* Today I spent the entire day designing a survey about sex. My job rocks.
* Speaking of, #12 started his day off right.
* I feel insulted about the cream cheese/cheesecake comment on Ashley's blog. It hurts me. To reiterate: cream cheese = cheesecake = dessert! It does not belong on wheat-y, onion-y, non-sweet bagels. So there.
* I asked the B-man to give me more money today. He's buying a house, so he can afford it.
* I am knitting a kehole scarf! It is mossy green and lovely.
* "Amber" was very funny at tennis last night... she was not afraid to charge the net.
* I will be an aunt in approximately 10 weeks (that was sooo fast!)
* I am oddly excited about going to the gym tonight, except that I would rather go to the poker tournament, but feel I should be responsible.
* Florida is suprisingly cold this week (I know I sound wimpy).
* A tennis insructor had an Oregon State sweatshirt on last night... v. odd - I almost forgot where I was. Almost.
* I did my exit interview yesterday. Student loans are very, very horrible once you have to think about them. Better be worth it.
* I am strangely addicted to celery + red pepper hummus right now. I seriously cannot get enough of it. Do you think I have some sort of nutritional deficiency?
* Amber got a new car this weekend. I want to buy it.
* I wish Ashley wouldn't have shared her recipe for cheesecake cups with me (second cheesecake reference). I used almond instead of vanilla and am hooked. HOOKED.
* I get to baby-sit for bass-man-Dan this weekend - he has very cute babies.
* Tomorrow is February. FEBRUARY! Soon my brother will be "in his 30's" (even more than he already is).
* I don't want to do this anymore. Maybe I will go home... Charmed is on, you know.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Feel my wrath, V-day, feel my wrath.
I'm seeing Valentine's Day from an unfamiliar perspective this year: from that of a single person. Stupid Valentine's Day. Stupid Hallmark. Stupid love. Okay, maybe not love. But you get the drift. And while I feel silly admitting this, I feel I must be honest - I had hoped that by this stupid, made-up holiday I would have found someone [male] to share it with (even casually) . Stupid dating. Stupid Valentine's Day.
It's funny though, because it really has always been my least favorite "holiday" (I also have issues with Mother's, Father's, and Grandparent's Day). While in my foolishly long relationship I couldn't have cared less about February 14th. I still find it incredibly foolish that the retail industry must tell our society when to buy gifts for our loved ones; but this year I'm giving in - I want a valentine! And no, yours doesn't count, Ashley. And so I find myself irritated while shopping for shampoo at Target - stupid Valentine's display. Stupid pink and red candy everywhere. And I wonder why I don't have a date... :)
I was given a fantastic compliment a couple of weeks back by my fantastic Australian friend. He is also perplexed as to why I am not being courted right and left (hahaha...). He thinks it may relate to the sense of confidence I exude, which is "intimidating". Hhhmmmm. I appear confident? I do not feel very confident. Confusing. And so, to all those eligible suitors - I am not [overly] confident! I promise!
Stupid Valentine's Day.
It's funny though, because it really has always been my least favorite "holiday" (I also have issues with Mother's, Father's, and Grandparent's Day). While in my foolishly long relationship I couldn't have cared less about February 14th. I still find it incredibly foolish that the retail industry must tell our society when to buy gifts for our loved ones; but this year I'm giving in - I want a valentine! And no, yours doesn't count, Ashley. And so I find myself irritated while shopping for shampoo at Target - stupid Valentine's display. Stupid pink and red candy everywhere. And I wonder why I don't have a date... :)
I was given a fantastic compliment a couple of weeks back by my fantastic Australian friend. He is also perplexed as to why I am not being courted right and left (hahaha...). He thinks it may relate to the sense of confidence I exude, which is "intimidating". Hhhmmmm. I appear confident? I do not feel very confident. Confusing. And so, to all those eligible suitors - I am not [overly] confident! I promise!
Stupid Valentine's Day.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Stephanie A. Irving...
MHS!
It's true, I persevered with the writing and managed to finish (just) before the deadline - hooray for not paying another $2000. But really, what's another $2000 at this point? Almost is much fun is that I also submitted the paper to a journal last week. That's right - I may be published in the upcoming months. Who would have thought? Anyone who is super interested in vaccine risk communication in the United States is more than welcome to read it (I'm not expecting a lot of takers).
What's supposed to fill my time, now that I don't have to... feel guilty about not writing? Well, I've come up with several options. First - knitting! I've wanted to learn for over a year; the time is right and there are people to help me along, so weekly knitting sessions are in the works! Yay! I am going to pick out some patterns today! I value any suggestions from Mrs. Brooke, as she is the resident expert in this area. Second, more tennis! Hooray! Now that I have my super sweet new racquet, I'm ready! Finally, the gym that I have been paying for and not utilizing for the last few weeks is calling my name. I am actually very excited to start going again, and take that as a good sign - I'll be there tonight!
Sadly enough, I do not have anything else remotely blogworthy to report... last week was filled with writing, and the weekend was rather boring (though in a good, relaxing way). I spent much of the time watching Alias, as I bought myself the second season as a reward for completing my Masters degree... I'm pretty wild.
Anyway, I'm back in the blogging world - I'll try to do better tomorrow.
It's true, I persevered with the writing and managed to finish (just) before the deadline - hooray for not paying another $2000. But really, what's another $2000 at this point? Almost is much fun is that I also submitted the paper to a journal last week. That's right - I may be published in the upcoming months. Who would have thought? Anyone who is super interested in vaccine risk communication in the United States is more than welcome to read it (I'm not expecting a lot of takers).
What's supposed to fill my time, now that I don't have to... feel guilty about not writing? Well, I've come up with several options. First - knitting! I've wanted to learn for over a year; the time is right and there are people to help me along, so weekly knitting sessions are in the works! Yay! I am going to pick out some patterns today! I value any suggestions from Mrs. Brooke, as she is the resident expert in this area. Second, more tennis! Hooray! Now that I have my super sweet new racquet, I'm ready! Finally, the gym that I have been paying for and not utilizing for the last few weeks is calling my name. I am actually very excited to start going again, and take that as a good sign - I'll be there tonight!
Sadly enough, I do not have anything else remotely blogworthy to report... last week was filled with writing, and the weekend was rather boring (though in a good, relaxing way). I spent much of the time watching Alias, as I bought myself the second season as a reward for completing my Masters degree... I'm pretty wild.
Anyway, I'm back in the blogging world - I'll try to do better tomorrow.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
If someone hands you money...
Smile, and say thank you.
This used to be my favorite saying, as there was some funny story behind it, but now I can't remember the story and cannot for the life of me figure out why I found it so amusing. Can anyone help me out here? I am giving myself ten minutes to blog, and then must write, write, write. Along with Ash's, my motivation has left the building (it's been gone for months, but we all knew that). I was supposed to write this weekend, but instead cleaned, baked, and watched waaay too many episodes of Alias (season 1). And though it was a fantastic time, I continue to feel guilty about it. I'm not quite sure why I seem to be sabotaging myself, but I am. IT ENDS TODAY! I plan to write my little heart out all day and send a decent draft to Dan before I head home. I can do it!
On a slightly more fun note, I cut my hair last night. First time since July 2005! I'm crazy! It's actually relatively short (chin length) - she even had to use a razor in the back. I really like it though, and feel much more "adult-ish". The only think I'm having a difficult time with are the side-sweep bangs, which I haven't had since 7th grade and are quite irritating (but so cute!).
I think the most interesting, blog-worthy thing about this week is my bird-poo story. That's right: bird poo. After not leaving the house on my productive Monday (see above), I left for work Tuesday morning to find that my car was COVERED in bird poo. I have never seen so much bird poo. None of it was there Sunday night, but it was RIDICULOUS by Tuesday morning. I parked in my normal spot, but discovered that my car had been targeted by a vicious, poo-filled flock of birds. Actually, I was told Tuesday night that "the robins are in town", whatever that means. I realized, though, that "in town" actually meant "living in the tree above your car". It's really, really yucky (and rather amusing, in a gross way). My Aussie friend even took a picture of it - if you're lucky I'll post it.
Time's almost up - happy Friday eve.
This used to be my favorite saying, as there was some funny story behind it, but now I can't remember the story and cannot for the life of me figure out why I found it so amusing. Can anyone help me out here? I am giving myself ten minutes to blog, and then must write, write, write. Along with Ash's, my motivation has left the building (it's been gone for months, but we all knew that). I was supposed to write this weekend, but instead cleaned, baked, and watched waaay too many episodes of Alias (season 1). And though it was a fantastic time, I continue to feel guilty about it. I'm not quite sure why I seem to be sabotaging myself, but I am. IT ENDS TODAY! I plan to write my little heart out all day and send a decent draft to Dan before I head home. I can do it!
On a slightly more fun note, I cut my hair last night. First time since July 2005! I'm crazy! It's actually relatively short (chin length) - she even had to use a razor in the back. I really like it though, and feel much more "adult-ish". The only think I'm having a difficult time with are the side-sweep bangs, which I haven't had since 7th grade and are quite irritating (but so cute!).
I think the most interesting, blog-worthy thing about this week is my bird-poo story. That's right: bird poo. After not leaving the house on my productive Monday (see above), I left for work Tuesday morning to find that my car was COVERED in bird poo. I have never seen so much bird poo. None of it was there Sunday night, but it was RIDICULOUS by Tuesday morning. I parked in my normal spot, but discovered that my car had been targeted by a vicious, poo-filled flock of birds. Actually, I was told Tuesday night that "the robins are in town", whatever that means. I realized, though, that "in town" actually meant "living in the tree above your car". It's really, really yucky (and rather amusing, in a gross way). My Aussie friend even took a picture of it - if you're lucky I'll post it.
Time's almost up - happy Friday eve.
Friday, January 12, 2007
I shouldn't be the only one who gets to know.
#12's girlfriend had very, very enjoyable sex last night. Twice.
I feel like I live in hell. Or am being punished.
On a happier note, it's the Friday preceding a 3-day weekend (filled with writing fun).
I feel like I live in hell. Or am being punished.
On a happier note, it's the Friday preceding a 3-day weekend (filled with writing fun).
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Sorry.
Work is getting in the way of the blog. I did manage to make a 15 page table and write a VERY rough couple of sections for the paper, though. I found out today that the essay has to be approved by the 26th (by my two readers, not just Boss-man-Dan) in order for me not to pay for next term (what's another $2000 at this point?)... anyone think that can happen? Just to make me think it possible, I was told that since I'm writing for publication, the length limits are very flexible, meaning I probably only have to write this one paper instead of two. No one outside of my Hopkins buddies may understand any of this, but it's good for me to "talk" it through - sorry again.
So anyway, I may not blog much - if you need to hear stories about my crazy neighbors, give me a call.
And finally, go gators :)
So anyway, I may not blog much - if you need to hear stories about my crazy neighbors, give me a call.
And finally, go gators :)
Friday, January 05, 2007
A story most blog-worthy.
Last night I discovered that I live in the ghetto. Who knew? As I was finishing up with dinner we experienced a power outage. Okay, I thought, I can handle this. Though I do not own a flashlight (oops), I do have a plethora of candles and keep a lighter handy for occasions such as this (and for all the crack smoking). So I lit several candles and finished my dinner (very romantic). About this time I start hearing huge banging sounds outside. Gunshots? I don't think so. Then comes the screams. Now I start to worry. I recall the story of the woman in New York who was killed while all the people watched from their windows and didn't do anything. What to do, what to do? Now I can make out that she is definitely close and screaming for help. I decided to investigate further. Once on my back patio I find that others are also coming to her rescue (good job, neighbors!) - phew, the pressure's off. Even #12 (yes, he returned last night) was out there - two points for him (he's still WAY in the hole). So we discover it's the woman who lives kitty-corner to me - I can see her sliding glass doors from mine - and she is HYSTERICAL. She is screaming for help, saying that she's locked in her house, can't get out, her baby is crying and she doesn't know what to do. Hhmmm, I think - has the baby never cried before? And the power is out, yes, but I'm pretty sure that doesn't interfere with the locking mechanisms on our front and back doors (not that I'm an expert, but they are just regular deadbolts). Anyway, she is SCREAMING for help, telling us to call the police or kick in her glass door. Yep, seriously. Probably not the best idea with a baby inside, I'm thinking to myself, but okay. So one of the good samaritans concedes and calls 911 (911!) while others are using flashlights to look at her door/lock and figure out why she can't get out. While they communicate through the glass she is asked for her address to give to the police... and she doesn't know it! Seriously? I know for a fact that this woman has lived in these apartments at least as long as I have. Wow. So someone comes up with the address for the cops, who I'm sure are also shaking their heads in bewilderment, and the guys with the flashlight tell her to walk to her front door while they hold the light and try to get out that way (since she CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO UNLOCK HER BACK DOOR). After she moves the entryway closet out of the way and finds the front door she realizes that, what do you know, she can get out afterall. Wow. This was one of the craziest things I've ever seen. Who knew that my neighbors were so cool? So I walked back inside, shaking my head, and thought to myself, "this is going on the blog". You're welcome.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
20 hours later...
I've returned to (ridiculously warm) Florida! Seriously, was it always this hot here? The warm clothes I bought for my Northwest adventure will be stored for the time being, as 80 degrees is too hot for sweaters, even for me (and y'all know how I feel about sweaters). Needless to say (but I will anyway), the gatos were SUPER excited to see me. Jack didn't know what to do with himself - he literally ran up and down the stairs. So, so cute. They followed me around all night and morning (purring), both sleeping on the bed with me and laying on the bathroom floor while I showered. Who says cats don't have personality? They need to meet these guys. And since I did ZERO work while I was gone (sorry, bossman), it's time to "hunker down" and write this paper. Wish me luck. On an aside, I had a super yucky dream about the b-man and mkate. yuck yuck yuck. It wasn't the ideal way to spend my first night home. On a bright note, #12 is still away, so no loud neighbor noise [yet]. I'll try to blog intermittently while slaving away on my long overdue project.
Happy New Year to all.
Happy New Year to all.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Woo hoo!!
I'm leaving for [the general vicinity of] the airport TODAY! I can't believe I'll be in Oregon tomorrow! Hooray!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Update (for those who were alarmed).
I got so many messages of concern regarding the possible coronary in last Friday's randomness post (okay, not really - what's wrong with you people? Weren't you worried?) that I felt I should post an update to the situation.
I may have made light of it, but I was really weirded out. Seriously - when does your upper rib cage hurt (on the left side in the front)? How do you even pull anything there? Well, who knows, but evidently I did. Still hurts like a bit** too.
Super cute PT-man examined the injury today (ouch!), as he noticed me grimacing during our session, and informed me that I had indeed pulled something. Ya think? I am an idiot. I really am - since I think I did it during last week's fall. Falling down would have been way cooler if I hadn't pulled an intercostal.
So you can all sleep easy now - no myocardial infarctions here.
I may have made light of it, but I was really weirded out. Seriously - when does your upper rib cage hurt (on the left side in the front)? How do you even pull anything there? Well, who knows, but evidently I did. Still hurts like a bit** too.
Super cute PT-man examined the injury today (ouch!), as he noticed me grimacing during our session, and informed me that I had indeed pulled something. Ya think? I am an idiot. I really am - since I think I did it during last week's fall. Falling down would have been way cooler if I hadn't pulled an intercostal.
So you can all sleep easy now - no myocardial infarctions here.
I feel like I gotta.
Ten things I want to do while I'm in...
M-F /
1. Eat at La Casita
2. Buy produce at Andy'’s
3. Peruse shops on
4. Count how many random high school people I run into
5. Burn wedding pictures
6. Visit the Walla Walla YMCA
7. Eat [fake] sweet and sour chicken at the Modern
8. Bake with my mom
9. Go to the Green (I've never been, so leave me alone)
10. See old friends
1. Have game night at Trash's
2. Visit the lil ones from my past
3. Eat at La Terrazza
4. Have a drink with my fun Alaskan friends (and their cute dog)
5. Walk through
6. Get Mexican hot chocolate at Moonstruck
7. Go to happy hour in the
8. Get pizza at Escape from
9. Shop for baby stuff w/ the prego
10. Eat at
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Images: the easy way out.
After a brief pep-chat from the prego, I've decided I need to stop feeling guilty about procrastinating [today]. Today's particular lack of writing is not my fault and there is nothing I can do about it, so instead I will blog. As it's officially the holiday season, I've decided to post my own holiday-themed image survey.
Favorite Christmas Cookie
Favorite Holiday Beverage
Favorite Holiday Activity
Favorite Place to Spend Christmas
Favorite Christmas Carol
Favorite Holiday Weather
Favorite Christmas Movie
Favorite Christmas Cookie
Favorite Holiday Beverage
Favorite Holiday Activity
Favorite Place to Spend Christmas
Favorite Christmas Carol
Favorite Holiday Weather
Monday, December 18, 2006
The symbolic end of an era.
The jeweler called today to inform me I can come in and pick up my rings. Plural. Meaning my engagement ring and wedding band, which had until today been fused. I think it will be good for me to see them apart, as two... and to give the band to the B-man's mom :) (Seriously - what am I going to do with it? The engagement ring, on the other hand, is beautiful and very non-traditional looking (thus wear-able at some later date).)
During the same visit to the ex-in-laws I will be returning the various material goods one accumulates when you share your life with another person. I'm not looking forward to pilfering through everything, especially the wedding-related items. I feel as though I got the short end of the stick on this front, as everything is at my parent's house I am forced to do this instead of him. On the plus side, it is highly unlikely that the B-man even remembers everything that we own and will be unaware of what doesn't make it to his house. Oops. Good stuff, welcome to my house.
On a happier note, the fact that I will soon be forced to do this means I will be at home, surrounded by the people I love, and who love me. That is a too-rare occurrence right now, and one I am looking forward to tremendously.
The fact that it's Christmas isn't really playing into my excitement, which I am attributing in part to my feeling awfully adult-ish this year. The importance of true friends and a supportive family has made itself clear to me over the past few months, and this year I can honestly say that the holiday season has new meaning - in a very good way.
During the same visit to the ex-in-laws I will be returning the various material goods one accumulates when you share your life with another person. I'm not looking forward to pilfering through everything, especially the wedding-related items. I feel as though I got the short end of the stick on this front, as everything is at my parent's house I am forced to do this instead of him. On the plus side, it is highly unlikely that the B-man even remembers everything that we own and will be unaware of what doesn't make it to his house. Oops. Good stuff, welcome to my house.
On a happier note, the fact that I will soon be forced to do this means I will be at home, surrounded by the people I love, and who love me. That is a too-rare occurrence right now, and one I am looking forward to tremendously.
The fact that it's Christmas isn't really playing into my excitement, which I am attributing in part to my feeling awfully adult-ish this year. The importance of true friends and a supportive family has made itself clear to me over the past few months, and this year I can honestly say that the holiday season has new meaning - in a very good way.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Friday randomness.
It's Friday and I'd rather be at home (or finishing my Christmas/holiday shopping), so I have decided to protest with a blog entry - just your luck. Since I don't have one, full-length topic in mind, I am jumping aboard the mythical bandwagon and writing on nothing. Here's to you, Ash.
First off, my fantastic Australian friends are celebrating their tenth anniversary today (cheers!) - hat's off to them, no? It's not often I meet a couple and truly adore both halves, but you should meet these people! Start with two wonderfully bright, enthusiastic, and thoughtful individuals, then add in the accent and ridiculously fun Aussie vocab and you have quite a good time in the making.
I will be in my home state in 6 days and 23 hours. Can you tell I'm excited? The crazy winter wind storm currently wreaking havoc on the area should be gone by then. I hope. While home I get to see my now-visibly pregnant sister-in-law. Since this is the first baby in the family, I'm pretty excited about it. You should see the cute presents I have for him (and parents)!
Speaking of Christmas (or "gimme gimme presents day" as it was once referred to), I've discovered that Christmas lights on palm trees make me inexplicably happy. It's very odd. Seriously. I can't figure it out, but I love it nonetheless. I also love the word nonetheless. It might be in my top 5 current favorite words. No one else has a list like that, do they? I'm never sure when to admit things like that.
Do you think it's possible I'm having a myocardial infarction? I've been having this weird chest pain for the last two days that I've never had before. It's freaking me out a little bit. If I die, I'd like someone to blame it on my new prescription and profit from the loss (well, it would be devastating, no?). I'm so American.
Speaking of, I've been informed that even though the rest of the world hates Americans, foreign nationals would like me (something to do with being from Oregon and not Texas). I take this as quite a compliment (thank you, "Amber").
I gave my neighbor an icy glare today. I'm so mature. While making fortune cookies last night (yes, you read correctly) I was tempted to make one for #12, and have the fortune read something along the lines of "too much loud sex may make nice neighbor angry". But I didn't. Maybe next time.
My other boy dilemma lives on as well. Will someone tell me whether or not I should answer the phone when the B-man calls? I told him no talking! Several times! I feel as though answering the phone (albeit to tell him to stop calling) would still be a victory for him. However, I also want the money he owes me, and would rather get it without involving the state of Oregon. Thoughts?
I fell down on Tuesday. You should have seen it - it's not often an adult falls down. In my defense, it was during tennis, and I made a sweet save. I did fall down, however. During my class. Yeah... it was awesome. Especially since I just lay there for a minute and then yelled "I'm down!". You should have been there. Ahh, the memory.
This is turning into quite a post. If only I could write this much on my academic paper. You know, the one to complete my degree? Yeah - I'm a huge slacker. You'd think I'd want the $40k in tuition to actually mean something and try to finish. Nope. That would make too much sense.
Okay, I'm officially out of nothing to talk about. Happy Friday to all - please send some motivation my way over the weekend.
First off, my fantastic Australian friends are celebrating their tenth anniversary today (cheers!) - hat's off to them, no? It's not often I meet a couple and truly adore both halves, but you should meet these people! Start with two wonderfully bright, enthusiastic, and thoughtful individuals, then add in the accent and ridiculously fun Aussie vocab and you have quite a good time in the making.
I will be in my home state in 6 days and 23 hours. Can you tell I'm excited? The crazy winter wind storm currently wreaking havoc on the area should be gone by then. I hope. While home I get to see my now-visibly pregnant sister-in-law. Since this is the first baby in the family, I'm pretty excited about it. You should see the cute presents I have for him (and parents)!
Speaking of Christmas (or "gimme gimme presents day" as it was once referred to), I've discovered that Christmas lights on palm trees make me inexplicably happy. It's very odd. Seriously. I can't figure it out, but I love it nonetheless. I also love the word nonetheless. It might be in my top 5 current favorite words. No one else has a list like that, do they? I'm never sure when to admit things like that.
Do you think it's possible I'm having a myocardial infarction? I've been having this weird chest pain for the last two days that I've never had before. It's freaking me out a little bit. If I die, I'd like someone to blame it on my new prescription and profit from the loss (well, it would be devastating, no?). I'm so American.
Speaking of, I've been informed that even though the rest of the world hates Americans, foreign nationals would like me (something to do with being from Oregon and not Texas). I take this as quite a compliment (thank you, "Amber").
I gave my neighbor an icy glare today. I'm so mature. While making fortune cookies last night (yes, you read correctly) I was tempted to make one for #12, and have the fortune read something along the lines of "too much loud sex may make nice neighbor angry". But I didn't. Maybe next time.
My other boy dilemma lives on as well. Will someone tell me whether or not I should answer the phone when the B-man calls? I told him no talking! Several times! I feel as though answering the phone (albeit to tell him to stop calling) would still be a victory for him. However, I also want the money he owes me, and would rather get it without involving the state of Oregon. Thoughts?
I fell down on Tuesday. You should have seen it - it's not often an adult falls down. In my defense, it was during tennis, and I made a sweet save. I did fall down, however. During my class. Yeah... it was awesome. Especially since I just lay there for a minute and then yelled "I'm down!". You should have been there. Ahh, the memory.
This is turning into quite a post. If only I could write this much on my academic paper. You know, the one to complete my degree? Yeah - I'm a huge slacker. You'd think I'd want the $40k in tuition to actually mean something and try to finish. Nope. That would make too much sense.
Okay, I'm officially out of nothing to talk about. Happy Friday to all - please send some motivation my way over the weekend.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
What is wrong with me this week/month?
pro·cras·ti·nate
transitive and intransitive verb
Definition: postpone doing something: to postpone doing something, especially as a regular practice
[Late 16th century. <> procrastinat-, past participle of procrastinare "put off until tomorrow" <> cras "tomorrow"]
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
I know everyone is waiting, so here it is.
I went to New York on Friday! Hooray for me!
The weekend got off to a rather bad start, however, when I didn't get out of work early enough. Mind you, the airport is an hour and a half away, and I needed to park my car at one of those shuttle places, so I should have left at 1:30 or so for my 5:00 flight. Well, that didn't happen. I pulled out of the G'ville gas station at 2:30 and started to panic. And of course, there was traffic. In G'ville! When is there traffic here? And at 2:30?? Come on, people! I felt as though I was being punished for my late start. The traffic gods laughed at me the entire way to JAX, actually, as everyone thought it would be fun to block me in while driving under the speed limit. I'm normally a patient driver, but the Bacilos concert was in jeopardy! So I got a little too close to some cars to remind them that the left lane is for people in a hurry, namely me. So I pull into the fantastic valet car park/shuttle place (for $4.00/day!!) at 4:25... I've never missed a flight before, and I was pretty sure that was what might happen. Alas, we took off 1 minute later (thank you, King parking!) and I arrived at the check-in desk, looking rather sheepish, at 4:35. The woman at the counter held back her reproach and told me I should probably head right to security (ya think?). Anyway - I made it! Thank you for the 10 minute delay, JetBlue, thank you.
On an aside - I love JetBlue. If only they traveled to more of the destinations I frequent. Free TV in every seat? Who wouldn't love that? And normal sized snacks! And the entire can of soda! I mean, come on American/Delta - you really can't swing for the entire can? The little plastic cups hold about 3 swallows of liquid once they pile in the ice. Combined with the four pretzels you're offered, it's a choking hazard in the making. But not JetBlue - no choking on their flights. Well done.
So JFK has a sweet lightrail system that hooks up to the LIRR - it's relatively new and very nice. Almost worth the $5 fee each way. $5 - really? I miss Portland. I digress. AirTrain + LIRR = Penn Station for $10, and takes only 45 minutes or so, which I thought was pretty good. One cab ride later I was looking at the ridiculously large lit-up tree in Rockefeller Center (One more digression - is anyone else sad about them cutting down these beautiful, 100 year old trees every year? I couldn't help being a little peeved as I looked at it).
So my crazy friend V and I meet up under the tree (which would have been very romantic if she'd been a boy) and make off for Time's Square. A slice of pizza and one large beer later, we're waiting in the VIP line at BB King. What kind of concert starts at midnight? Crazy Bacilos. We're ushered inside at 12:15 (SO, SO cold outside) and the show starts an hour later - ahhh, hora latino. But you know what? It was so worth the wait. I rank it #2 on my "best concerts I've ever been to" list, right behind.... Bacilos (2002 - Guayaquil).
Two hours and one picture with the drummer later, we head off on the next leg of the adventure: last call, of course. Who knew that there's not a lot to do at 4:15am in NYC? The 20 degree weather also put a damper on things, so we made our way to a 24 hour diner, to the delight of the wait staff. Around 6:00 we went to V's friend's to crash on her [super cold, hardwood] floor for an hour.
V and her friend were heading home for a few days, so I was on my own and headed back to Time's Square for a bit. About this time I was feeling a little yucky, having been wearing the same clothes for to many hours and without access to a toothbrush. Still fun though :) I walked from Time's Square to Penn Station/Madison Square Garden and caught the LIRR back to JFK. It was FANTASTIC.
One fun fact about the trip was that I took absolutely no bags. No backpack, no purse, nothing. I felt very liberated by this accomplishment. Mittens, hat, phone, money - it was great! I definitely recommend it for all travelers.
The weekend got off to a rather bad start, however, when I didn't get out of work early enough. Mind you, the airport is an hour and a half away, and I needed to park my car at one of those shuttle places, so I should have left at 1:30 or so for my 5:00 flight. Well, that didn't happen. I pulled out of the G'ville gas station at 2:30 and started to panic. And of course, there was traffic. In G'ville! When is there traffic here? And at 2:30?? Come on, people! I felt as though I was being punished for my late start. The traffic gods laughed at me the entire way to JAX, actually, as everyone thought it would be fun to block me in while driving under the speed limit. I'm normally a patient driver, but the Bacilos concert was in jeopardy! So I got a little too close to some cars to remind them that the left lane is for people in a hurry, namely me. So I pull into the fantastic valet car park/shuttle place (for $4.00/day!!) at 4:25... I've never missed a flight before, and I was pretty sure that was what might happen. Alas, we took off 1 minute later (thank you, King parking!) and I arrived at the check-in desk, looking rather sheepish, at 4:35. The woman at the counter held back her reproach and told me I should probably head right to security (ya think?). Anyway - I made it! Thank you for the 10 minute delay, JetBlue, thank you.
On an aside - I love JetBlue. If only they traveled to more of the destinations I frequent. Free TV in every seat? Who wouldn't love that? And normal sized snacks! And the entire can of soda! I mean, come on American/Delta - you really can't swing for the entire can? The little plastic cups hold about 3 swallows of liquid once they pile in the ice. Combined with the four pretzels you're offered, it's a choking hazard in the making. But not JetBlue - no choking on their flights. Well done.
So JFK has a sweet lightrail system that hooks up to the LIRR - it's relatively new and very nice. Almost worth the $5 fee each way. $5 - really? I miss Portland. I digress. AirTrain + LIRR = Penn Station for $10, and takes only 45 minutes or so, which I thought was pretty good. One cab ride later I was looking at the ridiculously large lit-up tree in Rockefeller Center (One more digression - is anyone else sad about them cutting down these beautiful, 100 year old trees every year? I couldn't help being a little peeved as I looked at it).
So my crazy friend V and I meet up under the tree (which would have been very romantic if she'd been a boy) and make off for Time's Square. A slice of pizza and one large beer later, we're waiting in the VIP line at BB King. What kind of concert starts at midnight? Crazy Bacilos. We're ushered inside at 12:15 (SO, SO cold outside) and the show starts an hour later - ahhh, hora latino. But you know what? It was so worth the wait. I rank it #2 on my "best concerts I've ever been to" list, right behind.... Bacilos (2002 - Guayaquil).
Two hours and one picture with the drummer later, we head off on the next leg of the adventure: last call, of course. Who knew that there's not a lot to do at 4:15am in NYC? The 20 degree weather also put a damper on things, so we made our way to a 24 hour diner, to the delight of the wait staff. Around 6:00 we went to V's friend's to crash on her [super cold, hardwood] floor for an hour.
V and her friend were heading home for a few days, so I was on my own and headed back to Time's Square for a bit. About this time I was feeling a little yucky, having been wearing the same clothes for to many hours and without access to a toothbrush. Still fun though :) I walked from Time's Square to Penn Station/Madison Square Garden and caught the LIRR back to JFK. It was FANTASTIC.
One fun fact about the trip was that I took absolutely no bags. No backpack, no purse, nothing. I felt very liberated by this accomplishment. Mittens, hat, phone, money - it was great! I definitely recommend it for all travelers.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Anyone?
If any of my dedicated readers (hee hee) happen to see the B-man, could they ask him to stop calling me? Seriously.
Thank you, JetBlue.
Random recommendation for the day:
It is ideal to arrive at the airport with more than 20 minutes until your flight departs.
It is ideal to arrive at the airport with more than 20 minutes until your flight departs.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
A tribute of sorts.
In honor of the upcoming concert, I have compiled one of my favorite things, a list!
My ten favorite Bacilos songs (and reasons for said selections)
10. Contigo Se Va (Final single - so good, yet so sad)
9. Odio el Silencio (For the romantic in me)
8. El Edificio (Just plain good)
7. Viejo (I want someone to walk the streets of a city all night simply because they know that I'm there)
6. Besela Ya (Makes me smile and dance every single time - plus the video is pretty darn good)
5. Pasos de Gigante (Goodness, how I relate - I feel ya Jorge, I feel ya)
4. Feliz Conmigo (Fantastic "like me for who I am" bottom line, and Jorge growls - what more could you want in a song?)
3. Mi Primer Millon (So fun + they mention Guayaquil, AND I can make out the subjunctive)
2. Caraluna (Mancora, Peru (and/or Guayaquil, Ecuador) + cute, Latin boys singing to me = good times.)
Drum roll, please....
1. Tabaco y Chanel (This is the song that taught me to grab my 20's by the balls - thank you, Bacilos)
9. Odio el Silencio (For the romantic in me)
8. El Edificio (Just plain good)
7. Viejo (I want someone to walk the streets of a city all night simply because they know that I'm there)
6. Besela Ya (Makes me smile and dance every single time - plus the video is pretty darn good)
5. Pasos de Gigante (Goodness, how I relate - I feel ya Jorge, I feel ya)
4. Feliz Conmigo (Fantastic "like me for who I am" bottom line, and Jorge growls - what more could you want in a song?)
3. Mi Primer Millon (So fun + they mention Guayaquil, AND I can make out the subjunctive)
2. Caraluna (Mancora, Peru (and/or Guayaquil, Ecuador) + cute, Latin boys singing to me = good times.)
Drum roll, please....
1. Tabaco y Chanel (This is the song that taught me to grab my 20's by the balls - thank you, Bacilos)
Friday, December 01, 2006
There should be a cartoon lightbulb above my head.
As I pushed my grocery cart to my car yesterday evening I had an epiphany. That's right, an epiphany. If I were a cartoon character (what kind of messed up cartoon would that be?) there would have been bells dinging and a lightbulb flashing - it was that kind of epiphany.
Grocery shopping has the potential to suck for single people, circumstances depending. No, that's not the epiphany, but it's related. I decided that someone needs to design a 21 and over grocery store - forget (or, even better, in addition to) sample stations: SHOT STATIONS! That's right, I firmly believe that the grocery shopping experience could be much more pleasant with the addition of a small amount of alcohol (keep in mind we will have to drive home with purchased items). Seriously - how fun would that be? Leave the produce department head toward frozen food and have a shot of tequila on the way. I love it.
I realize there will need to be some sort of system for monitoring the number of drinks provided (one upon entry, tickets, etc)... these details bore me. Singles will agree, though, that the concept is appealing.
Grocery shopping has the potential to suck for single people, circumstances depending. No, that's not the epiphany, but it's related. I decided that someone needs to design a 21 and over grocery store - forget (or, even better, in addition to) sample stations: SHOT STATIONS! That's right, I firmly believe that the grocery shopping experience could be much more pleasant with the addition of a small amount of alcohol (keep in mind we will have to drive home with purchased items). Seriously - how fun would that be? Leave the produce department head toward frozen food and have a shot of tequila on the way. I love it.
I realize there will need to be some sort of system for monitoring the number of drinks provided (one upon entry, tickets, etc)... these details bore me. Singles will agree, though, that the concept is appealing.
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