And The Academy Award goes to...

I actually watched the Oscars last night...mainly because nothing else was on and I didn't want to play wii. Surprisingly to me, out of the main categories (and even a lot of the small ones too) none of the winners were American. Not that I mind its just a bit surprising - especially in best Actress category.

Other than that, I found my new boyfriend last night. He's dreamy. And Scottish. And funny. I'm sold.

And no - I didn't see Atonement and yes I am behind the times.

Somedays

Today has been one of those days. I was pulled in a million directions and by the end of an extended work day I barely knew my own name.

On top of that it started raining around noon and just kept going. Normally I don't mind rain, but I had been looking forward to the lunar eclipse. With the clouds, the chance of me getting a photo of it or even a glimpse was slim.

But thankfully, I was able to get a few pictures of it. I'm not completely satisfied with them due to wind and lingering clouds. I was surprised how the wind moved the camera (even on a tripod) when I left the shutter open - therefore the focus wasn't quite right in those shots. I don't know. I'm happy I had the opportunity to shoot it, but I wish there was more to show for it. Constant critic.

Who has a Wii?

Bri has a Wii. 'Nuff said.

Penny Lane

So last night I took out my friend Mick for a very belated birthday drink. I ended up at Penny Lane a little before him and was chatting with the bartender when a crazy or drunk (maybe both) lady sat down next to me. She had a really gruff voice, leathery skin, and very saggy, very exposed chest. She started talking about how rough her day had been and then asked me for a hug. I just looked at her. And she hugged me. She definitely held on a bit too long. After that she continued to squeeze my leg and talk about random things - until she saw a cute guy (who was probably 20 years younger than her).
So Mick showed up and I was trying to make him sit in her seat but he said he'd rather stand. Then she came back. As she was on her way to her seat, she grabbed his butt. Told him he should have sat down.

On a side note, there's this cool website called bighugelabs.com that allows you to do fun things with your flickr pictures.
View On Black

Ground Squirrel

So I was out with the dog today - a rather nice morning considering the earliness and the fact that it's still February - and I started thinking about groundhog's day. How is it that we as children just accepted the fact that if a groundhog comes out of his burrow and sees his shadow we'll have winter for another 6 weeks? How does that make sense at all? So I came in and decided to do a little research regarding the fuzzy little guy and his 15 minutes of fame. None of it really explains it, but it's all very interesting. Oh and there are a lot of people obsessed with groundhogs.

According to Wikipedia (which is really the only website I trust), the day coincides with Candlemas Day. It was first referenced as being from Germany and then having something to do with a Scottish poem. Only issue with those theories is that the groundhog is only found in North America.

More likely- it has to do with the combining of the Julian and the Gregorian calendars. This part is all very boring but makes a lot of sense...I'll just let wikipedia explain it to you.

On a related note, we're all taught that Punxsutawney Phil is the only groundhog. NOT TRUE! Apparently there are tons that do the prediction each year but Phil just hogs the limelight. My favorites include: Jimmy the Groundhog (sounds like he's in the Groundhog Mob), Balzac Billy, and of course General Beauregard Lee.

I still feel slightly silly about my country consulting a rodent on matters of weather prediction...at least we got this gem from it.

If you're in the mood for more groundhog fun check these out:
Groundhog.org
Groundhogs.com
and of course a craft (a lame attempt if you ask me)
Stupid "Pop up" Craft



And if you didn't know, today is Ground Hogs day. Phil's calling for more winter while Malverne Mel is calling for an early spring. I'll let them duke it out.