Say What You Want

Ask any member of my immediate family, I used to cry every Christmas. Without fail Heidi always got what I wanted (we usually wanted the same things), and I always got something else. Even the year that I went shopping and picked out clothes with my mom- she wrapped them for Heidi. I was NEVER vocal about what I wanted because I always thought people should know what I wanted. Yes, I wanted people to be able to read my mind and I realize that this is the reason for my holiday unhappiness as a child. Since I've been dating Adam, I have witnessed the massive list making that happens on Thanksgiving. Everyone begins thinking about what they want and then distributes lists to the necessary people. Because of this, I knew exactly what Adam's mom wants- and its already been purchased. What does my own mother want? I don't know! I just asked her and she dissed my gift from last year. Adam and I got my parents a gift card to the Melting Pot thinking it would be fun dinner place for them to try. She just commented that she didn't want gift cards to any restaurants downtown because it is too busy of a year to go there. You've had it for a year, and now you're complaining that the timing isn't right?! Seriously? After having the most depressing conversation with my mom, I realized that all this time I have been mimicking my asking after her. She never tells you what she wants- maybe she will tell you one thing- but she also told everyone that one thing. I finally got it out of her that she wants a hooded sweatshirt (but she already told my sister) and she'd rather have an Applebees gift card than one to a good restaurant.

Lame.

Team Player

Self motivation baffles me. Sometimes I have it, sometimes I don't. When it comes to work, I generally have it (the exception being my last post). But when it comes to running- I'm still in my quest to be a "runner"- I have a hard time pushing myself. I know what my body can handle and I stop when I get there. Since no one is there pushing me along, I don't push myself either. It's sort of a lose-lose situation. I think that is why I like team sports because having other people with me, I keep my goal. I'm not only fascinated with running, but also with triathlons. I'm watching an Ironman competition, its insane. I can't even believe that people can do it. My ultimate goal would be an Ironman, but for that to happen I would need to run a marathon and not die and be able to run in an less than 4 hours. I think I am going to stick with 5Ks.

Motivation

I don't feel like writing, but I also don't feel like working. Guess what wins?

It's Saturday and I am sitting at work but I can't get motivated to actually do anything. There was a media party on Thursday, and Adam's band played at Big V's. I knew it was going to be a long night and I had vacation days to use. The sad thing was that I took Friday off knowing that I was going to have to work this weekend. And I got hit in the head (mostly the eye) with a soccer ball on Wednesday, so I have been dealing with a throbbing head on top of any other self induced headaches... life is good.

I have spent a lot of time this week thinking about James Kim and his family. It just makes you realize how fast something can happen and that you don't really know how long you have with someone. Adam and I heard that the Kim family was missing last Saturday when we watched the Diggnation podcast. The hosts used to work with James and attached a message with the cast stating he was missing. I hadn't heard anything for a couple days then I was at the gym and heard they found his wife and daughters but he had not been found yet. It just tore me up- I don't know him, but the whole experience just got to me and makes me really heart broken. I wish the best for the Kim family.

Oh Danny Boy.

One of my aunts passed away last week, her funeral was today. Usually the best things to come of events like this are the reunions that come of it. But, it wasn't anything like I thought it would be. My mom was close with her sister and was very close with her kids when they were little (they're in their 40's now) and I have a lot of memories of my cousins from when I was younger. But the "reunion" I was anticipating, was not what I got. Since my grandma died I've seen a lot of my aunts and uncles, but I was looking forward to seeing my cousins, however I don't think the feeling was mutual and it will probably be a very long time before I see them again. Grandparents have a tendency to tie families together and once they're gone, families disband. What's the point of pushing "familyness" if it's just not there. I know a large portion of our lack of closeness is our huge age gap. I am the youngest grandchild on my mom's side and my oldest cousin is 48. Her kids are my age- not that I'm close with them either. We are a family in name only.

every Rose has a thorn

I have such a thing for tall geeky-esque boys. I'll blame Adam. I wouldn't know about Digg or Kevin Rose if Adam wouldn't have suggested we watch the podcast "Diggnation". Blame aside. I have a huge crush. I don't know what it is, but something about cute boys, technology, and computers... gets me every time.

Run Lola Run

No, this is not in response to my last post, or to my new hair color, it's going to be my solo Halloween costume. I have always wanted to dye my hair red, like the crayon color, ala Lola in the aforementioned film. Due to some mishaps with my hair dying earlier this week, I am now sporting a "natural" red color. It is a bit too orange to be Lola, but it will give me an excuse to have the red hair I've always wanted- even if it's only for a couple of days. Very exciting. Halloween is not just about finding the "sluttiest" costume around, it's also about changing my hair color.

On that note, I had dinner with some friends from high school this week. One made a comment that "I never care about my hair", meaning that I am normally cool with how I look. I almost wanted to laugh out loud since I had been fretting about my hair for about 2 days and how bright it was. I think it is weird how others perceive you and it's totally different from how you see yourself. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not, either way it fascintates me.

Now onto the running. I think anyone can run if they want to, but it's easier for some to get started then for others. That is my conclusion. I think I will be a short distance runner. It would be cool (or scary) to run a marathon, but I think I am going to focus my efforts on a triathalon. A short one, 5K running, 12 miles biking, .5 mile swim. If I have a goal to strive for, I think I can do it. My next 5K is in 2 weeks- and there is trick or treating involved! Candy and running, what can be better?

Runners World?

Poll:

Can you make yourself a runner? Nature vs. Nurture? If your parents are runners, are you more likely to run, or can you transform yourself to be a runner? Or are some people just destined to walk?

I think I'm a walker trying to run.

Clashing Personalities

Do you have someone that just puts you in a bad mood? You see them coming and you just cringe. I do, I get snappy and mean whenever I see this one particular person. I can be in the best mood, then I see them coming and it's Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hide. Or the Mayor from "Nightmare before Christmas". Grr. I smell a Halloween costume.

I am so busy at work that I end up getting nothing done. I sit at my desk and think about everything that needs to get done, attempt to start something, then get pulled away or try to do something else before I finish attempted project number 1. This happens again and again all day long. Thus leading to zero productivity and me working late and eventually throwing in the towel around 7 or 8 only to repeat for the rest of the week. I am in a spiral that is spinning out of control and I am thinking about self inflicting pain. Not suicide, just a minor injury that makes me have to stay home. Wrists/fingers/arms are key to this injury. Ideally something that is not my fault. I will pay.

My life as I know it.

Beautiful People Post from March 5, 2006 had a list of work related things that I want to accomplish in the next couple years. Here is the list (with updates):

Here is my plan for the next couple of years:
-Next year do AAAA's competition (that is if my boss nominates me). My Boss nominated me on Wedensday!
-2007 Go back for my Masters (need 2 years professional experience). Still the plan, I just need to study/take the GRE exam.
-2009 Complete Masters program. It's a 2 year program, I don't think I can screw that up.
-Get appropriate promotions along the way. I've moved up the ranks from Assistant Planner to Planner. Yippie.
-Perhaps have kids somewhere around 2012- that looks really weird to attach a year with that, but thats the time I might consider giving up my personal freedom. I don't even want to think about this.

For some reason I was thinking about this, maybe because I realized I've already started to accomplish some of it. I still want to write a book at some point, that will always been on my list of things to do. My friend Erin from work also wants to write a book and screenplay, so I think we might be able to tag team that one.

I can't help planning my life out- My job is to plan. It's really hard for me NOT to think about everything and when the best time for things to happen are. It makes it difficult when the person you live can't and won't plan ANYTHING!

Won't someone pinch me please

Oh, little orphan Annie, belt it out, belt... it... out.

But seriously, pinch me. I have had the best day in a long time!! I have been killing myself lately, pretty much working nonstop for nearly 2 weeks thinking there was no end in site. My workload has been on a steady incline since June and it hasn't stopped. And then it went crazy in August and some how I pulled through. Then today- I got promoted. I was shocked (still am) but throughly excited for a new challenge. Yippie.

Then I got carded at the Mall of America for looking 16 (after hitting 2 happy hours). Well, that was a mood killer.

We came, we rode, we froze

Lady E and rode the St. Paul Classic today. It's a 15 or 30 mile bike ride around St. Paul. They block off the streets so you get to ride traffic free on the road.. pretty fun. We were going to ride the 30 mile route, but due to the fact that it was 50 degrees and raining, we bailed last minute and did the 15 mile course. It was a carefully calculated decision, but since I could feel my fingers anymore, it was a good one. We attempted our volunteering obligations, got some free shirts and aveda gave us some chapstick. All in all it was a success. Now, to train for the Twin Cities 5K.

I'm like a record player,I keep going round with an needle in my arm making someone else's sound

The Lawrence Arms show was awesome. They played all the songs I wanted them to. And there was a 3 year old boy walking around the Triple Rock like he owned the place, he even danced on stage while they played. Normally I question bringing small children to shows, but the kid was having so much fun, who was I to question? Rock on little man, rock on.

How I met your Mother: Season Premiere September 18th. Make your reservations now.

Better Mood

I have been in a good mood for most of the evening and thought I needed a photograph to document the occasion. I don't know how I am still up, I have been exhausted all week, some how the computer has revived me. I have caught up on some good news/technology stories, I sound like a huge tech geek, but I am so that's okay. Its Friday Night and I am on my computer reading tech stories and looking forward to the vid cast (diggnation) that comes out tomorrow. What an exciting life I lead.

After 3 AM, TV really starts to suck. I can't even find a good lifetime movie! What is cable coming to? I think its time I resorted to my video collection for entertainment.

On the note of my nerdiness here are my top stories that I found tonight:

Google adds AdWords ads to US mobile search service

Google Inc. has joined the mobile marketing playground with a wireless version of its AdWords service.

read more | digg story

Ads on phones! Just what we all needed. As an advertiser, I think "cool". As a consumer, I think "No".

Facebook Redesign Angers Students Over Invaded Privacy

Facebook launched a redesign today (September 5, 2006) which changed the layout of the homepage and introduced a few new features. It leverages the users attention to show the most recent activity of the 9.5 million users in the community. The students hate it calling it an invasion of their privacy and "basically creepy."

read more | digg story

Somehow I missed that all of this was going on. I don't think facebook has been alerting me to anything lately and I never really go on my own. I signed on today and joined the "Anti-Stalker" movement. Oh, so Creepy!

CBS teams up with TiVo

In a first-of-its-kind deal between one of the Big Three U.S. broadcasters and the leading maker of DVRs, TiVo users will be able to watch the pilot episode of CBS's upcoming sitcom "The Class" a full week before its prime-time premiere.

read more | digg story

As a person working in the media field, I wonder if "previews" will hurt the season premieres at all. Last year I saw almost the entire pilot of "My Name Is Earl" before it aired. I was almost more annoyed that they gave so much away before it was on. Either way, it should be something worth paying attention to.

Google to Use PC Microphones to Listen In, then targets its ads

The Register reports that Google plans to use PC microphones to collect statistics on a user's environment. Peter Norvig, who directs research at Google, told Technology Review that this software would start to show up in Google software 'sooner rather than later'. The software collects short sound clips and removes background noise.

read more | digg story

While this is just in rumor stages, it's still really interesting. They use your own computer to monitor what you're doing, and use it against you. It's one thing if they're scanning my email to advertise to me, but literally coming into my home is a bit much.

Close Walker

I was walking into work the other day when I sensed someone invading my personal
space on the sidewalk. I looked over and it was an old co-worker trying to get my attention. The company I used to work at just relocated to Minneapolis, so I have been slowly having a lot of former co-worker sightings. But when I saw him I was so excited that I wanted to hug him, but we aren't the kind of friends that hug, or touch for that matter so I had to restrain myself. It was a very odd feeling. I don't think I've ever had to hold back an urge to hug before. Either way, it was fun to see him and I'm looking forward to more spontaneous spottings around the city.

Have you ever been so stressed out you feel like crying?

I have. Everyday this week. Work has been insane. I don't know how much longer I will be able to handle it. People are dropping like flies. 7 people have quit since June and we have only hired 3 people to replace them. Sadly 2 of those are not people I work with directly so I am getting slammed with extra stuff. I already have a lot of work to begin with, now it's unmanageable. I love my job, that's the worst part, I don't mind the work that I am doing, but I am literally running out of time to get it all done. I guess it's a good thing that everyone knows that I like Red Bull and the stash on my desk always seems to refill itself.

The quote that best describes how I feel about work can be summed into the words of John Cusak as Rob Gordon:



"I'm sick of the sight of this place. Somedays I'm afraid I'll go berzerk, throw the country A-K rack out on the street and go work in a Virgin Megastore and never come back".

Except, in my world, it's throwing the horse magazines and media kits out the window and going to work at a mass marketing firm. But same thing really.

Last night I came home from work and sobbed. I couldn't take it anymore. I'm pretty sure Adam thought I was having a nervous breakdown, but I don't think I was far away from it. On a good note, Lawrence Arms are playing at the Triple Rock tomorrow. That is keeping me sane right now.

Erin and I are biking the St. Paul classic on Sunday- 30 miles here we come. I'm looking forward to seeing St. Paul in a new light. I loved biking through San Francisco, and I enjoy biking through Minneapolis, especially night biking, so it should be fun.

I heart the office

I get warm and fuzzy feelings everytime I see this. September 21st can't get here fast enough.

When I Grow Up I Wanna Work in Advertising

When I grow up, I don't want to work in advertising.

Thursday

The title of my last post was the name of the song, the title of this post is the band that sang the song. Interesting. I am watching Romeo and Juliet right now, the Leo/Clare Danes one... Which sadly came out 10 years ago when I was a freshman in high school. Why do I recall such trivial facts? Because that was the same year that in English class we read the play, and had to rewrite it and reenact it. Huh? As an English assignment, we had to rewrite Shakespeare in a different time period. My sister and I happened to have English class together and rewrote the "do you bite your thumb at me?" scene as superheros. We spent several ours on the porch painting signs like the old batman TV show- POW!, WAM!, etc. We totally rocked that project. That was also the first soundtrack that I purchased before I actually saw the movie just because Bush was suppose to have a song on it (they didn't) but it was good nonetheless. And of course Leo DiCaprio looks adorable, who can deny that?

So, it's only Thursday and I have already worked 44 hours. That's so depressing. But I do have Friday off. I negotiated it off, since it's bring your dog to work day, but either way, I am not working. I'm drinking. He he, I got home tonight around 9:30 and have been drinking ever since... But I don't feel drunk, but typing is difficult, I'm blaming it on the computer and the fact that it's new to me.

Okay, so maybe a little drunk.

But after watching the "mask ball" in Romeo and Juilet, I remembered that I have to find a costume to wear to my department Halloween party. I want to have some thing good. Let me know if you have a good idea. And slutty pumpkin doesn't count.

Back to R + J, they just showed a topless Priest with an alter boy, if only they knew what would happen years later...

It's 4 AM But I'm Not Sleeping

Literally.

Argh!

Beer Mug Bruises, Biking & Baby Names

I'm really glad that I did the Lazyman because it got me to bike as a from of transportation again. Which is good because I still haven't fixed my car. And it's been over 2 months. The tabs on my car expired in June and I still haven't put the new ones since I haven't moved the car out of the driveway, I'm not really worried about it. But it's nice that for me to get to Uptown it's only about 4 miles and doesn't take that much longer than driving or a bus. So, I biked to Uptown last night to meet up with some friends from school. Kyle tried to get me to do the bike horn sound, thankfully I declined this time. After several rounds of drinks I had some difficulty finding my bike and for some reason declined Adam's offer to pick me up. Why is it that when I want to bike, he wants to pick me up? I stumbled my way to my bike and then the real challenge began. Drunken biking. It's f'ing hard! Mounting the bike was impossible, keep my flip-flops on was even harder. After a couple blocks I threw my shoes in my bag and biked barefoot. I passed a cop and was a little paranoid that he was going to pull me over. I'm not sure what the policy on drunken biking is. But the more I think about it, the less I remember about the actual trip and that is starting to scare me.

Naturally this day has been off to a slow start and I discovered that my hands were both hurting in the same place. It took me a minute to realize that my hands are sore from holding my beer mug. Ahhh, good times.

One of my co-workers is going to be a dad very soon so baby names have been a topic of discussion lately. I used to never think about names seriously, but for some reason I am starting to keep track of the names that I like... here are my names of the moment:
1. Arabella (heaven in Italian)
2. Hazel
3. Elliot- Ellie for short

I have always like the "Boy" style name for a girl, but I would want them to have a short "girl" version too. It's really the best of both worlds. The only problem, convincing Adam to like the names. Good thing I work in advertising and that babies aren't on the horizon for several years.

Iron Man completed!

I completed the final lag in my iron man adventure this morning. I have until Friday to finish but didn't want to run out of time and have to "pretend" finish. The much needed rain was keeping me up, so I said fuck it and caught the 5:45AM bus and went to the gym. I wanted to bike to work, but since it was raining, I knew that wouldn't be a pleasant option, so I biked the last 10 miles at the gym. I felt pretty good to know that I can push myself a little bit more than I thought I could, or ever really tried. I now I have a T-shirt, bag and water bottle as proof that I finished! Yippee.

While Erin and I haven't discussed which track we are going to ride in the St. Paul Classic, I am secretly (not so secret anymore) pulling for the 30 miles. I think it would be a good challenge to push ourselves a little but further.

I just heard that American Idol auditions are coming to Mpls in September and they will be held down the street from my office at the Target Center. I think there will be some AWESOME people watching involved with that and I will need to hit up the outdoor patio of the Hard Rock Cafe to unsure the best view of the singing frenzied masses.

Adam and I have been together for 4 years now, and not like the marriage question hasn't been asked before by anyone and everyone, it is definitely coming up a lot more. Some days I am all for it, and other days (like today) I want to wait several more years. I don't have any doubts about the boy in my life, just the other stuff. Since we aren't married, I feel like I still have a bit of "freedom" left in that I don't have to say where I am at all times or constantly be checking in. Of course, Adam would like to know, I still feel that it's my life and I can do what I want. I don't know if having the title of marriage involved will change my habits, but it feels like I will have to. Virtually, we're married in every way with the exception of the branding of a ring on our left fingers, so would anything really change? I think I am going through another selfish phase and want to be my number one priority. And the second thing is probably my job. I am working to eat better and work out regularly and I am learning tons at my job, but with Adam, I don't need to work as hard at. We have a good relationship and I guess I don't think that it needs my constant attention where as other aspects of my life do. So that makes me think that I should wait longer to be branded as a wife until I am ready to make marriage a top priority. But then that feels so old fashioned I don't even know where to begin.

Honestly, I'm pretty sure the biggest reason it hasn't happened is that we want to save up some money to do it right. But with student loans and my desire for grad school, it's going to be awhile. And while my mother doesn't read this- LAY OFF!

Nick of time

The St. Paul Classic bike ride is on September 10th. In order to save $5 on the entrance fee, you had to register by July 31st. Thankfully I remembered this information at 11pm! I don't think that I actually ended up saving that much money since I had to pay some sort of service charge. Isn't it easier for all parties involved to pay online? Then why is there ALWAYS a charge? It's not like someone needs to be in the office working right to receive my monies. But I'm always the sucker and pay the fee... But I'm registered and I'm riding in the St. Paul Classic bike ride with Erin. We're also going to see if we can score some t-shirts in exchange for our services (aka volunteering).

I also signed up for the Twin Cities 5K. Part of the TC Marathon festivities include a 5K run/walk- this one includes a t-shirt and I don't even have to whore myself out for it! I guess it is good that I am spending my money on various health activities rather than H&M clearance items.

This evening, Jay Leno had the snakes from Snakes on a Plane on the show. This movie has to be pretty big if even the snakes are getting booked. I learned these fun snake fats: 450 Snakes used during the filming of Snakes on a plane. Snakes were cast by color. An albino cobra would last about 24 hours in the wild since it would not be able to blend in.

Since I was just watching snakes on TV, I'm pretty sure I will not be able to sleep since I will be thinking of the albino cobra that would kill me with one bite. And I have an overall creepy feeling about me right now that is in no way comforting.

Heat advisory

Oh, Minnesota. Probably the only state in the country that advises you to stay inside during select times of the year. Right now, it we are advised to limit outdoor activity because of the blasted heat. I think the heat index is about 100 or 105. Extremely pleasant either way. I filled up my kiddie pool in the back yard, but I haven't actually sat in it yet because it was too cold- I really can't win. So in the meantime I am sitting on the couch surrounded by laundry that I should put away but refuse to move since that is way to much work, and I'm hungover.

We had a work "outing" yesterday for the media department. We toured the Summit Brewery in St. Paul- extremely boring but there was 3 free drinks at the end. The guide looked like he should have been in a musical, I was waiting for him to break out in a dance routine. We were forced to slam our drinks in about 30 minutes causing all of us to get a good buzz on. We headed to Minnehaha park after that for some grilling, yard games and more drinking. I didn't think that I had been drinking that much, but I've been feeling like crap all day and I stopped drinking 22 hours ago! Argh. It was a rough couple hours at work this morning and I literally ran out the door at 12 to catch the bus. I had to run to the bus because it was pulling away from the curb as I flailed and waved my arms. Good times. I felt a little bad leaving exactly at noon (summer hours are 8-12 on Friday) but I usually end up working till 3 on Friday's so part of me felt it was my right. There was a member of the HR department on the bus so I felt better knowing that she left promptly too. It's funny that stupid things like that validate your actions.

I was going to clean the house today, glad to see that's working out really well. It's 5pm and I'm still sitting in the air conditioning not moving anything but my fingers. And I still feel a little like I'm going to puke and I don't know what my stomach is going to do. Blah.

A kind gesture of generosity

Today I walked with some co-workers to Marshall Fields to grab some lunch. A salad sounded good, so I got my overpriced bucket of lettuce and walked back to my desk to eat. Upon opening my mandarin chicken salad I discovered there was bacon sprinkled all over it. Lettuce, chicken, oranges, peapods, green onion, and bacon? I'm not sure how they all go together and why no other mandarin salad contains bacon, but mine did. How depressing is to walk a couple of blocks (in heels) to find out your lunch contains and animal product in which you don't eat? I'll answer, very. After attempting to eat around the small tiny pieces of pig, I gave up knowing that it would take me 3 hours to finish and everything tasted like bacon. I asked my co-worker if was interested in my recently purchased lunch and he offered to trade me his sandwich for the salad. Normally this would not be a trade I would be interested it, but today the sandwich gods were smiling on me- it was a chicken salad (no bacon) sandwich. One of the few sandwich options I actually eat (I'm picky about my sammiches).

Summary: I am blown away but the kind gesture of elementary school ways for Ryan to trade lunches with me. And if you don't eat bacon, stay away from the MF pre-made salads!! Or double check the ingredients before ordering (that's really more of a note to self).

"If you're going to San Francisco"

Adam and I got back from our trip on Saturday. It's kind of nice to be able to travel somewhere and be able to do it on your own- aka, no need for a ride to and from the airport. It's nice that where we live we can catch a bus and the train to the airport and it's not too difficult. I'm so glad that we missed the horrific week of MN humidty and heat. I feel like MN really is the center of extremes- deathly cold in winter and overbearing heat in summer. But I admit, I do like to have seasons. San Fran was fun, with ideal weather- 60's year round. Not too hot, not too cold, comfortable. And dress in layers and try to stay on one side of the hills. Mpls is FLAT compared to SF, but then again, I'm sure a lot of places are. We did a lot of the tourist stuff (with all the other toursits) I honestly haven't heard that many British accents since being in Britian. We went to Alcatraz, rode the cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge, the ocean, Golden Gate Park, and Haight-Ashbury. We rented bikes on Friday and rode across the golden gate bridge (no worries, pictures of Adam and I in bike helmets will be available soon). I saw some of the best views I have ever seen, we rode along the ocean overlooking some cliffs- it was really breath taking. Adam got to see the ocean for the first time and got his feet wet by the tide. Of course the clutz that I am, I managed to tip over on my bike and now I'm dealing with a sore wrist and leg. But it was worth it to SF via bicycle.

In my Triathalon update, I am doing quite well. I have the 26.2 miles of walking/running completed (Walking arounf the gigantic hills in SF helped a bit). I've bicycled 64 miles (25 miles bike ride around SF doesn't hurt). I remembered that I don't actually have to swim the 2.5 miles, but I can row 12.5 miles, so so far I have rowed 2.5 miles. I had to do some quick calculations to figure out how many meters are in a mile. (.006214 meters per mile- I know you wanted to know). So as impressive as 4000 meters looks, it's only 2.5 miles. Lame. On the upside, I kind of like rowing.

I finished "Don't Eat This Book" today. Morgan Spurlock (the man who ate McDonalds for 30 days in "Super Size Me") wrote a book recapping his adventures. If "Fast Food Nation" didn't scare you away from fast food, then "Don't Eat This Book" will. While Fast Food focuses on how the food is made, Don't Eat looks at what it's made with and how many calories are in it. If you haven't thought about eating healthier, you will. Oh, Morgan Spurlock, you are the Michael Moore of the fast food industry. The FX series '30 Days' also by Spurlock will be back for season two in the end of July. It should be good, I don't think it will be as good as season one from last summer, but definetly worth watching.

Tomorrow marks mine and Adam's 4 year anniversary. Our first dated lasted around 7 hours as we walked around Lake Calhoun/Uptown and only ended because my mother called at 5AM asking where her car was and why the hell I wasn't home yet. Thank you cell phones.

Triathalon

I have signed up to participate in a 'Lazyman Triathalon'. Biking 112 miles, Running 26.2 and swimming 2.5 miles. How is that lazy? I have 5 weeks to do it, hence the lazyman. It's the same distances as an Ironman, so at least I can say I have completed a triathalon, but I may forget to mention the lazy part. Either way, I'm pretty excited to attempt it.

We, Adam and I, booked our trip to San Francisco! We're going the second week in July, so I just have to make it through this week of work, next week is a short week and then I am free! For a week at least.

I think I had a theory earlier that when I work out I do not write as much. I have to say that has been pretty true lately. I seem to get focused on one thing and forget about everything else. Right now I would rather go biking than sit on the couch and type, so I don't write nor have I read anyone else's stuff. How does that happen that you get so disconnected? I think it also has to do with the season. Summer in MN only lasts so long and as a native MN I know that I need to take full advantage of the outside while I can, because before I know it, it's gone. Summer goes by way to fast.

Best. Shopping. Day. Ever.

Thank god for summer Fridays. I was chatting with Erin today at work about my afternoon plans and that I was going to be stuck at my house since I didn't have my car (Adam was using it) I was talking out loud about some of the errands I wanted to run and she volunteered to drive to the MOA if I wanted to go.

Shannon and Erin (from work) just moved into a new apartment in Uptown, right by Lake of the isles, so I stopped by to see it. It is so cute, and it comes complete with a statue of Jesus in the backyard. I'm not kidding, but I wish I was. It was awesome! It's right behind the Green Mill off Hennepin, so it's prime real estate.

Anyway, E and I went to the MOA, to find me a dress for the reception I have to go to next weekend. First stop, the Gap. I usually have some luck with the gap dresses, so I was optimistic, and the day was early. I grabbed 4 and lucky #1 was all I needed. I tried it on and it was perfect. A strapless green and blue stripped pattern. I fell in love. As I walked out of the dressing room to hand back the others the sales associate asked me what size I was. My immediate thought was that I should have gone for a bigger size- who asks that? She told me that there was a teal corduroy jacket that would go with the dress. Erin and I instantly assume that she's trying to get me to buy more. The dress was on clearance, is she trying to make a sale? Here comes the kicker, she tells me the jacket is on clearance too, $10. That's my kinda price and definitely worth a look. There is only one jacket on the rack and it fits! And looks adorable with the dress! So exciting to walk into 1 store in the largest mall in the United States and find the perfect outfit. And Janna bought me shoes that match perfectly for my birthday last year. It can't get better. Adorable outfit for $40, score. It definitely makes the rest of the shopping trip no pressure. This stuff never happens to me- I never find EXACTLY what I'm looking for and on clearance! I'm still on a high from it all. The only problem is that Adam got a tie in the same colors. It's always fun to match...

Here are some pictures from my Porsche Weekend:
Hanging with the Porsche

Who wouldn't want to drive it?

Adam looking excited

The week flies by when you sleep it away.

Posting wasn't working on Thursday- but I wrote anyway. June 8th 2006. Here are my thoughts. And there are a few...

Last Friday (6/2):
It was my Parent's 33rd anniversary, which I forgot to call them about until today. It's funny because Erin (from work) and I had been talking about it all week since our parents have the same anniversary. But with summer Friday's, things just don't get done. Work stuff gets done and then I go home, what more can be expected?

I met up with Erin around 4ish for a drink at the ever pleasant Herkimer. I was fully intending on drinking the night away and decided ride my bike to Uptown. I find that if I wait till bar close, buses are not my friend from Uptown. I can usually get one from Downtown, but Uptown likes to make it difficult. It's only about 4 miles (30 long city blocks) so perfectly doable, a little uncomfortable in the afternoon sun, but feasible. I know now that biking during rush hour isn’t ideal, but I was the dork on the sidewalk with the bike helmet. Ahh, good times.

It was fun to catch up with E for awhile since I never get to see her! At least now she will be condensing down to one job, hopefully that will free up some of her time?

Next stop, to meet Steve Pease and An Hong. Steve P. is the latest Simmie to make the move to the mini-apple. I guess it’s the place to be… I could have told you that years ago. An’s been kicking it in Mpls for awhile now, but I don’t see him enough either. I got to meet Steve’s Lady- they were super cute together- almost eerie how similar they were… We had a few drinks in the most happening of Hennepin locations- The Drink and The Independent. Always a good time.

From there I was biking back to Lyndale, while talking on a cell phone. I imagine this is dangerous in any aspect. I was biking because I did not want to be driving after so trips to the bar, but I was biking sans helmet on the street while on a cell phone. Brilliant. I was actually having a discussion about my helmet and how dorky it was- so I agreed NOT to wear it, but my wonderfully drunk friend Kyle insisted that since I was biking I should be able to honk like a bike horn and proceeded to insist on me to honk like a horn. I believe I was unsuccessful. I met up with some friends from the U of M at The Bulldog. The bar is a former vegetarian restaurant (The Mud Pie) which sadly still has the name on the doors. I don’t think there is anything special about the bar, it’s nice to check out a new place every now and then, especially since I think I have officially been to every bar in the Uptown area now. Lame. There’s nothing worse than realizing that you’ve tapped every bar in your favorite city and realizing that only a few are worth your time.

Either way, it was fun to catch up with friends from school. It’s cool that most of the people I like are still in the city, but everyone kind of ends up at a different company, which is to be expected. At least everyone has a job…

We ended the night at Toppers Pizza. It was my maiden voyage to the infamous pizza joint. When they opened, they gave the first 50 customers free Toppers for a year, the night before it opened, I toyed with the idea of waiting all night to be the first one in line. Thankfully, the fact that it was February and only 11pm convinced me that waiting all night was not worth free pizza for a year. Cheesesticks are a good way to end the night though.

I rode my red bicycle home at 3am. Kyle- the same one that made me honk like a horn- insisted that I call Adam to clear it with him. I’m pretty sure he was sleeping so he wasn't too concerned with the fact that I wanted to bike home and wasn’t begging him to come pick me up in the early morning hours. I put my helmet back on and was on my way down Lyndale. I have never seen the road without cars and it was rather thrilling. I saw about 3 cars in my 4 miles down a major road in Minneapolis, it’s kind of cool to see the city go to sleep. I made it home safely, much to the shock of all my friends. As I was “sailing” down one of the hills, I really wanted to throw a fist in the air like Bastian riding on Felcor at the end of The NeverEnding Story, somehow I held the feeling back.

I woke up Saturday feeling like my throat was going to close up. At the time I contributed it to talking for about 12 hours at the bar and attempting to honk like a horn. But, little did I know it was the start of sickness setting in. I spent most of the day with the sister in Steven Square Park for the Red Hot Art festival. It was about 85 degrees and my sister was sitting in the same structure that was once an “Art Shanty” ice house last winter. I find it ironic. We got to watch some live music and the tap dancing “Shim Sham Shufflers”- they can be seen in A Prairie Home Companion this month- they will be the 3 girls tap dancing on stage in red gingham. I’m not sure how much they are in the movie, I just know that they are. Pretty cool.

Sunday was the 4th defeat of the company soccer team. I’m not sure why I play probably just hoping to relive the glory days of middle school. I like soccer, but I’m just out of shape and out practice, but it’s still kind of fun, other then the lack of winning. I was actually looking forward to playing this week since I had been running a lot to get my stamina up, then I got smacked with a cold and spend the majority of the game trying to minimize my running. I’m sorry, but you can’t minimize running in soccer no matter how hard you try.

After calling in sick to work on Monday I decided to go to the doctor on Tuesday to see why this “cold” was getting worse. Adam was using my car since his was in the shop so I walked to the doctor down the street. I realized why I was feeling so lousy- I had a fever of 102 and a sinus infection. I have to say, starting the workweek on Thursday is pretty awesome, that definitely helped get through the week with ease.

Birthday Meanings

Your Birthdate: July 2

You're so intuitive, it's like you have a sixth, seventh, and eighth sense. You connect with others freely and easily - and you tend to have many best friends. Warm and caring, it's hard for you to close your heart to anyone. Affection is like air for you - you need to give and receive it to survive. Your strength: Your universal compassion Your weakness: Your unpredictable mood swings Your power color: Mauve Your power symbol: Butterfly Your power month: February

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Suddenly it's the weekend

For the first time in 2 weeks, I don't have a project looming over my head. Freedom. Time to relax. It feels amazing. Now, time for sleep.

Week of Hell

Work has been insane. I have to get 37.5 hours in a week. It's bad when I have worked that much by Wednesday. It's bad when I can't wait for the weekend simply because I want to take a nap. So depressing.

Back to formatting a power point to perfection.

Frustrated Part II

Why do I love ipod? Because all I need are headphones and the ipod itself. I have all the music that I own (or all that I have bothered to transfer to the computer) but for the most part, all of my moods are covered. However, since I have managed to break 2 ipods this month- it's not actually my fault, but I am in the possession of 2 past warranty ipods. The hard drives in each are no longer functioning. That leaves me with a bus commute that is starting to get a but boring. My cell phone has the radio on it which has been tiding me over thus far, but the work day is certainly taking a toll. When I have headphones on I am more productive. Since the lack of ipod I don't seem to get anything done. I'm not sure if they directly correlate, but it's a coincidence either way. I just went on a mission to find a discman. This is now what I have to bring with me- Large sized Discman, headphones, 4 batteries (extras for when they die) and about 6 CD's. I don't really organize my CD collection anymore since my music is all on my computer, so I had to rummage thru all the CD's to find the ones that I listen to the most. And then I have to narrow down the selection to a normal traveling amount.

I just had a flashback to why I purchased an ipod to begin with- I missed the bus and had to wait about 45 minutes for the next one, my batteries died, and I sat at the bus stop with my headphones on anyway- listening to nothing- just so no one would talk to me!

ipod, why don't you love me back?

Frustration

I have so many things that I need to get done that I can't actually think straight. I begin to make a list and then 2 seconds (literally) later I get distracted and end up starting several projects but not finishing any of them! My head is beginning to hurt just from thinking. I really just want to vent some frustration, but I don't have a punching bag in my cube, so this will have to do. This whole week, I have been talking about cutting back on alcohol intake (in order to curb the caloric intake) but times like this, I realize that it's not going to happen, or at least be much more difficult than expected.

I keep thinking that I can't wait for this week to be over, but then I look at my calendar and realize that it will probably be worse. I'm going to crack like humpty dumpty soon.

Porsche Weekend

"How did you get to work today?" Co-worker asks
"Bus" I reply
"How are you getting home?" Co-worker
"What are my options?" Me

The company Porsche.

One of my teams from work won an inter-office contest, the reward? The Porsche for 2 months. Since the time will be split between 15 people, we each get our turn with the car. This weekend was mine. I don't want the weekend to end. Adam and I just took a drive around the lakes- Isles, Calhoun, and Harriet, and I forgot how beautiful Minneapolis is. But then again, from a ridiculously expensive car, everything looks nice. I have found a love for driving again.

I also went bowling twice this weekend. I don't know the last time I went bowling and then I went on Friday and Saturday. Friday was with Erin to see some bands at Memory Lanes.
Then Saturday I went with my mom and two of my uncles to NE, I had a record high of 158 and I think that I found some bowling form. We'll see if it lasts.

Today, I had my fist soccer game. I think my body is going to hate me tomorrow since it pretty much hates me today. It's co-ed and we only had 3 girls so we had to play the whole time. I wanted to die. Hopefully it will get easier as the weeks go by and we find more females.

Last night I went to a Bachelorette Party for one of my friends from high school. It was a mini reunion of people I had not seen since graduation. It was fun, but very random. Half of the girls there are teachers and everyone was engaged/married except for me and one other girl. Apparently I have reached the age when everyone I know decides to tie the knot.

Thank you, Weather Channel

The Weather Channel sponsored an "event" tonight that featured wine tasting, but very little food. For every taste of wine, we got food the size of a cracker (some of it was only crackers). So, drinking sans food can only equate drunkness. There was a point that my supervisor and myself were laughing incessantly at the wine guide. He was telling us how he got in the wine biz and mentioned that he was hired because he was good looking. Not that he is a bad looking man, it's just hard to picture someone referring to his earlier days as his "out of work modeling days". Either way, we started laughing at the comment and had to do everything in our power to stop. I was practically eating a napkin to refrain from offending the man.

I went out to another bar with some co-workers post the wine event and talked for a bit. In the middle of talking with my co-worker I began to think about my blog and the things that I could write. I totally spaced out for a couple minutes. He was talking about something interesting, but I blanked and stopped paying attention. When this happens, do they know that it happens? Or, is it possible to sustain the look of paying attention even though you're not at all?

Mmm, beer store

Last winter, I wrote a post about how I was not a fan of $4 beer (I'm pretty sure my point was that coffee costs the same as beer these days). Tonight I drank a $6 beer that I bought from a store. I take back any previous comments I have made about over priced alcohol- if it's good, I will pay for it. First off, Adam and I went to the store that had the beer separated by country of origin. It was beer heaven. And you can make your own six pack- or buy them in singles!! I stared at the endless beer fridges for a while trying to read the different languages when I stumbled upon Belgium. Oh Belgium, I have missed your beer. In an attempt to recreate my Belgium experience from 3+ years ago I bought a Cherry Beer. It was so good. I can't wait to go back to that liquor store-Blue Max. Adam was doing some research in attempt to find good light beer and found this place. I put together my own 6 pack. I picked out a beer with caffeine, we'll see if it's any good. I'm not even sure what I got, but I was certainly judging by the labels.

I am not sure if I have written about this before, but I have certainly thought about it. I am a One Tree Hill Fan, yes I'll admit it. This whole season they have had an integrated promotion with Sunkist orange soda. I can't get over how good of a fit it is. Yes, it's full of shameless Sunkist promotions, but it works! I'm pretty sure the target of the show is high school age kids and when I was that age all I drank was Sunkist. I remember getting in vicious Sunkist vs. Slice debates. I know I am not really giving this promotion the proper write up it deserves, but I'm impressed by it.

I brought home some free magazines from work today. Adam didn't care about anything that I had except the Comedy Central calendar that features a different Comedy Central show each month along with what the rating points are... The only thing he wants is a blatant promotional item. I love at. Adam has no idea that all of his gifts are going to be promotional items from this point forward.

Hello to the past

A bunch of us J-school alumni went to the district 8 regional NASC competition today. It was nice to go as a spectator and not as a participant. Much less stressful, but it will be nice to know what place the U gets and weather or not they will get to go to Nationals. It was fun to see people that I worked with last year and of course running into people that you don't expect. There was a girl that I went to high school with, we danced together at a studio and on the dance team. She was competing with her school today, so it was fun to catch up. It is very weird to think that just a year ago I was interviewing and trying to make contacts with people within the advertising world and now I have already worked at two agencies. It's very odd how things end up working out. I got out of paying the $15 admission fee, but ended up getting a $25 parking ticket because I didn't want to put my dollar coin in the meter. Ahh! If you try to be cheap, it will only cost you.

Brunch stop number 3 today: Copper Dome in St. Paul. There was a hiatus last week due to Easter- for those that celebrate...
I think this stop is my favorite so far. Atmosphere was nice, not too crowded- you can show up with a party of 10 and still get a table right away. Parking not horrible, I landed a spot on the lot, so naturally it was even better. The menu was a bit intense with all the boxes it had- every menu item had a box around it. Janna wasn't having any of it. But overall it was a tasty brunch stop.

For some reason I spent the majority of last week adding a disclaimer to "Happy Easter" statements. Every time someone said "Happy Easter" I added "If you celebrate". I'm not really sure why, but I just didn't want to assume that people were going to be A). Christian or B). doing anything special. Then, earlier this week one of my co-workers that I'm not a huge fan of asked how my Easter was. I wanted to say "I don't celebrate Easter" so badly, but I refrained and just informed him that I was under the weather and did nothing. I was fully intending on celebrating the Holiday, but really didn't feel good and napped all afternoon instead. But I'm not sure why I didn't take advantage of the opportunity to say my lines when the situation was just begging for me to say it. Even as a joke it would have been good.

Okay, I feel like I need to keep moving otherwise I am going to fall asleep and be super tired to the rest of the night and that doesn't really seem like a good option. And the sun just came out and is calling my name.

Work work work

I spent the majority of my morning trying to wake up- 3 cups of coffee later I was shaking a bit, but awake. Now that it is time to begin to wind down, I am WIDE awake. I hate that. Perhaps I should lay off the coffee ice cream. Damn free caribou coupon. Just because it is free doesn't mean that I need to get it. This is in reference to the new caribou ice cream that was for sale this month.

The phrase of the day was: "Do you have time for...?"
These past couple of weeks at work have been insane. And every couple hours I have someone asking me if I have time to take on another task/project. I have a lot of day to day activities to do already, but lately, I have been getting asked to do even more. I have a hard time saying no, so then I end up running around like a chicken with my head cut off and swearing like a sailor. "Fuck you..." has become my new catch phrase. And I find I am swearing at a lot of inanimate objects, most frequently at my Apple II look-a-alike computer and my phone that does not have caller ID. I love my job though, so I guess it makes it a little better. I have had to go to some awful meetings this week. TV Reps try to sway us with prizes, someone won a PSP (I would be jealous but I won one last summer)on Tuesday and on Thursday someone gave away a "disposable grill". It sucks when you miss out on the electronics and end up with a one-time-use grill. Free stuff is free stuff, but it definitely varies by the day.

Phillips Union, my favorite whiskey, is going to wrap some cabs in Chicago starting in June. I don't know what they look like, but if you're in Chicago- check them out- I think they'll be pretty cool. Even better, try the whiskey. Vanilla is the best.

One of the clients I work on is nominated as a "best spot of the week" for Adweek (an industry mag). This is what the critic had to say about the TV spot....
"Tractor Supply Co.: Someone's smoking crack in the heartland. These have to be the funniest, most bizarre spots I have ever seen for a tractor-supply store. I would never have thought you could do anything good for a tractor-supply store. Go figure." -John Butler, Creative Director, Butler Shine Stern & Partners, Sausalito CA
Yeah for Tractors! And Crack? Maybe that's why smoking has been banished from the work patio...

Murphy's Law observation: If I wear my kick ass Target rainboots, it will NOT rain, it will be hot and sunny. If I do not wear them, it rains like I should be building an arc and collecting animals 2 by 2.

History Repeating

Adam and I went to Cheapo on Friday night and he picked up a hard to find Motion City Soundtrack album. I was flipping through the liner notes and noticed that Jamie Woolford is credited. I haven't heard that name in a long time and of course, it brought back some memories. Jamie was in a band Animal Chin back in the later nineties that my sister and I totally loved. We went to as many shows as we could and even drove to Mankato to see them once, and got grounded. Animal Chin broke up and Jamie formed The Stereo. I haven't listened to any of the CDs in about 6 years, but I'm pretty sure that I know every word on the CD. I managed to find 2 Animal Chin CDs, but have yet to find any Stereo CDs. Oh, the agony. And all I can find online are short 30 second clips. That will not due. So frustrating.

Mission #2, make my own Sushi. I am also obsessed right now with Sushi. I have only eaten sushi a couple times, but I am intrigued right now and want more. I've seen a book/kit at Barnes and Nobel that was pretty cheap... it seems like it could be easy, or at least doable. I will see if I ever get the kit, or if I ever make it, but if it wasn't Easter today, and things were open, I would be all over it. Right after I take a nap.

Helpless

On the bus that I took today, there are people that always ride it- usually the same people everyday at the same stops. Today, I saw one of them was not at the stop yet and was scurrying to get to the stop in time. The bus driver did not see him. It looks like he's a bit handicapped and for some reason I really wanted to help him, but what could I do? The bus driver was an ass and didn't wait for him despite the fact that everyone was telling him that there was someone running to catch the bus. Two stops later, the runner finally caught up and the bus driver let him on. I just felt so bad for him and began to wonder if I would feel bad for anyone else, or just because it appears that he needs more help even though he looks quite capable.

I had a dream my sister died in a fire place fire last night. According to dreammoods.com my feelings for her are dead. That's disturbing. I think I want a second opinion. Either way, I need to call her and make sure she is fine.

My Brain stopped working several hours ago.

I feel the need write right now. I'm not sure why, but I'm in a rather somber mood and I am hoping that it will help me feel better.

I feel like my life is a mess right now. Overall, yes, it's good- good job, friends, Adam, etc. But literally my life feels messy. My email inboxes are insanely disorganized that I need to use the "Find" function almost daily to find what I need and I get more junk mail than real mail and then neglect to open all of it and then realize that my bills are due that day. My workspace, okay it's a cube, is so strewn with paper that it looks like someone decided to take a stack of paper and just throw it all over. Okay, I did do that a little... I have laundry all over the house and I can't bring myself to go down to the basement to get it. Not like it is anything big, but collectively everything is making me go crazy/stressing me out. As soon as I think of one thing to do, something else becomes a priority. Like now, I just realized my dinner is still sitting on the stove not putting itself away. I just feel like there is no time anymore. I suppose I could make time, but what's the fun in that?

My rainboots came from Target last week. I wore them today- It didn't rain. It was supposed to. Apparently if I do not have proper rain attire, it will rain and when I am prepared, no rain. Thank you Murphy's Law. Either way, I love my rainboots. So much in fact that I fell asleep in them on Friday. Realistically it was more like passing out, either way, I was asleep with the boots on.

We had brunch #2 on Saturday. The stop- Hell's Kitchen. It was alright. Adam overheard someone say Al Franken was there- it would have been SO much better if Al Franken was there. But we couldn't get a confirmation on it. Parking sucked- who knew so many people were in MPLS on a Saturday morning?! The service was good, but the food was just okay. I had a waffle. It was whole wheaty. Normally acceptable, but after a night of heavy drinking, not what I wanted. Brunch this week will be postponed due to the Easter Holiday and the fact that I will be brunching with my fam in Richfield at the OCB (Old Country Buffet) on Saturday. We like to go all out.

I just realized it's still Tuesday. That's the second time today I forgot what day it was. That's been happening a lot lately. I wonder if I have some sort of medical condition that makes me forget days.

Adam just asked what I was blogging about. I told him he could read it. Dinner is now put away and he checked the laundry. I guess if I blog it, it's not 'nagging'. Expect me to complain more often...

H-O-R-S-E

I think St. Patrick's day was the drunkest I have been in a LONG time, okay, since February, but that's a different story. Either way, I dressed as a horse and danced infront of ALL of my co-workers. Yeah, I know- I'm amazing, and I danced my little heart out, then celebrated with several premos. While that was several weeks ago now, my co-workers are still telling me how much they liked my performance. And I just found out that pictures will be in the company newsletter, so I will post them when I see them myself.
But these are the only pictures I have seen thus far, so, for your enjoyment.
Pre Cartwheel...

somersaulting...

At least I can say I danced as a horse on the stage of First Ave. I have used the bathroom and dressing room of some amazing bands- and I was a horse.

On a random note, I am one some workout kick. I don't know why or how, but I'm going to ride it out for as long as I can.

When I actually get home to my computer, I don't really feeling writing, but all day long nuggets of gold pop into my head and I want to write, but I forget them a few minutes later and they are lost forever. It's rather frustrating.

So, we had the first BBQ of Spring on Saturday. We also kicked off our brunch tour. Yes, Janna and I, & company, have decided to re-discover the cool places of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The first stop? The Bad Waitress off Nicollet located in the heart of my parents old stomping ground (my parents met on the same block as the restaurant- 30 some years ago, only a few blocks away from where Adam and I met only a few years ago...) It was everything brunch is supposed to be, cheap and a lot of food. Janna had the honors of choosing the first destination, and a job well done at that. The day was filled with some thrift store shopping where I scored a collectors edition Goonies glass. BBQ was a success, and then somehow my living room turned into a dance party complete with Beastie Boys rapping and my background dancing. See for yourself, Adam recorded some of it... Living room dance party
There is nothing better than taping yourselves at 2 in the morning, especially when the drinking begins at 7...

So, I take the bus to work, I think I've mentioned that. Is it okay for me to complain that one of the buses consistently comes early? Normally, I don't care because it's usually only by a minute or so, but 5 minutes, that's not right. I'd rather have the bus be late than have it be 5 minutes early. I can see the bus from my house and if it comes before I leave, that's not right, and then I am forced to take the express bus and pay and extra .75 cents and then I have to walk 5 blocks to work. Not cool. Not cool bitchy bus driver.

One Ms. Tuttle had a kick as B'day extravaganza on Friday... Complete with the best cake ever! Mocha butter cream frosting. I salivate just thinking about it. I need to find a route that takes me by the Franklin Street Bakery, it's so f'n good.

Adam fixed my broken ipod! Fuck yeah! Apparently all it needed was a new logic board. Who knew?

The other Adam

I took the early express bus in today and got downtown around 7:15- that's insane since that's the time I am normally getting up! But I wanted to get into work and get a jump on things since I have a lot to do- then why am I writing you ask? The program that I need is not working properly!! Ugh, just my luck. But as I walked to work via the skyways this morning (the express bus is faster, but it drops me off 5 blocks from work versus, across the street) I spotted my 8th grade boyfriend, Adam. We dated for about a week and then I broke up with him via note in the hallway. So cruel I was at 13. I ended up talking to him for a long time at the 5 year reunion we had in June (most of it was akward filler and we stood there holding empty beers), I waved and he did the head nod. It just seems really weird that people I know are all over the place. It's one thing to think about college friends being downtown, but high school, too much. It is now 8 am and I have already spent $3.00. How? .75 cents for extra bus fare, and 2.25 on a bagel! I love you bruegers, but you're robbing me blind, especially when I had a muffin (homemade) in my bag. So much for rewarding myself with coming in early, not I'm just mad at myself.

Portable Cakes

Last week there were some cupcakes at work- the worst cupcakes ever, but I ate it anyway- and someone called them portable cakes. Brilliant and I will claim it as my own.

On that note, How I Met Your Mother featured Ted eating several Portable Cakes through out the episode, I love it.

Slushy Wonderland

I awoke today to see my alarm wasn't going off, or that it wasn't even on- The power was out. Oddly it was the time I normally get up, so that was a good start. Adam and I managed to get ready for work minus electricity, I only tired the light switch a couple of times- force of habit. I was pretty sure the bus was going to be late and I trudged my way to the stop in the un-shoveled streets and sidewalks. The snow was blowing so much, it was hard to tell the colors of the cars. Every white car was a bus. It was only about 15 minutes late. Then the bus got stuck. We were only about 10 blocks from my house, but without power the thought of work was more appealing and I continued on my tireless journey. 2 hours and one more bus later, I finally got to work. Everyone was pretty understanding about the situation and a lot of people didn't come in at all. It did make the day go by a little bit faster...

I have come to the conclusion that when I work out, I don't write as much. I think because I am not as stressed out and don't need to vent as much. I know I just started to get back to a "healthy" lifestyle, but I since I started, I have had very little desire to write anything. I'm not sure if they really correlate, but it is my speculation right now. I am only writing now because I feel I should. And Kate asked about the snow, so I thought I would elaborate.

Beautiful People

As I sit here and nurse my throbbing head and upset stomach, I find myself enthralled in ABC Family's marathon of beautiful People. I know that gearing up to watch 6 hours of TV is ambitious, hold the applause, but I am sucked in. The tales of high school drama and the battle of the privileged and the non trust funds combined with love triangles and pentagons makes me never want to leave the couch. In my next life I am going to be either a food critic (in that life I will not be a vegetarian) or a TV critic (in that life I will watch more channels than family friendly WB and ABC Fam). I like the idea of being a chef, but I think I like the act of eating more than the preparation. Although, I did have a good time grocery shopping for dinner yesterday. Adam and I are in a cycle where we are eating out a lot so there has been very little cooking lately that doesn't involve a microwave. I made my own version of a taco salad, mmm, so yummy. I was going to make a stir fry today, but my ass is glued to the couch and it feels like way too much work, a walk to Wendy's in the snow covered ground might be easier.

I am now in what I think is my fifth hour of Beautiful People. I am starting to get a little restless but have not actually moved yet. I did need to get my power cord for the computer since the battery was going to die and the thought of no internet was unthinkable.

I did think of another career choice, or more so an ambition. Write a book. I imagine it will be the fiction category with sprinkles of my personal memoirs thrown in for good measure. However I wouldn't want to have any sort of James Frey debacle. At least I don't have to wait for my next lifetime for that, ideally I can fit that in somewhere along the line. I don't know when, but someday. I need to at least give it a whirl, perhaps it could be a nice segway into career choices 2 and 3. That is if this whole advertising thing doesn't work out. I got an email about a company that is offering an internship program for recent grads- at one time I really wanted to work for that company, but either way, I still wanted to answer the media questions just because I thought it might be fun. I guess that means that I like I am doing.

On that note, here is my plan for the next couple of years:
-Next year do AAAA's competition (that is if my boss nominates me)
-2007 Go back for my Masters (need 2 years professional experience)
-2009 Complete Masters program
-Get appropriate promotions along the way
-Perhaps have kids somewhere around 2012- that looks really weird to attach a year with that, but thats the time I might consider giving up my personal freedom.

I think I want food, but nothing seems appetizing at all, or way to much work to get. Ugh, my head hurts.

Friends

It was Janna's birthday yesterday and the celebrating begin this evening. Adam went to Chicago today so I was flying solo. I guess a good way to tell how good your friends are is to see how far out of their way they will go to find you a way home. Typically Adam would be with me and therefore, Adam would take me home. But this evening, I was on my own and opted for public transportation. It was nice to know my friends "had my back". Janna made a special call to let me know who lived closet to me and Katie said that she would pick me up if I needed it. It's nice to know that people are out there for me if I need it.

I like to think that I am self sufficient, and can depend on myself to get home. I did it in London, I would think that I can do it in Mpls. It seems that I end up getting rides home from someone most of the time, so that depletes the self sufficiency. It's just nice to know that other people are here for me. I guess I don't really feel that way or haven't before. I'm not used to being able to depend on others or trust that they will get things done. I have generally been the one to make sure the assignment/project gets done.

I'm not sure if this makes sense. Maybe you too need to have had 2 red dragons specials, 1 chocolate martini and some vanilla whiskey... and be watching the cutting edge.

Dancing + ipod = Bad

I was listening to my ipod and dancing around the kitchen, when I dropped my ipod. It is now broken. It won't turn on, I don't even get the sad ipod face. Of course my warranty is up so I'm f'd. Grr. On a good note, then I have to get a video ipod. I'm not going to get a nano since it hardly holds anything, so I'm down to the 30 GB option. I have 20 now, so I think I can handle 10 more GB. I just don't have the money, but I CAN'T live with out my ipod. It has become such a staple in my life especially my bus ride. I don't know what I will even do for the next day. It's going to be rough. Damn me and my dancing.

Janna and I went to Chicago for the weekend. I forgot how much I truly love that city. Every time I go there, I want to pick up and move there. I'm not going to, but I want to so badly. It seems so much cooler than Minneapolis, but then I realize that I don't take advantage of everything that MPLS has to offer, so I am going to try and enjoy the city that I actually live in instead of envying everyone else and the cities they live in.

Goodbye.

My Grandma, Hilda, passed away this evening. The nursing home called the family early this morning to warn us that see was not doing as well. We were all able to spend the day with her and be together. No matter how much you are prepared for something, it never comes easy. It was her time and I am glad that she no longer has to be in pain and she can be at peace right now. I am so thankful that I was able to get to know her these past couple of years. I got to know her fighting spirit and how strong of a person she was. She does not quit easily and I'm glad I have been able to witness it.

Grandma, I love you and you will be missed.

Cats.

I always wondered why Cats "flock" to me. It's like they know I'm allergic to them and would prefer it if they stayed away. Thankfully Mental Floss has answered the question that I often ask myself as I begin to sneeze at whatever furry animal rubs up near me, here is the Fact of the Day.

How I met your mother, is fantastic. I want to be Robin Scherbatsky, but I have a feeling I am much more like Lily. Either way, I loved the "bro" episode. According to Barney, Robin is a better 'bro' than Ted, but none the less, both Barney and Ted want to sleep with Robin.

I watched a little bit of Gray's Anatomy this Sunday. I cannot watch it, I know I will be addicted and the last thing I need is to find myself watching more television. Yes, I work in media, but I can't spend anymore time watching TV than I already do. I have too many shows that I watch and if I get anymore, I will fall into a whole new category of couch potato.

Coca Cola sets the trend.

Fact of the day: Coke sets the trend.

I watched the Super Bowl commercials, as did many other people I imagine. My favorites were the Ameriquest Mortgage ones, go here to see them all.
I really didn't like the Ameriquest mortgage ones last year, everyone else did. I think it was pretty much because I was hearing pretty negative things about the company and that was clouding my judgment about the entertainment value of the ads. This year, I am not partial to mortgage companies, so I think that's why I liked the ads.

This was left intentionally blank

I really wanted to actually leave this blank, but then I stumbled (okay, it was emailed to me) across this blog about handstamps. When I woke up on Saturday morning, "this was left intentionally blank" was stamped across my hand. At first I thought it was clever, but not as clever as placing an ad on your hand. First off, it's a prime [free] location, actually the stampee most likely had to pay for the handstamp in the first place with some sort of cover charge. And most often said stamp lasts for more than a day or two, the remnants of Friday's stamp from 7th Street Entry is still slightly visible on my hand. If nothing else, it helps you remember the course of the previous nights events. In my case, it helped me remember that it was Saturday and not a workday and I did not actually need to get up, nor was I going to miss my bus.

Shoes and Hokey Pokey

Young male from Taco Bell: "Excuse me Ma'am, where did you get your shoes?"
Me: "Mall of America a few years ago"
Young male: "They're awesome"

There is nothing like getting stopped in the skyway to have someone comment on your shoes and being called Ma'am while wearing a hoodie.

Ever wonder where the Hokey Pokey came from and want to know how it's connected to skiing? Read this fact of the day.

Minneapolis

Travel and Leisure have declared Minneapolis where-to-go-next. Apparently for the art and architecture. Who knew?

*Yawn*

I am on week 3 of work. Basically I am trying to stay awake in my attempt to entertain myself. Everyone around me is busy and I don't have much to do. I'm still in training mode. I forgot how much it sucks to start a new job. I hate being confused and trying to make sense of everything when pretty much nothing makes sense. The people are cool, I like my new co-workers, but I feel pretty worhtless in the fact that I can't really help anyone with anything. Everyone, meaning my supervisor and directors, are telling my to 'enjoy it while I can.' They keep telling me that they know I have nothing to do and that it won't be long. Most jobs you have to hide the fact that you have nothing to do and "pretend" to be busy. Me, I am pretty much on facebook all day long reading about my friend's interests.

16 people from my last job got laid off last week, I'm glad I got out before everyone else started looking for new jobs. Yikes. It's a tough world as it is competing against people from school let alone people who no longer have jobs. But that's the world we live in.

I'm thinking about joining a gym. There is one right across the skyway from me- so close and my insurance has the option if you work out 8 times or more per month than you get $20 off the membership fee. Not a bad gig, if I use it. I NEED to use it, but I'm debating on weather or not I would actually use it. I need to get on a schedule, I'm feeling so lazy lately, mostly becuase I sit on my ass ALL the time. I used to be active and now I have hit the laziest peak I have ever had in my life. Even thinking about my active lifestyle in high school is making me tired. I don't know what happened to me.

Crazy Neighbor and Fake Rings

On Thursday, I went to see my friend Lelan at a basement comedy club. All the comics kept talking about "snakes on a plane." Little did I know, they were talking about one of the best airplane movies yet to be released. Check it out for yourself.

Saturday started out more exciting than most. Janna, Katie and I were going to go shopping at MOA. Janna came over and we were waiting for Katie's arrival when someone came to the door, Adam answered the door believing it was her. I was around the corner and heard "Can I smoke in here?" It is our crazy [drunken] neighbor. She is a single mother of 3, the eldest being 18 and the youngest being 9 or 10. The only other time I've talked to her, she told me to never be a single mom. I will do my best to oblige. She asked to use the phone. We only have cell phones and no house phone, so Adam offered up his. She proceeded to stand in our doorway facing the wall with her back to us (allowing is to make appropriate faces at each other about the siutation unfolding before us) with an unlit cigarette in her hand. She was loudly complaining about her son to the listener at the other end and everyone know and then so would turn around, ask if she was too loud and then tell us "when you're 40, you'll have conversations like this". She made some comment about being 40 with an 18 year old and I thought, that is not possible- I can not have a child that old when I am 40! This went on for about 10 minutes or so, Janna, Adam and I attempted to continue with normal conversation. Whatever normal is. Crazy neighbor ended up taking Adam's phone back to her house and he had to go rescue it. That is the last time we open the door with out seeing who it is first.

Janna and I were doing some ring shopping and Claires. Janna was shopping for a "fake" engagement ring to keep the boys away when we go out to the bar. Oddly enough, for the first time ever, a man picked up my hand and looked to see if I had a ring. I wished so badly that I had bought a gigantic fake ring. I also spotted 2 other people wearing the same sequined shrug as myself. Who knew everyone else was shopping the express sale and shelled out $10 for it.

I am on my second week of work right now. I'm getting a little antsy since I don't have a whole lot of work to do just yet, so I'm looking forward to diving in. I have survived 2 weeks of dance class so far. After the first week, I was a little worried about being able to recover after each class, so far so good. I like both classes that I am taking, but I am realizing how hard it is to have 2 nights every week that I am busy. I didn't think it would be to bad, but it's harder than I imagined.

Sleep Deprived Hungover State of Mind.

I feel like I haven't slept in a week. I pretty much haven't.

Last Saturday, An and I road tripped it to Madison to see the world famous Anna in Walmartopia. It was hilarious and naturally, Anna was fantastic. We followed that up with several drinks and a cast party.

The drinks continue...

Anna took us to a fabulous place for breakfast: The Come Back In. On the way there we were driving by the lake, the sun was shining (very rare these days) and a hula version of "Over the rainbow" came on the radio. It felt like a scene out of a movie. Breakfast was great- anything with $1.00 Mimosas is on the top of my list.

Steve perusing the menu...


Mr. Pease then took us on a crazy drive to Janesville. Um, he started heading north instead of south, then almost ran out of gas. Words were said.


When we finally got to Janesville in what felt like the longest drive ever only to meet Steve's dad and dog and then turn around and head back to the Mini-apple.

It was a good weekend, but you know starting the week sleep deprived will only be a problem later.

Monday I started dance class with Janna. It was fun, Hip-Hop is a fun style and it didn't make me too sore the next day. I had jazz class on Tuesday. I think I am still sore from that. I was smaller in my high school days, so leaping around a room was a little bit easier, now, I am SO out of shape that doing some moves was difficult. I hope it will get easier in time. I don't think my lack of sleep helped any.

Tuesday was my last day of work at Sable & Colle + McVoy. I start Carmichael Lynch tomorrow. That thought still hasn't officially sunk in yet. I feel like I am dreaming and I am waiting for someone to call me and tell me it's a dream. Or when I get there tomorrow, they will tell me to go home.

Wednesday, my brother and I flew to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Aladdin...


It's hard to be in Vegas when you haven't had enough sleep, but many naps later, we managed. We did the standard things:
Mirage Volcano


The Venetian


The Bellagio Fountains


I was able to convince my brother to be impulsive with me, so I was successful in my mission to go somewhere during my 3 days off. It was fun, I guess not as much fun as I hoped. I didn't loose too much money so that was good. We found this place in our hotel that had 3 for 1 drinks. I had a wonderful sample of various martinis.

Last night I went to my friend's "grown up" party. Last summer he had an indoor slip and slide party- yes, indoor slip and slide plus a kiddie pool. It was fun to see some people that I went to school with again. I don't hang out with them that much, but I spent so much time with them last year working on projects.

It is very weird to think about how much my life is changed since last year. I feel like the last six months have been a very long 6 months and I've packed a lot of stuff into them.

Impulsiveness Denied

I have 3 days off next week because of my transition from one job to another. Janna and I are meeting up later to plan our Feb. Chicago trip and I thought, why can't I go somewhere next week? I have 3 weekdays to fill, why not explore another city? My first thought, was Vegas, you only need a couple days there and you've had a fill- perfect. I called Adam to convince him that he should really take the vacation days that he needs to use up, but he didn't want to ask for time off less than one week before the days off, so he was out. I called my sister and she is booked next week. Janna doesn't have any time off stored up yet, and my mother had the lamest excuse- "I haven't been feeling well lately." My brother just took a vacation and now works the days that I would be wanting to go. LAME. So, now I'm thinking of places that I can go by myself and not feel incredibly lonely. I so wish London was closer, that is probably one of the few cities that I would feel content going to alone, but not exactly worth the 3 day trip. Seriously, why can't my life be a Blue Sky commercial? Damn those bitches and their sunny beaches.

Last option: Stay in Minneapolis and play tourist. Walker is free on Thursday, the MIA is free all the time, I can ice skate at the depot since MN weather has not figured out how to freeze the water yet.

This morning I was picturing myself walking down the Vegas strip, now I'm ice skating in Mpls. Good or bad, I haven't decided yet. All I know is my life is not as cool as it was this morning.

Dancing Queen

I will dance again! I just signed up to take two adult dance classes this winter. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! Janna will be accompanying me in Beg. Hip Hop and I will be attempting my skills at Intermediate Jazz. I'm just so excited that the dance company is 3 blocks from my new work. I can work and then go straight to dance class. I did it in high school, I can do it again.

New Years resolution to get fit- On route.

No, this is not a reaction to New Years but rather my attempt to be able to dance again. "I'm so excited and I just can't hide it" - Please picture Jessie Spano during the Saved by the Bell episode where she gets "addicted" to caffeine pills.

Sluttly Pumpkin was on again this week. That is my favorite How I met your Mother episode yet.

New Year's Resolutions.

There was an article in Newsweek a couple weeks ago (the one about Bush being in a bubble) that talked about New Year's Resolutions. Of course it listed the regular ones- quit smoking, loose 20 pounds, etc. But then it listed something that is actually doable: make kisses last longer- 15 seconds. It said that people in long term relationships have a tendency to forget how to makeout. Um, yeah, I may know about that, but that making kisses last longer, can help fix that. Yeah! I have to say, that's my only resolution and I'm sticking to it. Okay, I'm going to also try to "get in shape" but I have a feeling that will be a little harder to keep.

Man, I'm so not motivated to work anymore. It's SO hard to go to a job that I know I only have another week at. Part of the reason I wanted to leave was because I didn't have a lot to do, um, now I have even less. Only one week left. I hope I can handel it.