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?