At least in the stores. I never understood why anyone would want to shop at 4am. Seriously, I hate shopping and I hate mornings so really, doesn't make sense to me. I might go up to Target tomorrow because they have Psych season 2&3 DVDs for $12.99. As for presents, I need to do a bit more research for my brother and his family who will be down. I really don't know what they like, plus it needs to be small since they're flying.

Thanksgiving was quiet. I tried to watch the Macy's parade but I couldn't get into it for some reason. As dinner was only four of us, we did chicken instead of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans. My brother flew down from CT and he got in around 4:30 so we had dinner regular time. We played 3 games of pinochle and my brother and I beat Mom and Dad 3-0.

My brother then said he was ready to watch Life on Mars which made me happy. He had seen the US version but agreed with the rest of the world that the original is loads better. He liked John and Phil's acting and the Sam/Gene dynamic which was so missing in the remake. This morning he told me he wanted to take in some more.

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from Johnny Tremain

1. It's Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It) --The Rolling Stones
2. Seconds -- U2
3. In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening -- Bette Midler (this version)
4. Don't You Forget About Me -- Simple Minds
5. Maggie Mae(May) -- Rod Stewart

This Week

Back to Christmas-themed quotes
But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest.

1. ...Half a love never appealed to me If your heart, it never could yield to me
2. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
3. This happened once before, When I came to your door,
4. Woke up this mornin' feelin' fineThere's somethin' special on my mind
5. When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand

OK, I feel somewhat accomplished as I have nearly finished off a fic that has been sitting around for over a year. It's an original fic and I thought I'd be clever and have it all in one POV. Finished, I sent it to my harshest critic (and pretty much the first online friend) and he sneds it back saying that he's rather impressed by the single POV but it doesn't really work with the fic. So I had to insert sections to counteract him and rewrite a number of scenes at the end. It has been resent tonight. Yay!

(All the following fanfics involve Alan Kelly, the original character from the above fic series who is a time traveler)

Now i really should attempt to get back to my ongoing series where Alan meets all the Doctor's incarnations. I even posted polls in different comms to figure out what time perios, which companions, and what villians to use. I even have a general idea (read: bare skectch of an idea) for a First Doctor fic set in the Regency with Susan, Barbara and Ian. No idea of a villan yet though so destination back-burner.

So, maybe I should pick up that recent story of Alan meeting up with Ten and Donna. Got so far and forgot what I had planned. I need to re-read or send out in the hopes someone can poke it back to life. (I actually have more comatose fics if anyone's interested!*)

But wait, there's that Merlin fic that I've started. Alan ends up in Camelot and helps Merlin and Arthur as they're attacked by bandits (could change) without knowing who they are. Actual plot really hasn't formed yet.

Oh, and how could I forget the Sarah Jane Adventures fic that's been brewing since Alan's already met her. It starts in Washington DC with Maria and her dad when they save Alan after he's been attacked by an alien. For some reason, takes them back to London and the rest of the gang.

*These fics include:
~ a Fifth Doctor/Nyssa fic set during the American Revolution
~ a Pretender/Stargate-SG1 crossover involving the traveling King Tut exhibit
~ a Sentinel fic with a different original character (a sequel to a previous fic. If interested, I'll give you the link to that)
~ a Remember WENN fic that's part of a series
~ a "Whoniverse" fic using original characters that started in a RPG
(I can send the exisiting bits to anyone who's interested)

First off, watched Waters of Mars Sunday and it was phenomenal. I know I'll watch a few more times before Christmas and The End of Time.

Things here are progressing slowly with writing and stitching. Seems I really have to force myself to do anything. I already have plot beginnings for other stories floating in my head. Next week is a 4 day work week because of Thanksgiving so it's Sunday through Wednesday. My brother comes down Thursday afternoon and leaves Saturday morning so everything works out well. As he expressed an interest but (i assume) never got around to it, I'll see if I can sit him down to watch some Life on Mars.

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from A Midsummer Night's Dream

1. That's All -- Genesis
2. Missing -- Everything but the Girl
3. The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill -- The Beatles
4. Start Me Up -- The Rolling Stones
5. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes -- the Platters

This Week

"Don't touch me! Don't touch me with that dreadful hand!" (HINT: Children's book, Newberry Medal Winner 1944, revolution)

1. If I could stick my pen in my heart,I would spill it all over the stage.
2. ...Lightning flashes across the sky East to west, do or die
3. Sue wants a barbeque.Sam wants to boil a ham.
4. Won't you come see about me? I'll be alone, dancing you know it baby
5. ...It's late September and I really should be back at school

Friday the 13th, so far so good. The weather is nice down here (low to mid 70s) and I actually went out and walked for the first time in months. I might even attempt to make a start on cleaning out my closet--or at least straightening out the stuff I just throw in there.

I'm feeling very pleased with the progress of my original fic. I just need to create some planet names and wait on a fight scene that I contracted out. WHen I feel it's ready, I'll send to my beta who recommended the changes.

I did get some stitching done and it's back in the scroll frame. (I had it in a hoop for the edges.) With today and tomorrow off, I should get some done.

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from Wuthering Heights

1. Spring Fever -- Orleans
2. Runaround Sue -- Dion and the Belmonts
3. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man of Mine -- from Showboat
4. You Make Lovin' Fun -- Fleetwood Mac
5. Shop Around -- Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

This Week

"Lord, what fools these mortals be!"

1. Just as I thought it was going alright I find out I'm wrong, when I thought I was right
2. I step off the train I'm walkin' down your street again
3. He went out tiger hunting with his elephant and gun
4. ....I've been running hot You got me ticking gonna blow my top
5. They asked me how I knew My true love was true

For The Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

I had intended to start this yesterday...

For the next three days I will (read:plan to) post relevant to the time.




In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
~~John McCrae (1872-1918)

Well, today was planned to be productive, clean and dust my room but so far, nothing. I did strip the bed and washed the sheets but I do that every week. No, I think I will actually have to turn off the computer and try to work. To that end, I'm posting now.

My writing is coming along well. My one original fic that needed an overhaul is well on its way to completion. Maybe a few more scenes. I actually wrote a short fic for Psych, my first, which I am rather pleased with as it got some nice reviews.

My stitching, well, that's moving a bit slower. I will try to make myself work on it later this afternoon when I watch the Legend of the Seeker marathon I taped last night.

Tomorrow is sister "George's" 50th birthday and I unfortunately will still be here in Florida. However, I have requested many photos and video if possible.

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from Romeo and Juliet

1. Sympathy for the Devil -- Rolling Stones
2. Our House -- Madness
3. Tired of Waiting -- The Kinks
4. You're Beautiful -- James Blunt
5. All These Things That I've Done -- The Killers

This Week

"The whole world is a dreadful collection of memoranda that she did exist and I have lost her!"

1. It can happen any time of year, but baby it's whenever you're near
2. Here's my story, its sad but true It's about a girl that I once knew
3. Oh listen, sister I love my mister man
4. Sweet wonderful you, You make me happy with the things you do
5. When I became of age my mother called me to her side She said 'son you're growing up now, pretty soon You'll take a bride

I was just feeling a little artsy so I've been taking photos of Floriday sunsets to share.

(I think I spelled that right.) I remember one birthday when I was in 6th or 7th grade and Co stuck a note with the above scribbled on it into one of my notebooks so when I opened it, out came the note. Then there was the usual scribbling on the mirror in lipstick, always interesting to wake up to.

Today I planned to sleep in, having the alarm set for 5:30 everyday since last Saturday really takes it out of a person. So what happens? I wake up around 6:30, roll back to sleep but wake up at 7:30 with a nasty sinus headache that still hasn't gone away. At least I'm off work.

Oh, and Hez, since you said pictures of our family are fun, I have one that my sister-in-law emailed last night from the wedding.

( Say Cheese )

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

1. Linger -- The Cranberries
2. All You Want -- Dido
3. When the World Is Running Down -- the Police
4. It's In His Kiss (Shoop-Shoop Song) -- Betty Everett
5. On and On -- Stephen Bishop

This Week

"O, I am fortune's fool...then I defy you, stars"

1. Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste
2. Father wears his Sunday best, Mother's tired, she needs a rest
3. ...I was a lonely soul I had nobody till I met you
4. My life is brilliant. My love is pure.
5. When there's nowhere else to run Is there room for one more son

I apologize for the delayed entry. I was talking with Co this morning and she told me that I need to do other posts, not just my quiz. I do, sometimes when there are topics that intrigue me or I want to share something. Right now, I've just been forgetting to post even the quiz so bear with me if it tends to be the same-old, same-old.

Anyway, my sister "George" (on the Weasley scale) is having a landmark birthday in a couple weeks and I've been working on a CD compilation which is always fun to piece together. Just the other day my brother-in-law said he'd like to do a surprise party, mainly just family, so I began looking at flights and no matter how I cut it, it would be $300 for the weekend. Really can't afford that now, especially with the new car payments. I'll send the CDs to "Fred", the responsible sister, and she can take it along to the party. I just want many pictures to be taken and shared.

The stitching, well, let's just say I haven't been working on it as much as I would like. The writing is coming along and soon I'll be able to merge the two parts together and rewrk the end a bit. If anyone is good at choreographing fight scenes, I need one done and I promise to give credit!

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from The Old Man and the Sea

1. Stepping Out -- Joe Jackson
2. Street Fighting Man -- Rolling Stones
3. Stop Sobbin' -- Pretenders
4. Hold Me -- Fleetwood Mac
5. All Together Now -- Beatles

This Week

" 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle." (children's lit)

1. If you, if you could return, Don't let it burn, don't let it fade
2. I'd like to watch you sleep at night To hear you breathe by my side
3. Turn on my V.C.R. Same one I've had for years
4. Does he love me, I wanna know How can I tell if he loves me so
5. Down in Jamaica They got lots of pretty women

OK, little happening here in the way of, well, anything. I've been ignoring my stitching though I plan to make up for it tonight while watching Flash Forward. On the writing front, my TOC-Ten-Donna fic stalled and I've now moved on to or a previous fic. I had originally planned to do a fic completely in one POV of a character abducted and tortured while on suspension so no one realizes he's missing for about a week. (That's a little seed you planted, dakfinv!) After sending it to beta, the recommendation came back to work a concurrent plot with his brother and friends trying to find him. That's the part I'm working on.

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from "The Scottish Play" by Shakespeare.

1. Handle with Care -- Travelling Wilburys
2. Louie Louie -- Kingsmen
3. Teach Your Children -- Crosby Stills & Nash (was Young there?)
4. Three Little Birds -- Bob Marley
5. All Because of You -- U2

This Week

"I have never seen or heard of such a fish.But I must kill him. I am glad we do not have to try to kill the stars."

1. Now -The mist across the window hides the lines But nothing hides the colour of the lights that shine
2. Ev'rywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, boy
3. ...Theres one thing you gotta do To make me still want you
4. Can you understand me Baby, dont you hand me a line
5. 1 2 3 4 Can I have a little more

I say this because my folks and my aunt got rear-ended Saturday on the way to a funeral no less. The young men (Mom called them boys) who hit them called 911 and there were police, paramedics and firemen. They were checked out and there were no injuries. While Dad stayed with the car (totalled btw) my mom and my aunt were "escorted" to the church in the ambulance. They were fine the next day and went out the breakfast as usual. Monday they used my car and drove all over getting papers signed etc. They rented a Chevy Malibu from Enterprise and today the bought a new (used) car: a 2006 Toyota Camry which is just a newer model of the car they lost. Near the same color too from what Mom says. I'm off Friday so we'll go get it then.

Other than that, all is well here.

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

1. Why Don't You Do Right? -- Benny Goodman Orchestra ft. Peggy Lee

2. I Missed Again -- Phil Collins
3. Sweet Home Alabama -- Lynyrd Skynyrd
4. Bridge Over Troubled Water -- Simon & Garfunkel
5. A Day in the Life -- the Beatles

This Week

Life's...a tale/Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/Signifying nothing (I had to memorize this full passage in high school)

1. Been beat up and battered round Been sent up, and Ive been shot down
2. ...Fine little girl waits for me Catch a ship across the sea
3. You, who are on the road Must have a code That you can live by.
4. Dont worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be all right.
5. I was born a child of grace Nothing else about the place

Happy Birthday to coquillagement! Have yourself a fabulous day!

I said I'd post Sunday and here it is Tuesday. Well, back to work at that lovely 5:30 am schedule and I've had nasty headaches my first 2 days back. Hmm, why is that? Anyway, really didn't get as much writing or stitching done as I had hoped but I did some. I've caught up on all seven series of Spooks so I'll be ready when that starts up soon. I've also started re-watching Psych which I have loved from the beginning. I still find myself laughing at Shawn and Gus. Really, who wouldn't? Sarah Jane Adventures start in a few weeks (Oct 15, I believe) so that should be fun, especially the episodes around my birthday! (Those in the know know why)

Last Week's Answers

The quote was from Catcher in the Rye

1. You're Beautiful -- James Blunt
2. Mambo Number 5 -- Lou Bega
3. Fade to Grey -- Visage
4. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
5. For What It's Worth -- Buffalo Springfield

This Week

"A person who pulls himself up from a low environment via the boot-strap route has two choices. Having risen above his environment, he can forget it; or, he can rise above it and never forget it and keep compassion in his heart for those he has left behind him in the cruel ep climb."

1. You had plenty money, 1922 You let other women make a fool of you
2. So you finally came right out and said it girl What took you so long
3. Big wheels keep on turning Carry me home to see my kin
4. When youre weary, feeling small,
5. I read the news today oh, boy About a lucky man who made the grade

To make up for my delayed entry, I'm posting today which means I can post again Sunday to be back on schedule. Vacation has been going along nicely and yesterday I got to clean out my desk (which needed it desperately, believe me). Today will be for the bathroom. I've been getting some writing done and some stitching though not as much as I would have liked in either category.

Last Week's Answers

The Quote was from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

1. Where the Streets Have no Name -- U2
2. Come Together -- the Beatles
3. As Time Goes By -- Dooley Wilson (from Casablanca)
4.
5. Livin' La Vida Loca -- Ricky Martin

This Week

"Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules."

1. My life is brilliant. My love is pure
2. One, two , three four, five everybody in the car so come on let's ride
3. One man on a lonely platform One case sitting by his side
4. If you need somebody, call my name
5. There's something happening here What it is ain't exactly clear

I had my email read on the "Bigger on the Inside" podcast! The last episode they got to talking about actors who were in the classic series and the new. I researched and sent a list. Ooh, made me grin like an idiot!

01. If you'd like, comment to this entry saying 'ICONS!' and I will pick 6 of your icons.
02. Make an entry in your own journal and talk about the icons I picked!

( Pretty Pics this way! )

ETA For ashavah( here )

I had absolutely no concentration today. I had plans to get some writing done and some stitching as well as trying to read. I couldn't do anything past five minutes. It's not even 10 and I'm already changed for bed. This is weird. I'm off tomorrow and yet I feel so exhausted. To prove how I can't handle anything with depth at the moment, I've been watching 'tween shows on Nick. I have a feeling I will sleep well tonight and hopefully not wake too early in the morning.