Mid-Wholidays....

So I'm in that silly week in between Christmas and New Years. I'm at work today.... the only day I'm working this week (YAY!). My Christmas was great. I got everything on my list and more! It was a crazy and tiring few days... but a fun few days. Now I'm all packed and ready to head to MD from work today. Then to NC on Thursday morning. I'll be there for New Years and then back to MD on Sunday. And back to NJ on Tuesday. Eek... lots of car time in my future... but most of it should be really fun.

Here's a brief list of fun presents I got this year:
- TWO pairs of boots!
- Rachael Ray's 30 minute cook book
- Nice soft new sweaters
- The new Nicholas Sparks book
- $$$
- windshield wipers (which I really needed)
- some work out clothes
- Really awesome (and expensive - aka can't buy it at CVS) facewash and lotion
- two pairs of adorable earrings

I'm sure there are other things that I got that I'm just not thinking of right now. But really... every gift was a good one this year! So thanks to everyone!

Hopefully I'll have a second or two to check in from MD and NC. If not... HAPPY NEW 2006!

Leaky Sink

Our kitchen sink is leaking. Badly. As in I have a huge mop bucket under there... and it fills up in less than 4 hours. So I had to get up twice last night to empty it. I did call the management office today and they said they'd send someone over to fix it... hopefully that happens because Shell is already in Htown and I'm heading there straight from work today. So it's going to be leaking for a good while before anyone gets back.

Other than that nothing too exciting to report. We're on day #3 of the Transit Strike. Crazyness I tell you! Today is my last day of work before Christmas... yay! Tomorrow I hope to get my brows waxed, buy some last minute stocking stuffers and get to the gym.

Hope everyone is having a good week leading up to Christmas!

NYC Transit Strike

What's worse than regular holiday gridlock in NYC?


Holiday gridlock + a transit strike! It's a mess here in the city. Luckily it doesn't affect me too much as I work in the Bronx so I just have to deal with any residual traffic... but it's still pretty crazy. In the Bronx there's just cars everywhere. People who usually take the bus/subway to work are driving. Jeepers creepers, it's just insanity I tell you!


(New Yorkers try walking to work as they form sea of pedestrians crossing Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan yesterday.)



Anyway, that's the update from the city. Hopefully this will all be over soon! At least tomorrow is my last day of work before Christmas. I'll be off for 4 days, in for one, then off for another 6. Can't argue with that!

Lots to Say

I feel like I have a lot to say... but I can't remember what it is! I'll try to get it all out there in simple list format (you know I heart lists)

- Holiday gridlock in NYC is HORRIBLE (as in its taken me over 2 hours to get to work on more than one ocassion)
- I love making Christmas cookies..... LOVE it
- Last night I cleaned my apartment... straightened things up, mopped, swiffered, dusted... it was great
- I've had a cold that I can't shake for almost 2 weeks now - NyQuil is a savior
- I've decided I don't mind snow, as long as I don't have to travel anywhere in it
- I have officially read a Harry Potter book... and enjoyed it (and then promptly watched the movie and started the second book... damn you Potter for roping me in!)
- Trips to North Carolina are in my future
- Red is a good color for me - but I don't like wearing it
- It's Friday and that makes me happy
- I still have tons of shopping to do... eek!
- I had two different nightmares last night. The fist was that me and everyone else around me kept falling through a frozen pond... it was quite horrible... and cold! And for some reason I did it twice. The second was that I had to take finals and I wasn't prepared at all. I didn't even know where the classrooms WERE because I hadn't gone to class at all.
- I'm wearing cute pink snow boots today... its totally hott

Ok -- I think I covered most of it. If I think of anything else I'll be sure to edit. But right now I gotta get stuff done so I can be out of here by 3!

Survey Fun at Work

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey
Name:	Jeannie
Birthday:	3.29.81
Birthplace:	Bryn Mawr, PA
Current Location:	right now I'm in the Bronx... but I live in Jersey
Eye Color:	baby blues
Hair Color:	eh... light brown?
Height:	tall
Right Handed or Left Handed:	righty!
Your Heritage:
The Shoes You Wore Today:	my new fun pink boots... theyre like slippers I swear
Your Weakness:
Your Fears:
Your Perfect Pizza:	Cenzos meatball pizza. YUM
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	hahahahaha
Thoughts First Waking Up:	can I sleep for another 10 minutes?
Your Best Physical Feature:	my eyes - and now they work. YAY LASIK
Your Bedtime:	too early. Like 10ish. I'm a old lady. I know
Your Most Missed Memory:
Pepsi or Coke:	DIET coke
MacDonalds or Burger King:	McDs... hands down
Single or Group Dates:	Single
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	DIET COKE
Chocolate or Vanilla:	Chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee:	Latte
Do you Smoke:	it kills
Do you Swear:	fuck yeah
Do you Sing:	in the shower, the car, and when no one else is around
Do you Shower Daily:	YES! Every day.. .sometimes twice a day
Have you Been in Love:	still am
Do you want to go to College:	been there... done that
Do you want to get Married:	workin on it
Do you belive in yourself:	depends on the day and the situation
Do you get Motion Sickness:	yes - if im in the car with a bad driver
Do you think you are Attractive:	depends on the day
Are you a Health Freak:	not so much
Do you get along with your Parents:	Totally
Do you like Thunderstorms:	LOVE them
Do you play an Instrument:	I played the flute in 5th grade -- does that count?
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	yes
In the past month have you Smoked:	again - IT KILLS
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	does NyQuil count? If so, then yes. I've been a regular druggie this month (can't shake this cold)
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	yeah :)
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	stupidily, yes I have (its DECEMBER - and malls in dec are crazy)
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	a whole box? No. I don't think I've had any actually. I should work on that.
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	last night I had one lil piece
In the past month have you been on Stage:	I walked through a stage last night at our concert... so sure
In the past month have you been Dumped:	Not that I know of
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	no... never in my life
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	nah
Ever been Drunk:	oops
Ever been called a Tease:	too many times
Ever been Beaten up:	violence is not the answer
Ever Shoplifted:	nah
How do you want to Die:	peacefully? what the heck kind of question is that?
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	happy
What country would you most like to Visit:	ohhhhh... africa (I know thats not a country but I want to see any part of it!)
In a Boy/Girl..
Favourite Eye Color:	blue
Favourite Hair Color:	blonde or red
Short or Long Hair:	long
Height:	taller than me
Weight:	like a number? girls dont talk about that
Best Clothing Style:	whatever she's comfortable in
Number of Drugs I have taken:	again... I don't do drugs other than NyQuil
Number of CDs I own:	too damn many
Number of Piercings:	5
Number of Tattoos:	ew gross
Number of things in my Past I Regret:	none
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

Weekend in Jersey

I stayed in Jersey this weekend. And it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Granted it sucks not getting to see Ar at all this week... but other than that I found I can entertain myself.

Friday night I was planning on going to the gym but once I Got home from work and realized how damn cold it was out... I locked the door, put on my PJs and made some cookies. Then watched TV til 11ish when it was bedtime.

Saturday I got up to go the gym, came home and showered then went to the mall and got some Christmas shopping done. And then last night I had to go to a work event in the City. WFUV Dance Party. Don't worry... it wasn't much fun at all. But I felt somewhat obligated to go, and it gave me seomthing to do. By the time I got home it was 11ish so I successfuly took care of the evening.

Today I wrote up some Christmas cards, went to the gym, cleaned a bit and then came over to Aunt Jans. I helped her get some of her Christmas boxes (the empty ones) back over to the garage and then we made more cookies.



Now its time for dinner....

Top 10 Albums of 05

Check out WFUV's Staff Picks for the Best Albums of 05.... scroll almost all the way to the bottom and there are mine!!!

Updated Pictures....

Just posted some new pictures..... have a looksy.

it's been a while....

Back to reality... which means back to work... which means back to sitting in front of a computer for extended periods of time... which means posting :)

My Thanksgiving was great. I had 5 days off which was amazing. Ar came up and spent T-gives with my family. It was really nice to have a family holiday with her there. I'm sure it wasnt quite as nice for her, but I think she had a good enough time.

Friday we had a cookie baking day. Everyone went to Cookies house and we made all kinds of cookies. Cookie cutter cookies, press cookis, peanut butter blossoms, apricot cookies, acorn cookies, candy cane cookies.... just cookies everywhere. But it was a lot of fun, and then we all stayed in an played this crazy dice game on Friday night.

Saturday was another big family breakfast at this cute little place near my grandmothers house. And after that I got to head down to MD. Which was such a nice treat after being on family overload for 3 days. Sunday Ar and I went up to B-more with her boss and his wife to see the Festival of Trees. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was actually a good time. And totally got me in the holiday spirit. And we caught the twilight movie ($5.25/person) after an early dinner and saw RENT. It was ok... not amazing. But definately worth $5.25!

And now I'm back to my regular old life. Working a Bonnie Raitt concert on Wednesday... and thats about it.

Ok... sorry it wasn't more exciting... just had to do a quick catch up!

Food Flare-Up

So I went out last night for D's birthday. It was all the girls. I had 0 intentions of getting drunk... but I should know by now, those are the times I get the most drunk. I only had like 5 drinks the whole night.... but apparently that's all I needed. I can't remember the last time I was that drunk. Maybe it was Christmas with the girls in Hoboken last year... but I don't even think then I was that drunk.

So anyway... I puked all morning. Cause I'm a champ like that. And then tried to make breakfast (at noon). So I was making scrapple and scrambled eggs. If you don't know what scrapple is -- its a Philly thing. It's the best breakfast meat ever. Just don't read the ingrediants before you eat it. So anyway -- this breakfast is fondly called 'scrapies and scrambies' in my house. So... thats what I was making to cure my hangover.

There is a cardinal rule to cooking scrapple -- you only flip it ONCE. So you need to let it cook for 10-15 minutes and then flip... because thats how my mom and aunts taught me to make it. So I put the scrapple on and emailed my cousin in Iraq while it was cooking -- before the eggs and toast were even a thought. I finished the email, checked on the scrapies, flipped (side one was cooked to perfection if I do say so myself), started whipping up the scrambies, got them going, then got the bread in my parents nice new toaster oven and was working on pouring a hydrating beverage.

I was actually thinking how proud I was of myself for timing everything so perfectly. The entire meal was going to be done at the same time, which is not my strong suit in cooking a meal. So this was exciting! No sooner had I thought that did the smell of smoke filled my nose. I bolted to the brand new toaster oven... AND SAW THE FLARE UP! Smoke was billowing out of the toaster oven. Our smoke detectors here in Havertown are quite sensitive (safety first of course) so I speedily opened the back door AND the skylight (smoke rises after all...) but the fire was still going strong. I didn't want the rest of breakfast to suffer so all scrapie/scrambie burners got turned off immediately. And then it was just time to wait it out. Because I'm sure you're all familiar with the "In the event of food flare-up keep door closed and unplug the power cord" warning on any Black and Decker toaster oven." I had unplugged the cord and was just waiting, watching my toast slowly burn away.

The flare-up however was just getting worse! I'm not ashamed to admit it. I panicked. I rapidly dialed the number to Suburban Hardware (my dads hardware store). Someone answered the phone and it seemed like hours before my dad got on the phone. I hastily asked if he was busy... he said a little, but could clearly tell there was a panic in my voice and asked what was up. I informed him of the flare up and asked for his best advice. Once confirmed that the toaster oven was in fact unplugged his only other suggestion was to take it outside. However, carrying the fire made me nervous I asked what if I just grabbed the burning toast and threw it in the sink and douced it with water? Mr. Hardware said this could be an option, however he was relatively certain the smoke detectors would be all over that one. It looked as if the flame was dying to I let him get back to his work... and continued waiting.

Of course as soon as I hung up the phone the flare up came BACK... and stronger than ever. But I figured it's like a watched pot... and perhaps the best thing would be to focus my energies elsewhere... but still keeping an eye on the flame. So I got my plate together. Luckily the heart of the meal hadn't been compromised by this "food flare-up" and the scrapies and scrambies got away unscathed. I got my drink and began eating at the counter with one eye on the toaster oven. Eventually.... the flame died. That piece of toast sure did suffer. No need to worry everyone -- the house is still in one piece.

And that... has been my eventful morning so far.

Ten Year Night

This is my new favorite song..... It's called Ten Year Night by Lucy Kaplansky. It's soooo pretty.



There is no one else around
The road is quiet, the only sound
Is wind that sounds like cars that sound like breathing

The desert air is hot and dry
Two lanes weaving earth and sky
The stars are all that's keeping time 'til morning

And I turn and look beside me
And you're sleeping like a baby
And you haven't heard a word that I've been saying

And the way you look tonight
Fast asleep in the dashboard light
Well I can't speak
That's how I feel

Open your eyes and look at me, and look at me
Open your eyes and look at me'
Cause I have and hold this love for you
Before this ten year night is through
I'm telling you
Take it from me
Take it from me

We're ten years older, I know we are
Than the night we met in that downtown bar
You thought I was some kind of star
That's what you saidI felt your skin, I felt the heat
As you pulled me out into the street
And you kissed me there 'til I was weak'
Cause I asked you to

And later on on your kitchen floor
Two flights above the grocery store
I felt things I never felt before, and I still do

Open your eyes and look at me, and look at me
Open your eyes and look at me'
Cause I have and hold this love for you
Before this ten year night is through
I'm telling you
Take it from me
Take it from me

Going eighty on the highway
We're all rushing somewhere
But the way I feel tonight
It's like I'm already there

Open your eyes and look at me, and look at me
Open your eyes and look at me'
Cause I have and hold this love for you
Before this ten year night is through
I'm telling you
Take it from me
Take it from me

Silly Week

I've had such a strange week. I'm all out of it and stuff and little tiny things are getting on my nerves. I don't know what the deal is. But this morning I nearly had a breakdown because of the following:

- didn't sleep much last night
- woke up all congested
- burnt my breakfast so I was hungry
- nearly ran out of gas on the way to work... and the 'rest stop' on the turnpike is 'out of gas' until further notice. so I had to totally go out of my way to get gas before I ran out (yes... my gas light was even on and had been for a while! I was practically hyperventalating).
- its senior citizens day or something at the Botanical Gardens so I waited in traffic to get in to park my car since thats where I have to park. And then had a bunch of old people yell at me for no reason at all. Not to mention I'm parked like a mile away from work because it was so crowded
- family holiday stresses

But people... its Friday. I should be happy happy happy! And I'm getting there. As the day progresses I'm getting happer about the weekend and saying 'f it' to the crappy morning I had.

Tonight I'm heading to Havertown and then carpooling with D to Annapolis. I won't get there til later tonight... but I will be there tonight. And then go out in Annapolis with Ar and all sorts of other peeps on Saturday night which I'm really excited about! YAY! Then Sunday its back to Havertown for D's picke party. If you don't know what that is... well thats your loss :)

Ok... bring on the weekend and the fun. I'm ready for it after my silly week of being wierd and emotional!

Apparently I'm STILL Recovering

So Miss Arleigh turned 21 this weekend! It really was a good time. Friday night we didn't do much of anything... got dinner at On the Border (my fave mexican place) and then headed to bed. Saturday I got to meet up with D and Bizzle for lunch because they were in MD for the weekend too.

And then Saturday night we ventured to DC. Ar finally got me to a club. And it really was fun. At midnight she got her "21" wristband... and started kickin back the drinks. She was totally hard core and wait for jaeger (however you spell it) and jack. She was either doing a shot or sucking down a Jack and Coke. She did good :) Got rightfully trashed... and we headed home around 2. It was funny. Because it was me (the DD), Ar (the wasted birthday girl) and two guys she works with (one of whom is blind). The four of us walking to the car were quite the scene.

I finally got to bed around 6ish Saturday morning... and Ar and I slept ALL DAY Sunday. We went out for dinner/drinks with her boss and other coworkers on Sunday. And yesterday I just chilled. It was the perfect weekend.

And now it's already Tuesday!


This week will be pretty busy too. I'm going out to dinner with my brother tomorrow night and then working a Willie Nelson/Ryan Adams concert Thursday night. And Friday its back to MD.

Tonight on the agenda is the gym and SLEEP!

I often question my intelligence

Rewind to last weekend....

I bought shoes. Clarks. I went to DSW with Ar and must have tried on at least 10 pairs of shoes. I finally settled on these black slip on clarks. They were really comfy and seemed practical. I had a $25 gift certificate... so I only ended up paying like 20 bucks for them.

Fast forward a bit to Wednesday night...
I had a pile of boxes in my room that needed to go in the trash (or so I thought). I got a pair of shoes in the mail, and then I had some boxes from stuff I got at my dads store over the weekend. So I was on my way out and was all proud that I grabbed the pile to take it to the dumpster.

Last night...
I was packing for the weekend in MD. Trying to be a better packer than usual, since we'll actually be doing stuff ths weekend I couldn't just pack my standard jeans and Fordham hoodie. I was trying to figure out what shoes to pack and was looking for my new Clarks. And then I realized that I'm an ass. You guessed it... I threw them out. I thought about going out to the dumster to look for them, but figured that would be pointless. It was raining and dark already so even if they were there, I wouldn't be able to see a damn thing. So I just figured I'd hope for a miracle in the morning.

This morning....
I got all my packed stuff loaded in the car.. and then ventured to the dumpster. I could see my pile of stuff underneath another bag or two. So I reached in as far as I could and tried moving the stuff. But the dumpster was too deep. I couldn't reach anything. It was so very frustrating. I think I was hanging in the trash for at least 20 (if not more) minutes. I was even hoping someone would walk by that I could ask for assistance... maybe give me a boost. I considered emptying my laundry basket in my car to turn it over and stand on... but I've done that before and the outcome ins't pretty. So.... I let them go. I said goodbye to my brand new shoes. The only thing I can do is hope that someone will be picking through the trash and find me shoes.... and I'm assuming if they're picking through the trash they could use a pair of comfy shoes.

And that ... is why I question my intelligence.

Busy Busy Busy

I've had such a busy week! Tuesday night I worked the Ben Folds concert at Radio City ... it was an amazing concert. So much fun. I got home around midnight. Then last night I met up with Brooke for coffee. I'm officially obsessed with pumkin spice lattes. So f'in good. But it'll be good when they are no more on the menu, because they're all sugar. No good for the diet. Tonight I have another concert for work. This one is a members concert (people who give us $1000 bucks or more get to come to these 'exclusive' events). It's right here at Fordham though, and there is a catered dinner beforehand. So thats a treat. I'm hoping to get home by 10ish so I can pack... because tomorrow I head to MD for Miss Arleighs 21st birthday!!!! So very exciting. It will cetainly be in interesting weekend... but I'm sure it'll be a good time.

Anyway... thats my update for now!

Monday and Stuff

Weekend was good. Saturday I hung out with Shell, D and Ash. We went and got fitted for our dresses for Shells wedding. Very fun. We laughed a lot and havent hung out just the four of us in a while. It was definately some needed, fun, girly time.

Ar came up Saturday night after work. We didn't really do anything when she arrived. Just watched TV and hung out. Sunday we were bums all morning and then finally got our asses in gear to go for a little (and I stress little) ride. I even rode her bike! With clippies and everything. I was petrified, but once I got used to my feet being totally attached to the bike it wasn't so bad.

Last night my mom made dinner and then we watched some of the Eagles game.

Tonight Im working the Ben Folds concert at Radio City. Re and I are going -- should be fun!

Bring on the Weekend

It's 4pm on Friday. And I'm so very ready for the weekend. Tonight I'm going into the city for some Global Outrach alum thing. I was a bit worried about it at first -- but I found out someone else I know is going so it should be a good time. If not at least I'll get a good meal.

After that I'm most likely going to head straight to H-town. Tomorrow the only major things on my agenda are to get my eye brows waxed, hit up the gym, and get my dress for Shell's wedding.

Hopefully Ar will be coming to H-town Saturday night after work, and we might go ride on Sunday. Which would be amazing!

I Feel So Loved....

Because I haven't posted in a while... and people miss me!!!

Not too much has been going on. I've been reletively busy at work which is a welcomed change. And that's about it.

Oh -- I did make meatloaf (ok - turkey loaf) the other night for dinner. It was my first meatloaf attempt... and it came out WONDERFULLY! I was very proud of my loaf. I made two little ones instead of one big one ... so I could freeze the leftover loaf. That was the most excitement in my life this week.

And I'm getting sick. But I'm ignoring that... and pretending like I'm not :)



Ok... back to work I go!

Working Late

So I'm not really working late... I'm just working the Richard Thompson show tonight in the city. I'm just annoyed because I didn't dress for cold weather... and its ass cold out there today. Silly me looked out the window this morning, saw the sun shining and figured it was nice out. So I just wore my vest. But uhhh it's cold. And I'll be walking around the city all freezing cold. Oh well. I'm thinking that justifies a starbucks stop!

I can see!!

It's true. I can officially see without glasses or contacts. It's all quite crazy.

The surgey itself is pretty f'in freaky. The laser doesn't hurt at all... it's more the eye clamps and stuff that is uncomfortable. The valium helps a bit, but its about as scary as when I went sky diving. Only sky diving ended up being fun... and this wasn't as much fun. But its 15 minutes of being terrified... and then its done.

I came home and pretty much went right to sleep as thats the best healer. And I've been doing all sorts of drops every two hours and all that jazz.

At my follow-up on Friday my right eye was perfecto -- 20/20. My right eye is just shy of 20/20... but will get better as it heals. But I can most certainly see fine! My eyes are still a bit scratchy so that is a bit annoyting, but it just feels like I fell asleep with my contacts in and theyre all dry. Its more annoying than painful.

I'm still at Aunt Jans, but will be returning to West Orange tonight. I might go to a concert with her and ReRe tonight because they have an extra ticket, but we'll see if I feel up to it. I am still recovering from surgery you know!

Anyway... thats all for now

Loving Fall

I'm totally loving fall this week. I just had the best apple at lunch. I'm making soup tonight. I got ginger snaps at the foodstore. I got all of my winter clothes from home this weekend. I've been wearing my black down vest these days. And it's been sunny! Pumpkins are all over the place and it's just pretty.

Last night I even had a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. Delish. Totally hit the seasonal spot.

And... only two more days of wearing glasses! I'm a bit nervous for the surgery, but I hear its painless... and they gave me a valium to take before hand. So I'm thinking I'll be ok.

Only one more day of work this week too!

Three Day Work Week

I'm out on Thursday and Friday because of my LASIK!!!! So I only have to work three days this week. YAY FOR THAT!

And thats all I have to say about that :)

Another weekend check in

It's already Sunday. This weekend really flew by. Crazy I tell you! Friday I drove home to H-town and brought Cotter home too, so that was fun. It took us just about 4 hours... but it was really nice to have company so I won't complain.

Then yesterday I ran a bunch of errands and decided to suprise Ar with a visit. I got there right as the shop was closing and then we went to dinner. She was exhausted, so we didn't do anything else as we finished dinner around 9ish.

This morning I got up, left MD by 10:30, then went to the gym here and ran some more errands. Now I'm just waiting for D to come pick me up and we're off to Manayunk to do a little b-day dinner for Kelly!

Firsts and Lasts

Everyone one has their firsts...

First best friend: James Thompson
First screen name: jeannie962
First funeral: my PopPop
First CD: Amy Grant... I don't know what it was called though
First pet: Thumper (our bunny- I know not too original on the name)
First piercing/tattoo: ears when I was 1 or 2 (everyone thought I was a boy so my mom thought that would help)
First big trip: don't remember
First flight: it was probably to my first big trip... so I don't remember that either
First concert: Ani DiFranco
First job: Receptionist at the Rectory "Good Evening St. Denis Rectory this is Jeannie how can I help you?"

Everyone also has their lasts...
Last car ride: work this morning
Last time you cried: probably sometime last week
Last movie you watched: In Her Shoes
Last food you ate: Rold Gold Pretzels
Last temptation: leaving work early
Last item bought: Birthday card at the bookstore
Last annoyance: coworker
Last shirt worn: Not the one I have on now? Then my "I MZQ in my shirt" t-shirt that I wore to bed
Last concert: Jamie Cullum on Tues
Last phone call: Rita in the studio telling me a spot was missing
Last time at the mall: Sunday


Last fight: i like stirring trouble!!

10 Reasons Why Gay Marriage is WRONG

01) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural
things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

02) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that
hanging around tall people will make you tall.

03) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy
behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has
legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

04) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at
all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and
divorce is still illegal.

05) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were
allowed; the sanctity of Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage
would be destroyed.

06) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay
couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry
because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more
children.

07) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight
parents only raise straight children.

08) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours,
the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why
we have only one religion in America.

09) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at
home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to
raise children.

10) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never
adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the
service-sector economy, or longer life spans.


Just thought that was entertaining :)

Monday... er wait... ITS TUESDAY!

I was all packed and ready to go yesterday. Bags, shoes, everything in the car. The plan was to head to Ar's shop around 1, have some lunch, hang around until 5... say bye to Miss Arleigh and be on the road to Jersey by 7.

But.... I did not feel like driving to Jersey last night. I did not at all. I did, however, feel like hangin out in MD with Ar. So that decided that. She canceled her "Fixes and Flixs for Chicks" and we headed back to her house.

I'm glad I stayed. It would have been silly to get home to NJ at like 11ish and be all lonely. I got a good nights sleep as I was in bed by 10, asleep no later than 11... and didnt have to get up until 6:15. I left MD by 6:45 and was at work before 11 (so maybe it was 10:59... but thats still before 11). Though I just found out the concert I'm working tonight is at 9... not 8. So that sort of stinks. I might have to cut out a bit early as I'll be fading by 11ish. But I think Re and I are going to meet up for dinner in the city and then head to the concert so that should be a good time.

Anyway... I'm not all that busy at work today so just thought I'd post while I was thinking of it.

And it's already Tuesday. I do so love having off on Mondays!

I Love you Columbus

Just chillin here in MD. Watched a little Regis and Kelly Live... now I'm just putzin around online and playin with puppy. She's really growing on me. But shhh don't tell anyone!

I think I might head back to bed for an hour or so, then get in gear visit Ar at work... and then hopefully go for a bit of a walk later. Hopefully the rain will hold off.

Oh good lord... family feud is on. Perhaps I won't be getting back to bed!

Mini Weekend Update

Yeah... I wish I was as cool as Tina Faye (I dont know how to spell that) with my weekend updates and all. But just thought I'd say hi while Miss Arleigh is in the shower.

We've had a nice weekend. It was a rough ride down on Friday with the freakin rain, but I got here around 7:30ish and we headed to On The Border for some Mexican for dinner. I do love that place. Then we got home and passed out. It was like 10:30.

Ar had to work yesterday morning so we got up, I drove her to work, came home and showered then went back to help out because they were short staffed. I'm working for a discount so I can buy a sweet ass road bike. Basically I spent 6 hours folding all the summer clothes and putting them into boxes to make room for winter riding gear. The one really fun part of the day was when Ar and I went to Chik-Fil-A to get lunch for us and Ernest.... and they accidentally gave us DOUBLE our order. So we had SIX things of chicken nuggets and SIX orders of fries. It was like Christmas giving out the extras at the shop. Very fun and entertaining. It was a slow day other than that as it was raining like mad.

We headed home, debated over what to do for the night and settled on Barnes. I read my book, she read some bikey magazines, we got hot beverages... and it was lovely. Then we went to TGI Fridays for something small to eat. Though I got a drink as big as my head... it was QUITE the yummy dacqueri!

Ok...now it's off to the movies!


ps... I HAVE OFF TOMORROW YAY!

Spiked Salsa

So I was all cute today and brought my favorite blue chips from Whole Foods and a little side thing of salsa.

And I just took a bite... and my salsa totally tastes like its spiked! It smells and tastes like freakin GRAIN ALCOHOL!

I just made Janeen smell it too... and she agrees.

I thought salsa had a super long shelf life, and this is only a month old (if that)... apparently something is going strangely awry in the jar though, because this shit is foul!


So much for my fun little treat!

Books (part II)

Just keeping my promise to update everyone on my recent reads....

The Pact -- Jodi Picoult
Plain Truth -- Jodi Picoult
Vanishing Acts -- Jodi Picoult


yes... I've been reading a lot of Miss Picoult. I can't help it!!! But I will say that Plain Truth is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I've already made a bunch of people read it, and would certainly recomend it to almost anyone!!!

Last night I just started PS I Love you by Cecelia Ahern. It seems like it's going to be a good one!


[Here's the old post with all the other books I've read]
Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing - Melissa Bank
My Sisters Keeper - Jodi Picoult
The Pact - Jodi Picoult
True Believer - Nicholas Sparks
The Wedding - Nicholas Sparks
Straight Talking - Jane Green
Slightly Settled - Wendy Markham
Simply Sinful - Carly Phillips
The Right Choice - Carly Phillips
Departures - Elizabeth Oness
A Perfect Day - Richard Paul Evans

Thursday Already

I can't believe it's already Thursday. I have no idea where this week has gone. But it zoomed by!

There's not all that much to report. Tonight I'll be in Madison staying with Glo as Aunt Jan is in Florida for the weekend. Then tomorrow we're going out to lunch for Mary's last day. I'm hoping to still get out of here at a reasonable hour to head to MD for the weekend. And whats REALLY fun... is that I have off on Monday! Let's hear it for Columbus! I know he wasn't really all that great of a guy and lots of people don't get off for his birthday anymore... but I do and that makes me happy.

Then Tuesday night I'm working a Jamie Cullum concert at Irving Plaza... so it will be a long day, but worth it I'm sure.

Anyway... that's all for now!

Updated Pics

Got some new pics up. Some are from a random Sunday night in MD. Ar and I were fillin up my car with gas and she was takin pictures from the car of me washing my windshield. This was right after Hurricane Katrina when gas prices everywhere were at least $3.15 -- but she found cheap gas in MD (if you look real close you can see she took a picture of the price!)


The other ones are from the MS 150. Nothing amazing -- but got a few good shots from the 2 day ride.

Check them out :)

Craziness

My day started out at 6:15am when I got a call from Chuck saying that our morning host couldn't find the program log and was wondering if I put it in the studio. No worries... I got to work and found out it was just 'under a few papers' in the TOMORROWS LOG bin. Here's a tip -- look through the bin before waking up two people.

Then I went to the dentist. But didn't succeed in getting my teeth cleaned because they don't take my insurance. Never mind the fact that when I called they said they absolutely did.

But then I got to work and things got better. I've been crazy busy all day, but that's not always a bad thing.

In other news, I really need to get back on my WW points. Because I'm starting to feel fat again. And I really shouldn't be feeling fat 3 days after riding 150+ miles, ya know? So I'm hoping to get that ball rolling on Monday. Back to the gym, back to the points. All that good stuff. Because I have lofty goals for the year. But I'll keep them to myself for now.

Tonight I'm off to the city to work a Dar Williams concert. It's raining and that kind of stinks, but live music always makes me feel better so that's a treat. I'm hoping to be home no later than 10:30 so I can pack and get to bed.

Tomorrow morning I'm going to see Dr. Kaden who is hopefully going to tell me what a perfect candidate I am for laser eye surgery. And perhaps one day in the not so distant future I will have 20/20 vision! That would really be quite amazing. So I'll be in work late (around 11ish), so I'll have to stay a bit later... which means a late start to MD. But I'll get there eventually and thats what matters.

The Simple Joy of TWIZZLERS....

Janeen went to BJs a few days ago and got a huge thing of Twizlers...

And so they sit on her desk...

And when I'm stressed... or upset... or annoyed...

There they are.

And they make EVERYTHING much better.

It's that simple. All it takes is a Twlizler or two.

What can I say... I'm easy!

Wierd Mood

I'm in a really wierd mood today. Not sure why. Perhaps it's the cold meds I've been taking. But really... who knows.

I feel like I've been at work forever. I did't get here until 10:45 and its only 3:45 now. But I feel like I've been sitting in this chair since 8am.

I am about to fall asleep, regardless of the fact that I got 10 hours of sleep last night.

I have to go to a concert for the station after work tonight... which means I have to be in my office until at least 6. Thats another 2+ hours here.

I wish my office had windows... anywhere. Not necessarily IN my office, but if there was just a window in the hallway or somehwere in the station so I saw the light of day, that would be nice. Basements stink in that lack of any view to the outside world way.

My head is all stuffed up and I feel like I'm drunk, though I haven't had an alcoholic beverage in weeks.

I miss my girlfriend and feel like I haven't seen her in weeks - though I just saw her yesterday morning.

I don't want the nice weather to go away. I want it to be summer/early fall-esque weather all the time. I hate the cold.

Basically... I'm just a weee bit whiney today. I'll stop whining now and get back to my work. Just had to take a break from staring at Delta Flex in hopes of clearing my head.

I Survived

Year number 2 down. 162 miles in 2 days... DONE. My ass is a bit sore from the last minute saddle change. But I decided that was better than my back killing after 20 miles. So I'm fine with it.

Ar was at the finish line in OC with flowers. Cause she's the best. Drove all over the East coast this weekend for me. And even stayed last night even though shes sicky. As of Friday... we surpassed the one year mark. How crazy?

I think overall I did better this year than I did last. I averaged around 13-14 mph which is good for me. But watch out next year when I'm not on a feakin hybrid and have a speedy road bike. It's gonna be great! hahaha.

Anyway... I took off today and have no plans. My car is getting inspected right now so even if I wanted to go somewhere I couldn't. It's great.

I'll be on the couch watching TV and sleeping. Then tonight I'll be heading to Manyunk for dinner with the girls.

The best part about today is that I don't have to do the MS 150 for another 363 days. Whew!

Putt-Putt and NyQuil

Way back in the day... like in April... I saw a mini-golf place near Ar's house in Bedford. And I told her one of the things I wanted to do this summer was play mini-golf. And because we're both so good at stuff like that... we never made it. haha

Yesterday I was feeling super sicky and was just whiney and crabby all day. But Ar finally convinced me to get off my ass and go play mini golf. I eventually gave in and off we went! And it was tons of fun :) I started off the evening with a hole-in-one... but my game went downhill from there. Ar ended the game with TWO holes-in-one! She beat me, but it was still quite a good time.

And I'm glad that we got that off the to-do list before it got too cold.

We also made chocolate chip cookies yesterday... and theyre so darn yummy! I'm glad I left the rest at home in H-town, because I'd just sit and eat the whole container until they were all gone! Eekads!

I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, plan on watching my NETFLIX movie tonight (Devils Playground), then taking NyQuil and heading to bed. I really need to shake whatever it is that I have before Saturday at 6am... when I need to hop on my bike and ride 75 miles and have a repeat performance on Sunday!

Here's hopin!

Running the FUN Errands

It took me just under 4 hours to get home last night. It sucked. But then I got home, hung out with my parents for a bit and went to Manayunk to see the girls' new apartment. We had fruity beverages on the deck and just caught up. It was really nice.

I slept in this morning, layed around in my PJs until noonish then got my act together. And then I went out and had fun! I got my eyebrows waxed, got a hair cut, then went to DSW and bought a pair of sneakers and a purse (I had gift certificates... no worries), then headed to the Gap and got a pair for jeans and chords each for 19.99 (and I had store credit there too!!!). And then went to Trader Joes to get some food for Miss Arleigh tonight. I'm gonna be cute and make dinner.

Ok... now back to Laguna Beach. Cause I'm obsessed and can't stop watching it and MTV is having a marathon on. I LOVE TV!

F NJ TOLLS

If you live in Jersey... or have ever been on the GSP/NJ Turnpike... I think you'll enjoy this site.

F NJ TOLLS

I know theyre annoying....

but I'm unmotivated to work at the moment... so just shhh and let me do my little survey :)

IN THE LAST WEEK HAVE YOU..

EVERYDAY STUFF:
1- Gave someone the finger? no, but i've had many people give ME the finger (Jersey drivers are the best)
2- Gotten mad while driving? everyday!
3- Ate some kind of fast food? unfortunately, yes
4- Woke up late? this morning... and I blame the Tylenol PM!
5- Had eggs for breakfast? not unless you count the fast food I had this week
6- Danced in the shower? no way... that shit is dangerous.... and I'm usually not awake enough to dance at that hour of the morning
7- Stolen something? nah
8- Watched a movie? Yeah: Million Dollar Baby and White Oleandor
9- Broke a glass? not so much
10- Kicked someones ass? hahahaha... the thought of me kicking someones ass is just funny

FRIENDSHIP:
1- Went out with your best friend? no :(
2- Laughed at one of your friends? daily
3- Had a serious convo. with one of your friends? absolutely
4- Got in a fight with one of your really good friends? i dont think so... at least not a big fight
5- Could have been nicer to a friend? probably
6- Made a new friend? i dont think i have this week... maybe next
7- Went out to dinner with one of your friends? nah
8- Missed a friend? i always miss them
9- Wished you and your friends were closer? closer in distance, yes
10- Been there for a friend? of course... what good is a friend if you arent there for her?

LOVE:
1- Kissed someone you love/really like? mhmm
2- Huged someone you love/really like? mhmm
3- Had sex with someone you love/really like? ill take the easy way out and tell you that i dont have sex... i make love haha
4- Had a fight with someone you love/like? i dont think so
5- Bought something for someone you love/like? does food count?
6- Had lunch with that special someone? yes. and an evil old man took some of our food!
7- Wrote that someone a note? not a hand written one, cause i stink. but emails yes
8- Talked on the phone with someone you love/like? everyday
9- Slept with that someone you love/like? cuddling is the funnest
10- Broken a promise you swore you wouldnt? never

JOB:
1- Been mean to someone you work with? probably
2- Talked about something other then work with someone at work? about 75% of the time im here
3- Been there for someone at work? yes, its a coworkers job to listen when someone is having a bad day
4- Hit someone at work? the hell? i generally dont abuse on the job
5- Been late to work? since no one cares when i get here... its hard to come in late
6- Fell asleep at work? never!!!
7- Lost something at work? nopers, all items accounted for
8- Left work early? i will today -- its friday afterall
9- Wanted to quit? nah, i like it here
10- Been pissed at work? yes.... just because i like it doesnt mean people dont piss me off

Rough Day

It's been a bit of a rough day... I'll give a brief rundown....


* woke up at 7am with cramps so bad I literally couldn't stand up straight
* took me 2 hours to get to work because it rained a little... and this apparently makes people forget where the gas and break pedals are
* my computer froze up for about an hour... and no one was around to look at it.... naturally the freakin keyboard cord was a bit lose... which apparently causes the screen to go COMPLETELY black and look like my computer died
* planned to take off tomorrow to go to the drs, but have too much to do at work
* the lean cuisine i brought for lunch was so very nasty... i still don't know why i thought LC salmon would be good... thats clearly my own fault
* im cranky and hormonal
* i still have cramps
* i have to go deal with more traffic


So I'm feeling dramatic... indulge me and just listen. I know it's not all that bad... but the day just started out on the wrong foot and didn't get much better. But it's ok, because now I'm going to go home, eat dinner and hopefully go to the gym at 8 (if the cramps are better) so I can watch Surviver. Because it would be WAY too easy to have tv at my apartment.


At least tomorrow's Friday... and I'm going to H-town!!!

Up and At Em before 6am TWICE in the last 3 days

It's true people. This not so much a morning girl has been up, showered and out the door PRE-6am (and sunrise) in the past 3 days. And I'm still alive and awake enough to blog about it! Crazy I tell you.

The first was Saturday when Ar's alarm went off at 4:45AM... time to get up, get showers, pick up Ali and drive to the East Shore (of MD) by 6:30 to help with Bike Doctor's Century ride. Don't worry, when we stopped for gas I promptly (well as promptly as I get at say.... 5:30am) got a big ass diet coke of the fountain variety. Sure hit the spot. It really was a fun day. I got to hang out with Ar and Ali. I laid in the grass 'sunning' myself for about 15 minutes, until I got bored. We bought a loaf of french bread, turkey and cheese and made cute sandwhiches for lunch and even stopped at McDs on the way home for ice cream. Nap time started around 3 and lasted past 6pm. But when you're up before 5am... I feel like 3 hour naps are allowed.

And since Saturday was so fun -- I decided to get up at 5:40 this morning to drive to work from MD. Getting up is the worst part... but once I'm out of bed it's really not all that bad. 301 is gorgeous in the morning. And you get a perfect view of the sunrise over pretty farms and stuff. I hit traffic on the GWB... (which I would have hit had I driven in from home), but other than that my ride was really nice. Made it in like 4 hours and 20 minutes. Would have been under 4 if it weren't for the stinkin bridge!

I'm hoping to stay awake enough to go to the gym and the foodstore tonight, but I'm well aware that that may be pushing it. If nothing else... foodstore tonight. Because there is NO food in my apartment. It's really quite pitiful.

So that's the plan! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

In the Basement

Guess who's sitting in her new office??? I am! I am!

WFUV moved to our new station over the holiday weekend. It's so amazingly nice... you have no idea. Everything is brand new. Desks, chairs, computers... everything! It's still a bit of a contstruction zone down here as the studios aren't ready yet (we're still broadcasting from upstairs).

But I have an actual office -- with a door and everything. I share it with Janeen and Shari. It's lovely. I have a new flat screen monitor and everything!

The only down side is that I don't get any cell service down here. Because.. ya know... we're in the basement of a building from 1841... Oh well!

In other news I just made tentative plans to go out to dinner with Cotter tomorrow night, and then Friday I'm heading to MD for the weekend. I really hope I get to ride on either Sat or Sun... because the MS 150 is rapidly approaching!!

Other than that, nothing too exciting is going on. Just settling in to my new home here at WFUV.

40.5

Whew... just did a lovely 40.5 miles on my little bike. Went through Sea Isle, to Ocean City... then went out to Route 9... took that all the way down to Stone Harbor. Came back in on the Stone Harbor Casuseway... rode through Stone Harbor and back to Aunt Jan's house at the end of Avalon.

Took me 3 hours and 4 minutes.

Now its time to shower and sun!

Long Weekend

Just a quick update.... I got everything done at work yesterday. It was cazy... but all my logs are done and my desk is packed up for the move downstairs. I can't wait... it's SO nice down there. Yay!

Got to Avalon last night. I'm about to go for a ride since I can't sleep. I think I got about 20 minutes of sleep last night. Don't really know why because I was super tired. And somewhere in the middle of the night my allergies either got REALLY bad... or I got a cold. I've been sneezing and coughing and being all nasty and mucus-y since like midnight. haha... I know you wanted to know that :)

But I'm at the beach til Monday... so I can't really complain.

Off to ride and get tan....

Jam Packed Monday

I've been on the go since 5:30 this morning! Go up in MD, showered and was on the road by 6. Took the scenic route (up 301) and saw the sun rise and fog lifting over tons of farmland. It was actually a nice relaxing drive. At leas the first half of it was. Then I hit NJ... and its not nearly as nice. Not too much traffic... just hit one little snafu... an overturned tractor trailer in the truck lanes. By the time I got to the scene (after a 4 mile back up... in the car lanes) there was a big crane set up trying to get the trailer out of there. Naturally everyone had to stop and take a peak... hence the delays. But I still got to work by 10 which was great!

Upperclassmen move into FU today. And with one parking lot out of commission as they build the parking garage... we now have to park across the street at the Botanical Gardens. It's not too bad now, but once it gets cold I'm sure I'll be complaining about it lots! haha.

Work has been crazy all day! Which is nice for a change. Took all morning to get this one crazy order going... and I won't lie.... I secretly liked being busy and using my brain a bit!

Other than that, just packing and getting all the lose ends tied up this week before we move to the new station this weekend. Rumor has it as long as we're all packed we don't have to come in on Friday... so I'll be heading to Avalon on Thursday night for a fun weekend at the shore!

Now it's time for me to head home, unpack, eat and get in bed!

I'm SORE

So I worked at Bike Doctor yesterday because they were way short staffed. Now I didn't exactly know anything ... so I wasn't the biggest help. But I did do a lot of straightening up... and walked around the store and fixed all the clothes, etc. I did a lot of squatting... and my legs are f'in sore. Didn't even ride or go to the gym. Just sore from working. Pretty pathetic...but I'm ok with it :)

Anyway...still in MD. I'll be heading back to H-town tonight.

Thats all for now...

A Quickie

Not too much goin on. Just checkin in. Today is my Friday. And THAT is exciting!

Tomorrow I'm heading to central Jersey to visit the old peeps at Millennium. Then continuing on down to MD to spend the weekend with Miss Arleigh.

Tonight I'll be packing, cleaning... all that fun stuff.

I'm sleepy today... don't know why. Oh well :)

Thumbs Up?

So naturally there was tons of traffic on the Cross Bronx yesterday. The traffic report stated an accident involving two tractor trailers at Jerome Ave blocking the left lane... then like 1.5 miles ahead of that there was a stalled vehicle blocking the middle lane. For a road that is backed up when there are no problems, this naturally caused a bit of a disaster. But for some reasin I didn't really care. I was just sort of coasting through. I'm only on that road for 4 miles... so I figure I can generally suck it up and deal.

So at one point traffic was merging onto the highway. And some guy caught my eye and did the gesture asking me to let him in. So I did... cause I can't be that evil to pretend I didn't see him. And he totally gave me a BIG HUGE THUMBS UP! And I don't think he was kidding at all. It was a riot. Because generally getting a thank you wave in NYC is hard to come by... but a thumbs up? Wow. I was totally pumped. And it made me laugh. Because who the hell does that... and does it seriously? Classic I tell you... classic.



And as a side note... I totally forgot to put deodorant on today. And that sucks. Because I realized it literally as I drove off my street. Oh well... if you smell something a little off today, just might be me!

College is Such a Wierd Place...

As students start to filter back on campus after being gone all summer... I've suddenly become the outsider on a college campus. I no longer live here. I don't eat all 3 meals in the caf. I don't run from class to meeting to class to my dorm to work and recogonize everyone else I walk pass. I don't see signs posted around campus that I actually hung up... or helped one of my roommates hang up.

That's not how it is anymore... now I wake up in West Orange, NJ. And then drive here. I commute to the Bronx. Something I never understood when I was a student here. How people actually dealt with NYC traffic to drive their cars here for work. I say hi to the security guard at the front gate every morning then walk up to WFUV. I usually don't leave the station. I eat lunch at my desk and get my stuff done. But I've started going to the caf for lunch. It's good and cheap... and somedays you just need to get outside. In doing so... I see all these crazy kids. Walking around like they own the campus. Looking at me wondering if I'm a transfer... or maybe even a Freshman. Or perhaps just someone they've never come across before. Naturally they wouldn't think that I worked here as I sport my jeans and T-shirt. Not exactly 'professional' attire. And my hair thrown up in a disasterous mess of a pony tail doesn't help promote my 'administrative' status, either. And I'm ok with that. Though some days I want to just wear a big sign that says... I ALREADY GRADUATED! But you know... generally I can deal. haha.

So for the first time, I'm viewing Fordham as an outsider. And it's so strange. Not so much because I used to fit in so comfortably here. But more because college as a whole is such a bizarre concept when you're not in it. Throwing a bunch of 20 somethings in a gated area in the middle of the Bronx. Basically everything is taken care of and the only money they need to come up with is for beer. They need to make it to class every once in a while... and that's about it. They live with their closest friends. Stay up until 2am watching movies and ordering out. Waking up anytime before 10am... is simply not an option. They could go weeks (and often do) without so much as stepping foot off of the campus. It's a little universe here. Everything they need... is right here. There's a credit union AND a post office. Walking around in pajama pants and a baggy sweatshirt is totally acceptable. Most don't even carry wallets... just a little thing that holds their licence, ATM card, and Fordham ID. Because without that ID... you're f'd. Purses are replaced by bookbags of varying sorts.

I guess I've never really thought about how odd it all is.

There are days when I'd go back in a heartbeat... but in generaly, I think the real world.... outside the gates of Fordham fit me much better.

It's just going to get much more interesting as the month goes on and more students come back... classes start up... and things are back in full swing.

Books

Not having tv at all this summer... I've done my fair share of reading. Some of them have been amazing... other just sort of lame books I read to pass the time. Not great writing or plots... but cute nonetheless. But I'm starting to forget what I've read and what I haven't... so I decided to make a list. Don't worry... as I finish a book I'll add it! (I know... you were SO very worried that I wasn't going to keep this up to date!)

In no particular order....

Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing - Melissa Bank
My Sisters Keeper - Jodi Picoult
The Pact - Jodi Picoult
True Believer - Nicholas Sparks
The Wedding - Nicholas Sparks
Straight Talking - Jane Green
Slightly Settled - Wendy Markham
Simply Sinful - Carly Phillips
The Right Choice - Carly Phillips
Departures - Elizabeth Oness
A Perfect Day - Richard Paul Evans

I'd recomend some over others... so if you're looking for a book let me know :)

I Can't Believe This

Ar just sent me this link... and it makes me want to scream.... or cry.... or just do something.

Because it's horrible. So fucking horrible.

Here's the article

Violence in Havertown

So last weekend ... Saturday night actually. During the infamous Havertown Pub Crawl -- there was a SHOOTING in a bar in Havertown. It was literally like one of the THREE that we don't go to. But of course the headling "Shooting in Havertown Bar" had many people worried that it was on the crawl!! So at like 8am on Sunday morning the phone was rining like mad because all of my mom's friends were calling to make sure everyone was ok!!!

So then today I heard that a woman was stabbed to death at Manoa Shopping Center. Which is 5 minutes from my house... if you get stuck at the red lights (about 3 if you hit all green lights).

I've been informed that both of these were isolated attacks... and not random acts of violence... which makes it a little bit better. But for real, I'm starting to think the Bronx isn't all that bad compared to Havertown! At least here people are prepared for the violence!

The night of the Pub Crawl - before the shooting - the cops really had nothing better to do than sit outside of the bars we were in to wait for us to come out and start trouble... then yell at us. And I promise I'm not lying about this. At every bar we left there were at least two cop cars waiting right outside. So clearly a shotting or a stabbing is a bit out of the ordinary for my little town!

A Night on the Town

So it's not all that exciting -- but I'm hangin out in the city after work tonight. Re (aka my cousin annie) has an improv show for Chicago City Limits (CCL) tonight. Since Marty and Stephanie are in from Cali this week they're going to go to the show. So after dinner I'm heading to the city to meet up with the two of them, not quite sure what we'll do for the hour or so before dinner, but I'm sure we'll find something to entertain us. Then at 6 Aunt Jan made reservations for dinner at the Eatery. Looks like a pretty good place from the website. I think all of the cousins will be there with the exception of Re. So it'll be me, Danny, Liz, Bud, Marty, Stephanie, Stevie, Glo and Aunt Jan. Whew... I dare say it'll be a rowdy bunch! Then after dinner we'll head over to Re's show... last time I saw CCL perform it was really funny -- so I'm sure tonight's show will be good.

It'll be a late night for me -- as I'm usually in bed by 10... but will most likely be leaving the city around then. But it's ok. I might just be a bit tired tomorrow. Oh la la... perhaps I'll treat myself to Dunkin Donuts on my way to work! haha.

A Little Light-Headed

I got to work this morning and saw that Fordham was having a Blood Drive. So I took a trip over to McGinley student center at 1ish to dontate. I had just eaten lunch, so figured I'd be all set to go.

I walked in and there were literally like 15 medical people just sitting around a big table all watching TV (Divorce Court to be exact. The husband claimed his wife pushed him into having an affair because she made him get a job... gotta love daytime television). So I was all 'uhm, excuse me?' They looked around totally confused. Finally someone asked "Oh are you here to give blood?" And I said yes. Now keep in mind the room is all set up with the little gurnies and partitioned pre-blood giving areas. And the blood drive started at noon. But apparently at 1pm, I was the first person to arrive. So they rushed around looking for the forms, etc. It was so bizarre.... and I got a bit nervous that they were going to poke the shit out of my arm trying to find a vein. But no worries... everything went smoothly. I gave all my blood, got a little snack of cheez its and was on my way. I was a bit light-headed on my way back to the station... but I'm back on track now!

Though I'm thinking this is an ok excuse to skip the gym tonight, right? Because they said no strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 24 hours. I figure saving a life should let me off the hook for one night at the gym! I might hit up Barnes and Noble to buy a book instead!

Weekend Update

So I keep thinking it's Sunday... but it's only Saturday! How fun is that??? I love having off on Fridays.

Anyway... I got up at 8:14 this morning, tended to some laundry, talked to Ar and Denise and had a lovely breakfast (lenders bagel toasted with butter delish!!).

Now I'm gonna head out to Conshohoken to ride the trail. Hopefully do at least 20 miles. It's hot as blazes out there... so I'm thinking I probably won't last much longer than that. Then home to get ready for some good old fashioned Havertown drinking. Not all that sure that I'll drink a lot today... as I generally don't get wasted at these all day events... but who knows what the future has in store :)

Tomorrow I'll be at D's for a BBQ. I love BBQs. And I must say, Denise throws a LOVELY 'Q! There will be plenty of delicious food. And also great company! What more could a girl ask for?


Oh... and I also forgot to mention in my scary spinning man part II post, that Bill also played Mony Mony. I don't even know how to spell it, but you all know the classic Billy Idol party favorite. And yes... Bill did instruct us to 'Come on, let's go people, RIDE THAT PONY, MONY MONY! Except he doesnt quite pronounce things like Mony and Pony correctly and it comes out a bit breathier... and more like Mon-ae Mon-ae and Pon-ae. Yeah.. disturbing, I know!

Ok... it's time to stop procrastinating and get my ass riding right about now.

It's a scorcher today kids... make sure to hyrdate! Because as I always say (and yes, I do actually say it a lot), hydration is the key to suceess!!! ...feel free to interpret that any way you'd like :)

In MD

Just checkin in to say hi from MD!

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

I'm back in H-town as of tonight for an (extended) family party. Then the Havertown Pub Crawl is tomorrow. And a BBQ at d's on Sunday. BUSY weekend I tell you!!

Scary Spinning Man - Part II (just for Ali)

So I did it. I went back to the scary spinning man's Wed night class. If you aren't familiar with him -- here's the original encounter.

But yes... I went again last night. He pranced (yes... pranced) in 5 minutes late. Class was supposed to start at 6:30 and he got there at 6:35. Comes in all breathy and say 'Man, I must have hit every red light on the way here!' Then doens't miss a beat (and while he's taking off his khaki shorts and showing his all too tight spandex... ew gross. And also he's wearing a tight jersey that's yellow and has BRAZIL written across it in neon green. This would be fine... except the jersey is ALSO about 2 sizes too small... but I digress) and says, 'I just heard a great song on the radio -- and I'm going to play it now!' He whips out his iPod and starts looking for the song. Mumbling 'B... it starts with a B...' He instructs us to set our resistance at easy-moderate pace and then the song starts... Born to be Alive.

As the song starts he says 'Welcome to spinning with Bill. It's Wednesday, August 11th and we're rockin at the Livingston NYSC. Now... let's get started and MOVE TO THE GROVE OF 1979!' (I know you must think I'm adlibbing some of this dialogue... but I swear that's exactly what he said. I made sure to take note because I thought there might be a post about it). Now I'm sure you'd know the song if you heard it. But here are some lyrics if you can't place it on title alone.

We were born to be alive
We were born to be alive
Born, born to be alive
(Won't you be alive)
You see you were born
Born, born
(Born to be alive)
People ask me whyI never find a place to stop
And settle down, down, down
But I never wanted all those things
People need to justify
Their lives, lives, lives
You see you were
Born, born, born to be alive
(Born to be alive)
You see you were
Born, born, born
(Born to be alive)
It's good to be alive
To be alive
To be alive
It's good to be alive
To be alive
To be alive
It's good to be alive
Time was on my side
When I was running down the streetIt was so fine, fine, fine
A suitcase and an old guitar
And something new to occupy
My mind, mind, mind

So yes... he refers to this as a great song. But ok, whatever. So we did move to the grove of 1979... and then he moved into the 80s. We had Sinead O'Conner for our big climb. I tell you, you haven't lived until you've heard Bill (the scary spinning man) sing "Nothing Compares to you" all out of breath and off key into a microphone. He's generally a word or two ahead of the singer -- and doesn't so much sing the songs as he just talks them. In his deep, creepy man voice. He also played a medly of 80s dance songs. But they weren't 80s like my generation... more like 1980-1882. So I wasn't even walking when these songs were 'hits'. One of them was called "Menergy" and he did get VERY into that one. I learned that "Menergy" debuted in a club in 1981 and became an instant hit. How about that? Crazy I tell you.

Those are really the highlights of last nights class. But I won't lie. I have encountered ANOTHER scary spinning man. He isn't the instructer however. It was Monday night's class. The man in the bike next to me was older. Probably in his mid to late 50s or so. He had regular old khaki shorts on and a COLARED shirt. Like a polo. He looked like he came right from the office or something... not really in 'work out' clothes. But whatever. He had these dorky wirey glasses on and a full white mustache/beard. And white hair. And he had white rebock sneakers on. And they were glowingly white. Like I'm sure he wears them to spin and that's it, because I don't think they had ever really seen the outside world.

Now nothing about this is wierd. I certainly wouldn't spin in khakis and a polo -- but if he wants to it's fine by me.

The strange part comes when a techno version of Britney's (yes spears) "Outrageous" comes on. Now for background -- I'll provide the lyrics for this hit as well (though I'm sorry to say the instructer didn't give the release date).

Outrageous (when I move my body)
Outrageous (when I'm at a party)
Outrageous (in my sexy jeans)
Outrageous (when I'm on the scene)
Outrageous (my sex drive)
Outrageous (my shopping spree)
Outrageous (we're on a world tour)
Outrageous (that's B-girl)
Outrageous
Sexy as I wanna be
Got these fellas chasin me
It's about time I hit the street
All my girls still feeling me
And B girl ain't lost the beat
Jumped over drama and
I landed on my feet
Gotta keep going, no stopping me
And if you don't like it then
La la la la la la la
Media over here
Coming through like a world premiere
Trenchcoat and my underwear
Let's go with this freak show
-Chorus-
I'm about to bring the heat
Locking down the industry
Aren't I super glamorous
Red carpets and cameras
Take trips around the globe
Tint's on my Jeeps so nobody knows
So hot that you're coming out your clothes
Now I'm about to give you
La la la la la la la
Media over here
Coming through like a world premiere
Trenchcoat and my underwear
Let's go with this freak show
- Chorus-
I just wanna be happy
In a place where love is free
Can you take me there?
Somebody, ooh
And when you mention my name
Make sure you know the truth, yeah
Until I vow to keep it forever

Ok... so the song and the lyrics are a bit provacative? I don't know if thats the word I'm really looking for... but hopefully you know the song so you know what I'm talking about. Brit singing the song is hott. I'll totally admit that. hahaha. Im not ashamed. But... the 50ish something man next to me started singing along. But like moaning the words really low and under his breath. Especially the "Outrageous... (when I move mah body)..." parts. It was just disturbing. I kept looking around thinking clearly it MUST be someone else. But no. It was him. Mr. Khaki and Polo shirt... gettin all nastified to Brit. I didn't appreciate it. And I'm not even going to think about why he even knows the lyrics to begin with. I mean sure he could have just picked them up from previous classes, or maybe he has a daughter... but he knew a few too many words for him to just know it from causal hearings.

I didn't like it. And I don't plan on hoppin on the bike next to him again. Because.. just... ew!

So thats the spinning update for today! Hope you enjoyed it (if you made it this far!!)

Driving Faux Pas

***Warning: Road Rage Ahead***

So yesterday the Cross Bronx was NOT moving. There is an alternate route to get home using the Henry Hudson Parkway... but I was already on the ramp for the Cross Bronx when I realized how horrible the traffic on it was. So I whipped out my map... and went looked for an alternate route. Granted it was a further distance, but I was pretty sure it would be quicker. So I went off-route into the local roads of the Bronx. Normally I wouldn't be so keen on doing that... but it was broad daylight and I figured why the hell not.

So I finally get onto the Major Degan (I-87) which is going to bring me back up to the bridge... it's a little backed up. Nothing horrible. But it was backed up. There were two lanes going towards 95 South (the bridge) and 95 North. So I got in one of those two lanes and went along my merry way. I noticed the lane I was in was moving a bit faster than the other lane and thought to myself, 'Ohhh, good pick!!!' I couldn't see the signs up ahead because of all the big trucks. So as I got RIGHT under the sign that said I-95 NORTH was for the lane I was in I thought oops! And immediately put my blinker on to move into the other lane.

Granted there are many times when I will knowling pull this dick move. I know... it's totally bastardly... but when you're dealing with NYC/Bronx traffic you need to be a dick. And I can admit that I only do it on my commute to work. I don't ever do it when I'm dealing with other traffic. So I feel like that justifies it.

But this time I really was innocent. The second I saw the sign I tried to get over. So I put my blinker on and looked for an opening. Finally I sort of got in front of this guy in a BMW. I tried inching my way up. But he was getting all comptetitive and road ragey. So fine. I backed off. He then rolled down his window. And for some reason... I did too. He goes "Lady... it's just not right. You take the fast lane, while I wait here patiently for an hour [mind you there was no way he was waiting for an hour... 10-15 minutes tops]. Then you come and fly up in the right lane [keep in mind it was still trafficy in the right lane... I was by NO means flying anywhere] and then try and squeeze in front of me. It's just not right. It's not right at all." So I appologize. I said I'm sorry I really didn't know. And he said "Don't play the dumb card -- I'm sure you knew. But go ahead" So he did finally let me over, but then of course he just glared at me the whole time from behind me. It made me a bit uncomfortable.

So then.. the best part... we get onto the bridge and theres an exit only lane. AND HE GETS RIGHT IN IT... FLYS PAST EVERYONE... and right before it exited he cut the car in front of me off... and squeezed in!!! And to think I actually felt bad! Sheesh! Anyway... thats my story.

And in case you were wondering... it ended up taking me an hour and 45 minutes to get home. Totally sucked. But I'm over it now.

Happy Monday

It's Monday! But really it's like Tuesday because I'm off on Friday! I'm thinking this week is going to fly by. Well I'm hoping it does. Because I have lots of fun things to look forward to this weekend.

Here's the plan:

Today:
Get lots done at work -- start packing up my desk (we're moving to our new station in the basement on Friday!)
Spinning class at 6:30
Watch one of the FRIENDS DVDs I borrowed from my cousin

Tuesday:
Work
Go to Madison after work to ride... hopefully do about 15 or so miles

Wednesday:
Work. Finish up packing my stuff here
Step class at 5:30 and maybe spinning after that at 6:30
PACK for the weekend

Thursday:
Work
Head straight to PA after work
Tentative date with Miss Arleigh on Thursday night :)

And then it's the weekend!!! Dinner at Cookies on Friday night (for Danny bday), then the Pub Crawl on Saturday, and a BBQ at D's on Sunday!

I'm very excited for all of it :)

It's HOTT out

So it's not as hot out as it's been of recent... but if you ride 20 some miles ... it seems pretty hot. Because smarty jeannie didn't feel like going at 10am when I woke up so I waited until 3pm... you know prime heat time to go ride. But its all good. Because I also stopped at the bikeshop on my way to Madison (where my bike was) and got a pump (i was severely lacking air in my tires as my bike had been in my car since 4th of July) and also a cammelback! So I was all hydratey and stuff on my ride. I enjoyed it a lot. Good times at the bike shop :)

So yeah... I rode today. Only 22 miles. Not what I should be doing to get my ass in gear for the ms 150... but it's a start. I got on my bike and I ventured out. Hpefully next weekend when I'm home in Havertown I'll ride a little bit more. At least that's the plan.

Other than that nothing too exciting is going on. There were tentative plans for Ar and I to go to Boston and pick up the rest of her stuff at Matts... but that fell through so now I'm kickin i Jersey style by myself. Which I gues is a good thing. I went to Blockbuster and rented Riding in Cars with Boys and If These Walls Could Talk 2. Gotta love the lesbian drama :)

I finished my book last night so I need to find a new one to read... any suggestions???

The plan for tonight is to go home, shower, make sloppy (turkey) joes for dinner, and then watch one of my movies. And maybe start a book if I find one.

Then tomorrow I want to hit up at 10am spinning class and go to Target. And maybe get to the pool.

But feel free to call me as I'll be looking for some human contact this weekend :)

Bring on the Rewards

I got a capital one no hassle MILES card. I'm excited. Because a bunch of crap (like 300+ dollars a month in gas and tolls) goes on my credit card every month. So you know, I figured I should get a little something back for all this stuff!

I just activated it, and I'm excited to bring on the rewards. I'm sure it'll take me a year or two to work up to a flight... but I'm ok with that. At least I'm working towards something.

And it's friday and that too is happy. I think I'll be chillin in the Jerz this weekend. Ar and I might be making a trip to Boston on Sunday if stuff works out, but if not I'll be hopefully riding and relaxing by my pool. And hopefully not go completely insane from the lack of human contact I'll have as everyone I know in the area will be on vacay :)

Happy weekend!

Personality Test

You are dependable, popular, and observant.
Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.
In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.

You are unique, creative, and expressive.
You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.
And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Gettin Carded

So last night I went to see Wedding Crashers with Brooke. So we get there, and there's a bit of a line to get tickets. So we wait in it... no big deal.

Then a second window opens up so that was exciting. Brooke went up to the gentleman and asked for one ticket for Wedding Crashers. I was at the window next to her and also asked for one for Wedding Crashers. Which is apparently an R rated movie. So the manager who was working Brooke's window IDed her!!! Totally asked her for ID. She's 24. Come on. It's not like she even remotely looks like she's 17. So then of course the girl at my window saw that her boss asked Brooke for ID... so she then asked ME if I had identification.

So I had to go in my wallet... get out my license... etc etc. It was so bizarre. I'm not sure I've ever been carded to get into a rater R movie.

It was all rather comical. I was all pumped because this weekend in MD I was at the liquor store and didn't get carded! So apparently I'm old enough to buy booze... but not so much to go to an R rated movie.

Gotta love it!



I would highly recomend seeing Wedding Crashers though. It was a riot. Just make sure you are 17 years of age or older and have proof if you're going to the AMC 8 in West Orange!

I stole the birthday thing from Ali

I'm not going to lie... I don't think this really describes me well. But maybe I'm wrong! Who knows? Because I think I'm pretty comfy in the business world and not creative at all. hahaha. Either way, here it is.....

Your Birthdate: March 29

Your birthday on the 29th adds a tone of idealism to your nature. You are imaginative and creative, but rather uncomfortable in the business world. You are very aware and sensitive, with outstanding intuitive skills and analytical abilities. The 29 reduces to 11, one of the master numbers which often produces much nervous tension. This is the birthday of the dreamer rather than the doer. You do, however, work very well with people.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

The excitement of last night

So randomly at like 1ish yesterday I decided I wanted to take off today... since Fridays in the summer are 'optional' I got all of the necessary stuff accomplished, left work by 4:15, got home, threw a bunch of clothes in a bag, changed for the gym, went to spinning class... and was on my way to H-town right from the gym.

I was making great time until about exit 9 on the NJ Turnpike. I quickly tuned into New Jersey 101.5 FM (all NJ traffic every 15 minutes) and learned there was a car fire about 10 miles south of where I was sitting... and not moving. And I did something I've never really done before... I whipped out the Atlas that I keep under my drivers seat and began planning an alternate route. I figured there had to be another way. Even if it was a 35mph road with lights.. it would be better than not moving at all.

As I approached exit 8 I quickly exited and began my offroading adventure. In case you were wondering -- Route 130 runs totally parallel to the Turnpike. They were doing some construction so it was a bit slow at times - but it got me exactly where I needed to be. Maps really are an amazing thing when I just think to actually USE them. 130 actually took me RIGHT to the PA turnpike. So I even saved a few bucks because I didn't have to get back on the NJ turnpike. It was all stupendous really.

Finally when I was getting off the exit for H-town I was at a red light and knew it was a long one. Since I was meeting Fish and D at the OKP I thought it would be nice of me to change out of my sweaty, nasty gym clothes. So I grabbed a T-shirt from my bag and didn't think twice about changing my shirt at the red light. Apparently I should have looked to my right where there was a guy in a lovely pick up.... who rolled down his window (mine was already down), whistled, and told me to take it all off. Mind you I had this armor-esque sports bra on that covered ALL of my chest and even a lot of my stomach. It's not like anyone was getting a peak at anything. So I sort of chuckled, got a shirt on as quick as possible and continued en route.

At the next stoplight I took my capri sweat pants off -- but not to worry I had really hott biking shorts on underneath them. I didn't have enough time to put my other pants on top though... so I finished the drive in a t-shirt and biking shorts.

As I was approaching the OKP I saw Fish and D so I was looking for a spot and there was only one tight spot in between two cars outside of the Cheese Club (I threw that in there for any H-towners who might be reading). Being the Bronx-y driver that I am I figured I could fit. So I start p-parking in the spot when this old woman yells into my window 'Miss... You're not going to fit there, you better stop!' I looked at her, annoyed that she was telling me how to park, and simply stated 'Watch me.' Yes... I was being a bit cocky. But she was being annoying. So I easily parked, one swift back up (I do pride myself on my parallel parking skills) and comfortably squeezed myself in between the two cars. I threw my other pants on, but didnt button them and got out of the car.

So here I am, no shoes on (my flips were in the trunk), a crappy t-shirt on, pants unbuttoned, with a Dove facial clensing cloth thing attempting to 'wash' my face standing on the side of Darby Road. I looked at the older woman who still didn't think I was going to fit in the spot even though I was in it, parked and out of the car .... and said 'see? no problem!' Then continued dressing. I think she's scarred for life. It was rather entertaining... I must say!

The OKP was a lovely time though. We did a lot of laughing. Some scary older man attempted to hit on not ONE of us, but all three of us... too bad he was literally too drunk to remeber his name. It was a bit disturbing. But all in all it was a fun evening with the girls!

Tonight I'm hitting up UDSS's 42nd Street and then heading to MD to see Miss Arleigh!!!

Scary Spinning Man

So last night at the gym I didn't plan to take a spinning class. But after my step class I had some wierd idea that it would be a good idea to follow it up with a spinning class. It was starting right then so I went in and got all settled.

Now, I haven't taken ALL that many spinning classes, so I'm no pro. But the guy that taught the class last night was FREAKY! First of all... he had little black spandex on. Which is fine... but they were WAY too small. I've seen many men in biking shorts (my gf does work at a bike shop... and its acceptable to go into one of them in just your biking gear... so yes.. countless men in biking shorts).. but these were horrible. Too short on his legs, and WAY too tight. I know you might be thinking how could spandex be too tight? Well... they can. Because he was literally BULGING out of these everywhere. It was a horrible, horrible site for my poor lesbian eyes.

But, I decided I could get over that.

So he hooks his iPod up to the sound system. I won't lie, I was both impressed and excited about his level of technology. (The other teachers all had mix TAPES... as in cassettes). So we start... and he has this really wierd techno-y song on. But more than techno it sounds like a song you'd hear durning a nasty sex scene in a porn. And scary spinning man has this really deep voice... and he had a mic on. Durning the porn-esque song he kept saying things like "Ohhhh yeaaaaah" and "Push... a little hard... thats it...." And it was creeping me out. A lot.

He also played 1 too many Madonna songs (4 songs in the 45 mintues were either Madonna originals or covers). And spoke the lyrics OVER THE SONG into the mike. All freakily and stalker-y. Not to mention when he whistled the techno songs into the mic. Clearly he's unaware that uhm... WHISTLING into a mic hurts my ears.

I think he thought he was a DJ and not a spinning instructor. Because he kept doing like crossfades on his iPod and at one point he started a song and was like... oh I think I'll play a different version of this song. So then he found the album version of whtever wierd song it was and played that. But before every song he would introduce it... and be all "First time ever here at the Livingston NYSC it's Madonna's Hollywood! This song came out in (fill in the year) and is on her (fill in the album).... ok let's pick it up! A little more resistance..." and go from there.

And to finish up the whole class... the last song he played was Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave me this Way." (the chorus goes... AWWWWW Baby! My heart is full of love and desire for you... so come on now and do what you gotta do... youve started this fire down in my soul... now cant you see its burning me out of control). I can't even do justice to the spoken word piece he did during this chorus. He was say "Aw baby...." right before Themla would sing it. All breathy and wierd.

So yeah... that's the scary spinning man. I said last night that I'd never take his class again. But I'm not going to lie. I might take it again. Because I couldn't really decide if he was creepy or entertaining. Because I did laugh to myself on more than one occasion during the class.

I think I might need another 45 minutes to decide if he creaps me out or just amuses me :)