I twittered many times about this so it may be old news but I wanted to offer an update.

In the middle-end of November I got a bill from my mortgage company. Once again they messed up my escrow so I owed them several hundred dollars. On top of that I had just paid vet, tuition (which had gone up), car insurance (which had not gone down as I had thought), and condo insurance. Basically, my coffers were very empty because I hadn't planned for this at all. I made a budget and it came up short. It was looking to be a crappy birthday and christmas season but, you know, whatever. I've got a home, I've got a job, life is all right.

I immediately went into belt tightening mode. I sold the first wave of things I didn't really need that would bring in some money. I cancelled a gym membership. My friends and family really came through and gave me financial gifts for my birthday that helped me greatly. I drained the last bit of my savings account. Even with all this it has still been a lean month.

I tried staying at home away from temptation but it didn't help my mood. I got out and made it to estate sales and thrift stores with a very strict budget. That helped but at the same time I was somewhat sadder--it really reminds you of your own mortality.

Once again I have to stress that I am very, very, very thankful to my friends. They are patient and kind and will be rewarded in the next life as well as in a month or so when I am more financially sound.

Now that the end of this month is near I am feeling better, like I can actually do things, go places. There are other luxuries I can do without, and if needed I will do just that.

I'm just glad to know that it can be done and I'm not the princess I thought I was.

Labels: drama, thanks

Many of my friends will not even know about this thing.

So, let's say that there exists a device that can make even the least inspired yet most eager crafter a screen printing artist. If you can put together some clever clip art and fancy fonts you can make really cool cards, art prints, and other ephemeral goods.

Think about it--your kid can take a black pen, draw something, and it can be immortalized forever in color, sent to family members to hang on refrigerators across our nation.

You have a great idea for a Christmas card. You can design it on your computer in Paint, print it off, and then send it to all of your loved ones. They will, inevitably, comment on how clever you are.

Yeah, well, it exists, and it's the Print Gocco. It comes from Japan and for the last few years the machines and accoutrements have been available at a premium price from importers as the machines haven't been sold in the US for years. But not anymore!

I heard the news of the demise from Samantha. I used to keep up with the Print Gocco mailing lists but they got unwieldy and annoying (honestly, half the emails asked where one could be bought when a simple google search would answer that!). So the news that Riso is no longer even making the accoutrements is very sad.

I made my annual Denny calendar (although it's only been two years so far, and I didn't do one for 2008 due to time constraints) and the joy returns. I have designed a print commemmorating Obama's election but I'm going to hold off. I have a ton of ideas but I have to budget them. Not only do I just have enough screens and bulbs for four more projects but I've had experiences with bad bulbs and bad screens.

I kind of want to stock up on bulbs and screens but my budget is very tight this month thanks to a sudden tax bill I didn't expect. One set of bulbs/screens would cost $35. I'm tempted to put it on the credit card, but that's not where I'm at these days.

I mean, really. The price is a little hight but imagine the fun you'd have!

Samantha, if your next fark trip involves an overnight stay in Nashville I'm totally bringing the Gocco over to your hotel. TOTALLY.

Labels: crafts, gocco, printing

So, I was briefly associated with a gentleman (dated is probably a better word, but it's so loaded these days that I try to avoid it) a couple of years ago. I am no longer in contact with this man but during our brief friendship he lent me two nice books to read. I never got a chance to return them. They are still in my possession and on my bookcase.

Now, as you know (and have contributed, and I love you for it), I have recently had some pretty hefty bills come up suddenly that have left me cash poor. As a result, I am eyeing everything in my house critically. Anything that can be will be sold. I am thinking about selling these books. Is that wrong? I have a tiny nagging voice telling me it is, but I doubt the man will come asking me for them.

Passive aggression to follow, mainly to give the potentially injured party a chance to defend himself:
I know you read this blog sometime. Sorry about your books. I'm considering the gains to be what my friend Molly calls the "asshole tax." But I'll strike a deal with you: If you give me the explanation you promised (e-mail or comment here, please, I don't wish to speak to you) and didn't deliver then I will return your books.

Labels: books, discussion, question

Years ago I read a nice novel called The Confessions of Max Tivoli. It's a sweet story about a man who is born with the body of an old man but the brain of an infant. As he grows older in years he grows younger in body. Does this sound familiar? It should, as it is also the premise of a short story written by F Scott Fitzgerald which has been recently made into a film called "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." I'm excited to see Benjamin Button but it makes me a little sad that this means there will likely not be a film version of Max Tivoli. I'm reserving judgement of either until I read/see Benjamin Button (since my reading queue is kind of long I will probably get to the film first), but I do highly recommend Max Tivoli. Your library probably has it. And right now you are the love of my life for reading this! My writing sucks these days.

Labels: books, movies

Etiquette, myspace, words. No butt carrots this time.

Originally posted spring 2007.

Labels: podcast, schmoovecast

We have a derby name. It's late

originally posted in early 2007

Labels: podcast, schmoovecast

are you sick of our fergie obsession yet? too bad! Race, more words that aren't ok, etiquette, and MST3K recommendations.

Originally published in early 2007.

Labels: podcast, schmoovecast

An after derby podcast and I'm under the influence of a muscle relaxer.  Dr Gay uses the f-word.  No, not that one, but it gets used a lot too.

Originally posted in early 2007.

Labels: podcast, schmoovecast