Time time time, see what becomes of me....

Well apparently my office has been working 30 minutes more than the other offices for God knows how long. So to combat this problem, we are now able to leave a half hour earlier. This is awesome because I just miss the traffic of rush hour and I can get home and get a decent parking spotl However, it brings up the issue that if we were working an extra 2 1/2 hours a week and it was overtime, why are we not getting retroactive pay for those extra hours?

In other news, it snowed on Friday! Thursday was beautiful and then we got dumped on again. At least the previous snow had all melted but still. It was the first day of spring and then wham, snow. It sucked!

I took Monday off because I could and I spent the day running errands and packing. But I must admit that having the day off during a week day really makes me get a lot more done than during the weekend, traffic is not that bad, I could find parking and I got to linger at some stores . I could get used to that! I also got a lot of things around the house done besides packing. It was an eventful day, I could use a bunch more of days like that. I have gotten a lot more packed but not as much as I wanted too. We are in need of more boxes and time. The BF informed me we only have 3 1/2 weeks, so now I am getting stressed.

We are getting rid of (selling and throwing away) a lot of our furniture and we are planning on upgrading. So we have to get the people that are taking the stuff to come and get it. Then the shopping can begin!

The reveal

Well as a few of you guessed here are the correct answers:

Distant Haze-sage green

Ethereal-light blue-grey

Parchment-warm beige

Una Tuba-Black with green and white specks

See told you that was fun!

I just got back from NJ after meeting my new boss and getting lost in that freaking state.  I was so glad to get back home to my Honda (I heart my car) and logical roads and highways!

Distant Haze

The BF and I went to our soon to be condo to pick out the granite for the kitchen and bathroom and the colors that they will paint the walls.

I want a job naming paint (or granite) for that matter. Our living room and sun room are going to be painted Distant Haze, our bedroom is going to be Ethereal and the office is Parchment. For the record our kitchen granite is going to be Una Tuba.

Ok so what are the colors????

No cheating....

Transition

It is finally official, my new position has been announced to my team so no more sneaking around and pretending.

I start the transition on Friday. I have to train my replacement starting that day and it will be a few weeks before I am out of the picture. So starting on Friday it will all begin. I will also be moving out of my area into another cube which is good and bad. The good thing is that I will be physically removed from the dept but I really liked most of my team mates.

My two big sales reps took the news with both happiness for me but were worried about their accounts. Cousin it does not know yet, she has to be handled "delicately" but I don't care because in a few weeks I can tell her to go fuck off!

today until Thursday I am at an off site training on project management and so far it is really interesting. So I am excited that this will start now and there is no more sneaking around.

Oh and I get to go to NJ next week..

Within the past 7 days

What a week it has been here are the highlights

-We have decided to buy a condo and move
-We looked at about 9 condos in 6 open houses
-We found one we both liked (I was not sure if our tastes would mesh and in a few places they did not)
-We got a name of a real estate agent to act as a buyer broker* she rocks
-We found a mortgage broker
-We got our pre-approved mortgage the same day
-We decided to make an offer on the condo, we did that the same day we got our approval letter.
-I got drunk on a big glass of wine and apparently agreed to go RV'ing this summer.
-I had to go to WI for a meeting while the BF was on phone duty.
-They countered fairly and what we expected them to.
-We accepted their offer
-The contract is being reviewed by our attorney
-We tentatively close on April 18

Whew

PS-Thoughts on Project Runway, I figured that the who the winner would be but I liked the other two collections better

*Awesome suggestion Jessica!

Thanks to all of your suggestions. We have been extreamly stressed, nervous, excited, freaked out all at once.

Open houses

Well we went open housin' today and saw 5 today and one yesterday. We found one that are interested in and we found some incentives that we may qualify for as first time buyers.

Currently we are working to get a pre-approved mortgage and then we can really get down to the wheeling and dealing.

I am so tired so I think that it will be an exhausting few weeks!

The straw that broke

Well the straw broke. Hobo was back in the building on Thursday and was caught by one of our neighbors who subsequently called the police whilst hobo fled. So it seems that the "solution" our management agency came up is not working and so it was the last straw.

We are not renewing our lease and instead we are going to buy a CONDO. We've been talking about it over the past few weeks and we were planning on doing this in a few months but with the current situation and the fact that our lease is up in two months we got to get cracking.

So we are in hyper mode and have to start the process this weekend. I am excited and freaked out at the same time and I have to remind myself to breath. I am full of nervous energy but it could also be the donut that I ate.

It is in a sense surreal but we have planned and thought this through. The next 60 days will be another adventure!

So my friends, what suggestions, lessons or advice do you have for first time home buyers??

A secret confession

love Project Runway! Yes, I admit it. It was a good season and it was not full of the bull shit drama. They had such great designers, I really liked Stephen, Kevin, Jillian, Rami and Chris. Ricky got on my nerves what a cry baby! I cheered when he was offed!

Last night it was between Chris and Rami and although I knew that Rami would win, I was rooting for Chris. I was so sad to see him leave. What a grateful and sweet man he is, he left with such dignity and was truly honored to have come that far. I liked his drama flair and his creative spirit.

I can be such a girl sometimes. Because as I was watching the show, I felt guilty about not going to the gym. (Hobo still has not made an appearance in a week and a half but I am still a bit freaked about coming home late). So during the commercial breaks I was telling the BF how pudgy I was. He was coming down from 5 whiskey drinks so he ignored me. So I did what any girl would do to get attention, I poked him till he acknowledged me. But he could not retaliate because the cat was sleeping on my lap.

Then I got weepy at the end of the show and then watched a re-run of family guy.

So yeah I a such a chick!

Chilli Ready

The BF bought me pepper spray the other day as precaution and protection. The unwelcome vists from Hobo have had me on edge. Although he has not been around since the police were called last week and one of the locks were fixed. So I hope he has found another buliding to stalk,

When I lived in Brooklyn, I did not even think about getting pepper spray. It never even was a thought. But then again my landlord lived on the first floor and the building was so secure! The only thing we had to worry about was "big daddy" upstairs.

He and his girlfriend would get it on at random times like for example 3:30 am on a Tuesday. They were directly above my bedroom and I would be woken up to a squeaky bed and moans of "oh Big Daddy!" I actually slept with a broom next to my bed to knock on the ceiling (I know how Brooklyn of me!) when you would see them in the hall they would be all embarassed but a few days later Big Daddy would be at it again and I was armed with a broom.

MR would always know when it was a rough night for me when she could not find the broom and found it in some random corner of the room. She slept through anything.

Mega Millions loss

We got one number in the Mega Million jackpot.

I guess it means that I still need to keep the job and I can't hire a person to cut the cats claws.

Life is so unfair!

Odd duck memories

I was thinking last night of my post below and then I remembered one co-worker from about 4 years ago. I will call him Kevin because that was his name and he only lasted a month.

Anyway, Kevin was absolutely fascinated with the fact that I was from NY and that I lived in NYC. He was so amazed to meet someone from NYC. I was like a rare creature in a modern zoo to him. He kept asking me questions about what was the subway like, is the pizza good etc. Well one day he asked if I have ever been to Madison Square Garden for a concert. I told him I've been to many. So the following conversation occurs:

Him: "Wow that is soooo cool, I've always wanted to go there all the best played the Garden. So who did you see in the 70s"
me: Blinks "The Capades"
Him: The who?
me: The Capades, I think it was Smufs on Ice.

Moron, but by the time it took him to comprehend my answer I walked away. He quit a few days later. My friends died laughing when I told them this story!

It is an oldie but goodie!

Odd duck

We have a new IT guy who is a "know-it-all" and just brings up the weirdest things in conversation, her are some examples:

-He was complaining about the weather and said that in 1972 was the worst record in Chicago (ed. note um it was 1979 but whatever). So then he proceeds to announce that he was not even born yet so he then asks random people if they remember, which insults a good amount of them because they were not born until the mid to late 70s-80s. Oh he is in his early 20s and did not comprehend that he actually insulted people.

-He is a magician, so give him a pool (or a lake) and chain him from head to toe. Add a weight throw him in the and watch out! Oh and David Copperfield is a fraud!

-When talking to another co-worker about his recent trip to China, he was mentioning that he has been very jet lag. IT boy proclaims "I've never experienced jet lag and I've traveled to Las Vegas and California". To which the two of us looked at him weird so he corrects himself and says "maybe if I ever travel for a longer period of time I may get a twing but I live on 4 hours of sleep so it won't matter"

-Oh If I ever want a tattoo to let him know, he knows people.

-He used to sit in our dept for a week before they moved him and so he has developed an attachment to one of my teammates and at least once a week will "visit" her and regale her with his girl troubles.

-I tend to read during my lunch and he constantly asks what am I reading and what is it about. My recent book was "Loving Frank" and he saw it and asked what it was about so I told him it was about Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress from her point of view. He kept asking what it was about and at one point I put the book down and told him that I did not know that is why I was reading it.

Ahhh the joys of working in the office. At least everyone else is sane.

Who are the odd characters in your office "the Miltons"?

Fermented grapes

Well, tomorrow Diana and her sister are going to go to the Big Easy to walk her marathon on Sunday.

I saw her last night and she is pumped to go! so pop on over wish her good luck, I'll wait....

Last night we went to another cooking class and it was probably one of the best ones yet. I learned to make cheese souffle and this braised chicken dish with olives, capers,rasines, carrots and shallots. Everthing she made was to die for.

On my way home, walking up the stairs who do I see, but our hobo. I scream so loud that the BF heard me as well as some neighbors. Apparently hobo has a key to our building, we called the cops and as luck would have it one of our neighbors did as well. BF called the super to let him know because we want the damn lock changed now! It seems that our neighbors have bumped into him as well at all hours! Today I called the management company and was told the locks are being changed. Damn straight, I am thisclose to moving and I HATE to move but, safety first.

I was shaking with fear when I got into the apartment, I mean shaking. I was so mentally wound up and just so fearful that I could not stop shaking. Two glass of red wine later I was doing a lot better but I want the locks changed!

Bum

The title of my post has two reasons:

1-My ass hurts (no get your dirty minds out of the gutter!!) It is because I increased the weight of the weights that I am using at the gym and my legs are sore because of it. I went to 40lb on the leg press for one exercise and went from 5 lbs to 10 lbs on some arm exercise and 10 to 12 lbs some other weight exercies. For some reason my butt is sore. I blame the leg work out but that is all good right? (Sorry Jessica, my ass can't crack walnuts just yet)

2-the dog barked at 2:34 am (nope this is not some secret code where you respond that the cow moo'ed at 4.) But after last week's second hobo visit, I am a little on edge when I hear a strange noise. Last week the dog started to act up at 5:30 or so and we told her to stop and shut up, she was reacting to the fact that their was a stranger outside our door on the steps. So we now pay attention when she barks. She is not much of a barker but she does bark when there is something amiss. So I was up every hour after that, at 3:20 I woke up because I had a dream I wrestled with said hobo over a bat I wanted to use to defend myself. After that I just could not fall asleep. There was no hobo today!

So hence the reason I titled this blog "bum".

Wait Wait....

This is where we are going tonight...jealous?

Hobo was back, police were called, he ran and I want to move.

Happy Valentine's day all!

A better drama queen

The other night we saw a commercial for "The Other Boleyn Girl" and I turned to BF and asked if he wanted to see it. He made the "chick flick" gramace then the following dialogue occured:


BF:"Well it does have Natalie (Portman) and she is pretty oh and Scarlett, so maybe"
Me: Glares at him in a faux overly dramatic jealous way
BF: "But you are prettier...and a better actress, in fact you deserve an Oscar for your performances"

He says that I can be a drama queen

The Pros and Cons of warm weather

As we know I hate snow it just keeps on coming. We got at least 4 more inches on top of the 6-9 inches of ice that formed because the weekend temp was in the negative numbers. The pot holes in some areas are so huge, I almost expect to have my tire stuck in some Chinese's family's living room!

So I was considering if I could really survive moving to the warmer weather and here are my thoughts:

-I complain when it is too hot just as much as I complain when it is too cold
-I don't like hurricanes
-Gators freak me out, I know you should run in a zig zag fashion but that would require me to run but on the pro side it will get me in shape...the running that is not the gators.
-I don't do early bird specials
-I have no patience driving behind a person who has their turn signal blinking for over 3 blocks.
-Grits, I just don't get them, I can appreciate them but I don't get them

I need to find a happy medium

Get we to the nunnry

Overheard at our apartment on Wednesday evening:
Me-"Crap, I just remembered it was Ash Wednesday"
BF-"Do you want me to get some dirt and rub a star on your head"
Me-stares "Um it is a cross"
BF-starts to laugh "I can't believe I forgot that"
ME-"You are so going to hell..."
BF-"yep, see you there"

I made meatballs that night!

We are so the lapsed Catholics!

for the first time

I voted in a primary.

I walked in the snow, rain and sleet to get to my polling place and marked my ballot. So we shall see what happens.

Meanwhile in Chicago land, there is another 11 inches of snow due in by 6 pm! Damn it!

But on the upside there were no hobos sleeping directly outside my apartment door. Yep, I opened my apartment door yesterday and there was a hobo sleeping inside the apartment building, up 2 1/2 flights of stairs only to fall asleep on a set of stairs that are directly in front of our apartment door.

It was scary and freaky and my screams woke the BF, caused the hobo to run and had me shaky. Hobo man did re-appear out side the building and once he saw me point him out to the BF immediately turned and walked the other way.

The landlord was called, locks were checked and a note is on the door.

Sleepy wing time?

My bed last night was so not comfy. I was tossing and turning trying to get somewhat comfortable. It did not work!

Then around midnight the BF yelled at the dog to stop snoring which scared the hell out of me and cause me to have a fit of screams (I am sure our neighbors loved us). Then the cat decided to play with his paperbag and then sleep with us only to wake up at 5 because he was hungry and walk all over me so that I would wake up and feed him. When this did not work, he sat and started at me and then proceeded to "kiss" my nose hoping that I would get up. He did wake me up but damn it I had 45 minutes before my alarm and I was not getting up.

He got feed 15 minutes later when the BF got up.

So I am tired....and I want hot wings. What is up with that? Actually, it is Alton Brown's fault as one recent "Good Eats" was about wings. Damn you Alton!

I.HATE.SNOW

Well let me clear that up a bit I hate driving in snow. I don't mind it when I am safe at home and have no place to be.

Yesterday it took me 2 1/2 hours to get home. But that is not the record the record was set a few years ago when it tooke me 4 hours to get home. Although I did stop at a friend's house to use the bathroom!

There was between 3-5 inches depending on where I was. Today it was about 7 inches and I got up early to clean and dig out my car. I was only a few minutes late surprisingly.

I think this is a case of the least amount of inches is preferred!

Of gyms and bakeries

Well I have to go to the gym tonight. We are trying to go twice a week and were talking about adding a day so that we will go three times a week. But have not made it to that point yet.

I must say my trainer is awesome and this Saturday will be my last session. I am going to try it on my own for a month then meet up with her again and have a check up. She has been keeping me active and not bored. I usually get very bored doing the same thing. She has taught me different exercises that I can vary and change up so that helps. although she makes me do sprints and I HATE sprints. It reminds me of grade school gym class! I shudder at the thought!

I have not noticed a difference per se but these things do take time. Plus the Y is near Dinkles Bakery and well after the last work out we were hungry and it was right there. They have the best donuts, my fav is the jelly...but I was good I had a glazed one....followed by the chocolate covered one....I was bad. (I guess I forgot to mention the cookies...but I had them on Monday)

New rule, go home do not pass dinkles!

But we have Whole Foods next to the Y but I tend to buy fruit there as well as some minor groceries. Basically, we should not go food shopping after a work out when I am hungry!

On the flip side, I wanted to wear a pair of pants that I bought years ago and forgot I had and they did not make it past the arse. Maybe adding the extra day will help that and not eating Dinkles.

But who in their right mind puts a gym near a bakery!!! That is one question to ponder!

so what do you do?

Jessica asked what do I do.

Well , I work in customer service in a business to business environment. So I basically deal with customers and their issues and sales and their issues (and mental instability).

But my dream job is to be a travel writer! I would love to travel and write about hotels, tourist spots, restaurants and enjoy the moment. Plus I would get to spend time just lingering.

Okay so what do you all do and what is your dream job?

It rang

Finally!

My phone rang on Friday afternoon and we chatted and I have a new job starting in a few weeks. I am so excited! The job is basically customized to me and what I wanted and they have started to replace me in my current position. However, it is still confidential until the announcement is made once the new person is hired. But that should be in a few weeks.

I am very happy!

To celebrate I went to the mall with a friend of mine and splurged on some clothes and make up. Most of the stuff that I got was on sale. So although I spent more than I wanted to, considering the amount of stuff, it works out.

I have to treat myself now and then. Until the bill comes....

Beast 2

The cat has been a dad's boy lately. The BF has woken up with the cat sitting on his head, licking his feet or pawing his back. However, the latest thing is the cat to sit on his nightstand and knock everything off until he gets comfy. Of course this is in the middle of the night which startles the BF and ultimately me.

Cute, but not so much at 2 or 3 in the morning.

He has been sprayed with water when he jumps on the dining room table. At first he was startled like "what the heck, where did that come from" He would look at the table and the floor and then table again. When he realized it was either his dad or me he would sulk and be aloof with us for about an hour.

His new thing is to meow at me first thing in the morning. The BF gets up before me and the kitty goes to the bathroom with him. We keep his food, water and litter box in there otherwise it would be a feast for Yukon! As soon as he hears my alarm he zooms back in the bedroom and meows at me for me to feed him or turn on the bathroom faucet so he can have a drink (he snubs his water dish unless it is absolute necessary). He does not do this with his dad partly because the BF refuses to cater to the drinking out of the faucet trick. Well the meowing for food has gotten so bad, he meows as he follows you to the bathroom. The BF could not take it yesterday so he fed him before I got up. Other wise I stumble into the bathroom, feed beast 2 and he'll eat a few bites!

Yukon and him are getting along, less swatting but Yukon's tail does smack into him when she is too close. He watches it like a hawk and if it gets too close he'll jump away from it or hit her.

They are perpetual two year olds!

Being professional

My manager hired a new person to start in another department. This young woman (she must have been 22) started on Monday and my boss was thrilled because that department is understaffed and it is a very niche job to do. Well this woman went out for lunch on Monday and never came back.

My boss was frantic because she was thinking was this girl in an accident, is she lost? My boss called her on her cell phone, her home phone and then called the girls mother (she lived at home) no answer. Apparently she quit.

Come on, I know the job may not have been what you wanted but you could have waited until the end of the day and then tell my boss that it is not for you and you are sorry but you are leaving. Where is the element of professionalism.

In speaking to friends this has happened to many of them. One of the BF's friends store hired a mutual friend girlfriend. She showed up late often and did her job half assed. One day she never came back not saying a peep to anyone including the person who recommended her. But she wanted her check so she called the boss and asked her to mail it. The boss would not do it, she had to go in and get it from the boss.

Hey I know not all jobs fit or seem right but at least do it in a decent way.

Self Fulfilling Prophecy

The economy that is. Excuse me while I get all economic-y.

Economics is a bunch of theories based historical events to predict the future. Well, with recessions, it too is a theory but all it takes is for one person to allude to a recession for the markets to panic as they did yesterday and today. So what happens....a recession.

I mean most economists are smart people and many know that it is based on history but damn it, all it takes is for rational thinking to take over. So there is no need for a recession panic to start. The markets should have gone about as normal thus reducing the impact of a possible recession. I am not saying that a recession won't happen but the severity of it can be greatly reduced if people buy and sell as normal.

So now governments and markets are freaking out. So now the bale out begins and we'll see what happens and if it stabilizes.

Just historically, consumers are going to save more of their money and not spend on big ticket items. The money that they save will be at a lower percentage rate earning less than if the Fed did not cut the interest. Businesses will slow down plans for growth especially if their products or services are not seen as extremely necessary. Thus leading to more unemployment and more strain on the average person.

Adding to this is the drop of the value of the US dollar. People are freaking out about it but what happens it that it makes American goods cheaper in the world market. So this encourages foreigners to buy American thus boosting the goods exported and leads to a stronger dollar. We need people to buy and if our goods and services are cheaper then we should encourage it.

Looking globally, China is our biggest challenge because they used a fixed exchange rate so currency will be artificially cheaper than even our dollar. If they were to allow their currency to float then that would probably lead to a situation where their currency would be more expensive than it is now, making their exports more expensive and allow more of a world market where different countries can drive up or down prices.

Anyway, off my soapbox now.

Hibernation

I spent most of this weekend inside hibernating. I only went outside twice once on Saturday to go to the gym and whole foods then once on Sunday to take the poor dog out.

Other than that I was inside watching crap on tv and napping. But I was somewhat productive, I vacuumed, cleaned the litter box and scrubbed the bathroom. I was not as productive as I wanted to be but the workouts have been kicking my ass. I get home, eat then am so tired for the rest of the day. I just poop out and end up taking a nap.

Suffice to say, I am well rested!

I was thinking of the SNL commercial with Chris Farley when he takes hiber-nol and sleeps through the winter. I wish that You Tube had that on its site. It is so appropriate for the weather we had when it was below zero!

I think that being a snow bird is not a bad thing. Hell I want to move to Key West....

**UPDATE** Jessica found it....enjoy

Ring damn it! Ring!!!

I feel like I am dating again, going on a good date and then waiting for him to call. But it is not about dating it is about my job future, I was told that the week of the 7th I should have some news, then I did not hear anything until last Friday. What I heard was that this week Is should get some news and a phone call. Neither which has happened yet.

Every time my phone rings and I check the caller id hoping that it is the person who I need to speak to. It has not happened yet.

I am very anxious and disappointed because this is my job and after earning my MBA I want more money and a different position. So I am getting very impatient!

These boots may have to start walking soon.

Soon maybe

I so want to go shopping, I want to replace some work pants, new jeans and tops and shoes of course. I did buy a pair of shoes on line the other day and they are so cute but they are too big so back they go. But I have to wait and it looks like it will be a long wait.

I want to get back in shape and I have been to the gym twice last week and once yesterday and again will go this week.

Since I am done with school, my student loans will be coming due. Plus after last years accident I had to get a new car. My old car would have been paid up in August so I was hoping that I would just have school debt now I will have both.

I was thinking of what I have spent my money on. Besides Christmas gifts, I have spent money on gas and food (including the cooking classes). My recent expense was the cost of the trainer. Car and rent insurance will be due soon, my car will need to go to the shop soon for the 10 k mile check up. All of this comes at once so it gets hard on the wallet.

So the things that I want have to be postponed until who knows when.

Nobody got back to me about the job possibilities so I am disappointed. It is time to think about walking.

Abs (and nerves) not quite as steel

Well I met wit my trainer yesterday and it went well.  She is really realistic and took it easy on me.  I learned a lot of great things that I can do to tone up my entire body.  I think that I can maintain the interest if I supplement seeing her and going to the gym once a week for an hour continue working out.

I am VERY sore on my abs today.  I was expecting to be sore more so  in my upper back and arms but that was not the case.  She encouraged me to stretch before I went to bed and I think that is what did the trick.  I feel like I have been punched.  The bf was teasing me that he punched me in my sleep for allegedly stealing the blankets last night. Which I deny *ever* doing.

But it is a step in the right direction for me.  I have to get my lazy ass of the couch.  And as Jessica said in the comment section in my previous post I need to use my ass for good not evil :).

Besides working out, I am really anxious about this coming week.  After I completed the MBA, I have been in talks with some high up managers about my future.  They were very open to ideas and suggestions and were going to work on what I want to do and  match it up with what they want.  They really wanted me to want a manager position but it was not what I wanted to do.  I did not want to settle for that because I would be doing the same thing only having to deal with my peers as my subordinates and that is not what I wanted to do.  So this week is the week when they come back with their ideas.  I may be in the east for some meetings to further discuss them.

I am very nervous because I know what I think that I want to try and this corporation has plenty of possibilities but at the same time I am not sure what I want and if I want to work for a huge corporation.  I asked my former manager for some advise and she told me that with my new degree I can open any door I want and if I do not get what works best for me that I should be prepared to walk.

It is great advise but I am scared shitless to walk because I have no idea where to go and what to do.  

Deep down I have two ideas to start my own business and it maybe something to consider but I am so freaked out about it.  I know that failure can be a learning experience and I may succeed but, I am so tough on myself.

I need certain levels of stability in my life I am not one to live by the seat of my pants especially as I am getting older and have more responsibilities.  I need a steady pay check, I NEED health insurance, I need some sort of status quo. But on the other hand, starting something that I want to do and doing it my way, is encouraging and exciting.

I guess I have to see what this week will bring and maybe it will be up my alley or I may have to think about walking.  Just need to figure out how to do that...

Burn baby burn

Tomorrow you all should be smelling smoke! That is right I got a personal trainer and my first session is tomorrow at noon.

I decided I needed to do something. I want to fit in to my pants again and I have been feeling too lumpy so I had to do something. So I am getting off my ass and hiring somebody to torture me into shape.

I may not blog later this weekend...I may be in pain! The things we do to get a nice ass!

2007, what a year!

Well it is the last day of the year and here are some highlights:

-I am still with the best BF ever, and love him more each day.
-We moved into our place. We are still unpacking but we have spent this past week cleaning and organizing and now our place looks better than ever.
-I got into a car accident and ended up with a new car by default
-I had emergency surgery
-My company was sold and I was one of a few people that they wanted
-My brother got married
-I turned 31
-We got a cat
-I finished my MBA!
-My uncle passed away
-MR's mother and dog passed away
-We had a great vacation

My greatest 2007 achievement
-Finishing my MBA

My favorite memory
-The random memories with the BF, looking at cats, eating out, movies and trips

My best purchase of 2007
-The car, not desired but needed
-My haircut

Biggest change of 2007
-Living with the BF

Daily favorites:
-Getting kitty kisses and nuzzling with the dog. BF cuddles

Favorite new hobby:
-Cooking

Favorite old hobby
-I want to say painting but I have not done that in ages so reading books that I want to read

Newest places visited
-Mexico, Belize and Key West

For 2008 my goals or expectations are:
-School debt
-Still mumbling how I have dog and cat hair on everything that I own
-A new job
-More time in the gym
-More cooking classes
-another great vacation
-reading more books
-More time and laughs with the BF and the fams.

I hope you have a great new year!

The day after

Well I think that the salt and sugar coma from yesterday has worn off but I am at work! So I did not really sleep if off.

We had a very nice day yesterday. The BF woke me up at 10 to open our gifts, he is such a rock start, I wanted the Kitchen Aid Artisan but he got me, the Professional. It is the Rolls Royce of mixers. I am so excited, I think my words were "I can make the bread!" I can't wait to use it and am planning on using it in the next day or so!

He also got me some nice gift cards that I wanted. I got him some Xbox games and attachments that I still don't know what they are for, cuff links, a pair of pants (breakaway for the gym) and a cook book My parents also spoiled us with a much needed stock pot and other goodies.

After our lazy morning we headed to his sister's house to celebrate with the family and her kids. So it was a nice fun afternoon with tons of food!

The downside is that I am at work, the upside is that it is my LAST day of work this year so it is just a few more hours to go!

Twas'

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

by Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,W

hile visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.A

way to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowGave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,B

ut a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;A

bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Vacation update

Ok, here is what I promised our vacation re-cap

We arrived in FL a day before our cruise and checked into our hotel. We had a great uneventful flight and left 4 degree weather behind us. We just hung out at the hotel, rested, ate watched tv and took a dip in the hot tub.

We boarded our ship the next day:


We got there early and were able to explore and get a bite to eat. Then we had our spa treatment. We got our hands and feet massaged, a facial, eye treatment and wash and style. It was a great way to start our holiday.

The first few hours were interesting. Most of the cruisers were older and I joked that we had half of the Boca retirement community. There were "Members Only" jackets all over the place. I mean all over the place, I have not seen so many jackets in one place other than the cheesy 80s movies!

At dinner we were seated next to Blondie and her boyfriend "punch me face" (PMF). The VF called him that because he had such a frat boy attitude and look. He looks like when he gets drunk he gets in a brawl. She was blond and you could tell that she had self esteem issues. Throughout all our meals next to them you could tell that they are not used to good food. When they got a sorbet at one meal they looked at it and could not quite figure out what it was and poked at it They saw us eat it and then they figured it out. They complained at every meal, either our food was out sooner than theirs and they ordered sooner, they did not like the salad so they ordered a new one, he drank at least 3 beers a meal and one night ordered and ate two steaks. It was fun to watch

The next day we arrived in Key West:



It was a great port. We walked around the area and did some shopping. We found our way to the Hemingway house and got to take a tour and pet some six toed cats:



Since we had to be back at the ship early we had plenty of things to do as we headed to Mexico. So we played bingo where the BF won a game. We played a few games in the casino, wandered around the ship, and sat by the pool. It was a hard life! We got all pretty'ed up and we had our formal night at the dining room.

The next morning we woke up off the coast of Mexico. We took our rough and very stomach turning tender to Playa de Carmen and off to the Mayan Tulum ruins that were left by the Mayans. On our way we had to stop for a bathroom for the obligatory break that happens to be in a store where "if you want you can buy a few mementos". We did so much walking and it was such a beautiful site off the Caribbean sea, there were some iguanas hanging out as well.





After the tour we went to the ferry to go to Cozumel. I was unimpressed. We took another tender back to the ship. When we got back we were so tired. I mean tired, we both fell asleep before dinner and then got up for dinner and our daily stroll.

The next morning, we were in Belize and our task for the day was to sit on a beach in a private rustic island:

Then we headed to the port for more shopping and wandering. That evening we departed for Florida again. We spent the next day cruising and had our seaweed massage. It was a day of pure relaxation and pool sitting.

The next day we headed home. Our experience was interesting at the airport, we got there super early (like 8 hours early) and had to wait until 4 hours before our flight to check our suitcases in so we got to people watch. So then 12 or so Russians that arrived, they were older and we interesting. One was obviously the mama and she had a walker with a seat on it (this is key). So the heaviest Russian aka spokeswoman and in rough English she walks over to the couch and says that the the mama is old and needs to sit. So people move and make room for mama, then spokeswoman asks the people how long they will be sitting there? One guy looks at her and mentions that he plans to be there for a few hours. Within the hour most people left so they conquested the sofa.

Then it is lunch time and they pull out bowls and utensils...that they stole from the ship that they were on! Two of the men began to play chess on a board game that they stole from the boat as well! Th BF looks at me and says "they fleeced the joint" followed by the foreshadowing, "I bet you that they are all on our flight". But the fun was just beginning.

Then it is time to check in the bags and that was a fiasco. I felt bad for the poor gate agent. Then mama, could not walk so she need a wheelchair. While they were at it, two more wanted wheelchairs too. I mean this airport was tiny but their wishes were accommodated. So they then a few hours later all were wheeled through security to the gate. Where when they boarded the plane had to board first. And in typical fashion, the spokeswoman and her meager husband sat in front of us. Where it was fart central. Oh my god it was horrible!

So we arrive in ORD after a long rough bumpy flight. The flight attendant comes on the system and mentions that there have been a request made for eleven wheelchairs. Now to be fair there were two women who had a medical reason for them. The rest, expect one, all went to the Russians where they all were wheeled to baggage claim where by the power of God they could lift their stuffed with stolen items suitcases and walk unaided to the parking lot!

Fun, it was bitter cold and snowy when we arrived and we were sad that our vacation is over.

I wanna a private island!

Almost done

With the photos that is, I know you want me to tell you about our awesome vacation and I am almost there!

I will dangle these facts so that you can eagerly wait for more trip details:

-We saw 3 "member only" jackets in the course of 30 seconds
-It is amazing how "crippled" elderly men can dash up the stairs to the hot tub
-We sat near a couple at another table for dinner that we dubbed "Punch me face" and Blondie. They provided us with entertainment during dinner.
-The BF won a game of bingo (and was dutifully scorned by the fellow players) and $74 which we lost part of it at the Casino
-I won $3 on black jack. I am now an addict...well I was down a dollar 1 day and I would not sit until I won it back damn it and then some. I am content with my winnings...I now want to go on the Riverboats, the BF is now worried
-FLL airport smells like Ben Gay and Urine

So all, I will have more later with photos to make you all envious. Hell, I am envious of my last week self!

Landed with sea legs

Sadly, we are back to our lives in Chicago but, we had a kick ass much anticipated and needed vacation.

My update will be forthcoming with some photos.

Missed ya guys, no really I did.

I spent a week purposely not checking email or my cell. It was weird but was in a way freeing.

Rollercoaster ride to the sun

We are in the sunny state of Florida! We left Chicago and snow behind yesterday and arrived to 82 degrees, sunny and warm. It was a contrast and it took a few minutes to let it all soak in. My winter jacket, hat and gloves are now an extra carry on!

Today we will board our ship and head west. Ironically, there is a tropical depression now forming in the Atlantic and we may meet it later in the week on our way back! There is never a dull moment.

We are leaving the craziness of work behind us. Last week, the two of us had a roller coaster of a week with many ups and down. The BF's company is laying people off, the next day he got a promotion. For me I was to meet with a senior management member regarding my position now that I have my MBA but he could not make it. So instead I met with the president and there is a bright future for me. So we'll see how this all plays out.

Anyway, must pack darlin' heading to port shortly....Do you think the crew will be offended if we insist on seeing Captain Stuben?

In one week....

I will be boarding the ship and heading out on our vacation.

I can't wait to get the hell out of here and actually go on a vacation that does not involve going to NY for any reason. In fact I am not going anywhere near the northeast. I am heading south to catch my boat. Also, we are leaving one day before hand to prevent the issue that I had last year. So the BF and I had built in a day to deal with the fun that can happen at the airport. So we will be there on time to board and explore the ship and perhaps schedule a massage or spa treatment.

We have been so on edge lately because we know that this vacation is coming so we are just very stressed out with out jobs and the clutter that we are working on in the apt. It will be nice to get away!

So the countdown has begun, let no sales rep get in my way!

Cooking fools

Tonight D and I are taking a cooking class called "Cooking with Wine" On the menu tonight we shall partake in "Grape Focaccia; French Onion Soup; White Wine Braised Chicken with Pancetta, Porcinis and Escarole; Dark Chocolate Torte with Fig Vinegar Glaze."

Yum.

I really am liking taking cooking classes and I have been wanting to learn to make french onion soup because that is sooooo good and it expands my winter cooking repertoire. Lately we've been hungry and lazy so the other night was breakfast for dinner and last night was grilled cheese and canned soup.

Now that I have the time I might as well put it to good use.

On the downside, we've not been to the gym....I am hanging my head in shame!

Playing catch up

Wow it has been a little bit since I wrote a decent size post. So here is the latest as to what is going on with me so make your beverage....I'll wait.

Thanksgiving was nice, the bf made sweet potatoes, a meat ball in a chilli cranberry sauce and corn muffins. I made a toll house pie. We had dinner at his dad's house with his fam. It was nice and there was a ton of food. The nieces were not that bad until the moment the sugar hit their bloodstream then it was crazy. Well when you have a 4 and 6 year old who ate a few brownies, pie and jelly beans couch jumping, running around and the inevitable "your following me fight" is bound to happen.

I had to work on Friday which was dead.

We did our Christmas shopping on Saturday and Sunday. We hit Target on Saturday and Macy's (formerly Marshall Fields) on State street on Sunday. It was really a good trip because I had never been to the State street store for any length of time. The past few times I had gone there was to buy moisturizer and Frango mints. So this time I really got to appreciate the Walnut room and the Tiffany ceiling!

On the plus side, I am about 98% done with my Christmas shopping. Yep just a few more little thing and this girl is DONE. I even wrapped the BF's nieces gifts and the ones for my fam. Last night I was working on my cards. I am smoking but then again I am done with school so I have time again.

Another loss

My best friend, MR's mother passed away yesterday.

I am so sad for her and it sucks that I can't be in NY to be there for her.

A Belated Thanks

I am a day late but, I hope that you all had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

A little from column A and a bit from column B

the important rants of the day:

-to the inept, stupid, pain in ass, clinically insane "cousin it" I am deriving great pleasure about what I want to do to you. Right now I am picturing you shrunken head. I am not an idiot I know what the hell I am doing and I know what to do for customers. so therefore, don't whine when I make you do your job. It is only 4 more weeks to go until I will never work with you again. I hope you come across a horny angry moose in your cabin who is that desperate to even mate with a being like yourself.


-to the inept other staff, you see the signs posted near my desk, that is where the forms go, not ON my desk. I caught you doing it today so I hope that I embarrassed you enough to teach you a lesson. Oh and pick up the stuff that we left for you...today not tomorrow.


-The Oprah favorite things show. Why did you have to give out the Kitchen aid artisan. I so want that! I mean I seek it out in the stores just to lust after that!

But my friend Miss J's father and sister were in the Macon audience so they got all the goodies. I am happy for them and very jealous. I just want the mixer that is all....

And the award goes to...

Ok, I want to create and give out an award...It is called "Asshole parking job of the day" award.

Here is how you qualify:

-You park on my street

-You commit one or more of the following infractions

* You take up two spaces with your car thus preventing other people from possibly parking

*You park up on my ass yet have a foot between you and the car behind or in front you

*You double park for at least 8 hours and you do not come out when people honk you just

look out the window

*you park on the yellow line...which asshole is illegal

*you see me parking and yet you pull into the spot I was just backing into

The Award be placed each day on a car windsheld (Ohhh I can also get the industrial sticker ones that they city uses and stick it on the driver side window in hot pink!) . It will state the following:

"Hey asshole, congratulations you have received the Asshole parking of the day awarded, because of your (insert infraction) some residents have been unable to find a parking spot. So pat your self in the back asshole but cover your ass. We are on to you!"

Who is with me?

I heart the trader

Trader Joe's that is.

I LOVE that grocery store! I am not a big fan of frozen food but their stuff is out of this world, fresh and yummy. We bought these apple blossoms that we heated up the other day and they were so good. Last night, I heated up their french onion frozen soup. It was very tasty and I have a tongue burn to prove it. We love their Italian soda too!

The only downside is that once we find something we love, they change the vendor or don't have the produce anymore. So that can suck.

But overall, I heart that store!

Ready to run

I am burned out of the biz! Now that I finished my MBA, I am "supposedly" more marketable and I should have people who want me to work for them. But I know that sprinkling pixie dust does not exist and I have to start to aggressively look for a job.

I am tired of the same ole same ole at the job. I have encountered each problem over and over, I have survived one joint venture and one acquisition. I was told that I would be very valuable and I was wanted...but I have not moved position wise....I am doing the same thing I was doing when I started 7 years ago. Granted I make more than I did back then but, I am on auto pilot.

Plus after dealing with the sales rep from hell (AKA Cousin it) I am really sick and tired of stupid lazy and annoying sales reps. I am tired of it all...

So now I got to make the degree work for me!

Vet

I was listening to NPR as per usual yesterday and they had stories about returning vets and what they said was both surprising and sad.

Vets from Iraq and Afghanistan are having a hard time finding a job. It is because employers believe the stereotype that they must be ordered and demand discipline as well as the perception that they may have "issues". The vet that they followed was 34 years old, previously worked in HR in benefits and joined the Army 6 years ago. He has a college education but, was unable to find a job.

Another story was about homeless vets and that they are predicting that the vets from the current military action will exceed the number of Vietnam vets who are homeless. They compared it to WW1 and WW2. In WW1, the vets did experience homelessness especially because when they came back, the Great Depression began. In fact, in 1932 they wanted to march on Washington for more benefits but Hoover, was convinced that they were communists and had General MacArthur "stop" the protest by bringing in tanks!

It really is a sad state when these men and women choose to join the armed services and that the rest of the population does not support them much when they come back. Regardless if you support the military action in the Middle East, we have to at least support those who went.

I should be home today

I had today scheduled as a vacation day but, I had to give it up because of the funeral last week and as selfish as this sounds I want my day! I planned for this day since August and have been looking forward to it. I had things that I wanted to do at home without any pressure. I wanted to clean up and update my resume! I wanted to go to the gym

Instead I am here at work, cranky and tired and pissed off that I had to get up to come in today.

I just need a "me" day....

note to the cat

Yes, we know that you like the nightlife and hey we do too but, see for 5 days a week we get up early to work to earn money to buy you cat food and pay for the water that you insist is best drunk from the bat tub faucet. So that is why we do not always appreciate your evening sources of entertainment.

Yep, we appreciate that you like to check up on us during the course of the night, but walking across our head and staring at us, can freak us out a bit. Exercise is a good thing but must you do at least 5 laps between the bed room and living room at 3 in the morning? Also the paper bag are your toys and you love them...especially when it is pitch black.

We one of our alarms goes off it does not automatically mean that you will be attended to. You see we have to er use the loo. Then we will turn on the faucet and you can have a drink. Meowing will not make us move faster and if you run around like a banshee it will cause tripping and cursing that is not always a good thing at 6 am.

We do adore you very much but sweet Chaplin....I am tired!

Stats

As promised, here are my grad school stats

~2 GMAT tests
~$500.00 on the GMAT tests
~10 GMAT classes
~10-15 hours a week prepairing for the GMAT
~3 1/2 hours each exam
~2 15 minute time breaks with the bathroom on the other side of the hall!
~1 day between the time I got my official 2nd GMAT grade and starting the winter quarter
~15 classes (out of 18, I got three waved)
~10 class room session per each class (with the exception of the Saturday classes)
~3 hours each class (except the saturday classes with 6 hours each class)
~42 weeks each year of classes (winter, spring, summer and fall quarters)
~1 major rain storm to take a final
~1 major car accident on the way to class
~2 minor surgery that made me miss two classes
~1 class that I arrived a bit early ( a day early because I did not read the schedule)
~8 classes with group/team work
~6-20 hours a week on homework (the 20 hours was finance)
~1 class I still have nightmares about (said finance)
~1 class room session at the Art Institute
~5 classes that I wanted a job in that field (still do)
~6 presentations
~12 major papers
~6 really awesomce professors
~1 really horrible professor (stats class...awful teacher)

~~1 MBA (possiblly with honors still waiting for my official GPA due in a few weeks)

Bittersweet

So it is official, yesterday was my last class and after our group project is done on Wednesday I will be done.

Sadly, in the middle of class my dad called and told me that my uncle passed away. He was in hospice care and it was just a matter of time. So right now I am getting ready to head to NY. Because it is not immediate family, I am only allowed 1 day off! So I am working a half day tomorrow and then taking Tuesday off. I will be back on Wednesday and I will head straight to work when I land.

I will recap the grad school stats soon.

One day more

I feel like listening to the soundtrack to "Les Miserables" for that song at the end of act 1 , "One day more"! We know what I will be listening to as I make cupcakes tonight!

I just have ONE more class to get through tomorrow and then I am D-O-N-E with my MBA program. I can't believe it.

Last night I made dark chocolate frosting...oh is it good! Super easy to do as well. It is funny when you actually make the stuff do you realize how fatty it is, the frosting called for one pint of heavy cream and one stick of butter! But I just have to put it all in perspective like I won't eat all of the cupcakes...I will just have at least two.

At the very least...

No earrings

I forgot earrings today! I noticed when I came into work and I feel so "naked" without them. It is the same way with my watch, when it is not working or if I forgot it I feel so sxposed.

I can't leave the house without keys, my cell, my wallet my watch and earrings. I can be such a girly girl.

Meanwhile I am making cupcakes tomorrow for Saturday's Turducken dinner. I am making Chocolate raspberry cupcakes with dark chocolate frosting. I may have to try one or two...hey I can't have unsavory desserts out there!

Work it baby!

So last night, the bf and I made it to the gym! That is right I sweated, I cursed, I burned calories and I am not in pain today! I think that is the best part.

Actually, I only did a 30 minute work out just to phase myself back into the whole workout thing. I wanted to take a class but got closed out of it. So I did the stairmaster and the rowing machine.

Afterwards we went to Whole foods to pick up some dinner. We got these really yum chicken apple maple breakfast sausages and made an egg on English muffin dinner and pooped out. We slept like logs!

So now that the momentum started I have to keep it going. I have a pair of jeans I want to fit back in!

"Memories are films about ghosts"

This is a lyric from one of my favorite Counting Crows song "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby"

Anyway, I was chatting with a friend of mine and we were going down a weird path on this so called "memory lane". It was so strange hearing what was being said because I never really thought that we shared the same viewpoint about that moment in time. Plus, we never really talked about it other than to make a few jokes here and there.

I know now more than I did back then but I am not sure if it would have changed the path I am on now.

Memories are always so bittersweet sometimes but they are just a shadow of who we are now. Maybe it is a film about ghosts....some memories haunt us, tickle us, amuse us, cause us pain, cause us joy but each fleeting moment is a memory too. I guess it is the history we each have that makes us who we are.

Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink

Well I am on a quest to buy sneakers for the Y. I have a cute pair of pumas but they are more for fashion than arch support.

So a few weeks we went to a large sport store and I was looking. I have small feet so I have to look in the kids section and it is so depressing. I am too old for hot pink and silver! I just wanted a pair of shoe that can support my arch so I don't get shin splints. Is that so hard to ask?

Well apparently at this store yes! So after dinner we went to a shoe warehouse and it was like shoe heaven for most except me. They did not have my size they did not even sell kid shoes. They had the cutes shoes that I wanted but could only look at or hold.

It is so fucking frustrating because they never have anything that I like as far as sneakers are concerned and for other shoes it cost me a fortune because I have to buy them on line or a posh department stores.

The crappy thing is that I think I may have a pair somewhere in the apartment but it is so disorganized. I swear I am feeling so overwhelmed with all the clutter. I can't find some shoes nor can I unpack the last boxes because we have no where to put them. I am getting aggita just thinking about it seriously.

I am just overwhelmed and pissed off!

Bongos, a baseball bat and two pineapples

Well this weekend for class no less, we went to Swap-O-Rama.

What is Swap O Rama you ask, well it is this huge flea market. In fact there are three in Chicago land and they are huge. We went there for my negations class. We (my team and the BF came because it was not in the safest of areas) had to spend ten dollars and not pay full price. So i started off and got a baseball bat that the BF wanted for $3.00, then we as a team were on this musical theme, got the bongos for $2.00 and two pineapples for $5.00. So then we had to each lug our purchases back to school and discuss.

I got the weirdest looks on the EL heading home...I wonder why!

It started with one....

And lead to a total of four. I am talking about books and Amazon. I love books and I used to be an avid reader. I lost that pleasure when I started to drive to work and when I started grad school. As I am done in three weeks, I am planning on devouring the books that I have started and not yet finished!

Anyway, I had to order a book on Amazon for school because the bookstore ran out. So I innocently went online. A few clicks later I ordered the book and a few other books. But I did it to save money I swear because the more you order you get free shipping. Free..so that was the reason I order the extra books. Yet, I really can't justify spending that much money to save 6 dollars.

Will the shame ever wash off?

Girls only!

So the past two nights I have had girls only nights!

Monday, Diana and I went to the chopping block for a dessert tasting. Basically, the chef created 4 desserts and showed us how to make them, tips of the trade and at the end we got to try them. She made this unbelievable Carmel pecan bread pudding that was so refreshing because it was not overly sweet. Since I am a sweet girl (in so many ways ) I think I may add some semi chocolate chips. I wonder if you can add dried fruit...hmmm that is an idea to!

She made homemade cream puffs. I always though you had to be on top of your game but the puffs were not that complicated. Plus you can add sweet or savory fillings. It may be nice with a cream cheese herb mix.

The chocolate mousse was heaven in a mousse! It was so yum but a bit too sweet. However, it is one I will try.

Finally, she made a coconut banana cream pie. The crust was chocolate and plain graham crackers but the filling was eh. She did not let it set long enough so it was soupy. But I am not much of a coconut person so it worked for me.

Overall, Diana got me hooked on the Chopping block. We have another event next month...Cooking with Wine!

Yesterday, I had dinner with my BF's brother's girlfriend. She is really cool and we haven't hung out without the boys so we decided to grab a bite. We really had a nice time.

The BF has had this horrible stomach bug so he has been out of commission for a while. He was really bad Monday night and yesterday morning. But he started to get better yesterday afternoon. Yukon and Chaplin were good nurses.

Which brings me to something that struck me the other day at the supermarket. We are feeding the cat dry food and he is okay with it. The adoption center did say we can give him wet food now and then. Well we are at Jewel and decided to get him some wet food, we decided on "Chicken medley souffle with garden greens". I was thinking what the hell? It is chicken and veggies! The power of marketing...anyway....the Chicken souffle made a repeat appearance this morning and thus there will be no more chicken medley souffle at our house!

An fast food observation

Have ya noticed that the items on dollar menus are getting smaller?

Yes I poisoned my body with crap....but no worries I will pay for it later!

Munchies

Ok, I am on a munchie fix lately...today besides my breakfast and lunch I munched on pretzles and goldfish crackers!

Tonight I am going dessert tasting with Diana. So more munchies

Dressing in the dark

Don't ya love how it is pitch black in the morning so you can't really see how you look?

Don't you love how you grab your white sweater and light blue bra?

Don't you love it when at 10 am you find out that your light blue bra can been seen under your white sweater!

What a fun day at work I am having!

Almost the one day weekend

It has been a relative slow week here in workville. Cousin it has been on sales calls so she has not the time to send me at least 15 emails an hour (yep she does this). Sadly, she is back tomorrow.

My new class begins on Saturday and I just have to remember that is is just 4 more weeks to go then I am done baby yep DONE!

Chaplin and Yukon are still getting used to each other. Yukon is fine but Chaplin gets brave the safer he knows he is. So when he is in bed he will hiss at Yukon likewise when he is in his room (the bathroom has been jerry rigged to allow the cat in but not the dog). We suspect he is more hissy when he knows Yukon won't get to him. But on the ground they can be within inches of each other without incident. I suppose it is a start!

Poop'ed

To say I am tired is an understatement. I am exhausted it has been a long and stressful week with work and with school. Part of the school thing was my own fault, I should have stated the paper a little while ago. But I did get all 21 pages as a draft done and frankly, I am tired of reading it!

We had some stress this week when we introduced the kids. Yukon has been peeing everywhere, part of it is that she drank all the toilet water the other day and part of it is aggression and territory. When the bf and I started to date and I would go to his apt. she would pee in front of me as if to say "I am the lady here!!" But it worked itself out. I am being a little prematurely paranoid because I want them to get along. But I know that it takes time.

There is still hissing and suspicion but I noticed that they are getting closer in proximity before the hissing begins. So I guess they may be buddies after all. Time I suppose but, I have always been a bit impatient.

On Thursday I hung out with Diana. OMG we have so much fun, she is a blast to hang out with and just talk. I swear we can close out a place if we could. We are going dessert tasting in a few weeks and I am so looking forward to that! She is one awesome chica!

Last night my former boss and friend and I went to support my bf's brother's girlfriend at an event for Spinal Bifida. It was a fashion show and was at this really cool venue. It was good to support here because she is so much fun, the two of us get along so well and I really enjoy hanging out and supporting her. The speaker Graham Webb was amazing and his daughters were the musical entertainment. The fashion show was amazing some of the clothes were just so well done.

Of course, it made me develop a complex! I have been having some body issues lately. I know it is normal but I am just not happy with myself. I know part of it is that I have not been taking good care of myself because of the stress of work and school. It is reeking havoc on my skin and this global warming fall is reeking havoc on my hair. I have been neglecting myself and it is showing and I am not pleased. I just don't feel pretty-ya know.

I am feeling soft in my body and need to firm up as well, But I am doing something about the softness on the belly, we joined the Y so this week will start our first sessions.

Plus to top it all off I got the photos from the wedding and I look like a ghost (as opposed to the orange fake baked bride). I am not a fan of photos of me, I really don't like them, I just don't photo well plus I am not a big fan of the nose. When I was 17 my mom wanted me to get a nose job! But I never did but it has made me so self conscious of my nose and myself in general.

I stopped reading the mags like glamour and cosmo more than 10 years ago because it really made me feel worse than I should have felt. So I am wondering why I care now

I don't know, maybe it is the PMS...

Wow this is a long post from someone who was tired...

Why does 24 hours never seem enough?

It is only Tuesday and I am ready for the weekend! The company just hired a person to worj in our department so she has been shadowing me. She comes to us from a competitor and so she knows the business and the lingo. It is the same team different uniform. But she has been by my side all day today. I like her and she has picked up on a few things already. I can't wait until she is fully functional and can help with the uneven distribution of work weight. I just have to be patient and let the learning curve run to the point of experience.

I am getting ready for my last (!) class on Saturday for Managing Cultural Diversity. It was an okay class and I am working on my final paper. It has to be at least 15 pages and I am up to 13 and still have to work on my final section. At least the prof is being reasonable and the draft is due Friday and the final paper next week. Whew!

On the home front, Chaplin Marcel (that is what the cat has been christened) is doing well. He has the place figured out and he and Yukon are getting to know each other. We have kept Yukon in her crate and let the cat out of the bathroom to wander. This has been day two where they saw each other. Chaplin has gone into the office where she was and hung out and before he was lying in the threshold and they were just looking at each other. Tomorrow we are planning on letting Yukon out and let them formally meet.

Anyway that is life in a nutshell but stay tuned I want to fill you in on some sales rep drama! Fun stuff, I know you are waiting with baited breath!

It is a boy

It is official....

The BF and I have adopted a boy from the Anti Cruelty Society.

He is four years old and has made himself quite at home already. We have not formally introduced Yukon to him yet but they both have been sniffing around. She is okay with things but wants to explore some more. He is not so sure but he does get along with other animals so he should do well.

As of now we are thinking about some new names to go with his new life.

But for now he loves being pet, lounging around, exploring and just purrrring away.

Magic number...6

Just six weeks to go and then my classes are over. It is killing me, it sucks for me to go to school on Saturday. It is a long day form 7-5 (commute plus class) nad I am really tired. On Sunday it is a mad dash to get all my errands done. Yesterday I have a list of 5; Sephora (check), Visit BF dad (check), Ikea (chek minue...we went to get a book shelf and decided when we were there to not get it beause we did not know exaclty where it would go), look at cats (nope) and work on paper (nope).

Not to mention that during the week we try to get some things like grocery and the rest of the errands that we did not get done over the weekend completed. On top of a full work day and for me homework!

So 6 more classes...I hope I make it!

burned and toasted

I am sooo burned out from work. When I got to work yesterday I had 118 emails, yep 118! I was gone for one business day. 85% of the emails was from or in regards to the annoying sales rep who shall be called "cousin it" because she looks like cousin it and it is pretty accurate.

I was so stressed out and it took me until 3 to get caught up because of all the distractions and other job issues that tend to pop up. Today was less but of course as the day was coming to an end I still had tons to do. But I don't want to stay late because that sets it all in motion, and then it is almost expected and I do not get paid for overtime. Plus I have been cutting my lunch short by at least 15 minutes.

It is really getting to me. I came home and had to have a drink...that is why I am toasted.

It is going to be a long maternity leave.

Birthday girl and her day off

Today is my 30 something or other birthday and I took the day off.

It was a nice day. The BF was going to go to work but wok up and decided against it. so the two of us met up with JT for a late breakfast. The we dropped him off and looked at cats at the Red door Shelter. We saw a lot of beautiful cats and bunnies (some of them were such buddies). We saw one cat that we liked and who liked us but he is not good with dogs and has to be an only cat. So we are still looking.

This weekend was nice and warm in Chicago so Saturday night we went to dinner at Mrs Murphy and Sons afterwards we stayed for drinks and some of our friends joined us for my b'day drinks. It was very mellow but lovely. I had a great time.

Sunday was errand day and we went to Sur la Table which is porn I tell ya. One could go nuts! I also had to by my goddaughter a b'day present and she is a fan of Old Navy.

So that is my weekend wrap up!

Oh look at my b'day present from the BF we are going up in a few weeks to enjoy the fall. He is the best!

bunnies vs. kitties

Ok, the bf and I are in discussions to add a new member to our little family. The debate is between a bunny or a kitten.

Now here are a few things that are paramount in the decision:

-Yukon is foremost our baby and we don't want to per her nor the pet to be named latter to be in any harm or danger
-We would adopt from a shelter
Here are the pros and cons of each

Bunny Pros:
-cute (I want a dwarf lop ear)
-have unique personalities
-can be litter box trained
-respond and react to commands

Bunny Cons
-litter box gets stinky
-Bunny gets stinky
-bunnies chew, especially cords
-they must be kept out of drafts, so their cage must be strategically placed

Kitten Pro
-Cute
-have unique personalities
-Yukon is familiar with cats because the bf had two when Yukon was puppy
-can be trained (within reason)

Kitten Cons:
-I am not familiar with cats
-I have no idea where to put the littler box
-Declaw or not to declaw

Ok my blog friends, what do you suggest?

Memories not soon forgotten

Photo by Michael Coughlin

The dog just farted

Ok I could not really think of a title but man did she let one loose and it is lethal. I swear you can bottle the stench up and it would be more potent than any nuclear bomb!

Anyway, yesterday stated my Saturday classes, I have a total of 9 so one down and 8 to go. I must admit it was not that bad but I do feel cheated because my Saturday is lost for errands and chores abound the house. Today we spent a few hours at the laundry mat and did a few loads but they needed to be done.

I feel like I need a day to get it all do that I wanted to but alas tomorrow is Monday and I have to head to work.

So I have "acquired" a new sales rep, well new for me. My college is going to have a baby any day soon so one of her reps was turned over to me. This woman, (who shall be called "cousin it") is going to drive me fucking nuts. She is honestly a pain in the ass. On a given day, I get at least 20 yep that is right 20 emails a day. She is demanding, whiny, has to get the last word and treats me like I am an idiot. She came in to the office before and paid no attention to me but now that she has to deal with me she came in and was super nice to me....I am very cautious of people like that. I am not looking forward to dealing with her. At least my boss is aware of her tricks so if I am about to lose it I can always go to my boss.

I am not in the mood for her at all tomorrow!

New career

I should have been a vet! Seriously they make the dough and it is hand over fist. I picked up the little beast today and got the bill, and out of pure numbness handed them my credit card and it cost more than our plane tickets to NYC! I mean they charged us for everything! I swear and there were tons of people. But then again, you would have to put little ones to sleep and I think that it would get to me very quickly.

Meanwhile, I am back at work and it sucks. One ops manger told me that he had a lot of questions for me and could not contact me and there were some delays. I was thinking:

-If you called me you would have still fucked it up
-You did not call me and you fucked it up
-I left some instructions and it was fucked up

So basically, don't mess with my vacation because they still fuck it up the jobs...away or not!

Casa sweet casa

We are home after a world wind trip home. It was so busy and we had a super duper dose of the family and then some.

We were fortunate to have an perfect flight without any drama and we even 15 minutes early! So how did it all go down...well here is the break down:

Wednesday:
We got up at the ass crack of dawn and headed to the airport and we got to NY a little after ten and we were at my parent's house by noon. We had a lunch and then we headed out to the dress maker to get my dress hemmed. We then just hung out afterwards and then we went to Queens for dinner at my aunt and uncle's house. Where we ate such a great dinner, my aunt is a great cook, it makes up for the nagging. She was too busy to comment on my hair,weight outfit etc. My other aunt brought her medicine to the table and offered it to the bf as it helped her lose weight. Talk about insulting! I was so not happy with that comment! My dad was so excited to get the hell out of there but we had to wait for my brother and fiancee to get there and eat as they were late. But he was like a bullet out of a gun when we got the permission to leave.

Thursday
This was "our" day to spend time in NYC. But when I woke up I found a list of things that I was suppose to do. So I had to talk with my mom because that was the only day we had to do things we wanted to do. So she relented...So we headed into NYC and we went to the Museum of Sex
and then had a good lunch at BOLO. We just walked around the neighborhoods and then headed back to the parent's house for dinner.

Friday:
I went to take my aunt to get her nails done, got the hair run through, checked into the hotel and headed to the rehearsal. The priest never showed up and so there was a lot of confusion as who does what. Then we went to dinner and ate so much, it was a really good meal and we ate well.

Saturday:
The wedding, it was a pretty day and they lucked out with the weather. Everything went well as could be expected. I was very helpful and was in the bridal suite to get the bride ready (I did what I was told). The priest was awful, he could not get the names straight and did not do some things that they wanted him to do. But they were okay with it. The photos were at the Pepsico gardens. The photographer was a bit annoying but took some amazing shots. The bf and I got a few formal photos done too, it was my mom's doing. At the reception MR was there and I was so excited to see her. I had such a good time hanging out with her, her hubby and my bf. I danced a lot and got to see some people that I have not seen in ages. However, my dad's family treated me poorly (as to be expected). But My bf and MR got to meet the obnoxious wife of my cousin who is just a totally pretentious bitch so now they have a face to the stories. She did not even say a word to me.

I heard "so when are you getting married" at least 5 times but, we are sure it was muttered more than that! It got old really fast....we started to come up with snide remarks but we did not get to use them. At least it is over and I no longer have to hear about it. I did piss me off that my mom did a lot of work more than the bride. She did the programs, the pew flowers, driving all over the place to run errands and was just stressed. Plus my parents paid for so much and it was just weird to know that. Not to mention, I still feel like the odd one out with my dad's family and it is very uncomfortable. No wonder why I am glad to be spending Christmas here!

Sunday:
We checked out of the hotel and hung out at the parent's house. We got to the airport a few hours early and we made it home to Chicago. We are so glad to be home.

The BF was such a support and he kept me laughing, supported me when I was getting stressed out, and he was and is just so awesome. Now we know what we have to do to top this party!

I am just so glad to be home!