The Cerebral Outpost

New Year ... New Cover

2010-01-02T11:31:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to all !Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com>> The music you are hopefully listening to (unless it's been edited out) is Stormy Weather by my all-time favorite vocal artist, Joni Mitchell <<

I Got Nothin ~ Pretend This is a Really Good Post

2009-06-02T14:12:00.018-04:00

Read Between the Lines ?1. Some days I find that I just can't be creative in any way at all; can't write, can't rhyme, can't hold a damn note, can't even play chopsticks. I stare at the TV and get plenty of exercise rolling my eyes as I flip through the channels... then I try to spend some time online but nothing there feels really satisfying either. I always wish, on days like that, that I

Blogger Canvass

2009-05-01T07:03:00.006-04:00

* G-man got tired of posing and sauntered off * Happy weekend! I've put together some questions about blogging for anyone who would like to participate ... you can think of it as a survey if you'd like ~ to absolutely no end other than satisfying my curiosity ~ or you can think of it as a fun post (?) to use for a rainy day when all else, topically, seems to fail. Just for the sake of Naming

...So As I Was Saying...

2009-03-20T07:24:00.003-04:00

Holy mackerel. It was already time for another therapy session and I felt as though I had just finished putting Christmas ornaments away. Ho hum. Off I went ..."Therapist" will be recorded as "T" and I will be recorded as "WH" for purposes of saving space and time, and to avert the probability that more words will be misspelled.WH:[walking in gingerly after it had been so long a time]T: [stands,

I Got a New Attitude

2008-10-15T10:31:00.004-04:00

I lost my spirit to write. I found a hunk of it elsewhere. This has been pretty darned therapeutic for me as it has truly turned things around in many ways. I will never deliberately abandon The Outpost and will use it from time to time if I rediscover my writing-self. I hope some friends might still be around to visit on occasion. My email remains intact and I welcome all correspondence and

New Buzzwords for 2008

2008-08-16T23:28:00.005-04:00

Just checked my Hagsaurus and have now noticed some new entries for 2008:Phelpsalicious Phelpstastic Phelpsian BoltiliciousBoltasticBoltcellerateHugs to all and thanks for reading ...WH

Remember My Letters?

2008-07-07T15:52:00.004-04:00

If you've been hanging around Hagquarters for more than a few months now, you may recall my unsent letter posts. That's where I took care of some unfinished bidness and wrote some nasty and some nice Dear-so-and-so letters for all the world to see. Okay maybe all the world is a tad hopeful... still, it was fun ... it was release and it got the job done.Here's one I should have included in those,

Ugh ! Been Sooo Busy ...

2008-06-27T08:04:00.006-04:00

Caught him yesterday evening on a small pole with a tiny lure ~ who's your fisherman, baby? Can I get a "Ohhh yeah!" ?You can also get an idea how excited I was by this if you'd like to see the very short video clip below: We had houseguests last week and everyone had a great time ... I'll be starting my blogging rounds again after today's local company leaves. Today, I'll be showing a

Dad's Can Be Amazing!

2008-06-15T10:18:00.010-04:00

I chose my title carefully because some men who father a child (children) ... just shouldn't (thus, the "can be"). Leaving all that mess aside though - this IS a day we set aside to honor those who do the right thing ... who step up and earn the title dad.Meet A.E.W. "Andrew" "Andy" "Daddy" MY DADHe tired of this earth last summer - almost eleven months ago - and moved on to bigger and better

Carol's Adventure Series: Chapter One

2008-06-11T13:45:00.010-04:00

Hag's HobbyI really wasn't going to write here - I wanted to just get the photo in place, perhaps cool a few folks off a bit with a watery treat ... but then I realized it merits a post after all. (laughing to self: "As if anything doesn't?" )I've lived in this location now for eight and a half years. I've been out in boats many times with Mr. Hag and though he has encouraged me to take a ride

I Love It ~ I Hate It

2008-06-04T17:40:00.018-04:00

Bees: I love that some types make honey and I enjoy watching them flit from flower to flower then zig zag off to another location. I hate when they buzz near my ear and I really hate when they reduce me to a sniveling three year old or force me to spazz-out like Joe Cocker. Poetry: I love poems that are funny and I love poetry that is rhythmic. I hate poems I can't fully grasp by my third read.

Out of the Closet and Into the Living Room ...

2008-05-06T10:03:00.004-04:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.comIt's been such a long month! Whenever I see my last posted date, I'm amazed that so much time has passed.Quick health update ... things are looking up. Somewhat. I'm on my feet ... enjoying fun activities once again and actually looking forward to new days as I wake up in the morning. Hints of summer have lots to do with that, but I can't discount

Feeding Time for Gunther

2008-04-06T18:30:00.002-04:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.comThis is just a quick video post as proof that I am still amongst the living. No thanks, I'm afraid, to the MonaVie which I spoke of in my previous post. It's not that it didn't benefit me ~ I just couldn't handle the way it was repeating on me for hours after my bedtime dose. I could have taken it earlier in the evening ~ even with or just after

Mona.Vie ? Mona.Me

2008-03-13T13:18:00.008-04:00

The Acai BerryMy sister is in the business to promote and distribute a product called Mona.Vie. I am not promoting it, distributing it OR knocking it. I will be a thousand percent honest about my progress with the product because I'm merely posting about it and nothing more. Please bear in mind the following:*I am a cynical son-of-a-gun.*I am generally skeptical about new-fangled, fad-style,

Happy New Year! Now, Let's Talk About Toosies

2008-01-01T10:08:00.000-05:00

"Everybody cut loose ... footloose" As some readers may recall, I once posted a random Hagtoid* about feet and how much I don't like them. It's not that I don't admire the job they are stuck with. In fact, sometimes, I'm almost in awe of them. I sure wouldn't want to lug around all that poundage every day.BUT ... despite the fact that they carry our sometimes fat asses all over town from the

Initial Attempt ... "Birds of a Feather"

2007-12-17T16:47:00.000-05:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

TDay

2007-11-21T13:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We only get one time around ... eat, drink and be merry (or weary - 'sup to you)!

Oddzinens

2007-11-16T10:28:00.000-05:00

Just a photo treat from my camera to your eyes ~ I don't like it when people dial a wrong number and upon reaching me by mistake just say something classy like "shit" and hang up on my face. The ones who have a particularly crusty set on them are those who have been doing this since the installation of Caller ID. Sometimes, I even let them know just how crusty their set is and Star69 them ...

Hauntings

2007-10-31T07:16:00.000-04:00

Ten Things that have haunted me in the past or haunt me still ...1. The fact that I ever smoked. Ten months down (since quitting) and still, I feel grossly deprived and a tad short of breath when I exert myself. On rare occasion, I still crave the bitter taste and the stench. If it's not too late, never, and I mean NEVER, smoke! God, I loved them so, yet am ever-haunted by them.2. Uncle Fred. He

What Wonderful Things ...

2007-10-12T12:29:00.000-04:00

So many things have been going on around me lately ... thought I'd make a little list and give an abbreviated lowdown on each item. Oh, and sometimes, you just have to add images.The husband ...My own, personal superman, is fully recovered now from a stroke a year ago last September, two more stents inserted into his heart later on in the year (he now has six), and then a fibrilator implant this

"Address Unknown"

2007-09-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

Anne Marie Martino Cramer3/30/54 ~ 9/11/0147 years oldWTC 2 Dear Anne,Hoo boy ... so today's 9/11 and well, you know what that means? Here we go again ...Do I close up like a frightened turtle and choke back all the junk I want to cry and scream about, or do I act in mature, ladylike fashion and simply talk about it in subdued tones so as to please the masses? Point is, it's 9/11 and on this

Make Up My Mind!

2007-07-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

Billy ShakespeareTo blog or not to blog - that seems to be the question. It's not that I don't enjoy it, but it just can't be the way it used to be. It grew into a pretty time-consuming process for me and, for a long time, it worked well. The thing is, my mind and much of my time has been newly occupied lately and the best I could possibly hope for now is to eke out the occasional post - be it

Irony Can Be Ecstacy

2007-03-25T08:36:00.000-04:00

"O to the ZZY"So I'm sitting here yesterday morning and banging my head to old Black Sabbath as I watched a television biography about Ozzy Osbourne.Now, I am a lot of things but mostly - they're all part of a down to earth, fairly conservative, laid back and easygoing me. I will say, however, that I absolutely loved Black Sabbath back in the days when Ozzy still had most of his gray matter

The Other "B" Word

2007-03-08T07:50:00.000-05:00

This is the real dealThe one and onlyThe one whose creator will sue the pants off youif you even use the name OR sing the song andno, I'm not kiddingSo I was driving along a bendy country road when my car broke down. It was the kind of breakdown where you couldn't even pull all the way to the curb, which was fine, since there were no curbs on this road. There were no curbs ... there was no

American Glam Sexy Cutsie Pitiful (oh yeah, and) Singing Idol

2007-03-03T11:24:00.000-05:00

You know, I've watched this show from its inception. I get a kick out of it. I enjoy the actual talent that fills my living room with song, two and sometimes three nights per week. Early on in the competitions, I even like watching the non-talent. It's entertainment.I do not believe anyone is being exploited. A person would have to live under a rock to audition for that show completely ignorant

Presentation Variations

2007-02-24T13:25:00.000-05:00

I was an A-student when it came to English.I was an A-student when it came to English and barely ever worried that I might create a run-on sentence.I was an A-student when it came to English and barely ever worried that I might create a run-on sentence but now I don't really give a hoot.I used to drive a Volvo.I used to drive a Volvo while I was dressed as a pretty little black she-mouse*.I used

Itsy Bits

2007-02-19T15:06:00.000-05:00

<> I think my husband should get himself on the news and claim to be the father of Anna Nicole Smith's little girl. Why not? Everyone else is trying to jump on that bandwagon. Goodness gracious - will they all just stop it already?<> I used to enjoy watching America's Funniest Videos on Sunday evenings while eating our supper but that's changed. For the past few months, at least one time on every

A Tad Haggard, But Back Fo Mo

2007-02-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

Has it been forever or what? Phew.Well I'm here - in spite of myself and of life ... I'm here and willing to spew more ponderings every now and again .Some days my desire to write is so strong I can barely stand it. Everything comes to mind and yet nothing lasts along the journey from brain to fingertips. It truly pains me in places many people don't know they own.Today I sit as comfortably as

Closed Till Further Notice

2006-08-10T06:19:00.000-04:00

The Outpost will be closed until further notice.All is well! I very much miss the creative outlet and the interaction, but as I sat around waiting for someone to reorganize my priorities and hand me a time management program on a silver platter, I realized some things you just have to do for yourself.Hopefully you will all be blogging away like there's no tomorrow and one day I can resume all

Quick Downdate

2006-07-19T14:19:00.000-04:00

"Downdate" because it's not really going to be much of an update.Looky there! Behind your backs I slipped right out the side door.Since I've been gone, I have done all of the following: made plans for a short trip away within about three day's time, had the great pleasure of meeting a fellow blogger who was visiting NYC for his first time, driven through a tornado (not really but it fell two

It Was An Angry Pond, My Friends ...

2006-07-05T08:57:00.000-04:00

Greetings all ... I haven't spent any quality time on the computer in the past four days, so I'll be trying to catch up a bit in the coming week. Ed and I enjoyed a wonderful long weekend together and I hope you all did too! On Sunday, I really outdid myself. Ed asked if I'd like to go out and learn how to drive (steer, pilot, or whatever you want to call it) our small boat. I thought for a

My Worry Present

2006-06-29T14:31:00.000-04:00

Finally, I can post about the new bird family that came into view just when I was ready to pull my hair out a couple of weeks ago.One morning, Ed got up for work and looked out the bedroom window to see a carelessly put-together bird nest resting on our air conditioner ledge (we didn't have the a/c in the window yet). At that time, there wasn't much that could cheer me or help me to keep things

Aggravation

2006-06-29T14:24:00.000-04:00

I'm probably not alone in this, but I'm about ready to leave Blogger at this point due to the many outages and malfunctions they are experiencing lately. It seems there have been more lately than ever before.I have disengaged the word verification function for now because when I tried leaving comments on others' blogs and noticed it's not working (nothing shows up in the box), I tested my own and

Uh Oh. It's a Thought-Filled Thursday

2006-06-22T08:08:00.000-04:00

~ I don’t understand the “Hidden Driveway” signs you sometimes see along winding roads. It just doesn’t seem like this should be my problem. It would make more sense to me if they put a sign at the end of the hidden driveway that reads “Remember … You Have a Hidden Driveway - Use Extra Caution Exiting and Entering.”~ Deer Crossing signs are also pretty useless. Whether you hit a deer while you’re

Embarrassed, Glued and Back to Normal

2006-06-15T16:29:00.000-04:00

Things that went down over the past couple of weeks:~ It’s amazing how when you walk through the doors of a hospital for any sort of testing, like magic, any part of your body that used to be “private” instantly becomes a) topic of conversation, b) available for inspection by anyone who happens into an examining room at the time, c) pretty much CO-OWNED by the doctor, surgeon or radiologist

Clean as a Whistle !

2006-06-09T09:11:00.000-04:00

And there is much rejoicing …All is good and right with my world again, thanks to a clean report from the doctors. In a word, “Yay!” It wasn’t until they actually used the “B” word (benign) that I donned my internal party hat and allowed my heart to dance a little jig of relief.It’s really been an interesting, if exhausting couple of weeks around here. I do believe I’ve now run the full gamut of

An Effort To Keep You Abreast

2006-05-21T08:34:00.000-04:00

I haven’t posted in well over a week now and since my last entry was so lame, I’d like to offer a better excuse this time around.At the time I composed the May 12th post, it was all true and nothing but true. Things have changed now. The little image I used for that post was very accurate; boy was I miserably sick.The one I chose this time around is quite accurate too! Enjoy it because it might

Hag-a-tosis ? Perhaps

2006-05-12T08:49:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting but I'm under the weather and can't seem to find my way out.It's nothing too dreadful, mind you; merely a long series of one-damn-fool-thing-after-another.And so, that is the bad news.The good news is, this will have been the shortest post I've ever written - you lucky people you!I did want to wish all the moms, mums, mothers, mommys and ma's out there (and

Hey ... Psssst. Want Some of My Money?

2006-05-01T07:59:00.000-04:00

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s being caught off my guard. I’m fairly certain most folks would agree that getting taken for a ride, being made a fool of, getting scammed … no matter what you call it, it’s just no fun.About three summers ago, my daughter and I were traveling along I-95 coming back from a trip to Staten Island. We both needed to use the facilities, so I pulled into the

A "Something's Just Wrong With This" Kind of Monday

2006-04-24T20:32:00.000-04:00

A couple of oddball things happened while visiting my doctor’s office this morning. I had to stop in to have blood drawn after a night and early morning of fasting.While sitting in the waiting room facing a window to the parking lot, I noticed a car pull up. The female driver had nosed into the spot, giving me a bird’s eye view of her and the entire front seat. There we were – face to face

Defragmenting

2006-04-17T08:39:00.000-04:00

Mondays can stink even when you stay at home. This morning I got up, made my tea and trudged back up the stairs, eager to create a new post, take a look at the news and answer some email. I didn't sleep restfully last night, and in fact, had one of those dream/nightmares that you keep trying to make sense of all day long. I knew my computer would come through for me though - filling my mind with

Picture This!

2006-04-10T10:08:00.000-04:00

I often write about the ‘70s because I think that was the most remarkable decade of my life. It was during that period of time when situations changed almost daily, I thought I was invincible, and I swore I knew more than anyone else in the world – you know, my twenties.I have two lists that I will probably someday post – one is my list of things I hated about the ‘70s and the other of course,

A Perfect Ending

2006-04-03T08:29:00.000-04:00

Back in the late seventies, I was working various jobs through a temporary agency in Manhattan. Most of my assignments were receptionist or telephone operator positions in midtown and downtown law firms, publishing companies and stock brokerages.One day the agent called me to see if I could take on a position as executive secretary at a posh ad agency. I laughed. “I don’t know how to be an

Grated Memories

2006-03-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

If memory is like a hunk of hard cheese, these are some of the gratings rolling about in my mind today.~ I remember the time I stood at the edge of the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey watching the “Jet Star” amusement ride fly off the end of the pier and into the ocean like a Tonka toy being hurled into a wall by an angry child. This occurred during a hurricane sometime in the early

When Animals Speak

2006-03-21T05:33:00.000-05:00

I was flipping through some of my zoo and outdoor photos recently when I noticed a disturbing trend. Either I am the world’s worst photographer ~ often capturing all BUTT the moment ~ or animals have the ability to spin on a dime within a fraction of a second. Or both. In any case, they sure do have much to say. "Another camera ... Quick! There's a clump of trees over here!""No no no, it's LEFT

Do You Know This Blogger? (Sharpen Your Pencils)

2006-03-15T15:52:00.000-05:00

I've always enjoyed reading people's "100 Things About Me" list. It offers a bit of insight about the person, and sometimes their personality, writing skills and humor truly shine through. Other times it forces out a bit of the serious-side, which can be rather interesting as well.Because I've already posted about sixty "About Me" facts (Hagtoids) throughout the past year, I'll spare any more for

Things This Week

2006-03-11T12:55:00.000-05:00

Things I found particularly annoying this week:1. Blog surfing with dial-up.2. I got half way to the gym before realizing I’d left my water at home. Only to me, perhaps, but this was tragic.3. Reading three items that included the phrase: “could of” or “should of” … it is “could HAVE” or “should HAVE” and it’s really not that difficult. Guess I really could HAVE continued reading the rest of the

Jack of All Words; Master of Nun

2006-03-05T18:58:00.001-05:00

"I will email a word-a-day to Little Hag"Back in fifth grade at Sacred Heart School in Staten Island, my teacher was a nun named Sister Mary Rita. Sr. Rita was every child's worst nightmare. She was about 5 Ft tall and as big around. She had a resounding voice with a hateful tone. When she taught, the underlying message was something like "You WILL learn this and you WILL like it!"At that time in

All Bottled Up

2006-03-01T08:11:00.000-05:00

Happy March to all!My gym-chant for today will be “Spring is near so WORK that gear!”Things feel good these days. I’m feeling more and more like my old self, but less and less like my tired old self. The days are longer and my mind is stronger. Can I get an “OH YEAH”?I’ve always wanted to find a message in a bottle. There’s something so romantic about it – don’t you think? Even if the message

Hag-iosyncrasies?

2006-02-25T09:33:00.001-05:00

I was tagged back in January by Mystic to name five of my weirdest habits. I promised I’d play along and in typical style – here I am one month later making good on that.1 ~ I cannot work in an office setting unless my back is against a wall. If I have to look at a wall all day, you might as give me a nightcap and tuck me in. In keeping with this quirk, when I dine out, I must sit facing most of

To Gain or Not to Gain ...

2006-02-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

Hoo boy. This is a difficult topic for me. I want to record my small progresses as I move along this road to better health, but the bad guys inside me keep trying to make me give up. Who are the bad guys? They are my cravings for laziness, nicotine, caffeine and other assorted legal drugs, like chocolate.The one thought that prevails in my head (for what reason I do not know) is that it took me

Life Update and Olympics Chatter

2006-02-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

During my current state of January-through-springtime blues, I decided I should take certain steps to make myself feel better. So far, so good.I somehow mustered enough motivation to join a gym and start working out. Mind you, at the time I signed up, I was pretty well convinced that this was NOT going to help my mood, NOT going to give me any more energy and certainly NOT going to whip me back

No News Could Sometimes Be S.A.D.D. News

2006-01-23T07:50:00.000-05:00

A little imagination can go a long way sometimes.Join me for another little session of psychotherapy with my pretend analyst. If not for this type of imaginary interaction, the post you’re now reading would be tabula rasa (a blank slate).Pretend Therapist: Well good morning Hag. Long time no pretend!WH: No kidding. I’ve had a couple of busy months. I came to you because it’s happening again and I

Whose Bright Idea Was This?

2006-01-05T08:46:00.000-05:00

Christmas is over and people worldwide are left with bandaged fingers, twisted elbows and some, with chipped teeth because of it.Think about it for a minute and you’ll figure out what I’m referring to.Here. Imagine some wisenheimer sitting around a conference table saying to his dozing cohorts, “Hey, I have a great idea … let’s get into the lab and create the most impenetrable crap the world has

New Post ...New Spouse ... New Year ~ Woo Hoo!

2005-12-31T11:05:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well. Just when you think it’s safe to visit the Cerebral Outpost, the Hag is back! I know … it’s about darned time.Sometimes, when you’re a newlywed and you have an opportunity to spend your honeymoon at home with your marvelous husband while he’s on vacation from work, you just have to put everything else on the back burner and soak up the special moments like there’s no

News and Such

2005-12-16T08:47:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell you how much fun I had playing the game during my previous post! So many came out to play that it really kept me quite busy trying to match wits with your memories. The participation was greatly appreciated and with a “pretend past” like mine, I can’t even believe I’m still here to pretend-write about it. Many thanks to all who contributed and to all who read the entries!Now for

Come Play With Me!

2005-12-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

I have been suffering all week from a love-hate friction with Blogger. Between comments being screwed with and various other glitches, I don’t know which I’m more upset about. They seem to have gotten with the program now, so I’ll try posting this fun, interactive ditty in hopes that things are finally squared away. Please, if you have any trouble with my blog, use the email provided in my

It's Hagtoid Time

2005-12-03T16:34:00.000-05:00

Hagtoids, as some may recall, are factoids about Weary Hag.My first installation was posted on May 19, 2005 and the second on June 6, 2005. I guess it’s about time to post the third.Picking up where I left off:65. I think velvet is pretty to look at, but I cannot stand to touch it. I get that fingernail-running-down-a-blackboard feeling all over if I do.66. I love most veggies, but my favorites

One Special Letter

2005-11-28T19:53:00.000-05:00

My mom’s birthday just passed this week. I like to give her lots of extra thought at this time of year anyway, with the holidays and extra activities upon us. This was one of her favorite seasons!Even though, as I remember her, some of what I write turns out all gushy and tugs at the heartstrings, I believe there’s a purpose for that. I would hate to think that I could recall my mother without

Little Letters (Part II)

2005-11-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

Dear Mrs. P,I’m sorry I left you hanging out to dry that night you picked me up to baby-sit for your children. I know how much you and your husband were looking forward to the opera, but when we got to your house and you informed me that all three kids were vomiting all day long with the flu, my phobia kicked in and I just had to beat tracks out of there. I never could handle watching people

The Story ~ According to Hag

2005-11-19T20:28:00.000-05:00

In the beginning, Hag created her blog, and the blog was shrouded in darkness with perky red font. The spirit of her friend proclaimed unto her that this would make for tough reading, so she looked upon the blog and said, “Let there be white,” and there was, and it divided the darkness from the light in such a way that it was … better.She called the darkness “background” and the lightness “font.”

Little Letters (Part I)

2005-11-14T18:49:00.000-05:00

Dear Brown-truck delivery dude,Thank you for you wonderful service, but could you quit knocking at the door when you’re leaving a package that does not require my signature? I tripped up the stairs the other morning racing to grab my robe because my pajamas had a big tear in the hind section and I thought you were company.Also, if you could stop announcing where the package was sent from, I would

Still "Running" After All These Years

2005-11-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

Hoo boy, this has not been the best of weeks for me. I’ve had to spend money I do not have; I have appointments I’d rather not keep, places to go to that I’d rather avoid, and now, a sick child to mother – just when I feel like being mothered a bit my own self.Sarah Jane woke up hurting all over. It’s not the flu. I won’t allow that within these walls (wishful and hopeful thinking). It’s just a

A Bird In the Hand ... Sometimes Doesn't Move

2005-11-05T08:51:00.000-05:00

Meet Corky. Well, this isn’t really Corky, but he sure does resemble him. This is a Googled parakeet. Corky was my mother’s parakeet.My daughter and I killed Corky but we didn’t mean to.I had given my parents this wonderful living-gift about seventeen years ago when they first moved to Connecticut. My mother had always been an avid bird-fan and my father needed something new to complain about,

Random Ruminations

2005-11-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

~ I think politics started out as a fun game long, long ago, when men got bored with life and with peace. The game was probably a lot of fun at the time, until someone cheated and cheapened the whole thing, causing the opposing team to seek revenge or to “one-up the other side.” Before long, the game was taken quite seriously and more and more people wanted to play. More rules had to be set in

Trick or Treat ... Screw the Sweets ... Bring Me Little Kids To Eat

2005-10-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year! I think I can still recall most of the little-kid costumes I wore back in the sixties as I trotted from doorbell to doorbell around the neighborhood ~ my sack of goodies in tow. To me, this bag was … “the precioussss.”In honor of this special day of remembrance for all hallows, I present a brief story in rhyming format, to describe my own special

Beneath the Roof

2005-10-25T07:16:00.000-04:00

There was a certain smell in this place. It was a combination of old lace, age-worn books, pitted metal and musty wood. It wasn’t obnoxious ~ in fact, it beckoned. This was the first place I can recall feeling independent from the rest of the family; the first place I ever felt empowered. This place was my attic.The first thing I recall about the attic in my childhood house is that it was a bit

Fast Times at SS "High"

2005-10-19T11:13:00.000-04:00

I don’t write very much about my “special” sister; mostly because a beast, uglier than you might care to imagine, would surely emerge from its seething pit beneath my aged skin. On occasion, however, I feel as though I must release this monster in little spits, to prevent certain implosion. The monster lives in the form of wretched childhood memories, and mostly, I prefer to write about the

Turn-On ... Turn-Off ... Turn This

2005-10-14T15:56:00.000-04:00

While browsing around this morning, I discovered that I had been tagged by Ovedya whose blog I don’t get to frequently enough – as is the story with many others. He has a tidy space over there, filled with lots of goodies for one and all, and it’s more than worthy of a visit. You won’t be disappointed.I’ll use this good timing to announce, here and now, that I’m not thrilled with the whole

A Regular Hag-agerie

2005-10-09T09:21:00.000-04:00

As some have noticed, this post is later than usual (even for the Hag), and that stems from a writing block I’ve experienced in the past few days. I think I would prefer to have influenza; I swear. With fingers crossed, I’ll try now to get something into writing. {wishing myself luck}I have often made comments or statements attesting to the fact that I love animals. I’ve never shared with readers

A Hag of a Different Color

2005-09-29T16:02:00.000-04:00

Psychological therapy – those who probably need it the most can’t afford it and those who need it the least probably misunderstand the whole concept anyway.I’ve had a particularly bad day. I would like very much to pick up the phone and engage a psychological counselor today. I won’t. After having been involved years ago in an emotional workout of sorts, the one thing that resounds in my head at

Products You Too Can Live Without

2005-09-24T16:01:00.000-04:00

Every now and then I get a kick out of thumbing through those junk mail catalogs in which everything costs between $2.99 and $19.99 ($30 shipping and handling). The mailman brings them on occasion to remind us how lucky we are to have an IQ over 40. Yesterday, while flipping the pages and snickering out loud, I thought how nice it might be to share some of these products with those who are nice

Ponderings

2005-09-19T09:25:00.000-04:00

I saw a commercial on television yesterday. A very pretty lady was pushing prescription medication for treatment of “dry eye.” She claimed, “You could have dry eye and not even know it … like I did.” I’m just going to hazard a guess that if we don’t know we have something, it can’t be bothersome enough for us to use a prescription drug. I wondered for a moment if I should just head to the doctor’

Don't Take Me For a Ride

2005-09-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

I don't care much for amusement park rides. I used to, as a very young girl, but they don't agree with my current hag-status.While attending a great little country fair this weekend, I believe I figured out what the problem is. The adult rides today are clearly created for people who don't mind temporarily losing their minds, possibly their stomach contents, and occasionally - as proven over and

Odds and Split Ends

2005-09-05T11:25:00.000-04:00

I feel a little disjointed this week, so I thought it would be appropriate to create a post reflecting as much. I’ve also been tagged by RCS and dared by Dave, two of my favorite bloggers; my responses to these requests will be integrated as well. The rest will be snippets of random thoughts and views laced with humor and sarcasm, heart and soul.There you have it (if you hurry and don’t look back

Cry Me Some Comic Relief

2005-08-30T09:11:00.000-04:00

I wasn’t going to post about the storm, but realized I must. It’s not really about the storm, it’s about the reporting of the storm. I’m hoping this will count for originality, at least somewhat.I am not heartless; let it be known up front that I do feel deeply for those affected by Katrina, but the following post is my pathetic attempt to share some form of levity (it’s allowed … really) to an

Going, Going, (Almost) Gone

2005-08-23T15:37:00.000-04:00

As many of you already know, I’ve been doing the unthinkable lately. I’ve been trying to access and repair the damage I’ve brought upon myself by being a “saver” most of my life, and trying hard to invalidate much of my shit (trust me, there IS no more-definitive word in this case).I thought it might be fun to share some of my findings in the past two weeks. Remember, these are things that I

I Don't Want to Know

2005-08-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

Poetry is not my forte. Actually, I’m not sure what my forte is; perhaps remembering ~ or writing about remembering. In any case, on rare occasion, I’m struck with vivid recall that comes to me in rhythmic patterns ~ so I grab a pen or a keyboard and try to get it into writing. If it happens to end up in poetic form, so be it.The following were some thoughts that crossed my mind the other day as

Springs of (interpreted) Eastern Wisdom

2005-08-07T09:50:00.000-04:00

I recently unearthed a large box of books from our basement storage area. They had been displaced to this nether region every since my move here five and a half years ago. Many of the paperbacks had to be discarded as I flipped through their dank-smelling, age-stained pages. I did, however, manage to salvage some of my favorites.I have two tiny books that are crammed with words of wisdom from

The First Time I Got Lucky

2005-08-01T15:07:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, a very young Hag frequented many amusement parks in the New York City/New Jersey area. Her father always worked long hours, seven days a week, but in his off-time ~ Saturday mornings ~ he would gather up his brood and tote them off for a day filled with rides, arcade games, candy apples, cotton candy, hot dogs and lemonade. And there would be much rejoicing.On many occasions,

Is There a Qualified & Humane Doctor In The House?

2005-07-27T10:31:00.000-04:00

With the exception of a healthy pregnant woman, nobody ever really wants to go to a doctor. Bear this in mind as I let loose a long-time peeve of mine.I’ve read several posts recently, written by people who had either been to the doctor or are in need of a visit to one. With the exception of one of these posts, I smelled fear … but not the type that stems from the great unknown … rather, the

It Was a Dirty Job But "Somebody" Had To Do It

2005-07-22T12:22:00.000-04:00

Every now and then I am reminded of one of my former jobs. Usually, such memories are fun and lighthearted. Sometimes, I find myself wondering how I ever landed such a position in the first place, and why on earth there was still a need for it.Pull up a rock and I’ll explain in my typically verbose style.One of the job titles I have tucked in my pocket is “content inspector.” A more flippant way

You're a Dedicated Blogger If ...

2005-07-15T05:45:00.000-04:00

1. While driving in your car, you keep one eye on the road while the other eye watches out for posting-fodder along the way.2. Your vacation checklist includes the following item: “Post a ‘going on vacation’ blog before leaving.” If you’re really hopeless, it might also include “check blog to see if anyone wished me well” further down the list.3. You’re suddenly glad you had that root canal (

Lobster Tale

2005-07-09T07:31:00.000-04:00

I don’t workout much ~ at least not in the traditional sense of the word. This is evident in the clear outline of cookie and candy shapes that bulge from inside my tummy in plain view. There are reasons why I steer clear of gyms and volley ball courts, only one of which I will discuss today.About a year or so ago, I woke up one morning and decided to follow in Ed’s footsteps and regain some

Simple Solutions

2005-07-02T08:32:00.000-04:00

I’m not sure I quite understand what all the commotion in the news is about sometimes. It’s not like I’m heartless, or that I don’t give a hoot about people getting hurt, falling ill or dying … I really do give a hoot. It’s just that some of the horrors that befall humanity are simply avoidable. I’d rather spend my worry-tokens on more worthy causes.Because I still have a smidgeon of faith in my

The Cows Are Mad. This is News?

2005-06-25T06:25:00.000-04:00

Well it’s official. American cows are found to be mad. This means somebody went out to a pasture and stuck a needle into the hide of a cow* to find out if he’s mad or not. They could have saved themselves many dollars by just asking me. Of course the cows are mad. They’d have to be.Firstly, they are forced to live in smelly barns with dozens of others who they probably don’t even care for very

All She Wants For Christmas ...

2005-06-19T09:42:00.000-04:00

{Before I begin, I'd like to wish a most happy and loving Father's Day to all you great dads out there!}I’m not sure which was worse for me ~ the phone call from hell telling me to get to the emergency room as quickly as possible because my daughter had an accident at the swimming pool, or racing through the double glass doors at the hospital and finding her sitting in triage with a bloody cup

Tag... I'm It

2005-06-12T08:03:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged by Lyvvie to talk about the top 5 things I miss from my childhood.But first...the Rules.Remove the blog #1 from the following list and bump everyone up one place; add your blog's name in the number five spot. You need to link to each of the blogs for much cross pollenation of your pal's blogs.1. third world county2. BTW3. Soliloquy4. Lyvvie's Limelight5. The Cerebral OutpostNext,

With Eyes Half Closed ...

2005-06-06T01:42:00.000-04:00

Hoo boy, I really really need to update my Blogger links. My list is way old by now and some of those blogs have since passed on to the great beyond. More importantly, I have so many more wonderful sites to add. Soon. Very soon. Remind me.In the meantime, as some may have noticed, I’ve been trying hard to make my rounds and leave apologetic comments on those who I haven’t visited so often lately.

A Chat With The Cat

2005-05-31T07:17:00.000-04:00

I knew it was time again to have a much needed talk with Gatito, my oldest cat. His name came from the side of a kitten chow box; in Spanish it means “little cat” and we have discovered that in English it actually translates to “sly little furry bastard who will amuse you in his own good time but most often will give you the stare of death when you piss him off.”The “talk” I had to have with him

My Resume; It's Real and It's Spectacular

2005-05-25T07:18:00.000-04:00

While sitting in an employment agency many years ago, I was filling out a job skills sheet when I was overcome with a case of inside chuckles. They always offer these pre-printed forms that include such items as “MS Word” and “Powerpoint.” Next to each item is a box that you either check or leave blank. What made me smile inside were visions of a form that might be more appropriate for someone

One of Those List Things

2005-05-19T07:01:00.000-04:00

While visiting various blogs in the past couple of months, I noticed that list-making was fast becoming the thing to do. In a pathetic attempt to prove that I still had a bit of “rebel” left in me, I resisted the urge to create one myself, but I woke up this morning compelled to conform. Dammit.Even as I sit here prepared to cut into myself and bleed confessions and/or revelations all over this

My Mental Scrapbook

2005-05-16T07:48:00.000-04:00

Just when you thought it was safe to visit The Cerebral Outpost, I’m back again from my birthday weekend trip and have dozens of little stories to tell. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. Almost every moment of my weekend in New York City was scrapbook-able. What’s unusual about that is the fact that I grew up there … yet I am finally able to see it from a tourist perspective. And oh what tourists we

Up, Down and Away!

2005-05-09T06:21:00.000-04:00

My blog-world has had to be shoved aside lately and it’s time for a re-think about how I can recapture it. No, I haven’t run out of writing topics (as if), and I surely haven’t lost interest in reading others’ posts. I’ve simply run out of time in the past few weeks ~ over and over again. Oh I usually make my way to the computer twice a day, but haven’t been able to devote the number of hours I

Things That Annoy, Irritate or Disturb Me

2005-05-03T07:10:00.000-04:00

There's a little unwritten law that permits those swiftly approaching fifty to go town with themselves in whatever manner they so desire.Before I create my list, I’d like to plug FrustratedWriter’s blog. If you haven’t visited as yet, you can’t know that his posts are quite entertaining, diverse, charming, comical and creative. He has long been one of my favorites, and a recent post of his

Furry, Fugly or Lovely ~ They're All Pretty Amazing

2005-04-29T12:36:00.000-04:00

Wait! Before you start thinking this is just another aquarium post, it’s more to the point of how lovely and amazing animal life can be in the country ~ from a city girl’s perspective.When I first moved to New England from NYC, it was like culture shock. The biggest contrasts for me were the lack of traffic and noise, the smell of flowers in the air rather than vehicle exhaust and refinery fumes

"You Talkin' Ta Me?"

2005-04-24T08:22:00.000-04:00

On my journey through Blogger recently, I read an interesting post written by Ammo Gal regarding the difficulties she has experienced in dealing with women in the working world. Her story struck a familiar chord with me. My own experience doesn’t stem from being a business owner but rather from general dealings with women in public relations settings. Reading AG’s nicely written post, however,

The Nastiest Cocktail: Life With Bitter on the Rocks

2005-04-20T06:55:00.000-04:00

This is a little story about how people become bitter. I used to think we were born that way but nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, we learn how to harden our hearts, how to distance ourselves, and to distrust others. It’s a means to survive.Two nights ago, I had an opportunity to watch this process, in its early stages, unfold in my daughter’s life. No mother wants to see her child

The Body of The Story

2005-04-13T06:32:00.000-04:00

Unlike NYC Beauty’s city stories, mine are old ~ gray at the roots by now, and just a little bit wrinkled. Still, they abound, and Jennifer has unknowingly inspired me to tell one today. The thing about a good story is that it ages but never dies.When I was just eighteen back in 1973 I was working on Wall Street at a posh law firm. I was a receptionist, commuting twice daily to and from Staten

It's All in the Touch

2005-04-06T16:12:00.000-04:00

Spring has arrived and once again, people are clamoring to do the tourist thang.Working at a large tourist attraction (Aquarium) is always so precious during spring, summer and fall. People seemingly come out of the woodworks, as though this is the only time of year they are allowed to venture out of the house. Is this some sort of law that I just don’t know about? Sure, I realize the weather is