Portland!

Hooray for quality time in the PNW.

March Madness.

So Saturday morning I leave for Gainesville, via Atlanta and a lot of I-75. I'll head back to Atlanta on Tuesday. Then home Friday. Then I'm off to Dublin on Saturday, via Chicago and a lot of I-90. Then back on Friday. Then I head to Dallas on Saturday. Then home on Thursday. Wake me when it's over.

My life is not blogworthy.

I'm thinking about making that the title of the blog, as it feels appropriate. We'll see.

Again, I've fallen off the blogwagon. How did this happen? I am such a hypocrite, since I absolutely love reading the blogs of those I care about. I'll attempt to recap (not that you've missed much).

Volleyball and pool are coming to a close. This means spring may arrive [somewhat] soon! Winter didn't seem quite so extreme this year; that in no way implies I am a fan of the Midwest weather.

January seemed like a long month, but was punctuated by fun events such as game night (finally, a successful one!) and snowboarding (oh, WI mountains). And then February came and went. Who knew that 3 fewer days could make such an impact? I suppose the month was helped along by two visitors (shout out, Katy H!).

I met a boy. It's about time. Speaking of, when it rains, it freaking pours. Why is that?

This month I'll find myself in Chicago (tomorrow!), Atlanta, Gainesville, Atlanta, Menomonie, and Dallas. If only we could spread these things out.

Work continues to go well. Two more manuscripts under review and an upcoming presentation - it's almost like I have a career. Almost.

See why I don't blog? I need anecdotes! Hhmm... I suppose I could talk about how every time I go to the local airport I see someone I know (and in extreme cases love interests and friends are on the same flights). Or about the girl on an opposing pool team that was too drunk to open her eyes, but still played better than I did. Or about the WI scavenger hunt I went on while bar hopping (camouflage? check. snowmobile at a bar? check.). But no - maybe next time.

In lieu of actual candy...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank goodness for visitors.

Katy comes today! I am so ridiculously thankful that people like me enough to come visit in the winter.

Happy Friday!

One word answers (I've been tagged).

I've been slacking on the blog again... I'm hoping this tides people over for now.

Where is your cell? Nightstand
Your significant other? TBD (do acronyms count as one word?)
Your hair? Needy
Your mother? Inquisitive
Your father? Quirky
Your favorite thing? Love
Your dream last night? Odd
Your favorite drink? Strong
Your dream/goal? Happiness
The room you're in? Cave-like
Your fear? Alone
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy
Where were you last night? Y
What you're not? Satisfied
Muffins? Please
One of your wish list items? Loan
Where you grew up? Oregon
The last thing you did? Emailed
What are you wearing? Blah
Your TV? DVR!
Your computer? Dresser
Your life? Stagnant
Your mood? Pressured
Missing someone? Definitely
Your car? Temporary
Something you're not wearing? Jewelry
Favorite Store? Target?
Your summer? Short :(
Last time you laughed? Today
Last time you cried? Abstraction

I tried to make some of these as confusing as possible :)

Screw you, "Alberta clipper".

So the windchill temperature for tomorrow morning (when I'll need to forge my way to work) is supposed to be -45. Yep. To be fair, the actual air temp will only be -20.

When in doubt...

...just write in bullet points.

Katy is coming to visit me! So soon! Props to her for coming in frigid February (from a warm place, no less!).

So far, so good with the coworker matchmaking. Thank goodness for email - let's not be hasty.

I have so many balls in the freaking air right now... it's a wonder I can keep anything straight. If all else fails, it's nice to have friends in random parts of the country, right? Oklahoma, for example?

I succumbed and joined the race of DVR-owners. Why didn't anyone tell me how fabulous this is? My many random activities make for difficult regular TV watching... but I have SOO much time on weekends (when only crap is on).

Did I really not meet anyone great in 2008? No offense to Cliff, of course, but we're not exactly tight.

It's supposed to stay between -20 and -5 on Thursday. Why does anyone live here?

My dad, upon realizing that my Christmas was not so fruitful in the gift department, sent me a present (with a super cute note). Who knew he could be so wonderful? It almost makes me forget all the times when he is the opposite of wonderful. Almost.

Bryce's mom sent me a [very belated] Christmas card (can you say "oh, look - Stephanie sent me a card... I suppose I should send her one."?). Thanks, Nancy - the lack of any message at all was heartwarming. Even better than last year when you returned my stocking. Awesome.

Is 4:20 to early to leave work? I say no.

Plugs.

See - you're reading this now just to figure out what the title means, aren't you? Maybe I'll just create random titles for all my posts to create readership interest :)

1. Anyone who needs a laugh (and/or to be completely appalled) should find the Daily Show clip about "Joe the Plumber" from last night (1/8). How I love Jon Stewart. But seriously, Joe Whatshisname is going to be a news correspondent in Gaza? Excuse me? As Jon said, it really is like a MadLib: random first name, random profession, completely unrelated profession... So ridiculous. And can we talk about how Joe will be protected from violence while abroad because "he's a Christian"? It's like someone told him to say the most offensive thing he could.

2. My employer was featured in the NY Times a couple of weeks ago... news travels slowly to Central WI - even when you're in it, evidently. For those who are interested: here's the link.

Coworker matchmaking: a disaster waiting to happen.

I'm having a difficult time not concentrating on the potential catastrophes, now that a quasi-coworker has "introduced" me to a guy via email. Let's keep in mind, this introduction was not requested. Can you say "awkward"? What if I meet him and am completely insulted by her opinion of the type of person I would date? While that may make me sound horribly snobbish, it's a valid point. What if we end up going out and it's horrible? She loves this guy - what would I say to her? Panic.

I follow explicit directions really well.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Ran a 5k (I'm such a copycat), actively participated in a presidential campaign, played competitive volleyball/pool, flew somewhere to meet a guy, braved really, really, really low temperatures, drank champagne on election night, took a spinning class, attended a Big 10 football game.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Pretty sure I didn't make any last year... I have a few goals for 2009, but not necessarily resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I really had to think about this! I do not believe so (so, so sorry if I forgot about someone - ooh, does Cara count?).

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No [sound of me knocking on wood].

5. What countries did you visit?
Can this be cities/states? I say yes: Atlanta, GA (x3, thank you very much); Gainesville, FL; Chicago, IL; Portland, OR (also x3, now that I think about it); Washington, DC (x2); Tampa, FL (screw you, F/V.); Minneapolis, MN (x2). No overseas travel for me in 2008, sadly. Probably not 2009 either, but prepare yourselves for 2010...

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Someone to sleep with on a nightly basis, to be honest.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 4: well done, Barack. Well done.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
This question makes me wonder about my success... Professionally? Being accepted to present at IDSA or the approval of one of my protocols. Personally? Continuing attempts at Central WI socialization.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Weight or finances, I would have to say.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Who could forget the infamous wrist "fracture"? Thankfully, nothing more serious.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Another tough call - I don't tend to make a lot of purchases. I will go with plane tickets to Portland.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Barack Obama, rtrax, Travis and Ashley. Also, what's with the random British spelling?

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
The leadership of the Republican party, F/V, many others.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Living expenses, repayment of debt.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing Owen, the election, the Atlanta trips, F/V. There tends to be a couple of themes to this, doesn't there?

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2008?
1) The stupid summertime one by Kid Rock - so awful and played ALL THE TIME. Come on, people. 2) "I'm Yours", Jason Mraz.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Does my mood ever change? I'm like a rock. Okay, on the whole: sadder.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Blogging :)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating baked goods? Thank you, KO'.

20. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I was well on my way.

21. How many one-night stands?
While we may not be in a courtroom, I'm going to go ahead and plead the Fifth.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Daily Show.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I can't actually come up with anyone that I hate - such a strong word. I'm pretty angry with F/V, but I agree with KO' - hatred isn't worth it.

24. What was the best book you read?
I read A LOT, and tend to enjoy pretty much everything. The "Twilight" series, "The Bright Side of Disaster", and "The Poisonwood Bible" are a few great examples.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Again I have to go with KO': definitely Owen. Who knew I was such a whiz with plastic percussion instruments?

26. What did you want and get?
Paid travel.

27. What was your favorite film of this year?
I wasn't real impressed with my film selections in 2008 - better luck next year.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I flew to DC and went out for raspberry martinis with Andrea (27 - years of age, not martinis). Oddly, people aren't automatically nicer to you during air travel if it is your birthday.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Friends in Central WI.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Cuddleduds, enough said.

31. What kept you sane?
Forward thinking, a plethora of activities so that I did not get bored and have time to ponder my current situation.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Obama. Again with the British lingo?

33. What political issue stirred you the most?
Sarah Palin.

34. Who did you miss?
An abbreviated alphabetical list: Andrea, Andrea, Ashley, Carol, Davette, GHF, Katy, Mackenzie, Michael, Mike O., Owen, Travis, Vanessa.

35. Who was the best new person you met?
In 2008? Cliff?

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Perseverance pays off in the long run (I'm really hoping, anyway).

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Low, low, low, low". Why not end things on a happy note?

Kudos to anyone who managed to make it all the way through this. I am incredibly uninteresting!

The miscellaneous adventures of Stephanie.

I'm going to Florida today. Those of you who know me might assume I am simply visiting friends, as yes, I did used to live there not so long ago. But really, where would the adventure be in that? Instead, I am going there for a date. That's right, a somewhat blind date 1600 miles away. I love my life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

While not typically the favorite holiday of vegetarians, I am excited about Thanksgiving this year for a number of reasons:

1. rtrax (okay, and Mike) - enough said.

2. It's [also] Andrea's birthday! As I am quite thankful for her, that works out quite well.

3. The day (for me) formally welcomes the "holiday season", which I love. This year's celebrations will take me to Menomonie, Tampa, Minneapolis, Madison, and Portland. Thank you, holiday season; I am so anxious to see people I care about, and this means I will very soon!

4. Me, Lindsay, and baking. Autumn cookies and pies, oh my.

A very happy Thanksgiving to my [4] readers. Safe travels!

Marshfield-ism

Only in Central Wisconsin:

A hunting show was on two of the four TVs at the Y last night.

Pardon me while I jump on [the bandwagon].

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

1. Wrapping paper or bags? Definitely bags. Can you carry on wrapped gifts? Unlikely.
2. Real tree or Artificial? No tree for me, thanks. Someday... That was an easy out though, I suppose - if I had a tree it would be real, from a local farm (for a few years, anyway).
3. When do you put up the tree? 1st weekend in December.

4. When do you take the tree down? On or just after January 1st.
5. Do you like eggnog? While my instinct is to say no, I'm not sure I've ever tried it. Katy H and her love for soynog has almost convinced me to try that, however.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? When does childhood end? I guess that's a more philosophical question. I got some good stuff the year I was 17 - does that count? If not, I'm with Ashley - who remembers this? And that, my friends, says A LOT about all the money that goes into gifts.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Uncle J, no question about it. Thank goodness for this year's white elephant.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Owen, hands down.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Um, no.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, though I'm not that excited about it this year. What happened to my enthusiasm? Oh, I remember - it died with my social life.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I've also received some things from the givers of Ashley's dip set.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Love Actually, without a doubt.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I think I will be buying 3 presents this year - I've got time.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can recall.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Carol's cookies.
16. Lights on the tree? Yes, preferably white.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? For now - travel. Eventually... we'll see.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes, though really I am also distracted by the word "reindeer's". 1) It's "reindeer", not "reindeers", and 2) learn to use the apostrophe.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Definitely star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The bitter Midwest weather.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and silver/white.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? More cookies, please.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? It's a secret - I'll let you know if it works out.

And I was off to such a good start...

It's been awhile now, so let's recap: I went to see Amos Lee last week (how cute is he?). I was unfamiliar with his opening act and was pleasantly surprised; Priscilla Ahn is ADORABLE. Her song "I Don't Think So" is basically the soundtrack to my life at the moment - you should check it out. All in all, a great show. Definitely worth the 5 hours in the car [on a Monday] - I am so young and carefree (or maybe crazy?). So the concert was good, the date part of it not so much. Oh well.

In case it hasn't been mentioned (it's even worth mentioning again, if it has) - I am playing in a pool league. I am so very Wisconsin. While this in itself is amusing, the best part is that I'm not actually good at pool. My teammates have changed my shot in an effort to better me... we'll see. All I can say is that it's a good thing my partner is good :) But come April (can you say "longest season ever"?), I'm going to rock. Maybe I'll start hustling people.

In case you've forgotten, it's cold here. The weather forecast for tonight has it in the teens (and "feels like" single digits - I am not ready for single digits!). Snow has started, which in itself is okay, since I actually like snow. It's just that along with snow comes Midwest winter: -30 windchill, frostbite advisories, and the like.

Can someone nicely inform Bryce that we are not friends? I did not sign up for that. If I do not respond to his random text messages, I am not a bad person.

On a more pleasant note, I am considering getting my PhD. While I initially thought I was done with school, it's sounding more and more tempting. Maybe graduate school is like childbirth - after awhile you forget how painful it was and end up going back for more? That was a very strange analogy.

Does anyone else see the irony in me dating someone from Florida? Could my timing be any crummier?

T minus 38 days until Portland.

Google is so clever.

Happy Election Day!

On a happier note...

Fun things I have planned:

1. Election night fun with fellow Obama fans (go, Barack!).
2. Thanksgiving with rtrax in Menomonie.
3. Pool and volleyball - for months! Two things I definitely never thought I would play "competitively".
4. Random concerts. Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis... wherever (except at Tiny's).
5. Two nights in downtown Minneapolis, courtesy of work.
6. A week in Portland with friends and family.

As promised.

Based on recent events:

5) Anyone who spends more time on their hair than I do. I'm jumping to conclusions, I realize, but still.

6) Anyone who uses the term "darkie". Enough said.

Revelations.

1. It is never a good idea to go to Tiny's. Please remind me of this.

2. I have never felt so alone. Ever.

3. I need to leave WI. Soon.