Blow it up

I'm not the only one ready for a new place of baseball...

"This place, this Metrodome," Tigers catcher Vance Wilson said. "I'm ready for them to build their new place and blow this thing up."

**That was out of a Strib article regarding Sunday's game**

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With all of that's happening in the Middle East I feel odd sitting here and complaining about menial things such as lack of gin in my gin and tonic and the heat. But what do I do? Nothing. I wake up in the morning and turn on the TV just to hear of the latest bombings. I read the paper to grasp the numbers affected. But the most interesting piece of 'media' that I read is a blog that is posted on the FoxNews website. It's done by an American student who is living with his girlfriend in Beriut right now. It's weird to think that he went from the U.S. where we are clueless on what a life of fear and hatred is to living in the midst of caos. It's a good read to grasp what would give us a non-biased view of what's going on over there. I know you're sitting there like me.....so take a few minutes to read.

I forgot my lipstick!

I was coming off of busy-as-hell social week (work was very dull though) and thought that my weekend would be just as fun/exciting/entertaining. I had a total high from with personal stuff and not to mention it was also a great one for baseball (Go Twins and Nats!!!).

But I guess there was no other way to go from there but down when it came to Friday night. Funny how the "Workin for the weekend" totally didn't come to play here. I went into Friday night like normal; meaning I relaxed, took care of some household stuff, stopped at the ABC and then got ready to go out.

Once I was out with Lolo the shit started hit the fan. **Please understand it has NOTHING to do with Lolo - she knows I adore her** So, Lolo and I are kickin' it up at the Angry Inch. It's a small little bar, packed with twenty-somethings but nothing special. The rail drinks were $5 - which I thought was a raping seeing how stingy the bartender was on the gin. But we continued on with our drinking. I got quite happy within an hour and started our regular rounds of making friends. We met a lot of people but unfortunately our 'friends' were always too young, not very cute or well just plain douchie. But we didn't care - we at least had each other.

We only spent 2 hours there but seemed accomplish a lot in that short amount of time. Most of it was good (like meeting new people and dancing) but as the time ticked away so did the number of not-so-fun things added up on my Crappy Night Meter, which included: Running into Buckeye fans, the strap on my purse breaking, spilling my drink on the floor and begging a guy to drink my last two drinks because "we had to leave" - edit really girlie moment.

After my beggin we were in a cab on our way to Lolo's boyfriends place. Now I don't mind this because I'm fairly happy from my gin and tonics. (which is a bad sign) I ended up passing out shortly after sitting down.......and awoke at 7 am freezing my ass off in a really, really cold room (I had no blanket and ended up covering myself in pillows). After waking up and feeling really awkward (I didn't have a clue as to where I was) I picked my wallet, camera and phone out from Lolo's purse and ask a random person on the sidewalk where I was and where the nearest metro stop was. (It's almost like doing the walk of shame at a Frat house) And yes, I was too lazy/cheap to call a cab.

In the middle of my hour commute to Rosslyn I realized that I forgot my lipstick in Lolo's purse. Whatever - it's just lipstick .....it wasn't until after getting to Rosslyn and half-way home I that I realized I had also forgotten my keys (real blonde moment). Lovely, seeing Lolo went back to sleep and her phone was off. So I'm stranded with only a phone, my wallet and reeking of bar with nowhere to go. And to top it all off - I had to be at Allen stuff in less than an hour! Thank God RO was up and saved me from my terrible moment. Major brownie points for him.

The rest of Saturday happened....mostly good but ended odd......

So fast-forward to my Sunday morning. I get up, make plans with Lolo, go to church and the like. I get home only to get a message from a friend. That friend is now on my "When You Finally Grow-up, Give Me a Call" list. So between that and some previous stuff from Saturday I'm getting crabby. I start to head out of the city for a drive only to get stuck in traffic. I turn around and go to Target. While there, every person seemed to be there either to A) run into me with all of their stuff or B) stand in my way. ANNOYING.

Since I was crabby I figured watching a movie would help with the 'tude that was increasing. But looking through the aisle all I saw was stupid love story or dumb humor movies. And that's when I remembered that I had yet to see the documentary The Aristocrats which was recommended by Tony. Instead of going to Blockbuster to rent, I bought it. (shut-up, I'm lazy) Once I got home I popped it in. I ended up suffering through 45 minutes and finally had to shut it off. It was horrible. It was a sick humor that I couldn't handle beyond 10 mins worth. So between some certain people, a bad moment (keys) on my part and this shitty documentary I was in the all time bad mood.

Of course in the height of my bad mood I got someone requesting me to update the blog....so here you go buddy - I updated - you happy?!

If anything, maybe you got a good laugh out of this. Majority of my problems stemmed from my stubborness and/or stupidity, so I shouldn't be complaining.

But really, all I got from this weekend is that I must covet my lipstick more than my keys. Sad, sad.

Fashion Police - Goodlatte?!

Yesterdays hearing on protection of fashion design was interesting yet nothing special. I didn't realize that until I had looked up the bill, H.R. 5055, that it was headed by our very own VA Congressman Goodlatte. The same man whom I've looked to for Ag issues is now my very own fashion police. It's so nice to see such a well-rounded man.

Way to Go Bob.

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You never know when you need to shred that document!

Did you know that there is a USB mini-shredder out on the market? This compact thing is perfect for shredding your bank reciepts, ticket stubs, parking tickets, work memos on post-it notes and the like. Again, I know my life is just not safe enough unless I can shred that post-it note on which I wrote down the date and place where I was going to meet with friends for drinks. Really - if some person got their hands on that, who knows what danger I'd be in. But thank God I've got my mini-shredder hooked up to my laptop so I can take care of that.

Can you say 'Nerd!'?

First of all - CONGRATS to the NATS! We won last night. It was fun because it actually came down to the very end. So awesome. Even though it got to a point where I was about ready to pounce the lady next to me because she was a crazy Giants fan who kept punchnig the air and saying stupid stuff. But I didn't; instead I looked at her, smiled and pointed to the scoreboard.

One of the other entertaing parts was the crowds reaction to Barry Bonds. The booing was AMAZING. Thank you Barry, you made my night!!

****

So today I realized that, yes, I'm kind of a nerd. I do my normal check through my Favorites including things like: Wall Street, Strib, Drudge, Fox, USTR.gov, and CNBC.

The nerdy part is at the very end I go onto the House committee on the Judicary website to check the calendar for the latest scripts/audio. I first started to do it because of work, but now it's become a daily thing for fun. I sit at my desk and stream-line the committee video.

Even though I'm a nerd on this, I would like to point out that you learn A LOT. And secondly how else are you going to know what the committee has to say on today's topic:

Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 5055, "To amend title 17, United States Code, to provide protection for fashion design."

Really, NOTHING beats a good committee hearing on protecting fashion design.

Go Twins........

It's a struggle being a Twin's fan within a National League dominated area. First of all, no one cares if you like the Twins. Secondly it's tough finding a place that will air the game. I had to be had HQ tonight which is fine but I was hoping to watch the game from there. Unfortunately Allen isn't big about having all of the sports channels, leaving me with a blank screen at 8:05 pm. I did some more work but ended up leaving around 9ish cause I couldn't handle missing the game. It was getting late and at this time we were already in the top of the 6th and tied...OF COURSE! I headed to Kitty O'Sheas and requested for them to turn the game on. The bartender had NO CLUE which station and spent about 20 mins looking for it. I gave up and walked over to Summers. They started to change the station (another 15 minutes) only to give me the Oakland game. (BOOOOO!!!!) Finally I got my beloved Twins at the bottom of the 8th. I about had a heart attack seeing that I missed the entire 7th inning which, of course, had the most runs/action. Dammit. I sucked it up, thanked the lady and ordered my gin and tonic. Luckily the White Sox screwed it up and we won. Even though I was obviously the only person who cared about the game I was able to turn the 5 other people at Summers into Twins fans. (3 cheers for me).

Tomorrow I'm heading to the Nats game. The first one for my for the month of July. I know I had sworn them off but you can't resist free tickets. Let's just hope they win:)

A Blog on a Blog

I was informed that I needed to update. Unfortunately for my audience I've had a fairly boring lifestyle lately. I either work, volunteer or see friends. Kinda boring for you not so much for me....just cause I won't put the some of the interesting stuff on the blog. Some things are meant to stay behind closed doors. You know?

BUT there is one thing that I want to bitch about. I HATE DC/NOVA/Maryland drivers. I may come from the country but I do know how to drive. I have been driving since I was 10 years old (one of the many perks to growing-up on a farm). I like to think I'm decent...not great cause yes, I get mad and yell at other drivers but I DO remember to use my turn signal and to not speed in high-ped areas. But here....they don't give a damn. And now I have greater proof that I'm right when it comes to this subject. Now don't laugh cause it is from another blog. whyihatedc.blogspot.com just did a post on where the DC/NOVA/Maryland area ranks in comparsion to the rest of the U.S. for driving skills.

Graphs were even used. How technical! (sorry, I'm loaded with sarcasm right now) I am proud to say that MN ranked in the 2nd highest tier. For some reason though, Washinton state and Oregon topped it. I don't know how to explain that.

I also have CNN backing me on this. Granted I'm not one who goes to CNN for backing but when they are proving the same thing that I'm trying to get across...I will go for it.

I don't know how we are to change this. I would point out why I think that this is true but it may come off very inappropriate. And seeing that I'm a girl, I'm sure there will be many negative comments towards my opinion. Even my boss will point out terrible women drivers to me. AS I SAID BEFORE - I'm not a perfect driver (regardless of what Tyler thinks....I'm still decent, when I want to be).

All I'm saying is that I'm still a better driver than many people out here.....sadly.

What the Hell NWA?!?

When I traveled to VA for my interview back in March the airline asked me if they could bump me up to a 15 minute ealier flight that was non-stop (which meant I would get to DC 2 hours ealier). Now because of the 'inconvienence' they put me in first class and gave me a voucher for a fully paid for roundtrip. That I tell you is a GOOD DEAL!

At that point I'm lovin the airline industry.

But then.....


When I flew home to MN a week ago the airline somehow lost my luggage for my non-stop flight. It was kinda okay seeing at was an empty suitcase but still an inconvienence! So when I went to report my missing luggage the lady tracked it (Chicago) and then gave me a little envelope saying it was an apology from them. I opened it and there was a $25 discount for my next flight with them.

Obviously the airline sees getting to your destination early and in first class is a major inconvience as compared to missing luggage. For some reason we don't see eye-to-eye in that category.

Please, if you can explain why this makes sense, I'd greatly appreciate it.

CCTV 4

Why today is a great day -

I went to the Chinese Embassy to get a visa and during the wait I got to watch 20 mins of the Chinese version of COPS on CCTV-4. Really, it doesn't matter what language or country, it's all the same with your druggies, the 'trailer' trash and so on. In so many words - it was awesome.

**The hyper-linked version is the English version, not the one I was watching (unless I can no longer understand English anymore!)**

I paid HOW MUCH and this is what I get....

Tried to log-on to the University of Minnesota website tonight to get some info and this is what came up.....

Some University Web sites are currently unavailable due to a problem with the Office of Information Technology’s Web hosting service.

Web sites affected by this problem are www.umn.edu and some departmental Web sites.

Please note, this issue is not related to the PeopleSoft 8.9 upgrade.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.


COME ON!!!!

Stomach Full of Brownies

Today is that one day in which many people get really depressed and will sulk away because they are 'officially' one year older. I on the other hand take it for all it's worth. I believe that not only should we have 12 days of Christmas...but also 12 days of birthday. My 12 days of Cassandra is 24 started this past Saturday and will continue well past this weekend. There are plans for each day/night and I will do them all.....even if it may result me dying of exhaustion. At least I will have had a fulfilled life.

Right now, I'm sober. Which is good cause well, I'm kinda working at the moment. I might have to stay that way through the nite also because tomorrow I'm going to be in meetings all day and then going to the Vietnam and Chinese Embassies. Which will be fun but I believe going sober would be the best idea.

I would like to thank my co-workers for giving me a kickass b-day at work. There was more food than necessary and beyond. Also it was fun to share my day with Carrie. Granted I am waiting for the proclomation to be signed by Gov. Kaine stating July 12 the official Day of Cassandra. But until then, I'll go with it just being my birthday.

I would also like to point out that Milwaukee is a pathetic place....well okay not the entire city but a number of the residents are very, very stupid. Someone had the hairbrained (from Allstate Insurance) idea to give away free gas only to cause a a car crash and 2 arrests. Hmmm...car crash...promted by an Insurance agency, what a coincidence. Supposedly there were hundreds of people there before 4am in the morning to get $30 worth of free gas. Now I don't know about you, but I would rather be sleeping during that time instead of sitting at a gas station in my car waiting for a measly 10 gallons of gas. If you can't affored that [gas] your time looking for a better job would've been better spent than waiting for the gas. Think about it people. And by the way, it's not 1973 and the Yom Kippur War is over....there's still some gas out there. And if not, suck it up and find an alternative (like a Flex Fuel Vehicle...hint, hint).

5 Day VACA!

Just got back from my first trip back to MN. It was good times but crazy full. I barely landed and then zoomed off to Sterbs to meet the gang. I forgot how much cheaper stuff is (okay, mainly alcohol) is back in MN. I liked it. The guys won some music game...which I have NO recollection of. Then the next day and a half days were consumed by wedding. Even though I'm normally the 'anti-wedding' girl, this one I loved. Mostly cause it was my bestfriends, but it was beautiful and well, just awesome. AND to top it all off they are going to be living in Jacksonville, NC - holla!! I will even let you know that I cried for the first time in my life at a wedding. I sobbed so hard that I had to walk away from the camera a dozen times.

As for the rest of the weekend - it was nice and relaxing. I love MN and it was fun to visit but I did get a twinge of saddness when my DC friends called me to give me the 411 of the activities for the week/end. But that's a good sign.

I'm supposedly being immature nowdays, as in comparison to my past. I say, "Screw it!" Yes, I may go to work with a slight hangover every once in awhile - EVERYONE I know does that. And hell, NO ONE likes a 'fun-hater.'

I bought the Star Tribune today to read on the plane. I now remember why I don't read the Strib. It makes me furious because about every-other article lamblasts every ideal or moral that I hold. Jerks. I won't go into detail on the articles but let's just say the topics include: Drugs, war, recruitment and marriage.

Thank you to all who made it out either on Wednesday and/or Saturday to hangout with me. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! If I could, I'd pack you up and have you all live in DC with me. Just think of the trouble that we could get in here..........

Double thanks to Ms. A for putting up with me. Hehe. I'm sure my singing on Saturday night would've given me the one spot on American Idol where they show all of those who didn't make the first cut.


And Random Moments from the Weekend:
- Changing clothes in the parking lot at Sterbs because I no longer have a home in MPLS
- Yelling - "SERVICE" to the crappy wait-staff at Sterbs
- Ms. A dropping my VA license in my beer and yelling "Trader!"
- Getting hit on by a guy in the "Unionized" party - yes the two girls kissing at Sterbs on Saturday night were a newly unioned couple.
- My nieces running full force to me when they saw me for the first time in 3 months....awww!
- Sitting at a table with my exboyfriend and his fiance at the wedding.....awkward!
- NWA losing my empty bag on my non-stop flight.
- Watching 'the guys' being 'the guys.'
- Doing the ONE thing I should never do.....we all know what that is.
- Just realizing on SATURDAY that Kenneth Lay died (hey, I was away from the news since early Weds!) and then pretending to cry.
- Drinking my beer out of a cocktail glass.
- Visiting Marshall Field's TWICE (Brurnsville Centre and Rosedale Mall) to take pictures and morn the loss of my favorite store.
And if you really care - I will be back in MPLS for the GREAT-MINNESOTA-GET-TOGETHER!!! Sept 1-4, I'm a little excited for the fair!

My Thoughts - Like they matter....

Its around 11pm here est and I'm having a hell of a time. First of all - Happy 4th of July!!!! It was a fricken nice day. I'm tellin yah. Granted I woke up at 6am to do stuff for Sen. Allen - but it's worth the cause. If someone asks why I'll respond with a "because he's got an R behind his name." (okay I stole that from a friend!) Still, it's the truth. Jim Webb is a moron and well, quite frankly, and I'm tired of morons. Fairfax activites went off as planned and we made the evening news......everyone's happy.

After Fairfax we all took a break and then headed for a 'small' party in G-town. Yes, I said small, but really the activity level was beyond control. We're talking nice, nice area turned into a frat party. Good times. It meant me gettin drunk (or happy - whichever sounds nicer), yelling "USA" and "HAPPPPPPY 4th" to everyone driving by or walking down M St. Oops. Then on the way back Sarah and I thought a nice dip in the fountains would be super. So we did. There's pics I guess, but I didn't care. Let's just say, whether or not there's alcohol involved, Lauren and her neighbors are going to have to put up wiht my obnoxious love for those super-teired fountains. Serioulsy - they are gorgeous and luke warm! Unfortunately I have to work tomorrow, that's okay, the boss is out and I'm leaving early so I can finish packing. I was going to do that today but got distracted between, talking, drinking and watching a baseball movie...oh well. And hell, its the fourth. Who works on the fourth?! I sure as hell don't!!

Silly Opposite Sex

**WARNING - this is my opinion about the male sex. No offense to anyone, okay maybe AB but that's it. Also, very few times will you see me post stuff about men so forgive me for this one time.**

I don't know what it is but around this time of year I try to stay away from the opposite sex as much as possible. I think it's because the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays and really, I don't want it to be spoiled. Men have a tendency to do that for me. Now I know many are suprised with that statement because I have that reputation with guys. But it's true. The 4th means NO guys unless they are like brothers to me. And it appears that I'm going to be good this time around. I will be with the opposite sex but my God, I would never do anything with these ones. I'm happy for this. I think.

But when I realized this I started to think about why men are the way they are. You know - idiots. Growing up with a male-dominated lifestyle I believe I can sometimes understand the man, and lately I just want to make a HUGE apology to men from my sex in general. We expect you to read our minds, be smart, attractive and well decent.....that is tough I know. But there are good reasons why we women are so appalled and into you at the same time. And here's a few examples of both (negative and positive) that I've encountered these past two weeks:

Negative - AB and I got into a small fight, I told him why I'm upset yet he was too damn stubborn to admit that he was wrong (I've got proof that I'm right on this one).
Positive - Walking down the street and a guy who was fairly drunk and happy that the French beat Brazil, ran across the street to give me a hug and proceed to tell JR (on my cellphone) that I was hot. **okay so he was drunk, but his DD even agreed so I'll take it!**
Negative - Cute guy buys me drinks all night, flirts with me when I leave he gives my friend his business card, she e-mails him and he responds with "So which one are you?" **ahem, when you give a girl your business card, remember which one**
Positive - The guys in my life have been WAY better listeners than the females. **surprising kudos there**
Negative - If they don't see a benefit for themselves (like gettin some ass) there is NO way in hell that they will make sure you get home safely.
Negative - I don't care what age you are - whipping your thing out in public is sickening.
Negative - Looking at a girl and smiling is cute, gawking at her breasts (in the grocery store of all places) is NOT.



Okay - that is all I have for my complaining. Happy 4th of July!!! I love guys. And we know it. Sometimes a little too much. But I promise to work on that. And well be a little more proper in bars too.