It's Sunday evening. Sherris left to head back to New Hampshire. We had a good time visiting. On Saturday morning, I went to WW for the weekly weigh in. The two lbs I lost last week, I gained back. :-( There was a woman there who reached her lifetime status for losing 132lbs! Wow! She followed the program and excercised. That will do it!! After that I went home and began cleaning the house for Sherri's impending arrival. I was hurridly cleaning the house when she showed up and scared me so I jumped. It was funny. We went to Costco so I could buy cutlery and hot chocolate for work. I also priced out a folding table, much like one of the ones Michael and VeAnn have in their garage. It would be great for entertaining, doing crafts and using as a desk (instead of my bed, which I am doing now.) I think I will go back there next payday and buy one. After a delightful, high fat hotdog at Costco, we went about exploring Big Lots, Church St. and Old Navy. Old Navy had a GREAT sale going on. They now make clothes for fat chicks, so I thought I would take a look. I bought 4 shirts, a fleece jacket and a skirt for $35!!! TOTAL. That is unheard of! Sherri says about every two months they have a big clearance sale like this. It was really exciting. After a bit of shopping, we went home to prepare for the guests and dinner. Elissa and Carrie came over and we ate BBQ chicken pizza (made by Sherri), salad (provided by Carrie) and peanut butter cookies (created by Elissa). It was soooo good. I then coaxed them into playing a card game I have called "Fluxx". It isn't a game that can be played in 15 minutes. But then again, according to the rules of the game, it just might end in 15 minutes. It's a game where the rules are constantly chaning. I really like it. Thanks to my brother, Bob, I am able to share the joy of Fluxx with friends. We played that for a bit. After Carrie and Elissa left, we talked and watched a bad SNL, starring Colin Farrell. They just don't seem to know how or when to end their skits. It's really annoying.
Sunday, we slept in, ate breakfast (consisting of a high protein egg and cheese scramble, and toast) and drove over to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, where we took the tour (with free tour coupons.) I splurged and bought a bear that is in a straight jacket, from their Valentine's Day promotion. It has been pulled off of the VTB website, because people in the psychiatric world felt it was insensitive. They have been asked to not sell it again. The VTB Company decided to pull it after Valentine's Day. We talked to the tour guide and he said they are only selling 3,000 of them. I figure I can sell it on Ebay and make equal my money back or even more. It's a red bear in a straight jacket. I think his tag says "Crazy for you..." Ha!
Well, we were going to get piercings too, but after I spent so much money on the bear, we decided not to do that. We walked around Church St. and Sherri bought some earrings. She left and I went to the grocery store for my weekly frozen foods. Now I am going to work on my budget and finish the scarf I started a few weeks ago. Yes, it IS an exciting life I lead in Burlington. It was great seeing Sherri. We have decided that the next trip together, we are on a $20/weekend budget.
January 30, 2005
January 28, 2005
More on abortion, motherhood proposal and it's the weekend!
I have been thinking this week about the church topic of abortion. This is also in response to one of the comments left by you, dear readers. I don't have too many friends who have shared with me the painful experience of their own abortions. Nor have I ever had one. Nor have I ever had a friend come to me for advice or a good ear who thought about making such a difficult decision. I also don't know what I would do if I was actually in the position of having to make that choice for my own life, body and baby. I would like to say, that I wouldn't have an abortion. I think the church I attended should have spoken more on a solution rather than focusing on whether or not it is a life. Biologically, it is a living organism/being. Spiritually, I just am not sure. As Christians, if we believe that a pregnancy, no matter what stage the fetus is, is in fact, a life, what is our responsibility to that life? Are we willing to find help for that woman who doesn't wish to have that life whether it is in just educating her, or convincing her to "see the light" or assisting her in adopting that unwanted baby out to people who want it? On one hand we can say,"She made the mistake, so she should live with it." But I don't believe that all teen mothers, for example, should be teen mothers. So many times I hear zealous Christians condemn these women who don't want the baby, no matter what their situation is. But those same condeming Christians, aren't willing to see it through to the end. THAT, is where I have trouble. It sounded like the church is involved with a program that assists women in options. I am fine with that. I think I would like to go to this program and learn more about what they do. I, as a selfish human being, am not willing at this time in my life to adopt unwanted babies that might be facing termination. However, I am all for education with options. Adoption is rarely mentioned. Why is that? I could go on, but it is a frustrating and deep subject, not easy to understand. That's my piece, for now.
Now, for the motherhood proposal. I feel that is timely considering the abortion topic. LA1, asked me the other day to be the mother of his son. He has emphasised the fact that he lives near the Grove and is a single father. I have not inquired (nor will I) as to the reasons why he is a single dad. From his personality, I would guess that has something to do with it. Still, when he invoted me to be the mother of his kid, I was appalled and taken aback. I suppose it is a compliment. But from talking with him for the last two months, I just don't think we need to be that friendly with each other. Some of these clients and I have a great rapore, and I suppose LA1 thinks we do too. But truth be told, he's an obnoxious, demanding pain in the gazoink. I will be sooo happy when his project is done and we have nothing more to talk about. Still, this is the first proposal I have ever gotten. As Julie Brown sings in,"Because I'm a Blond," "It's a compliment I'll remember for as long as I can." Ick.
Sherri from New Hampshire will be coming tomorrow for the weekend. I am so excited. She'll be my first old friend guest. I am super excited. I will show her all around the exciting cosmopolitan city of Burlington. We might even journey to the Teddy Bear Factory. I am thinking of doing a wee game night too. Elissa and Carrie might join us for dinner and gaming. We shall see.
What a week it has been. Between the proposal from LA1 and LA2 snapping his head at me for not working feverishly on his project, I was pooped. The delightful thing for me (though it is shameful that I rejoice over one's misfortunes) is that LA2 had a bit of a financial setback and I can't work on his project until it is settled. ha ha ha ha ha. I am looking to relax and have a fun filled weekend, even if it is sitting around crocheting.
Now, for the motherhood proposal. I feel that is timely considering the abortion topic. LA1, asked me the other day to be the mother of his son. He has emphasised the fact that he lives near the Grove and is a single father. I have not inquired (nor will I) as to the reasons why he is a single dad. From his personality, I would guess that has something to do with it. Still, when he invoted me to be the mother of his kid, I was appalled and taken aback. I suppose it is a compliment. But from talking with him for the last two months, I just don't think we need to be that friendly with each other. Some of these clients and I have a great rapore, and I suppose LA1 thinks we do too. But truth be told, he's an obnoxious, demanding pain in the gazoink. I will be sooo happy when his project is done and we have nothing more to talk about. Still, this is the first proposal I have ever gotten. As Julie Brown sings in,"Because I'm a Blond," "It's a compliment I'll remember for as long as I can." Ick.
Sherri from New Hampshire will be coming tomorrow for the weekend. I am so excited. She'll be my first old friend guest. I am super excited. I will show her all around the exciting cosmopolitan city of Burlington. We might even journey to the Teddy Bear Factory. I am thinking of doing a wee game night too. Elissa and Carrie might join us for dinner and gaming. We shall see.
What a week it has been. Between the proposal from LA1 and LA2 snapping his head at me for not working feverishly on his project, I was pooped. The delightful thing for me (though it is shameful that I rejoice over one's misfortunes) is that LA2 had a bit of a financial setback and I can't work on his project until it is settled. ha ha ha ha ha. I am looking to relax and have a fun filled weekend, even if it is sitting around crocheting.
January 27, 2005
Hunky Hankies, fruit of heaven and too much tv
I found a craft store that carries tissue box covers so I can start making my Hunky Hankies. I can't tell you how much this thrills me. It is a great project for me to do whist packed in because of bad weather. Now all I need to do is get a card table to work from. Hmmm. Maybe I can find one at the thrift store. I will sell them on ebay (after I purchase the domain name, of course.) Then I will become really rich!
Anyhow, I also thought I should write about fruit. I went to Price Chopper, which is one of the three main grocery store chains here, and got some mixed fresh fruit. OMIGAWD! It was heavenly! There were grapes, three kinds of melon, blackberries and pineapple. Now why don't I remember moments like these when I am looking at the freshed baked goods? I don't really know. Boy, was it good.
Too much tv. That's all I should really say. Lots of bad tv. Still, tonight is "The Apprentice" with Angie. THAT is worth watching!
Anyhow, I also thought I should write about fruit. I went to Price Chopper, which is one of the three main grocery store chains here, and got some mixed fresh fruit. OMIGAWD! It was heavenly! There were grapes, three kinds of melon, blackberries and pineapple. Now why don't I remember moments like these when I am looking at the freshed baked goods? I don't really know. Boy, was it good.
Too much tv. That's all I should really say. Lots of bad tv. Still, tonight is "The Apprentice" with Angie. THAT is worth watching!
January 24, 2005
Long time - no writings
It's been days. I had these plans for writing this past week, but I either didn't write during my breaks at work or was too pooped to get onto the computer after work to do it. Then I had great plans for writing this weekend, but obviously, didn't. So here I am on Monday. It's been a busy day. LA1, still a pain in the gazoink. When he calls me, he doesn't identify himself (because I guess he thinks we are the bestest friends? I know he lives near the Grove, has an infant son and never talks about the kid's mother. Let me remind you, dear readers, that he also invited me to 'drop by' the next time I was in LA to visit. Like that would EVER happen.) Today he says,"What? You don't love me anymore? You didn't call me Friday like you said you would," (maybe I said that Thursday, but according to my emails to him, I said I would speak with him Monday.) "And," he says, "You didn't call me and it is 3pm East Coast time!" (At this point, I would like to say a bunch of expletives, but I am trying to keep this rated-G.) He drives me crazy! Maybe I am secretly in love with him and want to be a mother to his poor son. Maybe I really want to move back to LA to be an online car dealer's wife. Maybe I would rather run around the -10 degree temperature in Burlington, Vermont wearing my birthday suit. I also thought there would be a longer reprieve from LA2, but sadly, that guy has come back into my client world again. I get to call him tomorrow. Yippee.
LAST THURSDAY
I watched my friend Angie, on the Apprentice, season 3. Though she wasn't in the show that much last week, it looks like she gets some good camera time this week. I am really excited to see the show. Though I have had two friends work behind the scenes of reality shows and another two on-camera for reality shows, this one will be more cutthroat and fun to watch.
FRIDAY
I expected to get some Netflix, but sadly, nothing came. I ended up watching some videos I had rented from the library. Nothing interesting to write about.
SATURDAY
I went to WW, and we were talking about checking in on how satisfied you feel when you eat. It was a good reminder to check in with myself when I am eating. Believe me, there are times I want to eat and eat, not because I am hungry, but because it is sitting in front of me and I like the taste of it. But if I would just sit back and let the food settle, and think about whether I am full or not, that might help. Then I went to the grocery store and bought ingredients for chili chicken casserole, which is really yummy. I called Elissa and we went to see "In Good Company," starring Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace. It was an entertaining film. A good date or friend movie too. Elissa had to go after the movie, so I hung out in the theater lobby and waited for Carrie to show up so we could go see "Phantom of the Opera," starring a bunch of unknowns with some good actors supporting. The chick who played Christine sang really well. Minnie Driver was great. I thought the costumes and sets were really good too, but something just didn't set well with me. I suppose part of it is because Phantom was so hyped out when it was on stage that I became really tired of the hype. I also heard so much hype about the movie that actually seeing it, was a little deflating. Now, Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most famous living musical theater dudes. Some of his musicals I really love, even though he repeats his themes quite a bit throughout each musical. Evita is spectacular (the stage version, not the movie.) Maybe my problem is in simple expectation. I certainly didn't expect Michael Crawford to play the Phantom, but the dude who played it was too young and good looking (the good half of his face) Just not believable as a menace. That's my take on it. Please feel free to comment. After the movie, we went to Friendly's, which is a diner chain here. Pretty good diner food. We had a good time.
SUNDAY
Church was difficult as they were talking about abortion. It's a very touchy subject. They had started the service talking about the sanctity of life. I thought hey, this could be good. Then they focused it on abortion. Needless to say, I left feeling rather depressed. I suppose that is bound to happen every now and then. After that, I went off and did my laundry at ye old laundromat. Keep in mind that it is about -5 out. Brrrrr. I wish I had laundry facilities in my apartment. That would be awesome. I suppose I do. It's called the sink. ha ha ha. While the laundry was doing it's thing, I read. That's right. I actually read a BOOK! I am almost done with the Hobbit. I plan on exchanging that for one of the other ones my brother gave me two Christmases ago when I come to CA in May. After a quick 1.5 hours of laundrying, I came back home, ate lunch and napped. Then I washed my dishes (really exciting, as I had to expand the drying area to both sides of the sink (lots of dishes) and sorted the big pile of paper I had. I even filled out change of address forms for some of the businesses that are still writing to my PO box. I was sooo productive! I did get my fill of the Simpsons and Desparate Housewives.
MONDAY
A really busy day (see opening paragraph.) Now it is time to go home and get my evening's fill of TV. ha ha!
LAST THURSDAY
I watched my friend Angie, on the Apprentice, season 3. Though she wasn't in the show that much last week, it looks like she gets some good camera time this week. I am really excited to see the show. Though I have had two friends work behind the scenes of reality shows and another two on-camera for reality shows, this one will be more cutthroat and fun to watch.
FRIDAY
I expected to get some Netflix, but sadly, nothing came. I ended up watching some videos I had rented from the library. Nothing interesting to write about.
SATURDAY
I went to WW, and we were talking about checking in on how satisfied you feel when you eat. It was a good reminder to check in with myself when I am eating. Believe me, there are times I want to eat and eat, not because I am hungry, but because it is sitting in front of me and I like the taste of it. But if I would just sit back and let the food settle, and think about whether I am full or not, that might help. Then I went to the grocery store and bought ingredients for chili chicken casserole, which is really yummy. I called Elissa and we went to see "In Good Company," starring Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace. It was an entertaining film. A good date or friend movie too. Elissa had to go after the movie, so I hung out in the theater lobby and waited for Carrie to show up so we could go see "Phantom of the Opera," starring a bunch of unknowns with some good actors supporting. The chick who played Christine sang really well. Minnie Driver was great. I thought the costumes and sets were really good too, but something just didn't set well with me. I suppose part of it is because Phantom was so hyped out when it was on stage that I became really tired of the hype. I also heard so much hype about the movie that actually seeing it, was a little deflating. Now, Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most famous living musical theater dudes. Some of his musicals I really love, even though he repeats his themes quite a bit throughout each musical. Evita is spectacular (the stage version, not the movie.) Maybe my problem is in simple expectation. I certainly didn't expect Michael Crawford to play the Phantom, but the dude who played it was too young and good looking (the good half of his face) Just not believable as a menace. That's my take on it. Please feel free to comment. After the movie, we went to Friendly's, which is a diner chain here. Pretty good diner food. We had a good time.
SUNDAY
Church was difficult as they were talking about abortion. It's a very touchy subject. They had started the service talking about the sanctity of life. I thought hey, this could be good. Then they focused it on abortion. Needless to say, I left feeling rather depressed. I suppose that is bound to happen every now and then. After that, I went off and did my laundry at ye old laundromat. Keep in mind that it is about -5 out. Brrrrr. I wish I had laundry facilities in my apartment. That would be awesome. I suppose I do. It's called the sink. ha ha ha. While the laundry was doing it's thing, I read. That's right. I actually read a BOOK! I am almost done with the Hobbit. I plan on exchanging that for one of the other ones my brother gave me two Christmases ago when I come to CA in May. After a quick 1.5 hours of laundrying, I came back home, ate lunch and napped. Then I washed my dishes (really exciting, as I had to expand the drying area to both sides of the sink (lots of dishes) and sorted the big pile of paper I had. I even filled out change of address forms for some of the businesses that are still writing to my PO box. I was sooo productive! I did get my fill of the Simpsons and Desparate Housewives.
MONDAY
A really busy day (see opening paragraph.) Now it is time to go home and get my evening's fill of TV. ha ha!
January 18, 2005
Good news, Bad mood, Day 2 and it's damn cold out...
Last night, for those of you who watch 24, my friend and co-TJ goer, Rick Hall was on in the opening scene. It was great to see him! Yippee for Rick!
In the morning, I packed up my clothes to head to the gym after work today. On a day when I am in a really bad mood, and really SHOULD go to the gym, I am too grumpy to go. But I should. But I won't.
I think I was in a bit of a bad mood from yesterday's email. Though one should never read into email, I did. Shame on me. Then I got over the mood and was fareing better when I had to deal with LA2 and LA1 client issues. Growl. That has put me back in a rather foul mood. At least at lunch we had a rousing game of Speed Scrabble with Elissa and Tim. That was pretty fun.
Now I will go back to my nice, warm casa and watch the rest of a corset drama that I got from the library last week. I know part of my problem is that I haven't been sleeping too well this last week. Don't know why.
The weather reports say it is in the low 80s in Glendale today. HA! You don't know winter weather. It is suppose to be about 5 today. That's right. High of 5. I LOVE it! It is more than crisp outside. Damn cold.
In the morning, I packed up my clothes to head to the gym after work today. On a day when I am in a really bad mood, and really SHOULD go to the gym, I am too grumpy to go. But I should. But I won't.
I think I was in a bit of a bad mood from yesterday's email. Though one should never read into email, I did. Shame on me. Then I got over the mood and was fareing better when I had to deal with LA2 and LA1 client issues. Growl. That has put me back in a rather foul mood. At least at lunch we had a rousing game of Speed Scrabble with Elissa and Tim. That was pretty fun.
Now I will go back to my nice, warm casa and watch the rest of a corset drama that I got from the library last week. I know part of my problem is that I haven't been sleeping too well this last week. Don't know why.
The weather reports say it is in the low 80s in Glendale today. HA! You don't know winter weather. It is suppose to be about 5 today. That's right. High of 5. I LOVE it! It is more than crisp outside. Damn cold.
January 17, 2005
Bad mood
The thing about this particular blog tool, is that is doesn't have the mood smilies that one of the other ones does. I guess that means I need to express myself more texturally (that's not a real word, but I can't think of the word I mean. I guess I mean "in writing..."
1. Remember the LA client? Well, one of his compadres is leaving the ship and is starting his own company. Guess what? He is using our services to build his website. LA1 and LA2, they shall now be referred to. Luckily I didn't talk to LA1 today at all. He did manage to send me two emails over the weekend about his issues. Sigh. La2 seems calmer than LA1, but also a womanizer. Comments like "I like a woman like that," are insulting. Thankfully, my lack of manners and tact came into play. I was able to respond well to his comments. When he was focusing repeatedly on one issue regarding video (not in his contract), I told him,"You asked for cake, but no sprinkles. Now you want sprinkles. I am going to give you the cake and you've just gotta wait on the sprinkles. You want your cake now? Then you gotta hold off on the extra frosting and sprinkles." (Or something like that.) It made him back off. What is it with these guys? Sheesh! And my boss gave me another project to do. I am only up to 10. It's enough to keep me pretty busy though. But that conversation attributed to my grumpy mood.
2. I got a rather condescending email from one of my co-workers regarding an offsite project we were working on. An email went out to a few of us who might be interested in the aforementioned project. Some of us responded to ALL, including said co-worker. Said co-worker responded to my comments that was a request to bring in other people into the said project. Said co-worker's reply was rather condescending. Perhaps Said co-worker didn't mean it as such , but two of the people copied on it also felt Said c0-worker was rude. As there are people in this office reading this blog, I will be genderless and vague with the details. Those of you who got the email know what I am talking about. Okay. It's water under the bridge. Whatever. I have vented and feel a little better. I will feel much better after I vent verbally. In any event, it has now made me rather grumpy. I was just trying to make a friendly suggestion. No need to slam me down. Shame on you. Shame on you. If there was a smiley for sticking out my tongue, I would use it.
1. Remember the LA client? Well, one of his compadres is leaving the ship and is starting his own company. Guess what? He is using our services to build his website. LA1 and LA2, they shall now be referred to. Luckily I didn't talk to LA1 today at all. He did manage to send me two emails over the weekend about his issues. Sigh. La2 seems calmer than LA1, but also a womanizer. Comments like "I like a woman like that," are insulting. Thankfully, my lack of manners and tact came into play. I was able to respond well to his comments. When he was focusing repeatedly on one issue regarding video (not in his contract), I told him,"You asked for cake, but no sprinkles. Now you want sprinkles. I am going to give you the cake and you've just gotta wait on the sprinkles. You want your cake now? Then you gotta hold off on the extra frosting and sprinkles." (Or something like that.) It made him back off. What is it with these guys? Sheesh! And my boss gave me another project to do. I am only up to 10. It's enough to keep me pretty busy though. But that conversation attributed to my grumpy mood.
2. I got a rather condescending email from one of my co-workers regarding an offsite project we were working on. An email went out to a few of us who might be interested in the aforementioned project. Some of us responded to ALL, including said co-worker. Said co-worker responded to my comments that was a request to bring in other people into the said project. Said co-worker's reply was rather condescending. Perhaps Said co-worker didn't mean it as such , but two of the people copied on it also felt Said c0-worker was rude. As there are people in this office reading this blog, I will be genderless and vague with the details. Those of you who got the email know what I am talking about. Okay. It's water under the bridge. Whatever. I have vented and feel a little better. I will feel much better after I vent verbally. In any event, it has now made me rather grumpy. I was just trying to make a friendly suggestion. No need to slam me down. Shame on you. Shame on you. If there was a smiley for sticking out my tongue, I would use it.
Snow, ghosts and Speed Scrabble - + I AM HIRED!
This morning I woke up to snow falling outside. It was really fun to watch. As I was brushing off the snow of my car, a crazy, idiot of a driver came swerving along the road. I thought he would hit my car, but luckily he didn't. Whew!
The other night, I had a really strange thing happen. I was in that half-awake/half-asleep state when I heard and felt somebody walking on my comforter. It was making a little squish, squish sound. I heard a voice on the other side of my room telling the thing on my bed to come towards them. I said something to it about "Spirit be gone," or something I am sure I heard in a movie, and it stopped. I don't know. Maybe there is a ghost in the house. The next day, I was sitting in my livingroom when the photo of my parents fell over. There was no breeze. I disturbed nothing to cause that action. Strange, isn't it? I might have to check into see if anybody died in the house. It is a really old house, so anything is possible. Hmmm. Ghosts.
Today at lunch was the first day of Speed Scrabble. I brought it with me to the office and taught a few of the people how to play. I think every lunch should be Speed Scrabble lunch. It was really fun.
Lastly, I am now officially hired here at COMPANY X. I am really glad. Soon, I will get medical benefits. It's been a year since I had a permanent job. It feels great. :-)
The other night, I had a really strange thing happen. I was in that half-awake/half-asleep state when I heard and felt somebody walking on my comforter. It was making a little squish, squish sound. I heard a voice on the other side of my room telling the thing on my bed to come towards them. I said something to it about "Spirit be gone," or something I am sure I heard in a movie, and it stopped. I don't know. Maybe there is a ghost in the house. The next day, I was sitting in my livingroom when the photo of my parents fell over. There was no breeze. I disturbed nothing to cause that action. Strange, isn't it? I might have to check into see if anybody died in the house. It is a really old house, so anything is possible. Hmmm. Ghosts.
Today at lunch was the first day of Speed Scrabble. I brought it with me to the office and taught a few of the people how to play. I think every lunch should be Speed Scrabble lunch. It was really fun.
Lastly, I am now officially hired here at COMPANY X. I am really glad. Soon, I will get medical benefits. It's been a year since I had a permanent job. It feels great. :-)
January 16, 2005
Games, modems, movies and responsive policemen
Friday night was the usual tv and videos. Nothing interesting to share, so let's move on.
Saturday morning I went to W2, saw that I gained 3 lbs (gained what I lost the week before) and went to the grocery store. Those two events aren't really related. I just go to the store on my way home from WW because it is on the way. However, this time I did some pretty poor shopping including cookie dough (for the game night - see below) and pie crusts (don't ask) and chips (even if they are baked and only 2 WWpoints) What am I thinking? I don't know. I think I am feeling a little lonely. I have never acknowledged food as a friend, but it really is. Not a good friend. Anyhoo, I spent the afternoon napping and then Carrie called about going to Elissa's for our game night. I thought I should get off of my butt and clean the apartment, so I did for a bit. It was invigorating. Who knew? I made the cookies (didn't eat any whist making them) and picked up Carrie at about 6:50. We stopped at Kmart so I could buy Cranium, which is a pretty fun group game. Then we went to Elissa and Rocky's house. They live north of Burlington. Elissa's friend Mark, who she worked with at the Teddy Bear Factory was there. Carrie and Mark had also brought games, so we had several to choose from. We played Scene It? and Cranium. Ate pizza from Zachary's. It was really fun. I am glad we did it. I am hoping to talk Elissa into doing it again. Who knows? Once a month? Different games with lots of people going at the same time? If only I had the room. In my place, I can sqeeze in three people, but that's about it.
Sunday
Today has been quite the day for slacking and being lazy. I didn't go to church, for shame. I have been doing nothing but watching tv and playing on the computer. Which brings me to movies. I rented a few videos from the library and had Netflix to watch. I saw another episode of Sharpe's Rifles, with Sean Bean and Elvira Magdian(sp) which was a Swedish film I have heard about for ages. the Sean Bean show was entertaining. I love those Brits! Elvira, on the other hand, was a love story that could have been so much better than it was. A man leaves his wife, children and deserts the army for a tight rope walker in the 1800s. Their lives are ruined and they run out of money and try to flee. They end up killing themselves because they feel they have no hope. And There is a scene where Elvira (aka Hedvig) sells a drawing of her made by some cripple at a coffee shop in Paris with the initials T.L. Hmm, who could that be? Gee, I dunno. Maybe Toluse Latrec? Golly! You are right! It was a film with potential that was short lived. Maybe the Americans would actually be able to make a better version of it. Who knows? I also set up my modem on my laptop for a local Burlington number. Unbeknownst to me, I also called 911. How did I know? Well, as I said, I have been really lazy today. Still in my pjs I was setting up the computer when I heard somebody at my landlord's door. Their friends never use the front door, only the side, so I was curious. I heard talking and then a knock on my front door. My landord called me through the common door we have at the base of my stairs. He said the cops were here for me. WHAT? I grabbed a sweater and went down the stairs to see. A cute (and young) officer asked me if this was house 54, which I told him it was. He asked if there was any trouble. I said no. He wanted to make sure because they had gotten a 911 call. I explained that I was trying to set up my computer and somehow it called. I appologized and he asked again if I was okay and if everything was alright. He left and I embarassed, explained to my landlords what happened.
It's now 4pm. That was the highlight for Sunday. The Golden Globes are on tonight, but I don't know if I will watch them. If Desparate Housewives is a repeat, I suppose I will watch the GG. It is just one more awards show to watch. I do plan on working Elissa and Rocky into co-hosting an Academy Awards show party at their house. Little do they know... (Of course, if they read my blog, they will know. ha ha ha)
But my modem works just fine, so I will be online on the weekends and in the evenings if you want to IM me (those of you who already know and have my IM)
:-)
Saturday morning I went to W2, saw that I gained 3 lbs (gained what I lost the week before) and went to the grocery store. Those two events aren't really related. I just go to the store on my way home from WW because it is on the way. However, this time I did some pretty poor shopping including cookie dough (for the game night - see below) and pie crusts (don't ask) and chips (even if they are baked and only 2 WWpoints) What am I thinking? I don't know. I think I am feeling a little lonely. I have never acknowledged food as a friend, but it really is. Not a good friend. Anyhoo, I spent the afternoon napping and then Carrie called about going to Elissa's for our game night. I thought I should get off of my butt and clean the apartment, so I did for a bit. It was invigorating. Who knew? I made the cookies (didn't eat any whist making them) and picked up Carrie at about 6:50. We stopped at Kmart so I could buy Cranium, which is a pretty fun group game. Then we went to Elissa and Rocky's house. They live north of Burlington. Elissa's friend Mark, who she worked with at the Teddy Bear Factory was there. Carrie and Mark had also brought games, so we had several to choose from. We played Scene It? and Cranium. Ate pizza from Zachary's. It was really fun. I am glad we did it. I am hoping to talk Elissa into doing it again. Who knows? Once a month? Different games with lots of people going at the same time? If only I had the room. In my place, I can sqeeze in three people, but that's about it.
Sunday
Today has been quite the day for slacking and being lazy. I didn't go to church, for shame. I have been doing nothing but watching tv and playing on the computer. Which brings me to movies. I rented a few videos from the library and had Netflix to watch. I saw another episode of Sharpe's Rifles, with Sean Bean and Elvira Magdian(sp) which was a Swedish film I have heard about for ages. the Sean Bean show was entertaining. I love those Brits! Elvira, on the other hand, was a love story that could have been so much better than it was. A man leaves his wife, children and deserts the army for a tight rope walker in the 1800s. Their lives are ruined and they run out of money and try to flee. They end up killing themselves because they feel they have no hope. And There is a scene where Elvira (aka Hedvig) sells a drawing of her made by some cripple at a coffee shop in Paris with the initials T.L. Hmm, who could that be? Gee, I dunno. Maybe Toluse Latrec? Golly! You are right! It was a film with potential that was short lived. Maybe the Americans would actually be able to make a better version of it. Who knows? I also set up my modem on my laptop for a local Burlington number. Unbeknownst to me, I also called 911. How did I know? Well, as I said, I have been really lazy today. Still in my pjs I was setting up the computer when I heard somebody at my landlord's door. Their friends never use the front door, only the side, so I was curious. I heard talking and then a knock on my front door. My landord called me through the common door we have at the base of my stairs. He said the cops were here for me. WHAT? I grabbed a sweater and went down the stairs to see. A cute (and young) officer asked me if this was house 54, which I told him it was. He asked if there was any trouble. I said no. He wanted to make sure because they had gotten a 911 call. I explained that I was trying to set up my computer and somehow it called. I appologized and he asked again if I was okay and if everything was alright. He left and I embarassed, explained to my landlords what happened.
It's now 4pm. That was the highlight for Sunday. The Golden Globes are on tonight, but I don't know if I will watch them. If Desparate Housewives is a repeat, I suppose I will watch the GG. It is just one more awards show to watch. I do plan on working Elissa and Rocky into co-hosting an Academy Awards show party at their house. Little do they know... (Of course, if they read my blog, they will know. ha ha ha)
But my modem works just fine, so I will be online on the weekends and in the evenings if you want to IM me (those of you who already know and have my IM)
:-)
January 13, 2005
Ice, kindness, more on the North Pole
Last night as I was walking out of the office, it was very slippery. I was creeping along for fear of falling (I have always had bad balance.) A woman from the building passed me by. By the time I was at the edge of the sidewalk facing the parking lot, she was already in her car. She drove up to me and offered me a ride to my car even though it was only 12 feet away. I felt silly, but she insisted. Very kind of her. Getting out of the car at my apartment was a long task as well. I can handle the rain and snow, but I just don't dig the ice thing. Makes me freaky.
As you know, I have an addiction to tv. I was watching my glorious Wednesday night line up with Alias and Smallville. But I also had the opportunity to catch a bit of Nanny 911 and Wife Swapping (the two week switch). With Nanny 911, it was great to see the break throughs the parents had about their children and themselves. Really heartwarming was also Wife Swap. This one was a little different than the others. A single mom with three daughters traded with a couple with two kids. The couple was a little uptight and constantly scheduled and cleaned, whereas the single mom felt life was meant to be lived and allowed her kids to have little to know rules. They would swear at the mom and do whatever they wanted, where the mom would work long hours at a diner and clean (sort of) the house. Kids did nothing. Well, both families changed for the better (of course. Afterall, it IS tv!) Still, it was nice to see both families improving and learning from each other. Some of these shows end with a big, dramatic showdown.
To find out more about the North Pole slipping and the world becoming flatter on top and rounder in the middle (to explode like a watermelon in about a million years, I am sure) go to
http://search.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/jan/HQ_05011_earthquake.html I thought it was a pretty good source for information.
As you know, I have an addiction to tv. I was watching my glorious Wednesday night line up with Alias and Smallville. But I also had the opportunity to catch a bit of Nanny 911 and Wife Swapping (the two week switch). With Nanny 911, it was great to see the break throughs the parents had about their children and themselves. Really heartwarming was also Wife Swap. This one was a little different than the others. A single mom with three daughters traded with a couple with two kids. The couple was a little uptight and constantly scheduled and cleaned, whereas the single mom felt life was meant to be lived and allowed her kids to have little to know rules. They would swear at the mom and do whatever they wanted, where the mom would work long hours at a diner and clean (sort of) the house. Kids did nothing. Well, both families changed for the better (of course. Afterall, it IS tv!) Still, it was nice to see both families improving and learning from each other. Some of these shows end with a big, dramatic showdown.
To find out more about the North Pole slipping and the world becoming flatter on top and rounder in the middle (to explode like a watermelon in about a million years, I am sure) go to
http://search.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/jan/HQ_05011_earthquake.html I thought it was a pretty good source for information.
January 12, 2005
Clients, rain and Kids
I spent most of the day dealing with my difficult LA client. What a pain in the gazoink. He was very pissy and snapped at me during the first (of two) call. The best part was when he was rattling on about something and I told him to hold his horsies. That's right. I really said to him,"Hold your horses!" I also called him 'Dude' at one point. It is my plan to call him dude at least five more times. Why? Just because I can. He likes me. He told me in phone call 2 that he was sorry for being so snappy. He told me twice. He is a guy who not only needs people to repeat things to him, but needs to repeat things himself. It is hilarious. I told him the second time he appologized that I accepted his appology. Dang. What a pain in the neck. Makes for good copy, I guess. He even wanted me to do a copy and paste task and teach him how to code images. Not my job, as I told him. I am exhausted from dealing with this dude.
It is raining hard in CA. I heard one report this morning that it is part of the end of the world stuff. But I think it all has to do with Earth being bumped by the big ol' quake. Afterall, if the North Pole can move, why not weather shifting? Maybe Vermont will become the new Hamptons - place of leisure and sunshine. Maybe California will become the new Oregon/Washington with muey rain ALL THE TIME. Who knows?
I saw a very disturbing movie last night on my Netflix - KIDS. Rated R. Not for youth. Very disturbing to me. I am looking forward to my next Netflix choices. I get another Sean Bean mini-series (part 2 of Sharpe's Rifles) and a British comedy.
Time to go home into the sleet and sleet. Yuck. It is suppose to be up to 50 tomorrow. We shall see.
It is raining hard in CA. I heard one report this morning that it is part of the end of the world stuff. But I think it all has to do with Earth being bumped by the big ol' quake. Afterall, if the North Pole can move, why not weather shifting? Maybe Vermont will become the new Hamptons - place of leisure and sunshine. Maybe California will become the new Oregon/Washington with muey rain ALL THE TIME. Who knows?
I saw a very disturbing movie last night on my Netflix - KIDS. Rated R. Not for youth. Very disturbing to me. I am looking forward to my next Netflix choices. I get another Sean Bean mini-series (part 2 of Sharpe's Rifles) and a British comedy.
Time to go home into the sleet and sleet. Yuck. It is suppose to be up to 50 tomorrow. We shall see.
January 11, 2005
Brad, work, dumb award shows, bachelorettes
BRAD
I am not seriously lamenting the break up of Brad and Jen, but I still think he should check out Burlington, Vermont.
WORK
Work is pretty busy, which is a good thing. My LA client said he loved me, which boils down to,"Thank you for your hard work." Whatever. He annoys me and I wish I was through with him. But there is plenty to do still for his site, so it ain't over yet.
DUMB AWARDS
I watched a little of the People's Choice the other week and caught a little of the Critic's Choice. Then there is the Golden Globes next week. Too many shows. Who really cares anyway? I was a fan of the Oscars until a) I worked there and b) They voted for The English Patient to win over Angels and Insects in the Best Costume department. (Don't ask me to explain to you why A&I should have won.) I will watch the Oscars and even perhaps the Golden Globes. But I ask you,"Why is Tara Reed continually presenting?" She is a bad actress. She is an idiot. I know, she is cute and is unpredictable. Just like the time a few weeks ago when she didn't realize that her breast had fallen out of her dress. She was so busy with her interview, her publicist had to slip her strap back on. Oopsie. She didn't know? My ass she didn't. Nobody can be THAT dumb, except for maybe Anna Nicole Smith.
BACHELORETTE
Last night was the two hour premiere of "The Bachelorette" on ABC. The chick was picked by Andew Firestone, when he did the Bachelor show, but the romance failed. So she is now back to find romance, for real this time. Sure. There is a great annoying man on the show. He is Fabreeze (not his real name) and he is arrogant AND French! What a great combo! I really don't know why she picked him, I suppose the show asked her to. There is also a bit of a stalker guy, who I am sure the show asked her to pick as well. Makes for great "reality" TV. I love it. More endless hours of bad, mind-rotting television for me. Yippee!
Lastly, I rented The Triplets of Belleville from Netflix. Didn't like it. The animation wasn't to my taste. Some of the characters were pretty good. I did like the lack of dialogue for an 80 minute movie. That was fine. And it also had a happy ending (pretty good for a French film.) But it lacked something. Now, don't go off thinking that I think every Disney movie is a masterpiece and all other animations should follow their style. There are plenty of non-Disney movies I like and plenty of Disney movies that I think suck. I suppose I shall make a list for you and post at a later time.
Hey! With my phone connection at home, I can now use dialup to post things! I might try that this week. We shall see.
Today's blog has been brought to you by the letter B.
I am not seriously lamenting the break up of Brad and Jen, but I still think he should check out Burlington, Vermont.
WORK
Work is pretty busy, which is a good thing. My LA client said he loved me, which boils down to,"Thank you for your hard work." Whatever. He annoys me and I wish I was through with him. But there is plenty to do still for his site, so it ain't over yet.
DUMB AWARDS
I watched a little of the People's Choice the other week and caught a little of the Critic's Choice. Then there is the Golden Globes next week. Too many shows. Who really cares anyway? I was a fan of the Oscars until a) I worked there and b) They voted for The English Patient to win over Angels and Insects in the Best Costume department. (Don't ask me to explain to you why A&I should have won.) I will watch the Oscars and even perhaps the Golden Globes. But I ask you,"Why is Tara Reed continually presenting?" She is a bad actress. She is an idiot. I know, she is cute and is unpredictable. Just like the time a few weeks ago when she didn't realize that her breast had fallen out of her dress. She was so busy with her interview, her publicist had to slip her strap back on. Oopsie. She didn't know? My ass she didn't. Nobody can be THAT dumb, except for maybe Anna Nicole Smith.
BACHELORETTE
Last night was the two hour premiere of "The Bachelorette" on ABC. The chick was picked by Andew Firestone, when he did the Bachelor show, but the romance failed. So she is now back to find romance, for real this time. Sure. There is a great annoying man on the show. He is Fabreeze (not his real name) and he is arrogant AND French! What a great combo! I really don't know why she picked him, I suppose the show asked her to. There is also a bit of a stalker guy, who I am sure the show asked her to pick as well. Makes for great "reality" TV. I love it. More endless hours of bad, mind-rotting television for me. Yippee!
Lastly, I rented The Triplets of Belleville from Netflix. Didn't like it. The animation wasn't to my taste. Some of the characters were pretty good. I did like the lack of dialogue for an 80 minute movie. That was fine. And it also had a happy ending (pretty good for a French film.) But it lacked something. Now, don't go off thinking that I think every Disney movie is a masterpiece and all other animations should follow their style. There are plenty of non-Disney movies I like and plenty of Disney movies that I think suck. I suppose I shall make a list for you and post at a later time.
Hey! With my phone connection at home, I can now use dialup to post things! I might try that this week. We shall see.
Today's blog has been brought to you by the letter B.
January 10, 2005
No Fat French chicks, Montreal, Cats and what happened Brad?
FAT FRENCHIES
I was watching the Today show when Katie Couric was inverviewing a French woman who is the author of a new book called "French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure". Let me say that she (author Mirelle Guiliano) is brilliant. Not because she knows the secrets of being and staying thin and healthy. Nope. She is brilliant for writing a fat secrets book that I am sure will sell well, or at least well enough. She admits she isn't a dietician, nutritionist or doctor. She holds no degrees in any sort of health or medical field. But when she was a young woman, she moved from France to the USA and got fat. That's right. She came here and gained about 20 lbs. She went back to France about a year later and her father said that she was "looking like a sack of potatoes." Apparently in France that is a HUGE insult. Her parents hired a nutritionist and she lost the baggage thanks to being French, I guess. Now that she is in her late 50s-early 60s, she has written a book that explains how the French women manage to stay so healthy. Now, you don't need to buy the book because I will paraphrase it here for you.
I was watching the Today show when Katie Couric was inverviewing a French woman who is the author of a new book called "French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure". Let me say that she (author Mirelle Guiliano) is brilliant. Not because she knows the secrets of being and staying thin and healthy. Nope. She is brilliant for writing a fat secrets book that I am sure will sell well, or at least well enough. She admits she isn't a dietician, nutritionist or doctor. She holds no degrees in any sort of health or medical field. But when she was a young woman, she moved from France to the USA and got fat. That's right. She came here and gained about 20 lbs. She went back to France about a year later and her father said that she was "looking like a sack of potatoes." Apparently in France that is a HUGE insult. Her parents hired a nutritionist and she lost the baggage thanks to being French, I guess. Now that she is in her late 50s-early 60s, she has written a book that explains how the French women manage to stay so healthy. Now, you don't need to buy the book because I will paraphrase it here for you.
- Eat whatever you want. Don't deprive yourself. If you deprive yourself, you will only explode with the desire of the thing you want later.
- Eat small portions. The French women don't finish everything on their plates, unlike women of the USA who apparently gorge themselves at every meal.
- Don't excercise (though, as she says it will help, but French women aren't obsessed with excercise like they are in the USA.)
- Drink LOTS of water
- Eat leeks (they are diuretic)
No shit Sherlock.
MONTREAL
Elissa and I drove up to Montreal on Saturday. When we got to the border, the guard asked us what our plans were. I feel like next time I go, I should submit an itinerary. That would be funny, unless he thought I was being a smartass. Then it wouldn't be so funny if he didn't let me across the border. Anyhow, we told him we were going for the day and shopping. We got a little off the track in trying to find Ikea, but ended up eating lunch at a nice, Americanized restaurant. I was loving the French menu, French signs, kilometers all around me. One of the things that struck me was that in driving towards the city, we drove for kilometers through (notice I say kilometers, not miles!) farmland. Lots of farmland. Elissa suspects wheat or another grain product. I saw no cows, so I suspect she is right. We found Ikea, land of Swedish furniture. The parking lot was PACKED. We browsed through the entire store at a fairly slow pace. She was looking for furniture and I was just looking. I hoped to buy a CD rack, but am being very particular about what I want. We found a few things but mainly looked. She took pics to show her husband. After a couple of hours, we were done. I think between the two of us, we spent about $30 Canadian. She drove us back. When we got to the border, the guard was very inquisitive about our destination and asked what we did in Canada. We had contimplated lying to him, but knowing our luck, WE would have been the car that they did a suprise inspection on. And then we would have found ourselves fined or in jail. Not a good idea. The old expression,"Honesty is the best policy" was in our favor. We told him about our hefty Ikea purchases which were in the trunk. I thought he would have asked us to show him, but he didnt. Whew. He missed seeing the immigrants we were transporting. That was a lucky break for us! We had a good time. I think it was worth the drive up. I would really like to go to Montreal and check out the city. It's deffinately a weekend thing.
CATS
Sunday after church I went to a cat show at the Sheraton. My main purpose was to find out from these professional cat people about transporting felines via airplanes. Most of them didn't seem to do it, but made several good suggestions. I would like to say that Persian and Himalayans are in season. There were LOTS of them as well as Abyssianian and those other Egyptian cats that look weird. They look a little like the Balinese. Ick. Maus look really cute. They also look like Ocicats. Anyhooo, I was there for about an hourish. My favorite cats are the red domestic. Of course I love my Smudge and Steve kitties. Don't get me wrong. But every red/orange cat I have met has been wonderful too. There were two at the show. I learned a couple of things regarding the airplane rides for my kitties. I have a bunch of inquiries to make, but I think it will work out. Maybe I will be able to get them in April. That seems so far away, but I might be able to get them sooner. We shall see.
BRAD AND JEN
After four years, Brad and Jen have called it quits. WHY? Did one of them have an affair? Did they argue over Brad wanting kids and Jen didn't? Did one of them decide they were gay? On one hand I am crushed because we won't be able to see them at Casa Vega anymore. On the other hand, I celebrate because Brad will soon be available. He can rebound with me. Maybe Jen was too high maintenance? Last interview I heard Brad talking about being home with the wifey and having kids. Hmmm. I would love to tell him that he should go for a more earthy girl. Somebody like... me. I am low maintenance. I like to cook and write. I have a great sense of humor. So, if any of you have the inside into contacting Brad, please let him know that he should take some time off from his big film career and spend it relaxing in Vermont with me. Poor Brad. I really thought they would be one of those Hollywood couples who would last. He really should look outside the acting business for his next wife. Did I mention I am available? I would be secure in his acting choices and who he makes movies with. Brad, Brad, Brad.
January 07, 2005
Car cost, new phone and Green Day
I spoke with one of the guys at the car shop this morning. He said it was the starter (I KNEW THAT!) and it would cost about $260. Ick. At least it isn't more? Still....
I have a new land line. I am expecting this to help reduce the mobile phone bill. But I need to make sure I don't change the mobile phone mid-cycle. That seemed to screw me up when I extended my coverage. The land line is about $60 a month. So between that and the mobile, I will still be paying about $100. Dang. I want to do away with the phone altogether. I don't really need the mobile now that I am here, but I am stuck in a contract. I can break the contract for about $200, but do I really want to do that? I don't know. These are things to think about.
I am listening to Green Day's "Nimrod" on headphones at the office. It is a great album. I freakin' love it. I wish I had been able to see them when they came to LA, but I was in Vermont. Perhaps on the way back from their European tour, they will stop by here. Who knows?
I have a new land line. I am expecting this to help reduce the mobile phone bill. But I need to make sure I don't change the mobile phone mid-cycle. That seemed to screw me up when I extended my coverage. The land line is about $60 a month. So between that and the mobile, I will still be paying about $100. Dang. I want to do away with the phone altogether. I don't really need the mobile now that I am here, but I am stuck in a contract. I can break the contract for about $200, but do I really want to do that? I don't know. These are things to think about.
I am listening to Green Day's "Nimrod" on headphones at the office. It is a great album. I freakin' love it. I wish I had been able to see them when they came to LA, but I was in Vermont. Perhaps on the way back from their European tour, they will stop by here. Who knows?
January 06, 2005
SNOW
It snowed all afternoon. The car is still in the shop. No word on what's wrong with it (but we all know it is just the starter.)
I wish I had a million dollars and I am not trying to quote the Barnaked Ladies song.
:-)
I wish I had a million dollars and I am not trying to quote the Barnaked Ladies song.
:-)
Bring back the horse and buggy!
So last night, my landlord and I tried to jump start my car to no avail. Sounds like the starter is the problem. That really bugs me. After spending thousands of dollars getting things fixed before I left for Vermont, I now get to invest another few hundred to get the starter fixed. Hopefully it isn't anything else. Bring back the horse and buggy. Look at it this way, there will always be jobs for mechanics, but bringing back the horse and buggy will bring a whole new opportunity - we can convert horse poop into fuel, better for the environment, create more blue collar jobs, etc.
I had the car towed this morning to a shop suggested by my landlord. I am hoping they will fix the problem today and I can get the car this weekend. If not, I do have Mark G. to take me to and from my casa.
Growl. Cars suck.
I had the car towed this morning to a shop suggested by my landlord. I am hoping they will fix the problem today and I can get the car this weekend. If not, I do have Mark G. to take me to and from my casa.
Growl. Cars suck.
January 05, 2005
Tsunami and TV Reality Dads and cars that don't work...
The Tsunami disaster of last week is just overwhelming. Latest body count is over 150,000. That is the city of Glendale, CA being wiped out completely. I am glad to hear (inspite of whatever delays we, the US had) of so many countries and people working together to repair and support the people and land affected by this monsterous disaster. I saw a show the other night that talked about what happened in the ocean. It is the only show that talked about the disaster from the point of the ocean. The photography looked just as bad under the water as on top (minus the human count, of course.) The coral reefs, home to exotic ocean life are wiped out like a bomb exploded. The waterlife didn't seem to know where to go. Their homes have been destroyed as well. Flattened like pancakes. They showed a jellyfish that was still alive, but ripped almost completely in half. Creepy and sad. It will take the people and the land above the ocean years to recover, but it will take the ocean decades and centuries to recover. And there is little to nothing we can do about it. Nature is what it is. I am glad to hear survivor stories, but am getting annoyed hearing about the various conservative religious groups making statements about this being "God's wrath on the gays who party and vacation there...." and "God's wrath on the Muslim community..." It is ludicrous and painfully ignorant of people to make such sweeping statements.
Well, even with a huge disaster like the Tsunami, reality tv prevails. I spent the other night watching one of the worst reality shows ever produced - Who's Your Daddy? I think it was on Fox. A woman who was in her late 20s (looked like she was 45 with all of the plastic surgery she had) appeard on this reality show where a bunch of men, including her birth father, were on display for her to pick the real dad. She quickly eliminated them until she was left with her real dad and another dude at the end. It appeared that the show went over a period of 3 or 4 days. But reality tv isn't reality. I also assume she was coached if she was going in the wrong direction. Well, believe it or not, she chose the right real dad. There was a tearful reunion including his three daughters from his current and only marriage. There was also an appearance of the birth mother. I just don't understand why ($100,000 - perhaps?) anybody would go through a game to find their birth parent? I understand wanting to find your birth parent(s), but doing it in a nationally televised game? With all of these shows, the people are good looking to hot. The Average Joe had average to geek looking guys, but there was still the hot people element. What I haven't seen, is a show with fat chicks who triumph. Wouldn't the Bachelor be more interesting if there wer fat chicks on it? And what if he picked a fat chick?
Lastly for the moment, is my car. I was excited to see that there was snow again and went out to my car to warm it up. It didn't start. The radio turned on but there was no click-click sound when I tried to turn it over. I am hoping that it is just a cold weather thing. I gave Charlotte a key for Bob to check it out if he is home early today. I am also hooked up with a carpool person - Mark G. That I am so grateful for. So, even if the car needs repair, I have a way to get to work. Yippee!
Cars suck.
Well, even with a huge disaster like the Tsunami, reality tv prevails. I spent the other night watching one of the worst reality shows ever produced - Who's Your Daddy? I think it was on Fox. A woman who was in her late 20s (looked like she was 45 with all of the plastic surgery she had) appeard on this reality show where a bunch of men, including her birth father, were on display for her to pick the real dad. She quickly eliminated them until she was left with her real dad and another dude at the end. It appeared that the show went over a period of 3 or 4 days. But reality tv isn't reality. I also assume she was coached if she was going in the wrong direction. Well, believe it or not, she chose the right real dad. There was a tearful reunion including his three daughters from his current and only marriage. There was also an appearance of the birth mother. I just don't understand why ($100,000 - perhaps?) anybody would go through a game to find their birth parent? I understand wanting to find your birth parent(s), but doing it in a nationally televised game? With all of these shows, the people are good looking to hot. The Average Joe had average to geek looking guys, but there was still the hot people element. What I haven't seen, is a show with fat chicks who triumph. Wouldn't the Bachelor be more interesting if there wer fat chicks on it? And what if he picked a fat chick?
Lastly for the moment, is my car. I was excited to see that there was snow again and went out to my car to warm it up. It didn't start. The radio turned on but there was no click-click sound when I tried to turn it over. I am hoping that it is just a cold weather thing. I gave Charlotte a key for Bob to check it out if he is home early today. I am also hooked up with a carpool person - Mark G. That I am so grateful for. So, even if the car needs repair, I have a way to get to work. Yippee!
Cars suck.
January 03, 2005
Back to work and New Year's Eve in Burlington
Thursday
I slept in later than I planned and really felt crappy, but got to work at around 9:30. As I had been out a few more days than originally planned, I felt I needed to go in and catch up. Good thing I came in, because there was lots of work to do. My co-workers patiently endured my coughing for the next few hours. I caught up a bit on my projects and clients and ended up going home in the late afternoon. I was really glad I came in. Carrie and I decided to meet Friday for the big New Year’s Eve spectacular in Burlington called First Night. First Night in Burlington is a big event for the city. It is where there are dance and music performances, comedy acts, dramatic readings, poetry readings and fireworks to celebrate the new year. I went home and coughed my way through a couple of DVDs and some TV.
Friday
After sleeping in and watching still more mindless television, I called Carrie and we arranged to get together in the early evening. After a good few hours of napping, I woke up and waited for Carrie to arrive. We decided to take the bus downtown, since a) I was sick; b) it was windy and cold and c) parking sucks downtown during big events. The bus ride was pleasant enough. There was a very chatty chick on the bus asking us all kinds of questions and sharing her life story. We were finally dropped of in downtown right off of Church Street. We strolled down the street towards the events. We had a whole calendar of events. Carrie and I thought it would be fun seeing some improv shows and live music. We headed towards the YMCA, where there were a few improv groups made up of high school kids. They were pretty good. Many of the types of improv acts they did were similar to what I learned when I took improv classes. It makes me want to look into taking another improv class. After a bit, we went to go check out another improv event. This one was with adults in a Who’s Line Is It Anyway style. I have to say that the pianist ain’t no Laura Hall and the comedians weren’t no Colin, Ryan, Wayne nor Greg and should not give up their day jobs. It was awful. The music numbers were too long and just not funny. The kids we had seen earlier were so much funnier. We tortured ourselves through about 20 minutes or so. After that we walked over to check out the music venues. There were three sections of the Flynn Center set up one had punk, one with DJs and the third with alternative. We checked them all out but nothing really clicked with us. Still, it was a lovely night out and there was plenty to check out. We ate dinner at some little Greekish restaurant, which was pretty good. We finally headed towards the lake’s shore for the fireworks show. The Lake Champlain shore looked really lovely and peaceful in the cool night air. I should point out that the entire evening we were out and about the weather was cool, but not freezing. So, we planted ourselves on a pair of big boulders and waited for the show. I have seen some pretty great fireworks shows, and the Burlington 2005 show was pretty darn good. It lasted just about 10-15 minutes. There was a nice crowd. Not many people oohed and aahed like I am accustomed to, but nevertheless, it was a good time. It did make me a little sad abut not being with my old friends in California. I really miss seeing them, talking to them and just being there. I am feeling better about being here in Vermont and am getting to like Burlington. But it’s just not home for me yet. I had a great time with Carrie and am glad she suggested we go to this First Night experience. We had a brisk walk back to my house and then I managed to call some West Coasters and stay up until 4am. Happy New Year! Here’s to a really exciting and amazing 2005!
I slept in later than I planned and really felt crappy, but got to work at around 9:30. As I had been out a few more days than originally planned, I felt I needed to go in and catch up. Good thing I came in, because there was lots of work to do. My co-workers patiently endured my coughing for the next few hours. I caught up a bit on my projects and clients and ended up going home in the late afternoon. I was really glad I came in. Carrie and I decided to meet Friday for the big New Year’s Eve spectacular in Burlington called First Night. First Night in Burlington is a big event for the city. It is where there are dance and music performances, comedy acts, dramatic readings, poetry readings and fireworks to celebrate the new year. I went home and coughed my way through a couple of DVDs and some TV.
Friday
After sleeping in and watching still more mindless television, I called Carrie and we arranged to get together in the early evening. After a good few hours of napping, I woke up and waited for Carrie to arrive. We decided to take the bus downtown, since a) I was sick; b) it was windy and cold and c) parking sucks downtown during big events. The bus ride was pleasant enough. There was a very chatty chick on the bus asking us all kinds of questions and sharing her life story. We were finally dropped of in downtown right off of Church Street. We strolled down the street towards the events. We had a whole calendar of events. Carrie and I thought it would be fun seeing some improv shows and live music. We headed towards the YMCA, where there were a few improv groups made up of high school kids. They were pretty good. Many of the types of improv acts they did were similar to what I learned when I took improv classes. It makes me want to look into taking another improv class. After a bit, we went to go check out another improv event. This one was with adults in a Who’s Line Is It Anyway style. I have to say that the pianist ain’t no Laura Hall and the comedians weren’t no Colin, Ryan, Wayne nor Greg and should not give up their day jobs. It was awful. The music numbers were too long and just not funny. The kids we had seen earlier were so much funnier. We tortured ourselves through about 20 minutes or so. After that we walked over to check out the music venues. There were three sections of the Flynn Center set up one had punk, one with DJs and the third with alternative. We checked them all out but nothing really clicked with us. Still, it was a lovely night out and there was plenty to check out. We ate dinner at some little Greekish restaurant, which was pretty good. We finally headed towards the lake’s shore for the fireworks show. The Lake Champlain shore looked really lovely and peaceful in the cool night air. I should point out that the entire evening we were out and about the weather was cool, but not freezing. So, we planted ourselves on a pair of big boulders and waited for the show. I have seen some pretty great fireworks shows, and the Burlington 2005 show was pretty darn good. It lasted just about 10-15 minutes. There was a nice crowd. Not many people oohed and aahed like I am accustomed to, but nevertheless, it was a good time. It did make me a little sad abut not being with my old friends in California. I really miss seeing them, talking to them and just being there. I am feeling better about being here in Vermont and am getting to like Burlington. But it’s just not home for me yet. I had a great time with Carrie and am glad she suggested we go to this First Night experience. We had a brisk walk back to my house and then I managed to call some West Coasters and stay up until 4am. Happy New Year! Here’s to a really exciting and amazing 2005!
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