I am so sorry that I haven't posted lately... CynaraJane points a pistol at me when I ask for the computer (I need to build a laser I think *evil grin*) Ok.. so here is the gist of whats been going on...

Seedsower is sitting three feet away from me... Oh how I love my xanga Aunt. She is so funny... and her pictures don't do her justice. She's so pretty. I have had such a good time getting to know her and her husband Dave. They are the most awesome people in the world... and Beth never fails to make me laugh!! I have enjoyed this so much, it was the best night... and they took us out to dinner! Mmmmm, I had fried ice cream for dessert! *licks lips* I am so thankful to have friends such as Beth and Dave. People like them are the reason the world can be a fun place.

My eyes opened as a sat straight up in my bed, my first thought was "Oh God... please don't let it be too late!" I peered at the alarm clock that read 9:30am... I had a half an hour to shower, get dressed, do my hair and arrive at work 20 minutes away on time. I was sure that I was screwed. I leapt and sprinted out of bed... went I say "leapt and sprinted" I mean stood up from a completely horizontal position and was half way across the room before my feet touched the ground. I ran down the hallway as fast and agile as a gazelle (keep in mind I mean a three legged retarded gazelle that has been startled by a hungry lion) and stumbled down the stairs. I ran into my moms room and with a frightful overtone of panic yelled "MOM!! We have a problem!! It's 9:30 and I have to be at work at 10:00!!!" I believe at that point my mother said something like "Oh F#%K! Get moving... NOW!"

I hopped in the shower... more like jumped in full speed and didn't even let the water warm up *brrrr* I have never taken a 2 minute shower before... but I did. All I had time to do was wash my hair... and I didn't even have time to condition it  *sigh* So anyway... I dried my hair, which felt like it took an eternity!! I wiggled into my pants... which was quite a task considering that I hadn't fully dried off. Grabbed my shoes, hopped in them on the way out... and we were off!

In the car now... struggling to get my makeup in order, I managed to do my makeup (quite well might I add ) We were speeding down the highway... when I say speeding I mean going 70 in a 55 zone. " wow, that's fast!" you might say... we weren't sure if it was fast enough! Along the way we flew by a State Highway Patrolman like a bat out of hell... and he never took notice. Yeah... we were going that fast, stealth mode baby! Well anyway, we made a 20 minute drive in 10 minutes. I arrived to my first day of work on time with minutes to spare. It was quite a morning... and a memory I will retell to my grandchildren someday. Though for giggles I may embellish a bit, maybe add an alien abduction in the middle and some ninjas at the end. But hell... it'll be a good story! *wink*

Later I will tell you about my first day at work and how it went... stay tuned.

Your first day at your first job... what was it like?

Bitter Sweet

Today is a sad day, one full of mourning, sorrow and memories. Today marks the six month anniversary of my dear friends passing. A half a year has passed by and the pain that was once sharp is now but a muffled echo in my heart. Though the ache is dull… it brings me great discomfort. Today I reminisce of moments he and I shared, memories of a bond I once had for a man whom I cared for deeply. A bond now broken in the flesh though somehow stronger in the spirit.

I often think of all that was left unspoken, words that I never said though longed to whisper in his ear. Did he know I loved him? I can only pray that he hears my whispers at night, my confessions of love I now speak and hope they find their way to him. If nothing else they comfort me. I always said that life was too short to live with regret and it’s true. But I can’t help but feel regretful of what I left unsaid, and by the time my heart possessed the courage to speak… it was too late.

I can’t go through a day or a night without being reminded of him, the sunset itself whispers memories of us. The crickets serenade plays the ballad that our voices once danced to in the late hours of twilight, the sunrise heralds the climax of our conversation… the rain engulfs me with its memory of how soothing we found its music. These things that once made me cry in remembrance now make me smile in celebration, reminding me of the time I did share with him…moments not everyone could claim they did share with him.

The night my friend passed I had an overwhelming feeling that I should call, but I let other things in life distract me. If I had called, I would have gotten to speak with him one last time before he was gone forever… if only I had called. I miss his voice so much, that voice that always seemed to know the right things to say. Now I can only hear the distant tone of his voice echoing in his fathers’… he sounded just like his father. But nevermore shall my phone ring with the anticipation that it’s him… nevermore. Sometimes I still forget that he is gone and I pick up the phone to call, half way through dialing his number I stop… and I remember. I did this several times this holiday season, I picked up the phone to call and wish him a Happy Thanksgiving… Merry Christmas… Happy New Year. But then my heart sank as I remembered that doing so was now impossible. I could only whisper the words and pray that they would find him. And I shall whisper those words in year to come and hope they find their way from my heart to his, even though we are separated by death… and a lifetime.

I was thinking of a trip he and I had planned this summer, we were going to Colorado to visit the places of his childhood. I am still taking the trip I had promised to venture with him, though it is not how we planned it to be. There will be no hiking in the woods at sunset; no fishing in the dark… instead I shall be visiting his grave. I hope his parents excuse me when I fall to my knees and weep for a lost love that has perished… a love that was ripped from me before I had the chance to indulge in it. It was the kind of love that lingers on your lips even after it’s gone, like I fine wine… Bitter sweet .

Copyright © 2007 Cat Crawford

The phone rang and mom answered. "It's for you Cat" she said. "Who is it?" I replied, I wasn't expecting any calls today. "It's Heather." It was my dearest cousin Heather, she's like a sister to me in every way. We grew up together... we've been hanging out since we were in diapers. I love her with all my heart. When we were little we used to go around in matching clothes claiming we were twin cousins. Though she, a short blonde hair, blue eyed princess... and I, a tall dark hair, brown eyed amazon. Nonetheless... we were twins at heart. And we still are. I picked up the phone, "Hey girl! What ya up to?" She laughed and said "Nothing much... Guess what!" I thought for a second... and I had no clue. I guessed something random and stupid so she would reveal her surprise. "I'm pregnant" she said. I was glad I was sitting down... if I were standing I might have fainted. My Heather, my precious Heather... pregnant. I always thought that I would get pregnant first, I have always been more... lets say, curious about the opposite sex more than she. But I guess God had other plans.

Though she is not my sister... I feel like I am going to be an Aunt. She has already told me that her child will call me "Aunt Catlin" We both think it would feel wrong any other way. And in turn my children will call her the same someday. When she told me I couldn't help but think back to our childhood... wasn't it just yesterday? We were 5 but a week ago weren't we? Time flies. We're not little girls anymore... even though I would still like to think that. But alas, we are all grown up... and Heather is going to be a mom. Wow. That is was best describes my feelings. Wow.

I remember Heather as nothing but knees and elbows, wearing her jeans and a little pink shirt... and playing in the mud. Mom used to have to hose us down with the garden hose after our mud fights. Man, we loved those mud fights. I remember staying up all night and talking with her... I remember bubble baths together while playing with toys. Now new memories are right around the corner. Sharing the gift of birth and motherhood with her... walking beside her all the way. She'll make a wonderful mother. She is loving and kind... caring and savvy. I look forward to seeing her blossom into a wonderful loving mom. I still can't believe it... Heather... Heather is going to be a mommy. Wow. My Heather. *smiles* And I am going to be an aunt.

Little Girl, Blue Eyed Baby

Little girl
Blonde hair, blue eyed baby
We knew it
Someday we'd grow up, just maybe

Though years have passed by
Wasn't it just yesterday?
Playing dress up in high heels
Has that time now passed away?

I swear it, just a week ago
We were only little girls
Playing dress up with our dollies
And wearing mommy's pearls

Has it been that long ago?
I swear it, just last night
We were laughing in my room
Enjoying a pillow fight

Has it been that many years?
I can't believe it's true
I can't believe we're all grown up
You must admit, do you?

It was just the other day
Little girl, blue eyed baby
That we said we might grow up
Someday, by chance, just maybe

My proudest moment thus far was reaching 18 without too many complications or setbacks. I can count myself as blessed. A lot of my cousins were unwed teen mothers... and a lot of them have spent time in juvenile hall. I am blessed that I have not experienced either. I am "a smart cookie" as my grandmother would say. I was lucky that I had a good mother and grandmother... and lets not forget my granddad. They raised me right, with love, encouragement and respect. Thank God for them. Not only am a proud of becoming a woman... but I am proud of my family who helped me get there. I cannot say that this achievement of mine, getting through this part of my life without screwing up was my doing alone. If it weren't for my loving family... I can only imagine the trouble I would have gotten myself into. Mind you, I have made a lot of mistakes... I have done things I am not proud of. But my family has always pulled me back onto the right path whenever I have taken a shortcut through the woods and gotten lost... and they have always saved me before I ran into the big bad wolf. Thank God for them.

In my life there will be other proud moments. Graduating college, working my dream job, becoming a wife... becoming a mother... world domination. Oh yes, those are the proud moments to come in the near and distant future. But I will always think back and remember how lucky I was to have a good start in life... all thanks to my family. I guess when it comes down to it... yes, my proudest moment is becoming a woman... but if I had to choose something that I am truly grateful for and proud of... it's my family. In every proud moment in my life I can think of, they were there... right beside me and cheering me on. And every accomplishment I have ever achieved... they were the ones who encouraged me and pushed me to do it. A lot of times when I didn't think I could.

So there you have... these are the things that I am most proud of.

This is Far_Skies... signing off...

...until next time...

I owe 22 years in prison ... wow... can I just pay a fine or something?.. maybe I can get out early on good behavior? Nah, who am I kidding?! I'm glad they didn't have a "world domination category in there... I would have been sentenced to life automatically! Hahahah

I have been tagged by GrumbyBear54... This is The Guilty Game. Next to the questions put your answers as either guilty or innocent. Guilty if you have, innocent if you haven't. The number of guilties you have is the number of years in prison you are sentenced to. Repost with a headline stating how many years in prison you have....

1. Dated outside your race? Guilty

2. Given a hickey? Guilty

3. Dated your best friend? Which one? Innocent

4. Sung in the shower? Guilty

5. Spit in someone's drink? Guilty

6. Dumped someone? Guilty x 5

7. Opened your Christmas presents early? Guilty

9. Seen The Goonies more than 10 times? Guilty

10. Had more than five REAL bf/gfs? Innocent

11. Played a computer (video) game for more than 5 hours? Innocent

12. Ran through the sprinklers naked? Innocent

13. Ate food that fell on the floor? Guilty

14. Went outside naked? Innocent

15. Made out with your best friends bf/gf? Innocent

16. Mooned somebody? Guilty

17. Been on stage? Guilty

18. Made someone cry? Guilty

19. Been in a parade? Innocent

20. Been in a school play? Guilty

21. Drank beer? Guilty

22. Gotten detention? Innocent

23. Been on a plane? Innocent

24. Been on a cruise? Innocent

25. Broken into a house? Innocent

26. Gotten a tattoo? (not yet) Innocent

27. Gotten piercings? Guilty (tongue ring)

28. Cried so hard you threw up? Guilty

29. Gotten into a shouting match? Guilty x10

30. Been skinny dipping? Innocent

31. Spun yourself in circles to get dizzy on purpose? Guilty

32. Laughed so hard it hurt? Guilty

33. Tripped on your own feet? Guilty (I'm clumsy)

34. Cried yourself to sleep? Guilty

35. Cried in public? Guilty

36. Thrown up in public? Innocent

37. Lied to your parents? Guilty

38. Skipped class? Innocent

39. Slept in class? Innocent

40. Laughed so hard while you were eating/drinking that it came out your nose? Guilty

Now put the number guilty as years in prison: 22

Yes, Aloysius_Son knows where his place is... he knows which side his bread is buttered on. A faithful and reliable lackey he makes... oh yes, indeed. The best thing I ever did was to accept him as my man servant... now I have someone to feed my kangaroos and shave my legs (what more could a woman ask for?) He is definitely earning his place in the scheme of things. I admire his maniacal mind... it never fails to impress me. He's smart... but sometimes I think too smart. He is definitely a big help though... and the kangaroos are having fun taunting him.

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greenray has challenged me to list 6 "normal" (define normal) things about myself... in a couple previous posts I was about to list 12 weird facts... for some reason I am finding it increasingly hard to come up with something even remotely normal. *sigh* I am an oddball... it is true. Lets see if I can accomplish this task of normalcy.

6 "Normal" facts about Far_Skies:
How about... as "normal" as I can get?

1. I put my pants on one leg at time... usually.
2. I have 8 fingers and 2 thumbs.
3. I am thinking this may be pointless....
4. I might as well come from another planet...
5. After thinking a while I have come to the realization that there is absolutely nothing "normal" about me.
6. And I have come to the conclusion that "normal" is just a setting on a washing machine.

I tried my dear friend, Hugo... I tried. But there is nothing "normal" I can think of about myself. I could go on forever with all my weird facts... but normal is out of my league. But seriously... who wants to be normal?

Can anyone define normal?... because I have never heard of this "normal" you speak of. lol

Now... tell me that cat in the corner isn't just the cutest flippin' cat you have ever seen. It is so adorable! I want a cat like that. It has so much personality to it, thats what I love about it *smiles* And just wook at dat wittle face! *starts talking in baby speak* an dose wittle paws! Awww, so cute!! I wanna cuddle widdit! *end baby speak* I want a cat like that... and I want to name it something like Dr. Watson or Mr. Higgins... yeah (heheheh.) That breed in the corner is called an Exotic. "Exotic what?" you might say... It is an awesome breed of cat, like a persian, but with short hair and less grooming needs. I love it! And it has the most adorable freakin' face! Look at those big pretty eyes *smiles*... I want one.

I had cats growing up, 4 of them. 2 of them were mine, the other two were my grandfather's... but he shared their love with me *smiles.* I have always adored cats. That fact that my name is "Cat" got me started I believe. I'm not a cat 'fanatic' but I do adore them. I cannot have cats at the moment due to my mother's allergies. But I promise... when I move out, that cat is mine! I miss my kitties... I loved them dearly. And wouldn't that be awesome to have that cat sitting on my lap as I am sitting on my thrown? Every world dominationist needs some kind of weird lookin' animal to pet as they are plotting world dominance, right? (heheheh)

What kind of pet do you want?

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Ok... so, I have been tagged by GrumpyBear54. I have already done this, but I can't turn down a good friend. So I thought I would list 6 more weird tidbits about me *smiles* Though I am not tagging anyone back this time... but if you feel inclined, feel free to leave randomly odd thing about you in my comments.. I don't mind *smiles*

6 more weird facts about Far_Skies

1. Though I have fond memories of the lake at my aunts house... I have somehow become afraid of water. Not pools or anything... just lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds etc, etc, etc. I don't know why... nor do I understand how such a thing could happen to me... but it did. I would love to fix this unrealistic phobia of mine because I love water sports. I want to water ski again and swim in a lake. We shall see. I just have this fear that something big with sharp teeth is going to come and bite my feet off or something (like I said, it is an unrealistic phobia, hahah)
   
   
2. When I eat any kind of sandwich I have to eat around it and save the middle for last... don't ask me why I do it, I'm not sure why. I have been doing it since I was a very young child. It is just one of my habits.
   
   
3. When trying to go to sleep I hypnotize myself. I have trained myself to fall asleep when I think of a black void and repeat the word "sleep" in my head, with each exhale I become sleepier. It takes me about two minutes to fall asleep if I really want to.
   
   
4. I used to sleep walk as a child. I would get out of bed and go downstairs, my mother would find me facing a wall and making a ''plucking' motion with my hand. When asked what I was doing I would reply "picking grapes." And then I would be escorted back to my room.
   
   
5. I love the word "exuberant" and I say it often in everyday life... though this is the first time I have ever typed it.
   
   
6. I hate having nightmares. I hate them because most of my nightmares involve some kind of animal biting me. I am not sure if this is actually weird or not, but... when I get bitten by something in my dream, the part of me that has been injured in my dream actually spasms, and it really hurts! Is that odd? Or does that happen to everyone?
   

BONUS: I have a pet rock named Larry that I talk to every now and again. Man, he is such a good listener! lol

When I was young I was blessed to share many wonderful memories with my family, not only at the old homestead my grandmother speaks about in her recent post... but also at my Aunt Kathi's old lake house. It was a lovely house on the banks of Shawnee Lake in Jamestown, Ohio. Every Friday my mother would drive to the lake to spend time with Kaggi (Kathi) And Vovo (Uncle Virgil) I couldn't really pronounce their names as a baby so that is what I would call them "Kaggi and Vovo." And I still call them that till this day. There nicknames have evolved a bit since then however... sometimes I call them Kagmo and Vo, lol... but it's all the same. My favorite place in the world was on that lake, there was so many fun things to do. We would water ski and go boating... jet skiing and fishing were a favorite. Sometimes I would stay the weekend, and in the morning you would be awakened by the smell of sausage gravy and biscuits.. Mmmm, and they were the best in the world!

There was a water slide in the middle of the lake that my cousin Brybry (Bryan) would take me down. I would sit on his lap as we slid fast down the slide, oh it was so much fun! I miss it so much. When I was real little I used to play with water in the sink, I would make such a mess! My aunt Kaggi would have to stand there and put her foot on the wheel of the chair to keep it steady as a played. Or sometimes I would sit on the pool table and push the balls into the pockets (which my cousins friends did not seem to like... considering my cousin would set me up there in the middle of a game. But it was a good excuse to stop playing when he was losing!) MawMaw (my great grandmother Mary) was there too. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss her. God rest her soul.

I have so many fond memories on that lake... the foundation of what I have grown to love was there. Family, nature, animals, swimming, fishing and basketball. Those memories will stay with me for a lifetime... the smell of freshly plucked and eaten apples... the taste of sausage gravy and biscuits in the morning. It has all made a wondrous impact on my life and someday I hope that I can do the same for my children.

I was just talking about that with a friend the other night... what I wanted for my future. And I thought of that lake house. And then I thought of my grandmother's old homestead. I want to give my children the magic that I discovered in those places... I want to show them the beauty of life and nature that I discovered first hand. I pray that they can enjoy those simple pleasures and find what I found in it... I found happiness. Not only was there happiness... but there was excitement and joy... and the only thing that made all of that special was my family. Without them it would have meant nothing. I thank God that I had a wonderful family to share those memories of fun and love with... I thank God every day for it. And I hope to give my children the same thing if not more.

I want my future to feel good like my childhood used to... I want to spend time on a lake again, I want to swim, boat, fish, jet ski, water ski again... I want to share that with the family that I will someday make. I want a big lake house with a wraparound deck overlooking the water. I want a hot tub and a pool table. Is it wrong to want such things? I have worked hard in school and I am a straight "A" student... I have a full scholarship to a local college where I will be taking classes soon. Is it wrong to want these things and get them because I can? No... Because I have earned them?. Is it so wrong of me to want to indulge in these simple pleasures that I once had? No.. it's not wrong, nor shallow... I have earned my right to have the best. And I will have it.

Great MotherOPearl! My Grandmother is on xanga ??. I am so excited at the thought of reading her posts, it just tickles me to do death. My Grandma is a fabulous writer, and much like me has a good sense of humor and can enjoy a good laugh. And then there is that "gypsy soul" of hers, something else we share. We crave to be a part of life's poetry... and we as artists... paint the world. I am thrilled for her to be joining us here on xanga, she is going to make a welcomed addition to my mother's crew. And she will bring a revolution to xanga. I think this may be the person to knock Dan off his throne. With my Grandma as queen of xanga... world domination will be within my grasp.

Speaking of world domination. My plan is all coming together. I have been reading up and studying about world domination and I think it is really paying off. And now I even have a lacky to feed my kangaroo's... and what a helpful lacky he will make. Well, I can't say it will be complete world domination... I'm giving bluemarsupial Oklahoma... oh, and Utah. I have a new title now too... Far_Skies the space pirate ninja world dominationist/cult leader (though I need more shrines built), think it's too long? No... because awesomeness is never ending. The world will stand in awe of my greatness and my man followers... and my evil kangaroo henchmen who shall do my bidding. Yeah... kangaroo henchmen. (heheheh.) Oooo, I shall be feared and respected in many nations, oh yes.. Who knows... after a take on the world... the universe might be next... stranger things have happened *evil grin*

You've Been Tagged?

And now... according to  soontoshrink I have been tagged. "tagged, what is that?" you might say. Well... each tagged player in this game must post in their blog starting with 6 weird facts about them, as well you must state the rules clearly. You must then choose 6 people to tag and the cycle starts all over again. You must list all people you have tagged and link them to your post. Don't forget to leave them a little comment saying that they have been tagged (chosen) and tell them to read your post.

Here are my 6 randomly weird facts about me.

1. I can name almost any animal species by site... even the mythological ones.
2. I am a co-leader/researcher with my grandmother in a real life Ufology research group.
3. I swear I have seen a UFO... more than 5 times.
4. I can write my name with my toes as well as pick up any small object with them.
5. Touching my feet is the equivalent of touching my boob... it really turns me on.
6. I can stare at a painting or a single animal for over an hour without getting bored.

My six unsuspecting tagged individuals..

• greenray
• nebulatravel
• xCholo4u
• Zimbo
• Aloysius_son
• pamilvr

I am adding a seventh unsuspecting tagged individual... PBZT ... I just can't resist!!!