tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71802289115409517332011-10-04T21:43:15.648ZFrom the mundane, through the inane, to the insane.Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.comBlogger2261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-75470395154462165872011-03-10T13:38:00.000Z2011-03-10T13:38:36.002Z

Have you met my cousin Matil-bot? She was recently recognized for her style in Marie Claire magazine. Matil-bot and her other cousin Ry-bot just started a style blog.  If you're looking for some tips or inspiration, you should check them out.  They are young and hip, and dress more interestingly than you do.  They are Gotham Girls.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-77311070175490318892011-01-26T03:49:00.000Z2011-01-26T03:49:09.576Z

January 1, 2011 was my Papatron's 90th birthday.  He doesn't look a day older than 80, if you ask me. (Papatron with all his Bot/Tron grandchildren and great-grandchildren, minus 2) When I think that this man has been around for a decade shy of a century, it amazes me in a way I can't explain.  Ninety years is FOREVER.  1921.  That was so long ago.  Yet, the man uses email and reads blogs.  He is

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-51803324394794004222011-01-03T15:23:00.000Z2011-01-03T15:23:19.716Z

I have always kind of thought that New Year's resolutions were stupid. Trying to better yourself is fine, and I guess it's important for some people to have some kind of reference for when they need a new beginning.  But, the post-holiday beginning to each new year seems an arbitrary and sort of sad time to be having such resolve.  Plus, no one ever carries their resolutions past the end of

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-91680082047161813602010-11-17T01:25:00.000Z2010-11-17T01:25:49.095Z

"Wow.  Maybe there's something wrong with my tongue." Thank you all for helping to win this tiny, insignificant marital squabble.  It was definitely a waste of everyone's time and attention.  Just know that I appreciate that!

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-44166132561677062742010-11-15T16:03:00.000Z2010-11-15T16:03:23.885Z

Since it's the Christmas season (don't argue with me about this--just accept it), I have, of course, switched from my usual lotion scent to a more festive peppermint body lotion.  This morning, as I rubbed the striking holiday scent into my dry elbows and cracked heels, I said to Troubletron, "mmm!  Don't you just love the smell of peppermint!" And, then, simultaneously, we said: "Yes, it's such

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-22543326644160866682010-11-11T15:49:00.000Z2010-11-11T15:49:18.228Z

Start wrapping the Christmas presents we've been progressively buying all year? Clean bird cages? Put away Halloween decorations? Craft? Watch streamed netflix (or "neckflix" as Littletron says) movies all day? Go through family photos to find pictures of Papatron to send for the slide show for Papatron's 90th birthday celebration? Make a pot roast? Only eat chips and Halloween candy all day? All?

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-60033623385635812922010-11-09T14:31:00.000Z2010-11-09T14:31:12.644Z

Don't pretend like you don't care about Halloween anymore. Joan and Roger I think we nailed it.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-85535923895653946092010-11-08T01:26:00.000Z2010-11-08T01:26:30.615Z

We found out this weekend that Littletron made the A/B Honor Roll.  We are so proud. His teacher feels, however, that he can improve on one thing. I can think of at one thing SHE needs work on. Fluidly?

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-69364753269463742192010-11-03T23:37:00.000Z2010-11-03T23:37:00.723Z

I can feel the love. I'm not really what you might call (or, more accurately, what I might call) a "tender" person.  But, I must say that knowing that total strangers cared that I was gone . . . well . . . it begins to melt the outer layer of my ice queen heart.  I won't mention that no one who actually knows me in person cares about my blog (except Troubletron . . . he cares because he made

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-11702140664000001012010-11-02T22:26:00.000Z2010-11-02T22:26:14.065Z

I got out of work a smidge early today so that I could vote.  Now I find myself home alone wondering what productive enterprise should fill my time . . . coupon clipping?  dishes?  stinky garbage taking out? While deciding, I got a blog comment from Lisa, begging me not to let my blog die.  I don't know Lisa, and I don't know why she cares whether or not my blog suffers a slow, painful peril. But

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-3043237939270045022010-09-29T01:58:00.000Z2010-09-29T01:58:42.527Z

I've gotten a few emails from concerned (former) readers, so I guess I should give you another update on what's going on in my life. It wasn't fair of me to leave you with no information about my whereabouts other than my homelessness.  But, well, when you're homeless (or, as in our former situation, renting a single room on a weekly basis in the home of a man who is DEFINITELY a serial killer),

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-16673633725877230282010-07-24T16:56:00.002+01:002010-07-24T16:56:49.356+01:00

Homeless.  Still homeless.  We hope to be un-homeless in a week or so.  Keep your fingers crossed. Life on the streets is hard.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-63435476973142678122010-07-01T14:11:00.000+01:002010-07-01T14:11:49.378+01:00

It's the last day of packing before our move tomorrow.  My sore back and I are left to do this last day of labor alone together.  (Can something be "alone together?") What I wouldn't give to have a job right now.  This post isn't about that, though, so don't tune out. Our box count is already around 45 . . . and I'd say I have at least 25% of the house remaining to be packed.  The question I keep

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-58590673696505834872010-06-30T15:09:00.000+01:002010-06-30T15:09:17.969+01:00

I've been thinking about how much airtime (eyetime?) holidays like Christmas and Halloween got here on this blog, and how it might make you think that I don't really care much about the holidays I haven't featured (Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.).  If you did think that, you are right.  Those holidays have nothing in it for me.  I just make it through them, counting down the months until we get

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-33118353407339141742010-06-29T13:00:00.000+01:002010-06-29T13:00:04.037+01:00

Troubletron and I are moving this coming weekend.  Don't ask me where.  Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you (because some of you are crazy). But, wherever we go, it will be a temporary situation--and all the "temporary situations" we have available to us at this point are not exactly "bird friendly" (translation: they contain cats).  So, we will be taking our birds down to stay with my grandpa (

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-49520244523129920472010-06-28T21:47:00.000+01:002010-06-28T21:47:12.171+01:00

At around 2:30 p.m. today, after a morning of 99 degree weather, I noticed it was looking a bit dark and dreary outside.  I walked out onto the balcony and saw storm clouds moving at a noticeably speedy pace.  I grabbed the camera.   Watch the clouds. All photos were taken in a 3 minute span of time. They moved so quickly out of the shot--and over me--it was amazing.(other side of building) I

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-50411873601340826152010-06-28T13:00:00.000+01:002010-06-28T13:00:07.991+01:00

Last week I got this email from a potential employer at the Department of Education: Thank you for applying in response to Job Announcement No. (omitted) for the General Attorney position with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General.   We received over 2,000 applications for this position and the selection process was very competitive.  We selected two candidates who have

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-20219297053049673182010-06-26T15:15:00.001+01:002010-06-28T14:53:11.525+01:00

I don't do this very often, so please consider this one request! This cutie, to the left, is Brynn. Brynn has Retts Syndrome, a disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome, that affects only girls.  Seemingly normal babies begin exhibiting symptoms around 6-18 months old. After a normal development, they begin to see regression in speech, motor coordination and many other areas. It is

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-60707160443048575052010-06-25T16:17:00.000+01:002010-06-25T16:17:34.265+01:00

. . . to start bringing your work to the bar. Today on Family Blog:Barfoline

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-15106627454981122602010-06-24T19:41:00.001+01:002010-06-24T19:54:09.422+01:00

Troubletron may divorce me to marry my spinach burgers.  Either way, he still needs ME to get what he wants. He would do well to remember that he didn't even know what spinach tasted like until he met me!And, not just spinach . . . roasted red peppers, ciabatta bread, and feta too. More of Littletron'sridiculousness on thefamily blog!

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-90123227804815363922010-06-22T15:18:00.001+01:002010-06-22T17:07:43.065+01:00

Where will we be in three weeks? Your guess is as good as mine. New Father's Day Poston the Family Blog!

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-83243031617061416522010-06-14T22:26:00.000+01:002010-06-14T22:26:14.085+01:00

I am loving this clip of Alfred Hitchcock, essentially making a That's What She Said joke  . . . in 1929. "As the girl said to the soldier . . ."

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-3946170480304650442010-06-14T16:39:00.002+01:002010-06-14T16:46:25.522+01:00

At some point, in the not too distant past, the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie, aka "The Squeakquel," debuted in theaters and, of course, was showing at our local Regal. Sidenote: we ALWAYS choose the Regal theater because their entertainment book price is only $7 per ticket, rather than the $7.50 per ticket that AMC theaters charge.  Did you think I wouldn't notice, AMC? One day, we were

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-79130487592034697552010-06-10T20:18:00.001+01:002010-06-10T20:20:52.554+01:00

I have one. I have never felt sillier while working out in my life--and that's saying something.  Exercises and I are not natural buddies.  My body just doesn't bend, and it doesn't apologize for that.  But, yeah, the Shake Weight is just plain silly.  Yet, Troubletron does not seem to mind me doing it.  He even brings it to me from the other room, unasked, from time to time.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-81654680983009775622010-06-08T14:35:00.000+01:002010-06-08T14:35:46.138+01:00

A few weeks ago, while searching the federal government job site usajobs.gov for attorney positions, I came across a listing for a temporary and part time job as a government test administrator.  The advertisement indicated that the government often administers tests for potential employees or for military personnel.  Test administrators are needed to clearly read test instructions, ensure no one

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-17946595423082703032010-06-07T15:31:00.003+01:002010-06-07T16:24:05.230+01:00

For those of you who know more about Twitter than I, I pose this question: Is there a reason I should care if pornbots "follow" me on Twitter? I want your thoughts. It's not like I have to look at them. For invitees:There is a new post onour family blog!  Check it.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-2851061670750401352010-06-04T18:31:00.001+01:002010-06-04T20:37:26.901+01:00

It's no secret that I, Sparklebot, am an internet-sales pro-star.  I am no stranger to the ways of ebay, craigslist, and amazon sales.  I understand the subtleties of each beast, and I have, over the years, learned to successfully tame each for my own personal profit. About a year ago, Troubletron and I bought a Gumball/Candy dispensing machine from an ebay seller.  We filled it with a variety of

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-62685029739464822022010-06-03T17:01:00.000+01:002010-06-03T17:01:55.727+01:00

Many of you were outraged by my treatment at Einstein Bros Bagels last week.  And, rightfully so.  You will be happy to know that I submitted a complaint about my experience online, and am awaiting return contact.  If I don't hear back soon, I'll follow up. You may also be interested to know that THIS came in the mail yesterday:There are three Einstein's Bros Bagel locations within easy driving

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-8072036792996272682010-05-28T14:38:00.000+01:002010-05-28T14:38:23.100+01:00

Losties: For those of you who think the airplane-on-the-beach-with-no-people footage at the end of the Lost finale held some kind of MEANING--meaning that is weightier than the WORDS the producers used to explain the ending to you, through Christian Shephard--I suggest you read this article: http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/05/26/lost-final-scenes-wreckage/  You are not alone.  That footage confused

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-39771372016959446032010-05-26T14:59:00.001+01:002010-05-26T21:45:14.726+01:00

Last Saturday, as I sat watching Troubletron and his friends play soccer in the rain (stupid for a group of grown men), I turned on one of the playlists on my iPod and stared at drops of rain hitting puddles of mud-water.  I glanced up occasionally to make sure Troubletron hadn't slipped and broken his arm, rendering himself unable to work, and sealing our fate of poverty.  He says I worry too

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-52419089323496560772010-05-24T14:26:00.000+01:002010-05-24T14:26:21.329+01:00

Like about 75% of the United States, Troubletron and I watched the LOST series finale last night. If you haven't seen the finale, and may at some point watch the series, stop reading now. We felt the event was important enough to merit begging my uncle's family to let us come over and use their television access to watch the much-anticipated finale real-time, so we wouldn't have to quarantine

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-29055007486026973632010-05-21T17:49:00.001+01:002010-05-21T17:54:31.693+01:00

As I told you yesterday, I use coupons.  I am a crazy coupon hoarder.  And, usually, I will not eat somewhere or buy something out of the ordinary without having a coupon--a good coupon. About every month, Einstein Bros Bagels mails us a reusable coupon for "Free Bagel Fridays"--for months, I have been able to pop into my local Einstein's, order a bagel, and leave without paying a single penny .

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-16055567652356417092010-05-20T14:37:00.000+01:002010-05-20T14:37:13.725+01:00

Yesterday, I called a Debt Counselor. I thought it was time.  Troubletron and I have done everything we can think of to cut costs.  We live in a house with no cable or even basic channel access, like it's the 1800's.  We shop with coupons.  I've even started only washing my hair every OTHER day, to save money on shampoo--cheap, grocery store brand shampoo. Gross. But, with only one income, and

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-70179096438162501672010-05-18T21:04:00.000+01:002010-05-18T21:04:56.280+01:00

From my local Giant grocery store Sunday circular: It's been a while since I had one, but Lean Cuisine Entrees look way better than I remember.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-70751484946809365382010-05-14T02:15:00.000+01:002010-05-14T02:15:58.336+01:00

If you read my blog, and you're not a psycho-pants, I suggest you send me an email at sparklebot.troubletron@gmail.com so that you can find out how we have chosen to weather the storm.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-11449008904978423852010-05-13T14:54:00.000+01:002010-05-13T14:54:14.314+01:00

Or, in case you can't see what I see:Should I have called the police?

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-2051124045843571462010-04-28T19:40:00.000Z2010-04-28T19:40:21.479Z

I love these little posts where I just tell you what happened to me in my life and that's all. I started that "job" yesterday, like I told you I would.  It didn't work out because it was fake.  Because all the law firms that will "hire" you are not real law firms--if they were, they wouldn't be hiring right now because they'd be suffering from the recession like everybody else. Honestly, I was a

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-31041708566121004562010-04-27T12:30:00.001Z2010-04-27T12:30:01.274Z

I'm starting a new "job" today, so I won't be here to write an awesome blog entry.  Sorry. Yeah, it's a "job" in quotations, just like my last "job."  But, it's all the market has for me right now.  Let's hope for the best. And, for the record, yesterday's blog entry wasn't a desperate call for comments.  It was a desperate call for followers.  So, if you aren't a follower, maybe you should take

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-11611847736786308572010-04-26T14:39:00.000Z2010-04-26T14:39:36.352Z

This weekend, without having the kids as motivation, Troubletron and I left the house. This may not sound like the biggest deal, and may certainly not seem blog-worthy to you, but for us, it was pretty unusual.  We really don't get out much.  Our tight money situation is partially to blame, as you could have guessed from my nearly constant blog-whining.  You probably don't know, however, that

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-28607791830482816292010-04-23T14:28:00.000Z2010-04-23T14:28:21.791Z

Do you believe in ghosts? And, when I ask this, I want to know what you really believe.  Troubletron and I have been discussing this for a few weeks, ever since I found that one of the chairs on our balcony had been moved, Poltergeist style, past a table and two other chairs, facing a different direction, and pressed against the wall.  Troubletron blames the wind; but I find it hard to think the

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-69004106252020874212010-04-22T00:17:00.000Z2010-04-22T00:17:26.587Z

Does anyone else ever find yourself accidentally (through a series of links on mutual acquaintance blogs) on the blog of a mean girl from high school who now has children and writes funny, insightful things that you would want to read if they didn't come from the fingers of a girl who, at least on a few occasions, actively tried to hurt you emotionally and maybe even physically, and then feel

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-57253127180570099092010-04-21T17:44:00.000Z2010-04-21T17:44:37.361Z

1) People telling me "things will get better" or "this economy will turn around." After nearly a year of this unemployment nonsense, that sentiment sounds more and more hollow.  Yes, things HAVE TO, eventually, get better with the economy.  I know that.  Stating the obvious is not helpful.  It's not encouraging.  It doesn't warm my heart, causing it to burn with yearning for the future. Things

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-41046327801736262472010-04-20T15:07:00.000Z2010-04-20T15:07:04.305Z

Last time I went to Disneyworld (a year and a half ago, Snowbird and I went), I searched and scoured the park's many souvenir shops for Alice in Wonderland items.  You see, as a child, I watched Disney's version of Alice in Wonderland, illegally taped with our home VCR during one of the weekend sneak-peeks of the Disney channel (back when it was brand new and you had to pay for it like HBO), over

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-66221745372272459092010-04-19T14:50:00.000Z2010-04-19T14:50:47.806Z

Our third day in Orlando, at the Disney Parks, was spent at Disney's Hollywood Studios--a park dedicated to the joy of movie-making. We found ourselves on the streets of New YorkAnd Troubletron made a quick visit to San Francisco.I don't know what that pose is all about. We spent some time with our favorite Jim Henson characters:(Did you know Troubletron and I both love Muppets?  It's true) We

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-67270042475830137792010-04-16T22:01:00.000Z2010-04-16T22:01:06.834Z

I'm not going to overload you with commentary.  The pictures speak for themselves, mostly. We left for Orlando last Saturday afternoon, ready for a break from our currently more worry-than-not life.Sunday morning, waiting for the shuttle to Animal Kingdom:I know what you're thinking: Hey Sparklebot . . . your pastey skin is going to get SOO BURNED.  No need to worry.  I slathered on 100 SPF (and

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-49582322536353944752010-04-15T14:38:00.000Z2010-04-15T14:38:12.609Z

We've been out on a romantic adventure. A year and a month after our wedding elopement, my mother took pity on us and was kind enough to pay for a belated Disney honeymoon for us in our current impoverished state.  So, Troubletron and I have been in beautiful Orlando, Florida (inside the Disney compound) for the last 4 days, on someone else's dime, pretending that we aren't poor!  It has been

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-65574053371546924892010-04-09T14:26:00.000Z2010-04-09T14:26:25.064Z

I swear I JUST dusted this piece of furniture one week ago.So, you can imagine how shocked I was to see this level of dust yesterday. But, the explanation is simple. We live in a large apartment building.  And, in this apartment building (as is common, I'm finding out), the building, as a whole, can only either be on "heat" or on "AC."  Individual residents can't switch back and forth.  So, even

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-58355102105027409892010-04-08T14:02:00.000Z2010-04-08T14:02:21.586Z

We definitely dyed Easter eggs with the kids this year.  Definitely.  In fact, we dyed them in a big, collaborative family-egg-dying-spectacular event at uncle Stevetron's house with 20 cups of dye and 150 eggs and so many egg-dying implements . . . it was glorious. But, I didn't get any pictures of that because I was too busy making sure Littletron didn't spill egg dye on the rug or feed hard

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-16702911564653491652010-04-06T00:00:00.000Z2010-04-06T00:00:45.864Z

I hope you've enjoyed my blogging hiatus.  I know I have.  I used my time away to refresh and revitalize.  I hope you have done the same.  It's time to return, though.  Don't worry.  I'll ease you in with a light, picture-centric post. Troubletron's family celebrates Easter each year with a large family lunch at Troubletron's parents house, at which all the aunts and uncles and cousins and

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-34178846598307492572010-03-23T15:26:00.000Z2010-03-23T15:26:00.048Z

Last weekend, when Teenbot and Littletron were scheduled to spend the weekend with us, Teenbot's friend had a "very important" volleyball event, to which Teenbot "really needed" to go to show her friend "support."  Troubletron does not often grant such requests, since he misses and loves his children and looks forward to seeing them every other weekend.  You can imagine, I'm sure.  But, Teenbot

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-41388655108589017802010-03-22T15:03:00.000Z2010-03-22T15:03:15.437Z

For our family, the year's onset of warmth equals the start of half a year of dragging ourselves to elementary schools, churchyards, and rec centers all over Northern Virginia to watch Troubletron and his friends play real football. Every weekend, it's the same. Troubletron dominates the assembled group.And, we, as a family, support him.. . . with our FULL attention.Well, at least, we try.Though,

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-74487371050825792482010-03-18T20:28:00.000Z2010-03-18T20:28:45.764Z

I didn't wear green yesterday, because now that I'm a lawyer, I'm really only allowed to wear black.  Maybe gray.  But definitely not green.  And, anyway, I'm tired of the Irish telling me what I can and cannot do. Nobody pinched me though--I guess because we're grown-ups now.  And, also because that's battery.  Lawyers know that.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-32591438630138799252010-03-17T15:08:00.001Z2010-03-17T15:09:27.722Z

On Sunday last, the fourteen day of March in the second year of Obama, four companions set out from Rivendell Falls Church to accomplish a seemingly undoable task: to watch all three Lord of the Rings EXTENDED CUT movies in a 24 hour period.(nerd alert)Everyone got very comfortable.  A little too comfortable. We were even joined by our own tiny "eagle."  We tried to teach Beaker to save us from

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-55444115767585752732010-03-12T15:57:00.000Z2010-03-12T15:57:15.651Z

Monday: Sparklebot somehow throws out her back (exacerbates 15 year old back injury), and is unable to walk. Tuesday: Stalker harrassment Wednesday: Violent stomach virus causes Sparklebot to vomit (and more too embarrassing to mention online) for 28 hours. Thursday: Aunt and her mom get in horrible car accident. Friday:  . . . I'm just waiting.  Anything could happen. Today on BotTron PhotoI'll

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-10366256750389254102010-03-09T19:15:00.000Z2010-03-09T19:15:04.751Z

As many of my loyal readers know, I had a blog as a single woman that was pretty successful.  My readership numbers often numbered around 800 per day (which, I thought was pretty decent)--way better than our readership here on our family blog.  As that blog grew, I gained many "fans," but also many haters. I found out, as all bloggers eventually do, that there exists a certain kind of person out

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-15365267099466894222010-03-09T15:59:00.000Z2010-03-09T15:59:31.415Z

Troubletron's family threw us an extra special First Anniversary party on Sunday, to honor our special day. We re-enacted--well, we never did it the first time, so just enacted, I guess--the cake-cutting that WOULD have taken place if we had had a wedding.But, there was no shoving cake in anyone's face. That's just bad taste. Troubletron's whole family gathered, to celebrate our special day with

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-883916119094828292010-03-08T19:50:00.000Z2010-03-08T19:50:41.415Z

It's never to early to start teaching your young boys to Man-scape.Don't tell Littletron I posted this.  He's ashamed of his back hair. Today on BotTron PhotoTroubletron in orange

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-11046739974317156312010-03-05T14:59:00.001Z2010-03-05T15:47:09.958Z

A year ago (tomorrow) (but on a Friday like today), Troubletron and I were boarding a plane to Las Vegas so that my mother could meet my fiance.  It was Troubletron's first trip to Las Vegas, and I'd wager it will be his most memorable. On the Saturday night of the trip, we stood before Reverend Betty (aka, The Crypt Keeper) at the Chapel of the Bells, who was kind enough to marry us (instead

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-74849729390866639282010-03-04T15:32:00.000Z2010-03-04T15:32:31.998Z

(Beaker stalks the polka dots) Many of you expressed concern for our older bird, Marzipan, at the announcement we made earlier this week that we had given up on training her and acquired our new bird, Beaker. I'm not sure what kind of monsters you think we are, but Marzipan was not put down, taken to an animal shelter, or allowed fly out the window.  She is in her cage, in our bedroom, where she

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-71389522545047829452010-03-03T15:21:00.000Z2010-03-03T15:21:13.879Z

I know my blogging frequency has waned.  And, I don't need to explain that it's because I have a pseudo-job now, because you already know that.  What you may not know is that pseudo-jobs take just as much time as real jobs (maybe more?), but don't pay you anything because, well, you just have to accept that it's not time for pay yet. I had lunch with one of my friends from law school last

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-9075348279082434332010-03-01T16:58:00.000Z2010-03-01T16:58:39.502Z

You may remember, not long ago, Idiocorb and Jennbot humiliated Troubletron and me on our home turf in a game of Cranium.  That sting of defeat has resonated in our minds and faces for too long.  So, we invited them over for a game night rematch.  This time, we chose Ticket to Ride and Taboo (aka "The 'boo"). We started off with Ticket to Ride. Ticket to Ride is not a team game, but we sat very

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-41325631598612696272010-02-24T15:46:00.002Z2010-02-24T15:50:33.241Z

Troubletron and I stopped by my uncle's house last night to return a car we had borrowed.  Upon entering the kitchen, we found thisFamily and friends had gathered to create Peep Dioramas for the annual Washington Post Peep Diorama contest, aka the Peep Show. As I watched them cut and glue and form and create, I thought I would probably like to make a peep diorama for the contest . . .  if I had

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-57192074495182213042010-02-23T21:32:00.001Z2010-02-23T21:34:10.906Z

Sometimes I hide from the checklist of mundane things that must be done in my life. Because I just can't stand doing those things. Like folding clothes.  Or calling the leasing office to update our renter's insurance information.  Or opening the less pleasant mail. But, then things arise that I hate to have to do. Like going to the DMV.  Or changing my name on my passport and social security

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-46735758934531330872010-02-22T17:52:00.001Z2010-02-22T17:55:39.413Z

 . . though, I think knowing when to fold 'em is often the greater skill. I know many people might think that teaching your children to gamble is inappropriate.  But, they're going to learn it on TV anyway--so we might as well let them experiment in a safe environment with Star Wars cards and Monopoly money. If they're going to gamble, we'd rather them do it at home.In a safe, albeit ridiculous

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-52684968096714238232010-02-19T13:30:00.009Z2010-02-19T13:30:01.260Z

I forgot to tell you something. Last Sunday, we sat down at the crafting table as a family to make homemade Valentine's cards for whomever we wished.  What I didn't tell you is that Littletron didn't want to make Valentine's, or really, to do anything that anyone else wanted to do.  At all.  Even if he wanted to do it first, if someone else joined in, he didn't want to do it anymore.  That's just

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-67753232571334518362010-02-18T14:46:00.001Z2010-02-18T19:24:30.725Z

I sort of got a pretend job. I just blew your mind, I know.  And, now your brain is swirling with questions like, "what's a pretend job" and "what do you mean by 'sort of'?" These are good questions.  And, I'm not too proud to admit that I don't totally know the answers.  All I know is that I'm being expected to do a lot of work, with no hint of getting paid in sight. That's a step forward though

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-936952995897756102010-02-18T01:51:00.001Z2010-02-18T01:51:20.800Z

The white, snowy walls flanking every road in the land were beautiful a week ago.  Their winter-wonderlandish feel almost made the horribly dangerous driving conditions semi-pleasant. Now, it's like driving through waist-high lung cancer.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-76225473072722265882010-02-16T14:32:00.001Z2010-02-16T14:34:13.132Z

Our love countdown is over, and now, as a blog, we are left to tackle more diverse topics (like my continued unemployment and how I'm so bored)(sometimes, do you think you already know everything about me?). Since we've been blogging on theme for so long, I guess I have a few things to share to catch you up. FIRST Troubletron received the only A in his class on his first English paper in college

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-34210007826047000172010-02-15T13:59:00.000Z2010-02-15T13:59:19.841Z

Troubletron and I wanted to do something special for the kids yesterday morning, to celebrate Valentine's Day--to get everyone in the mood for the celebration of love.  So, we arose a few minutes early to make a delicious LOVE breakfast. We started with the homemade pancake mix my sister-in-law made us for Christmas. Troubletron plus powder equals disaster. He mixed it up with expert speed, until

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-52947736815921988292010-02-14T13:33:00.000Z2010-02-15T13:40:20.895Z

Have a wonderful, love-filled day!

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-67115998688966688692010-02-13T15:18:00.000Z2010-02-13T15:18:26.722Z

Each year, around mid-February, I am astonished at the number of Valentine haters that emerge from whatever hater rock they have been hiding under. Valentine's Day is stupid. Valentine's is a holiday made up by greeting card and candy companies to make more money. Valentine's is just girls' excuse to make guys feel bad about how they show affection. Whine, whine, whine.  It's the same every year

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-87305266320825766122010-02-12T13:30:00.022Z2010-02-12T13:30:00.460Z

Our final guest post was written by Jillian, who regularly posts on Sunny Little Rain Cloud.  Jillian lived in the apartment above me for a year or so when we were both attending university.   She's one of those people I lost touch with, but was happy to find again on Facebook ten years later. Enjoy--------------------------------------------------------------As I walked across the platform to

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-5508725042432627762010-02-11T13:30:00.002Z2010-02-11T13:30:00.079Z

Today's post comes from Shackles2Garlands.  Shackles has been a reader and frequent commenter on our blog for quite some time.  She lives in exotic Ohio!  Today, she shares her personal story of courtship. Enjoy------------------------------------------------------------------------- I could see him from across the grassy way, a fairly tall fellow with very long brown hair down his back and a

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-19554643784409373102010-02-10T12:30:00.001Z2010-02-10T12:30:00.124Z

I'm excited to announce that today's guest post is not from a regular blogger!  Shons has been my friend since the cheesy meet-n-greet we both attended during the summer before law school.  She helped me make it through the worst three years of my life.  She is now gainfully employed by the federal government and lives in Washington, D.C. Enjoy-----------------------------------------------------

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-42530586804055854192010-02-09T12:30:00.010Z2010-02-09T12:30:00.273Z

Today's post comes from NG, who regularly posts on Alice's Adventures Underground.  I have never met NG in real life, but she has been a frequent blog commenter for many years.  She also won a stuffed whale naming contest on my old blog at one point! Enjoy.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A couple of days ago, Sparklebot contacted me and asked if

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-87433271205609494932010-02-08T12:30:00.019Z2010-02-08T12:30:01.889Z

Today's post comes from k a t y, who regularly posts at no big dill.  k a t y and I met in high school, way back in the mid-late 1990's, in Provo, UT.  We've sewn together, taken classes together, and performed ridiculous seminary skits together.(Left to Right: k a t y, Sparklebot, Harvey) (May 1997; Middle of our "Senior Night Live" skit--I have it on VHS!!!) k a t y is now the proud mother of

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-87899073352647919042010-02-07T12:30:00.001Z2010-02-07T12:30:00.186Z

Downloading appsShoppingGeneral Tso's ChickenPopcorn at the moviesBrowniesFIFA '10 Sleeping inTextingYoga pantsPizzaManchester UnitedFlexingSnugglingStar Wars"That's what she said" jokes"That's what HE said" jokes'90s rockWearing spandex It's harder to come up with things that other people love.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-42039860795653604942010-02-06T03:33:00.000Z2010-02-06T04:08:55.754Z

Diet CokeThe smell of booksLost marathonsBeing snowed inSkeeballTulleAnthropologieHalloween through ChristmasTrivia gamesWallyballCaramel applesDr. MarioBerniniGraffitiLord of the RingsBolts of FabricCotton Candy, Corndogs, Snowcones, Funnel cakeSinging along in the carYoga pantsOld housesNice, fine-tipped markersNorth CarolinaBrown eyesIbuprofen Time Travel Romance NovelsPurple eye

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-65158799637261412592010-02-05T12:30:00.002Z2010-02-05T14:35:40.879Z

Today's post comes from two of my best friends.  Side of Jeffrey and I met in college in 1999 and became besties in a matter of hours.  His wife, Side of Caitlin, became my instant friend in 2006 when she came to DC with Jeffrey on a visit. They were married in 2007. They ordinarily post on Can I Get That With a Side of Mulcock?  They tag-teamed this blog entry at 2 a.m. while rocking their

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-14827352596171235322010-02-04T12:30:00.006Z2010-02-04T19:53:21.828Z

Today's blog post comes from Beth, who regularly posts on Visual Anarchy.  Beth lived two blocks away from me when I was thirteen and my family moved to a strange state on the other side of the country.  We were friends through high school and into college where we worked and lived together until she got married.  She introduced me to Italian sodas and A Fish Called Wanda, and taught me

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-44435334600196041452010-02-03T13:41:00.000Z2010-02-03T13:41:18.313Z

I used to have another blog. On that blog, around Valentine's Day 2007, I wrote the following post, chronicling just a few of the pathetic experiences from my Valentine's past.  The post, specifically, was about how men are, in my experience, terrible gift-givers.  Enjoy: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the past two Valentine's Days, I have

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-12885172621343922812010-02-02T17:25:00.000Z2010-02-02T17:25:12.303Z

Troubletron and I are pleased to announced that for the next 12 days (the 12 days leading up to Valentine's Day), Ped Eggs and Hamlet will present a Countdown of Love.  Each day, we will feature a love-themed blog entry. If you are afraid that you will choke on the puke that is currently rising in your throat at the mere thought of having to listen to newlyweds prattle on about how much they "

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-50376877266427359042010-02-02T15:04:00.002Z2010-02-02T15:06:16.096Z

  For the second time in less than five days, I accidentally used Troubletron's toothbrush instead of my own last night when brushing before bed. As if that wasn't weird enough, each time I have confessed my mistake, he seems flattered by my behavior. Today on Bot Tron PhotoMore Toothbrush Funwith a Chewy cameo

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-33861985938651242462010-02-01T16:47:00.000Z2010-02-01T16:47:46.821Z

I am sick.Humidifier, lozenges, Vaporub, Dayquil, Nyquil, lotion-infused Kleenexes sick. The kind of sick for which, at your 35th hour of inability to breathe, you break down into sobs.  It is the kind of situation in which you'd give up your left arm to be able to breathe normally again. I hit that point late Friday night.  Troubletron and Snowbird were tired of hearing me fruitlessly, though

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-30162723923803086662010-01-29T15:07:00.000Z2010-01-29T15:07:45.448Z

I wish I had photos to share. Snowbird and I had an eventful day yesterday.  We took some folks to the airport in exchange for use of their minivan for the rest of the week (Yep, I'm rollin' in an Odyssey.  Play on, playette). Then we hit the Costco to return some jeans that didn't fit Troubletron (his thighs are too muscular for the pants of a regular man) and to trick Snowbird into buying

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-71514210105160375592010-01-28T13:30:00.001Z2010-01-28T13:30:00.220Z

Snowbird has one goal while she visits us here in the DC area: Meet The President While I am very important in my own mind, I don't actually know the Obamas.  I'm not ballsy enough to throw on my reddest sari and try to sneak past the Secret Service.  So, I knew if I was going to be able to help Snowbird meet her goal, I'd have to try to think of some other way. And, then it hit me. Mr.

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-44906126281716565552010-01-27T12:30:00.000Z2010-01-27T12:30:00.908Z

I don't know how much you know about my mom, Snowbird.  But, one thing you should know is that she does NOT like to have her photo taken. But, she does like to have dinner with me and Troubletron!  And, that's what we did last night. I was definitely there. Troubletron and I wisked Snowbird away from her conference to the delights of Cafe Asia, where she enjoyed a dragon roll while all her

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-53063345962437965362010-01-26T15:01:00.002Z2010-01-26T16:04:19.687Z

My mom is in town. I had hoped to be able to share some wild and crazy tales with you today about what sort of insane adventures we dragged her on during the nights of her conference in DC.  However, last night, when she called from her hotel room after a long day of lawyer conference meetings, she informed us that she was too tired to hang out with us, and that she was going to bed.  At 7:30

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-41341994257215085542010-01-25T15:27:00.001Z2010-01-25T15:42:53.753Z

We celebrated Teenbot's 14th birthday over the weekend, giving us further confirmation that Troubletron and I are extremely old. All the family came to celebrate, including Teenbot's two favorite teenage aunts, Catiebot and Toribot. And, Meemawbot and Littletron, of course, were there. (Littletron had no choice) Proud Troubletron brings out the cake. Teenbot requested a cinnamon crumb cake

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-75149677794748265982010-01-22T15:01:00.000Z2010-01-22T15:01:55.127Z

So much for my dream of having over-the-knee boots. Troubletron saw me admiring these in a catalog just before Christmas time.  They were on a mega-sale, so he ordered them for me. I should have known better. I'll just bury this dream in the same hole as my old dreams of being able to sit on a plane comfortably and buying jeans off the rack in a regular store. See the top I was married in

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-8217213573222708512010-01-21T16:35:00.001Z2010-01-21T16:43:55.352Z

Here are the answers to a few things you've been wanting to know (or have been asking about). 1) A "professionalism" conference, for lawyers, is a large event in which older lawyers tell young lawyers to be nice to each other. First, they tell you to be nice to each other by putting you all in one room, sitting too close to each other, and have speaker after speaker drive home the same message:

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-72635186534217122442010-01-20T12:30:00.001Z2010-01-20T12:30:00.200Z

Today I am attending a course on "Professionalism" that is required by my Bar Association. This required course lasts 8 hours. So, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, I'll be learning about how to deal with my imaginary clients, keep my personal and nonexistent client funds separate, and what shade of suit would look most professional while sitting on my couch. I'll definitely Tweet any gems of info

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-67093776272381756452010-01-19T16:25:00.000Z2010-01-19T16:25:50.261Z

Yesterday marked the second Monday in a row when Troubletron and I were lucky enough to have a couple of wonderful friends willing to come over to our home to enjoy a delightful dinner followed by healthy competition. I slaved over a pot of homemade tomato sauce to make an extra special bowl of pasta for our friends. Troubletron eagerly waited to help stir it into the noodles. I never get a

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-8275570178072831432010-01-18T15:01:00.000Z2010-01-18T15:01:13.336Z

Last night, I fell into bed beside Troubletron with mock despair about what I should blog about today.  He pretendedly tried to soothe my fake frustration by throwing out blog ideas like "current events" and "political commentary."  And, that's why, today, I bring you OUR current events. 1) I recently dropped off some clothes at the dry cleaner.  They will be ready today. It's a discount

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-82291530816528873552010-01-15T13:10:00.002Z2010-01-15T14:13:37.790Z

Troubletron works in an industry that tends to attract workers from . . . well . . . a less than sophisticated pool of applicants. One of his coworkers, in particular, seems to be of the redneck persuasion. We call him, for ease of conversation, Redneck Rob. Each day, Redneck Rob makes priceless comments that Troubletron is actually required to respond to as if they were normal statements that

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299212805376054876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-39277635432329442662010-01-14T15:38:00.003Z2010-01-14T16:58:40.257Z

1) I just want to assure all my readers who expressed concern yesterday (about me not having a TV) that I spend Plenty of time watching TV-on-internet.  Don't you all worry.  I'm not one of those weirdos who thinks TV is bad or anything.  Rampant, unending unemployment has made us extremely poor and unable to pay the cable bill--so bye-bye TV. Have I missed it?  I can't say YES emphatically

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-83249967785507820932010-01-13T13:26:00.000Z2010-01-13T13:26:58.202Z

The dull ache of January has set in. We are hunkered down to bear it out. I wish I had some desolate pictures of ice or dead grass or the frozen Potomac to emphasize the drear of the time, but I am a car-less, unemployed person who does not leave her 16th floor apartment for weeks at a time.   I no longer have the excuse of Christmas shopping or merry-making to force me out.  I haven't even

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-21510926951453470292010-01-12T19:21:00.000Z2010-01-12T19:21:35.416Z

By now we have all seen the excerpt attributed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada from the upcoming book Game Change. If you haven't, what the H is wrong with you? He is quoted as saying in private that then-Sen. Barack Obama was "light skinned" "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." So many right wingers are FREAKING OUT about this. Is Sen. Reid racist? Is he an out

Trouble Tronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861232585061052802noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-54228254083002466992010-01-12T16:00:00.000Z2010-01-12T16:00:19.211Z

Last night, friends Idiocorb and Jennbot challenged Troubletron and me to a night of ultimate gaming championshipness and glory.  Not ones to decline a chance to prove our quality or game prowess, we accepted. (That's right.  We totally put more bulbs in the mummy lamp.  And, I strategically placed some of our Christmas candy for guest enjoyment.  EAT IT.) After a Scattergories warm-up, we

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180228911540951733.post-73473918038676253362010-01-11T14:08:00.000Z2010-01-11T14:08:58.396Z

Last night, after the children had been faithfully returned to their mother, Troubletron and I sat down together on the futon for what would be a very important marital milestone. We watched all 5 hours of the BBC's Pride and Prejudice. It was not only Troubletron's first experience with P&P, but with any Jane Austen at all.  Can you imagine not even KNOWING about Mr. Collins?  Or about what

Sparklebothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152217788781707247noreply@blogger.com7