Hello Lovers!!!!

After lots of thought, and a little research, I've decided it is time for a change.

I've MOVED!

Please join me at wordpress! www.mycynicalpov.wordpress.com

So, update your address links, and get your butts over to my new site! Looking forward to seeing you all.

xxxo

Hunter

Just FYI--today is my ONE YEAR anniversary at this blog! Yay!! Hope you all enjoy this one...

People are constantly trying to set me up and marry me off. "I have a friend for you" "There's this really cute farmer I know" "My nephew is adorable" you get the picture. Here is a conversation that happened between a good friend of mine and me. She's older than me, has a family, and always hounds me about getting married and giving her some "grandbabies." Yeah, right. Anyway, she's got a guy in mind that she wants to set me up with. She's brought him up several times over the last month or two, but nothing has ever come to fruition--she brought him up again today. Here is our e-mail convo after her phone call to tell me that she was back on this lovely idea of hers. Enjoy:


From: Jamie Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:03 PMTo: MJ Subject: RE:
He’s not like, churchy, is he?

From: MJ Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:11 PMTo: Jamie Subject: RE:
Ok, no.

From: Jamie Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:16 PMTo: MJ Subject: RE:
I don’t date really churchy guys

From: MJ Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:22 PMTo: Jamie Subject: RE:
I have no indication he’s churchy. Chris is trying to find a photo of him to email me. She thinks she has one of him with a deer he shot??!?!?!?!!??!??!?**!! He could put food on the table. You’d never go hungry.

From: Jamie Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:23 PMTo: MJ Subject: RE:
OMG! He's a hunter? Like how often does he hunt? Every season? Like, blood on his clothes all the time, hunts? For Pete’s sake, what do you think I am?

From: MJ Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:25 PMTo: Jamie Subject: RE:
Well…..he could find you car keys and missing shoe for you. Don’t you date hunters now? Sheesh….what do you want, a pussy city boy?

From: Jamie Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:27 PMTo: MJSubject: RE:
Lol! I’m just saying. Hunting is one thing…being a crazy hunter guy is totally different. I mean, if he’s a "deer heads in every room of the house" kinda guy…. :S
From: MJ Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:30 PMTo: Jamie Subject: RE:
You can hang your panties from the antlers.

From: Jamie Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:30 PMTo: MJ Subject: RE:
There is something very, very wrong with you.

From: MJ Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:32 PM To: Jamie Subject RE:
Ditto, Cabbagehead.

The Children Need Him More Than I Do.

THIS IS ECUADOR:

THIS IS COLORADO:
THIS IS MY LOVELY STATE OF IOWA:
It is necessary to have a visual of those three places before I tell you this story.

My friend Danielle and I decided it would be best for both of our souls to go on a man-fast for a while. As you all know, my luck with man-fasting is very bad. I don't have much will power--which is why I always fail at being anorexic, never get out of bed early to exercise, and always finish the bottle of wine. When it comes to men, I am usually the same way. I had lots of faith in my ability to pull this off this time, though.

And I failed.

I went on a date tonight. With Zach. A cute 25 year old college graduate with what sounds like a decent job (and he travels a lot, like me), and a similar love for Thai food. We met at my favorite Thai restaurant tonight (even though it is in a shoddy part of town and my sister is convinced I am going to get shot every time I go there). Conversation was off to a good start, we perused the menu, he ordered the yellow curry duck and I had the pad thai--per my usual. We talked about our jobs, families, friends, goals, aspirations, his immunizations* etc. Great date? Right?

Here's the catch: Zach leaves Saturday to go back to Denver for work for two weeks. He comes home on the 20th and then is done working. He quit his job. So that he can leave in the beginning of January to go to ECUADOR* to teach ENGLISH to the CHILDREN for somewhere between SIX MONTHS AND A YEAR. Blast! Damn noble people, anyway. "Thanks for dinner and a great date, maybe I'll run into you in South America sometime???"

I'm not very good with geography, but I do know that Denver, Ecuador and my lovely spot in Iowa are not, well, very close at all.

My sister's first question: Why are you going on dates with men who are based in Denver and are moving to Ecuador next month?

She's brilliant.

Maybe the man-fast won't be so difficult after all--especially if all the men I am interested in are jet setting to South America for the rest of their lives.

Have I ever told you all how much I hate dating? Sometimes I think it might have been easier if I had been born into one of those families who believe in arranged marriage--set me up and send me off to get knocked up with my new husband and a flock of sheep as my dowry.

You gotta have friends....

If you ever have a day that leaves you feeling like this:

I have decided the best solution is to call up your best friends. Although we live only 28 minutes from each other, we don't see each other as often as we should, so I was especially excited when these lovely ladies met me last night for dinner, and we had a blast--we laughed, caught up, shared disgust over the nasty sauce the waitress brought Danielle (seriously, sick), harassed Lucy about her newest boy, it was lovely. The photos below pretty much sum up my dear friends' personalities to a T--Lucy's changes depending on the topic of choice ( the closed mouth smirk was from when I started razzing her about the Iraqi war veteran who will *hopefully* become her husband soon; the excited one with her hands in the air came from our conversation about mud wrestling a cute boy in the rain--Lucy, not me; and the final one where she looks disgruntled came on as we decided that we had to get going. Danielle, true to form, is typically pretty excited, so that picture works, too!).


















Seriously, I have great friends. And I love them. They know that. A girl finds only a few good girlfriends in her life, and I happen to be blessed with some of the best of them! XXXO

Dysfunctional Thanksgiving

I won. I am the winner of Dysfunctional Thanksgiving—an offshoot of Dysfunctional Christmas—an event invented by my dear friend and some of her friends many years ago. This is the first year for Dysfunctional Thanksgiving, and I am the winner. What do you have to do to win? Have the most dysfunctional holiday possible with a lot of cookoo craziness with the family.

Here are the highlights of mine, and the reason I won:

-Lots and lots of wine. Like, lots of wine.
-One parent who is in the same house as me for 24 hours and doesn’t speak more than three sentences to me. Literally. I am not exaggerating.
-Going to the store with the other parent and breaking down sobbing due to other parent’s ridiculous behavior.
-Being scheduled to stay at sister’s until Sunday, and having to leave on Thursday evening after you slept off your afternoon buzz because you are so miserable.
-Letting cruel parent get the best of you to the point that you throw in the towel and go home—you win! You ruined my holiday, YOU WIN!!
-Answering your friend Kara’s phone call as soon as you get in the car and are pulling away from sister’s and continue to sob/choke/cry into the phone for the next 30 minutes.

When it comes down to it, I actually won. I won dysfunctional Thanksgiving, and I managed to salvage a great weekend and spent some quality time with some of my closest friends (love you guys), cleaned my house, put up Christmas decorations, and finished most of my Christmas shopping—I guess, all in all, it was a pretty decent weekend!

I'm a writing amateur...

So occasionally, I dabble in a little bit of writing. Sometimes it's hopeful, sometimes it's even on the verge of happy, there is a little bit of comedy, and a nice chunk of Plath-esque writing in there. I don't often share much of it, but for lack of anything better to blog about today, I have decided to share the following piece with all of you. I wrote it about 8 months ago, then let it sit on my laptop for about six months, and have been tinkering around with it every so often now. I'm not sure I'm done with it, but I think it's ready enough to share...my only disclaimer--this one falls into the Plath-esque category! Enjoy...


Eleven Days.
The cool breeze of a fall evening danced through the champagne colored curtains lightly hanging across the open window--the glass, rippled with age, projected brilliant shapes across the Van Gogh print hanging on the white wall as the street light poured the only illumination in to the room. She looked at the shapes, twice distorted due to the tears nestled comfortably in her bright green eyes.

She continued to think about the events of the past eleven days. She sighed. And then she cracked a bottle of her favorite merlot; as the glass shook in her hand, she lifted it to her lips to take a drink. The warmth of the liquid soothed her throat, scratchy from the efforts of long nights of crying. She felt that sip line her soul, and once again, she was comforted…She sat there, wrapped beneath her shall, and tapped what was left of her bitten fingernails against the rim of glass.

She wondered how it had come to this. She's young--barely 23, a college graduate who works a mind-numbing job, and in the process pays her bills. She spends much of her time in the company of great friends, and occasionally a nice man comes into her life, only before slipping right back out, too soon. On paper, it didn't appear as though she really had anything to be depressed about--so why was she so blue? Hereditary--that’s what the doctors said--a disease that has plagued the women in her family for generations--obviously, it was more severe in her case.

She lightly ran her index finger along the uneven ridges of the eleven day old red-brown flaking scab which was evolving into a pink fleshy scar that would be forever tattooed along her fragile wrist… something like those Chinese symbols or stars that the other girls tattooed on themselves. Hers wasn’t nearly as trendy, but it was just as permanent.

After “they” agreed that she was stable, they handed her the bottle of pills --“take three pills once daily for depression.” She now twirled the bottle in her hand and listened to the melodic fall of each of the pills as they made their way around the inside surface of that plastic orange bottle.

She opened the child resistant cap and spilled them into the palm of her hand, one by one until the entire contents sat there in a small pile. Blue pills. Little blue pills. They were all she needed to accomplish what she had originally intended... At least she had a good drink to wash them down with…

I'll post something happier for you all to read at a later date. In response to my sister's question--no, no need to worry, this is FICTION! :)

DBA

There is a little boy that I have gotten to know over the last year or so. He's a pretty cool little kid with a personality unrivaled by any other child...or adult...I have ever met. He has the biggest green-blue eyes that jump out from beneath his shaggy blonde hair and the sweetest little grin. This little guy, he's also quite the snuggler--a loving, sweet little boy. He loves superheros--Spiderman and Batman seem to be the two favorites. At times he can be rambunctious and loud, and he loves wrestling with his siblings. His name is Bowen, he is three and a half, and he inspires me every single day.

Bowen is the nephew of a dear friend of mine, and before I knew Bowen, I knew nothing of the disease he has been battling. Bowen has, since birth, been dealing with a rare blood disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). I am no expert on the disease, in fact, my knowledge of it is quite cryptic, but I do know the basics--Bowen's body can't produce red blood cells. Like I said, this disease is extremely rare, it affects less than a thousand people in the entire world--little Bowen is one of them. He has been recieving blood transfusions since he was an infant, and now, his family hopes their next step will cure this little guy's disease.

The next step is a bone marrow transplant. His original transplant was supposed to happen last spring. There were complications with his blood which halted the procedure and led to this little guy being bound to a small backpack for four months that was feeding medicine into his body 24/7. It worked perfectly, and now he and his family are back in action--taking this next big step. His transplant is Tuesday--a gift from his big brother Ryder, who just turned 5. The whole family was at our house on Halloween night--I gave Bowen a big hug. As he climbed up on my lap, I rubbed his back and said "BoBo--your backpack is gone!!", and he said, "I know, now you can rub my back." Talk about something that'll make your heart melt.

I am asking all of you to keep Bowen and his family in your thoughts. If you pray, please pray for Bowen, if you know people who pray, ask them to do the same. Spread awareness on this disease that so many know so little about. Bowen has a long road ahead of him--one that I am sure he will face daily with those bright eyes and with the amazing resolve he has mustered in his short three and a half years. This child is truly a super hero--as is his big brother--who has been asked to do such an important thing, and to give such a great gift. These two young boys have been asked to perform big tasks, huge tasks, and they (and the rest of their family) continue on with steadfast determination, bravery and more courage than one would assume two little boys could have. They are remarkable little people, truly. May this week go as smoothly as is possible for Bowen, Ryder and their family. We're all cheering for you guys!!!! XXO

Check out these links for more info:

http://www.diamondblackfananemia.com/

http://www.dbafoundation.org/

http://www.dbaftravel.com/

I love blogging....

So, Murphy decided to stay overnight. He slept on the couch, of course. And I thought the day was shot, again. Then, Dolce left me a sweet little gift which turned my day right around! I got a blog award--and that, my friends, makes me feel pretty stinkin' special! XXXO to you Dolce.

This blog award is given to sites that:

~ inspire you

~ make you smile and laugh

~ give amazing information

~ is a great read

~ have an amazing designand/or any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are: Put the logo on your blog or post. Nominate at least 5 blogs that for you are Uber Amazing! Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

***I have to add one disclaimer--I am going to be sharing this award with my bloggy friends--to my real life friends, you already know how much I love you and love your blogs! There's no secret there! So, L, K, B, A, C, D--just know I love you, but this time, I'm spreading the wealth to the bloggy friends. :)

I love blogging. I love the blogging community of gals I have established--I have read so many stories of heartbreak, success, sadness, hopefulness--I just think the world of all my bloggy friends. I refer to you all as "My friend Sara, or my friend Amanda..." And, then, when I explain to my real life people that we are blog friends, they look at me a little bit like I'm crazy. But it's true, you all have become a lovely addition to my life. It's hard to choose just 5 of you to award, but I think I've narrowed it down. So, the 5 fabulously lovely bloggers I have chosen are:

Sara Jane: for the sake of her newly sought anonymity, I am not going to link this big sexy. She is my number one blog of the day--she writes it all--whether it's about her job, her latest boys, the friends, happiness, sadness, Sara's posts are always thoughtful, and always well written. xxxo. SJ and I would be friends in real life, we've already established that. *SJ, if you want me to link you, let me know, otherwise I'll respect your privacy! Ha! :)

Amanda: I love Amanda's blog. And she leaves the best comments. She can always make me smile, no matter the day. Her blogs are often humorous, and I love to hear of her every day adventures. Plus, I totally like her posting style--check it out--it's a unique change to your typical paragraph by paragraph blog. She's optomistic, and she always makes me smile.

Bayjb: I spent a lot of time in Chicago this fall, and every time I was there, she would comment about making sure I wore a jacket or told me about the expected forcast. Although we never met, unfortunately, I always feel like we're on the same page, especially when I am in Chicago! Plus, her stories are great. Awesome writer.

Auburn Cat: I love Auburn Cat's blog. She makes me laugh--mostly because the things that she gets "cranky" about are the same things I get cranky about. I think we get along that way. I think she and I would definitely get along--she's one who writes in a variety of styles--happy, sad, cynical, dorky, and can even make light of having a nasty case of kidney stones.

Kyla Bea:I always enjoy Kyla's tales of her pups and her married life. Kyla is always astounding me with her chic-domestic-ness. This married gal can make her own preserves and knit a scarf like no one's business--but she's still cool as all get out.

So, lovelies, I hope you all know that I love love love your blogs. XXXXXOOO

Anyone thinking that we should plan a weekend and fly somewhere centrally located and just hang out and tell stories and drink wine and hang out??? I kinda do...

Murphy

I have a friend Murphy. Murphy Law. Occasionally Murphy decides to come and hang out. I don't know why, because I hate Murphy. He's not really a friend at all. Murphy decided to come and hang out this morning. Murphy Sucks.

Can anything else go wrong?

Is anyone else having a day like this?

Yes, please note, it's not even noon.

Sometimes, you just have to sit back and laugh about it!

gone

I thought about him today. For the first time. In a long time. In fact, I can't remember the last time. And I don't know why he suddenly entered my mind. Someone might have mentioned his name--its a common name, that's possible.

I might have been thinking about the younger sibling and the fucked up path she is tying up her shoes to trek down again, even though last time she was bruised and broken at the end. I can't convince her to throw those laces away and I know she is getting in the same situation she was in before. I know the type of boy she is setting out for. He is the same boy that is going to leave her in the same situation that I was in with him...before. I want to push her down--break her legs so she can't make this jaunt again, but I can't.

It might be because tonight for dinner I decided to make something that he and I used to make...and maybe, with every bite he was slowly creeping his way back into my brain--my thoughts, my being.

I googled him. I looked him up on Facebook. I don't know where he lives now. I don't know his phone number or his current job or if his hairline has receded any farther than it was when I last saw him a couple of years ago--he was always self conscious of that.

I didn't find anything. There is a person out there with his same name who is a little more popular than him on google. He doesn't have the Facebook. And, thankfully, I can't remember his number--the one that I thought would never stop ringing in my head or in my heart.

I am surprised I thought of him and more surprised I decided to look him up. I am surprised because he was such a negative force in my life--in my everything. I'm surprised because it took me so long to get back to being me after I got rid of him.

I'm so glad I couldn't find him. I don't want to know where he is or what he is doing or how his life is going. I thought about him, and I am certain that is as far as that's going to go. He's gone for a reason, a really good reason.

Blog-Block

I'm currently experiencing blog-block. I have nothing to blog about.

The one thing that I do have to blog about is currently a secret, so I can't blog about that yet.

I could blog about work--but you'd all be bored literally to tears, so we will skip that, too.

I could blog about my adorable niece, but you're all bored with that.

I could blog about the latest boy in my life...oh, wait?

I could blog about the really fast trip I am taking to Chicago this weekend for an event, but all the driving leaves me exhausted.

I could blog about the dark quote by Plath on finallyseeing.tumbler.com that I really really liked, but then you would all get the impression that I was dark and demented, so I'll leave that one out.

I could blog about how I wouldnt have to be blogging today because if I had participated in BlogSecret, my blog would have been automatic. And I wouldn't be sitting here with blog-block.

So, today, blog-block wins. Here's to hoping something exciting happens before tomorrow.

xxxxxo

Just Looking for a Good Time

I'm a loser. I posted a post about everyone doing Blog Secret and then I failed to get my submission in on time. Ooops. It's been busy around here. One of my besties, Beth, had her sweet little baby girl Amelia, and on top of that I had a crazy weekend.

Friday I was convinced I was going to do nothing--I was convinced I was going to stay in and do some work while watching tv and cozying up to a bottle of red. As I stopped at the office to pick up my projects, I got a call from the roomie/bestie. She and her BF decided that we were going to go back to his place (a small town about an hour from here) and go out--we were going to pick up his friend in Des Moines along the way. Okay, why not.

Well, we end up at a bar called the Rusty Duck in this tiny tiny Iowa town of less than a thousand people (689 people according to the 2000 census--yes, I googled that shit). Anyway, this bar is great--within the first five minutes I had been introduced to like 10 people and hugged twice by two old ladies whom I had never met before who continued to tell me that I was "just a baby."

Sara and I started out drinking beer, but as the yawning came in to play, it was determined that vodka redbulls would bring on our second winds--and they did. And they kept flowing. For about 5 or 6 hours they kept flowing. And we weren't drinking slowly.

So, Roomie's BF's friend is hot. This I established earlier in the evening--it wasn't one of those beer goggle attractions.

We leave the bar at about 2 AM after 200 dollars worth of drinks/appetizers, and lots of karaoke including but not limited to: NKOTB The Right Stuff, Touch Myself, and Man I Feel Like a Woman--heavens no, I did not sing--we allowed Roomie's BF to do all the serenading. We make it back to Roomie's BF's house. Roomie falls off a stool at one point. We eat toast and ham sandwiches. We continue drinking. We decide it's time for bed. Roomie's BF has his bedroom and his extra bedroom. I crawl in to extra bedroom bed. Am followed by hottie friend. Have great mash session. Pass out.

Regale my sister with this story the next day--she says, "Do you think you'll ever see him again?" I say, "I doubt it, but have you heard that Lady Antebellum song--Just Looking for a Good Time?" She says, "Yes," I say, "I'm thinking that's how I'm going to live for a little while." She's silent. I say, "Do you think that's wrong?" She says, "A little disturbing, but no, not wrong."

I must have still been drunk when I told her this, because the truth is, that is so NOT how I plan on conducting myself. I need to stay away from the vodka. That little bastard steals my inhibitions every time I hang out with him.

But, I mean really I'm 23--I deserve a random mash session every once in a while, right??
:)

Blog Secret

I know that some of us refrain from saying the things we want to say because we are afraid of what our readers will think. Well, a genius decided to organize Blog Secret--check out the website. You write whatever you want, and it gets posted on someone else's blog--completely anonymously.

Sounds like a grand idea to me! :) But hurry, you have to have your submission in by Saturday!

You've Got Mail

And it went a little something like this....

At 9:19 PM yesterday Mr. Converse* wrote:

"Hi Jamie.

I hope your week is going well so far. I had a great time last Saturday. The drive home was less than pleasant but it was still good to see you.

That being said I need to mention something. My Ex from last summer called me on Sunday and asked for us to get together this week. From the sounds of it she'd like to try to get back together. I'm not sure if I want to right now but there may be that possibility. We're going to talk about it after the trial.

I think it would be disingenuous for me to say that I still don't harbor some feelings there. I don't know what's going to happen but if we decide to get back together I don't want to lead you on. I hope you understand but it's probably best that we curb the dating for now.

That being said I think you're amazing: beautiful eyes, a wonderful laugh and, frankly, a great kisser. I hope you don't resent me and I hope you've had a good couple dates. Who knows, maybe we'll see each other again.

Take care,
Mr. Converse*"

*Names have been changed to protect identity

Thank goodness for my lovely friends who talked me through the disappointment. Especially one of my besties who was/is in a hospital bed trying to have a baby (that there is friendship, my dears!)! Bleh. I am disappointed. It's a fact. As much as I tried to find the cons--as you all saw, I actually enjoyed his company and very much liked what I knew of him--converse shoes and all.

I suppose we should add one more con to the list: Still loves ex girlfriend.

But on the bright side, there will be a new little baby in my life at some point today!

I am:

23.

single.

a thinker.

passionate.

afraid of commitment.

blessed with a great group of friends--you all are awesome.

fortunate to have some lovely family members.

stubborn.

suffering from wanderlust.

missing my best friends from college--real life sucks.

always up for a *large* glass of red.

currently obsessed with Pink, Sugarland, and Sara Barielles's new CDs.

confused.

usually reading a really sappy or depressing book. Paint it Black has been the latest read.

grateful.

a feminist.

so thrilled to watch Emerson grow into her own person--attitude and all.

liberal.

looking forward to the future and wishing it was easier for me to forget about the past.

excited for my next date with *him.* I think he's seriously cool.

an ice cream lover.

an absolute hater of the following: sour cream, cottage cheese, ranch dressing, mustard, bleu cheese, hangnails.

finicky about cheese--there are some things I enjoy it on (i.e. pizza, pasta) and other instances in which I hate it (i.e. on burgers, cheese soups, cheese and crackers, cheese dip).

always complaining that my feet are too hot.

addicted to Diet Coke--which leads to my dehydration and vitamin deficiency.

a hopeful cynic.

constantly searching.

Who are you?

Mr. Converse

I have, to date, been on two dates with Mr. Converse (thanks E for coming up with the nickname!). Both dates have gone well. The first--sushi, the second--dinner and a movie (Role Models--hillarious, seriously, very funny) followed by hanging out with a couple friends at my place. Yes, I let him in my house. This is a big step--a big personal step. I don't know, there is just something about letting someone in to your space--to see more of you than the jeans, sweater, and red wool coat...it's intimidating. Anyway, he's fun, funny, handsome, sarcastic and the two of my friends that met him on Saturday approve.

My qualms about this situation:
* I hate dating in general. It's kind of a hassle.
* One day I am relationship ready, the next day, I think I changed my mind. The cycle continues. I'm a walking contradiction.
* He lives an hour from here--which is no big deal, but it's still something to consider. However, since gas here in the good ole IA is down to $1.79, I suppose I can afford to make the drive.
* He is 8 years older than me. Not a huge deal, but again, something to consider.

Positives:
*He is just as busy if not more busy with his job as I am with mine. Thus, no clingy must see you every night or talk to you on the phone four hours a day stuff.
*He makes me laugh.
*He's smart.
*He socialized with my friends, and it was a very enjoyable time.
*He wears converse tennis shoes.
*He is a democrat.

Oh, the trials of dating. I don't know. I suppose at this point I take it one date at a time and reevaluate. Have any of you been on dates lately? Do you have any helpful advice for this gal?


AM, to answer your question...yes *blushing*

would you?

I am sitting here watching City of Angels--a movie I have not seen in years. Anyway it is now that I am reminded of why I fell in love with this movie in the first place--it is romantic and sweet and girly. I love meg too, and I think this is one of the first movies I cried at...oh nostalgia!!
Anyway, right now, as Nicholas Cage falls from grace I can't help but wonder--would you do it? Give up your heavenly existence for someone you believed you clicked with instantly? Someone you believed you loved? Without question?

I like to hope I would...

I have the day off tomorrow! Whooohooo!! Let's get drunk and celebrate, right?? Yeah, no.

I took the day off to babysit the niece. No daycare. And I am totally stoked about it.

Even if she did throw a temper tantrum at the grocery store tonight which required my taking her out to the car while my sister finished up.

I, then, tried to get her out of her car seat when we got back to their house and she threw a fit. Whatevs dude--stay in that seat all night for all I care. Psh.

On the other hand, whenever she says, "Thank you Mamie, or here you go Mamie," She's totally forgiven. Little shit. It's amazing how they can be such punks one second and totally sweet the next second. I was cutting up potatoes and she handed me the new potato every time the last one was cut up. She's freaking adorable.

She's not feeling well, and the weather tomorrow is supposed to be extremely crappy, so I am thinking it's a good day for lounging around with the grey skies, movies, ice cream, jammies, and soda (don't tell her mom!).

On another note--there is possibly going to be another date this weekend. I think you guys would like him....he wears converse tennis shoes. I'm thinking he might be my 'type' though I am not sure I actually have one. I seriously think you all would approve. We'll see how the weekend goes! :) I'll certainly let you know what, if anything, happens!! xo

Wow.

I am amazed by the showing tonight. People voted in record numbers.

I am so excited to see the change that is going to come with this new 44th president.

I am thrilled to see that, at this point, he is 333 to 155--that is quite the victory. This country craves change--this simply shows the urgency for change.

Let's be excited--and celebrate! It's a new beginning, to say the least! Obama 08!!!!!!!

:)

So, the sushi was amazing. And so was the conversation. He's handsome. Salt and pepper hair (he's not that old), converse tennis shoes, great glasses. Pretty darned close to the best first date I have ever been on. Hopefully I will be seeing him again next weekend!

He ordered a bunch of random sushi, which, frankly, scared the hell out of me--as up until last night, I was pretty reserved about my choices in sushi. I have no idea what I ate last night, but I know it was amazing.

Anyway, we had dinner and talked until they were closing the place down at which time we decided we should probably should head out. I'll spare the boring details and let it be enough to say that the conversation was wonderful and I'm actually excited to see him again--and this doesn't happen all that often in my world! Lets be honest! :)

On another note, get your butts out tomorrow and VOTE!

It wasn't.

It wasn't just coffee. It wasn't coffee at all. Because due to some communication errors, I accidentally stood him up. I know, right?? I basically fell over myself apologizing. It's a long, complicated story full of miscommunication. On the bright side, there are no hard feelings, and tonight, it is going to be sushi. And saki. And, fingers crossed, wondeful conversation. I will have a full report for all of you lovelies tomorrow morning! :) Lets just hope he's remembered daylight savings time and we don't end up missing each other again due to a stupid extra hour (that I so appreciated this morning) in our day.



On another note, I have to share with you the sweetest pictures I have ever seen--hijacked from my sister.


Little miss Emerson was the most adorable little witch you have ever seen this year for Halloween. Here are the pics to prove it!

She's blowing on the flowers

Walking through the park in the square

Holding her Emerson-sized pumpkin


Hanging with her candy

I love this one!

I know, adorable! I'll leave you with these and be back with a *hopefully* interesting, positive and uplifting post in the morning. And hopefully, it won't be one of those pitiful "this date sucked, and I can't believe I put myself through it" type of dates. Fingers crossed!

Is it?

It's just coffee. Right?

I mean, I had three options to get to know the guy. It's a semi-blind occasion. I know what he looks like--we've never met. He has salt and pepper hair (which I think is hot--especially on a young guy), and wears glasses. So maybe this meeting isn't blind, just blurry.

Options: 1) coffee at a lovely establishment downtown; 2) casual stroll through one of the parks in the city (supposed to be good weather on Saturday--he'll bring the coffee); 3) Sunday night at a sushi bar.

Saturday is no good. Dear friend is getting married. Trucking over to the ceremony with some of the gals. Besides, parks=stalkers=death=body parts scattered throughout the underbrush.

Sunday...this could work. I like sushi. And I really like saki.

Coffee sounds most appealing, however. And this is the plan. To chat over endless amounts of late night coffee. Unless one of my besties goes in to labor at some point today, in which case I will spend tonight dressed as a tin-man wandering the streets with sweet little Dorothy in her red shoes filling our plastic pumpkins with cavity inducing substances.

I was freaking out to my sister on the phone. I don't like first dates. Especially first blurry dates. They make me nervous. She probably cursed at me and told me to chill out, and then tried to smooth my insanity by adding--it's not a date--it's just coffee.....right??

In any case, I'll keep you lovelies filled in ;)

*Sorry for the inconsistency with the blogging lately. I've been bad. But I've been so insanely busy around here that I truthfully just haven't had neither the brain energy, nor the creativity to do so. But, it feels good to be back!

Unreal.

This is not my normal kind of post...

Last night on my way back into the city in the midst of a downpour, I was struck by something--this flashing board above the interstate--orange lights forming words that made my heart sink into my lap. They said something like "Amber Alert...White 94 Suburban..." etc. etc. The entire time I have been in this great city of Chicago I have felt safe--like nothing could phase me. I forgot about the fact that sometimes people become dangerous--that you have to be cautious--that a simple act could change your life. Suddenly, I wanted nothing more than to go home--to my own house, to my own bed.

Seeing that board really made me think. About how fragile life is. About how easily it could be turned upside down. About how quickly someone could come in to your life, stick your loved one in a white suburban and terrorize the hell out of you and your family. Where is this child, and who the hell took him? Is he scared? Where are they? How could they have gotten away?

This morning, I was talking to my little niece on the phone--which is hardly your normal conversation--she says hello, and I ask her to tell me what a handful of animals say. She's only 18 months, I mean, the conversation is better than one would expect from an 18 month old. She's absolutely adorable and can make my day--I love when my sister hands her the phone.

I thought about that. And then I thought about the child--the boards above the interstates are still flashing with that liscense plate number...I thought about how that little child is someone's niece or nephew--someone else's child--someone else's "light" in their day.

Lets hope that that little child makes it's way home soon.

**turns out that the little boy that was abducted is actually Jennifer Hudson's nephew. Her mother and brother were shot and killed on Friday, and after that her nephew was taken. Let's hope that the young boy is returned home safely. The news is saying they have nothing--that the little boy, Julian, is still missing.

*yawn*

I'm alive! I'm alive! I swear, I am still alive. (Only by good luck, however--driving in this city is a freaking adventure and I have been --><-- that close to being killed/killing about eleventy-billion times).

Sorry I have been MIA this week. My Chicago schedule is totally kicking my ass. I will be getting back to being a faithful blogger/commenter very soon--promise.

For now, I am going to have to lie down and watch a few seconds of SATC as the eyes, well, they are finding it quite difficult to remain open.

My life is crazy.

I remember once, as a youngin', walking through the airport with my older sister and looking at a man in a business suit with his briefcase waiting for his plane. I remember saying to her, I want that guys job when I grow up. Because I thought the travel seemed terribly exciting, and interesting--something fun, and new.

Well, friends, I got the travel part. And typically, I do love it, but as I enter what is like the 7th straight week of travel, I am feeling tired. I've been ill, and the pace is hitting me hard! Last weekend, I was in Minneapolis, I was home for a few days, and then out to Chicago. Got home yesterday. Today, I blog to you all as an office drone from the confines of this windowless office as I pack and re-pack to fly out to Chi-town yet again tomorrow. I spend about 8 days out between Chicago and Milwaukee, and then, next Monday, come home again. I think I am home most of that week, back in IL the week after that, and then the week after that it sounds like I am heading back to Phoenix for several days. Phew. Overall, though, it's really fun to get to explore all of these new places--to find new stores, restaurants, and figure out what highways connect to which interstate and where. I do, I must say, have a pretty sweet job.

And I know that tomorrow, as soon as I land in that windy city, all of my negative energy will disappear as I will be back at it again and cruising through the city in a *hopefully* sweet rental.
I really hope I have enough change for the tolls this time. I'm serious--they are going to arrest me sometime soon. And, E, I will definitely be trying out the restaurant you recommended this week.

To prepare for a long week, I am going to be heading home after I get finished up here and snuggling up on my couch with lots of blankets (we have yet to turn on the heat), a bottle of wine, lots of food, and a couple good movies. Ahhh, the perfect afternoon on a brisk fall day. I am hoping that while I am gone my lovely colleagues will finish off this pumpkin full of chocolate that I have sitting on my desk. I certainly don't need it. And yes, this means you, too, oh pregnant one with high blood sugar--how much can that baby gain in his last two weeks in utero? :)

Ok, don't let me forget to blog about the other gender sometime soon--I have a situation I need to confront and I'm too freakin' chicken to do it! Enjoy the Saturday lovelies! xo

Love, Love, Love

I love kind of a lot of things today. More things than normal.


I love that it's raining. It's so fall. And it's kinda cold outside--perfect scarf weather. The leaves are gorgeous--red and orange and yellow. I love fall.


I love that Gail has been making tea every day for everyone at work. Again, one of those things that makes me think fall.



I love my new herringbone tights. And I love that when I busted them open this morning, I found out that I actually got two pair, not just one. That was exciting. I love that I am wearing them with my new dress, which I also love. I don't know--something about dresses and tights just really make me happy.

I love this song by OAR, and you will too.

I love that I got to talk to Emerson this morning before I even got out of bed. She's smart, people. She counts and talks and is just awesome, especially for someone so little. Oh, I got to talk to Autumn, too. Subsequently, I was late for work, but I think it was worth it.


I love the Diet Coke I just found realizing I left in the fridge weeks ago.


I love that I am back off to Chi-town tomorrow...I gotta get an oil change--I'm actually taking Eugene (my car--he's quirky and kinda nerdy--a lot like me) this time!


And, of course, dear bloggy friends, I love you.

lost in translation

I don't believe I should ever have to do maintenence on a rental. I don't want to worry about the damn thing which is why I rent in the first place. Thus when the tire pressure light came on this week it really made my blood boil. I ignored it. Now on my way home this morning I noticed the car pulling a little to the right. Shit.

I pull off the interstate to the first station I see. I find the air hose and take it to my visibly low tire and its not working. Shit.

Then he walks out of the station. He is "the sprinkler guy."

He says "that thing working?"
I say "doesn't seem to be" translated: shit no its not working--can u not see me kicking this air machine with my very pointy toed boot?
He says "need some help"
I say "um...sure" trans: shit yeah!!
He says "I just happen to have a very large air compressor over here. I can help you out."
I say "that would be so great." Trans:your eyes are so pretty...icy blue. Yum.
I pull my car over by his truck and can't help but realize how tan and rugged this guy is.
He says "I don't have a guage but this looks pretty close"
I say "thank u sooo much--u saved me!" Trans:I do have a guage and it says you're hot.

So now I am heading home on a lovely little high from the sprinkler guy. Yes I am blogging and driving. How is that for highly irresponsible multi tasking? I know, I know. Save your lectures, sisters. I already realize the dangers. Xo!

I believe, too!!

My friend Sara Jane inspired me (and others) to write "I Believe" blogs after we all read hers--it was brilliant. Here's mine.

I Believe...

that we come to our greatest conclusions in the hours we spend considering only our thoughts--with ourselves, when we listen to our hearts, not our crazed minds.

it's hard for people to change, but, of course, it is possible.

You and I, we should be done. What does it mean that it seems it's never actually "done"? Can our hearts even bear to handle it again?

a hot tub and a large glass of red are the perfect end to any day.

in the neccesity and beauty of friendship, and the power of it. My people rock.

in finding joy in what you do, and, just as importantly, the people you work with.

in my convictions. My character is such that I will not apologize for something I know I did not start.

I am worth it. And I'm not going to settle.

my little niece Emerson can put a smile on my face anytime--even when she's a grouch.

in dresses.

and fingernail polish.

in love stories.

that one of these candidates will fix this brilliant mess.

in never expecting from others that which you would not do yourself.

in the healing power of travel--exploring new cities.

in the delight of a good night's sleep in your own bed.

in music.

in blogging.

Lovely.

My day today, it was just that. Lovely.

I spent several hours meandering the streets of downtown Chicago. I popped my head into a bunch of stores and perused the shelves. I saw a couple gals with bags from H&M and so popped out the blackberry to figure out where this store was. (I must say, investing in a blackberry was a wise, wise move.) I found H&M and Urban Outfitters, etc. It was at H&M that I found happiness. In a dress. A lovely dress. A black dress. With wonderful polka dots. And a great neckline. A dress that I cannot find a picture of online to show you the wonderful-ness of. Alas.

Downtown is wonderful. Bayjb, I found your lion from your picture. I knew I had seen it somewhere, and then, it clicked! I wandered through Millenium Park, and scooped through the Bean--it made me dizzy, a little.

After getting out of town, I hopped on the 88 and at the toll-booth, I was met with another lovely moment. I know, interesting setting, right? A very cute boy, surprisingly, was working the booth. He had dark skin and dark hair and dark eyes. Yum. Anyway, after I ask for my reciept, he asks me, "what color are your eyes, naturally?" To which I respond, "these are them!" to which he gives me the "ok" sign with his hand, and says, "they are beautiful." So are you, toll booth boy, so are you. If there wasn't a line of cars behind me, I would so stay and chat with you. Kiss kiss.

Then, I made my way to the Yorktown shopping center and decided it was time for a new 'do. I stopped at a random salon, and they had time for me. Lovely. A funky chick came out of the back room to cut my hair--I knew it was going to be good. And it is. I hacked it off, and I love love love it. I don't know how much--maybe 4 inches off the back? Needless to say, I am in hair lust. I might have to make regular trips back to this city to visit Melissa.

Finally, I took the advice of one of my coworkers and grabbed some food at Portillos. He told me to get the Italian beef with hot peppers--it was freaking amazing. Seriously, so good. After a quick trip to Target to grab some tights--for the new dress--I found my way back to the lovely hotel I am a resident of this week.

Now, must get work done!!! :)


P.S. Thanks for your advice yesterday. You gals are awesome.

Am I being irrational?

Would any of you continue to date a guy who takes you out on Saturday night, and then on Sunday night writes about loving slash missing slash being incomplete w/o his ex gf and then posts it online for the entire world to see ?

I feel like that is a huge neon sign that says 'not ready for a new relationship,' but maybe I am being dramatic. Thoughts please...

***Kyla reminded me of an interesting point. I did ask him about it and immediately he was defensive and mad telling me he is not completely over her but did not know if he would get back w/ her if she asked. He thought I was ridiculous for caring about it. At dinner Saturday he also made clear that he never actually wanted to break up with her. The message he wrote all in all was very raw--its obvious he still cares for slash loves her and I don't know if that's something I risk messing around with.

I am all for giving things a chance in most cases but this seems like I could be setting myself and my small little heart up for disaster...??

Chicago bound...again

I know it has been a full week since I last posted--that's pretty much uncalled for in the blogosphere, I know. Now, I am going to have to bust out my usual excuse--I have been busy! I was in Minneapolis for a few days and then back and then working and then packing and then finding a rental car and then going on a date or two and then packing and then sleeping and then heading this way--to my sister's, where I am staying the night on my way to Chicago tomorrow. I decided I should come over early to hang out with my sis, BIL and Em. Haven't seen them in a while.

The roommate and I had a bunch of work people over on Friday night after work. It was a pretty decent time! Our favorite thing to do is get drunk and play catchphrase. Anyway, there was lots of food, too much drinking, and too little sleep. We all had to be at work for an event at 7:30 on Saturday morning. Yikes. I was freakin' tired last night.

Anyway, "he" took me on a motorcycle ride. Which was an interesting first time hanging out. You can't get around the awkward first, like, touching a person when you actually have to hang on for dear life. Then we went to dinner. And last night we went to dinner again, and a movie. He's cute. But I'm not getting the hopes up--who knows what will happen.

I hate my sister. While I was out with him, she was witnessing miracles. Miracles by the name of Kathy Griffin. And her life. On the D List. That bitch. She went to see my idol and didn't even bother to get me a ticket. Hatred burns deep in this veins. I would never do such a thing to her. Anyway, she says she was wonderful. As if there was any question. I'll be resentful and bitter until the day I die, very likely.

Alright, I gotta get a drink.

I'll write you all from Chicago. I hope you're still reading considering I took a ridiculously long hiatus. Love you all.

Oh, and Amanda, I am driving a Dodge Avenger this week--it's fast.

Girly

This weekend I have indulged in tons of girl stuff. Painting my nails, having girly drinks, trying different things with the makeup, switching up the usual outfits, shopping and spending money I shouldn't be--just fun, girl weekend stuff. But, the one thing I did more than anything this weekend was take in a few great chick flicks!

Friday night after a post-work drink with a couple of my favorite ladies, Beth and I went to see Nights in Rodanthe. I thought it was terribly depressing--I mean, like your most emotional chick flick movie ever. But, Richard Gere is hot in it, and so is Diane Lane, and they are hot together. Plus, my favorite SVU detective Elliot Stabler makes an appearance, and I am all about that hottie. So, if you want to get your heart ripped out by the most ridiculously romantic and incredibly depressing love story, check it.

Then, yesterday afternoon, Danielle and I decided that we needed to have a Sex and the City day. She bought the movie so we lounged around and watched that--acting just as surprised and entertained as we had the first time we had seen it. That movie is freaking great, and I imagine most of you have seen it. I have lots and lots of love for that movie. And I just acquired the soundtrack yesterday (thanks Danielle!) and it's pretty good, too. I think I am definitely a Miranda. What about you?

Last night, Lucy got back to her and Danielle's place after work, and we decided to get off the living room floor and actually take ourselves to a movie rather than bust into the DVDs of our favorite gals. We decided on the Women. And I thought it was hilarious. I didn't know the story line, and haven't seen the older version of the movie, so I had no expectations. It was so cool though, to see a movie done with only women. Every single character in this flick is a woman (with one minor exception). It was really cool. I thought it was quite funny, and I think Meg Ryan is adorable.

So, it was a pretty relaxing weekend, filled with some of my favorite characters, good movies, and my so lovely friends--love it!

Arrested.

Howdy from the Windy City! It wasn't really all that windy here today, in fact, it was quite nice--sunny, and warm! I know you were all concerned, so I wanted to let you know that I did get a new suitcase--one with normal wheels. Lets just hope that it lasts this time! :)


As I drove into Chicago today (in a really ugly PT Cruiser--I'm sorry if any of you drive one, but it is SO not the car for me) I was faced with some serious serious road construction. It was intense. When I mistook an exit for a toll lane, I was off the interstate in a flash. No biggie, right? Just drive right back on? WRONG! Due to all this construction, I was forced to drive myself all over some random suburb of Chicago to try to get back onto the interstate. It was a tense 15 minutes, to say the least.


Anyway, I finally got in to the city and found my hotel. It was like the second time my Mapquest directions haven't effed me and left me scrambling for the right roads. I need a GPS. Here's the thing, though, my friend Tiff told me to be aware of the toll situation. Thus, I had plenty of cash on me. I went to my event tonight, and realized that you seriously have a toll like every two minutes. I think that mapquest and the city of Chicago have teamed up to make some serious money. Mapquest strings you through the most ridiculous amount of tolls and zig zags you through this city in an attempt to get you where you need to go via the longest route possible and make the most money. I bet Mapquest gets like 10% for effing with poor people like me who don't know the best way around the city. How else do you explain the 157 tolls I went through today?

Here's the other problem--I told you I had plenty of cash. And I did....I did NOT have plenty of change. Once you get in here, the tolls don't have people working them and you are to use exact change. Yeah, um, this girl doesn't carry much change. So, I don't really know where I was but I just chucked the last of my change at the machine, and drove through. I am fairly sure I have skipped out on a few tolls today. I didn't have any money! So, I will probably be arrested by the IL DOT by the time the week is up. (Not really, I can pay for the ones I missed on line--with a credit card--not with dimes.)

This girl's gotta get some sleep. It's gonna be an early morning and a ton of driving tomorrow.

Oh the joys of travel season!

I made my way to the Phoenix consolidated rental car station this morning with plenty of time to spare. Dropped off the lovely Saturn Aura that had kept me in good company all week, and then I was dragging my things to the elevator to find the shuttle to my terminal. My luggage consists of my normal sized suitcase with like, clothes, shoes, bathroom stuff, etc. My small suitcase, which is carry on size and full of work stuff--publications that I sent out here and never used and so am dragging back--that little bitch is heavy. I also have my laptop in its bag, and my purse. Not extreme--just enough. I've done the double bag, laptop, purse gig before and it's never been a problem. I've got a little strap thing that hooks the two suitcases together, and so I only have to use one hand to carry them both--life is good.

So, when I get to the line for my shuttle, I can't figure out why the hell my bags seem so heavy and I am already sweating.

A nice man helped me with the bags the rest of the way--the threw them on the bus for me and I settled in for the 10 minute ride to the terminal. Get off the bus, rig the bags up, and drag them across the street--again, way too heavy to even make this work. So I unhook them, balance my laptop on one, purse on the other and I am off to find my ticket counter.

I look back to see where I am at one point and notice that my bag is leaving a weird like streak on the carpet near the counters. Wtf? Whatever, I don't have time to investigate, I just want to get my tickets and get these F*&^ing bags out of my possession for the next 8 hours.

I go to the lovely self check in that American Airlines offers, pay an extra 40 dollars to check these two bags, and then have to drag them once more to the security line to drop them off. After she tags the big bag, I get to looking at it. I then realize what the problem has been all morning.

It's one of those bags that has the wheels that do the 360 turn so you can pull it whatever direction you want. Well, apparently, when I hooked the little bag up to it and started pulling, the wheels didn't want to turn.

The.bitching.wheels.rubbed.themselves.flat, and then on top of it all, started.falling.apart. I touched one of them--so hot from all the effing friction they created that I nearly burned my fingers off. So, here I am with this bag that has wheels that aren't even round, and have chunks falling off of them. To make this even worse, this is the 3rd flight/trip I've ever taken with said bag--it's basically brand new.

Whatever.

TSA dude, please take this bag from me before I beat the shit out of it and cause a major scene. Thank you.

Everybody's doing it!

I was really excited to see that Amanda at I Could Be Ordinary tagged me in her most recent post, and then I had to realize that I had to actually think about all of these things!! Thanks for the tag, girl!


A. Attached or Single? Singleton!

B. Best Friend? I have been blessed with lots of fantastic people in my life! They know who they are!

C. Cake or pie? Cake. For sure. Yellow with chocolate frosting.

D. Day of choice? Saturday. When it's not my day to work. Sleep in. Be lazy. I love Saturdays. Sundays are a close close second.

E. Essential item? My computer--namely for internet/email purposes, and good music.

F. Favorite color? Green

G. Gummy bears or worms? Bears

H. Hometown? Spencer! Go Tigers!

I. Favorite indulgence? Red, red wine.

J. January or July? July. July is a good month. And it's warm. And perfect for grilling, being in the sun, and drinking beer.

K. Kids? No, I don't have any. And I don't want any for a long time. Although, I love other people's kids. And babies are adorable. I'm not a hater, I just am not ready for them! Scary!

L. Life isn’t complete without? Nail polish.

M. Marriage date? Ha! Marriage schmarriage!

N. Number of brothers and sisters? 2: Autumn (26) and Christy (18)

O. Oranges or Apples? Both

P. Phobias? Spiders. Warm milk. Oversleeping.

Q. Quotes?I have lots of favorites--but my current favorite right now is: "Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind." (Thanks Kara!)

R. Reasons to smile? I like smiling. Smiling's my favorite. Um...having hilarious conversations with fun people. Little Emerson. Good blogs by my blog-friends. Text messages. Cute boys. My really awesome friends (wine days/nights, SATC extravaganzas, driving aimlessly on gravel roads, really long pointless conversations), I just love them.

S. Season of choice? I go back and forth here. I mean, I love all seasons for different reasons. I wish they changed monthly instead of like, tri-monthly. It would be better then--you wouldn't really be able to get sick of them! I love flip flops in the summer, sweatshirts in the fall, snow in the winter, and raincoats in the spring!

T. Tag 5 people: Bayjb, Beth, Kara, E, Auburn Kat!

U. Unknown fact about me? Um...I often gag when brushing my teeth. My feet are NEVER still, and they're always hot.

V. Vegetable? Corn. No contest.

W. Worst habit? Flirting. With the wrong boys.

X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Niether.

Y. Your favorite food? Mashed potatoes. Soup. Corn. Bread. Pasta. Olive Garden Salad. Wine. Beer.

Z. Zodiac sign? Aries.

Phoenix, oh Phoenix

I'm debating getting showered and going shopping or heading straight back into bed. Phoenix is great. I made it here safe and sound--a bit more turbulence than usual, and about an hour behind schedule, but I was just glad to get here!! The scenery is a cool change from lush Iowa...it's definitely brown here. But hey, how often do you get to do your work while laying by the pool as a lizard scurries around next to you? I got a little too much sun yesterday, so the pool is out for today. It's off to Tucson tonight!

When I got in on Saturday, I got like the last car in the Enterprise lot. It was a really ugly car. I get excited about rental cars. I think it's fun to drive different cars that don't actually belong to you--it's like a really long test drive. Am I the only one who feels this way?? Anyway, I was very depressed when they told me that was the one. I looked at Mr. Enterprise in disbelief. He said, well, I do have a Ford F150 you could drive if you want that instead? Yeah right. As if this girl is going to be gallivanting around Phoenix in a big ole' Ford? So I took the really ugly Kia. It was like a midget mini-van. Thankfully, the alignment was off or something because the darned thing shook like crazy going down the interstate. I took it back the next morning and graciously accepted a brand new Saturn Aura--it's MUCH better.

So, My Sister's Keeper is incredibly sad. But I thought it was a good book (you can borrow it when I get home, Bethy!). I loved the writing. I went to Barnes and Noble on Sunday after I finished it to by another Picoult book. I mean, I suppose it makes sense to read the most depressing books possible in a place where the sun is always shining! Thus, I purchased Nineteen Minutes--anyone? Anyone?? I'm not quite half way done with it...but I'm not liking it quite as much as I liked the other one...at least not yet!

On another note--the Hills is on. Spencer Pratt. Ewe. Enough said.

Airport, oh airport.

Here I sit in the DSM International Airport. I am Phoenix bound. I have a two hour layover in Dallas. My flight was just delayed about a half an hour. The thing is, there is a hurricane in Texas, and by 3pm they are supposed to be experiencing squalls in Dallas. My flight out of Dallas is supposed to be at 4:15. In the middle.of.a.squall. What the heck is a squall, anyway?? What do you suppose the odds of me actually getting to Dallas/Phoenix today are? Yeah, I thought so, too. This could be a long day. I hope very much that someone is going to be available to come and pick me up when all the flights are cancelled. Barf.

On another note, I still love airports. Especially with a computer. People watching is fun. There are some interesting characters in the world. And I love to see the dynamics between couples when travel plans go awry. All flights to Chicago just got postponed by like 2-3 hours. This woman just totally bit her husbands head off while they are standing in line for a gate agent to change their itinerary. As if he could change the torrential downpours they are experiencing in the windy city...

I did buy a new book this morning, though. My Sister's Keeper--Jodi Picoult. I've heard excellent reviews. I decided to give it a try...turns out I might have lots of time to read it. I'm sitting close to the counter. That's my typical modus operandi...which is because I am honestly always delayed/cancelled. She who sits closest to the counter has the best chance of hopping on another plane. Seriously. This happens to me all.the.time.

Thank god for Xanax.

AZ

It's Wednesday. I have a headache. My nose is running. It's the worst year for ragweed, like, ever. I am tired. It's been a long week--already. Most of the day at work I think about killing myself with office supplies, scissors, phone cords, and exacto knives must be kept out of my hands about passing the time productively.


Today my mind is wandering. Nothing seems to be going right. I'm feeling flustered and behind. And the only thing that keeps me from throwing in the proverbial towel and taking the rest of this bitch of a day off is the thought of Saturday.


Saturday, my friends, I depart for gloriously sunny and hot Phoenix, Arizona. The ten day forecast shows temperatures in the high 90s and lots of sun. Let's celebrate, just for a second, the outdoor swimming pool at my hotel. Seriously. Are you celebrating? Whatever. Bastards.


I'm there for a week. For work. Which means I can meet up with a couple friends in the area one night, and the rest of the week is mine. To do as I please (I mean, there will be work, too, of course). To eat. To drink. To sleep. To lay in the sun. And I can't wait. It's going to be freaking fantastic to get out of this office for a while and hop in a car or on a plane and listen to my music as loudly as I would like.....ahhhhh I love travel season. Besides, it's getting cold here wayyyyy too fast and these allergies are enough to drive the sanest of people to the looney bin.

There is a real possibility that my next post might find me typing poolside...

Are you ready...

for some football?

It feels like fall in Iowa--sleeping with the windows open and sweatpants on is perfect. The mornings are filled with a crisp, cool dampness, and the evenings cool off quickly. This weather automatically makes me think of two things: travel season, and football.

I'll be honest in saying that I am not the most avid football fan. In fact, I rarely watched it ever until my sister got married and her husband made me. I actually enjoy watching now--as long as someone tells me what the hell is going on which team we are supposed to be rooting for.

Anyway, today marks the first football game at my beloved alma mater. It's the perfect day for the first game--the sun is shining, the air is still and the temperature is just right--perfect for jeans and long-sleeved tees. The team has a brand new coaching staff and a whole new group of kids playing the game this fall, and I am so excited to see how it works out! I don't know plays. I know what the quarterback and the kicker do--everyone else just kindof blends together to me and if people start talking about like, linemen and stuff, I get really confused. I don't know what coaches do what, and I don't care! I know enough to tell who is doing well, and ultimately, who wins (which, of course, will be us!!! *knocks on wood* )!!

Enjoy the weekend!!! Happy fall.

Down, girl, down!

I think Sarah Palin is a scary woman. I don’t really think we need to get into political arguments here on the blog front so I am going to keep my issue commentary to a minimum—lets just say, she and I agree on absolutely nothing. Nothing. Honestly, I am afraid of the influence she could have--and I think she's crazy.

Someone referenced her as the long lost sister of Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter—I would agree! Honestly, did you watch her speech at the RNC? I hate dirty politics (what I say on my blog… not politics—I’ll rip all I want! :)), and that was what her entire speech was—what did she say…something along the lines of “the opposition said they can’t stand McCain—the truth is, they can’t stand up to McCain.” Really? Honestly? And then, trying to strike the fear of whatever deity you may believe in into all of those in attendance? Yikes. Her audience was hooting and hollering like people on that scary movie “Jesus Camp.” McChange? Seriously. Give it up people. And if you think McChange is going to work, you should probably think again…although you might get the votes of the loyal McDonalds patrons.

I feel like John McCain thought that he was going to get a VP to steal the Hillary following—a wise strategy, indeed. He should probably have picked someone a little less intensely right wing . Yikes, McCain, yikes. He’s nearly 105 years old—if he gets in office (which I find unlikely) I will either move to Canada or think about killing myself….but back to the point—if he gets in, and dies from old age (which we have to consider--I mean honestly), we are stuck with her. And that fear, my friends, is why liberals all over the world are taking Xanax in record doses.

As David Letterman said, she should probably have gone into a career which would have suited her better—as a model at Lenscrafters.

She kinda looks like Tina Fey, too, huh? Poor Tina Fey.

(*I hope her kids don't read this. I would feel really badly.)

Let the debates begin... :)

Photos

This morning, I woke up, wandered around the house, and the decided I need to go to get some pictures printed off and get a cd burned so I could create my latest blog. Pictures, dear friends, are essential to the idea.

So I drag myself to the car and through the parking lot, into the store, find the photo kiosk, sit on the stool and attempt to figure out which of the 11 slots my memory card fits into. First one is too small, and then I place it into the second one, and all of the sudden it's gone. I hear it clink around somewhere. Clearly slot number 2 is far too large.

Shit.

So I go find the guy that works there, and he has to page another guy to help. Guy number two surprises me. I am surprised this establishment lets someone so crazy handle any of their keys. He and guy number one have to look through nearly 600 keys to figure out what they are going to do.

Guy number two comes up to me and says, "Well, you know, if all else fails, I'll just do what I used to do in high school."

Me: *very blank stare*

Guy number two: "Yeah, you know, when I was younger I used to pick locks all the time."

Me: *unimpressed* "huh."

Guy number two then proceeds to find some safety pins, and I shit you not, has both of these safety pins jimmying around inside this lock trying to get it open, and he thinks he's totally bad-ass for doing so. What the hell?

Finally, guy number one finds the right key and they end up having to tear this machine apart--there are seriously pieces everywhere.

I get my memory card back--celebration! Ya! I can get on wtih my day! Not.

The irony is it wasn't even the right memory card...

And I refuse to go back to said establishment today, so you are going to have to wait until at least tomorrow for the actual post that was intended for today....Happy Long Weekend!

Bandaid.

So, I'm not a big fan of needles. At all. I dread getting bloodwork done. And typically, unless I am actually really sick, I get my blood drawn once a year--they do blood profiling at work and I succumb to that. I would donate my blood, too, if I could, but apparently when you live in Europe during mad cow disease of the late 80s and early 90s you are permanently deferred (who'd've thunk it?). So, the red cross won't take my blood...and I'm okay with that. I mean, i do feel a little guilty, because I would give it if I could, but frankly, not getting needles jabbed in my arm is okay with me.

My blood profiling for work is next week. I've been mentally preparing for it for some time now. Just getting myself all jazzed up and convincing myself it will work out just fine.

This morning I went to the doctor regarding a medication change. I thought it would be one of those quick in and out trips. The nurse came in, took my blood pressure. Left. Doctor came in, discussed changes, left. 10 minutes later he sticks his head in and declares: "I think I am going to do some blood work too, just to make sure we are on the right track."

Bleh. Please no.

So, blood lady comes in. I have to lie down. I can't watch. Before I know it, it was over and she patched me up with a large bandaid with a very colorful design--she forgot to put regular ones back in her caddy. I know, right?

I survived. Immediately afterwards I headed to the local gas station and filled up my 32 oz Diet Dew. There was a cute guy standing next to me filling his with some Diet Coke.

He says "Excuse me" as he sneaks by me.
I say, "No problem."
He looks down at my arm, and then he says, "Sweet Bandaid..."

Crystal Blog

Last night, dear friend Kara and I sat out on her porch with a really good bottle of red wine between us. It was the perfect weather for a porch night. The temperature was perfect, the humidity wasn’t terribly high, and the wind was non-existent. There we sat, feet up on the railing and a glass in hand—each of us with an adorable Chihuahua (that’s a hard one to spell!) in our laps. We were discussing the day, the outlook for the week, and importantly, our plans for the long weekend. We were meandering thoughts of life and love and work and happiness as we usually do. And then, she made this comment: “I wish I had a crystal ball that I could look into to see how everything turns out.”

I believe my next line was: “Actually, I’m not sure I would want to know—what if I wasn’t happy?”

And what if I wasn’t? For that brief moment in time that the ball let me see—what if I was a crumpled mess on the couch surrounded by Kleenex, wine bottles and Ben and Jerry’s with greasy hair and smudged makeup? Certainly that one moment of clarity wouldn’t be enough to make me dread my future, would it? What if I was on that couch because I had just broken up with someone I had spent several happy months/years with?…Maybe I need to see a week at a time to figure out if I would really want to know what the future holds in store for me…even then, that week could be miniscule in comparison to how I felt during that entire month. Or what if that month was one bad month in a year of happy months? What if that year was a bad year in comparison to a decade of good ones? And what if it wasn’t? What if that year was just as dreadful as the 9 that came before it? What would you have to look forward to? Wouldn’t your dreams dissipate in the now if you knew of their premature demise? What would you do for the next several years in the meantime?

How much would I actually need to see before I felt comfortable taking a glimpse my future? I am not finding it very easy to actually pick a set amount of time—a time I would be comfortable seeing...it’s a scary thought, isn’t it? Would you look?

I think, over all, I’ll just hold tightly to my hope and when the long grey-haired red and purple clad jingling gypsy woman walks by offering that glimpse, I’ll save my ten bucks…