Friday, October 30, 2009

Friday Funny : Halloween


Probably my favorite Halloween year. 4th grade. Mr. T. Yes, that is pantyhose on my head, tissue in my shirt for muscles, some sort of feather clippings onto a chain.... and blackface. Remember when political correctness wasn't ruining everyone's time? I was a very shy kid in the 4th grade. Very. But on that day, that special day.... I pitied fools.

Everyone have a fun and safe Halloween...

Monday, October 26, 2009

Randomness

Sometimes while in heavy traffic, I will squint my eyes and act like I'm flicking cars out of my way. I also watch them crash and burn on the side of the road. Oh the people are fine... they're always ejected before the car starts to roll.

Happy Monday.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Mattress Racket

I bought a new mattress last week. I walked in and told the old guy behind the counter that I needed something in the middle. Not prison grade, but not an expensive piece of cloud either. Something around 400 -500 dollars. The old guy said that the best he could do was 700.00. No. He then offered to check the other stores to see if they had anything better than what he was offering. He came back and said that none of the other stores had anything better and it was all he could do. I walked out and went to another store.... same company... and found the same mattress for 350.00. So here is my dilemma : I could be upset that guy #1 tried to screw me... or feel pity on him because he sells mattresses for a living and has a huge gut. Huge. I decided to cover all bases and be angry and show pity. It keeps me grounded.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Thanks x 5

I want to thank the 5 very talented writers again that came over and held up shop last week....


Alyson - Calling People Names For your unabashed honesty. So much info, so little time.

Erin - Blogging Is For Dorks For your supermom abilities. (also your fantastic Pink Factor!)

lana - mother hides the pearls for your lowercase awesomeness

Kristine - Wait In The Van For your bitchy fun side. Awww.

Sally-Sal - You. Me. No Adult Supervision. For your kind heart.


It speaks a lot for them to take the time to write a post and also promote it. I really thank them for what they contributed and if any of them need a post from me (except you Kristine...I don't think I have the time*), I will be front and center.

I guess this means I'm back?

(*) - That means you better ask me first. Secret Agents have schedules, you know.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Guest Post Friday : Sally

Sally from You. Me. No Adult Supervision. Sally writes some of the best stuff. Raw, honest, hilarious, insightful... Sally has that unique ability of making you laugh then making you feel hopeful. Everyone needs that person with them at all times. This post is something I didn't ask her to do. This post shows you just how great this crazy blogging thing can be. Friendships being made simply for being true to yourself in front of a laptop. Crazy. Sally is the perfect choice to wrap this week up.


-TYF





But on and on,
From the moment I wake,
To the moment I sleep,
I'll be there by your side,
Just you try and stop me,
I'll be waiting in line



Jerrod is a pretty awesome guy. I'll start with that, since it's his blog.
If I could say anything, I'd probably take Jerrod firmly in hand, look directly into his eyes and tell him this: Look at yourself. You’re amazing. Smart, talented, funny. And yet when you look at yourself, I bet that's not what you see. But that's what everyone else who knows you sees.
To quote the Beatles, yeah, you got that something.


Since this is supposed to be (in Sir Jerrod's words) a kind of women's perspective thing, what I've decided to give my perspective on is Jerrod. The man himself.


Jerrod on dating:
So... I'm done with it. No more blind dates for me. Can't do it. It's pointless. So far I've had The IBS Girl, The 24 Year Old Girl That Got Grounded, Mute Girl, Girl On The Porch and now... Bowling For Friendship Girl. I hope my friends don't freak out because this means one of them might get stuck with me. I'm done. Clearly.


Sal's counter:
None of your friends will ever freak out at being with you. I bet some of them even look forward to the opportunity.


Jerrod is random. Hilarity ensues:

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option

-There is a great need for sarcasm font

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died

- I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night"

- Bad decisions make good stories

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay

-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner..



Sal's counter: +1


I'm pretty sure that Jerrod is really Zach Galifianakis. At least humor wise.



Jerrod's Captcha dictionary (patent pending):


Grablo - Technical term to describe guys adjusting their junk.

Buyson - The company Madonna uses. Also known as : The Black Market

Blinglu - The adhesive used to secure bling to teeth. Also known as : Completely retarded

Noracke - A very small chested woman. Also known as The Kate Hudson Syndrome

Phanzi - Fonzi's gay cousin

Dutubsi - When a drunk guy in the bar...at the end of the night...finally concedes to take one for the team so his friend can go home with the hot one


So, Jerrod is funny, and smart, and witty, and hilarious.

Jerrod can also be sweet, insightful, and love inducing. Don't say you haven't been warned.


Jerrod:

I pride myself in leading with my heart with most things. I think that is the way to get what you truly want out of life...everytime


All you can do is what you feel is right..in your bones...is right. What you feel is best that will allow you to breathe... and pray all the pieces end up where they have been predestined to fall.


Life for the most part is undefined. I'm just taking my turn at it.


Sal's counter:


I was just guessin' at numbers and figures,
Pulling the puzzles apart.
Questions of science, science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart

Guest Post Thursday : Kristine




Kristine from Wait In The Van. When I started The Yellow Factor, I "met" Kristine in a social blogging network. I think it was called Bad Ass Bloggers Who Kick Ass and Rock Out Always.... (right Kristine?) or it was called 30 Something Bloggers. Whatev. What got me intrigued at first was her blog title. Then I read a post about American Idol and the bad skin of Adam Lambert. She had me. Some like her Microsoft Paint prowess, others her sarcastic charm. I like her for those things and the fact that she's simply damn good at writing. Even when she's being mean (read on)....damn good.


-TYF




Dude, here's the thing. I'm way big and important and have no time to post for you. Plus, to be honest, I'm totally sad about how you've been treating me lately...WHAT?! You have no idea what I'm talking about?!

Alright, I'll just be out with it then. (My counselor says leaving flaming bags of poop on doorsteps is passive-aggressive, and I'm trying to work on that behavior.)

So, when I went on vacation a few weeks ago, I left a obscure, last-minute, and non-urgent request for people to guest blog for me while I was gone. Do you realize that absolutely NO ONE took me up on that offer?!

NO ONE includes you, Mr. Yellow Snow.

How DARE you take my casual request at face value?! And then you email me with your own request---NAY! DEMAND!---for a guest post?!

Well, I NEVER. (Well, maybe not NEVER, but I think you catch my drift, eh?)

Which brings me to my next point, Jerrod, J-Rod, J, J-FACE: Where the hell are you going, anyway? No one vacations in October. And if they say they do, it's usually just a ruse for "I think my Meth habit has once again reclaimed my life" or "My Grandma's gout has returned, and I have to go massage her ankles" or "I'm a secret agent."

In your case, I'm wondering if it's not a combination of the three.

But stop getting me off topic, please. My point here is that there is no way I can guest post for you. Not without a public apology for LYING and generally being INNOCENT to my passive-aggressive nature.

Or money. You could also give me some money. (Mr. Secret Agent Man.) Tell Grandma I say hello.

Guest Post Wednesday : Lana

Lana from mother hides the pearls (yes, all lowercase) is so funny. I found Lana through Kristine (you will see her tomorrow). Lana speaks her mind. Every time. She has no problem yelling at people or inanimate objects. That's awesome. I've always been intrigued by her ability to strategically place F-Bombs all over a post like she was on the hunt for Bin-Laden. That pretty much makes her a really cool chick. Enjoy.

-TYF


catch phrases

hi, my name is lana. i live at 123 smile street in happytown, luxembourg. if you're not into stalking in person, or if you're shy, you can stalk me at my blog, mother hides the pearls. i'm too lazy to ever apply for a restraining order so no worries there.

today i'd like to talk to you about catch phrases. i'm one of those people who will find something so utterly amusing that i tend to repeat it over and over until a kind friend tells me to please shut the fuck up already.

a few years ago, kristine and i were into 'that's so my balls!' we wanted to take credit for a bunch of chicks, clearly with no ballsacks of our own, going around comparing everything that we found to be excellent to a pair of non-existent nuts.

kristine realized the fatal flaw in the concept pretty early on. i, however, tried to keep the dream alive. 'i got a promotion at work, it's so my balls!' 'my mom gave me $100 for no reason, yay balls!' 'the guy at the beer store undercharged me for my ridiculously expensive premium pale ale, he's so my balls!' you get the idea.

eventually, i had to give in to destiny and accept the fact that i looked like a total clown whenever i talked about my balls. don't think i've forgotten you balls, you're still my balls!

right. moving on.

next there was 'ILK', which b and i tried to make the new 'UGH'. i think it worked a little bit, but maybe only for me and b. something about the way the muscles in your mouth have to form a sneer to properly pronounce the word with full contempt in your voice just makes me happy. if you look in the mirror when you say 'UGH', all you see is someone who looks like they may or may not have a chromosomal disorder.

i have hopes for 'ILK', but i'm not ready to bet the farm on it yet. no, instead i think i'm going to bank on mothergrabber to be the new motherfucker. now, don't get me wrong, i still love me some fucking fucks, fuckity fucks, and motherfucks, but as my kid gets older and more adept at copying my language i think it's in my own best interests to have a backup plan.

it takes some practice. there's the awkward stage of 'motherfffuu-GRABBER!' that will occur before it flows effortlessly, but i think the end result is still worthwhile. when my kid goes to school, she'll be the coolest one in pre-k talking like a badass without forcing anyone to call CPS on me. as she grows up, maybe about nine or ten, then perhaps i'll bring back the ever-faithful motherfucker.
please feel free to share any of your more interesting catch phrase ideas. i'm always looking for a new trend to destroy with overuse. until then, peace the fuck out!

Guest Post Tuesday : Erin

Erin from Blogging Is For Dorks is a sweetheart. Those that read her know what I'm talking about. She is hilarious. She is direct. Down to earth. Erin gets frustrated and kindly displays it for all of us to enjoy. Erin is that person making sure everyone is having a good time but if something bad starts to happen... she will whip. some. ass. Awesome combination.

Extra - Speaking of awesome, Erin is responsible for the wonderful header for the week. That's right, she is the type to have one kid in one arm peeing, another kid in the other arm pooping, on the phone with the cable guy and creating a banner on the computer with her foot. I like her.

-TYF


Thanks to Jerrod for having me here today. I thought I’d ‘mom up’ this bachelor pad a wee bit. I hope everyone is enjoying the estrogen filled Yellow Factor this week!

A Day in The Life

Woke up
Got out of bed
Dragged a comb across my head.

That was so stinkingly and disgustingly unoriginal! And not even close to an accurate depiction of the beginning of my day.

Most days go like this:

Max comes into my bed with a soaking wet pull-up. Most of my life is centered around baby/kid urine, sad indeed…and unfortunately true.

Max: “Momma, can you put baby Care Bears on in my woom please?”

Me: “Maxine please go throw away your pull up and put underwear on. We have this same conversation every morning.”

Max: “I’m not wearing my pull up…but I have to pee anyways…”

It’s here that I could punish her for lying, or have a talk with her about how being a good person means not hurting the people you love…

but instead I lay my head back down on my pillow, close my eyes and think about laundry, sex, cooking or some combination of the three.

Within moments Elijah will start to call me from his crib.

Elijah: “MOMMA MOMMA MOMMA MOMMA PEE PEEE PEEEPEEE UHHHH (UP) UHHHH!”

Another soaking sopping wet diaper….completely full and most of the time leaking all over his bed clothes.

More Piss. See how ‘urine’ turned into ‘piss’ here? It’s cause I’m starting to get upset at the creator of the Renal System . Thanks a lot God. At least you could have created humans with the ability to take care of their own piss at a younger age. This is getting old.

After successfully cleaning Elijah I can finally pee and brush my teeth. I add the ‘brush my teeth’ lie here to make it seem like I’m a hygienic person. But why brush now when I’m going to obliterate my mouth with 3 or 4 cups of strong coffee before noon? I knew you’d see it my way.

Rose and Olivia begrudgingly roll out of bed in the next ten minutes.

Rose is 9 and is the type of girl that needs her privacy. She gets dressed in her room, goes to the bathroom and washes up with a closed door and then comes in search of me…The Momma. I’m pretty sure she comes to find me to make sure that I’m not in bed, comfy and relaxed…thinking about sex…or laundry….or cooking.

Rose: “Mom! I don’t know if I want to wear this today. The collar is too… (makes strange hand gesture towards neck area) the bottom is too (tugs down at shirt)…and I’m hungry. Like now. “

Me: “Rose, you say every collar is too (mimicks strange hand gesture towards neck area) and every bottom is too (mimicks tugging at shirt). These are your clothes, I can’t buy you a whole new wardrobe. Sorry Baby.”

Rose: “OK. I want an English muffin and grapes.”

And this is where my tour of servitude to the royal family so aptly nicknamed ‘Children of My Womb’ begins in full swing.

Me: “OLIVIA GET UP!”

Olivia emerges from bed mostly nude, goes to the bathroom with the door wide open and struggles to get dressed for the next 15 minutes or so. She’ll come downstairs in some stage of disarray.
Her clothes are usually on backwards, she’ll be without shoes or socks and her hair is always in a tangled knotty mess.

Me: “Olivia what do you want for breakfast?”

Olivia: “Cheerios with a cut up banana.” Here she smiles, tilts her head and thinks for a moment. “Can I have a cut up apple with peanut butter too? I feel like I haven’t eaten in dayyysss.” And with this she dramatically swoons.

I prepare breakfast ,run to make my coffee while they’re eating, check their book bags to make sure their homework is done and all is well in the academic sector.

Elijah and Max are milling around making messes during this time. I usually shepherd them into the game room with promises of Blues Clues, Max and Ruby or Little Bear.
Sometimes this tactic works…sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it ends badly.

Max: “MOMMA! Can I have *insert random candy left over from holiday school party here*? Jeremiah said the other day if I ate my dinner I could have a tweat.”

Me: “No Max. You can’t have candy for breakfast. You can’t have candy for lunch or dinner either. And Jeremiah promised you a treat three days ago if you ate your dinner. You didn’t eat your dinner and we gave you ice cream before bed anyways. So that deal is done.”

Jeremiah and I have danced with the devil many times, we know her many faces and her name is Maxine Jane.


In the interim I forget that Olivia is not ready for school. I finally notice right before she walks out the door…IN HER BARE FEET.

Me: “Olive! Go get your socks and shoes on now! You’re going to miss the bus.”

She looks at me in calm confusion…then in (tick tock) a few seconds what I said sinks in and she runs upstairs. On her way out the door I pull her rat’s nest into a pony tail and watch my two oldest babies walk to the bus stop. Pretty damn satisfied and smug that they didn’t miss the bus I turn my fat ass around and head inside.

It isn’t until I’m back in the house that I remember Olivia’s shirt is on backwards and inside out.

Blast.



Guest Post Monday : Alyson

Aly from Calling People Names is perfect for starting off this week of women and their words. Her blog and style punches you square in the mouth and you keep going back for more. Then she surprises you with some pretty heartfelt stuff. Aly is someone you want fighting for you and I'm glad I was able to sneak in from this blog universe and get to know her.


If you ever needed a reminder to buckle up, consider yourself warned.


-TYF



FETISHES


When Jerrod asked me to guest post for him, I was very excited. We’re likethis you know. Once he even peed on me. There’s a picture of it on the sidebar of my blog.


You’re going to look now aren’t you? Perverts.


Anyway...


Its ladies week here at The Yellow Factor and J-licious gave me free rein to talk about whatever I want. (Sucker.) It took me a long time to decide and I almost chose my topic based on what would horrify him most (ex: menstrual issues or childbirth). But...I didn’t. Instead I’d like to talk about fetishes. (I’m sure that won’t horrify him at all.) Sometimes you might be afraid to admit to a lover what exactly turns you on for fear of being rejected. Or maybe you just aren’t sure how to bring it up. So, for the sake of happy genitals, I’ve listed a few fetishes with a little personally gathered back ground information and a few helpful hints on how to painlessly introduce them into your bedroom routine.


Fetish #1. You want to lie still and/or pretend you’re dead.


I knew a girl once that was like that. Strict Catholic. She figured if she didn’t move with them, it didn’t count as participating and her soul would be black mark free. Fucking loon. They called her “corpse cunt”. I didn’t feel very sorry for her at the time, but now that I’m older and wiser I can spare a little pity. After all, she’s just another one suckered in by false information and Hail Mary's.


From what I hear, it also seems to be a common fetish for married women and lazy men.


Helpful hints for women: Fuck a man that never gets laid. He could care less whether you lie still or not, he’s just happy to be sticking it in something other than his hand. Or if that’s not possible, pretend you threw your back out.


Helpful hints for men: Fuck a chick that never gets laid. She’ll ride it till the cows come home while you recline with your arms folded behind your head. Or pretend you threw out your back.


Fetish #2. You want to be called derogatory or ridiculous names.


I’ve found that the majority of these fetishists are women. You’ve got your simple choices...such as whore, slut, and dirty liar. Then you’ve got some that are a little out there. Like my previous next door neighbor that liked to be called “skinny bitch” during the act. I only know this by accident, mind you. They left their windows open and as luck would have it, I had to pass right under them on my way to and from my other neighbor’s house.


What’s ridiculous about skinny bitch, you ask? She was somewhere around 275-300lbs and he was a 7ft tall bean pole. Skinny bitch indeed. They lived there for about three years and I’m afraid I heartlessly referred to them as Cow and Chicken.


I’ve only known a handful of men that liked to be called names in bed. (What they expect us to call their penises, however, is another post in and of itself.) Unfortunately there just aren’t many acceptable choices for them. This must be why they insist on being called things like “The Shump Daddy” or “King Kong”.


Helpful hints for women: Get drunk. If you can’t tell him you want to be called Slutty McNasty after half a bottle of Tequila...you’re on your own.


Helpful hints for men: Find another fetish and stop snorting the blow.


Fetish #3. You want to be slapped.


There is a distinct difference between S&M brutish beatings and a well placed slap. I can’t give you much insight on the brutish beating fetishists as Whitney and Bobby were unavailable for comment...and I’m not a black eye junkie myself.

A lot of men and women like a crisp smack on the ass while they’re making the beast with two backs. It’s pretty common. Maybe not so common – a stinging slap on the face.

Men tend to avoid this one since it reminds them of their mothers (unless they have a mothering fetish, which I refuse to cover due to its vomitous nature) or they see it as a sign of anger rather than excitement.


Helpful hints for women: Get him drunk. He’ll be more likely to take a swing at you if he’s good and belligerent. If you want to slap him, make sure he’s not a blabbermouth and won’t tell everyone you know that you’re a man beater...then just go for it. Never underestimate the element of surprise.


Helpful hints for men: Call her fat...or call her by her best friend’s name mid-bang. She’ll box your face like Oscar De La Hoya. Taking it back later is your own problem...I’m not Dr. fucking Phil. If you want to slap her, either suck it up and ask or slip an Ambien in her drink...at least she won’t remember it later.



Fetish #4. You want anal sex.


Taking the dirt road...gross. This is the 21st century people! Everything is paved!

Unless you’re gay...or Michael Bolton, you really shouldn’t be taking it up the ass. What would your mother think? Not only that but it’s, I hear, extremely uncomfortable in a “gotta go” sort of way. I don’t know about you, but my bowels are like a well oiled machine...like clockwork. I just don’t need another bathroom visit of that nature on my schedule.


If you absolutely must try it...


Helpful hints for women: Take a muscle relaxant, drink a bottle of wine, and don’t eat any refried beans. Also, pick a guy with a small penis. If you have any problems finding one, I know plenty. LUBE.


Helpful hints for men: Lube. Grit your teeth?



Fetish #5. You want a golden shower.


According to Sex and the City, this is a favorite among politicians. I’m guessing because they’re already so dirty.

Personally, I’m not quite sure what the appeal is. Pee smells like....well, pee. If it’s the warm liquid feeling you want, you could always try warming lube or teriyaki sauce...which is a little thicker, but not unpleasant.

I seem to be hearing about more and more people wanting to give this fetish a try, to see what it’s all about. I wouldn’t even pee on my own leg when I was stung by jellyfish (twice) no matter how much they shouted at me. One onlooker even went so far as to untie his swim trunks to show he’d be willing to take away my pain and suffering. Bless him and his perverted, urine loving heart. I only waved him away. Truthfully, I’d rather have it in the brown eye...and that’s saying something.


Helpful hints for women: Get him drunk...he’ll pee anywhere when he’s drunk. Works both ways...he’ll pass out and you can give it a whirl yourself. Just go for the leg, you don’t want to drown him.


Helpful hints for men: Offer her money. If it’s just a leg, maybe she’ll let you have a go when you’re in the shower. If you want her to pee on you, just ask. She’ll probably do it just for laughs and the story to tell her friends.


And last, but definitely not least:


Fetish #6. You want to role play.


It’s one of the most common fetishes...yet for some reason, one that a lot of people have trouble asking for. Some find it hard to pretend to be someone or something they’re not.

Starting off with something simple is the key. Like the first meeting scenario...meeting them at a restaurant like it’s a blind date. “Hi. I’m _____. Nice to meet you.” Sexy bedroom eyes and footsy under the table...blah blah, random inconsequential conversation. “Let’s go back to my place.” AND scene! That’s all there is to it.

Or you can get into the real character roles. Like boss and secretary, cop and criminal, doctor and nurse, french maid and lord of the manor, or one of my personal favorites...President and the people. But if you’re going for that last one be prepared for a real screw...none of that nicey nice campaign nonsense. Just teeth shattering, CNN worthy pounding.


Helpful hints for women: You shouldn't have any trouble getting him to participate in this sort of thing...as long as there aren’t any tights (on him) involved. But if you do...there’s always blackmail or bargaining. If you’re willing to take it up the ass and walk like a duck for a day, he might throw you an English accent and brandish a fake sword over your head. Tally ho.


Helpful hints for men: Don’t suggest porn stars, cartoon characters, or your parents.


I hope this has been helpful.


There are many more that I didn’t get a chance to cover...so this might just have a sequel.


I will now take questions, comments, and offers of sexual favors. Go.




Thursday, October 8, 2009

Next Week Information : No Posting For Me!

Next week I will not be posting. I'm still trying to get situated in the new place and just need one less thing to worry about. So I will be bringing you a full week of guest posts. I have complied a team that is pretty awesome. It will be the first woman's week here at The Yellow Factor. Yikes. 5 amazing bloggers will be bringing you some great stuff. I have approved everything they submitted and let me just tell you.... it's gonna be a good week. Kind of scared.

Here is the line-up :

Monday : Aly - Calling People Names

Tuesday : Erin - Blogging Is For Dorks

Wednesday : Lana - Mother Hides The Pearls

Thursday : Kristine - Wait In The Van

Friday : Sally-Sal - You. Me. No Adult Supervision.

I'm calling the week : "Yeah, I'll Hold Your Purse While You Try That On..."

Nice ring, don't you think?

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Dear Guy That Owns The Black Truck


Dear Guy That Owns The Black Truck,


I knew it would happen. I didn't know when, but I knew it would happen. At the apartment complex, you were aware that parking spaces are for parking cars yet you wanted to rebel. You wanted to park on a curve behind the garages so that you are blind to cars going out of the complex. Genius. I will have you know that I had nothing to do with the unfortunate incident, but I will say that I enjoyed seeing the note left on your window that said... "Sorry."
That's fantastic.
I can't imagine what must have gone through you mind as you realized what had happened but the only thing that comes to my mind as I send you this letter is this : Dumbass.


The event that made my day,


Guy who's ecstatic to be out of apartment living

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Don't Call It A Comeback...

Ever been without the Internet for a week? Not without it because of vacation kind of thing, but without it because you can't have it installed yet? Drives you nuts.

Well the day after I closed on the house, I had the cable guy come over to hook up the new stuff. Meanwhile, back at the apartment, the old cable and Internet is still active because the roommate will be there for one more week before she moves into a new place. The cable guy informed me that they can't register my modem to this new account when it's still active on the previous account. He gave me two options : 1. Wait a week until the first account is deleted. 2. Pay 60 extra bucks for him to install a company modem when during the order form process, they claimed I could get the company modem for free.

"That's only if you check the box on the order form that you need a company modem. If you don't check it at that point, there is an installation fee."

"60 bucks to hook up a cable to the back of the modem...and turn it on?"

"Yeah, I'd wait the week if I were you."

"Fine." "You're fat."*

So..... I guess you can say I am now back and hooked up to this thing again like a steady IV drip. Feels good. Like morphine. Mmmmm....moooorphiiiine.

Updates :

A week into the new house and all I can say is that I have all the hardwood floors sanded. That job sucks. Seriously, hire it out. Never again. Next is staining them. Then the new kitchen floor...then new cabinets... countertops...paint....etc. Seriously, it looks like all that I am missing is Ty and his megaphone. And the bus of course.

Next week will be a special week here at The Yellow Factor. I am having a guest post week and I have picked out some of the best ones out there to do my job for me. Yeah, I know.... and as I started to ask a couple of them if they would be interested, I came up with the idea that this place needs a bit of a woman's touch. Just a small touch.... like the flirty touch when you meet someone at a club or bar. Nothing like a blind date touch. Ugh. Never. Again. So every day next week, I am having one bad ass chick after another come by and shake things up. I will let you know the line-up at the end of the week. Let's just say that they are all heavy hitters in this biz and if this doesn't make me any more popular, I will never talk to them again. Tough love, I know. Seriously, it will be a good week.

(*May or may not have been said. Out loud.)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Special Post - Important News

Here is a special post that everyone needs to read. EVERYONE. A bunch of us blogger types were asked to spread some awareness for juvenile myositis. I hope you take some time and read it. Also, take a look at his blog and the links below for more info.


badge - this blog


Kevin - Always Home and Uncool

-

Our pediatrician admitted it early on.

The rash on our 2-year-old daughter’s cheeks, joints and legs was something he’d never seen before.

The next doctor wouldn’t admit to not knowing.

He rattled off the names of several skins conditions — none of them seemingly worth his time or bedside manner — then quickly prescribed antibiotics and showed us the door.

The third doctor admitted she didn’t know much.

The biopsy of the chunk of skin she had removed from our daughter’s knee showed signs of an “allergic reaction” even though we had ruled out every allergy source — obvious and otherwise — that we could.

The fourth doctor had barely closed the door behind her when, looking at the limp blonde cherub in my lap, she admitted she had seen this before. At least one too many times before.

She brought in a gaggle of med students. She pointed out each of the physical symptoms in our daughter:

The rash across her face and temples resembling the silhouette of a butterfly.

The purple-brown spots and smears, called heliotrope, on her eyelids.

The reddish alligator-like skin, known as Gottron papules, covering the knuckles of her hands.

The onset of crippling muscle weakness in her legs and upper body.

She then had an assistant bring in a handful of pages photocopied from an old medical textbook. She handed them to my wife, whose birthday it happened to be that day.

That was seven years ago — Oct. 2, 2002 — the day our daughter was found to have juvenile dermatomyositis, one of a family of rare autoimmune diseases that can have debilitating and even fatal consequences when not treated quickly and effectively.

Our daughter’s first year with the disease consisted of surgical procedures, intravenous infusions, staph infections, pulmonary treatments and worry. Her muscles were too weak for her to walk or swallow solid food for several months. When not in the hospital, she sat on our living room couch, propped up by pillows so she wouldn’t tip over, as medicine or nourishment dripped from a bag into her body.

Our daughter, Thing 1, Megan, now age 9, remembers little of that today when she dances or sings or plays soccer. All that remain with her are scars, six to be exact, and the array of pills she takes twice a day to help keep the disease at bay.

What would have happened if it took us more than two months and four doctors before we lucked into someone who could piece all the symptoms together? I don’t know.

I do know that the fourth doctor, the one who brought in others to see our daughter’s condition so they could easily recognize it if they ever had the misfortune to be presented with it again, was a step toward making sure other parents also never have to find out.

That, too, is my purpose today.

It is also my birthday gift to my wife, My Love, Rhonda, for all you have done these past seven years to make others aware of juvenile myositis diseases and help find a cure for them once and for all.

To read more about children and families affected by juvenile myositis diseases, visit Cure JM Foundation at www.curejm.org.

To make a tax-deductible donation toward JM research, go towww.firstgiving.com/rhondaandkevinmckeever or www.curejm.com/team/donations.htm.

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