I will follow...

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Mrrrrr. (I don't think I thought anything, except well, I'm off to the store)

2. How much cash do you have on you?
$124. Are you going to mug me now?

3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"?
best

4. Favorite planet?
Pluto. It's mini and icy.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell?
Janet. We were trying to plan New Years.

6. What is your favorite ring on your phone?
I use one called "Cool"

7. What kind of shirt are you wearing?
Honestly? It says Mrs. Timberlake. I'm all ready to clean the shit out of my apartment.

8. Do you "label" yourself?
Sure sometimes.

9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing?
I'm wearing socks with little kittens on them.

10. Bright or dark room?
My apartment tends towards dark.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
She's my sister, she's fun.

13. what happened to number 12?
Who cares?

14. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping, or trying to.

15. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
I hate my cellphone and don't really do the whole text message thing.

16. Where is your nearest 7-11?
No idea. But Big Apple Finer foods is a block or two away.

17. What's a saying that you say a lot?
honestly..

18.Who told you they loved you last?
Some family member or other...and my cats.

19. Last furry thing you touched?
Boku.

20. How Many Drugs Have You Done In The Past three Days?
I took an advil yesterday. That's it.

21. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
I use a digital camera and I only really take pictures of buttons anymore.

22. Favorite age you have been so far?
3. What the hell kind of question is this anyway?

23. Your worst enemy?
Cookies, donuts and fat.

24. What is your current desktop picture?
It's a still shot from Empire Records. It's a shot of some buttons...it says: Dishonesty and Marc Sucks.

25. What was the last thing you said to someone?
Bye.

26. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to change a major regret?
I honestly don't regret much, so I choose one million dollars.

27. Do you like or love somebody right now?
Of course. It would be super sad if there was a NO right here.

12. Is the practice of leaving questions out of memes stupid?
Um, yes. But I think it's even stupider to tack number 12 on to the bottom of a meme to make a point.

Where the memes go...

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
I wrote a two-week notice letter.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I made 4 last year: I did get some cats. I also know Chicago a bit better. The other two: I did get a promotion, but I also figured out how much I hated the job and quit. I did not take an art class.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sort of.

5. What countries did you visit?
Um....the U.S.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
A date or two. More things on my walls.

7. What dates from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Last day of work, Lollapalooza, Hawaii, Disney...etc.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Quitting my job and getting into grad school.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I think maybe sticking with the job for as long as I did.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Had a cancer scare but mostly because I like my sister am a hypochondriac.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Two lovely little (alright, one is fat) cats.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I hear Heath Ledger was excellent in Brokeback Mountain....?

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
El President Busho.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Right down the crapper (really into the extravagantly expensive abode I call home)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Vacations. Quitting. Christmas.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
Brothers on a Hotel Bed. Probably anything from the Killers.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
happier
b) thinner or fatter?
fatter...boooo. Come 1/1 this will hopefully change to equal.
c) richer or poorer?
um...technically I think I'm richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exploring. Going places after work, just doing things...

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Working.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it with my family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2005?
If my cats count, yes. If you only want real people, no.

22. How many one-night stands?
Even if I had had any (let's call 2005 a dry, dry year), who would confess?

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Probably Degrassi. But I heart loads of programs.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.

25. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't really discover anything...

27. What did you want and get?
I got to not be an adult...

28. What did you want and not get?
$1 Million dollars?

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
I really liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But, I didn't see a lot of movies this year that came out that I expect to love.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was in Disney World! I am now 24.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Less dryness?

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
I don't have a fashion concept. I wear things I like and generally look like a slob most of the time.

33. What kept you sane?
To be honest, my family and friends. And sadly, having someone (something?) to come home to.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmm, I fancied Jake with no hair.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I try to avoid it, because it is all stirring.

36. Who did you miss?
Most of my friends are scattered far and wide, and I'm pretty sure I've missed all of them at some point.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
I don't really know yet.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:
Having a solid, secure job and making money won't necessarily make you happy.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Blanker than blank. I can never think of anything good for quotes/song lyrics.

MyCREEPYspace...

I've been vocal about my dislike of myspace. I tend to believe it is a large popularity contest. But my brother is involved and that was surprising...so lately I've been doing some myspace research. And let's just say that I am totally, totally creeped out by the whole thing.

My brother doesn't do much online, so the fact that he has a page...well, that's just weird. I looked at it...I looked at his friends, and it occurred to me: would some of my former high school classmates be on? And by golly, they are. Some of my friends old friends, some of my old friends, some people I barely knew (one of which has her wedding picture up which made me feel quite voyeuristic)....

You know, it's really quite shocking to me to look at some people I barely knew and were probably in my version of the nerd category in high school...but seem pretty damn cool now. If only I would have known myself better back then, some of these people could have been my friends. Stupid high school with it's cliques......

And some people that were sort of friends I look at and think...wow...we got along?

I'm starting to feel the pull of myspace. Someone talk me out of it! And if you're not going to, then join me, because I can't join and have no friends.

Toot, toooot, toot toot...

That is the sound of me tooting my own horn. I am also tooting my Mom's, because without her my horn would be silent. I now have 6 beautiful shelves hung on my wall. It took hours and hours, but they look amazing. I love them.

I think I'm going to tell you all my resolutions for next year as I think of them. I have one so far. I've decided that I am going to go on at least 3 dates next year (at least!). And unless I find the man of my dreams on the first date (unlikely!) I would like it to be 3 different boys.

Oh, I just thought of another one. I would like to fiddle with my blog a bunch next year. Maybe get rid of the template altogether and have a unique Katie blog. However, I do not have plans to take an HTML course yet...so we'll see how the schedule is...

Pssst...

Updated my sidebar to accurately reflect all of the blogs I regularly enjoy reading. I thought it was a bit unfair to the random blogs I read not to list them.

Easy Peasy Christmas Meme...

Stolen and stolen again.

1. What is the best gift you received this year? (Tangible gifts only, please!)
I really got everything I asked for. Right now I'm leaning towards the tinsel tree because I'm staring at it lovingly. But I think in the future my answers will be the nice, new, hardcore computer on my desk upstairs, the microwave and the rice cooker. But honestly, I really loved everything I got. I'll answer for my cats too (they did not get any presents from me, bad owner huh?) but they did get some from my Mom. She gave me an ornament that they can knock off the tree (which they did when it was still standing) and some toys. But their favorite present is my new rug upstairs. Apparently flokati wool is a drug to cats.

2. What is the best gift you gave this year?
Probably the stocking I made for my Mom. Lovingly crafted over the past year and far from perfect, it was fun to add to her stockings. I also think all the buttons were fun to give out and plan. I truly enjoyed that. I think my Aunt loved her button more than most which is why I posted it today.

3. When did you do most of your shopping/creating?
I think I probably started at the beginning of December. I was done on the 22nd. So not too bad. But my sister got her present in June and I started the stocking in March...so it was a whole year thing.

4. Did you go shopping the day after Thanksgiving (U.S.)?
Ick. No way.
Day after Christmas?
Ick. No way. To be perfectly honest, I hate shopping.

5. What stands out already about Christmas 2005?
I've been sitting here trying to figure out what to write here for 5 minutes. It was Christmas. Christmas is always nice and memorable. Why does something have to stand out?

Nerdery ensues...

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. Mine was delightful. There was only a tiny bit of drama, and that all centers around my Grandma's senility/insanity. It was to be expected. I received everything (and more) I could have hoped for for Christmas. And I think all of the presents given went over well. Now I'm just excited to give out the few presents I have left. I heart giving presents.

Unexpectedly my brother loved the buttons. 97.5% of the time my brother dislikes most things about me. It's more about my being an uncool older sister, not about me personally. Buttons are hip I guess...

As for that "uncoolness", it's going strong since I recently received my schoolbooks. I read one of my syllabi and realize I could really help myself if I got a head start at reading. Yes, I am reading about systems design over the holidays. Greaaat.

Every year my sister, Mom and I exchange ugly ornaments. I received a beaut this year, a lovely computer with a wizards hat on. On the screen it says: Computer Wizard. I hope so...

P.S. - I just heard this sentence on TV: "Are there other actresses who are secretly bald? Ok..wow, and it looked like it was trying to be a hard-hitting interview.

Meme

I might as well follow the herd. Just call me cattle....

FOUR JOBS YOU'VE HELD:
1. Library Shelver (I did NOTHING except shelve books)
2. Backroom silk flower assistant
3. Retail cashier
4. Underwriting Assistant

FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:
1. Empire Records
2. Garden State
3. Harry Potter & Prisoner of Azkaban (probably Goblet as well)
4. Sadly, most Mandy Moore flicks

FOUR CITIES YOU'VE LIVED IN:
1. Geneva, IL
2. London, England
3. Champaign, IL
4. Chicago, IL

FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH:
1. Degrassi: The New Generation
2. Project Runway
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Everwood

FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION:
1. Maui & Kauai
2. Disney World
3. Barcelona & Madrid, Espana
4. Rome, Italy

FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY:
1. my sisters
2. the news
3. S's website
4. I follow the weather religiously

FOUR COSTUMES YOU'VE WORN ON HALLOWEEN:
1. Muggle (oh ho ho, I was clever!)
2. hot 70's chick
3. gray cat
4. witch

FOUR SCHOOLS YOU ATTENDED:
1. soon to attend Depaul CTI
2. University of Illinois down in good old Champaign-Urbana
3. Geneva High School, Geneva Middle School, Coultrap Middle School
4. Bartlett Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Western Avenue elementary and Eastview Elementary. I went to 4 different elementary schools, two middle schools and only moved once.

FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS:
1. S'More granola bars
2. Paneer Butter Masala
3. Tacos
4. French toast vs. Belgian waffles....that's a tough one.

Eerily similiar to my sisters, huh?

Christmas is coming...

I'm done! All my shopping is done and I only have one more little box to wrap. That is pretty impressive I think. Usually I'm shopping well into tomorrow (or not shopping at all, since last year I gave my friends dinner. Ooooh, bad girl). Not really enough to fill a whole post, but I wanted to share my Christmas cheer with you. The tree is now clogged with presents (which Mona and Boku are slowly ruining the bows on...and I found a foam reindeer smore all chewed and in the kitchen).

While on my last Christmas errand I saw a proposal. No, I did not see some schmuck on bended knee. I just happened to read the marquee on the Chicago theater. I'm not sure that I like this sort of public proposal. I also don't know how I feel about the "family at Christmas" proposal. If I ever get proposed to, I hope it's a quiet and personal proposal.

Why not?

I have nothing better to do.

[A is for age:] 24
[B is for booze of choice:] If I have to drink, I prefer vodka
[C is for career:] prof. student
[D is for your dog's name:] Oh, you mean cats? Mona and Boku
[E is for essential items you use everyday] My couch
[F is for favorite song at the moment:] N/A. I haven't been listening to music much lately.
[G is for favorite game:] No brainer, Harvest Moon: Another Wonderful Life
[H is for hometown:] Bartlett or Geneva
[I is for instruments you play] Belly drums?
[J is for jam or jelly you like:] Only jelly (no seeds allowed), strawberry
[K is for kids?] No.
[L is for last kiss] It was so long ago that it is inconsequential
[M is for mom's job:] She's my mom!
[N is for name of your crush:] um...I'm asexual right now?
[O is for overnight hospital stays] Nope.
[P is for phobias:] Right now I'm prone to say cancer. But, most days I'd say falling.
[Q is for quotes you like:] Drawing a blank.
[R is your relationship that lasted the longest]: Well, if you're thinking romantic- 2 months? Friendships...oh geez, I still have friends I met in 4th grade!
[S is for sexual preference:] the male
[T is for time you wake up:] Whenever I feel like it! HA! If I have to wake up I only wake up on odd numbers (and that doesn't include 5's)...so 8:21, 8:23, 8:27, 8:29. Get it? Yes, it is crazy.
[U is for underwear:] Lovely cotton numbers. I do not own white. I do not believe in white socks or white underwear.
[V is for vegetables you love] Spinach, corn and canned green beans
[W is for worst habit:] My hatred for the cell phone pisses some people off. But I always answer my home phone! I also habitually sit on my couch, which can enrage friends who would like me to leave it.
[X is for x-rays you've had] Only dental up to this point
[Y is for yummy food you make] The only thing I cook is tacos. But I have started trying new recipes (which will resume after the holidays)...so far, it's been a bust.
[Z is for zodiac sign:] I sting.

Don't you see, don't you see...

Today was arctic. I wandered far north to find this store that I've never been to, but always wanted to go. I made it there.....but it didn't open until noon. I was there far earlier than that. Waste of my time, huh?

So as you know, I'm online dating. I'm e-mailing with a few people, only one of which I think might actually be interesting. However, he's old. Disaster.

Yesterday I was told that I wouldn't be a good match for some guy (he emailed me) because I seemed like someone who couldn't date someone different than myself. When I questioned him on this he said this: The question of accepting difference remains a question though! It is not exactly difference, that's too vague. It is specific forms of difference that only a person exposed to really diverse, plural and cosmopolitan environments would be able to tolerate. At least that's what i have seen, and i'd like to think it's not because of individual idiosyncrasies. In any case, i'm not saying that you are this or that. I'm saying that's my experience, and i believe there are reasons for it. Wow. Who says that? A pompous asshole. I guess he emailed me to be friends...but why would I want to be friends with a guy that is obviously going to expostulate constantly??

I also got an email from a guy that has this in his profile: I enjoy going to church because it works for me but I dont push what I believe onto anyone. That sounds good for me...but then it says this: someone that also believes that God is soundtracking our lives. Now, why would he email me, a clearly stated atheist?? Maybe he doesn't know what it means. I am truly boggled by these men.

Christmas is what...5 days away? I still haven't finished shopping, and yet I'm not too worried about it...

I dig my toes into the sand...

I just unpacked my last box! You may be wondering if I moved...but no, that was the remains of my original move to Chicago. A year ago. Yes, I still had a box. It was that one box full of crap that everyone has...honestly, I'm pretty sure I packed it in Champaign. That's over a year and a half ago. There was a lot of useless stuff (crayons, clips, ink for a printer I haven't had for...well, a year and a half), but I also found school supplies. Which I will need in less than a month. So not a total bust. And now I can see a patch of floor I've never seen!

It's maybe a little disturbing that I never unpacked that box. Maybe. Felt really nice just now though.

By the way...I went with the red bag. The dirt thing was a really brilliant point.

Update: thievery...

So, Amazon has generously (and really politely and simply) agreed to replace the gift, no questions asked. They would 2nd day mail it (so that it would be here in time for the holidays - nice people, huh?) but the item is on backorder. So Dad, you'll be celebrating part of your Christmas in January! Lucky for you!

In other news: this is fun. This is alarming. I have lots of love for him...but he is looking a little old and pasty.

People suck.

I should say how nice cookie making was...but my day just jumped right into a vat of horribleness.

I got home and a package had been delivered to me (one of my Dad's Christmas presents). The box was open in the hall...present gone.

What the fuck am I going to do now???

Your opinion please...

Two posts in one day...it's a Christmas miracle...

Honestly, I'm not so good at deciding between two things that I like a lot. And this is the SAME bag, in two different patterns (for my laptop)...and I really like both. So I was hoping you all could give me your opinion. Everyone, let's hear it.



And then I'll probably do the opposite.

Pollution and me....

I think everyone should do this because it is extremely interesting. Yes, you do have to be a Chicago Tribune online subscriber...but it's free. So really, there is no reason not to. News is good.

My neighborhood in the city is 46.1 times more risky (health risk for industrial pollution) than the average in this nation. It is in the worst 10% of this state and in the worst 5% nationally.

Yummy, yummy air.

Also, in case you are interested, my neighborhood is 87% white, which seems really, really high for the city.

I'd be curious to know what you are...share your numbers!

Year in review...

A meme taken from my friend J's blog....

Instructions: take the first sentence (or 2) from the first post of each month of 2005, stir and enjoy!

January: Its been a rough day, but I do want to welcome the new year in a hopeful way. I hope all of you out there have big plans for 2005.

February: I was going to talk about the joy of cable splitting or all the crazy things I saw today, but I can't get over my bitterness, so I'm going to talk about that. Lately at work, a lot of people have been asking me to help them with things. (downward spiral towards work hate begins now)

March: I have very little to say. Just a few quick little rant-lets.

April: I'm not sure how well I'm going to sleep tonight due to the fact that I am going to be constantly concocting plans to get Boku into her carrier. While I was eating dinner tonight, she touched me for the first time. (oh the cat love)

May: I offer the following as proof that my second cat (not often seen by visitors) is not evil. My mom and her friends say she has evil coloring. (cat obsession maybe?)

June: Memes cannot be owned. Therefore I see no need to give permission to let someone else use it.

July: Bush is going to appoint an asshole. (this is a one line post)

August: I am currently in the process of filing a food spoilage claim for my great blackout of 2005. Who wants to wager on the outcome? (I was denied)

September: Three things have led me to a mood of disgust and outrage: I just want to say to my color book participants: I'm a little bit doubtful this is going to be happen. (big, ugly fight erupts)

October: Went to the Foo Fighters/Weezer concert tonight. Here are my thoughts: Dear Grohl, No one wants to hear you go, "Yaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

November: I have 100,000 things to say, but I thought I'd start it with a little song that I made up on my Disney trip and it goes like this... Epcot, Ooopcot, Ippy-cotty Epcot. Now that you are certain of my certifiable craziness, I'll continue with this marathon post.

December: This post is not intended for non-readers of Harry Potter or people who don't like cats. If you are either of those things, no point in reading on.

Hope that didn't bore you too much...

This and that...

Naked cats are hideous.

I used some of S's pretty pictures of me for my dating website and I think I need to put a not so flattering one in with the mix. Because while these pictures are me, I do not look like that on an everyday basis. Even though I technically do, I don't...

I agree 102% with my sister that for some reason the holidays sap my ability to do anything other than think about the holidays. Along that vein, cookie making with my mom and sister on Wednesday. Can't wait!

Since I'm done with HP series, I'm back in the mix with the Time 100. I'm about halfway through Catch-22, and I'm finding it's a quicker read than I expected. I can't say that I'm loving it much. It seems like a lot of these books so far are war related. And I don't dig that much...

You say take this...

Ok, so I have already drawn two conclusions today and it's only 10:46am.

First, people are cheeseballs. Yes, it is true. For about a month I got caught up in quitting my job/Christmas preparation that I completely ignored my commitment to try online dating. So I went back and tried to answer a months worth of emails. I think I would have a better time of it if cheesy romance movies didn't exist. Why? Because I think the boys on this particular website think girls want to hear cheeserific lines like "my favorite thing is spending time with you ;)" or anything involving the term "someone special." I'm too cynical for these people. Sometimes its good for a laugh though....but that isn't getting me any dates any time soon...

And second, this last Harry Potter book (Half-Blood Prince) is better than I remembered it. Yes, the ending is particularly horrifyingly awful, but the all around book is a splendid read. Much better than book 5. I would classify my overall interest in the book up there with book 4, which I can read over and over and still get so involved that I forget to sleep. Anyway, the conclusion I've drawn is that Dumbledore is indeed, deceased. If you haven't read the book and that ruined it for you, I have no sympathy because it has been months. When I first read the book I ran through all of these conspiracy theories where Dumbly-dorr was somehow alive. I do not think so. And furthermore, for some reason I am still not convinced that Snape is entirely bad. Why? I don't know. Lastly, Ginny and Malfoy are both going to end up saving the shit out of Harry's life somehow in the next book.

And finally, loving HP may just make me part cheeseball. But at least I didn't put in my dating service profile that I was looking for "that special someone to grow old with." Puke.

I heart the holidays...

Except New Years. I really have no love for New Years. But I'm going to try this year. That was a tangent. Moving on...

I would like to share my beautiful, perfect Christmas tree. Not the decorations mind, the decorations are probably sloppy compared to the Mom's. But the tree itself is perfectly shaped and beautiful. I love it. Here it is:

The cats have not been so bad. They love the tree a lot (Mona licks it a lot) and there is a lot of rattling of the lower ornaments (all non-breakable), but they love it. See? You'll notice the utter lack of ornaments towards the very bottom. Mona was pulling them off and chewing on them so they had to be moved. But the tree is still standing and that is a victory.

It is quite lovely outside right now, snowing up a storm. I am really enjoying the couch and the snow. Not that I haven't loved the couch a lot these past few weeks...

Things I learned this weekend...

1. Even if someday I have all the money I could hope for/dream of, I will have my parties catered with normal people food: mozzarella sticks, taco dip, deviled eggs etc. I'm simple, I'm picky...give me mac and cheese any day over duck crostinis.
   
2. I am gaudy. I love a tinseled, blinky, big shiny tree. Ugly ornaments? Yes please. Whatever shall I do without tinsel?
   
3. Apparently, it is not wise to save leftover rice (of any kind) and eat it the next day or later. My aunt advised that rice grows some kind of bacteria that can make you sick in a food poisoning type way.
4. My family is pretty cool. And pretty screwed up. But mostly cool.
5. People in general just do not understand a woman who doesn't want children. I learned this weekend that I would change my mind when I met a nice guy, I was just flat out lying (in case you're curious...that was the grandma) and that my life would not be complete without children. I disagree with every single one of these proclamations. I am happy being me. And "me" does not require a boy/child to complete it.
   
6. My christmas tree is perfect! And still standing...

You-Know-Who and Mona...

This post is not intended for non-readers of Harry Potter or people who don't like cats. If you are either of those things, no point in reading on.

Ok, so I just wanted to complain about the cats really quickly. While they both have been doing really well having me around all the time (Boku really seems to like me now, even though I can still only pet her while she is standing) Mona has become needy. I love my cats, but having Mona on my lap all day is really hindering. Plus, Mona has taken to sleeping with me...she'll come join me in the middle of the night (2ish) and wake me up by crawling all over me and then settling on my legs or in between so that I cannot move. And while I may be comfortable, the minute you can't move you really want to move. Ah well, I always said I'd like it if they slept with me. Be careful what you wish for eh?

Now the serious question: I've been re-reading the whole HP series to see if I can glean any clues from it. It's taken a bunch of my time, but been really enjoyable. I just finished the fourth book and there is one sentence that ALWAYS bothers me (since this is probably my 6th time reading it) and I thought maybe you HP readers out there could give me your take on it. Back story is that Harry is telling Dumbledore what happened at the graveyard. He just finishes telling him that since Voldemort has his blood, the whole "mother's love" protection is gone and now He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named can touch him. And, "For a fleeting instant, Harry thought he saw a gleam of something like triumph in Dumbledore's eyes." Ok, we all know by now that Rowling doesn't put anything extraneous or needless in these books. So what the hell is that supposed to mean??? Is Dumbledore secretly bad?

As my days are mostly empty (or filled with cleaning/organizing/christmas shopping) I have tried to start preparing myself for grad school. Ok...so I read over my schedule (course descriptions and all) and I felt a bit of panic. I know nothing about computers and I'm taking the following:

Java I
Analysis and Design Techniques
Data Analysis
Basic Communication Systems

I was going to post relevant and scary descriptions in here but of course, the DePaul website just went down. For a school that supposedly has one of the best computer schools around, they have a startlingly bad website. Always hanging up and NOT user friendly. Anyway, most of my panic was aimed at Data Analysis which involves calculus. Ah well, I made my bed....right?

I would like very much to make out with Matthew Fox. Too bad I'm just an ordinary girl in Chicago....I have big dreams for who I will make out with....well... never....

A letter and a question...

Dear Power Company,

If I lose my power one more time in 2005 I am going to become your worst nightmare.

Katie

Why is it so hard to find a nice pretty ornament and so easy to find ugly ones??

And I'm off...

Thanksgiving is over. I know many people end up having drama on Thanksgiving, and this year we were, thankfully, drama-free. It was really nice. Had brunch with the Pooj (delicious) and played some Scene it, watched a movie and were late for Mom's meal (almost missed hors d'oeuvres - not terribly late). Delicious dinner (although the carver was possibly the slowest ever...no really, I've never seen a bird picked so clean before someone even got to the white meat). The grandpa, like usual, spent all of dinner making the same joke ("the food is terrible, just terrible"). And then cousins came for dessert. All in all, really nice.

I've made plans for many of my free days, although a lot of them are still happily empty. I was going to go start the Christmas shopping on Armitage tomorrow, but I fell flat on my face/knee carrying some groceries in my apartment (I should really keep my embarrassment to myself, shouldn't I?) and now my knee is all swolleny and sore. Don't know if I can handle all the walking. Not sure how I'll occupy all my time if I can't walk all over the place.

I still feel like I'll have to go to work on Monday although today feels like Sunday. Next week should be interesting.

Topher-cky

Clever aren't I? No, I have never eaten Tofurky. But I wouldn't mind having some Topher-cky. Watched a movie with him in it yesterday. The movie itself was not good (P.S.), but Topher was delightful.

I'm off to the suburbs to spend a day with the family. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving...

Free at last...

Pretty joyful. Still hasn't completely hit that I'm now "sans-job." Tomorrow I'll be dancing around the apartment. But tonight...I'm just tired from working, stressing about health insurance and other quitting things.

I don't have much to say except if you can poke fun at jesus, you should go to this site. Thanks to one of the random blogs I read for the link.

And a head to match...

So after much reflection on the conversation I had with the VP at the bar, I realized that one of my problems with the job was lack of authority. There were so many things wrong with the business/way it was run that could be fixed with one small change/decision. But I was unable to make that decision or influence that decision. And I clearly lacked the ability to withstand being passive. I never knew how action-oriented I am, how much I want to make things work right/smoothly until it made me supremely unhappy.

What can I say about the HP movie...it was drastically cut down from the book (I mean drastically) but it still made a fairly good movie. Although this time I do think that non-book readers would have had a hard time with the plot (although it was almost entirely changed). But it was powerful and those kids are starting to be pretty good little actors. And to cap it off I heart Ron Weasley. I heart Fred and George. I even heart Mr. & Mrs and Ginny. It turns out that I am a whore for the Weasleys. But that's true in the books too.

Speaking of the books, I've decided it's time to reread them all. I finished 6 way back when and never went back to reread. And I really think I should...to see what else I can come up with in terms of clues/foreshadowing. In terms of Time 100 I finished White Teeth (so relieved) and Slaughterhouse Five this weekend. I didn't mind Slaughterhouse Five. But I think after White Teeth I would have liked anything. So I'll keep reading at the same time as Potter. And I'll slowly get there...

I'm never gonna survive unless...

Ok, so yes I have that Seal song in my head. Or, more like I have Alanis Morissette's version of that song in my head. It doesn't really apply to what I feel like saying but I honestly cannot get that bugger out of my head.

I went out with some of my coworkers tonight. Basically the people I talk to on an everyday basis came and the good VP. I don't know if I ever mentioned him before except to dream and wish that he was the one training me. But that didn't happen and here I am escaping to school. I learned a lot tonight. And yes, I had more than one drink but did not even feel tipsy (even did a Jaeger bomb...uck). Basically I learned that the sole ethical, professional VP in the company is so worn down that he gave up years ago. I kept thinking through my "going away bash" that if only he were in charge the place would make sense! It turns out even he hates the way the place is run, realizes that most of upper management is incompetent and gave me a standing ovation for leaving.

I'll tell you a secret that he told me....when the other VP found out I was leaving she came up with ways to punish me. They didn't pan out because they were RIDICULOUS, but that just shows you the mindset of the people in charge. Petty, petty shit. All I can say is that on Tuesday I don't think I will have a sad bone in my body. I will skip out of there.

Conversation heard near my building between teenage boy outside of car and younger teenager inside car: What time do we have to leave? What TIME? For the BRUNCH? Do you want to fight? I'll fight you....

Off to see the friend Janet tomorrow and Harry Potter! And Janet's cat!

Yakkity yak...

Ok, so my computer is really limiting my ability to be funny and write interesting things. I had all this witty jokey stuff all mapped out in the head and then the old computer freezes. So I get frustrated and lose any intelligent blips I had except - damn you, I hate you you POS. Oh wait, this is my career choice?

And now it's moving at the speed of snails. I wouldn't be surprised if this blog gets eaten. And I have a button picture all ready to post and my picture posting program ain't working. Button a day my ass.

Hypothesis: I don't blog as much when I'm content because it's harder to be funny than it is to bitch about everything.

So I'm about 40 pages away from being done with White Teeth and I can't wait. I've read the last 200 pages really quickly because i can't WAIT to get it done. I really don't like this book. I can see what she's trying to do and that's it's supposed to be all deep and thought-provoking. But there's a problem when the thoughts it's provoking are "blah blah blah, how many more pages? science vs. religion - who cares? how many more pages?" The page countdown started at like page 100 of a 450 page book. All I can say is...thank God (if he/she/it exists, oooh, maybe the book will help me decide: NOOOOT) I can cross this book off my list tomorrow.

I came up with another button idea that doesn't require me to print things on the right kind of paper, so hopefully two this weekend when my computer decides to work again. And I should be able to get paper sometime this weekend....and then 200,349 buttons will follow.

Shock me, shock me, shock me...

Oh Empire Records....weird that I was talking about it with my sister last night and now it's on HBO. I don't know why I loved this movie....but I distinctly remember going to see it at the Geneva Theater with my 8th grade best friend and loving it. At the time I wore a bicycle chain bracelet, 800 necklaces and many plastic bracelets. I was alternative. Ah the memories...I still have that bicycle chain bracelet and I still admire it and love it. How can I wear it in public though? Maybe alterna-style will come back...

This weekend I spent probably 10 hours cleaning. The floor is clean, the bathroom, the laundry. And yet every surface still has clutter. I can hopefully fix that during my month-long sabbatical before I start school. I forgot how much I love my apartment when it's all clean and I don't view it as a chore.

The Blog O' Buttons has been officially established. Like I explain on the blog, I don't have the right kind of printing paper right now so all these buttons I have planned wouldn't look very good (the paper needs to be printer quality/glossy but NOT thick. So i'm going to have to do some research/hunt for it). And I don't want to make half-ass silly looking buttons. So "button a day" isn't a reality just yet...

Quick update:

The button maker has arrived. And it's an awesome piece of machinery. I love it. Watch out for my newest blogging creation/sensation "Blog O' Buttons." I'm going to try to be like S and have a button a day (all made by yours truly). My plan is that if you like a button you can buy it...for $1 and a self-addressed envelope. Reasonable? If not, make a button price suggestion...oh buttons.

I'm a big girl now...

Although it is not necessary due to the blank space that is my sex life, I got tested for every STD in the world today. Including my first HIV test. It was a little exciting. Partially because the nurse amazingly found a vein immediately (this never happens) and made the whole thing painless and partially because I'm such a responsible adult.

To Paul McCartney: did you really need to do a shameless commercial? One where they used a bunch of old footage and probably paid you a few mil? Aren't you rich enough?

And just a little advice to the stores: Yes, Christmas is good to you guys. But it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. Come on!! At least wait until the day after Thanksgiving.

As the news of my leaving has leaked (think everyone knows now) I've gotten some interesting reactions. One of the vice presidents ignored me for a day. Then the next day she told me how happy she was for me, blah-di-blah. "The bitters" congratulated me for getting out. One told me she wasn't surprised, that they had predicted it a long time ago (apparently I wasn't challenged). One has told me that now I have no excuse to pass on a drinking excursion (no, NOT dreamy computer guy..unfortunately more like, tubby dad of 3). But most have ignored the news altogether. Isn't it funny that it just shows the kind of place it is? No one talks to anyone else....no one cares about anyone else. Not a happy place.

Oooh boy...

Was walking home in the dark today making sure no rapist was behind me (none) when I heard a rustling in some leaves. And you know, I wasn't afraid of a rapist jumping out of the bushes (which is where my sister's mind would have gone)...I was afraid of seeing a rat. I can ignore the fact that rats live in the city with me if I don't see them. If I would have seen a rat, I would have panicked. Ugh...rats, ugh.

Twiddle dee dee...

Like the sister was counseling me yesterday, quitting was better and worse than I expected. I imagined worst case scenario...yelling at me and forcing me to leave today. What really happened is that the office manager was shocked, my underwriter tried to make me feel guilty (which succeeded and nearly made me cry) and the rest of the office is still a little oblivious.

I had a nice moment with computer guy. We had some banter. I learned his work story. He was dreamy. I almost giggled like a little girl. Oh computer guy...dreamy computer guy...

I felt such relief after it was over with, that like my mooj says, it must have been the right decision. I just feel so energized today. I'm not sitting like a lump, I'm getting things done, I'm cheerful. The job was bringing me down...

Not much else to say. I'm tired from worrying most of the night last night and then nerves until about 9am....exhausting...

Her horizon seemed to her limitless...

I have 100,000 things to say, but I thought I'd start it with a little song that I made up on my Disney trip and it goes like this... Epcot, Ooopcot, Ippy-cotty Epcot. Now that you are certain of my certifiable craziness, I'll continue with this marathon post.

First, I love Disney World. Some don't understand, but like the lady in front of us in one of the bus lines, I think I too could be the kind of person that could go to Disney 37 times (those are just the times she stayed on the campus...and she was fairly young). So I think a great time was had by all. Well, by most. Not sure about the teenage brother. If you'd like to see some pictures, I'm sure some interesting ones will come out of S's website.

As for my reading of the 100 All-Time: 14 down, 86 to go. Lord of the Flies...eh. I liked Animal Farm. And my title can be attributed to my current read: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. I'm having a rough time with the floweriness of the writing. But I'm more than halfway through and am sure I can struggle through the rest.

On to my new life plan: computers. I am officially going to grad school (undecided as to what kind of thing I will be doing with computers) starting January 3, 2006. Because I cannot handle/hate being dishonest, I am officially quitting my job tomorrow. I have some relief at the prospect that I don't have to deal with these people anymore. But I also have a touch of terror at the idea of actually physically quitting. I just cannot predict what will happen. I think the best is if I would be yelled at - in this scenario I cannot imagine crying. I'm just afraid I'll get so nervous as to cry. I feel like these next few days are going to be crazy busy.

I have to go prepare for tomorrow....

Is it or isn't it, did I or didn't I???

Happy Halloween!! Oh Halloween. I was so pleasantly surprised with my street and the Halloween spirit in Chicago. Every house on Fullerton in the block leading up to mine had Halloween lights, Jack-o-Lanterns, spider webs, ghosts. All just today! If I were a little kid I would have loved it!! Wait a minute...even as an adult I loved it!! I saw about 6 trick-or-treaters. Would have liked to see more, especially since 4 of them were older and angels. The cutest are the little kids...oh little trick-or-treaters. For someone who doesn't really like children, I truly like seeing them all dressed up for Halloween.

And in other news, I am reading Lord of the Flies for the 100 All-Time. I forgot how boring literature can be. It's going to be a struggle. Oh, and I crossed off all the books I read and was totally shocked by the letter G. Ok, out of 100 I have read 12 total. Out of 6 books that start with the letter G, I've read 4 of them. The public school system must love the letter G....

So you all know I applied to DePaul for grad school. I believe I am in the midst of a career/quarter life crisis. So I decided to avoid the real world/working world and go back to school. So the computer grad school at DePaul is high tech. I can check my application status online. Apparently they made a decision today. You know what that means right? I'll get it in the mail on Wednesday when I'm in Disney World. Suck-ass timing, eh? So, can I glean anything from the website? You tell me...here's what it says and why I tend to think I got in:

"Your application materials were reviewed by an admission officer on 10/27/2005 . A decision has been made about your admission. You will receive the decision in the mail.

The first step in getting started in the graduate program is to make an appointment to assess your prerequisite phase. This Prerequisite Planning Appointment (PPA) can be made with your assigned advisor or any available faculty member. Click here to request an appointment online.

This status was current as of: 10/27/2005."

Now, my question is this: why say that I have to make a planning appointment if I didn't get in? Isn't that a slap in the face if I get a rejection letter? Should I prepare my face for the slap just in case?

Fill in the blank...

So I didn't carve a cat or a bat, I carved some ghosts.



See? I must say, I really enjoy carving pumpkins. So much fun! Let's relive last year's pumpkin as well...

I'm on my way to Disney on Wednesday morning. Unlike the sister, I will not bring my computer. So I will not be here to blog for a few days. Tomorrow might be interesting at work so maybe I'll blog then. If not..see you in a few.

By the way, it's 5:30 and it's nighttime. I hate, hate, hate daylight savings. Now I'm going to be coming home from work in the dark. That's so depressing. Damn you daylight savings, damn you...

Aside: Is it weird that I found it just a little hot when Hal Sparks made out with a mannequin? Yeah, that's creepy. Maybe I've been too long without boy contact.

Blips...

1. I did not know that sometimes when you type my website in you get bible stories. It's fairly ironic and quite funny.
2. Goblet of Fire is almost upon us. Any fans out there...loads of new videos were added today on my fav fan site. Makes it all seem even closer...it's very exciting.
   
3. I am obsessed with I Love the 80's. It seems that by the third time around it would be old/lame/done. But I just don't want the episodes to end. Sister...do you remember fashion plates? We loved that silly fashion rubbing toy. And Hal Sparks...I love him.
4. There is something about Dennis Quaid that I find highly watchable. I'm sort of bored to death with this movie (Flight of the Phoenix) but I'm still drawn to Quaid.
5. So excited for the pumpkin carving party...I'm thinking a bat.....or a cat....
   

Celebrity whore...

I don't know if it's possible that you didn't realize, but I am a celebrity whore. Today:

• My sister told me that my nerd love for Rivers Cuomo has been poorly placed because the weirdo has declared that he'll be celibate for the rest of his life. I responded that I have in fact been celibate for the same amount of time he actually has and mine was not by choice. So maybe we're meant to be. Maybe I should declare that I want to be celibate for the rest of my life. Then if I don't get any, it won't be because it's impossible to meet men - it will be because I declared it so.
  
• Ok, Jarhead...not my kind of movie. But damn if they didn't do a great job with those trailers. When that Kanye West song starts and it's all those bad ass soldier clips, I really get sucked in and feel like seeing it. So to the trailer makers: A+.

For some reason I've been bombarded by allusions to the slutty Halloween girl thing. Where girls take any costume and make it into an excuse to prop their boobs up and wear hooker boots/heels. I will admit that in my formative years I too used Halloween as an excuse to slut out. But at least I was honest: my costume wasn't a slutty nurse/angel/schoolgirl. My costume was a slut. Anyway, I think its stupid to be all slutty on Halloween unless you're slutty all the time. Then I feel like you're just being true to yourself.

In a shocking twist, I kind of liked my job today. Don't worry, it won't last. First off, I have a little hint of wicked happiness about the boss' daughter working at the office. It's nice because she's my age. But it's also nice because she is truly seeing how some of the managers treat the employees. The horrible backwards politics...she's witnessing all. And what Dad wouldn't believe his daughter's first hand account? It's delicious. Also, I was almost an IT employee today and I really liked it.

Update: so I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of owning a pin/button/badge maker. Did you know that a nice one costs $275???

One is the loneliest number...

Ok, not really. I'm hardly ever lonely which may shock some of you who do not like being alone. I do like being alone. Too independent for my own good? Maybe. Any desire to change? No. I'm coming up on my year anniversary for living alone. I wanted to run through the few things I have decided suck about living alone. But first I want to stress that there are a bajillion good things about living alone. I can dance around and warble (a true description of my singing) and only scare my cats. I can shower with the door wide open. I can get ready in my underwear. I can get in bed at 8 and not be heckled. Etc. On to the bad:

1. When you get a mole removed from your back and you can't reach it, it sucks. I cleaned it with a Q-tip, used some weird arm angles to put band-aids on and managed to keep it clean. My scar....well it's a bit gross and hollow. I advise you not to touch it. But at least I don't have cancer.
2. On bad days I need someone to listen to me vent. Frequently I use this site to vent and that's why it can seem so negative. But if I had a roommate (or a lover (say that like Molly Shannon...in some skit on SNL)) there would not be such a festering vibe to this blog at times.
   
3. When I get my hair cut/colored (looks even better now!) I have no one to ooh and aah at the "blown-out" shiny beauteous-ness of it. Not a word. But the right word for the situation. Anyway, my hair never, ever looks like this...and sometimes it's nice for people to see it look all pretty-like.
4. And finally, when crisis hits, it's nice to have a back up. This job has typically fallen to my Mom. Technically, this isn't that important because crises should not hit often. I have had my fair share this year (a flood that rendered me hysterical and a horrible, Lollapalooza hottest day of the year power outage). I'm hoping for no more this year.
   

A year here....and another year to go at least. Ah, I love this apartment. And Jon Stewart. I heart you both.

And a head to match...

Do you ever want to write a blog but then can't for the life of you figure out how to start it out?

• My sister and I, crazies that we are, have decided to read every one (every single page SISTER, no skipping chunks of LOTR, I know you would) of the Time 100 All-Time Novels. She's about 10 books up on me (I've only read 10 of them, or 12 or something. But I still think LOTR is 3 books). It should be interesting since she reads at the speed of light whereas I only read at the speed of sound.
  
• Dressing up is no fun. I have friends that love it, love the putting on a dress/nice outfit, make-up, jewelry, going out...the whole nine yards. I do not like it. I never liked it. I'm just glad it's over.
• I imagine that Barbara Streisand is a nice enough lady and probably a solid friend. But as a public figure, well...she sucks. Yes, it is not a fair life...you're always in the spotlight. But you chose it. She just seems a little snotty.
  
• Jake Gyllenhaal + Jarhead = hot, hot Jake.
• I was sure that I had tons to say and poof. All gone.

Meep moop meep...

Ok, so I've sort of been in a weird mood today. Hence the robot noises. No I am not doing a robot dance or anything, I just have a weird soundtrack running through the head. Ah well...

So I have technically officially applied to grad school. But my transcript is still on its way and I'll send it with the check for my application fee. I have convinced myself that this is a lark, that there is no way I'm going to get in. But then what will I do? Because I can't be at this job...

I just haven't found my place yet. Well, besides my place on the couch....how do people do it? How do they go...oh yeah, I know I want to be a nurse. Or...oh I love the kiddies...I'll teach. I don't have that. Whenever I try to think of what I want to do forever my mind jumps to a thousand different places and none of them are a guaranteed surefire happy hit. I envy people that have found their place. And yet...how scary is it to find a job and think, every weekday for the rest of my life I will come to some variation of this?

Baaaah. I'll just go sing some Wicked (very, very poorly). By the way, the lady who sang for our first show was some lady called Stephanie J. Block who looks creepily like Ana Gasteyer. Also, she was not the lady who helped write the songs. And personally, I think Ana and for sure Stephanie were both better than this chick. But again, it must be different on stage. And of course, we always remember things a little differently than they really happened.

Ode to a pin...

This weekend a good friend of mine, bush bashing pin, died a sad, painful death on the dance floor at Fat Jacks. Or so I assume. The pin has disappeared and the last time I remember seeing it was earlier that day. So to my pin, I say: I will always think of you in the highest regards, and I will chuckle at the dirty joke about my bush for some time to come. Goodbye dear pin...

Must say I'm so glad I'm not at the Paul McCartney concert...although I hope everyone is having fun! Sorry, is that wrong that I don't worship at the altar of Macca?

On the way home from a delicious dinner with the mooj/sis at La Vita (tasty!) I was amazed by the city. What a beautiful place. The moon shining on the lake, the clear night with the lit-up beautiful buildings. I heart Chicago.

P.S. Zathura? Try Jumanji + space. Terrible.

Mischief managed...

These past few days I've seen two of my closest friends from high school (and from now) and it's been marvelous. It's always fun to see these girls. If you want to see me look drunk, drunk drunk, go to Katy's website in my blog links. Also, I think some were interested in the hair change which can be seen in these pictures. Rumor on the street is (yeah, OK what street) that it doesn't look that different.

Anyway, I decided just now that I have to make out sometime in my 24th year. Sounds like no big deal to some...but that's a giant hurdle-like challenge for me. Can't get that Dashboard song out of my head...I do wish that I was anywhere with anyone making out.

Mish-mosh...

I did not have the best day today. My sister is always going on and on (ok ok, not really, but she has made a point of it more than once) about blogging and work. How you have to be cognizant of the fact that this is public and your coworker/employer could find it. And I do agree, that there are certain places you shouldn't go. You have to think, if it comes out in the end that I have a blog will the content of my work-related posts be "fire-worthy"? Or immoral in a sense? And for once I feel like my feelings/thoughts are crossing the line. I'll be as vague as I can and get this out.

Nothing bad happened today. It wasn't like I got a "talking to" or even a stern look. It was a normal day. For some, probably a good day. I had a meeting where my progress was discussed. All in a good way. But all of the sudden I just felt guilty. Because I know I'm not happy there, very unhappy. And I know I'm going to leave. So when I'm having a meeting about my future with the company I feel horrifically, horrendously dishonest. And I hate dishonesty. So now I'm not only feeling unhappy in my job but I'm also feeling like it's making me someone I don't like. But I don't want to quit. I'm a mass of contradiction. I just...being an adult SUCKS ASS.

Completely, totally unrelated and irrelevant: I saw Joan Rivers today on TV. She is a plastic surgery monster. If she doesn't convince you not to get plastic surgery..I don't know what will.

Short and sweet...

Awww, like me! Wow, I am quick. I am witty. Just what all the weird creepo's on my internet dating site want. Someday there will be a normal guy....

Death Cab was enjoyable. I thoroughly like their music. It was good in concert. I just hate being so short. Sure it doesn't really matter whats going on on-stage - it's all about your ears, blah blah blah. But it's still nice to have something to look at besides "is he gay cute nerd boy," "80's hair and outfit fashion disaster," and the weirdly painted ceiling. As short people my sister and I got a lot of comments - mostly from people moving in in front of us and then looking back and feeling bad they were blocking us. Them and 30 other people in front of us. These kinds of venues do not work for the short people.

My suggestion? I may have said it before: small section for people under 5'3" right in front of the rail. It wouldn't hurt anyone behind it because they could all see over us. Just pass under the "Must be under this height to enter this area" sign of the squirrel with a ruler. Or something.

Radical hair...

As I was thinking about my radical hair change...i couldn't help but think that that is a good band name. Along with anything involving the word corduroy. How about Radical Corduroy...nah, not as good.

Blond...gone. Brown...here. Let's just say that I had a mental picture of what this would look like and it is nothing like I look. But I think in a good way.

As a hypochondriac I always imagine the worse...and my hair is no different from my health. I needed the change but imagined I'd look really skeletal and pale and hideous. Turns out I don't look so bad. And it's sort of reddish. Which I like.

Fun hair change! Oh and its pretty seriously shorter. But to me that is not nearly as radical. Ok, what a boring entry for those of you who don't care about my hair. So this one is dedicated to all my girls...wait a minute, the truth is I only have girls...so most of you should like this.

Where...

My weekend was so short...which is wrong because I actually took Friday off. So technically it was longer than usual. But it went by in the blink of an eye. Just wanted to say a few things.

If you treat yourself to anything this fall, get a "Honey Crisp" apple. It's a rare variety...not good for cooking or baking....but just amazing fresh. I don't really like apples but I just can't get enough of this apple. Oh delicious. Also, if you live anywhere in the area, go get some apple donuts. This is the place I got the yummy apples as well.

If you can manage it, don't go to any kind of event that requires a dress. Holy hell, finding a cocktail dress yesterday was like a crusade. It was awful. I was going to lay low this weekend; trying on dresses for nearly a whole day was horrifying. My mom was an awesome sport though and we got through. The dress I found is OK. I'll wear it. As a side note to the dress thing, it's always nice when the mom is always surprised by the size of my boobs. Yes they are big.

I have a really exciting month ahead. Starts this Wednesday...Death Cab at the Riviera. Am very excited. Then it continues on with a visit to Katy (do you even have a blog anymore???), Wicked, possibly Paul McCartney, a 60th anniversary party, a pumpkin carving party and...DISNEY!!

This a is fairly boring blog huh? Will end it here.....

Something to think about...

I stayed home from work. While I feel like a sluggish snail I have tried to accomplish small, easy tasks today. I draino-d the tub (how nice to shower without standing water!). I emptied the trash. I warmed and broke in the couch. I just feel icky.

Not much of a point to this post except that I contacted DePaul to see what my options are as far as getting some kind of computer degree. If I decide I really want to do this, I'd be going for my masters. Which is fairly intimidating. Kind of a serious decision. I'm having a hard time with decisions lately. I guess I can't see where I am going and any of these decisions will just make that path even murkier. But eventually I'm going to have to bite the bullet and do something. I guess the question is, what??

Thursday...of hell....

So last Thursday I had a nice morning...I emailed my friend Janet and told her I couldn't wait to come visit. Then I got to work and spiraled into never-ending sneeze, bogie-filled nose and raw nostrils. Friday wasn't much better and my weekend was ruined. I stayed home, slept and got better. Thought I was OK. Had a little sore throat on Tuesday which I blamed on Fooweeze (side note: the Trib gave Foo Fighters a good review, and Weezer a bad one???).

Now I am even sicker than I was last Thursday. It's the same pattern too. Felt fine this morning, at work I slowly starting sneezing. Took an allergy pill. No effect, sneezed about 8.736 million times. I took a cold pill at lunch and that worked for about 5 hours. Now I have to wait a few more hours to take my night-time pill and I'm miserable. But I am not going to let it ruin my weekend. At least this time I don't have to spend loads of time in a car and a night in an unfamiliar bed. But I am having a really hard time convincing myself to go to work tomorrow.

I'll stop whining now...I did have a day highlight when the computer guy bought me candy. But that's just because he ate all of mine. And next week I have a life altering hair appointment. Just you wait....

I'm off to sneeze.

Experiment gone awry...

So a good friend of mine has had some luck with online dating. I decided, since it would be nice to have a date sometime in my twenties, that I might try this. I signed up on Saturday and I was an "active" profile available to view yesterday afternoon. I have already been deluged with emails. Some of you may think, that little brat, lots of boys want to date her and she's complaining???

Let me explain my freshly surfacing issues with this system:

1. I think it goes without saying that about half of my emails were from creepy weirdos. That was to be expected. It's a little weird that creepy guys can read my profile and see my picture.
2. Basically after I get these emails I either email back or click a button that tells the poor guy I'm not interested. Some of the weirdos it doesn't seem so bad...but for the normal guys I am having guilt over all this rejection. Oooh, sorry buddy your picture wasn't good and your profile was not nearly as entertaining as I would have liked.
3. Here's the biggest problem: clearly I am no longer attracted to men. And yet I am not attracted to women either. I have officially become asexual. I looked at all these guys and was like, eh....no thanks. Eh, no thanks? I'm in trouble...
4. And then there's my "flight" reflex. I started getting all of these emails and I was like, ooooh, bad idea. Why did I do this? RUN, RUN!!!! But I'm working on it. Maybe someone someday will spark my interest. Was a test drive anyway.

So that's that.

Fooweeze...or Foozer...or Weezighters?

Went to the Foo Fighters/Weezer concert tonight. Here are my thoughts:

Dear Grohl,

No one wants to hear you go, "Yaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh." Please remember that you have a microphone. When you scream at the top of your lungs, it gets magnified for the rest of us. Please sing, not scream. Also, we came to see a concert full of musicians, not noise players. I believe that my musical ability (none) qualifies me to be in Foo Fighters. I was excited to see you in concert. I tend towards always liking live music solely for the live aspect. You have totally disappointed. Count me out of the Foo fan part of Fooweeze. I think we stayed for 3.2 songs. None of which I enjoyed.

Sincerely,
Katie.

Dear Rivers,

Will you marry me? Please? I think I'd be good for you...and you'd be good for me (oh how quaint, how cheezy to use Weez lyrics in my proposal). All in all Cuomo, you and your little nerdy band convinced me to worship the Weezer. Good thing Weezer was before Foo or the night would have been long and taxing. All your songs were musical (not just noise) and very delightful. Wait, I take back what I said earlier, I did like a Foo song. Weezer covered Big Me. Don't forget the question...marriage?

Love,
Katie.

In non-concert news: the CTA sucked this morning but I managed to not let it ruin my day.

I had a "kiss and cuddle" dream about a middle school boyfriend/high school friend last night. Well, not really high school friend. That's a technicality and something you don't care about. Anyway, I hadn't thought about this boy in ages so I decided to google him. Oh google, you devil you....turns out the boy is on IMDB. Crazy huh? Not exactly sure what a "second second assistant director" is, but it's much more exciting than "underwriting assistant" now isn't it? And yes, I am sure it is the same boy. He has a name that no one else in the world has...

Now I have to try to sleep. Which might be hard due to concert adrenaline and the fact that my room is 80 degrees. But the A/C chugs away....

Sick post...

So I know I'm really sick (and tired) because I have hot, won't stay open eyes.

Plus my nose is raw from all the blowing. I hate that. Someone should invent a little pad you can stick on your "blown raw" nose while you sleep. It will lotion you up and it won't sting...

Must sleep.

Du du du da, du du du da....

You know that song, by Shaday or something. Is it by her? Did I make that up? It's possible.

First, there is nothing good or nice about a wake. Death is truly mind-boggling. For some, probably a little scary. I'm not all that afraid of dying, but I am afraid of those I love dying. Let's not even think of that...

Tonight I remembered that I am:

a) bad at consoling people. What do you say? Sorry for your loss? He had brain tumors his whole life and recently he was in a bad way. Are they sorry? Or do they know he has peace now?

b)truly terrible with directions. I live in Chicago, a city with a jillion expressways all named after people. And I think I know what number corresponds with one of those names and that's because I always take it to the hometown. On my way home tonight a lack of a number, 355, totally threw me off my game. I was presented with two options (neither 355 which I wanted). I assumed...well my choices are "to Rockford" "to Chicago"... I want to go to Chicago. After all, I live in Chicago. My choice was wrong. I was on a road I did not know. If not for my Mom I would have ended up downtown, pissed and cussing (who says cussing??), heading towards the two or three roads I know there (namely Lake Shore Drive) and ended up home sometime. Bad at the driving directions. Let me just say that I think it is because I do not care about maps, I don't care about the roads, I don't care if I remember where that one Portillo's on Lake Street is. And because I don't care, it takes me a very long time to learn any new directions. Oh well. I'm home.

c)that I CAN get impatient with traffic. One of my best (and most annoying for others) qualities is my patience with traffic, waiters, life in general. But tonight I was cranky, I needed to be somewhere and get home. Lack of sleep and no time to relax...adds up to cranky, impatient Katie. I guess this is how other people live their lives, always cranky...always impatient. Sad really.

And with that I leave you....because I am tired from my hours of driving.

Tuesday evening thoughts...

So, if you don't read my sister's blog, you may not know that one of our childhood friends has passed away. I didn't know him very well, in part because of his brain tumors, but he was a clear part of my childhood. I too remember visiting him in the hospital, remember the ups and downs. I also knew his brother fairly well, and therefore had some contact with him even after we moved from Bartlett.

I have a vague memory of my childhood as a whole. Which is why it is really odd that I remember one JD moment so clearly: JD once told me that when we grew up we would get married. I'm pretty sure I expressed doubt at this fact. He then told me that we would get married and he would buy a farm and that way I could have as many dogs as I wanted. I'm pretty sure that his sweet talking worked and I agreed this was a good plan. Moral of the story: the way to my heart....love of animals..

This whole overtime thing is killing me....I'm sorry about lack of blogs. I just am sort of vacant a lot of the time. It's tiring going to work early everyday. And the worst part is that the overtime work is all mindless scanning.

P.S. A gargle is NOT a normal noise for a stomach to make. I hate you tomatoes.
P.P.S. What if I went back to school to become a computer nerd? I think I'd be good at it. But am I an undergrad? Because I certainly can't be a grad student in computers...I know nothing. Sister, a little research maybe?

Which brings me to....

Do you ever have a moment where everything just feels more real than usual? Where you look around and think, huh...this is my life. Not in a bad way. But in a, shiiiitttt I'm a grown up way.

My other big thought of the day is: I wonder if cat food tastes good. I can't imagine that it does. Cats must have a different taste palette than people...

Don't worry, I didn't try any....

This is the sound of settling...

Ok, so I swear I have named a post that before. So be it. Two things:

Today was possibly the most stressful day at work I have ever had. I had meetings upon meetings and work coming out of my ass. After my first meeting I came out for my lunch and started to shake. It's like my body freaked out. Because I basically had an hour and a half to eat and do all the work in the entire office. I went to get myself food and tried to calm down. Then I spent more time in meetings. By the time I was meeting'd out, I had an hour left of my day to work. I just found it interesting that my body started to shake from the stress of it all.

And of course...Marshall Fields. If you:

• a. live in Chicago and
• b. have a blog

you are going to have to comment on the loss of the name. Just saw a headline (why read all the articles? It's the same shit over and over) that was a cry to call it Fields anyway. So instead of saying, hey I'm going to go spend money at Macys, you'll say, hey bitches I'm going to Fields. Take that suckers.

Who CARES!!!! It's a bit sad that Fields will be no more, but honestly, in the scheme of things - it's still just another department store. For more bloggermation on this, go here and here.

Bloggermation? Bad use of the made up blog words?

A bit of Sunday disgust...

I'm currently watching a Tivo'd episode of Oprah. I tivo both Oprah and Ellen just in case anything good is on. This episode I'm watching is about the "editor at large" of Vogue. He is a bit overweight, recently lost 35 pounds and is discussing his struggle.

I am disgusted by the way they are talking about "fat" people. How the editor of Vogue (Anna Wintour) hates fat people and everyone that works there is tiny and so skinny because of how much she hates fat people. OK...I feel like never buying this magazine again. This is why we are bombarded with emaciated girls...the editor of one of our biggest fashion magazine hates fat people.

How can you hate a large group of people (most of whom are not fat by choice) because of a physical characteristic? It's like Nazi Germany all over again.

I hereby declare I will never buy Vogue again.

Archive Meme...

Been meaning to do this for days...just forgot until right now.

1. Go into your LJ’s (or blog's) archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.

There is something about God and religion that i just don't belong with.

Makes sense in the context of the post...but right here it sounds like really poor english. Ah well....but I do find it interesting that it is religious...

....

Longest day ever. Random conglomeration of thoughts:

In my book today, this girl was having a stressful day at work so she went into the bathroom with a hairbrush, locked herself in a stall and masturbated. Ok, my first thought was: really? you want to get off in a metal stall on a nasty toilet? With your brush? Then I thought...well am I the weird one that hasn't ever considered masturbating in a bathroom when I'm having a bad day? I think the answer is no. I am not nearly as repressed as some when it comes to this topic, but I guess I do have a line I draw. Readers, lets hear some feedback. I wonder if boys masturbate in public more than girls...I bet....

One of my upstairs neighbors just came to the window to admire my cats. Boku ran away and is hiding under my bed and Mona just sat there and stared at the scary stranger.

Today was one of those days where lots of things went right, one thing went just a bit wrong, and the day just draggggged on. I feel like it defeated me...

And on another work note, I was totally creepy today. The cute computer boy (attached, unavailable) smelled delicious today. He was all over the place leaving behind a smell. I'd walk by and savor the smell. Oh boy smell. Nothing better. I was watching Dawson's Creek last night and it was a cheesy episode (you aren't surprised are you?) and one of the things they discussed is how smell is the biggest trigger for memories. And yesterday weirdly, a boy next to me on the L smelled like one of my old friends Jonny. I have a crazy sense of smell anyway. Ramble on...huh?

Mellow....

The weather today was totally refreshing. I actually had a shit day at work (nothing was where/as it should have been) and was totally frustrated. It was one of those days where you eventually have to sit back, take a deep breath and say, so what if this doesn't get finished. Work not getting done, not the end of the world. Even though for half of the day it felt like the world would end. So it was nice to leave the office and breath fresh cold air.

Haven't spoken of the cats recently. Sort of interesting that I came home to cat puke on Monday. Forgot to mention it in my Frankenmuth post. It was a load of puke (looked a lot like cat food) and then a hair ball. Good for Boku for getting it up. Bad for me because she chose the day I was out of paper towels. I had it on my grocery list for Tuesday...and she throws up Monday. A bit infuriating. All in all though, they're good. Still both afraid of people, but they like me, so who cares.

On another note, yesterday I rode the elevator with two old men. Who proceeded to "flirt" with me. I was told I had a lovely laugh. Together they were 167 years old.

And lastly, my allergist went crazy today. Unfortunately I had to watch him and his partner (both MD's) sing and dance to Last Dance. It's true. But I found myself thinking....now this is a happy office. Too bad I work in the exact opposite...where I'm told my music is too loud when I can barely hear it. If I were to dance and sing I think I'd get a lecture about attitude...or about seeing a psychiatrist....

And so it is...

I don't know exactly what to say about the weirdness that is Frankenmuth (went with Mooj and Sis). I have a hard time imagining the very beginning of the town, when one family said, OK, let's go Bavarian. Let's make everyone else build in the Bavarian style as well. And then, we'll be a tourist attraction!

Anyway, the trip was fun, lots of shopping was done. I sort of wish to decorate for Christmas at this very moment (Frankenmuth's big draw is the largest CHRISTmas store in the country. Please note the capitalization in the holiday...think Jesus Loves Me, Happy Birthday Jesus, etc.). My most exciting find (one of many) is an alternative to tinsel. I have cats this year so my favorite, my ultimate tree finishing favorite is no longer an option - a tinsel replacement was sort of essential to making my tree feel whole. Makes me want to trim the tree RIGHT NOW.

I think after spending a lot of time with my family/loved ones I feel a little lonely when I come back to my apartment. I think it might have a lot to do with how natural it is to spend time with my mom and sister. You know, its comfortable (even with the bickering).

But by tomorrow (when I'm crabby from having to go work) I'll be glad to come home and be alone. But it's always a funky first night after family vacation. Just a tidge sad and lonely.

Both a beginning and an end...

I'm not that great about getting my feelings about politics/world events into words. I know how I feel and I don't generally blog about it. But this whole Katrina thing has me thinking lately. And frankly, I'm surprised that people are surprised about this country's ability to handle a "catastrophe."

First, I think it was very telling that we didn't actually mobilize anyone at the beginning. We told people to evacuate and left it at that. Kind of bossy without helping people accomplish the evacuation (sending buses really would have helped). Very American.

Next, we sort of ignore the problem (or the government does) and the rest of us throw money at it. Again, how American. A lot of people out there are saying the Tsunami was handled better. But honestly, we handled the tsunami the exact same way: throw money at it, have public figures show up for photo ops, throw more money, forget about it.

Only this time, it became clear that the government was going to have to do more. And it doesn't surprise me that they all bumbled around for days. I can't believe it surprises anyone. And yes, I do think that if this would have happened in Chicago, New York, LA, DC bumbling would not have been an option. Really, really sad. You suck government.

That's my Katrina spiel. I'm done with the world event thing for a while now.

Note: I am slowly but surely going to change this website. I just have to learn to code first. So I'm playing with the stuff I can change. Check out my newly alphabetized blog list. Exciting, eh?

Can you keep up?

A collection of thoughts that might not make sense to you, but I assure you, they make sense:

1. You're my favorite Brandon. Only it's a little insulting that you only date models.
   
2. Katy, it's not an Ax...like you chop wood with. It's a saw, like you saw off the bottom of your Christmas tree with. Slightly different.
3. Still checked my closet tonight.
4. Jon Stewart is a delight.
   
5. George Bush....not so delightful. That's all I'll say.
6. California...what were you thinking electing Arnold? Your democratic government actually got the bill through. And now...its in a conservative, republican, actor's hands to veto it? Bad move CA, bad move.

The boogeyman...

Um....I just wrote some stuff and then blogger blinked and bam...gone.

I have this paranoia about burglars/murderers hiding in my apartment waiting for me to go to sleep so they can rape/maim/kill/burgle me (not in any particular order). This weird fear has a side effect: essentially there is only one closed closet...EVER...in my apartment. And I have five. So before bed every night I open that closet, look into its depths (its deep and long and filled with forgotten shoes and winter gear) for the murderer. It occurred to me tonight that if there was a burglar/murderer there, what exactly was I going to do? Slam the door in their face and then...?

Clearly my logic is off. I should not check the closet just in case it's only a burglar. Because the burglar really just wants to take my stuff and not hurt me. But if I see him...he might be tempted to murder. And the murderer? Well, he'll get me either way...so wouldn't it be better if I was comfy in my bed with a weapon handy in my bedside table? [side note: no I am not speaking of dildos...I am speaking of the saw I keep on the lower level of my bedside table. Yes. A saw. Believe it]

A digression: way back when I was promised a bat for a present...one of my friends knows me so well she was going to find some old wooden bat and decorate it for me so I could prop it up next to the bed. You know, in the event that the murderer came. Maybe if I had the bat, I could put the saw in the tool drawer. Just saying is all....