Hello loves and blokes!

De grens met de Northern Territory ligt al een tijdje achter ons, we zijn reeds gearriveerd in Western Australia.

Ondertussen heeft onze blauwe hagedis heel wat kilometers in zijn poten. Veel was er vaak niet te zien, buiten het grote ‘nothing, nothing en meer van dat nothing’ (zoals Robert, onze gastheer in Rainbow beach het zo mooi zei). Erg mooie uitgestrekte natuur, dor gras, af en toe een rots. Australië op z’n best. De temperatuur bleef ook maar stijgen (mas que 40°C), op het lastige af (constant zweten, warm water drinken, geen weg weten met jezelf, de aircoknop niet vinden ). Ondertussen zijn we de hitte meer gewoon. Klagen doen we echter niet: in België is ‘t waarschijnlijk andere koek.

Ok, eens in de Northern Territory bleken de eerder woestijnachtige rest areas (waar we tot nu toe veel gratis konden op overnachten) van veel minder voorzien. Geen drinkbaar water, geen deftige wc’s en zeker geen douches meer. Toen we in de Avon Downs rest area aankwamen (tussen Camooweal en Barkly Homestead) was de hitte niet te doen. Ook al was het al 5 pm, het was puffen geblazen. Leen had echt afkoeling nodig en bij gebrek aan douches mocht Corneel inspringen door een volle bassin gematigd uit te gieten in Leen haar nek. Aan de ene kant van de straat was er de rest area, voor de toeristen, aan de andere kant waren er slaapbarakken voor de grenspolitie. Al bij al sliepen we wel veilig dus (we sliepen op 60 km van ‘t volgende dorp).

De dag erop reden we verder naar Three Ways. In deze roadhouse kochten we een ijskoude fles water en een heerlijke ijskoffie van Daily Farmers. Op Three Ways heb je een T-sprong: je kan kiezen: links naar Tennant Creek en verder naar ‘t hart van Australië of rechts naar Darwin. We puffen verder naar Tennant Creek, een duidelijke bol op de kaart, in werkelijkheid maar één deftige supermarkt rijk. We ontmoetten een gepensioneerde cattle cowboy die zijn tijd nu slijt in de pub, naast de vele aboriginals die maar wat rondlopen op straat.

In Daly waters dronken we een frisse pint om op krachten te komen. De pub ligt naast een vliegveld dat sinds de jaren ‘30 dienst doet (in Australië is dit geschiedenis) als fuelstop. Om de plek voor toeristen aantrekkelijker te maken hebben ze de toog volgehangen met prullen van passerende klanten (foto’s, kaartjes, slips, thongs (teenslippers) en zelfs bh’s).

Weer een eind de weg op, Mataranka. Een erg droog stadje met weinig bijzonders, ware het niet dat ze zalige natuurlijke thermal pools (34°C) hebben! Bij 40 graden buitentemperatuur voelt dit aan als een heuse verfrissing. Zwemmen dus tussen de palmbomen, boven ons vleermuizen (fruit bats). ’s Anderendaags zwemmen we in nog meer natuurlijke thermal springs. Er moest een soort parcours gevolgd worden in het water.

Katherine was de eerste plaats die de naam ’stad’ waardig is. We wisten het van elkaar zonder een woord te zeggen, na alle budget pasta van de voorbije dagen was het tijd voor een echte, vette hamburger. De vrouw van de tourist information kon ons de Happy Corner aanraden. We kochten er een hamburger ‘with the lot’, met alles erop en eraan dus: burger met ananas, ei, spek, sla, wortels, rode biet, dit alles overgoten met de vetste saus ooit. ’s Avonds geslapen op een camping in Katherine Gorge. Onze van bleek vol te zitten van de superkleine miertjes die hier talrijk aanwezig zijn (Ginger ants). We haalden de hele van leeg en sprayden de hele boel onder. Omdat dit een redelijk lastig karwei was (heel warm) lieten we enkele dozen buiten staan en sprongen we de poel in. Terwijl we in ‘t zwembad waren aten de plaatselijke kangoos de droge spaghettigstokken en een aardappel op. Zo knoddig zijn ze ook weer niet…. De ochtend erop deden we een korte wandeling, maar ach wat hebben we gezweet…

In de namiddag reden we door naar Kakadu National Park. Eerst nog voorbij de vriendelijke rangers die ons de nodige tips en uitleg gaven (where to go, waar is 2wd mogelijk, waar enkel 4wd?). In een boek van een Hollander lazen we iets in de trend van KakaDON’T, wij vinden echter dat ‘t wel degelijk KakaDO is. In de wetlands van Yellow waters liggen de salties (zoutwaterkrokodillen) steeds op de loer. Je kan ze vanop minder dat 10 meter zien in het wild, net of we meemochten met de cameraploeg van national geografic.

Daarnaast biedt Kakadu ook rotstekeningen van aboriginals, met een goed verduidelijkend museum. Zo uniek als je de verslagen leest van blanke expedities in de bush. Echte bushmensen, die nog iedere dag om eten zochten, die zwerfden met de seizoenen mee. In de aboriginalcultuur zijn dromen heel belangrijk, evenals de band met de natuur. Vandaag echter moet ook de negatieve kant gezien worden: velen Aboriginals hangen rond in steden (Noord en centraal Australië), maken amok onder elkaar en denken er niet aan om vuilnis in de bin te gooien. Bij iedere Australiër waar we mee praten, komt naar boven dat dit vaak een sad story is. In Jabiru, een plek in Kakadu, mocht onze blauwe hagedis zich laven aan de dure dieselbeek, alwaar we koers zetten richting Darwin. Onderweg geslapen in Bark Hut Inn, een mooie roadhouse, waar je voor 15 dollar value krijgt. Goeie douches, mooi zwembad, een stukje cultuur in de bush.

Bij aankomst in Darwin lieten we de wagen achter in de ondergrondse garage en verkenden de stad te voet. Van Darwin moet je twee dingen weten: een van de weinige plekken in Australië die door de Jappen in WWII gebombardeerd werd én dat de stad volledig verwoest werd op kerstdag 1974 door cycloon Tracy. Voor ons was het verademing om na zoveel bush en desert nog eens een grote stad te zien. Keurige parken, meer winkels en een goed museum. ’s Avonds kwamen we een gezin uit Wetteren tegen die op wereldreis maakten. Ook doken we ’s avonds het zwembad in met een Israëlisch koppel (Liron en Gay). Het klikte al snel en uiteindelijk zouden we twee dagen met hen op schok gaan.

Even bezuiden Darwin ligt Litchfield National park,helemaal iets anders dan Kakadu. Veel watervallen en andere locaties waar gezwommen kan worden. Ook nog snel de fameuse termietenheuvels meegepikt (je komt ze hier overal tegen) en dan doorgereden naar Adelaide River, waar we een spotgoedkope camping vonden waar ze ook nog eens goedkoop bier serveerden. We hadden een laatste leuke avond met L&G: de concierge van de camping had die dag een freshie (zoetwaterkrokodil) en een giftige slang gevangen. We mochten de buit aanschouwen, maar waren blij dat hij zich verder over de beestjes ontfermde.

Na het afscheid de volgende morgen (L&G gaan naar ‘t Oosten) trokken we verder naar ‘t Westen toe. In Katherine moesten we een klein halfuurtje wachten tot the Northern Territory weer stroom had om diesel in onze wagen te kunnen gooien. Zelfs Darwin kwam zonder stroom te staan. Lang geleden dat dat nog eens gebeurde in België. ’s Avonds hielden we halt in Timber Creek. We bezochten Gregory National Park (genoemd naar de zoveelste explorer die meehielp Australië in kaart te brengen). We bezochten de majestueze baobabboom waar Gregory himself zo’n dikke 150 jaar terug de toenmalige datum inkraste. Na de korte dirtroad konden we weer de Victoria Highway op richting Kununurra (eerste stad in West-Australië). Eerst nog door checkpoint moeten rijden waar gecontroleerd werd of we geen vers fruit of groenten over de grens meenamen. We moesten appelmoes van onze zak appelen maken om ze alnog de grens over te krijgen. Na een korte stop in Lake Argyle (waar ze een mooie waterdam bouwden) konden we onze campervan ontplooien in Hidden Valley campground.

West-Australia is erg groot en de afstanden zijn hier overrompelend. Vandaag reden we maar liefst 660 kilometer (was veel is met ons busje) door fantastische landschappen en kwamen we welgeteld één dorpje tegen. In Halls Creek wonen mensen van verschillende aboriginal gemeenschappen, snel doorgereden, meer was er niet te doen. In deze streek zijn heel wat mijnen (zo passeerden we een diamantmijn van Rio Tinto). Niet toegankelijk voor bezoekers, helaas.

We hadden nog een dikke 200 kilometer te gaan toen we even halt hielden om een foto te nemen. Toen we wilden vertrekken, wilde de motor niet. Paniek. We zitten in het grote niks (40 km terug was de eerste village) en de auto doet het niet. Gelukkig hebben we voldoende water en materiaal mee om een paar dagen te overleven, maar toch, je komt het niet graag tegen. We zijn wel lid van de NRMA (wegenhulp) maar dan moet je eerst ontvangst hebben om die te kunnen bellen natuurlijk… We klampten ons meteen vast aan een Nederlander die toevallig op dezelfde plek halt hield. Hij zag meteen dat er een probleem was met de startmotor. Verder kende hij er ook niks van. Maar de lichtjes brandden, dus de batterij was niet plat. Oef. Een garagist leerde ons in een ver verleden een trucje om de auto aan de gang te krijgen indien er lucht in de startmotor zou zitten (de lucht er handmatig uitpompen). Na een poging of vier hadden we prijs en startte Bleu-ie weer. We hebben ondertussen al een keer of vier gestopt en gestart en hij houdt vol. Fingers crossed dus voor de volgende dagen.

We staan nu op een mooie camping in Fitzroy Crossing. Morgen zijn we van plan om in één stuk door naar Broome te rijden (400tal kilometers), kwestie van de auto eens binnen te doen voor een algemene check-up (meer dan 10000 km gereden).

Tot hoors,
vergeet ook niet te klikken op het kaartje van deze blog, we gaan vooruit!

Aussie 2009.11.26

The fashions of modern society are on a continuous road to keep ahead of themselves. One must always make sure the style they are designing today is better than the one someone put out yesterday. With the high expectations set in today’s society sometimes the fashions miss the high mark. One of the fashions that have missed the mark is the “sensible” and “practical” Crocs…K. Goodrich

Crocs are labeled as a sensible shoe. So off of that one could raise the question as to what is so sensible about a shoe that looks like Swiss cheese? One who walks around in shoes with holes in the top cannot possibly, by any stretch of the imagination, think that their shoes are sensible. The purpose of a sensible shoe is not only to be comfortable but to keep the feet protected. One’s feet cannot be protected in a pair of Crocs. If, for example, it started to rain on a day when Crocs were one’s shoe choice for the day, the only comfort one would have is that the shoe would dry but their feet would surely be wet and cold for a while.

However, one can at a small amount appreciate the idea behind the comfort of a Croc. Those who have worn Crocs before swear by their comfort. I can personally support a comfortable shoe because we are all called to walk, so why not be comfortable? However I think all thoughts of comfort would be far from my mind if I was walking down the street in a pair of bright orange Crocs.

What people choose to wear with Crocs is also a strong matter for debate. In the summer, one can see children of all ages in the streets playing in white socks and tie-dye Crocs. Children are ok I feel because every one of us at some point had an unattractive fashion statement. However, I have no mercy on adults.  If one is going to make the foolish decision to wear Crocs in the first place, have at least the self respect not to pair them with white ankle socks, or in ANY CASE WHATSOEVER with a pair of long socks. Mind you, this rule most strongly applies when one is in shorts or warmer weather.

Also, if one is choosing to wear a pair of hot pink Crocs, or whatever other absurd colors they come in, please for the love of all things holy in this world, do not decide to wear a pair of orange shorts and a green shirt with them. I am pleading this case from eye-witness experience. At least have the courtesy to match the crazy colors. People who do not match have the thought that “no one is watching” or “no one cares what I look like,” and that at some points is true. However, the one saying those things should. One should have enough pride and self confidence to care what they look like. Usually, the ones with the thoughts of, “I don’t care what I look like” are the ones who need to care the most.

Now on a positive note, Crocks do hold a small place on the practical scale. If one is a gardener or a chef, I can see the use of a pair of comfortable, air circulatory pair of Crocs. If one, for example, gets them dirty in their garden, a simple hose off and they are ready for the next garden run. However it is out of these specified uses when Crocs become the eyesore they truly are.

If one owns a pair of Crocs, it is my deepest and most sincere plea to please get rid of them. Crocs are not the only practical and comfortable pair of shoes out there. I beg you, if one is not going to get rid of their Crocs only wear them for days when you are not in the public eye, and yes, that includes the grocery store. We have been given such a wide variety of beautiful and sensible footwear in this modern society. Don’t waste the opportunity to buy a cute and sensible pair of sandals or sneakers with a bulky and hole-filled pair of Crocs. For it is my personal observation that just because one thing is in style does not mean it is stylish.

Non-BPI cardholder? Be part of Couchwasabi’s guestlist!

To get FREE complimentary passes, drop a comment on this blog post and let me know what are the things that you are looking forward to with The Big Holiday Outlet Sale. It can be the brand or a specific thing.

Don’t forget to write your complete name and valid email. Only entries/comments submitted by December 2 (WED) 9.00 pm are included in the raffle.

Couchwasabi will randomly pick FIFTEEN (15) lucky participants and the winners will be announced on December 2 (WED) 11.00 pm. Each winner will receive TWO (2) tickets–that’s for you and your friend!

Tickets will be claimed on the day of the event at SMX. Note that a valid ID must be presented by the raffle winner to claim the tickets.

Keep it coming! Goodluck!

I once read that blessings are a hug from God and counting your blessings is giving God a hug back. I had a challenge earlier this month to daily write one thing that I am thankful for until Thanksgiving day arrived.   I have been faithful to that challenge but once I started writing them I began thinking of so many things, so I decided to add to my daily list by listing thirty random things.  Here we go:

1. baby squirrels- Apparently these little guys are quite the popular internet search…and because I posted one little photo of a cute little baby squirrel in February, my blog gets a great number of hits daily just to look at my little squirrel. It is a great confidence booster when I look at my visitor numbers… I’m thankful that they help keep my blog alive.  I will definitely be embarrassed if I find out that “Baby Squirrel” is some rapper’s name or something like that
2. creativity- I’m a person who loves to create…. whether it be a story or a sculpted caricature of someone….It is what I love to do… I’m thankful for a creative Creator and amazed at what He created
3. gloves- don’t have to touch things that are yucky if I don’t want….
4. crocs- the heavenly shoe of the wide-footed human like me… cavemen would have loved them…
5. my parents-  by example they taught me how to work through arguments, dance, laugh, love each other and love God and church….
6. my husband- he makes me laugh, is a great dad, incredibly dependable and is just an all around great husband…
7. my children- such a great gift to be called “Mom”… they bring an unexpected joy… even when they are old enough to roll their eyes at you.
8. bug spray- genius invention…. Take that, Mr. Mosquito!
9. grace- thankful that I don’t get what I deserve…. because I can never do enough to get the good portion of deserving  all by myself….
10. the alphabet- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz…. may be a lot of them but thankful there are no ~ or ` or other symbols over the tops of them….
11. medicine- had I been living 2000 years ago, I can imagine that without medicine I probably would have been one on the side of the road in need of healing when Christ walked by
12. health- thankful that, though I should focus more on taking care of myself (I see a New Year’s resolution here) I can walk, talk, and do most anything I want to do because I have good health
13. my home- I’ll confess…. there are times when I wish I had a bigger yard or one more bedroom or a live in maid, but I am blessed to have what I have and know it
14. my co-workers- not too many have co-workers that feel like family…. I do and am thankful
15. my family- I’ve already mentioned my parents so I’m looking at the other ones that I call family….no siblings but cousins, aunts and uncles… brothers and sisters-in- law, father and mother-in-law(deceased- but wonderfully remembered), a wonderful step mother-in-law…. so many great memories and wonderful little bundles of precious baby cousins
16. my friends- some to laugh with, some to weep with, some both,  some who have passed in and out of my life, all have a special place in my heart
17. waterfalls- not sure why they are so beautiful but it regardless of their size…. they are wonderful to enjoy
18. cute animals-baby squirrels aren’t the only little things that are so cute… puppies, kittens, baby rabbits, baby bears, etc… well, except baby narwhals
19. laughter- not at the expense of others but wholesome laughter might just bring the world together
20. sense of humor- glad I have one, even if I am the only one who thinks I’m funny
21. those who have sacrificed- sometimes I wonder why I live where I live…. how did I get to be so blessed?  Then I think about it …. not just happenstance that we live the way we do… some fought against much so we can have much freedom
22. antibacterial items- can you imagine surgery without it??   that’s what I’m talking about
23. the beauty of seasons- all goes back to creativity… I love red/orange leaves and the bright gray sky just before a good snow..and a loaded tree of cherry blossoms…. and the heat of sun on the concrete in the summer
24. clay- maybe you have to be me to be thankful for it but it provides me with hours of entertainment
25. computers- can’t imagine having to type this blog on a typewriter or by hand…. also am thankful that they have gotten smaller and smarter
26. spices-cinnamon, garlic, salt, pepper…… just to name a few ……without them it would just be sugar toast for breakfast, bread with spaghetti….you get the picture
27. chocolate-enough said
28. peanuts- peanuts make peanut butter…. protein and yummy
29. fruit-something good for you and tastes good too…. bananas, fuji apples, grapes, kiwi, raisins, watermelon, actually all melons, strawberries, cherries(my personal favorite)….. shall I go on?
30. A Loving God- anyone who makes a way for you to get to them must love you a lot…. thankful that the Creator of all did that for me…. and for you…. so when I am thankful, that is who gets my thanks… without the Creator and his grace, all of the other things are pointless.

The challenge is on…. can you list thirty???

What is one of the scariest creatures you can imagine? Think hard! Is it a mythical being- dragon, vampire, etc. Is it an animal that exists today? Snakes? Bats? Cows? (Just making sure your paying attention.) What about a 20 foot long croc with three sets of razor sharp fangs and tusks like a wild boar whose head is nearly as big as your whole body? Well thank God this creature doesn’t exist but it did once. Check it out!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091119/ap_on_sc/us_sci_odd_crocs

-Thomasa

Rio..Rp. 550.000,.

Olivia..Rp.375.000,.

Cove..Rp. 550.000,.

MALINDY

SILVER                                 5,6,7,8                   Rp. 350.000,.
BERRY
COKLAT
NAVY
SKY BLUE
MERAH, MANGO

PRIMA

POLOS SILVER                    5,6,7,8,9               Rp. 325.000,.
GOLD
COTTON CANDY
HITAM
COKLAT
BIRU TOSCA
BIRU

PRIMA

BINTANG HITAM              5,6,7,8,9               Rp. 325.000,.

COKLAT

SILVER GOLD

ALICE

SILVER                                  6,7,8,9                   Rp. 350.000,.
GOLD
BIRU
HITAM
COKLAT,UNGU

OLIVIA

SILVER                                 6,7,8,9                   Rp. 375.000,.
HITAM
COKLAT
BIRU

St CRUZ

KARET MERAH                   4,5,6,7,8              Rp. 375.000,.
PINK BABY
PUTIH
ABU2 MUDA

CELESTE

UNGU-PINK                       6,7,8,9                   Rp. 450.000,.
COKLAT
CREAM

PRIMA

HAK TINGGI UNGU         6,7,8                      Rp. 375.000,.
HITAM
COKLAT

RIO

HITAM                                  6,7,8,9                   Rp. 550.000,.
MERAH
UNGU

CABANA

PINK                                      6,7,8,9                   Rp. 425.000,.
BIRU
HIJAU TOSCA

HAVANA

HITAM                                  6,7,8                      Rp. 425.000,.
COKLAT

PATRICIA

COKLAT                                6,7,8                      Rp.400.000,.
PINK
HIJAU

SENDAL ATHENS

HIJAU-COKLAT                 6,7,8,9                   Rp. 320.000,.
PINK-COKLAT
COKLAT

TIDELINE SUEDE

COKLAT                                7,8,9,10,11          Rp. 550.000,.
KHAKI
HITAM
ABU2

COVE

COKLAT                                7,8,9,10,11          Rp. 550.000,.
HITAM
ABU2

BAYA

COKLAT                                7,8,9,10,11          Rp.400.000,.
HIJAU
HITAM
BIRU
ABU2

CROCSBAND

HITAM                                  8,9,1012,13         Rp.400.000,.
BIRU

GOLF

COKLAT                                8,9-13                    Rp. 420.000,.
CREAM
HITAM

OFFROAD

COKLAT                                8,9-13                    Rp. 450.000,.
CREAM
HITAM
BIRU

DISNEY KIDS

PINK                                      11,12,13               Rp.350.000,.
BIRU
MERAH

BAYA KIDS

BIRU                                      11,12,13               Rp. 420.000,.
KUNING
PINK

SCUTES SENDAL

BIRU                                      11,12,13               Rp. 375.000,.
HIJAU
MERAH
KUNING

SPIDERMAN

BIRU                                      11,12,13               Rp. 300.000,.
KUNING
MERAH
HIJAU
HITAM

MARY JANE

PINK                                      3,4                          Rp. 350.000,.
BERRY
BIRU

SASSARY

PUTIH-ABU                         11                           Rp. 450.000,.

YUKON

COKLAT                                8,9,10,11              Rp. 550.000,.
HITAM

St. CRUZ KNVS POLOS

UNGU                                   7,8                          Rp. 400.000,.
HIJAU MUDA,BATIK BIRU

crocs dengan harga miring ini tersedia dalam stok yang terbatas dan nomer yang terbatas juga..

yang berminat hubungi

syarief nur iman

+62-22-70045406

atau email ke butski_butong@yahoo.com

We have now officially launched our fantastic new shoes web-site.

We have loads of brands for you to look at and thousands of shoes for you to look at.

We will be adding new brands all of the time so keep checking www.youbuyshoes.com for updates.

It comes and it goes…

The BIG Holiday Outlet Sale 2009 will be held at the SMX Convention Hall 4 this December 4 – 6 from from 10AM to 9PM.

Free entrance for all BPI Cardholders and Php 50 entrance fee for non-cardholders.

UPDATE: Not a BPI Cardholder? Be part of Couchwasabi’s Exclusive Guestlist!

Delicious looking plastic food with my neighbour Totoro.

Shit, and Croc’s handbags.

Hello there, how are you?

Today I was browsing the Internet, acquiring some knowledge if you prefer to call it like that, and I came across a posting that had the right path of creativity, therefore, I decided to re-invent it, edit it, and change it for your delightful entertainment.  Hopefully all of us girls can identify.. By all means, if you want to add another point, be my guest, this list can only keep getting better, that way we will find PRINCE CHARMING…

My Boyfriend Application and Test

First, a little about me. I’m a 26-year-old, very  good looking and intelligent Latina, with a full time Job and  attending University. I’m tired of wasting my time, so I have formulated some mandatory criteria in part A, and part B is based on points.

Part A

1) You must be born male. I’ll need to see a birth certificate proving so.

2) You must own something to wear to a formal reception. And at least a couple formal shoes.
3) You must not own or ever wear Birkenstocks, crocs footwear or wrangler jeans. Or wear your jeans so low, that  I can see the end of your briefs.
4) All your parts need to be in good working order, further testing will need to be conducted of course.
5) I can’t accept a regular drug user. Despite CA culture, I am including weed.
6) You must own at least four collared dress shirts. You need to look presentable standing next to me.
7) Your height must be proportional to your weight using the standard AMA guidelines. (fyi, I do prefer them taller than me, so you have to be at least 6 feet) .
You must have a couple photos which were  taken in the last 2 months.
9) English must be your first language. However you need to have a pretty good understanding of Spanish and Latin culture, or at least a desire to learn.

If you meet all of the requirements above then you may continue, if not, then you are now dismissed but thank you for applying to be my boyfriend.

Now: give yourself two points for each of the following criteria you meet

Part B

1) You have (or are working on) a degree.
2) You own a car and have a valid driver’s license. Suspended for DUIs: minus 10 points.

3) If your car is better and newer than mine add 5 points
4) You’ve never worn Ed Hardy, Affliction or any other Christian Audigier affiliated brand.

5) If 80% of your shoes can be described as sneakers take minus 5 points.
6) You follow at least one professional sport.
7) You have skills in bed. Not because you think you do, because your past experiences have told you.
You are not a born again Christian, Jehovah’s Witness or any other kind of religious fanatic.
9) You have been to at least three countries outside of the US.
10) You don’t need to call a handy man if something breaks around the house.
11) You know how to cook a meal for two. (Eggs, instant noodles, sandwiches, lean cuisine do not count as a meal)

12) You actually do shores around the house, like doing dishes after I cooked, help cleaning the kitchen, bringing flowers, wine etc..
13) You like stepping out of your bubble and trying new things like different cuisine, bungee jumping, salsa dancing.
14) You can make it through a romantic comedy without complaining (don’t worry we don’t have to tell your friends).
15) You have a great sense of humor. Are people laughing with you, or at you?
16) You can plan a good date without any help or advice from me. “I don’t know, what do you want to do” isn’t an answer.
17) You work out and enjoy being physically active. I hit the gym regularly, you should too.
18) You have a job that requires more than a high school diploma.
19) You read books, or at least you read the newspaper, so we can talk about worldwide subjects.  

20) You are an educated individual. You challenge my intellectual abilities.
21) You have a 5 year goal.
22) You aren’t afraid of being yourself, even if you have a dorky, nerdy side. (that’s kinda hot).
23) You’re competitive, and I don’t mean you like to battle it out on Wii with your buddies on the weekends.
24) You know how to dance.

25) You are spontaneous and creative.

26) You are secure about yourself and us. Meaning I’m not looking for a jealous, immature, insecure chauvinistic pig. People are going to check us out. Just enjoy the ride, at the end of the night I’m going home with you.

27) Last but not least, you can acknowledge when you screw up, and say sorry;  flowers and a romantic dinner might help you get some points back.

If you have a score of 40+ then please contact me immediately. If you scored between 20-35 pts, you can contact me, but I don’t have a lot of hope for our future relationship. If you did not score high enough, then please do not contact me, but if at some time in the future you are able to improve yourself and meet the minimum requirements, then you may re-apply.

You MUST respond with your age (this is a creeper free zone, 25-36 year olds only please) and your picture.

I thank you in advance for your application, however, only successful candidates will receive a response.

fyi.. I’m not trying to be rude or insult anyone..

This blog is just for fun, and to make you laugh!

With Love

xoxoxoxo Ment@l Fashion Addict

Remember a few posts ago I was talking about the power of sending gratitude? (Click here to read) Here’s an example of how my cute Mom did it:

A Thank You Card!

 And its contents:

Don't faint! Read translation below

Translation & my comments in red: “To my dearest Chun Wa (my supposedly affectionate petname /:) Awaken from the morning, seeing a pair of comfortable & pretty pair of shoes, guessing that’s given by my quiet, passionate, kind daughter? (Oh, the shoes are so heavy, can’t be they flew into my bedroom by themselves?) Duh?

Very thankful for this piece of gift, seems very warm & peaceful. You’re welcome

Mom believes in Buddhism but I’m open one, won’t refuse children’s choice of religion. Knowing that life is a journey, there’s past, present & future lives, & we can only control this life. Treasure fate, treasure riches. Close ones in this life to bless & give them strength…” It’s.just.a.pair.of.shoes!

Can you see the ribbon on the hair?

Translation: “Thank you for your gift. But I don’t know what this packet of ribbon is for?? Thanks!” It’s OK, I didn’t at first either.

 & here’s what she was confused about:

Gitbits- things your decorate your Crocs with

I’m not sure if I’d go through all the trouble of buying a card & writing & drawing in the future when my daughter gives me a pair of free brown wedge Crocs she got from an event’s goodie bag, would you?

Free Crocs given @ I Survived All Shapes Aerobathon

You know that kooky mom that puts her son in linen pants, a sweater vest, a tie, and Crocs for his First Communion?  Yeah, that would be me.  They were brand new.  And, they were the closed toe kind. 

Anyway, we were riding down an escalator today and my eight-year-old, wearing his “dress up” Crocs, had his foot super close to the wall. 

My Husband:  “Stand in the center, that isn’t safe.”
Oldest Son:  “I know, but it feels cool.”

Luckily, there was no incident…Until we rode the escalator back up…

He is not injured, however, the escalator caught his shoe.  I examined the escalator to see if I could figure out how it happened, and I still don’t know.  It would seem that the strap–right near the button–got caught between the wall and the moving step.  This caused the button to pop off and go flying, the strap itself was torn with a piece missing, and the main shoe was twisted, stretched, and pulled off of his foot.

Very scary stuff…and we must bid farewell to the “dress up” Crocs…

(FYI–I do not in any way blame Crocs or the escalator–all signs, good sense, and my husband say to stand in the center of the step.)

I think with this posting I’m going to set an achievement for all mankind.  Usually when someone experiences a “M” word they experience a tidal wave of different emotions.  Sadness, anger, bitterness (oh yeah, Lot’s of bitterness here) and finally acceptance.  It isn’t a normal response to have the reaction of “Oh, that gives me a great idea for a cartoon” about the whole horrible experience.  But that’s what happened to me.

If you’re wondering what the “M” word is here the link explaining it.  http://huskyanimator.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/the-m-word/

As part of last weeks “M” word Melissa and I went thought my wife has had to make several trips to the doctors office to have blood work done.  Turns out the lab can do test on the hormone levels in the blood to determine if a ”M” word really took place.  Who knew.  I always assumed blood tests were just cruel jokes my parents made me go through as a child.  Me and doctors needing to take blood never got along.  Once when I was a young lad around ten I valiantly fought off a doctor trying to stick my vein for a good two hours. 

Eric and giving blood dosn’t go together so well.  Neither does Melissa and giving blood, but she did. Several times in fact.  About three times she went in for blood work so the doctors could make sure the hormone levels were returning to normal post pregnancy levels.  If her hormone level didn’t go down that would have been worse than just a ”M” word because something would’ve been medically wrong with her.

The first and last time Melissa stared death in the eye to give a sample from her arm it went fine.  Well as fine as possible.  I’m sure she needed to be calmed down a little which is far better than I would’ve done.  I’d have cried like a bitch.   The middle blood draw didn’t go so well.  Melissa was complaining about her arm being numb all night, in her words the “fucking idiot nurse couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with that needle” and my wife’s arm did in fact look like Jason Voorhees was working the syringe.  I’ve seen boxers go twelve rounds with less swelling and bruising than Melissa had on her upper forearm.

When she told me about the “fucking idiot nurse couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with that needle” my mind raced with visions of maniac doctors and psychotic nurses bend on drawing blood for there own mad scientist experiments.  I could imagine my wife’s blood being taken from her body and being used to harvest clones of her in underground medical lab in eastern Russia.  Sweet Jesus!  Clones of Melissa!  Pray that never happens.

I need a moment to compose myself after that horrible glimpse of hundred of Melissa raining havoc.  One does enough damage.

After I laid pen to paper, paper to scanner, and Photoshop to scanned image I came up with this.  He’s demented surgeon with a replacement bionic spine after his was deformed through horrific experiments he conducted on himself.  He roams the halls of the local medical lab in wheel chair using his blue Crocs to scoot from room to room sneaking blood samples from unsuspecting patients.  The needle is the size of a drinking straw and leaves a purple bruise the size of Texas……and also leaves your wife going “What the hell did they do to my arm?  Don’t people need to go to school to get trained for taking blood?

black and white inked evil blood sample doctor

RUN! He'll find a vein in your arm.....but he'll go through your ankle to get at it

If you are

a) Below the age of 5

b) A gardener, nurse, or working in a similarly fashion-desensitized environment

c) Mentally retarded

…you may wear Crocs, with my blessing.

If you are not, take them off right now.

You are not “funky.”

You are not “eschewing  conventional fashion.”

You are not “just wearing them because they’re really comfortable.”

You are a grown person wearing shoes that even Muppets would decline because they’re so lame. You have, on your feet, the footwear equivalent of the 1985 Yugo.

And let’s face it, anything that can be “accessorized” probably shouldn’t be. For example:

Cell phones. Those Sanrio charms and animal print cases just broadcast the fact that you don’t have a personality. In order to get attention, you need tiny kittens and swaravski crystals. And that’s not cute – it’s sad.

Cars. I defy you to add a bumper sticker to your car that makes it look better. Just like a tattoo, a bumper sticker on a car immediately decreases my respect for the owner, regardless of the fact that their child is an honor student and they heart their Boston terrier. See also: license plate covers and anything dangling from rear-view-mirrors (dreamcatchers, shrunken heads, graduation tassels: all tell me that you’re someone I will make fun of eventually).

Your house: Knick knacks. Picture frames. Artful displays of dried flowers. What else can we call these? “Things that piss me off when I have to dust.”

And, last but not least, Crocs. Case in point:

There are so many decent Crocs alternatives out there (flip flops, real clogs, hacking one’s feet off), it baffles me that the company actually made a profit for a while. Oh, but not for long. I hope the fact of the company’s bankruptcy brings you as much joy as it brought me.

Photos courtesy of Joe Shlabotnik and Stefan,

Green sharpie with green crocs and a bit of personalization in black.

Originally designed and marketed as a boating shoe, the Crocs shoes are available for men, women and kids in various designs and styles. Characterized by their modest pricing and springy feel, these shoes are a delightful addition to anyone’s wardrobe. At a mere 6 ounces, Crocs shoes are extremely light weight. To add to their practicality, they come with a “no-slip-grip sole” and aerating holes in the toe region. These shoes are made of a proprietary non-plastic resin formula, popularly known as Croslite. This material is soft, bacteria-resistant, anti-microbial, slip-resistant and boasts of anti-odor properties.

Another distinctive characteristic of Crocs is their availability in more than 60 bright colors, such as bright yellow, fuchsia, orange, lime green and red. In Women’s shoes, the Cyprus dressy heel is one of the several delightfully springy styles. This category also has the popular Malindi, Crocs Juneau and Olivia shoes.

In the Kids category, some of the popular styles that look adorable on the little toddlers are Crocs Cayman, Electro, Gabby for girls, Crocling, Mammoth, and Disney.

Crocs shoes and sandals are ideal for casual, professional as well as recreational wear. Thanks to the numerous designs available in adult Crocs, you can wear the Crocs in any occupation. While the flip-flop design in Crocs is ideal when the temperatures rise, you can choose from Crocs Cleo, Patricia, Prepair Slide or Captiva for indoor or outdoor relaxing.

Types of Seaside Shoes: Klogs

Characterized by its flexible and comfort level, the Klogs brand is another popular product line. Apart from being soft, washable and durable, Klogs are light and provide a molded and contoured toe grip for added stability. With both the outer sole and foot bed of the shoes made from a proprietary polyurethane formula that offers exceptional shock absorption and superior energy return, Klogs are ideal to wear for work.

Designed with a deep heel cup that provides support to heels, Klogs are apt for times when you have to stand or walk for long hours. These shoes have a full-length cushioned, removable foot bed to absorb shock and provide additional comfort. Klogs are available for women and men in the wide range of attractive shoe and sandal styles and designs. Priced between $88 and $99, Klogs provide value for money. Located in Seaside, Oregon, Seaside Shoes offers an entire range of high-quality, fairly-priced Crocs and Klogs shoes.

Frank, Always Sunny

Frank in Crocs. Hysterical. I cannot stand these hideous, horrible shoes. Well, when adults wear them, I think they’re cute for kids. They remind me of jellies, but your feet can actually breathe. But anyways, this Funny Fashion Moment isn’t directly referenced by any cast members other than an off hand remark by Frank that he can’t walk in his shoes. This comment occurs during a later scene in which the actual Crocs do not appear. Great touch, thanks for adding something for those who watch closely.

Porsche e Crocs: cosa potranno mai avere in comune? La prima è un’esclusiva Casa automobilistica tedesca, l’altra è l’azienda americana che produce gli omonimi sandaloni di gomma, forse poco eleganti ma molto pratici, diventati un cult anche fra le star. Ecco svelato l’arcano: a unire i due marchi è una contesa sull’utilizzo del nome Cayman.

La Crocs, infatti, ha battezzato così un modello di zoccoli colorati senza tenere conto che, secondo i legali della Casa di Stoccarda, questa parola è indissolubilmente legata alla più piccola delle sue coupé.

A ben vedere, la denominazione Cayman non appartiene né all’una né all’altra, essendo – da oltre 400 anni – il nome di un gruppo di isole caraibiche e ancora prima quello di un rettile, il caimano. La Porsche, però, ha già intentato una causa legale per violazione di marchio registrato e coperto da copyright.

A proposito… scorrendo il catalogo on line della Crocs ci siamo accorti dell’esistenza di una linea di stivali di gomma chiamata “Colors of California”: la Ferrari è avvisata!

Fonte: www.quattroruote.it

I just got back from a few days in central Florida…DeLand, Deltona, Orange City, DeBerry area.  We stopped by the St. Johns Marina in DeLand on the St. Johns River to meet and visit with friends of my husband’s brother and his wife who live in Orange City.  If you ever drop by the St. Johns Marina, don’t forget to visit the Shady Oaks Bait and Tackle shop there and Let Chris or Jeff know that we sent you.  They also rent pontoon boats, have live bait, provide dockside service and have marine batteries.  Well, these young men are great!  They let us take a pontoon boat out on the river.  It was a marvelous experience!  The only time I have been to Florida was once to see Disney World and visit Sea World.  It was straight down and straight back and I never got to see the sights.

My idea of what Florida was all about turned out to be just that…my idea, not reality.  It was a very nice place.  These towns are about 20 minutes from the ocean.  They are near Orlando, South of Jacksonville.  Oh, and the St. Johns River…not like any river I’ve seen.  They are nothing like the rivers of the west.  They meander through swamps where thousands of birds live along with the manatee, gators, and turtles.  It is green and lush, and dotted with flowers everywhere.  Moss hangs from the trees.  It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

Of the four days we were there, only one was cold and rainy.  The rest of the time it was warm and mostly sunny and wonderful for a mid-November day.  Chris and Jeff are looking for a boat for us to buy and remodel so that we can store it in a slip when we are not there, and enjoy boating in this tropical paradise when we vacation.  Slip storage is very inexpensive.  Of course when we are living on the boat, the expense goes up but for a vacation place, it is very reasonable.

I have volunteered to paint a mural on the wall in Chris’s bait and tackle shop.  So, the next time we head to Florida, I will be taking along my smock, paints, brushes, and vision and spend time painting.  I can hardly wait!  Jim is going to make me a portable easel to keep on the boat.

The point I want to make here is that if I had not accepted my sister-in-laws invitation to visit, (originally we were going down to see the launch of the space shuttle that was canceled due to weather), I would never have gotten this new vision of Florida.  My husband is Ex Navy and has been trying for years to convince me to live on a boat.  It was not part of my life experience and I just ignored his suggestion.  After my experience this week, I can actually see myself living, part-time, on a boat and traveling the water ways and perhaps even up the inter-coastal waterways.  This is paradigm shift for me.  So, before you cross things off your list of possibilities, check them out.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

Her iki markanın da “Cayman” adlı bir modeli var
Alman spor otomobil üreticisi Porsche, Kanadalı terlik şirketi Crocs ile mahkemelik oldu.Crocs’un yeni üretmeye başladığı 30 dolarlık terliğine ‘Crocs Cayman’ adını vermesi ortalığı karıştırdı.Porsche, Cayman adında bir spor otomobil ürettiklerini ve isim haklarının kendilerine ait olduğunu duyurdu. Kanadalı Crocs’tan yapılan açıklamada ise
satışına başladıkları terlikler için başka bir isim bulma niyetinde olmadıkları belirtilerek mücadelenin sonuna kadar devam edeceği ifade edildi.