Barb’s Burblings

As is typical for me, I got sick on a weekend. Nothing big, just your run-of-the-mill cold. I spent yesterday feeling miserable, blowing my nose and coughing. But this morning I woke up feeling a lot better. Not 100% better, mind you, but not bad enough to miss work. So instead I’m trying to be subtle about any coughing and nose-blowing, because if I’m not, I’ll be inundated with people badgering me about whether I’m sick and how I’m feeling, etc., etc., which gets real old real quick.

You know why my friends rule? Because they got me this for my birthday:

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (November 4)
There are so many opportunities to revel in your power this year! Your career sprouts wings, and you no longer feel bound by the forces that kept you down before. Give love another chance in December. Doing business with family is favored in the spring — together you could make a mint! Love signs are Taurus and Gemini. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 33, 20, 36 and 38.
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IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY
You need to take charge and start making those changes you have often talked about but, for one reason or another, never quite got around to. You may be another year older but you are also another year wiser, so put what you have learned to good use and the next 12 months will be many times better than the previous 12 months.
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Happy Birthday
You will have some very unique ideas, but if you jump from one thing to another, never finishing what you start, you aren’t likely to make gains. This is the perfect year to formulate partnerships and make promises or commitments that will alter your future and bring you recognition for what you do best. Your numbers are 2, 12, 15, 29, 33, 41
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Birthday Horoscopes for 11/04
The November 4th person has a way of getting things moving, they do this with grace and charm. The ruling planet for this day is Uranus (Why do I always get smart aleck e-mails every time I mention this planet?) which gives this person a lovable eccentricity. They have a new approach to a lot of old ways. As a mate the November 4th person is well balanced. They give and receive the same and have a habit of only seeing the good in all those around them. The mate of this person should realize that they have something special and not take advantage of such a kind soul.
A look ahead; Reality makes no considerations for practice of faith.
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November 4 Birthday
In the year ahead, you are likely to be emotionally restless, looking for new experiences. You will be more able to have fun, and you’ll look to add a bit of adventure to your life. You may feel somewhat unsettled this year, and travel is possible. Legal matters may need to be attended to. You could struggle with some indecision about where your life is headed. In the last few months of the period especially, you may encounter some “roadblocks” in your path, and you might have some struggles with authority figures or circumstances that feel limiting and oppressive. However, Jupiter is transiting your Sun from December 2005 until August 2006–a transit that will help to expand your world, keep your spirits rather high, and offer you opportunities to find greater self-expression in your world. The period ahead of you will be characterized by general “busy-ness”, expressiveness, and mental activity. Travel may be in order, and some form of publicity is likely. This can take the form of being called upon to express yourself. Alternatively, there can be an increased need to express yourself and to discuss your personal life with others. You might find that you are less in touch with your emotions simply because you feel the need to, or are pressed to, define them! There can also be some tendency towards being nervous and restless. More attention to schedules and deadlines is also in order. You may experience a “speeding up” of your emotional reactions. You are more willing to take risks this year. Surprises come your way, and you may do things or experience things that you never imagined. This is a year when you can expect the unexpected. You are seeking emotional excitement, whether this is a deliberate or subconscious thing. Try not to push yourself or make impulsive decisions in the first part of the period (until January), while Mars opposes your Sun.
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On the Today Show yesterday, they mentioned that it was the anniversary of last year’s presidential election. (Which, yeah, kind of depressing.) Anyway, that made me realize that a year ago, I was gearing up to head to England; I went a year ago today. My birthday will be a bit different this year–less hanging around Leicester Square, more spending time with friends. The trip last year rocked, but there’s something a bit sad about going through the day without anyone acknowledging it.
I had been debating about whether to take a vacation day tomorrow. I have the time built up, but was a bit iffy on it. It’s not like I’m swamped at work, but…Then my boss sent out an email saying, “Tomorrow is Barb’s birthday, but she’ll be out, so we’ll take her to lunch at some other point.” Heh. I like it when other people make my decisions for me.
Current song in my head:
“Round and Round” from The Fantasticks

I was driving to work this morning and after making a left at a traffic light, I started to think about the wonder that is the traffic light. When were they invented? How long into the car era before they were widespread? How did they deal with traffic before that?
Well, at least I found answers.

Need a little pick-me-up? Check out the video here of little Tai Shan (a.k.a. Butterstick), the baby panda, taking some of his first steps. Terminally adorable.

It’s odd to realize that you’ve mourned someone longer than you knew her.