Red Pen’s blog

QotD: Lost & Found

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:15:49 -0600

What have you lost that you wish you could get back?
Submitted by Witch Hazel

The value my 401k has hemorrhaged away recently. @$!%*&!!

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QotD: Since my first post...

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:22:36 -0600

Look at the first post you ever wrote on Vox. What important developments or changes have occurred in your life since then?
Submitted by Alexandra.

I've taken thousands of pictures,
read over a hundred books,
written countless words I probably would never have written otherwise.

I've learned to say more,
and at times, to say less.
From pseudonymous shelter, I've opened my heart and mind to the world.

I'm a a bit older and grayer,
with new lines on my face,
yet on the inside, where it really counts, I still feel like the same young kid.

I'm hopefully a little wiser,
possibly more cynical,
and at the same time, even more hopeful, grateful, and in love with life.

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QotD: Pet names

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:58:05 -0600

What are the goofy nicknames you have for your pet? Bonus points for sharing a picture.
Submitted by Papi Chulo.

Unfortunately for him, the goofy names are legion, and include showstoppers like:
Poufcat - Fluff - Pinky - Sugarbaby - Cutiebean

softer and fluffier than the linens

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Environment = home

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:29:08 -0600

Bloggers around the world will unite today to put a single important
issue on everyone’s mind - the environment.

I've noticed significant apathy, and in some cases, even antipathy toward environmental issues and those who champion them. I'd like to offer this perspective: Safeguarding the environment is perhaps the most self-interested 'charitable' action we can take. The environment is not an entity that derives benefit from our protection; we benefit. The earth existed long before us, and will exist long after we are nothing but a distant memory. The planet has no stake in our survival or extinction. Who stands to gain if we protect and maintain a hospitable environment that sustains human life? We do. Caring about the biosphere we inhabit and acting as a responsible steward is akin to maintaining a home; if we fail in this instance, however, we cannot simply move from our neglected and ramshackle lodgings and start fresh somewhere else.

The key to positive environmental change is for each individual to take action. Any action, no matter how small. It is easy to give up, to succumb to the belief that the challenges are too great and our contribution will be too small to make a difference. But rather than feeling paralyzed and impotent because we cannot do it all, we can take steps in the right direction. A CF bulb here, a walk to the market there, a thermostat turned down, a donation to an environmental cause, an item recycled - it all adds up.

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QotD: Cynical Sunday

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 11:50:15 -0600

What fictional creature do you wish were real?

Honest politicians. [grin]

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QotD: To the nines

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:28:17 -0600

"What game are you really good at?"

sudoku

I suppose it says something about me that the first game that came to mind
is a solitary pursuit and not a head-to-head competitive challenge.

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QotD: Fall Films

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:20:47 -0600

Which new movies are you looking forward to seeing this fall?

Elizabeth The Golden Age

This is the one I'm most anxiously anticipating. It looks wonderful.
The movie's official website is definitely worth a visit. Check it out.

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QotD: gangrene thumb

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 09:05:50 -0600

Do you have a green thumb?

OMG, no! I'm cursed. Seriously. I've tried, at various times in my life, to grow vegetables, plants, and/or flowers, both indoors and out. I've yet to succeed. I think of myself as a 'black thumb' who can bring blight to the hardiest plants. For a long time now, I've simply flown the white flag of surrender. However, I think I've worked up the nerve to give it another go. I'm strongly considering ordering and planting this garden:

clipped from www.highcountrygardens.com

August Afternoons Perennial Garden

The garden blooms in shades of blue, pink and ivory, from mid-summer through early fall. Not only does this garden add color, texture and fragrance to your landscape but numerous hummingbirds and butterflies will also be attracted by these nectar-rich plants.

‘August Afternoons’ thrives in most parts of the US and is easily grown in ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun.

I was discussing this idea with Tall during dinner, and my darling Antic piped up with this:

"Whaaaaaat?! You're going to plant a garden, mom? Are you serious?"

"Well, I think so. It's supposed to be a very hardy and easy-care collection of plants. I thought I'd give it a try."

"Um, are they plastic flowers? Cuz, really, I think if they're not, you're gonna kill them."

Ah, the vote of confidence. Needless to say, I feel very encouraged. :0

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QotD: fridge history

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:22:58 -0600

What's the oldest thing in your fridge?

bubbly

Yes, it's still in there...

At the time I wrote my bit o' the bubbly post, I was willing to pop the cork over something as simple as warm weather. Well, sheesh, we've certainly got that. {fanning myself} Only now it doesn't seem worth celebrating. I guess I'll hold out for something else. Like the lottery. LOL.

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QotD: The Deathly Hallows

nobody@vox.com(Red Pen) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:36:43 -0600

Did you see the Harry Potter movie this weekend? Are you going to read the new book?

I haven't seen the movie yet. I abhor crowds. I plan to see it sometime soon, though. In fact, catching a matinee would be a good way to escape the blasted heat for a couple of hours. As for the book, my copy is on order and I'm very much looking forward to reading it as soon as it arrives. It's a bittersweet event, though. In a way, I hate to see the series come to an end.

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