Wow, this list was for 2008. I think that means I made none for 2009; no wonder this year was off. I'm gonna get started right nor with a list for 2010. In the meantime, enjoy this one. Five of these things I accomplished.
Quirky New Years Resolutions (for 2008)
1. Be kinder to stray animals. I must take them all home with me.
2. Eat more bread.
3. Improve my silliness.
4. Live long and prosper *holds hand in standard Spock style*
5. Drive my husband even madder than I've already made him.
6. Waste less toilet paper.
7. Write more stories involving my main characters.
8. Lick more lollipops.
9. Get fat. (Heheheh)
10. Get a job.
11. Get published. (Yay, I did in June ’08)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Next year...
I want to be with my family for at least one major holiday. We were supposed to be with my sister this Thanksgiving, but wouldn’t you guess, of course plans fell through. I feel sad-nothing was a surprise this year, at least nothing good. Okay, September Fest was good.
Otherwise, present wise, things sucked. I was told what I was getting for Valentine’s Day, but then it didn’t happen. So it was said I’d get it for my birthday, 8 mos later. Nope. In fact, 2 weeks after SF and 2 weeks before my b-day, my dog died-bad surprise! Sadly, I saw it coming, though. Then I was told what one awesome Christmas present would be, but it couldn’t happen.
What luck. Why do people tell surprises? What a let-down when they don’t happen. I hope 2010 yields all kinds of good things for me, and not just presents-those ruined surprises were just the icing on the cake. Maybe I’ll be able to work, or I’ll have a baby or something worthwhile. I’m bummed, I’m bored, I’m wasting away. There are so many things I could write down here; this just wasn’t my year at all!
I work hard, and I pray; surely those two things put together would bring good fortune. I hope 2009 brought good things to you and 2010 will be even better.
Otherwise, present wise, things sucked. I was told what I was getting for Valentine’s Day, but then it didn’t happen. So it was said I’d get it for my birthday, 8 mos later. Nope. In fact, 2 weeks after SF and 2 weeks before my b-day, my dog died-bad surprise! Sadly, I saw it coming, though. Then I was told what one awesome Christmas present would be, but it couldn’t happen.
What luck. Why do people tell surprises? What a let-down when they don’t happen. I hope 2010 yields all kinds of good things for me, and not just presents-those ruined surprises were just the icing on the cake. Maybe I’ll be able to work, or I’ll have a baby or something worthwhile. I’m bummed, I’m bored, I’m wasting away. There are so many things I could write down here; this just wasn’t my year at all!
I work hard, and I pray; surely those two things put together would bring good fortune. I hope 2009 brought good things to you and 2010 will be even better.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Earth Angel
Merry Christmas, guys.
Earth Angel
JD Rhode
Dear Diary,
I haven’t written in a while, I know. I’ve been tied up. Today is December 24th-Christmas Eve. Earlier today I was talking to a friend on my new cell phone that I begged for as an early gift. We weren’t saying anything too private-you know, talk about our jobs, what would be for dinner; just that stuff. But then, we both heard static and another conversation coming through.
At first, neither of us thought anything about it; interference like that happens sometimes. We paused and walked around every now and then to see if the other people would click out. Well, they didn’t.
My friend was getting annoyed, but I was getting scared. It was two men talking. One sounded a bit drunk, but the other talked as if he was contemplating suicide that night. He said he was going to jump off of the Ashton Bridge before midnight. His friend laughed. Then it was only my friend and I still on the line.
She assured me that that conversation could have traveled through the satellite from anywhere in the world, but our city has an Ashton Bridge, so I wasn’t even close to convinced. “Don’t get involved. It’s just some drunk guys,” she urged, but I knew it had to be more.
A lot of things raced through my mind as I scanned the park. It was almost eleven, and I hoped I wasn’t too late. I haven’t eaten since I hung up the phone talking to my friend much earlier. I wished so hard that that wasn’t a real conversation; I’d actually welcome people snickering, behind my back, at me just sitting here alone in the snow. I was the only one there until 11:15, and then I saw a man.
At first, it surprised me that he wasn’t wearing a jacket, but then I thought, if this was my man, than he probably thought he didn’t need one. I ducked behind a bench as he passed so as not to be seen yet. He seemed completely oblivious to everything around him as he made his way to the bridge. That had to be him, I thought.
I spent only a second or two wondering how hurt a person must be to even dream up such a thing as what I was seeing. It all seemed to be moving in slow motion. Then he stepped to the edge of the bridge, and that was the last minute I could stand.
“WAIT!” I shouted and ran forward. “Don’t do this.”
“Oh my God,” he turned, and I heard him say as I came closer.
I explained to him that his phone conversation earlier was accidentally heard by my friend and me, but I was so glad it was. I told him I was no expert, but I’d listen if he wanted to tell me what was wrong. He tried to tell me that it was more than I wanted to hear as he pushed back tears, but I assured him that those words didn’t even enter my thought processes. I told him I wasn’t going anywhere, and, though I just met him, I didn’t want him to, either.
To say I met a friend tonight, Diary, I think would be a slight understatement. We talked a bit, and he said he’d call me tomorrow, well technically later today. I invited him to church and brunch. Oh, he said I must have been his Earth Angel sent to him at just the right time. I guess that’s the second Christmas present I got early. I don’t think of this situation as if I did anything more special than somebody else would have done in my place, but he begged to differ. He said he wouldn’t have been here if I wasn’t.
Earth Angel
JD Rhode
Dear Diary,
I haven’t written in a while, I know. I’ve been tied up. Today is December 24th-Christmas Eve. Earlier today I was talking to a friend on my new cell phone that I begged for as an early gift. We weren’t saying anything too private-you know, talk about our jobs, what would be for dinner; just that stuff. But then, we both heard static and another conversation coming through.
At first, neither of us thought anything about it; interference like that happens sometimes. We paused and walked around every now and then to see if the other people would click out. Well, they didn’t.
My friend was getting annoyed, but I was getting scared. It was two men talking. One sounded a bit drunk, but the other talked as if he was contemplating suicide that night. He said he was going to jump off of the Ashton Bridge before midnight. His friend laughed. Then it was only my friend and I still on the line.
She assured me that that conversation could have traveled through the satellite from anywhere in the world, but our city has an Ashton Bridge, so I wasn’t even close to convinced. “Don’t get involved. It’s just some drunk guys,” she urged, but I knew it had to be more.
A lot of things raced through my mind as I scanned the park. It was almost eleven, and I hoped I wasn’t too late. I haven’t eaten since I hung up the phone talking to my friend much earlier. I wished so hard that that wasn’t a real conversation; I’d actually welcome people snickering, behind my back, at me just sitting here alone in the snow. I was the only one there until 11:15, and then I saw a man.
At first, it surprised me that he wasn’t wearing a jacket, but then I thought, if this was my man, than he probably thought he didn’t need one. I ducked behind a bench as he passed so as not to be seen yet. He seemed completely oblivious to everything around him as he made his way to the bridge. That had to be him, I thought.
I spent only a second or two wondering how hurt a person must be to even dream up such a thing as what I was seeing. It all seemed to be moving in slow motion. Then he stepped to the edge of the bridge, and that was the last minute I could stand.
“WAIT!” I shouted and ran forward. “Don’t do this.”
“Oh my God,” he turned, and I heard him say as I came closer.
I explained to him that his phone conversation earlier was accidentally heard by my friend and me, but I was so glad it was. I told him I was no expert, but I’d listen if he wanted to tell me what was wrong. He tried to tell me that it was more than I wanted to hear as he pushed back tears, but I assured him that those words didn’t even enter my thought processes. I told him I wasn’t going anywhere, and, though I just met him, I didn’t want him to, either.
To say I met a friend tonight, Diary, I think would be a slight understatement. We talked a bit, and he said he’d call me tomorrow, well technically later today. I invited him to church and brunch. Oh, he said I must have been his Earth Angel sent to him at just the right time. I guess that’s the second Christmas present I got early. I don’t think of this situation as if I did anything more special than somebody else would have done in my place, but he begged to differ. He said he wouldn’t have been here if I wasn’t.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Hypocrite
Hypocrite
JD Rhode
Today you called me a hypocrite
You said I would so readily give up a family member
After preaching how wrong it was
Well, no
That’s not true about me
It hurts me to even think I’d give up anything I deeply love
But
If it came down to my life
Or the sake of my family if I didn’t do so
You better believe I’ll do what’s necessary
To protect my own
I did once
Her name is Angie
I just thought you’d do the same
Instead you called me the hypocrite
JD Rhode
Today you called me a hypocrite
You said I would so readily give up a family member
After preaching how wrong it was
Well, no
That’s not true about me
It hurts me to even think I’d give up anything I deeply love
But
If it came down to my life
Or the sake of my family if I didn’t do so
You better believe I’ll do what’s necessary
To protect my own
I did once
Her name is Angie
I just thought you’d do the same
Instead you called me the hypocrite
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tis the Season
I started this song, but maybe somebody can help me finish it. It goes like this:
Tis the Season (song)
JD Rhode
Tis the season to be sickly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Blow your nose, and it looks icky
Fa la la la la la la la la
I can’t buy enough Kleenex
Fa la la la la la la la la
So I’ll try to sleep it off
Fa la la la la la la la la
In my comfy bed with blanket
Fa la la la la la la la la
Tis the Season (song)
JD Rhode
Tis the season to be sickly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Blow your nose, and it looks icky
Fa la la la la la la la la
I can’t buy enough Kleenex
Fa la la la la la la la la
So I’ll try to sleep it off
Fa la la la la la la la la
In my comfy bed with blanket
Fa la la la la la la la la
Today's topic: Etiquette
They’re rare, but I know a few men who are the no smoking, drinking, gambling, drug using, porn watching, women bashing, cursing (at least at their wife) type. They don’t “forget” to divulge plans, nor do they disrespect, belittle, or ignore the needs of the one they love for any reason what so ever. They don’t think of their partner as a chore or fulfill obligations because they have to but because they love that person so much, they truly want to.
Like I said, I actually know men like this, but I have a question: where was I when God issued these people? Are they still in production? Guy or girl, nobody deserves anybody who will do any of the above to you. They are scum. Don’t let yourself be tricked when someone like that says they love you-they don’t. I had to get that off my chest; it was last night’s topic in Self Defense class.
Like I said, I actually know men like this, but I have a question: where was I when God issued these people? Are they still in production? Guy or girl, nobody deserves anybody who will do any of the above to you. They are scum. Don’t let yourself be tricked when someone like that says they love you-they don’t. I had to get that off my chest; it was last night’s topic in Self Defense class.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
I want to go home
I've rarely been in a place that felt like home. When I lived with my parent(s), there were a couple houses that felt good enough to spend the rest of my life in, but most places were just houses for shelter. It is the same where I live now. To quote TDG if I may, "This house is not a home." It is just another place in which I'm living.
It's a beautiful house, and everybody else loves it, but the truth is I'm a bit scared to be here. Looking at the house, our neighbors to the left are inconsiderate, and their kids are, too. To the other side, those neighbors are outwardly nice and thoughtful, but I secretly wonder if they've got some drugs going to or from their house sometimes. The guy across the street is a pervert, who only occasionally comes by to bother me after he's been heavily smoking or drinking. I don't know the other people on the block well, which is kind of weird, because we've lived in this house for over five years. The man across the alley is an ass.
Having said that, we've never been seriously robbed or harmed. Nothing really terrible has happened here. I am very thankful for that, but this is just a house; I want to go home.
The above was written a couple years ago. Nothing has changed-my husband said, after reading that, that we should move, but no further plans were ever made. However, today, we completed an application for Extreme Home Makeover, so if that pans out, I pray it will at least ease a fear or two as we’ll be living here quite some time.
It's a beautiful house, and everybody else loves it, but the truth is I'm a bit scared to be here. Looking at the house, our neighbors to the left are inconsiderate, and their kids are, too. To the other side, those neighbors are outwardly nice and thoughtful, but I secretly wonder if they've got some drugs going to or from their house sometimes. The guy across the street is a pervert, who only occasionally comes by to bother me after he's been heavily smoking or drinking. I don't know the other people on the block well, which is kind of weird, because we've lived in this house for over five years. The man across the alley is an ass.
Having said that, we've never been seriously robbed or harmed. Nothing really terrible has happened here. I am very thankful for that, but this is just a house; I want to go home.
The above was written a couple years ago. Nothing has changed-my husband said, after reading that, that we should move, but no further plans were ever made. However, today, we completed an application for Extreme Home Makeover, so if that pans out, I pray it will at least ease a fear or two as we’ll be living here quite some time.
Opening Up
Let’s talk honestly. Maybe some of you know I’ve been clinically depressed since I was 16. I’m in my 30s now, and the only major thing that has happened since then is I made a promise to my friends Gregg and Crystal that I’d no longer physically injure myself. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to sometimes, I just don’t do it anymore.
I wish I could explain my depression, but the truth is sometimes I just can’t. However, the fact is it’s different for everybody who has it, and there are many people who have it. It could be caused from your genes, the environment around you, all sorts of stimuli, a bad relationship, the list goes on. And most people’s depression stems from more than one situation.
I’ve been asked before, “What about pills?” I’ve tried them, and for me, they don’t work. They do at first, but here’s what happens. If I’m stuck in the same environment that caused the problem, than the pills can only do so much before I find myself taking a higher dose to compensate. Then, due to my CP, taking depression pills makes me so spastic, I just cannot function properly. After about 2 ½ weeks, I hate the pills.
I’m a firm believer that anybody can overcome depression-with the right tools. I feel, even if it is genetic, environment and activity play a huge role in recovery. However, in my case, there lies a big problem. I have three degrees from college, I am not a genius, but very smart, and I am not allowed to work because my husband receives gov assist. In the state of TX, if I receive a continuous paycheck, he gets cut off. He works part time. I am bored, my intelligence is wasting away.
Also, I hate the house in which I live. I thank God for it, because I realize I have a house to live in, but it is certainly not where I envision staying till I die. I have a write-up of that in detail-I’ll post it later.
I can’t speak for everybody with depression, but sometimes all I need is for somebody to listen to me. Maybe help me fix the problem, maybe just say a word or two, maybe just listen and not judge. I basically only have two (living) people who I really talk depression to when I need to, like this moment. One I think gets me because they are depressed, too, although they live farther away. The other person lives closer, but does not understand as well and sometimes retorts angry comments like, “It’s your fault”, or “if you didn’t…”
I feel doing so is rude and immature. Depressed or not, nobody likes getting the blame or being talked to negatively. I always thought it was just common sense-if somebody comes to me with any kind of problem, I handle it positively and with love, especially if I know said person has difficulty opening up. Roughly 65-70% of the time I tell person B my troubles, I leave more upset and crying. Why do I go back? IDK.
Also recently, my 6 year old dog, whom I had for that whole 6 years, died from something that was easily preventable. It’s been 2 months, but I’m still very sad. If anybody who reads my blogs, would like to talk to me at any time, I think my contact info is on my profile, and I’d very much appreciate the kind ear.
I wish I could explain my depression, but the truth is sometimes I just can’t. However, the fact is it’s different for everybody who has it, and there are many people who have it. It could be caused from your genes, the environment around you, all sorts of stimuli, a bad relationship, the list goes on. And most people’s depression stems from more than one situation.
I’ve been asked before, “What about pills?” I’ve tried them, and for me, they don’t work. They do at first, but here’s what happens. If I’m stuck in the same environment that caused the problem, than the pills can only do so much before I find myself taking a higher dose to compensate. Then, due to my CP, taking depression pills makes me so spastic, I just cannot function properly. After about 2 ½ weeks, I hate the pills.
I’m a firm believer that anybody can overcome depression-with the right tools. I feel, even if it is genetic, environment and activity play a huge role in recovery. However, in my case, there lies a big problem. I have three degrees from college, I am not a genius, but very smart, and I am not allowed to work because my husband receives gov assist. In the state of TX, if I receive a continuous paycheck, he gets cut off. He works part time. I am bored, my intelligence is wasting away.
Also, I hate the house in which I live. I thank God for it, because I realize I have a house to live in, but it is certainly not where I envision staying till I die. I have a write-up of that in detail-I’ll post it later.
I can’t speak for everybody with depression, but sometimes all I need is for somebody to listen to me. Maybe help me fix the problem, maybe just say a word or two, maybe just listen and not judge. I basically only have two (living) people who I really talk depression to when I need to, like this moment. One I think gets me because they are depressed, too, although they live farther away. The other person lives closer, but does not understand as well and sometimes retorts angry comments like, “It’s your fault”, or “if you didn’t…”
I feel doing so is rude and immature. Depressed or not, nobody likes getting the blame or being talked to negatively. I always thought it was just common sense-if somebody comes to me with any kind of problem, I handle it positively and with love, especially if I know said person has difficulty opening up. Roughly 65-70% of the time I tell person B my troubles, I leave more upset and crying. Why do I go back? IDK.
Also recently, my 6 year old dog, whom I had for that whole 6 years, died from something that was easily preventable. It’s been 2 months, but I’m still very sad. If anybody who reads my blogs, would like to talk to me at any time, I think my contact info is on my profile, and I’d very much appreciate the kind ear.
Got Ink?
08-31-07
Going home on the bus a while back was interesting. We had gone to lunch to meet a friend of mine who I haven't seen in, oh, about 3 years or so. I missed her so much, so it was an awesome start to this beautiful holiday weekend. We got to catch up on stuff, and we all stuffed ourselves on good food, too.
I wore very short sleeves today, so all 6 of my tattoos showed. When I transferred to the second bus headed home, a woman, who I don't know, began telling me that she just didn't (couldn't) understand the mentality of someone who got something permanently marked on his/her body. My explanation was such: "My tattoos all mean something very specific and emotional to me. I could never get one just because. Having a tattoo signifies a powerful change and/or memory in my life." I said something like that anyway.
Her question to that was, "Why can't you just take a picture, keep a scrapbook, decorate your house... with that memory?" Of course I believe everybody is entitled to his/her own opinion, and I respect every thought, but I felt like she couldn't or just did not want to understand. I didn't want to go into full detail with her, not to mention, I didn't have the time, but, yes, all of my tatts mean something very special; I wouldn't have them otherwise. In order of when I got them, here goes:
1. Blue and Purple Crucifix-This is the only one which also has specific placement. On my inner forearm just above my right wrist vein, this signifies my faith in God. It was, by far, not an instant fix, but it is a reminder that I am loved. In my early teens, I was diagnosed clinically depressed, and it only seemed to get worse through my twenties. I never thought I'd make it to 21-I had it planned to kill myself by slitting my wrist. I still get depressed easily, but I'm over hurting myself for it.
2. Devil Tweetybird doesn’t have as much meaning, but still. Tweety is cute, loyal, funny, and sweet, like me, not to mention he’s my favorite Looney Toons character, but also I can be a devil sometimes, too. My husband drew it also. He’s on my left bicep.
3. Phantom Mask-Erik's Phantom of the Opera mask means more than I have the words to explain. I always get word block when trying to tell people how I feel about POTO. Has anyone seen any of the movies, read the book, etc? His character-the Phantom-is a genius, but a genius driven mad. It's sad. Each version of the movie varies, but he has a kind of love that just... Ugh, I feel like I'm not doing this tatt any justice. It sits on my right bicep.
4. Purple Dolphin-A guy I respect but don't know anymore told me about dolphins signifying freedom. This tattoo is an emblem of my freedom from the past. It also leads in to #5.
5. Green QFF around my dolphin. QFF stands for Quest for Freedom, my first novel, which I'm trying to get published. I give people many synopses, but what it basically boils down to is a man's fight for freedom. (Much earlier, I posted the QFF synopsis on here if anybody'd like to read it.) Because tatts 4 and 5 are so close together, though, people mistake them for one.
6. Red Rose-My connotation of a red rose is unconditional love, mind you, I'm not exactly sure where I got that, but that's how I feel. I possess the attribute towards my loved ones, and I hope somebody does for me, too. This rose has a black bow tied around the stem to also give props to my Phantom, which it is beside as well.
Wow, try telling all that to a woman on the bus in about 12 minutes. I, for sure, am getting 2 more, but I don't know when. My next tattoo? A four leaf clover for the Irish in me…
(Picked up writing this second half later)
7. 4 Leaf Clover-My clover is beautiful, and it does signify my Irish decent. The Irish bus driver loves it, too.
8. BC Cross-I really can’t remember if this one is 8 or 9, but the BC stands for Blue Collar (Tattoo Shop) where we’ve gotten most of our work done. Even when the guys were at the other shop, we had them tattoo us. They are great friends, so on their first year’s anniversary of opening their own shop, it was only fitting to get their logo. I’m one of them now
9. Lightning Storm Cloud-Again, 8 or 9, IDK; I’m almost definite that this one’s 8-I got them mixed up. What person holding a name like Weather Witch shouldn’t have one of these, right? For the real WW, Eric, whom I write about often; maybe you know him? I hold the deepest love for my guys. Unfortunately, it’s on the back of my right shoulder, so I don’t see it much.
10. Stabbing Westward Logo-It’s about time. Why’d it take me so long to get one? Stabbing Westward has only been my favorite band since 1995. I cried when they broke up. My tatt, however, is black with red highlights instead of just white, but I couldn’t be happier with it.
11. Blue Dragon- Remember Quest? Yeah, I finally got the dragon I’ve wanted for about seven years. This one, though, has a slight twist. You only see half his face and a set of claws. The other half is indented under my skin to signify the dragon within. My first book had barely been published when I got that. This tatt is on my right thigh, as, I believe, it’s my largest one.
12. Princess-My husband calls me Princess, and he’s been getting in to drawing ambigrams lately, so… My tatt has a crown over the word-it’s made of stars, which I love, and they’re even blue, green, and purple. This tattoo has to have more meaning for me, though, than just because my Honey says it. Let’s face it, ladies; when your Hon’s mad at you, for any reason, does he show much affection till things are back to normal? Hopefully, but… I mean, you hope they obviously still care, but if you’re like me, you still need to hear it sometimes, especially when things aren’t going well. I got this tatt cause he drew it, and, yes, I am a Princess. It’s on my left shoulder, across from my WW.
13. Gothic Girl-A cute little goth girl holding a skull is on the right side of my right leg below my knee. If you know me, do you need further explanation?
Going home on the bus a while back was interesting. We had gone to lunch to meet a friend of mine who I haven't seen in, oh, about 3 years or so. I missed her so much, so it was an awesome start to this beautiful holiday weekend. We got to catch up on stuff, and we all stuffed ourselves on good food, too.
I wore very short sleeves today, so all 6 of my tattoos showed. When I transferred to the second bus headed home, a woman, who I don't know, began telling me that she just didn't (couldn't) understand the mentality of someone who got something permanently marked on his/her body. My explanation was such: "My tattoos all mean something very specific and emotional to me. I could never get one just because. Having a tattoo signifies a powerful change and/or memory in my life." I said something like that anyway.
Her question to that was, "Why can't you just take a picture, keep a scrapbook, decorate your house... with that memory?" Of course I believe everybody is entitled to his/her own opinion, and I respect every thought, but I felt like she couldn't or just did not want to understand. I didn't want to go into full detail with her, not to mention, I didn't have the time, but, yes, all of my tatts mean something very special; I wouldn't have them otherwise. In order of when I got them, here goes:
1. Blue and Purple Crucifix-This is the only one which also has specific placement. On my inner forearm just above my right wrist vein, this signifies my faith in God. It was, by far, not an instant fix, but it is a reminder that I am loved. In my early teens, I was diagnosed clinically depressed, and it only seemed to get worse through my twenties. I never thought I'd make it to 21-I had it planned to kill myself by slitting my wrist. I still get depressed easily, but I'm over hurting myself for it.
2. Devil Tweetybird doesn’t have as much meaning, but still. Tweety is cute, loyal, funny, and sweet, like me, not to mention he’s my favorite Looney Toons character, but also I can be a devil sometimes, too. My husband drew it also. He’s on my left bicep.
3. Phantom Mask-Erik's Phantom of the Opera mask means more than I have the words to explain. I always get word block when trying to tell people how I feel about POTO. Has anyone seen any of the movies, read the book, etc? His character-the Phantom-is a genius, but a genius driven mad. It's sad. Each version of the movie varies, but he has a kind of love that just... Ugh, I feel like I'm not doing this tatt any justice. It sits on my right bicep.
4. Purple Dolphin-A guy I respect but don't know anymore told me about dolphins signifying freedom. This tattoo is an emblem of my freedom from the past. It also leads in to #5.
5. Green QFF around my dolphin. QFF stands for Quest for Freedom, my first novel, which I'm trying to get published. I give people many synopses, but what it basically boils down to is a man's fight for freedom. (Much earlier, I posted the QFF synopsis on here if anybody'd like to read it.) Because tatts 4 and 5 are so close together, though, people mistake them for one.
6. Red Rose-My connotation of a red rose is unconditional love, mind you, I'm not exactly sure where I got that, but that's how I feel. I possess the attribute towards my loved ones, and I hope somebody does for me, too. This rose has a black bow tied around the stem to also give props to my Phantom, which it is beside as well.
Wow, try telling all that to a woman on the bus in about 12 minutes. I, for sure, am getting 2 more, but I don't know when. My next tattoo? A four leaf clover for the Irish in me…
(Picked up writing this second half later)
7. 4 Leaf Clover-My clover is beautiful, and it does signify my Irish decent. The Irish bus driver loves it, too.
8. BC Cross-I really can’t remember if this one is 8 or 9, but the BC stands for Blue Collar (Tattoo Shop) where we’ve gotten most of our work done. Even when the guys were at the other shop, we had them tattoo us. They are great friends, so on their first year’s anniversary of opening their own shop, it was only fitting to get their logo. I’m one of them now
9. Lightning Storm Cloud-Again, 8 or 9, IDK; I’m almost definite that this one’s 8-I got them mixed up. What person holding a name like Weather Witch shouldn’t have one of these, right? For the real WW, Eric, whom I write about often; maybe you know him? I hold the deepest love for my guys. Unfortunately, it’s on the back of my right shoulder, so I don’t see it much.
10. Stabbing Westward Logo-It’s about time. Why’d it take me so long to get one? Stabbing Westward has only been my favorite band since 1995. I cried when they broke up. My tatt, however, is black with red highlights instead of just white, but I couldn’t be happier with it.
11. Blue Dragon- Remember Quest? Yeah, I finally got the dragon I’ve wanted for about seven years. This one, though, has a slight twist. You only see half his face and a set of claws. The other half is indented under my skin to signify the dragon within. My first book had barely been published when I got that. This tatt is on my right thigh, as, I believe, it’s my largest one.
12. Princess-My husband calls me Princess, and he’s been getting in to drawing ambigrams lately, so… My tatt has a crown over the word-it’s made of stars, which I love, and they’re even blue, green, and purple. This tattoo has to have more meaning for me, though, than just because my Honey says it. Let’s face it, ladies; when your Hon’s mad at you, for any reason, does he show much affection till things are back to normal? Hopefully, but… I mean, you hope they obviously still care, but if you’re like me, you still need to hear it sometimes, especially when things aren’t going well. I got this tatt cause he drew it, and, yes, I am a Princess. It’s on my left shoulder, across from my WW.
13. Gothic Girl-A cute little goth girl holding a skull is on the right side of my right leg below my knee. If you know me, do you need further explanation?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Uniqueness in Writing
All writers, famous or not, have their own style of writing. Maybe “style” isn’t specific enough here. What I mean is every writer has such a specific uniqueness to what they do that one can open up a title-less book, read a couple pages, and say, “Oh yeah, that’s Stephen King, all right,” or whoever it may be. I really hope that somebody does that for my books-if only one person did, I’d consider myself a great author.
So what is this unique style, and how does one get it? Life experiences, likes and dislikes, imagination, the list goes on. I thought I’d just take a couple minutes here and share with you a few things that identify my stuff as being JD Rhode’s. Has anybody noticed:
1. In all of my stories, if whoever goes out to eat, it’s always at IHOP. Why, I don’t know. I love IHOP, but it is not my favorite restaurant. Nonetheless, that’s the place to go.
2. In everything I write, story, poem, whatever, the title is always in the piece. I think this one got started by accident, but once I realized I was doing it, I liked it enough to keep it going.
3. In every story (novel, short, etc) I incorporate the music I like. Now, this one’s very hard to notice because a lot of bands are not known to many people-everybody likes a different genre of music. Here are some examples. “She could still hear what they were doing, even being three doors down the hall”; Three Doors Down, anybody? “Boss gave me a three days grace period to do my project.” Three Days Grace. However, what do I do with the bands I love that have one word names or weird names: The Dreaming, The Cure, ACDC, etc. Fear not guys; you, too, get a plug, although harder to detect. I use a whole line from a song; “Exactly what do you want from me?” she demanded in frustration. “What do You Want” by The Dreaming. Of course for that, you have to be familiar with that same song, or you’ll just read on, but if you do know it… :)
Let’s see…what else do I do? Those are the three biggies, but a magician never tells all her tricks. I guess you’ll just have to get reading. Also, I hope this inspired you to delve into you own little, unique bag of tricks for all of your works of art.
So what is this unique style, and how does one get it? Life experiences, likes and dislikes, imagination, the list goes on. I thought I’d just take a couple minutes here and share with you a few things that identify my stuff as being JD Rhode’s. Has anybody noticed:
1. In all of my stories, if whoever goes out to eat, it’s always at IHOP. Why, I don’t know. I love IHOP, but it is not my favorite restaurant. Nonetheless, that’s the place to go.
2. In everything I write, story, poem, whatever, the title is always in the piece. I think this one got started by accident, but once I realized I was doing it, I liked it enough to keep it going.
3. In every story (novel, short, etc) I incorporate the music I like. Now, this one’s very hard to notice because a lot of bands are not known to many people-everybody likes a different genre of music. Here are some examples. “She could still hear what they were doing, even being three doors down the hall”; Three Doors Down, anybody? “Boss gave me a three days grace period to do my project.” Three Days Grace. However, what do I do with the bands I love that have one word names or weird names: The Dreaming, The Cure, ACDC, etc. Fear not guys; you, too, get a plug, although harder to detect. I use a whole line from a song; “Exactly what do you want from me?” she demanded in frustration. “What do You Want” by The Dreaming. Of course for that, you have to be familiar with that same song, or you’ll just read on, but if you do know it… :)
Let’s see…what else do I do? Those are the three biggies, but a magician never tells all her tricks. I guess you’ll just have to get reading. Also, I hope this inspired you to delve into you own little, unique bag of tricks for all of your works of art.
Friday, October 30, 2009
A New Fright
A New Fright
JD Rhode
Creepy crawlers
Dress up
And candy galore are just some of the things that we expect
On this day that is never a bore
But now-a-days our kids can’t see that kind of fun
Trick-or-treating door to door at the mall shops
For fear of being stolen
Or getting poisoned goodies
Is a worse fright than anybody in a mask jumping out at you
Will we ever again see the good old days?
When kids had parties
When adults left their lights on till midnight
When the only fear of a girl or boy
Was not bringing enough bags to store their delight?
JD Rhode
Creepy crawlers
Dress up
And candy galore are just some of the things that we expect
On this day that is never a bore
But now-a-days our kids can’t see that kind of fun
Trick-or-treating door to door at the mall shops
For fear of being stolen
Or getting poisoned goodies
Is a worse fright than anybody in a mask jumping out at you
Will we ever again see the good old days?
When kids had parties
When adults left their lights on till midnight
When the only fear of a girl or boy
Was not bringing enough bags to store their delight?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Not Just Black and White
How do you view the world? As a crip (what my husband calls us disabled people, as he is one, too), I'd have to say that I have many experiences that most people don't have, likewise, I'm sure. However, a (long) while back, I was having a hard time explaining this to a friend. We were talking about golf, I believe.
I was saying how I wanted to play sometime, but I got the feeling she didn't understand. At first, I was confused; I thought the course was not accessible, however then I thought otherwise. Maybe, because most people who play golf are on two feet, it was hard to understand why or how I could play. From my knowledge of the game, though, one just (tries to) hits a ball into a hole, right, and drives the golf cart, or my chair, as the case is, to each stop. I'm not talking about professionally playing-just having some fun.
I get that kind of misunderstanding often, though. Many people assume that there is only one "right" way to do something, but being disabled, I've learned that that just isn't so. Here's an example: I always tell people I'm gonna go on a walk, or I'm gonna walk over there and... Okay, truth be told, I'm not "walking" anywhere like most of you, I'm rolling, but it's my walking. So I told this lady, "oh yeah, I walk just about everywhere I want to go." She had the nerve to answer back, "Walk; what? You mean you role, right?" Honestly, I wanted to smack that woman.
The point I'm trying to make is this: creativity counts for much. I've long ago learned that if you can't do something one way, try another way; it's not always gonna be clear-cut. Yes, I'm physically slower than the average non disabled person, but mentally, I‘m just fine, and having a good time is something nobody should have to miss. Each time we do something, we learn what works and what doesn't, but it's hardly ever just black and white.
I was saying how I wanted to play sometime, but I got the feeling she didn't understand. At first, I was confused; I thought the course was not accessible, however then I thought otherwise. Maybe, because most people who play golf are on two feet, it was hard to understand why or how I could play. From my knowledge of the game, though, one just (tries to) hits a ball into a hole, right, and drives the golf cart, or my chair, as the case is, to each stop. I'm not talking about professionally playing-just having some fun.
I get that kind of misunderstanding often, though. Many people assume that there is only one "right" way to do something, but being disabled, I've learned that that just isn't so. Here's an example: I always tell people I'm gonna go on a walk, or I'm gonna walk over there and... Okay, truth be told, I'm not "walking" anywhere like most of you, I'm rolling, but it's my walking. So I told this lady, "oh yeah, I walk just about everywhere I want to go." She had the nerve to answer back, "Walk; what? You mean you role, right?" Honestly, I wanted to smack that woman.
The point I'm trying to make is this: creativity counts for much. I've long ago learned that if you can't do something one way, try another way; it's not always gonna be clear-cut. Yes, I'm physically slower than the average non disabled person, but mentally, I‘m just fine, and having a good time is something nobody should have to miss. Each time we do something, we learn what works and what doesn't, but it's hardly ever just black and white.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Cerebral Palsy
I got most of this information from the web (aside from my personal comments, of course), but that was some time ago, so please don't freak out that I'm not quoting the sites.
I have cerebral palsy, and I think it's very important that people know exactly what that is before ignorance kicks in and misconceptions are made. So, here you go:
What is the Definition of Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movements and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development, or during infancy. It can also occur before, during or shortly following birth.
"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "Palsy" to a disorder of movement or posture. If someone has cerebral palsy it means that because of an injury to their brain (cerebral) they are not able to use some of the muscles in their body in the normal way (palsy). Children with cerebral palsy may not be able to walk, talk, eat or play in the same ways as most other children.
Cerebral palsy is neither progressive nor communicable. It is also not "curable" in the accepted sense, although education, therapy and applied technology can help persons with cerebral palsy lead productive lives. It is important to know that cerebral palsy is not a disease or illness. It isn't contagious and it doesn't get worse. Children who have cerebral palsy will have it all their lives.
Cerebral palsy is characterized by an inability to fully control motor function, particularly muscle control and coordination. Depending on which areas of the brain have been damaged, one or more of the following may occur:
• muscle tightness or spasm
• involuntary movement
• disturbance in gait and mobility
• abnormal sensation and perception (I don’t have that)
• impairment of sight, hearing or speech (My hearing is fine, and I only have minor impairment w/the others)
• seizures (I don’t have that)
Cerebral palsy is a broad term which encompasses many different disorders of movement and posture. To describe particular types of movement disorders covered by the term, pediatricians, neurologists, and therapists use several classification systems and many labels. To understand different types of cerebral palsy more clearly, you must first understand what professionals mean by muscle tone.
All children with cerebral palsy have damage to the area of the brain that controls muscle tone. As a result, they may have increased muscle tone, reduced muscle tone, or a combination of the two (fluctuating tone). Which parts of their bodies are affected by the abnormal muscle tone depends upon where the brain damage occurs.
There are three main types of cerebral palsy:
• Spastic Cerebral Palsy
(stiff and difficult movement)
• Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
(involuntary and uncontrolled movement)
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
(disturbed sense of balance and depth perception)
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy
There may be a combination of these types for any one person.
I’m special; I’m a mixed breed, lol.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy:
About 10 percent of children with cerebral palsy have what is known a mixed-type cerebral palsy. These children have both the tight muscle tone of spastic cerebral palsy and the involuntary movements of athetoid cerebral palsy. This is because they have injuries to both the pyramidal and extrapyramidal areas of the brain. Usually the spasticity is more obvious at first, with involuntary movements increasing when the child is between nine months and three years old. The most common mixed form includes spasticity and athetoid movements, but other combinations are also possible.
I have cerebral palsy, and I think it's very important that people know exactly what that is before ignorance kicks in and misconceptions are made. So, here you go:
What is the Definition of Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movements and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development, or during infancy. It can also occur before, during or shortly following birth.
"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "Palsy" to a disorder of movement or posture. If someone has cerebral palsy it means that because of an injury to their brain (cerebral) they are not able to use some of the muscles in their body in the normal way (palsy). Children with cerebral palsy may not be able to walk, talk, eat or play in the same ways as most other children.
Cerebral palsy is neither progressive nor communicable. It is also not "curable" in the accepted sense, although education, therapy and applied technology can help persons with cerebral palsy lead productive lives. It is important to know that cerebral palsy is not a disease or illness. It isn't contagious and it doesn't get worse. Children who have cerebral palsy will have it all their lives.
Cerebral palsy is characterized by an inability to fully control motor function, particularly muscle control and coordination. Depending on which areas of the brain have been damaged, one or more of the following may occur:
• muscle tightness or spasm
• involuntary movement
• disturbance in gait and mobility
• abnormal sensation and perception (I don’t have that)
• impairment of sight, hearing or speech (My hearing is fine, and I only have minor impairment w/the others)
• seizures (I don’t have that)
Cerebral palsy is a broad term which encompasses many different disorders of movement and posture. To describe particular types of movement disorders covered by the term, pediatricians, neurologists, and therapists use several classification systems and many labels. To understand different types of cerebral palsy more clearly, you must first understand what professionals mean by muscle tone.
All children with cerebral palsy have damage to the area of the brain that controls muscle tone. As a result, they may have increased muscle tone, reduced muscle tone, or a combination of the two (fluctuating tone). Which parts of their bodies are affected by the abnormal muscle tone depends upon where the brain damage occurs.
There are three main types of cerebral palsy:
• Spastic Cerebral Palsy
(stiff and difficult movement)
• Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
(involuntary and uncontrolled movement)
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
(disturbed sense of balance and depth perception)
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy
There may be a combination of these types for any one person.
I’m special; I’m a mixed breed, lol.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy:
About 10 percent of children with cerebral palsy have what is known a mixed-type cerebral palsy. These children have both the tight muscle tone of spastic cerebral palsy and the involuntary movements of athetoid cerebral palsy. This is because they have injuries to both the pyramidal and extrapyramidal areas of the brain. Usually the spasticity is more obvious at first, with involuntary movements increasing when the child is between nine months and three years old. The most common mixed form includes spasticity and athetoid movements, but other combinations are also possible.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Cutest Dog in America
Why am I doing this? I'm not exactly sure. Could it be to get my name out there? Maybe. Or is it the one million dollar first place prize attached to it? That has a really nice ring, but honestly I'm sure I don't have enough votes to win.
I love animals but especially dogs. I had four of them. I won't go into details in this blog, but now I have two: a black Lab and a Shih Tzu. I entered my two year old Shih Tzu, Hollywood, in the Cutest Dog in America Competition because I truly believe that he is the cutest dog in America. The picture I posted is great, but a still-frame just can't quite capture his lovable personality.
If anybody reads this, please go to the site I pasted below and vote for my Hollywood. Registration is free, and you can vote once a day. I'm not gonna lie; the money would definitely help, but there's more to life than money. The contest is almost over, though, so please vote often. Thanks very much.
Direct link to your photo...
http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=3E1BBBD9D4F431CA1CA8B8E4AE78B26B
I love animals but especially dogs. I had four of them. I won't go into details in this blog, but now I have two: a black Lab and a Shih Tzu. I entered my two year old Shih Tzu, Hollywood, in the Cutest Dog in America Competition because I truly believe that he is the cutest dog in America. The picture I posted is great, but a still-frame just can't quite capture his lovable personality.
If anybody reads this, please go to the site I pasted below and vote for my Hollywood. Registration is free, and you can vote once a day. I'm not gonna lie; the money would definitely help, but there's more to life than money. The contest is almost over, though, so please vote often. Thanks very much.
Direct link to your photo...
http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=3E1BBBD9D4F431CA1CA8B8E4AE78B26B
My Intro
Hello. I'm still trying to figure all this out and can't quite get it. I hope it detours nobody from reading what I have to say. My name is Joey. I write novels and poetry. I'm always thinking. I like the outdoors and love cold weather. Enough about me for now; I have to figure out why my profile says 'my intro' and how to change it...
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