Hummingbird Takes Hot Air Balloon Ride

I thought this was a fantastic photo (right click to open in another window for full size). We got this feeder last year, just to see if we could get any hummingbirds, and this little lady has been gracing us with her presence. She's quite beautiful--and extremely fast!

I Was Wondering: Psychological Screening for Guns

I don't want to piss anyone off (that's a first, right?!), so hear me out before you fly off. This is an honest question, and I honestly want to hear your opinion. So, please be civil.

I have a very close family member who works for a sport shooting club. He is around guns all the time, and he was his own guns. He even recently obtained a Georgia conceal carry license. Here's the problem: I know for a fact he shot himself about 10 years ago. I don't think it was honestly a suicide attempt as much as it was a cry for attention because of some shit that was going on (I won't air his dirty laundry). However, he was nearly paralyzed and extremely lucky. I don't necessarily think he'd do it again, but I never thought he'd do it in the first place.

Here's my question: Do you think, in spite of how much we want gun rights, we need more strict psychological screening when it comes to getting your hands on guns or gun permits. I'm torn on the issue, mostly because I know the guy, but if I didn't know him and love him, would I think he should have a gun much less a conceal carry permit?

Please discuss, but remember, comments are moderated!

Samsung Washer WF330ANW

So, my washer, which wasn't really my washer but Travis' parents' old one, decided it wanted to be retired to the old folks home junk yard at the ripe ol' age of 15. The drum in our top loader was at an angle more like that of a front loader, and it was leaking oil. And, even though we're broke as Joe's turkey (why, exactly, Joe's turkey is broke, I don't know), we decided we were tired of that shit and kicked it to the curb for this nice shiny new one.

It's a Samsung WF330ANW, and it is currently $600 from Best Buy. I did a lot of research on washing machines, and we decided a front loader was the best way to go. Consumer Reports rated this machine very highly and gave it their "recommended" stamp. We got a Georgia Energy Star Rebate for $99 (note that online purchases do NOT apply--you must buy in store!), so we ended up getting it for $500, and it was just a way better deal than any top loader. Plus, it has more space and more options, including this fancy smancy "sanitize" cycle. I'm in love with that one since we have a chihuahua who thinks she's a cocker spaniel and pukes every chance she gets. Just to piss me off. Anywho, it's been super quiet, and, despite the concrete floor that was leveled by a drunk with one eye, it hasn't walked off yet. It spins at a remarkable 1150 rpms. I swear it's going to take off, but it sure gets your clothes dry before you put them in the dryer. It's a huge energy saver because of that, and it uses a lot lot lot less water. The direct drive motor has a 10 year warranty, which is comparable to LG, and at regular price it is very comparable to LG's similar model, but on sale, it was no contest.

I haven't had any issues with it yet (I'll update if I do) except I don't have enough stuff to wash. I sat there and watched it for the first hour or so... I want to try out all the cycles, but I don't have any dress clothes for permanent press or wool for the wool cycle, and I don't wear anything that goes on the gentle cycle (if you know what I mean). I'm thinking of trying the chihuahua on the gentle cycle, but I'm afraid she may need to go on the quick wash...

Burger King of Idiots, US41, Acworth, GA

So, here's I is...I been wantin' (pinin' for) a Burger King apple pie for, like, two days. I get myself an appetite worked up swimming (in case you aren't in Georgia, it's only 100 degrees). I get out of the pool, drive all the way to Burger King--they aren't exactly all that common, really--and place my order for a whopper JR (no cheese, no onions), a large frozen coke, and an apple pie (well, duh!). What about this looks anything like an apple fucking pie?.

Go ahead and right click and select "Open Link in New Tab" if you can't tell. Because the answer is NOTHING. And Samedesh, yes literally, can't blame my fucking accent or the speaker because the shit was broken, and I was ordering AT THE WINDOW. Really. You can't make this shit up! And, to add insult to injury they give you this ketchup-sized packet of caramel. What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?! At least give me a little cup of the "low fat" caramel so I can dip my apple sticks in it. I mean, does that crazy bitch really think my fat ass is gonna order a whopper, frozen coke, and apples?! It's like ordering a whopper, large fries, and a diet coke. Damn. Just damn.

Hiatus Much?

I apologize for the mild inconvenience of not getting to read my mindless rantings everyday. It's been a long year and a half since getting laid off, and I just haven't had it in me. Have I changed much? Probably not. I'm still super bitter and angry, but I try to keep it to minimum, which might be new... I really don't know.

If you're wondering, I still don't have a job. Yep. It's been a year and a half. Yep. There must be something wrong with me. Nope. I don't know what it is. I've looked and applied and looked and applied until I've all but given up. I don't really think I'll get a job at this point. It's been too long since I've had one. I think I might be OK with it now, though. My husband (not divorced yet! woohooo!) is set to graduate from school (finally!) in December. Bless his heart, he has worked so hard, and I am so proud of him! So, assuming nothing goes wrong (with me, YEAH RIGHT!), he will be working true full time with a salary to match that degree come the first of the year. We might actually survive!

So, if everything works out, we might start trying to have some rugrats. I know what you're thinking: my mouth and kids--bad combination. LOL I'm not that bad in real life. I think...

Anywho... I've been meaning to write something for a while, so maybe I'll actually be able to commit. I hope you will still read, even if it's been a long time. I believe I can still entertain... We shall see.

We. Shall. See.