”. The teacher gave his class a homework assignment to read it and write a 500 word essay about “what it meant to them”.

He came home and showed me your article and asked me what I thought about it. I read just the title and became furious at his teacher and at you (even though I know you had nothing to do with her handing out the assignment). Anyway, I confiscated it from him and told him he wasn’t to do anything with it till I had a chance to read it first.

And then I got madder and madder as I read it as I felt like it was a direct attack against our beliefs and our Christian religion and that it was promoting homosexuality, a practice that around here is a huge “sin”.

I gave my son an earful about homosexuality and God and told him that he could tell his teacher that he would not be participating and if she had a problem, she could come talk to me and then I threw the article in the trash. My son didn’t say anything just walked into his room and shut the door.

Long story short, a couple hours later it was supper time and I still hadn’t seen him come out of his room. I didn’t expect it to be that big of a deal to him but I went and knocked and told him to come out, he didn’t answer so I opened his door and he wasn’t there, he had left the house and gone somewhere. Of course I got more mad and tried to call him but he sent it to voicemail. I sent him a text and told him he better get home and he was grounded.

This is the text he sent me in return: “I don’t care. I’m at my friends house writing that essay and I’m not coming home till you read it.”

I think you would have seen steam coming out of my ears if you saw me. I started preparing to go talk to the school the next day. I sent a few angry texts to my son that he didn’t answer. I got the article out of the trash so I could take it into the school and get this teacher fired. My anger got a little out of control and while I was sitting there fuming and planning what to do, I got another text from my son that said “Just emailed it. Love, Jacob.”

My son’s name is not Jacob, and it took me a minute to realize that he was talking about your friend Jacob in your article. And when I realized that I suddenly started shaking in fear and anger at what he might be telling me. I started out of control crying because I couldn’t handle having a gay son and what if that’s what he was trying to tell me? After a long time I finally got the courage to go look at my email and see what he had sent. And this is what he wrote.

I am gay and only my one friend knows so far. My mom doesn’t know yet. My dad doesn’t know yet. You didn’t know it when you gave us this homework. I am only 15 years old and I have never felt so alone. My mom and dad always are being angry about gay people and talking about how they are bad and going to hell and they also always talk about how all the gays should be shipped off to their own private island or something so that the rest of us could live God’s commandments in peace.

I have been so scared of them finding out that I’m gay because I know that they would hate me and would want me out of their life and at the same time I can’t keep this secret anymore because it is not something I asked for, never in a million years would I ask to be gay in a town like this where everybody would hate me. And anyways I can’t keep this secret anymore because I’m about to do something crazy like run away or hurt myself or something. I just want to be dead sometimes.

And then you gave us the assignment to write this essay for our homework and I read it like ten times I even skipped lunch and just kept reading it in the bathroom and by the time I went home I decided that maybe I am only 15 years old but maybe this town will change if I can be honest about who I am and maybe my family will change if I can be honest about who I am with them too. I don’t see why I don’t deserve love just like everyone else. I see some crazy stuff that so many people do and people still love them but for some reason everybody around here thinks its ok to hate gays and stuff. And I don’t know really I think I just realize that I don’t want to be Jacob in ten years and still live my life in secret and scared of being hated.

So I go home and I tell my mom to read this handout you gave us and she got so mad at me and started going crazy about how evil gays are and how all of this was just the devil spreading his work and everything else she said. But this time I just got mad myself and I got so mad because I suddenly realize that this is the woman that my whole life made me go to church where they talk about love just like the writer said but she and every other person I pretty much know just hate so many people especially gay people. So I got madder and madder and madder and then I snuck out and came to my friends house to write this essay because its time to stop letting people’s hate stop me from being happy. I mean should I really have to hate my life and want to die because other people are so hating?

And I don’t know what will happen but I am done playing like I’m something I’m not and if my parents don’t love me anymore because of this then I realize that’s not my problem and it will hurt but not as much as the way I hurt right now. I feel like if my mom and dad would just think about things they’d realize that what they always say and how they always hate gays is not what Jesus would do and maybe there is a chance that they will some day love me like Jesus would. I am their kid afterall.

Tonight I am going to send this to my mom and see what she says I guess. I don’t know what will happen but I know that I deserve to be loved just like everybody else does I just hope she thinks so too.


I started crying and couldn’t stop for the longest time. I don’t know why I was crying exactly, just so many emotions came over me. I didn’t know what to do or how to respond. I finally stopped and went and read your article once more only this time I tried to read it through my son’s eyes and the whole thing was so different than it was a couple hours before. By the time I finished I felt as big as an ant and I realized just how much hatred I have in my heart toward others.

You see, Mr. Pearce, you are right. It’s not about what other people do. It’s about whether or not we are loving them. Nothing else matters at all. And it took all of this for that to finally sink in.

I texted my son back that I loved him and left it at that. He came home that night and didn’t try to talk to me about it, I just told him I loved him at least ten times that night and made sure not to talk about anything else. My love for him was the only thing I wanted him to feel and I knew he’d talk to me about it when he was ready.

That was a month ago and in the last month my son and I (his dad lives three states away and still doesn’t know) have grown much closer than we ever were before. We have both stood up against hate several times when we hear it coming from the people around us. You see, where we live people really do have problems “being Christian unless…” But no longer in this home.

I’ve shared your article now with countless people. I have made my sisters read it. I talked about its message to my parents. I sent it to my friends and neighbors. And I’ve had some people get really upset by it, but a change is starting to happen around here and it’s because one teenage boy finally had the courage to stand against what he felt was wrong. He believed he could make a change. And I’ll tell you right now, it makes me happy to see him so happy. I never knew how unhappy he was until I could finally see how happy he could be.

So thank you. I know this is long, but I thought you’d like to know what your article has done in this little town we live in. And it’s just the beginning.

Sincerely yours, one proud mom.


Whew.

If you think you can’t make a difference, you are wrong. If you think you are too old or too young to make change happen, you are wrong. If you think that somebody else will do it first, you are wrong. I think this letter is proof enough of that.

Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing

MINIONS

Not at all what I expected. The video has been floating around in my stream the last few days, but this is the first time I stopped to watch it. Worth the minute and a half.

Also, I think I need to track down that song.

GOOD MORNING PLUSSOPOTAMUSES

I've been in lurker mode for like a day and a half now. Busy, busy. But I've decided that I want to get back to doing some of what I used to do here in G+, and that is promoting other plussers on here. I haven't done a Circle Sunday since December! December! And I still haven't put together that circle of crafters for you all (remember, I asked for them for my mom to circle?). Yeah I'm a slacker.

So my question for you this morning is this:

What person (or people) here on G+ would you be comfortable with meeting IRL and introducing to your close family and real life friends? Who would you like to be your +1 at a party/dinner/thing? Who would you take home to mom? Who would you introduce to your BFFs? Are there people on here you would feel comfortable with introducing to your kids?

Tell me, my little minions, who are your favorites? Circle to be shared on Sunday in the spirit of Circle Sunday.

WHOVIANS

Mark your calendars... and your arms.

http://imgur.com/lP0i5Xj

(Original post: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101453162215777563254/posts/ED4yBRm41su)

Edit: Facebook event - https://www.facebook.com/events/150522868436180

Random Post Is Random

Dear Internets,

Where did this come from because omfg.

O.O

Edit: +Shar Banning to the rescue!

Artist page: http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/

Individual pictures:
pg 1 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg1-193140959
pg 2 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg2-193141227
pg 3 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg3-193141323
pg 4 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg4-193141586
pg 5 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg5-193141672
pg 6 (missing from this album) - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg6-193141814
pg 7 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg7-193141948
pg 8 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg8-193142141
pg 9 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-story-of-Lisa-Pg9-193142270
pg 10 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-Story-of-Lisa-Pg10-193142402
pg 11 - http://ocularfracture.deviantart.com/art/The-Story-of-Lisa-Pg11-193142479

MINIONS

Any of you that have not seen Doctor Who are hereby invited to a series of hangouts specifically for watching Doctor Who. Because you cannot go any longer without the Doctor. You just can't.

Also, there will be crazy pajamas involved because it's officially an unofficial slumber party. Without the slumbering.

+Rachel Desilets, +Daniel Koeker, +Amy Knepper are the first three poor souls that have been chosen. Tell me, Doctorless ones, when shall we have the first round of shenanigans?

CIRCLE MAINTENANCE

Well hello there! I'm doing a little circle cleaning. First go the inactives... I'm generally tossing anyone that hasn't posted since before New Years. Exceptions are being made for people I'm fond of, though it is possible I might accidentally uncircle you if you are active. I'm using the Uncircle Inactives+ thing (or whatever they renamed it). It's prone to be a little buggy. Let me know if I drop you by accident. It's not personal, it's just that I don't want to individually check all 2600 of you. Ain't nobody got time for that.

However, part of cleaning out my circles also means hooping some of you that I thought I already had circled but obviously didn't. It happens. I'm a space cadet. If you interact with me on a regular basis and I don't have you circled just poke me.

Might change my circle names again, or come up with a better system for you Hatchlings (new people I don't know where to put yet). I kept the Hatchlings circles small so that they'd be easier to sort through, but now there's like 8 of them and that's just ridiculous. So yeah. Dunno what I'm doing there. Something.

Oh, and I'm cleaning out my recommended circles. Those things need to be updated like what. I've already found a few that I'm like dafuq they haven't posted in a year why am I still pointing you minions in their direction? Which reminds me, I need to update that section on my about page. 

So there you go! Spring cleaning, circle style.

MINIONS

Now that I have your attention, help me sort through you.

The only circle that's "private" is my Did You See That? circle. I sometimes (not as often as I want/should) post about current shows or movies that I'm watching, and I make those posts private specifically to keep spoilers out of my (your) stream. If you want to be in on these discussions, let me know!

All other circles are for organizational purposes only. So tell me...

Are you a writer? Amateur or published, poetry or fiction, whatever.
Did you participate in NaNoWriMo and you want to continue the writing hangouts and post November craziness? (editing, doing NaNo in a month besides November, etc)
Are you an artist or photographer?
Do you like music or are you a musician?
Are you a scientist or techie?
For the love of all that is holy, do you like toe socks or are you otherwise obsessed with socks?


Let me know. People that respond will be sorted faster and are less likely to be purged.

Also, it's Waffle Wednesday. Have some Legos.

HYPNO TOAD

Okay, so I'd like to add some minty freshness to my "currently watching" list. These need to be active shows, and I need some way to go back and watch previous seasons/episodes to catch up.

(For instance, I really want to watch Big Bang Theory, but I want to start from season 1 and it isn't on Netflix or anything so I'm just kind of stuck not watching it.)

There are other things I haven't caught up with yet, but they've already concluded their TV runs so I'm not including them here. A few shows that I was in the middle of watching got ganked from Netflix, so I'm stuck not being able to catch up or watch new episodes (Dexter and True Blood are good examples here). There are also some shows I probably forgot. I'll edit them in as I think of them or as you remind me.

Things I try to see immediately:
Doctor Who
Game of Thrones

Shows in my Hulu queue:
Misfits
Alphas
Teen Wolf
Wilfred
Grimm
Revenge
Glee
New Girl
Once Upon A Time
Revolution
The New Normal
Go On
Arrow
The Neighbors

Stuff I'm kinda sorta monitoring on Netflix and haven't gotten all the way through yet:
Being Human (both UK and US)
Psych
Burn Notice
Warehouse 13
Merlin
Breaking Bad
Sherlock
The Walking Dead

So...... any suggestions? ;)

WRITERS

So. This "plot" thing. What's your favorite method? Do you start with a 3 Act story arc? Are you a snowflaker? Have you perfected the phase writing? Is Mind Map your friend? Do you start with a particular scene in mind and outline the entire story around it? Do you run screaming from anything even resembling an outline?

Related, but not the same: do you research before you outline, or do you outline and go back later to fill in the blanks with research?

Curious Sarah is curious.

Picture from http://triplecrit.com/2011/12/12/one-girls-response-to-writers-block/ .

Random Post Is Random

So I see a lot of people complaining about spammers on their posts. I get one every once in a while... like one every few weeks.  One comment.  Maybe.  And then they disappear.

Why don't I get any fun spammer action?  Is it because I'm not a feminazi or a feminazgul or some other threatening public female figure with strong opinions about controversial things? Should I make more posts about how awesome I am, or how I support fabulousness (read: gay pride), or how I think it's freaking amazing that talks of writing well developed female characters in all mediums is finally in the spotlight?  Should I start talking about how women should get to have a say in how our basic rights are legislated?  Would that help?

I have 12k+ followers you guys!  I feel so left out.

Someone spam me.

WRIMOS

On Not Making 50k

It didn't happen for me this year for a variety of reasons, but I'm not actually upset about it. Could be because I've "failed" in some of the previous years and I'm used to it, or it could be because of all you fine writers. Yes, yes, November isn't over yet, but I would need to write upwards of 8k a day to hit 50k by midnight on the 30th, and it's a rare thing that I can pull those kinds of numbers even when I have all day to write (which I don't during the week). I won't stop writing, but I probably won't make that magical 50k.

Despite the fact that I'm still at about 26k I feel excited about my writing. Maybe not this particular story (damn it, +Rachel Desilets, I can't get the werewolves out of my head!) but I'm more energized about writing now than I have been in a long time. I loved all the excitement generated by my G+ peeps. The hangouts are so spectacular I might host regular writing hangouts even outside of NaNo!

Which actually makes me think of something else... circle purging.

I have about 1200 of you fine wrimos cirlced, but to be honest I can't keep up with all you guys on top of my regular circlites, and some of you really aren't that active (or were shared there by mistake). I need a way to sort through you.

How many of you plan on jumping into another story in December?
How many of you plan on revising your novel in a few months?
How many of you write outside of NaNo?
How many of you would be interested in regular writing hangouts?

I haven't come up with a way to organize you guys or what the circle names would be, but this is a good place to start.

Tell me, what do you plan to do after #NaNoWriMo is finished?

GOOD MORNING G++BERS

It's Selfy Sunday you guys. Have some toe socks.

I love these things. You have no idea. There is an entire drawer in my dresser dedicated to the awesome that is a sock with individual toes. Been collecting them for over a decade and my next target is, of course, the shoes with toes. I also want the socks that have just a divided big toe, but so far I haven't found them anywhere but the internet.

Are there any other toe sock fanatics out there? I'd also like to hear from those of you that own the shoes. Do you like them? Which brands are the sturdiest?

HYPNO TOAD

Just got done watching The Snowmen (the Doctor Who Christmas special, in case you've been living under a rock). I would now like to compose a letter to the BBC.


Dear BBC / Everyone Who Writes and Produces Doctor Who,

OH MY GOD.

You end it like that? And then you make us wait until April for new episodes?

There are no words because exasperate.

@#$!#$!@$!!!,

Sarah :)

GREETINGS, PLUSMANIAN DEVILS

Gonna give you guys an #OMGPregnant  update whether you want one or not, because I talk a lot on the Plus and I'm feeling especially talkative right now. 8)

So I'm in the middle of week 16, which is a little bit into the second trimester (seriously, dafuq, where did time go?), and I had my appointment yesterday to confirm all is well etc, etc. Second trimester is usually golden time in any pregnancy. Most people are over the whole morning sickness thing and aren't ballooned into uncomfortableness yet (I declare that a word) so it's basically party time. Minus the actual party. But there should be one. Because parties.

Anyway.

Little mini person in there (who I've dubbed "she" because I don't even know why) is being super quiet in there. Little Man pretty much made sure I knew he was there at all times during that pregnancy, so this new little mini quietness is freakin' me out. I seriously don't feel pregnant. I'm not uncomfortable sleeping anymore, my appetite is fine (possibly smaller than normal), my energy is up, and I've even lost weight. 13 pounds so far since I got preggers. Feel free to hate me. (Though to be fair I was 50 pounds overweight when I started, so...)

Basically I am loving life right now. Just thought I should express that to everyone :)

BTW, if anyone has any good ideas for girl names, let me know. I'm stumped. Don't want anything in the top ten so don't even go there, but I kind of like that "old is new again" thing, so old names are okay by me. I'd even be okay with ancient names. For some reason I'm really not concerned about boys names right now, but I may ask you guys about those later if we figure out it's a boy.

RESHARE:
MINIONS

I like George RR Martin a little bit less now.  And by a little bit, I mean I'm giving him the stink eye.

I already blogged the how's and why's of my thought process, but basically, Black Widow rules. If you agree with George here, I think you might have been watching a different movie than the rest of us.

Reshared text:
Her superpower is manipulation.

Circle Maintenance

Greetings! If you were notified, it's because you expressed interest somewhere in this year's NaNoWriMo shenanigans (aka shenanowrimogans). It could have been on one of my posts, one of your posts, or even in the comments of someone else's post. Either way, I saw your stated or implied interest and snatched you up for the circle. 8)

If you are not participating, or are not being a cheerleader for those who are, please let me know so I can take you out of the circle. I won't share the circle with anyone except those already in it, so you won't get random spam adds.

For everyone else: hello there! I need more minions in my circles, so if I haven't hooped you yet come on over and say hi. Who is your favorite Ninja Turtle? How do you like your eggs cooked? Star Wars or Star Trek? Sprinkled donuts or glazed donuts? These are important questions I tell you!

And, if you just can't get enough, here are my opt-in circles:

Goobers - hangout notifications! There are two circles for these, talky or writey (silent). Let me know what you want a notification for.
Hypno Toad - TV and Movie discussions. Mostly TV. Posts are public but you will be notified.
Vala Mal Doran - playfully NSFW, sometimes serious, occasional TMI (the beginning if the post will bee labeled appropriately). These posts will not be public! I reserve the right not to add you to this one if I don't know you well enough or you don't come recommended by someone else already in the circle.
Shenanowrimogans - if you're participating or want to cheer on those that are, let me know. The circle will be shared to the people in it (not publicly shared).

If none of this post applies to you, then oh well. I give you internet hugs, a pat on the head, and a cookie for your trouble. The cookie is a lie. Sorry. Here, have a button instead! http://www.zazzle.com/a_pun_for_writers_magnet-147356557254153427

GOOD MORNING (AFTERNOON?) PLUSKAROOS

Try number two at posting this... doing it on mobile now because the internet died and doesn't seem like it will be up any time soon. shakesfist

Been a while since I made one of these Circle Maintenance things, so let's do that :)

I love meeting new peeps and want to circle the hell out of you (especially if you've been stalking me for a while and I haven't circled you back for some reason but don't realize it yet... because that happens more often than I'd like to admit >.>). If you're new, within the last month our so, introduce yourself! Also, tell me, what's your favorite kind of breakfast food?

I've also got some opt-in circles... all but one of these gets posted publicly, it's just that I send out notifications so you won't miss the posts. Let me know if you want to jump in any of these hoops:

Goobers - hangout notifications! There are two circles for these, talky or writey (silent). Let me know what you want a notification for.
Hypno Toad - TV and Movie discussions. Mostly TV.
Vala Mal Doran - playfully NSFW, sometimes serious, occasional TMI (the beginning if the post will bee labeled appropriately). These posts will not be public! I reserve the right not to add you to this one if I don't know you well enough or you don't come recommended by someone else already in the circle.

And, last but not least...

NaNoWriMo - yep, it's that time again! +Lily Alice reminded me this morning. Let me know if you're participating this year. I want to get this snowballing like we did last year (without the spammers and inactive people). Probably won't be any notifications, but it'll be up to you guys.

Also, please add me to your NaNoWriMo circles! I want to NaNo all the things! I'm okay with notifications. I like being the cheerleader for you little minions, so don't be afraid to tag me or notify me of your writerly shenanigans.

Much <3

Circle Maintenance

My circles, let me add you to them!

The three (technically 4) circles listed below are opt-in notification circles. If you don't want to be in any of those, but you still want me to circle you, just introduce yourself! Tell me, if you absolutely had to chose, which do you prefer.... chocolate or bacon?

The circles:

Goobers - hangout peeps. Tell me if you want the noisy or silent (writing) hangouts. I don't do a lot of talking hangouts, but I try for writing hangouts at least once a week.

Hypno Toad - TV and Movie discussions. The posts are public, but I notify this circle so they don't miss the discussion. These a few and far between.

Vala Mal Doran - playfully NSFW, sometimes serious, occasional TMI (the beginning of the post will be labeled appropriately). These posts will not be public! I only post to this circle two to three times a week, so again, there shouldn't be a lot of spam.

If you're afraid of being spammed, have no fear. I don't like to use notifications often. I know it gets annoying :)

PSA

There are many ways you can be rude to your fellow Pluskins.

This is one of them.

FOODIES

Through a very strange conversation here in G+ I decided I was going to try and make Sweet N Sour Chicken Pot Pie. Yes, I know. Run with it for a minute.

I was thinking of changing the pie crust to be rice flour based, and obviously the pot pie needs chicken, but I'm not sure what else I want to add to it. The only thing I've heard from multiple people is that it needs pineapple chunks.

What else could I throw in this thing besides chicken and pineapple? Should I toss bell peppers in there? If so, what colors? Scallions? Snow peas? Ginger? Should I be all unconventional and toss things like carrots in there?

What do you guys think? I'll post up the recipe with some pictures when I decide to make it.

Werewolf Wednesday

Quick you guys, start naming off all the actors/actresses that have ever played a werewolf in a movie or on TV.

There is a purpose here, I promise :)

Circle Maintenance

It's that time again, little minions!  I haven't done this in a while, so here is is: the list of opt-in notification circles. If you'd like to be in any of these please let me know!

If you're afraid of being spammed, have no fear. I don't like to use notifications often. Besides, I don't always post about these things. The exception would be this week's daily writing hangouts, but that's so far out of the norm it's not even funny.

Goobers - hangout peeps. Tell me if you want the talky or writey (silent) hangouts. I don't do a lot of talking hangouts, but I try for writing hangouts at least once a week.

Hypno Toad - TV and Movie discussions. The posts are public, but I notify this circle so they don't miss the discussion. These a few and far between.

Vala Mal Doran - playfully NSFW, sometimes serious, occasional TMI (the beginning of the post will be labeled appropriately). These posts will not be public! I only post to this circle two to three times a week, so again, there shouldn't be a lot of spam.

Also, if you're new here, introduce yourself!  I love meeting new people.  And I'm almost embarrassed to type this, but if you interact with me a lot and I still don't have you circled, please speak up. It's not on purpose. In all honestly I probably think I have you circled already =/

<3

SPOILER ALERT
Apparently I'm posting challenged and can't remember to keep spoilers out of my main stream. Anyway, this is the kind of stuff I post to my TV/Movie circle. Let me know if you want to jump in.

Did You See That? peeps:

Just watched episode 5 of Terra Nova. I understand these episodes are dino popcorn for prime time TV, but can we please get along with the plot already? The "main" plot of each episode doesn't seem to have a lot to do with the overall story arch, and while that works for a couple of episodes, we should be knee deep in the main drama already.

Like such as: what the eff is happening back in the future? What's their beef with the current leader? Why are they going through the sixers for stuff? Why all this secrecy? We need to know WTF is going on or you are going to lose us. Viewers only have so much patience. I'm losing mine.

That said, I totally want a baby dinosaur for a pet. That is all.

MINIONS

This is me right now. I can't brain, and the internets at large is failing to entertain me. Clearly it's time to leave the desk in search of lunchings.

BBS <3

(Feel free to drop me random links in the comments. Bonus if links are related to absolutely nothing, and triple points if the links start a throwdown in the comments. Yeah, I'm that bored.)

WHOVIANS

Is this a thing? Because I want to make it a thing.

...Wait, what was I talking about?

Did I get shared again? (That sounds amazingly wrong.) I just had 20+ people circle me in the last 30 minutes.

WHY HELLO THERE NEW LEMMINGS. How are you today?

GREETINGS, MINIONS. >8) You have 48 hours to deliver a choice bag of chocolates. Or else. Don't have chocolate? Fine. But you must put +Bliss Morgan in your circles. Do it. Or else.

MINIONS

Here's an #OMGPregnant  update for you: Little Man discovered yesterday that he's getting a little brother in the summer. ^_^

(He was fascinated with the "baby sheen" -- baby machine / ultrasound.)

So of course we went to the store and this little onesie happened. And now we need to come up with baby boy names! (I so thought it was gonna be a girl. I wasn't even looking at boy names.) Gonna be a lot tougher as there isn't as much variety in boy's names, and we're really trying not to name our kids after people we already know, which rules out almost all the most common names.

Ideas??

FOODIES

So i'm curious. How many of you go out of your way to try new foods, or periodically keep trying foods that you previously didn't like to see if your tastes change?

Do any of you say "I don't like that" when you're faced with a new food you've never tried before just so you don't have to eat it? When you don't like something, do you stop to think about what it is you don't like (perhaps a texture thing rather than taste), or do you just run away screaming?

The Rios would like to know!

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MINIONS

Sharing this publicly because, well, what is the problem?

FYI, if anyone comes at this with "well it might cause someone to attack the woman because lust, lust, lust" I'm going to give you the look and probably ask you to leave the conversation. Honestly. And if I need to explain why, you haven't been hanging around with the right people. "Blame the victim" is downright silly.

(It's Monday and I'm feeling spunky. Go on. Try something.)

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A woman reading a book in Central Park, NYC. Please explain to me how it "corrupts" your children???

No Makeup Monday

Hair down, as requested by +Rebecca Blain :)

(wow, office lighting is horrible)

#nomakeupmonday  

Dear Once Upon A Time,

WHEN DO WE GET TO FIND OUT WHO THE TYPEWRITER GUY IS? OMG. You're killing me over here!

Anxiously waiting for the next episode,

Sarah :)

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Re-posting this for all you new people. :)

Additionally, please let me know... do you like berry toppings on your waffles / crepes / pancakes / whatever, or do you prefer butter and syrup? Or are you a weird person from across the pond like +Andy Burke who prefers lemon and sugar? This is important stuff, I tell you. It also may affect tomorrow morning's breakfast. There might be pictures.

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G+ NEWBIE TIPS

After perusing several hundred people that circled me over the last week I've come up with a list of a few simple things for you to do in order to make the most of your G+ experience.

1. Put something in your profile. Something. Anything! Blank profiles make Sarah sad.

2. This is a build your own community kind of platform. Stream empty? Don't get what the fuss is all about? If you don't know where to start, put in a subject or the name of something/someone you like in that little search bar up there. This will return users, posts, and other articles to pique your interest. Build up your circles with people that interest you, not what other people think are interesting.

3. Put something in your profile.

4. It is okay if you don't want to make any public posts. However, put that in your profile. State that you are here to enjoy the atmosphere and are following your interests but don't want to post too much. This lets us know you aren't a spammer, and you are a lot less likely to be blocked.

5. Put something in your profile.

6. You don't have to circle someone back when they circle you. If you don't want to hear from them, don't circle them. Their posts will show up in your incoming stream and you have to check that... well, never, if you don't want to. So there you go. Only circle people you want to appear in your main stream.

7. Oh yeah, and put something in your profile.


That is all. Welcome to G+ :)

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GAMERS

I have an 85 Druid and a level 80 Rogue, and I just bought MoP recently.... and instead of going through Northrend, I'm obsessing over battle pets.... but you know. Relevant picture is relevant ;)

via +Katey Springle Lempka 

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#gamers  

Yep.

POLITICS

I'm finally listening to the presidential debate from last night.

In a nutshell, this is my reaction so far.

Sarah Is Weird
and so is Rachel

Dear Internets,

The +Rachel Desilets and I have decided we are going to write a book together and make our pen name R.S. Desilios. Book is tentatively titled: Frog Hoof Love.

That is all,

Sarah :)

SHENANOWRIMOGANS

It's officially pre-NaNo freakout season! I have about 26 of you in my growing NaNo Shenanigans circle, but I know there are more out there (last year I had like 1500 of you circled just for NaNo).

Speak up if you're participating this year, or if you just want to be a cheerleader for other participants.

Maybe we could have NaNo planning hangouts from now until November? Do some world building, write some character sketches, research how to construct a structurally sound, defensible hideout for when aliens invade... >.>

SPIDER SOLIFUGAE SUNDAY

Camel Spiders: Because you didn't need to sleep anyway. And yes, those are giant fangs with red tips sticking out in front. 

Wiki has corrected me. A lot of solifugae are collectively called camel spiders but this is not a true spider. Also, they can "only" run up to 10mph, not 30.

But they'll still catch you.

A camel spider can run at 30 mph and they have a very high pitched scream. They are 7 cm in length.

(Source: http://www.smashinglists.com/15-fascinating-unique-and-weird-spiders/)

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MINIONS
Resulting Convo May Be NSFW
(Vala Mal Doran notified, but post is public)

I thought about only sharing this with my Vala Mal Doran circle, but then I thought, you know, this is one of those things that needs to be talked about in a non-private setting specifically because it's one of those uncomfortable topics everyone avoids. I'd highly encourage you to visit the comments on the original post and participate in the discussion there.

For those of you that haven't had me circled long enough to know, I do not like to shy away from topics just because they're controversial or may make people uncomfortable to acknowledge. Communication is the great equalizer.

It should also be known that, while I try to be cheerful and welcoming, I do on occasion bust out my I'm-not-putting-up-with-this-shit hat, so please try to keep conversation civil if you decide to comment here. I don't like that hat. It's cumbersome and I'd rather not wear it.

Floaty hearts from the sparkly pink elephant in the room <3 <3 <3

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Speaking the Unspeakable

I was at a bat mitzvah. There were something like seventy-five young girls and boys. The boys were unremarkable, small, squeaky, awkward. The girls, much less so. Teetering on three- and four-inch heels, wearing revealing dresses, made up (some garishly, some tastefully), and porting breasts and hips to which they hadn’t yet grown accustomed, these girls were, um, eye-catching.

Now – I’m not a pervert. (Well, ok, maybe I am. But I’m not that kind of pervert.) But I was struck.

At one point, a 14-year-old, wearing a white dress that I could swear I’d seen on a stripper once or fifteen times, leaned against a glass wall (behind which I happened to be standing, talking on my phone). She had an itch on her ass, which she scratched. In an un-self-conscious, but unskilled way, as befitting her age.

Her dress rode up her ass, up to her hip, as she scratched herself, revealing her bright red thong (which, honestly, I had noticed when her dress was in its rightful position), and one-and-a-half full, round buttocks. I felt a bit like a voyeur at a wreck: I couldn’t look away, and yet, I knew I should. My eyes weren’t supposed to be drawn to this… this… kid. I wasn’t supposed to have the thoughts I had. At least, not the immediate, reflexive thoughts.

Because the truth is, I saw those thoughts instantly, and traveled into meta-land: why are these girls dressed this way? How are we supposed to interact with this? What is the impact of our collective simultaneous silence in the moment and tsk-tsk-ing at a distance? A few parents did discuss it, but not in a way that I would describe as intellectually, or emotionally, honest. Instead, the party line is something like, “Can you believe the kids today? But, whatchagonnado? They’re all doing it, so you can’t stop one of them? But it’s awful. Yes, really awful.”

This is a confusing, and I fear, ultimately dishonest way of (not) engaging with a reality that’s disturbing, and confusing. And, to be clear, what I think is disturbing, what I find disturbing, is not the hyper-sexualization of kids today, the ways in which girls dress, want to dress, are expected to dress in sexually provocative ways at earlier and earlier ages. I mean, it’s not so much that I like that, that I think it’s good. But it is what it is.

What I find disturbing is our comprehensive, deeply unhealthy unwillingness to engage honestly with the ramifications of what is, indisputably, happening.

I dare say that there isn’t a straight man at a bat mitzvah who doesn’t have, um, impure thoughts relating to one or more of the girls present.

Not that he (we, I) would, for a minute, entertain actually doing anything sexual with a young girl.

But I don’t believe it’s possible to be a straight man, surrounded by scantily clad, provocatively attired, nubile young (yes, very young) women and not think about sex. There. I’ve said it. I’m sorry. I confess: when surrounded by dozens of early and mid-teen girls, wearing short dresses and high heels, my thoughts turn to sex.

So then, there we are. Standing next to our wives, our friends, our relatives, harboring not just impure thoughts, but truly, genuinely, shameful thoughts. And what we do in that moment is just about the worst thing a person can do in such a situation (trust me – I speak as an addict): we suppress the thought. We deny it, repress it, and internally flagellate ourselves for having had it.

This is a disaster. A true train wreck. There is nothing worse a person can do with shameful thoughts than tell himself they’re shameful and (try to) shut them down. This is tantamount to ingesting poison.

So I’m doing the opposite, here. I’m shining light on it. To be clear, I’m not saying I wanted to fuck those little girls. I’m saying that I found myself feeling confusing feelings, thinking confusing thoughts, in their presence. And my experience has taught me that when I think confusing thoughts, when I feel confusing feelings, the best thing for me to do is to talk about them, to write about them.

I’m not sure where I think this ought to go, what I think ought to happen, what should have been said. As between me and T, for example, I think that what I’m doing with this entry actually is healthy, good, appropriate: I’m acknowledging my feelings and thoughts in her sight, and I’m having (behind the scenes – she read a draft of this and commented thoughtfully, helpfully) a discussion with her about it.

But as between me and my other friends? I’m less sure. I have one friend, my best friend from childhood. For various reasons, we don’t talk all that much any more, and when we do, we’re far less candid than we once were. AND, his daughters are prime examples of this phenomenon. Twenty years ago (ok, maybe even ten) we would have been able to have a candid, and funny, conversation, beginning with an acknowledgement of the inappropriateness of what we were about to do, followed by a safe objectification of the girls present, and probably ending with a genuinely intellectual and emotional exploration of what had just happened (and what hadn’t). But now, because of the state of our relationship, because of the stage of development of his daughters, this series of conversations is out of reach.

I hunger for it, though.

T reacted to a draft of this entry by asking what it would mean to “engage honestly with the ramifications of what is, indisputably, happening.” She asks me what I’m talking about here, what would have been “helpful”. She added, “the conversation about the meaning and function of child (girl) hypersexualization is the one I would have been most interested in having in that context. Not a condemnatory, fire-breathing ‘men are brutes’ conversation but a conversation about how the fact that it is a cultural norm to dress and present in this way interacts with girls’ self-conceptions as both sexual and non-sexual beings.”

I have two (very different) answers, both somewhat utopian:

The first, perhaps less utopian answer, is that what would, I think, be “helpful” is precisely what I’m doing here. If all the men who felt confusing, shameful things found a venue that worked for them to talk about those thoughts and feelings, a venue in which they would not be shamed, but rather, heard, understood. Certainly, writing this has been helpful for me. It would be great if all men could know, could feel in their bones, what I’m striving to know and feel here: that it’s not shameful to have these feelings or think these thoughts. What would be shameful would be acting on them. And that the mere having of these feelings and thoughts is, if anything, probably pretty normal.

The second, perhaps more utopian answer, is that I would love to imagine a world in which adult friends and acquaintances could have such discussions in the moment, to avoid the public transmission of the message that such conversations are or should be taboo. But many of us have discovered something remarkable as a result of the internet, blogs, Twitter, and therapy: it’s often true that the people with whom are lives are most (seemingly) intimately bound in “real life” are not those with whom we necessarily feel most comfortable discussing the more complex corners of our interiors. At least partially because, to the extent that we have secrets, it is often precisely from these people that we keep these secrets. So while I might like to imagine a world in which such conversations could be had between real-life friends and acquaintances, this may just be a bit too much to hope for.

 

Post-script:

I haven’t written about, or even considered, what it is to be an adult woman in this setting. Surely, it has its own complexities and challenges. I’d be really curious to hear a woman’s take on all this. Not so much a reaction to what I’ve written as a report of her own feelings and thoughts in the moment and afterward.

GOOD MORNING PLUSSUMS

Behold the socks of brightness! Shield your eyes lest you go blind! Or something. #sockwars  

What's everyone up to today? I'm in meeting central the next two days so I don't know what my posting schedule is going to be like. Good news is I may be able to get ahead on my outlining. Plot all the things!

For all you knew people that have circled me recently, tell me which is better: sausage links or sausage patties? (vegetarians can still answer this question because I know there are meat substitutes out there for these items)

Then, tell me, do you want to be notified of any of these things? I'm a sucker for good circle maintenance. Organize all the minions!

Goobers - hangout notifications! There are two circles for these, talky or writey (silent). Let me know what you want a notification for.
Hypno Toad - TV and Movie discussions. Mostly TV. Posts are public but you will be notified.
Vala Mal Doran - playfully NSFW, sometimes serious, occasional TMI (the beginning if the post will bee labeled appropriately). These posts will not be public! I reserve the right not to add you to this one if I don't know you well enough or you don't come recommended by someone else already in the circle.

<3 you all!

READERS

So I finally crawled out from that rock I was living under and read The Hunger Games last night (the first book... still gotta get my hands on the other two). 

You guys. I luff this thing to bits.

Excellent writing, IMO. Katniss came off as a serious character without crossing that line into bitchy, and while there wasn't a lot of external dialogue for most of the book, I felt right at home in the narration. The characters could have walked right off the page and said hello, though I would have loved to know more about The Capitol. (Do we get to explore that in the other two books? Do we? Huh huh huh?)

And yeah. I cried my eyeballs out about Rue.

But uh... the casting choices for the movie don't make a lot of sense to me now. Like, it says right there Katniss has black hair and olive skin. Not brown hair and tanned caucasian skin (yes, yes, old news, I know, but I just now read this and now I get it). The only thing that's matched is the eyes. There are plenty of actresses out there with black hair and olive skin, even a few with lighter eyes. Just toss in a pair of contacts. Seriously.

Also, having not seen the movie yet, did they get the subtext across somehow? There is a lot of internal dialogue and conflict going on with Katniss that probably doesn't translate well on screen unless she narrates a lot. Subtlety is a hit or miss thing on the big screen.

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POLITICS

This quote is full of winning. It's also the reason I don't mind paying taxes. Yes, all right, there are some [big] things I don't like that my taxes are used for, but there are also things I'm more than willing to throw money at if it means less idiocy.

via +Danial Hallock 

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Random LOLs

I'm pretty sure I've made someone's eye twitch just now ;)

GUN CONTROL

This is my one and only post on the issue. The first video is pretty much what happens and how I feel every time I listen to, read on the internets, or participate in a discussion about gun control.

Part 1: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-january-8-2013/scapegoat-hunter

Part 2: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-january-8-2013/scapegoat-hunter---gun-control

Part 3: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-january-8-2013/stanley-mcchrystal

I realize this is a super hot button issue, but please be courteous to each other in the comments. If I think it looks like someone is going to burst a vein I'll ask them to take a break from the post.

GOOD MORNING PLUS BEARS

A few awesome things happened in the last 12 hours:

1) I finished a third version of a dragon for +David Federlein (koff, koff) which I should be able to show off to you all sometime soon,
2) I submitted my erotica short to +Bliss Morgan's Under Cover of Darkness at exactly midnight (my powers of procrastination and last minute-ness are of an epic skill level),
and
3) this happened:

... which has now made me want to renew my account. Damn you Blizzard! Why can't I quit you?!

Circle Maintenance

I'm still pruning my circles of inactives and sorta-kindas, but I haven't reorganized or renamed them (yet). This is mostly because I'm trying to figure out what I should name my new circles before I go through all the effort of re-sorting. I want to shake up the way I organize things and spread out the photogs, writers, techies, foodies, geeks, and randoms so they aren't all lumped in their stagnant circles.

So. I need names. Should I go with a space-y theme and do circle names based on things like Firefly (circle names like Serenity, River), Stargate (O'Neil, McKay), Star Wars (Storm Troopers, Wookies), Doctor Who (Fezzes, Bowties, Ood), etc? Should I base the names on book themes like Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Sci-Fi? Should I name my circles after various foods like Pancakes, Bacon, or Omelets? Perhaps a nod to the gamers with circle names like Chaotic Good and Lawful Evil?

I'm stumped, you guys! Any suggestions?

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MINIONS

I caved in and added a wishlist for the +Secret Santa thing. I loved all the #GPlusSanta  shenanigans I saw last year and I'm hoping a lot of people join in on the fun this year :)

Mine is a super short list (cheap, too... all under $30, most around $10-15). I need to add some things for the hubby, but I do have something on there for the kiddo that I think he'd really like.

Go take a peek! http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/ZNAI0L1AC9AG

Also, because I'm lazy and there are 1k wishlists (omg srsly?), if you made a list, link it to me. If nothing else I want to see all the awesome, but I may buy a thing or two come pay day. ^_^

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We're so close to 1,000 wishlists! Add yours!
Or give a gift by browsing all wishlists here: http://goo.gl/FH8Oi

We've almost exceeded the number of wishlists we had last year and have had the privilege to trend with #SantaGift  when you've received and with #GPlusSanta  in general! We're so excited to have launched our website and want to encourage you to submit your list if you haven't already!

It's easy:
1) Create an Amazon Wishlist in your country's Amazon store
2) Add your list by filling out this form!  http://goo.gl/1qd9g
3) Share your list with #GPlusSanta

If you're feeling extra generous, be sure to check us out on GitHub to help contribute to our newly launched and crowdsourced site! http://goo.gl/2bgAf

WHOVIANS

I read this article and my first thought was: The Doctor already discovered those cracks.

New Theory: Universe didn’t start with a Big Bang, but with a Big Freeze
http://io9.com/5936949/new-theory-universe-didnt-start-with-a-big-bang-but-with-a-big-freeze

This new idea, which piggybacks off the nascent field of quantum graphity, suggests that the early universe went through a dramatic transformation, or phase shift, in a manner similar to how a liquid turns to a solid.

...When liquids turn to ice, they crystallize and form cracks. What Quach and his team need to do now is find the cosmological equivalent of these "cracks," or defects.

WORDPRESS MINIONS

Quick question for those of you with a blog on Wordpress: do you have a plus one button on your blog, and if so, can you tell me how to get one on mine? The plus button, I need it.

Thanks <3

P.S. - this is officially a thing now ^_^

WRITERS

I'm pondering the wisdom of starting a serial and posting it on my blog. Because I can.

Quick, internets, talk me out of it.

Or enable me. That works too.

<3

HYPNO TOAD

Arrow

I've watched the first two episodes of Arrow, and I gotta say I'm not all that impressed. It could be decent, except I can't get past these two things:

1) He's unrealistically healthy for being on an island for 5 years. I could forgive him the muscle definition, but not the bulk. Guy looks like he's been on an athlete's diet.

2) He was raised in privilege and, it seems, mostly knows about business things. When did he learn those sophisticated fighting moves and become Hawkeye with arrows and blades? (How did he even know how to make a bow in the first place?) I don't imagine there was a personal trainer there on the island with him.

If that second one is answered at some point I'll shrug through it, because I'm pretty forgiving of most things (like I'm letting go the random set up of his secret lair, and how no one saw him buying or moving said equipment. Really?). His sister is mega irritating, but since she's a side character and not a main focus I can tolerate her brief screen time.

The one pleasant surprise I had was Mr. Harry Dresden Quentin Lance. I missed that guy on my TV screen. Or computer window. Or whatever.

How many of you are watching it?

Sarah Is Weird

It's that time of year again, little minions 8) Unleash the toe socks!

#sockwars  

MINIONS

This is relevant to my interests.

The only thing that doesn't quite seem right is the soup thing. Every time I eat soup I get hungry just as fast, sometimes faster, than if I ate a regular meal. But that could also have something to do with the kind of soup I eat in the cooler seasons. Thick smoothies do stick with me for a long time, so perhaps a soup that's a lot closer to stew in thickness might work and last longer in my stomach than a regular soup.

I like stew. I could get down with that. Just not during the summer. And actually, chili is quite thick and makes me full forever. Maybe it's time to make more chili...

Also, I suspect my frequent late nights plus constant elevated stress levels are what is most affecting my weight. If I can get those under control, I should have an easier time of controlling my weight.

That and exercise. But it kind of feels like sleep and stress levels would be easier to fix than my low levels of motivation for physical activity.

GOOD MORNING PLUSYWUSKINS

I have been hit by a serious wave of creativity lately. Didn't realize how much I missed it until I had it back again. I am so excite!

Know what's even better? I've seen the same thing coming from you guys lately :) I think it's infectious.

What do you do when you get that creative drive? Do you write? Paint? Build something? Dance? Compose? Make video masterpieces? Create self-replicating intelligent machines that threaten the existence of the entire galaxy?

How do you express yourself when you get that spark of inspiration?

Dear Self,

Please get up early and make real breakfast food more often. I enjoy not having the munchies all morning as a result of a cold, unsatisfying breakfast.

Also, bacon.

Thanks in advance,

Sarah :)

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POLITICS

This article, it is full of win. 

+Michael O'Reilly is also full of win. You should hoop him ;)

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Want To Discourage Abortion? Support Universal Health Care.

When conservatives are voicing their concerns on the subject of health care reform, one reason they don't want it is because it will subsidize abortions and supposedly make them more attractive. However, when you actually look at countries with universal health care you discover that the opposite is true. All of those countries have a notably lower abortion rate than the U.S.

When universal health care and a social safety net are in place, many of the factors which might otherwise influence a woman to choose abortion are removed. The net result is that the abortion rate goes down. That seems right in line with both conservative and liberal goals.

This article, written by a religious, conservative Republican, tells her story of going to Canada and discovering that her preconceptions about universal health care were backwards. I encourage people, particularly those opposed to the idea of universal health care, to read this and really think about it.

Thanks +Kristina Rae for the link.

Dear Everyone In My Stream,

I did not anticipate (but should have) the sheer OMG factor of adding 500+ of you to my circles just now (from the Pay It Forward thingy). My stream is having a seizure.

There will be cuts later today. Oh yes, there will. And you spammers (you know who you are) will be axed faster than a log at a lumberjack competition.

Overwhelmed but somehow pleased,

Sarah :)

SADIE

RIP Sadie girl. You will be missed.

2007-2013

<3

Random LOLs

Guys! Guys! I think we got mail.

I'm not sure, though. Could just be for +Ned Barnhart.

HYPNO TOAD

All right, so I don't normally notify you guys twice in one day (or even twice in a month), but uh...

I gave in to curiosity and watched that episode of Kitchen Nightmares with Amy's Baking Company. (Mostly because Ned already started it before I walked in, so why not?)

There are no words you guys. None. I can't even.

Part 1 - Kitchen Nightmares Season 6 Episode 16 Part 1
Part 2 - Kitchen Nightmares Season 6 Episode 16 Part 2

Random Post Is Random

Dear Internets,

I need to rebuild my desktop computer on a tight (basically non-existent) budget. I would love to buy me an awesome gaming laptop but I can't do that unless someone invents a tree that grows money. Right now I just need something that plays WoW so I can stop stealing +Ned Barnhart's laptop to play ;)

Good news: I can keep the RAM and video card. Saves me lots of money right there. (not that I don't want to upgrade the vid card. I do. But we are broke like what.)

Bad news: Need new case. Hard drive is shot. Might need new motherboard (gonna test it with new hard drive once we get that).

Suggestions?

I don't need a ridiculous umpteen terabyte hard drive. A smaller case is better. Cool looking if that's an option on a budget (previous experience tells me "cool" won't be in the bargain list, but you never know).

POLITICS

Finally took the time to do that http://www.isidewith.com/ thing. Apparently, me and Jill Stein need to get together for drinks. 

(And I need to do some research on her, because with a 94% match, I should probably know something about her besides her name >.>)

GOOD MORNING NINJA PLUSSERS!

So I see we can now "subscribe" to people's posts because of that little slider thing in the circles (http://goo.gl/oro3c).

Stalker mode, engage! 8)

For those of you who don't realize how much I post, here's how it works:

-- I usually post around noon east coast US time and 4-5pm east coast US time, with occasional bouts of late night posting.
-- When I do post, I tend to post a lot of things in a short period of time. Then I'll be silent for half a day and possibly do it again.
-- There are some days where I only make one or two posts, but that's not normal for me. If you don't like high frequency posts, don't put me in your subscribe circle!

On the flip side, if you're going to notify me old school style via specialized circles, I would like to be notified of all these things (I don't care if I've already seen or posted them, notify me anyway!):

-- Loki. Always. Because Loki.
-- Doctor Who
-- Food recipes. I need them. NOM ALL THE THINGS!
-- ebook, publishing, story craft, or other writerly discussions.
-- Blunt Sex Talk. No, I don't want you to hit on me in a private post. I'll block you into the next galaxy if you try that silliness. But actual discussions on related topics with multiple people? Yes please!

I already had emails turned on for most notifications, so you won't bother me. Even if you do bother me, I'll let you know about it, but I rarely have to scold people ;)

Much <3 and happy stalking!

MINIONS

My circles, I have reorganized them.

Some of you saw it yesterday and some didn't, so I'm re-posting today. Let me clarify that all posts (except NSFW) will be public, including the TV/Movie stuff. Most of these circles are for organization only. Currently, all my old circles still exist until I sort everyone out of them, so if you see a circle you think you belong in let me know.

I also spent a lot of last night organizing and purging. Still got lots of you inactive nano peeps circled... I mean seriously inactive, never posted publicly or interacted with me. Gotta axe you guys once and for all. I'll be going through my posts to see who interacts with me a lot and throw them in the right circles, because honestly, I should already have you circled. (Sometimes I think I have someone circled but I really don't, and then I pout. Or you guys get tricksy and change accounts on me.)

There are two circles I have for notifications. Opt in!

Goobers - hangout peeps. Tell me if you want the talky or writey hangouts.
Hypno Toad - TV and Movie discussions.

And one more opt-in circle that won't have notifications:

Vala Mal Doran - playfully NSFW, sometimes serious, occasional TMI (the beginning of the post will be labeled appropriately). These posts will not be public!

Everything else is sorting only. I also added one since yesterday, Shiny, for those of you that make things (photographers, crafters, musicians, etc).

Hatchlings - you little newbies are so cute! This is a transition circle while I figure out what you're going to turn into when you grow up. If you ask to be circled and I don't know you well, you'll probably start here.
TARDIS - talk to me, space man! Science and general geekery.
Pancakes - because food, that's why.
Waffles - get off my lawn!
Neon - those colorful people that just can't be contained in any other circle.
Overlords - writers and published authors. What? You create, control, and destroy entire worlds. Don't look at me like that.
Shiny - make all the things!
Paparazzi - celebs, which includes anyone here in G+ land that has 6 or more digits in their "has so-and-so in circles" count.

Also, if you've circled me in the last two weeks, come say hi! Introduce yourselves. Where did you find me? Do you like sprinkles? What's your favorite thing to put sprinkles on? Donuts? Cupcakes? Cookies? What crazy thing do you put sprinkles on?

GOOD AFTERNOON PLUSKINS

So we're having a movie night tomorrow with 2 coworkers and need ideas for a movie to watch that would be both kid friendly (toddler plus 7 year old) and entertaining to adults.

Suggestions?

Dear Google Voice,

Thank you for saving me from my broken phone. I could still call my grandma to tell her my phone wasn't working and then continue with the interrupted conversation. Kind of fun to call people from the computer. I should do this more often!

Much <3,

Sarah :)

Random Post Is Random

There are only 8 other Sarah Rios's on G+.

This is both more and less than I expected. Hmm. At least one of them is within driving distance of me, too! Maybe we should start a club.

WEREWOLF WEDNESDAY

Sorry for the silence, little minions. I've been in meeting purgatory all day.

Haven't done one of these Werewuff things in a while, so let's do this thing :)

What are some of your favorite (pick 2-3) werewolf cameo or themed:
-- Movies / TV Shows?
-- Books / Comics?
-- Songs?
-- Artwork?

I am immediately disappoint if any of you guys bust in here with Twilight love. I realize a lot of people are all Team Jacob, but as far as Twilight goes I'm Team Van Helsing. kthx.

Picture from: http://nomjy.deviantart.com/art/Werewolf-Wallpaper-159337588

THIRSTY THURSDAY

So instead of posting a recipe for you, I'm going to ask...

What's your favorite alcoholic drink?

Don't drink alcohol? What's your favorite drink of awesomeness?

MINIONS

Greetings! I think I'm overdue for one of these "tell me about YOU" things, so let's do that today, yes? :D

If you've circled me in the last few months come say hi. If you've had me circled forever and you're just bored, also come say hi! Do you like pancakes, waffles, or crepes? Is your hair on fire on a regular basis? How do you feel about Loki? Does this cape make me look invincible? Tacos.

I'm uh.... I'm slightly ADD today. 8)

Also let me know if you want notifications for my Hypno Toad posts (public, about movies/TV), Writing Hangouts (I should really start doing these again), or Vala Mal Doran shenanigans (limited, NSFW and/or rantypants).

Floaty hearts <3 <3 <3

TENNANT TUESDAY

Well hello there! How are all my little minions today? :)

MINIONS

So uh... my hair is a little bit long. It's wet in this picture or you'd also see how poofy it normally is. ^_^

Why am I posting this for you? Because I need to ask you something.

Should I keep growing it for another year (and thus add another 4-5 inches to the donation length), or should I chop it for this winter? If I do chop it for this winter, what style should I go with? Link me all the pretty hairs. I'm indecisive.

HYPNO TOAD
If you don't want these notifications please let me know.

Post 2 of 2 for today. All done with notifications :)

Doctor Who: Asylum of the Daleks

Oh.

My. 

God.

Spoilers.

..

...

....

If you haven't watched it, why are you still scrolling? Stop it.

.....

......

.......

I'm serious. I will reach through the internets and smack you upside the head.

........

.........

..........

Okay fine I give up.

YOUGUYSYOUGUYSYOUGUYSYOUGUYSYOUGUYS. Oswin appears in episode 1?? And she turns out to be a Dalek? AND THEN SHE DIES?

wat??

Moffat I hate you. I love it, but I hate you.

And then the prequel to this episode gets leaked? (Doctor Who--Prequel: Asylum of the Daleks) And now I'm even more confused? What is this madness I love it.

I was going to ball my eyes out while Amy and Rory had their heart to heart, that few minutes they both thought Amy was being converted. Then they realized they loved each other again and all was right with the world.

EXCEPT OSWiN WAS A DALEK. But somehow not? Girl's got mad skills. I cannot wait until she's the companion.

You guys. I am so much flail right now. Is it Saturday yet? Why can't we get the next episode now??

Fun bit: You can already buy this episode on Amazon Instant Video, apparently. So even if you don't live in the UK, and don't have cable here in the States, you can still watch the new season. They've really gone through a lot of effort to make sure it's accessible. You hear that, HBO and Showtime? That's how you do it right. 

Werewolf Wednesday
True Blood | Hypno Toad

Almost forgot about the werewuffs today! :)

Don't really know what to post about for you guys though. Oh wait, yes I do. Alcide.

Okay, so this one isn't just about Alcide. But he's in there, so it still counts.

Anyone else looking forward to the new season? 8)

*Circle Sunday

Alright guys, we're doing this one a little different today. My college friend +Cindy Carpenter is going to start being over here a little more often (yay!) and she's going to need some people to circle. Here's what we need:

"Science/Writing/Funny/Thoughtful
If it sounds like Joseph Campbell, has a hint of Star Wars, has anything to do with Buddhism, or makes me giggle, I'm in."

So. Let's do this thing. Give me one or two people for each of these categories (yes I cheated and put 3 in some, but I'm the writer, I can do that):

Science - my picks are +Ray Sanders, +Ward Plunet, and +Philip Plait
Writing - my picks are +Jim Hines, +Amy Gabriel and +Adam Boenig
Funny - my picks are +Matthew Inman and +Joe Bolin
Thoughtful - my picks are +Brian Coram, +Ayoub Khote, and +A.V. Flox
Joseph Campbell - not familiar enough with this guy to make good recommendations of people that are kind of like him. Help me out, minions!
Star Wars - there are so many of you that like Star Wars I can't really narrow it down, however +Halfdan Reschat recently hosted a Star Wars costume competition between +Keith Cramer and +Scott Cramer, so... does that count? :D .
Buddhism - my picks are +Niamh Brown, and +Rachael Majka
Giggles - my picks are +Bliss Morgan, +Tejas Richard, and +Aaron Wood

Let's start Cindy off with an awesome overload, shall we? :) Who are your picks?

Random Post Is Random

Dear Internets,

As-Yet-Unnamed Little Dude (aka, Boy #2) still does not have a name. In a few days I'll be 9 weeks out from the due date. No way is this kid popping out nameless.

Help me browse some lists? <3

http://nameberry.com/lists/category/boys-names
http://www.babycenter.com/baby-names
http://www.parents.com/baby-names/boy/
http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/boys-names.html
http://www.randomnames.com/allnames.asp?g=m

Feel free to use your naming site of choice. I just figured I would throw some sites out there in case you guys weren't familiar with them, though Nameberry has some particularly funny lists.

WHOVIANS

So now that everyone and their brother saw this earlier, I'm going to link it too. Because Daleks. Also, dinosaurs on a space ship.

OMFG when do I get to watch this?

eeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

Greetings, fresh meat new people!

200+ of you added me earlier this morning. Tell me, where did you spot my pie-fuelled self? Did someone circle share me again? (Let me know so I can thank them!) What made you decide I was worth the follow? Are there any of my circles you think you might fit in?

Most important - do you like dark chocolate or milk chocolate? This is world changing stuff I tell you!

Picture from: http://gonechocco.com/?p=2271 .

CIRCLE SUNDAY
If you were notified, you're in the circle.

Ha! I finally remembered to do this circle sharing thing on Sunday!

Anyway, this is the circle I've dubbed "Neon," because it's a lot of random awesome that can't be contained in any other category.

Pick through the Plussers and grab up the ones you like. Or add the whole circle. Whatever works best for you :)

SARAH IS WEIRD
It's an official thing now.

Fun fact:  My real life personality and my online personality are like a stereo with volume control issues. IRL, I'm the left picture. Volume on mute. Online, I'm the right picture. Too loud! Turn it down! This is regardless of my current mood or what I'm thinking.

In real life I'm ridiculously quiet. Most of my coworkers forget I exist. I sit at my desk with my headphones on and proceed to not make any noise except the tap, tap, tap of my fingers on the keyboard.  The expression on the left is me at any given moment. (seriously)  Sometimes I dance in my chair to whatever music I'm listening to, maybe some head bobbing, but the expression doesn't change. Even when there's a party going on in my head I look bored. Or angry. lol

Outside the office I'm a complete space cadet and aspiring hermit. I participate in conversation only when I think it's necessary and I have something of value to add (which is almost never, because oh hi a squirrel). I also don't usually like social events because I don't know what to do with myself at any given moment. I'm the listener... unless conversation happens to touch on something I actually like, and then suddenly I want to tell you about everything I've ever discovered.

Which is why online I'm all over the place. Online, I become that picture on the right. HI GUYZ. Look at all this cool stuff. Talk to me about it. I'm hyper. I'm bored. Pay attention to meeeeee. (Run away! Run awaaaaaayyyy!)

So.... in short, I'm weird.

Hi, how are you? :D

Dear Minions,

Yep, I'm still here.

Bacon.

Sarah :)

HYPNO TOAD

Did you guys see this? What do you think?

I may have another show to watch in the fall.

Camp NaNoWriMo

T-shirts are ready! Anyone else doing this in June (or August)? :D

WHOVIANS

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Sarah Rios, Time Lord of Gallifrey, is now known as The Surgeon.

PS - interesting note, I tried just my first name by itself, and apparently it dubbed me "The Florist." I am not sure which moniker is more terrifying.

LOKI

Because Loki.

What would you do if a wild Loki appeared? ;)

(Dear relatively-new followers: I have a slight fixation with this villain. In case you weren't aware.)

POLITICS

So.... someone please debunk this. Because as much as I dislike some of the GoP's policies, I would rather not think they're stooping this low (seriously, the possibility scares me). It would actually be a relief to me if one of the other parties was simply lying in order to get more votes away from the GoP.

via +Lisa Cohen 

GOOD MORNING PLUSSITS

For six more days I'll be live on Kilrogg. Look me up under Sassee or Sassinator. Or you could PM me with your email and I'll Real ID friend you. I'll most likely be leveling my pets >.>

(Curious Wolvar Pup is a freaking beast you guys. At level 1 he was all LOOK AT YOU PUNY LEVEL 3. I EAT YOU FOR BREAKFAST. HA HA. ... seriously though. Winning.)

In other news, I need to get my butt in gear on my outline. I've decided in order to make this happen that I'm going to use up my lunch hour. Tonight I'll bust out my notebook and pen so I can write things down without the Little Man becoming fascinated with my laptop. (Of course he'll probably want to color all over my notebook, but sacrifices must be made.)

Probably no writing hangouts during weekdays this week. Too much busy, even without WoW, but I'll try to get one going this weekend.

What are you all up to today? :)

RESHARE:
FOODIES

Resurrecting my chili recipe from last year (Oct 14! So cute). It's about that time again, what with the football and the almost-fall-ness and whatnot. Anyway.

This concoction  happened because I was bored and then got too ambitious with the ingredients. It's a "will feed 10 people full to bursting" kind of recipe. Translation: leftovers forever.

Very easily translatable into a vegetarian recipe. Just use veggie broth instead of chicken broth, and leave out the ground meat. It'll still be nomtastic.

Reshared text:
Foodie Friday

Since I have no idea what wonderful pre-written recipe I want to share with you guys, I will instead share with you my very own nomtastic meat chili recipe. For those of you that don't eat meat, you can do this without it. There are enough beans in there to keep you happy. I promise. Just substitute veggie broth.

Here's what you need:

-- A giant pot. Seriously. Don't try this with a piddly 5 quart pot. You will be in danger of overflow. In fact, bust out that giant crock pot. That might work better.
-- 2 or 3 pounds of ground meat (your choice - I used ground turkey)
-- 1 16 oz can of chicken or beef broth
-- 1 16 oz can each of black, pinto, cannelloni (white kidney), and red kidney beans. You want some other kind of bean in there? Toss it in.
-- 30 something ounces of salsa verde.
-- 16-20 ounces of red salsa (your choice on what kind).
-- 1 or 2 cans of diced tomatoes.
-- 1 diced red pepper
-- 1 can of corn
-- 1 or 2 bigger cans of tomato paste (not the really small ones. get the next size up)
-- A bunch of green chilies. I'm really not sure how much I dumped in there because I got a Costco sized bag and used like half of it. Leave these out if you can't handle spicy.
-- Chili powder to your liking. You will probably need a few tablespoons.


Now What?

1) Dice that pepper.
2) Brown the ground meat with the diced pepper. Might be a good idea to put some of the chili powder in the meat while it cooks.
3) Dump everything else in the pot with the meat and pepper. Season with chili powder.
4) Heat it up.
5) Enjoy!

PSA
It's about to get all serious up in here.

Dear People of the Internets,

I do not care what religious or anti-religious affiliation you claim as part of your identity. I really don't. Your spiritual matters are your own. No one, and I mean no one, can tell you what is right or wrong in regards to your spiritual needs. Sometimes you don't even know what's right for you. And that's okay.

Some of you set your eyes to the stars and don't feel the need to seek understanding with a higher being (or beings). You are at peace with yourself and the world around you and are content to explore life's mysteries on your own. That's fine. It works for you.

Some of you prefer to think there is a higher power out there, and you work at understanding said higher power(s) and the universe at large through faith. It helps you stay grounded to know that there is something bigger than you out there, and that you have a connection to it. That's also perfectly fine. It works for you.

Some of you don't know where you stand in regards to your beliefs. You are not at peace with yourself. This is a natural feeling to have at some point in your life. Maybe you even go through this several times through the years, or for an extended period of time only once in your life. It's okay to question the world and your place in it. Losing faith, or not being able to gain it, does not make you any less of a person. It just means you're working out some personal things with yourself. Accept help if you think you need it, or say thank-you-but-no-thanks if you don't think you need it. Faith and spirituality are very personal things. There is no one size fits all solution in regards to faith and spirituality, and that's okay.

So what is not okay? A lack of respect.

Calling someone names or insinuating that they are somehow a bad person based solely on their faith, or lack thereof, is a blatant act of disrespect.

Those memes with "cute" sayings that are meant to make like minded athiests laugh, and start fights with people who are actively religious? Not respectful.

Telling someone their entire life philosophy is wrong because they do not identify with your specific branch of religion, or actively seeking to change someone's personal beliefs to match your own? Not respectful.

Assuming all the loud, angry persons of the internet and traditional media speak for their like-minded groups at large? Not respectful.

Everyone is not the same. It's highly disrespectful to assume someone with a different set of beliefs is wrong and needs to be "fixed" if they would only listen to reason, or that they will attack you for being different. Do not pity these people because there is nothing to be pitied. What they're doing does not work for you, and what works for you does not work for them. There are probably some individuals who are insecure in their personally held beliefs, and it shakes their foundations to think they might be "wrong." Challenges in faith or lack thereof might produce a fight or flight response, and sometimes insecure individuals will lash out. These are normally the louder individuals in any group. Their insecurity is their own problem, not yours.

However, it is also not acceptable for anyone to dismiss the feelings of others because "they can't take a joke." Again, that's disrespectful.

By all means, state your opinions and have lively discussions. But do not do it in such a way as to provoke a fight. There's a difference between disagreeing and picking a fight, and most of you know where that line sits. You're smart people. If you are secure in your personal beliefs, why do you feel the need to fight in the first place? Lead by example. Preferably by a good example.

Keep it awesome in here, G+. We don't have to hold hands and sing Kumbaya, but we don't have to be at each others' throats, either. It's been getting a little rabid in here.

Much <3,

Sarah :)

GOOD DAY PLUS MUFFINS

This will be one of my only posts until next Monday. Why? Because we're going away for the weekend, and where we're going will have almost non-existent cell phone coverage.

I'll be offline for a whole weekend!

#tacklehugsalltheminions   #clingsfordearlife  

Not being on here for a few days is like missing months of real world activities.  I'll want to know all about your shenanigans when I get back.  And there best be some good shenanigans.  Don't fail me, little minions!

Would you plus monsters do something for me?  Could you come back to this post and link me the good stuff, or use the #riosmisseseverything  tag on your post so I can look for it later? (Does the search work if the tag is in the comments and not the original post? I always wondered about that.)

<3 you all, and see you on Monday!

GOOD AFTERNOON GOOGLE BEARS

How is everyone today? Just thought I'd let you all know that I'm having leftover shredded salmon for lunch and ogod it's even better the second day. This is my new favorite recipe EVAR.

Anyway. A little birdy (+Nan Allen + like everyone else in my stream) tells me this is #TMITuesday . I wish you could see the grin I have on my face right now, because I'm about to go ornery on everyone that posted invitations to ask away.

What's that you ask? Am I participating? Of course I would participate in these shenanigans! Not in a public post though. I see where you silly people are going with these questions. If you have something safe for work you want to ask me, comment here and I will answer.

I'll make a new circles-only post for the NSFW stuff ;) (This is also the part where I ask if you want to be in the Vala Mal Doran circle, because that's probably the circle this will go to.)

Fair warning: If you post a NSFW question here I will delete the comment.

NEW MINIONS

Hello there! Another 300+ of you appeared overnight. Am I really that interesting? How many of these circle shares are going around this week? Craziness I tell you!

Tell me a little bit about yourselves. Are you writers? Geeks? Gamers? Social Butterflies? Mass circle adders who don't know why I'm suddenly showing up in the stream? Which show do you think is better, Star Trek or Star Wars? (Any run of Star Trek vs old or new Star Wars. Pick your fav!)

Picture from http://techmash.co.uk/star-trek-tng-star-wars-mash-up/2011/11/18/ .

Random Post Is Random

I could kill for some chocolate right now. Meat and chocolate. Hot, melty chocolate. Okay, not really kill. But OMG. I need it.

That picture? Is pretty much what I want to do right now.

This post is brought to you by #omgpregnant . Which I made up. Just now. I feel future shenanigans coming on with that hashtag ^_^

Picture from: http://www.98pxy.com/So-freaking-sexy-/7586671?pid=16785

RESHARE:
WHOVIANS

I'm wearing dark jeans, a black tank top, purple flip flops, and a neon green zip up hoodie. (shield your eyeballs!)

First thing to my left... my computer mouse. Look out, Daleks, you can't fend off the might of the wireless laptop mouse >.>

First thing to the right... my cell phone. I could repair the TARDIS with that, right? Seems legit.

via +Katey Springle Lempka 

Reshared text:
I'd be wearing an Angry Birds T-Shirt, blue jeans, skateboard shoes, and I'd fight a #Dalek  with a pop can, and I'll fix the TARDIS with a book. . . LOL! I'm screwed ;-)

What about you?! :-)

J #twt   #DoctorWho  

Source: http://tinyurl.com/b8p8rjb

MINIONS

I heart you guys. <3

(reference post: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101453162215777563254/posts/dy1xpm7aMWD)

+Tejas Richard +Rachel Desilets +Roger Sherman +Dirk Reul .... and anyone else that was all #shenanigans  in my notifications box this morning. rofl

MINIONS

In honor of TARDIS Tuesday, I'm sharing my appropriately named TARDIS circle. It's filled with science, tech, and general geekery (with a giant heap of Whovian goodness, of course!).

... and me, because now there's a handy little option to "include yourself in a shared circle." I love you, ninja updates!

Go forth and populate your stream. The circle keeps growing as I clean out my temporary circles, so there's a good chance it'll be shared again in a month or two when I've added fresh meat new people :)

If you were notified, you're in the circle!

GOOD MORNING G+BLINS!

I need some help sorting out all you new adds. Where did you find me? Where do you belong in this list? Give a girl a clue. Please note that these are sorting categories for my sanity... the only stream that gets non public posts is the TV/Movie circle.

Are you doing NaNoWriMo this year? If not, do you write novels or poetry?
Are you an artist or photographer? Because my stream needs more pictures.
Do you like having spoilery TV/Movie discussions, or do you enjoy lots of music?
For the love of all that is holy, do you like toe socks or are you otherwise obsessed with socks?

Also, what is your pie of choice? Apple? Pumpkin? Cherry? Rhubarb?

Personally, I prefer gooseberry pie. Mmmmmmmm, gooseberries...


Gooseberry Pie

2 cans Oregon Gooseberries (or fresh ones, but good luck finding those in the US)
1/2 – 1 cup sugar, to taste (more if you don't like super tart berries)
2 – 3 tablespoons cornstarch
* if you're in high altitude you will want an additional 1/2 cup of flower or your pie will be soup
1/8 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon to taste (both for the filling and on top of the crust)
1 tablespoon butter for double crust 9 inch pie pastry
Double crust pastry

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drain syrup from gooseberries; save 1/2 cup. Combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Mix the reserved syrup into the dry ingredients and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and gently stir in gooseberries.
Pour mixture into pastry lined pie pan; adjust top crust, seal, vent and dot with butter. Bake 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.


Recipe from http://www.twirlandtaste.com/2010/03/gooseberries-and-buttermilk-make-best.html with the exception of the cinnamon, which is my own personal preference.

TECHIES

My email address is showing up next to my name in the hangout window. Why does it do that, and can I fix it?

+Yonatan Zunger is there someone here in the Plus I can ask? Or should I just feedback it?

Edit for clarification: EVERYONE in the hangout sees it. They are all in my circles, but they are not in a circle where my email is visible.

GOOD MORNING MY GORGEOUS HORDE OF MINIONS!

Sometime early this morning the group of you rounded out at 15,000. My plans for world domination are progressing as expected. I'm so proud! sniff, sniff

To celebrate, let's all sing the Banana song. Go on. You know you want to. I'll even pass out the party favors.

What are your plans for this weekend? Do you like pancakes or waffles? How much bacon do you plan on eating tomorrow? These are important questions, I tell you!

MINIONS

Behold! My old sketches. I miss my notebooks and pencils. It's relaxing to be able to zone out and create fun things. Maybe I should pick them up again? :)

Also, lol, I may have been playing too much EQ and watching too much DBZ during this phase in my life. The back of the notebook had a sketch of a wood elf, high elf, and dark elf, which I chose not to include in this album because the wood elf looked like she was about to have some serious fun with her whip in a not so PG manner (koff, koff).

If I were to start up my sketches again I don't know that I'd still have the serious anime flair you see here, but it could be fun re-discovering my style :)

PS - what's with the weird pinkish color in the middle of these pictures? It doesn't exist on the paper. Camera issue? Used my camera phone.