Seven.Caged.Tigers

This week has flown by. Between a busy spell at work and some business at home, my life seems to have just slipped by without any real recognition of time. I suppose if it’s got to happen some way, that is the best.

I’ve just finished scanning in like 50 pictures. I’ve got another load to do on other days. I’m thinking about starting up a retrospective sort of gallery for this page. Who knows if I’ll actually follow through, but still…I think (at least today) that it is a good idea. In any case, I’ll share a few of my “growing up” pictures. But be warned. I was a cute little girl if I do say so myself (and yes, I do also realize I’m incredibly biased on the subject). Enjoy!

Age 1 “The Flower Child”

Age 3 “The Innocent”

Age 5 “The Perpetually Hurt”

Age 8 “The Early Jock-ess”

Age 12 “The Nerd”

Age 15 “The Jock-ess”

Age 16 “The Dateless”

OK. So the one from when I was 5 isn’t exactly adorable. I just posted it to represent exactly how accident prone I was. Note the dead front tooth. That was my sister’s head’s doing. Note the black eye. Sister’s head again. Too bad you could see the bruises all over my arms and legs–those were my doing.

I got these in my inbox from none other than my mother-in-law. Yes. She does have a very good sense of humor. Since it makes fun of EVERYBODY it is all in jest. Enjoy.

I’m beginning to really want a new digital camera. I got a VERY nice one about three years ago–an Olympus C-3000. It cost a goodly amount of money and was the top of the line as far as point-and-shoots went back then (3.34 mega pixel and 3x optical zoom–screw the digital zoom). But it’s massive…huge…gargantuan. I’m jealous of all these nifty LITTLE digital cameras out there that take better quality pictures.

For my purposes I’m not too interested in spending the cashola for a SLR. They are too expensive for something that isn’t even a hobby. I just want a 4 mega pixel (or so) point and shoot–a Canon or Olympus or something else I haven’t even thought aout. I’m really not all too picky. I just want something that works and doesn’t require and entire photography bag and all the accessories when I bring it anywhere.

I do feel guilty about my itch. My hubby bought it for me for my 25th birthday (gasp–that seems so long ago). I don’t want to just up and buy a new camera if we can’t come up with a use for the old one. It still works nicely, it’s just a bit cumbersome.

Sometimes I think I see and hear things that other folks miss. First off, let me just say I have no “real” sense of humor. I rarely find comedies funny and much prefer “black comedy” to any other variety. I guess I like laughing at inappropriate things–you know, murder, sex, violence and the like.

I also find people funniest when they aren’t trying to be funny. When folks simply say what they mean and what is on their mind without thought it always strikes me as both honest and hilarious. OK. Maybe not ALWAYS but a good deal of the time.

So last night I was watch America’s Next Top Model 3 (uh, yeah, I watch the show) and the girls were all at this pub. They were dancing where there wasn’t a dancefloor and just being little divas. Anyway, this other group of girls (labeled “not models”) was making fun of them. So one “not model” and one “model” decided to have a dance off (I’m not shitting you). When the two met in the middle “not model” dumped beer on “model.” “Model” exclaimed (and I quote) “Bitch poured beer on my weave!” I just about crapped myself. It was the funniest thing I’ve heard on TV in a good while. What transpired after that was a bar brawl. But nothing could top the beer pouring incident.

One other thing about America’s Next Top Model. I must commend Tyra for wanting beautiful but not anorexic girls. But by the same token it seems forced that she is trying SO hard for SO many different girls. We all know that models are largely homogenous creatures. Is the girl with braces gonna win? Don’t think so. Is the plus size model gonna win? Nope. It really sends a mixed message I think. At the same time, I’m pleased that the Amy girl who was CLEARLY anorexic or bulimic or something and lied about her weight (also pretty clear) wasn’t rewarded. She really was disgusting.

Finally, off the topic of humor…my husband began his last class of his Masters career last night. It’s a crummy topic (finance or some such nastiness) and will be boring but I’m certain he’s going to try his hardest to be done with it all. I already warned him though, I cannot help him with the topic. Economics/business/money is not my “thing.” Seriously. Have I ever mentioned that I never even got a C in college…EVER. Including grad classes and science and every other topic. In fact, my grades generally were B+ and higher and usually in the A range. That is until I took macroeconomics. After two tests and a bunch of quizzes I received a grade of a F+. I’m not lying. I have a picture of it somewhere and the actual scantron somewhere else. When I got that grade, I packed up my stuff and waited at the prof’s office. It was after the drop period. I dropped the class and retook it at community college where I got a B+.

Did I mention econ is not my thing?

My friend Amy in Florida is fine…I figured that much. She said she was evacuated last Tuesday in anticipation of a pretty much direct hit from Ivan. Her house also survived….some of her neighbors were flooded pretty bad though.

I’m just happy to have heard from her. I guess the whole evacuation thing was why we hadn’t. Go figure. They don’t bring their computers along…I thought her hubby was a big ol’ computer nerd. I’m beginning to doubt his nerdiness.

In any case, yeah. It’s not like I have any big news. I heard my sis went for an interview at some video library place. My mom told me that. I also heard that Jeremy’s friend Jim FINALLY sold his house. Now he can get on with fixing up his new house! My husband told me that.

Lots of things through the proverbial grapevine.

Finally, I’ve been getting loads of mail these days. I went officially bonkers on Half.com and bought ten (yes…that’s 10) books in the continued effort to round out my Post Apocalyptic fiction collection. I think I’m nearing 80 now. I’m almost finished with my first book of the new bunch. But once the new Stephen King comes out, all else will be put aside. The Dark Tower comes in front of everything else…including food and work. And you think I’m kidding…

JT and I headed WAY up north this weekend for a wedding. When I say WAY up north I mean hop on I-75 and head north. When you cross the Mackinac Bridge, turn west. Head another few hours northwest to Munising (in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan). It is seriously the middle of nowhere. Most people have teeth and most speak an intelligible form of finenglish. I call it finenglish because it’s a strange amalgamation of Finnish and English.

In any case, we saw a bunch of college friends. I love the whole group of ‘em and see them all too rarely–one or twice a year at most despite the fact we living in relatively close vicinity with some of them. It was actually even warm up there–in the 70’s during the day. That’s out of the ordinary FYI. It’s usually cold and raining/icing horizontally.

It was an open bar which was nice, but bad bad bad liquor. I’m not exactly keen on Five o’Clock vodka. Ahem. Cough. Gag.

So yeah. It was a 5.5 - 6 hour drive straight north. We’re back. Happy. Tired. And still very much unpregnant (just had to throw that in as everybody there asked us the same question over and over again).

When Bonnie and errr…Charley (I wanted to say Clyde) were around a few weeks ago I was nervous for both of my friends in Florida. One lives in Jacksonville and the other just east of Pensacola at Eglin AFB (actually just south of Eglin AFB). Anyway, they both came out of that one fine.

This time around Jacksonville wasn’t a concern but Ivan hit Amy (my friend in the panhandle) nearly head on. I’m afraid for her. I’m certain she got out (maybe even over the weekend) but considering they just got settled into a townhouse there I hope everything is fine. It just scares me. I know so little of hurricanes…give me a tornado any day. OK. Maybe not. But at least I’m accustomed to tornado warnings and the like. In any case, I’m sending good vibes down to Florida to Amy and her family.

I hate weather. It’s one thing we have no control over.

I’m such a huge nerd. Mega, massive, incredibly, unabashedly nerdy Shelly. In any case, I’m excited as all hell about the new Survivor starting up. I’ve enjoyed for the past four or so seasons playing in the Fantasy League. Not that I ever win, but I still enjoy it quite a bit. I figure it’s all luck in the start who picks the *right* Survivors. In the end, it is also strategy. But I’d LOVE to win a car…in my dreams of course.

By the way, for those living underneath a massive rock, Survivor 9 Vanuatu premieres tomorrow night (September 18) at 8pm.

There are few things that provide me with as much joy as the discovery of a used book or music store. The mere unearthing of one of these plazas of paradise is enough for me–but when they are great I’m in heaven. Really. I found one not too long ago in Waterford and I stumbled upon one once in Virginia that fall into this category. And there were a few awesome ones in East Lansing. Methinks I’ve just found the granddaddy of them all–Jellybeans.

I feel like a big ol’ dork. How I didn’t know about it, I’m not sure. My whole family lives in and arount Flint yet nobody told me about this store. Let me clarify–STORES. There are three in the area. I ended up at the on on Fenton Road as I was trying to head south out of Flint without going immediately to the expressway. Jellybean’s is amazing. I’ve been to places with better prices, but as far as selection goes I was overwhelmed. The music selection was iffy, but the books was INCREDIBLE. And, the guy at the front counter told me that they’d just bought out two seperate libraries of sci-fi titles each with 15,000 copies. He said that will quadruple their stock.

Since apocalyptic fiction is always categorized in either horror or sci fi this makes me VERY happy. VERY. I couldn’t find much because I didn’t have my lists with me. I need to print them and take them to one of the stores and get busy trying to find the titles. Jellybean’s RAWKS!

Of course since I just went to Half.com and bought ten more books from my AF list for my collection I’ve only got the choice of 50 or so titles I’m aware of. My collection on the other hand is up to 80 or so. Impressive…very, very impressive. I wish I knew if there was somebody else out there so interested in the topic. Or maybe I’m just strange. That would explain much.

Oh. Never mind. It’s a house. A 100 year old remodeled bungalow. With that said, I do own it which is a very nice thing. Every single little inch is mine (and Jeremy’s). Inspired by a challenge last week by girlwonder aka aroundthewaygirl aka Miss C., I took pictures of my humble abode. Enjoy.

This is the arch that I fell in love with at my house. I’ve never seen a brick arch in a house–until this one. Yes, that’s a wood stove in the background.

This is my dining room. Actually, it’s one large room connected with the kitchen. Those chairs are a part of the handmade solid oak set we bought a bit back. You can see the steps to the second level and my china cabinet stocked with china, crystal, porcelain, and various antiques well out of the way of cat damage.

This is my kitchen. I’m not too keen on formica, but this isn’t too bad. Note the clutter–it’s usual in my house. I like the light green the whole kitchen and dining room are painted. It’s lovely and unique and not at all country (fortunately).

I really want to repaint my bathroom. I also like this green and am really keen on it mixed with the plum accessories I found to match the shower curtain. But I hate my tub enclosure and would prefer some yellow some place in my house and some ceramic tile. Some day (over the rainbow methinks).

This a picture that shows my lamp (Target, baby!), the lovely Asian print over my bed (World Market, baby!) and the coordinates I’ve got in my bedroom (Bed Bath and Beyond and Nautica, baby!). I like it very much.

I’m not a tidy girl. Can you tell? Ignore the nasty green comforter. We’ve got a matching duvet/cover but it’s too hot in the summer sans A/C. Note the laminate white oak furniture. That is AUTHENTIC retro from 1950 or so. That’s what our entire bedroom set is. You can see the tan and red combo we chose this past winter.

We haven’t done anything to the family room. Note the bad hand-me-down (but free) off-white leather furniture. I love the candle arrangement that hangs from the ceiling and the 1800’s oil painting on the wall.

Our big ass 36″ JVC TV I want to die. We can get a flat screen for cheaper than this was. Boring off-white walls and off-white berber carpeting. I like the mantle clock above the TV.

I’ve spoken in depth about my book collection. It’s a mess right now–I’m in the process of re-alphabetizing my library. FYI, the library has its own space–an upstairs bedroom.

Another bookcase. Note the college diploma/picture at the left and the bridesmaids dress (lt. peri courtesy of my best friend Karyn) at the right.

Still another two bookcases. Note the duvet on the chair–yes, the missing duvet from my bedroom.

What I like to call my ghoul collection. This is where all my apocalyptic fiction novels live when they aren’t on my headboard on bedroom bookcase.

I live in a village outside of Detroit. I also have an enclosed front porch. This is a view of my front yard and road through the porch. We just installed that door. It’s an antique wood one in great shape that replaced an antique wood door in awful shape. FYI, it was found in a barn “up north.”

A view of the side of my house and some of my flowers (yellow mums and daisies). My house is yellow. It has aluminum siding. I don’t like aluminum siding.

My back yard. I’ve got a lovely green yard. Note the fire pit. There is a patch of lilies in front of that little playhouse at the back of the yard.

My garage and some more (yellow) flowers. This time stellas (more lilies) and asters (I think). Can you tell I like my perennial flower gardens? It runs in the family.

So there you have it. A peek into my (boring) life. Hope you enjoyed it!

Name: Shelly
Age: 28
E-Mail Address: shelly@sevencagedtigers.com
Hair: Brownish Red
Eyes: Blue
Height: 5′10″
Location: Mid-Michigan
Marital Status: Married as of July 28, 2001 (Jeremy). Click for wedding pictures.
Siblings: One sister, Cheryl and a sister-in-law, Lindsay (and her hubby Russ)
Political Orientation: Democratic, of course
Religion: Athiest
Occupation: Computer Systems Specialist
Education: HS Graduate (1995), Magna Cum Laude BS in Political Science with a minor in Sociology (1999), BA in Telecommunications (2001).
Friends: Karyn, Kristin, & Amy
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Favorite Color: Red
Clothing Most Likely to be Caught Wearing: Jeans, khakis, wool, sweaters, most anything comfortable and probably from Gap.
My Car: A 2002 Chevy Impala LS. 60k miles and still going strong!
Pets: Three cats named Sara, Max, and Dewey. Click here for pictures.
Favorite Drink: Water, Diet Coke, Long Island Ice Tea, Seabreeze, unsweetened hot and cold tea, cappucino
Favorite Food: No particular favorites, though I like Italian, Greek, Mexican, Thai, and Middle Eastern in general.
Favorite Books: Stephen King “The Stand,” Robert McCammon “Swan Song,” Philip K. Dick “The Man in the High Castle,” and many others…
Favorite Movies: “The Professional,” “Seven,” “Hellraiser,” “Trainspotting,” “To Die For,” “Memento,” “Donnie Darko”
Favorite Music: Rock n’ Roll in general and more specifically the Eels, Jim White, nine inch nails, Gomez, Stone Temple Pilots, Morcheeba, etc…
Hobbies: entertainment trivia, writing, music, movies, television, reading, learning, travel, track and field, and computers (of course).

A picture can say so much. When they move and talk on the big screen, it’s a tiny miracle. I just love movies. Not necessarily the classics, although some of my favorites surely fall into that category. I love the whole movie theater experience. I’ve got favorite seats in every theater I’ve ever frequented. In fact, this new “stadium seating” thing has proven to be a revelation. No longer do you have to worry about the person in front of you with the big head blocking your view.

Another great thing? DVD’s. I’ve got a beautiful 36″ JVC television and a matching DVD player. Now, I don’t have to view my movies on the 19″ Philips TV and matching VCR. Of course I would prefer a plasma screen, but a girl has to have her dreams. It’s just a great thing to have wonderful sound and images on the screen in front of your nose.

So far as movies go, I have a soft place in my heart for horror. Always have, and always will. But, that’s not always a popular genre for alot of people (sadly). I also like dramas, mystery, suspense, action/adventure, and yes even black comedy. Overt slapstick, ha-ha funny movies are not my cup of tea. So far as I’m conserned, they can all be lit on fire. Rather, a funny movie that’s twisted and you sometimes feel guilty for laughing at is more what I like.

Specific films that rank among my favorites are as follows: The Professional, Donnie Darko, Trainspotting, Seven, Hellraiser, and To Die For. I’m always on the lookout for new, strange and entertaining films that are maybe even off the beaten path.

Looking for little ol’ me? I’m easy to find…I promise! I’m located in Michigan–no, I’m not going to give you any information that could lead to stalking. Here’s a brief run-down of ways to find me:

via e-mail: shelly@sevencagedtigers.com
via MSN Messenger: lambchops_epinions
via Epinions: lambchops profile
via a random message board: Epinions Music Source

I highly recommend you try me first via e-mail. The other methods are unpredictible at best.

My lack of updates here this week should indicate one of two things. First, I could be just too busy to stop by. Or, I could just be bored and/or lazy. I suppose it’s basically the second scenario. Students are back, but work is still pretty boring. I’ve got more responsibilities than I do in the summer but I’m still rather efficient in completing tasks. My husband says I should stall a bit. But I’m really not good at that. I can’t stand waiting around to do things. Call me anal. I don’t care. Why? Because I am.

As far as other things go, I must say I’m honestly concerned for my friend Karyn. I e-mailed both she and Amy regarding how they fared in Florida. Amy was just fine–she lives in the western part of the panhandle and survived the hurricane. Karyn on the other hand is in Jacksonville and has yet to respond to my inquiry. I hope everything is fine…I really, really do. Crossing my fingers for her safety.

In other news, I’m no longer alone with having hypothyroidism. Not that I ever was–my father in addition to various other family members on my mom’s side all have issues. But with that said, I am the first in my generation. Now my sister joins the ranks. She still doesn’t know what is up exactly, but she’s got “thyroid issues” and will soon learn her fate. I hope, for her sake, it is low rather than high. The treatments are much easier low. Hyperthyroid folks have to have radiation treatment and often surgery–not so with us underachievers. We just require cheap life-long replacement in the form of Synthroid.

Anyway…yeah…I didn’t think I had much to talk about. Guess I was wrong.

Consider me addicted to Kingdom of Loathing (aka KoL). It’s this hilarious RPG game online that is free to join. In any case, I have three accounts (because I’m an addict). I absolutely invite ya’ll to join…

Signed “lambchops,” “narcisse” and “angryjohnny.” Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

First off, may I suggest that crazy drivers not drive down the wrong way of the expressway? This morning on my way to work, four officers had a Dodge Stratus pulled over. Too bad he was facing the wrong way.

I guess I forgive the gawkers for stopping up traffic. It was at least for something interesting.

Secondly, I had a fun little site suggested to me. JibJab is currently featuring a HILARIOUS animated film making fun of politicians in general rather than just Bush. It’s great. Seriously. The best stuff I’ve seen in a while. FYI, it’s called “This Land.”

Finally, I get this great little weekly entertainment newsletter from Britain called Popbitch. If you like getting the REAL scoop may I suggest this newsletter? In any case, at the end of each edition there are links to oddities on the web. Let us play a little game of “where’s Waldo.” But instead of a nerdy animated fellow, we’re going to play “find the humping dogs.” It wouldn’t be so funny if they weren’t so well hidden in this Seattle real estate listing.

Enjoy your weekend!

It’s times like now that I realize I’ve almost entirely shed my small-town girl self. I’m still not exactly as put together as some people where I live, but my food is definitely yuppie. Sitting in front of me is sushi (california rolls thank you very much) and a fantastic new carbonated juice called Izze. I’ve tried all of them available to me right now–grapefruit, clementine, blackberry, blueberry. It’s all damn good, and pretty healthy considering…

Reading the back, it’s a 12oz soda bottle with sparkling juice inside. It’s 150 calories total with no fat, 10mg of sodium, and 25g carbs (sugar). Indeed I eat carbs, I love carbs, I think it is WHOLLY UNHEALTHY for you to not eat carbs. This, my friends, is a healthy drink. And yummy to boot.

So if you see Izze around, don’t hesitate to try it. It izzzz…errr…is good stuff.

And there’s my PSA for today.