Updates

I just need to vent.

2009-02-01T23:39:46Z

Isn't it just a little rude to invite someone to lunch to tell one...

-that one is making a huge mistake in marrying one's fiance

-that one may be happy now (and after all, this intervention is about one's concern over another's happiness) but soon one will be miserable! and divorced!

-that all their friends who have married into unconventional marriages are now miserable and divorced... and that has nothing to do with them... it was all to do with their unconventional marriages!

I can understand that my choice isn't a common one that probably many of you wouldn't even fathom on for yourselves. And I can understand how a friend or relative who cares about me would be concerned about some negative stereotypes. But an intervention? To tell me my decision to undertake such a major life changing event is wrong? And that my marriage is going to fail?

All of this coming from my brother, who molested me from before I had a memory up until he started dating (which was only a year before he met his wife). Did I tell her before she married him: your marriage is doomed! He's going to molest your daughters!

No. I did not. Trust me; I agonized over doing so. I gave them the possibility that perhaps he has grown up and they can have a long, happy life together. And, shit, I worry about what he's going to do now that she's pregnant. And the only reason I keep in any contact with them is to keep an eye out for suspect behavior.

Is it too much to ask to allow someone to enjoy their happiness, their feeling of success in marriage or in becoming a parent? Why can't people calmly express their feelings once, rather than continually berate? If we were entirely concerned only for another's welfare and happiness, then isn't the thing to do to be a supportive shoulder as the shit hits the fan?

This naked woman drives me crazy!

2008-03-09T18:47:19Z

http://science-community.sciam.com/blog-entry/Editors-Blog/Left-Brain-Right-Brain-Naked/300001077

from Karen

2007-04-29T14:43:04Z

The Random Question Meme!

An array of completely random questions about my friends!

Who would make a better window-washer, veritude13 or mckaede?: Probably David, because he would entertain himself singing while doing so.
What political beliefs of kireikunoichi do you disagree with?: I don't know her political beliefs, nor do I really care to. I try to stay out of political conversations because I end up liking people less after them.
What would you most like to do with dcthejoker?: Dancing. I really want to go dancing, and not to some club where sketchy strange men are all up on top of me. And Derek is a fun dancer.
What is wheeerdball allergic to?: Uh.. annoying people?
What four adjectives best describe cyanne?: Sweet, technological, huggable, fun
What do ndkid and screwballu have in common?: I went to school with both of them, and they both try to know other people better than other people know them.
What is mystymoonsilver's sexiest feature?: Her pizazz
In what ways are you smarter than slitherrr?: Ooo.. I don't know if I am. He wears glasses sometimes. And you know how people with glasses are SO smart. :P
Did gegie leave the stove on again?: Yes. It's his plot to waste energy and cause his electric bill to go up.
Where did prttywmn go?: I don't know! She very secretive, but we had clues that someone else was calling her for secret plans. She wasn't alone. Mimi thinks it was a date.

This is by heptadecagram. You can find your own completely random questions here.

Do you feel enlightened now?

kumquatacat @ 2006-10-29T19:01:00

2006-10-29T23:48:53Z

N.B. I kick ass. Ha ha.

kumquatacat @ 2006-07-27T09:11:00

2006-07-27T13:15:25Z

My grandmother from Florida died from breast cancer this morning at 6:30. I've been chatting with my cousin for the first time today; she's down south arranging the funeral.

from Nathan

2006-06-21T16:23:59Z

Post a comment and:

1. I’ll respond with something random about you.

2. I’ll challenge you to try something.

3. I’ll pick a color that I associate with you.

4. I’ll tell you something i like about you.

5. I’ll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.

6. I’ll tell you what animal you remind me of.

7. I’ll ask you something i’ve always wanted to ask you.

8. If i do this for you, you must post this on yours. ..or not, I don't care.

I still don't know.

2006-06-07T02:08:58Z

The last 24 hours have been very strange and emotional. I feel dizzy, anxious, sad, calm, but very accepting.

kumquatacat @ 2006-05-25T19:56:00

2006-05-25T23:58:08Z

Today I had Starbucks.

last Blacksburg blog

2006-05-14T14:52:07Z

I'm not sure where the time went. Last I recall, I had another week before I was leaving Blacksburg. That week seemed like it would balance forever, holding me in a limbo of preparing to be gone. Then so much happened that I didn't have time to think about any of it; I was in back-up mode, getting done what had to be done.

Here's a rundown of the week's highlights:
- Cory's party was awesome and fun. A good end to the Bernard parties, though I wish John was there for more of it.
- Michelle's party was awesome and fun, though I wish I was sober enough to remember more of it.
- Mary's last bbq was awesome and fun and chilly, though I wish I didn't pass out at the end of Larom's follow-up party.
- My last student presentation went well. And then I skipped University graduation. I hate ceremonies.
- CAUS graduation was at 8:30 AM, and I managed not to sleep through it. The follow-up LAR banquet was all right, though it put my mom in a pissy mood that afternoon because I didn't get the Stanley Abbot Award. O well.
- John's and my parents met. They got along fine.
- I got a new nomination from the Peace Corps to the Dominican Republic.

My parents, brother, and future sister-in-law left a couple hours ago. John left a few hours ago, but I didn't get a chance to see him off. We chatted briefly at 6 AM over the phone, and we had a semi-drunken encounter at Justin's late last night. It wasn't much of a send off. It was more like any other night we hang out with friends, which I thought would be an easier good-bye. Now that I'm alone in his apartment, I'm filled with deep regret that I didn't wisk him away the last moment I saw him to do who knows what special and magical acts all over town, all night long.

Today, I'm cleaning the apartment and finishing my senior project book (I know I've already graduated, and yes I'm still doing work). Tomorrow, checking out of OakBridge, returning things to people, and a doctor appointment. Tuesday, returning to Northern Virginia.

spoiled meme

2006-04-11T22:22:39Z

If you have 40 or more of these things you're spoiled.

Do you have:
(1) your own cell phone
() a television in your bedroom
() an iPod
() a photo printer
() your own phone line
() TiVo or a generic digital video recorder
() high-speed internet access (i.e., not dialup)
() a surround sound system in bedroom
() DVD player in bedroom
() at least a hundred DVDs
(2) a childfree bathroom
() your own in-house office
() a pool
() a guest house
() a game room
() a queen-size bed or larger
() a stocked bar
() a working dishwasher
() an icemaker
() a working washer and dryer
() more than 20 pairs of shoes
(3) at least ten things from a designer store (I'm not actually sure.. maybe?)
() expensive sunglasses
() framed original art (not lithographs or prints)
() Egyptian cotton sheets or towels
() a multi-speed bike
() a gym membership
() large exercise equipment at home
() your own set of golf clubs
() a pool table
() a tennis court
(4) local access to a lake, large pond, or the sea
() your own pair of skis
() enough camping gear for a weekend trip in an isolated area (aka, tent, sleeping bag, and cooler)
() a boat
() a jet ski
() a neighborhood committee membership
() a beach house or a vacation house/cabin
(5) wealthy family members
() two or more family cars
() a walk-in closet or pantry
() a yard
() a hammock
() a personal trainer
(6) good credit
() expensive jewelry
() a designer bag that required being on a waiting list to get
(7) at least $100 cash in your possession right now
(8) more than two credit cards bearing your name (not counting gas cards or debit cards)
() a stock portfolio
(9) a passport (somewhere...)
() a horse
() a trust fund
() subsidized medical insurance
(10) a college degree, and no outstanding student loans (close enough)

Do you:
() shop for non-needed items for yourself (like clothes, jewelry, electronics) at least once a week
() do your regular grocery shopping at high-end or specialty stores
() pay someone else to clean your house, do dishes, or launder your clothes (not counting dry-cleaning)
() go on weekend mini-vacations
() send dinners back with every flaw
() wear perfume or cologne (not body spray)
() regularly get your hair styled or nails done in a salon
() have a job but don't need the money
() stay at home with little financial sacrifice
() pay someone else to cook your meals
() pay someone else to watch your children or walk your dogs
() regularly pay someone else to drive you (taxis)
() expect a gift after you fight with your partner

Are you:
() an only child
() married/partnered to a wealthy person
() baffled/surprised when you don't get your way

Have you:
() been on a cruise
(11) traveled out of the country
() met a celebrity
() been to the Caribbean
(12) been to Europe
() been to Hawaii
(13) been to New York
() eaten at the space needle in Seattle
() been to the Mall of America
(14) been on the Eiffel tower in Paris
() been on the Statue of Liberty in New York
() moved more than three times because you wanted to
() dined with local political figures
(15) been to both the Atlantic coast and the Pacific coast

Did you:
() go to another country for your honeymoon
() hire a professional photographer for your wedding or party
(16) take riding or swimming lessons as a child (I quit during my second lesson, doe sthat still count?)
() attend private school
() have a Sweet 16 birthday party thrown for you

TOTAL SCORE: 16!

Although, I wouldn't consider a college degree to be something spoiling. I'm working hard for mine.

IMPORTANT!

2006-04-06T15:01:57Z

I'm packing up my stuff to bring back to NoVA in a couple weekends. I'm also packing up many of my clothes for the Salvation Army. If you would like anything of mine, please come by my place after the International Fair on Saturday.

Also, if you have any of my books... please give them back. I am materialistic and possesive when it comes to books.

I'm 23!

2006-03-26T14:13:07Z

Someone told me this morning that the LAR bitch had episodes 23-39 of Fruits' Basket. So, I awoke naked in bed with John and Sanzo, trying to figure out how to get through her shit and get the anime. Then, I realized there were no episodes to 39, and that I must not have been doing backflips last night because my back felt better than it had in a long time! I don't remember most of last night besides being around lots of fun people I enjoy, and dancing on the toilet to a song I like but cannot remember either.

BIRTHDAY PLANS
After I get myself more alert, I'm heading over to the studio to draw all day.
And if you're not sick of eating out, please join me at Cinco de Mayo in DT Blacksburg sometime around 6 or 7, depending on when they're open.

Have a great day!

yeah, the meme that's going around

2006-02-13T23:20:40Z

http://kevan.org/nohari?name=kumquatacat
http://kevan.org/johari?name=kumquatacat

And John wanted me to post his:
http://kevan.org/johari?name=Big%20John
http://kevan.org/nohari?name=John

Tortoise

2006-02-08T14:07:26Z

As much as I love Crazy Man the Tortoise, I have to admit that I cannot take care of him anymore. I'm rarely at home, and I'm planning on going abroad this summer for a couple years.

So is anyone looking for a pet? I'd prefer Michelle to have first dibs at him - after all she was the original owner - but she also has a cat and he's not fond of them or dogs.

Random info about care and requirements:
He needs to be somewhere warm (i.e. somewhere with a heater in the winter).
He eats leftover veggies, grass, dandelions... he's pretty easy to feed, and doesn't eat much in the winter.
His bedding needs to be changed about once every 3-5 months. Bedding costs only about $4-7.
He doesn't smell, unless he leaves rotting vegetables in his container.
He's about 15 or 16 years old and will live until he's about 40.

He needs a loving home, so please consider contacting me about it. Thanks!

kumquatacat @ 2005-12-09T15:23:00

2005-12-09T20:27:01Z

Two years ago today, John and I had our first date. We went to More Than Coffee, and George was our waiter. I wore ugly ugh boots and my big fuzzy jacket. And John and I chatted for hours until we went back to his place, where I met his roommate and some more of his friends. Then John walked me to the door and gave me a light kiss on my cheek. I went back to studio, grinning like an idiot and working all night.

VT

2005-08-05T12:13:31Z

I was reading BBC News this morning, like I always do, and I discovered a snip-it about Virginia Tech! I always get so excited when I see or hear VT in foreign news (we were mentioned in the last F1 race, too).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4740000/newsid_4744800/4744827.stm Did anyone know that VT cloned pigs five years ago?

I'm returning to Blacksburg on the 16th, and staying at John's place until Jac moves out. The summer is almost over. Where'd it go?

STD's

2004-12-13T16:36:16Z

I just read that 62% of men have never taken an STD test. If you haven't, go get it done!

morning rambling

2004-11-09T12:18:05Z

The time of the year has come that everyone is sick with something and I've given up on the pj layering when going to sleep for raising the apartment temperature. I got up at 5 this morning because I didn't do my homework last night. My roommate has been gone to her hideaway of people with nasty viruses, and I have been left with her annoying cat (yes, Michelle, your cat is attention hungry. I'm still bewildered how it's cute on her, but when people do this you find them pathetic and annoying). She currently sitting with her back to me because I've shunned her for my work. So you're angry? O grow up!

I've gotten a few sniffles, but nothing to complain about. My kidney issue is almost gone; I'm on the last of the medication now. And I can hear the Corps of Cadets still marching about the Upper Quad - a 5-10 minute walk from where I am - and screaming from 6 this morning. I've never been able to hear them before at this hour, but I suppose I'd be screaming louder to keep warm too. I have a cadet in my geo lab at 8 and he sometimes mentions exercising before class. Haha! I always forget they all do this together and I often think of how much willpower he has to get up so early and go outside.

I haven't been exerising at all. I'm getting a bit flabby, and I'm worried about my butt. I used to have such a nice butt! Where did it go?! It's hiding behind me and plotting about expanding and flirting with boys without me knowing! So lately I noticed a fold over of my butt. I have an undercrease! Egad! O, and it gets worse! I've discovered small white stretch marks. White means they're old! John keeps reasuring me I'm still hot. Haha, well of course I am. But one day . . . I may not be! And then what? I'll have to rely upon my personality and intelligence? Double egad!

One month from now is our one year anniversary (i.e. me and John, not me and my butt stretch marks). I've never dated someone for so long, consecutively, and only one person. He's very special. I'm not sure if we're celebrating because we tend to only celebrate if we have time or are in the mood to do something particular. Maybe I think about time too much. One year feels like so much, but relatively so short. How much does it really matter? Why is circling the sun once so exciting? It is to me because I spent it with John, but every moment with John is pleasurable; then the same question comes up about the importance of circling the sun at all.

And, again, the cat wants me. Can't go 10 minutes without me, can you?

kumquatacat @ 2004-10-07T10:36:00

2004-10-07T14:39:12Z

Some people just flabbergast me.

kumquatacat @ 2004-09-27T21:41:00

2004-09-28T01:42:56Z

I gave Akira a haircut! It kicks ass.

No, nothing's wrong. Just feels good every now and then.

2004-07-30T19:40:25Z

rant rant rant complain rant rant

complain complain rant growl grumble grumble

rant rant rant

*deep breath*

OK, just needed to get that out.

still so oo drunk yay@!

2004-06-25T03:01:33Z

I wen tot the Improv tonight with mybb orhter and bardley and his gf who dated israel tooo and we saw this guy hwo made me laugh so hard i alsmosy peed bu then i went to the bathroom with the gf and we did pee and then he was till dunnu.

I have so little tolerance ahhahaha. I cannot walk realyy, i need soemthing to support me. and so i don't foreget i need to look up the dragoin express for 15 dollar tockets to chinatown and see JOhn! I called john to tell him i loved him alot and tel him i love him again i love you i love you i love you in loove you! but then his answerinf machine picked up and i fgurted that was in apporoporiate. i don;'t like answqerin machines they're so impersonal.

i think.

Are you a dork, geek, or a nerd?

2004-02-03T20:04:14Z

I ran across an article, directed toward men making it more interesting, about being a loser but it addressed some other terms, too. So I started thinking (uh-oh) and looking up things.

Some of you may have had chats with me about what a dork exactly is. If you've looked it up in the dictionary like me - because I'm a dictionary geek - you'd know it was a whale penis, too. But did you know that the only male mammal that does not have a bone in the penis is the Homo erectus? So when those dumb college kids are making 6 foot snow penes (the correct plural of penis), they're actually making accurate to scale dorks.

I couldn't find how the term "dork" got somewhere in the slang mix with geek, nerd, and dweeb rather than dick or prick.

I just called myself a geek. Where does that word originate? It used to refer to circus freaks who bit the heads off live children; but, it then broadened to those who are enthused about something non-mainstream. So your geekiness is directly proportional to the people with whom you associate. If you really like anime and you only hang out with anime people, then you're not as geeky as if you only hung out with people who think that Asian is language.

Nerd. Nerds are something special. The first sighting of the word came from Dr. Seuss in his book If I Ran the Zoo, describing a comically disgruntled little humanoid. Along with being so upset they're funny, nerds are also very vindictive, hence the movie, Revenge of the Nerds and its many sequels. Why are they so vengeful and angry? Because they are socially inept and like to think they know everything about anything found in a book, whether they do or not. They like to punish the people blessed with social knowledge with their supposed knowledge of everything else. It's like they are fighting an imaginary war of the street smarts vs. book smarts.

I don't know the origins of dweeb, but please do share if you can.