What do you "assign" to the Shire?

[the guy who be short]

My local library, in all its wonder.

Need an obscure book hardly anybody has heard of? Written in 1945? Only one edition printed? No problem, we'll have it at your nearest library in three days.

:DI think I need to resend my library to Mordor. It allows me to withdraw a copy of Utopia (More) from 1869 if I so will it. :eek: I love you, library fair.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I think I need to resend my library to Mordor. It allows me to withdraw a copy of Utopia (More) from 1869 if I so will it. :eek: I love you, library fair.
To Mordor? Oh dear. That poor library. ;)

I send oil paints. Sure, my hands are the cleanest shade of grayish blue possible, and have been since yesterday because we ran out of paint thinner and no matter how much soap you use, oil paint are stubborn... but that mural... The idea that I started something and finished it is a nice one. From sketch to gridded to painted to detailed, and it looks fantastic.

I assign to the Shire murals and painting and making people smile.

[JennyHallu]

I assign the dessert I had last night. Peach ice cream is really really good drowned in those strawberries that are frozen and come in little plastic tubs.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign curling. With nothing better to do (because homework doesn't count), I turned on the television, and what do I see but the Olympics? I've only just decided that it's a blast and a half to watch these men so seriously rub ice with a broom at top speed.

[Bêthberry]

Oh my dear Fea, don't overlook that women are often the best skips at curling and of course are absolute naturals with the broom. ;)

[Formendacil]

Oh my dear Fea, don't overlook that women are often the best skips at curling and of course are absolute naturals with the broom. ;)

"O Canada", eh Bethberry?

On a related note, I wish to assign all the hardworking, honest young athletes for whom competing in the Olympics is a dream come true, to the Shire. They deserve it there, although I don't think it's a very good venue for the Winter Olympics.

The drug-using, fame-greedy, narcisstic athletes can go to Mordor.

[Lhunardawen]

I conassign not having snowy winter seasons to Mor...

Oh, is this the Shire? :o

Hmm...I assign the intermediary period of having nothing to do for school because the midterms week had just passed. I thought I was becoming lazier than ever, then I realized that there really is nothing to do. :)

[Enedhilion]

Birthdays! :D (Mine is today)

[Thinlómien]

Birthdays! :D (Mine is today)
Congrats! I like them too! :D (Mine is next week...)

I assign chocolate. I think that doesn't need any explanations.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

While I love metal, the image of little hobbits moshing to Iron Maiden does seem a little... odd. :p (daga'y who be wolf :D )
Rock 'n Roll Ain't Shire Pollution (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=11232)!

[Eonwe]

Blueberry yogurt, blueberry pancakes, your mom making sticky buns with cream-cheese ising, Leon Uris, and ... landing a 360!

Oh, and clean teeth, even if it does riquire a visit to the dentist... :D (clean teeth)

[Oddwen]

When at the dentist, he/she gives you a gum massage wearing rubber gloves...man, that's the best thing in the world.

Really.

[Orominuialwen]

Nutella. (http://www.nutellausa.com/) It's probably the world's most wonderful food. :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm pretty sure I agree about Nutella. I imagine hobbits must love the stuff. And if they don't, I do and that's all that matters.

[Encaitare]

When one of your best friends gets you a present on Valentine's Day because you're both single. That totally made my day. :D

Mmm, Nutella...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

You do realize that Nutella comes from Germany, don't you?! I bet you thought they only make great cars over here...

And yes, I too assign spreadable chocolate to the Shire, especially when combined with banana slices for a wonderful open-faced sandwich. Though I don't allow myself to eat it very often...

[Lhunardawen]

Nutella...mmm...

The combination of chocolate and hazelnut definitely belongs to the Shire.

And caramel. I'm sure the hobbits are addicted to it.

[Lalwendë]

There's something even better than Nutella (yes, really!) and that's Marmite (http://www.ilovemarmite.com/marmite/default.asp). Droooooooool.............. Twiglets are made with Marmite and I daren't buy them as I can't stop until I have finished a pack, but there are also Marmite Biscuits now. They are expensive and hard to find but once you get a box you cannot stop until they are all eaten. I can imagine they would be good with cheese on, but we wouldn't be able to pause from scoffing for long enough to find out. :D

I also assign Kikkoman's Teriyaki marinade, as this is my new addiction. I used up the whole bottle I got last weekend and am now into withdrawal until I get some more. :(

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign the looks on my friends' faces and the shock on my best friend's voice (we were on the phone at the time) when they see you ordering marmite online because you wanted your favorite kind of tea enough to risk parental wrath by ordering it and then saw marmite next to it on the list of items. Let's hope it's as awesome as you say, Lal! And let's hope my tea gets here before break! (PS, that means it's got just over 24 hours to do so). Oh, and I assign vacations.

[Lalwendë]

As they say, you either love it or hate it. If you love it, then you are hooked! I've just had some, too because I was thinking about it all day and had to eat some as soon as got home!

It's best on toast, either alone or with a large helping of beans, cheese, egg or peanut butter. And what's more it's about the only food that has B12 in it apart from meat, so vegans can tuck in!

I want some more now...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

B12? That's good for me! I like things that are good for me. :)

I assign blustery days. The kind that depress other people, but can give such a rush. When you walk out into the mildly warm air, expecting to freeze and realizing you won't. The way that the whipping wind pulls your hair out of place, letting it dance in front of your eyes. The sound of crows frantically yelling to one another and the bells of the Tower beating the hour to nearly the same rhythm as the staccato cracking of the wind-driven flag. The paranoic rustling of squirrels on dead twigs. The single leaves forgotten in autumn that still clutch daintily to sleeping branches. The grey sky that promises change and threatens that it will be for the worse.

I love the kind of day that makes you catch your breath in wonder.

[Firefoot]

Ooh, Fea, I came here to write about a similar kind of day... :D

I had a delightfully hobbity experience walking home from school today (still can't drive...). See, my favorite way home (and, incidentally, the shortest) crosses over some fields between some people's yards and one of the busier streets in town - I think they're owned by the doctor's office but anyway. I walked outside expecting it to be freezing cold like it has been but instead I find that I can take my winter coat completely off. The wind was picking up, and darker clouds were just starting to move in - it rained last night and I think it's going to rain again soon, you can just smell it. So when I got to the fields, it was so nice that I just took off my shoes and walked barefoot over the slightly muddy fields. That wet slightly squishy feeling is delightful, even if the water is still slightly chilly (it is February, after all, and normally I wouldn't even think of doing this... actually that's not true. I tried once and about froze my feet off...). Not quite sunny, but with patches of blue sky poking through the greyish clouds. Mmm.

Just warm enough that it feels delightful to open up the window, even if my mom just yelled at me to shut it because it's too cold...

Days like today are definitely Shire-worthy. So are bare feet.

[Formendacil]

I assign to the Shire the feeling of it being -20 degrees Celsius when you arrive at home late at night, and discovering that the biting wind of early is gone. It feels so... Warm!

I guess that's a rather Canadian feeling, eh?

[Oddwen]

You can feel it ice fishing in Michigan too, Form.

In light of my latest dream, I send the Star Spangled Banner and duets with Boromir88 to the Shire.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

So um... Lal... that Marmite? You said it belongs in the Shire? *shudder*

Is it supposed to be so... um... there are no words to describe.

Mind you, dipping a Marmite-flavored potato chip into Marmite might not be the best introduction to the stuff...

[Valier]

I assign Art Appreciation.....There's nothing like staring at some wierd work of art and trying to reveal some theory about it's content.

[Lalwendë]

So um... Lal... that Marmite? You said it belongs in the Shire? *shudder*

Is it supposed to be so... um... there are no words to describe.

Mind you, dipping a Marmite-flavored potato chip into Marmite might not be the best introduction to the stuff...

I am a self-confessed marmite freak and even I would be scared of using it as a dip! Yes, that might be overkill! It's strong stuff! :eek: You need to get a nice piece of hot toast, butter it, and then very thinly spread some marmite on it - lovely. You only need what you can get on the tip of a knife.

Even my cats like it. :cool:

[littlemanpoet]

Even my cats like [marmite.Which means it's really cat food, is what you're trying to say, right? I've tried the stuff. **!!double shudder!!** I hear vegemite from down under and a couple steps to the east (2 islands by the name of new sea-land or something like that) is not so different.

To the Shire, weird as it may seem: the phone jack filter that makes it possible for my internet not to disconnect due to line noise! Yay!
:D

[Lalwendë]

Which means it's really cat food, is what you're trying to say, right? I've tried the stuff. **!!double shudder!!** I hear vegemite from down under and a couple steps to the east (2 islands by the name of new sea-land or something like that) is not so different.


To the connoisseur, Vegemite is an abomination and ought to go to Mordor forthwith.

I'm sending my cats to the Shire anyway, seing as they have become newly fledged mousers and have been on alert for any pesky rodent activity around my house. We managed to trap one in a boot with the help of one of my cats. Though worryingly she has begun to take an interest in one of the bookshelves! :eek:

[Eonwe]

Yogurt, and specifically the blueberry yogurt produced by Yoplait, which I am cerrently savoring...ummm-hmmmm.... :)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign frozen Dr. Pepper. When the shards of tingling ice melt on your tongue, it's the most fantastic sensation.

And I assign the warm sun on chilly days, with the gleam of light off of half-frozen ponds. Look-out views where you can see three states from one perch and the way the lazy clouds unconcernedly blanket the mountains you are photographing. The bright afternoon sun blazing through ragged branches, the sound of birdsong.

Cold water in the middle of the night when you wake up parched. Books that you simply can't set down. Wiggly puppies and affectionate sarcasm. Really good pizza... with broccoli, sun-dried tomatos, onions, and mushrooms, and sprinkled with a bit of hot sauce.

And Lal... Marmite! But only if you eat it the right way. :D

[the guy who be short]

Lovely, amazing, wonderful people who encourage you to start writing again after so many many months.

[Lhunardawen]

Four extra hours of uninterrupted sleep - thanks to classes in all levels being suspended - and upon waking up and looking at the mirror, seeing a face that looks less stressed and haggard than the day before.

The reason for the suspension of classes does not at all belong to the Shire, though. I would pity poor Sam if it does.

[littlemanpoet]

The following conversation gets assigned to the Shire:

My supervisor was talking about the Monty Python skit in which the traumatized fellow can't say any word with the letter 'c' in it, so he says "bolourful" until someone says "well, usk 'k'" in stead. "Kolorful", he says, and then his eyes :eek: "Why, I never thought of that!"

So I brought up Victor Borg's "inflationary English" in which all incidents of numbers in the English language are raised by one number. Thus, to, two, and too become three; and fortuitious becomes five-three-itous. Then I said that I would have to try that out in my current werewolf game.

My supervisor said, "And they'll assign you to Mordor!" :D

[JennyHallu]

no kidding??

Well I assign my puppy dog. And anyone who feels this should be explained is hereby ordered to go and adopt a puppy dog from his or her neighborhood shelter.

[the guy who be short]

Reading a book and finding a BDer siggy or former siggy in it. It's wonderful. :D

[littlemanpoet]

I assign uses of LotR references in every day life.

For example, my church has a two story 'split level' addition so that the lower level is not as low as the rest of the basement, but below everything else. It's been nicknamed "middle earth". :D

[Laitoste]

The Westminster dog show. Actually, the AKC in general. Or how about all dogs...I just spent five hours of my life curled up alone in my room, watching dogs parade around Madison Square Garden, and I cried. I want to do that! I want to devote the rest of my life to bettering a breed, to bettering the species!

Eleventy-one pop-ups blocked! That has to mean something, right?

[Lhunardawen]

littlemanpoet, because he has always wanted to go there. ;)

[piosenniel]

Glorious, first of spring weather in Oregon . . . time for mushroom hunting and a trip to the hot springs :)

[littlemanpoet]

littlemanpoet, because he has always wanted to go there. ;)Well gee thanks. :) Golly gee whizzers even! :p ....such lingual promiscuity should of course not accompany me to the Shire. See you all there! **LMP hops, skips and jumps in the general direction of all homey, comfortable, provincial and stolid things.**

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Snow!!!

[the guy who be short]

Particularly the type of snow that thinks it's sand. I've only seen it once, earlier this week. Particles of snow blowing around in waves like a desert... it was beautiful.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

It sounds lovely. My particular variety (falling steadily from very early this morning until now) is that sort with the large snowflakes that coat everything they touch with a shimmering blanket. The kind that decorates pine boughs until the wind shakes it off when you least expect it to fall on you. The sort that fills in paths as quickly as they're plowed and the sort that you really don't want to drive in.

[Lhunardawen]

*pouts in envy*

Well, the Shire deserves a fine sunny-windy day like *this*, too. ;)

So long as it doesn't rain. :rolleyes:

[Lalwendë]

Snow. Tch. It spoiled my tea tonight.

No sooner had I sat down in the best Mexican/Cuban/Argentinian place in town and ordered my Chimichangas (drool) but without any prior warning in the way of a decent weather forecast, the skies opened and literally dumped several inches of snow on the city centre inside half an hour. My feet are still freezing. :(

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign Rivendell Books in Montpelier, VT. Cute new/used bookstores of all sorts deserve assignation, but specifically this because I was so enthused at its name and the fact that I bought several books for a fantastic price shortly after consuming some really amazing Ben & Jerry's, some fantastic apple cider, and more habanero cheese than strictly necessary.

I also assign habanero maple syrup. The sensation is incredible. A taste and your mouth is filled with the sweet explosion of sugary bliss and most suddenly, there's a second explosion of heat. As you continue to taste the wonderful mapley goodness, your eyes water, your tongue burns, and you can't help but be impressed with how cool it is that they managed to mix hot peppers and syrup in the middle of Vermont and make some really awesome stuff.

I'm going to temporarily unassign snow though... run over to Mordor if you're curious why.

[JennyHallu]

Were you eating ice cream, cider, habenero cheese and maple syrup all at the same time?

I'm afraid that gets an ick from me...

But I must assign to the shire days you get to work and are told not to work...simply lovely. It will probably be assigned to Mordor as boredom sets in later.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Were you eating ice cream, cider, habenero cheese and maple syrup all at the same time?
Spread out over a few hours. That syrup was really cool though. Seriously... it was like downing a few dozen hot chicken wings with no bread, only at the same time, the mouth-watering sweetness of maple sugar candies.

[JennyHallu]

Whew...I feel much better, then.

I assign...free stuff from vendors. Really. I work on a military base, and this lady came in today and gave everybody knives. Including your friendly neighborhood secretary, yours truly. So now I have this little free utility knife that is MINE and that a certain person I am sworn to follow around for the rest of my life can't touch and lose it, or worse, break the tip off using it as a screwdriver or something.

[Mithalwen]

I assign days off (even those when someone from your agency interrupts your lie in slumber with a query that could have waited at least to 9.30 - they have found me a nice project for next week so I forgive..) and long lunches, and catching up with old friends and defrosting in a Turkish Bath from the unseasonally chilly weather....

[Legolas in spandex]

songs of travel and adventure.

[Kath]

Knowing you don't have to got to school tomorrow! And so knowing that you'll get to lie in til 10 (not long enough but hey it's something). Also having the reason for this being a visit to the uni you're sure you want to go to, and knowing you're going to have a good day.

[Eonwe]

In a similar vien, spring break. And sleeping...

[Orominuialwen]

Snow days. Especially when it's the first one in five years and long overdue.

Entering a French pronunciation contest and doing well in it. It's wonderful to have teachers compliment you on your accent!

Spring break being only two days away. :D

Getting nearly nine hours of sleep on a school night, even if it means not finishing any of your homework.

Teachers who write their hall passes in pencil, and being able to successfully forge a pass because of this by erasing everything but the signature. (Don't worry, it was only so my friend and I could go see a teacher during lunch when we weren't supposed to be in the halls. We weren't doing anything terribly illegal. :p ;) )

[Firefoot]

Fog delays. You don't have to make up school days at the end of the year, but it basically turns that day into a blow off day where the only full periods are the ones that are during lunch hours - and one of mine was a study hall. :D Study halls are quite nice too. Half the time all I do is read.

Cake or ice cream for breakfast. Yum. And you don't feel too bad because it's just breakfast and any breakfast must be better than the none that is oh-so frequent.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign late night discussions where you just can't remember what an elephant sounds like. So you make the noises, trying to remember. For over ten minutes.

I assign cute skirts with awesome spin-power.

I assign discovering a class that you really want to take.... and e-mailing the professor that's teaching it to find out your likelihood of getting in since it's a sweet class and is going to fill up fast and you're only a freshman so you're registering pretty much last... and running into her when you go for dinner... and having her guarantee you a place! And I quote... "Your chances of getting in? Of course you're getting in. I want you in this class." Exciting!

[JennyHallu]

That sounds really cool...

I assign Segways. Yes, the IT invention...a perfectly balanced little platform and a handle. I got to play with one last night...and it was nifty. You just kind of think of where you want to go, and you get there. And my husband couldn't figure out how to stand still, which made me feel all superior for a while ;)

[the guy who be short]

Candy floss. Especially free tubs of it. :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Learning that violence really does solve all of life's little problems. My heater is totally silent right now. :D

[Eonwe]

The first sounds of crickets! Immpending Spring! Warm weather! Soft rain! Yes, all of these certainly belong in the Shire.

[Celuien]

I hereby assign Mardil II, formerly of Gondor, formerly of Mordor, to the Shire for acts of heroism and being a generally good egg. :D

You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.

[the phantom]

I hereby assign Mardil II, formerly of Gondor, formerly of Mordor, to the Shire for acts of heroism and being a generally good egg.
Why thank you, m'lady. The free peoples of Middle Earth are forever in debt to you. ;)
I assign frozen Dr. Pepper.
Oh, Fea, you are too awesome.

I read that as I was drinking half frozen Dr. Pepper. It is so amazing. When I want a Dr. Pepper, I stick a can and a mug into the freezer for a good while. When I go to drink it, the mug is all frosty, and the fizz freezes as I fill the mug up, and the frozen fizz floats around like crushed ice.

There's something about it being just barely barely above frozen that gives it more of a bite, and not just the bite of the cold. It improves the flavor, I swear.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh, Fea, you are too awesome.
I know.

[Lhunardawen]

Cramming, but with the knowledge that everything's under control. It feels so...liberating.

[Farael]

Cramming, but with the knowledge that everything's under control. It feels so...liberating.

Or the feeling of elation you get after you see you got a good mark in that exam you had crammed desperately for and weren't too sure of what your mark would look like

[Kath]

Discovering that you got good marks in all your exams, especially the ones that you thought you'd done really badly in.

[Naria]

A day at the beach with family and friends....then later on after dark starting a fire and roasting marshmallows! :)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Made so much better by having been a fool and staying out until 4:00 AM only to get up for work the next morning, the Shire-worthiness is the pair of pyjama pants and amazingly large and comfortable hoodie that you get to put on once you get back. The uninterrupted nap that's on its way. Knowing that you don't have to go back out until tomorrow. Ooh... exciting.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign the etherial quality of fog. Walking slowly and alone through an abandoned campus in the soft silence of the night, pausing in awe of the way the light catches on the opaque air, separating into distinct beams by the sillhouetted trees. The soft smell of thawing earth and the warmth of the damp air. The way it all seems so unreal.

[Thinlómien]

I assign apple marmalade and toast. It just tastes good.

[Celuien]

I assign Hamantaschen. Delicious.

Best of all, prunes (of all things!) are delightful in them. Normally I dislike prunes, but they're great when cooked up properly. Now there's a way to take something that belongs in Mordor and turn it into something wonderful. A Shire deserving item in itself. :)

[Bêthberry]

I assign that particular smell of spring, the earthy, heavy aroma of damp, dank earth, full of dirt and detritus, oozing deliquescent puddles of mud and the last remnants of snow and ice. Earth on the cusp of birth. :cool:

[Laitoste]

Nice, helpful professors who make you feel better about why you feel stupid in their classes, and can explain (well) why you didn't get the grade you thought you'd get on your paper and can help you understand how to do better next time. Also professors who value your input and are encouraging (to the point of encouraging you to go talk to your other, scarier profs). I like feeling supported! :cool:

[Oddwen]

Mud.

Springtime mud.

The kind that is caused by melting snow.

The kind that turns the top two inches of your driveway into soup. (Though the ruts that are there when it freezes back up again can go Elsewhere...)

Living on a road with a slight incline, so that you can play in the rivulets that run down the hill across the end of the driveway. *sigh* Such memories...

[the guy who be short]

Brighton beach.

When the weather turns unexpetedly beautiful.

Fish and Chips on the beach.

French exchange students.

Thick coach windows that, due to two reflections, make it look as if there are two suns, or even three.

French people trying to explain the difference between au-dessus and au-dessous to obstinate English children who claim there is none.

Perfect days out that mean you don't have to go to lessons you don't like.

[Anguirel]

Lovely, succulent French cheeses. Mm, nice.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

The following conversation near midnight outside of a bar on a really cold street:

"Sweetie, what are the chances that you can get next weekend off of work?"

"Depends on how hard I try for it. Why?"

"Because I'm taking you home."

"Then I'm going home."

And posting up on the sub-list that you need someone to take your hours and seeing a few hours after that you're covered.

I very happily assign the prospect of going home for the first time in several months.

[Kath]

Lovely librarian's that happily spend half an hour finding all the books that you need for the next few weeks.

[The Saucepan Man]

I very happily assign the prospect of going home for the first time in several months.What, back to those awful parents of yours? Aren't they in Mordor? ;)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Actually, I miss my dogs. :p

[the guy who be short]

Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

And Mithalwen, for leading me to him.

[Laitoste]

I very happily assign the prospect of going home for the first time in several months.

I second that. Spring break in a week! Home for the first time since Christmas! I get to see my dogs and my kittens who are (sadly) no longer kittens! Plus, a week to lie around, play video games, and complete homework assignments that would typically be allotted a day to finish. However, I refuse to play chauffer to my little brother. Especially when he won't ask nicely.

Oh, I also want to add wireless internet, which deserves a simultaneous assignment to Mordor. I can go anywhere in the building now and continue to compulsively check my email! Although, I can no longer escape the internet in the hallway outside my room and write my papers without distraction. :rolleyes:

[Kath]

Knowing full well that the hour you just spent on a WW post could have been used to do a good couple of pages of your geography coursework, and just not caring!

[Eldar14]

People who hold the door for other people.

[the guy who be short]

France.

How I'd love to live in a country where people aren't afraid to defend their rights.

I think I'll actually send Germany, too, for similar reasons. I quote my German friend:

"Shopkeepers can't limit the number of schoolchildren entering a shop. It's discriminating and stereotyping. Imagine if they said only three gays could enter at a time."

[Mithalwen]

France.

How I'd love to live in a country where peopel aren't afraid to defend their rights.




It is less amusing when the transport workers go on strike with no warning and leave you stranded :rolleyes: Let alone the sheep.... and it is no coincidence that bureaucracy is a French word...... but even so I might go back....

[littlemanpoet]

France.

How I'd love to live in a country where people aren't afraid to defend their rights.

I think I'll actually send Germany, too, for similar reasons. I quote my German friend:

"Shopkeepers can't limit the number of schoolchildren entering a shop. It's discriminating and stereotyping. Imagine if they said only three gays could enter at a time."
So that means that the shopkeeper is at the mercy of a whole squadron of schoolkids, the numbers of whom are beyond her or his ability to keep an eye on for the threat of shoplifting. How is this a good thing? Or are shoplifters protected under French law too? Can a French shopkeeper "discriminate" against squatters? vandals? spitters in the shop? Or are they all protected by French law too?

Okay, I'm being a bit testy, but this law looks to me like it belongs in Mordor. Doesn't the shopkeeper own the shop? Does the French law actually prohibit the owner of the place from deciding who can be there? :rolleyes: If that's the case, then it's the French gov't that actually owns the shop. I suppose a socialist approves?

[Lathriel]

I will send the last day of this semester to the Shire. It will be here in about three weeks and then FREEDOM. well...not exactly but close. :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'll send the clichèd light at the end of the tunnel... or is it the top of the well? Whatever it is that hits you when you least expect and makes everything exponentially better. That's Shire-worthy if anything is.

[Laitoste]

Last night, I had an hour and a half conversation with someone completely unexpected, who I have never really had the chance to get to know one-on-one. I have a sneaking suspicion that events like these already exist in the Shire, but I'll send it anyway. :D

[the guy who be short]

So that means that the shopkeeper is at the mercy of a whole squadron of schoolkids, the numbers of whom are beyond her or his ability to keep an eye on for the threat of shoplifting. How is this a good thing? Or are shoplifters protected under French law too? Can a French shopkeeper "discriminate" against squatters? vandals? spitters in the shop? Or are they all protected by French law too?You misconstrue me entirely. The assignment is not an attack on the shopkeeper's right to protect their property from thieves or vandals. The assignment is the stereotyping of all young people as pickpockets, the tarring with the same brush. All young people are punished for the actions of a very few. There is, in fact, a rather famous man in the Middle East who felt it entirely legitimate to punish an entire settlement with genocide for one man's failed attack on him.

Note also that the friend was German, not French. :p


I assign discovering prejudices within oneself. It gives motivation to change one's thoughts and ideas and to consciously re-shape oneself.

I also assign Latin. It's pretty.

[Lalwendë]

I assign to The Shire getting first class rail tickets at knock down prices. Lovely, a train ride to London with endless refills of tea and coffee and snacks brought to the table. It almost makes up for the issue of sales and not getting a bargain! :rolleyes:

I also assign knowing you have a week off work coming up. It's that Friday feeling, but all week long! :D

[Lhunardawen]

People who try to make you feel better even over the littlest issues.

The feeling of being vindicated after several frustrating minutes of no one listening to you. More so when it's on a subject that you're not supposed to know a lot about (i. e. Calculus).

Knowing that after crawling through two take home exams, two final exams, and two papers...you get two weeks of break.

[littlemanpoet]

The assignment is the stereotyping of all young people as pickpockets, the tarring with the same brush.Then you and I have no disagreement, my dear sir. ;)

[the guy who be short]

Then you and I have no disagreement, my dear sir. ;)How you amuse me. :p

[JennyHallu]

Classic Rock.

There is nothing to compare with the Yardbirds and the resulting bands (Cream, Led Zeppelin, Beck, among a plethora of others), Steppenwolf, Yes, Pink Floyd, etc.

Plus the startled look on older people's faces when they realize the very feminine, 20 year old secretary they like calling "Bunny" knows all the words to songs that were cool before she was born, and has a more-than-half-decent voice, is priceless.

[THE Ka]

The Smiths



There is no better thing to wake up to than 'Cemetary Gates' or 'Shelia Take a Bow', or to get you out of the blues than 'That joke Isn't Funny Anymore', because there will always be someone who has more right to complain than you.
It always reminds me of the lamenting of Frodo and Gandalf giving him a good lesson in existalist philosophy. Or that of Bilbo.

Anyways, the ability of hobbits to take life as it's served and lament so beautifully upon it gives me reason to say that The Smiths deserve to be held up in Shire worth praise.

Thank you Moz and Marr.


~ Aesthete

[littlemanpoet]

Classic Rock.

There is nothing to compare with the Yardbirds and the resulting bands (Cream, Led Zeppelin, Beck, among a plethora of others), Steppenwolf, Yes, Pink Floyd, etc.What, not Genesis?

[Lalwendë]

And I assign all the music I likes, including that weird and wonderful early Genesis and the fabulous lyrics of Morrissey ("punctured bicycle, on a hillside, desolate...."). Marvellous. ;)

[JennyHallu]

Elempi, please note the et cetera, which denotes all the bands I listen to, but couldn't remember the names of. And I'm going to have to check to see if I've heard of Genesis.


Nope.


But I will add Eagles, Chicago, and Queen. And Supertramp. (Mostly for the Logical Song and the lyric "You know they've gotta have them in Texas/'Cause everyone's a millionaire"

[JennyHallu]

...and this is going to sound very strange.

But I assign having glasses. The world is so...clear. And I hadn't even noticed how fuzzy it had been getting.

[the guy who be short]

I assign woodlice. They're so adorable, the way they curl up when you come near. The way they sort of limp after you accidentally brush them up, thinking them to be rubbish. The way they carefully don't budge until you're out of the vicinity, keeping up the pretence, even though both you and they know that they're not actually little balls.

[Orominuialwen]

I second JennyHallu's assignment of glasses. I just got mine on Tuesday and the increased ability to see and decreased headaches are wonderful.

I also second tgwbs' assignment of Latin. It's such a beautiful language and it's just wonderful to sing in. Plus, it can make even mundane things like Madison, Wisconsin seem special by turning them into Madisonenis, Wisconsinenis. (At least I think that's what it was.)

Spelunking. It seems like something Hobbits would enjoy and it's immense fun when the grey sweatshirt and blue pants you wore into the cave come out mud brown and soaking wet.

Robotics competitions. Even when your robot is less than great (it placed 29th out of 34 teams) it's enormous fun. There are silly things, like when all the teams' mascots, including two martians (one with two heads!), a penguin, a knight, a yeti, an apple , and a badger (from my team!) did the Electric Slide. There are exciting things, like winning matches (admittedly, very few of ours). And then there's the amazing feeling of elation that comes from winning the second highest award possible in the regional competition (the Engineering Inspiration Award) which qualifies your team for Nationals (for the second time in the three years the team has been around) and running on to the field to get high fives from all the judges and medals from the referees while waving your team's giant flag. being optimistic enough to think that everything will work out just fine to go to Nationals, even though it means you have about a month to raise somewhere between six and ten thousand dollars (robotics is really expensive), you have to have all of your stuff moved out of your building at the earliest possible date because there's another (paying) ternant for it, so there's no place for your team to work, and your robot is absolutely awful and only really worked when you disabled its one major function (it was actually much better then). I'm completely on cloud nine at the moment because I'm so excited about everything.

[Lhunardawen]

...and this is going to sound very strange.

But I assign having glasses. The world is so...clear. And I hadn't even noticed how fuzzy it had been getting.

This assignment is seconded by the Nearsighted Elves Society. Or at least by the Society's Keeper of the Last Handmade Lens, Lhunardawen.

[JennyHallu]

I just got mine Friday...the only downside is that I keep thinking the frames are strands of hair and trying to brush them out of my face.

And...*shies away from Orumin* The last guy on a robotics team I met made me listen for half-an-hour to an extended discourse on the difference between gears and sprockets! Ahhh! (By which I of course and obviously mean best of luck in Nationals.)


I assign cold pizza for breakfast. Yum yum yum.

[Kath]

I assign Mother's Day! Odd I know since I'm not a mother but being able to make someone happy just by giving them a handmade card is such a nice feeling. Plus it meant we got to go out for lunch and pig out!

[JennyHallu]

Isn't Mother's Day in May?

[Kath]

No it's today. Father's Day can be in May or the end of April.

[Lalaith]

Mother's Day is an American holiday, occuring in May.
Mothering Sunday, the British holiday, is today. Both, indeed, belong in the Shire.

[JennyHallu]

No Father's day is in July, I think.


Wait a moment...You aren't in the US, are you?

[Kath]

:D No.

[JennyHallu]

:rolleyes: Well, that explains it then.

I assign my Mommy. She's cool. If y'all knew her, you'd agree.

[Eonwe]

I assign crazy freestyle adventures in Pittsburg with your brother and good friend. Coats from the Salvation Army, flurries of snow, hot coffee, a great skyline, a night spent in some bushes. Weird shaped clouds (it was in a circle :eek: and made me think of Gandalf) and a brilliant sunrise.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

my brother-in-everything-but-shared-parents (with the understanding that he will probably tease the hobbits because he's just like that)


and our long-overdue reunion, including everything from the hugs to the bickering to the good advice he gives as well as the bad



The Decemberists and Modest Mouse


the allure of a leather-bound book with blank pages


a 2-year-old German Shepherd that loves me


minus the dog hair that likes to accumulate on my mostly black wardrobe


pizza with broccoli, mushrooms, and onions


um... mmm? Yum. Very simple.


raspberry-peach snapple


finding somebody that really gets it


a cute new dress that eagerly awaits warm weather


ah, and Dad's reaction to it

[the guy who be short]

I also second tgwbs' assignment of Latin. It's such a beautiful language and it's just wonderful to sing in. Plus, it can make even mundane things like Madison, Wisconsin seem special by turning them into Madisonenis, Wisconsinenis. (At least I think that's what it was.)Further to this, I send learning Latin with a friend and being able to use it as a private language.

I come from a bilingual family, so I already have the use of Gujarati as a private language. One of my friends is exceptional at French and we use that as our private language on occasion. Now, I have Latin with two more of my friends.

I love private languages. The ability to connect one-to-one with no inteference in the midst of others...

Some may consider us rude, but tough luck to them. If you want to know what we're saying, go out and learn the language. :D

[Mithalwen]

I second Mothering Sunday (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/features/mday/index.shtml) because not only is it a lovely and ancient festival but as Refreshment Sunday, it meant I could have a glass of wine :D.

[littlemanpoet]

I assign a whole PM box full of birthday greetings, a sure cure for the onset of Mordorian depression. Guarawwwwwnnnnn-TEED! :D

Thanks, guys. You know who you are. :)

[Mithalwen]

I assign to the Shire, the evenings getter lighter - another thing that lifts the spirits...and discovering that the fish in the pond have survived the winter :D

[Thinlómien]

I assign this thread - though I'm not feeling sad/bad it cheers me up.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign LMP in celebration of his birthday and his gracious assignation of a bunch of PMs that include some of the worst poetry in the history of the 'Downs. Also, his ability to write sentences without ever once using the verb "to be."

Oh, and I assign sunny days that almost chase the haunted look from eyes as dull as the recent wintery weather. And crocuses. And grapefruit juice.

[JennyHallu]

I second LMP's assignment as he is the coolest Mead Hall Innkeeper there ever was, is, and shall be in the history of the verb "to be".

[Celuien]

I also assign Lmp to the Shire, just because Lmp is...Lmp. And it's his birthday, so where better to have a celebration than under the Party Tree? :)

The first blooms on the forsythia bushes surely belong in the Shire.

[Kath]

I think I'll third that assignation of lmp. Anyone who doesn't mind the nickname 'lumpy' has got to be a cool guy :cool:

[JennyHallu]

Kath, I think you're fourthing it.

[Kath]

So I am Jenny! Well, I support the motion at any rate :D

[littlemanpoet]

Gee, friends, I'm ... well .... happy. :) Thanks!

I assign all you hobbits to the Shire. You all belong there. :) Even if bunches of you spend lots of time in a certain Rohirrim Mead Hall.... :p

[Lalwendë]

I'm assigning the British Museum to the Shire because it's just one big, mad Mathom house. I've been there many times but I find something new on every visit. This time it was Dr John Dee's magical objects, including the 'Tablet of God' and his Obsidian mirror, used in magical rituals and jiggery pokery to do with alchemy. That counts as very cool indeed to me. :cool:

I'm also assigning Pre-Raphaelite art. The colours look bright in prints, but the actual paintings are incredible, particularly the blues, which are intense and moving. And they bring out the effusive art critic language in you. ;)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign finished manuscripts. Knowing that you've got something in your possession that you're willing to send to the other side of the continent for critique is a pretty cool feeling, even if they don't end up wanting it. Knowing that the piece that's been floating around your head tormenting you but refusing to come together suddenly wrote itself with barely any help from you. *sigh* Big relief. Now to get it post-marked before the 1st.

[Lhunardawen]

I assign all you hobbits to the Shire. You all belong there. Even if bunches of you spend lots of time in a certain Rohirrim Mead Hall....
:( How about us Halfelves or whatnot? ;)

I assign the moments following a final exam in Calculus, knowing that even for just two weeks you'll be rid of the Mordorian curse.

Mmmmmm... *plop*

[Mithalwen]

I'm assigning the British Museum to the Shire because it's just one big, mad Mathom house.


But shall we assign the Elgin Marbles back to Greece? :p

[littlemanpoet]

:( How about us Halfelves or whatnot? ;) Don't kid yourself. You're a hobbit through and through. And you would have been a fine werewolf if you hadn't been dreamed of the very first Night. But back to the Shire!

I assign the first bike ride of the year (it was too cold until now). Fresh breeze, feeling the wind in your face, feeling the burn after only 20 seconds (because you didn't exercise properly all winter :p ) and liking it. Good stuff.

[Kath]

I'll assign parents evenings. It's just an hour of constant praise! :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign catching yourself smiling after having almost forgotten what a genuine smile felt like. A toast to spring and to new beginnings! We'll raise our crystal glasses to the shining new sun and laugh in delight over the refracted rainbows. We'll sip our grape juice and dance 'round the new blossoms, enjoying the green smell of the breeze and the open expanse of blue above us. To spring!

[Cailín]

A toast to spring and to new beginnings! We'll raise our crystal glasses to the shining new sun and laugh in delight over the refracted rainbows. We'll sip our grape juice and dance 'round the new blossoms, enjoying the green smell of the breeze and the open expanse of blue above us. To spring!

Well said.

And I'd like to assign to the Shire... this extremely tired but accomplished feeling. So I did not sleep last night, but my essay is done and finished and eventually quite brilliant, too. I shall never, ever put things off till the last moment again.

No really. *yawns*

[Firefoot]

Polish 20 Questions. (I'm not sure why it's Polish, but okay.) It's just the same as regular 20 Questions except that everybody gets a little card with their answer on it and sticks it on their forehead and has to guess what their own says. Now there's a fun game - you get some really funny results, especially when people start getting out to get each other... :D

I missed LMP's birthday? :( Happy belated. :)

And I definitely agree with everything you all have said about the Mead Hall... Putting it here is superb. I get both my adopted cultures all rolled into one. (How to decide between the two??)

And yes, definitely agree with the nominations of Latin. Even if the Latin club at my school is called a cult, and they think we're all rather strange. Why would they think that??

[Valier]

I assign the first day that it's nice enough to wear a spring jacket outside, instead of your huge winter one.( Fellow canadians will know what I mean.):)

[Kath]

Brit's will know what you mean as well Valier! Though of course, we have to carry a raincoat too as our weather changes every few hours, or every few minutes sometimes :rolleyes:

But no, it was actually warm today. Very nice.

[Celuien]

So do folks in the Northeast US, Valier. :)

The momentous spring coat day took place on March 28.

I'll assign daffodils. They haven't opened yet at my house, but they've pushed above the ground in the flower beds. Can't wait for them to bloom. I should take pics.

[Valier]

Well I guess I will just assign the first day of the year you get to wear your spring jacket, For everyone! It's just so nice.:)

[JennyHallu]

I assign my first winter ever accomplished without touching my winter coat. Which is really good considering I somehow got paint all over it LAST winter.

[Naria]

I think I'll stick with the general spring theme here and assign Robins. You know when you see one of them, Spring has definately sprung!! Whooo hoooo :D

[Formendacil]

Fog. I herewith assign fog the Shire.

Now, I do realise that fog is definitely a driving and navigating hazard, as well as a rather gloomy form of weather, but it is also incredibly iconic. Not to mention, for a prairie boy like me, it's not exactly common weather. The chill of walking home in the fog at night is deliciously primordial- and very Barrow-downsy. Excellent atmosphere for story-dreaming.

[Firefoot]

I think I'll stick with the general spring theme here and assign Robins. You know when you see one of them, Spring has definately sprung!! A few years I would have agreed with you, but now my city seems to have acquired a flock of really stupid robins that stick around all winter, even when it gets close to 0 degrees... :rolleyes: So they're not much of a teller for spring anymore. But they are delightful birds. So are cardinals. And gold finches.

Spring break is also definitely Shire-worthy.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Watching the first darkroom photography slowly fill before your eyes through manic refreshes on the registrar's webpage. Knowing that there was one seat open... and seeing it get filled. Spotting three seats left in the night course... watching one get taken. Seeing your friend take the other. Knowing that there is one photography seat open in the entire school and knowing that the professor won't sign you in, because you already tried that route. Expecting to be fruitlessly wait-listed.

Waking up to register and spotting that one seat still miraculously open...

And going to the registrar's about 40 minutes early to be first in line (though you ended up second, but behind a business major, so it's okay). And actually getting into the photography class!

Getting into the only class that you actually really wanted to take in an Eru-forsaken school that you can't wait to leave is Shire-worthy to the highest degree.

[Celuien]

Have I mentioned Spring (http://www.freewebs.com/celuien/000_0623.jpg)? :D

A toast to spring and to new beginnings!
Hear, hear!

[Lalaith]

The Moonlighting episode, Atomic Shakespeare, which I watched on DVD last night. Such fun.

I'm not sure the Hobbiton worthies would appreciate it, mind, although I think some of the Tooks would like it (particularly the uncle who ran away to sea...)

[Lhunardawen]

Glorious eleven or so hours of sleep.

Waking up with the sunshine and a smile on your face.

Having an hour or so to spend being silent, thinking, reflecting, and reading - things you haven't consistently done for several months.

Summer break's definitely Shire-worthy. (Although it makes me feel as if I'm in a completely different world from all of you... :D)


Don't kid yourself. You're a hobbit through and through. And you would have been a fine werewolf if you hadn't been dreamed of the very first Night.

Can I send you to the Shire again? :)

[Mithalwen]

Cutting the grass for the first time - because despite the vast amount to raking up to be done it means Spring is here ... and it smells really nice.

Mith (wearing a spring jacket for the first time)

[JennyHallu]

Looking at the outside temperature last night at about 10:30 PM and seeing the number 75 with disbelief. Going outside and confirming that it is, indeed, 75 degrees Fahrenheit and kind of balmy, in the dark, in the middle of the night, on April 2.

\/\/00t

[the guy who be short]

Realising that LMP has somehow managed to create two "general" threads and related them to Tolkien on a technicality. Wonderful. :D

Actually, I believe that this is sufficient reason to seventh his assignment to the Shire, in conjunction with his use of the word "beMordored."

The prefix be- belongs, quite definitely, in the Shire.

Also, Easter. The chocolate is meaningless, the religion lost on me, but I appreciate the two weeks of paying off my sleep debt.

[littlemanpoet]

General?!? :eek: TECHNICALITY?!?!? :mad:

What mean you, ceorl*?!?

(...indebtedness to one Fordhim on style...)

:p

*ceorl (Anglo-Saxon) = churl (Middle English) = man (mod. Eng.)

[Laitoste]

Watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail for a class function...for the second time! Four long years ago, I was introduced to this glory through my English class, and now we watched it for an interdisciplinary course. The only thing better than the movie was watching my professor recited the entire film along with it!

[Kath]

Realising I'm not as much of a techno-dunce as I thought I was! I felt so proud this morning when I managed to install the mouse on my laptop :)

[Oddwen]

Realising I'm not as much of a techno-dunce as I thought I was!
I assign the image of various 'Downers dancing to Techno music... :D

Go Saucepan, go Saucepan...

[the guy who be short]

Voltaire belongs in the Shire... though his pessimistic nature would probably get him exiled. Still, perhaps he could ensure his continued existence by telling stories.

[The Saucepan Man]

I assign the image of various 'Downers dancing to Techno music...

Go Saucepan, go Saucepan... :eek:

Perish the thought!

'60s pop is more my kind of dance music. :rolleyes:

Although it can get rather noisy and off-putting for others on the dance floor ... :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign my writing professor. You don't get a more understanding teacher anywhere. I don't deserve her.

Because for those of you who don't know, I scrapped my term paper less than a week ago and started from scratch. I also started a different paper and couldn't finish it due to time and sanity constraints. She gave me an extension based on that that I really didn't deserve.

And then I fell asleep as I was working and didn't get either one actually finished to bring to her office "before 8:00 or I'll turn many shades of purple." As a matter of fact, it was the 8:00 bells that woke me up in time to realize that I was in so much trouble.

Still clad in pjs, with my hair uncombed, a tweed blazer, and flipflops, I pretty much sprinted to her office (with unfinished papers printed in blue because, guess what, my black and white cartridge is dead) where I had to try hard to keep from crying because I really didn't plan on going to bed last night and my body thwarted my plans.

And she's in her office until 5:00 when "those papers had better be on my desk." I LOVE my writing professor. If she wasn't so amazing, I'd be medicated by now.

So yes... I assign understanding professors during finals week, and her most in particular.

[Farael]

I'm sure it's been assigned already, but I couldn't find it after a very quick scan and so here it goes again.... I assign being able to rant and vent on the Assigned to Mordor thread. That thread belongs to the shire... which I guess might explain why the shire is so perfect, if they keep assigning the bad things over to Mordor. It'd also explain why Sauron was just a wee bit upset :D

[the guy who be short]

Honey. Ah, sweet nectar from the bosom of bees...

That was odd. Anyway, honey belongs in Mordor because

1) It's like sugar, but more natural.
2) It's delicious.
3) It helps with sore throats.
4) It comes from flowers.
5) It smells nice.

[Celuien]

I assign the variety of origins in place names to be found in my corner of Pennsylvania. There's everything from Welsh (see the Mordor assignments for a brief list) to Lenape.

A personal favorite (besides all of the Welsh places) is Wawa, which means Canada goose in Lenape. Just makes me laugh to have a place (and convenience store chain) named Wawa. :D

Just so everyone doesn't think everything here is interestingly named, there's a street named Street Road. And a newer cross street to Street Road quite logically named New Street Road. Not very original, but entertaining anyway.

[Farael]

I assign the variety of origins in place names to be found in my corner of Pennsylvania. There's everything from Welsh (see the Mordor assignments for a brief list) to Lenape.

A personal favorite (besides all of the Welsh places) is Wawa, which means Canada goose in Lenape. Just makes me laugh to have a place (and convenience store chain) named Wawa. :D

Just so everyone doesn't think everything here is interestingly named, there's a street named Street Road. And a newer cross street to Street Road quite logically named New Street Road. Not very original, but entertaining anyway.
Ohh you should see my neighbourhood, Celuien.

We have the cross of Carlos and Carlotta (Just for those who don't see it, Carlos and Carlotta are pretty much the same name in Spanish but Carlos is for male and Carlota for female)

And then we have streets crossing with themselves, such as Buckle at Buckle, Carlotta at Carlotta...

Finally, you can go down one road and cross the same road twice without turning back.... some streets here are U-shaped. It's lots of fun to bike around my neighbourhood.

But what's the point of all this? well, I'm mightly happy because I'll go biking today, so I'm assigning bikes and bike rides to The Shire. Along with smaller bikes for hobbits.

[Mithalwen]

However I believe most bicycle saddles are instruments of torture manufactured in Mordor - may whoever invented the gel filled ones be forever blessed.

Also to be blessed are the inventors of these fabulous new moisturisers which incorporate fake tan thus enabling the celtic complexioned to go barelegged without exposing skin of horse-frightening pallor or hopelessy streaky orange.

[Celuien]

Ohh you should see my neighbourhood, Celuien.

We have the cross of Carlos and Carlotta (Just for those who don't see it, Carlos and Carlotta are pretty much the same name in Spanish but Carlos is for male and Carlota for female)

And then we have streets crossing with themselves, such as Buckle at Buckle, Carlotta at Carlotta...
That sounds...fantastic. :D I was always amused by the fact that one of my former neighbors had the same first and last name, and lived on a street that also had that name. So Buckle and Buckle or Carlotta and Carlotta are great!

To the Shire: all of the little things that bring a smile to your face.

[Lalwendë]

I assign to the Shire Magners cider. I don't drink but when I do have a pint I like a nice one. I've avoided cider like the plague for about ten years due to its evil hangover potential, but a nice pint of this stuff goes down a treat. Hobbits would love it. ;)

I also assign the fact that the city centre was almost deserted yesterday, giving us the chance to actually walk around and enjoy the new galleries (but not the shops 'cause we don't have very many of those any more!) and squares they've built.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign official acceptance letters. When you've been waiting for weeks to hear about something so important to you that you intentionally avoided mentioning it except in important cases (like "So Mom and Dad, I've applied to this thing on the West Coast this summer... how opposed are you to me working my butt off, buying a plane ticket, and going?"), it's amazing to open your e-mail and spot the letter saying "See you this summer!"

I swear, that was worse than waiting for a college acceptance letter.

[Diamond18]

Not sure this quite belongs in the Shire as I do not know the Hobbits' feeling on rock concerts, but:

I assign the happy feeling one gets when one finds out one will be going to a concert one really wanted to go to, but which one thought one was going to miss. The period leading up to such a looked-forward-to event can be as much fun maybe even more than the thing itself. :) So, actually, I'm assigning "anticipation" to the Shire. That works. :)

[Formendacil]

Easter.

Or, more specifically, the Easter Triduum, from Holy Thursday's evening Mass through to Easter Sunday's Mass.

Mind you, I'm enough of a Church-geek, Liturgiophile, and Mass-aholic to begin with, but these are awesome services... especially with our choir. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil... ah, how I love thee- and the message thou preachest.

And the Litany of the Saints in particular. Eusebius, Chrysogonus, John Chyrsostom... Not only does it sound awesome, the names are often cool and hard-for-the-normal-man-to-pronounce.

And then there's all the out-of-town students back for the weekend, and the midnight coffee and bread after the Vigil, and, of course, the Easter Sunday dinner...

Yes, I love Easter.

Alleluia!!!

[Alcarillo]

Speaking of Easter, I assign solid chocolate rabbits to the Shire. Not those rabbits with the space of chocolate-smelling air inside them, but solid chocolate rabbits. Yum. :)

I also assign jelly beans to the Shire, and any other Easter candy.

[JennyHallu]

Having dinner turn out the way it is supposed to...all like Momma made it.

[Firefoot]

I whole-heartedly agree. Easter is my favorite holiday of the year. Leaving the Tenebrae service on Good Friday, then waking up at 5:30 on Easter Sunday morning to go to the early sunrise service where it is still dark, then for the lights to be turned on with the opening chords of the instrumentalists - trumpets and bells and drums. Truly awesome.

A holiday not over-comercialized nor too busy nor filled with hordes of relatives I either do not know or do not like. Even with the chocolates (which I do like, admittedly) and the Easter bunnies, Easter by its very nature remains truer to the spirit of the holiday than Christmas. And there's not much anyone can do to secularize Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

And many Easter hymns are among my favorites.

[littlemanpoet]

Seeing Maundy Thursday spelled right, and hearing it pronounced right. Not that hobbits would care all that much, but the sense of "that was done right and proper" is as hobbitish as they come. :)

[Samwise]

Meeting someone new.
Keeping a friends Library book by accident.
Reading through Two Towers in one night.
Reading the second book first !??!
First being known as Sam. ;)

[Orominuialwen]

Easter. It's absolutely beautiful durig the Vigil Mass when all the lights are turned off and you look down from the choir loft and see the congregation all holding candles. It's also wonderful when you bring your mandolin and get to play with the Estudiantina choir (they sing in Spanish), even though you've never practiced with them before, in addition to singing with your own choir. The marathon of singing five days in a row is even fun: practice Wednesday night, singing for a trilingual (English, Spanish, and Latin) Mass on Maundy Thursday night, singing Good Friday afternoon, singing for what feels like the world's longest Vigil Mass (2 hours and 45 minutes) on Holy Saturday night whichwas trilingual and ended at 11 PM, then singing for Easter Mass when you have to be there at 8:30 in the morning. It's also wonderful when after the disorganized semi-disaster that was Maundy Thursday, the Vigil Mass goes off fairly smoothly. The music is unbeatable, too. The Hallelujah chorus, Schutz's Cantate Domino, and a chant by some monk named Wipo that poeple have been singing for over 1,000 years (Victimae Paschali Laudes), Stabat Mater (from Pergolesi's Stabat Mater Dolorosa), along with some other pieces I can't even remember right now. Going over to a friend's house where a big group of people gather for every major holiday and being able to have a mandolin and penny whistle jam session with another friend is great fun as well.


Painting my nails for the first time in 8 months. It makes me feel wonderfully girly. (Sad but true.)

Those wonderfully crazy Native American and misprononced place names that seem to be found only in Wisconsin that nobody outside of the state can ever say properly, much less spell. Some examples include: Oconomowoc, Peewaukee, Prairie du Chien (pronouced 'Prairie doo Sheen'), Waukesha, Ashwaubenon, Waupaca, Waunakee (it's the only Waunakee in the world), Racine (pronounced ray-SEEN), Antigo, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Kewaunee, Menominee, Wausau, Sheboygan, Chippewa Falls, Baraboo, Oshkosh, Ozaukee, Fond du Lac (pronounced Fondue-lack), Wauwatosa, De Pere (pronounced Duh-PEER), Kickapoo, Lac Courte Oreille (pronunced Lacouda-RAY), Winnebago...

You have no idea how much fun I had compiling the above list. I never really though about how many place names here that I take for granted as normal that are really quite unusual.

[littlemanpoet]

Michigan has a Cheboygan too. And a Menominee, I believe. lesseee.....

Macatawa, Michilimackinac, and that's just a start from memory. More later....


... Manistee, Kalkaska, Kalamazoo, Newaygo, Keweenaw, Algonac, Arenac, Chicora, Chicagon, Dowagiac, Gogebic, Hiawatha, Huron, Ishpeming, Keewahdin, Kincheloe, Leelanau, Lenawee, Paw Paw, Pewabic, Manistique, Manitou, Meauwataka, Missaukee, Monongahela (!), Negaunee, Ojibway, Okemos, Pinconning, Roscommon, Sebewaing, Tekonsha, Wacousta, Ypsilanti, Zilwaukee.

That was fun. :)

[Kath]

Sun! I love sun! Even if it does give me freckles. Actually because it gives me freckles, I'm far too pale and they hide eye bags from when you've had about 5 hours of sleep a night for the past 4 days.

But it's so warming and nice. I sat in my room with a cami and skirt on today and was warm!

Also to third (fourth, fifth?) the motion, I support the assignation of Easter. I'm not very religious, at all religious really, but I like it because it's a lot less commercial than it could be, at least round here.

[Formendacil]

Prairie du Chien, possibly De Pere, and Lac Courte Oreille are French, I think, although someone more knowledgeable could call me out on this one... If I'm right, it goes back to some of your French-Canadien roots- same as those more major American cities of Du Bois, Detroit, St. Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Pierre, Des Moines...

On a related note, I assign "smatterings of linguistics" to the Shire. I'm far too lazy to ever learn a second language (and if I do, it would be Latin... which is "dead"), but I do love smatterings of foreign tongues. Strange words here and there, of miscellaneous international origin, coupled with the proper pronunciation that most people can't manage, but you're usually good at...

I also assign Catholic ordinations... another fine example of beautiful liturgy. I also assign the fact that I get to go to one tomorrow...

[The Saucepan Man]

Spending Easter Sunday with old friends in a beach bar in Spain, sipping Rosado and tucking into gorgeous seafood while the children play in the sand.

In fact, I'll just assign our entire Spanish Easter break, which was wonderful. :smokin:

[Lhunardawen]

The sunflowers neatly lining the avenue leading to and away from my university. How they brighten up an impending doom-filled day!

Also, those little white fluffy things that some trees shed to scatter their seeds. They make it look like we're having snow in summer.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign the best kind of pedicure around: every nail a different color, painted lovingly by a seven year old.

[JennyHallu]

aww...too cute. Are your toes (as well as the nails) all different colors too?

Oh! OH!

And I assign my parents visiting. Why weren't they this cool when I was growing up? My folks are just awesome!!!!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

A wee bit around the edges, of course. And my left fingernails happen to be a different color than those of my right hand. :cool:

I also assign the cat-like instinct to curl up in a sunny window and nap in the warmth. I love spring... I looooove being warm and snuggly.

[JennyHallu]

I assign living somewhere my cold northern friends, relatives, and sundry regard as a vacation spot. It's all nifty. Anyone want to come curl up in my windows? It's been 80 to 90 degrees (Fahrenheit, you weird Europeans) all week.

[Orominuialwen]

Prairie du Chien, possibly De Pere, and Lac Courte Oreille are French, I think, although someone more knowledgeable could call me out on this one... If I'm right, it goes back to some of your French-Canadien roots- same as those more major American cities of Du Bois, Detroit, St. Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Pierre, Des Moines... Actually, a lot of the explorers who named the places came straight from france and didn't do more than pass through Quebec. Father Marquette and Joliet were the first French explorers to come to Wisconsin (I believe) in 1673. My family came along with them. A few stayed in Wisconsin, while the rest all went on to Missouri, where they continued to speak nothing but French until the end of the 19th century...


Chocolate milk belongs in the Shire. It's just fun to drink.

[Mithalwen]

Lac Courte Oreille are French,. Short Ear Lake? Evidence of naming by Francophone elves who have les oreilles longues ;) ?

[Orominuialwen]

It's the name of a Native American tribe and I think a town as well.

[Lalaith]

A lot of the Native American tribes spoke French, early French settlers and all that...I know this from reading Little House on the Prarie... :)....remember that really cool Osage chief, Soldat du Chene....

[Mithalwen]

and so reality intrudes on my charming ( to me)whimsy of Francophone Elves ( impossibly chic and drinking espresso and smoking gauloises ) naming the lake because of the strange round eared mortals who dwellt by its shores ... :( ;)

[Mithalwen]

A lot of the Native American tribes spoke French, early French settlers and all that...I know this from reading Little House on the Prarie... :)....remember that really cool Osage chief, Soldat du Chene....


Wan't there a tribe called Nez Perce? And somewhere there are mountains called Grands Tetons (sniggers in an immature fashion).

[Diamond18]

Those wonderfully crazy Native American and misprononced place names that seem to be found only in Wisconsin that nobody outside of the state can ever say properly, much less spell.

Oh, yes yes! But you forgot "Kewaskum" from your list. :D (Key-Wahs-come)

... Manistee, Kalkaska, Kalamazoo, Newaygo, Keweenaw, Algonac, Arenac, Chicora, Chicagon, Dowagiac, Gogebic, Hiawatha, Huron, Ishpeming, Keewahdin, Kincheloe, Leelanau, Lenawee, Paw Paw, Pewabic, Manistique, Manitou, Meauwataka, Missaukee, Monongahela (!), Negaunee, Ojibway, Okemos, Pinconning, Roscommon, Sebewaing, Tekonsha, Wacousta, Ypsilanti, Zilwaukee.

You seriously have a Zilwaukee? :eek:

[Mithalwen]

Let me introduce you to the joy of English Place names.

We have neighbouring villages up the road called Tiptoe and Sway. Other side of Poole you get to Piddletrenthide and other quaintly named villages along the river Piddle. In the New Forest a hill is called a Hat and a valley is a Bottom - so you have Horseshoe Bottom, High Hat etc. I have friends in Nether Poppleton in Yorkshire... and many more ...Here are some more (http://home.freeuk.net/gobsmack/names.htm) They did rename a place called Lost, Lost Farm since people kept nicking the sign...

[Celuien]

Monongahela
There's a Monongahela in Michigan too? Guess the ability to pronounce that isn't just a test for being from PA anymore (the Monongahela is one of Pittsburgh's Three Rivers).

More Philly tongue twisters: Conshohocken, Wissahickon, Wyomissing, Manayunk and Schuylkill. :D

[Lalaith]

I particularly adore the place names of the west country.
I have little stories in my head about Queen Camel imperiously bossing around the hapless Bovey Tracey....

[the guy who be short]

Fahrenheit, you weird EuropeansRational decimalization... how odd!

I assign the decimal system in all its convenience. Now I just need somebody to buy my decimal clock idea...

[JennyHallu]

I assign the English Standard system in all its whimsy. Now I just need someone to go along with me in converting all maths into hexadecimal numbering.

[Lalwendë]

Weird and slightly smutty place names? You want to check out one of Castleton's premier tourist attractions (http://www.cavern.co.uk/) if you ever visit Derbyshire. :D

[Kath]

How about links that cause you laugh out loud, causing various family members to send very odd looks your way. Thanks Lal!

[Cailín]

A friend of mine lives in a tiny Dutch village with a name that roughly translates to "Yummy-church".

As for tongue-twisters... "Scheveningen".

:cool:

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign trying to keep a few NY towns straight: Owego, Oswego, Otsego, Otego, Otisco. I have a friend who lives in one of them, but you've got me as to which it is.

And the names of a few others... Poughkeepsie ("Puh-kipsy"), Skaneateles ("Skin-yat-lis"), Rensselaer ("Rinse-uh-leer"). My favorite NY name though, is Canajoharie. It's just fun to say. Say it with me, "Cannidge, Ahari." :D

Oh, and I assign having the courage to take risks once in a while. Even if the risk is merely saying "Hello."

[Encaitare]

Springtime! I don't know if it's the weather or what, but I feel a lot more cheerful and energetic than I have in ages.

Also, doing silly things for fun, like making Perler beads (http://www.perlerbeads.com/) and sealing wax.

And getting the inspiration to continue working on old projects. That's a good one too. :)

[Lhunardawen]

Calculus-induced headaches.

Now before you think me insane (which I wholeheartedly accept that I am, by the way), do hear me out. It proves one important thing: my brain still works.

[Kath]

Having the first day back at school be only a half day, being so 'ill' today that I'll only be going in for the afternoon, and having the afternoon off tomorrow - meaning that my first week back I was barely there!

I'm so not looking forward to a time when I can't just skive :(

Also soup, very nice on sore throats.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Driving practice on your favorite car (you know, the one with bad breaks, no power steering, and veers ever so slightly to the left? the one that most people loathe driving...) with your big brother beside you and the radio full blast as you keep an eye out for deer, kids, and dogs.

Dinner with your grandparents where finally, somebody gets it. "The meat is fantastic." my grandfather teased lovingly. "Leave her alone." Grandma shot back. "She doesn't eat meat and she doesn't have to. And she's healthier than you are, so you can just hush up." And then laughs all around.

Photography adventures on the back of a four-wheeler. Hidden lakes that take effort to reach and, once found, incorporate a slight amount of paranoia into your life given the knowledge that it's getting late and there's a mountain lion in these woods...

Sacrificing sleep for reasons that have nothing to do with homework or finals; working until the wee hours on a surprise birthday present that you know will be loved.

Taking risks and having them pay off. Opening up and realizing that it's okay that you're not perfect.

Road trips with mom.

Scoring high marks after the hardest semester, academically speaking, of your life thus far.

To summarize, I suppose I'll merely assign spring break.

[Laitoste]

Classes like the one I had today, in which we got a 10 minute break because my professor managed to break a window trying to kill a wasp with the Divine Comedy. We were blessed with a brief reprieve from our unproductive, frustrating, biased, exclusive discussion! :D

Exciting political speakers: in November, Jesse Jackson spoke to us, two weeks ago, we heard from Bob Dole, and tonight, the College Democrats are hosting Al Franken. I'm ridiculously excited.

[Lalaith]

An exceptionally magnificent firework display, enjoyed by our whole street this evening, courtesy of Her Majesty, who was celebrating her birthday just across the river. Many happy returns, Ma'am, and thank you. Those rockets were positively Gandalfian, and thus obviously belong in the Shire.

[Anguirel]

Aye, aye! Seconded. Actually I think Her Majesty was pottering about in the town across the bridge earlier today...

[Lalwendë]

Aye, aye! Seconded. Actually I think Her Majesty was pottering about in the town across the bridge earlier today...

I thought I'd seen her Madge on TV, hanging about outside the Windsor branch of Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Was there a sale on? ;)



PS
I won't complain about her - we get a day off for her birthday every year in May! :cool:

[Lalaith]

I started off the evening feeling vaguely peeved with her, as her imminent arrival at Kew Palace meant so many police, outriders etc that our Indian takeaway was very late arriving. But those fireworks more than made up for it. Everyone was outside in the road, enjoying it, cars were stopped everywhere to watch, we all had a jolly natter before going back indoors to continue our Friday evenings....all most convivial....

[Kath]

I wonder if the sudden police presence around the town had something to do with that . . . it would be odd, we live 2 hours away!

But I'm assigning the police people wandering all over the place. They're very friendly and don't mind when you sidle up to them and mention that you've never seen a real live policeman before. (This is true, I've only ever seen policewomen.)

[Celuien]

I believe the local police force from my hometown (not necessarily where I live now, though it's not too far from Philly ;)) would fit nicely with the Shire's Shiriffs.

When my parents first bought their house, the previous owner left it a mess. My dad went out to clean the gutters over the garage, and was startled by a strange voice behind him, which turned out to be from a uniformed officer. He'd come to welcome us to the new house and then spent some time helping my dad clean up. :D

Anyway, the police are very nice there.

[littlemanpoet]

Rensselaer ("Rinse-uh-leer"). That's actually Dutch rather than Native American.

And yes, we actually have a 'Zilwaukee' in Michigan. There's also a Saugutuck. :) Hmm... how does one tuck a sauga, and what does one tuck it into? :p

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

That's actually Dutch rather than Native American.
Still fun to say, love, and everybody pronounces it differently. There are some, silly fools they are, that insist it's "Ren-zuh-layer." ;)

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

I assign having an inbox full of kind and funny birthday greetings. Thanks, guys! :)

Also, having someone to call you and sing 'Paljon onnea vaan' while you're standing in a puddle in the middle of a small forest with your dog since the path you were following just disappeared is definitely Shire-worthy. :)

[Lhunardawen]

I assign having an inbox full of kind and funny birthday greetings. Thanks, guys! :)

Also, having someone to call you and sing 'Paljon onnea vaan' while you're standing in a puddle in the middle of a small forest with your dog since the path you were following just disappeared is definitely Shire-worthy. :)In case Nilp forgot to greet you for me, happy birthday. :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

http://forum.barrowdowns.com/images/chatskwerl.jpg

I would like to remind all participating members that the long life and survival of this thread is directly connected to its being kept free of chatting. Off-topic posts may be edited or deleted by a moderator if you do not do so yourself.

[Kath]

I assign chat skwerls, how cute they are :)

[Farael]

I assign all the mods while we are it, all the users of the BD. This forum is so much better than any other I've been to that should it be anywhere else but the Shire, it might cause a glitch in the time-space continuum that may cause us to pass out.... or destroy the whole universe.

[Lhunardawen]

I assign the sudden tears (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=463162#post463162) - no matter how few - that fall after keeping them in against your will for so long. And the people who made it possible. Love y'all. :)

[Encaitare]

When the guy friend of yours whom you secretly fancy breaks up with his girlfriend. Muahaha... maybe this relationship stuff isn't so terrible... :p

[Taralphiel]

I finally thought of something useful to post!

I assign April. Silly though it sounds, it's a good month.

Here in the Southern Hemisphere, it's Autumn, and a season I quite enjoy. It's just cold enough that a coat will keep you warm (as opposed to me NEVER being able to keep warm in the middle of winter....*grumble*), and you get wonderful acts like roasting chestnuts to make it warmer. :) A season to lock yourself up indoors and enjoy good people's company. *nudges the Downs* :p

Another reason I assign April is that today's the 25th, or ANZAC Day (http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_tradition.htm). To remember those who gave and are still giving their lives for your peace and contentment is never a bad thing.

Hope that wasn't too corny for you all! *giggles*

Tara :)

[Oddwen]

I assign that good smell when you're peeling an orange.

I also assign that the trees are finally green, and in fact the color green itself.

Be praised for all Your tenderness
By these works of Your hands
Suns that rise and rains that fall to bless
And bring to life Your land
Look down upon this winter wheat
And be glad that You have made
Blue for the sky and the color green
That fills these fields with praise

Except that horrid avocado green that was popular in the seventies, and the green/yellow color of disgusting and molding things that I won't mention.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Being reminded of primary school excitment for the first day of classes by your own giddiness and inability to avoid showing up to your classes, even the second day, early. Yesterday we got the basics of the classes and spent an hour learning how to lie convincingly. Today I get to play with Adobe Photoshop while the rest of the class learns to use it and then I get to sit and write. I forgot how exciting it is to really want to go to classes.

And I assign grapefruit juice and dreams in other languages. Allergy medicine that kicks in fast, and sunlight that sneaks through my window to wake me up more gently than an alarm clock ever could.

I assign long phone calls and photos taken just for me.

I assign my entire good mood because I don't have any more time to explain, given I have one of those classes in ten minutes. :)

[Celuien]

To the Shire:
Finding out that I got a spot for an ophthalmology clerkship at a fairly famous ophthalmology center. :D

It's not the date I wanted (scheduled after application reviews and interviews are over), but spots are hard to get, and at least they'll know my name when my residency application shows up on their desk.

Good thing I checked my email. I'm a little less bitter about my presentation in half an hour now. :rolleyes:

[Cailín]

I just saw that I have finally passed Accurate English with rather astonishingly high grades.

This means I will never ever have to prove that I can speak / write English again. Only those who have taken as many extremely dull and painful language acquisition courses as I have can truly understand what a blessing this is.

So yeah. I assign 'eventually passing a horrible course' to the Shire.

[JennyHallu]

I assign the nights when Neal cooks. This chicken is incredible.

Which reminds me to assign whole chickens. You can roast them, cut them up, whatever...and they're so much better than any of the stuff we can afford to buy cut up. And they're so CHEAP!

[Oddwen]

GIRL SCOUT COOKIEEEEES!! I have three boxes all to myself! *mwahaha*

Namely Samoas, but especially thin mints.

[Kath]

Knowing you're going to see your friends for the first time in a week tomorrow, even if it will only be for a few minutes.

Having teachers that are wonderfully understanding about the health problems you've been having recently, and have given you extensions on coursework and are offering extra help when you get back so you can catch up.

My mum and dad, who have rearranged their whole working week in order that they can keep an eye on me (in a good way for once!).

Having my godmother get the job she applied for and knowing she'll be great at it. And knowing that the teacher who opposed the idea of her going for said job when I mentioned it to him will now be proved wrong.

Almost being able to breathe normally all day for the first time in a week.

The 'pom pom' music on the Sky TV guide!

[JennyHallu]

Discovering in the car on the way to church that you missed a spot shaving...just BELOW your hemline.

Umm...wrong place. Must go assign this elsewhere. Here I'll assign that I was the only one who noticed.

[littlemanpoet]

... my professor managed to break a window trying to kill a wasp with the Divine Comedy.There's something elegant about that. A metaphor in there somewhere, don't you think? :D

Um, I assign English muffins. :)

And writers' festivals that actually do inspire writing. .... and reawaken my love for poetry. Writing it, that is; ... and also delving into the wonders of Emily Dickinson.... for the fun and joy of it, not having to take classes or prepare for exams....

[Lalwendë]

Um, I assign English muffins. :)



Which sort? The ones that are like cakes/buns/fairy cakes and come in flavours like choccie and lemon (you get these in Greggs, and they are lovely)? Or the ones that are quite flat and doughy, and that McDonalds do in a morning, e.g. the very tasty Egg McMuffin? Or the Lancashire Oven Bottom ones that are like a slightly overcooked barm cake/bap/roll/breadcake/stottie? I currently favour the latter - we have them stuffed with honey and mustard sausages and Lee & Perrins Worcester & Tomato sauce on a Sunday morning. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.........

I assign regional food confusion. ;)

[Mithalwen]

Oh Lal the cakey ones are american.

The Americans call English Muffins the ones they use in the mc Muffin.

I like hte lancashire ones but they are a regional thing.. but tescos sell em and I like them.. but the english ones are best... oozing with butter and honey.

[Laitoste]

Getting into all the classes I wanted. I didn't get into the feminist theology class I wanted to take, but I'm taking a Civil War/Reconstruction class instead and will work on my history major instead of general requirements. I am elated, relieved, and can't seem to write my last Spanish paragraph. And I have to study yet, too! :eek:

[Taralphiel]

I assign my most small and humble milestone of 500 posts on The Downs :p I hope I'll make quite a few more!

I also assign the chance to prove to a family friend I can, in fact, cook dinner without burnng the kitchen down! I'll let you all know how that goes ;)

Tara :)

[Alcarillo]

I assign finishing the Iliad. It was long and violent, and I inched through it at a sluggish pace, but now I'm finally done, after a month or two. Yay. :)

I also assign starting and completing your posterboard for your school presentation in one day. It was stressful and I had to reprint everything twice, but now it's finished!

So in general, I assign finishing any hard task.

[Lalwendë]

Oh Lal the cakey ones are american.

The Americans call English Muffins the ones they use in the mc Muffin.

I like hte lancashire ones but they are a regional thing.. but tescos sell em and I like them.. but the english ones are best... oozing with butter and honey.

I like all of the varieties. ;)

In fact, seeing as it is Friday, I might go and get a bacon buttie (on a proper Lanky muffin) from the canteen - those butties truly belong in The Shire, which is why I normally avoid them, as they are addictive.

And another thing for The Shire, crumpets oozing with butter.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...........

[Kath]

Mmm, bacon butties . . . now I know what I want for lunch! Thanks Lal :D

Keeping on with food, I assign chocolate gateau, so nice!

[Farael]

How about assigning all the half-priced chocolate leftover from Easter in most big retail stores? I know it's not easter anymore, but you can get a rather big chocolate bunny for about 97 cents. That's about a whole day pigging out in chocolate.... for 97 cents!! I'm half wishing to get depressed so that I get an excuse to cheer myself up with all that chocolate.


Yes, some guys (or is it just me?) like to eat chocolate when they are sad. And happy. And caught between either way. I love chocolate, it belongs on the shire.

[JennyHallu]

I assign endorphins. (sp?)

[Taralphiel]

On that same thought, I assign chocolate milkshakes!

They have a magical ability to help motivate me to do a long-avoided task, which is another thing assigned!

*perouses more job ads whilst sipping on the last of her milkshake*

Tara :)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I assign the sort of long phone conversations that leave your ear warm and your heart fluttering, your voice tired and breaking and a cool shiver on the back of your neck. Talking about everything and nothing for hours, planning for this summer, discussing everything from adrenoleukodystrophy to sky diving to funny movies to Shakespeare and your opinions of interpretation.

I assign unexpected praise from people for whom you have much respect. Non-academic projects with professors. When ideas turn out better than you could have hoped.

I assign contented smiles and lazing about in pj pants on a Friday night when you didn't really want to go out clubbing.

[Lhunardawen]

I assign lazy profs who give take home exams for Calculus, to be passed after a three-day weekend.

EDIT: On second thought, I just assign the take home exams and not the lazy profs.

[JennyHallu]

Oh, Fea! I totally agree with you about the phone conversations. The ones that last until one or two, and hours are spent saying goodbye because neither of you want them to end...I used to talk to Neal sitting on the rug in the bathroom, because I was living at home and that was the only way to wake no one up. Days my sister went to a friend's were awesome...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

The nights all of your friends are out and you get some alone time... several straight hours of being the only person in your room. Midnight yoga and poptarts at 1:00 AM. Being able to talk on that phone for hours without people hearing every word that you say. Snuggling under blankets and realizing that it's actually warm enough not to need them.

That's something that gets its own assignation paragraph... being warm. In general, I'm consistently cold from about October until May. I loathe being cold. I'm fool enough to wear flipflops year round and pair a winter coat with a pair of shorts because I'm in too much of a hurry to pull on a pair of jeans, but I really don't like being cold. Falling asleep at night with no more covers than a light blanket and waking up to a blue sky and warm sun streaming through the window absolutely makes my day.

[Mithalwen]

And another thing for The Shire, crumpets oozing with butter.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...........


Ooh my Dad calls 'em pikelets but he's from Brum originally.


I assign the fact that I live somewhere that is very Shirelike at this time of the year - tha May is out a day or so early :D and so are my bluebells... I love this time of the year with the evenings drawing out.

And I assign to their prefered part of Middle Earth someone who yesterday was a still voice of calm in a rather bleak evening .

[Firefoot]

Finally having my driver's license.

[JennyHallu]

Finally having a driver's license in my married name. Just looking at it, with my picture and address and MY name, Jennifer Elaine L--. Beautiful.

[Laitoste]

Days spent off campus, away from all the stress and irritating people. Especially when you get to spend 5 hours looking at horses. And during the breed demos, they brought out miniature horses, and some of the mares had foals! They were about 20 inches tall and when they were let loose, none of the people could catch them!

Also, evenings when my roomate is gone and I can listen to cheesy country music and not feel incredibly lame. :rolleyes:

[Taralphiel]

Relating to one of my previous assignments, proving to people I can cook!

I also assign curries. Maybe not part of a traditional hobbit diet, but they're tasty! :p

I also assign making small victories in figuring out Photoshop & ImageReady, and making cute little avatars!

Tara :)

[Lalwendë]

I assign when days out are thoroughly pleasant and you get home and go to sleep at about 9pm because you are so tired!

I'll also assign Lincoln because it was also thoroughly pleasant, quick on the train, had loads of dusty second hand bookshops, and the Cathedral was worth paying to go and visit - last time I went I wouldn't go in because of having to pay for entrance, but its the 'norm' now to pay to go in the oldest cathedrals, and its well worth it. You even get to muck around and pretend to be in a Harry Potter film because they have cloisters, where you can also sit and have a nice cream cake and a pot of tea. ;) I had a chat with a priest about digital cameras, and the woman at the castle was friendly and didn't chase us as we nosed through the gatehouse because we didn't have time to go in and look round.

The supposedly ridiculously steep hill, cunningly titled Steep Hill, was not as steep as my own street, and they also have a medieval bridge with shops built on it.

I also assign the fact that the cherry tree and the clematis right outside my house is finally beginning to flower. It has all normally finished by now, and I was beginning to get worried!

[the guy who be short]

Toys 'R' Us! A magical land full of something-something, Ta-da-da-da-da Da-da-da-dadada. That trip was one of immense fun. So many buttons and gaudily coloured plasticky things.

Staying up 'til midnight discussing inanities with BDers.

C. S. Lewis. I'm sure Tolkien's best friend should be allowed a little home somewhere in the pleasant land, wherein he can be holed up and forced to write more books in the Ransom series.