Mmm...Coffee...

Exhaustion rolls through me as I drag myself from a deep slumber and throw myself back into consciousness. Warm streams of sunlight bleed in through the open blinds as I maneuver my zombie-like form from one room to the next, my mind focused on only one thing; Coffee. Strong Coffee.

I shuffle quite ungracefully through my home and thriller walk into the kitchen, half coherent, and proceed to make a pot of that rich, life-giving nectar of the gods.

And when that last drop fills the carafe, I'm immediately drawn into the kitchen once more, to pour that delicious magic into my Nightmare Before Christmas Thermos, add the appropriate amount of milk and sugar, than shuffle back to my chair... Intent on getting comfortable before I take that first sip.

It's like fireworks in my tired brain after the first initial drink. Warmth spreads like an unclenched fist through my chest as the caffeine swells through my blood, bringing life into this zombie-like form.

Click this here picture to enjoy its full sized goodness :P

It's one of those mornings where I'm thankful to have a break from all the crazy of the past... 7 days. I was able to go to bed knowing I didn't have to Jump as soon as morning broke through the cover of night. I woke up hard; disgruntled and discombobulated. An angry ferret in desperate need of caffeine goodness. And now, I have my oh-so-delicious coffee, enjoying the cool, ocean-kissed breeze that dances in through the open windows, caressing my tired form. I'm slowly readjusting to myself again, knowing I can relax enough to sit back and consider something new to write.

I have something in mind, which has been pestering my thoughts for awhile now... It's been so long since I've written something in that genre that I'm not sure where to begin and how it will all pan out. I hope it turns out well...and that I can write it out, finish said story and share it with those souls who'd be interested in reading it. (Cryptic of me, no? lol)

When I finally figure out what to write, I'll let you know...maybe give a few tid-bits to see if anyone would enjoy the rest. Until then, I need to get it out of my thoughts and into a story-line. *chuckles*

Alright muh lovelies, I'm in need of more coffee and possibly a small PB'n'J sammich to sate my craving for sugary goodness :P

-Adieu

Safe and Sound

Well, got home and everything is right where it should be (thank the gods) and by some random chance, an ocean breeze must've kicked up around noon, so this place is pretty much aired out. I have the bathroom closed because nothing is to touch the very WHITE bathtub until 48 hours have passed. I was lucky enough to be able to take a shower and scrub my dirty hair while visiting Tammy and Julie's. (Seriously, they are made of Awesomeness :D)

And you know what? Pez was the only one who needed to go into Julie's room (disgruntled old fart was showing his Feral side lol) but Gir was an absolute sweet-heart and was more engrossed in following me around the house or sitting up on the kitchen table rather than freaking out like the Old Fart in Julie's bedroom lol Gir was also very sweet and respectful with two of their three cats; Casper and Captain. Tiger, the big Feral (Also part Tabby, much like Pez) was locked up in their Dad's room because he's just as grumpy as Pez XD lol

All in all, we had a great time over there, and the day seemed to go by really fast. My Dad and their Dad got along great and talked Cars most of time there, which was another plus ^_^

It was a better day than I had hoped. All I wanted, was to have this day go by as smoothly as possible and not think about a stranger coming into my home. But Victor, (the bathtub dude) was Very nice when he showed up and seemed to be surprised at how nice we were to him. Hell, I even cleaned the bathtub for him before he came up and he seemed almost shocked by it. And he did, in fact, lock the door behind him. He even closed my Dad's room (where we had to place the Kitty Litter) so the fumes wouldn't get to it and to protect my Dad's things.

It was definitely a better day than I expected... And I have a sneaking suspicion that we (Dad and I) will be going over there more because Dad and Steve got along Extremely well ^_^

Kinda funny but sad part, is Pez peed himself on the way home XD Gir was fine, just vocal. And Pez finally calmed down... He's sulking around the apartment lol

So ya... I gots muh strong coffee, and I think I'll make somethin' to eat in the near future to calm muh tummy down.

Oh hey, UPS just dropped off our New Mr. Coffee Pot! 

Yay for having a decent day :D

-Adieu

And It Starts...

Dawn breaks over the lingering shadows of night, almost gently, as a new day emerges over a sleeping landscape. The body rises slowly from a night of chaotic dreams, a gradual movement out of the bed and toward the bathroom to pay homage to the porcelain gods.

A slow shuffle, through the small dwelling on dragging feet, toward an even smaller kitchen to create a well needed pot of coffee. Due to functioning on only a few cylinders, the coffee isn't as strong as usual, but it's just as well...there will be more, and it will be stronger.

And It's now 6:36am...and I'm on my second cup. *grumbles softly* Not looking forward to the concept of having to Leave my home and trusting that a couple of Strangers are just going to do their job, lock up and leave when they say they will. I've always been weary about unwelcome guests, I'm extremely territorial and not keen on being forced to vacate and trust that nothing will be touched. But it's a necessary evil. I was reassured that it's a one time thing, and they have about an hour to finish up and get the hell out due to the fumes. And once 4-6 hours pass, we can return, but will be unable to use said shower/bathtub until 48 hours later. 

I'm just hoping today goes well, and that the only annoyance will be the residual smell of their work when we get home. As a precaution, I'm taking snapshots of everything and putting a piece of tape over certain doors, including my room, so they know if they touch it, I'll know. It's a silent warning that I don't trust them. Period. It's not much, but it helps ease the horrendous knot in my chest...well, very slightly anyway.

*lets out a growling sigh and makes another two cups of even Stronger coffee* Just gotta focus on gathering a few things for myself, my Cats and my Dad, heading down to Ellie and driving about 30 mins over to Tammy and Julie's (To which I am Beyond thankful for) put the boys in Tammy's room, hopefully be updated when the guys finish their work and assure us they've locked the front door on their way out, and try to relax for the next 5 hours.

Can you tell I'm just soo looking forward to this? *grows a dark smile and shakes her head* Gotta love Sarcasm...

Ah, look at that...7am on the dot and I'm on my third cup of even Stronger Coffee Goodness. Trying to keep my head straight, forcing back the beast of Anxiety that's attempting to rear its ugly head and make my morning more stressful. I'm just glad I managed to get to bed early so I could get at least 8 hours and feel rested in the morning. Otherwise I'd be more on edge right now.

They're not set to be here til the hours of 9-10am, hence why I got up so early to begin with. That way I have enough time to myself to wake up and not feel rushed or panicked.

*takes a deep needed breath and lets it out slowly* Not a day I look forward to, but hopefully it goes by quickly. Gotta stop thinking about it.

Heh... Wish me luck.

-Adieu

Blissful Caffeine

Crisp, night air echoed through the trees; invisible hands of ice trailing gently through the darkness. It was just after midnight as a creature moved with a languid grace beneath a thick canopy of living green. The rich earth was cool and soft beneath bare feet, almost comforting the wandering soul that journeyed deeper into the thick forest, set on escaping its previous world of harsh light and teeth-chattering noise. It was peaceful here, where nature's design overwhelmed the landscape with unrestrained abandon. Living monoliths towering into the heavens, their twisted branches outstretched, as though reaching out to one another, banding together in an endless army of sleeping titans; ever watchful in their silence.

There were no crowds, no mindless swarms of footsteps thundering back and forth like a disease passing through broken veins of concrete. The air was clean, no hint of exhaust or eye-watering perfume masking the stench of human waste and filth. There was no man-made noise or ear-piercing chatter of machines, just the gentle ambiance of a living forest... And if you stayed very still...you could almost feel the world breathe around you.

It was safe here, but only to those who understood the laws of the forest, respected the natural world and all creatures (no matter how grotesque) that dwelled within. To the countless others, however, who gave no qualms about the sanctity of another living being, they would quickly find themselves venturing into the mouth of an unforgiving beast... Never to be heard or seen again.

Which was just as well, knowing that this ethereal place was safe from the destruction of hate, made it the perfect sanctuary for a wandering soul who never felt a connection to a world of tireless greed.

*  *  *  *

And...that's all I got. *chuckles and takes a drink of her Third Cup of REAL Yuban, Dark Roast Coffee*

An update to all the utter chaos of the last few days... The maintenance guys that said they were coming back over yesterday in the early hours to work on the bathtub, Never showed up. It was only around 11:30am (having been playing phone tag with our Apt Management) I learned that the guy was going to do the work on the tub (Which was legit; he has to fix the drain and spray a polymer paint over the entirety of the bathtub as quickly as possible so he can vacate because the Fumes, are in fact, dangerous and we'd need to be out of the apt for 4-6 hours to allow the place to air out) was planning on coming out at 9am, but Failed to inform his Supervisor, who instead, sent him somewhere else and we as well as management, were left in the dark. She (One of our awesome management ladies) scolded them for this, and apologized profusely for having to reschedule until Monday morning. Which actually worked out rather well.

I was able to put gas in Ellie and go to the store. And for the Very first time, I was able to Cook in an old-fashioned Cast Iron Skillet and make Dad and I, Bacon and Eggs. 

A little Collage of the New Stove and Food O'Doom ^_^

I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to be able to make a meal again in my own home on a Stove that works. And!! Be able to make REAL Coffee in our awesome Coffee Maker O'Doom.

It's even made a difference in my Father's Health in just a Day, which has taken a Tremendous Weight off of my frightened heart. There is a Marked Improvement in his energy level and state of being. He actually Sounds like himself again, especially after Finally having a decent cup of coffee after Months of living off of Instant Crap. Another reason for this... Is his body has Finally rejected Beer. He has no want or need to have another drink. So his system is slightly discombobulated, and having Normal Coffee and a Home Cooked Meal, in just a Day, has had a wonderful affect on him. I have a Very Good Feeling that I can Heal him through my Cooking. I am Hellbent on making damned sure my Dad will remain in my Life for as long as possible. I plan on having him come with me when I finally Move to Oregon. I will not Leave him behind. I Want him in my life, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure it stays that way.

*yawns and takes a hefty drink of her Amazing coffee goodness* So ya... Rambling goodness at its best. And now, I will continue to ingest REAL COFFEE and eventually make myself some bacon and eggs ;)

Whoot!

-Adieu

Conflicting Thoughts

Echoing images, flutter and sway behind these tired eyes. The body aches, straining to regain its ability to function at a normal level as a delicate hand reaches over to a nearby coffee cup; small fingers curling carefully along the smooth, warm surface. In a graceful movement, the cup is brought to thirsty lips to taste of that caffeine rich nectar, letting it pool in the mouth and pour a line of heat down the throat. The warmth expands like an unclenched fist, spreading its fingers only to gently trail heated fingertips along the walls of my stomach. It's a comforting feeling, warmth spreading out from just behind my ribcage. My breath hitches slightly and I feel more aware, more alive... 

The gift of coffee, what a beautiful invention.

Focused eyes flicker over to the right hand corner of the screen, noting the early hour. 7:30am. A very early hour for this nocturnal creature to be stirring from her slumber. But it is necessary evil to be awake as the sun breaks over the sleepy horizon, yet remains trapped behind a thick, gray marine layer that makes the air crisp and taste of the ocean. It has a Silent Hill kind of feel to it...and I welcome it with open eyes.

Dreams continue to swirl just beyond the doorway of my consciousness. Sensing those misplaced memories from a place that only exists in my mind. Remembering the charming smile with Violet Blue Eyes...such an unnatural shade, so impossibly beautiful. But I remembered something about a genuine face... They usually come attached to liars. He was not to be trusted. 

I kept my distance, making it apparent that I wasn't the friendly type. I wasn't anyone's 'buddy'. I was just passing through and these young folk were just an annoyance. I had to keep going, get as far away from these humans as soon as possible. They couldn't be trusted... Not with the secret I harbored. The Thing that I was...made of Nightmares and darker things. Suffice to say that Animals were more my Kin then those hairless two legged creatures. A living abomination hidden behind the guise of a young woman...but if one looked to closely and saw the truth within my eyes... They'd notice the unnatural way they looked through you... The Wolf Amber encased in Leopard Golds and Greens. The gaze of the Haunted...the Animal.

I had to get away. There was no telling when it would come, the surge of heat turning my blood into a liquid fire as the shift took hold and left me helpless under its wake. I couldn't let them see... The Beast In Me. Even if I felt they were all just mindless sheep, they had every right to be here and I couldn't live with myself if the Shift took hold and they found their untimely end by the edge of unnatural claws and teeth.

The woods seemed to call out to me, the shadows beckoning; safety within the arms of Mother Nature. I knew I could find sanctuary there, and all would be safe from the ravenous jaws of a terrible beast that paced behind my watchful gaze.

As my body traveled on its own accord into the safety of the forest... The dark earth cool and soft beneath my bare feet, the scent of trees and fresher things playing with my senses as a breeze trickled along my tense form... I knew everything was alright. No harm would fall on those hairless creatures, and I was free to roam with the Animal thrumming just beneath the surface, knowing it was home here... 

That's when my body broke me from my dreams and brought me back through a fog (that place between sleep and awake) and I could hear the gentle song of the birds just outside my window, welcoming the new dawn. 

*smiles and drinks down the rest of her first cup of instant doom*

I'm up early, due to the management sending the maintenance guys over without any warning yesterday. They showed up just before 10am wanting to switch out the old stove and put in a new one. Thankfully, they offered to come back at 1pm because I wasn't awake enough for them to be there and my Dad was still sleeping. When they came back later, they suddenly had to not only Paint the bathroom ceiling, but tear apart the drain in the bathtub and replace... We were Not informed about that. They got the stove put in, and the ceiling painted, but they have to come back around 10am again to finish the tub and fix a broken outlet in the kitchen. I wasn't upset with the guys, they're all really nice and do a damned good job at what they do. I am, however, Very irritated with Management. They failed to inform us about the bathroom and Forgot about us telling them about the kitchen outlet. I had to tell the Maintenance guys while they were here about it. 

*lets out a soft, growling sigh and gets ready to make another cup*

It would be common courtesy if they simply informed us Before Hand, so we're not caught off-guard by strangers showing up. *grumbles and sips new cup of coffee* It only adds to the stress that I'm currently dealing with. Certain things that I don't feel like sharing in detail with the masses... I'll only say that I'm very worried about my Father's health and that if things don't start to improve in the next week or so, I'm taking him to a Doctor. Let's just hope that it does improve... Pray that it does...and you know I never ask that.

*takes a deep needed breath and lets it out slowly*

Well, I think I've rambled on long enough for this morning. It's 8:14am now and I need to wake up properly and be ready for when the guys come back over. 

*sighs under her breath* I'd love to have a good day...

-Adieu

Zombuh Rising

Tormented are the thoughts that coil like invisible vipers through my mind... Slithering methodically through intricate pathways seeming to stretch out into an eternal unknown as I struggle with the self to regain some sort of wakeful motor function. 

Drinking instant caffeine goodness seems to help... Especially now as I slowly devour my second cup. Did I mention I awoke quite early this morning? At 7:15am to be exact...to which I wasn't all that surprised due to my brain thinking it was 9am and not 7am. Gotta love readjusting to a two hour difference between California and Illinois. *chuckles and shakes her head*

Weird dreams again... (When are they not? lol) These were very vivid and only a few things really stood out and stayed with me, even now as I type these words and watch them fill a ghostly white screen.

I remember there being blood... Not my blood, but I remember how Bright it was as it covered the naked, ivory flesh of a young man who had no idea where it came from.

There was a huge black beast of a car that wasn't like any car I've ever seen... And It was Alive and a 'She' and was Hunting me and this group of people I happened across. But later I found out she was Herding us like cattle, wanting us to breed (don't ask cuz I got nuthin' lol) but I was the only one she was fascinated with and didn't mind me wandering around. She didn't see me as one the others. I wasn't Prey to her.

Then there was a dark Grey Falcon... It appeared on the ground to my right, and was quite big (about the size of a large crow) and decided to approach me. He then began gently nibbling at my fingers, (around my rings) and at first I was weary of that sharp beak, fearful he'd take a bite out of me... Until I realized he was 'Cleaning' me. I can't remember exactly, but at some point I bent down, offering my head to him and he happily started 'Grooming' my hair *chuckles*

This is what he looked like...O.o

Ya, definitely strange dreams... Not scary, really. Just weird symbols I now have to decipher and see what they mean, if they mean anything at all. *smirks and takes a drink of her Instant Doom*

Now, on today's agenda...I have no idea. Wake up fully, maybe run some errands... I've been drawing allot, so mayhaps I'll do more of that as well. I'm trying to realign myself with my everyday normalcy now that I'm home (Oh no...did I just use 'Normal' in sentence concerning myself?!? O.o Egads... I may have started the Apocalypse! lol XD)

Definitely need more caffeine...so much caffeine I crave... *blinks and yawns*

And on that note, my brain has imploded onto itself and I must find a way to get myself awake...lol

-Adieu

Back From The Future

Exhaustion rolls through me... Detached, weightless... My mind feels as though it's adrift in a sea of fog; trapped within a swirling mist of thought and feeling. There's a slight ache in these bones, a lingering jet lag dancing along my nerve endings as my brain fights for awareness while I ingest my morning cup of instant doom.

It's 11:02am, but I still feel that two hour difference. My brain thinks it's 1:03pm, not 11am. I guess apart of me is still in Illinois...*smirks*

I wish I could've written while I was there; the intense lightning storms that overwhelmed the heavens in streams of white fire. It was as though Thor was playing catch with the earth as sheets of rain soaked the ground and wind howled wildly through the trees. It was a natural light show that forced me to watch from indoors, due to the fact that lightning is attracted to me and I didn't want to risk getting turned into a crispy-critter *chuckles*

My flight started at 9:55pm and I arrived at 12:30am completely discombobulated as my body was adamant that it was actually 2:30am. I was suffering a fraction of what Marty must've felt when he emerged from the DeLorean. *laughs softly under her breath*

Most Epic Picture EVER!! XD

I managed to get some reading done while on that long flight into the past... I brought Stephen King's 'Nightmares and Dreamscapes' (A collection of short stories) and started at The Night Flier, which just happened to be about a reporter that worked for a newspaper much like National Inquirer (Those really hokey and sometimes 'so fake I can't help but read it' papers) and he'd found a story that could be the real thing... Someone who could truly be a Vampire. And go figure, it was about Planes...at night. And when I reached the part where the character was closing in on the 'Night Flier' in his little plane... There was a scene he described about lightning.

The interesting part about this, is I looked out to my left (I happened to get a window seat on the third row from the front of the plane, just in front of the left wing and engine, which I could see with an eerie clarity) and in the darkness, something called to me. I set my book down and had to cup the sides of my face just an inch away from the glass (so I could block out the light behind me) and the darkness seemed to expand...filled with millions of shimmering stars. That wasn't the best part... Just off in the distance, slightly to the left, I was taken aback by seeing a Lightning Storm playing tag just above a far away city. I was completely entranced by those playful bolts of light... I've never seen anything like it. And found it rather Odd that I would be reading about such a thing and than found myself witnessing it through the small window of that Boeing 737.

After a few minutes of watching that frighteningly beautiful light show, I returned to my story and continued to read about this character that seemed to be chasing a Real Vampire... A Dracula type. Probably one of the best I've ever read... Because it was not Sparkly in any means, but spine chilling. It had a slightly humorous ending, which only fueled me to read the next short story called, "Popsie". It was a guy pulled in to a horrible situation due to having no self control when it came to gambling with Cards. He sunk such a hole for himself that he was paying off his horrendous debt by kidnapping children with his Van to bring back to a Turk named 'Mr. Wizard'. He hated having to do it, but was starting to get the hang of it (gotta love King XD) and he ends up finding a lost boy standing in front of a mall, peering hopefully into the nameless faces that passed by.

Well, it seems that he targeted the wrong kid... Who was looking for his 'Popsie'. I don't want to give anything away, because it's really an awesome story... Let's just say that no matter how good a person he was, kidnapping children to pay off a debt because he didn't want to be beaten to death (some lines should Never be crossed) he got exactly what he deserved. I highly enjoyed that one.

*yawns and takes another hefty drink of her cup of instant Doom*

I tried to get some shut-eye as we flew through the darkness, headphones plugged into my ears playing some of my favorite music... Started chuckling under my breath when 'Carry On My Wayward Son' started playing, followed by, 'Bad Company'. I suddenly had a vision of Dean looking like a terrified Squirrel sitting next to me on the plane. His entire body tense, hands gripping the arm rests so tight his knuckles show bone white from the strain.

*chuckles and shakes her head* Definitely an entertaining thought as I fought to get some kind of rest on that long flight home.

*yawns and takes a drink of her second cup of Coffee Goodness*

Man... I am tired. Hopefully I'll regain more consciousness soon so I can get back to my weird...err, 'Normal' ways XD

-Adieu