Nay Nay

http://swiftreport.blogs.com/news/2005/02/parents_protest.html

This is the most ridiculous thing I ever read. When I was six, I didn't want to give icky boys Valentines, but I didn't want anyone to feel left out. I think we were actually required to give them to the whole class.

Libra: (Sept. 23—Oct. 23)
You have no idea why thousands of shrieking, lovesick teens chase you everywhere you go, but you're pretty sure it's not because of your shitty albums.

From mamichan
what do you guys use?
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http://www.FreeHandbags.com/?r=13879911

Check out this site. If five people sign up from my link, I get a free Burberry bag. If you sign up and get five people to sign up, you get a free bag (they also have Kate, Coach, Prada...). It's a beautiful thing :)

Inspired by rhubelesko.
States I've visited
I really need to visit Rhode Island. It looks so lonely unshaded all by itself.

Q: Let's say that hypothetically you were on a Web site where you can search for people and add them to your circle. And let's say hypothetically that while browsing this Web site, you typed in the name of a boy whom you may have a bit of a crush on but are not sure whether the crush is mutual or he just likes you as a friend and that is it.
Now let's say that you find this boy's profile in your search.

What do you do?
a) Invite him into your circle because people type in random names all the time (he knows you know his last name) and he'll think nothing of it because hi, you two are acquaintances.

b) Don't invite him because you don't want him to think you're stalking him even though it was fairly coincidental, though you may not have thought to look him up had you not been crushing on him and thinking about the flirty happy hour you shared last week.

c) Invite him knowing full well that he may realize you're crushing on him, even though this isn't really a case where you can hide from him if you do something stupid and embarassing because you do have to interact with him on a regular basis.

Help!!!

Ok, so now for an update. I haven't written in a long ass time because work has been kicking my...ass. No joke. Thanksgiving week I worked 50 hours from Mon. to Wed. It sucked. Needless to say, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be putting up with this. However, I do believe I'll stay through our formal because that is always a rockin' good time.
Now for more exciting topics, because I'm on vacation and certainly don't want to whine about work.
October came and went. Went home to celebrate my bday with my buddy and our peeps. It was quite enjoyable. Went to the opera and sat in the President's box. That was way cool. My friend works for the White House, so she totally hooked me up this fall. Went up to Philly to visit a friend and saw the art museum. Loved it. If you are ever in Philly, go to the art museum. It's awesome. Oh, but be warned that running up the steps is not quite as easy as Rocky makes it look. Didn't dress up for Halloween. Nothing could top the Madonnas! Next year perhaps...
In November I went to the President's official election night party which was very cool. Not that I am particularly a fan of his, but it was still pretty cool. Poured wine at the Australian Embassy which was fun. Went home for Thanksgiving. Same ol, same ol.
Other than work, December was fairly uneventful. Roomies and I threw a holiday wine and cheese party that was a huge success. Had around 50 people over. Good times. Poured wine at the Spanish Embassy. Again, very cool, although I have to say it was ridiculously hot in there. Of course, I had on a turtleneck sweater and was dying! Big mistake. I made it through our end of quarter deadlines at work (only talk of work, I swear). Our final deadline was last Friday, and I flew home on Sunday. A lot of other people took off for vacay this week too, so I planned a happy hour. It was a lot of fun. Debbie got a bit tipsy. Ok, maybe more than a bit. In fact, I do believe I threw up in the bathroom of the bar, but I'm pretty sure no one in my party knew (there was mouthwash in the bathroom and everything). I needed to drink though. Apparently I needed to eat too, but that is neither here nor there.
So in case you didn't gather, the question above does not refer to a hypothetical situation, but a real-life one. See, I decided last Thursday that I was again crushing on this boy I work with (I had a crush on him earlier in the fall, but it faded). I was working in his building, and he brought up Sonic, which we KNOW I love. So we were talking and decided we needed to take a road trip to the nearest one, which is almost two hours away. Anyway, it was after this conversation that I decided I liked him again. So Friday, we're all at happy hour, and I have to say, he was quite flirty. At least, what I interpreted as flirty. Perhaps that is how he always is, but whatever. Let me enjoy it.
It started when we were both walking toward the bar for our first drinks. He said something about me buying him a drink, and I was all, oh no, I think you need to buy me a drink. So he did. Then, a bunch of us were talking, and he and I were leaning against the bar. We started out apart, but by the end of the conversation, his arm was definitely touching mine. Throughout the night, we'd talk, sometimes just the two of us, sometimes wiht a group, and he kept doing things like putting his arm around me or leaning in. We haven't acted like that before either.
Anyhoo....we were in the final four and decided it was time to head out. He lives about half a mile from me, so we decided to share a cab. Because I am socially inept and was a bit tipsy, I didn't say anything cute or memorable as I got out. I just kind of left and mumbled "merry christmas" or something of the sort. I wish I would have said something, but oh well.
I hate when you have a really good boy encounter right before you leave town. Especially in a case like this where I came home and haven't really done much all week, so I've had plenty of time to mull over the situation. Ugh.
Any insight would be appreciated. Slapping upside the head is also acceptable.
Got home on Sunday. Monday, Mom and I went to lunch and shopping. Tuesday we hit the Chicago Outlets which are amazing. I spent way too much money, but got some great deals. Desperately wanted a D and B bag but didn't find one I liked. Bummer. Wednesday, I ran some errands, and then my cousins came over for dinner. Stayed until 11. Woah! So much for hitting the KU bar. Oh well. It was great to see them. Today I met S in the city for lunch and took him to the airport. Then I slept all afternoon. Then I met up with KEE for dessert tonight. And now here I am.
Tomorrow we're going to my dad's cousin's for Christmas Eve and then to mass. Saturday it'll just be the four of us, so we're going to a movie, probably Life Aquatic. Looks good! Sunday I fly back. Oy. However, Monday I have off because S will be in DC, so we are going to play for a day before he flies back here. Also, at some point this weekend, I need to see M and C, in town from Iowa. C is pregnant. Yikes! Between the babies and the marriages, I don't know what to do with myself. I'm feeling quite inadequate, I tell ya. Maybe that's why I suddenly have a crush on a boy I've known for months. Nah. He's cute and funny. That's why I have a crush on him.
Happy holidays everyone! Maybe I'll actually have time to update every now and again...

I love my birthday. It was grand.
It all started Wednesday. After babysitting, M and I went to the St@r, our local bar. Had some drinks. Had some drinks bought by boys. It was good. Of course, the boys were totally lame, but what can you do. You can't refuse drinks. It's just not right.
Thursday I worked. Blah. Then I headed to happy hour at 5 on the dot. Got to the bar about 5:20, before any of my friends. Oh well. Secured a table and got myself a beer. C showed up next. She was not pleased with me for buying my own beer, but what can you do? I didn't want to sit there without beverage. Some more people showed up, and I had some more drinks. Had a little food.
B found a boy she wanted to talk to and took me with her. So we were talking to this boy. Then I got bored and left them to chat. Sat at the table with everyone for a bit. Then M dragged me over to meet a boy. He was way cute, and we had good conversation. At least we would have if M hadn't kept interrupting us. Seriously, she would walk away and then two seconds later come back and be like "Hey! This is a great song!" I was like, for the love, can you just let me talk to this boy?? Oh well.
Throughout the night I had about 7 or 8 beers and 6 or 7 shots. And a raz stoli and sprite. I didn't feel drunk until the very end, and then bam, it hit me. We were walking to the car, and I was throwing up while walking. I didn't make a mess all over myself or anything. I would just be walking, turn my head, bend over a little, throw up, and keep walking. We got home, and I threw up more. Then I sat in the armchair. M and C were like, you have to go to bed. I was like, "No! It's going to hurt!" Finally they got me upstairs. They took off my boots, but I would not let them take off my socks. They asked if I could get my pjs on myself. I was like, sure! Well, I got my skirt off, but then I passed out hugging my pjs. Woke up and was not feeling well, but I got ready for work anyways. Drove to my old apt and got on the metr0. Got off one stop before mine because I thought I was going to be sick and didn't want to be the person who messed up the morning commute. I did not get sick in the station though and felt better, so I got back on the train. Got to work and was ok. Had a little bagel. Threw up. Had some more bagel. Felt better. An hour later, I thought I was going to be sick but wasn't. Then I didn't know I was going to be sick until it was too late. I was on my way from our dept to the bathroom (in the public hallway, not our company's office). I threw up in my hands, down my arm, on the floor. It was not fun. Luckily, there was a maintenance man nearby, so I was like "Hi. Can you send someone to clean that up? I got sick. I'm sorry." That was when I decided I needed to go home. Went to tell my manager. She was like "Oh no. You know, something's going around. Maybe it's what P and B had." I was like, um, I don't think hangovers are contagious, but thanks anyways. Before I left, L gave me some gatorade. Let me tell you, that did the trick. By the time I was back in my car, I felt 500 times better. Went to the bank, picked up lunch, and watched Days. Then I went to the cleaners and city hall. That night M, C, D, and I went to my favorite 80s bar. It was a little odd--too many old people and too many women--so we left relatively early (12ish) and went to IH0P.
Saturday morning, M and I went to get the keg. That was an adventure in and of itself. First off, M weighs about 120 soaking wet. She is a tiny little girl. We walk into this beer and wine superstore and ask about kegs. The guy was like, yeah, they're in the cooler. Go get one and bring it up here. Are you kidding?? It weighs more than M does!! So we asked the manager, who was near the cooler, if there was someone to help us. He was quite rude and completely blew us off. Who blows off cute girls who want to get drunk?? Come on!! There was a Mi11er rep in the cooler, but he wouldn't help us bc we wanted Bud. Bummer. Finally, we got someone to help us. Took it up to the register, and the cashier was slower than I don't know what. Then, he and the other cashiers started talking (obviously about us) in another language. That is just uncalled for. We were not pleased with our experience tehre.
M and I got the keg home. K took me out to lunch, and then a bunch of us went to this really cool art festival on my street. I got KEE a bday present that is way fun. It reminds me of these, which we love. I came home to a beautifully decorated house for my bday party (see pics here).
Party was great. Low turnout, but I was so happy that every person who was there was. Plus, it allowed me to have fun with them rather than mingle with a ton of people I may or may not want to talk to. The only thing that would have been good with a bigger crowd would be finishing the keg, but oh well. We had a blast trying! Played beer pong and flip cup. Did keg stands. It was great!!
I got two bundles of roses (one pink, one red), a nice candle, some wine, and a very cool cocktail shaker. We also had a huge cake. We will be eating cake for weeks. I love it!!
So, the divorced guy showed up at my party. It was interesting. I of course did not make a big deal. I was like, whatever. He was nice engouh. We had some interesting conversation. My friends and I have decided that he likes me and totally thinks I'm hot but doesn't want to date me, or anyone for that matter, right now. This is fine bc I don't want to date him, but I do want to be friends and hang out. So I think we will. We'll see. I may go visit him at his store one of these days to say hi. I don't have his number anymore though. Hmmm. Oh well. He and his roomies were over until about 3am. It was nuts. We had a good time thoguh.
Sunday we did nothing. Sat around, watched tv, grilled. Then we played more pong and flip cup in an attempt to finish more of the keg. Watched some Alias. Then C and I watched the new shows on ABC. So goood!!!! I highly recommend both Sunday night shows.
That was part one of my birthday. This weekend I'm headed to Chicago for part two. Friday will be a spa day. Saturday night will be a crazy downtown party. I think S's hot brother A will be tehre. Whoo hoo! A great bday present would be a nice makeout session with him. I'll see what I can do to make it happen!! Yay! Although, he is old now. He's 30! It's ok. He's still hot. And very tall. And we all know I like that.
Sunday I am supposed to see my friend P. The one who likes to hit on me every chance he gets. Hmmm. He just broke up with his gf though and is heartbroken, so I'm not expecting anything of the sort. I don't want anything to happen bc of that same reason.
Well, I'd better run. So tired. Blah. I am watching the debate, although I'm only half paying attention.
Toodles!

Recap of the birthday week to come.
Please answer these in a comment.
1. Tell me something obvious about you.
2. Tell me something about you that many don't know.
3. What is your biggest fear?
4. Do you normally go the safe route or take the short cut?
5. Name one thing you want that you can't buy with money.
6. What is your most treasured possession?
7. What is the one thing you hate most about yourself that you do often?
8. Tell me something sexually about you that I don't know.
9. Tell me something sexually about you that everyone knows.
10. What is your favorite lie to tell?
11. Name something you've done once that you can't wait to do again.
12. Are you the jealous type?
13. What is the one person, place or thing you can't say no to?
14. What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
15. If you could do something crazy right now, what would it be?
16. When was the last time you cried?
17. When was the last time you felt so good that nothing else mattered?
18. Do you feel comfortable in public with no shirt on?
19. Name something embarrassing you did while being drunk.
20. If you post this in your journal would you like me to answer it?

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me!

Today is my bday, so I've decided not to work. Well, that's not entirely true. I'm here, and I'll do any work that comes my way, but nothing has come my way. I'm not in a seeking out work type of mood. I do that enough.

What have I done this year? It's been a whopper, let me tell you. It's been a good one. I think I will do a little chronology, esp since I haven't been online much.
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So I've been awol for a bit. No surprise there. I often think "Hey, I should write in my journal." Then I get distracted by work or friends or lack of internet connection (I guess that isn't so much a distraction). So here I am.
Let's see...the boy I went on a date with...yeah, he's a dumbass. Why? Because he never called me again. Whatever. Apparently I am just too cool for him and make him self-conscious, because we certainly had a good time. Why else would he not have called me back? Whatever. He was too old man for me anyways. And he has a cat. Blech.
Two Thursdays ago, my coworker and I had a celebratory happy hour for our promotions. It was soooo mcuh fun. I drank way too much and did not eat until we stopped at McD's on the way home at almost midnight. Good times. Anyhooo, that night, my friend M gave me two tickets to J@ck Johnson and G L0ve. I, in my tipsy stupor with encouragement from my friends, called said stupid boy to see if he wanted to go. Got his vm and left a message. When he hadn't called me by the next day (day of the show), I asked my coworker who I had celebrated wiht the previous night if she wanted to go. She did, so we went. Had a blast. Got soaked by Hurricane Ivan. It was an outdoor show, adn apparently about 20 tornadoes hit in the area that night. We had no idea. Oh well. The next day, my roomie C and I hit the outlets, and I spent waaaay too muhc money. It's ok though. We had a great time. That night I went to my friend's housewarming. Sunday I did what's called a dine around. I volunteered to lead a group of 20 people around to six different restaurants in Old T0wn that had mini entrees for us to try. It was very fun. That Wed. was our deadline, so on Tuesday I was at work until 10:15. Lovely.
This Friday, C and I did nothing. We sat on our non-existent couch and watched tv for many hours.
Let me tell you about this couch. See, when we went to the outlets, she found a beautiful red couch. It has a chaise attached. She also ordered the matching ottoman. Well, it was supposed to be delivered Friday afternoon. Friday morning, the warehouse calls and says "Hi. We can't find half your couch. The computer says it's here, but it's not. We'll keep looking. I'll call you back." They did not find it afterall, so now we won't have a couch until the first week of Oct. (which granted, is next week, so it's not a major deal, but hi, she bought her first couch in June and we still don't have one.)
Saturday we grilled for lunch and had assorted phallic-shaped meat (hot dogs, brats, knockwurst). Very fun. That night I went to a block party where this awesome band played. I have had their cd for many years, but this is the first time I'd seen them. It was awesome. Then I met up with K&L for K's bday. Went to the pub, sang some songs, had some beers. Good times! Sunday a bunch of us toured wine country. It was a gorgeous day for it. My other friend K and I rode in her Benz convertible while everyone else piled into C's Gr@nd Am. Ha! We had the best time. And, all but one of the wineries served us free wine, so it was a cheap day (I did not buy any bottles). Came home, had pizza, went to bed way early.
Yesterday was nuts. Work was a little crazy. Stayed until 6, which isn't horribly late, but later than usual. Went to meet my friend C (not the roomie) for HH. Got off the Metr0 and went to where I thought it was. Turns out, it was the other way. Oh, and can I just say Jeanne was pouring and blowing very strong winds so my umbrella was pretty worthless. Got to HH soaked but happy. Had beer, fries, and chicken tenders that C bought bc well, the whole tab was like $7. I need to go back to that place!
Tomorrow is my bday!! Yay! I will be 26. Crazy! Am I really that old? I don't think so. Means I've been driving for 10 years! Yikes! Ten years ago tomorrow, I was in drivers ed, actually driving (two days a week we had classroom, two days a week we drove, and one day we did the simulator). I remember bc I had to do soemthing with my bday balloons. I don't remember what I did with them though.
Anyhoo, I have a wonderful bday celebration planned. Tonight, M (my roomie) and I are hitting up the local bar for beverages. Tomorrow I am having happy hour with many friends and coworkers. Friday is a Bay0u night with K&K to celebrate all of our bdays. Saturday day K is taking me to lunch and she, K, and my two roomies are going to this really cool art festival in our neighborhood. That night we are having a kegger. Yes, a kegger. Beer pong and all! Can't wait! I am going to do a kegstand :) Sunday I may go to a winery with my sorority alum group if I am up for it.
Then, next weekend, I have my Chicag0 celebration. Thursday night I fly home. Friday KEE and I are doing a spa day. Then we are hitting the local bars that night. Saturday night we are going downtown with everyone. Monday a bunch of my family members will be in town to dedicate my grandpa and great aunt's gravesites. Not that it will be fun, but it will be nice to see everyone.
I better get back to work. I just took a reallly loooong lunch.

So I've become a night owl. I haven't been to bed before 1 in I don't know how long. Doesn't matter if it's a "school night" or not. I just don't go to sleep anymore. I think it's partly because of my roommates. I finally have fun roommates that I hang out with and have fun with and I don't want the fun to end. However, by not ever leaving them when we're all up, I do solitary activiites, like bills and internet, after they've gone to bed. Oh well. I'll figure it out one of these days. For now, I'm just having fun.
Weekend was good. I had a date. It was very nice. It was with the boy I played phone tag with last week. We talked again on Thursday, and even though this breaks every rule, I said I'd go out with him Friday, but only after he knew I was busy all day/night Sat. and Sun. So I figure it was ok. I personally would rather say yes to a last-minute date than sit around and figure out something else to do. Whatever. I'm just not a game player. And honestly, he seems a little clueless about "the game," so who knows. If he calls me this week, I am already booked except for Sat. day and Sunday. If he's interested, he'll realize he needs to call earlier.
Anyways, the date. It was very good. We went to a restaurant on the river in Old Town and had drinks. It was a cool place, but it totally reminded me of the Regal Beagle. Like, big cushy chairs on wheels and "smooth jazz" playing. Weird. We had a great time talking though. I think I might like him. I don't know. We shall see. We were there for hours and then walked up and down K1ng Street for a bit. He said he wants to go out again. We'll see. I don't give boys any credit anymore.
Saturday my old coworkers came over for brunch. It was very fun, however it was very odd to have four children under seven in my house. Luckily only one thing was broken. I was more worried about them tumbling down the stairs or falling into a sharp corner. They all made it out alive though.
That night I introduced my friend B to sushi. It was fab! We had a great time, and I got to play smart and teach her all about raw fish. Then we went to P's housewarming party where there was a plethora of hot guys. Weird. I guess P's roommate works with all of them. Talked to a few of them. Had a good time. We left around 11 and saw the best cover band ever for 80s night. It was lots of fun. B and I took turns being the boy on our "date." I'd open a door for her, then she paid for me. It was great.
Sunday I went to the Orio1es game. Oh my, was it hot! I was seriously in bad shape. Like, thought I was going to pass out. Didn't have to pee after having gallons of water. Yeah, it was bad. They also went through about 20 pitchers, which was no good. So we left during the 8th because we were hot, bored, and I had to babysit. Got home in time to change my shoes, grab a sweater, and go.
Tonight was our first sorority meeting of the year. I know it sounds cheesy, but they are just lots of fun. It's really neat to socialize with women of all ages. I had a good time.
Ok, now I'm getting tired. Tomorrow I am either vegging at home or C and I are going to a double feature at the drafthouse--Anchorman and Dodgeball!! Sweet :) Wednesday is Sushi Taskforce. Thursday is the Seniors happy hour (there was one other girl in my dept. who was promoted this cycle). Friday is a going away happy hour. Saturday is a housewarming party and pub crawl. Sunday....Sunday I think I'm free. For now.
I sent out my bday invite. Debbie Does Birthday. Best name ever. I am going to make a tee shirt that says that in crystal letters. I almost said on the invite that I would sell shirts, but I decided against it. Would you wear a "Debbie Does Birthday" tee? Yeah, I didn't think so.

I am so tired, but I won't be going to bed anytime soon.
Can I tell you how much I LOVE my job? Yeah...It's not that I hate it, but I'm just tired. I realized today that I'm working for the man who works for the man. It doesn't get any better than that, does it? I work for the man who tells the man how to do man-ly things. Yet, I don't get paid a man-ly salary. It's no good. Not at all.
I'm tired of reading, and that's not a good thing to be tired of in my line of work.
Part of me would love to just quit and get a job at *bucks or P0tbelly's or Banana or something. Or organizing. I love to organize. My roommates told me today that I could be the guy on clean sweep, just a girl without an accent. But I could totally do his job. I don't even need to do it on tv. I just love to organize. See, I really am Monica, frizzy hair or not.
What I am not good at is boys. I can't stop wondering if I made a bad move by cutting off our convo Sunday. I don't know if he'll call me back. I honestly don't even remember what he said. How is that? I have the best memory ever, but I can't for the life of me remember what I talk about with boys. Whatever.So one roommate things I should call him Thursday if I haven't heard. I think that would be lame. I don't have plans for Friday yet, but I don't know that I want to call him on Thursday to see what he's doing Friday. And I don't know that I want to set the precedent of me asking. Is that bad? Am I getting ahead of myself? I think I may be. I don't know. Gah! I'm so not good wiht the boys, I tell ya.
I have been on a country kick lately. I go through phases every now and then where I listen to country. It's fun. The cool thing is, whenever I go back, I still recognize at least 50% of the songs they play. It's not like pop music (not poop like I typed first, although that was really funny) where they have new songs every couple of months. On the country stations there are a few new ones here and there, but then they play "all your favorites" too. It's great.
I found the best Web site. It's not really a secret. I mentioned the other day that I loved Garden State. Well, Zach has a blog on the Garden State Web site, and it is hilarious! I died laughing, I tell you. Check it out. You won't be disappointed, I promise.
I really heart Zach Braff. I want to marry him. He is an English nerd like me, with the literary and punctuation references. It's great. Plus he's so funny, and fairly cute. Yeah, I dig him. I wish he lived in D.C.
Ugh, I better get back to work. Blah. No more reading!! I just can't!!

I seriously am in college again. It's nuts. I stay up all the time. Drink all the time. Dance with and kiss random boys. Quite entertaining, but also tiring, because I'm not 20 anymore. Oh well.
Last Friday I met up with people at a bar and ran into another group of friends as well. So I shuttled between the two groups for awhile. The first group left before the second, so I hung out with them. It was my friend JN's work friends. I was talking to his girlfriend, also my friend, and she was like "I have to use the restroom. I can't remember this boy's name, so find out for me." So I scooted on over and said "Hi, I'm Naynay." And we started talking. Shortly thereafter, J and J left. Then the other work people left, so it was just us talking. And talking. And then the lights came on and the bouncer kicked us out. So we were at the door, and he was like "Can I walk you to your car?" I said ok. So we talked more. Then he was like "Well, I'll talk to J so you can join us for blah blah blah party." Then he gave me a hug, and I was very conscientious as to not dodge any kisses. He didn't go in for one though, which I feel was just fine. So we left.
I called J on Sunday and said "You need to tell J to give the boy my number. I dig him." So on Monday the e-mail was sent to him, and on Wednesday he called. Unfortunately, I had work friends over and didn't want to have an in-depth phone convo, so I let my vm get it. Called him the next night on my way to happy hour and got his vm. After hh, I went to my friend JC's house to watch him on tv (he was on a game/reality show). The boy called while I was there, but my phone was on silent across the room, so I didn't find out until about 11:30, and he didn't leave a message. So I called Friday and said "Hey, just calling to see what you're up to this weekend. If you're in town, give me a call." Well, today he called while we were at "Garden State" (which was by far the best movie I've seen in a very long time--I balled for the last 15 minutes!). So we went home and ordered dinner, and while I was on the phone wiht the food place, he called again. So I called him back, and we had a very nice 20 minute convo. Finally!
Now, we talked about a whole bunch of stuff. I found out he has a cat, which does not bode well for allergic me, but I'm getting ahead of myself. He's really nice and cute and tall and from Illinois. He's very...adult though. Like, he owns a townhouse, is fixing up the deck, has a cat....C thinks this is a good sign that he's actually a responsible boy. Who knows. It's just odd to me. People my age here don't do that so much. But oh well. It's not a bad thing. Just odd.
Speaking of odd, I ran into R last night. Well, I knew he'd be out, but still...We invited the three silly boys out, so they met up with us and brought DD, S, and R's new girlfriend (not even the same girlfriend he had the night of our party). I was totally cool. So R and I talked for a few minutes, and he was all "So we never went out to dinner again." I was just dumbfounded! I didn't know what to say. Luckily either a really good song came on or someone pulled me away. I"m not sure which. I was pretty drunk. Anyhoo....I don't know what I would have said "Brainiac, you never called me." or "Well, considering you had a girlfriend, do you think that would have been the best idea?" or maybe "Hi, I don't like you. I never liked you. Get over it." I don't know. It was very odd though.
Then M had to go all dramatic and decide that she couldn't be around the other R anymroe, so even though we invited them out, we had to leave. It's a little irritating, because the boys are lots of fun, even if they are silly in a dumb way. She just needs to get over herself. But that is the case with a lot of things.
I am pooped. I have internet at home now, so I'm hoping to write more. We shall see...

I can't decide which journal to use. I have this one and my dland one. I go through phases where I feel like/have time for writing and where I don't. Right now, I'm more in a place where I want to write. I'm half tempted to start up something new, but I don't know. For now I'll stick with this I suppose.
Yesterday morning the bus dropped me off at the Pentag0n as usual. Unlike usual, the escalator I usually take down to the trains was blocked off and there were two armed guards at the top of it. So I kept walking. Next I walked by the employee entrance, where there were numerous armed guards checking ids, manning the metal detectors, etc. As I walked to the one set of escalators that were actually opened, I noticed more and more guards. I think there must have been 50 or so throughout the area. Generally there is a guard or two around, but it's nothing crazy. Half the time, I don't even think about it as being the Pentag0n, or I'd probably go insane.
It's times like these when I find myself becoming tired of this city. I'm tired of always being on alert, whether it's for terrorists or rapists or crazy people on the train. I'm tired of wearing sensible shoes to work in the event that I have to walk all the way home. I'm tired of wondering if I'll make it home.
It's not only the threats that I'm tired of. I'm tired of the rude people. I'm tired of the bad drivers. I'm tired of the tourists. I'm tired of the expensiveness.
I'm just tired.
I decided yesterday after the Pentag0n scariness that I needed a plan. And I came up with one. I have two more years here. I paid my vehicle registration through July 2006, and my roommates and I potentially have the house for two years. So, during these two years, I am going to take a class or two at GW to bump up my GPA. Then, I am going to take the LSAT and apply for law school in the fall of 2006. At that point, I can go anywhere. I don't have to go to an uber competitive DC law school. I can go back to Chicago or Kansas or wherever else I'm tempted to go (maybe Seattle or Texas...who knows!) Doesn't mean I won't apply to schools in DC, but it just means I don't have to stay here.
I realized that the last two times I made drastic moves, an opportunity was handed to me. I graduated high school and had to go to school somewhere, so why not far away? I was laid off, so why not get a job anywhere I can find it? I don't have that anymore. I don't have a reason to leave. Nothing is pushing me. But I'm getting restless. As I did after four and a half years in Kansas. I'm ready for something new.
I figure, if I get promoted this fall, that will give me almost two years in that position and three with the company, which will look good on my resume (better than just up and leaving now). I work right next to GW, so it isn't like taking classes will be inconvenient. I will have to save up some money for classes, tests, etc. I imagine my parents would help too, but I'm not counting on it.
By December, if not before then, I will have my cc debt paid off, and I'll be ready for the next step. That said, maybe I can take a class this spring. Then one in the summer and even next fall and spring if I'm so inclined. I think between taking classes to show I can study and work harder now than I did in college, to prove that it wasn't for a lack of brains or skill, just a lack of motivation, that I got the grades I did, and my work experience, I should be in pretty good shape for law school. Or maybe just grad school. I don't know. I do know I've wanted to go to law school since I was a little girl though, so that was my first thought.
Of course, plans change, so who knows. But this is making me happy for the moment. Having a plan. I like plans.

I have to say, the last week has been ridiculous.
Let's just go over the oddities that I've experienced, including both large and small...
*This boy E who I'm friends with calls me. The week before, we had talked about going to a party that night, but I'd totally forgotten. He said that was cool because the party was cancelled due to rain. So then he asked what I was doing. Said we may see a movie. Oh, well if it's around 8:30 I'll go, but if it's any later I don't think I will. Ok, well what if it's earlier? Oh, well actually, my parents are here, so I don't think I'm going to do anything afterall.
Weird.
*Took a cab home from the Metr0 yesterday. Got in, directed the cabby where to go. It was $7. Gave him a $20. Oh, do you have anything smaller? I don't have enough change. Huh? No change? Well, I have a 20 or 6 and change. Oh, ok, I'll take the 6 then. I'm sorry, but I'm not giving a cabbie $20 for a $7 cab ride. Be prepared next time.
Weird.
*Went to our favorite bar Friday night. Met these cute boys. Talked to one for about five minutes. Older gentleman standing across the way says to us "So, are you two married?" Boy looks at me, grins, and says "Yeah. We were high school sweethearts" blah blah blah. Had this guy going (or maybe he had us going) for 20 minutes or so. Bar was closing, so I gave boy my number. He called me in the bar so I'd have his. Smiled and said "Do you even know my name to save that as." Gave me this look like oh god, no I don't. I said "It's ok. I had to ask your friend what yours was." We laughed, and I left. He called about 5 minutes after I got home. They were going to come hang out on our porch, but then he called me back and said "My friends don't want to come over." So we talked for a few minutes and his phone cut out. Haven't heard from him since.
Not so weird, but a fun story.
*Took my car to the mechanic (again) Saturday. Different mechanic, recommended by my roomie. Got a call Monday that it was ready. Told them I'd be by Tuesday before 6 to pick it up. Left work early, took the Metr0 and a bus to get there. Shop was closed at 5:45. Saw my car on the street. Checked, and it was unlocked. Searched all over the car and in the mailbox for my key, even though I hadn't paid yet. Nope. Wasn't around. Furious, I locked my car and called my roomies. Both of them were in the city and would take forever to get to me, so I called a cab. Realized my cell phone battery was dying, so I didn't make any more calls. Looked in my wallet and saw $1. Cab finally came and I had her stop at an ATM on the way.
Called the mechanic the next morning to bitch him out. Was told "there's nothing I could do about that." Oh, you can't control how long people stay at your store (they are supposed to be open until 6) and that the cars are kept safely? No, can't control that at all. Finally after going in circles wiht him ("Your clock must be wrong. We were here 'til 6."), he said he'd deliver my car. Asked for my credit card number. I said no way am I giving you that over the phone before I see my car. I'll come in Saturday and pay you. He thought that was ok. Am going to try and talk down the $300-400 bill since it has been a ridiculous hassle. He's lucky I didn't grab my spare keys the first night and take the car away myself.
Crazy and annoying. Not terribly weird.
*Went on a date a couple weeks ago. Had a lot of fun. Subconsiously dodged the kiss. Didn't really see it coming, plus we were standing at the loading dock of my apt. Oops! Didn't seem weird. Talked about a second date after the dodge. Saw him at a group outing that weekend and everything was a-ok. Called him the following week spur of the moment to see if he wanted to hang out. Ok. That was in the afternoon. He called me when he got off work and I was waiting for the bus home. Said I'd be home in maybe 10 minutes. He found out he had to go back to work and couldn't see a movie but did I want to do something else. Ok, why not. What do you want to do? I don't know, are you hungry? Ok. Let's go to the Evening St@r. Do you want to meet there or at my place? You know what, I'm really tired. I think I may just go home afterall. Huh? Ok, whatever. Called me later that night after he got off work for the second time and we had a nice conversation. Saw him the next night randomly at the bar and talked a little. Haven't heard from him since. That was two weeks ago. Called him this past Sunday and left a nice casual message. ("Hey, haven't heard from you in awhile. Just calling to see what you're up to. Give me a call.") Nothing. Oh, but according to his roommate (who is on my roomie's shit list but is talking to her), the two of them and their other roomie are coming to our party. Nice. So you blow me off but then come to my party? WTF?
Weird.
So that's all I can think of at the moment, but it seems like a lot of weird stuff has been going down lately. I just can't remember it all.

I am alive and well. I attempted to update my dland journal, but I got that "servers are busy" message. Many many times in a row, I might add. I was not able to add an entry after reloading. Oh well.
Things are nutty. Work has been crazy but is finally calming down a little bit. I moved over the weekend into a beautiful three-level, 3br, 2.5 ba townhouse with a garage and a backyard just north of 0ld town Alex@ndria. I love it, and I am living with two of my best friends. We are going to have a blast!
I went on a date last night. It was very fun, and I hope to see this boy again. I know he wants to see me again. He's a friend (and housemate) of these guys my roomies introduced me to. We met over Memorial Day, have hung out in groups a few times, and made a bet which resulted in said date. He's 6'3" and very cute. He used to be in the 0ld Gu@rd for the army, which is the branch that does all the ceremonies, etc. Very cool.
Anyhoo...that's my life in a nutshell.
I also wanted to share this list of books with you. I got it from SB who got it from ajax. Can I tell you how much I love books? The first thing I unpacked and organized in my house was my bookshelf. Currently, it's the only thing that is complete.
So, ( Classic Books I've Read )

My life is insane. Absolutely insane. I still have not unpacked from my trip. There have been moments where I could have (like right now), but I just haven't. I don't know why. I hate living in such a mess too, but oh well. Things like e-mail and sleep seem more important than unpacking, cleaning, and doing laundry. I may change my mind when I run out of underwear (which is quickly approaching).
Work has been busy busy. Today was a rare slower day. As in, slow enough for me to actually take a lunch break, reply to e-mails, read a little bit of lj.
Since I got back, my world has been nutty. Every night has been something else--happy hour, softball, dinner, babysitting...
Last weekend was awesome! Thursday was the best happy hour ever. Well, no, not really, but it was good. Although a bit weird.
See, my friends and I had planned a hh, and then our coordinator at work wanted to plan one. I said, if you plan it for Thursday at Buffalo, I'll already be there! So she did. So I had a random gathering of all sorts of friends and coworkers in the same bar. It rocked. My friends who didn't know each other before got along fabulously, and I was easily able to flutter from one group to the next. The last of my friends left around 9:30, and the work crowd started to thin out. There is this boy I work with whom I'll call the dirty old man. He's not old (27 maybe), but he's kind of like a dirty old man. Very flirty, very raunchy and crude in a somewhat subdued way, but harmless. So he was still there with me, and we were both getting rather drunk. We always flirt and joke, but it never means anything because a) I don't want to date someone in my dept., b) he has a girlfriend, and c) I like his girlfriend. So we're at the bar, and he's getting a little flirty. It's starting to get weird, because there's that thing. You know it. When there is some strange feeling going on. Majorly strong chemistry. It was definitely going on. And it was weird because that had never happened before. He started standing and sitting close enough to me so that our arms touched. He stood really close to me facing me. But he didn't kiss me. He kept saying things like "I know girls like you. Your such a temptress." Me. A temptress. Please! I am the furthest thing from that. It was...interesting though. I always thought that if he wasn't dating Lisa, I would totally date him. But I really like Lisa, so I just can't go there. Not now at least. The thing that made the whole night weirder, is that earlier in the evening, this girl I work with who is awesome was talking to me, and she was like, you know, if the dirty old man wasn't dating someone, you two would make a great couple. She is right. Well, maybe. We definitely have complimentary personalities. We get along really well and have the same sense of humor. He's very intriguing to me, because he's the dirty old man, but he's really smart too. His degree from Gtown is in Physics. Just a very strange guy. Our former coworker used to say that he has many layers. Totally true. Anyways, work on Friday was a little odd because part of me wanted to see how far I could push him but the other part of me doesn't want to do anything to interfere with his relationship. I don't know. I haven't talked to him a lot since just because we've both been really busy and he sits on the opposite side of the department. We'll see what happens.
So that was Thursday. I left the bar in time to catch the very last metro train back.
Friday night I went out with the girls. It was awesome! First, M and C cooked dinner. We had yummy salmon and edamame. I love edamame! Then we met our friend K at Uni0n Street. This is the bar I got into a fight, if you remember that. It was ok, but there were lots of old people. We had some drinks and then moved onto the B@you Room. I love this place. It is the best place in all of Alex. Basement bar with business cards up and down the walls. Bon Jovi, Madonna, disco, ACDC playing. Awesome! We totally owned the bar. It was great. We met all sorts of fun boys. Had a blast! We left around 12 or so and hit Bullfeathers, where M and I went on St. Patty's Day. IT's a total meat market, but lots of fun. We met this marine who was fun. We were all dancing to Roses (love that song!!). Then all of a sudden, this chick shows up, barges through the group, grabs the boy's hand, and they left. It was like out of a movie or something. Crazy. So we are not pleased wiht the marine right now. He's a jerk. Oh well.
Saturday, M, C, and I went with our relator to look at places. We loved 1 and didn't really like 2. We got to the good house, and there was a random woman sitting out front in her car. She got out and started walking around the house. Our relator was messing with the key box, and the woman said hi and kept wandering. THen a few seconds later, she was like "Did you know this house is rented? Yeah, Joe rented it to me yesterday." Well, this was news to us because according to the database at 9am (this was about 9:30 or 10 at the latest), it was still available. Our relator was livid, so she called the listing agent. This woman had put in an application but had not been approved yet. We looked and fell in love with it, but our relator suggested waiting to apply so we weren't out $120 (40 each) to apply and find out she in fact got it. There are two places we're going to look at tomorrow. One is right near my old office in a very cool area, so I'm excited. I hope it's a cool place! The other I'm not so hot on the area, but we'll see. That afternoon I had a flag football game and I babysat that night. None too exciting. I'm bummed I missed Allie's pampered chef party. I've never been to one, but I hear there's good food :)
Sunday, M, M, and I went out to wine country. We went to O@sis winery for a tasting. Then we went horseback riding, which was awesome but made my sitting bones sore. After, we hit L1nden and R@ppahannock, which are both nearby. Lots of fun. Of course, the Alias finale was last night too. All I have to say is woah. It started out crazy. It had an interesting ending. I can't believe I have to wait until January to watch it again!
Now for my apartment drama. Not my future apartment, but my current apartment. The movers came Thursday to take my roomie's furniture to Minnesota. She left and stayed with a friend all weekend before flying to Florida for work Sunday. She had arranged for a girl to move in June 5. Well, we found out Friday that the girl bailed because her work start date was moved to July. So my roomie was at square one (I told her it was her responisbility to find someone--I have too much else going on to be bothered wiht finding a roommate. It's for a month; I don't care!). On Sunday, she found a guy who wanted to move in Monday. So I went from having two weeks on my own to having mere hours. It sucked. I got home from work Monday and he was here. He was nice and all. We hung out and talked for a bit. Later that night, he got a call from his friend that a room in his house was available. So the guy asked me if I'd mind if he found someone else to take the room. I was like, whatever. I don't care as long as someone gives me a rent check. Today,I got home from work, and what I thought was his stuff was in the other bedroom. I went and got my haircut and called my dad. While I was on the phone with him, there's a knock at the door. This girl is there and is like "hi, I'm your new roommate!" I was just like huh? I told my dad I had to call him back. So apparently, this guy found someone today to take the room and just left. He didn't call me to tell me or anything, even though he had not one, but two phone numbers for me. Whatever. His check was verified by the bank, so I have rent money. It's just a weird situation. The girl seems nice enough. And it's only for a month. I'll live.
One of my best friends from high school asked his girlfriend to marry him this week. Very exciting. My birthday buddy and I had the exact same reaction "We get to add a date to our flasks!" See, at the previous (and the first) wedding of our group, we bought flasks because it was a dry wedding. We each had our initials and the date of hte wedding engraved on ours. The plan has been to add the date of each wedding. Well, that was in 2000, so now we'll be able to add another date. Five years later. Whoo hoo! We will have to wait a loooooong time for the next one, because the birthday buddy and I are very very far from getting married, and until laws change in Illinois, S won't be getting married anytime soon. IT's alright though. Very exciting. THe wedding is going to be in April in Iowa. I'm very excited.
There you go. In all my drama, there's a happy ending.

So tired.
I just flew back after being home for almost two weeks. It was wonderful.
The only bad part was that we boarded our plane on time but arrived two hours late. That means that yes, we were sitting on the plane on the ground for two hours. Not fun. Apparenlty there was bad weather between the two airports. Ugh.
Home was great. I so don't want to go to work tomorrow. It's going to be nuts, I just know it.
In 12 days, I was in 6 states. I got in Friday morning, and my parents and I went up to Michigan (via Wisconsin) for my brother's graduation. We all had dinner, adn then my brother and I hit a couple bars. Good times. Graduation was Saturday morning. We had lunch/dinner with his friends adn their families.That night I went to the movies wiht my parents. See, when I left DC, it was 80, and when we got to Michigan, it was 50, so I caught a bit of a cold. Bummer. Sunday we drove home.
That week I relaxed. Woke up around 9 and watched a couple hours of Dawsons. Went to lunch with mom. Some days we'd shop or run errands. One day we saw Mean Girls. I highly recommend it.
Wednesday I went to the Cubs game.
Friday I drove out to Iowa to see some friends. We had a blast. I drank more beer in those two days than I have in I don't know how long! We started with happy hour/dinner Friday night. Stayed until 10:30 and then went to this boy's apt nearby. Hung out and drank there for a bit before going back to Gus' (the bar). Closed the bar down and got some food. Good times.
Saturday we went to one of my favorite lunch places and then to a minor league baseball game. Went to a crazy pizza place that looked like it was opened by "the family" in 1967. Crazy. Sat around and drank the rest of the night.
Sunday I drove out to my grandma's in Indiana. Had some dinner. Later, a few of us went to Nellie's. They built a new Nellie's and tore down the old one. The old one was a total hole, but it had character. Thanksgiving weekend there would be a tent and porta potties because everyone goes there then. It's the unofficial FHS reunion spot. The new building is pretty bland. I'm not impressed. There weren't too many people there Sunday though, so maybe it'll be better on a weekend. Who knows.
Yesterday, S called in sick and we played on Michigan Ave. It was great.
All in all, a good trip.
This was lame, but I'm sleepy. I'll do better next time.

I'm on the bandwagon...I will ask everyone questions eventually :)
---
I want everyone who reads this to ask me 3 questions, no more no less. (in my comments)
Ask me anything you want and I will answer.
Then I want you to go to your journal (if you have one), and copy and paste this allowing your friends (including myself) to ask you anything.

I downloaded a client! Do you think I can do this at work? We are not supposed to dl anything...hmmm...This would come in very handy at work. I dig it.
Currently I'm watching Something's Gotta Give. It's cute, but somewhat distrurbing. I personally have no interest in dating a 63 year old, do you? And Jack Nicholson is just gross. Ick! I really should be going to bed. I have enough trouble getting up in the morning as it is. Tomorrow night I'm going to a fun happy hour, so I need to look cute. Which means I need to wake up early enough to do my hair and all that jazz. I have no clue what I'm going to wear though. Hmmm...
Best line ever (or possibly most disturbing): What about birth control? Menopause.
So back to the happy hour. My friend is in junior league, and her friends in the jl set this thing up. It's a six degrees of separation thing. Each one invited six (or more) friends, who invited six friends, and so on and so on. We're supposed to find out how small a town D.C. really is.
Now, I already know it's a small town. Everywhere I go, I run into people who I know, who know people I know, who worked with people I work with, who grew up near me, who went to school near me. It's uncanny! My mom has the same issue. I think it's genetic. Not that it's an issue. It's actually a lot of fun. But for someone who doesn't know many people in D.C., I certainly have a lot in common with a lot of people in this town.
In any event, happy hour should be interesting. Can't wait to see who I run into. Hopefully my friend from high school who I'm run into on the street twice in three years will be there and we can finally exchange contact info. Wish me luck!