Saturday, December 30, 2006

Auld Lang Sign

Well time for the year in review 2006 so here it is...
-started grad school the day after getting accepted
-completed 7 out of 15 classes
-still working in the crap hole of a job
-met and fell for a wonderful man who feels the same way that I do
-met his friends and family
-hit Vegas for the first time, won a dollar
-took my first cruise
-read a few good non school related books
-spent more time in Chicago
-celebrated turning 30 with my friends a weekend no one will forget
-went to the Guggenheim for the first time
-Celebrated Easter alone, Thanksgiving with the BF's fam and Christmas at my parents, alone
-Celebrating New Year's eve with the BF

So to all a very Happy New year!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

A dose of NYC


I saw my girls today (and a guy, can't forget about MR's hubby). I was so excited to see them and they are just two of my closest friends. I had such an awesome day in NYC.

I met MR and R at Grand Central where we took a bus up to the Guggenheim, They had a really amazing exhibit about Spanish artists from Goya to Picasso. There were some wonderful pieces from El Greco, Goya, Picasso, Miro, Gris, Dali and Velasquez. It was a lot of fun. I've never been to the Guggenheim before, I guess I always took it for granted when I lived in NY and I tend to go to the Met or the Museum of Natural History when in NYC because they are bigger and that is where some of my favorite pieces are. Next time I want to hit the Moma and the Whitney.

After the museum, we took the bus down 5th and as we were heading downtown, there was such a crowd then I realized that we were near 3o Rockefeller and there was the tree and it was so beautiful but the traffic was a mess. We got off at 33rd and Park (near my old office) were we took the 6 to Union Station (14th street) to switch to the N then we changed to the R and headed to our old haunts of Bay Ridge where I used to live. We meet PD for dinner.

We had such a good time, it was so awesome to get together and talk and laugh. I so miss them but it was great to see them and they look amazing. Then MR took me back to Grand Central.

I miss NYC but tomorrow I am heading to Chicago and I can't wait. This trip was not as bad as I expected it to be, mom was bearable, my brother is not, he is still not on my "good" list.

Anyway, off to the Midwest soon enough!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Almost over

I will be home in two days and I can't wait.

I spent yesterday by myself while the family went to my aunt's house. So it was just Charlie and I and next year I am not going to waste the money for the ticket if I am just going to stay in Chicago.

This morning I got a very rude email from my brother and it has upset me greatly. He was basically asking me what my problem is and that I am pulling the family apart. So I sent him an email blasting him for his incorrect assumption and his lack of knowledge about who I am and what has actually happened to me that he has no idea about. I am just very pissed off at him.

I am looking forward to going back to Chicago. I can't wait to see the bf, to be back in my apartment and to be far away from this place.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Wrapping

I have to wrap my gifts and the gifts that my dad got my mom.

When I was about 12 or 13 I told my parents how much I enjoy wrapping so they wait until I get home and I wrap for hours! I have my system not to confuse the sender and receiver. So this year my mom did hers but dad left his for me. So that is what I will be doing tomorrow.

MR rang and we are hoping to see each other. She apparently has some tales of woe to update me on. Hopefully I will see her and PD either Tuesday or Wednesday! Can't wait!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Made it in an hour late!

I am blogging from my parent's home in NY! I made it in last night after an hour delay. I was not sure if we would make it, O'Hare was a mess with canceled flights all over the place. The storms from the West made a huge impact on the airlines. All flights to major cities were delayed or canceled and the secondary cities had delays. So considering that JFK and LAG had 3-4 hour delays my delay was nothing!

When I landed my parents were there and my mom brought Charlie. Oh he was sooooo excited to see me, he could not believe it. So he sat on my lap the entire trip to the house. Last night he slept with me and when I got up this morning, he stole my pillow and fell asleep on it.

I am a wee bit tired from the traveling but at least I made it. Just need to survive the trip!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Christmas exchange

The USPS gods must have felt some pity because my "mysterious gift" arrived. So I rang the BF and we decided to do the gift exchange last night as I leave tomorrow. So when I got there he took Yukon out and I put their gifts on the table. She found her toy and proceeded to play and then we exchanged our gifts.

Now that he has his gifts I can reveal...I got him a class at The Chopping Block (he wants to take knife classes), a subscription to Cooks Illustrated and a photo frame for a photo to come later.

He gave me a beautiful pair of earrings, an "egg" plant to take care of (easier than a puppy) and tickets to see "Mamma Mia" on New Year's Eve! I loved them all!

We had take out and watched an awesome movie American Splendor! It was a nice quiet celebration. I am so going to miss him but at least I will have my phone!

Today is my last work day of the year and I swear people in "power" are such asses. I hate the whole power trip play. I guess that it makes up for a deficiency!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

I despise the USPS

Ok one more post, I despise the USPS and UPS for that matter but that is more of a work related rant!

I ordered the BF Christmas gift over a week and as of yesterday it still has not arrived. I spoke to the sender the other day who told me that they mailed it and if I don't have it by today to give them a call. She commiserated with me because the same thing is happening to her, she said that in her experience the USPS in the Chicago land region are the worst! No kidding!

I know that it is the "busy season" but at the same time, I ordered it thinking that I would have plenty of time and now, it is late. I feel really bad and the BF says that it is okay but I just would like to give him his gifts before I leave.

Also did you know that it is illegal for your post person to accept any monetary gifts for the holiday. They are technically allowed to accept gifts (preferably perishable) less than $20.00. However, I sincerely doubt they report any extra tips along the way. Well maybe that explains the delay as it is Chicago! No government agency works without a little "gift" or promise of a big gift.

Regardless, this girl is pissed!

Not really a Scrooge

I know that I sounded bitter on my last post. I just have no desire to go back to my parent's house. It is more obligation than want, it has been a year since I've been back to my hometown and it is strange to me. Every time I head back there, I notice the changes and some are good some are not. My parent's house is different, new paint and new furniture. Even my old bed room is not mine anymore, it is "guest room number 1".

I walk in the door and all of a sudden I am 15 again without the ability to drive. As I am no longer "insured" on my parent's policy I can't drive their car, so I can't get away. My friends who I knew have moved or gotten married and I don't keep in touch with many of them anymore, we drifted apart. I am only really close with my friends that I met in college and after and they are all over the place but not near my parents.

This year I've put my foot down and as such, I am not going to my aunt's house on Christmas day. She and her family treat me like a second class citizen and put my younger brother on a pedestal so I don't want to go and feel that way. However, even after stating that she was not going either, my mom relented so the family is going there for the day. So I will be home with the dog on Christmas if that is the case then I am wondering, why go home? I mean, I would rather be in my apartment on my couch eating my food watching my TV instead of at my parent's house.

Also, after the fight I had with my mom over the summer, I still feel weird. I haven't forgotten what she said and how hurtful she was. I just feel like I know how she really feels about me regardless if she apologized and told me that she was just mad. I just no longer feel that home is home for me anymore. I've outgrown it for good and bad, I suppose. At least I am cutting this visit short and leaving before New Year's Day. Just got to make the best of it.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Bah!

It will be Christmas next Monday! I can't beleive it but now that I am getting older it is not that special to me anymore. It seems to be more stressful than anything and it is not fun anymore. I suppose that when you have kids it is still magical but, if you are single and childless, it has lost its luster.

I am heading east for the holiday and frankly, I don't want to go. I just would rather stay in my place than go to my parents. No matter how old I am I regress to 15 as soon as I get there. Oh well, at least by this time next week I will be thinking of heading back to Chicago!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Sleep talker

Yep, that is right folks, I've woken myself and the bf up this morning by talking in my sleep. This is the second time this week that this has happened. In the past, I've done it a few times but twice in a week is a new one for me! But the funniest part (and one I am sure I will be teased about) is what I said....Apparently I said "Oh Steve Urkle!" I know it is hysterical. Apparently, I was dreaming and in the dream I was speaking to someone who asked me what was the name of the geek on TV with the annoying laugh and I told that person and all in hearing range.

I find it funny and the BF just thinks I am bonkers!

Yesterday we did some Christmas shopping, grabbed a pizza and then watched Love Actually. He actually enjoyed it (and I knew he would). I love that movie but that is obvious due to my last post about it.

We just got news, the BF's sister gave birth to her third daughter. All are doing well so he is an uncle again for the sixth time. Well of for a bite.....

Friday, December 15, 2006

Love Actually


Wow two posts in less than an hour!

Well I just wanted to blog about my favorite movie. I tend to watch it around Christmas time because it takes place for the 5 weeks before Christmas day. It is Love Actually.

This movie is soooo awesome. I can't get enough of it. I watched it last night and it is just so awesome. I've gotten at least one other person addicted to it.

It is complex, heart-breaking, heart-warming, funny, sad, witty all wapped into one amazing movie with such a steller cast. It covers all aspects and definitions of what love is, what it can be and what it isn't.

Words

I had an interesting random conversation the other day with JT and we started talking about words and what words we like. He likes to say "abat-jour" which means blind in French. I told him that my two current favorite words are draconian and sycophant. I just like the way the sound when I say it. Plus nobody this this office knows what I mean (but some pretend to) so I use "sycophant" right in front of the sycophant.

Some of my other favorite words or expressions included: ode, hope,"joie de la vie" (joy of life in French), schlep, putz, schmuck, (all in Yiddish) corazon (heart in Spanish), bella (beautiful in Italian), muse, and sapphire.

I have many more but maybe I will save them for another day!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Puppy dog tails

The cutest dog ever! Charlie Beau

I have decided to rave about dogs and dedicate this post to Ringo. My co-worker/friend had to put Ringo down the other day due to a tumor on his pancreas that was causing him to have seazures and low blood sugar, he was 9.

I adore dogs, always have, always will. When I was a wee lass, I begged and pleaded with the parents to allow me to have a dog. There used to be a store in the local mall that sold puppies and I would have to be dragged out. It got so bad that my brother and I were not allowed in that store anymore. So then the teen years came and I was much more interested in other things like big hair (please don't judge) and NKOTB (I was 13, give me a break :>). Well it was not until after I graduated college and earned my first real pay check did the "I want a dog" come back. I was living with my parents and had to beg them. I finally wore my mom down but dad, he was not relenting.

Finally one day at work my mom called and said "Dad said yes". I could get a dog. I was so happy but little did he know that I picked one out. There was a local store that sold puppies and I checked them out for months and made sure that the dogs were treated well and did not come from puppy mills. I also had to make sure that they had certain dogs because my brother and my dad has allergies. So that narrowed the breed pool to about 4 dogs. That night I ran to the store to see if the dog that I wanted was available but she wasn't. I was bummed because I wanted a girl. But her brothers were still available, so I decided to take a look and I knelt down to the cage. There were two shih tuz puppies, one peach and white the other black and white. The peach and white just slept but the other dog took notice of me and came over and sat down. Then he got on his hind legs and just looked at me. That was my dog.

I got him and paid and the next day my mom, brother and I went to pick him up. Oh he was so nervous and was shaking. But cuddled into me on the drive home. As so as we put him on the driveway, he peed and my dad said "Great now it begins" and it sure did.

He was nameless for a few days and we finally agreed on Charlie and I added a middle name Beau. He quickly became so important to us all. He was 3 pounds when we got him and could not go down the stairs so as a game he would run all the stairs and cry until someone got him. My bro thought that this would continue all the days of his life. When Charlie finally went down the stairs you would think that we won the lottery we were so excited. Of course like all puppies he had his fun. I once came home to find him entangled in one of my new expensive Victoria Secret bras because as all boys do he loved to play with bras!

He totally won over my dad. My dad told me that he would NEVER walk, feed or touch the dog. But Charlie had his ways, when my dad was watching tv, charlie would just sit next to him. when dad got home, charlie would be at the door wagging his tail with a toy ball. One day my mom and I were in the kitchen and we peeked to the living room after my dad got home and there it was, dad was petting and playing with Charlie. Now that dad is retired, Charlie is his home buddy and in the summer they sit in the back yard reading or walking the block.

He used to sleep in my room and I would wake up to a fuzzy face next to me on my pillow. He despises Elton John's song Crocodile Rock because I would dance with him to that song as a wee puppy, he has to have his dinner cooked, he hates the rain, toddlers are his enemy, loves car rides, and is the cutest thing.

I miss him, after I moved to my apartment in Brooklyn I had to leave him behind and he became attached to my mom. Then when I moved to Chicago I could have him but my work schedule and a new environment would not be the best for him. So he is still with my mom and dad spoiled rotten and happy. We've had him for over 8 years and he has brought such joy.

Currently, I am taken by the BF's dog, Yukon. She is a lab and is also just the cutest. I am not used to big dogs but she is a star. When I was sick this weekend she was in bed with me, when I make dinner she is next to me to cover the floor if something drops, she loves her ear rub and sometimes I wake up to her staring at me with a toy that I got her in her mouth. I have prevented the BF from buying a dog Yoda costume and a dog elf costume. She is my buddy.

A few weeks ago, Dixie, the BF's childhood dog died. She was almost 16 and was just fading away. His dad found her curled on her bed. I met her a few times and in July when I first met the family, she was the first one (besides the BF) to like me. She had some spunk in her and was a feisty little girl. When GP told me she passed I began to cry. I can't imagine how it would feel to go through that. I have my fears about it but, I know that it happens, it is the circle of life.

I've been a pest to the bf whining about how I want a puppy. He humors me but, we know that right now it is not the right time for us. With me being in school and us living in two different apartments, it would not be right. But hope spring eternal

I truly feel blessed to have known these dogs. They are truly angels and I do believe that all dogs go to heaven.

Rest in peace Ringo, I know that when your mom gets there you will be at the pearly gates waiting for her.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Huh??

Ok time for a rant post, here are somethings that I want to vent about that has happened in the past few days:

-I had a dr. appt yesterday and I got there a few minutes late and I was the last appointment of the day. I was excited because I hoped to get home at around 5:30 and throw in a load of laundry. So I get to my appt and they take all my info and I pay my co-pay then a few minutes they take me into the room and I waited...and waited...and waited. I got seen at 5:40 and the whole procedure took 5 minutes. So I got home at around 6:20 too late to do a load and it was raining. I have to go out the back stairs to the laundry room and it gets slippery.
-I have gained about 6 lbs in a year! I know that does not seem dramatic but I am tiny and I have a few rolls now! Plus my jeans are tight! (Hon, forget sephora I need a gym membership for Christmas)
-Button fly jeans, why oh why did I wear them.

Other than that things are good!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Heading towards the 100%

I am feeling better! That is a good thing, I slept really well last night and I think that it made a difference. The only annoying thing is the mucus back log but as long as I am on the upswing that is bearable!

Well 'tis the holiday season and I am almost done shopping. I have a few more things to get and then I will be done! So hopefully the damage done to my credit card is not that bad. I am trying to save but for the past few months it has been hard. It sucks because I really try hard to be good, I've also become my dad. Turning lights and electricity off when not in use, limiting my gas use. Thankfully, my heat and water are included in rent otherwise I would be in trouble. But the cost of living increases, rent increases and my pay check does not! Oh well, helps motivate me to get a new job.

I missed the company Christmas party and I do not regret it. I thought that I would perhaps feel guilty and I don't. I heard that the food was cold, they were forced to sing Christmas carols and there were no raffle items. I decided this year not to deal with the hypocrites and falseness. Last year one of the managers was acting like he was every one's best friend in a used car salesman type of manner. My thoughts were that if he can't treat me like that all year round why would I put up with that at the party? He is so fake and does not treat me well at the office so why bother? Not to mention, that the parties are always on a Sunday evening because the office and warehouse are open from Monday-Saturday so they have to accommodate everyone. So I have to go to a Russian banquet hall to eat cold food on a Sunday afternoon....not going to happen!

Spoke to JC last night, it is so awesome to catch up with her. She is such a great friend.

Monday, December 11, 2006

On the mend

I am feeling better, not grab-your-shoes-and-let's-tango better but better. I slept a wee bit better last night but it was hot! The BF had the window open and it was still very hot, I think that his landlord is cranking up the heat to make up for the lack of heat last week when it was in the teens! So it was a night of the cover dance, one minute you are cold then next you are hot and so on. The lucky BF has today off so he got to sleep in or at least I hope so.

I must say that I am fortunate to have him. He took such care of me this weekend and all I had was a cold. Last night he made a very yummy dinner and packed me a lunch. I am so spoiled by him.

Well this weekend we did venture out over the weekend. We spent money at Target and I got some gifts for my co-workers. I am slowly getting it all accomplished but I have one more co-worker gift to get. Have to think about that one though. We finally had a meal at Hamburger Mary's. and it was delish! Although our waiter was a bit gay bitchy! GP bought a cool pair of shoes and I looked at Uggs....I just looked at them. I am too broke to even think about buying a pair. Yesterday we wandered around Lincoln Square and at headed back to his place where I napped and he played his new computer game.

I am not thrilled to be back at work...never am I suppose.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Colds suck

I have a cold and it is officially sucky. It moved to my head and i did not sleep really well because I could not breath. I woke up at around 5:30 ish and I could not fall back asleep so I sat on the couch and watched TV and drank tea. I fell asleep on the sofa then went back to bed for a few hours.

Hopefully in a few days I will be tip top until then this stinks!

Friday, December 08, 2006

Is a frozen tangerine a deadly weapon?

I was just wondering because I am eating lunch and my tangerine is almost solid. I had to keep my lunch in the car for a few hours while I went to Rush to go to one of my specialists. So now it is not going to be eaten yet oh well. I will have it tonight cuddling with the BF.

My cold has worsened, the cough is more pronounced and it is all mucusy now. I already feel whiny!

Thursday, December 07, 2006

*cough, cough*

I think that the cold I have been trying hard to prevent has made its presence known. I woke up this morning with a cough and my chest feels phemly (if that is a word). I was using Zicam for the past few weeks and it held it off and then I stopped the Zicam and here it is. I am not a good sick person when I have a cold because I get cranky and I just tend to stay inside and nurse my cold. At least I am not PMSing on top of that otherwise my the Lord have mercy on your soul.

I have to get some gift shopping done this weekend. I have my list and just have to get some things done. I have so far gifts for my brother's fiance, part of the one for my mom and that is it. I know what I want to get some people. My brother and dad are difficult but I have been mulling a few ideas. Yesterday I created my Sephora wish list and sent it to my mom and the BF. He thought that it was "subtle". Well if I bought all the things that I wanted from Sephora then I would be living in a box...but at least I will look good!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

I miss the beach

It was 30 degrees today. I miss the beach!

Anyway, I am back at work and I guess all good things must come to an end. But I am glad to be home for the most part. I just have to get my routine back!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

What an adventure it was!


Well I am back from my cruise and it was one hell of an adventure. Here is the day by day breakdown:

Thursday:
It was cold day and the prediction of a major snowstorm caused American Airlines to cancel all their flights including ours. Midwest mama was on the phone to get all 9 of us on a plane to Orlando and we were finally booked on a United flight to leave at the same time. But as the night wore on, there was a debate over whether or nor we will be able to leave but at that point we could only guess. So we went to bed unsure.

Friday:
We were woken up at 3:45 and we got ready and dressed and the car came at 5 and we headed to the airport and the flight was still ready to go! Sure enough we boarded and were set to go. Then the de-icers came and tried to get the snow and ice off the plane but that was not successful. Then the only runway was not shoveled and we sat at the gate for FIVE hours….basically we could have got to Florida and back to Chicago. As that ws not bad enough there were these two children that did not behave they were toddlers who screamed, cried, threw temper tantrums in the aisle while their parents sat and did nothing. In fact mommy dearest used her cell phone as a speaker phone to have her conversation. These kids were so bad and we were all ready to beat them.

So we then headed out at around 11 and got to Orlando at 3:30. We had to get to the port at 4:30 and there was a 45 minute drive! So we ran through the airport and waited 20 minutes for our bags. Then we ran to our van to our port and the driver speed to get us there. Our travel agent (an angel) contacted the port manager and the security manager to as them to hold the boat. We got to the port at 4:35 and we booked it on board. After we got there they closed the door. We made it on the ship!!!

We watched the ship depart and sat! We were just so glad and relived to have made the ship. We had a nice dinner and then N and I explored the ship and decided to sit in the hot tub that evening. It was a bit rough as we were really booking it to hit Nassau.

Saturday
We spend the morning at the pool and just hanging out in the sun! We then pulled up to Nassau at around 11 and then had a quick lunch and then departed the ship. We took a water taxi to Paradise island and then went to Atlantis and walked around the hotel. It was beautiful. It was just so funny because it was 87 degrees and there was Caribbean Christmas music. It was surreal but lovely.

N and I walked around the straw market and pretty much got out of there as soo as we could it was a weird because everyone was a bit pushy for you to buy something. As we got out of there we went to a few liquor stores and then we looked at jewelry stores (I wanted to see if I could get a diamond pendent for my 30th). As we were going into one, a man offered us a doobie! We walked away as fast as we could and headed back to the ship. That evening was formal night and we got dressed up for dinner and it was very good! Afterwards, we changed and a few of us went back to shore to have a drink at Senor Frogs. It was fun and the drink was awesome! Loved the Frog log and I would get it again! We headed back to the ship and N and I headed for a soak in the hot tub! Then to the midnight buffet which had an amazing chocolate rum

Sunday:

My toes in the clear water note the cute pedi!

After breakfast we headed to Coco Cay and sat on the beach! The water was crystal blue and it was just a perfect day to do nothing! The kids played on the beach, swam, made sand castles and looked for sea shells. I actually fell asleep on the beach (with sunscreen). I had a very relaxing day on the beach. That evening I went shopping and got my diamond pendant. Then N and I took a last walk around the boat and had dinner with a final go around!


Monday:
We had our final breakfast on the ship then disembarcked by color and number so N and I were the first off of the ship out of the group so we got all the bags. Afterwards we headed back to Orlando's airport and headed home.


Home was such a mess. It snowed about 8 inches and it took over 30 minutes to clean off my car (even with the engine on). I headed home and found a lovely sheet of ice in my parking space. So I got most of my things went upstairs and then headed to see the BF. I was so glad to see him because I really really missed him. Plus I wanted to give him his Jonny Walker Gold and a big kiss. It was our 6 month anniversary too so it was very special for me!

Today I slept and napped and dragged my suitcase up to the apt. But now I am getting ready for work tomorrow. I don't wanna go back to the office.

Overall, it was a good trip but now I have realized a few things most importantly don't travel with kids...ever!