I Brake for Turtles

So, it's June already?!?

2008-06-24T15:09:00.012-04:00

Where did the spring go?

1. First order of business is to post about the 'pay it forward' that Mandy in Canada did. She put together an awesome package chock-full of Canadian stuff from her Province that Tee and I were the lucky recipients of. Included in it were a(n): oven mitt, socks, Aerobar, super cute moose as a mountie magnet, a picture frame/flag magnet, and another magnet that encompasses being a woman. If I forgot something, I apologize. I've borrowed Tee's picture to use for this post--especially since the Aerobar didn't last long--and the other things have already been put to good use. The package was COVERED in the cutest Canadian stickers. I'm trying to figure out a way to salvage some of them to decorate my laptop with. :)

If you are interested in getting in on the 'pay it forward' action--let me know. I'll send out a package to you (limited to first three people who show interest in receiving something and sending something to someone else) full of super cool stuff that I think you'd like. Post a comment here if you want in.

2. Thomas and I took a road-trip to Detroit in mid-April to see JoDee and Craig for the weekend. We had originally planned to go to Penguicon, but other events kept us away from partaking of a majority of the festivities. This mainly being the flat tire that I got on the rental car on that Saturday that pretty much kept Thomas and I away from the hotel all freaking day. (Honestly, the only reason I wanted to go was to see my friends--and be supportive of Craig as he did his presentation. Oh--and to get my hair cut by Lisa at Tralise.

3. From Detroit that Sunday, we cut across Ontario into Niagra Falls, NY, and then down into Hershey, PA, the sweetest place on earth. Niagra was BEAUTIFUL. We made sure to view the falls from the Canadian side--and even though we couldn't stop and do the whole tourist thing (because parking was $12 per car and we still had miles and miles to go before sleep), we did hop out and take a few pictures.

Hershey was fun, even though the park was closed. We went to Chocolate World (with the singing cows) and took the chocolate tour, drove down streets with Hershey Kiss street lights, and enjoyed the lightly chocolate scented breezes while eating fresh from the factory store chocolate. Somehow, chocolate tastes sweeter there.

3. After Hershey, it was a straight shot into Baltimore, where we spent the remainder of the week at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on the Inner Harbor. This was my first Baltimore experience--and I loved it. Sure, having a harbor view room on the 28th floor certainly helped--but the city itself (or the little piece that was located on piers) was nice and fun. We hit up the Hard Rock Cafe, ESPN zone, the National Aquarium, and the mall.

4. Although we both love traveling--after 9 days away from home, that ended up being the only place that we wanted to be. Back in our own house, with the ability to cook dinner, lounge on the couch, and just chill out.

5. Softball is going okay. We just won our two most recent games this past Sunday, which improved our record to 5-11. The goal of the team was to have fun, and that's what the majority of us are doing. :) Fall ball will start after the spring/summer season ends sometime in August, and will probably keep the team playing through October.

Pay it forward...

2008-03-27T16:36:00.006-04:00

I was reading this blog by a girl named Mandy about a thing that she was doing. Basically, she was going to send something to three people, and then those three people post on their blog to send something to three more people who respond to THEIR blog. Or something like that. Anyways, I linked to her blog through Tee.

So, now I guess the challenge is out. If you are interested in doing this, leave a comment here, and then send me an email with your address in it--and eventually, you'll get something fun in the mail. Or kewl. Or yummy. Or something in the mail--I'm not really sure what it will be. BUT you have to then put this challenge on YOUR blog to pay it to three more people, and so forth. Got it? Oh yeah, i guess you can email me at ?queendork76@gmail.com?(just take off the question marks--is that enough to fool spammers?)

So now the waiting begins. Since I don't post that often, and only like 4 people read me with regularity, this could take a while.

Transition...

2008-03-16T21:29:00.002-04:00

life happens.

Chincoteague was awesome--just in case you didn't know that. Day three was cold and sunny, and honestly, I hated to leave. I just hope that Thomas takes me back again this year. :)

Work is awesome. I love my job--and I have a great boss.

I'm moving at the end of the month, so I've begun the packing/sorting for goodwill/getting rid of junk phase. I swear that I donated 18 pairs of adidas.

Most of my time lately has been spent blowing off my 10k training, packing, running softball practice, and looking for new furniture.

Maybe I'll post again when I actually have something to share.

Quick programming break from Chincoteague...

2008-01-08T21:46:00.000-05:00

Last night, Thomas suckered me into watching American Gladiators. I don't know if most of you remember that phenomenon that struck the early 1990's (unfortunately, this was right around the time that spandex was invented for the masses).

I remember the original American Gladiators--it came on Saturday afternoons after the cartoons and Linda Ellerbee's Nick News had ended. My brother (or mom) and I would watch it in fascination, cheering for the underdogs to beat the Gladiators--but also laughing hysterically when they lost. (quick side note--does anyone remember the Ellen show when it was a sitcom, and she was a competitor on AG? Was that the FUNNIEST episode of Ellen EVER? Man, I loved that show).

Anyways--so last night, Thomas and I watched the new AG. And although it was a throwback to the old school AG--tight spandexy silver lame costumes for the Gladiators, big vinyl covered foam blocks constructing the majority of the obstacle course--I was disappointed to see so many aspects found on my all-time favorite physical challenge show, Ninja Warrior. Here are the similarities that were noted:

The fall into the frigid waters of Mt. Midoriama is the chief reason for watching NJ. Now the AG peoples fall into the chlorinated waters of the studio.

The rolling log has felled many worthy contestants on NW--but somehow seems demeaning when used on AG.

The hand bike is a challenge of upper body strength on NW--but on AG, if the contestant falls off--they merely climb out of the foam pit of dispair and continue along the course. SLACKERS!

The cargo net is by far more challenging on NW--contestants take a flying jump from a trampoline to grasp the net and then either climb up or down to safety. On AG, they just climb it.

I will admit that the new AG was a great way to kill an hour, but I know that my favorite Ninja Warrior, Katsumi Yamada, would never lower his standards for a sell-out show like AG.

Oh yeah--I don't know if anyone else who watched this caught it or not, but there was a hint of incestuous lesbianism with the one contestant, Siene. For one, during the first competition, she administered one heck of a full hand tittie-twister to the Gladiator chick that was blocking her. And then she proceeded to talk about being hot and/or wet (often in combination with references to her mother, who was in the audience). "My mom told me to make her wet," was merely one of the memorable quotes that came from this chicks mouth.

Anyways, I guess I'll finish the Chincoteague post this week. l8r-ness!

Chincoteague, day 2...

2008-01-05T16:52:00.001-05:00

It rained....alot.

It was cold....alot.

Sonic sucked....alot (and now we know why it wasn't on the NASA recommended dining list.)

But we indoor letterboxed (and donated money to the Chincoteague Island Rescue Coalition).

And we had yummy NASA approved Chinese food for dinner (at the Great Wall II--not to be confused with the other NASA approved Chinese restaurant, Great Wall).

Coming soon--Day 3 highlights. Stay tuned.

Chincoteague Island--night one

2007-12-30T00:39:00.000-05:00

When traveling, I highly recommend visiting NASA approved dining establishments.

On the Island of Chincoteague, two places have laid claim to having the "BEST FRIED CHICKEN". And of course, Thomas and I have taken it on ourselves to lay to rest which place really does have the best chicken on the Island. Maria's Italian and the Shore Stop gas station maintain this highly contested battle.

Located about 1.5 miles from the hotel, take-out dinner at Maria's encompassed fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and cheesy garlic bread with marinara (afterall, Maria's is actually an Italian restaurant).

Don't worry though--we walked both to AND from the restaurant.

Tomorrow--Day two highlights.

Guess what I got for Christmas....

2007-12-26T22:16:00.000-05:00

A Nokia N810. Okay, not really. That was what Thomas bought for himself for the holiday and birthday--but I get to use it. And it's pretty darn nifty. Of course, the purchase was prompted by the news that Chump-USA was going to be closing all of their stores after the holidays.

Tonight, we took it war-driving. THAT was fun! :) It's hard to believe how many people have unsecured networks out there for anyone to stea-I mean, BORROW. Not that I've borrowed open networks for my own personal use before. Yeah...lets go with that.

Christmas was pretty good. Thomas and I drove into my parents on Saturday evening--and then drove back to Richmond last night. Now we only have three days of work, and then it's off to Chincoteague Island for the weekend and New Years.

Happy Holidays (whatever that may be fore you), and Happy New Year!

Some talk of photography

2007-11-17T21:23:00.000-05:00

First of all, thank you to everyone that visited Blue Ridge Outdoors and voted for my pictures.

Although I didn't win anything, my last entry, Farmers are outdoorsman, too was selected to appear at a gallery type showing at Richmond Camera, on Friday, December 7, 2007. My picture will be blown up to a 24 by 36 inch format, and available for sale. How exciting is that? Pretty freaking kewl if you ask me!

I thought I'd throw in a picture of a Richmond sunrise that I took on the way to work one morning for your enjoyment.

Update!

2007-11-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

I ♥ my new job!

It's the third and final time...

2007-10-05T19:20:00.000-04:00

That I'll ask you to go and vote for my PICTURE. The picture is titled "Farmers are outdoorsman, too".

I would appreciate all the 5's I can get--especially since the contest ends this month...and the pages are now being trolled by a bunch of nasty, spoiled Charlottesville middle schoolers.

So go--vote--and give me some ammunition to beat those little pissants!

Back from the trip...

2007-10-04T21:05:00.000-04:00

And we survived. You can read more about it on The Traveling Turtle.

The following are just some assorted pictures from the drive to/from Columbus, and of Columbus itself.

I can show you that at 8am, we both have really blue eyes. Ignore the poofy-face--I always look like that first thing in the morning.

In the little town of Nelsonville, we came accross a Fruth Pharmacy.
Kind of fitting, right?

Accross from the Convention Center, we found this crazy little sign. Apparently, they were tired of all the fake dead executives taking up all the parking.

Along Route 33, we kept seeing signs for RMHC event, with an arrow. And we were curious what this even was--and what RMHC was. So we went looking for this mysterious RMHC event. And ended up in Deliverance, Ohio. (Of course, Deliverance being a reference to the movie--I'm not sure exactly WHERE we were). And there we had the unique opportunity to cross the "Crack" Tracks. And we never figured out what great event the RMHC was having.

And in West Virginia, we stopped to watch a barge practially FLY down the Ohio River--and I got this really kewl picture with the bridge. (ie--barge picture was for JoDee's benefit).

And finally, just outside of Lexington, I was able to get this beautiful sunset. Enjoy!

Columbus or Bust!

2007-09-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

On Friday, Thomas and I are heading out to Columbus, OH, to go to Linux Fest. Those of you who know me know that I am not the most computer oriented person in the world--but I tend to gravitate towards those that are.

However, the point of the trip for me isn't to bask in Linux glory (although I DO use a Dell with Linux laptop), but to visit my bestest friends JoDeeand Craig. Much like the journey to the Cinci-classic, my main job is to show up, have fun, and look pretty on Thomas' arm.

Along the way, Thomas and I are hoping to find some fun things to see and do--hopefully we'll find a Worlds Largest Thing, or maybe some great Letterboxes to stamp.

So---I guess it's Columbus or bust! :)

This is me....

2007-09-19T21:37:00.000-04:00

Saving the world--one turtle at a time...:)

A funny sign...

2007-09-18T22:29:00.000-04:00

Thomas and I saw this on an excursion to Lewisburg, WV over the Labor Day holiday.

No other reason to post it, except for the name on it. Enjoy!

Since it's September...

2007-09-06T21:31:00.000-04:00

It's time to vote for my most recent photo in the Blue Ride Outdoors Photo Contest.

This time the entry is titled: Baa Baa Bath County. I took this on my parents farm this past spring.

Please go and vote for me! Remember-- a 5 is best! :)

Thanks!

The planting of my first letterbox...

2007-08-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

I've been a fan of letterboxing for a while--introduced to it a while back by JoDee and Craig.

Although I did some letterboxes alone within Richmond, this is an activity that Thomas and I have come to participate in with some regularity. And last Friday, we planted our first letterbox!

Needless to say, it was quite fun to assemble it. I hand carved a stamp for the box of a waterfall, to represent the Falling Spring Falls. Since I spent the majority of my life just up the road from here, I felt it would be a fitting spot for my first attempt at letterbox placement.

Thomas and I then spent innumerable hours (okay, not hours--but we DID go to two stores) to find an appropriate box. And to add to the concealment factor, we took a cue from a box we had located the other week, and disguised the box with Camo Duct Tape. Pretty ingenious, eh?

So now, our first box is out in the open, waiting for people to come and find it. Want to locate it yourself? You can get the clue here: Falling Spring Falls Letterbox. It's also posted on the Letterboxing website.

Happy Letterboxing!

If you're really my friends...

2007-08-23T23:40:00.000-04:00

You'll go to the Blue Ridge Outdoors Photo Contest and vote for my submission. Oh yeah--you'd also be subscribed to my RSS feed so that you know when I'm updating--which is ALOT lately.

I entered the picture titled, Goshen Pass. By clicking on the previous link, you can go directly to the rating page. Go ahead--give it a 5--it's worth it!

If you read the Traveling Turtle, you'll recall that this was a trip that was taken during the Memorial Day weekend.

Please Please Please go and rate my photo for me!

I have insomnia...

2007-08-23T02:43:00.000-04:00

It's just before 3am. I can't sleep. I haven't had caffiene in days. Seriously. I don't know why the insomniac bug bit me, but it has. And it sucks!

This is a picture of what I look like at 3am--after three hours of tossing and turning and finally giving up on sleep, and choosing to blog instead.

I have a TON of things to do tomorrow--and each minute that passes is one less minute of sleep I get.

AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

On letterboxing and new shoes...

2007-08-14T14:40:00.000-04:00

Last week, hoping to escape the incessant heat of Richmond, I headed out to the mountains to visit the 'rents. Unfortunately, the oppressive heat and humidity followed me there.

In addition to getting a haircut, buying new shoes, and letterboxing through West Virginia, another significant event occurred--Thomas met my parents. As I'm sure many of you know--anytime you introduce the person you are dating to your parents is very nerve-wracking. And since this is the first time I've done this particular feat--I was just a bit nervous, as well.

Last Tuesday night, Thomas and I met my parents in Waynesboro at the South River Grill. I believe things went rather well--as the image of Thomas as a 'player'--the one that my parents had of him sight unseen--was diminished on actually meeting him. After dinner, I drove home to Hot Springs to spend the rest of the week.

My mom and I spent Wednesday around town--where I found a cute black bag for my new laptop, as well as some personalized post-it notes (for less than $15).

On Thursday, I got a haircut, and then went and utilized some of the wireless internet at the CP Jones Library in Covington.

Friday found me riding to Staunton with my parents, as my dad needed to pick up some tractor parts. It was there that I found my new shoes.

Saturday, Thomas drove in and we spent the day traversing the area in search of letterboxes. And just for reference, you can find ALOT of letterboxes listed on Atlas Quest that are NOT listed on the Letterboxing website.

We completed the following letterboxes: Two Brothers (Hot Springs, VA), Devil's Backbone (Huntersville, WV), I-64 Welcome Center (en route to Covington, VA), and Humpback Bridge (Covington, VA).

Finally, the weekend wrapped up with Thomas and I having dinner with my parents (again), this time at the Country Cafe in Hot Springs--before making the long drive back to Richmond.

I guess, all in all, it was pretty eventful. Pictures of travels, and Shellby's commentary are on The Traveling Turtle blog.

On turning 27...

2007-08-07T00:54:00.000-04:00

I am all about getting deals--or even better, free stuff. So it's no wonder that I am alot of mailing lists. And this being my month of birth, I've been inundated with free goodies. A free burger at Red Robin, $5 off dinner at Red Lobster, $10 of game play at Dave and Busters. It's enough to overwhelm a girl!

So on Saturday, Thomas and I headed out to Red Robin to partake of my free birthday burger (which ended up being a chicken sandwich--but that's neither here nor there). I was very excited, since I haven't eaten at a Red Robin since LAST year's free birthday burger.

So we drove up to Virginia Center Commons (because I hate dealing with Short Pump traffic). I was excited--getting my free meal. I had raspberry lime-ade, and yummy steak fries buried in ketchup. And then it happened. They gathered around the table like vultures circling. The waiter circle--the one that sings and claps. And before you ask--Thomas knows better than to embarrass me like this--and he hadn't been out of my sight. (a few years ago, while at Red Robin in Novi, MI with JoDee, Craig, and my parents--my mom took it upon herself to do this little thing to me--it was not good for anyone present).

My waitress, Babs, currently the purveyor of my bottomless raspberry lime-ades turned against me, and brought forth her waitress friends. And all because I had used a coupon for a free birthday burger--this entitled me to not only a free ice cream sundae--but an embarrassing rendition of "happy birthday"--and an announcement to the establishment that my name was Ruth--and I was celebrating my 27th birthday with them.

It didn't seem to matter that it wasn't actually my birthday for a few more days--or that I'm not actually turning 27--because right now, everyone in that particular Red Robin's thinks I am. When she asked me my age, I just picked the one that fit me best. Besides, everyone on my softball team assumed that I was 26--so now I've aged an entire year. :)

Anyways--I guess I'm free to be 27 (again). I hope that it's alot better than the first time I was 27--because that one kind of sucked, if I remember correctly.

So--I'm off to the 'rents for the rest of the week to escape the crazy hot Richmond weather (predicted 103 on Wednesday), and partake of some of the cool mountain weather (or not--my dad says it's hot and humid there, too).

Stay cool! And talk to you next week!

Rubber-ducky?

2007-08-03T23:16:00.000-04:00

Nope--it's a tomato. Seriously. From the garden. But I thought it looked like a rubber-ducky.

Letterboxing in Fredericksburg

2007-07-31T22:01:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, Thomas and I had plans to meet up with my friend Jennifer, who lives in Fairfax. We made plans to have dinner at Fuddruckers in Fredericksburg.

Prior to meeting up for dinner with Jen (and her sister Beth, who came along), Thomas and I spent the afternoon wandering the streets of downtown Fredericksburg. There we walked along brick sidewalks, wandered into antique stores, shared a scoop of ice cream, and bought Smurfs--and it's entirely a coincidence that they resemble us. Seriously--it is. I mean, c'mon--blond hair, cute shoes, and a kick'n bag? Coincidence, I tell you! And just because Thomas wears glasses, you think he could be personified so easily with Brainy? Do you give me credit for no imagination at all?

While wandering around, we went and found two indoor Letterboxes. The first one, cleverly hidden in a bookstore, was perhaps the biggest challenge, due to the smallness of the store, the prevalence of customers, and the trickiness of getting the box out of it's secrete letterbox cave. The second box we went in pursuit of required clever use of the online card catalog and quick on-line visit to verify details we failed to print and take with us. :)

The best part of the letterboxes were--they were very challenging--basically due to all the people who tend to congregate inside air conditioned areas during hot and humid Saturday afternoons. We had to run extremely covert operations to ensure that actual patrons of said establishments did not know what we were doing.

With alot of heat still raging and hours to kill before dinner--we then headed over to Funland to kill some time. This is basically a huge monstrosity of overpriced games, chock-full of screaming brats. Imagine Dave & Busters on a Saturday afternoon--without the great atmosphere, fun games, and ambience--oh, about about 4x as many screaming kids. Yeah--it sucked. But for $7.00, we were able to kill about an hour playing billiards.

Finally, after we exhausted our options there--we finally headed over to air conditioned (although seemingly just as noisy) Borders to chill out until dinner.

Anyways, it was a pretty great day, full of good food, good friends, and alot of fun.

Just because I'm a great friend...

2007-07-24T22:29:00.000-04:00

I am entering a blog contest run by Tee at Spilt Milk. Spilt Milk is a blog about many things, including, a meddling mother-in-law, her Latino husband, motherhood, raising boys, reviews of cool products, books, funny life observations, and her struggle with religion and self esteem. The prize is a 3-pack of popular kid's computer games, and all I had to do to enter was to cut and paste this code onto my blog. I hope I win!

On a side note--she really does write about alot of great things. I love to read about whats going on in her life--especially since it's so different from mine. Sometimes, it's nice to see how the other half lives. The other half meaning married, kids, pet, mortgage as opposed to me--single (but in a relationship), no kids, no pets, and renting. I don't even HAVE kids--but I have a friend who does--so if I win, I'll pass the games along to them.

Yes, I too fell prey to the HP craze...

2007-07-24T17:34:00.000-04:00

If you hadn't picked up on it during my last post, I am a fan of Harry Potter. I read the first four books years ago in succession--multiple times--and then, I never quite got around to reading books 5 and 6. With the advent of the most recent movie being released, and book 7 coming to print, I finally decided to read books 5 & 6 so that I would be prepared.

And then, this past Saturday morning at 7am, I was at my local Sam's Club, purchasing book 7 for myself (and my friend Tracy) because, well--I knew that if I didn't read it right away, it would be ruined for me by Monday. And I knew that she would love to read it, too.

Starting sometime late Saturday morning, after a trip to the post office to send Tracy's copy to her, eating breakfast, and taking a shower, I finally sat down with HP and the Deathly Hallows.

That afternoon, Thomas showed up for our standing Saturday afternoon/evening date--so I had 7 or 8 hours where I didn't read--but as soon as I got home that night, I picked the book back up and started speeding through chapters again. By the time I went to bed Saturday night, I had finished a little over half the book (and that was with only maybe 4 hours of read time all day).

Sunday morning dawned, and off to church I went (like the good little Christian girl I am), and then rushed home to get ready for my softball games. In between church and softball, I was able to eek out another 2 hours or so of reading time--leaving me around 150 pages to finish that night. And believe me, I did finish it Sunday night.

I won't ruin it for anyone reading here--but let me tell you this. IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!! And the best part was, that none of the spoilers that I heard all of last week were true--which totally made my reading experience all that more enjoyable.

I hope that everyone else loved it as much as I did! And this is one series of books that I am sorry to see come to an end--but now, I have to wait for the movies. Please let them come out soon!

The Harry Potter revolution...

2007-07-23T21:49:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, Thomas and I went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The movie was good, but a bit disappointing.

Although it was great to see the book on the big screen, the detectable differences between the book and the movie irritated me. If you know me at all, I am a STICKLER for details--and alot of things stood out at me.

For example, the crew meets Luna Lovegood on the train--not on the carriage ride to Hogwarts.

Secondly, what happened to the gold coins that the DA used to keep informed of the meetings? Don't those come into play in books 6&7? Won't it be hard to introduce them then, if they weren't introduced at the correct place to begin with?

Thirdly, the DA was revealed by a friend of Cho's--not Cho herself. An the girl that ratted them out was plagued with horrible skin deformities because Hermione jinxed the sign-up list--but in the movie, Cho was forced to talk by use of veritaserum.

Fourthly, was anyone else disappointed in the fight that took place at the Ministry of Magic? In the book, that fight was so awesomely staged, that I had high hopes for the battle that would happen in the movie. Unfortunately, it was short, altered significantly, and nowhere was intense as it should have been.

There were more things I could go into about differences between the book and the movie--but I'll choose to not bore you with that now. Just know, movie makers, I am on to you and your lack of attention to important details! Don't think I won't be waiting for the next installments. And if you DARE skimp on the important details in the 7th movie--well, I would just suggest you don't!

Detroit, representin'!

2007-07-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

Tonight, Thomas and I did something we haven't done for weeks---mainly because most of the time we're too tired.

Yes--that something DOES begin with the letter 'S'. And before you say, Dirty Perv---don't worry--we played SCRABBLE. :) Had you going there for a minute, didn't I? Like I would tell you about my sex life.

Anyways, tonight was a monumental occasion, as I broke my all time SCRABBLE high score of 307 with a new high score of 313. See below the picture of the final game board.

Hence the reason that I used the Detroit shout-out--since the venerable city is often referred to in slang by its historic area code. According to Thomas--who is a fount of information about alot of things--which makes him a formidable opponent with NTN trivia--I learned the following little factoid about WHY Detroit has the 313 area code.

This is quoted word for word from Thomas--so if it's wrong--take it up with him!

"Back when there were rotary phones, the largest cities got the easiest to dial area codes. So, New York, being the largest, was given 212, because it requires the least amount of finger movement. The Los Angeles with 213, then Chicago with 312, and finally Detroit with 313. Of course, now it's obsolete with touch-tones, but it's still interesting to know anyway."

So, now you got a little history lesson, too. :)

Travels with Thomas...

2007-07-14T23:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we road tripped to Bladensburg, Md--home of one of the twelve 7-11 to Kwik-E-Mart transitions for the month of July. You can check out the Traveling Turtle Blog
to see pictures of the adventure with Shellby in tow.

Afterwards, we hit up Dave and Busters again, and had a fun time--and we hit the jackpot on the candy claw machine! :)
I also found the most AWESOME shoe store--much better than DSW--to satisfy my Adidas shoe needs. The Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse. If you, like me, wear a size 11--this is the store to go to. Aisles and aisles of beautiful shoes. It was truly a liberating experience.

We've gone on quite a few adventures lately. Dave and Busters at Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, Md.

We drove to NC for the 4th of July.

We've been letterboxing in the general Richmond area.

I've discovered an affinity for Fredricksburg and their awesome Fuddruckers.

And my most favorite little out of the way stop: Hornes for hand dipped Hersheys ice cream!

I've also been playing softball again this summer with the Unwanted. Right now, we're 5 out of 6 in the league (6 and 16 on the season). With only four weeks left in the season, it's doubtful that we'll be contenders for any type of pennant for this season.

Its been a fun summer so far. I hope to be updating alot more now that I can download my camera onto my new laptop now. I have almost a year's worth of things to post about between here and the Traveling Turtle--so check back often for fun and interesting things!

Wow, the way that time passes...

2007-06-29T19:37:00.000-04:00

Yeah, yeah--I know I haven't posted in FOREVER. I know it, you know it--everyone knows it.

So, since my last posting--alot of has happened.

1. My Mac died. Yes, my beautiful Powerbook bit the dust due to a cracked logic board.
2. I bought a new computer. I am now the proud owner of a new Dell with Linux.
3. I am currently exploring new career options.
4. And subsequently, I am enjoying having the summer off so far. :)
5. I've been reading ALOT. I just read the 5th Harry Potter book in two days. I mean, I had to so that I could see the movie and all next month.
6. I have a boyfriend (Yes, Thomas--I mentioned you--see!!), who is freaking awesome.

And I'm sure that other things are going on--but that's basically it in a nutshell.

So, welcome me back with open arms. I'll hopefully be posting more now that I am capable of doing so. I also have a bunch of pictures for the traveling turtle that need to put up at some point. Maybe I'll get those up soon for your viewing pleasure, too.

I won! I won!

2007-04-13T16:38:00.000-04:00

I, dear readers, won Craig's most recent caption contest. Seriously. You can read it on his page if you don't believe me. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Oh, good--your back. I was afraid that the temptation of staying to read Craigs page would be too much, and you would have abandoned me for more technical writing.

Currently, I'm sorting through a years worth of pictures I finally downloaded from my camera, and attempting to put labels on them all. I hope to have some stuff posted this weekend. Maybe.

Or not, as I hope to go and check out the Ettrick Heritage Day on Saturday--as long as the rain holds off. (I did have it linked, but it was bad and kept taking you to a p0rn site or something--and I know enough about my readers to know that if they WANTED to see p0rn, they are more than perfectly capable of find it on their own).

And maybe if I'm lucky--there will be same challenging games of scrabble thrown in for good measure?

Check back later for more details. :) And have a great weekend!

OMG, it's April already!

2007-04-05T16:48:00.000-04:00

Where did March go?

I do have pictures from the Knoxville trip that need to be posted here and on the The Traveling Turtle.

I have stories to tell, memories to share, and unfortunately, too little time to do it all in.

Once I find the cord to dump the camera on the mac, I'll force myself to update and inform in the always punctual way that you've come to know and love.

Until then, peace out, homefries--I'm off to the 'rents for Easter weekend.

(and just an aside, I have not purchased NOR consumed one blasted Peep so far in 2007.)

For the past few weeks...

2007-03-15T21:31:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking of good things to write about here.

For example, I thought I could write about the barrage of tests that my ENT doctor has put me through recently, including but not limited to:an MRI that required me to be shoved head first into a small tube that made all sorts of scary noises and movements--only to be finally pulled out, shot full of dye and then shoved back in for another go at it.

I considered writing about my weekend at the Maple Festival. I had a great three day weekend that involved getting a haircut, lunch with my mom, a day at the festival, and then ended with church on Sunday before the drive back to RIC.

I could write about the trials and tribulations of recruiting members for my summer league softball team. That's as exciting as it sounds--the best part of softball being my cute new cleats.

I suppose I could eek out a few words about the Belly Dancing class I'm taking. Yes, go ahead and laugh all you want-- I am taking a belly-dancing class. It's fun--and it's one heck of a workout!

Or I could tell you about giving blood today for the third time--and getting a coupon for a free Chick-Filet sandwich, which I can't eat, since I don't consume fried foods anymore.

Next week, I might have a movie review of 300.

You never know where I might lead you next!

Just in case you didn't know...

2007-03-02T22:35:00.000-05:00

there's NOTHING good on TV on Friday nights. ever. And it sucks, because I'm always home on Friday nights, and I'm always left aimlessly flipping through stations looking for something to watch to occupy the night--and I almost always end up watching Nick-at-Night shows like Full House, Fresh Prince, and Roseanne--wondering what happened to my life--and am I really as boring as my tv viewing habits imply?

Tonight, I'm watching the Bourne Supremacy for approximately the 4th time. Don't get me wrong--I love watching a crew-cutted Matt Damon just as much as the next pathetically single girl home alone on a Friday night--but even he has lost his appeal. No matter how much I try to talk to him on the tv, he doesn't talk back. He has no thoughts on how my day was--or my weekend plans (or lack there-of). He doesn't care that I actually got all my laundry done and put away, and now I have all this free time for the weekend--or that instead of being elated, I realize it was kind of stupid because now I have MORE long endless hours to occupy with either aimless net-surfing or reading...or sucky TV watching.

I need to find a hobby to fill up Saturday. Any suggestions?

I felt like writing a post...

2007-02-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

but I have no topic at hand.

So, this may or may not turn out decently. Either way, feel free to read.

I bought groceries for the first time in three weeks. I decided it was time--especially since my choices for dinner last night came down to a bowl of Cocoa Crispies or a pack of Ramen. Guess which one I had? Well, if you know anything about me, you would have said, BOTH! and you'd have been absolutely right! Well, I had the cereal--then a few hours later decided I was still hungry and had the Ramen. LIke you really needed to know that, but like I said--it's a slow ruthie-news week.

At the store this morning, I dropped alot of money on some essentials. Well, to be perfectly honest, of the $90 bucks I did spend, $20 of it covered a new bottle of olive oil, two years supply of garbage bags, and a new compact powder to replace the one I broke last week.

Right now, I'm curled up on the couch, wrapped in my most favorite pink plaid fleecy blanket JoDee made me for Christmas two years ago. One of the perils of a basement apartment is the predilection of it to feel kind of cold and damp. Don't get me wrong--I prefer cold and damp over hot and humid any day--but it seems particularly cold and damp today. My toes are cold.

I think I'm going to take a nap--and maybe drink some hot chocolate.

Hope you had a good weekend.

Thoughts of a weather nature...

2007-02-12T22:22:00.000-05:00

Meteorologists in the area have predicted two severe weather fronts in the recent past-and both turned out to be nothing. One day, without even a flake of snow to base it on, schools and businesses closed for the day--based on the THREAT of snow. Only in Ricmhond, eh?

Tonight, we may or may not see an ice and snow storm that has been in the predicting stage for a few days. The NOAA has changed the forecast about four time in the past 24 hours. What will happen? Who knows--but I'll admit it would be nice to have a 'snow day' from work.

I AM PREPARED!!! I have a brand new When Harry Met Sally DVD, a box of turtle brownie mix, and a bag full of unread books (courtesy of mom). I could use the time to catch up on the Young and the Restless--since I get to catch an episode of it every 4 years or so, I should be pretty up to date with the plot line. And I could see how old Bob Barker is doing on the Price is Right--and watch someone lose at Plinko (I think it's fixed).

Along with warm fuzzy socks, comfy jammies, and internet access, I could have the best snow day ever--well, maybe not ever--but the best in recent memory (the last occuring sometime in 2000 when the weather gods dropped a good 2-3 feet of snow on Michigan--and I was actually paid for having the day off).

Now, if only the weather would cooperate.

Dinner with a friend...

2007-02-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

We used to have dinner together alot in the olden days. In college, we had dinner together three or four times a week. Pizza from the after hours Oakland center Pizza Hut on campus. Our Thursday girls nights out at Fridays with the other 'girlz in the hall' from 5 HIll House. Our Tuesday 'Drew Carey' dinner and TV viewing. Our late night Meijer, Krispy Kreme, and Taco Bell trips just because we were awake and hungry.

After college, even though we didn't live down the floor from each other any more, we still managed to grab a few meals a week together. When I relocated from Macomb to Belleville, that dropped to maybe once or twice a week. But since I moved to Virginia, JoDee and I don't have alot of opportunity to have dinner together any more. Something about that 800 mile buffer zone between here and Michigan puts a real kink in our spur of the moment dinner plans.

Tonight, though, JoDee and I met for dinner (sans Craigers). We picked a time, planned a menu, and met over the phone for some quality chat time. I made chicken stir-fry with the YUMMIEST teriyaki sauce EVER! She partook of crock-potted goodness of her own making. (and believe me, it had to be good--because JoDee is a GREAT cook).

Dinner was delicious, the company was awesome, and I realized how truly thankful I am to have friends who make the effort to keep us connected, even though the distance could very well have ended our friendships years ago.

The failure of Richmond Radio...

2007-01-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

When I first moved to Richmond from Detroit, I went through serious radio withdrawls. I went from a diehard 89X to being without a radio home.

I tried out 102.1 from DC, with the super annoying Elliot in the Morning show. Elliot annoyed me more than Drew and Mike on the WRIF did.

For a while, I was listening to Richmonds new alternative Y101. It was pretty good, until they, too, went the route of the sucky morning show.

I absolutely detest Q94. The morning show isn't actually bad, but they play so much Justin Timberlake and Fergie, I want to scream.

The one day, I found what I thought was going to be my radio home. A new little station called 98.9 Liberty. They play EVERYTHING. And I finally found a radio station I could fall in love with. The played great music all the time--and no annoying DJ's in the morning. On the way to work, I only want three things: good music, weather, and traffic. I don't want DJ's chattering inanely about the current song. I don't want commentary.

When I lived in Michigan, one of my favorite stations for a long time was Alice 106.7. It was awesome--just like 98.9 started out--all music, all the time. Then they went and added DJ's--and everything went down from there.

Can't radio stations leave well enough alone? Why can't we have just music and weather and traffic? Is that too much to expect?

So, once again, I am without a radio home. I skip through stations during the day, avidly avoiding the country-western stations, looking for good music without talk.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for Craigers...

2007-01-22T19:35:00.000-05:00

for making it possible for me to type this from the comfort of my own home, as opposed to doing it at wor..I mean, as oppossed to not posting at all...because I would NEVER have posted something like this from work. I respect my company and position too much to jeopardize my employment by doing something so irresponsible. Yeah--irresponsible.

Oh yeah, mad props to my landlord for letting me use her internet for free. Man, I love my apartment.

and I also L-O-V-E the fact that, instead of hunched over my desk at wor...I mean, my other means of internet access--I'm lounging in my chair, feet propped up, typing on my trusty and beautiful Mac.

So, welcome to a new age of posts that can maybe mention the words "work, employer, day job, hell" without, hopefully, the retribution of possible termination--as long as I don't specifially mention any names, I should be pretty safe, right? Especially if I'm posting from home, and not utilizing my alternate means of internet. Anyone versed in internet employment law?

Oh yeah--so I'm here.Yay, me! :)

In honor of the impending Christmas holiday...

2006-12-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

I received this in an email from Pam.

Twas the night before Christmas
and all round my hips
Were Fannie May candies
that sneaked past my lips.

Fudge brownies were stored
in the freezer with care,
In hopes that my thighs
would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle
and I in chin straps
Had just settled down
to sugar-borne naps.

When out in the pantry
there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed
to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen
I flew like a flash,
Tore open the icebox
then threw up the sash.

The marshmallow look
of the new-fallen snow
Sent thoughts of a binge
to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!

That huge chunk of candy
so luscious and slick
I knew in a second
that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa,
those sugared reindeer,
I closed my eyes tightly
but still I could hear;

On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
A Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.
From the top of the scales to the top of the hall
Now dash away pounds; now dash away all.

Dressed up in Lane Bryant
from my head to nightdress
My clothes were all bulging
from too much excess.

My droll little mouth
and my round little belly
They shook when I laughed
like a bowl full of jelly.

I spoke not a word
but went straight to my work
Ate all of the candy
then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger
beside my heartburn
Gave a quick nod toward
the bedroom I turned.

I eased into bed,
to the heavens I cry
If temptation's removed
I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again
as I turned for the night
"In the morning I'll starve...
'til I take that first bite!"

Author Unknown (it came in a forward)

Merry Christmas, Everyone! :)

Tis the season for cheesy TV movies...

2006-12-18T15:02:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I spent not one, but both days off becoming one with my couch. It's been a while since I've spent that kind of quality time with a piece of furniture that is not my bed or my office chair at work. However, please note that this reacquaintance was not by choice, but by necessity.

Anyways, quality time with the couch usually results in some quality time with the TV as well. And with Christmas so quickly approaching, station such as Lifetime, Oxygen, and Hallmark innundate the airwaves with a plethora of holiday themed made for tv movies.

Yesterday, with little else to do, and my remote lost somewhere between the cushions, I was forced to watch the Hallmark channel. And on the Hallmark channel, there was a movie called, "Single Santa Seeking Mrs. Clause," and unfortunately, the sequel, aptly titled, "Meet the Santas." No, neither of the movies starred that intrepid actor, Rob "king of the Lifetime movie" Lowe, but Steve "where did my acting career go" Guttenberg. This is a picture from the wedding scene of the movie:

Did anyone else notice that Steve Guttenberg is Jewish? I found it rather ironic and humorous that a Christmas movie about Santa was played by a Jewish actor.

Don't get me wrong--I had a Jewish friend/roomate once. Jewish people are great, and they have some really interesting and yummy delicacies like Matza ball soup, farfel, brisquet, and kuegel.

I was just pointing out the irony of a predominately Christian myth being portrayed by Steve Guttenberg, best known for the"Police Academy" movies, and very little else since 1985.

I'm wary of posting this, though, because some crazy person (be it man or woman) who's totally in love with Steve may be ranting to me about how jealous I am of his career, and most especially, his money, because, honestly--who WOULDN'T want to be Steve Guttenberg!?!

In honor of the impending holiday...

2006-12-15T08:53:00.000-05:00

I Elfed myself. Apparently, I make a pretty cute elf! And if you're feeling adventurous, you can watch me shake my elfalicious self, here. And when that's done--you can go Elf yourself, too!!

Thanks to Tracy ( a pretty darn cute elf, herself!) for giving me the hookup! :)

The new 'man' in my life...

2006-12-11T17:42:00.000-05:00

Every fall, without fail, I find a new man living in my apartment. Last year, his name was George. This year, his name is Fred. Fred the ladybug.

I'm not sure if this Fred the same Fred from a few months ago. I'm sure that the Fred's come and go at random. But either way, we co-exist in harmony and peace. I do things for Fred--mainly saving him from eminent death. No matter what, if I'm around, Fred will not succumb to a watery demise on my watch. I've saved him from the bathroom sink, covered in toothpaste. I've scooped him out of hot dishwater. I've flipped him right side up after he went on a night long bender and ended up on the counter top. This morning, I found Fred seeking refuge in my bed as I ran out the door to work.

Don't get me wrong--I am NOT a bug person. If Fred was a spider--he wouldn't be around long enough to GET a name. But then again, Fred doesn't bite. Fred doesn't scurry frantically along baseboards, and hide in ceiling corners, and fall onto my head, either. Fred merely gravitates toward the warmest lights in the house, settles in, and stays there.

I know what you're thinking--and no, I don't need a psychiatric evaluation. I think I'm just stuck in the living alone and not having anyone to talk to syndrome. Fred fulfills that need. Without Bubba or Ralphie, I get lonely--and I look for things to talk to. This time it just happens to be a ladybug instead of a plant or a fish. At least it's not a cat. I might be sad and lonely--but I am NOT a crazy cat woman.

For that I can be thankful.

Bunnies gone...wild?

2006-12-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

As an avid reader of Craigslist, I usually touch on a multitude of different categories during the course of the day. I read rideshare (to find out where other people are going, and see if that's somewhere I would like to go, too). Sometimes I chech out the rants and raves (or post my own rants). I look through apartments and roomates (because even though I'm happy with my current living situation, you never know when circumstances may change and I'll be forced to move). I like to check out the free stuff, furniture, and household items, just to see what kind of stuff is out there. And I like to read the lost and found (because I never know when I might have lost something and just haven't realized it yet!).

On reading the lost and found today, there was not just one listing for a found bunny--but two. TWO found bunnies listed today. What is wrong with the world when poor, defenseless little bunnies are thrust so cruelly into the streets, far away from their beds of shredded cedar, and in some cases, pristine litter boxes? How could someone throw out something so cute and cuddly? Did your bunny go on a wild rottweiler-esque spree, maiming carrots and toes? Or perhaps the wife wouldn't let you blame the noxious odors on the tiny fluffball anymore, and you realized that it was indeed time to upgrade to a dog?

Pet bunnies, just like dogs and cats, are domesticated for home and cage living. As much as you might think it's 'humane' to release this animal to nature (or the mean streets of Richmond), remember that carrots do not grow from asphalt....and that the bunny is not rejoicing at their new found freedom.

If you discover yourself in a pet situation that you cannot handle any longer, at least have the courtesy to take the animal to the local humane shelter. There, they will receive food and care, and possibly a new home. I'm not sure if bunnies have rescue organizations like greyhounds
or turtles but it's worth a shot.

Besides, how could you want to hurt this? I almost want to go out and get my own bunny.

I just realized something that really irritates me is...

2006-11-27T17:12:00.000-05:00

Justin Timberlake and that annoying whiney-girl falsetto that he sings in on so many of his songs. I should clarify that I do not listen to him by choice, only by chance when he comes on the radio during that brief period between 6am and 7:30am when I am getting up and ready for work. However, even that brief exposure to his music (which usually encompasses two different songs a total of three times EACH) is enough to form a rather strong opinion.

Why do women find a man who sings in a high-pitched voice sexy? Men should have nice, dark, deep, masculine voices. Barry White comes to mind. Okay, I might be a bit of a hyprocrit, because I do own (and love) my Air Supply greatest hits CD (and know all the words to all the songs). That's classic--but I digress.

Justin Timberlake is ugly (in a funny looking sort of way) , annoying, and most probably gay. 'nuff said.

Thanksgiving break...

2006-11-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

I am on vacation.

Hope that YOUR turkey-day celebration is a good one!

Delusions of Potato...

2006-10-24T11:06:00.000-04:00

Six months ago, I made a dietary lifestyle change. I stopped eating all fast food, all fried food, all sugar sweetened drinks (which has now come to include all soft-drinks, including diet), and modified from white bread/pasta to whole grain varieties. I’ve been pretty good about sticking to the diet. One thing I have been adamant about has been NO FRENCH FRIES. In the beginning, that was the hardest. I would be driving home from my Dale Carnegie class late at night, and pass by two McDonalds, a Hardees, a Burger King, and Wendy’s, and would want to them so badly. Going anywhere was a challenge, because all I could think about was the crispy salty fries drowned in ketchup. Eventually, the cravings passed, and now I can face down fries and not be tempted.

Two weeks ago, I dreamt of French fries. Two separate dreams, each including friends and family members that I love, as well as fried potatoes of some variety.

The first dream, I was in a diner with JoDee, Craig, and a nameless/faceless guy. You know the kind of diner I’m talking about—all bright white, red vinyl seats, chrome trim—the kind of place you see on TV. We were at a table, and being a diner, this place served normal diner food—burgers, fries, and shakes. Sticking to my diet, I ordered a baked potato. When the waitress came back, she gave everyone their order, and in front of me, she placed a big white platter of assorted fried potatoes— French fries, those little crunchy hash rounds that fast food places serve with breakfast, and fried potato wedges. I looked at my plate, looked at the waitress, and told her that I couldn’t eat that. I ordered a baked potato because I gave up fried foods. She apologized and told me that they didn’t serve baked potatoes. Even though she told me there would be no charge, she left the plate of sin on the table, and told my co-diners that they could help them selves. At this point, nameless/faceless guy next to me reaches over, picks up the entire plate, covers it with ketchup and begins to devour it.

Later that night was dream number two. I was at my parents’ house. It was spring, sunny but brisk. My brother and mom are with me. My brother is doing something car repair related, and my mom is sitting in the driver seat. I’m standing outside, holding a paper plate covered with French fries and ketchup. Trying to not break my diet, I yell, “I don’t know whose fries these are, but they had better get over here and take them, or I’m going to start eating them.” I then eat a fry. My brother comes over, and I say, “Great, now look what you made me do! I have to eat them all now.” Then I woke up.

I’m no dream interpreter, but I would think it’s safe to assume that I want sex. Wait, I mean, French fries. Yeah, maybe I should lean towards the French fry answer.

Anyways, I was telling my mom about the dreams, and after I finished telling her about the second one that she’s in, she pauses and asks, “What kind of fries were they?” And I’m like, “What do you mean? Weren’t you listening? They were French fries.” And she was like, “No, I mean, what KIND of French fries? Like steak fries? McDonald’s fries? Curly Fries?” To be honest, they were those crinkly-cut fries that you buy in ball park concession stands at little league games. Kind of gross, I know, but hey— French fries are all the same, right?

News from the homefront...

2006-10-18T16:21:00.000-04:00

Mom just called with good news from her checkup. Everything looks great, blood counts are almost normal, and the biopsy showed nothing significant which would be considered a relapse. Now she's off to celebrate with Krispy Kremes.

Yay! :-D I'm happy, too.

Apparently, Hell has frozen over...

2006-10-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

and in this case, I DO mean Michigan. Who would've thought with the first snow of the year falling in October would mean that the Tigers would advance to the World Series? And then to be followed by a Lions win? WTF is going on in Detroit? I guess my next question is--could another Stanley Cup be in the making for the Wings this year? Let's keep our fingers crossed, because we ALL know that baseball, basketball, and football are only there to occupy your time until hockey season begins. :)

On another note--I'm pretty excited because, barring no major catastrophes, this time next month I'll be packing and getting ready for my Thanksgiving roadtrip. Keep your fingers crossed!

Updating...

2006-10-13T12:35:00.001-04:00

Nothing really to report.

Still trying to find a new "salon" to bring my skills and experience to.

The student loan people finally tracked me down, and now I'm uber-broke for the rest of my life.

Keeping the faith that my trip to Michigan will still be feasible for Thanksgiving.

Slacked off a little with exercise towards the end of last week (weather related), but oh well--I think I just needed break because my body hurt and I slept.

Then, I fell on my knee playing tennis on Monday night. It's been a little swollen this week, which was exacerbated by the 3.5 hours of softball last night (practice and 2 games). Sunday afternoon is another double-header.

I have a check in at the gym tonight, so maybe I'll be given encouraging news to keep me motivated towards the challenge.

Soooooo....What's up with all of you?

Fall is in the air....sorta

2006-09-29T16:00:00.000-04:00

Dear weather gods;

In two days, it will be October, harbringer of autumn. I love fall. Cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, donuts and cider, and of course, sweater weather. Unfortuately, while autumn arrives around most other temperate states around now (and even in other parts of Virginia) it is slow to come to Richmond. Although the temperatures are becoming cooler, the leaves are still green and the flowers are still blooming. By my earliest estimation, by mid-November I should be able to finally pack away the last of the summer sandals and t-shirts, and finish unpacking my sweaters and socks. By February, winter will be gone and spring will be rearing is ugly, pollen-laden head, and the wardrobe that was so carefully packed away will be retrieved, and again my sweaters will return to their nine-month Rubbermaid slumber.

Oh, weather gods, why do you torment me so? Have I not been faithful to you? Do I not dress appropriately for each of your seasons? Am I not a good follower of your rules? Do I wear white after Labor day? Does my wool traverse into summer? True, there was a time in my past when I thought it was "cool" to wear Teva's year-round, covering my freezing feet with thick socks in winter. I have learned from my past indiscretions, and I beseech you, dear weather gods--don't torment me so! Please send me a beautiful temperate moderately-cool temperatured autumn to enjoy, followed by a nice brisk winter, sans the ice storms you felt that I was deserving of last year. Am I asking too much, weather god, sir? I think not! Only you control the thermostat of the world. And with that, I bid you adieu

Your most loyal autumn fan,

Ruthie

I hurt (but I feel great)...

2006-09-18T10:53:00.000-04:00

Between the walking challenge at work, and the Biggest Loser challenge at my gym, I am SORE. The trade-off is, I feel pretty darn good.

The walking challenge is a team effort. I and my three teammates wear pedometers for six-weeks and compete against 14 other teams in our company for prizes and recognition.

The Biggest Loser challenge at my gym is an individual effort. I entered the contest for two dollars, and the person who loses the most weight/body fat by November 15 wins all the money in the pot.

In order to get my walking team in a good place, I have been adding extra walking to my day, when possible. For example, on Saturday, instead of driving to the gym to work out, I walked two miles to the gym, did my weightraining, and then walked two miles home. Unfortunately, it's getting dark too early to do this after work, but I did do it once last week. Usually I just walk about 2.5 miles around the neighborhood in the evenings because I've kind of gotten burned out on the eliptical machine. In addition to my walking, I'm also playing tennis and softball. Just to give you an idea of what my typical after work schedule looks like, here is an example:

Monday--tennis
Tuesday--tennis
Wednesday--walking or weightraining
Thursday--softball practice
Friday--walking (or gym if raining)
Saturday--walking to gym/weightraining
Sunday--softball game

A schedule like this is the reason I hurt. I think I'm going to regret the twice weekly tennis, especially if my partner continues to push out 2.5 hours each time we play. The walking is great--I don't mind that at all and have come to realize that on days I don't do something active after work, I feel kind of sluggish and don't sleep as well. The softball is growing on me--and I'm sure if I continue to be assigned to the catcher position, all of the squatting will become second nature, and I'll have some great thighs, too.

Oh yeah, and once a month I have a bookclub meeting to organize. Hopefully, that will catch on and more people will begin to join.

That's all for now.

Time for a style change...

2006-08-22T11:55:00.000-04:00

I discovered yesterday that I totally and inexplicably HATE my hair, as well as all of the other stylists at the salon. I can't believe that it took me over two years to come to this conclusion, but I do—I absolutely HATE my hair—and I hate all the stupid stuff I have to up with everyday because of my hair. Unfortunately, it's not easy to change your hair—it takes a lot of time and effort to find new hair—you have to interview for new hair (sometimes a few times), and of course, new hair isn't always what it's cracked up to be, but after yesterday, I think I'm ready to start looking for new hair in ernest.

Yesterday morning, my hair was fine. No problems, but then the salon manager called me into a meeting, and told me that she didn't like the way I was doing my hair, and that the people I work with would start to follow my hair trends, and she didn't want that—apparently, blinking and yawning are considered bad hair practice and show disrespect. It doesn't matter that her hair looks like crap b/c she doesn't even know how to do it—but she has the nerve to try to tell ME how to do MY HAIR? Let me tell you—I was NOT happy. Of course, this hair situation has been culminating for months now—because, to be honest, I'm bored with my hair. I do the same thing to it every day. There's no change. It's the SAME THING every single day. And I'm tired of it. I know that I won't be going anywhere with this particular hair—and to be honest—I've stopped caring and even trying. What's the point, when my hair provides no opportunity for change?

And the worst part—the salon manager—yes, the mgr of the salon I do my hair at—was asking for a listing of 50 abbreviations for the stars on the flag—b/c apparently, she doesn't know them. how do you NOT know abbreviations for 50 stars? WTF—but I'm pretty sure that while I take a break from my hair next week, I'll come back to the salon after labor day and find out that all h3ll has broken loose, and of course, it will be my fault—and the salon will probably kick me out of my hair—which solves the problem of wanting a hair change—but doesn't help pay bills until that new hair is located. ARRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH! I'm stuck in hair h3ll—and there is no escape. :(

How can this be bad for you?

2006-08-18T11:24:00.000-04:00

Holy Chocolate!

Ode to a Friday

2006-08-17T17:35:00.000-04:00

Friday, thou art my reason for living.
You, and you alone, are the brigtht spot in an otherwise dim week of days.
Your beauty is outshone by none (except for Saturday--my other true love).
Don't be fickle, dear Friday.
I will always love you.

The things you learn from NPR...

2006-08-15T18:06:00.000-04:00

Peregrination: To travel or journey from place to place, especially on foot

(www.dictionary.com)

Embracing my (African) heritage...

2006-08-11T16:25:00.000-04:00

I have discovered that I am not white, as I originally thought. Don't let the blonde hair and blue eyes deceive you--I am black. Big, Black, and Beautiful. Normally, this might have come as a shock to me, but FINALLY, after 30 years, I can embrace my heritage. Now, my booty (big butt to all you crackers), as well as my grasp of ghettonomics make sense! How did I come about to this amazing discovery? Well, Cover Girl sent me the following email:

I had NO IDEA I was anything other than the whitest white girl ever known. From now on, I prefer to answer only to my African name: Ru Dique'.

A meme for my followers...

2006-08-09T10:59:00.000-04:00

“Participate with me on this. I only sent this to friends whose answers are bound to be clever! This is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be LAME and spoil the fun! Just give in and do it. Copy, not forward, this entire e-mail and paste it into new email. Change all the answers so that they apply to you then send this to a whole bunch of people you know *including* the person who sent it to you. Put your name in the subject.
The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about your friends. It is fun and easy 48 questions to answer.”

1. FIRST NAME? Ruthie

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes—my grandmother on my moms side, and great-grandmother on my dad’s side. What can I say? My parents are traditionalists.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday—it was a very emotional day….don’t judge me!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Meh—I can take it or leave it.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? I’ve never met a lunch meat I haven’t liked.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I don’t know—I’m kind of a snob and might not like myself that much.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Does this blog count?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope! I sold those babies for research when I was

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? If I was on the Amazing Race I would!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds…..mmmmmmm……

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? The only shoes with ties I own are tennis shoes—and, no—I don’t.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Define “strong”. Mentally? Physically? Emotionally? Yes, Yes, and maybe.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Ice Cream is bad for you. I eat cake.

14. SHOE SIZE? Big enough to cause a problem shopping, small enough so that I don’t have to wear men’s shoes.

15. FAVORITE COLOR? Blue (and sometimes pink, green, red, black, and more blue)

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My inability to obtain 'emaciated’ status.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My friends—being lonely sucks!

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? not necessarily send it back—but post it, sure.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black and strappy black.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Peach yogurt

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the tapping of my co-workers incessant foot-tapping

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Burnt umber (because I always wondered what an ‘umber’ was)

23. FAVORITE SMELL? New shower curtain liners…pine-sol….lillacs…jasemine…coconut…and vanilla (not necessarily together)

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? JoDee

25. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes, teeth, and shoes.

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Of course!

27. FAVORITE DRINK? I’ve discovered an affinity for pina coladas.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? That I watch? That I play? Pick one, damnit!

29. EYE COLOR? Whatever they feel like at any given time, apparently.

30. HAT SIZE? Girls don’t HAVE hat sizes.

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Doesn’t everyone?

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Macaroni and cheese with meatloaf on the side

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Scary movies WITH happy endings!

34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? green

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter over summer—fall overall.

36. HUGS OR KISSES? I’ll take what I can get.

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? I love them all equally.

38. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ummm…Tracey? Aisha? I don’t know—guess whoever reads mine and wants to post their own

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? JoDee (so I’m not even gonna tell her about it)

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? A collection of Scott Turrow I bought for like, 3 bucks. In HARDBACK. How cool is that?

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I have a mousepad?

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Some HGTV on bathroom remodeling, some Southpark (the Seamen episode) a little “Bring it On”, some Dave Chappell, and ten minutes of Roseanne

43.FAVORITE SOUNDS? The ones muffled by a good heavy snowfall

44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Joan Jett.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? When I lived in which state? I guess West Palm Beach is the answer for both.

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Singing the Greek Alphabet and tying knots in cherry stems. Wanna see?

47.AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Virginia (but re-born in the non-biblical sense when I moved to Michigan)

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Technically—no one—but it WAS posted on Craigers site.

(If you decide to post this to your own site--let me know so I can read your responses)

I give up...

2006-08-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

after another futile search for shoes has failed me. Listen up Richmond Retailers--the more shoes in size 11 you carry, the more you will sell. Apparently, I'm not the only woman in the area that wears size 11--otherwise, that one pair you order would still be available when I go to buy it.

I'm planning on joining a co-ed softball team. I need softball cleats. I have visited and called every single sporting goods and shoe store in the west end and southside. I have yet to find ONE pair of softball cleats in my size. What is the deal? I have checked every website that mentions the word "softball" "cleat" and "women" on it. NOTHING in size 11. I am very disappointed.

True, I'll admit that it is a bit late in the season to be looking for cleats. However, in May, I didn't know I would be possibly joining a softball team in August. And even though the cleats I wore in HS are still somewhere around my parents house, they don't do me much good now. Besides, I got them when I was like, fourteen. They're old--and nasty--and I don't want to wear them. I want something new and cute, not crusty with orange dust and falling apart from dryrot.

Why is it, when I'm broke and need shoes, I can never find the right shoes in the right size at the right price--but when I'm just aimlessly wandering, I'll find 47 pairs of shoes I don't need?

ARRRGGGGHHHH!!!....

Actual conversation I had last night...

2006-07-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

I want to preface this posting by saying that Liz (the girl I rent from) really is a great person. She has never been anything but nice to me, and during the two years I've rented her basement apartment, we've had very little interraction. I pay my rent on time, and we pass occasionally in the driveway. I call her landlord, but she calls me roomate in those instances she's introduced me to her friends.

I came home from dinner with a friend last night to find this note on my door.
"Ruth,
I bought a new car, and will begin to park in the garage again. Can you please pull up as far as possible in the driveway from now on? This should give me enough room to make the turn into the garage.
Thanks,
Liz"

Since I had just came in and hadn't received the note before I parked my car for the night, I wanted to clarify with her that she meant beginning Monday, and not Sunday regarding the changed parking situation.

I knock on the door.
Me: "Hey, Liz...it's me. I have a question."
Liz: "Hey Ruth, what's up? C'mon in."
Me: "I just got your note about the parking, and wanted to make sure that you meant tomorrow and not tonight. If you need me to pull up tonight, that's not a problem, I just thought I'd check."
Liz: "Oh no, tomorrow is good. I don't pick up my car until then"
Me: "Cool. So, I bet your excited about your new car! What did you get?"
Liz: "Oh, just a small Lexus."

Even if a Lexus is small, it's still a Lexus.

Update...

2006-07-18T14:14:00.000-04:00

I'm not dead.

Things I've Learned Recently...

2006-06-20T09:19:00.000-04:00

1. When you hurt a part of your body, if it doesn't feel better in a few days, go to the doctor and have it checked out. For example, I hurt my wrist. I left it alone, took alot of Advil, and within a week, it felt better. Then I went and played tennis for two hours. My wrist hurt again, but an Ace bandage and Advil pretty much cure any pains. Four days later, I went and lifted weights at the gym, and found that my wrist isn't healed, and it hurts...alot. Finally, two weeks after my initial injury, I go and have x-rays dones. I haven't broken my wrist, but I have messed it up pretty badly--badly enough to be stuck wearing a monstrosity of an arm brace for a week to see if the swelling around the nerves subsides. If not, it's off to see a hand specialist.

2. Whole-grain pasta tastes REALLY good. I mean, you wouldn't think so, but it's really good. I personally like Barilla Plus. Try it--maybe you'll agree.

3. I can live without Mickey D's, BK, Taco Bell, and Wendys. It has been six--SIX-- weeks since I have had any fast food. This is no small feat, especially since I have to drive by each one of these places on the way home from work, or from the gym. Everyday is a struggle, but both my bank account and my heart thank me. :-)

4. Im a pretty good left-hand only typer.

The new 20...

2006-06-06T14:56:00.000-04:00

Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Henry David Thoreau

There comes a time in every girls life when she realizes, “OMG, I’m going to be 30.” That happened to be on the advent of my 25th birthday. There, five years distant, the big 3-0 was glaring at me, quite like the much maligned silvery white hairs that I began to notice more and more of. Thirty. 30. What is it about this number that invokes such fear and loathing into the hearts of 20-something single women everywhere?

I remember the day my mom turned thirty. I was one day short of turning four, and was excited for my birthday and the presents I knew were coming. My mom, though, sat down in a booth at Hardees and cried. I remember seeing all of the old people in their booths, drinking coffee, the air hazy with cigarette smoke. I didn’t understand why she cried—and in fact, I still don’t quite understand it.

In two months, I will turn thirty. To be quite honest, I’m really quite indifferent to it. A year ago, the thought of being thirty and single scared me. Recently, though, I’ve come to accept it for what it is—nothing more than another day passing. It’s true, I’ll be older—I’ve come to accept that, too. It’s also true that I haven’t accomplished what so many of my peers have. I don’t have fame, or fortune, a husband, or kids, or even a house…yet.

Had I been born twenty years earlier, turning thirty may have brought me to tears, also. The prospect of facing life alone, wearing polyester pants with a mélange of kitties for company is enough to make any girl shudder. Of course, the Newsweek article, The Marriage Crunch published in 1986, probably wouldn’t have helped things much, either. This is the famous piece that reported a 40 year old single woman was, “more likely to be killed by a terrorist,” than to ever marry, (Newsweek, 1986). It also stated that if a woman remained single past the age of 30, her chances of snagging a husband dropped to a mere twenty percent, and if that same woman was still unwed by the age of 35? The possibility of marriage was less than five percent.

However, the odds are looking better for women who choose to marry later in life. The more recent article from Newsweek, Marriage by the Numbers show that both men and women are waiting to wed later in life: age 27 for men, and age 25 for women, (Newsweek, 2006). More women today choose to pursue education and careers before pursuing husbands and kids. And first time marriage for a woman in her 40’s is more likely to happen—40.8% more likely!

So, what does this mean for myself, and for other women facing the same issue? I don’t know about you, but it makes me feel better to know that life won’t end after thirty.

Since I haven't had much to say lately...

2006-06-01T15:21:00.000-04:00

I decided to make this nifty You Don't Know Ruthie quiz. Care to play?

The winner of my quiz (ie-the person that knows the most about me) will get some sort of really kewl and/or cheezy prize. The rest of you get my undying love and gratitude for taking the quiz.

So, go on! Take it already!

Just an update...

2006-05-04T15:39:00.000-04:00

Craig has been running a series on his website about his and JoDee's experiences leading up to our rendezvous in Cincinnati back in April. It's fun to read about things that I knew about due to numerous phone calls with JoDee, but which all tie in together when you see how it relates to this trip.

I started a new blog for the book club that I joined. The New Richmond Book Club is a small group of readers with only two dedicated member, though we tend to catch between 2-3 additional people each meeting. We meet about once every four to six weeks to discuss whichever book we chose during our last meeting. You can catch up on our latest books and meeting times by visiting the link.

The Traveling Turtle blog hasn't been updated since Cinci, mainly because I don't go anywhere except for work. Over Easter weekend, I did take Shellby to have her picture taken with the largest rattlesnake in the South, however. Photos will be forthcoming (whenver I take the time to go to Ukrops and use the free wi-fi, that is).

I really need a vaction, too. I actually earned a free round-trip ticket from AirTrain Airways with their Wendy's promotion back in December, 2005. Now, if only I had the time and money to go somewhere...like here. Isn't it pretty, ya'll?

No, I did not take this picture. This is Lake Tahoe, and I got the picture with a quick search on Google. But it IS pretty, and I've always wanted to go there.

Even the ants here are stupid...

2006-04-24T16:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I have some ants in my house. They're teeny-tiny little things, and I looked them up on Google--they go by the name of "pharoh ants". Research decreed that I should buy some ant bait to kill them.

I bought ant bait last week. I got the expensive little self-contained sweet traps (because pharoh ants like sweet stuff). I placed two of them out, following directions. According to the package, the ants will walk up the little ramp, partake of the sweet (yet indidiously deadly) bait, carry it back to their little colony, and all the ants would die. Pretty easy, right?

Apparently, the ants didn't get the "how to carry poison back to the colony and die" memo. All they had to do was walk up the ramp, take some poison, and go back to their little ant families and kill them all. I checked the traps last night, for curiosity sake, as they had been out for over a week.

Instead of seeing an empty bait trap, I found a bait trap full of ants that were either: a: swimming, or b: dead. No wonder I'm still finding ants! They're going to the Sweet Poison Mecca resort. Instead of tasting the bait, they dive headfirst in, I'm sure, in order to ensure more for them and less for their little ant friends and relatives. They aren't carrying poison back, they're gorging on it, and then suffering tiny little ant heart-attacks, or some other horrible ant maladies.

Stupid ants.

Make the pain go away...

2006-04-20T16:23:00.000-04:00

6:00 am--I woke up this morning with a headache..or what I perceived to be a headache. I took two Tylenol and went back to bed for 20 minutes, believing that when the alarm went off again at 6:20, I would be magically healed and ready to take on the day.

Flash forward to 6:20am--I am not magically healed. My head still hurts, so again, I tried the 20 minute rule to headache treatment.

Flash forward to 6:47am--After 20 minutes and two hits of the snooze button, I deem myself in possession of a migrain (and seriously late for work if I don't get moving).

Flash forard to 8:25am--I get to work late, not because I didn't leave home until 7:55, but because of a minor fender bender that closed one lane of the two lane bridge I cross daily from the Southside to the near Westend (over the James River). When I did arrive, my headache was still there, I had eaten no breakfast in preparation of my dentist appointment (I was only going to brush and floss once before my appointment for a cleaning at 12 noon), and I came into work with problem after problem waiting to be resolved.

Flash forward to 4:30pm--Did I mention that I have a headache..nay, a migrain that is making my life miserable? Although it's not a debilitating migrain, the 6 Tylenol I have consumed today have not diminished it. The nausea has not abated. I still want to cry. I want to go home, take a nice warm shower, put on jammies, and chill out until about 9pm. I do not want to feel guilty about skipping the gym tonight, or about eating a dinner of strictly carbs (because honestly, noodles make the world go round).

I'm happy about having clean teeth (and slightly sore gums), bummed because I have a cavity that needs to be repaired, and very tired of this headache which is a precursor to the rain and thunderstorms that should be moving into the area tonight. Freakazoid that is myself only gets migrains when there's a weather change involving rain on the way (usually when it goes from hot to cold), though the change for tomorrow is only going from 85 today to 70 tomorrow. That's not a huge adjustment, but an adjustment nonetheless.

After I moved to Richmond, I used to go to Chick Filet when I had migrains. Nothing can cure me, but a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and a giant Coke classic always seemed to help. Now, I'm too poor to buy that, so I'm going to settle for a Mickey D's iced tea on the way home, and settle my tummy (and hopefully kill the demon headache spawn still in my head) with a bowl of egg noodles.

Mmmmmmm....noodles.

Easter...

2006-04-17T18:03:00.000-04:00

was pretty good. I went to visit the 'rents over the weekend. It was very hot, very humid, and we had some pretty nasty thunderstorms that resulted in losing power on Friday night, and again on Sunday morning. I cooked every meal when I was there (sometimes living alone, I forget how much I like to cook). Easter lunch turned out awesome because I totally rock. I helped my dad dig some fence posts and put up a new sign for the farm. I fed the abandoned lamb with a bottle (she's absolutely adorable!) . I gave my fuzzerbearbaby* and chubby-bubby*lots of tummy rubs and kisses. I spoiled my mom with lots of yummy treats, and by doing the dishes and cooking. I helped my dad by doing the morning chores so that he could sleep.

I'm a good daughter.

Just to clarify, fuzzerbearbaby and chubby-bubby are my dogs. Well, they live with my parents, so I guess they belong to them, but they belong to me, too, because I give them the greatest belly rubs in the world, and they love me for it. I also gave them those names. My parents call them "Totey" and "Ranger" respectively, but I just call them like I see them--fuzzerbearbaby and chubby-bubby are much more apt names for them. The lamb, btw, was named "lonesome dove" by my mom--though she calls her Dove for short. I, of course, call her Lambykins.

Re: Cincinnati

2006-04-10T20:32:00.000-04:00

Read about the trip on my new travel blog, The Traveling Turtle.

BTW, I had a blast! :)

It's Tuesday at 9am...

2006-04-04T09:04:00.000-04:00

and I just finished eating a German Chocolate Brownie. It was good, but I kind of regret eating it. Considering I bought it yesterday and forgot about it until this morning when I saw it in the backseat, I can't feel TOO bad about it. I actually bought it yesterday at lunch to enjoy last night after dinner, but by the time I got home from the gym, driving through severe thunderstorms, soaking wet with a combination of rain and sweat, the last thing on my mind was a brownie. At that point, all I wanted was a shower.

Anyways, I ate the brownie, it was good, and now I can literally FEEL the spike in blood sugar. This isn't really a good thing, I'm thinking. Meh...que sera sera.

On my visit to the Dentist...

2006-03-30T13:10:00.000-05:00

I didn't die. His office staff totally rocked. The dentist was nice. He was able to save my tooth with a mere filling, and not the dreaded "root canal" that I was sure boded in my future, especially considering my current financial situation.**

I was in, numbed, filled, and out in under one hour. They had free chocolate (I guess to ensure repeat customers). I snagged three Hershey's Special Dark miniatures from the basket. I figured I deserved it.

The end.

**Because you only ever need things like root canals when you are so broke that you're on the verge of living on ramen noodles for three meals a day. Don't get me wrong, I actually LIKE the occasional bowl of 'boiled salty fat stick' (if you don't get the reference, just try reading the nutritional information on the package). It's a dehydration treat--but Ruthie cannot live on ramen alone. I also need shredded colby-jack cheese and Smart Balance to make it good.

Today, I'm an emotional mess...

2006-03-29T10:10:00.000-05:00

on the verge of tears for no apparent reason. I'll be fine, and then my thoughts drift and the next thing I know, my eyes are tearing up. Forget mood swings--I'm on an emotional roller coaster. Watch out Cedar Point!

Yesterday, I broke a tooth at work. Yeah, fun. It's not so much broken as it is a piece of it came off. It doesn't hurt, but it IS annoying. The missing chunk of tooth is from between two molars, so every time I eat something, it invariably becomes compacted into this space. I have a dentist appointment in the morning to have it x-rayed, and possibly fixed. I have good dental benefits, but I have a $50 deductible, plus 20% of the charges that will be due upfront. Ouch. :( So now I went from being broke, to even broker (if that is at all possible).

This seriously jeopardizes my ability to pay for Cinci*. Keep your fingers crossed that, in the end, I'll be able to make it to Ohio.

* I hate being poor. No, really, I do. In college, it was okay, because everyone else was, too. Here's the thing--college was a long time ago, and I'm still poor. This really sucks.

T-10 days and counting...

2006-03-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

I'm heading to Cincinnati on April 7 for the CinciClassic. My good friend Craig is heavily involved in making sure that this event happens. It's free, and is sure to be alot of fun. So, if you read this and you're in the greater Cincinnati area the weekend of April 7-9, drop by and say hi to Craig, and congratulate him on his awesome efforts.

I, of course, am not going for the convention, per se, but for the company of Craig and JoDee (my bestest friends in the world whom I have not seen since Thanksgiving). While Craig is at the convention participating in organizing feats of gaming manliness* for the participants, JoDee and I will partake of some of the more feminine aspects of the greater Cincinnati area, possibly including, but not limited to: shopping, eating, shopping, sitting, shopping, and shopping.

The Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, is hopefully one of our first destinations. A few years ago we discovered this on one of our wandering weekends, and have wanted to return ever since to partake of the actual exhibits instead of just the gift shop, though I will admit they have the CUTEST turtley-related things for sale! I have a feeling that the majority of my spending will be done here for, well, obvious reasons.

I don't know where else we may journey to in our all too brief visit to Southern Ohio/Northern Kentucky, but I wait with bated breath at the joy of traversing outside of Richmond and basking in the companionship of my dearest friends, even if only for a short time.

*This is to no way imply that women are excluded from competing in games of manliness.

The best word in ANY language...

2006-03-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

Friday, the culmination of a disasterous week. The fifth in a series of long days and short nights. The ending of a vicious cycle otherwise known as a work week.

Friday. The word evokes so many thoughts and feelings and emotions and memories.

In high school, Friday was synonymous with football games and half-time shows. Cold, clear nights under the dark sky wearing a dorky polyester uniform and white cotton gloves. Ignoring the game to make fun of the cheerleaders, going to the bathroom in groups (because for some reason, people liked to attack solitary band members), and eating blueberry creme life savers suckers that only cost 10 cents from the snack bar. Come rain, sleet, snow, or drought--the Alleghany High School Band would be in the stands, ready and waiting to perform the best half-time show that 200 kids on a football field can.

In college, Friday usually began my workweek (or merely continued it). When you're a poor college student with rent to pay, working full-time at an internship and supplementing your income with two part-time jobs, Friday loses all real meaning. Some of the best Fridays, though, were in the early spring at the Palace of Auburn Hills doing event revenue. There would be so much excitement in the air as people flocked from all over the metro-Detroit area (and parts far beyond) to see basketball games and concerts.

After college, when the real world began, and Friday became the end of a means. Until this point, I don't believe that I ever appreciated Friday's for what they were--the beginning of two days of unhibited freedom from the three-walled cubicle that I occupy for 8-10 hours per day, 5 days per week. Lately, I begin counting down to Fridays first thing Monday morning, 8:15am sharp.

On Friday, it's imperative that I be out the door at 5pm, so I rush through the day...but why? There's nothing great out there waiting to happen to me on Friday. I don't have plans to meet friends or a significant other for dinner or drinks. The only reason I can really see myself barreling headfirst out the door on Friday is because, if I have to sit in that chair, or look at my computer much longer, I truely do believe that I will go insane.

Work has become a weird form of Chinese water torture. Monday is the beginning--the spontaneous drips that, after time, begin to annoy you. Tuesday, the drips and drops lose their randomness and begin to form a pattern of sorts--one that you can ALMOST figure out, but which continues to elude you. Wednesday, well, the drops do form a pattern, and the rate begins to increase slightly. Thursday the pattern begins to thrum inside your head with each drop on your skin, and you begin to think that if you can only survive ONE MOR DAY, everything will be okay. You'll be okay. Finally, Friday arrives--the water is still there, dripping in the same inane pattern, speeding up--and you can feel your nerves tingling, your heart rate increasing, and you begin counting down in ernest now--only 5 more hours--3.5 hours--1 hour--until the water stops, and silence reigns supreme inside your brain. You think, "I'm free--I did it! I survived, and now I have two whole days to live a life that I want to live."

Funny, for a whole week I look forward to the little break between the end of one and the beginning of another. Two days away from the torture, the dripping water, the noisy thoughts that crowd out sane thoughts.

But after a day, the silence is too much. The boredom sets in, and free time isn't as enjoyable because it misses the structure of a work day. If the hours aren't segmented and tasks aren't accomplished, then time is wasted. Without structure, I begin to falter and lose the ability (and desire) to even venture into the outside world. I have tasks to do, but no motivation to do them. I like my freedom, but I'm unsure of what to do with it, how to enjoy it, or how to structure it to maximize my fun-time.

I'll never be able to be a hippy, and that makes me sad.

So, I'm off to the 'rents this weekend...

2006-03-10T15:29:00.000-05:00

to partake in that tradition known as the Highland Maple Festival. This occurs only once a year for two short weekend stints in early March.

For those of you who have never been, I can give you a general breakdown of the schedule my family follows (and has done so for so many years, I don't know of any other way to live this day).

8am--Leave from home and drive the 1.75 hours or so through winding back country roads to head to the traditional Maple Festival breakfast of Buckwheat (or Buttermilk) pancakes, sausage patties, and sausage gravy. You can find quite a few organizations who hold these each year in order to raise money to fund the rest of the years activities. In times past, we always went to Bolar or McDowell. Now, my parents go to Williamsville Community Center. Last year, we showed up to find kith and kin (that means family--like uncles and cousins) working and eating, and raising funds for their community.

11:30am--Leave from Williamsville along back winding country roads, and go through the town of Monterey to one of the Sugar Camps. We prefer Puffenbargers, and have been going there forever. This is where we purchase all of our maple products including, but not limited to: maple candy, syrup, and donuts and donut holes boiled in fresh hot maple syrup. We also eat a hot dog with maple chili, and maybe some donut holes. Mmmmm....

12 noon--Leave the Sugar Camp and drive back to Monterey. Look for parking (in vain) so that we can walk down Main Street (the ONLY Street in Monterey) to visit craft vendors and specialty stores. My mom and I will go into the various art galleries, while my dad will walk further down Main Street to visit the Pork Rind tent, the Kettle corn Man, and the Country Ham sandwich vendor. These he brings back, meeting up with my mom and I somewhere along the street. We need only look for his head above the crowd to locate him. After lugging ourselves and purchases back to the truck, we prepare to head out of town and back home.

4pm--Our final stop is on the way out of town at the Fast Break convenience store. One of the few businesses that keep their restrooms open to the public, my mom and I will stand in line to use the facilities while Dad purchases Cokes and Sprites to drink on the ride back, where we will eat cold country ham sandwiches slathered in yellow mustard, and nibble on kettle corn, all the while complaining that we couldn't possibly EAT another bite.

Note: This is known as the McRoberts family annual pig-fest. We only do it one day a year (and believe me, that's enough). I have already planned to take a vacation day from work Monday in order to recover.

If you DO make it to Highland County, either this weekend or next, I highly recommend this order of events in order to fully partake and enjoy the day to the fullest extent.

For the first time, I am taking a camera (my new and little used digital camera) and will hopefully have some pictures to share next week (pending I can find some batteries and I take the time to go to Ukrops to use the free wi-fi).

Cheers! :)

The top 10 reasons I love my mom...

2006-02-28T17:30:00.000-05:00

10. She never asks me about my sex life (because I'm not supossed to have one).

09. She thinks that I'm beautiful, even when I'm un-showered, wearing glasses, scrubby-haired, and have a horrible breakout.

08. NOBODY makes meatloaf like my mamma!

07. She always supports the decisions I make (even if she thinks their wrong).

06. She's proud of my accomplishments, even when I (and the rest of the world) think I suck.

05. She thinks I'm smart.

04. She can tell over the phone that I'm upset about something, even when I think I'm hiding it.

03. She buys me turtley things.

02. She loves my friends because my friends make me happy.

01. She loves me no matter how ugly I feel, how badly I screw up, or how mean I've been to her.

Ode to a pimple apon my brow...

2006-02-23T16:50:00.000-05:00

Although you are little,
So small I cannot see,
Do you already know
How much pain you cause me?

You hide behind my well groomed brow,
Throbbing all day long,
Although I'm sure you'll raise your head,
If a cute boy comes along!

Oh, tiny little pustule,
I hate you to the core!
Please make your stay a short one,
Because your presence I abhore!

So lately...

2006-02-21T15:59:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing all of these commercials about "pink in the sink" when you brush your teeth. I don't put much stock into commercials.

This morning, I was brushing my teeth, and I saw PINK in my OWN SINK! Surely, I don't have bleeding gums or gingivitis! I'm a good girl! I brush, I floss, I Lysterine faithfully!

Then I realized I was using sparkling cinnamon toothpaste.

D'oh!

Ok, so what do you remember about me?

2006-02-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

(as seen on a blog I read and posted here word for word)

If you read this… if your eyes are passing over this right now, (even if we don’t speak often or don’t really know each other)..... Your job, your mission, nay - even your new goal in life is to post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE UP AND FICTIONAL memory of you and me.It can be anything you want - good or bad.

It can be about that time when I spent the night with you in the South American jail because you got drunk and tried to pick up on a cop.... or it could be about that night that felt like that time half a forever ago when you and I hopped on railroad cars and rode clear across Kentucky… BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE. When you’re finished, post this little paragraph on your blog and be surprised (or mortified) about what people DON’T ACTUALLY remember about you!

Post away - and be creative!

To give you an idea, this is the memory I posted on a blog i read.

Hey, dude, d'ya remember that time we were in Morocco in the Peace Corps? And we were going to the coast for some R-n-R, and when our jeep crapped out in the desert, we hijacked those two camels, but the one you were riding had a really bad case of gas and i was behind you, and that SOOO wasn't cool, but along the way we happened on this tiny village that had like, a bunch of grass huts? And they were trying to defind their village against a massive Peruvian fireant invasion? And we came to their rescue with two canteens of water and some strategically placed magnifying glasses? and in gratitude, they chief-dude offered us each a pick of the villages most beautiful virgins--which was great for you, being a guy and all, but really sucked for me, b/c I'm not exactly into playing for my own team, y'know? so i asked for a male virgin, and everyone laughed at me, b/c there is no such thing as a male virgin? yeah, not cool, dude..but really good times...

Posting just to post...

2006-02-09T16:10:00.000-05:00

because I really have nothing worthwhile to say right now.

Until I can think of something to write about, please enjoy this picture of me in Hell (Michigan, that is).

Do you have any idea...

2006-02-06T14:28:00.000-05:00

how much a fuel pump sending unit for a Chevy Blazer costs? Yeah, I didn't either until Saturday. Believe me, it's EXPENSIVE, especially when you count the cost of towing, labor, and tax.

I love my car, but man, but it's never simple, inexpensive things that break on her. I have to do things like replace the transmission, put in a new fuel pump sending unit, or an alternator. Right now, I also have issues with Dex-cool clogging my heater core, somewhere I have a short that causes my turn signal thing to constantly make the clicking noise (though the lights don't blink), half the buttons on my radio have gone black, and my auto-dimmer on the rearview/side view mirrors doesn't work as well as it used to. I also think the heated mirrors don't work either, but that's been an issue since the first accident.

My baby is falling apart, and I can't afford to fix her the way she deserves, or buy a new car at this time, either. What's a girl to do? Ideally, in a perfect world, I would be thin and beautiful, and dating a mechanic. That would solve alot of my problems right now. As it is, I live in a city with no close friends to call when car emergencies strike. I don't know the good private mechanics to patronize, so I have to go with chain stores, and take their word that what they tell me is wrong is actually wrong. It's times like these when I hate being a girl.

So, I guess my next question is: Does anyone know of a good mechanic in the greater Richmond area, aged between 25-35, single, and looking for a well educated, gainfully employed, 6'0 blonde? If so, just tell them I said "hi"! **

**This, in no way, should be construed as an effort to meet men. This is merely for comic effect, unless, of course, you DO know one..but only if they are at least my height...never mind, this is stupid...but you can tell them I did say hi, if you want to....but I really don't think I'm interested...at least, not today, anyways....maybe tomorrow?

So I finally bought...

2006-01-31T15:46:00.000-05:00

a digital camera. I've been wanting one for years, but could never justify the expense. Now I am the proud owner of an Olympus FE-100. I L-O-V-E this camera.

Craig, my go-to for all things technical, did an exemplary job of researching camera models for me over the phone on Sunday, when I called and told him what I was doing. I almost made the mistake and bought this camera instead, but Craigers helped me to see the error of my ways. Optical zoom is the way to go! :)

Last night, I loaded the software, but was too tired to really do anything past that. Besides, the Mac had been unplugged for a few days, and needed to charge. I'll do more with learning all of the software basics this weekend. The camera, I pretty much figured that out on my own. Did I mention how much I LOVE my new camera?

Alphabet Soup...

2006-01-26T13:27:00.000-05:00

I must have seen this somewhere on someone elses blog. How long ago, who it was...well, I don't really know. I thought it was a cute idea, and I copied and pasted into word, applied my own answers, and then never followed up with posting. Today, I'm posting it, only because I have another idea for a posting to work on, but it may take a few days to get together. So, enjoy the letters of my life. I'm not making this a meme, but if you choose to do it, just let me know. I'm interested to see what kind of soup you make. :)

**************************
A is for Age – If you don’t know, I’m not telling you.

B is for Booze – Captain Morgan and Diet Coke with a wedge of lime.

C is for Career – Payroll Professional (though I should be more HR focused)

D is for Dad’s name – I call him Dad.

E is for Essential items to bring to a party –Wait! There’s a party?!? Was I invited?

F is for Favorite article of clothing- any of my fuzzy warm sweaters.

G is for Goof off thing to do – Read Lucky and Cosmo Magazines, watch cheesy made for TV movies on WE and Oxygen, shop for handbags, read blogs of complete strangers, chat on yahoo (used to be hang at the mall with JoDee, drink coffee from Nordstroms café, and watch vain walk in and out of Louis Vuitton and Cartier.)

H is for Hometown – You couldn’t find it on a map—so no need to mention it here.

I is for Instrument you play – Trumpet and French Horn.

J is for Jam or Jelly you like - Homemade Blackberry Jelly I make with my mom during the summer.

K is for Kids – I had a fish named Ralphie, but he died.

L is for Living arrangement – Alone.

M is for Music I like – Anything on the radio, especially rock from 60’s-90’s, and newer alternative

N is for Name of your first pet – Sprout.

O is for overnight hospital stays – Three days for tonsil removal @ age 8.

P is for Phobias – Spiders……and more spiders.

Q is for Quote you like – Yeah, I’m not the type that can come up with a witty quote on the spur of the moment.

R is for Reason for Blogging – because I believe that everyone has the same voyeuristic tendencies that I do.

S is for Siblings – One younger brother.

T is for Texas, ever been? Nope.

U is for Unique trait – I’m right handed but use my mouse with the left…and wear my watch on the wrong side, too. I’m also tongue-tied, have dimples, attached earlobes, blue eyes, and cute feet. I’m confusion personified.

V if for Vegetable you love – All of them, even okra.

W is for Worst traits – curse like a sailor(though this has toned down a bit unless I'm REALLY angry), bite my nails, waste money on frivolous items, and sometimes tailgate other drivers (which I actualy don't do as much of lately either. Virginia has sapped all of the Michigan out of me).

X is for X-Rays you’ve had – Broken arm @ 6, car accident @ 16, twisted ankle @ 17, car accident @ 24, strained Achilles tendon @ 25, car accident @ 26.

Y is for Yummy food you make – the BEST baked mac and cheese, lasagna, vegetable beef soup, and homemade chicken BBQ.

Z is for Zodiac sign – Leo.

Call of the Wild...

2006-01-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

They come every January, in packs of two or three, until their numbers overwhelm the others that come here alone. They stalk the floor, sometimes with purpose, often without, flipping their flowing tails of hair, and communicating earnestly with the others in their pack. They advance to places they can walk together, making it impossible for the loners to walk, too. Who am I talking about? Why, none other than the “New Year Resolutioners” that descend on my gym every January.

The gym is a cyclical beast. January and February, the numbers swell and every treadmill and step-machine is filled, while previously empty aerobics classes are packed so tight that sardines have more room to move in their cans. There is never a good time to go to the gym, as it is always busy.

I try to stagger my times, but no matter—I cannot escape these perfectly coiffed minions of Hell. They come in their skinny midriff tank tops and pink velour pants with the waist band rolled down to show off their fake-n-bake tans and rhinestone belly-button rings. The hair is always pushed into a perfectly placed, yet perfectly messy ponytail. Their shoes are always new, and coordinate to both the pink AND rhinestones. They always have an Ipod strapped to their arms or waistbands, the white ear bud cords attempting to establish some sort of hierarchy and sense of belonging for those who are in the first few weeks of membership.

I hate these girls, or posers, if I may. I know their type-I see it every year. Eventually, the novelty of sweating wears thin, and they flake away like peeling paint, leaving the gym to those of us who have established a long-term relationship with our favorite machines, favorite instructors, and favorite personal trainers. Those of us who come regularly don’t match our workout clothes, nor do we have bottles of water perpetually attached to our right hands. The music we listen to comes from the in-house stereo being used for whatever class is in session, as we don’t really care that we have the “perfect” song on our Mp3 player in order to focus on that burn achieved from the 5lb arm weights that were picked up and then quickly discarded in favor of the 1lb weights, which were then discarded for a healthy swig of water from the bottle, because honestly, picking up those weights was QUITE A WORKOUT.

The long-timers—we are a patient bunch. We will wait you out while you sit on a machine for 10 minutes reading a magazine between sets of reps. We will use another machine while you struggle to figure out the keypad on the machine we would use if you weren’t on it. We’ll give you time to fail at the advanced step-class, because you are a beginner and you don’t know the routines, nor do you have the stamina to last in a 45 minute class. We know that you will be gone soon. Your resolutions will soon be forgotten, and we can go back to working out in peace, far from your perfume and sparkles.

After all, we are here to sweat.

Oops, I forgot number 8...

2006-01-17T10:34:00.000-05:00

8. Isaac Mizrahi bugs me. The first time I saw the show, I thought, "huh, this is different." The second time, I was kind of like, "huh, isn't this alot like the first show." Now, if I turn on Style Network and he's on (which seems to be ALL THE FREAKING TIME), I click right past it. His flamboyant, overly flaming language and gestures irritate me. At first it was entertaining--now it's just annoying.
***************************

Aisha posed the question of why I liked the movie Hidalgo, as she found it stereotypical of Middle Easterners (I'm assuming culture wise). To be honest, I didn't pay that much attention to the movie in that respect--after all, it was a movie about a horse.

As a young girl (as most young girls), I grew up wanting a horse. I drew horses, I dreamed of horses, and I never owned one. Even though we had a farm, I never had my own horse, but the woman on the next farm over took me on her horse once when I was about 5. It was awesome. From that point on, I begged to go to any summer camp that offered horseback riding as an activity. I was lucky that my parents sent me to camp nearly every summer with either the Girl Scouts or 4-H, so I did get to ride. Of course, I haven't been on the back of a horse since I was probably 11 or so.

Watching the movie was, honestly, all about the horse. It reawakened those long ago feelings of flying willy-nilly accross the plains, wind whipping your hair back, the galloping hooves thudding into your very soul dreams I used to have.

Personally, I thought that the portrayal of the Middle Eastern culture in this movie was much nicer, more beautiful, and rooted in history than what is usually conveyed by the cinema. Of course, this movie is a historical account of one person, and perhaps a bit one-sided, however, I would much rather see the Middle East portrayed as a thing of beauty and history than as the stereotypical image of it today, which is full of war and bombs and death.

Hope this posting doesn't cause offense to anyone!

Random thoughts for a scattered day...

2006-01-16T17:14:00.000-05:00

Just some randomness that I've been meaning to write about since last week, and haven't posted yet.

1. I like sushi, as long as there's no fish involved. Bring on the sticky rice and soy sauce.

2. Hugh Jackman has reestablished his hotness factor for me after watching X-Men and X-Men II. He made me swoon in Kate and Leopold, and melt in Van Helsing, but I never knew the power of a mutant until now. I never understood why people were so obsesed with this storyline, but now I have seen the light. It's the British accent factor. Oh yeah, JoDee--he goes on the list!

3. My bookclub chose "Memoirs of a Geisha" for our next meeting. Everyone I've spoken to who has read it say's it's pretty good. I guess I'll find out more towards the end of February when I'll read it. Last bookclub, I read the book 3 weeks before we met, and in the meantime, I read 4 more books, so I couldn't remember alot of details about the assignment. This time, I'll wait a while.

4. Richmond weather is weird. It was so warm last week (pushing upper 60's/low 70's last week), cold front and tornado watches Saturday night, and Sunday was cold. Now the week is warming back up to upper 60's by Friday. I hate it when the weather wreaks havoc on my wardrobe.

5. I have a weather change migrain right now, since there's a warm front moving in tonight. Whenever the makes drastic temperature change (usually from cold to warm), I get these headaches. It sucks, and no amount of Excedrine migraine and Coke will alleviate the pain or the resulting nausea.

6. I finally made it back to the gym on Saturday after an almost 6 week haitus. I was able to get back into my weight training/cardio routine with just small modifications to build back up to where I was prior to the holidays. My calves and thighs are slightly sore, but otherwise, I feel pretty good.

7. I watched Hidalgo and Christmas with the Cranks over the weekend. Hidalgo was very good, although I was afraid I would cry because I was sure that the damn horse would drop dead when he hit the ocean. He didn't--which I'm very happy about, because a dead horse is not a laughing matter. Christmas with the Cranks was funny--but the book was funnier.

7. (cont) I also watched Stephen Kings' 'Salems Lot and Dreamcatcher. When I was 14, I read 'Salems Lot (against the wishes of my mother who believed that Stephen King was evil), and though it did not stop me from reading his books (as my collection will show), I did sleep with a crucifix over my bed for the next 4 years (because you never know when a vampire will show up). In the made for TV movie starring Rob Lowe (king of the Lifetime mini-series), the story line isn't as scary as I imagined it to be. Dreamcatcher was stupid. I did NOT like it at all, even though it had that guy from Chasing Amy--not Ben Affleck, but the one that outlined the comics. You know who I mean. Is he that Earl guy on TV now?

Okay, I think that's enough ramblings for today. I hope that this week at work goes faster than last week. And that it rains soon so that my stupid headache will go away already.

Laterness...

I "borrowed" this from Aisha...

2006-01-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

And it was actually pretty theraputic. I'd be interested in seeing what some of my friends have to say for the same answers. If you decide to post, let me know so I can read you.

25 years ago: I was 4, and was happy and secure. I was also in my second year of pre-school at the Catholic Church, and thought that Father Tom was this elusive foreign giant with his black outfits and weird shirt collar. I had a pet chicken named Blackie that I carried around under my arm, wore bibs emblazoned with Hee Haw, and was never without a pair of cowgirl boots. I loved riding the tractor with my PawPaw, and was afraid of the big red bull named Curly.

20 years ago: I was 9. I played Little League baseball, was in the Glee club, played trumpet in the school band, and began the transformation into shy and overweight.

15 Years ago: I was 14, and in my freshman year of high school. I was in band, played softball, struggled with Algebra, and my great-aunt had a stroke right before Christmas. The next two years were spent helping my parents to care for her, along with dealing with the angst of normal teenage life. Life sucked, and I hated everything—including myself.

10 Years ago: I was 19, and was almost done with my Associates Degree. I came out of my high school shell, and became an awesome student. I worked as a tutor, and generally had a lot of fun with my two friends, Chris and Lisa. I was also clueless about who I was, or what I wanted out of life. This is also the year I discovered the Internet, and realized there was a WHOLE WORLD outside of the tiny area I lived in. Both of my grandparents died, and I began making plans to leave.

5 years ago: I was 24, and had been out of University for about 2 years. I was living in Michigan, visited my parents 2-3 times a year, had a rather kewl apartment, and was in my first full time job. Life was pretty good—I had great friends I met in college, a little bit of money, and independence. I had reinvented myself, and was pretty happy with the results.

3 years ago: I was 26, have moved two more times, and was living in Belleville. I liked it there, after the initial adjustment. I was losing weight by going to the gym A LOT. I was working on an MBA, and excited about being in JoDee and Craigs’ wedding. I was also laid off from my job of three years. Six months later (still unemployed), the depression started setting in.

1 year ago: I was 28, and had been living in Virginia for about 6 months. I had a job, but no money, and no one to go anywhere with. I knew how to get from work to my apartment and back. I wasn’t planning to be here very long, so I never unpacked from the move, preferring to live out of boxes to eliminate packing in what I thought was the very near future.

This year: I turned 29. I hung curtains in my apartment, and I bought a rug. I put up pictures on the wall, and began to accept that no wonderful magic job offer would appear and sweep me away from Virginia and put me back in the lap of my friends. I joined some social events, and am making an effort to find a niche here. I let go of the anger and hatred, and began to embrace the good things about living in Richmond. I might not belong here, but at least I can almost find my way around now.

Yesterday: I worked late. I ate healthy. I spent $40.00 at Target, and watched “How Do I Look” when I got home, followed by Full House, Fresh Prince, and Roseanne. I slept.

Today: I got up and came to work. I sat in traffic for about 10 minutes at a stoplight (this is Richmond rush-hour). I’ve solved problems, surfed some Internet, drank a CF Diet Coke, and composed this posting. I don’t know what else yet, as I still have quite a few hours to go. I'm supossed to meet with the book club tonight, and there will be sushi involved.

Tomorrow: I’ll be at work (small scheme). Tomorrow (grand scheme), it’s too soon to tell. I’ll let you know when I find out myself. Hopefully it includes travel (to Europe *fingers crossed*), a highly satisfying career path, and love. We’ll see…:-)

Weird things about me...

2006-01-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

I know that I already posted the five "weird" things about me, but this weekend, I realized that I missed some things that I do so often, I don't even CONSIDER them weird.

For example--

I ALWAYS shake the milk before I pour a glass. I'm afraid it separates, and if I don't shake it, it's like ketchup--I'll just get this horrible milk water instead of milk.

I always do things for the right side of my body before the left--like putting in the right contact lense before the left, or putting on my right sock before the left.

I am right handed, but I use my mouse with my left hand and wear a watch on my right.

After seeing "The Ring" when it came out, I was unable to walk past a turned off TV set without kind of getting a running start--just in case I had to outrun the freaky dead girl. Even now, if I'm at home, I have the television on (usually muted) just to keep evil from using it as a portal.

It's been a while since I've been tagged...

2006-01-06T17:09:00.000-05:00

but Tee has placed the crown on my head, and encouraged me to show my true self to all of bloggerdom.

"The first player of this game starts with the topic five weird habits of yourelf and people who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next five people to be tagged and link to their web journals."

1. I love striking matches for the smell of burning sulphur. When I was a kid, I had a tiny little problem of liking to light things on fire. Nothing serious like pyromania, I just like fire.

2. I am addicted to Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers. I have them everywhere, and buy them in the 3-packs. I can't stand for my lips to be dry. I don't like Chapstick, because lip gloss should taste good.

3. I am a water snob. I do not drink tap water unless it's been filtered, and I prefer name brand bottled water like Deer Park and Evian (and Fiji if it's available). I do NOT like Dasani or Aquafina--disgusting. If I am forced to purchase water other than Deer Park or Evian, I would rather have a store brand over Dasani or Aquafina.

4. I constantly apply hand lotion during the day. Everytime I wash my hands, the first thing I do is slather on lotion. I keep hoping that at some point my hands will look nice, soft, and manicured, but they still look big and rough.

5. I will not wear sandals unless I have nail polish on my toes and my heels have been scrubbed free of callouses. I have a bit of a foot fetish for my own feet, and honestly, sometimes I think they could possibly be my best physical feature. I treat my feet better than my hands, as I never polish my fingernails.

Ok, I know, I know--I'm a Super Freak, right? Yeah, well, whatever. I can't help it that Tee posted 4 weird things about herself that also apply to me and MY weird habits. I couldn't repeat--what fun would that be?

Anyways, I guess I have to tag someone to do this now. Hmmm....Looking at my sidebar, not many to choose from, so I guess Craig, JoDee, ummmmmm....well, okay, how about this....IF you want to be tagged, let me know, and it will be done. Honestly, I don't know many people in bloggerland, so feel free to steal from me and post your own weird habits. And don't rat me out that I didn't tag 5 people.

Laterness...

Reflections of 2005...

2006-01-03T10:56:00.000-05:00

As 2006 begins, I'm tempted to look back at 2005, and see the things I accomplished, the things I didn't, and how I generally feel about it. All in all, 2005 wasn't the best year of my life--nor was it the worst. On the grand scale of 0(sucks) to 10 (yay), 2005 has garnered a 5 (meh) rating.

Here are a list of my 2005 accomplishments:

1. I finally hung curtains in my apartment. This is itself is monumental, as I have had numerous apartments over the past 6 years or so, and I have never put up curtains before.

2. I took my first trip by plane from Richmond to Detroit. I have fallen in love with air travel.

3. I have renewed and strengthened my relationship with my parents, since I moved from 10 hours away to a mere 3 hours away. My brother, on the other hand, is still a work in progress.

4. I lost a little over 5lbs of fat and gained muscle mass. I can also run 3 miles in 30 minutes at level 4 on the eliptical machine at the gym.

5. I have discovered that anger takes alot of energy, and have chosen to make the best of my circumstances. I sleep better, I am more calm, and I accept that change is good--whether we want to change or not.

Although I am not a resolutioner, I am setting forth my expecations for 2006. As people recognize, they are pretty much the same expectations I set forth at the beginning of every year. Sometimes, I make good, sometimes I don't--it's all in the effort to achieve them that counts.

In 2006, I will:

1. Attempt to eat healthier, and maintain a regular gym regimen of 4x a week.

2. Continue to try to meet new friends through the joining of extra-cirricular activities like the book club I joined, the social club of other Richmond transplants I met, and expanding my Letterboxing endeavors.

3. Take at least one trip by plane to somewhere.

4. Become less of a packrat and eliminate clutter from my life (and apartment).

It's not alot to accomplish, but I think that these are all attainable goals.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2006!

Back to the grindstone...

2005-12-27T09:36:00.000-05:00

after a nice and enjoyable holiday weekend with my parents.

I drove from Richmond to the nether reaches of Virginia on Friday night, and went from 50 degrees to 20 degrees. At my parents house, the temperature has not been out of the 20's in almost three weeks. They have snow, and ice...ALOT of ice. I used 4x4 to get up the driveway, as it was complete ice in the areas that weren't rutted from the heavy rains this fall. Needless to say, once I was there, I didn't move my car until I left yesterday.

My Christmas wish list was small, and it was filled. My parents got me the MuckBoots that I wanted. These are terrific for the farm, as come spring (and even now) since the mud and other unmentionable matter creates 6 inch deep sludge that needs to be traveled through in order to let the sheep out, feed the cattle, or check the chickens. I also got a stocking full of books, and a little bit of cash. Oh, and a friend of the family gave me a very retro, never used sandwhich maker/hamburger cooker with the original tags still attached. It was probably given to her in 1979, but that doesn't matter--it's still very cool.

My parents loved the fleece-tie blankets I made for them, as well as the small extras I added to the mix. They also appreciated the fact that I cooked the entire Christmas Eve dinner. I didn't get anything for my brother, or him me, so that's fair.

All in all, I had a great holiday, and I hope that you all did the same.

(Now I have the interminable four days of work to sludge through before another three day weekend arrives...and I can't figure out why my space formatting isn't working on this posting.)

Thoughts of my own mortality...

2005-12-20T08:47:00.000-05:00

I used to know a guy named Phillip. Even though we weren't friends, we did go to high school together. We both played trumpet in the band. I'm sure we were part of some of the same clubs in school--maybe SADD or Foreign Language, since those are the clubs practically everyone was in. It's possible that I shared other classes with him, but it was too long ago to remember.

Although I haven't seen this guy since I graduated quite a few years ago, I always knew where he was. In my hometown, he was involved with the public. He was active in the Fire Department, and worked for the Police Department. For a while, I think he was a town cop. He lived next door to another friend of mine, which is how I tended to know so much. Two years ago, he took a new job working for the same company as my dad. In fact, he worked with my dad, and was well liked there, too.

On Sunday, Phillip died. He was 28. In one of those freakish accidents that happen, his life was ended abruptly. And though I did not know him, but only knew of him, his loss is felt. For his parents, brother, sister-in-law, and niece and nephew, and all of his friends and family, I feel sorrow that they are facing a Christmas funeral.

Unlike most people, I am not afraid of my own death. I anticipate that when my life is to end, it is because some Higher Power has deemed it so. My only fear of death has to be how those who know me, especially my parents, would be impacted by this. Maybe Phillip thought the same way about his own life, because it's those who we leave behind that are faced with dealing with the void we leave.

During this holiday season, please tell the people in your life that you love them, and thank God for the time that we are given with them. Pray for those that are facing loss. And have a very Merry Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza/insert holiday name here.

Counting down to Christmas...

2005-12-19T14:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat.
Please put a penny in the old man's hat.
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do.
If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God Bless You.

As a child, I loved this song. I used to sing it over and over again, attempting to imitate the round that it should be done in. I think that the thought of a fat goose was funny, especially since geese were not common to the area that I grew up in. And what exactly was a ha'penny? When I found it that it was 1/2 of a cent, I was amazed that they even MADE such a small amount of money!

Now, Christmas barely registers on the radar. I haven't shopped for anyone. In fact, I refuse to set foot NEAR the mall. My parents are getting handmade gifts, and my brother and his wife aren't getting anything. I refuse to listen to the "all Christmas music all the time stations", and the commercialism of the holiday disappoints me in so many ways. The only concession I made this year, and that I make every year, are to send cards to my friends and to spend Christmas day with my parents.

The magic of Christmas that I remember is different now. Of course, as you grow older and realize that Santa stops coming, and the gifts under the tree begin to be practical instead of fun, that special magic fades. I don't know when exactly I stopped believing in Santa Claus. I think one day I just woke up and realized it was over. Maybe it was the year that my letter to Santa was based entirely on Mary Lou Retton gymnastic gear, and I didn't get a single one of the items on the list. Wow, I just realized that! My parents must have done a good enough job on picking out things, though, because I don't recall being disappointed. Usually, I got things from "Santa" that I didn't even know I wanted myself!

Perhaps if my life was different--if I had children of my own, or (God forbid), my brother had a child, I could embrace the season and be swept up in making it perfect for everyone. As it is, I only have one friend with young children, and I don't know them well enough to be involved in their lives. Maybe some day I'll attempt to recapture the joy I used to feel as a child, but for now, I'll continue being practical.

Thank goodness for overtime...

2005-12-14T18:05:00.000-05:00

but the tax rates SUCK!

I'm working alot of time, which means that my next paycheck will be the largest one I've seen all year (which is a huge bonus right before the Holidays), but won't be as large as the numbers suggest, since it will be taxed to death.

*sigh*

Kind of makes me wonder why I even try sometimes.

And I can't believe in all the years I lived in Michigan, I NEVER went to Niagra Falls OR Toronto! I think that next year when I come up to visit my very bestest friends that we should plan a trip that maybe includes a train ride across the border to the Great White North. What do you think? Wouldn't that be KEWL? Wait, do trains even go to Canada?

The worst part about being young(er), working alot of hours, and having massive student loan and credit card debt that sucks up all available finances is the fact that I can'tGO anywhere.

Oh well--maybe when I'm old and shriveled and my rich husband has died and left me with some money, I can go around the world and see whatever is left of it by the time I get there--which seems to be less and less as the days go by.

Wow, I'm tired...

2005-12-10T10:33:00.000-05:00

and right now I wish I was still asleep in bed, rather than sitting in my office, waiting for a report to finish running. It's my second saturday spent in the corporate prison that will continue to define my life until at least the end of the month.

So far, I've put in about 25 hours of overtime since Friday a week ago (not counting today), and I think I could sleep for a week. There was a time in my life when this didn't phase me at all. I could do it all--work 60 + hours a week, hang out till all hours of the morning, still find time to go to the gym, and have a pretty darn good life. I survived on less than 4 hours a sleep a night--and even then I thought that was too much!

It sucks to get older. Now I start thinking, do I REALLY need to stay up till 11pm to see the end of Crossing Jordan, or Full House, or whatever happens to be on TV at that time? Bed starts sounding pretty darn good about 10pm anymore. I'm too YOUNG to be going to bed at 11, especially on a Friday night, but I have a feeling that I'll never lose the under eye circles that have been tattoo'd there unless I get more sleep.

Arggghhh! This isn't fair at all.

To my fellow bloggers...

2005-12-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

how exactly does one get to be a "Blog of Note" as designated by Blogger.com?

Sometimes, I read through the ones that have been deemed noteworthy, and I wonder how did they gain such an honor as this?

For example, today the blogs of note include the following: (descriptions are from the actual blog-not of my creation).

The Hot Dog Spot--What's Chicago or New York got that we don't have here in Los Angeles? We eat more hot dogs than any other city in the nation... We have a wider variety of styles and toppings... A recent newspaper article dubbed LA the Hot Dog Capital of the World! Hot Dog Spot is the weblog of a crack team of "dogophiles" who are hot on the trail of the BEST DOG IN LOS ANGELES!

Holla Back NYC--Holla Back NYC empowers New Yorkers to Holla Back at street harassers. Whether you're commuting, lunching, partying, dancing, walking, chilling, drinking, or sunning, you have the right to feel safe, confident, and sexy, without being the object of some dickwad's fantasy. So stop walkin' on and Holla Back: Send us pics of street harassers!

A Consuming Experience--Thoughts on my experiences as a consumer of products, services, people (well maybe not that last one...), from reviews to raves, rants and random thoughts - concentrating on technology, gadgets, software, product usability, consumer issues, customer service. Including some introductory guides and tips on various subjects (like blogging!) which stumped me until I figured them out. And the occasional ever so slightly naughty observation.

The Festivus Pole--FRANK'S FESTIVUS: THE FIRST NAME IN FESTIVUS "tm" presents News and Comment on the upcoming Festivus season, as well as the only festivus pole on the market that meets Frank's original exacting standards for the Festivus Season.

Founder Frustrations--I am a professor in the Entrepreneurial Management unit at Harvard Business School. My research focuses on Founder Frustrations, and I would love to get your feedback on my early research findings, ideas for new issues/"frustrations" to study, and input based on your experiences.

BORING! Ok, Holla Back NYC is actually pretty interesting, but I'm alot more interesting to read than these other people, right?

Okay, sure, maybe my choice of topics aren't universally appealing to the reading masses, but I do try. Aren't you entertained by my real life experiences? Do you not feel my pain when I post it so eloquently for you to partake? Do you not laugh at my intense anger? Do you relate to me when I complain about co-workers, traffic, and the stupid people I encounter? Do you even love me at all?

Mayhaps I spoke too soon...

2005-12-03T13:03:00.000-05:00

regarding how good of a day Friday turned out to be, inspite of everything else.

To break it down into simple terms:

1. I paid two tolls more than needed because I misread my mapquest directions.
2. I became lost in downtown Richmond because of street closures.
3. My car was towed.
4. It cost me $100 to get my car back.

It's really number 3 and 4 that bothers me the most. On the way to dinner in Shockoe Bottom last night, I took 195 instead of 95. When I figured out my mistake, I went back, and then became entrenched in the holiday festivity traffic. I stopped a woman on the street for directions, and I found my destination around 6:30pm. When I arrived, I parked in a lot adjacent to the building. Since there was a huge sign painted on the side of the building that faced the parking lot, the impression given was that the parking belonged to the establishment. I went in, had a cap'n and diet coke, tried a fried olive, and then walked from 22nd street down to 17th street to see the Farmers Market. I shopped, drank warm cider, bought a brooch for my mom, and then had dinner and dessert.

On returning to the original establishment at approximately 11:15pm, I discovered my car was gone. This caused a little bit of panic. Okay, I lie--ALOT of panic. I asked the bartender why they had towed my vehicle, as I had been a paying customer that evening, and was told, "That's not our parking lot. It's marked for residents of the apartment building."

Yeah, it wasn't marked clearly at all. I parked in the 4th parking spot next to the building. At parking spot number 9 (5 spots past my vehicle) was a small sign approximatley 6 inches by 8 inches that stated "Parking for residents only". Does anyone else see the reasoning behind this? I parked under the 5 foot by 7 foot sign of the restaurant. How do you even SEE a sign that small, in the dark, 20 feet away from where you park? Yeah, I didn't think so--I didn't see it either. It was a TOTAL SCAM!

Luckily, the friend I had dinner with was nice enough to drive me all the way out to the westend (Staples Mill past Gaskins) to pick up my car from this seedy car towing company at midnight. THEN the lead goon and his two buffoon drivers had the nerve to act like they were doing ME a favor, they flirted with my friend, and then they THANKED ME for my patronage in that snide way that only true shysters can. WTF! It's midnight, you stole my car, AND you get to act like complete buttheads to me when you charge me $100 of my hard earned money that was supossed to be part of my rent in order to get my own car back from you?

ARRRRGGGHHHH! I am still angry about this, and probably will be for a few days. If I had the time and money, I would take them to small claims court and fight it. I think I would win if I presented the evidence as it truely is. I am RIGHT and they are shady business taking advantage of poorly placed signs in unlit parking lots. I'm not the first person that has been scammed like this--and I'm sure I won't be the last.

An okay ending...

2005-12-02T16:23:00.000-05:00

to an otherwise sucky week.

Coming back to work after having been on vacation for a week is never fun. You work yourself to death before you go so that you don't leave anything huge and messy for someone else to clean up while you're gone--and then you work like crazy when you get back trying to catch up and clean up the things that happened while you were out.

Today, though, has been tolerable. Of course, I have faced the same obstacles to a nice smooth Friday that I face every week, but today Tracy (Tee) of Spilt Milk put her never ending talents to work, and designed this beautiful new template thingy. She is a GENIUS! I collected FOUR Wendy's cups towards my plane ticket (only need 40 more!). I have plans to go have dinner and see some Christmas light thing tonight. It's finally cold enough to wear a turtleneck sweater here, and NOT sweat my ass off. I think I'm having a relatively nice hair day. I just drank a free Coke.

Honestly, does it get any better than this?

I'm issuing a challenge to you...

2005-12-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

I have a goal--one that on my own is unattainable, but with your combined efforts, could be accomplished very easily.

I am collecting Wendy's AirTran cups. There, I said it. Currently, I have 20. In order to get the free round-trip AirTran ticket, I need 44 more.

My co-workers have been responsible for providing me with about 10 of the 20 I have. I can only drink so much Diet Coke, and they can only afford to eat at Wendy's occasionally.

What's in this for you?

Well, I will reimuburse you the postage for the coupons on the side of the cups if you mail them to me. You will also be given the knowledge that you have helped me to fly to Detroit to visit my friends again in 2006--and that's worth all of the warm fuzzies you can stand! :)

If you can help--please do. Either send an email or post a reply here and I'll give you contact information. If you can't help, well, that's okay, too. Thank for reading me!

Today, I am angry...

2005-11-30T09:23:00.000-05:00

and honestly, if I thought I could get away with it, they would never find the bodies. I want to scream, kick, hit, and throw things at them. LEAVE ME ALONE!!! And if my email doesn't stop dropping 10 emails into my inbox every 2.5 minutes, I will seriously THROW THIS THING OUT OF MY WINDOW.

And everyone else, SHUT UP!

(and co-worker Brian--if you read this and say ANYTHING about it to anyone in the office, well...you can just imagine what will happen to you.)

Home for the holidays...

2005-11-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

This past week, I took vacation time from work, and traveled "home" for the Thanksgiving holiday. In this case, home wasn't to my parents farm in the western highlands of Virginia, but to Michigan where I went to college, lived, and worked for seven years (or 1/4 of my life).

Compared to Richmond, Detroit is a Siberian wasteland--cold, dirty, gray, and clouded with the remnants of failed industry. The roads suck, and traffic is horrible. The economic forecast is bleak--last year there was -2.6 percent job growth (this being the main reason that I now live in Virginia). And even though I love Michigan, the entire time I was there, I waivered between my desire to return to the life I led, and the desire to try to find that new existence I'm struggling to establish now. It's very hard to find yourself again.

A home isn't necessarily a physical place you go--though in some cases it can be. I think that home is where you go to see the people you love, and who love you back. So to my friends, confidants, and partners in crime--I love all of you guys, and I began missing you the minute I crossed the state line into Ohio.

And I hope that I always have a 'home' with you.

Why I love my job (sometimes)...

2005-11-22T23:37:00.001-05:00

I know I sometimes complain about the boredom and monotony that comes with being saddled with an office job, but sometimes it's a great thing. Here are my top two reasons why selling out to corporate America isn't always a bad thing.

2. Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance provided with payment of small pre-tax payroll deductions. Insurance is NOT cheap, and the company absorbs massive amounts of the cost associated with providing these benefits to employees. For this, I am thankful. I may not make alot of money, BUT I have terrific health and dental insurance with reasonable co-pays, prescription coverage, vision discounts for my contacts, and the ability to have an accident and go to the emergency room without the fear of being saddled with thousands of dollars in medical bills. Oh, and those pre-tax deductions also reduce your taxable earnings at the end of the year--giving me a small tax break, too.

1. Paid Time Off ROCKS! Every year I get 10 paid vacation days, 6 paid sick days, and 9 paid holidays off from the cubicle that is my life. The best part is, if I don't use my sick time by the end of the year, it's paid out to me. Sure, in the grand scheme of things, it pales in comparison to the 3 months of unabashed freedom alloted to college students and school teachers. But in my college days when I worked retail, if I didn't work on that day, I didn't get paid.

Since I am currently being paid to do nothing--I'm off to do more of that now. Hope that you all have a terrific Turkey Day!