tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38787530350171811392024-03-12T18:32:57.578-07:00Sugar & BloodSugar & Blood
Key word search of the century:
"squirrel nuts stirring up drama"Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.comBlogger1657125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-45352135685127549232014-04-10T21:10:00.001-07:002014-04-10T21:10:57.673-07:00Matty doesn't live here anymore….<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig3dnSYMyyk/U0drMCC4XpI/AAAAAAAALwc/Yx08QZDSzw8/s1600/girlwithasuitcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig3dnSYMyyk/U0drMCC4XpI/AAAAAAAALwc/Yx08QZDSzw8/s1600/girlwithasuitcase.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's pretty much official - please go to the new blog:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://wowsugar.wordpress.com/">http://wowsugar.wordpress.com</a></span><br />
<br />
to find me.<br />
<br />
(this is harder than it looks)<br />
<br />
<br />Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-73458942615539024942014-04-08T12:01:00.001-07:002014-04-08T12:01:03.342-07:00Moving...It's not done yet, not by a long shot - still hanging up the drapes and putting toilet paper on the rolls. But…so I don't lose anyone…and this is important - I'll be moving to<br />
<br />
http://wowsugar.wordpress.com<br />
<br />
full time very soon.Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-24325419589599273902014-04-07T19:44:00.000-07:002014-04-07T19:44:27.859-07:00Awkward<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="288" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://www.hulu.com/embed.html?eid=48sjhz1xvdrot8wia_fssg" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="512"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Sometimes--sometimes I think I understand the culture of Azeroth better than moving and navigating the real world. In Azeroth, there are no co-pays, mammograms, or messy closets. Well, messy guild tabs don't count. So while out there in the real world, taking care of myself, I grabbed a cup of black coffee filling it halfway to the top. I left it on the table when the nurse called me back, feeling guilty I didn't throw it in the trash. I came out of the checkup about twenty minutes later and a woman is sitting in the chair, texting on her phone, and my coffee cup is still there. I pick it up and throw it in the trash, while she tells me it was her coffee. Yes, I threw away a stranger's coffee. I laughed, embarrassed, and offered to pour her another cup. She declined, which can you blame her? Some crazy lady fresh from boob squishing wearing jean shorts and hoody trashes your coffee? God knows where those hands have been! Hey, I was on a roll today. Pulled a few weeds, got a closet almost done, recorded GoT and plan on a big ol'glass of Sophia Coppola wine and watch it. But I didn't get everything done. But the world is safe from my coffee trashing.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wait. Wait a minute. Did she throw out my coffee cup before she got her own? Gross.<br />
<br />
Back to Azeroth soon.Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-36410019236959651632014-04-07T08:00:00.003-07:002014-04-07T08:00:43.910-07:00Forty-Beats #33<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0l9WaQDF8NY/U0K7l-1zV1I/AAAAAAAALwE/E_askoJ1LqQ/s1600/grand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0l9WaQDF8NY/U0K7l-1zV1I/AAAAAAAALwE/E_askoJ1LqQ/s1600/grand.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Found this site, Pitchfork, which for limited periods streams music. The soundtrack for this film was available through March 2, so alas, I missed it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pitchfork.com/news/54108-stream-wes-andersons-the-grand-budapest-hotel-soundtrack-on-pitchfork-advance/">http://pitchfork.com/news/54108-stream-wes-andersons-the-grand-budapest-hotel-soundtrack-on-pitchfork-advance/</a><br />
<br />
However: Wes Anderson never fails me. I am not sure how he tells these masterful stories---at once so deeply human, and buoyant. You'll just have to see it for yourself.Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-54847485529614180782014-04-06T10:46:00.001-07:002014-04-06T10:48:45.881-07:00Dahahka was right.<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8qpYmXINUcg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-83341160279927921972014-04-06T08:34:00.001-07:002014-04-06T08:57:16.725-07:00OLRG: Haka Style (and Forty-Beats #32)Oh, New Zealand. With your Hobbits and wizards, sheep, Peter Jacksons, <a href="http://www.waitomo.com/waitomo-glowworm-caves.aspx">glowworm caves</a> and starry nights. Now you give the world this? Will your generosity ever cease?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBsKA25kvc0/U0FtuPxkwWI/AAAAAAAALv0/xalmIteBTOg/s1600/haka+men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBsKA25kvc0/U0FtuPxkwWI/AAAAAAAALv0/xalmIteBTOg/s1600/haka+men.jpg" height="421" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.theweek.com/img/generic/0404BOP2.jpg">Thank You, NZ</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now now, before you start accusing me of objectification of the male form, casual sexism reversal, hey, I appreciate the human form in <u>all</u> its glory. If these nice gentlemen want to take off their shirts and perform a haka celebratory victory dance in the rain, <i>who am I to judge</i>? They are making the world a better place (fans self Southern lady style saying, "Oh my stars!" Dies of blushing).<br />
<br />
So what lame excuse or rationalization can I write to show how football haka men relate to Old Ladies Raiding Guild?<a href="http://www.bubblesofmischief.com/2014/04/06/olrg-strikes-again/"> Cymre did a great write up, so I don't need to give away too many more notes.</a> (She also nominated me for Liebster, and I think Navimie did too, but you guys know way too much about me already.) ANYWAY (*fanning furiously*) Oh yeah….connections. Relevance. Drawing conclusions and whatnot.<br />
<br />
Okay- Old Ladies. So last night we tried it Horde side, and I'm sorry Tome missed it - I am sure she has some family needs (love to you, Tome). It was "interesting" to me how many of my battletag buddies jumped on board when it was Horde side. I was telling young leet druid that it seems that those on the Horde side have much more strong allegiance to Horde than Alliance does to Alliance. Has anyone else noticed that? Personally, I couldn't care less. What I care about more is when people say "I could care less." NO! NO I TELL YOU! *Hits you with a hard-bound grammar book* Anyway, as usual I gave everyone assist so they could invite friends, and some took me up on that. What I failed to do, because I didn't think it was necessary, was give everyone a run-down on culture norms. Not rules, not strict guidelines -- norms. Those unspoken expectations that need to be spoken, otherwise the chance of stepped-on-toes debuff and the chiding-matronly-voice spell activate and then people get cranky.<br />
<br />
So, let me spell it out: if you bring a friend, please let them know this is a group of close friends, grown ups, who play the game in a different way. We do not rush through old content, we are a tour bus. If you act like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115641/">Beavis and Butthead Do America</a> and you're tagging along because "you're bored," please go find something else to do. But let me restate: if you're interested in getting to know some other amazing folks in and out of Azeroth, of seeing old and new content, of making your achievement and mog gear dreams come true, we are your group, and you're more than welcome. We have over 100 years of collective play experience combined, many veteran and heroic raiders in the group, who know this game inside and out. Please bring your knowledge, too, and kindness and sense of wonder. That's all you need to pack.<br />
<br />
So: next Saturday - I want to do an Alliance run first through Firelands, Ulduar, and maybe one newer content, and then a Horde run if possible. Maybe we can start at 3PM for the Alliance side? I promised Amerpriest Ulduar, and I mistakingly thought she had a Horde character, and felt terrible that I disappointed such a sweet lady. Or, how about this? We do Ulduar Alliance next week, and then switch to Horde for some tasty Firelands gear? Kellanyx is now a red-head, and she makes no apologies for being totally hot. Just like those footballers make no apologies, either.<br />
<br />
See you then!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BI851yJUQQw" width="640"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-88770450221425390222014-04-05T20:31:00.001-07:002014-04-05T20:31:39.269-07:00Forty-Beats #31<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YJVmu6yttiw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-88591020065245285812014-04-05T12:18:00.002-07:002014-04-05T12:18:37.868-07:00Ich bin ein Liebster (Part II: It Goes to Eleven)<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, because I can never follow rules, I am allowing Mataoka to answer these questions. She is quite the storyteller, so please indulge her. Mr. Snerguls is somewhere deep in the jungles of the Amazon rain forest right now, so he is not available to edit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #d64f53; font-family: Georgia;">11 Questions to my Nominees…</span></b><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">When did you start blogging , What
it’s all about and why?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">Post your most favorite Screenshot
of all time!</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">Favorite city in WoW you hang out
to and why?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">Do you play other games besides
WoW? Any console you using besides your PC?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">What’s your favorite Trasmog gear?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">How many WoW characters in game do
you have? Do you equally play them a lot?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">What’s your current achievement
score? Whats the most favorite one and why?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">What was the most memorable
experience since you started playing WoW?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">How many total deaths of critters
do you currently have? What are your thoughts about these creatures since they
can battle now with your own Pet collections too.</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">First word comes in mind when you
think about WoW and why?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Georgia;">Warlords of Draenor is coming up
soon, its the new expansion everyone is talking about, What are your
expectations and why?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>I started telling stories from Azeroth December 14, 2010. My human has been writing for years, though, and may return soon to her other issues of note with more
diligence.</i></span><div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Here
is my favorite image:</i></span><div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DX2L06anlBI/UnsxBTO0RcI/AAAAAAAAKWU/QqzbArSWHWk/s1600/Mrs+W+Broom+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DX2L06anlBI/UnsxBTO0RcI/AAAAAAAAKWU/QqzbArSWHWk/s1600/Mrs+W+Broom+forest.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a><div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">My
favorite city is not really a city at all – Azuremyst is home.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Currently
I don’t play any other games, unless you count the ones at the Darkmoon Faire. But
those are rigged, so unless I am interested in being cheated, I don't visit there much anymore. </span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Here
is one of my favorite looks:</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxT2XTsgA74/UzAz9feCcKI/AAAAAAAALow/AJ_GzLLa6BU/s1600/mataoka+3+24+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxT2XTsgA74/UzAz9feCcKI/AAAAAAAALow/AJ_GzLLa6BU/s1600/mataoka+3+24+.jpg" height="320" width="310" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I
have many sisters, cousins, and friends in Azeroth. My sisters, Zeptepi and Luperci, confuse me </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">somewhat, and they don't understand me either. But we are family, we are blood, and that bond is unbreakable. I have an adopted daughter, Dornaa, whom I love with all my heart, and would readily die to keep her safe. She has had her heartbroken already, and from that, no one is protected. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">My
current level of achievement is. 13,000 +/-. I would have to say my favorite is “What a
long strange trip,” because that is the one that my friend Kaylyne and I did
together, and that friendship is still one of my most cherished. She has left me to serve the Horde, and I respect her decision. Choices made for love are for only us to make.w</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Memorable
experience: Memory is an odd beast. How does one discern the moments of anguish and </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ecstasy? We are all foolish enough to think our memories are our own, and yet, </span></div>
<div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Critter
deaths: Never bothered to count. Hard to feel their little skulls crunching under my hooves.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">First word
that comes to mind: love - no need to explain that!</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I am
feeling excited and anxious about Draenor: to see my ancestor’s from their
time in history, to seek redemption and reclamation – this is what heroes do. My bond with <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Unbroken_%28story%29">Nobundo is strong, though, and I rely on his wisdom to see me through.</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00l3vJdcSOQ/U0Ax4yK0fLI/AAAAAAAALvk/iNDTbVyJONU/s1600/120807_nobundo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00l3vJdcSOQ/U0Ax4yK0fLI/AAAAAAAALvk/iNDTbVyJONU/s1600/120807_nobundo.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ol>
</ol>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11 Random Facts About Mataoka:</span></div>
<div>
*She has given her heart away. It has not returned.<br />
*She loves to be rubbed behind her horns, but <i>you better know her very, very well </i>or else get a mace to the face<br />
*She wishes she could live in Azuremyst all the time, and envies mages' abilities to port at will.<br />
*Her fatal flaws are pride and stubbornness<br />
*She prefers cinnamon candy over chocolate<br />
*She believes in generosity<br />
*She keeps a secret stash - of what, it's secret, of where, that's secret too<br />
*She's better than she thinks she is<br />
*Gets angry easily, but forgives easily<br />
*Greatest regret is when her journals burned in a fire.<br />
*Misses Guarf every day.<br />
*Secretly thinks she is wonderful in every way, but wouldn't want to brag<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now - I am to return the favor and nominate other blogs. I think by now most have been given a nod, and I am feeling lazy (actually the human must go to the store before the OLRG, so time is fleeing) so here's Dahahka's blog <a href="http://starfiredbeef.wordpress.com/">http://starfiredbeef.wordpress.com </a> - my own Mr. Snerguls when Mr. S is not around. Thanks for all you do, sir!</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-2481395882221937042014-04-04T07:25:00.000-07:002014-04-04T07:37:00.745-07:00Ich bin ein Liebster (Part 1: The Disclaimer)Amerpriest graciously added me to the list of <a href="http://www.amerpriestblog.net/?page_id=716">Liebster-love eons</a> ago in Internet time, and I'm sorry I haven't been able to give it due diligence. In my life, often it's a matter of triage. For example, this is how I left my kitchen yesterday:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K6YJ1wXHXc/Uz69YXX11II/AAAAAAAALuw/nsKBK6_gz3c/s1600/dirty+sink+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K6YJ1wXHXc/Uz69YXX11II/AAAAAAAALuw/nsKBK6_gz3c/s1600/dirty+sink+.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was either clean the kitchen, or get coffee and feed the chinchilla: the chinchilla is in constant danger of becoming a Barbie doll fur coat (JUST KIDDING PETA, jeez) and the coffee, well. You know. And as many of you have read, I cannot work on this blog at work, so there's 9 hours wasted! Stupid job. Giving me a paycheck and personal satisfaction and all that nonsense. I can't even go on websites that describe it, but what I think I'll do is sneak a peek at my phone today and write my answers down on paper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOhp_rkfd5w/Uz6-X0mleFI/AAAAAAAALvI/2tBMBTXGbsc/s1600/Liebster-award-rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOhp_rkfd5w/Uz6-X0mleFI/AAAAAAAALvI/2tBMBTXGbsc/s1600/Liebster-award-rules.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm not sure where my eleven questions are. Maybe Amerpriest gave up on me, and revoked the nomination. I don't blame her. Regardless, the chinchilla thanks her, and anyone else who thought of me, so that's cool. I'll get to it, promise.<br />
<br />
See?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwfU_KHRXMU/Uz69YdsdrUI/AAAAAAAALvA/ZDNkDDptr3c/s1600/clean+sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwfU_KHRXMU/Uz69YdsdrUI/AAAAAAAALvA/ZDNkDDptr3c/s1600/clean+sink.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I confess I think this blog has been one big Liebster Award to myself. Gads, if there is anything you don't know about me by now…but maybe I still have a few tricks. For instance, did you know I can sing like Aretha Franklin? No, not really. But my soul can.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xroRNBvvF9M" width="480"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-49483662030370457632014-04-04T07:21:00.001-07:002014-04-04T07:21:29.387-07:00Forty-Beats #30<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TzRz74YRYqo" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNfeESUdVGM/Uz6_zPig_6I/AAAAAAAALvU/Qfia88jh_OA/s1600/chili+pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNfeESUdVGM/Uz6_zPig_6I/AAAAAAAALvU/Qfia88jh_OA/s320/chili+pop.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a></div>
Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-68989729919955091562014-04-03T21:31:00.002-07:002014-04-03T21:31:49.181-07:00Forty-Beats #29<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y8qYaSAMHHY" width="420"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-61440900530766113922014-04-02T20:47:00.001-07:002014-04-03T06:49:04.254-07:00Tiny Story Time: Kellrose"Stop that nonsense right now," snapped her mother. "You're much too young to befriend shadows."<br />
Irritated again. A battle of wills. Gods, how could one so young be so damned precocious? As strong as her mother attempted to pull Kellrose to the Light, she preferred Shadows. She suffered the light only to create them: watery, oozing, growing shadows. Before she could speak, she possessed the power to toss her shadow across the nursery walls at will, hiding this power under the blankets before the family woke. The proper path, the path of the druid or the path of light, was not meant for her. The shadows answered when she called, and did not seem like nonsense. Sometimes with a child the best approach is to get out of the way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrC4Oz8g0sA/UzzZXOXPpnI/AAAAAAAALuU/iFyxuVelCNQ/s1600/kell+no+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrC4Oz8g0sA/UzzZXOXPpnI/AAAAAAAALuU/iFyxuVelCNQ/s1600/kell+no+shadow.jpg" height="400" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dahahka, I got the same boots!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtTgngF7ii4/UzzZXS_foVI/AAAAAAAALuY/NlzWlsg2Vek/s1600/kell+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtTgngF7ii4/UzzZXS_foVI/AAAAAAAALuY/NlzWlsg2Vek/s1600/kell+shadow.jpg" height="400" width="206" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-39222131788231470882014-04-02T10:29:00.001-07:002014-04-02T10:30:16.292-07:00Forty-Beats #28Today's New Music for Lent song is brought to you by a singing crow, Kellrose's pet, Eat. She sang today:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zyxb_Zxtug/UzxI1Yi-98I/AAAAAAAALuE/3V7O_my81c8/s1600/crow+song.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zyxb_Zxtug/UzxI1Yi-98I/AAAAAAAALuE/3V7O_my81c8/s1600/crow+song.jpg" height="38" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IbvQ9g1bCYs" width="480"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-27962321183968056462014-04-02T05:55:00.000-07:002014-04-02T05:55:03.309-07:00Butt of the joke...I know you've all seen this, especially since <a href="http://tomeoftheancient.wordpress.com/2014/04/01/the-new-draenei-female-models/">Tome</a> put it on her blog, too:*<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAEhzKO_k1c/UztX1cLMkYI/AAAAAAAALtM/rDgjx3UlQns/s1600/drabutt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAEhzKO_k1c/UztX1cLMkYI/AAAAAAAALtM/rDgjx3UlQns/s1600/drabutt.png" height="164" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_wtHEdP1M0/UztX1BuOdnI/AAAAAAAALtI/14PXN_u3N5E/s1600/draface.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_wtHEdP1M0/UztX1BuOdnI/AAAAAAAALtI/14PXN_u3N5E/s1600/draface.png" height="164" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First - for a split second, I admit - I was fooled. Let it be known I hate April Fool's Day - had a "joke" played on me yesterday that resulted in serious consequences. Remember when I said my job is sometimes potentially dangerous? I wasn't kidding. Anyway, I confess: this image got me for a second.<br />
<br />
But then, the deeper, more disturbing emotions set in. And a touch of anger, too. Anger at myself, and others. This is a circle-back laundry list of whatever - if you dare say "QQ" --just. Don't.<br />
<br />
I felt the odd and not-so-tingly sense of shame. Shame on myself for wanting and loving playing a character model that is considered by most sexually beautiful. Shame on myself for feeling so sad that they gave her a weak chin, cellulite, small hooves, and palsied gait. And most of all-shame on the jokesters who thought that by showing something that doesn't fit in the standard models of "beauty" that is would be "funny." Efff you. And me, too: that I would be hesitant to proudly play this "new" model, one who reminds me too much of pear-shaped women and pre-plastic surgery chins. I truly think all the models in Azeroth, all the races, have a unique beauty to offer - but my Draenei females --they are my characters who still embody sexuality, wisdom, and strength. Those characteristics did not include, in my schema, cellulite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xqYZRAd3RE/UzwGLMy-0nI/AAAAAAAALto/EqnC_zzSsWA/s1600/demi-moore-dancing-inline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xqYZRAd3RE/UzwGLMy-0nI/AAAAAAAALto/EqnC_zzSsWA/s1600/demi-moore-dancing-inline.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
CD Rogue loves me. He loves my Rubenesque physique. But be clear: there are never any demands for how I look, my habits of life, or control in any way. Probably because he knows if he gave me gruff for having an ice cream sandwich or being too exhausted to go for a walk he would be a grease puddle on the floor. Besides, he's too busy dealing with his own health issues to worry about mine. I don't use him as my measuring stick when I take stock of my physical and mental well-being or attributes. I know when I need to lose some weight, I know how to eat right, and I know when stress tips my abilities over to the red zone, and what to do about it (mostly have a good cry and get those toxins out).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EulMgSHIIrA/UzwHi7e9SiI/AAAAAAAALt0/o0tjRf-KyTs/s1600/rubenes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EulMgSHIIrA/UzwHi7e9SiI/AAAAAAAALt0/o0tjRf-KyTs/s1600/rubenes.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
True confidence and beauty, the understanding and truth of them, tend to come to us later in life. But I really admire this generation who, by and large, see beauty in a different light and define it for themselves:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqj3eOD3Bck/UzwFXZiTnCI/AAAAAAAALtg/Zi092piaPGk/s1600/Lorde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqj3eOD3Bck/UzwFXZiTnCI/AAAAAAAALtg/Zi092piaPGk/s1600/Lorde.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.upworthy.com/lorde-found-a-photoshopped-photo-of-herself-and-decided-to-tweet-the-untouched-real-one-next-to-it?c=hpstream">Flaws are okay.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay, I feel better now. I had my own moment of QQ. Fine, model artists: if you want to destroy the Draenei female model, give her cellulite, weak chins, and asymetrical eyes, fine. She's still beautiful to me. If you think it's funny to make fun of flaws, joke's on you. Pretty is as pretty does.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*The logic is since most bloggers read Tome and have her awesome blog on their blogroll, and she is one of the sweetest, funniest friends I have in and out of Azeroth, I'm claiming sweetness by association.Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-31946064329753086382014-04-01T17:13:00.002-07:002014-04-01T17:13:42.766-07:00Forty-Beats #27A few <i>doncellas</i> told me about this song today:
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QFs3PIZb3js" width="640"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-72951784858658298202014-04-01T06:31:00.002-07:002014-04-01T06:31:45.611-07:00My my my reputation...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVdOAxaTmtY/UzocKKWBMvI/AAAAAAAALso/Iwi0IoEocOI/s1600/graff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVdOAxaTmtY/UzocKKWBMvI/AAAAAAAALso/Iwi0IoEocOI/s1600/graff.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wowhead.com/achievement=6742/60-exalted-reputations">There are at least 60 Exalted Reps here…so many Beloveds!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of my project is building a rep. Yea, that's right. You heard me punk, <i>a rep.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J1W5aCfs_k/Uzq8LZZrJSI/AAAAAAAALs4/UthpiDeZqsk/s1600/reps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J1W5aCfs_k/Uzq8LZZrJSI/AAAAAAAALs4/UthpiDeZqsk/s1600/reps.jpg" height="640" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
Lorewalkers: click and fly<br />
Tillers - I know what to do. I just don't feel like doing it on two characters.<br />
Tushi - where is that tabard?<br />
Honor Hold: <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/forums&topic=28417/honor-hold-rep">go talk to the Dwarfs. Again. And kill Orcs. Again.</a><br />
The Sha'tar: <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Sha'tar">Tempest Keep</a><br />
Lower City:<a href="https://www.tentonhammer.com/node/27048"> Auchindoun</a><br />
Keepers of Time: <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Keepers_of_Time">Sigh.</a><br />
Waterlords: Molten Core hikes<br />
Nozdormu: <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Ahn'Qiraj">Anything for you, Noz. Anything. Even sand in my butt cheeks.</a><br />
League of Arathor: <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/faction=509/the-league-of-arathor">Arathi</a><br />
Booty Bay: <a href="http://www.wowhead.com/title=144/bloodsail-admiral">Oh, that shameful time I got the Bloodsail Admiral title. </a><br />
The Violet Eye:<a href="http://www.wowhead.com/faction=967/the-violet-eye"> Karazhan again - not a problem</a><br />
<br />
Oh, and I have a few other things on my to-do list too, like honor with the <a href="http://www.amerpriestblog.net/?page_id=716">Liebster thingie,</a> (thanks friends!), find some videos on Penitence, learn <a href="http://wow.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/how-to-stop-clicking/">how not to click</a>, and well, yeah. Oh well. Oh I wanted to play an<a href="http://frostwolves.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-fools-in-blizzard-and-in-wow.html"> April Fool's joke</a> but I'm doing my best to ignore today's date. Besides, it's over in other time zones already, so I'm free and clear!Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-85810330391002894952014-03-31T06:50:00.001-07:002014-03-31T06:50:40.878-07:00OLRG:Diet Coke Witch Edition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3aqGV4KXeg/UzlurHUzVUI/AAAAAAAALsM/NGfExvhbJbk/s1600/diet+coke+witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3aqGV4KXeg/UzlurHUzVUI/AAAAAAAALsM/NGfExvhbJbk/s1600/diet+coke+witch.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/55276/17-signs-youd-qualify-witch-1692">See? Back there? The witch concerned with her waistline...</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ever experience a stretch of time where you're just out of sync? Not bad, not good, but decidedly out of sorts? These past few days I feel like I am walking snooze button. I just want to sleep. For a confirmed insomniac, this is more of a blessing than curse: at least I know I can still turn off my brain and feel all cozy and mentally journey into lullaby land. But it sure does make it tricky for getting to work on time.<br />
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I've taken to sleeping on the couch with my <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/55276/17-signs-youd-qualify-witch-1692">tauntaun</a> sleeping bag with the electric fireplace running. My dog Snickers curls up near my feet, and I pretend I'm in the Tainted Forest, safe from harm in one of the little cottages, with a Dwarf sentinel standing guard.<i>Yes, yes I am a grown woman and this is my mental bed-time story that helps me sleep. </i>Now before you think I don't love CD Rogue anymore, I do. He has his own sleep issues, and those affect me. (This is a great myth of coupling, that you sleep together peacefully forever and ever - if there is a couple out there who can do that godspeed to you, but most of us mortals have not figured that out yet.)<br />
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Wait, sorry. This wasn't about me waxing philosophical about Tainted Forest fantasies and sleep deprivation. I'm just really tired, that's all.<br />
<br />
Okay, back to us Old Ladies:<br />
<br />
Shoryl started a list for us so we can get done what we want: <a href="http://tinywowguild.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/olrg-what-do-you-want/">http://tinywowguild.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/olrg-what-do-you-want/</a> Please comment about what's important to you. I just want to finish my Firelands achievements, get that damn bird, and not step foot in there again. I also want us to do more recent content (dare I dream? Dare I dream that we can kill Garrosh together?!) Next Saturday let's try some Horde stuff, and I'll tank on my Death Knight. I leveled Heartichoke by DK tanking, and I'd be happy to do so again. Remember, real life always trumps Azeroth, so never feelt a single twinge if you can't make it. See you <b>Saturday, 4PM Pacific, and bring a Horde. Why not? </b>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-34448079642174406052014-03-31T06:30:00.000-07:002014-03-31T06:30:19.463-07:00Forty-Beats #26This reminds me of something that would be on a David Lynch movie soundtrack:<br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/03/23/291166267/first-listen-timber-timbre-hot-dreams">http://www.npr.org/2014/03/23/291166267/first-listen-timber-timbre-hot-dreams</a>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-6821768316405469322014-03-30T16:00:00.001-07:002014-03-30T16:31:40.019-07:00Forty-Beats #25: Eye Candy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbCi9gbXxeE/UzifpCI_-cI/AAAAAAAALrg/sTq1icipbjI/s1600/the+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbCi9gbXxeE/UzifpCI_-cI/AAAAAAAALrg/sTq1icipbjI/s320/the+lady.jpg" height="400" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady and the Damp</td></tr>
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Got a late birthday present of sorts, though the giver didn't remember my birthday, but gave me some goodies nonetheless. These goodies involve all things Blizzard, so I used some chits to boost another character, Kellanyx. So now, my dear friends who have lovelies on both sides of the factional fence, I now have a <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Horde Blood Elf Death Knight.</b></span></span> Here is a mog idea I have for her:<br />
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This is going to be an interesting month, this April of mine: CD Rogue and young cub are off to an adventure in the jungle. Really. Literally. A jungle. I wish I could go too, but my travel plans in the next two weeks involve work, and then a spring vacation. Oh--don't you know I have so many plans for my time on my stay-cation! So many projects! So many achievements in Azeroth! So many short stories to write, life thingies to organize, and tile to grout! Wait, wait, wait - let's not get crazy.<br />
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Speaking of crazy, I'm really digging Sajja:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olECl9MkaNA/Uzig5FmPXyI/AAAAAAAALr8/UkXITWmTzS4/s1600/sajja+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olECl9MkaNA/Uzig5FmPXyI/AAAAAAAALr8/UkXITWmTzS4/s1600/sajja+.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leather and Draenei: gooooooood</td></tr>
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These ladies are far too sexy for me to deal with right now, while I stew in my sweatpants and ratty, holey T-shirt on a Sunday afternoon. I'm not feeling my A-game right now. I just realized this is about music for LENT - holy days. Days of reflection and spiritual awakening, repetence, and redemption. Not strappy leather sports bras and thigh-highs! Sheesh, woman! Better go find a cathedral quick and light a candle or something. For those of you praying for me, you've got some work to do. Maybe it would be easier to grout some tile than save my soul.Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-44194574572321008032014-03-29T21:15:00.001-07:002014-03-29T21:20:14.888-07:00Drabble: Cake (and Forty-Beats #24)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
She licked the frosting from her finger, sweet as a promise
and twice as buttery. Maybe a cake, bouncy-ball giggling wobbly tower of cake,
would appease him. Feelings bruised, salved with vanilla, massaged with
cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire house smelled of
sugar kisses and apologies. How could he resist? Stand near the oven,
melt—melt—stirring with attention, never stopping. The spatula carved the
mortar of the frosting like a skilled mason, rebuilding a toppled façade. A
sculpture, a shrine to his senses, prone before him: offering. Foregoing
manners, she licked the spoon directly: sugar for her, too, wouldn’t hurt
anyone.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2uwjsG0cRf0" width="480"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-59976743859534641642014-03-29T07:31:00.001-07:002014-03-29T07:31:12.540-07:00True Love.Azeroth --Azeroth is a love fest --a true wish-fulfillment fantasy for me. What little girl doesn't dream of a loyal friend, who will fight for her, comfort her, and love her unconditionally, silently, when the world is cruel and heartless? This epiphany came to me when I was looking at a screenshot of Sajja this morning - how my three loves: Mataoka, Haanta, and now Sajja will never give up their loyal companions. (I must admit a little tug of my heart when I think of my Great Dane Heidi, who was that for me in real life. I miss you Heidi, so very much.)<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoPjyObGPEM/UzbWi2mG6JI/AAAAAAAALqw/yKpNwac83bw/s1600/sajja+pet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoPjyObGPEM/UzbWi2mG6JI/AAAAAAAALqw/yKpNwac83bw/s1600/sajja+pet.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xuen is no woman's pet, but a fierce friend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIrbXgKIiWg/UzbWlH0EaGI/AAAAAAAALq4/DgQinPdLydU/s1600/wolves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIrbXgKIiWg/UzbWlH0EaGI/AAAAAAAALq4/DgQinPdLydU/s1600/wolves.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why I will never give up being an enhancement shaman. Ever.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPiMWZWNOa8/UzbWm5h0jII/AAAAAAAALrA/u65y1hiqlQs/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPiMWZWNOa8/UzbWm5h0jII/AAAAAAAALrA/u65y1hiqlQs/s1600/bear.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haanta's connections with her beasts is eternal</td></tr>
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If you have doubts, listen to the NPR story, <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/11/08/142100653/how-dogs-evolved-into-our-best-friends">"How Dogs Evolved Into Our Best Friends."</a> The only thing I wish I could change about Sajja's tiger and Matty's wolves are that they would stay longer - their ephereal existence is too short-lived, while Haanta's beasts, when kept healed, roar and claw for as long as she needs them, which puts her at a distinct advantage. I'm not suggesting hunters are overpowered, but let's just say she does more damage without her legendary cloak in five minutes than Mataoka can in…well….anyway. And - oh--wow wow wow---Sajja. I went through LFRs with her yesterday, and even with terrible gear she was healing as much as my more geared healers in some cases. I am not quite sure what the magic rotation is yet (I did cursory research on Icy Veins), but Mistweaving is pretty damn awesome. And she looks good, too. </div>
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So off to do what I set out to do - help the Drunken Fish. Onward. Don't look back.</div>
Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-25340261833155212852014-03-28T06:35:00.001-07:002014-03-28T07:12:09.610-07:00House in order...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DubbSw3rhB4/UzUDkOd3I1I/AAAAAAAALqQ/hES4YIrTHBY/s1600/mine+mog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DubbSw3rhB4/UzUDkOd3I1I/AAAAAAAALqQ/hES4YIrTHBY/s1600/mine+mog.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Open House"</td></tr>
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Well, I made a tough but solid decision when it comes to raiding and that goofy shammy. Mataoka -- I have been feeling it for awhile. It isn't fun to be melee in raids at gear level. I have hinted and suggested I bring other better equipped characters - Kellda has "the" cloak, green fire, and great gear; Zeptepi is working on her cloak, but both warlock and priest are well represented in the 'big' guild, so they don't belong. I would have gone completely restoration on Mataoka, too, but they have great shaman healers and didn't need that either. Logtar is a wonderful GM/RL, and I adore Hawtpocket--she is one of the best players, raiders, tanks, and I just adore her personally. I told her I am thrilled we are friends in Azeroth, and hope to continue our friendship.When the decision is made to try a 25-man, and I'm already bashful about melee in raids, and don't have the experience needed (all my own fault) and then it gets moved down to a ten, I realize as I am looking at my own house, my own family, who falls somewhat apart without me; when I'm trying to raid, I ask for my family's time without making it worth my own or anyone else's. Then, when on Wednesday Hawt told me the guild was forming a flex and I asked the lead hunter if I could go and he said they were full (I didn't think Flex's could get full). This may have just been a miscommunication, I'll grant that. I decided to read between the lines and give a move some deep consideration. I am so proud and happy of how Drunken Fish has been growing. Having Mataoka there to bring points, play, and repuations to the guild will only further help it. Also, it dawned on me that it wasn't that I was running from something, but running to. Playing enhancement shammy takes a lot of practice and work. This character started off from the beginning doing everything 'herself,' and she is well-suited for achievements, solo-play, and the occasional goody bag from healing.<br />
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<br />
People often ask me why I stay at my real-life job. It is hard, it is stressful, and I am not being hyperbolic when I say potentially dangerous. But I stay because I contribute and effect change. My skills and expertise move mountains in my real life. Sometimes they're Sisyphean boulders, but I've mostly learned how to duck out of the way. Everyone wants to feel like they matter because guess what? They do.<br />
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<u>All</u> players say play what makes you happy--first, figuring out when we're happiest in game is not always obvious. But once we see that --it's a clear path.<br />
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<br />
Drunken Fish: Keep up the good work! Thank you for all you've done. We're almost to Level 19!<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and I have been giving this a lot of thought too: <a href="http://wow.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/breakfast-topic-would-people-pay-for-character-faction-copy/">http://wow.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/breakfast-topic-would-people-pay-for-character-faction-copy/</a> I would do that in a red-hot minute.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oIIxlgcuQRU" width="640"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-20076971530283576462014-03-28T06:14:00.002-07:002014-03-28T06:14:30.248-07:00Forty-Beats #23<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IEXDVf4AET4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-75248271616942337312014-03-27T18:09:00.002-07:002014-03-27T18:09:20.444-07:00OLRG: Spring Break!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsOWsqV8brU/UzTHtZ1FhcI/AAAAAAAALqA/Zf8hGf9S4kw/s1600/old-lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsOWsqV8brU/UzTHtZ1FhcI/AAAAAAAALqA/Zf8hGf9S4kw/s1600/old-lady.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. Just. No.</td></tr>
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Never be too rich or too thin? Huh - well, perhaps. Since I am neither, I guess I don't have to worry about it! Whew! One less thing! And no, I'm not on any spring vacation yet, and have no plans for fun in the sun when I am. In fact, I'll have a quiet Matty-shack and a lot of time to clean out closets, drawers, bookshelves, and cupboards. I'm kind of overwhelmed by a nesting instinct right now anyway, and no, that doesn't mean what it typically does. I think women especially get this sense no matter their age or status of maternal bliss. For example, I am about to log on and clean up the Drunken Fish fish tank. It is a big silly mess. I'm looking forward to our<b> Old Ladies Raiding Guild this Saturday, 4 PM Pacific Time. I would like to try Firelands again and get that stupid staff. (Did you hear that Fandral? I called it a stupid staff!! Like I want it....pffft!) </b>And then I am up for some chieves. I am not sure what. If there is a specific thing ya'll would like to do let me know. Taking requests now - including putting on a cover-up.<br /><br /></div>
Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878753035017181139.post-83186324921511980252014-03-27T06:29:00.001-07:002014-03-27T06:29:06.890-07:00Forty-Beats #22What with these homies, dissing my girl?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kemivUKb4f4" width="480"></iframe>Mattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05504775167541916213noreply@blogger.com0