Holiday Card from Delta - not as cool.

I'm sorry Delta (and United) but your butts were totally kicked by AA!

Happy Holidays from American Airlines

Happy Holidays from American Airlines

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Queen

A video that has been going around via my friends and fake friends is the Muppets take on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" ... AWESOME. I have now watched it three times and still squeal in delight each time. Luckily I'm back home with my folks thus I have slower internets thus preventing me from watching YouTube all day long.

But if you haven't seen it (re: you've been living under a rock) here it is. Enjoy my friends.

What would you do for a plane ticket?

Ideas for New Years ...

A. Credit card my flight out to DC for a gala hosted by friends
B. Steal parents car & drive to Canada
C. Sleep through it
D. Buy a handle and just see how the night goes

All seem worthy, now I just need to pick.

A Southern Affair

I am excited... I have two friends getting married come the warmer months. One in Alabama and one in Georgia. Excited because for once I get to "travel" to two states I have never been in and they aren't in the Midwest. Yes, I'm excited for the girls but this gives a good excuse to knock off two more states on my little list.

****

On another note, I have accomplished the following in the last week:

- Signed-up for 8 credits of classes for my Masters at GMU
- Filled-out FASFA apps
- Got a house line-up
- Started packin-up my office/apt

Next I need to actually PAY for school, book my flight & UPack services and move out of my apt. That is what "needs" to happen before the end of November. Yikes! I will be spending a lovely month at home with my folks (or on friends couches) and getting ready to take the hike (via plane!) out to VA.

I am giddy with excitement over being a student again (this will definately change come mid-February, I'm aware) and to be back with my Urban Family.

As much as I am giddy, I am sad too, to leave my family and to be poor again. It really hit me when I was standing in Macy's and started to tear-up and pout after realizing that shopping will be a thing of the past. Luckily I have been easing myself into this lifestyle by majorly reducing "fun" purchases (one thing a month baby!).

But there will always be Plan B - marry a sugar-daddy!

Holding Pen

I'm in a holding pen time zone. It's kind of annoying... I have many long days where work is slow, clients are quiet & I don't spend much money seeing I'm trying to save. One day was so dull that I decided to just walk around downtown Mpls and soak in the last few days I have as a resident of the city. As I was sitting outside of the Target on Nicollet Mall tuning up my iPod a man approached me. He had also just walked out of Target and motioned for me to take my ear piece out. I looked at him (probably with a bit of apprehension/annoyance) and he blurts out, "Ma'am...I just spent $15 for a scarf...how does it look?!" After the question he strikes a noble pose. I stifled my laugh and told him that it looked very nice. We spoke for a short while and went on our merry way.

It's moments like those that I'll take away with me in regards to this city. While I'm usually approached (at least 2x week) by people asking for money it was a nice breath of fresh air to get such a silly but honored question. The man was genuine and probably just wanted a compliment from a lady. It actually put a smile on my face and a little kick to my step for the rest of the day. While I praise my home state for their "Minnesota Nice" I don't think we actually live up to it by outsider standards. I think we do a bit more in the country (I forgot that EVERYONE waves to each other when they drive/walk/ride by until the other day when 15 people waved at me during a period of one hour). But I haven't experienced it nor have given it as much - with our general stoic personalities I think an outsider may be confused when they get here. "Why aren't these people smiling?"...."Why don't they come out of their way to see why I'm lost." We are friendly people but that is when it comes to our circles. I don't think we are a great place at welcoming in outsiders. I'm guilty of this and should know better seeing that I have been on the other side.

People think I loved being in the DC area because of the politics or whatever not. Actually it's really because of the openness. It was easy to make friends there because almost everyone was a transient. If you lived there for a semi-length of time you felt obligated to give a bit of guidance to a tourist that has a look of confusion, even if it annoys you so. You welcome newcomers to the group and always invite them to whatever may be going on. You simply understand the loneliness and don't want them to suffer like you had to. You also know that there is no option of "going home" if they are feeling sad.

So while I may feel a bit coupe-d up right now - slow work, moving soon, prepping finances for grad school, perhaps I should enjoy the time of being a Minnesotan and smile a bit more at people and offer a hand of knowledge...you just never know how that can change a persons perception on the place I will always call home.

Season 5

Coming this September - 17th - on a Thursday evening... a crass, outlandish look into the life I lived for 13 months.

Okay, not really, but it is the Season V premier of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"

Day man
Fighter of the Night man
Champion of the sun
You’re a master of karate and friendship…for everyone
Day man, day man
Uhh ahhahh
Fighter of the Night man
Uhh ahhahh
Champion of the sun
Uhh ahhahh
Master of karate and friendship…for everyone
Day man, day man
Uhh ahhahh
Fighter of the Night man
Champion of the sun

Hello...LOVER

So the other day I decided to give all wedding gift registries the middle finger. What is typically a bridal shower gift was purchased by me. A single, no wedding (OR boyfriend) in sight, lady said "screw it" and bought a Crock-Pot.

I had gone to the local Target to get a few items (re: popcorn & Lysol) and went through the kitchen appliance aisle to do a little dream shopping. While there I noticed a price reduction for the 4 qt Crock-Pots. I couldn't believe it. The dream is there and WAY cheap. Okay, it's not like they are expensive but they are space-taker-upers and for a lady who moves on average every nine months, it doesn't seem logical. These types of appliances are logical for those whgo are settling down and cooking for more than one. "Well," I thought to myself, "will I EVER be a girl who settles?" The answer...probably not. In all reality, I don't think I'm the settling type and that's okay! So why wait for the beloved Crock-Pot to make my list for a house warming gift or a wedding reistry?

I didn't and I'm beyond happy about my purchase. I hate to say it, but buying it made me feel a little more liberated.

Happy Crock-Potting people!

Heights

Apparently heights mean nothing where I live. As mentioned many times before, I live on the 2.5th story (there's a garden level), as in it's high enough that I wouldn't care to jump from my windows - EVER. Well, okay, I would if there's a fire.

Heights typically give you an additional privacy but not here!

Exhibit A: As I'm munchin away on my lunch yesterday with the living room window open all of a sudden there's a tail...then a body...and some rustling. Yes, a cute little squirrel had managed to climb up the vines and use my ledge for a little lunch elfresco.
Sorry...no squirrel. I was too lazy to get-up and take a photo of him. But this is where he sits often. I wonder if he likes the view the "I-don't-know-the-name-of" Liquor Store, or perhaps the ONE skyscraper you can see from downtown?

Exhibit B: And right now. I'm typing away at some work when all of a sudden I look out my office window at at the face of a man. A man is on the roof of the neighboring liqour store. Men seem to "work" a lot on the roof of that store and I have yet to figure out what the heck they are tryin to accomplish. Again...not the most relevant photo but a much better one - one of the many beer trucks that unload below my window every day.

A Little Ella

Nothing is more relaxing/satisfying than driving downtown Mpls with the windows down and the sunroof open on the Volvo and blaring a little jazz.

It confuses everyone. And I love it.


***

I like figuring out the ROI on things. On a computer, on a guy, on a new pair of shoes but I cannot, for the life of me, figure out the ROI on my future grad school. I have two choices with two different types of programs and in two different locations. What's the ROI on them? Not a darn clue. Of course one is WAY more expensive than the other & located 1,000 miles away from my family but it does allow for greater networking. The head is tired of thinking but I must choose before the end of this week. Words/advice/wisdom are always welcome.

A Step Back in Ag

Coming from a farming community and, of course, growing-up on a 5th generation dairy farm I have always been a major advocate of crop & animal agriculture on several levels. It, like everything else, is a business. Yes, it's a way of life, but so is being a baker or perhaps a coal miner. Often times you find yourself with your work and more than in life of leisure with little money to show for it. But that isn't the point I'm trying to make. With this as a backgroud and also my future (I have gone to school & only worked in Ag) I have been disheartened by what is out there that belittles such a massive and necessary industry. To top it all of, it's not just a consumer. These are people who I call not only my neighbor but a colleague in the industry. While they feel that they are "defending" the virtues of the family farm they are actually harming it by sending out mixed messages to the consumer who wants to trust us and know us! I can honestly say that 98% of all dairy farms in the U.S. are family owned & operated. 98%. How many products out there do you buy everyday can you say were created at/from a family owned & operated place.

This group..... "Family Farm Defenders" http://www.familyfarmdefenders.org/Main/HomePage

is crazy.

I wanted to use a much more educated word for them but after reviewing all that is posted on their site I cannot think of a better word than, crazy.

They offer backwards messages. They do not give sound, proven facts. They seem only to be driven by emotion. I'm appalled at such bold statements they make with such a narrow view.

Hey "Family Farm Defenders" I want to help out the family farm too! Let's think about using more sound practices to create less waste, or restructing out of date pricing programs (one that makes sense...a floor is almost as bad at a subsidy). Perhaps we should think of the consumer while we're at it! Does that consumer want to open a head of lettuce with bugs in it? Does that consumer want to know where their food came from? Well gee...let's show them but in a more appropriate way.

From the Farm

Sent out to all who like to be fed, clothed & sheltered:

I don't know how many of you have heard about or have seen the movie "Food Inc". We just want everybody to know that the way agriculture is displayed in this movie is misleading and false. Our food supply is the most plentiful and safest on earth. The only way we will be able to feed a growing world population is with the use of modern technology in agriculture. We also know for a fact that farmers and ranchers care more for our animals and our earth than anybody else on this planet. By using modern technology we actually use less energy and resources to produce more product, therefore being more "Green".

I encourage everybody to inform other people of the real truth about agriculture when having a conversation about this movie.

I have attached a link to the website for the movie, check it out.

Sincerely

Everybody at Kuball Dairy Farm

http://www.foodincmovie.com:80/

Styx

If I have learned anything this year it's this...

Don't listen to "Come Sail Away" by Styx on your MP3 player while sitting in a public place (e.g. coffee shop, library, etc.) because it is nearly impossible to NOT break into song.

2nd Day of C

In honor of the 12 Days of me (my birthday is right around the corner) I decided that waking up at 6:30 am was a dumb idea so I slept in. It's not like I have be at work at a certain time, I work mainly from home & for the most part visit my clients offices on an "as need" basis. It's the week of the 4th, NO ONE wants you to visit their office. So after I decided that I needed more sleep I go back to bed and promplty drift off into a deep sleep that included crazy dreams.

Some of the dreams are vague now & weird but then the others were all too pratical and confusing. I say this because I have a tendency to dream about work. I also dream about errands that I need to make or bills that I need to pay. This morning I dreamt that I managed to buy AA batteries, pay my Excel bill & go for a 30 min walk. I was excited to think that I had done so much! But no, I just got bummed when I find my mouse still dead (lacking batteries), my pedometer at 25 steps (coffee trip only) and my excel bill still needing to be paid.

This are minor things which don't have horrible results but when this starts going over work stuff it gets annoying and frustrating. I often will believe I turly did send that email made that call. Heck, this morning I dreamt that one client told me that they were going to get the latest InDesign program. I was so excited but then it hit me...dream. DAMN!

So as I put things on hold with my procrastination & lack of desire to work yet I bring to you the best video of the summer...

Arlington: The Rap

It's Summer...

The squirrels in my back alley are making a killing. I just saw one run off with a FULL muffin that was bigger than the size of his head. I think I need to start a health awareness intiative for my neighborhood squirrels...seeing that we may be worrying about obesity rates soon.

On another note, I was super excited about the idea of summer. I now take that excitement back. I forgot that I don't care for hot weather - more like - anything that makes me sweat while standing in one place.

You see, I don't have AC in my little abode, which 9 months out of 12 that's okay, but apparently it's now warm enough out to make my pad uncomfortable at times. I open the window for a nice breeze but then deal with the noise from the liqour store fans right below (go figure a place that sells coolers full of beer would have so many noisey fans!!). It's all good seeing I do live/work alone, thus I really could work in my undies! (Ha! Got you. Don't worry, I don't...gross!!!) Anyhow, these thoughts have left me with mixed emotions about summer.

Maybe I do need a real job in an office where I'll have to wear a sweater cause they keep it so cold, even though they are facing financial hardship with the economy and are doing a million other things to be "green" ... I always loved the irony there.

Men Win

Yes, I just said that. They win. They win in the fact that they have an easier time saying, "no." No, I won't give you money. No, I won't go to your dumb "party". Just "No". I like it. That's probably why men don't have to face invites to things such as Pampered Chef, Mary Kay or Arbonne parties hosted by their friends. I am obviously not the "market" that these parties typically look for. But is there really a market for them?

We live in an industrialized society that embraces convenience. Since when is it convenient to have to go to somebody's house to look at a bunch of scented candles (which, by the way, give me headaches) and then buy them from a catalogue. Re: They aren't even available that night!

Yes, I just dragged my butt on a 35 miles roundtrip (rarely to people in the city host this kind of crap) to the burbs to LOOK at something that is over-priced and being shown to us by some lady with scary, over-manicured hands and so much gold jewelry on that Mr. T is jealous. Now I'm suppose to whip out my credit card and buy a candle or votive or whatever because I feel guilty that I'm not into the product but my friend won't get the "Hostess" gift if I don't SPEND, SPEND, SPEN!!!

I could have solved my lack of candle issue while running my errands at, let's say, Target. To me, candle is a candle. It serves two purposes - looking pretty or making the room smell less gross. I have found that a $2 candle works just as well as a $10 candle.

If we do get food & drink out of this occasion it's typically wine. Supposedly ALL women like wine. Word. Not all women. I would pefer a G & T or even a whiskey on the rocks...probably the latter of the two seeing I'm surrounded squealing women, pretending to like a pastel candle and how it would go lovely with the beige decor in their livingrooms. Okay, lets make that a double on the rocks.

If I want food containers or candles - I go to Target or some other big box store. I use these items right along with my tp & Klennex's ... I think I'll purchase them together. (If there is a TP buying party, may the Lord help me)

If I want make-up - I believe in places call Target, Macy's, Bloomingdales, etc. There they have a women who can help you at any minute and a lot less girly stuff involved.

If I want a pedicure - I'll support the small biz down the street.

I'm a woman. I want convenience and not to be bothered. I'm busy. If I want to gather with you ladies, I just want to hangout and not feel the need to whip out my checkbook. Throw someting on the tube and place a beer or a G & T in my hand and I'll be happy as a peach.

So yes men, you win. Your "parties" typically involve beer (or liqour) and some chili. Only money lost is from the loser who stinks at poker. Hats off to you and your ability to say no. Because of your ability to do so you don't have to go to tool parties (you guys go to Sears or Home Depot ...where they have hotdogs!) or to card parties (your buddies remind you that Hallmark or drug store is down the road).

I guess the only way I can rid of this bad woman trend is by learning to say, NO!

A Night at Mickey's

This past weekend I played impromptu DD for a buddy of mine. While I was yawning through the night hours in my old 'hood in St. Paul, downing glasses of water to stay awake he and some of his friend BS'd the time away. I was okay with that but I knew I needed to get to bed soon and well, why must we stay till close? But we did and that was that. So when it came to my turn for leadership (i.e. he had too many shots) I whipped the car onto 94E rather than 94W where we should have gone.

Friend: "Wha...what are you doing?!"
Me: "We're going to Mickey's downtown. I want a grilled cheese and you need food."
Friend: "ahhhh..okay."

And that was that!

When we walked into the diner it was as if we stepped onto stage with the cast of "A Prairie Home Companion" we were just missing GK. We managed to snag two stools at the south end of the counter near the debutantes who had just finished a show at the Ftiz. Now I'm sure you're picturing a bunch of young ladies, so stop there. Nope, these ladies were dressed in sparkling periwinkle dresses with matching boas. They were all tanned, only to enhance their time aged faces but they wore bright fuchsia lipstick and brunette wigs. They were shove into a both in the midst of an "after wedding" crowd. Just as we sat down they started to sing "Going to the Chapel" for the obvious reasons.

Just to the left of us there was a young couple who looked as if they hadn't slept or eaten in days. The girl, dressed plainly, just sat there, all quiet and sipping on her soup and coffee. The guy next to her never uttered on word. As people started to fill in through the door and line-up against the wall the noise only got louder on our north end when the wedding groupies started to play music on the mini-jukebox.

As I was scanning the crowd there was everything. Everything demographic that makes what I call Minnesota. Not one person in the cramped 50'x 10' diner was like the next. Also, you couldn't pick a person out of the crowd and throw them into a common stereotype.

We had our food, watched the ladies sing a few more songs and tipped the waitstaff heavily. After leaving we may have had an encounter with a two civilians and a fire truck which will be for an entirely different post.

But that evening made me think. As I was digesting all that I had taken in during our 1 hr stint at the diner with a friend, who had never been to MN but has two great friends from here, he noted something that stuck with me..."You people in MN, you're very independent people aren't you? You can't say that about the rest of the country, you can pinpoint them and tell them what they like, but in MN you can't do that...can you?"

That's right. We're odd. We vote for crazy wrestlers to be Gov. We elect our own Supreme Court. Just because you love to read the markets doesn't mean I won't donate to MPR. We love to sit on ice and fish and then complain about the cold. We don't judge if you have super white legs come April.

Yeah, unique. That's us. Uff da!

The Line - BRMC

Life right now ... the encyclopedia answer.

Title: B.R.M.C. (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) - The Line lyrics

I am the line, I hold you near,
There is no burden left to bear, I can see clear,
You're in suspension, you know no love,
There is no story left to tell, You have no wisdom to pass on,
I am the soul of absolution, No man can hurt his own illusion,
My hands are crippled from the pain, You are the splinter in my vein,
You put your head between your hands, and understand, Nothing it is,
I feel the answers keep you scared, I've put the harm inside myself.

I am the line, I hold you near,
There is no burden left to bear, I can see clear,
I am perfected, I know no void,
I have no conscience to keep clear, I understand there's nothing more,
You try to kid yourself with questions, Pleading in time for some correction,
I found you tied onto the cross, with judgement on your every thought,
You know my words all mean the same, you've buried here to isolate,
And in this prison in your mind, Well you were born without a spine.

When did you stop caring?
When did you stop caring?
Where did you stop caring?
Where did you stop caring?

All along,
I've been waiting on the open invitation,
Your silence shown me no relation,
In the rising calm,
Don't you feel alone,
I'll be standing with your sorrow,
Oh he's left me's gone away tomorow,
And we maynever be here again,
We may never be here again.

Pull me up on either side,
Don't leave me standing alone in the light,
Pull me up on either side,
Don't leave me standing alone in the light.

All along,
I've been waiting on the open invitation,
Your silence shown me no relation,
In the rising calm,
Don't you feel alone,
I'll be standing with your sorrow,
Oh he's left me's gone away tomorow,
And we maynever be here again,
We may never be here again.

I did lose, so back off!

A long time ago (last year) I got a subscription to Campaigns & Elections (C&E) magazine for kicks. Once the subscription was up I didn't renew seeing I moved onto Fortune & Foreign Policy - really, I need to limit my reading to 2 hrs/day.

Well I just got an email from C&E with this note:

According to our records, you may not be receiving Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine anymore. If you've lost your campaign and changed your name to protect your reputation, that is understandable. Otherwise, we want you back.

I want to call them and say, "Why yes, I did lose and YES I want to save my rep!!" Really curious as to how they would handle that call, a call that they brought on. Hrm...

Drool Worthy

Reading the title you may think I'm doing a post on the hottie down the hall (okay, my memory stinks so I have perhaps have a "hottie" make believe image stored in my head and thusly will make it ever difficult for me to actually recognize him in the lobby from here on out).... but with that said - nope this is about what's happening outside of my window right now.

I don't like to think of myself in need for AA - and trust me - I'm not. But hot damn, there are at least 150 cases of domestic beer hanging out within my vision. As in the line of vision I have while trying to work from home. If anything is considered a tease - this is it. To top it off, it's BEAUTIFUL out. As in, the perfect day to crack open a brewskie while sitting on the porch and watch the day pass by. It is probably good that my work does require me to be on the phone nonstop from 9 am - 6pm or else I would meeting my craving right now. Though, if I would handle both at once I could only imagine my next phone call going something like this....

Me: "PSC schpeaking...who's may I help yous?!"
Pro: "Yes, I'm calling about the BIBSTAFF1 - would be be to use this for....etc."
Me: "Whysch YES! Yous can show the kiddies how's itz done on thez wes side of the country!!" *yelling*
Pro: "Okay? Well, then I would like to make an appointment."
Me: "HRM....." *ruffling of papers* "BLEEECH!" *incoherent mumbling* "OK! Found it!!"
Pro: "Ma'am are you okay?
Me: "SHURZ!! What date?? Oops! I just dropped me beer!"
Pro: "I'll call back later." *snap of phone being slammed down*

I don't think my client would appreciate me handling the PSC that way, so I'll just look longingly at the stockpile and make the two guys who are unloading the truck feel uncomfortable with my staring!

Tis the Derby Season

While I have friends who are donning their cute sundresses, new sunhats and wedges all the while socializing with a nice line of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and pretty horses I'll be here. And by here I mean by self, sitting in last years dress and hat drinking a Red Stripe while watching the fun times on the TeeVee.

While I love Minnesota - they don't get it. Nope. They don't. They don't see all that is wonderful in a good 'ol fashion derby, one where people are actually civilized and present their finest. Nah. We are a group of health freaks who'd rather jump in our canoe or jog around Lake of the Isles. I love both but seem to have a hard time finding a place that does both. What's wrong with gettin' down and dirty in the soil and then going and taking a shower and throwing on your Sunday best? I've never considered myself much of a southerner seeing my southern born girlfriends cringe half the time I open my mouth and respond to me with, "Only a Yankee would think that way!" (Yes, I'm a Yankee to them!) But then again they've trained me to like sweet tea, say "Ya'll" and squeel over a cute sunhat. My mother questions where the heck I came from seeing my taste is about 50 yrs too late. Needless to say, people have a hard time placing me and well, I do have a hard time finding that perfect fit.

So perhaps I'll just need to start a new trend. I'm sure there are plenty of misplaced southerners who are in MN - perhaps they would like a to join me in watching some fine bred horses run the race all the while enjoying a nice mint julep.

Though, while I look for them, I'm gonna try to find a hat just like this.....(but cheaper) Good lordy - $190!!!

Oh...poor Sec. Nappy!

What's the Vig on this Action?

Bad news. Susanna Sue (my Volvo) has issues. For you smarty pants, it isn't because she's a Volvo but more due to the fact that she's old and I think this is her way of getting back at me for bringing her to MN. My mechanic (who is anti foreign cars) just went through a whole list of why I need to get rid of her. I about cried. She's mine and it's the only thing that I actually own with worth of over $1,000. (Not gonna lie - I'm really not into the idea of owning a house.)

So that's it. I guess I'll start looking while she's still healthy enough get me to dealerships. Just not the situation I want to be in - I like her way too much to let go. Who wouldn't love a cute, spacious car that has seat-warmers?!

As for the update on the neighbor - no go. I haven't seen him in over a week. Though, the other neighbor apparently was coming home at the same time that my cousin and I were arriving back after a social night at The Independent. I guess (according to my cousin) that you shouldn't go and knock on someone's door after 3 am. I personally just wanted to make friends and he was nice (also asking us if we were okay due to my key issues - we were but weren't, if that makes any sense). But, of course, this idea didn't come to mind until 30 mins after talking to him in the hall. While I was determined to make a new friend I found my cousin bracing herself against the door, forbidding me of making a house call.

Current # of friends in apt building: 0
# of times I've padded down to the foyer in slippers to get my mail: 12

I hope those statistics aren't related.

Down the Hall

I have a neighbor just down the hall who I am quite curious about. The first time I met him I was struggling to get up the stairs at 2 am, not because I had consumed too much, but because I was carrying life-sized posters of Chad Greenway from the MN Vikings. He was with another buddy and a girl and I felt quite dorky cause this is what I was doing on a Saturday night - clad in a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers, carrying milk mustache poster boards. He asked if I needed help (it was very apparent with my grunting and climbing the steps at the speed of a snail) but I refused. Finally, as they waited for eternity to get to the 2nd flight of stairs he upped and grabbed the end and walked me to my door. I was embarrassed to say the least and mumbled a weak "Thank you."

The next time I saw him, I was rushing into our building all sweaty due to being at the gym earlier. He was out having a smoke and tried to make small-talk with me while I attempted to open the door with my poorly cut key. I was feeling kinda dumb, so I kept my eyes on my keys and just mumbled a "hi". Weak, I know.

The last time I saw him I was making a bit of noise at my door (stupid keys) and felt someone staring at me from down the hall. Of course it was him. I smiled and finally made my way into my apartment and slammed the door shut. Even weaker, got it.

I don't know what his deal is. Perhaps I'm a bit amusing to have around seeing I have issues with carrying stuff, opening doors and seem to always be at my worst. I don't know if he's fascinated or or what but it's apparent that he finds some form of fascination with me. I am half tempted to bake some cookies and leave them at his door (of course I'll knock and run away) but I'm afraid that it might give the wrong impression

(Not gonna lie, for years I always wanted to be that neighbor who brought over the "housewarming" casserole....but it just never felt right.)

I think I should attempt to get to know him seeing I am dying for new friends in my new location, but how should I go at it without seeming creepy? (I swear, everything is considered "creepy" or "stalking" these day...)

I guess I'll just have to let it play out; it's bound that we'll run into each other again.

Happy Earth Day and No, I will not give you a dollar.

I would like to consider myself a caring person - one who will donate their time and money for a good cause. I am bothered by homelessness and the increase in it due to our current economic times. But there is just something about a certain person who I saw on the street the other day that made me lose all sympathy.

As I was walking downtown Minneapolis with my friend we walked past numerous beggers. Some tried to talk to you, others just sat there and held a sign. With each one we passed I felt awful and secretly hoped that they weren't actually in such a dire situation. I also made a mental note to sign-up to help out at a shelter soon. As we were about to cross to another street a cigarette box was tossed across our path. We turned to see who had done this, surprisingly enough it was an older gentleman clad in dirty clothes and sitting against the building holding a sign asking for money. (And let me note: there was a trash can 10 ft from the man)

The guilt left me immediately and fury set in. My friend just smiled and kept walking as if she hadn't seen a thing I, on the other hand, went into a rage of why I wouldn't give him a dollar because I just paid that to him with my tax dollars paying to pick-up his trash. I didn't say it directly to him but made sure to say it loud enough while standing at the corner waiting for the light. Call me heartless but if you don't take the time to respect your surroundings, like heck I'm gonna help you out.

Though after my little stumpfest, two blocks later I tripped and pulled a muscle in my foot.

I got the message.

The Post Office

I love the post office - so much to the point that I convinced myself that I needed to get my own P.O. Box (and yes, there's a purpose for it....work). Anyhow, I took a good amount of time picking out my 'local' Post Office based on hours, location, type of building and parking. I found one down on 1st St. in Mpls and with each visit fall a bit more in love with it. That is....until today.

I got cat-called. Twice.

Now I have been cat-called before, by construction workers, on the streets of SanFran and by GW undergrads but never would think that I would be cat-called while walking to Window 7 to send some 1st Class mail and buy some stamps and to top it off, I had just come from the gym. What is so sexy about a girl with sweaty hair, workout pants (loose) and scuffed sneakers and, AND no make-up? I'll tell you. Nothing! I know it's Monday and you're probably still asleep seeing it's 8 in the morning but good gracious, don't cat-call a girl at the Post Office.

I wonder what I would've gotten if I had actually looked nice?

April Fools - Not Engaged

Today is April 1st. I am not participating in anything. Why? Let's see, the last two years I was engaged and the year before ('06) with child. Those are the big cards and well, they've been used and now it's just considered "cryin' wolf" as far as I see it. The sad thing is, so many people believed it for the last three years. I don't know what that says about me.....loose and don't care about future? I'd hope friends/family know me better than that!

Granted, after this past weekend I think I may need to step-up the game of maturing. As in, never agree to a date after midnight and then enhale too much wine.

What I can't wait for today is the announcing of the "Rock the Garden" line-up!!!


And word came out that Ms. Lancaster is doing an '80's theme for her book tour of Pretty in Plaid - how awesome is that? I have a feeling that '09 is all things '80s (re: Rosslyn film line-up). I think I'll have to participate in all that I can.

Ready to Hire

It's 5:10 pm on a Friday and I have a problem.

There are a million happy hours going on around this city and I am co-workerless.

Next on agenda - get assistant and do a lot of happy hours to make up for lost time.

Mother Nature

I don't like you...........


Today is the first day I'm working from home in 4 weeks and guess what? Yeah....you decided to have it rain ALL DAY LONG. Not cool. Not cool at all.

..........Fail

Okay the cake challenge never happened (yet). Instead I have found myself working into the nice hours of the AM each night this past week while spending daylight within the confines of elementary and jr. high schools in Mpls/St.Paul. Please let's say that I now check "Teacher" off of my list of potental career changes.

I am still in a half-furnished apt but it's getting cozy. The roommate is excellent (note: I live alone). But I consider it 400 sq ft of bliss with the biggest walk-in closet I've ever owned. No twenty-something-year-old could ask for more. Okay, yes they could and I've got it - the liquor store & CVS & Jimmy John's are all on the same block. Jealous?

I want to complain and moan about life but really I can't. Other than the crazy woman who sits in my back alley and the man who liked to follow me around a store my life has been pretty dull. Granted I have found that my new 'hood isn't the most fitting for me seeing I'm a caucasian who votes typically (R), doesn't own a guitar and prefers a suit over a peasant skirt. Other than that, it's a perfect match!
I sometimes wonder what my neighbors think of me. I'm here at odd hours (note: work from home most days), I "dance" to the classical music that is played in our lobby and drive a clanking Volvo that is always filled with Vikings/Milk paraphanalia.

And now I'm blasting Styx and Foreigner at top levels....to to you below....love thy neighbor!

The Cake Challenge

Okay people, I've got a new challenge. No, it's not me attempting to find furniture that actually fits my quaint studio or re-vamping a company PowerPoint, nope, I'm doing a useless challenge.

I'm making a spaceship.

In cake form.

I may only have about 13 inches of counter space but I think I'll manage it.

My inspiration (other than beating a 25 yr old who's version of culinary art include noodles and sauce) it this photo......

$14.99

One day while speaking to an old co-worker (while employed at previous place) my co-worker said to me, "You need to write a book about all you do." I looked at her as if she had three eyes and was speaking in Thai. I like to think my life is somewhat adventurous but I have never found it to be book worthy. For example - right now I am sitting in a bed at a crappy hotel that I picked from a fool proof photo (the hotel does not have hot water - I am not a happy camper), I have a cold and each day for two wks I don a red t-shirt and hangout around middle school kids who could care less if I ever existed. Not to mention, when I'm done doing this I head back to my hotel room to have a "fun" night in a deadly city which usually consists of me working, watching/listening to news, exercising and IMing friends.

Don't worry, I'm not boohooing my life right now. I'm more than anything getting jumpy! I'm excited to have my own apt again, but right now it's only a place in which I've paid good money for to sit empty for a full week while I live in a hotel. This time on my little domestic (StL residency) I have gotten to spend time getting to know a few new people who are quite nice and actually intereting. Oh and who doesn't love the randoms they meet on the plane? Like the guy who yelled at me for touching his bag? Or the kind African lady who was ready to give me CPR after nearly collapsing on the plane after running the entire length of ORD for the last flight to MSP?

These people and places have left many-a-good stories for me to reminisce about and I wish I could bank of them, but I'll probably have to settle for them just being blog worthy.

But if I were to have a book....what ever would I title it?


Hrmmmmmm.......

"Adventure of a Dairy Girl"

"Desperately Seeking Princess Kay"

"Mooving My Way"

Cheesy, I know. Which reminds me,

Happy 6th Anniversary 3-A-Day!! Have you had your 3-A-Day of Dairy today?

I miss from the college days.

I watched movies where there were "peace protests" and "sit-ins" and the like but never witnessed too much on my two campuses. Yeah, there were camp outs on the lawn to recognize homelessness and the typical political protests/counter-protests which were more than fun to be a part of. That's college. But obviously I went to a pretty lame school where we didn't have the GREAT REVOLUTION.........

WATCH IT NOW - regardless of your thoughts on the current day democratic process you'll surely laugh your butt off and well, shake your head while praising yourself for never acting like this during your Enlightened Years.


Oh I wished I was an NYU student.

A Couch.

I have a couch theory.


Now in my mid-more to later-twenties I find myself a lot of decent furniture.... a double bed, a twin bed (with frames), peronally designed desk and lingerie bureau, refinished antique monograph stand, smoking stand....etc. I am not without. Except for a couch.

Why? Or how? As in, how is it that I can own all this other furniture and not own a decent couch? How could I have gone from place to place during/after college and never fully aquired my own couch? Sure I had a $20 piece of crap my senior yr and a parental hand-me-down but they weren't worthy of keeping when I moved east on a $100 budget. So I did without and relied on crappy couches that my roommates owned.

But still, as you may wonder, how is it that I am like this? The theory is simple. To me a couch means settling. And if you know me, that is a hard concept for me to swallow right now. People ask me where I live and the best answer is "out of a suitcase". Sure I am currently at my parents house (for the last 3 months) and before that I was out east in two cities and before that I moved between Ames, Fresno, St. Paul and Mpls during my collegiate years. But those were only a few moves of the past before the several moves of the future. So why would I want to invest a quality/heavy piece of furniture when I still have a lotta leaving left to do?

Answer - don't.

Problem - I am now taking over a 6 mo lease in Mpls.

To me this could be temporary or turn into something a little longer. Not sure. But do I want to put up with visitors not having a comfy place to sit when they visit? Would I subject them to sitting on pillows on the floor for an entire six months? I would like to think I'm a bit more hospitable than that but that means I need to swallow my theory and purchase a couch. I don't want to go the college route and buy any old thing that fits in a $50 budget....not I want an adult couch.

So there we have it. I think I need a couch. It stinks. I am trying to save $$ for whatever move the future may bring me (job relocation/grad school/shopping spree to Bloomingdales downtown Chicago ......), you just never know.

But if I am to purchase a couch hopefully I can find something similar to this -




By the way - I never knew this could be so annoying but someone who finishes EVERY sentence you try to say is beyond annoying and will force you to speak faster so they can't figure out what you plan on ending your last comment/thought with.

Eye of the Tiger

Tell me how it is possible that I JUST downloaded the song, "Eye of the Tiger"?! Seriously, as I'm pumping through to create the most awesome of awesome workout playlists....I realize that I don't have "Eye of the Tiger". I about smacked myself after that revelation. It's me for goodness sake - the girl who loves Rocky....who chose to move to Philly off of that one movie.

So needless to say, it is downloaded and I am ready to find some steps to run up.

By the way - I managed to watch news tonight - news based out of Winnipeg, Canada. I loved it, just when I think my accent is getting the better of me since I've moved back to the northland, I turn on that and feel so much better about self.

Speaking of accents......

Now there is one thing I have mixed feelings about, the new Renee Zellweger movie, "New in Town" - oy.

If you don't know, it's about a fashion laden/career driven girl from Miami who is transported to (gasp!) New Ulm, MN.... Oh the HORROR! I watched the two trailers. First, I will say that it looks cute. But why, of all states, must it be Minnesota?!? Haven't we had enough? I just hate that is gives off all of these mispreceptions about MN. Such as, we are weird talking folks (it's not as bad as they convey it to be), that we have zero sense of fashion (we do...it's just difficult to clomp around in stilettos when there's 3 feet of snow), that we are uncultured (hrm...most theater seats per capita other than NYC...gee, I guess we're a bit behind!) or that we find things, like the lake being frozen enough to drive on, as the main highlight of our day (trust me, it's nice to know when I can drive across the lake but it isn't THAT big of deal).

So, why can't there be a movie that shows what MN is really like? Clean. Healthy. Literate. Politically aware. Humble. And darn tootin' cute. (Just a few ideas)

By the way....for the people who are marketing the movie - New Ulm, MN is NOT considered northern MN....it is south, central MN. Get it straight you you supposedly smart, witty people.

Comfort Inn

A few things I have enjoyed thus far in NoDak -

- What would be crappy hotels in a big city are charming and clean (and offer free wireless)
- Preferred news source - FoxNews
- More political than ever expected
- Speed limit is 75 mph and NO traffic
- Heavy German accents
- Road condition reports go to the Canadian border
- Everyone is pretty darn nice and if they aren't they even come off nice for not being nice (odd, but totally makes sense)

Even though I don't think I'll ever live here I guess the state has made quite the impression on me. Perhaps if I come around to meeting a nice man with 1,000+ acres in the great tundra of NoDak, I'd consider it. Just as long as I was within 1 hr of an airport of some sort.

NoDak

I'm heading to North Dakota for week. Yipee! I'm looking forward to getting out and talking to dairy farmers but I'm not excited to be doing this at the end of January in one of the most coldest/flatest places in the U.S. If I don't return - you'll know where to look ..... somewhere between Bismark and Fargo. I'll be a solid ice cube.

Though, before the trip is to commence, I will be spending a good portion of my Saturday evening reviewing a PowerPoint and mapping my trip across the icy trunda. The big suitcase is already filled with Got Milk? goodies and the 59 min. plane travel from MSP to FAR has been declared. Yes, I'm taking a plane..from Minneapolis to Fargo....I don't like driving, can you tell?

Though, lest we not forget that no trip to New Salem is complete without visiting....
SALEM SUE!

The Gym.

Remember that whole anonymous thing? Well add to the list that I no longer can workout without knowing people. One of my brother's farm employees attends my gym. The part of this is I didn't realize it until about the 5th or 6th time of attending. I had noticed a boy that looked familiar but I chalked it up to being in a small town. Then it seemed weird how he would nervoulsy look away whenever I'd walk by. We never spoke - he always was working the free weights and I was pumping it in the cardio area. Finally it hit me - "He's one of the farm boys!!"

You may think I'm odd seeing I've seen this guy on the farm every morning for the last 6 wks but trust me, people look WAY different when they aren't head to toe in Carhartt and cow poop. Even though I figured this out, we still aren't on talking basis there. We chat at the farm but I'm waiting to see how long it was before he says at least "Hi".

I'm a little excited over this test to see how long it is before he breaks and have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. It's as if I have a secret and now know a lot more about him. (Ummm...yeah, totally know what kinds of funny faces he makes in the mirror when working the weights, hilarious!) So to add to this lazy attempt to play a game with someone it gets even better.

You see, I have been keeping my baby (the Volvo) in the heated shop at the farm so she won't go into shock in the subzero MN weather. I had a list of things to get done today....bring meat to Grandma, drop goodies off and flirt at new house, get meat cooler for DC trip, drinks with M and GYM. I run over to the shop and open the door only to see Worker Boys' pick-up in the way. (GAH!) I debated. Do I just move it or do I steal my dad's pick-up?? Seeing I've missed my baby I hop in hs pick-up and turn the key. VOOORM! Yes, you got it right. The thing is classic ghetto country pick-up with pipes. Love it and still can't figure out why boys like that. Then I hit a gold mine of infomation. While in the pick-up I noticed on the floor of his passenger side a container of whey protein. It hit me....the poor boy wants MUSCLES! I'm sorry, for I'm a huge supporter of whey protein for health reasons - as a means for muscle repair - but I know the motive behind a young 20-something boy. He's not looking to be the picture of health by exercising and replenishing. He's looking for some pipes and is trying to do it be excessive weight lifting and whey protein. Even though I was giddy over this bit of info I felt a little sad too. Maybe I should break my game and talk to him....perhaps an ego boost?

Hrm.

*********************DRINK OF THE WEEK*********************

To celebrate my vacation to western VA for some R&R with my best buddies:

The Manhattan
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 dash Angostura® bitters
1 maraschino cherry
1 twist orange peel

Cheers!

Dear America,

Stop whining about the economy and having false hopes based on rhetoric.

And um, one more thing. Please remember this one thing that you seem to have forgotten over the past 8 years.........

"What is popular isn't always right and what's right isn't always popular."


Just remember America, I like you, even though you're a bit spoiled and have forgotten how good you've had it. I want to keep liking you more than all the others. So please don't ruin yourself with worse spending habits and playing with the bad kids. It's just not healthy. Just sayin'.

God bless you America!

Best,

Me.

Anonymous

I can't lie. I miss being anonymous. It is - to some people - not fun being anonymous but to me, it's a luxury. I moved from a city where I was fairly anonymous even after 1 year. I'm not saying walking around downtown, but even in my neighborhood I loved and loathed it. I loved it...cause it meant that I could go and do whatever I pleased and never have to worry about running into people and doing the forced smalltalk. I loathed it cause it meant that I didn't fit with the community. It meant I didn't belong there.

But now I'm back in the 'hood I grew-up in. I look a bit different and I haven't seen most people for at least 3-5 yrs but they remember me. I can't pick-up my dry cleaning or have lunch at the cafe by myself without running into someone I know - OR knows me. (sidenote: more people know me than I them for the fact that I did a PSA on the public cable network as a dairy ambassador one year. I'm still well known for that, oy!).

I miss the luxury of going to the grocery store for milk in my sweaty garb after the gym and not one person knew more, or even cared! Actually, the only time someone knew me was just another sweaty gym goer doing the same thing.

But I do have to say, it is fun (sometimes) running into relatives at the gas station or seeing some folks from church who I adored growing up. I just hope I remembered to match my socks!

If Only Wonkette.com Hired GOPers

In pj's with slippers on, sitting in comfy chair, laptop running and fireplace burning

C-SPAN & C-SPAN2 on TV


I'm watching the opening of the 111th Congress (while working, thank you very much!). After 2 hrs of non-stop Gchat about what's happening my friend replies -

"You are not allowed to liveblog congress to me."

No MJ for me, thank you very much.

I was going through some old photos with my other the other night. We were laughing at my silly tea party pics and the way I would wear my seed cap hat to mock my brothers' styles but then we came upon some golden ones. One where I was about the age of 10 and up in Brainard visiting Paul Bunyan. My friend and I came upon some cutouts - one of Michael Jackson and one of Ronald Reagan. Guess which one I chose to pose next to? Another photo shows me clad in campaign stickers and t-shirt for a family friend. There were more photos to that liking.

It may explain as to why I'm liveblogging the Opening of the 111th Congress to my friend right now. Or why I read the WSJ religously every day. Or why I workou to CSPAN. Or why my Dad and I will talk for hours about local politics.