rustle

Thanks, everybody. Here's hoping for a better year this time around.

I didn't say time management is a myth, Lugh, only multi-tasking, but you've given some excellent examples of what I was talking about, like doing the wash the same day it gets dirty. And planning in advance to coordinate trips. That saves time, energy, and gas in the tank if you drive. Any time you can cook something that can be reheated later, it'll help. A grilled burger is good for one meal, but lasagna can last for several meals. You're not just managing time; you're managing your life. I also like the idea of writing out your list and adding to it as you cross off those things you've gotten done. Life's a moving target with changing priorities and new things coming up all the time.

First, don't put things off. Especially those things you don't especially want to do. Do them at your first opportunity, before they become crises. Second, multi-tasking is a myth. You can only do one thing at a time, so take the time to prioritize. Plan your day, and follow your plan. Don't oscillate between tasks, unless you're filling in gaps, like waiting for a washing machine or computer printer to finish. If you discipline yourself, you'll free up time down the road. Oh, and recreation? That's a priority, too, so plan in time for it.

I use Windows 7 and IE, 'cause they came with the laptop, and they have them on computers at work. I don't like to fuss over software - if it works, it works. I bought MS Office for the laptop 'cause I know it, and it works. Also, there's no quesiton of compatibility with the majority of computers out there. As a former Mac user, that was a source of a lot of grief. Although I liked the Mac more for standalone, I'll never go back.

Evacuated today. Over 14,000 acres burned, and probably lost my house. Dave and the dogs, camping gear, an armful of clothes, and a small box of papers. That's about all.

Listen to the people around you. Hear one word or phrase that everyone uses too often? Yeah, that's the one.

A variety of language and idioms can give a clear separation of characters from each other, or from the narrator. It can provide "texture" or a greater sense of place. Since so few people speak standard written English, to use it exclusively in dialogue is unrealistic and yields writing that falls flat. I find poor grammar or idiomatic language in a first-person narration can be a key to character; in a strictly objective narrator, it comes across poorly. The purpose of language is communication. What will it take for your characters to get their points across to each other, and to the reader? "Gonna?" "Ima?" Incomplete sentences? Break the rules wisely. You have a host of tools to use. A good author can transcend the tool that overpowers the lesser one.

The whole premise plays into the teen fantasy of having the biggest, baddest MOFO boyfriend who can kick everybody's ass, but doesn't, 'cause he's a super-sensitive, toothless WIMP. Vampires sparkle? Yeah, right, and Sponge Bob is a chupacabra.

Please do not take this lightly. Even a tropical storm can cause incredible damage. While living in Houston, I weathered several hurricanes. The damage brought about by Tropical Storm Allison was far worse, because it hovered over the same area for several days, raining heavily. If you can, please evacuate immediately. If you can't evacuate right away, hunker down. Don't get caught in traffic on the road. Be prudent, and be safe. Good luck to you all.

I love an authentic southern drawl. My favorites are central Texas, Georgia, and Virginia. Tommy Lee Jones' accent just sounds like home.

No doubt whatsoever on that one. You're a class act, KC.

Nephy, Andy, if I may...? I'm a poorly aging curmudgeon with a toothache, a 3-month-old migraine, and more than a fair touch of rheumatism, ready to take it out on somebody, and you just wandered into the crosshairs, BOY. And don't think tiptoeing will do you a bit of good, 'cause I can track a night breeze by the dark of the moon. (jk) Thank you, Dan, for helping me get that out of my system. I hadn't had a good snarl in months. We now return to the original intent of this thread...

pet the dogs, throw off my clothes, play tonsil hockey w/ my man...

It doesn't exactly "bother" me, but whenever I read the phrase "throbbing manhood" I find something else to read, instead.

Marky, I'm with Nephy on this one. I'm not gonna pity you or cry over you. If I could look you in the eye, I'd shake your hand for the man you are, hug the stuffing out of you for the hell of it, and tell you just how much I respect your journey. Truth to tell, you probably know some things we'd all be better to have experienced, no matter how sophisticated you may think us. You ain't no bumpkin, pumpkin.

You oughtta see the stripes a pair of Tevas leave behind.

Happy Birthday, darlin'!

OH MY GOD!!! THAT'S NO HAMSTER!!! THAT'S A DREADED BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ain't skeered of yer turtle, though, when we've got these around

Add to what Nephy said, once you're out, you can't go back in. But it's nice to lead an authentic life. You don't have to keep track of the lies.

How come I'm always late to find out about the party?! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CIA!

Hello, my name is rustle, and it's been 13 days since my last drink. Oh, sorry, wrong forum. Yeh, that's my real name. I'm primarily a reader here. And an avid poster. I know a little about a few things, and a heckuva lot about a few things that don't matter to most folks. I'm as exotic as dishwater, and nearly as exciting. I'm in a lifetime relationship, over 20 years now, so I'm pretty sure about my sexual preference (I prefer to have it.). I've got an acerbic sense of humor, but since this is the 'net, I can sensor myself before somebody else. Not so easy IRL. My interests are eclectic and changeful. I'm as likely to quote Faulkner or Bodhidarma as a lyric from The Black Keys. Every once in a while, I pay attention to stuff around me, then I revert to being a hermit. Technology is fashion - here today, obsolete tomorrow - so I prefer to learn about things that don't change. Though I love the writing here, the greatest treasure is the people. I've learned more here in the last year than I would've thought possible. It helps me dispense with labels, and accept folks on their own terms.

Beautiful dreams, Bob. They hold a lot for all of us to think on, especially those of us without firm religious beliefs, who follow our own moral compass. It's always good to hear from a gentleman such as you, who has seen so much. Take care.

Thank you, Graeme. It's good to be reminded that tolerance can come and go. I also never realized there were so few homosexuals rounded up.

Something unfit for polite company, most likely. But at my age, it's not happening. First names aren't appropriate for small children, IMO. My partner and I would have to have separate epithets. Two "Dads" would be confusing. Dad and Pop, I guess.

always