Man, it's hard to get up and go to work after a holiday. I feel like I've been on a bender. At this rate, I almost wish I had, then maybe I could say it was worth it :P
So, the weekend… Friday turned out to be a blessing. Someone played a crappy trick: They called the club pretending to be one of the other bands and said they couldn't make it, which left my fellas group as the only act, so they'd have to do 3 one hour sets. Well, when all the bands actually showed up to ready to play, his opted to go first so we had the rest of the night from, oh, say, 11 on, all to ourselves. Sweet!
Saturday, we were on kid duty, but it wasn't so bad. I recently got her addicted to The Sims, which occupies her for hours. I teased that it would help her hand-eye coordination. It really was helpful for her too… she had a school project for which she had to design and furnish a home, get a 'job' and calculate living expenses etc. The game had her totally prepared and she aced it. Ah-ha, video games can be educational!
Sunday? Eh. Cookout with someone I don't particularly care for much. I got through it. I'm not looking forward to the next visit though.
Monday we did it all again- this time just the two of us. Much better! I caught some of the previews for Dancing With The Stars. I might actually check it out as silly as I think it is, because I have the hots for Kelly Monaco from General Hospital. (Did you see her [Sam] punch 'Carly' right in the mouth yesterday?! Haha, priceless!) I can't dance (never could), but I used to really like to watch ballroom dancing competitions on tv when I was a wee one. The costumes were fabulous!
Overall, the weekend was very nearly fabulous. I spent a lot of time reading, and lounging in the hot tub. I did absolutely nothing productive, but That's what holidays should be like :)
Now, I have to pull myself together for the next few days. I'll have a post covering Title 18 2257 (how it will effect you, me, and the future of the net) soon…

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

I don't really have anything special planned for this Memorial Day weekend. (Heh, I say that as if I ever have had!) Tonight is going to be a late one though. Thee Boyfriend's outlaw country band has a gig in what many refer to as a biker bar. *Note to self: Dress down!* My brother is actually an outlaw biker and I've gradually learned that a lot of them are good people- they'd give you the proverbial shirts off their proverbial backs, but these aren't the sort likely to be found in this place, unfortunately. Instead I'm facing several hours of stereotypical drunken trailer trash, complete with catcalls, whistling, hooting, hollering, slurring, grabbing, stumbling overall pestering women in general, and embarrassing themselves (and their… friends?) in the process. There's a couple more drawbacks- not a single beer I care for, and the Mean Girls (a couple of chicks that you'd swear walked straight out of that film) will likely be there in full force, pulling their usual stunts. So why go? I wondered that myself ;) I actually like the band- A LOT, otherwise, I'd chill at his place and wait for him to come home.
Perhaps Saturday will make up for it. Thee Boyfriend is rumoured to be the stir fry king. I'm holding my first official taste test. I peeked and saw his list of ingredients. I'm already thinking YUM, YUM! He's one of those 'snobs' that won't use anything that isn't fresh… Oh, I'm not necessarily complaining, because I really do notice a difference compared to frozen/processed, but man, that stuff can add up fast and leave you wondering where the hell all of your money went!
Sunday (provided it doesn't rain) is the Indy 500 race. With it comes things generally annoying enough to an uninterested local to drive them (ha, pun?) to stay holed up inside until Monday.
Ah, I'm off Monday though, and will stroll down to The Melody Inn for some rock-n-roll and the thrill of the grill :D
I don't plan on being online until Tuesday evening, so I'd better wish you a wonderful weekend now!

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

(Click image to enlarge)

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

Indianapolis passed a smoking ban! On the surface, it might be surprising for a Libertarian to say that so jubilantly. That is, until I mention that, to me, it's about respecting everyone and I truly feel this is the most feasible way to do that. We all have to compromise a little bit! I'd rather people who smoke have the courtesy to step ouside for a few moments rather than keep non-smokers from frequenting some establishments completely.
Unfortunately, the ban doesn't take effect until March. There are some exceptions to it as well, such as bars and bowling alleys, but hey, it's better than nothing. I know my employer will completely disregard it and that is going to put me in a tough position. In Indiana, much like sexual orientation, smoking preference isn't a protected status to prevent someone from being terminated. We're outnumbered 2 to 3 in this office.
For now, I'll just be thankful we've made it this far!

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

Today is World Turtle Day, so, uh, be sure to hug your hardshelled friend! In case you don't have one handy, May has several other fun(!?) holidays you can observe. I have a feeling my Evile Coworker From Hell (ECFH)™ will interfere with my participating in the Great American Grump Out on Thursday, but you better believe I'm stocking up for Saturday's Cellophane Tape Anniversary celebration! *snicker*

Oh, hey, I'm the new featured interview on RealCamGirls.net, so get on over there and learn more about me than you could possibly want to know! Boobies available ;)

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

This is one of those beautiful lazy Sunday mornings where you want to curl up with coffee and a book, sit out on the porch, bask in the breeze and sunshine and just r-e-l-a-x. I'm currently getting my butt in gear to head over to the boyfriend's do just that. (I have no porch; I'm quite jealous of his. Soon it will be mine *muahaha*)
The last couple of days have been gorgeous after a little chilly/rainy spell, and !@#$, I cannot wait for the pool to open! (Swimming is the best exercise for someone who doesn't particularly enjoy exercise! You completely forget that is what you're actually doing!) They've been working on it where I live. Last year it took them a while to get the chemicals right. The maintenance man was handling it, and well, he's no pool boy. I did see a van for an actual pool service company here the other day though, so maybe we'll be good to sooner this year.
it is just as well that the pool isn't up and running yet, as I haven't seen any swimwear in the shops here that are what I'm looking for (and within my price range). I have run across some online @ Retro Diva and Electrique Boutique. Though, because I covet it so, I may splurge on this one, or possibly one of these.
I'd like something sexy, but that I can actually swim in without exposing myself, heh. You know, buying a swimsuit is one of the most upsetting experiences for women; it just does wonders for your self esteem :\

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

I hope you enjoyed my streaming show! It truly was a lot of fun! I'll schedule another sometime really soon now that I have the hang of it.
You know I'm not comfy asking for things; that's not why I'm in it. But, to those who have expressed interest in sending a little something extra as thanks, you can do so via any of the following… (I'll send you a little thank you back as well!)
Gratuities: aCharge, Amazon Honor System, or my CamWhores Tipjar

E-gift Certificates:
target=blank>Gloss.com
target=blank>Sephora.com
(email = anastacia@dirtylittlesecrets.net)

Wishlists:
target=blank>Fredericks
Lingerie-n-Things
target=_blank>Alloy
target=_blank>Target
target=_blank>HotTopic
target=_blank>Amazon

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

I am testing out new webcams. (I have four, so I am keeping two and giving two away to friends who've never had a cam before. Hey, something is better than nothing, eh?) I need your input on the these models.
Below are two images more or less of the same pose, taken from the same distance, under the same lighting, one after another, but with two different cameras that have two different types of lenses. They each handle textures and tints differently. Which image do you prefer in terms of crispness? Which image do you prefer in terms of clarity? Note: Both were tweaked to the best possible setting for each. I, however, was not- I just woke up so please pardon the disheveled appearance :o

Camera 1

Camera 2

I think I've pretty much made up my mind, but I wanted your opinions as well. After I get a few replies, I'll reveal what brand they are etc. I wouldn't want you to be biased. ;)

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

After much jury-rigging, I've switched my site blog to livejournal. I decided this was the best way to stay in touch with everyone and be able to interact with all of you!
If you're reading this through my direct livejournal url, it will look terribly sparse and blah. Sorry about that! It couldn't be helped! It should be a-ok through your friends view though. (Oh, and remember, there's more content available on my actual website in addition to the journal, so check it out sometime!)
If you're viewing this from within my website, DirtyLittleSecrets.net, let me know if you have any problems navigating the new set up. I *think* I worked them all out by forcing some links to open in a new window. Pity the colors don't correspond in some areas, eh? (Remember- the rest of the content is only accessible from my site, not from my livejournal itself.)
If you don't have a livejournal account, you can still comment 'anonymously,' but I'd love if it you'd sign your posts with something- a name, nic, email, url, whatever you like, to help me keep track of who is who when I respond to you. Alternately, if you'd like to sign up for Livejournal, it's free to do so! LJ is a huge community that's addictive, fun and easy to use.
Posts here will more frequent, and both of an editorial nature and a personal nature. (You should be able to get a better idea of who I am and what I'm all about.) I will gradually be adding the 25 or so old entries from my Greymatter blogging to this Livejournal, dating them accordingly. I hope this works out for the best! Thanks for reading!

P.S. Please come back soon, Brittney Lea! <3

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.

Tomorrow night I am going to see a play. I am SO excited! I've seen this piece before, performed at the college level, and I really felt a connection to the story. I can't remember the last time I went to the Theatre. This particular venue is neat, as it is part of a collective, a creative 'commune' of sorts… artists are given housing in exchange for giving back to the community via their artistic pursuits. I'd love to live there, but I'm no Ana Voog or BathtubGirl, so I doubt my web activities would qualify me *g*

_ahem, spoiler below_

Keely and Du, tells the story of a fanatical pro-life organization who kidnaps a pregnant woman (Keely) from an abortion clinic. They transport her far away from home and keep her handcuffed to a bed. Their hope is to keep the unborn child in the womb until it is ready for delivery.
Keely, the young pregnant woman, and Du, the pro-life nurse who looks after her, initially have an adversarial relationship. Over time, the mere fact that they are in the same room together, brings about a strange but clear friendship. On one occasion, Du releases Keely from her handcuffs, lets her change from her nightgown into a dress, and they share a few meals.
As their relationship grows, Keely is comforted by Du as she confides in Du about the pain she has suffered at the hands of her ex-husband, Cole. In a tender moment, Du wraps her arms around Keely and comforts her as though Keely were her own daughter.
Walter, the leader of the pro-life organization, is a minister who believes fervently that abortion is a sin. He preaches to Keely in his attempt to convert her to his way of thinking. His tactics are ineffective and his frustration becomes unnerving and his behavior more erratic.
Walter is extremely upset when he learns of the relaxed atmosphere Du has allowed to occur. His concern is that Du will develop a close relationship with Keely and lose her objectivity.
In his attempt to convert Keely, Walter brings her ex-husband, Cole, to visit. Keely violently opposes this tactic as she had been battered physically and emotionally by Cole. His brutality is the primary reason she is determined to have the abortion.
Cole tells Keely he is a changed man and wants her back. He pleads with her not to wash their baby away. He claims he wants her back. With no other weapons available to her, Keely bites Cole's hand as he reaches out to her.
When Du allowes Keely to change into a dress, she unwittingly leaves the hanger within Keely's reach. Feeling hopeless, Keely uses the hanger to abort her fetus.
Concerned for their own safety, Walter and Du now realize that this turn of events compromises their movement and their own safety.
Although Walter flees, Du cannot leave Keely in her weakened condition. She stays and administers to her knowing that she will ultimately be arrested.
Du is arrested and sentenced to prison. Because they had developed a strong personal relationship, Keely comes to the jail to visit Du.

Originally published at TousledElegance.net. You can comment here or there.