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.