I just like that phrase and its gaunt, Depression-y feel.

Yay, tightening the belt.

Somehow, while in the back of my mind aware that I should be spending less in 2008 than in 2007, in fact, should be doing nothing but paying down debt and boosting credit scores, I somehow lost my way about mid-year and spent money like a farkin' lunatic.

I've got half a year to fix as much as I can before I want to sell my house and buy a bigger one.

I also, ahem, may be combining forces with another adult, as in, you know, like, moving in together.

I am 38 years old and have never moved in together in my life.

It's crazy, it is. Nuts.  Out the window.  And no, abosolutely not, the kids don't know yet.  It's half a year away, way too soon.  They know we plan to move.  That's it.

Yeah, so, we're having some joint financial discussions and stuff and I'm a frog's hair away from the time I have to come clean and admit that all the bragging I did early '08 about getting rid of debt...while true at the time... well, I undid it.

Damn.

1. This bug says you're a suck-up (1982) ...........GOODY TWO-SHOES, ADAM ANT
2. Drink too much of that spiked egg nog and you can really fly (Holiday Classics, 1949)....RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, GENE AUTRY (AND OTHERS)
3. 1932 Ford Model B (1963) ... LITTLE DUECE COUPE, THE BEACH BOYS
4. Almost Heaven, West Virginia (1971) ...COUNTRY ROADS (TAKE ME HOME), JOHN DENVER
5. If true, no Solace for him (At the Movies in 1977) ....NOBODY DOES IT BETTER, CARLY SIMON
6. This Chevy is much too fast (1983) ...LITTLE RED CORVETTE, PRINCE
7. Some would say that this surgery for this age group is redundant (1977) ...TEENAGE LOBOTOMY, BY THE RAMONES
8. Are you dancing around to this #1 song with nothing on your left hand? (2008) ...SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT), BEYONCE
9. Finally! (1961) ...AT LAST, ETTA JAMES (AND OTHERS) 
10. If business doesn't pick up, we might all steal our daddies' cues and make a livin' outa playin' pool (1971) ...MAGGIE MAY, ROD STEWARD
11. It's a classic New York residence.  And heroin.  (1987)   ...MR. BROWNSTONE, GUNS-N-ROSES
12. Top Safe-Haven question (Holiday Classics)*       *Nebraska residents should get this ...Also famous (by another name) as an Irish ballad ..WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
13. It would certainly interrupt his (de)composition  (1956) .......ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN
14. If the bathroom Door is shut and you really gotta go, you just might...  (1967) ....BREAK ON THROUGH (TO THE OTHER SIDE), THE DOORS
15. Michael, get out of here (1983)   BEAT IT, MICHAEL JACKSON
16. [my workplace] (1977).  Sorry.  inside joke. ...I'll give you this one.  It's HOTEL CALIFORNIA, THE EAGLES.  As in, you can check out, but you can never leave.  HA.
17. Franklin Graham (1968) ...SON OF A PREACHER MAN, DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
18. Does baseball really require this kind of endurance, Bull?  (At the Movies in 1988)   This is a totally awesome song on the Bull Durham soundtrack.  The one that plays when Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon are dancing and/or screwing in the kitchen and/or dining room. SIXTY-MINUTE MAN, BY BILLY WARD AND THE DOMINOES
19. It goes this way because I say so (1988)   ...think those awful parachute pants. and drugs.  lots and lots of drugs. ..MY PREROGATIVE, BOBBY BROWN
20. Does not melt in your hand.  Especially out of the sun.  (2000) ...  THE REAL SLIM SHADY, EMINEM
21. The Chevy truck (1986) ... LIKE A ROCK, BOB SEGER
22. Julia in her Cinderella story (At the Movies in 1990) ...........OH, PRETTY WOMAN, ROY ORBISON
23. For Marilyn, then Diana (1973, 1997) ..........CANDLE IN THE WIND, ELTON JOHN
24. [insert boss' name], the Alpha wolf...vroom, vroom!  (1964) ....LEADER OF THE PACK, THE SHANGRI-LA'S
25. What happened to the first two times, woman?  (1985) ...THREE TIMES A LADY, LIONEL RITCHIE
26. Bing's dream (Holiday Classics, 1940) .......WHITE CHRISTMAS,  BING CROSBY
27. No, my name ain't "baby," it's Janet (1986) ....NASTY, JANET JACKSON
28. A bald beauty sang this #1 song (1990).....NOTHING COMPARES 2 U, SINEAD O'CONNOR

Extra clues added in italics  ....  If it's in CAPS, it's the correct answer, as guessed by someone else, namely, grisaleen! 
I do have prizes people, so give it a shot.  What the hey.  Didn't you resolve to have more fun in 2009?

1. This bug says you're a suck-up (1982) ...........the bug is Adam Ant
2. Drink too much of that spiked egg nog and you can really fly (Holiday Classics, 1949)....if you drink too much, what color would your nose be? 
3. 1932 Ford Model B (1963) ... one of many car tunes sung by that famous California band
4. Almost Heaven, West Virginia (1971) ...these are the first four words to this song that is not about Denver.  Or is it?
5. If true, no Solace for him (At the Movies in 1977) ...."Solace" is the clue...this character's current movie.  The song for clue 5 is one of the most famous songs for this character, and if it's true, he doesn't get much rest...snort.
6. This Chevy is much too fast (1983) ...oh come on.  you don't need help on this one.
7. Some would say that this surgery for this age group is redundant (1977) ...think punkish.  British.  skinny pants and big black hair
8. Are you dancing around to this #1 song with nothing on your left hand? (2008) ...if you have teenagers or have been to an aerobics class or have turned on the radio to a station other than NPR or country, you have heard this song.
9. Finally! (1961) ...one of the most famous and beloved songs of all time.  Re-sung in 2008 by the same artist as Clue # 8.  For a movie about the performer of Clue #9. 
10. If business doesn't pick up, we might all steal our daddies' cues and make a livin' outa playin' pool (1971) first she took me to her bed, then she kicked me in the head...what's her name?
11. It's a classic New York residence.  And heroin.  (1987)   Guns & Roses version of "Sweet Jane," I guess
12. Top Safe-Haven question (Holiday Classics)*       *Nebraska residents should get this ...Also famous (by another name) as an Irish ballad
13. It would certainly interrupt his (de)composition  (1956) .......ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN
14. If the bathroom Door is shut and you really gotta go, you just might...  (1967) ...."Door" is the clue; it's a song by the Doors about what you might do to a door if you had to get through it...
15. Michael, get out of here (1983)   think synonyms for "get out of here" sung in the 80's by a famous Michael.
16. [my workplace] (1977).  Sorry.  inside joke. ...I'll give you this one.  It's HOTEL CALIFORNIA.  As in, you can check out, but you can never leave.  HA.
17. Franklin Graham (1968) ...Franklin Graham's father is...Billy Graham.  Billy Graham is a preacher.  That makes Franklin Graham a.......?
18. Does baseball really require this kind of endurance, Bull?  (At the Movies in 1988)   This is a totally awesome song on the Bull Durham soundtrack.  The one that plays when Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon are dancing and/or screwing in the kitchen and/or dining room.
19. It goes this way because I say so (1988)   ...think those awful parachute pants. and drugs.  lots and lots of drugs.
20. Does not melt in your hand.  Especially out of the sun.  (2000) ...  what melts in your mouth but not in your hand?  what song did he sing that a reference to shade might recall?
21. The Chevy truck (1986) ... it was on every commercial break during every football game for a couple YEARS.  Seger was accused of selling out. 
22. Julia in her Cinderella story (At the Movies in 1990) ...........OH, PRETTY WOMAN, ROY ORBISON
23. For Marilyn, then Diana (1973, 1997) ..........CANDLE IN THE WIND, ELTON JOHN
24. [insert boss' name], the Alpha wolf...vroom, vroom!  (1964) ....LEADER OF THE PACK, THE SHANGRI-LA'S
25. What happened to the first two times, woman?  (1985) ...I never understood this song.  I don't understand his goofy daughter, either.  She might be once, twice, three times an internet porn star...no wait...that's her former bff paris...
26. Bing's dream (Holiday Classics, 1940) .......I am not helping you on this. 
27. No, my name ain't "baby," it's Janet (1986) ....or this
28. A bald beauty sang this #1 song (1990).....okay, bald Irish beauty, does that help?

I especially like #9... the most true of all

> I. Put your iPod on shuffle.

> II. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

> III. Write down that song name  (no cheating)!

>

> 1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?

Better Days (Goo Goo Dolls)

> 2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Who Wants to Live Forever (Queen)

> 3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

All By Myself (Celine Dion)

> 4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

There's a Little Black Spot on the Sun Today (Police)

> 5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Three Times a Lady (Lionel Ritchie)

> 6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

If You've Got the Money, Honey, I've Got the Time (Willie Nelson)

> 7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Teenagers Scare the Living Shit Outta Me (My Chemical Romance)

> 8. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?

Essence (Lucinda Williams)

> 9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Rocky Mountain High (John Denver)

> 10. WHAT IS 2+2?

Marisse (Michael Campbell)

> 11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Blue Skies (Willie Nelson)

> 12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Breathe (2 AM) (Anna Nalick)

> 13. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Check Yes, Juliet (Yellowcard)

> 14. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

The Thrill is Gone (Chris Duarte)         I am not making this up!!

> 15. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Songbird (Eva Cassidy)

> 16. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Your Love is Like a Cyclone (Mountain Goats)

> 17. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N Roses) What? Another one?

> 18. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Tu, Solo Tu (Linda Ronstadt)

> 19. WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Honey, Don't (Carl Perkins)

> 20. HOW WILL YOU DIE?

I Just Want to Make Love to You (Etta James) I am TOTALLY NOT MAKING THIS UP!!

> 21. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

Joanie, the Jehovah's Witness Stripper (Paul Thorn)

> 22. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Taking Over Me (Evanescence)

> 23. WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

Only One Drink Away (? Ben Kweller?)

Gahhh, obligatory New Year's Resolution-type deal.  From some management or leadership class last year.  I liked the questions enough to keep them stuck in my planner all year.  For you, friends, I drag them out for your consideration....

Can you respond "yes" to all of the following questions?

1 - I focus on what's important

2 - I think before I act

3 - I listen with my eyes, heart, and mind

4 - I know what I want in life

5 - I want others to succeed as well as I

6 - I value differences in others

7 - I consciously take time for myself every day

8 - I get laid about as much as I want

Okay, I added that last one myself.  But it's important, yo.  Happy New Year!

Prizes awarded=0.  You guys didn't even try, so I won't waste time with additional clues.  My guess is we're all a little gamed out.

Spent the weekend in a cabin at a state park.  Friday the weather freakishly climbed to the 50's and melted all that perfectly good snow.  One warm day all winter and that packed powder = poof, gone.  We sadly left our sleds and snowboards at home as we packed up the van Friday afternoon. 

Luckily, Saturday never climbed out of the 20's and the outdoor ice rink had a chance to re-freeze, so we could skate on Sunday. 

The family came out for a long breakfast that turned into lunch, and we played a dozen rounds of Scattegories with healthy doses of Bailey's in our coffees.  Later, it was just my 3 & me, and we built a great fire that burned all afternoon and early evening.  We ate some delicious ham, finished off the egg nog, and ate Christmas cookies while we watched a movie. 

Watching the new Indiana Jones movie during the same weekend as Mongol is almost offensive.  I thought, rent one brainless action movie and one arty movie…good, right?  Well Mongol has plenty of action, along with being thoughtful, insightful, character-driven, and deep.  Stan loved it.  Ollie liked reading the subtitles aloud because 1-he likes to read, and 2-it really bugged Stan.  After watching Mongol, I wanted to go break the Crystal Skull DVD to prevent anyone else from watching it.  I’d put a sticker on it that said “go rent something meaningful instead…try Mongol.”

And since this is a no-spoiler post, that’s all I’m going to say.  Except this one more thing:  it fulfills the basic ROB art requirement of establishing the longing of the main characters.  Oh yeah, you get that.  The whole movie is longing, and I felt myself longing to … well, not to be there, and not to be him, but to have a desire so pure…a longing that burns everything else away, and a wide open steppe where I’d give my horse his head and run free.

I probably never said, but I'm the one in charge of those annoying games at our office staff meetings and holiday parties.  Yes, I'm that girl.  It's not like it's my idea, but I do kind of get into it.  Lighten up, people, it's supposed to be a party.  (Yes, I heard former-asshat-boss muttering "it's not like we don't all have work to do" in the corner.  Three times.)

We had so much fun ("we" can be interpreted loosely here) that I decided to make my family play the game at my house yesterday.  My Christmas, my house, my rules.  Right?  And we'd already been into the Bailey's and coffee and mimosas, so...let's play NAME THAT TUNE!

It went over mostly well.  Everyone played, although my one brother's wife and her mother kept their faces neutral. 

All you need is a good i-tunes speaker and an ipod with a screen.  I made a dedicated playlist for the game.  I used powerpoint and had help forwarding the slides.  We displayed the clue for about 20 seconds, then started playing the song.  At work, the slides were displayed up on a screen and the 40-45 people were split into teams with pom pons.  First team to wave a pom in the air got to guess.  At home, they just yelled out answers.  What was funny at work was it was a few people getting most of the answers (and two guys who liked to guess first but kept guessing wrong and blowing it for their team.)  At home, almost everyone got at least 2 right ...even Ollie, who is 8. 

So here you go...these are the clues.  They are less than straightforward.  See if you can get any without hearing the music.  Songs were published between 1940 and 2008. 

1. This bug says you're a suck-up (1982)
2. Drink too much of that spiked egg nog and you can really fly (Holiday Classics, 1949)
3. 1932 Ford Model B (1963)
4. Almost Heaven, West Virginia (1971)
5. If true, no Solace for him (At the Movies in 1977)
6. This Chevy is much too fast (1983)
7. Some would say that this surgery for this age group is redundant (1977)
8. Are you dancing around to this #1 song with nothing on your left hand? (2008)
9. Finally! (1961)
10. If business doesn't pick up, we might all steal our daddies' cues and make a livin' offa playin' pool (1971)
11. It's a classic New York residence.  And heroin.  (1987)
12. Top Safe-Haven question (Holiday Classics)*       *Nebraska residents should get this
13. It would certainly interrupt his (de)composition  (1956)
14. If the bathroom Door is shut and you really gotta go, you just might...  (1967)
15. Michael, get out of here (1983)
16. [my workplace] (1977).  Sorry.  inside joke.
17. Franklin Graham (1968)
18. Does baseball really require this kind of endurance, Bull?  (At the Movies in 1988)
19. It goes this way because I say so (1988)
20. Does not melt in your hand.  Especially out of the sun.  (2000)
21. The Chevy truck (1986)
22. Julia in her Cinderella story (At the Movies in 1990)
23. For Marilyn, then Diana (1973, 1997)
24. [insert boss' name], the Alpha wolf...vroom, vroom!  (1964)
25. What happened to the first two times, woman?  (1985)
26. Bing's dream (Holiday Classics, 1940)
27. No, my name ain't "baby," it's Janet (1986)
28. A bald beauty sang this #1 song (1990)

Have fun!  Win prizes !  Happy Boxing Day

No, nothing like that.

It's just that I decided to get Stan all the fixin's for a scrapbook project so he could have a place for the clippings and photos, letters, certificates, even DVD's of the Little Sioux tornado and subsequent events, trip to DC, etc. 

You might be surprised to learn that scrapbooking stores have stickers and stick-on objects and background pages and even kits for every theme from birth to marriage (they even have stickers for potty training and trips to the orthodontist) but there was not a single damn sticker of a tornado, a bolt of lightning, or even a dark cloud. 

I think I've discovered an untapped market.  I'll be busy over the weekend creating stickers for all those horrible things we've overcome.  Because it's not really about celebrating disaster, but celebrating survival.  So watch your local Hobby Lobby for the Route 66 collection:  phase 1 - natural disasters.  For phase 2 - the teenage years.  (Or was that just redundant?) And maybe phase 3 - something stupid that should have killed me but didn't.... you know, like jumping snowmobiles or hitchhiking...

Any other ideas?

And... MERRY CHRISTMAS

another nanowrimo failure

even a week's vacation couldn't get me there.

the temptation to cheat was hanging there like a disco ball, all sparkly and fun

resisted.  pointless, and, well, I actually like this novel.  will continue working on it.

finished writing a 11:54 tonight with 37,934.

Bubbling full of blogs, but every time I reach for the laptop, I drive out a couple hundred Nano words instead.  Yay, me!  Yah, and if you're reading my site and don't know what I'm talking about, please see www.nanowrimo.org.  5 time player, 0 time winner.  NOT THIS YEAR cause, you know, I heard Obama say it:  Yes, we can.

Sorry.  Little leftover election euphoria. 

This may be the most unorganized and least pretty novel of my several November attempts, but it’s going to be finished in 30 days, by God. 

Fits and starts but, like they say in football, the only stats that count in the end are the numbers in the score box.  And my score box is over 5,600 words.  I’m a little behind pace, but I am meeting my goal of writing SOMETHING every day.  I am getting a good feel of my two main characters and my two supporting characters. 

I still need names for a set of 10-year old twins, boy and girl, children of the main character; parents are white, Midwestern, and Catholic-raised.  Any help?