INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2689,1,'2010-12-14 16:54:26','2010-12-14 23:54:26','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity </strong></a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew it was a blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  The email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All while making the world a better place.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> booksigning.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-9','','','2010-12-14 16:54:26','2010-12-14 23:54:26','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2690,1,'2010-12-14 16:58:30','2010-12-14 23:58:30','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity </strong></a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew it was a blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  The email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>All while making the world a better place.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-10','','','2010-12-14 16:58:30','2010-12-14 23:58:30','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2691,1,'2010-12-14 17:04:06','2010-12-15 00:04:06','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Nonconformity </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-11','','','2010-12-14 17:04:06','2010-12-15 00:04:06','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2692,1,'2010-12-14 17:04:14','2010-12-15 00:04:14','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Nonconformity </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-12','','','2010-12-14 17:04:14','2010-12-15 00:04:14','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2693,1,'2010-12-14 17:04:48','2010-12-15 00:04:48','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Nonconformity </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-13','','','2010-12-14 17:04:48','2010-12-15 00:04:48','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2694,1,'2010-12-14 17:05:33','2010-12-15 00:05:33','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Nonconformity </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-14','','','2010-12-14 17:05:33','2010-12-15 00:05:33','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(2695,1,'2010-12-14 17:06:02','2010-12-15 00:06:02','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Nonconformity </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-15','','','2010-12-14 17:06:02','2010-12-15 00:06:02','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(2696,1,'2010-12-14 17:06:23','2010-12-15 00:06:23','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Nonconformity </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-16','','','2010-12-14 17:06:23','2010-12-15 00:06:23','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(2697,1,'2010-12-14 17:07:52','2010-12-15 00:07:52','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Nonconformity </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\n </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\n </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-17','','','2010-12-14 17:07:52','2010-12-15 00:07:52','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2439-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(2698,1,'2010-12-16 08:45:17','2010-12-16 15:45:17','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2699\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Jennie from the Block (who now thinks she&#39;s Shania Twain) and Me (apparently a Dominatrix in the Gaming World)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2699 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I listened to tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  <em>That </em>room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','publish','open','open','','day-79-video-gaming-encouraged-at-work-who-knew','','','2010-12-16 08:40:00','2010-12-16 15:40:00','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2698',0,'post','',2),(2699,1,'2010-12-14 21:35:23','2010-12-15 04:35:23','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-155','','','2010-12-14 21:35:23','2010-12-15 04:35:23','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2700,1,'2010-12-14 21:36:36','2010-12-15 04:36:36','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-156','','','2010-12-14 21:36:36','2010-12-15 04:36:36','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2701,1,'2010-12-14 21:33:10','2010-12-15 04:33:10','','Day 79:  Video Game Break ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision','','','2010-12-14 21:33:10','2010-12-15 04:33:10','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2698-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2702,1,'2010-12-14 21:40:00','2010-12-15 04:40:00','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertbotanical/4172311621/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2648\" title=\"4172311621_f21e59a772\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/4172311621_f21e59a772-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>Are there things in your life that you\'ve always wanted to try but you put off until \"next year\" for whatever reason?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since I moved to my fair city in \'95, I have wanted to go to the <a href=\"http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Desert Botanical Garden\'s Las Noches de las Luminarias</strong></a>.   Some years I missed the boat and they sold out.  Some years I couldn\'t find anyone interested in accompanying me.  Some years I found my schedule too full and procrastinated with \"next year\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well...this is the year of Carpe Diem-ing, right?  I found a friend who wanted to go, and I committed to purchasing a ticket online.  No excuses this year.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And then the airlines stranded my friend in a city far, far away.  Who wants to go to an EVENT alone???  I\'ve dined alone and even seen shows on my own all over the U.S. and Canada, but attend a HOLIDAY EVENT alone?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ugh.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was going to suck it up and do it in the spirit of this blog, but...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svennykins swooped in and saved the day as my Escort/Knight in Shining Armor.  Thanks, Svenny!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After a monumental traffic jam, limited parking, and Svenny swearing like a truck driver from the stress, we arrived to an enchanting setting of twinkling lights and EIGHT THOUSAND hand-lit luminaria bags.  The scenery had a sedating effect on Svenny, and he promptly chilled out.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is an evening like no other.  If you live in my fair city, you must go. <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Buy your tickets online NOW</strong> </a>as they sell out before the weekend.  Las Noches de las Luminarias runs December 16th - 30th.  (Closed on the 24th and 25th.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Here are my tips for a Luminarias Night to Remember: </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>The event is from 5:30 - 9:30.  Since Svenny and I are under the age of 65, we thought it was perfectly acceptable to show up at a more reasonable time of 7 p.m.  Mistake!  Go at 5:30 to avoid the traffic, park, and have time to enjoy the multitude of musical talent postioned throughout the garden. </li>\n	<li>EAT BEFORE YOU GO!  Desert Botanical Garden rocks on so many levels, but they are in dire need of a new caterer.  If you are o.k. with mediocre food (i.e., you\'re not a food snob like me), then don\'t worry about it .  But somehow this caterer even managed to screw up the hot cocoa and whipped cream. HOW is that possible???</li>\n	<li>Instead of spending money on crap food, get thee to the Gift Shop and support local artists and musicians.  Go early or you\'ll want to beat traffic at the end of the evening and never make it in. </li>\n	<li>Wander aimlessly around the garden and soak in the breathtaking sights as well as the sounds of gifted musicians of all genres.  (Svenny kept trying to reference his map, but it\'s really dark out there and who needs a map??  Wander, people, wander!) </li>\n	<li>On your sights and sounds tour, save <span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Scott Jeffers and Traveler</strong></span> for you final destination.  Leave yourself time, and park yourselves there for the rest of the evening.  Trust me on this one.  As we approached, I joked to Svenny that I heard Charlie Daniels in the distance.  But the violin quickly morphed into something reminiscent of that brilliant gypsy scene in <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VshLGLVDPq4\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>The Red Violin</strong></em> </a>and then evolved again into something very <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2SR_P-_98s\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Loreena McKennitt</strong></a>-esque. </li>\n	<li>You will be so blown away by <span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Scott Jeffers and Traveler</strong></span>, that you will want to purchase their CDs pronto.  As of today, you have 11 days to enjoy their Christmas recording.  Please visit Traveler\'s website at <a href=\"http://travelerworldmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://travelerworldmusic.com/</strong></a>.   <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>For those of you who live outside of my fair city, what holiday events take place in your neck of the woods that you have always wanted to check out?  Please share in the comments section below.</p>','Day 77:  Las Noches de las Luminarias ','','inherit','open','open','','2637-autosave','','','2010-12-14 21:40:00','2010-12-15 04:40:00','',2637,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2637-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2703,1,'2010-12-15 09:06:45','2010-12-15 16:06:45','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-18','','','2010-12-15 09:06:45','2010-12-15 16:06:45','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(2705,1,'2010-12-15 09:09:25','2010-12-15 16:09:25','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-20','','','2010-12-15 09:09:25','2010-12-15 16:09:25','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(2704,1,'2010-12-15 09:07:31','2010-12-15 16:07:31','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally hold sacred and reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-19','','','2010-12-15 09:07:31','2010-12-15 16:07:31','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(2706,1,'2010-12-15 09:10:43','2010-12-15 16:10:43','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-21','','','2010-12-15 09:10:43','2010-12-15 16:10:43','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(2707,1,'2010-12-15 09:29:57','2010-12-15 16:29:57','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So whenChris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon this coming June 4th - 5th, I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-22','','','2010-12-15 09:29:57','2010-12-15 16:29:57','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(2709,1,'2010-12-15 09:33:20','2010-12-15 16:33:20','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And the fun of Non-Conformity contiues couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-24','','','2010-12-15 09:33:20','2010-12-15 16:33:20','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(2708,1,'2010-12-15 09:30:54','2010-12-15 16:30:54','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-23','','','2010-12-15 09:30:54','2010-12-15 16:30:54','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(2710,1,'2010-12-15 09:33:57','2010-12-15 16:33:57','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>And the fun of Non-Conformity continues coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-25','','','2010-12-15 09:33:57','2010-12-15 16:33:57','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(2711,1,'2010-12-15 09:34:34','2010-12-15 16:34:34','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And the fun of Non-Conformity continues coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-26','','','2010-12-15 09:34:34','2010-12-15 16:34:34','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(2712,1,'2010-12-15 09:35:02','2010-12-15 16:35:02','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The fun of Non-Conformity continues coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-27','','','2010-12-15 09:35:02','2010-12-15 16:35:02','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(2713,1,'2010-12-15 09:35:54','2010-12-15 16:35:54','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-28','','','2010-12-15 09:35:54','2010-12-15 16:35:54','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(2714,1,'2010-12-15 09:36:32','2010-12-15 16:36:32','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-29','','','2010-12-15 09:36:32','2010-12-15 16:36:32','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(2715,1,'2010-12-15 09:36:55','2010-12-15 16:36:55','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-30','','','2010-12-15 09:36:55','2010-12-15 16:36:55','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(2716,1,'2010-12-15 09:37:10','2010-12-15 16:37:10','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-31','','','2010-12-15 09:37:10','2010-12-15 16:37:10','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(2717,1,'2010-12-15 09:38:43','2010-12-15 16:38:43','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> </span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-32','','','2010-12-15 09:38:43','2010-12-15 16:38:43','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(2718,1,'2010-12-15 09:40:07','2010-12-15 16:40:07','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-33','','','2010-12-15 09:40:07','2010-12-15 16:40:07','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(2719,1,'2010-12-15 09:41:04','2010-12-15 16:41:04','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-34','','','2010-12-15 09:41:04','2010-12-15 16:41:04','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(2720,1,'2010-12-15 09:43:33','2010-12-15 16:43:33','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\n</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> </span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Who is joining me in Portland? </p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision-35','','','2010-12-15 09:43:33','2010-12-15 16:43:33','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2439-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(2721,1,'2010-12-15 15:31:32','2010-12-15 22:31:32','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suggested that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Jennifer:  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in hour hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  And what about the sales force that funds this company???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><em></em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-2','','','2010-12-15 15:31:32','2010-12-15 22:31:32','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2722,1,'2010-12-15 15:33:20','2010-12-15 22:33:20','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suggested that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Friendly &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Jennifer:  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in hour hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  And what about the sales force that funds this company???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-3','','','2010-12-15 15:33:20','2010-12-15 22:33:20','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2723,1,'2010-12-15 16:43:49','2010-12-15 23:43:49','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  And what about the sales force that funds this company???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-4','','','2010-12-15 16:43:49','2010-12-15 23:43:49','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2724,1,'2010-12-15 16:44:04','2010-12-15 23:44:04','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  And what about the sales force that funds this company???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-5','','','2010-12-15 16:44:04','2010-12-15 23:44:04','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2725,1,'2010-12-15 16:44:10','2010-12-15 23:44:10','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  And what about the sales force that funds this company???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-6','','','2010-12-15 16:44:10','2010-12-15 23:44:10','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2726,1,'2010-12-15 16:45:40','2010-12-15 23:45:40','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Uber-Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  And what about the sales force that funds this company???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-7','','','2010-12-15 16:45:40','2010-12-15 23:45:40','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2727,1,'2010-12-15 16:48:22','2010-12-15 23:48:22','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  And what about the sales force that funds this company???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-8','','','2010-12-15 16:48:22','2010-12-15 23:48:22','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2729,1,'2010-12-15 16:51:49','2010-12-15 23:51:49','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-10','','','2010-12-15 16:51:49','2010-12-15 23:51:49','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2728,1,'2010-12-15 16:49:01','2010-12-15 23:49:01','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Enough of this chit-chat!  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Just let us in the bloody room!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-9','','','2010-12-15 16:49:01','2010-12-15 23:49:01','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2730,1,'2010-12-15 16:52:23','2010-12-15 23:52:23','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.</em><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-11','','','2010-12-15 16:52:23','2010-12-15 23:52:23','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2731,1,'2010-12-15 16:53:20','2010-12-15 23:53:20','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-12','','','2010-12-15 16:53:20','2010-12-15 23:53:20','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2734,1,'2010-12-15 16:56:54','2010-12-15 23:56:54','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-15','','','2010-12-15 16:56:54','2010-12-15 23:56:54','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(2732,1,'2010-12-15 16:54:19','2010-12-15 23:54:19','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-13','','','2010-12-15 16:54:19','2010-12-15 23:54:19','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2733,1,'2010-12-15 16:55:08','2010-12-15 23:55:08','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I heard tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged (Sort of) at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-14','','','2010-12-15 16:55:08','2010-12-15 23:55:08','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(2735,1,'2010-12-15 16:58:33','2010-12-15 23:58:33','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I listened to tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  That room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-16','','','2010-12-15 16:58:33','2010-12-15 23:58:33','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(2736,1,'2010-12-15 16:59:17','2010-12-15 23:59:17','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I listened to tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  <em>That </em>room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-17','','','2010-12-15 16:59:17','2010-12-15 23:59:17','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(2737,1,'2010-12-15 17:02:24','2010-12-16 00:02:24','<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2699\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Jennie from the Block (who now thinks she&#39;s Shania Twain) and Me (who is apparently a Dominatrix)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I listened to tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  <em>That </em>room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-18','','','2010-12-15 17:02:24','2010-12-16 00:02:24','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(2738,1,'2010-12-15 17:03:43','2010-12-16 00:03:43','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_2699\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Jennie from the Block (who now thinks she&#39;s Shania Twain) and Me (who is apparently a Dominatrix)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I listened to tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  <em>That </em>room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-autosave','','','2010-12-15 17:03:43','2010-12-16 00:03:43','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2739,1,'2010-12-15 17:02:30','2010-12-16 00:02:30','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2699\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Jennie from the Block (who now thinks she&#39;s Shania Twain) and Me (who is apparently a Dominatrix)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I listened to tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  <em>That </em>room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-19','','','2010-12-15 17:02:30','2010-12-16 00:02:30','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(2740,1,'2010-12-15 17:04:21','2010-12-16 00:04:21','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2699\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Jennie from the Block (who now thinks she&#39;s Shania Twain) and Me (apparently a Dominatrix in the Gaming World)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2699 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I joined my company 2.5 years ago, I listened to tales of the many \"perks\" of our corporate culture.  The most mysterious of these perks was a \"game room\" on the 3rd floor which everyone had heard about, but no one had ever seen.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did it actually exist?  Or was it an Urban Corporation Legend?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 79, I launched a MythBuster mission.  I enlisted the services and video gaming expertise of my colleague, Jennifer (aka Jennie from the Block). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We aimlessly wandered around the 3rd floor looking for a den-like setting.  No luck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since Jennifer is younger than me and shares the name of my sister, I am comfortable bossing her around.  Since I am older than her and share the name of her sister, she is ok with this. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I \"suggested\" that Jennifer knock on the locked door (it\'s like Fort Knox around here!) of the helpful techie guys who always come to the rescue when I think I have a computer emergency but it\'s only something I\'ve done to screw everything up.  These are extraordinarily patient men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knock.  Knock. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  How can we help you? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We heard there is a gaming room on the 3rd floor, and we\'d like to check it out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Not-So-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank stare&gt;</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We\'ve heard about this gaming room since we were hired here, but no one seems to know where it is. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:</strong>  Yeah, they moved it recently.  But it\'s locked and you need a key to get in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;to myself&gt; </em> <em>Of course, we need a key to get in!  It\'s freakin\' Fort Knox around here! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>(Uber-)Helpful &amp; Patient Computer Genius #2:  <em>&lt;</em></strong><em>showing us a map<strong>&gt;</strong>  </em>Go down this row of cubicles and make a left.  Then go down another row of cubicles and make a right.  You can either go to the 3rd cubicle on the left or the 5th cubicle on the right and ask for the key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>May the force be with us.  Thankfully, Jennie from the Block knows her way around the<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\"> block</span> cubicle jungle and led us to The Keeper of the Key. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  Hi.  We were told that you have the key to the gaming room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT<em> THAT</em> ROOM? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  <em>&lt;gingerly&gt;</em>  We were told in our hiring interviews <em>(I don\'t remember this but good one, Jen!) </em>that there was a video gaming room for employees.  It was sold to us as one of the perks of our culture.  <em>(Brilliant, Jen!  Brilliant!!!)  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  I CAN\'T BELIEVE YOU KNOW ABOUT <em>THAT</em> ROOM!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We learned about it in our initial interviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong>  <em>That </em>room is used by our tech support guys to wind down and relax. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em> &lt;to myself&gt;</em>  <em>And what about the sales force that funds that bloody game room???  Hand over the key, buddy!!!! </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jennifer:</strong>  We were led to believe that it was for all to enjoy. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>&lt;blank smile&gt;  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Keeper of the Key:</strong> <em> </em>I guess I have to let you in then.  I don\'t understand how you heard about it.  It\'s only known around tech support. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  It will be our dirty little secret then. <em> &lt;to myself&gt;  Eeeewwwww.  Why on EARTH did you say that?!?! </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>SUCCESS!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2700\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>','Day 79:  Video Gaming Encouraged at Work.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','2698-revision-20','','','2010-12-15 17:04:21','2010-12-16 00:04:21','',2698,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/2698-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(2742,1,'2010-12-17 11:00:10','2010-12-17 18:00:10','<p>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I don\'t remember exactly how this came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who discontinued carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  !  Hurrah!</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision','','','2010-12-17 11:00:10','2010-12-17 18:00:10','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2743,1,'2010-12-17 16:34:30','2010-12-17 23:34:30','<p>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I don\'t remember exactly how this came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities, but when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child without your own child in toe. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>pic of wine and shrinky dinks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is what I don\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  Tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- Boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>A Christmas magic trick! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Before pic</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After pic</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wowwww...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You are so cool, Shrinky Dinks! </p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-2','','','2010-12-17 16:34:30','2010-12-17 23:34:30','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2901,1,'2010-12-26 16:19:03','2010-12-26 23:19:03','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2904\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/xmaswino.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2904\" title=\"xmaswino\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/xmaswino-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>I grew up in one of those idyllic neighborhoods where everyone not only knew their neighbors but trusted them as close friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All of the kids on our block were close in age and played with each other until sundown.  All of the parents were tight and served as surrogate parents to all of us. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since 1984, we have all gathered for a Christmas Eve breakfast.  This year, 60 of us showed up for the tradition. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A tradition within the tradition is one of those goofy ornament exchanges where grinches steal ornaments from small children.  World\'s Most Precious Niece originally drew a child-inappropriate Christmas wine barrel which was promptly stolen by the Head Grinch.  World\'s Most Precious Niece wound up with a more child-appropriate but boring dove ornament.  Maybe you\'ll have better luck next year, kid. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 90:  Home for the Holidays Tradition #2','','publish','open','open','','day-90-home-for-the-holidays-tradition-2','','','2010-12-26 16:30:49','2010-12-26 23:30:49','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2901',0,'post','',4),(2745,1,'2010-12-17 21:04:16','2010-12-18 04:04:16','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-157','','','2010-12-17 21:04:16','2010-12-18 04:04:16','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2746,1,'2010-12-17 21:05:25','2010-12-18 04:05:25','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-158','','','2010-12-17 21:05:25','2010-12-18 04:05:25','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2747,1,'2010-12-17 21:06:15','2010-12-18 04:06:15','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-159','','','2010-12-17 21:06:15','2010-12-18 04:06:15','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2748,1,'2010-12-17 21:07:15','2010-12-18 04:07:15','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-160','','','2010-12-17 21:07:15','2010-12-18 04:07:15','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2749,1,'2010-12-17 16:39:20','2010-12-17 23:39:20','<p>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t remember exactly how this came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities, but when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child without your own child in tow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>pic of wine and shrinky dinks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I don\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  Tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- Boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before pic</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After pic</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You are waaaayyyy cool, Shrinky Dinks! </p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-3','','','2010-12-17 16:39:20','2010-12-17 23:39:20','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2751,1,'2010-12-17 21:12:43','2010-12-18 04:12:43','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow...Shrinky</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-5','','','2010-12-17 21:12:43','2010-12-18 04:12:43','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2750,1,'2010-12-17 21:07:44','2010-12-18 04:07:44','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t remember exactly how this came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities, but when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I don\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  Tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- Boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You are waaaayyyy cool, Shrinky Dinks!</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-4','','','2010-12-17 21:07:44','2010-12-18 04:07:44','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2752,1,'2010-12-17 21:13:35','2010-12-18 04:13:35','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Shrinky Dinks are waaaayyyy cool.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do kids these days say \"cool\"?  Or is that circa 1978?</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-6','','','2010-12-17 21:13:35','2010-12-18 04:13:35','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2754,1,'2010-12-17 21:14:16','2010-12-18 04:14:16','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>[caption id=\"attachment_2746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Before\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>[caption id=\"attachment_2747\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"After\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Wowwwww...</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Shrinky Dinks are waaaayyyy cool.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Do kids these days say \"cool\"?  Or is that circa 1978?</p>\r\n','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-8','','','2010-12-17 21:14:16','2010-12-18 04:14:16','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2753,1,'2010-12-17 21:14:11','2010-12-18 04:14:11','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Before\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2747\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"After\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Shrinky Dinks are waaaayyyy cool.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do kids these days say \"cool\"?  Or is that circa 1978?</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-7','','','2010-12-17 21:14:11','2010-12-18 04:14:11','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2755,1,'2010-12-17 21:17:08','2010-12-18 04:17:08','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, a whole lotta coloring &amp; cutting, and hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Before\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2747\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"After\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Shrinky Dinks are waaaayyyy cool.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do kids these days say \"cool\"?  Or is that circa 1978?</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-9','','','2010-12-17 21:17:08','2010-12-18 04:17:08','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2757,1,'2010-12-17 21:18:17','2010-12-18 04:18:17','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, a whole lotta coloring &amp; cutting, and hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Before\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2747\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"After\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Shrinky Dinks are waaaayyyy cool.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do kids these days say \"cool\"?  Or is that circa 1978?</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-11','','','2010-12-17 21:18:17','2010-12-18 04:18:17','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2756,1,'2010-12-17 21:17:14','2010-12-18 04:17:14','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, a whole lotta coloring &amp; cutting, and hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Before\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2747\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"After\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Shrinky Dinks are waaaayyyy cool.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do kids these days say \"cool\"?  Or is that circa 1978?</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-10','','','2010-12-17 21:17:14','2010-12-18 04:17:14','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2759,1,'2010-12-17 21:20:10','2010-12-18 04:20:10','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I don\'t remember exactly how this came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities, but when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child without your own child in tow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is what I don\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  Tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- Boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wowwww...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You are waaaayyyy cool, Shrinky Dinks!</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-autosave','','','2010-12-17 21:20:10','2010-12-18 04:20:10','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2758,1,'2010-12-17 21:18:23','2010-12-18 04:18:23','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not exactly sure how this all came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities.  But when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child with a glass of wine and without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I didn\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  It involves tree making, a whole lotta coloring &amp; cutting, and hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Before\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2747\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"After\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Shrinky Dinks are waaaayyyy cool.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do kids these days say \"cool\"?  Or is that circa 1978?</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-12','','','2010-12-17 21:18:23','2010-12-18 04:18:23','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2760,1,'2010-12-17 21:19:06','2010-12-18 04:19:06','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t remember exactly how this came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities, but when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I don\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  Tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- Boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You are waaaayyyy cool, Shrinky Dinks!</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','inherit','open','open','','2741-revision-13','','','2010-12-17 21:19:06','2010-12-18 04:19:06','',2741,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/17/2741-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2761,1,'2010-12-19 11:21:10','2010-12-19 18:21:10','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina dahling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Teacakes.  Yum! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span> cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called Dina dalhing in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"tempermental\", but it worked last night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me.  Great.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I walked over to Dina dahlings at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  She announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In reality, Dina dahling expained that it\'s one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"tempermental\" cookie press. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I took Tempermental Cookie Press home.  It behaved tempermentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  This made me nearly burst into tears. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>BAH HUMBUG, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-2','','','2010-12-19 11:21:10','2010-12-19 18:21:10','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2762,1,'2010-12-19 11:28:00','2010-12-19 18:28:00','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span>cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that it\'s one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  This made me nearly burst into tears. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>BAH HUMBUG, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-3','','','2010-12-19 11:28:00','2010-12-19 18:28:00','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2763,1,'2010-12-19 11:28:24','2010-12-19 18:28:24','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span>cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that it\'s one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  This made me nearly burst into tears. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-4','','','2010-12-19 11:28:24','2010-12-19 18:28:24','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2766,1,'2010-12-19 11:31:13','2010-12-19 18:31:13','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span> cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that the easyis one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  This made me nearly burst into tears. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-7','','','2010-12-19 11:31:13','2010-12-19 18:31:13','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2764,1,'2010-12-19 11:28:39','2010-12-19 18:28:39','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span>cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that it\'s one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  This made me nearly burst into tears. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-5','','','2010-12-19 11:28:39','2010-12-19 18:28:39','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2765,1,'2010-12-19 11:28:48','2010-12-19 18:28:48','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span>cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that it\'s one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  This made me nearly burst into tears. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-6','','','2010-12-19 11:28:48','2010-12-19 18:28:48','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2767,1,'2010-12-19 11:31:51','2010-12-19 18:31:51','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span> cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that the (not-so-)easy is one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  This made me nearly burst into tears. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-8','','','2010-12-19 11:31:51','2010-12-19 18:31:51','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2768,1,'2010-12-19 11:34:43','2010-12-19 18:34:43','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span> cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that the (not-so-)easy method is one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  I nearly burst into tears. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-9','','','2010-12-19 11:34:43','2010-12-19 18:34:43','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2769,1,'2010-12-19 11:45:48','2010-12-19 18:45:48','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-161','','','2010-12-19 11:45:48','2010-12-19 18:45:48','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC150187.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2770,1,'2010-12-19 11:46:35','2010-12-19 18:46:35','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Don\'t try this at home.  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-162','','','2010-12-19 11:46:35','2010-12-19 18:46:35','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501871.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2771,1,'2010-12-19 11:47:49','2010-12-19 18:47:49','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','A Christmas Miracle ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-163','','','2010-12-19 11:47:49','2010-12-19 18:47:49','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC150188.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2772,1,'2010-12-19 11:49:02','2010-12-19 18:49:02','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-164','','','2010-12-19 11:49:02','2010-12-19 18:49:02','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501881.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2773,1,'2010-12-19 11:36:44','2010-12-19 18:36:44','<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span> cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that the (not-so-)easy method is one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  I nearly burst into tears. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </span></span></strong></p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-10','','','2010-12-19 11:36:44','2010-12-19 18:36:44','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2774,1,'2010-12-19 11:51:25','2010-12-19 18:51:25','<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2770\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Don&#39;t try this at home. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501871.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2770\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501871-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span> cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that the (not-so-)easy method is one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  I nearly burst into tears. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2772\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"A Christmas Miracle \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501881.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2772\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501881-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </span></span></strong></p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision-11','','','2010-12-19 11:51:25','2010-12-19 18:51:25','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2677-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2775,1,'2010-12-20 01:11:56','2010-12-20 08:11:56','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2778\" title=\"boutique\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Rock on, Gregg! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2779\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy Gayle (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression in PetCentric.com\'s Every Day Dog Show Contest.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','publish','open','open','','day-82-a-star-is-born-bella-discovered-at-holiday-boutique','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/','2010-12-19 20:41:46','2010-12-20 03:41:46','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2775',0,'post','',8),(2776,1,'2010-12-19 12:02:55','2010-12-19 19:02:55','','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision','','','2010-12-19 12:02:55','2010-12-19 19:02:55','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2777,1,'2010-12-19 20:24:13','2010-12-20 03:24:13','<p>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\">The Family School</a>.  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and at</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision-2','','','2010-12-19 20:24:13','2010-12-20 03:24:13','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2778,1,'2010-12-19 20:32:13','2010-12-20 03:32:13','','boutique','','inherit','open','open','','boutique','','','2010-12-19 20:32:13','2010-12-20 03:32:13','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2779,1,'2010-12-19 20:33:47','2010-12-20 03:33:47','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-165','','','2010-12-19 20:33:47','2010-12-20 03:33:47','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2780,1,'2010-12-19 20:28:20','2010-12-20 03:28:20','<p>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision-3','','','2010-12-19 20:28:20','2010-12-20 03:28:20','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2781,1,'2010-12-19 20:34:37','2010-12-20 03:34:37','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2778\" title=\"boutique\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2779\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision-4','','','2010-12-19 20:34:37','2010-12-20 03:34:37','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2782,1,'2010-12-19 20:34:57','2010-12-20 03:34:57','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2778\" title=\"boutique\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2779\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision-5','','','2010-12-19 20:34:57','2010-12-20 03:34:57','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2783,1,'2010-12-19 20:37:22','2010-12-20 03:37:22','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2778\" title=\"boutique\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Rock on, Gregg! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2779\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision-6','','','2010-12-19 20:37:22','2010-12-20 03:37:22','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2784,1,'2010-12-19 20:40:36','2010-12-20 03:40:36','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2778\" title=\"boutique\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Rock on, Gregg! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2779\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy Gayle (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression in PetC.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision-7','','','2010-12-19 20:40:36','2010-12-20 03:40:36','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2785,1,'2010-12-19 20:40:55','2010-12-20 03:40:55','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2778\" title=\"boutique\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Rock on, Gregg! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2779\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy Gayle (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression in PetCentric.com\'s Every Day Dog Show Contest.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-revision-8','','','2010-12-19 20:40:55','2010-12-20 03:40:55','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2786,1,'2010-12-20 20:09:58','2010-12-21 03:09:58','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2778\" title=\"boutique\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/boutique.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, is one of those hostess with the mostess types.  She channels her talents into several fundraiser boutiques each year, including an annual holiday boutique which has turned into my favorite holiday boutique EVER. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah\'s Bliss Holiday Boutique benefitted <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Family School</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  The Family School is dear to Sarah\'s heart, as this extraordinary community welcomed her special needs preschooler once upon a time. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For those of you who live in Arizona, if you have not yet taken advantage of your AZ Charitable Tax Credit, please consider The Family School.  You can find out about the no-cost-to-you tax credit <a href=\"http://www.thefamilyschool-phoenix.org/main/?page_id=104\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year, Sarah invited doggie vendors to the boutique which meant pooches were welcome!  Yipee!  Bella and I trudged through the rare Phoenix rain after work to check out all goodies human and canine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>One such goodie was my friend, Gregg, who turned up to serenade the shoppers.  Gregg is an OUTSTANDING songwriter, guitarist, and singer.  You, too, can be serenaded by Gregg at <a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Rock on, Gregg! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2779\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC160192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>As I began walking through the first few vendor areas, it happened.  Bella was \"discovered\".  We knew this was her destiny from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but/\" target=\"_blank\">events of a few weeks ago</a></strong>, right?  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No, it\'s not Animal Planet.  Yet.  But a brilliant dog photographer by the name of Amy Gayle (please check out her website <a href=\"http://www.AmyGaylePhotography.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.AmyGaylePhotography.com</strong></a> ) asked me if she could take a few test shots of Bella.  Apparently, a client of hers has designed a special collar and requested for Amy to find the cutest dog possible.  And according to Amy (and me, naturally), Little Miss B fits the bill. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Which reminds me, we have until the end of December.  Please don\'t forget to vote for Bella as Most Lovable and Best Expression in PetCentric.com\'s Every Day Dog Show Contest.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to cast your vote!</a></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">Mr. DeMille  </span>Ms. Gayle, Bella is ready for her close-up. </p>','Day 82:  A Star is Born:  Bella Discovered at Holiday Boutique!','','inherit','open','open','','2775-autosave','','','2010-12-20 20:09:58','2010-12-21 03:09:58','',2775,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2775-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2787,1,'2010-12-21 01:11:20','2010-12-21 08:11:20','<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la!  La-la!  La!  LA! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','publish','open','open','','day-83-here-we-come-a-caroling-among-the-cubes-so-tan','','','2010-12-20 20:27:20','2010-12-21 03:27:20','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2787',0,'post','',3),(2788,1,'2010-12-19 20:45:03','2010-12-20 03:45:03','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-166','','','2010-12-19 20:45:03','2010-12-20 03:45:03','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2789,1,'2010-12-19 20:44:28','2010-12-20 03:44:28','','Day 83:  Here We Go A-Caroling Among the Cubes so ','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision','','','2010-12-19 20:44:28','2010-12-20 03:44:28','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2787-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2790,1,'2010-12-21 01:12:09','2010-12-21 08:12:09','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have preferred a real love-in with Colin Firth in my bed -- no offense, ladies -- but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Colin is 2nd down from the left.  Sigh...)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  I Staged a Love-In','','publish','open','open','','day-84-staged-a-love-in','','','2010-12-20 20:59:30','2010-12-21 03:59:30','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2790',0,'post','',6),(2791,1,'2010-12-19 20:45:40','2010-12-20 03:45:40','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision','','','2010-12-19 20:45:40','2010-12-20 03:45:40','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2790-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2792,1,'2010-12-19 20:46:35','2010-12-20 03:46:35','','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-2','','','2010-12-19 20:46:35','2010-12-20 03:46:35','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2790-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2793,1,'2010-12-20 10:51:55','2010-12-20 17:51:55','<p>Who: Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What: A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What, really?: Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, Love Actually.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Why: Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When: Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Where: My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>How: You all know where I live. Except for maybe Corinniecakes.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>How much: Priceless, dahlings</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What time: 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What now? RSVP, por favor</p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-3','','','2010-12-20 10:51:55','2010-12-20 17:51:55','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2794,1,'2010-12-20 10:52:01','2010-12-20 17:52:01','<p>Who: Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What: A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What, really?: Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, Love Actually.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Why: Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When: Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Where: My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>How: You all know where I live. Except for maybe Corinniecakes.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>How much: Priceless, dahlings</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What time: 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What now? RSVP, por favor</p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-4','','','2010-12-20 10:52:01','2010-12-20 17:52:01','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2795,1,'2010-12-20 10:53:46','2010-12-20 17:53:46','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, Love Actually.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live. Except for maybe Corinniecakes.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>How much:</strong> Priceless, dahlings</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>What time: 7 p.m.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>What now? RSVP, por favor</p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-5','','','2010-12-20 10:53:46','2010-12-20 17:53:46','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2796,1,'2010-12-19 20:45:33','2010-12-20 03:45:33','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2788\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 83:  Here We Go A-Caroling Among the Cubes so ','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-2','','','2010-12-19 20:45:33','2010-12-20 03:45:33','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/19/2787-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2797,1,'2010-12-20 20:18:05','2010-12-21 03:18:05','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2788\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a>  Especially on Fridays. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\n\n<p><em></em> </p>\n\n<p><strong>Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </strong></p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-3','','','2010-12-20 20:18:05','2010-12-21 03:18:05','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2798,1,'2010-12-20 20:18:44','2010-12-21 03:18:44','[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Sopranos\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a>  Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em></em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></strong></p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-4','','','2010-12-20 20:18:44','2010-12-21 03:18:44','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2799,1,'2010-12-20 20:18:55','2010-12-21 03:18:55','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Sopranos\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a>  Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></strong></p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-5','','','2010-12-20 20:18:55','2010-12-21 03:18:55','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2800,1,'2010-12-20 20:19:36','2010-12-21 03:19:36','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Sopranos\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></strong></p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-6','','','2010-12-20 20:19:36','2010-12-21 03:19:36','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2801,1,'2010-12-20 20:20:10','2010-12-21 03:20:10','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Sopranos\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></strong></p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-7','','','2010-12-20 20:20:10','2010-12-21 03:20:10','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2803,1,'2010-12-20 20:21:02','2010-12-21 03:21:02','<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-9','','','2010-12-20 20:21:02','2010-12-21 03:21:02','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2802,1,'2010-12-20 20:20:30','2010-12-21 03:20:30','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Sopranos\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-8','','','2010-12-20 20:20:30','2010-12-21 03:20:30','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2804,1,'2010-12-20 20:21:50','2010-12-21 03:21:50','<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-10','','','2010-12-20 20:21:50','2010-12-21 03:21:50','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2805,1,'2010-12-20 20:23:38','2010-12-21 03:23:38','<p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical.  </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-11','','','2010-12-20 20:23:38','2010-12-21 03:23:38','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2806,1,'2010-12-20 20:23:57','2010-12-21 03:23:57','<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical. </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-12','','','2010-12-20 20:23:57','2010-12-21 03:23:57','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2808,1,'2010-12-20 20:25:19','2010-12-21 03:25:19','<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la!  La-la-La-LA! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-14','','','2010-12-20 20:25:19','2010-12-21 03:25:19','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(2807,1,'2010-12-20 20:24:43','2010-12-21 03:24:43','<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la!  La-la-La-LA! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-13','','','2010-12-20 20:24:43','2010-12-21 03:24:43','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2809,1,'2010-12-20 20:27:06','2010-12-21 03:27:06','<p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical. </em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la!  La-la-La-LA! </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-autosave','','','2010-12-20 20:27:06','2010-12-21 03:27:06','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2810,1,'2010-12-20 20:26:02','2010-12-21 03:26:02','<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2788 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC170196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=snowball+chance+in+hell\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>We\'ve established in previous posts that the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer likes for its employees to have fun.</strong></a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Especially on Fridays. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Guess what I did this past Friday?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Like you, I am in the midst of Holiday CRAZINESS, so unfortunately, I don\'t have time to write all of the details surrounding our rehearsals.  Let\'s just call this experience <em>The Office -- The Musical. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fa-la-la-la-la!  La-la-La-LA! </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 83:  Here We Come A-Caroling Among the Cubes So Tan','','inherit','open','open','','2787-revision-15','','','2010-12-20 20:26:02','2010-12-21 03:26:02','',2787,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2787-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(2947,1,'2010-12-29 15:49:33','2010-12-29 22:49:33','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2965\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nana scores the highest! She&#39;s 89, and she&#39;s still a winner. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/nanadictionary.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2965\" title=\"nanadictionary\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/nanadictionary-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>A few years summers ago, Aunt Bonnie taught us the game \"Dictionary\".  We laughed so hard while playing that we nearly...you know.  We STILL recycle our inside joke about \"canaliculus\".  That night, special beverages were involved.  I\'ll let you leave the rest to your imagination. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 93, children were present, so this version of Dictionary was PG.  Here\'s how you play:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Materials:</strong>  a dictionary, many slips of paper, pens. </li>\r\n	<li>The more players, the merrier.  We played with 8. </li>\r\n	<li>The person who is \"It\" looks up a word in the dictionary that s/he is confident that no one knows.  S/he pronounces and spells the word and tells if it is a noun, verb, etc. </li>\r\n	<li>\"It\" writes the real definition on a slip of paper.</li>\r\n	<li>Everyone else makes up and writes a convincing \"definition\" on their slip of paper. </li>\r\n	<li>Everyone passes their slips to \"It\" who reads all definitions including the \"real one\".</li>\r\n	<li>Players then guess which is the real defintion.  Everyone who correctly chooses the real definition scores a point.  Everyone whose made-up definition gets a vote also scores a point.   </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Be prepared for laughs.  Here\'s a glimpse into our Day 93 game. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Smew.</strong> </span></span> n<em>oun. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Something that is small and new.  A smew car. </li>\r\n	<li>A small amount.</li>\r\n	<li>Chunky, ruff dog poo.  (I remind you that children played with us.)</li>\r\n	<li>To rub.  To smew over a surface. </li>\r\n	<li>A baby muskrat.</li>\r\n	<li>A premature kitten.</li>\r\n	<li>A kind of small duck.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Which do you think is the real definition?  Scroll down to the bottom for the answer. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Guelph or Guelf.</span></strong> </span> <em>noun.</em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>A flamboyant elf.</li>\r\n	<li>Bone, muscle, or tissue in the stomach (one of the above).</li>\r\n	<li>A Guido elf.</li>\r\n	<li>A whelp.</li>\r\n	<li>A cavity in the first molar.  </li>\r\n	<li>Someone who uses their wealth to buy glue.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Which do you think is the real definition?  Scroll down to the bottom for the answer. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Kop.</span></span></strong>  <em>noun.  </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>A hill or mountain in South Africa.</li>\r\n	<li>A kite from the country of Khazakhstan. </li>\r\n	<li>Something big and scary.</li>\r\n	<li>A disease of the synapses.</li>\r\n	<li>Preceeded by jop and followed by lop.  </li>\r\n	<li>To grab someone; feel.</li>\r\n	<li>Traditional Danish pastry served at the Feast of Stephen.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Which do you think is the real definition?  Scroll down to the bottom for the answer. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before I get to the answers, here is the most creative definition of the evening presented by my sis.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Jactation </strong></span></span>-- noun -- the sound a female jackalope makes when calling her young</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Answers:</strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Smew</strong></span></span> -- a kind of small duck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>My defintion -- a baby muscrat.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Guelf </strong></span></span>-- a welp.  Although my Dad must not have been wearing his reading glasses.  The real word is \"welf\"  -- a member of a political party in medieval Italy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>My definition -- a guido elf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Kop </strong></span></span>-- a hill or mountain in South Africa.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>My defintion -- a kite from the country of Khazakhstan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 93:  Fun with the Dictionary.  Yes, the Dictionary.  ','','publish','open','open','','day-93-fun-with-the-dictionary-yes-the-dictionary','','','2010-12-29 16:36:02','2010-12-29 23:36:02','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2947',0,'post','',5),(2812,1,'2010-12-22 01:11:48','2010-12-22 08:11:48','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/insetto_scoppiettante/2906487851/sizes/m/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2848\" title=\"2906487851_060ff793c6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2906487851_060ff793c6-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every December, I serenade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly cancelled Tamale Making 101 and scheduled in a guitar practice as a 365 project day. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Rudolph --</strong> </span>Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Santa Claus is Coming to Town --</strong></span> Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, and don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Jingle Bell Rock --</strong></span> Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Winter Wonderland --</strong></span> Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!<br class=\"spacer_\" /><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong> </strong></span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Ho, Ho, Ho!  Merry Self-Esteem Crisis, Everybody!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To build myself up, I hauled out my music from last year and play what I know: <br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>River -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is my Mom\'s favorite.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Blue</span> </strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nothing like that obnoxious Elvis version.  I think I\'m much better.  Even when I\'m rusty.  ;-) </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Silent Night -- </strong></span>I play this in 4/4 rather than 3/4 which gives this a folkie sound.  I can tell you right now that my Nana is going to request the \"traditional\" way.  :-) </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">A Baby Just Like You </span></strong></span>and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>It\'s In Everyone Of Us -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Two John Denver songs from The Muppets Christmas album.  John Denver is the reason I play guitar.  True story.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Last Christmas --</strong> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yep.  By Wham.  Go ahead and laugh at me.  My self-esteem is back in tact.  </span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To Be Continued...</span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<div><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></div>\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','publish','open','open','','day-85-if-you-dont-use-it-you-really-do-lose-it-humbug','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/','2010-12-21 14:17:16','2010-12-21 21:17:16','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2812',0,'post','',3),(2813,1,'2010-12-20 20:31:10','2010-12-21 03:31:10','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision','','','2010-12-20 20:31:10','2010-12-21 03:31:10','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2812-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2814,1,'2010-12-23 01:11:28','2010-12-23 08:11:28','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC200180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2858\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC200180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never thought about getting an in-home massage.  Too pricey.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svennykins solely gets in-home massages through <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/22/day-6-crawling-back-into-the-womb/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Melody</strong></a>.  Here\'s the kicker:  I found out that she only charges $10 more for an in-home massage!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #888888;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">??? !!!</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Still...I\'d rather save $10 for a lunch out or something else 10 dollar-ish until...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I found myself crate training a puppy until she was completely housebroken.  I certainly wasn\'t going to leave Little Miss B in her crate for even more time at the end of the work day!  So...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Can you tell that I\'m trying to justify spoiling myself to the Nth degree?  This is a bad habit of mine...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I asked Melody if I could be decadent like Svenny and schedule an in-home massage.  This way, I could get my aching back worked on and Bella could be free.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s an extra bonus for scheduling an in-home massage during the holidays:  Christmas Playlist!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For whatever reason (holiday braindeadness?), I couldn\'t get the repeat feature to work on iTunes.  The intention was to have Charlie Brown Christmas repeat, but...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I found ourselves listening to both the extended and regular versions of \"Last Christmas\" by Wham.  :-)  Followed by...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do You Hear What I Hear\" by none other than Ms. Whitney Houston.  Hers is the only cover that I like for that song.  Wow, that woman has a set of pipes!  Followed by...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Fanfare for the Common Man\".  You know this as the \"Olympic Theme\".  Yep.  \"Christmas Genre\" on iTunes ended with Whitney and moved on to \"Classical\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dressed to \"Moonlight Sonata\" which was very relaxing and reminded me and Melody of the upcoming and historic Lunar Eclipse.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Bella highly approved of all of this spoiling.  And I HIGHLY recommend that you treat yourself, too.  :-)</p>','Day 86:  \'Tis the Season for a Home Massage ','','publish','open','open','','day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/22/day-6-crawling-back-into-the-womb/','2010-12-24 11:35:14','2010-12-24 18:35:14','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2814',0,'post','',5),(2815,1,'2010-12-20 20:31:46','2010-12-21 03:31:46','','Day 86:  Home massage','','inherit','open','open','','2814-revision','','','2010-12-20 20:31:46','2010-12-21 03:31:46','',2814,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2814-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2816,1,'2010-12-20 20:31:30','2010-12-21 03:31:30','','Day 85:  guitar','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-2','','','2010-12-20 20:31:30','2010-12-21 03:31:30','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2812-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2817,1,'2010-12-20 20:40:50','2010-12-21 03:40:50','','john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed','','inherit','open','open','','john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed','','','2010-12-20 20:40:50','2010-12-21 03:40:50','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2818,1,'2010-12-20 20:48:30','2010-12-21 03:48:30','','loveactually','','inherit','open','open','','loveactually','','','2010-12-20 20:48:30','2010-12-21 03:48:30','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2819,1,'2010-12-20 20:49:18','2010-12-21 03:49:18','','loveactually','','inherit','open','open','','loveactually-2','','','2010-12-20 20:49:18','2010-12-21 03:49:18','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2820,1,'2010-12-20 20:50:57','2010-12-21 03:50:57','','loveactually','','inherit','open','open','','loveactually-3','','','2010-12-20 20:50:57','2010-12-21 03:50:57','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2821,1,'2010-12-20 20:49:47','2010-12-21 03:49:47','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-6','','','2010-12-20 20:49:47','2010-12-21 03:49:47','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2822,1,'2010-12-20 20:52:10','2010-12-21 03:52:10','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-7','','','2010-12-20 20:52:10','2010-12-21 03:52:10','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2829,1,'2010-12-20 20:57:47','2010-12-21 03:57:47','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Colin is 2nd down from the left.  Sigh...)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  I Staged a Love-In','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-13','','','2010-12-20 20:57:47','2010-12-21 03:57:47','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2823,1,'2010-12-20 20:52:25','2010-12-21 03:52:25','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-8','','','2010-12-20 20:52:25','2010-12-21 03:52:25','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2824,1,'2010-12-20 21:01:01','2010-12-21 04:01:01','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have preferred a real love-in with Colin Firth in my bed -- no offense, ladies -- but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Colin is 2nd down from the left.  Sigh...)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  I Staged a Love-In','','inherit','open','open','','2790-autosave','','','2010-12-20 21:01:01','2010-12-21 04:01:01','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2825,1,'2010-12-20 20:53:16','2010-12-21 03:53:16','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-9','','','2010-12-20 20:53:16','2010-12-21 03:53:16','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2827,1,'2010-12-20 20:56:22','2010-12-21 03:56:22','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Colin is 2nd down from the left.  Sigh...)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-11','','','2010-12-20 20:56:22','2010-12-21 03:56:22','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2826,1,'2010-12-20 20:54:50','2010-12-21 03:54:50','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  Have You Ever Been to a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-10','','','2010-12-20 20:54:50','2010-12-21 03:54:50','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2828,1,'2010-12-20 20:57:15','2010-12-21 03:57:15','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Colin is 2nd down from the left.  Sigh...)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  I Staged a Love-In? ','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-12','','','2010-12-20 20:57:15','2010-12-21 03:57:15','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2830,1,'2010-12-20 20:58:15','2010-12-21 03:58:15','<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong><a href=\"http://stylefrizz.com/200911/john-lennon-and-yoko-ono-the-lost-pictures/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2817\" title=\"john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/john-lennon-yoko-ono-902-hotel-room-bed-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When you want people over at your house on the Saturday night before Christmas, you better pull a stunt to grab their attention.  You have a lot of parties to compete with.  Here was my invite:</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong> </strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Who:</strong> </span>Us. The old gang aka the Teachers Gone Wild crew. Although it’s Teacher’s Gone Mellow for this event. I’ve added a couple of other former teachers to our inner circle as well.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What:</span></strong> A Love-In without the opposite sex and without the reefer.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What, really?:</span></strong> Blog Day 80-something where we congregate at my comfy digs to view my favorite holiday movie, <em>Love Actually</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Why:</span></strong> Because it’s my favorite holiday flick, and I am madly in love with Colin Firth. In case you are unaware, he falls deeply in love with a Portuguese woman in the film. You have no idea what this does to me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">When:</span></strong> Saturday, December 18th</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Where:</span></strong> My colorful abode</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How:</span></strong> You all know where I live.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">How much:</span></strong> Priceless, dahlings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What time:</span></strong> 7 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">What now?:</span></strong> RSVP, por favor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I would have liked to stage a real love-in with  in my bed, but <em>Love Actually</em> was an acceptable substitute. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51pXi2GBEML._SL500_AA300_.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Actually-Various-Artists/dp/B0000DZ3IG&amp;h=300&amp;w=300&amp;sz=32&amp;tbnid=B--uDUwcOkDevM:&amp;tbnh=116&amp;tbnw=116&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlove%2Bactually%2Bimage&amp;zoom=1&amp;q=love+actually+image&amp;usg=__Gan_H_IKRICcf2N5-0_pikBB-l8=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5CMQTemWFYLGsAOK8rXdAg&amp;ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2820\" title=\"loveactually\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/loveactually2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Colin is 2nd down from the left.  Sigh...)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 84:  I Staged a Love-In','','inherit','open','open','','2790-revision-14','','','2010-12-20 20:58:15','2010-12-21 03:58:15','',2790,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/20/2790-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(2831,1,'2010-12-21 11:51:02','2010-12-21 18:51:02','<p>River</p>\n\n<p>blue christmas</p>\n\n<p>silent night</p>\n\n<p>a baby just like you and it\'s in everyone of us</p>\n\n<p>last christmas</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>jingle bell rock</p>\n\n<p>santa claus is coming to town</p>\n\n<p>winter wonderland</p>\n\n<p>rudolph</p>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-3','','','2010-12-21 11:51:02','2010-12-21 18:51:02','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2832,1,'2010-12-21 12:08:13','2010-12-21 19:08:13','<p>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Every December, I serendade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly scheduled in a practice as a 365 project day. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Rudolph -- Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\n	<li>Santa Claus is Coming to Town -- Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\n	<li>Jingle Bell Rock -- Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>River</p>\n\n<p>blue christmas</p>\n\n<p>silent night</p>\n\n<p>a baby just like you and it\'s in everyone of us</p>\n\n<p>last christmas</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>jingle bell rock</p>\n\n<p>santa claus is coming to town</p>\n\n<p>winter wonderland</p>\n\n<p>rudolph</p>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-4','','','2010-12-21 12:08:13','2010-12-21 19:08:13','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2833,1,'2010-12-21 12:08:21','2010-12-21 19:08:21','<p>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every December, I serendade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly scheduled in a practice as a 365 project day. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Rudolph -- Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\r\n	<li>Santa Claus is Coming to Town -- Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\r\n	<li>Jingle Bell Rock -- Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\r\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>River</p>\r\n\r\n<p>blue christmas</p>\r\n\r\n<p>silent night</p>\r\n\r\n<p>a baby just like you and it\'s in everyone of us</p>\r\n\r\n<p>last christmas</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>jingle bell rock</p>\r\n\r\n<p>santa claus is coming to town</p>\r\n\r\n<p>winter wonderland</p>\r\n\r\n<p>rudolph</p>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-5','','','2010-12-21 12:08:21','2010-12-21 19:08:21','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2834,1,'2010-12-21 12:08:43','2010-12-21 19:08:43','<p>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every December, I serendade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly scheduled in a practice as a 365 project day. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Rudolph -- Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\r\n	<li>Santa Claus is Coming to Town -- Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\r\n	<li>Jingle Bell Rock -- Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\r\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>River</p>\r\n\r\n<p>blue christmas</p>\r\n\r\n<p>silent night</p>\r\n\r\n<p>a baby just like you and it\'s in everyone of us</p>\r\n\r\n<p>last christmas</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>jingle bell rock</p>\r\n\r\n<p>santa claus is coming to town</p>\r\n\r\n<p>winter wonderland</p>\r\n\r\n<p>rudolph</p>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-6','','','2010-12-21 12:08:43','2010-12-21 19:08:43','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2835,1,'2010-12-21 12:20:28','2010-12-21 19:20:28','<p>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Every December, I serendade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly scheduled in a practice as a 365 project day. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Rudolph --</strong> </span>Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Santa Claus is Coming to Town --</strong></span> Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Jingle Bell Rock --</strong></span> Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Winter Wonderland --</strong></span> Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ho, Ho, Ho!  Merry Self-Esteem Crisis, Everybody!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To build myself up, I haul out my music from last year and play what I know:  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>River -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is my Mom\'s favorite.  </span></span></li>\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Blue</span> </strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nothing like the Elvis version.  I think I\'m much better.  Even when I\'m rusty.  ;-) </span></span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Silent Night -- </strong></span>I play this in 4/4 rather than 3/4 which gives this a folkie sound.  I can tell you right now that my Nana is going to request the \"traditional\" way.  :-) </li>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">A Baby Just Like You </span></strong></span>and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>It\'s In Everyone Of Us -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Two John Denver songs from The Muppets Christmas album.  John Denver is the reason I play guitar.  True story.  </span></span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Last Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Ye</strong>p.  By Wham.  Go ahead and laugh at me.  My self-esteem is back in tact.  </span><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></li>\n</ul>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-7','','','2010-12-21 12:20:28','2010-12-21 19:20:28','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2836,1,'2010-12-21 12:22:09','2010-12-21 19:22:09','<p>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every December, I serenade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly scheduled in a practice as a 365 project day. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Rudolph --</strong> </span>Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Santa Claus is Coming to Town --</strong></span> Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, and don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Jingle Bell Rock --</strong></span> Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Winter Wonderland --</strong></span> Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ho, Ho, Ho!  Merry Self-Esteem Crisis, Everybody!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To build myself up, I haul out my music from last year and play what I know:  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>River -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is my Mom\'s favorite.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Blue</span> </strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nothing like the Elvis version.  I think I\'m much better.  Even when I\'m rusty.  ;-) </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Silent Night -- </strong></span>I play this in 4/4 rather than 3/4 which gives this a folkie sound.  I can tell you right now that my Nana is going to request the \"traditional\" way.  :-) </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">A Baby Just Like You </span></strong></span>and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>It\'s In Everyone Of Us -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Two John Denver songs from The Muppets Christmas album.  John Denver is the reason I play guitar.  True story.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Last Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Ye</strong>p.  By Wham.  Go ahead and laugh at me.  My self-esteem is back in tact.  </span><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></li>\r\n</ul>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-8','','','2010-12-21 12:22:09','2010-12-21 19:22:09','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2837,1,'2010-12-21 12:23:11','2010-12-21 19:23:11','<p>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every December, I serenade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly scheduled in a practice as a 365 project day. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Rudolph --</strong> </span>Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Santa Claus is Coming to Town --</strong></span> Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, and don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Jingle Bell Rock --</strong></span> Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Winter Wonderland --</strong></span> Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!<br class=\"spacer_\" /><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong> </strong></span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Ho, Ho, Ho!  Merry Self-Esteem Crisis, Everybody!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To build myself up, I haul out my music from last year and play what I know: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>River -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is my Mom\'s favorite.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Blue</span> </strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nothing like the Elvis version.  I think I\'m much better.  Even when I\'m rusty.  ;-) </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Silent Night -- </strong></span>I play this in 4/4 rather than 3/4 which gives this a folkie sound.  I can tell you right now that my Nana is going to request the \"traditional\" way.  :-) </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">A Baby Just Like You </span></strong></span>and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>It\'s In Everyone Of Us -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Two John Denver songs from The Muppets Christmas album.  John Denver is the reason I play guitar.  True story.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Last Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Ye</strong>p.  By Wham.  Go ahead and laugh at me.  My self-esteem is back in tact.  </span><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></li>\r\n</ul>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-9','','','2010-12-21 12:23:11','2010-12-21 19:23:11','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2839,1,'2010-12-21 12:24:09','2010-12-21 19:24:09','<p>All I want for Christmas is more hours in each day for 2011. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I love, Love, LOVE honoring my passion for writing while living my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">365 project</a></strong> and creating this blog.  Naturally, when I\'m juggling a soul-scintillating adventure each day along with updating the blog, a 40+ hour a week day job, and a new puppy, some things are going to slip through the cracks.  Like sleep.  And exercise.  And guitar. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t think I have a right to complain, as puppy and blog have brought so much to my life.  I am beyond blessed.  But since I\'m exceptionally hormonal today, please allow me a big</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">HUMBUG! </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because I am human after all, and when I pick up the guitar and I can\'t play as well as a 3rd grader, I\'m going to get cranky. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every December, I serenade my family with Christmas music when I visit Houston.  (Thank you, Lauren, for always being so gracious in lending me your guitar!) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since I haven\'t had time to play since I started this blog on September 15th, and since World\'s Most Precious Niece/3rd Grade Guitar Student Extraordinaire is chomping at the bit to play with me, I thought I\'d better get on that.  Since there are few activities that are as soul-scintillating for me as guitar and singing, I cleverly scheduled in a practice as a 365 project day. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here is what World\'s Most Precious Niece wants to play with me:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Rudolph --</strong> </span>Easy.  Used to play this one in the classroom.  Tonight...don\'t sound so great.  And I\'ve lost my finger calluses from lack of playing.  Owie.    </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Santa Claus is Coming to Town --</strong></span> Another kiddie song.  Looked up chords and easy to play, but... incorrect chords.  It\'s 9:30, I have to be up early for work, and don\'t have time to figure this out.  NEXT!</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Jingle Bell Rock --</strong></span> Can\'t stand this song, but it\'s for World\'s Most Precious niece.  Luckily, don\'t know those chords.  This will make her feel like she is much better than me.  The way I sound tonight, she probably is.  Can you spell h-u-m-b-l-i-n-g?</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Winter Wonderland --</strong></span> Uh-oh.  I don\'t know any of these chords.  What the?!?!<br class=\"spacer_\" /><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong> </strong></span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Ho, Ho, Ho!  Merry Self-Esteem Crisis, Everybody!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To build myself up, I haul out my music from last year and play what I know: <br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>River -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is my Mom\'s favorite.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Blue</span> </strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nothing like the Elvis version.  I think I\'m much better.  Even when I\'m rusty.  ;-) </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Silent Night -- </strong></span>I play this in 4/4 rather than 3/4 which gives this a folkie sound.  I can tell you right now that my Nana is going to request the \"traditional\" way.  :-) </li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">A Baby Just Like You </span></strong></span>and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>It\'s In Everyone Of Us -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Two John Denver songs from The Muppets Christmas album.  John Denver is the reason I play guitar.  True story.  </span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Last Christmas -- </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Ye</strong>p.  By Wham.  Go ahead and laugh at me.  My self-esteem is back in tact.  </span><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></li>\r\n</ul>','Day 85:  If You Don\'t Use It, You Really Do Lose it.  Humbug.  ','','inherit','open','open','','2812-revision-11','','','2010-12-21 12:24:09','2010-12-21 19:24:09','',2812,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/21/2812-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),