10 things to NOT do in your next friend-lationship:

1. don’t loan things out. they don’t give them back.
2. don’t pay for their s**t, even if they say they’ll pay it right back. they’ll only expect you to do it more (and no, they don’t reimburse).
3. don’t bother calling, emailing or texting them. it only falls on deaf ears. you’ll be lucky if you ever get a response. (unless it’s to cancel 10 minutes before)
4. if you DO engage in conversation, DON’T be surprised if they don’t ask how YOU are doing.
5. don’t expect them to come through with what they say. it lessens the pain. 
6. don’t put too much effort into it. it’s obvious they won’t.
7. don’t think the person has changed. they haven’t.
8. don’t try to understand why they’re mad at you for being honest.
9. don’t put too much stock in “top friends” on myspace or anything. they only move you around to piss you off.
10. just don’t do anything at all.

(not about anyone in particular — i just wanted to get this out. also worth mentioning: it’s not so much about my own interactions — although i’ve encounted a few of these — as much as hearing people
complain about THEIR “failed” friendships.)

who knew LIFE magazine could (somewhat) predict the future?!
(this was taken in september 2004)

here’s what the former managing editor has to say about this four-year-old cover:

*giggle*
</end sarcasm>

working 15-hour days (between the many “hats” i wear) leaves little room for down time. i’ve taken great care (and am happy to do so) to get everything done for others; i just haven’t given myself the same courtesy.

yesterday, (at husband’s suggestion) i decided to put it all on hold for an evening of relaxation. a full night of no internet. no phone. no husband. no work. no chores.

as i drove home, i imagined the many ways i could laze around: a nap was a definite. there were a few shows to catch up on. oooh! i could take a bubble bath! the possibilities for selfishness were endless.

as i put the car in park and walked up to my front door, thoughts of naps and selfishness melted away when i saw him:

i had seen him around before, but never paid much mind. our neighborhood is full of strays and ferrels, but this one was different — he was domesticated (how do i know? the collar and declawed paws kind of give it away).

*stands on soapbox*

we’ve noticed a surge in domesticated animals roaming aimlessly in our complex. (it is against neighborhood policy to have an “outdoor” pet, btw) sometimes, their owners move and leave the pet behind. others simply decide they can’t afford it, tossing it out to battle the elements. this lack of compassion, concern and overall goodwill frustrates me. if you take on the responsibility of another life, either TAKE CARE OF IT or FIND IT A DECENT HOME.

*steps off soapbox*

my night of ME was instantly put on hold.

food and water was set out, and within seconds, he came up for a meal. and as he brushed his purring, shivering body against my legs in appreciation, i started to cry.

i sat with him for almost an hour before deciding to go inside. i guess he wanted to come, too.

unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. i’ve got a sick kitty of my own — one who wouldn’t take well to house guests.

(“mommy, why is my food outside? who is THAT? why are you loving on him?”)

still, i couldn’t do nothing.

i took a few pictures and made a “FOUND”  flier. i called the front office to report him (they usually have all animals on file);  they’re looking into it. if he’s still around today, i’ll call the city to see about shelter options.

all in all, it was a much more fulfilling way to spend my evening … and you know what? i’m fairly rejuvenated this morning.

bring it on, world! i’m ready to attack you once again.

icky looking, right? would YOU be brave enough to take a bite?

read on to see what’s Continue reading →

i want you to post a FAKE memory of you and me. remember, the sky’s the limit since we don’t know each other in real life!

(and if i DO know you in real life, you should totally play, too. pick a real or fake one, and we’ll see if anyone knows the difference.)

good… bad… funny… whatever! just post a “memory.”

thank you to thecheshiregrins for sharing this with me (check out my “memory” of her there) … and huge props to the xangans that sent the great idea HER way!

now, start writing. kitty demands it.

this has the potential to be a great program, so spread the word!

our first show will debut next week, so please get your submissions in NOW!

(and YES, you can submit yourself for consideration! introduce yourself to the world …)

and now, the fine-print:
we will contact you for your permission before we give you an official shout-out. some people blog for themselves, or a select group, and we wouldn’t want to disturb that.

we may or may not tell you exactly who recommended you to us. (some have already asked not to be mentioned, and i’d like to respect that)

friends lock: you will need to allow myself and/or my “team” to view your site. if someone else recommends you, we will message you for permission.

sign-in lock: i think that this initiative appeals to people ON xanga, so that is a non-issue.

don’t worry about the amount of traffic/comments a person has. “popularity” is a matter of opinion — if you enjoy them, share! we’ll narrow it down from there. (and that doesn’t mean WE’RE determining who’s popular; we’re just pointing you toward blogging greatness)

prizes will be determined as we approach each month’s drawing. items MAY include: a free month of premium, merchandise from the brainfriednetwork.com store, a customized xanga layout or more. note: SOME OF THESE REQUIRE CREDITS or actual monies. if you’d like to donate to the “cause,” feel free to leave comments on my site (eprops = credits = premium) or simply pledge a prize! anything helps!

*these rules are subject to change and/or be added to. be sure to check back for updates!!

be sure to checkout the BFN toolbar — we’ll be broadcasting our weekly show LIVE on xanga TV … catch the hosted multi-cast there — more details to come this week!