You know you're over someone totally when you see a picture of them (by random) and think "Oh God......I liked that?!" And then the next thought being...."FINALLY!" It was so nice. Just had to throw that one in there cause it just happened to me.
Anyway, things are getting back to normal for once. Nothing crazy. Egypt is done. I'm back and it's good. Business is good. I still do my typical weekend of heading down to DC but I'm finding it quite tiring. Trust me, I'm not going there for kicks and giggles. This past weekend it was for my bestfriends birthday and then I had the joy of getting two crowns, for my teeth. Yes, I'm back to having my horrible teeth being takin' care of. Seriously, if I ever end up homeless it's because of all the dental work I need to pay for. Just think, for what I paid for yesterday I could have gotten a the new Burberry hand bag that I've been dying to get, or pay for 2.5 months of rent. Whatever would have deemed more necessary.
And for those of you back in the TC. I do plan on being home for Thanksgiving. I will be around the area for a drink or two on Friday (Nov. 23rd). If I don't get ahold of you beforehand it's because I have a horrible memory and/or secondly, I'm lazy. Probably the latter of the two. But if you're free let me know. I'm sure I'll want the 'regular' (i.e. Sterbs for beer and cheese curds).
11.13.2007
11.07.2007
This isn't Chicago?
Well my first real round of int'l travel is done...errr...well kinda seeing I have yet to land on US soil. It was a good trip where I not only learned a lot about my very own product (please note that I had been with my new co.less than 3 wks when I left for Egypt) so needless to say it was very educational.
I am happy that I got to go there (the ME) before heading to Korea or Japan. There are several reasons for this. First of all; businessmen in the ME remind me of old conservative men from my grandfathers day. Yes, they see me as this young girl who knows little, but for some odd reason that only makes me want to fight harder for a sale. The other reason is that the EU had much influence over the ME. Most people know English well. And thirdly, prior to my new job, I had made some good contacts within the industry, so I knew who I was going to be dealing with. Oh, and I can't overlook the fact that I LOVE ME food. Though I wish they were cool with pork. I don't think I could live without pork in my diet.
I am happy that I got to go there (the ME) before heading to Korea or Japan. There are several reasons for this. First of all; businessmen in the ME remind me of old conservative men from my grandfathers day. Yes, they see me as this young girl who knows little, but for some odd reason that only makes me want to fight harder for a sale. The other reason is that the EU had much influence over the ME. Most people know English well. And thirdly, prior to my new job, I had made some good contacts within the industry, so I knew who I was going to be dealing with. Oh, and I can't overlook the fact that I LOVE ME food. Though I wish they were cool with pork. I don't think I could live without pork in my diet.
11.03.2007
Baker for a Day
Today was my first full day in Cairo, Egypt. It was a beautiful day; I think.... You see, I was never outside. I instead woke up, thew on some clothes and stumbled down to on of the many kitchens at the Sheraton. That is correct. I spent the day baking.
Funny thing is, I loved it. It was me, a food science professor and my old boss. We did several applications with some using my products. They turned out amazing! Thus, it makes my job a billion times easier.
I think tommorow I will at least attempt to see a pyramid or two before I get back to the kitchen; supposedly they are pretty big. (Ha). I do like this place so far and have found the people quite charming.
Funny thing is, I loved it. It was me, a food science professor and my old boss. We did several applications with some using my products. They turned out amazing! Thus, it makes my job a billion times easier.
I think tommorow I will at least attempt to see a pyramid or two before I get back to the kitchen; supposedly they are pretty big. (Ha). I do like this place so far and have found the people quite charming.
11.02.2007
Painful Joy
Iam sitting at the Heathrow airport right now and bored beyond all means. My flight does not board for another five hours....argh. But I must remember that I signed up for this. It is cool to be cosidered a world traveler but more so, nowadays, it's almost like a feat. The long waits, security giving you mile long lists of rules for baggage and of course the infamous flight delays.
My family is proud that I have no issues with trapsing around the world by myself. I guess I am too. I forget that I work in such a small sector; one where your co-workers are overseas a good part of the year. I think nothing of booking a flight to Seoul or giving a trade office in the UAE a ring. All things are int'l to me.
I am afraid of the day when foreign is home to me and home is foreign.
My family is proud that I have no issues with trapsing around the world by myself. I guess I am too. I forget that I work in such a small sector; one where your co-workers are overseas a good part of the year. I think nothing of booking a flight to Seoul or giving a trade office in the UAE a ring. All things are int'l to me.
I am afraid of the day when foreign is home to me and home is foreign.
10.31.2007
I forgot how easy and great my life was.......
Some of you may remember this from back in the spring. It still chokes me up when I see it. Regardless of thought on the 'issue' please remember those in harms way and their families.
Bits and Pieces
I'm using my passport for the first time since 2000. Let's just say, I look a little different. So different that people have to stifle a laugh when they see it so as to not make me feel embarrassed. No matter, I am. But I'm also not. That's who I was, the girl with the bangs and unruly eyebrows. Yeah, it's all been brought up to speed but eh, at that time in my life all I cared about were what mattered. Funny enough that then I had more manners. Odd I know. But it's true. I lived and worked with my family then and cared about what others thought about me on the inside. Now I tend to care more about first appearance more than first impression. My manners have not be totally shot, but let's just say, there are times when I look back and thought, "crap did I really say/do that?". I'm slowly changing that again (without going back to the bangs and fiasco brows). Now I listen more. Now I think through my actions more. Though, these are baby steps. Keep that in mind.
10.29.2007
Realization
I'm in sales. Sacry right? Right. It's really just hit me that I've moved from my world of sales/marketing to strict sales. And to top it all off, it's international sales. Yes, I have a few domestics that I'm working on but I was hired primarly to handle the export market. With this realization it just makes it more apparent that my level of responsibility is risen by 300% from my last job. It's cool. But by gosh, I'm happy that I've already started to dye my hair because I'm sure the grey will start creeping in soon. So as a salute (or cheers) to the start of my third week on the new job and soon departure for Egypt (Thursday) I am going to make a list of *eek* that I need to know before I jump on the red-eye come Thursday.......
- All of the special blends AADPI does (fyi, we're not normal....we specialize)
- Domestic sale prices for me to buy to turn around and compare after tariff, CIF, mixing & VAT is added on to compare to the int'l price
- Automatic converting of domestic (in lbs) to MT (1 MT = 2204.6 lbs)
- Specs for 25 different products (specs are the breakdown of the product - i.e. % protein, fat....humidity level....storage....etc)
- World market for product movement
- CIF rates to 5 differnt ports in the Middle East
- 25 INCOTERMS (Int'l Commerical Terms) - I bought a book to read
- H.S. codes for specialized products (silly port authorities actually care!)
AND
- I'm learning some Arabic too. Well, I can say, "Hello, I am ....." in Arabic at least. Anything to impress them and make a sale.
***PHEW***
- All of the special blends AADPI does (fyi, we're not normal....we specialize)
- Domestic sale prices for me to buy to turn around and compare after tariff, CIF, mixing & VAT is added on to compare to the int'l price
- Automatic converting of domestic (in lbs) to MT (1 MT = 2204.6 lbs)
- Specs for 25 different products (specs are the breakdown of the product - i.e. % protein, fat....humidity level....storage....etc)
- World market for product movement
- CIF rates to 5 differnt ports in the Middle East
- 25 INCOTERMS (Int'l Commerical Terms) - I bought a book to read
- H.S. codes for specialized products (silly port authorities actually care!)
AND
- I'm learning some Arabic too. Well, I can say, "Hello, I am ....." in Arabic at least. Anything to impress them and make a sale.
***PHEW***
10.25.2007
M.I.A.
I absolutely despise the 'song' Boyz by M.I.A.
The Current over plays the damn thing. It drives me nuts. It's not even that great of a beat. It's more like an annoying mosqito that's stuck in your ear. Lovely...no? And just because they played that song today, of all days, I will NOT be donating to MPR for their big 50K drive. (well....at least not until I'm perky again and have recieved a pay-check.)
Speaking of paychecks. I want one. I went from a 2 checks/month to 1. And word to the wise. Never quit your old job and then start a new one (that requires you to move - moving = a lot of $$), unless you have dollar for dollar planned out. I'm living on scraps at the moment. Luckily, my first check will be decent so I won't be in poverty forever. It's just that these last 3 wks have been rotten expensive between car payments, a security deposit, new fees for moving, renting to move stuff, 'celebrating the move' (I kept that to a min.) and then the whole new 'wardrobe'.
And yes, the wardrobe upgrade was necessary. I absolutely cannot be traveling and meeting new clients in the drabby/small wardrobe I had during my last few years of at home contracting and being an assistant. Nope. I needed a major 'chic' upgrade. That required a massive trip to the King of Prussia mall where I spent two, too many hours in 3 stores. If you know me, I love stuff, but I hate shopping. I'm a snobby shopper to add to that. If I don't get the kind of service I expect (it varies from store to store) I will walk out and not come back for many weeks. I understand the whole commission thing people. You don't deserve it unless your customer is happy.
Get with the program you commission high associates! That note goes out to the sales associates at the following: Vickie's Secret, Balbinos and Nordstroms.
Oh and by the way....I found out that my boss wants to hire me an assistant. Don't worry, I won't get one till I actually start moving a crapload of product. And looking at wk no. 2....it's gonna be a few months. Oy.
The Current over plays the damn thing. It drives me nuts. It's not even that great of a beat. It's more like an annoying mosqito that's stuck in your ear. Lovely...no? And just because they played that song today, of all days, I will NOT be donating to MPR for their big 50K drive. (well....at least not until I'm perky again and have recieved a pay-check.)
Speaking of paychecks. I want one. I went from a 2 checks/month to 1. And word to the wise. Never quit your old job and then start a new one (that requires you to move - moving = a lot of $$), unless you have dollar for dollar planned out. I'm living on scraps at the moment. Luckily, my first check will be decent so I won't be in poverty forever. It's just that these last 3 wks have been rotten expensive between car payments, a security deposit, new fees for moving, renting to move stuff, 'celebrating the move' (I kept that to a min.) and then the whole new 'wardrobe'.
And yes, the wardrobe upgrade was necessary. I absolutely cannot be traveling and meeting new clients in the drabby/small wardrobe I had during my last few years of at home contracting and being an assistant. Nope. I needed a major 'chic' upgrade. That required a massive trip to the King of Prussia mall where I spent two, too many hours in 3 stores. If you know me, I love stuff, but I hate shopping. I'm a snobby shopper to add to that. If I don't get the kind of service I expect (it varies from store to store) I will walk out and not come back for many weeks. I understand the whole commission thing people. You don't deserve it unless your customer is happy.
Get with the program you commission high associates! That note goes out to the sales associates at the following: Vickie's Secret, Balbinos and Nordstroms.
Oh and by the way....I found out that my boss wants to hire me an assistant. Don't worry, I won't get one till I actually start moving a crapload of product. And looking at wk no. 2....it's gonna be a few months. Oy.
10.22.2007
Big Fear
I swear one of the biggest fears you can have as a female is when you walk into a restroom stall and see the toilet seat up. The immediate thought you have is, "Oh, crap, I walked into the Men's bathroom!" It happened to me today. I almost walked right back out to check the sign on the door, but I risked it (nature was callin!). Luckily it was the female bathroom and I was fine. But seriously, that is the cleaning people's way of messin with you!
(And if you're wondering why it's a big fear? Sorry, but that's a whole other story from days gone by.)
***************
On a lighter note:
Here's some things, comments and/or moments I've had since my move to PA......
- Our UPS man will have HUGE dip in his mouth but is still able to smile all pretty at me (do they teach that somewhere?)
- New Boss:*looking at Goldy Gopher on my desk* "That a badger .....? Michigan?" *and he was serious*
- "You talk with a south/northern drawl" (translates to "You talk weird")
- In PA they give you 20 days to registar your car and 60 days to get a license. BUT you must have a license in order to registar your car. To top that all off, you need to have two forms of new residency (i.e. tax statement, utility bills....)to show the Drivers License Center in order to get your new license. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but in order to get a utility bill you need to make it through a billing cycle which is typically 30+ days from when you move-in. It doesn't add up correctly. You do the math.
- The place to be in the morning is the Wawa or Dunkin' Donuts
- PA people DRIVE EVERYWHERE (I forgot what that's like.....I guess walking to the bank 3 miles away is kinda ridiculous!)
- I'm in Eagles territory. I shall have no other team. (No, I have not drank the kool-aid, yet)
- Werder (I like to call it 'water')
- I am in love with PCR (local tv) shows about PA companies. My roommate....not as thrilled.
- Every day I realize how much I don't know about this part of the U.S.
(And if you're wondering why it's a big fear? Sorry, but that's a whole other story from days gone by.)
***************
On a lighter note:
Here's some things, comments and/or moments I've had since my move to PA......
- Our UPS man will have HUGE dip in his mouth but is still able to smile all pretty at me (do they teach that somewhere?)
- New Boss:*looking at Goldy Gopher on my desk* "That a badger .....? Michigan?" *and he was serious*
- "You talk with a south/northern drawl" (translates to "You talk weird")
- In PA they give you 20 days to registar your car and 60 days to get a license. BUT you must have a license in order to registar your car. To top that all off, you need to have two forms of new residency (i.e. tax statement, utility bills....)to show the Drivers License Center in order to get your new license. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but in order to get a utility bill you need to make it through a billing cycle which is typically 30+ days from when you move-in. It doesn't add up correctly. You do the math.
- The place to be in the morning is the Wawa or Dunkin' Donuts
- PA people DRIVE EVERYWHERE (I forgot what that's like.....I guess walking to the bank 3 miles away is kinda ridiculous!)
- I'm in Eagles territory. I shall have no other team. (No, I have not drank the kool-aid, yet)
- Werder (I like to call it 'water')
- I am in love with PCR (local tv) shows about PA companies. My roommate....not as thrilled.
- Every day I realize how much I don't know about this part of the U.S.
10.19.2007
Here I Am
I've moved.
I'm stressed.
I'm going to Cairo to sell products I don't know anything about in two weeks.
And my boss now wants me to go to S. Korea.
What have I gotten myself into?!
Oy.
I'm stressed.
I'm going to Cairo to sell products I don't know anything about in two weeks.
And my boss now wants me to go to S. Korea.
What have I gotten myself into?!
Oy.
10.16.2007
I'm HERE!!! (or there....or everywhere)
Well...I've made it through TWO full days at my new job. With that I give you the rundown of my last 36 hours:
Monday morning:
8:15 am - 45 min commute to work (in at 9 am)
9:30 am - Go over the products I'll be selling (ahem, exporting)
10:30 am - Introduced to the desk (table) that held my computer (e-mail NOT working), phone (can't RECIEVE calls) and printer (not hooked-up)
11:00 am - Sign a contract
11:05 am - Told I need a passport (DONE!)
11:06 am - Told I need to find a lead overseas
11:07 am - Searching for prospects to visit overseas
LUNCH (OY!)
2:00 pm - Still nothing functioning at my desk but I did manage to find something in Cairo. 5 mins later....approved to go to Cairo, Egypt in less than 3 wks
2:30 - ? Spent rest of day working on Cairo
6:20 pm - Leave work exhausted
Tuesday morning:
Walk-in "Hey....today you are booking Cairo."
11:30 am - I booked Cairo
12:30 pm - Visa photos taken
1: 30 pm - Printer & E-mail finally functioning
2:30 pm - New Blackberry (a.k.a CRACKberry)
3:30 pm - Answered three trade leads
4:30 pm - Yelling at my printer
4:45 pm - I have a backache
5:00 pm - Thinking that "Oh goodness....I have TOO much to do!"
Now: Going home
Monday morning:
8:15 am - 45 min commute to work (in at 9 am)
9:30 am - Go over the products I'll be selling (ahem, exporting)
10:30 am - Introduced to the desk (table) that held my computer (e-mail NOT working), phone (can't RECIEVE calls) and printer (not hooked-up)
11:00 am - Sign a contract
11:05 am - Told I need a passport (DONE!)
11:06 am - Told I need to find a lead overseas
11:07 am - Searching for prospects to visit overseas
LUNCH (OY!)
2:00 pm - Still nothing functioning at my desk but I did manage to find something in Cairo. 5 mins later....approved to go to Cairo, Egypt in less than 3 wks
2:30 - ? Spent rest of day working on Cairo
6:20 pm - Leave work exhausted
Tuesday morning:
Walk-in "Hey....today you are booking Cairo."
11:30 am - I booked Cairo
12:30 pm - Visa photos taken
1: 30 pm - Printer & E-mail finally functioning
2:30 pm - New Blackberry (a.k.a CRACKberry)
3:30 pm - Answered three trade leads
4:30 pm - Yelling at my printer
4:45 pm - I have a backache
5:00 pm - Thinking that "Oh goodness....I have TOO much to do!"
Now: Going home
10.09.2007
Kidnapper Van
I drove a kidnapper van. You know, one of those big white ones that just seemed to be used for all 'hiests'? My roommate convinced me of renting one to move my limited amount of stuff to my new home in Manayunk. It was great and sadly, my entire life that I built-up over a year and a half could all fit in one trip.
I have yet to officially move into my new digs but just hanging out there for a short amount of time was just like deja vu. I'm living in a smaller verision of a place like I had in St. Paul. Though I only have one roommate - she is SO much like the one I was closest to on Saratoga. It frigthen's me that even our neighbors are alot like my old neighbors. We have the older couple on one side and a younger family on the other.
The one major difference is that there is a local park across the street. But I found it quite convienent seeing that in my young neighborhood there are always league games going on (a.k.a prime time for me to watch from the comfort of my front porch).
Well....I must finish up my final week in the Commonwealth and prepare for the City of Brotherly Love (that is just so STRANGE.....).
I have yet to officially move into my new digs but just hanging out there for a short amount of time was just like deja vu. I'm living in a smaller verision of a place like I had in St. Paul. Though I only have one roommate - she is SO much like the one I was closest to on Saratoga. It frigthen's me that even our neighbors are alot like my old neighbors. We have the older couple on one side and a younger family on the other.
The one major difference is that there is a local park across the street. But I found it quite convienent seeing that in my young neighborhood there are always league games going on (a.k.a prime time for me to watch from the comfort of my front porch).
Well....I must finish up my final week in the Commonwealth and prepare for the City of Brotherly Love (that is just so STRANGE.....).
10.04.2007
Headache.
Some idiot of the past decided to send this to me with the "It's like looking into your future." Yes, this idiot is someone I actually know, but long story short his favorite joke towards me is saying I'll grow old to be some crazy cat-lady. hahahhaa. yep. I don't own a cat now and I have no intentions to (they leave hair everywhere - I'm too clean for that crap).
Anyhow it was crazy. You must see it. Laugh. Cry. Gag. I did them all. Well, not really. But seriously it's messed up.
Anyhow it was crazy. You must see it. Laugh. Cry. Gag. I did them all. Well, not really. But seriously it's messed up.
10.02.2007
Ice, Ice Baby!
I am sitting in spot no. 4 at my soon to be 'ex' job in 2 weeks. Seriously....I'm sitting at a desk amongst 30 boxes of stuff. I am feeling a tad claustrophobic. To stay sane I listen to music with headphones on and lose myself in the music and rhythm of work.
I forgot how much I hate the last few days of a job....that is because you have a bipolar outlook on your job. You can A) say screw it and half ass it seeing you are busy trying to get normal stuff done (i.e. find a place to live) or B) work extra hours to cover EVERYTHING you've been putting off for a 'rainy day' that never came and fret over the personal stuff that you will never get done.
I'm doing B more than anything right now. But I'm afriad that will mean I need to start collecting extra 'packing' boxes to convert them into a nice little hut to live in when I do move.
This fretting has made me extremely obnoxious at moments but thank the Lord I have three of the most awesome friends out here (yes roomie - you're included!) and two people from back home who will take a call at any moment to settle my nerves. Somedays I feel like I have them working overtime. Then I (annoyingly) start to apologize like I would back in the day (note: I used to say sorry for everything and actually meant it....sad, but so true). Next thing you know I realize how much more obnoxious that's becoming so I apologize AGAIN! And that is when you're suppose to just slap me cause I'm going crazy.
So yeah, I'm a crazy woman right now. I need to move soon but have no place to live and I am very, very sick of people asking about everything. Sush...I know what you are thinking and I don't care if that is considered mean...when you're stressed about moving (i.e. where to live in a new place where you know NO ONE, changing all your information over, car repairs...etc..) and how to finance it on a very SMALL budget because your car decided to die right beforehand giving you no option but to buy a new one.....heads will fly. (right there I deserve an award for the longest run-on sentence.)
Anyhow between my personal moving and having to pack and unpack my office at work (4x, but who's counting?!) I have officially lost 'it'. So you may wonder - "How are you handling this?" I wish I could say that I merely pick up the phone and solve all issues in a few words in a nice cool and calm fashion. But no, I'm taking a much more passive route that involves me sitting numbly infront of the tube, having a soda and playing spider solitaire.
As bad as that sounds I would like to say that it's the best way to get visitors (so lazy I am!) and well....I did discover the awesome mini-series "The War" on public television.
And now you may be thinking - "Why did I just waste 5 minutes of my life reading this?!"
I did see Vanilla Ice on Saturday night. I got to skip the line into the host bar because I am THAT tight with him! Or it could have been because my friends girlfriends sister had danced on the bar of this place and they gave her a free pass.....
Oh and I almost got kicked out that night too. Not because I was loud and obnoxious, ironically because I looked sleepy. But I told the 'dish boy' who had the nerve to kick me out to go back to his own business and that "like hell I'm leaving!" He left me alone after that.
I'm bad.....almost Vanilla Ice bad!
I forgot how much I hate the last few days of a job....that is because you have a bipolar outlook on your job. You can A) say screw it and half ass it seeing you are busy trying to get normal stuff done (i.e. find a place to live) or B) work extra hours to cover EVERYTHING you've been putting off for a 'rainy day' that never came and fret over the personal stuff that you will never get done.
I'm doing B more than anything right now. But I'm afriad that will mean I need to start collecting extra 'packing' boxes to convert them into a nice little hut to live in when I do move.
This fretting has made me extremely obnoxious at moments but thank the Lord I have three of the most awesome friends out here (yes roomie - you're included!) and two people from back home who will take a call at any moment to settle my nerves. Somedays I feel like I have them working overtime. Then I (annoyingly) start to apologize like I would back in the day (note: I used to say sorry for everything and actually meant it....sad, but so true). Next thing you know I realize how much more obnoxious that's becoming so I apologize AGAIN! And that is when you're suppose to just slap me cause I'm going crazy.
So yeah, I'm a crazy woman right now. I need to move soon but have no place to live and I am very, very sick of people asking about everything. Sush...I know what you are thinking and I don't care if that is considered mean...when you're stressed about moving (i.e. where to live in a new place where you know NO ONE, changing all your information over, car repairs...etc..) and how to finance it on a very SMALL budget because your car decided to die right beforehand giving you no option but to buy a new one.....heads will fly. (right there I deserve an award for the longest run-on sentence.)
Anyhow between my personal moving and having to pack and unpack my office at work (4x, but who's counting?!) I have officially lost 'it'. So you may wonder - "How are you handling this?" I wish I could say that I merely pick up the phone and solve all issues in a few words in a nice cool and calm fashion. But no, I'm taking a much more passive route that involves me sitting numbly infront of the tube, having a soda and playing spider solitaire.
As bad as that sounds I would like to say that it's the best way to get visitors (so lazy I am!) and well....I did discover the awesome mini-series "The War" on public television.
And now you may be thinking - "Why did I just waste 5 minutes of my life reading this?!"
I did see Vanilla Ice on Saturday night. I got to skip the line into the host bar because I am THAT tight with him! Or it could have been because my friends girlfriends sister had danced on the bar of this place and they gave her a free pass.....
Oh and I almost got kicked out that night too. Not because I was loud and obnoxious, ironically because I looked sleepy. But I told the 'dish boy' who had the nerve to kick me out to go back to his own business and that "like hell I'm leaving!" He left me alone after that.
I'm bad.....almost Vanilla Ice bad!
9.28.2007
Waiting.....waiting....waiting.....
Tomorrow I will be making my third voyague to Philly. Fun. Okay, not really. Between the hours of traffic I need to deal with getting out of DC and then the road work being done in Baltimore topped off with the $20 of tolls....I'm tired of it. But I must go or else I will be homeless in a few weeks. And that is good for no one! It was so easy finding a place to live in DC (wiht a roommate) while never visiting once. Now that I'm closer I want to visit and can't seem to find a darn thing. Odd.
BUT I have picked the community. Manayunk (man-e-unk)is this cute little place that reminds me a very much older version of Grand Ave in St. Paul. Well, okay, just the main street does cause everything else is rowhouses and they are under much rennovation. I'm excited though. The last time I was there I checked out some of the local restuarants, found the gym, an ELCA church and ate at the local diner (where they serve ONLY Pepsi products!). It's a solid 20 miles from where I'm going to work, so yay, I'll be back to the commuting world. But I figured I would do that for my sanity seeing that living in Manayunk with other young professionals and having access to an 18 minute train ride into Center City.
Another reason why I love this little town....? Well you know how we shorten Minneapolis to Mpls? Yeah, Manayunk is MYK for short. Loves it! I couldn't do that with Arlington. When I got lazy I just said DC even though I live and work in Arlington. Go MYK - major points!
BUT I have picked the community. Manayunk (man-e-unk)is this cute little place that reminds me a very much older version of Grand Ave in St. Paul. Well, okay, just the main street does cause everything else is rowhouses and they are under much rennovation. I'm excited though. The last time I was there I checked out some of the local restuarants, found the gym, an ELCA church and ate at the local diner (where they serve ONLY Pepsi products!). It's a solid 20 miles from where I'm going to work, so yay, I'll be back to the commuting world. But I figured I would do that for my sanity seeing that living in Manayunk with other young professionals and having access to an 18 minute train ride into Center City.
Another reason why I love this little town....? Well you know how we shorten Minneapolis to Mpls? Yeah, Manayunk is MYK for short. Loves it! I couldn't do that with Arlington. When I got lazy I just said DC even though I live and work in Arlington. Go MYK - major points!
9.24.2007
I'll Treat Myself Thank You Very Much!
The parking garage where I work is too nice. As in, they thank their tenants by giving them treats sporadically throughout the year along with a free DVD rental opportunities. Today....drivers recieved packets of Peanut M&M's......yummy!
I'm terribly jealous and deep down, confused.
Why?
Let's see.....
I walk to work equaling the following: polluting less (therefore helping the environment), wasting less oil and promoting a healthier lifestyle (making the health insurance industry happy).
But I have yet to be treated for my economcial, envrionmentally fit way of commuting to work.
I guess I'll have to wait for Blue Cross/Blue Shield or some environmetal group to reward me. Until then, I'm satisfied by knowing I'm doing my part in making this a little bit better place to live.
(okay I know that was a MAJOR 'pat on the back' to myself....but hey, it's been a rough few days, I need to do whatever I can to keep the spirits high)
I'm terribly jealous and deep down, confused.
Why?
Let's see.....
I walk to work equaling the following: polluting less (therefore helping the environment), wasting less oil and promoting a healthier lifestyle (making the health insurance industry happy).
But I have yet to be treated for my economcial, envrionmentally fit way of commuting to work.
I guess I'll have to wait for Blue Cross/Blue Shield or some environmetal group to reward me. Until then, I'm satisfied by knowing I'm doing my part in making this a little bit better place to live.
(okay I know that was a MAJOR 'pat on the back' to myself....but hey, it's been a rough few days, I need to do whatever I can to keep the spirits high)
9.18.2007
7:45 a.m.
Every morning while working out I see the same man walk by our windows for a smoke. Just seems weird. Here I am working out to try to stay (get, become...whichever you feel is most suitable) to be healthy and there's the smoker who just as religously as I has his morning smoke.
I think if I was the one smoking I sure as hell wouldn't be doing it infront of the gym windows. Wouldn't you feel a little odd?
I think if I was the one smoking I sure as hell wouldn't be doing it infront of the gym windows. Wouldn't you feel a little odd?
9.17.2007
Case of the ......?
I'm sick. Not deathly sick but enough to make me want to check out for the day (or next few). My forehead is warm, my stomach queasy and my eyes bloodshot. Oh so fun. I'd stay home but I can still function and move; albeit not at my normal, fast pace.
I am also fighting it because I think it was totally brought on by me....and a little thing we call stress.
Why stress you make ask? Well, here's the deal. I have a new job. I start the 15th (Oct) but I'm missing to very vital things - a new place to live and a runnig vehicle. That's right. My faithful car of many, many years decided to bite the dust. I don't blame her. She did okay for the times we've been through (not to mention all of those snowstorms during my days in IA & MN). So in less than one month I need to buy a new car and find a place to live.
It would be a little simpler if I was made of money and knew exactly where I should live (considering safety and trusting landlord). But I have neither. So the pressure from the clock is starting to get to me and provide me enough stress to make me sick. Yay! (please note - that was very sarcastic).
I did ask for this. I chose to leave my family miles away and to test my independence. And oh boy - I'm doing it. So I guess I need to just suck it up and deal.
But on a happy note - the DC Gophers Alum flag-football team did excellent this weekend. We beat both William and Mary & Yale. And I got the first touchdown of the season. Not too bad!
I am also fighting it because I think it was totally brought on by me....and a little thing we call stress.
Why stress you make ask? Well, here's the deal. I have a new job. I start the 15th (Oct) but I'm missing to very vital things - a new place to live and a runnig vehicle. That's right. My faithful car of many, many years decided to bite the dust. I don't blame her. She did okay for the times we've been through (not to mention all of those snowstorms during my days in IA & MN). So in less than one month I need to buy a new car and find a place to live.
It would be a little simpler if I was made of money and knew exactly where I should live (considering safety and trusting landlord). But I have neither. So the pressure from the clock is starting to get to me and provide me enough stress to make me sick. Yay! (please note - that was very sarcastic).
I did ask for this. I chose to leave my family miles away and to test my independence. And oh boy - I'm doing it. So I guess I need to just suck it up and deal.
But on a happy note - the DC Gophers Alum flag-football team did excellent this weekend. We beat both William and Mary & Yale. And I got the first touchdown of the season. Not too bad!
9.14.2007
Survivor
At the end of every month my office throws EVERYTHING out of the two fridges. We're talking Tupperware containers of food, frozen meals and such. They have no limits. I understand the deal because if it didn't happen, the stuff piles up. I get it. You leave it there...it gets thrown at exactly 5 p.m. on the last Friday of the month.
Unless it is pickled herring.
I bought a jar of pickled herring in a cream sauce back in the middle of August. I ate most of it but forgot about it. Not only did I forget about it then, I totally forgot I had brought it to work (for 2 meals!). That was until yesterday. I'm searching through the piles of bagged lunches, all the way to the back and what do I find? You guessed it. My pickled herring. Sitting there, tucked up against the back of the fridge on the top shelf.
So I'm wondering. What prompts you to toss things like peoples' nice Tupperware and unopened frozen meals but leave the half eaten herring? Are you scared of it? I mean, it's kinda grey and murky looking - but it tastes "Oh so delish!" This thoroughly amuses me.
I'm proud that I finally found something that can survive the garbage Nazi. I think this time I'm going to test her limits with luetifisk. If it works, I'm I have finally discovered the proper 'weapons' for the Scandinavians to use.
Maybe I should now keep a jar of herring in my purse instead of the mace. You never know when it will come in handy.
****
By the way - it's tough finding decent pickled herring out here. I miss my Olsen Fish Co. - I knew their products and quality. It was amazing. Oh well.
Unless it is pickled herring.
I bought a jar of pickled herring in a cream sauce back in the middle of August. I ate most of it but forgot about it. Not only did I forget about it then, I totally forgot I had brought it to work (for 2 meals!). That was until yesterday. I'm searching through the piles of bagged lunches, all the way to the back and what do I find? You guessed it. My pickled herring. Sitting there, tucked up against the back of the fridge on the top shelf.
So I'm wondering. What prompts you to toss things like peoples' nice Tupperware and unopened frozen meals but leave the half eaten herring? Are you scared of it? I mean, it's kinda grey and murky looking - but it tastes "Oh so delish!" This thoroughly amuses me.
I'm proud that I finally found something that can survive the garbage Nazi. I think this time I'm going to test her limits with luetifisk. If it works, I'm I have finally discovered the proper 'weapons' for the Scandinavians to use.
Maybe I should now keep a jar of herring in my purse instead of the mace. You never know when it will come in handy.
****
By the way - it's tough finding decent pickled herring out here. I miss my Olsen Fish Co. - I knew their products and quality. It was amazing. Oh well.
9.12.2007
I'll Find My Own Meatloaf.
GK is doing a community thing in St. Paul where they are serving a meatloaf meal ($5) and having a street dance. I will admit. I'm a bit jealous. First of all, I make a one mean "Chuck Wagon Cheese Meatloaf" (from an old MN 4-H cookbook) and secondly, it's APHC. I love that show. Oh well. I'm over it. I'll just do my own version of being Minnesotan out here. I think I'll make a meatloaf and have a side of hotdish. I'll start with pickled herring as an appetizer and do a jell-o mold for dessert. It'll be delish. We can then end the evening with some coffee (Folgers...fancy stuff is not our style) and watch a home Twins game. Yah. Dat der sounds purty dern good.
There is another thing I'm jealous of back home at the moment. I read that it dropped to about 30 degrees F in places such as Benson and Willmar. Excuse me?! As I have had to sit in a muggy 88 degree weather with humidity at 91%. Not fair. Just looking at something would make me sweat. But for the first time in what seems like ages, I woke up to a beautiful morning with 65 degree weather and a low dewpoint. I can't see my breath yet (that means the weather is perfect for me) but it's coming. Slowly but surely. And today has been so beautiful. The sun coming up over the Iwo Jima and the air is starting to smell like the fall. Amazing. Gorgeous.
I can't wait to when I can stop giving a soulful look at my piles of sweaters and sweatshirts and actually wear one. Long gone are the days of me trying to figure out what is the most breathable/comfortable outfit I can wear in public without creating a henious display of poor fashion. Really, I've had to be creative without looking totally ridiculous (i.e. street hooker).
Moving on....
My search for an apt is still going on. I can't believe how much cheaper things are up in Philly. I may actually make enough to save enough. Hard to fathom at the moment, but we'll see.
I must get back to work. Sadly, I like what I'm doing today. I am editing a 26 page report on whey as an egg replacer. It's crazy, interesting and I'm a little too into it.
i.e.
While eating lunch the other day I was reading the Prepared Foods magazine I came upon at add for eggs. I sighed and thought aloud "well eggs....I like you but now you just have so much more to prove to me." A co-worker looked at me as if I just turned green. Me, all defensive, said, "Well you see, you can easily replace eggs in a bakery recipe with whey protein." I went further on to explain the benefits and simplicity of the change. Let's just say, they understand now, but still think I'm weird.
Great.
There is another thing I'm jealous of back home at the moment. I read that it dropped to about 30 degrees F in places such as Benson and Willmar. Excuse me?! As I have had to sit in a muggy 88 degree weather with humidity at 91%. Not fair. Just looking at something would make me sweat. But for the first time in what seems like ages, I woke up to a beautiful morning with 65 degree weather and a low dewpoint. I can't see my breath yet (that means the weather is perfect for me) but it's coming. Slowly but surely. And today has been so beautiful. The sun coming up over the Iwo Jima and the air is starting to smell like the fall. Amazing. Gorgeous.
I can't wait to when I can stop giving a soulful look at my piles of sweaters and sweatshirts and actually wear one. Long gone are the days of me trying to figure out what is the most breathable/comfortable outfit I can wear in public without creating a henious display of poor fashion. Really, I've had to be creative without looking totally ridiculous (i.e. street hooker).
Moving on....
My search for an apt is still going on. I can't believe how much cheaper things are up in Philly. I may actually make enough to save enough. Hard to fathom at the moment, but we'll see.
I must get back to work. Sadly, I like what I'm doing today. I am editing a 26 page report on whey as an egg replacer. It's crazy, interesting and I'm a little too into it.
i.e.
While eating lunch the other day I was reading the Prepared Foods magazine I came upon at add for eggs. I sighed and thought aloud "well eggs....I like you but now you just have so much more to prove to me." A co-worker looked at me as if I just turned green. Me, all defensive, said, "Well you see, you can easily replace eggs in a bakery recipe with whey protein." I went further on to explain the benefits and simplicity of the change. Let's just say, they understand now, but still think I'm weird.
Great.
9.07.2007
I'm With Fred.
I'm moving. Yay. I think I've been shouting this for ummm...at least the last 48 hours. Sorry to all who have to put up with it. I'm fricken excited, to say the least.
Though reality is hitting me hard right now. There's just a few minor details such as finding a place to live, getting out of my current lease, saying goodbye to friends, packing (which I despise), learning a new trade, finishing current projects at current job and so on. I can handle it though. I always have worked better under pressure.
On another note, last night I attended a house 'party' for Fred Thompson. It was a good time and by the end of the night my roommate got to witness me walking into our apartment holding a vase of flowers, a ballon, a rally sign and bumper sticker topped off with three buttons and a name tag saying "Hello, I'm.....AWESOME". Basically it looked as if I rolled around on the paraphernalia table and picked up everything. Funny enough, I managed to get home using public transportation (the metro) and no one looked at me weird or with a disapproving eye. I take that as a good sign.
Yes, if you're wondering this Repub girl is pretty much stuck (and have been for several months now) on Fred. I find him to be a pretty straight forward guy who markets himself as ... well.... himself. Right now, that makes me happy. And yes, I read that he had issues with seeing the Butterheads at the MN State Fair. I'm okay with that. It is odd. Unique - but odd nonetheless.
So go Fred. I hope you do well on the trail!
Though reality is hitting me hard right now. There's just a few minor details such as finding a place to live, getting out of my current lease, saying goodbye to friends, packing (which I despise), learning a new trade, finishing current projects at current job and so on. I can handle it though. I always have worked better under pressure.
On another note, last night I attended a house 'party' for Fred Thompson. It was a good time and by the end of the night my roommate got to witness me walking into our apartment holding a vase of flowers, a ballon, a rally sign and bumper sticker topped off with three buttons and a name tag saying "Hello, I'm.....AWESOME". Basically it looked as if I rolled around on the paraphernalia table and picked up everything. Funny enough, I managed to get home using public transportation (the metro) and no one looked at me weird or with a disapproving eye. I take that as a good sign.
Yes, if you're wondering this Repub girl is pretty much stuck (and have been for several months now) on Fred. I find him to be a pretty straight forward guy who markets himself as ... well.... himself. Right now, that makes me happy. And yes, I read that he had issues with seeing the Butterheads at the MN State Fair. I'm okay with that. It is odd. Unique - but odd nonetheless.
So go Fred. I hope you do well on the trail!
9.05.2007
I am the food industry.
Not to brag...but it's true. In what I deal with, I get to be involved with the entire food industry. Even with some creative markets...err..marketeers.
For example - Bass Pro Shop's gravy. It has whey in it. Whey is what I sell; therefore I am a part of the gravy AND Bass Pro Shop worlds. Exciting, no?!
Next is confectionary. I love it. Really....I work in dairy and most confectionary uses some form of dairy products. Even the really sweet ones (e.g. truffles).
Oh and didn't you know? I dabble in the dog food industry. Sadly, it's a very lucrative business.
And finally, one of my favorite industry's to be involved in - SNACKS!
In all reality, dairy is involved in more than that (e.g. processed meat, sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, etc); I'm just showing off some of my crazy/favorite ones.
Soon I'll be moving on to more than marketing the products. I will be doing full-flegged selling of a specific product to those markets and people. What out, cause whey is coming your way, courtesy of me.
For example - Bass Pro Shop's gravy. It has whey in it. Whey is what I sell; therefore I am a part of the gravy AND Bass Pro Shop worlds. Exciting, no?!
Next is confectionary. I love it. Really....I work in dairy and most confectionary uses some form of dairy products. Even the really sweet ones (e.g. truffles).
Oh and didn't you know? I dabble in the dog food industry. Sadly, it's a very lucrative business.
And finally, one of my favorite industry's to be involved in - SNACKS!
In all reality, dairy is involved in more than that (e.g. processed meat, sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, etc); I'm just showing off some of my crazy/favorite ones.
Soon I'll be moving on to more than marketing the products. I will be doing full-flegged selling of a specific product to those markets and people. What out, cause whey is coming your way, courtesy of me.
9.03.2007
My Life - Chapter Four
I guess Chapter Four of my life will be starting soon. I don't know if people think it's normal to say it like that but for some reason that's the only way I can deal with the past and present. I may be a tad odd for the fact that I've always loved where I am but yet think/believe there are greener pastures on the other side. Yet, when I get to that other side I miss the other. There are moments when I miss them and then other times when they seem like ages ago and you no longer fit that.
Ages 1-20 of my life (i.e. Chapter One) was pretty stream-lined with the same thoughts, problems, values and desires...as little safety net of my life. But then it changed dramatically when I brought a group of people and activities into my life. Chapter Two only lasted for a few years...the majority of my college years. It was a good blur of fun, academics and learning a lot about who I really was. Next was Chapter Three.
The life I'm currently living.
It's very different from Chapter One. When I look back One, it seems so foreign. I barely remember it. I know there were a lot of great times but plenty of ones that just made me itch for change. Chapter Three is very much a fantasy. I live in a bubble world. Reality is far from the norm. My life is surrounded by people and things are 'important', materialistic and 'idealistic'. Not saying these are bad people but more like your super people. Ones that are not your norm old joys you'll meet on the street. So many of them are wonderful and so special to me, I couldn't imagine life without them.
I guess I would say 80% of the times I love my currently setting but I know it won't last forever. It's that 20%, which has been nagging me so much that I've started looking for new jobs in other locations.
So here it is. Looks like I will be starting a Chapter Four quite soon. I have been offered a job....a great job with great opportunities to grow and expand my horizons. As excited as I am, I find myself just as nervous. First of all it's in Philly. A large (VERY LARGE) city that I know little about (basically anything to do with Rocky and that's about it). Secondly, the job is different. As in, I'll be working in the for-profit work...the private industry. I will have commission. My new five most said words will include: clients, sales, pricing, quota and commission.
So yes, I will be doing it again. Ending my current job, packing, moving, unpacking, awkards meetings, making new friends and establishing a sense of community again in yet another new place.
Ages 1-20 of my life (i.e. Chapter One) was pretty stream-lined with the same thoughts, problems, values and desires...as little safety net of my life. But then it changed dramatically when I brought a group of people and activities into my life. Chapter Two only lasted for a few years...the majority of my college years. It was a good blur of fun, academics and learning a lot about who I really was. Next was Chapter Three.
The life I'm currently living.
It's very different from Chapter One. When I look back One, it seems so foreign. I barely remember it. I know there were a lot of great times but plenty of ones that just made me itch for change. Chapter Three is very much a fantasy. I live in a bubble world. Reality is far from the norm. My life is surrounded by people and things are 'important', materialistic and 'idealistic'. Not saying these are bad people but more like your super people. Ones that are not your norm old joys you'll meet on the street. So many of them are wonderful and so special to me, I couldn't imagine life without them.
I guess I would say 80% of the times I love my currently setting but I know it won't last forever. It's that 20%, which has been nagging me so much that I've started looking for new jobs in other locations.
So here it is. Looks like I will be starting a Chapter Four quite soon. I have been offered a job....a great job with great opportunities to grow and expand my horizons. As excited as I am, I find myself just as nervous. First of all it's in Philly. A large (VERY LARGE) city that I know little about (basically anything to do with Rocky and that's about it). Secondly, the job is different. As in, I'll be working in the for-profit work...the private industry. I will have commission. My new five most said words will include: clients, sales, pricing, quota and commission.
So yes, I will be doing it again. Ending my current job, packing, moving, unpacking, awkards meetings, making new friends and establishing a sense of community again in yet another new place.
8.28.2007
Within Earshot
Everything I say and do is within earshot these days. My cube is located in the middle of the place (kitty corner to the Presidents office) and my apartment is snuggled in the middle of our condo complex. It's fine, these close quarters, but it sure makes it hard to enjoy free conversations (or I should say, interviews), loud television (my hearing sucks) and the like.
I didn't realize how much I adapted to this style of living until a visit back to the "Paririe" land. At the lake my parents are close to all of their neighbors. Little is left for privacy. When you sit on the porch everyone and their mother sees you and hears your conversations. I, being use to it, found it fine. But others were throughly annoyed seeing it was a fullhouse at the campsite one night.
It's just one of the things I have adapted to/ and changed. A few other things that I'm no longer use to include:
1) Figuring out personal transportation (I soley rely on cabs and metro these days)
2) Free parking
3) Not having a dry cleaner/shoe repair place on the corner
4) Nice flow of traffic
5) Clean and tidy grocery stores
6) English speaking people wherever I go
7) Friendly waves when traveling down a gravel road
8) People who don't know what is happening with global markets (it's my life...sorry!)
9) Worrying about the lawn
10)A great mix of radio stations
These things no longer are a part of my life. I miss some of them (e.g. nice grocery stores and service) but have found that there are other things that I would miss if I left. Not ready for that.
It was a good time home. I saw a billion relatives, the MSF, Picasso, Hjemkost, a wedding of two friends and played with my nieces at the lake....not too shabby, not too shabby at all.
I didn't realize how much I adapted to this style of living until a visit back to the "Paririe" land. At the lake my parents are close to all of their neighbors. Little is left for privacy. When you sit on the porch everyone and their mother sees you and hears your conversations. I, being use to it, found it fine. But others were throughly annoyed seeing it was a fullhouse at the campsite one night.
It's just one of the things I have adapted to/ and changed. A few other things that I'm no longer use to include:
1) Figuring out personal transportation (I soley rely on cabs and metro these days)
2) Free parking
3) Not having a dry cleaner/shoe repair place on the corner
4) Nice flow of traffic
5) Clean and tidy grocery stores
6) English speaking people wherever I go
7) Friendly waves when traveling down a gravel road
8) People who don't know what is happening with global markets (it's my life...sorry!)
9) Worrying about the lawn
10)A great mix of radio stations
These things no longer are a part of my life. I miss some of them (e.g. nice grocery stores and service) but have found that there are other things that I would miss if I left. Not ready for that.
It was a good time home. I saw a billion relatives, the MSF, Picasso, Hjemkost, a wedding of two friends and played with my nieces at the lake....not too shabby, not too shabby at all.
8.15.2007
Twinkies finally awaken.
Oh yay! The Twins actually decided that winning would be a good idea!
I had placed a bet not to long ago that the Twins would take the Wild Card and beat the Mariners in games won.
Glad we stopped talking - or else I'd be on the owing end - and I'm not a good loser.
I had placed a bet not to long ago that the Twins would take the Wild Card and beat the Mariners in games won.
Glad we stopped talking - or else I'd be on the owing end - and I'm not a good loser.
8.14.2007
I don't
"I don't cuddle. Unless he's big and buff. Then I'll think about it."
- Me
This has already been a long week and we're only sitting at Tuesday. A thought to be relaxing weekend turned busy and then a non-stop Monday only added on to the hectic lifestyle.
So this is the funny thing in my life right now....on average I send off my resume once a week to a job opening. Those weeks go by and I hear nothing. All of a sudden I get a phone call at work from a certain company I met (and who are members of my current place) offering me a job - in international sales. We're talking a nice promotion from where I'm at right now and room to grow. Now the kicker - I didnt' apply for a job, they've never seen my resume - all they did was met me and had dinner with me and 30 other people from around the world (there's more to it, but it's highly unnecessary to write about). From a 10 minute intense conversation about my background and industry to ONE drink with a small group where one person decided it would be great to mock me, I was offered an opportunity that should not be passed.
I was stunned. I didn't know what to say and what I did want to say I was unable to due to the fact I was in ear-shot of the President (current employer). So I mumbled that I could come and visit their facilities and discuss the job in further detail.
It's odd. My resume with detailed background and name-dropping references got me nothing. A 10 minute conversation about what I'm passionate about got me a potential job. Now, they made find that I'm not qualified for it or I may not desire the move or the package, but the fact is...I'm not that dumb. Well, at least as dumb as I was feeling at the time. Job searching is a real strain on one's ego and I was feeling it.
The best part of this is the main reason why I'm looking to move basically is due to me never leaving the office and meeting with people. So, the first time I leave the office for meetings/seminars I go and do this. Just goes to show that the best and only way to market oneself is by actually being there. Resumes can wow for only a moment - a good meeting can leave a statement.
As for what I'm going to do....we'll see. I will definately check it out and put all issues out on the table (moving, location, pay, future, etc....). I just pray they like me and want to extend the full offer. Then I pray that I make the right decision!
- Me
This has already been a long week and we're only sitting at Tuesday. A thought to be relaxing weekend turned busy and then a non-stop Monday only added on to the hectic lifestyle.
So this is the funny thing in my life right now....on average I send off my resume once a week to a job opening. Those weeks go by and I hear nothing. All of a sudden I get a phone call at work from a certain company I met (and who are members of my current place) offering me a job - in international sales. We're talking a nice promotion from where I'm at right now and room to grow. Now the kicker - I didnt' apply for a job, they've never seen my resume - all they did was met me and had dinner with me and 30 other people from around the world (there's more to it, but it's highly unnecessary to write about). From a 10 minute intense conversation about my background and industry to ONE drink with a small group where one person decided it would be great to mock me, I was offered an opportunity that should not be passed.
I was stunned. I didn't know what to say and what I did want to say I was unable to due to the fact I was in ear-shot of the President (current employer). So I mumbled that I could come and visit their facilities and discuss the job in further detail.
It's odd. My resume with detailed background and name-dropping references got me nothing. A 10 minute conversation about what I'm passionate about got me a potential job. Now, they made find that I'm not qualified for it or I may not desire the move or the package, but the fact is...I'm not that dumb. Well, at least as dumb as I was feeling at the time. Job searching is a real strain on one's ego and I was feeling it.
The best part of this is the main reason why I'm looking to move basically is due to me never leaving the office and meeting with people. So, the first time I leave the office for meetings/seminars I go and do this. Just goes to show that the best and only way to market oneself is by actually being there. Resumes can wow for only a moment - a good meeting can leave a statement.
As for what I'm going to do....we'll see. I will definately check it out and put all issues out on the table (moving, location, pay, future, etc....). I just pray they like me and want to extend the full offer. Then I pray that I make the right decision!
8.10.2007
Jitters 89.3
For the longest time I hated 89.3, even though I donated money to MPR. I know, that makes no sense, but I felt they needed help and I support all things MN. Now I'm addicted and I'm making other people addicted. I forgot about the nice variation of old classics, new artists and local ones. One problem, it keeps me out of my circle of friends loop out east. If there are local [band] fans out here, we don't go for the same artists. Other than that group (which is literally 4 people) everyone else is mainstream America for music. That's fine.....just means no concert buddies.
But I shouldn't say bad things about mainstream. I respect that they can tap the consumer market so easily. Also, some are actually good. For example (old example) Fleetwood Mac. I never realized how many songs I love of theirs. I just downloaded a billion of them onto my Ipod and have been rockin' with them during my walks to work.
I even got a bar in Chicago groovin to them the other week. Go me.
But I shouldn't say bad things about mainstream. I respect that they can tap the consumer market so easily. Also, some are actually good. For example (old example) Fleetwood Mac. I never realized how many songs I love of theirs. I just downloaded a billion of them onto my Ipod and have been rockin' with them during my walks to work.
I even got a bar in Chicago groovin to them the other week. Go me.
8.02.2007
Can't Sleep
There are only a few moments that I'll never forget in my life where I can say, "I was there when I heard/found out about this....." You know what I mean? One of those very surreal moments. The kind that even years later will still send a chill up your spine or give you goose bumps.
I had that today. I was sitting in a cab heading down Michigan Ave in Chicago with two Chinese and two Middle Eastern businessmen half-heartedly listening to the Chicago Public Radio Int'l News segment. As I'm tuning it out between thoughts of my 2006 trip to Chicago and hearing about the war I managed to hear in a very British tone: "A bridge in Minneapolis, MN collapsed today during rush hour."
My heart stopped. I strained to hear details but none were given. I turn around and noticed that I was the only one paying attention. Of course, seeing we're in a cab and the radio is barely audible....only would my fine tuned ears would pick-up the word, Minneapolis.
After two more blocks, which felt like hours, I threw money at the cabbie and ushered my guests into the steakhouse claiming that I needed to make a call outside. I frantically pick at my mothers cell number only to recieve disconnected dial tones. Finally I call home and reach my mother who says, "Hi honey, a bridge collapsed I'm on the phone with your grandma, Kelly is okay and so is Bryan. I'll talk to you later." LATER. LATER?! How could she?! I didn't know anything. The nerve! So here I am, at a fancy restaurant and needing to be professional when all I could do was sit there numb...nodding and smiling at lord knows what.
I had enough and whipped out my phone and started to text away. I knew I was being rude but I didn't care. I have friends and family to worry about. They are my life and even though they were at most 8 hours away from me (closer than normal) I felt like it was across the world. Finally my mother calls me back with more details only to leave me yearning to see a television. But I knew better than to leave my guests; really, what could I do?! Nothing. Except to pray...which I did.
I am happy to say that all I know are safe; though that leaves much room for sorrow towards many others. I pray for those families who are mourning and for those who have yet to mourn seeing not everything has been recovered.
So hours later, after a meal with my new friends (who did share their sorrow for the State of Minnesota),a brief conversation with my folks and a drink and shared stories with some DC and MN business people I am alone in my hotel room. A room that has now become my home (the maids know me by my first name and all of my drawers are filled with clothes) and I find myself staring at the images on CNN and feeling homesick. What I would give to be there with my fellow MN friends and family. Instead I am sitting quietly and watcing the same story and images over and over. I could very well turn it off but I can only do that with the TV....I can't in my head.
This is a tragedy for MN. A state thta is very tight and everyone is your neighbor. It's a state that believes in helping people, standing strong and has much pride in its roots. Even though it was "natural" (i.e. not terrorists) it still is a loss and stings. This very bridge I have driven on a million times over, a structure we felt safe to cross everyday no longer exists...leaving a main artery closed. It hurts.
With that, I bid you a good night MN.....I hope daylight brings a better picture.
I had that today. I was sitting in a cab heading down Michigan Ave in Chicago with two Chinese and two Middle Eastern businessmen half-heartedly listening to the Chicago Public Radio Int'l News segment. As I'm tuning it out between thoughts of my 2006 trip to Chicago and hearing about the war I managed to hear in a very British tone: "A bridge in Minneapolis, MN collapsed today during rush hour."
My heart stopped. I strained to hear details but none were given. I turn around and noticed that I was the only one paying attention. Of course, seeing we're in a cab and the radio is barely audible....only would my fine tuned ears would pick-up the word, Minneapolis.
After two more blocks, which felt like hours, I threw money at the cabbie and ushered my guests into the steakhouse claiming that I needed to make a call outside. I frantically pick at my mothers cell number only to recieve disconnected dial tones. Finally I call home and reach my mother who says, "Hi honey, a bridge collapsed I'm on the phone with your grandma, Kelly is okay and so is Bryan. I'll talk to you later." LATER. LATER?! How could she?! I didn't know anything. The nerve! So here I am, at a fancy restaurant and needing to be professional when all I could do was sit there numb...nodding and smiling at lord knows what.
I had enough and whipped out my phone and started to text away. I knew I was being rude but I didn't care. I have friends and family to worry about. They are my life and even though they were at most 8 hours away from me (closer than normal) I felt like it was across the world. Finally my mother calls me back with more details only to leave me yearning to see a television. But I knew better than to leave my guests; really, what could I do?! Nothing. Except to pray...which I did.
I am happy to say that all I know are safe; though that leaves much room for sorrow towards many others. I pray for those families who are mourning and for those who have yet to mourn seeing not everything has been recovered.
So hours later, after a meal with my new friends (who did share their sorrow for the State of Minnesota),a brief conversation with my folks and a drink and shared stories with some DC and MN business people I am alone in my hotel room. A room that has now become my home (the maids know me by my first name and all of my drawers are filled with clothes) and I find myself staring at the images on CNN and feeling homesick. What I would give to be there with my fellow MN friends and family. Instead I am sitting quietly and watcing the same story and images over and over. I could very well turn it off but I can only do that with the TV....I can't in my head.
This is a tragedy for MN. A state thta is very tight and everyone is your neighbor. It's a state that believes in helping people, standing strong and has much pride in its roots. Even though it was "natural" (i.e. not terrorists) it still is a loss and stings. This very bridge I have driven on a million times over, a structure we felt safe to cross everyday no longer exists...leaving a main artery closed. It hurts.
With that, I bid you a good night MN.....I hope daylight brings a better picture.
7.25.2007
Updates....cause I'm THAT exciting
2:59 pm - I've already gone through a billion reems of paper. Don't worry, I'll go and plant a tree tomorrow.
Going Crazy - in a Good Way
Okay that probably makes no sense but it's true. I've had a heck of a past few workdays full of deadlines, proofs, drafts, pulling out of projects and the list goes on. It has been pretty darn stressful with some long hours and a ton of small meetings. Funny thing is, I love it. I have more of a routine this way. Seeing I don't have a normal 9-5 schedule right now I don't have to worry about filling up the open space with activities and people. I guess that's weird - or so I've been told. Oh well....
Now I'm off to the Windy City for awhile.
Now I'm off to the Windy City for awhile.
7.19.2007
Happy Anniversary!
Today is (was) my parent's 32nd Anniversary. Sometimes it's hard to believe that two people can be in love AND like each other that long. I joke that I have commitment problems.....seriously....I can't even commit to a TV show beyond a few weeks. But I applaud them for all that they have accomplished together. An amazing couple nontheless.
As for me. I love and hate my age. It's a contradictary age. Everything is amazing yet it's not. For example this very scene: I'm sitting here, just finished hosting a nice little girls night complete with drinks, pedi's and a movie (not to mention I dressed the theme of the movie - Holly Golightly). But after all of the guests left I sat here feeling like nothing but a disappointment. I don't know if it's because I'm alone or because we expect more of ourselves. It stinks and I'm not a fan of it. But what do I do. I sit here and tear up to a few friend close and far.
So my friends......how are you? In your age what makes you smile? What makes you cry? More than anything....what makes you need a hug so bad it hurts? I'm curious....
As for me. I love and hate my age. It's a contradictary age. Everything is amazing yet it's not. For example this very scene: I'm sitting here, just finished hosting a nice little girls night complete with drinks, pedi's and a movie (not to mention I dressed the theme of the movie - Holly Golightly). But after all of the guests left I sat here feeling like nothing but a disappointment. I don't know if it's because I'm alone or because we expect more of ourselves. It stinks and I'm not a fan of it. But what do I do. I sit here and tear up to a few friend close and far.
So my friends......how are you? In your age what makes you smile? What makes you cry? More than anything....what makes you need a hug so bad it hurts? I'm curious....
7.10.2007
Letters
Dear Rocky –
I look forward to the night of ½ price burgers at
Whitlows. Often times I cannot arrive until way past my regular dinner
time thus giving you a very hungry girl which is better known as a very grumpy
girl. With that I do not find it necessary for you to crack dumb jokes
when I try to order my usual (okay I’ve only had it 3 times in the past year)
but still when I way “may I have the Yoelddler” I expect you to simply go on and
ask me if I would like to substitute my fries for slaw or onion rings. I
don’t need the “Oh…we don’t have one here but there may be one down the
street.” With that kind of ass-musings I will start deducting from your
tip.
Please remember that for next time.
Sincerely,
Me
Don’t worry, I tipped him well. And I named him Rocky because he sounded just like Rocky Balboa…though, sadly, he didn’t look like him.
******
So I’m back to doing my daily, twice a day workouts. People think I’m nuts but in all reality it’s because I’m lazy. Yeah, I know, that doesn’t make sense. But I am very lazy as in – I’m a horrible dieter. It’s summertime people….that means grilling out. I NEED to workout after devouring endless hamburgers, hotdogs, steak, marinated chicken and shrimp every weekend. Secondly, I sweat when I walk to work. I figured I didn’t want to ruin my work clothes so I’d just wear workout clothes to work and then change there. Well…since I’m already in them, might as well workout. And finally, I workout after work too is due to the fact my morning session is too short (hey, I want to watch Coach at 6 am) for it to be worthwhile so I need to extend it to the later part of the day. Thus, I workout twice a day cause I’m lazy.
Anyway, back to what I was attempting to say…..now that I’m back from my week-long hiatus from the gym people have been getting on my nerves for their lack of courtesy. May I point out that we don’t pay for the use of this gym? It’s part of our campus so it’s free for all who work on our campus. I don’t think it would hurt for people to at least attempt to keep it clean AND as germ free as possible. Germs already are very abundant at gyms…why help add to it?
So, I’m thinking of strapping on a can of Lysol and following around some people. Maybe they’ll get the hint next time.
I look forward to the night of ½ price burgers at
Whitlows. Often times I cannot arrive until way past my regular dinner
time thus giving you a very hungry girl which is better known as a very grumpy
girl. With that I do not find it necessary for you to crack dumb jokes
when I try to order my usual (okay I’ve only had it 3 times in the past year)
but still when I way “may I have the Yoelddler” I expect you to simply go on and
ask me if I would like to substitute my fries for slaw or onion rings. I
don’t need the “Oh…we don’t have one here but there may be one down the
street.” With that kind of ass-musings I will start deducting from your
tip.
Please remember that for next time.
Sincerely,
Me
Don’t worry, I tipped him well. And I named him Rocky because he sounded just like Rocky Balboa…though, sadly, he didn’t look like him.
Dear Gym Goers at Colonial Place,
I like all of you, really I
do. But you’re annoying the hell out of me lately. Between the
bajillion Dixie cups left half-full of water on the counter and the lack of
sanitizing the machines before you leave them I’m in pure disgust. YOU may
be okay with sharing sweat with someone else but I’m not. Not to be a
jerk, but when I see you sweating all over something and then just up and leave
(with perspiration still dripping from the handle bars of the elliptical
machine) I want to vomit.
I know I can just clean them off
before I do my thing, but that’s not the point. I wouldn’t want someone to
have to slip and slide over all of my germs and sweat. It’s not
nice. I might as well come and wring my sweat towel/rag (yes, I sweat big
time and it’s gross….ack!) over you if you like to share your sweat with the
rest of the gym.
And to the guys who literally check themselves out
in the mirror 99% of the time they are doing their 20 lb (ha!) reps. Yeah,
I’m the youngest gal there. I’m sure Joan and Margie aren’t interested in
your lack of bulging biceps. And to Norma….please, for heaven’s sake, stop
moaning when you ride the stationary bicycle. A) You aren’t even doing a
tough level (I’ve looked) and B) It sounds like you’re ….. ummmm… doing the
deed! Yuck! You grossed me out so much the first time that I had to
cut my workout short!
Best,
Not-a-fan of Sweat
So I’m back to doing my daily, twice a day workouts. People think I’m nuts but in all reality it’s because I’m lazy. Yeah, I know, that doesn’t make sense. But I am very lazy as in – I’m a horrible dieter. It’s summertime people….that means grilling out. I NEED to workout after devouring endless hamburgers, hotdogs, steak, marinated chicken and shrimp every weekend. Secondly, I sweat when I walk to work. I figured I didn’t want to ruin my work clothes so I’d just wear workout clothes to work and then change there. Well…since I’m already in them, might as well workout. And finally, I workout after work too is due to the fact my morning session is too short (hey, I want to watch Coach at 6 am) for it to be worthwhile so I need to extend it to the later part of the day. Thus, I workout twice a day cause I’m lazy.
Anyway, back to what I was attempting to say…..now that I’m back from my week-long hiatus from the gym people have been getting on my nerves for their lack of courtesy. May I point out that we don’t pay for the use of this gym? It’s part of our campus so it’s free for all who work on our campus. I don’t think it would hurt for people to at least attempt to keep it clean AND as germ free as possible. Germs already are very abundant at gyms…why help add to it?
So, I’m thinking of strapping on a can of Lysol and following around some people. Maybe they’ll get the hint next time.
7.09.2007
Say "Adeiu to the Big Dawg" (a bit late....sorry!)
My mother loves brats. When I was little I thought she was weird for that....who would want this big hunk of spicy meat when you could have a nice, simple hotdog loaded with ketchup...and oy...add a slice of cheese and you're in Heaven! But as I grew older that only left me with a little of something to be desired. My palate had changed and so I entered the 'old folk' arena by switching to the brat. Needless to say, I love me a good one. I actually find myself becoming very picky when it comes to those things. I may nay it after a bite or two due to it's over zealous spice or lack-there-of. Who knew I'd be a conisseur of the brat?! (okay, I'm not but damn they are good!)
So yes, I will be missing Mr. Ralph F. Stayer....the Einstein of the Johnsonville brand for processed meats. He was the man behind the 'supa-dawg'.....all that spiced meat along with the thick coated casein (I appreciate this even more after working with dairy applications in process meat). I think I just drew a little tear again (ahem...I may or may not have done so when I found out the other day...sush, it's food we're talking about - a.k.a SERIOUS business to me!).
I'm sure Sheboygan Falls, WI and Ely, MN (his birthplace) will be mouring a great man with a good sense of taste and in the end - business.
My mother loves brats. When I was little I thought she was weird for that....who would want this big hunk of spicy meat when you could have a nice, simple hotdog loaded with ketchup...and oy...add a slice of cheese and you're in Heaven! But as I grew older that only left me with a little of something to be desired. My palate had changed and so I entered the 'old folk' arena by switching to the brat. Needless to say, I love me a good one. I actually find myself becoming very picky when it comes to those things. I may nay it after a bite or two due to it's over zealous spice or lack-there-of. Who knew I'd be a conisseur of the brat?! (okay, I'm not but damn they are good!)
So yes, I will be missing Mr. Ralph F. Stayer....the Einstein of the Johnsonville brand for processed meats. He was the man behind the 'supa-dawg'.....all that spiced meat along with the thick coated casein (I appreciate this even more after working with dairy applications in process meat). I think I just drew a little tear again (ahem...I may or may not have done so when I found out the other day...sush, it's food we're talking about - a.k.a SERIOUS business to me!).
I'm sure Sheboygan Falls, WI and Ely, MN (his birthplace) will be mouring a great man with a good sense of taste and in the end - business.
7.08.2007
In the burger I trust..
30 friends - check
8 coolers of beverages and food - check
several pairs of aqua socks - check
2 mile jaunt down the James river - PRICELESS!
Okay, they may of may not have been all of my friends at the beginning of the journey but by the end they sure were.....nothing like a little 5 hour process (we stopped on a beach 1/2 way down) to make a few friends and enjoy one of the most beautiful and sunny days that the C-ville area can provide.
I also got to experience Richmond, VA for the first time in my life. A few bars and a house party later I had throughly enjoyed the night. And perhaps it wasn't too bad to be waited on by my surrogate family down on the South Side. Love you mom and dad VA!
Only shitty thing....waiting for the train back to DC - thank you for being 1 hour late! Jerks.
8 coolers of beverages and food - check
several pairs of aqua socks - check
2 mile jaunt down the James river - PRICELESS!
Okay, they may of may not have been all of my friends at the beginning of the journey but by the end they sure were.....nothing like a little 5 hour process (we stopped on a beach 1/2 way down) to make a few friends and enjoy one of the most beautiful and sunny days that the C-ville area can provide.
I also got to experience Richmond, VA for the first time in my life. A few bars and a house party later I had throughly enjoyed the night. And perhaps it wasn't too bad to be waited on by my surrogate family down on the South Side. Love you mom and dad VA!
Only shitty thing....waiting for the train back to DC - thank you for being 1 hour late! Jerks.
7.06.2007
Trust
Is it bad that right now out of all the people I know...I can only trust/depend on 10 of them? TEN! So sad.
***
My Final Thoughts for the Week:
I am a tad sad that Bonds won't be a part of the All-Star game...but eh, life goes on.
We need more Wednesday's off.
I am building my very own website...with a special domain name and all! It's to do about the food industry for 20-somethings. I can't wait for the launch date (date TBD).
I'm still counting on the Twins to do better than the Mariners...have a an end of the season bet and I MUST win.
The news is so boring right now that the only thing consistent online, radio and paper are the high temps (no crap...it's only July and all!) and Scooter Libby being released (so, so sad!).
I am already exhausted from the 12 Days.....and it's only Day 5! uffda.
***
My Final Thoughts for the Week:
I am a tad sad that Bonds won't be a part of the All-Star game...but eh, life goes on.
We need more Wednesday's off.
I am building my very own website...with a special domain name and all! It's to do about the food industry for 20-somethings. I can't wait for the launch date (date TBD).
I'm still counting on the Twins to do better than the Mariners...have a an end of the season bet and I MUST win.
The news is so boring right now that the only thing consistent online, radio and paper are the high temps (no crap...it's only July and all!) and Scooter Libby being released (so, so sad!).
I am already exhausted from the 12 Days.....and it's only Day 5! uffda.
7.04.2007
Rocky is my HERO
First of all......HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!! And to all people celebrating freedom...remember it's because of these people (picture)
Second of all..... I'm a terrible host, I know. Sorry friends but my bed looked SO comfortable at 10:30 pm.
Third of all......Tourists are going to kill me today.
Fourth of all.....it happened. The one thing I thought wouldn't and/or couldn't did. But I'm excited and can't wait to see what develops.
7.02.2007
Mother Nature go home
My thoughts right now:
A) I should not be at work
B) It's too damn nice out to be at work
C) My mom is visiting...hence I should not be at work
D) Today is the official start day of the "12 Days...." *cough* I should not be at work
But I'm at work. And yes, I hate deadlines.
And for those of you who witnessed a girl (amongst a group of golfers and tennis players) running around DC on Saturday....I apologize. I my have been a tad out of control. I was doing my part to win a race and help the inner city kids. I'm such a phlianthropist!
Quote of the Weekend:
"Remind me tomorrow that I helped someone today."
- DCSMASHED
And some summer photos........oh the life of kickball, birthday parties and the ULTIMATE party with MS!
A) I should not be at work
B) It's too damn nice out to be at work
C) My mom is visiting...hence I should not be at work
D) Today is the official start day of the "12 Days...." *cough* I should not be at work
But I'm at work. And yes, I hate deadlines.
And for those of you who witnessed a girl (amongst a group of golfers and tennis players) running around DC on Saturday....I apologize. I my have been a tad out of control. I was doing my part to win a race and help the inner city kids. I'm such a phlianthropist!
Quote of the Weekend:
"Remind me tomorrow that I helped someone today."
- DCSMASHED
And some summer photos........oh the life of kickball, birthday parties and the ULTIMATE party with MS!
6.29.2007
Bowling in Chicago
I went bowling in Chicago yesterday.
Yes, you heard right. I woke-up at 5 am to catch a flight out of Dulles to O'Hare and then went bowling and ate some food from 10:30 am until 2pm. That's what my organization calls a company picnic.
I decided to spend a few extra hours in the city so I at least went downtown to mourn the loss of my beloved Marshall Fields and join the Chicago happy hour scene. It was a good time.
The the best part of the night was the following:
Txt from BS: "Hey, wanna hangout tonight?"
Me: "Sorry, I'm having dinner in Chicago right now"
BS: "and Paris tomorrow.....?"
I so should have said, "No, Italy, I'm hungry for pizza." But I didn't. Darn.
Yes, you heard right. I woke-up at 5 am to catch a flight out of Dulles to O'Hare and then went bowling and ate some food from 10:30 am until 2pm. That's what my organization calls a company picnic.
I decided to spend a few extra hours in the city so I at least went downtown to mourn the loss of my beloved Marshall Fields and join the Chicago happy hour scene. It was a good time.
The the best part of the night was the following:
Txt from BS: "Hey, wanna hangout tonight?"
Me: "Sorry, I'm having dinner in Chicago right now"
BS: "and Paris tomorrow.....?"
I so should have said, "No, Italy, I'm hungry for pizza." But I didn't. Darn.
6.21.2007
Take THAT FB!
I made it. A whole week without looking at The Facebook. I do have to say, rarely did I miss it. Only twice did I start to key in the URL and then realize what I was doing. I also have to admit, I didn't miss it much. Well, at least from what I saw when I did the little check-in today. I don't think I missed any birthdays (cross-my-fingers!) and well yeah, there were some pictures up from a b-day party I attended. All together - boring. So I guess I can live life soundly and happily without the thing. Though I have a feeilng a few friends might get upset over that (again, back to the whole communication thing).
As for right now in my life - I'm so busy I might die! Work has me over my head (ahem, I'm writing this AT work AT 9:12 p.m. on a Thursday...I just got done with my projects for the day). Also I feel like I'm totally out of what's going on. Happy hours are non-existant and about only 10 friends make it on the contstant list. Let's not even start in on family (who I'm sure think I'm actually dead). How can that be? Am I that bad at scheduling my life?
And final thought for the evening....
Whatever happened to going to a home game and having the majority of the crowd cheer for the home team? Last night it was the Nats vs. the Tigers. I do understand that the Tigers are good....but I didn't know that 3/4 of RFK would be filled with Tigers fans. I almost got beer thrown on me because I cheered for the Nats at one point. Seriously...only here would you get that.
I miss my Twins.
As for right now in my life - I'm so busy I might die! Work has me over my head (ahem, I'm writing this AT work AT 9:12 p.m. on a Thursday...I just got done with my projects for the day). Also I feel like I'm totally out of what's going on. Happy hours are non-existant and about only 10 friends make it on the contstant list. Let's not even start in on family (who I'm sure think I'm actually dead). How can that be? Am I that bad at scheduling my life?
And final thought for the evening....
Whatever happened to going to a home game and having the majority of the crowd cheer for the home team? Last night it was the Nats vs. the Tigers. I do understand that the Tigers are good....but I didn't know that 3/4 of RFK would be filled with Tigers fans. I almost got beer thrown on me because I cheered for the Nats at one point. Seriously...only here would you get that.
I miss my Twins.
6.20.2007
Out of Sight - Out of Mind
Funny Note:
A sissors is not your house keys.
I had just gotten done doing errands and I was tired and dirty with a mess of an aparment. When I got home at 9 p.m. I was right on schedule - do laundry, make the egg salad, restock the bathroom supplies, take out the 3 loads of garbage (we just bought and installed a new light fixtures) and vaccum (BIG TIME!!!). The eggs were ready to go, the laundry was in its basket and the garbage was piled high. I grabbed the laundry, picked up 3 small garbage bags and the the blue thing I thought was my keys on the table and headed out the door. "click!," went the door. "Crap!" went me. The door locked. And I was locked out. Also, let's not forget that my roomate had just left for a late dinner with a friend. So there I was stuck and didn't know what to do. So I threw my laundry in the wash and headed outside to dump the garbage. Luckily I had planned on running over to my neighbors later on to grab a ticket .... I just may have been a tad early (20 mins), all sweaty and gross (it was 80% humidity and in the low 80's....at NIGHT) and VERY GRUMPY. Luckily he was nice to me and let me in to cool off and wait for the roomie to get home.
So the moral to the story is.....never think the 'blue' thing is your keys. It could possibly be your sissors.
As for the title....I'm contemplating the whole "is it bad to just let go of some 'friendships'"? You see, it's been a big thing lately on both ends for me. I know why I do [let go] - so it only saddens me that I was that boring/bad/annoying of a 'friend' to others. Luckily I'm quite heartless right now, which makes everything that much easier (ha! that's a bit of a lie). So I guess the whole - "out of sight, out of mind" does play a key role in this. You might at well aslo say......."out of heart" too.
A sissors is not your house keys.
I had just gotten done doing errands and I was tired and dirty with a mess of an aparment. When I got home at 9 p.m. I was right on schedule - do laundry, make the egg salad, restock the bathroom supplies, take out the 3 loads of garbage (we just bought and installed a new light fixtures) and vaccum (BIG TIME!!!). The eggs were ready to go, the laundry was in its basket and the garbage was piled high. I grabbed the laundry, picked up 3 small garbage bags and the the blue thing I thought was my keys on the table and headed out the door. "click!," went the door. "Crap!" went me. The door locked. And I was locked out. Also, let's not forget that my roomate had just left for a late dinner with a friend. So there I was stuck and didn't know what to do. So I threw my laundry in the wash and headed outside to dump the garbage. Luckily I had planned on running over to my neighbors later on to grab a ticket .... I just may have been a tad early (20 mins), all sweaty and gross (it was 80% humidity and in the low 80's....at NIGHT) and VERY GRUMPY. Luckily he was nice to me and let me in to cool off and wait for the roomie to get home.
So the moral to the story is.....never think the 'blue' thing is your keys. It could possibly be your sissors.
********
As for the title....I'm contemplating the whole "is it bad to just let go of some 'friendships'"? You see, it's been a big thing lately on both ends for me. I know why I do [let go] - so it only saddens me that I was that boring/bad/annoying of a 'friend' to others. Luckily I'm quite heartless right now, which makes everything that much easier (ha! that's a bit of a lie). So I guess the whole - "out of sight, out of mind" does play a key role in this. You might at well aslo say......."out of heart" too.
6.14.2007
Challenge
Last night, while hanging out with two friends, we got onto the discussion about Facebook and how we are addicts. I find myself on there quite a bit but nowdays I spend less time looking at peoples profiles and more at using the ‘wall’ and ‘messages’ for another form of communication. As we were discussing it and one friend (who was currently logged into the site) was gasping at new found information I felt …. uncomfortable. Is our generation that lazy and removed from friendships that we now only use things like Facebook and MySpace to connect?
Not only has that happened but it also goes with cell phones and Blackberry’s (a.k.a crackberrys). I have so many friends who don’t use their cell phones to talk. Instead they communicate almost solely through text messaging. Now don’t get me wrong – I like the idea that you can send a quick text to someone when you are in a place that the reception is horrible or too loud for one to understand what you’re trying to say. But it’s those who use it to have complete conversations. Really….pick up the stupid phone and talk to the person; so much more can be accomplished in less time.
My favorite are the people, and trust me there are too many, who will be out to dinner with you and right in the middle of a conversation they are checking their Blackberry and sending off e-mails. Trust me. No friend of mine is THAT important that they HAVE to send an e-mail immediately. It’s downright rude.
After going through this little upsetting moment last night I declared that I would like to stop my Facebook account. Needless to say, both friends laughed and said it could never happen. And, at least for now, that is true. I do rely on it too often for information because I was not diligent enough to plan ahead or take the time to write down notes of birthdays, contact information and so on. But I am going to try something……
Starting today I’m going to go an entire week without Facebook.
I know there is no way to monitor this, seeing it doesn’t tell you the last time I logged in. But I will announce if I made it or broke my pledge.
And so…the countdown begins!
Not only has that happened but it also goes with cell phones and Blackberry’s (a.k.a crackberrys). I have so many friends who don’t use their cell phones to talk. Instead they communicate almost solely through text messaging. Now don’t get me wrong – I like the idea that you can send a quick text to someone when you are in a place that the reception is horrible or too loud for one to understand what you’re trying to say. But it’s those who use it to have complete conversations. Really….pick up the stupid phone and talk to the person; so much more can be accomplished in less time.
My favorite are the people, and trust me there are too many, who will be out to dinner with you and right in the middle of a conversation they are checking their Blackberry and sending off e-mails. Trust me. No friend of mine is THAT important that they HAVE to send an e-mail immediately. It’s downright rude.
After going through this little upsetting moment last night I declared that I would like to stop my Facebook account. Needless to say, both friends laughed and said it could never happen. And, at least for now, that is true. I do rely on it too often for information because I was not diligent enough to plan ahead or take the time to write down notes of birthdays, contact information and so on. But I am going to try something……
Starting today I’m going to go an entire week without Facebook.
I know there is no way to monitor this, seeing it doesn’t tell you the last time I logged in. But I will announce if I made it or broke my pledge.
And so…the countdown begins!
6.12.2007
I may or may not be a ....
a Lutheran.
Last Sunday was the first day back sitting in the regular part of service because choir is done for the summer. It was kinda fun though during that time I got a tad bit distracted becuase I knew no one was watching me and I'll have to admit, my mind wandered. My entire life I've grown-up Lutheran (ELCA-Lutheran to be exact). I've adored it for a multitude of reasons such as I'm half Norwegian and half German (which makes up 90% of Lutherans), not to mention it's a base of Minnesota pride. For example, when I walked into my new church in VA and told them I came from MN I understood how celebrities felt. I was adored because I came from the Motherland of Lutheranhood! Beyond the jell-o molds and bake sales I grew to appreciate the denomination for what it stood for (I'm talking post-post-post Reformation!). I find it a pretty welcoming place and, in some places, is willing to take on very controversial social issues instead of ignoring them. I don't believe there is a RIGHT version of Christianity, I believe it is what you find the best way to communicate with the big dude upstairs. And therefore, at least for now, being a Lutheran suites me fine.
But the whole reason why I even brought this little pride factor up (I know, I'm being far from a "modest Lutheran"!) is that I recently read through one of those many lists out there that starts with "You might be a __________ if....." Sadly and humorously I laughed the entire way through.....perhaps because many of them hit home with me.
So here I am, going to share with you (only the ones that are true to me) why I might be a Lutheran if........
...you read your Catechism and start arguing theology with yourself because no one else is around.
...the most mail you receive all year is from the Stewardship Committee.
...you serve Jell-O as a vegetable.
...your biggest fund-raisers are bake sales instead of bingo.
...you can't have a meeting without having a meal.
...you refer to your trip to Minneapolis (or Chicago) as a pilgrimage.
...sharing the peace during the service takes more time than the sermon.
...all of your casserole dishes have your name on the bottom.
...you're willing to pay up to one dollar for a meal at church.
...you ask for "A Mighty Fortress" on the love song request line.
...you actually understand the folks from Lake Wobegon.
...you consume some form of Jell-O at every holiday meal.
...you don't question why the seat you sit in at church is called a pew.
...you have an uncontollable urge to sit in the back of any room.
...you think the communion wafers are too spicy.
...your mother reminds you often that she wishes you'd studied the organ.
...your mother could give any Jewish mother a run for the money in the guilt department.
...you think lime Jell-O with cottage cheese and pineapple is a gourmet salad.
...your congregation's first two operating rules are "Don't change" and "Don't spend."
...your LCMS pastor refers to St. Louis as "the holy city." (WELS=Milwaukee; ELCA=Chicago; ELS=Mankato; etc.)
...at Thanksgiving you serve lutefisk and try to convince your kids it's really a turkey.
...you're at an evangelistic rally and you actually manage to raise your hands waist high.
...the only mealtime prayer you know is "Come Lord Jesus."
...you and your family of six squeeze into the last pew along with the 140 members already sitting there.
...you can't get into heaven without a casserole.
...you notice the Kool Aid stock shot up during the Vacation Bible School season.
...you wonder why bread and wine are used for Communion instead of coffee and donuts.
...you are referred to as the frozen chosen!
...you consider lottery tickets a serious investment.
...you make your hotdishes with cream of mushroom soup and your salads with Jell-O.
...you sing "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" while sitting down.
...a line item in the trustee's budget is "coffee maker maintenance."
...you think tuna hotdish is a gourmet meal.
...your idea of an affirmation is "This is most certainly true."
...you feel guilty about not feeling guilty.
...you think anyone who says "casserole" instead of "hotdish" is trying to be uppity (or maybe even Episcopalian!)
...you think the term "Jell-O salad" is redundant.
...you were little you actually thought the Reverend's first name was "Pastor."
...you think you're paying your pastor too much if he gets a new car for the first time in eight years.
...you hear something really funny and smile as loud as you can.
...it takes 10 minutes to say good-bye.
...doughnuts are in the official church budget.
...you're watching "Star Wars" in the theatre and when they say, "May the force be with you," the theatre replies, "and also with you."
...you doodle on the back of communion cards.
...you can say the meal prayer all in one breath.
...Bach is your favorite composer just because he was Lutheran, too.
...you hesitate to clap for the church choir or special music because "it just wasn't done that way in the old days."
... you think the four food groups are coffee, lefse, lutefisk, and Jell-O.
...you actually think the pastor's jokes are funny.
... you pronounce the word Lutheran "Lutern."
...requests you hear are preceeded or followed by the phrase, "If it's not too much trouble then..."
...you know all the words to the first verse of "Silent Night" in German but can't speak a word of it.
...someone asks you after church if there's any "decaf coffee" and you laugh because you KNOW that if it doesn't have caffeine, it can't be coffee!
...you hear something really funny and smile as loud as you can.
...it takes 10 minutes to say good-bye.
...you doodle on the back of communion cards.
...you can say the meal prayer all in one breath.
...Bach is your favorite composer just because he was Lutheran, too.
...you hesitate to clap for the church choir or special music because "it just wasn't done that way in the old days."
..you only serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color for the season.
...you didn't know chow mein noodles were a Chinese food.
...when someone mentions red and green (in terms of Christmas), you immediately think of a battle over hymnals.
...during the entire service you hold your hymnal open but never look down at it.
...during communion you hum the hymns so you can see who's at church that Sunday.
...rather than introducing yourself to a visitor at church, you check their name out in the guestbook.
...you think Garrison Keillor's stories are totally factual.
...you have your wedding reception in the fellowship hall and feel guilty about not staying to help clean up.
...a midlife crisis means switching from the old hymnbook to the new one.
...the pastor skips the last hymn to make sure church lasts exactly 60 minutes.
...you don't make eye contact when passing someone in the hall because you think it's impolite.
...your choir believes volume is a fair substitute for tonality.
...you don't know what was sooo funny about dat movie "Fargo" then.
...in response to someone jumping up and shouting "Praise the Lord!", you politely remind him or her that we don't do that around here.
...you think a meeting isn't legitimate unless it's at least three hours long.
...peas in your tuna noodle hotdish add too much color.
...you make change in the offering plate for a ten.
...you think butter is a spice.
...you have more than three friends whose first names have the letter "j" as the second letter.
...the only open pew is up front, so you volunteer to shovel the sidewalk.
...Ole and Lena are really the names of your relatives.
...you know what a Lutheran Church Basement Woman is.
...you think hotdish is one of the major food groups.
...you think that an ELCA Lutheran bride and an LCMS groom make for a "mixed marriage."
Yep, I'm just a tad Lutheran!
Last Sunday was the first day back sitting in the regular part of service because choir is done for the summer. It was kinda fun though during that time I got a tad bit distracted becuase I knew no one was watching me and I'll have to admit, my mind wandered. My entire life I've grown-up Lutheran (ELCA-Lutheran to be exact). I've adored it for a multitude of reasons such as I'm half Norwegian and half German (which makes up 90% of Lutherans), not to mention it's a base of Minnesota pride. For example, when I walked into my new church in VA and told them I came from MN I understood how celebrities felt. I was adored because I came from the Motherland of Lutheranhood! Beyond the jell-o molds and bake sales I grew to appreciate the denomination for what it stood for (I'm talking post-post-post Reformation!). I find it a pretty welcoming place and, in some places, is willing to take on very controversial social issues instead of ignoring them. I don't believe there is a RIGHT version of Christianity, I believe it is what you find the best way to communicate with the big dude upstairs. And therefore, at least for now, being a Lutheran suites me fine.
But the whole reason why I even brought this little pride factor up (I know, I'm being far from a "modest Lutheran"!) is that I recently read through one of those many lists out there that starts with "You might be a __________ if....." Sadly and humorously I laughed the entire way through.....perhaps because many of them hit home with me.
So here I am, going to share with you (only the ones that are true to me) why I might be a Lutheran if........
...you read your Catechism and start arguing theology with yourself because no one else is around.
...the most mail you receive all year is from the Stewardship Committee.
...you serve Jell-O as a vegetable.
...your biggest fund-raisers are bake sales instead of bingo.
...you can't have a meeting without having a meal.
...you refer to your trip to Minneapolis (or Chicago) as a pilgrimage.
...sharing the peace during the service takes more time than the sermon.
...all of your casserole dishes have your name on the bottom.
...you're willing to pay up to one dollar for a meal at church.
...you ask for "A Mighty Fortress" on the love song request line.
...you actually understand the folks from Lake Wobegon.
...you consume some form of Jell-O at every holiday meal.
...you don't question why the seat you sit in at church is called a pew.
...you have an uncontollable urge to sit in the back of any room.
...you think the communion wafers are too spicy.
...your mother reminds you often that she wishes you'd studied the organ.
...your mother could give any Jewish mother a run for the money in the guilt department.
...you think lime Jell-O with cottage cheese and pineapple is a gourmet salad.
...your congregation's first two operating rules are "Don't change" and "Don't spend."
...your LCMS pastor refers to St. Louis as "the holy city." (WELS=Milwaukee; ELCA=Chicago; ELS=Mankato; etc.)
...at Thanksgiving you serve lutefisk and try to convince your kids it's really a turkey.
...you're at an evangelistic rally and you actually manage to raise your hands waist high.
...the only mealtime prayer you know is "Come Lord Jesus."
...you and your family of six squeeze into the last pew along with the 140 members already sitting there.
...you can't get into heaven without a casserole.
...you notice the Kool Aid stock shot up during the Vacation Bible School season.
...you wonder why bread and wine are used for Communion instead of coffee and donuts.
...you are referred to as the frozen chosen!
...you consider lottery tickets a serious investment.
...you make your hotdishes with cream of mushroom soup and your salads with Jell-O.
...you sing "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" while sitting down.
...a line item in the trustee's budget is "coffee maker maintenance."
...you think tuna hotdish is a gourmet meal.
...your idea of an affirmation is "This is most certainly true."
...you feel guilty about not feeling guilty.
...you think anyone who says "casserole" instead of "hotdish" is trying to be uppity (or maybe even Episcopalian!)
...you think the term "Jell-O salad" is redundant.
...you were little you actually thought the Reverend's first name was "Pastor."
...you think you're paying your pastor too much if he gets a new car for the first time in eight years.
...you hear something really funny and smile as loud as you can.
...it takes 10 minutes to say good-bye.
...doughnuts are in the official church budget.
...you're watching "Star Wars" in the theatre and when they say, "May the force be with you," the theatre replies, "and also with you."
...you doodle on the back of communion cards.
...you can say the meal prayer all in one breath.
...Bach is your favorite composer just because he was Lutheran, too.
...you hesitate to clap for the church choir or special music because "it just wasn't done that way in the old days."
... you think the four food groups are coffee, lefse, lutefisk, and Jell-O.
...you actually think the pastor's jokes are funny.
... you pronounce the word Lutheran "Lutern."
...requests you hear are preceeded or followed by the phrase, "If it's not too much trouble then..."
...you know all the words to the first verse of "Silent Night" in German but can't speak a word of it.
...someone asks you after church if there's any "decaf coffee" and you laugh because you KNOW that if it doesn't have caffeine, it can't be coffee!
...you hear something really funny and smile as loud as you can.
...it takes 10 minutes to say good-bye.
...you doodle on the back of communion cards.
...you can say the meal prayer all in one breath.
...Bach is your favorite composer just because he was Lutheran, too.
...you hesitate to clap for the church choir or special music because "it just wasn't done that way in the old days."
..you only serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color for the season.
...you didn't know chow mein noodles were a Chinese food.
...when someone mentions red and green (in terms of Christmas), you immediately think of a battle over hymnals.
...during the entire service you hold your hymnal open but never look down at it.
...during communion you hum the hymns so you can see who's at church that Sunday.
...rather than introducing yourself to a visitor at church, you check their name out in the guestbook.
...you think Garrison Keillor's stories are totally factual.
...you have your wedding reception in the fellowship hall and feel guilty about not staying to help clean up.
...a midlife crisis means switching from the old hymnbook to the new one.
...the pastor skips the last hymn to make sure church lasts exactly 60 minutes.
...you don't make eye contact when passing someone in the hall because you think it's impolite.
...your choir believes volume is a fair substitute for tonality.
...you don't know what was sooo funny about dat movie "Fargo" then.
...in response to someone jumping up and shouting "Praise the Lord!", you politely remind him or her that we don't do that around here.
...you think a meeting isn't legitimate unless it's at least three hours long.
...peas in your tuna noodle hotdish add too much color.
...you make change in the offering plate for a ten.
...you think butter is a spice.
...you have more than three friends whose first names have the letter "j" as the second letter.
...the only open pew is up front, so you volunteer to shovel the sidewalk.
...Ole and Lena are really the names of your relatives.
...you know what a Lutheran Church Basement Woman is.
...you think hotdish is one of the major food groups.
...you think that an ELCA Lutheran bride and an LCMS groom make for a "mixed marriage."
Yep, I'm just a tad Lutheran!
6.08.2007
6.05.2007
How to Keep People from Giving You Work...
1. Blow your nose everytime they come within five feet of you
2. Open up and stack every known binder around you
3. Stack boxes infront of and around your door
4. Pick up the phone as soon as you see them coming
5. Start yelling at the 'system' and how crappy/slow it is (yelling at your computer monitor)
These obvisoulsy work cause I've done all of these several times this week and people are steering clear!
2. Open up and stack every known binder around you
3. Stack boxes infront of and around your door
4. Pick up the phone as soon as you see them coming
5. Start yelling at the 'system' and how crappy/slow it is (yelling at your computer monitor)
These obvisoulsy work cause I've done all of these several times this week and people are steering clear!
How Will You Win?
I’m a Friedman girl. No, not Milton but Thomas. Best put, Thomas Friedman is one of the few NYT journalists that I look forward to reading not for amusement but for a broader point of view when it comes to foreign policy. I may be a bit nerdy because of this but I have found that he makes some very good points. Along with his column I have also taken the opportunity to read two of his novels and will be working on my third. I have to say, they have changed how I perform at my job, how I purchase goods and even what I will accept as truth from the media. I’m not saying he is a righteous man who has all of answers. That is far from the truth. But he is open and attempts to understand what various cultures are doing to work with a world that is globalizing faster than many of them can keep up with.
The reason why I am even bringing this up is because of a few things lately. First of all….my political stance has been shifting ever since I’ve moved away from homen (don't worry....it's nothing huge!). Not because I’m away from family necessarily but because A) I witness the craziness of all major political ideologies nowdays (i.e. because of where I live), B) my new job has forced me into learning even more about intenational markets and politics and C) I have stopped grasping onto every political ideal that some of my friends (past and present) throw around. Not that they are wrong..it’s just I never really questioned or debated them.
Also when I came here I witnessed something crazy, that is - some of the crazies left over from ‘04. The ones who haven’t moved on. The ones that are holding to an old political dream that barely won them an election in some places. It’s funny because when I first arrived [out east]and started to help with various compaigns and party initiatives they thought I was a golden child. The quiet one who just worked. Now they look at me with hesitation. They finally realized that I’m not one of them. No. I’m a different breed. One that they don’t understand. The one that would take a lot of change [on their behalf] and leaving the ‘bubble’ to figure out if they want to even think of winning ’08. I have started to question their ‘purity’ of politics and policy. They don’t like it. Though their pedestal is being chopped down and many are trying hard to hold on. It’s sad.
I ask of you (and myself) stop, think and listen. Much of what you and I stand for is good. But really….think. Is is good for the future of our economy? Our state? Our world? Take it and think hard. Open up and think really, really hard. Don’t start mumbling about despsing the other extreme. Think of those sitting in the middle. How will you win them?
Friedman, like several others over the years, have allowed me to stop and think about it. That may be the reason why my political compass has shifted. So I ask for you to at least try.
As Chairman Rangel says, “we do not need Republican (trade) policy or Democratic (trade) policy. We need American (trade) policy.” This goes for everything.
**********
On a lighter note: What is up with the Twinkies?! I don’t like getting made fun of…not when it comes to baseball. Get your act together boys!
The reason why I am even bringing this up is because of a few things lately. First of all….my political stance has been shifting ever since I’ve moved away from homen (don't worry....it's nothing huge!). Not because I’m away from family necessarily but because A) I witness the craziness of all major political ideologies nowdays (i.e. because of where I live), B) my new job has forced me into learning even more about intenational markets and politics and C) I have stopped grasping onto every political ideal that some of my friends (past and present) throw around. Not that they are wrong..it’s just I never really questioned or debated them.
Also when I came here I witnessed something crazy, that is - some of the crazies left over from ‘04. The ones who haven’t moved on. The ones that are holding to an old political dream that barely won them an election in some places. It’s funny because when I first arrived [out east]and started to help with various compaigns and party initiatives they thought I was a golden child. The quiet one who just worked. Now they look at me with hesitation. They finally realized that I’m not one of them. No. I’m a different breed. One that they don’t understand. The one that would take a lot of change [on their behalf] and leaving the ‘bubble’ to figure out if they want to even think of winning ’08. I have started to question their ‘purity’ of politics and policy. They don’t like it. Though their pedestal is being chopped down and many are trying hard to hold on. It’s sad.
I ask of you (and myself) stop, think and listen. Much of what you and I stand for is good. But really….think. Is is good for the future of our economy? Our state? Our world? Take it and think hard. Open up and think really, really hard. Don’t start mumbling about despsing the other extreme. Think of those sitting in the middle. How will you win them?
Friedman, like several others over the years, have allowed me to stop and think about it. That may be the reason why my political compass has shifted. So I ask for you to at least try.
As Chairman Rangel says, “we do not need Republican (trade) policy or Democratic (trade) policy. We need American (trade) policy.” This goes for everything.
**********
On a lighter note: What is up with the Twinkies?! I don’t like getting made fun of…not when it comes to baseball. Get your act together boys!
6.03.2007
Rainy Day
So this is what I get. The first day that I've felt remotely decent in a week and it's raining outside. I usually would love a rainy day as for a good excuse to coop myself up in the house and watch a zillion episodes of Dallas or Arrested. But no. I've been doing that for about a week. I want out. I want to leave. But even if I throw on my boots and grab the umbrella there isn't a place I could really go to. It's Sunday so most of the 'free' things are closed and the fact that my wallet is MIA doesn't help either. So here I am ... bored.. to.. death.
So this is what I've done...
I spent a solid 10 minutes job searching but got bored quickly. Though I have narrowed the search down to three places....Mpls, Chi-town and the Bubble. Mpls has the most jobs that are welcoming me, Chi-town is this mysterious place that I need to check off my list of "places to call home" and the Bubble....oh lord...the Bubble. It's driving me nuts!!! I want to leave but yet when I actually think of doing it my heart breaks. Too many good things here. Plus, how many people get to live in such an awesome place where a regular drive home at night gives you a view of the Washington Monument glimmering off of the Potomac?
Even though I've been cooped up in my freakin' small, over-priced condo (apt really, but condo is the official title so I'll use it and yes, housing prices are annoying me right now) I was able to sneak out last night to go to a concert I've been waiting to see for months. Yes, I finally got to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club!!! It was amazing. Except the damn light show they thought was necessary. Really!? I was already half deaf and left without a voice due to my cold - no need to blind me too people! But when you take away that little annoyance, it was PERFECT! I'm seriously thinking of forgetting about my crush on FMH who left me for the slopes of CO and start throwing all energy towards Robert, an amazing bass player. Really, he's very talented and has amazing hair. I'm still in awww of the show. Not to mention the opening act, The Cobbs, was another amazing group. Check them out. They are based out of Pilly.
Okay - I'm literally out of things to write about. Seeing I've talked about my cold (boo!), the fact that DC housing sucks (ask my friend who has to come over to shower at my place!), me hating the idea of job searching (really, is it that hard for people to just give you a job?!) and BRMC (who rule and their third album is AMAZING!). But I'll leave you with one question...
Do you think the Twinkies will sweep the Nats and if so...by how much?!
Hahaha. Okay - that was a dumb question. But really - by how much? I'm starting a poll.
So this is what I've done...
I spent a solid 10 minutes job searching but got bored quickly. Though I have narrowed the search down to three places....Mpls, Chi-town and the Bubble. Mpls has the most jobs that are welcoming me, Chi-town is this mysterious place that I need to check off my list of "places to call home" and the Bubble....oh lord...the Bubble. It's driving me nuts!!! I want to leave but yet when I actually think of doing it my heart breaks. Too many good things here. Plus, how many people get to live in such an awesome place where a regular drive home at night gives you a view of the Washington Monument glimmering off of the Potomac?
Even though I've been cooped up in my freakin' small, over-priced condo (apt really, but condo is the official title so I'll use it and yes, housing prices are annoying me right now) I was able to sneak out last night to go to a concert I've been waiting to see for months. Yes, I finally got to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club!!! It was amazing. Except the damn light show they thought was necessary. Really!? I was already half deaf and left without a voice due to my cold - no need to blind me too people! But when you take away that little annoyance, it was PERFECT! I'm seriously thinking of forgetting about my crush on FMH who left me for the slopes of CO and start throwing all energy towards Robert, an amazing bass player. Really, he's very talented and has amazing hair. I'm still in awww of the show. Not to mention the opening act, The Cobbs, was another amazing group. Check them out. They are based out of Pilly.
Okay - I'm literally out of things to write about. Seeing I've talked about my cold (boo!), the fact that DC housing sucks (ask my friend who has to come over to shower at my place!), me hating the idea of job searching (really, is it that hard for people to just give you a job?!) and BRMC (who rule and their third album is AMAZING!). But I'll leave you with one question...
Do you think the Twinkies will sweep the Nats and if so...by how much?!
Hahaha. Okay - that was a dumb question. But really - by how much? I'm starting a poll.
6.01.2007
Sick
That’s it. I’m callin’ it quits! For the past three days I’ve been living in hell. The hell of my body hating me (I have a head-cold) and the fiery hell of my freakin’ hot apartment. I have been so tired and exhausted from my little hiatus to family-land I have yet to get back into my normal routine. This means I have dirty laundry piling up, hair that hasn’t seen a curling iron for 4 days and a gym that doesn’t remember what I look like. Okay well…I did go to the gym the other day but I got so nauseous I had to leave. Even if I felt good enough to workout I don’t think going and hacking all over the equipment would be a good idea!
I’m also just sick of being sick. I realized that I’m totally sick when I went through this little list of things I normally love:
- Vacuuming
- Ironing
- Washing clothes
- Working out
- Going to a baseball game
- After work drinks
- Cooking dinner
- Yelling at landlord
- Making fun of and with boss
- Answering the phone
- Shopping for shoes
- Watching sports
- Baking
- Beating the sun up
I have ‘nay’d’ all of these proposals, ideas and tasks since I’ve stepped foot off of the plane. It bothers me, a lot. How can one get so sick with a cold that they can’t possible do half of that?! (yes, I understand I’m not normal…but seriously!) So today I managed to go to work – albeit a little late but I got there. The only reason why I went wasn’t for the fact that LOVE it so much (trust me, no one loves their job that much that they want to go and hack around all day it at) but for the fact that I NEED something to do and work is where I would feel awful if I just sat there like a zombie. Even though I hacked my way around work - I was able to get a lot done.
So now I will be going home, baking some brownies in my already HOT apartment, force myself to clean and look presentable all because I have someone coming over. Even though I told him I’m sick, I still feel the need to act and present myself as if I’m great. Though trust me, I will pull out the “I’m sick” card so I can pick the movie!
I’m also just sick of being sick. I realized that I’m totally sick when I went through this little list of things I normally love:
- Vacuuming
- Ironing
- Washing clothes
- Working out
- Going to a baseball game
- After work drinks
- Cooking dinner
- Yelling at landlord
- Making fun of and with boss
- Answering the phone
- Shopping for shoes
- Watching sports
- Baking
- Beating the sun up
I have ‘nay’d’ all of these proposals, ideas and tasks since I’ve stepped foot off of the plane. It bothers me, a lot. How can one get so sick with a cold that they can’t possible do half of that?! (yes, I understand I’m not normal…but seriously!) So today I managed to go to work – albeit a little late but I got there. The only reason why I went wasn’t for the fact that LOVE it so much (trust me, no one loves their job that much that they want to go and hack around all day it at) but for the fact that I NEED something to do and work is where I would feel awful if I just sat there like a zombie. Even though I hacked my way around work - I was able to get a lot done.
So now I will be going home, baking some brownies in my already HOT apartment, force myself to clean and look presentable all because I have someone coming over. Even though I told him I’m sick, I still feel the need to act and present myself as if I’m great. Though trust me, I will pull out the “I’m sick” card so I can pick the movie!
5.25.2007
All Blogged Out
I've been busy. Very busy and with good intentions I'll try to sit down and write something profound.....funny.....amazing, but nothing comes out. I just sit and stare at a blank screen. It's aggrevating seeing that I write everyday for my job. Granted I'm writing about lactose and whey, but that's something! So here I am topicless.
What kills me even more is that soemething will happen and I make a mental note to blog about it but then I either A) forget about it or B) it sounds dumb when I start typing away. But to catch you up on where I'm at right now here's a top ten.
My top ten of the past month........
10. I downloaded Journey's greatest hits and haven't stopped believen' ever since!
9. The Nationals won their first game that I attended (against the Orioles!!!).
8. Meteorologists are the devil.
7. PBR ME, ASAP! is my new summer motto.
6. Work is my life. Literally.
5. Doorman, Security guards and Bouncers love me and I don't know why...
4. I saw Cursive and Against Me! in B-more....I was the one preppy amongst 30+ mohawks!
3. Moonbounces at house parties are AMAZING!
2. Scrubs Season Finale made me want to cry, not to mention how the Twins have been playing lately too!
1. It wasn't the British accent that got me...it was something better. :)
What kills me even more is that soemething will happen and I make a mental note to blog about it but then I either A) forget about it or B) it sounds dumb when I start typing away. But to catch you up on where I'm at right now here's a top ten.
My top ten of the past month........
10. I downloaded Journey's greatest hits and haven't stopped believen' ever since!
9. The Nationals won their first game that I attended (against the Orioles!!!).
8. Meteorologists are the devil.
7. PBR ME, ASAP! is my new summer motto.
6. Work is my life. Literally.
5. Doorman, Security guards and Bouncers love me and I don't know why...
4. I saw Cursive and Against Me! in B-more....I was the one preppy amongst 30+ mohawks!
3. Moonbounces at house parties are AMAZING!
2. Scrubs Season Finale made me want to cry, not to mention how the Twins have been playing lately too!
1. It wasn't the British accent that got me...it was something better. :)
5.08.2007
The cherry....no..."Drive105" on top....
Let’s just say I shouldn’t touch anything that requires or includes the words, batteries, motor, screen, batteries…..can you catch the drift? First my digital camera stopped working, then my phone fell in the toilet, then my car didn’t pass inspection (e-brake) and now I’m waiting for my computer to explode. Okay, it may not explode but it is becoming ancient and proving that it no long undestands the meaning of 'fast.'
But give things time (more like money) and all will be good, right? Wrong. Well…kinda right. As in send the camera back in, order the parts for the car and buy a new phone (yeah, it finally quit on me after the resurrection). So now I’m around minus $500 in my account, but it’s okay cause I still have the good things in life that are free such as my radio station. But wait! No! That’s not even there anymore.
My beloved Drive105 is now a stinkin’ ‘Love105 FM’.
Go see for yourself. www.drive105.com
Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. I’m sad. I had gotten over all of the material stuff. That’s life. But when you take my music away, there will be a price to pay. And yes, they were dumb enough to give out an e-mail to ask our thoughts. Trust me. I had let them know.
But give things time (more like money) and all will be good, right? Wrong. Well…kinda right. As in send the camera back in, order the parts for the car and buy a new phone (yeah, it finally quit on me after the resurrection). So now I’m around minus $500 in my account, but it’s okay cause I still have the good things in life that are free such as my radio station. But wait! No! That’s not even there anymore.
My beloved Drive105 is now a stinkin’ ‘Love105 FM’.
Go see for yourself. www.drive105.com
Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. I’m sad. I had gotten over all of the material stuff. That’s life. But when you take my music away, there will be a price to pay. And yes, they were dumb enough to give out an e-mail to ask our thoughts. Trust me. I had let them know.
5.03.2007
The Little Phone that Could
I'm awesome. No wait - my phone is. Even though I was hating the thing for a solid 14 hours I got over it when it finally came through for me.
You see last night after kickball (I watched...not played) I headed over to Irish Times for some fun. Right when I arrived (meaning I haven't drank anything yet) I headed straight for the bathroom. Noticing the extremley sticky/soiled floor I chose to put my bag on the very large ledge above the toilet. Right as I turn I heard a nice "kerplunk." Slowly I turn to see my phone resting at the bottom of the porcelain bowl. Quickly I grab it and started to dry the thing out. After an hour I couldn't resurrect it. Nothing...worked..at....all. It wouldn't be a big deal if A) It wasn't so dang new and B) That's my life line. I got a little upset but soon got over when someone handed me a pitcher.
This morning it still didn't work. I finally planned on going to the store and purchase a new one. But as soon as I came around to explaining to my co-workers why I couldn't do lunch it miracuously turned on. I flipped. Yeah, it's still a bit water logged and the screen is a bit blotchy but it works! Therefore, as MB says, it's awesome.
Now if only other things could have that kind of turn around!
You see last night after kickball (I watched...not played) I headed over to Irish Times for some fun. Right when I arrived (meaning I haven't drank anything yet) I headed straight for the bathroom. Noticing the extremley sticky/soiled floor I chose to put my bag on the very large ledge above the toilet. Right as I turn I heard a nice "kerplunk." Slowly I turn to see my phone resting at the bottom of the porcelain bowl. Quickly I grab it and started to dry the thing out. After an hour I couldn't resurrect it. Nothing...worked..at....all. It wouldn't be a big deal if A) It wasn't so dang new and B) That's my life line. I got a little upset but soon got over when someone handed me a pitcher.
This morning it still didn't work. I finally planned on going to the store and purchase a new one. But as soon as I came around to explaining to my co-workers why I couldn't do lunch it miracuously turned on. I flipped. Yeah, it's still a bit water logged and the screen is a bit blotchy but it works! Therefore, as MB says, it's awesome.
Now if only other things could have that kind of turn around!
5.02.2007
Why I love my friends..
Best line ever of the day from a friend:
“There is also a 7:00PM game that I'll be reffing before heading over to the bar, where we'll proceed to get blindingly drunk and make lots of bad decisions.”
Oh TC, how do you crack me up! Hahahahha.
“There is also a 7:00PM game that I'll be reffing before heading over to the bar, where we'll proceed to get blindingly drunk and make lots of bad decisions.”
Oh TC, how do you crack me up! Hahahahha.
5.01.2007
Foxfield '07 Survivor
I did it! I survived Foxfields ’07! It was a good time that included but not limited to; moonshine, mimosa, bloody mary’s, beer, lemonade (from little boy selling on the side of the road - $2!!) and a Bubba full of gin and tonic. I kept only one tradition alive this time. It was Bubba. He and I were a bit of a hit at 10 am in the morning. All the peeps loved him and his endlessness of gin and tonic.
I let go of some tradition this year. One being seeking out the frat boys – or was it vice versa? Regardless…there were none to be had. Only those who held a degree! But that was mostly due to my location this time around. Not to mention I was staying with all girls too. No one wants to be considered the ‘slutty’ one in the group. And we all know that girls label other girls that way, even if it’s a simple little kiss.
The other tradition I knocked off was 24/7 drinking. I figured my host, who this time made me breakfast before 9 am, would appreciate me not falling all over her stuff. Though I’m a little more comfortable with the past when the guys threw me an air mattress and blanket and allowed me to figure out the rest! But I will hand it to my host, she was able to tolerate my crazy dance moves during all hours of the day, even at 8 am. Haha.
I had fun. It wasn’t like the past – but I blame only one thing for that. He knows who he is. Even though tradition is tradition, I guess you can’t let little things get in the way. I’ll let him go on this one. But he better be ready next time. No worries – I don’t expect said person to make me bran muffins from scratch. A little stale beer and Cheetos are all I need to stay classy for Foxfields.
Hey, I never claimed to be much of a lady!
p.s. And to prove it was good, I even got a sticker from Cane’s stating that I “Got Sauced at Foxfield’s 07!” Hahahahahahaha. God bless fried chicken.
I let go of some tradition this year. One being seeking out the frat boys – or was it vice versa? Regardless…there were none to be had. Only those who held a degree! But that was mostly due to my location this time around. Not to mention I was staying with all girls too. No one wants to be considered the ‘slutty’ one in the group. And we all know that girls label other girls that way, even if it’s a simple little kiss.
The other tradition I knocked off was 24/7 drinking. I figured my host, who this time made me breakfast before 9 am, would appreciate me not falling all over her stuff. Though I’m a little more comfortable with the past when the guys threw me an air mattress and blanket and allowed me to figure out the rest! But I will hand it to my host, she was able to tolerate my crazy dance moves during all hours of the day, even at 8 am. Haha.
I had fun. It wasn’t like the past – but I blame only one thing for that. He knows who he is. Even though tradition is tradition, I guess you can’t let little things get in the way. I’ll let him go on this one. But he better be ready next time. No worries – I don’t expect said person to make me bran muffins from scratch. A little stale beer and Cheetos are all I need to stay classy for Foxfields.
Hey, I never claimed to be much of a lady!
p.s. And to prove it was good, I even got a sticker from Cane’s stating that I “Got Sauced at Foxfield’s 07!” Hahahahahahaha. God bless fried chicken.
4.23.2007
How to gain a guy in 5 ways....Cass Style
Okay, I'm going to let you all know that I'm not an expert nor do I usually write about guys (as in dating and so forth) on this page. But I'm breaking all rules due to my latest experience(s). The reason for this has been due to the fact that I've been approached more than normal and it was out of completely abnormal circumstances. I wished it was because of my classy moves - but more often than not it was out of me being *gasp* me.
So if you feel like you've exhausted all normal options of gaining the attention of someone try my moves.....you never know what may come of it. (probably a lot of pointing and laughing - at least it was worth a shot!)
5. Running onto the ice and falling nearly flat on my butt and then proceeding to to throw terrible shots all night (not to mention I was all in disarray due to me being late). I was still sought out by fellow curler.
4. Losing your sandals in the park when it's dark out and freaking out about them. Or it could've been when the guy found them and I mauled him over with a hug and slurring outloud he was "Fantabulous!"
3. Going to a comedy movie which induces all snorting (nonstop) and yes, even falling off of the chair at least once cause you can't handle the 'funniness.'
2. Perched on a chair at Top of the Hill....nice Enlish guy comes over and says "Can I buy you a drink." I nodded. He asks, "What are you drinking?" My response, "A Shirley Temple." I got 3 more Shirley Temples after that and a number (granted it requires me to dial 011, ha!)
**And the all time classy move**
1. At the Ballroom after a day-long cookout (ahem, a few too many Whore Islands later) deciding that rockin it to the music was necessary (there was no dance floor). The Shopping Cart move was the all-time winner. At least for one person.
Those were some good times. So now I'm confused on which number goes with what. Damn cocktail napkins!
So if you feel like you've exhausted all normal options of gaining the attention of someone try my moves.....you never know what may come of it. (probably a lot of pointing and laughing - at least it was worth a shot!)
5. Running onto the ice and falling nearly flat on my butt and then proceeding to to throw terrible shots all night (not to mention I was all in disarray due to me being late). I was still sought out by fellow curler.
4. Losing your sandals in the park when it's dark out and freaking out about them. Or it could've been when the guy found them and I mauled him over with a hug and slurring outloud he was "Fantabulous!"
3. Going to a comedy movie which induces all snorting (nonstop) and yes, even falling off of the chair at least once cause you can't handle the 'funniness.'
2. Perched on a chair at Top of the Hill....nice Enlish guy comes over and says "Can I buy you a drink." I nodded. He asks, "What are you drinking?" My response, "A Shirley Temple." I got 3 more Shirley Temples after that and a number (granted it requires me to dial 011, ha!)
**And the all time classy move**
1. At the Ballroom after a day-long cookout (ahem, a few too many Whore Islands later) deciding that rockin it to the music was necessary (there was no dance floor). The Shopping Cart move was the all-time winner. At least for one person.
Those were some good times. So now I'm confused on which number goes with what. Damn cocktail napkins!
4.20.2007
Happy Birthday Stacie
Today is SS's b-day! Have a great one my dear..here's a poem for you!
There once was a girl named Stacie.
She could sometimes be a little spacey.
But what we love about her the most,
isn't the fact that she makes a great host.
No, it's the way she laughs,
and how her smiles go on for miles.
That's our girl.
The Southern doll with a bit of a drawl.
So let's all go party now!
4.18.2007
365
This is it.
I've been in DC for exactly one year today.
Wow. I do have to say that it has really become my home lately. Between the places and friends, I can't imagine my life much different. I want change but I'm not sure if moving will make it better. Plus, after doing my taxes by myself (for the first time in my life!) I believe that the best time to move is at the beginnnig of the new year....seriously, Part-Year Resident taxes are crazy and confusing.
I'll admit, there were days when I wanted to pick-up and leave. To go to the comfort of home (family in MN). But now, when I visit home I end up missing my other 'home' and 'family'. Funny how people can really make or break a place. Seven months ago I was still in search for a DC family, now I'm so invovled with people and relationships I can't imagine what life was like before them. But that's a good feeling.
So yep, I wish I could say I'm celebrating tonight but instead I'll be with my Hokie family at a prayer vigil. That's what family does. We celebrate and mourn - together.
I've been in DC for exactly one year today.
Wow. I do have to say that it has really become my home lately. Between the places and friends, I can't imagine my life much different. I want change but I'm not sure if moving will make it better. Plus, after doing my taxes by myself (for the first time in my life!) I believe that the best time to move is at the beginnnig of the new year....seriously, Part-Year Resident taxes are crazy and confusing.
I'll admit, there were days when I wanted to pick-up and leave. To go to the comfort of home (family in MN). But now, when I visit home I end up missing my other 'home' and 'family'. Funny how people can really make or break a place. Seven months ago I was still in search for a DC family, now I'm so invovled with people and relationships I can't imagine what life was like before them. But that's a good feeling.
So yep, I wish I could say I'm celebrating tonight but instead I'll be with my Hokie family at a prayer vigil. That's what family does. We celebrate and mourn - together.
Yeah. That's about it.
These past two days.......
I'm just happy it's not sunny out. We can't handle it at this moment. Hug or no hug.
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now
Backbeat the word was on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels
The way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk along are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you
I don't know how
Because maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day?
But they'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now
And all the roads that lead to you were winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
I don't know how
I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after an
You're my wonderwall
Said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
I'm just happy it's not sunny out. We can't handle it at this moment. Hug or no hug.
4.17.2007
Retraction
Right after I had hit the "publish" button yesterday on my post I recieved word about the VA Tech massacre. So it wasn't the best day. At least not for my fellow Hokies or anyone with a heart. After the first e-mail went out (a common occurance between a few friends and myself) they didn't stop. Most of them included updates on the number of fatalities, the status of friends who were on campus or a simple "I can't believe this...." At the end of the day we had maxed at 102 e-mails between the four of us. Even after several hours and prayers there was still no light at the end of the tunnel and the moods were just as somber. The only thing we could do was be there for each other; in mind and body and pray.
So to my Hokie friends and family, God bless and may the sun shine again in your life after such tragedy.
So to my Hokie friends and family, God bless and may the sun shine again in your life after such tragedy.
4.16.2007
Friday the 13th
If life got any better I wouldn't know what to do. Really. I'm sitting in a pretty good position. Of course you could always use a little more moola and there's people in your life that shouldn't have health issues, but when it comes down to the very jest of things - life's damn good. I realized that this weekend.
I irony of this epiphany was that I realized this on Friday - the 13th.
It wasn't like anything quite amazing happened. Just another normal weekend with family/friends.
There weren't any obnoxious moments worth reporting for entertainment. But I did try something new - a DC Scavenger Hunt. Seriously, I don't care what city you live in, if you can participate in one, do it. You get to meet some great people, learn more about your city and get your butt off the couch. My team came in second, but it's being debated by the leaders due to the Red team cheating. Wonder what our prize will be?!
Oh and if there's a photo of me mediating infront of Ghandi...yeah....I had to do that.
I irony of this epiphany was that I realized this on Friday - the 13th.
It wasn't like anything quite amazing happened. Just another normal weekend with family/friends.
There weren't any obnoxious moments worth reporting for entertainment. But I did try something new - a DC Scavenger Hunt. Seriously, I don't care what city you live in, if you can participate in one, do it. You get to meet some great people, learn more about your city and get your butt off the couch. My team came in second, but it's being debated by the leaders due to the Red team cheating. Wonder what our prize will be?!
Oh and if there's a photo of me mediating infront of Ghandi...yeah....I had to do that.
4.13.2007
DC Ya Ya
I had three Happy Hours last night. The funny thing is..I had not intention of any. The day went as normal (well, normal as can be) and next thing I know some co-workers were urging me to stop in at 4 Courts for a quicky. I obliged. Then I got a call from SS. We hadn't hungout together for over a week so of course she needed a good dose of Awesomeness (ahem, me). I discovered a new love - The Continental Pool Lounge. Basically one of the few places to drink in Rossyln. But I loved it. Very retro and good HH specials. So after our bout there we of course went home to drink off our buzz with the help of TC. The evening ended with a pillow fight and a new ottoman. It was amazing and the best part was all of this was accomplished within 1 mile from my place. I love this town.
****
Rock the Casbah - most excellent song ever. I guess....
I say excellent.....
****
It's baseball time. Woohoo! I love and forever will be a Twinkies fan. But unfortunately I live a little distance from my boys.
****
Rock the Casbah - most excellent song ever. I guess....
The song became an unofficial anthem for U.S. forces during the first Gulf War largely on the basis of the line about dropping "bombs between the minarets". In fact, it was the first song played by Armed Forces Radio at the start of the war. This has been seen as highly ironic, if not downright insulting, by many Clash fans, given the band's well established anti-war stance. Conservatives counter that it is entirely appropriate, as "rocking the casbah" (as with bombs) was seen as one of the objectives of the U.S. military effort.
I say excellent.....
****
It's baseball time. Woohoo! I love and forever will be a Twinkies fan. But unfortunately I live a little distance from my boys.
4.12.2007
She's Back
It's been a long time since I've missed a roommate when they are gone. My current one who is not only a friend but also a co-worker was gone for 2 days. I went insane. Yes, it was nice having the place to myself but I had forgotten how much I just enjoyed having someone fun to talk to and go out with. When she walked in last night I flipped out and tackled her with a hug (usually not my fortay). I had stories to tell of my latest journey and needed girl advice. It was so nice and strange.
I say strange cause since the summer of '05 I roomed with people who I wasn't close to. Not that I didn't get along with them, but they weren't the people I would do stuff with beyond our own place. It was fine but I found myself wanting the place to me more often. So what I'm saying, this is a nice change. I'm okay with sa
I say strange cause since the summer of '05 I roomed with people who I wasn't close to. Not that I didn't get along with them, but they weren't the people I would do stuff with beyond our own place. It was fine but I found myself wanting the place to me more often. So what I'm saying, this is a nice change. I'm okay with sa
4.11.2007
Red Coat
I now have a new incentive to get married and have children……..it means I can stop looking for that damn Easter basket.
It’s tradition in my family that you have to look for an Easter basket up until the day you are married and have barred children. I think it’s a new way for my family to entice us cousins to settle down. Sadly and thank God, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. So I’m thinkin’ I’ll still be out there trudging through the MN snow (yes, snow in April) looking for my basket with the easiest clue and getting just as upset as I was back in the day when I could NEVER find the stupid thing. Oh the joys of unmarried life. At least the Easter bunny gives us money with our candy!
I would also like to point out – I hate cell phones and Nintendo. But I love new red coats. Long stories, ‘nough said.
It’s tradition in my family that you have to look for an Easter basket up until the day you are married and have barred children. I think it’s a new way for my family to entice us cousins to settle down. Sadly and thank God, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. So I’m thinkin’ I’ll still be out there trudging through the MN snow (yes, snow in April) looking for my basket with the easiest clue and getting just as upset as I was back in the day when I could NEVER find the stupid thing. Oh the joys of unmarried life. At least the Easter bunny gives us money with our candy!
I would also like to point out – I hate cell phones and Nintendo. But I love new red coats. Long stories, ‘nough said.
4.01.2007
The Unexpected.
This weekend was full of the unexpected. There's always the normal unexpected stuff like a phone call from a friend you haven't heard from in months (love you CS!), or getting a compliment by someone who NEVER would do such a thing (hehe, AB!). But this...this I didn't see coming. My status has changed; thanks to TZ. We had been friends, BFF, confidants, the list of titles goes on but we've never held the boyfriend/girlfriend title. This is until the unexpected.
We met 3 years ago and off the bat neither one of us were fans of each other. I thought of him obnoxious and a little pompus; he titled me as a crass, pain-in-the-rear girl (which I was to him due to his 'tude). But time went on and we got to know each other better. The little annoying things faded and the freindship started to 'blossom.' (Okay, I know I'm getting cheesy here but I'm a girl so back off!). We started to spend more and more time talking to each other and would even joke that we'd make a perfect couple (this was at a time when he's sitting on a chair reading the newspaper and keeping me company while I curled my hair before we were going to go out to meet up with friends). We felt comfortable. But the spark wasn't there. That was, we didn't realize it was there. It may have been the comfort level that covered it for the time being (and other issues not worth mentioning of my past). But that changed. Slowly.
After a period of distance (time and physical locations) we started to rekindle the friendship. But then another roadblock came. He found someone else. Well, at least he thought he had and it was only natural for him to go to what's close rather than me out in DC. But that broke and with me by his side, we made it through. And that's when the unexpected happened. We both broke the friendship rule and are now moving into the realitonship title. Yes, it's strange and may be even a little fast, but since there is still distance, it may work.
Yeah, I'm nervous that it might not. But really....why hold back? Sometimes you just need to try the unexpected....it may surprise you.
We met 3 years ago and off the bat neither one of us were fans of each other. I thought of him obnoxious and a little pompus; he titled me as a crass, pain-in-the-rear girl (which I was to him due to his 'tude). But time went on and we got to know each other better. The little annoying things faded and the freindship started to 'blossom.' (Okay, I know I'm getting cheesy here but I'm a girl so back off!). We started to spend more and more time talking to each other and would even joke that we'd make a perfect couple (this was at a time when he's sitting on a chair reading the newspaper and keeping me company while I curled my hair before we were going to go out to meet up with friends). We felt comfortable. But the spark wasn't there. That was, we didn't realize it was there. It may have been the comfort level that covered it for the time being (and other issues not worth mentioning of my past). But that changed. Slowly.
After a period of distance (time and physical locations) we started to rekindle the friendship. But then another roadblock came. He found someone else. Well, at least he thought he had and it was only natural for him to go to what's close rather than me out in DC. But that broke and with me by his side, we made it through. And that's when the unexpected happened. We both broke the friendship rule and are now moving into the realitonship title. Yes, it's strange and may be even a little fast, but since there is still distance, it may work.
Yeah, I'm nervous that it might not. But really....why hold back? Sometimes you just need to try the unexpected....it may surprise you.
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