weekend recap: nothing a shot in the ass won't fix

Well, I should start by explaining the title. You see, yesterday was possibly one of the most miserable days of my life. I managed to somehow pick up the nasty stomach flu that is going around, and I got it bad. and it doesn't help that I never get sick, so I'm not very good at it. Actually, not including last year's post-surgery incident, I probably haven't thrown up since elementary school. So, when my thermometer (that Steph brought me along with Saltines, a paper, and Gatorade b/c she's wonderful) reached 102.2, I figured I should get checked out. So, 2 hours and one shot later at Patient First, I was diagnosed, told I wasn't going to die, and sent on my way. Still, though, I am absolutely completely miserable. I still have a fever and I still can't eat. Think of all the symptoms you could possible have when you're sick, put them all together, and you pretty much have me. Maybe it's karma.

Except, I can't think of anything especially bad I've done lately that would bring this on. I mean, I spent a ton of money on Saturday morning, but I figured I deserved it after being so good. Plus, I made some great purchases: an adorable Dooney & Bourke that's totally me, some new clothes that actually fit (woohoo for pants being too big!), some Cole Haan slip on sneakers I've been wanting, a fondue pot (the Melting Pot got me addicted!), and a new perfume I am in LOVE with (anyone else like Amor Amor?) Nothing wrong with spending a little money, right? And the next time I complain about my job, remind me of the ridiculously large profit sharing check I was given Friday...

so the day is out, I'm thinking maybe it was Saturday night's fault. It was innocent enough-- I went out with Six Foot Four again after a perfectly okay first date. He was still very nice. We ended up eating at a kind of shady dinner place though after it turned out his first choice had been recently closed down. But the best part was where we went after. He paid attention that I love to try new things, so he got us tickets to a jazz show at a wonderfully quaint old little theater. And when I saw the name Chris Brubeck in the trio, I wondered why it was so familiar. But, after hearing "Blue Rondo a la Turk," I remembered how much I like Dave Brubeck and realized it was a record one of my exes used to play. Not a good thought during a date. Otherwise, though, the show was wonderful! I had a fabulous time and I loved every second. The only problem was, for him this was something new and different. For me this was something I've been doing my whole life, in the same pattern as just about everything we talk about. And I think it was then that I realized that although Six Foot Four is very nice, very attentive, and very sweet, he is not the guy for me. I think I need someone a little bit more exceptional, if that makes any sense. And for the karma part-- fully knowing this, I still said "I had a great time" and agreed that we should go out again. I just felt so bad about the effort he put in and the money he spent, even though I offered to pay for dinner... is that really bad? I am so bad with that stuff.

And, well, you already heard about Sunday. But there were some interesting things from this weekend. For instance, I found out from findyourspot.com that Norfolk is the 4th best place for me to live and Virginia Beach is the 6th. interesting, huh? Philly is nowhere on the list-- probably because I vehemently answered "strongly disagree" to any survery question involving snow or cold weather :) My top, though, is Jacksonville, and my second interestingly enough is Charleston, which is a city I fell in love with when I visited last year. San Antonio is also on the list, so when I go in a few weeks, I'll have to check it out.

And lastly, I think the coolest part of the weekend (other than fitting into the smaller of the two sizes I brought in the dressing room) was a sight on my way out Saturday night: when I was crossing the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, it was just about dusk, and as I looked out into the bay, you couldn't tell where the water ended and the sky started. I think it might've been the prettiest shade of blue-gray I've ever seen. There's something about Mother Nature that can always put a smile into life.

Anyway, I am back to lying down, which seems like it will be pretty much all I do for the next couple days. And I'm bored out of my mind, so if anyone has any little effort boredom busters, send them over! later all!

also known as...

well, Kate did this on her blog (she stole the idea from Karen), and I thought it was very fun, so I'm doing it too! how in the world did I get so many nicknames...

Li, Lis-- obvious nicknames. Li reminds me of one teacher in elementary school and one good school friend in particular. but nearly everyone calls me Lis.

Babes-- this has been the name my Dad has called me since I was little. every now and then he still does. it used to bother me when I was older, like when he'd call me that in the middle of softball practice in high school, but now I think it's cute!

Colletti-- the nickname 0f every sports coach I have ever played under and most of my guy friends

Colletti Spaghetti-- since it's hard to find things that rhyme with my name, I guess this was somehow amusing for everyone...

Confetti Colletti-- okay so maybe two words rhyme. this reminds me of my friend Laura from youth group and her family.

Tookus, Supertookus-- this one started when my band squad junior year decided we all had butt problems. and for some reason this turned into a chant before games that involved the phrases "flat ass," "unitookus," and "spondee's got a big ol' butt". well, I was originally uni-ass, but I hated the word ass at the time, so it became Unitookus and eventually got shortened to just Tookus. then I started wearing a Supertones shirt after a concert, and "Supertookus" was born...

The Big LC-- who knows why. this was another high school one that stuck.

Two Syllable Word Woman-- I won a Balderdash game once by using "circumspect illusionary" after I had used two syllable words the whole rest of the game. I don't even know where the phrase came from, but the name stuck for years after :)

Muskles-- Michael still calls me this after all these years, although I don't think anyone remembers why I really got it. It started right after I had broken up with my high school boyfriend and I was upset. Then in tennis class I was feeling the frustration, and when Michael and Andrew were playing against me and Yvonne, I started slamming every ball back over the net as hard as I could, which is rare for high school gym class. and, "Muscles" was born. Then I started working out for softball with a personal trainer and got major buff, so it stuck with everyone, especially Michael and Andrew. Michael put the "k" in somewhere along the way- I don't know when. and I still think it's kind of cute :)

Hooch-- a GCC name that started with my hooch pajamas (hey they worked!), and stuck after Joel made the song "Hooch" my theme song at the time

Roughage-- a GCC softball nickname that started because my last name became "Letti" and then Letti sounded like lettuce... and well, then I was somehow Roughage. Minnesotans sure are weird teammates... :)

The Moose-- ever wonder where my blogname came from? Well, nowhere really. For some reason my whole family has moose screennames. My brother is VirulentMoose and my dad is DecrepitMoose, so I had to have one too! and we are such nerds in my family that we sat around one night with a dictionary coming up with really funny ones. and, pretentious beat malevolent as my new name. then the girls at MWC started calling me The Moose, and it's all downhill from there...

SB-- another MWC nickname. It stood for Super Bitch. Isn't that terrible? But, it was a softball nickname, and believe me, on the field I am one. Softball is war :)

Giggles-- I wouldn't call it a nickname, except that Steph's manager actually addressed my Christmas card with it. It has something to do with a supe retreat and 3am and why you should never ever get a hotel room next to one of your managers!

wow I can't believe I've worked at the same company for almost 3 years and have basically no nickname to show for it! anyway, post some of your fun nicknames and what they mean or where they came from. this is fun.

Tuesday Picks & Pans... on Wednesday

yeah yeah yeah it's a day late. sorry. enjoy anyway...

PICKS

profit sharing-- ahhhh I can't believe it's tomorrow!!!! I can't wait to find out the number! it was so hard to concentrate today. and then I can't wait to SPEND IT for the next two weekends!!!! woohoo Williamsburg Outlets and Tyson's!!!! now, I am not going to spend ALL of it, but I have been soooo good for so long that it is going to be SO exciting to do some good old fashioned SHOPPING! woooooohoooooooooo!!!!! :) (if you couldn't tell, I'm excited) :)

fantastic March-- I can't believe what an amazing month this is going to be-- first Pub Crawl, shopping, and old friends, then SAN ANTONIO for St. Patrick's Day on company money, and also a Maroon 5 concert later in the month! Plus, it's merit raise month and like I said before, SHOPPING! life is great right now.

Tropical Smoothies w/ Splenda-- I am absolutely hooked. and with only like 150 calories and lots of fruit, why the hell not be?

Nielsen TV-- I get to be a TV rater! I think that is so kick ass. SO when you hear about the next Nielsen ratings, think of me :) They also sent me $10 cash in the envelope for doing it. Hey I'll take it.

good dates-- after the Lettuce disaster, I needed one! And, honestly, I was a tiny bit afraid that would happen again. But Six Foot Four is very cool! now, it wasn't like instant sizzling connection or anything, but what first date is? so, we'll see this weekend. I still have some reservations, and we still barely know each other anyway. but here's to some good times and to meeting new people.

cute work boy-- speaking of meeting new people, thank god for team people with friends in other departments! cute work boy is soooo adorably cute that I just want to pinch his cheeks! :) we are working on this whole situation...

Accounting-- okay you probably won't see this as a pick ever again, but we got our first test back last night and I got an A! And from what I know, it was the highest grade in the class!!!! woohoo for beating the really annoying girl! lol. and thank god I didn't waste any time studying... :Þ

PANS

bad service-- still annoyed- not so much over what happened but just that there are so many companies that don't value good service anymore. but you've already heard how I feel about that.

people who wear dark clothes outside at night-- at least if you're going to do this, don't cross streets! my god people are crazy!!!!

cleaning-- cleaning SUCKS! I need to just make everything spotless once and for all so I don't have to worry about it anymore. sheesh.

trying stuff on-- is there any store out there that actually has decent dressing room lighting and skinny mirrors? wouldn't you think that stores would want you to look good so you buy their clothes? why does it seem like you always leave a dressing room feeling like crap?! it really makes me hate trying stuff on!

CPCU studying-- wish me luck, the test is less than a week away!!!! :(

not too many pans because life is good! hope it is for everyone else too!!! later all.

Flashback

ok I was shopping with Steph this weekend, and it was just the oddest flashback even just walking in the mall! It has been odd anyway to see things from our childhood that are all of a sudden back (Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, even Garbage Pail Kids), but it is even weirder to see 80's fashions. Do you remember being in high school and having your mother tell you the clothes you just bought were exactly like she wore at that age? No teenager wants to hear that! Now, though, for the first time ever, I understand! So anyway, here's my tribute to all of the things I grew up with that only my generation will understand. Post some of your best memories too :)

the best of growing up 80's:

--ribboned hair clips. everywhere. and banana clips too.

--spending all afternoon outside with friends bouncing on Pogo Balls or jumping around with Skip-Its

--watching He Man & GI Joe with my big brother (why doesn't anyone understand when I say "and knowing is half the battle"?!)

--staying out all evening in the neighborhood playing jailbreak or freeze tag

-- getting completely dizzy on the Sit 'n Spin but for some reason thinking it was a good time

--always secretly being jealous of the girl in the class that had the most Barbies and even the Barbie mansion and car (all I had was the pool set and the ice cream shop) :)

--corduroy jumpers. I think I had 20-- all perfectly matched by ribboned hair clips!

--Shrinky Dinks-- amazingly, it was thrilling to color something and then get a plastic chip out of the oven later that did nothing but looked remotely like the original...

--colored stitching on every item of clothing... until tight-rolled jeans took over as the new denim

--spandex stirrup pants, huge off the shoulder sweatshirts, and biker shorts

--the obscure great TV shows, like the Snorks, Shirt Tails, the Get Along Gang, and Gummi Bears (bouncing here and there and everywhere...)

--making up dance routines with friends to Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul

--Teddy Ruxpin-- someone had to have been on drugs when they created that thing! but at least if that got boring there were Judy Blume books to pass the time...

--neon eeeeverything-- especially layered slouch socks

--waterfall bangs and high pony tails

--playing Atari, Coleco Vision, and T.I. (Hunt the Wumpuss!), and being sooooo excited when the original Nintendo came out

--tying your shirt or putting it through one of those little plastic things with all the rhinestones

--absolutely having to have jellies and LA Gear shoes, and later Hypercolor shirts, Umbros, and a Swatch to match

--graduating from Nancy Drew to Sweet Valley High and feeling like you were moving up in the world.. and who can forget the Babysitters Club craze?!

--secret clubs during recess making friendship bracelets and playing stupid games with secret rules (girls are so mean!)

--watching Family Ties on Sunday nights and not really getting all the issues

--shopping before school every year for a new Trapper Keeper, but then probably just using it for a slam book anyway (again, girls are so mean!)

--okay one last note-- I was the Four Square and jump rope song QUEEN! hehehe

aww that was fun. but now back to 2005... can't even believe it's been so long!!! ahhh memories... :)

what is WRONG with people????

okay. I am just fed up with bad business and terrible customer service. and I really just hate rude people in general. And for some reaosn, there seem to be these kinds of people EVERYWHERE lately. just this weekend, there have already been a crazy amount, so I need to vent. If you read my story last week, you heard about my dealings with Verizon, which pissed me off. But the one good thing that day had been setting up my DirectTV. wellll no longer... let's start right in.

stupid business/person #1: DirectTV
Well, everything was set to go. They were supposed to come between 8 and 12 this morning to install everything, so I got up early and sat around waiting. They came a little after 11. They stayed only 2 minutes. why? It turns out that DirectTV cannot be installed at my apartment at all because of the direction my patio faces. And even if they did install it, I'd have to pay an extra 90 bucks for a pole. I was pissed the hell off. I had even told the original guy I lived in an apartment and asked questions, and not once had he even mentioned it might not be able to be installed, even though the apartment complex and everyone I talked today at DirectTV told me this is a common problem. SO, not only did I waste 3 hours of my time on my precious weekend, but also-- they already CHARGED me! and now I have to wait til THURSDAY to get all my money back! I am so pissed off. and the woman that cancelled the order on the phone wasn't even apologetic. done with them.

stupid business/person #2: Helzberg Diamonds
Steph needed a new watch battery, and really wanted to get it from Helzberg. She even told the woman that she really wanted to do business with them. After all, Helzberg has the same daddy (Warren Buffet) that we do, and she also has a diamond necklace from there and her boyfriend has an expensive watch from there. Well, the girl who's in charge tells her she can't help her because they don't carry Guess watches, and if something were to happen to it when they tried to open it, they couldn't replace it. Okay no problem. But then the girl tells her she should go to WAL-MART (what?!) for help. after that she mentions another place in the mall and says they could open it. So Steph says okay so if they open it you can give me a battery like the first woman told us, right? the smug woman says no, just take it there. wow. but props for Steph for going back remembering that her necklace is up for cleaning and inspection and making smug woman do it.

stupid business/person #3: the librarian at the Virginia Beach Public Library
after waiting in line for awhile behind some crazy woman with a cat on her head, I see that the last desk just opened up. there's no one there and the woman at the desk is just looking around, so I go up to the desk. well, librarian with the bad orange hair very rudely says "I'm not open yet, wait at the sign." so I walk all the way back to the sign. literally 30 seconds later she says "next!" and I walk all the way back. completely unneccessary. how about "hello, hang on just one moment while I finish this up" or even "oh I'm sorry I need to finish this up, would you mind waiting where you started?" she definitely did it just to be a bitch.

stupid business/person #4: doctor's office receptionist
Steph needed to pick up a prescription and I needed to get away for a bit, so we went to the doctor's office on our lunch break. she had literally tried to call them over 15 times and it was busy every time, so she did what she normally did and just went in to get it written out. well, we waited. and we waited some more. and some more. and when we realized we were going to be late and they STILL hadn't done anything (and we were one of two or three people in the whole big waiting room), she went back up to see what was going on. rude receptionist tells her that the doctor has patients to see. yes, obviously he should see his patients, but it is completely normal to just run in and pick up a prescription, especially when it's been written many times before for the same thing. and we were willing to wait, but they wouldn't even give us a status on what was going on or how long it would be. and all of the people behind the desk were just sitting there bullshitting. even when told the woman she had tried to call, rude woman just said "we've been busy." no apology or empathy or anything.

stupid person/business #5: random Victoria's Secret lady
I was paying for my purchase. it was already rung up and I was waiting for the slip to sign. all of a sudden, this woman comes up next to me, nudges me out of the way as she throws her bags on the counter and says "this one smells so good! I want this one instead and they said to see you!" yes, while I was in the middle of completing my purchase. apparently she wanted an exchange. never an "excuse me" or a "sorry for hitting you with my bags" or anything even after looking right at me. unbelievable.

all this is only two days. when I was first hired at my job, one of the first things we were told is that if someone has a bad experience, they'll tell at least 20 people. but if they have a good one, unless it's absolutely exceptional, they probably won't tell anyone at all. how true. I am absolutely fed up. I may not be the person that complains and causes a scene, but I WILL be the person that no longer gives that company my business.

what is wrong with our society? why is it SO hard to find people and places that actually understand how important service is??? am I expecting too much??? If I am paying, I should be respected! I don't expect bells and whistles and some big to do, I just want someone who is knowledgeable and considerate, and companies that do business fairly and reasonably! thank god I work for a company that makes quality customer service a priority.

and on another note, I have decided to stay in except for the gym tonight, because honestly if one more person is rude or dumb, they will probably get bitch slapped.

okay I feel better. sorry for that :) back to regular life.

more fun randomness

okay I should clean since the DirectTV guy is coming tomorrow, but I don't feel like it. And since I don't feel like it, now I'm bored. So, here's more randomness out of my boredom... And then I've had enough of these for awhile :)

Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says: "She decides to begin by cleaning the oven."

Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first? my printer desk stand thing

What is the last thing you watched on TV? Sex & the City

Without looking at the clock, guess what time it is: 10:45 PM

Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? 10:45 PM (damn I'm good!)

With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? the heat running in the apt

When did you last step outside? What were you doing? half an hour ago-- walking into my apt after getting back from Steph's

Before you came to this website, what did you look at? the Glacier National Park website (check out these pics! can't wait to go!!!!)

What are you wearing? comfy sweatpants, dePaul Law sweatshirt from my Kate visit

Did you dream last night? yes. about work. grrrrrrrr

When did you last laugh? really laugh? last week at lunch playing the spoons/movie game

What is on the walls of the room you are in? photos of family and friends. a large photo of the Philly skyline, a Monet print, a Van Gogh print, my black belt certificate

Seen anything weird lately? tiny dents in my car!!!! grrrrrrrrr

What do you think of this quiz? I love these. so dumb but kinda fun.

What is the last film you saw? Along Came Polly on HBO

If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first? I'd pay off my car and steph's car and buy one for both of my parents

Tell me something about you that I do not know: my real name isn't Lisa-- I am not named after anyone and my parents have called me Lisa since birth. My mom knew a girl in high school with my name that went by Lisa, but she thought she was a snob!

If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? end all inhumanity and violence between cultures. and make everyone fluent in every language

Do you like to dance? yup!

George Bush: good intentions

Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? Anna

Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? Evan or Jacob

Would you ever consider living abroad? yes!

What are you listening to right now? Jack Johnson, "Wasting Time":
Love's just a waste of our energy
And this life's just a waste of our time
So why don't we get together?
We could waste everything tonight...

Name Four Bad Habits You Have:
1. curse too much
2. impulse buy
3. busy fingers
4. order white chocolate mochas with whole milk :)

Name Four Things That You Wish You Had:
1. true love
2. a job that never seems like work
3. a million bucks
4. less stress

Name Four Scents You Love:
1. fresh flowers
2. banana bread
3. cologne
4. freshly cut grass

Name Four Things You'd Never Wear:
1. a scrunchie
2. polka dots
3. a printed turtleneck
4. tall socks

Name Four Things You Are Thinking About Now:
1. work. dammit.
2. men
3. today's events
4. bills.

Name Four Things That You Have Done Today:
1. worked
2. teared up (dammit again!)
3. shopped
4. cleaned

Name the Last Four Things You Have Bought:
1. fun new workout pants
2. healthy food
3. DirectTV w/ TiVo
4. hair shine spray stuff

Name Four Bands/Groups Most People Don't Know You Like:
1. Oasis
2. Indigo Girls
3. Dashboard Confessional
4. Stabilo Boss

Name Four Drinks You Regularly Drink:
1. Aquafina FlavorSplash
2. water
3. apple juice
4. Yuengling :)

How Office Rumors Get Started

okay since I am in such a good mood, I am sharing one of my fave pics. hehehe. I think I'll start posting some every so often... love this one! :Þ

woohooo!

I just wanted to tell you all my good news! woohooo!

First of all, I am going backpacking with my dad and my aunt this summer. How awesome is that?! I think we're doing Glacier National Park, and they actually have a lot of the gear I'll need, so it won't even be that expensive. I am sooooo excited!!!!!!! Now to get in better shape...

Second, I love my new schedule and my new team! They are so much fun! And I found out today that I am getting one more person from my old team that I just adore! wooooohoooo!

Third, there is only ONE MORE WEEK until the profit sharing check!!!!! And exactly ONE MONTH til San Antonio! and ONE DAY until I finally free myself from Cox Cable! :)

sometimes life is good. right now is one of those times. hehehe ok back to life now, so leave! go! and don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya on the way out :)

Tuesday Picks & Pans

yeah yeah yeah I'm back...

PICKS

Aquafina Flavor Splash-- like fruit juice only lighter tasting. and no calories. mmmmmm.

good nutrition-- ok so I'm still annoyed about all the money involved, but really it was a good thing. I got a personalized nutrition plan with food I like and stuff that fits my lifestyle. And, it's all reasonable, not a huge change anyway, and not in any way fad-ish. I'm liking this good nutrition stuff. I feel better already.

Starbucks white chocolate mochas-- okay maybe not completely consistent with the last pick, but this is the only Starbucks coffee creation so far that I drink. yumm. I figure since my father drinks black coffee, I should at least be able to down the girly stuff. So maybe white mochas can be my gateway drug... :)

great associates-- I was having a very stressed week and my people knew it. And, I had also mentioned the week before that I loved Steph's new Nine West bag and I wanted one. So, my team people became my personal shoppers and brought me three Nine West bags and let me pick one as a gift. how sweet is that???

the Beach-- just really freaking fantastic. I absolutely love being by the ocean. so relaxing.

this year's Grammys-- usually very boring, but fantastic this year! Any show with a 15 minute opening that puts The Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Los Lonely Boys, Gwen Stefani, and Eve all on the same stage is pretty awesome. Even Kanye West was fantastic. a good show all around. just a shame the ABC shows got in the way... can't miss Desperate Housewives!!! :)

PANS

Virginia Beach drivers (#2): not understanding right of way-- yes, it was random Liz who finally put this together logically. Virginia Beach people must never have been taught anything about right of way! That would explain why people down here are always turning in front of people and just doing generally dumb things. They're terrible. and this probably somehow explains the small dents on my door. grrrrrrr.

the annoying person in every class-- except the one in mine is worse, because everyone in the class works in the building, which means I will probably have to deal with her again. I really think she talks just to hear the sound of her own voice. Want to be like her? Try asking this question: "Dr. Jackson-Heard, what would happen in the accounting cycle if the moon circled the earth three times and then revenue had a credit balance and the room was taken over by aliens? How would we reflect that?" grrrrrrrr. SHUT UP!

tests-- forgot how annoying they were until I took this Accounting class. pretty sure I aced the one tonight, but who knows. hoping I did. but still really freaking annoying either way.

the one that got away-- this thought came on Valentine's Day, even though the conversation that started it really had nothing to do with the day... do you ever wonder if there is one of these in your life? I have a couple I wonder about. I try not to, because I honestly try not to have regrets, but it's just so easy to wonder what might have been. The one in my head right now has been a frustration for years, though, so maybe it's better this way anyway.

the things we do for men-- when Al told me she was proud of herself for buying "normal" underwear it got me thinking. man, guys better appreciate us! We wear crazy uncomfortable shoes, clothes, underwear... just saying. now don't get me wrong, sometimes it's fun to do the whole act, but there's something to be said too for a fully-covered bottom :Þ

another new Gilmore Girls tonight! wooohooooo! off to relax.

random weekend notes

-- It was 53 degrees out today, so Steph and I spent a little while this afternoon lying on the beach. Still a little cold, even in warm clothes, but there is nothing more relaxing than a quiet Sunday afternoon listening to the ocean (and looking at Europe!) :) I love living here.

--Oddly enough, my first free weekend didn't seem very odd at all. It just seemed like every other weekend I've had other than the last year or so of my life. I am soooo glad to be back to a normal work week. There's no way in hell I am ever giving this shift up.

--Does anyone out there know the secret to making rice? I followed the directions on the package but I absolutely cannot seem to get it right! It's always burnt or too watery even though the rice itself is done. grrrrrr

--oddest fun game of this week: take a word (any word) and have everyone try to think of funny movie titles substituting the word for one in the title. sounds dumb doesn't it? but, it kept 12 adult in stitches for a good hour using the words spoon and panties. I have decided that "Intolerable Panties" is just about the funniest fake movie title I've ever heard!!! see if you can think of a better one. :)

-- I absolutely love old comfy clothes. Right now I am wearing my Stevens Institute of Technology sweatshirt (alma mater of both my father and brother) that my brother bought me his freshman year. Well, he forgot to look at the size and got me a ridiculously big XXL, and now all of the inside fuzzies are all gone and it shows much evidence of past random stains, but I still adore it.

-- There was a red Camaro on the side of Dam Neck today with its hood up and its "I'm the shit" driver looking upset just standing there. There was something oddly satisfying about that... (wow that's mean, isn't it)

--Lisa's fun music from this weekend reccomendations: Cake's"Stickshifts & Safetybelts," "Champagne Supernova" by Oasis, and Fiona Apple's "Criminal". Quality weekend soundtrack.

back to work tomorrow so off to do laundry and veg til then. later all!

Saturday fun

well, since it's Saturday and I'm HOME, I feel like I should blog. But, since I don't have my normal days off during the week anymore, I have lots to do today! So, sorry, but you're gonna have to settle for some mindless fun I got off one of Chloe's links. And as always, post your responses too! :)

A to Z

Accent: Philadelphian, since apparently that accent exists
Bra size: too big
Chore I hate: laundry
Dad's name: V. Thomas Jr.
Essential make-up products: lip gloss, mascara
Favorite perfume: Happy Heart by Clinique & Ralph Lauren Romance
Gold or silver?: Silver
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Interesting fact: I have a black belt in taekwondo
Job titles: officially? sales supervisor. unofficially: manager of all things BS
Kids: 2 adorable kitties
Living arrangements: rent a wonderfully spacious apartment, looking to buy a townhouse
Mom's birthplace: Trenton, NJ
Number of apples eaten in the last week: zero
Overnight hospital stays: 1
Phobias: spiders, pickup trucks with confederate flag stickers, bad dates, bosses
Question you ask yourself a lot: what the hell is wrong with everyone else? :Þ
Religious affiliation: I'm a sometimes Christian
Siblings: Jeff (27)
Time I wake up: 6:30am
Unnatural hair color: light brown highlights and dark brown lowlights
Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: lima beans
Worst habit: procrastination
X-rays?: my wrist (broken-- never slide down a bannister in junior high just because your friends are doing it!), my toe (okay), my ankle (wish I had broken it-- the sprain was worse!), my leg (broken-- never jump off a picnic table when you're 4 just because your friends are doing it!) see a pattern? :)
Yummy food I make: chocolate cinnamon quesadillas
Zodiac sign: Taurus

Happy Saturday everyone!!!! :)

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

okay my day today was SOOOOO incredibly bad that's it's actually pretty comical. So, I figured I'd share and maybe amuse you all. here goes...

4:00am-- I was awoken by the sound of loud hip hop music. yes, at 4am. it was coming from my next door neighbor's and was loud enough for me to know that I heard Usher's new song and some Ashanti on Z104. thought maybe it was an alarm, but half an hour later, it was still on. and there was no big party going on or anything-- JUST the music. WTF.

5:00am-- after not being able to fall asleep in my bed or on the couch thanks to my wonderful little furry brats who think I got up just to feed them, finally got a little shut eye in the living room

6:21am-- my alarm went off for work, and I woke up ALREADY in a bad mood and too awake to snooze

8:15am-- my usually even-tempered star counselor starts my day by telling me how annoyed she was with one of our new people. the worst part is, the new person has been driving me just as crazy and I think my counselor is more patient with her than I am. this is not good.

10:00am-- found out my boss wasn't coming in, which means I have to wait longer to deal with one of the issues for one of my people that is making me MAD. doesn't affect me, but this is a great employee and I want to make sure the good ones are taken care of...

12:20pm-- after cleaning and organizing, still no sign of missing digital camera at work. get pissed off all over again that someone would really steal something right off my desk. people are amazing.

1:00pm-- leave work for the nutritionist that my horrible doctor is making me see. stop at Tropical Smoothie for some healthy lunch addiction, only to get stuck in a line of only 5 people for 20 minutes. was almost late for the doctor.

1:55pm-- get a call from aforementioned star counselor telling me that because I didn't think to call P.F. Chang's for lunch reservations tomorrow, they are now full. And although my team had really wanted to go there, they now have to settle for Friday's because I'm dumb.

2:00-3:00pm-- sit with nutritionist, who gives me some good information, but still makes me pay a lot of money not covered by insurance just to say eat whole grains and don't work out as hard (explained later)

4:00pm-- spend way too much money at Target out of obligation to two other counselors on our shift who are having babies. well, one is a man, but his wife is having it, so close enough. barely know them.

4:45pm-- am loading car outside of Target-- putting bags on passenger side when I notice TWO DENTS (luckily very small) and a large scratch on that side. I have not hit anything and there's some red paint. conclude the asshole with the red Mustang upstairs who steals my parking spot and makes so much noise that my pots shake must be responsible. my poor poor beautiful car! vow to get car fixed and to get to the bottom of this and get even! don't mess with the car, buddy.

5:05pm-- after successfully setting up DirectTV, call Verizon to set up phone and DSL so I never have to deal with Cox again. After getting transferred all over, get very rude woman who tells me that I can't set anything up until I pay the bill from when I cancelled my service before. I say fine no problem I've been waiting for the bill, but then find out they never backdated the cancellation like they told me they would AND they are charging me money for my FREDERICKSBURG number that was cancelled in 9/03 even though I had moved out in March of that year. and my roommate told me she had put the account in her name like she was supposed to. bill is over $200. billing department is closed and is only open when I'm at work. I had never once heard of owing this money ever, so imagine what it did to my credit. and, the crazy vindictive money-stealing bitch I had to room with for 8 months in Fredneck gets the last laugh 2 years later.

7:00pm-- go to gym with Steph and do fat burning workout instead of cardio workout that I normally do, because ms. nutritionist says that in fact I am working TOO hard and should not be training for endurance like I have for sports my whole life. work out for 45 minutes and feel like I have done absolutely nothing. almost punch machine after seeing message: "slow down to reduce heart rate" continually when my heart rate is only 130. no joke.

8:15pm-- get home and heat up mac & cheese for dinner. break fork that has been in my family for as long as I can remember. luckily, is not family Gorham, which is why I have it, but still makes me sad :(

8:20-pm-- eat, type, and get settled in to get ready to go to bed, get up, and start allllll over again

now, as a disclaimer, not everything was bad today... my Tropical Smoothie was wonderful as always, one of our new supes saw my side of an argument and helped me get perfect numbers because he's that cool, I got really cute comfy new gym pants that make me look like a hospital worker, and I found a new article on the Onion that I love, so check it out-- especially the second picture withe the truck, which I think is hilarious. one of these days I need to start posting my funny picture collection...

anyway, hope everyone out there had a much better day that I did. here's to a good day for everyone on Friday!

Tuesday Picks & Pans

welcome back to the weekly dish. here's your second February edition...

PICKS

my car-- I thought the novelty of having a nice new car would wear off after awhile. Well, 10,000 miles and almost a year later, it hasn't. I still LOVE my car!!!!

wearing a t-shirt to the gym in February-- yes, this is why I moved south :)

Things I Hate About My Flatmate-- a random find and an absolutely hilarious blog!!! Those of you that have ever had a terrible roommate can definitely relate (not, not you Kelli and Steph, you were great. :Þ) I love it.

Valentine's Day For Men-- another website that had me absolutely cracking up. Who thinks of these things?! :) HAD to have been a man. No woman ever says hey I would just LOVE to do you a favor... yeah leaving it at that because this is a family blog. well, not really but you get the idea...

Iron Chef-- oh my god this is the FUNNIEST show ever. I've watched it before although not often, but I was especially bored last night so I flipped it on. They had thie whole featurette with one of the iron chefs going to his hometown in Japan to visit, and the voiceovers were HYSTERICAL!!!! again, where do they find these people???? what great TV.

March-- what a great month it's going to be-- profit sharing combined with a merit raise AND a tex refund will make it a fantastic money month, while trips to Northern VA (pub crawl and shopping!) and San Antonio will make it a fun one. Can't wait!!!!!

people who do stuff-- I just like having friends who like to go out and try new stuff, which I have been lucky to always be able to find. this weekend we're going whale watching. I still think it's just a hoax (like snipe hunting! I so got fooled at camp when I was little!) but should still be fun :Þ

men with nice bodies-- I asked Steph if she had any picks and pans ideas for this week and this is what she came up with. when I asked what I should write about them, she just said they're eye candy. so there you have it. and definitely a pick. true, Steph, very true... and thanks for that :)

ellipses-- I just use them all the time, even when they don't fit... they are just WAY too much fun... :Þ


PANS

the Patriots-- 'nuff said. and even though I'm mostly over my post-Sunday depression, this still needs to be listed.

Donovan McNabb-- ok buddy you know I normally love ya and all, but where were you Sunday? and who the hell were you throwing to?

people who try to sue over stupid stuff-- my favorite part of this is when the guy's lawyer says the team chose to protect some spectators and not others when it erected the backstop. guess from now on the backstop should cover the whole stadium... gotta love baseball from under a giant net...

adjusting to new schedules--now don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to be going back to Monday-Friday days, but working 5 days again and losing my 2 days off during the week is going to be as much of an adjustment as getting used to Wed-Sat was in the first place. after today I'll never have a day off during the week again other than holidays... weird. luckily, though, I'm getting my DirectTV set up this week so I can TiVo Oprah :)

class getting cancelled-- I went all the way to work tonight on my day off for class, which sucks because I always feel like I'm working an extra day. And then the professor couldn't make it and we all went home. pointless. and there's a test next week and she has some of our work that I'd like to study. booooooo.

people that aren't dependable-- I am very much a person that if I say I will do something, I will. I have always had commitment hammered into my head. Even if stuff isn't big, I still hate when people say they will do something and then don't. pisses me off.

bad gym fashion sense and etiquette-- okay if you don't have a nice stomach, then DON'T wear just a bra top. and don't leave machines all skanky after you use them-- wipe them off! yuck! and lastly, be the cute Chinese man and NOT the annoying blonde :)

ok off to make dinner, which is the one perk of no class because I forgot to eat before. oh well. later all.

yeah, I know-- they lost. be nice and don't bring it up :(

randomness

loved the Hooters wings, loved the lager, loved the company, hated the game. so, that part of yesterday's post was deleted. (bad memories.) anyhoo, moving on...

Well, I chatted a little bit with Allison online today and with Kimmy on the phone. hadn't talked to either in awhile, but after Allison's notification of Kim's recent DATE, I had to see what was going on. And, well, I did. BUT, wouldn't it figure that the guy she is dating is the grandson of the Wegman's chain family!!!! Most of you reading have probably not heard of Wegman's, or if you have, you may not have heard my theory on the supermarket-- I have decided that Wegman's is trying to take over the world. This all started in college when I was dating Joel and used to spend time with his family in Rochester, which is the birthplace of the company. Well, Wegman's was EVERYWHERE and had its hands in EVERYTHING in the area! And they were expanding all over the place! Then, the next time I went back to Philly, there were 2 new Wegman's stores in Southern New Jersey! Then I looked at the logo and noticed that the "g" kind of looks like an upside down "6". And since 666 is the devil's number, I have decided that Wegman's is not only trying to take over the world, it is also the devil. Yup, Wegman's= Satan. :) And wouldn't you know I had forgotten about all of this for years until Kimmy went out with the grandson!!! But, I have given my permission (obviously oh so important) to sleep with him even though he is the devil, so hopefully she'll still have some fun. hahahaha.

On another note, I want to teach you all a new phrase. See, this week at work we had a big celebration, and I was in early helping to set up for it. I was about to sample one of my counselors' pound cake (literally had it up to my mouth) when CC said "man, Hope put her foot in this!" Well, needless to say, like any other northern white girl I thought that was nasty and did not put it in my mouth! I mean really-- who eats something someone stepped on?! So, after everyone else around me had a very good laugh, they told me that someone putting a foot in something means it's good. Apparently "drawers" is also interchangeable with "foot". who knew. Well, I told Aletia later that I would look this up in my HipHoptionary and told her not to worry because I thought the pound cake was off the wanger. She gave me quite a look and said these books should never be made, even as jokes, because people like me will actually buy them and use them. Ahhh she knows me too well. hahaha. Anyway, for more HipHoptionary fun, reference this earlier post :)

One last note-- have you all seen those commercials (I think for Dr. Pepper) with everyone in the restaurant singing the "MNOM MNOP" song? Did anyone else out there grow up watching the Muppet Show? OMG when I saw that I was laughing so hard. Except, there are supposed to be muppets around singing it, not people at a restauarant!!! lol. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry. But, singing that also made me think of high school, when Yvonne and I would walk around cracking ourselves up going "yiiiiip yip yip yip". yeah, total dorks.

okay off to shower and get ready to go to Steph's to watch the Eagles kick ass. I am SO excited!!!! later all!

all they are is dust in the wind...

I'll have more later, I am just in a mood and wanted to post this song. you probably all know it...

Dust In the Wind (Kansas)

I close my eyes,
Only for a moment and the moment's gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind

Same old song,
Just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do
Crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see
Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Don't hang on,
Nothing last forever but the earth and sky
It slips away,
And all your money won't another minute buy

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind
Dust in the wind, everything is dust in the wind


does anyone know if there's a story behind this song? considering I am the stupid northern girl that watched Lynyrd Skynyrd play Free Bird live last year and didn't know it had any significance, I figured I'd ask. anyway, I don't know why Dust In the Wind, but there's just something about it that fit my mood tonight. what an absolutely amazing song.

Tuesday Picks & Pans

hello all and welcome to my weekly rant. Actually, though, today's blogging is calmly brought to you by Sarah McLachlan's "Song For a Winter's Night," which is one of the only winter things I like! and btw-- Sarah is playing here in May and I would LOVE to go. Anyone want to come with me???? :) ok on with the show...

PICKS

Dilbert-- I spent all of my teenage life thinking this was the dumbest comic ever and not understanding why my father and brother were always cracking up. Now, though, I daily wonder how Douglas Adams could have gotten the corporate world so perfectly pegged! I'll have to post some of my favorites at some point. Dilbert has also led to many work inside jokes, like "Carl" and "ahhh my world is falling apart!" yeah we're nerds.

The Onion-- If any of you read this already, you understand. The Onion is absolutely wonderful news satire. so fun. This link is one of my favorite recent articles. enjoy! :)

The Smoking Gun-- another great online novelty-- the Smoking Gun is famous for uncovering scandals and general craziness about anyone and everyone. I think I've listed TSG stuff before, but it's worth posting again. Here's my favorite recent one about an Arizona sheriff. cracked me up.

reading the Sunday paper-- I was raised reading the paper, and even though I now get most of my news online, there's still something about the Sunday paper. I don't know what it is, but I love kicking back and enjoying it.

silly horoscopes-- stupid, but still fun. In Touch says that this week I could use some excitement and should do something out of character, like giving in immediately to a reasonable request. Anyone have any reasonable requests for me? :Þ

Minesweeper-- I forgot how much I love this game. simple, but addictive. also check out some of my other favorites if you're bored: Zuma and Text Twist on MSN Games, Bejeweled and Insaniquarium on PopCap, and all the classic solitaires and card games. see if you get as addicted as I did...

T.O.-- we all know he'll play in the Super Bowl this weekend, because all of you athletes out there that have ever been injured know doctors always border on the cautious side. and you also all know what it means to be a gamer and understand why there's no way you can miss the big game if you have the chance not to. he'll play. and we'll win :)


PANS

people on cell phones at the gym-- what?! this to me is just CRAZY! first of all, although I know you're supposed to be able to talk while you're working out if you're at the right intensity, having an entire phone conversation just seems to say you're not working hard enough. and it's really annoying. no one wants to hear your conversation! cardio is already tedious enough! grrrrr

my doctor-- didn't order all of the right labwork, is making me pay out of my own pocket to see a nutritionist, and made the mistake yesterday of talking to me yesterday in a very patronizing tone. I HATE doctors.

The DVD Bible-- the other day I saw the stereotypical infomercial (but wait- there's more!) only this one was for a Bible. now I've seen it all.

taking credit for other peoples' work-- now, as a note, I do not know the whole story behind this yet, so this is just an initial and meaningless vent. Anyway, two years ago I was given a project that I really enjoyed and that I spent a LOT of time and effort on. All the plans initially made though never really came together and nothing much got done with it, but I had sent out all of my work to the other people on the committee. well, the other day, part of my work resurfaced, with one of my superiors thanking someone else for putting it together. I was way more upset than I thought I would be. this has never really happened to me, other than a few years ago when I started systems from scratch for one of my teams, and the people that came after me got all the glory for them. that seems inevitable in the business world, though. the former does not. now, I do not think this woman was dishonest and necessarily meant to take credit for what I did, but isn't passing something on and never saying you didn't do it just as bad?! When I pass on an idea that was one of my people's, I always go out of my way to make sure they get the credit for it, even if it's something like this that is not a huge deal. doesn't seem right. we'll see when I get the whole story...

doing dishes-- just sucks. that's it. but maybe if I cleaned up more often I wouldn't hate it so much. and, now my kitchen is pretty and clean, so I guess it's not so bad...

VH1's documentary shows-- okay at first the whole "I Love the" series was fun. I admit, I watched every episode. But, I guess they took the success from that and ran waaaay too far with it, because my gosh enough already!!! they had already done two editions of the 1990's before the end of 2004! And now there's My Coolest Years and Best Week Ever and all of the countdowns, and now I'm just really sick of seeing the same people make the same comments about anything and everything. and that's how I feel about that. :)

okay off to class again tonight :( But, there's a new Gilmore Girls tonight, so it's all good! :) later all.