Stimulation

Drink Review

2009-04-19T22:31:00.003-04:00

At Smoov Skanks Cocktail Cove, three drinks were sampled.

First, The Georgia Mint Julep! A powerful drink, especially if sipped with no food in the belly!
It combines cognac, peach brandy, mint, sugar, and just the smallest splash of water! Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a tasty treat.

Next, a returning favorite, The Communist. A tasty blend of OJ, gin, cherry heering (a cherry liquor), and lemon juice. Tasting like mild candy, the Communist is a smooth drink.

The final drink of the evening was a Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, a tart! drink designed to take the edge off of any hot day. It features lime juice, falernum (a sweet flavoring), and cointreau.

Quality drinks at Smoov Skanks Cocktail Cove by the mixologist himself! SMOOV!

Flickr fukced

2009-04-19T22:18:00.002-04:00

Due to an inability to remember my original Flickr setup... small things, like the email account that I set it up under, the password, etc I am abandoning my Flickr account.
As far as I know, what is currently up will stay up, but will not be added to.
To see more pix, please go to my .mac account at the following address:
http://gallery.me.com/stacia7#gallery

It's official, we can't communicate anymore

2009-03-16T22:26:00.001-04:00

Unless of course it is via text or facebook.
In which case !POKE!...

Fun for retail

2008-12-29T18:36:00.002-05:00

I love it when people come in and want something VERY specific.

For instance, a woman came in the other day looking for film. The particular film that she wanted came in a pack of five.

I politely asked my buyer if I could break up the five pack for this customer.

He explained that the manufacturer did not make individual packages of this film anymore, and we would be stocking it as a five-pack from here on out.

I explained this to the customer... including the part about how it comes from the manufacturer this way now.

Well, she said, where can I get it the way that I want to buy it?

After offering suggestions of other camera stores, stating that I wasn't really sure WHO would have it as it wasn't made this way anymore, she spun on her heel and chugged out of the store.

While exiting, she exclaimed to another customer coming in the door, " They are NASTY in there!"

This customer asked me what was up. I apologized again to him that we did not have the film in the way that she wanted to purchase it.

He then asked me for a camera we did not sell.

Some days you just can't win.

I think the next time I go into Publix I will ask for one hot dog and one bun to go with it.
Maybe one egg while I am at it.

Christmas sucks this year!

2008-12-23T19:55:00.002-05:00

I work in a retail environment.
Christmastime can be rough, but oddly, it is wonderful to see the holiday spirit growing in people.
Even the most cynical look can sometimes relax into a wonderful smile of excitement.
Not this year.
Price tags are checked as every cent is counted. Very few people feel the need to be "complete" in their package to a loved one. And they aren't happy about it either!
The need for advice is great, the hesitation to buy more prevalent than ever.
The same friends for me won't be around in the same capacity and for some not around at all.
No gifts are in this year, except for a few.
Well, maybe the cats will cough up a few furballs for me!

Evidence

2008-12-23T19:53:00.000-05:00

Evidence that I will be missed if gone.
As my cats nudge my leg to be petted, and meow to be fed.

One of those moments

2008-12-05T23:35:00.003-05:00

It was one of those moments that you did not want to hear.
Therefore, it was one of those moments you pretended you were happy to hear.
I swear I thought that I was over the entire thing, the entire relationship was extremely one-sided anyway. I loved him. He did not love me.
Trust me.
I made him repeat it a few times for my benefit because I am hard-headed like that.
For some reason, I thought that he could not say it.
He swore to me it was only because at the end of the day he was anti-relationship.
He was asexual.
It has been a while.
I have had more men under, and over me.
When I heard this news, I simply smiled and said, "Good for him!"
"I hope that he is happy." "I never wanted him to be alone."
I mean it.
And of course, part of me does not.
The girl part.
Why not me?
In any event it has happened.
Wow. What an interesting night.

Overheard on CNN

2008-10-10T08:36:00.001-04:00

Somebody in congress, obviously a Republican, saying, "Why haven't the Democrats averted this impending disaster? They have been in charge for the last 14 months?"

Well, why didn't the Republicans realize it too if they have been in charge?

Shut up and work it out!

fear

2008-10-09T22:08:00.003-04:00

I finally figured out why my insides are mush, every food disagrees, and headaches have been the theme of the week.
I am afraid.
I am really afraid.
About to apply for grad school, working on a personal statement and a time line to get it all done in.
I have time.
It can be done.
But I am scared shitless.
I talked myself "off the ledge" earlier this evening.
Oddly though, writing about this now, my neck stiffens, my shoulders tighten.

It doesn't help that the economy is in the toilet, and everyone is arguing about what can be done to save it. It's not going to end quickly either.

What have I got to lose? I say in my brain.
A new mantra.

don't go back to bed

2008-10-06T15:57:00.003-04:00

Because you just may have a weird dream about speaking to a sibling that you haven't for at least three years while visiting his church. (where you are highly unlikely to go!)
Upon said visit, promptly, people raid it and hold the members hostage to begin some sort of digging in the vestibule. (and you give them attitude because it's 'your vacation')
Meanwhile the fire department and ambulances arrive to block off the exits and spray everyone with teargas to therefore interrogate and find out who is bad... and who is good.
Then the dream promptly transports me to a show, where a seminar goer hands me a camera worth about $1700 and I promptly put it down and forget where...
I am definitely experiencing some sort of anxiety!

dysfunction

2008-10-06T15:56:00.002-04:00

A good friend recently revealed to me that if you think your family is dysfunctional, then perhaps, you too, own some of that. (according to his wife and his family anyway!)

Politics...

2008-10-06T09:09:00.002-04:00

This morning, at 9AM, my sister called me to inform me that Fox news had an expose on Barack Obama.
Barack Obama it seems, is a terrorist. He has friends that are Pakistani, and his former church leader hates white people. My sister "loves America", "you betcha" and is concerned about my political leanings. (for Obama/Biden ticket)
She was seriously concerned, as if voting for Obama proves that I hate America. McCain=Loving America, Obama=hating America.
She was quite impassioned, with almost religiousity-like conviction.
I thought about it after she hung up, thanking her but reminding her of the reasons I will not be voting for McCain. I do not wish to see this country in Iraq any longer, especially when we will no doubt need troops in other parts of the world soon enough. McCain will stay in the war until it is won, he makes no bones about it.
I actually googled, "obama terrorist october", and came up with this article from Fox's own website:

"This is not a man who sees America as you see America, and as I see America," Palin said. "Our opponent, though, is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect -- imperfect enough that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country. Americans need to know this. ... I think, OK we gotta get the word out. This is in fairness to the electorate we gotta start telling people what the other side represents."

The Times article she mentioned concluded that Obama and Ayers did not appear to be close.

So... they were not close. So, we are just assuming guilt by association? (I tried this on my sister when I was on the phone with her, J., in kindergarten, you were in the same class as a known terrorist... this must mean that you have terrorist ties! This did not work on her...)

While Palin's logic is stunning, really, do you listen to her? I do agree that America is very imperfect right now and needs some work. McCain seems to think (as does Palin) that this country is fine the way that it is. I have had enough of this "Bush" economy and war that McCain will pick up with and continue on... God forbid if he dies! Then Palin??? the next Cheney, will take the reins. And she doesn't have a clue...

The love affair continues, or How I became an Izombie, part two

2008-07-30T21:50:00.002-04:00

After walking out of the store, I was inappropriately prepared for what to do next. I felt as if I had to do something next... but was blank as to ideas.

I called my generous friend from my new iphone, to give him my new number. I had after all, at some point decided to not keep the old one! That surprised him, but he laughed at my excitement over my new toy.

Promptly, I came home to sync it all up... charge it all up and examine all of the new buttons and gadgets on the phone.

Habits are hard to break, and I still found myself grabbing for my old phone. I new how to find people... dial the phone, change the volume, etc.

It took me two days to begin really using it.

Last night I found myself drifting on iTunes looking for ring tones. Agonizing over ring tones. Preparing the perfect snippet of a song to put on my phone.

But, as we know, love is blind and the phone is not perfect.

It requires LOTS of power, and needs to be charged more than any phone that I have had.

However, I've never had Google Maps on any phone that I have had before either...

Apple has turned me into an iZombie, part one

2008-07-29T23:05:00.004-04:00

I recently was given an extremely generous gift card to the Apple Store for my birthday. A good friend knew that I had been drooling over the new iPhone 3G since I had heard that it was being released (conveniently the day BEFORE my birthday).

The day of my birthday came, and I received a birthday card from said friend(s) with a promise inside of a new iPhone 3G. After waiting in line, they were disappointed to discover that the store was out of phones. They even pleaded my case... birthday surprise and all of that, but alas and alack... there were no phones to be had.

After journeying to the store at least twice after, a gift card was finally purchased instead of the actual phone (it was also later discovered that I needed to be present for the activation of the phone).

I waited. I waited some more. I heard horror stories of eternal lines and stores being out of stock. And after four days I decided I would try my luck.

I went to Lenox Mall. As many fellow Atlantan's know, this is THE MALL to go to. And gauging the line outside of the Apple store, many thought it was THE ONLY one to come to. The line was, well, a football field long. And no associates seemed to be anywhere near the line.

I wondered in the store and avoided the line, casually asking the last gentleman in line if he was in the line for the phone (knowing full well that he was!), he responded, "I hope so."

I putted around, played with the demo model of the phone, and sidled up to the counter to confirm the exact amount of my amazing gift card. (I was stalling, as you will see.)

I wandered to the front of the store again. I asked the woman and her children who were now in the front of the line, "How long have you been waiting?"

"Four hours now."

"Hmmm. 'bye!" from me.

Even as I walked out, enthralled by this rock star product, I knew I would be heading up the road to Perimeter Mall. A great mall, but in Atlantan status OTP. *meaning "out of the perimeter", a highly undesirable geographical location when one lives ITP "in the perimeter". This is laughable, when one realizes that this mall is approximately 10 minutes away via a wonderful thoroughfare called affectionately "The 400".

Coming up to the store at this mall, I see that the line is much shorter, and a cheerful Apple representative chatting with the folks in line. Tentatively, I jump in line. Shortly after, I am asked how many phones I want, and if the 16G is ok (in white). ( I really wanted the black 16, but I figure I will put a case on it anyway, so I nod.)

Suddenly, he snaps the line shut behind me. Seeing my surprise, he says, "we will be out of equipment at this point with the numbers that I have."

I muse out loud to him, "I'm not sure how long I will wait. I haven't had lunch. Do you know how long it will take?" He tells me that all the activations have to be done in the store to aid in the process. He doesn't really have an estimate.

Moments later, another gentleman wanders up behind me. He tells me that the "line" guy is checking to see if they have another phone... someone left line! And then, "snap", he is behind me!

Harold has his laptop, so we decide to watch the Barack speech online. We dial it in, but it is hard to hear because of all the back ground noise in the mall, he jumps into the store for a headset. I sit with the laptop speaker (really...), in my ear, held up ala boom box style like in "Say Anything".

It takes him a few minutes to return, and by the time that he plugs his headset in, the speech ends in 3 minutes. We then spend the next 20 minutes looking for the playback, and watching suggested items on Utube.

The mood in the line is festive... until grumpy comes in the back of the line.
He demands (basically refuses to leave) to be admitted to line. Apparently, an associate told him 10 minutes ago that equipment was to be had. He waits, belligerently, and finally is granted access.

After the outburst, grumpy is ignored, and more surfing on the net ensues.
Thirsty, I decide to attempt to leave.
I ask Harold what he would like to drink, and dive downstairs into the food court.
I am really after lunch, so I go to Chic-fi-let and get lunch. I decide to buy him lunch (he's holding my spot after all!)
I go back to line and we munch away happily.

Suddenly, I am the first person in line. Next, I am introduced to "Garrett" who will assist me.
Moments later I walk out of the store with my phone, in a post shopping euphoria.

The Rules

2008-06-09T09:14:00.004-04:00

It is interesting to hear, especially the older and the more single that one becomes, the interesting "rules" that individuals abide by in the dating world. These are the mysterious philosophies that singles seems to abide by, and yes, they seem to become more specific as time goes on.
Ok here we go, dating philosophies and the "rules" that we hear about...
Don't sleep with him/her on the first date! or not until the 7th date! or not until you have been going out for a month!
Do not call her until the day after the date! Two days after the date! Three days after the date!
If a boy/girl asks you out on a Thursday for a Friday or Saturday, tell him/her that you are busy. Never accept a date offered on the same day it would occur.
Offer to split the bill. The man always pays.
Never cancel plans with friends for a guy.
Don't talk to him/her about other girlfriends. Be open and honest about yourself. Never tell them too much, always keep them guessing. Never be too available or too unavailable. Make him leave one or two messages before you call him back.
Dates should be short and sweet and leave him wanting more.
Know who you are looking for.
It will happen when it is supposed to.
Project an image into the universe of what you want to find, it will be like casting a net.
You'll only find someone when you are at peace/happy with yourself.
I can say that these are true for me~
Don't call too much.
Don't buy me a birthday present when we have been out once.
Don't tell me that I am running away and must not be ready to be in a relationship because I do not want to spend any more time with you when we have been together for six hours already.

Shallow truth?

2008-06-08T07:57:00.003-04:00

I was talking to a co-worker yesterday about a customer that had beautiful eyes, but was a bit overweight.
She was ashamed to admit that she would never date anyone that was overweight...
After mentioning to her that she probably felt that way simply because she had lost her own weight recently, she replied, "No, that is what is so fucked up, even then I would NEVER date anyone that was overweight."

Follow up from Sean Costello

2008-06-04T22:17:00.003-04:00

Atlanta's own Creative Loafing did a feature story on blues musician, Sean Costello. I was saddened to read the article, as it revealed no more about his death than previously spoken.
This evening, on a whim, I went back to CL's website and found the following information:

On Tuesday, June 3, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office released its autopsy report on Atlanta bluesman Sean Costello, the subject of this week’s Creative Loafing cover story: Sean Costello, 1979-2008.

Sadly, it was a drug overdose that killed him. The report states that the cause of death was “toxicity of heroin, chlordiazepoxide, ephedrine and amphetamine.”

The report also notes recent cocaine use by Costello. The medical examiner who completed the autopsy, Dr. Geoffrey Smith, says that it is impossible to determine exactly which drug or drug interaction caused Costello’s death, but it was most likely the result of the combination of the drugs in his system.

Chlordiazepoxide, also known as Librium, is a prescription anti-anxiety medication that is often prescribed to patients who are experiencing alcohol withdrawal, and not a typical treatment for just anxiety. Ephedrine and amphetamine, also known as speed, were found in small doses.

The police officer’s notes that were released with the autopsy also indicate that two packs of Parliament cigarettes were discovered in the hotel room where Costello’s body was found. One pack was full. The other contained one cigarette and a crack pipe. The initial police report stated that Costello died a natural death.

In light of the autopsy report, Costello’s former bass player and business partner, Aaron Trubic, underscores the tragedy with his quotes from this week’s cover story:

“… If you’re talking about demons and depression they should be used to catalyze a discussion about how the music business fucks with you on a daily basis and is not conducive to a normal lifestyle, and if you have a chemical disorder it makes it 10 times harder.”

I find news like this disturbing.
It is hard for me to hear because listening to this man play and sing made me happy. So happy that I dragged everyone I knew to listen to him.
It is hard to reconcile that everyone has things that they hide away from the light of day.
It is even harder to know that these things killed this man.

This happens every day, which is why it is imperative to me that work must be done to help individuals with any type of mental disorder.

To the woman in the Black Jeep Cherokee this AM

2008-06-04T08:58:00.002-04:00

Thanks for attempting, in your own way, to PUSH me to work.
I attempted to get out of your way several times, as my rear bumper and your front grill are not one fused unit.
Please buy a plane, or a helicopter, then you will not have to be annoyed by the common folk attempting to get to work.

SATC

2008-06-02T14:28:00.000-04:00

The dream ending... of course!
Need I say more? Please pass another cosmo my way so I can buy into this fairytale...

It's June, and it is 90 degrees.

2008-06-02T14:27:00.001-04:00

Summer has arrived.

Just when you thought it was done! Progress continues!

2008-05-18T13:09:00.003-04:00

Progress

2008-05-05T18:57:00.003-04:00

But before...

Breakfast in bed please!

2008-05-05T18:51:00.002-04:00

Who runs the house?

2008-05-05T18:49:00.002-04:00

I am beginning to think that I am no longer in charge here. Somehow, the animals have gotten the better of me and have even taken control of the remote.

Long Live the King

2008-04-17T21:35:00.002-04:00

It is with sadness that I report that Sean Costello is dead. He was found in a hotel room dead late Tuesday night. The best report of everything is found at:
http://www.accessatlanta.com/music/content/music/stories/2008/04/16/costello_0416.html
I know that friends think that I was obsessive about this young man and his talent. In fact, some of my friends thought that he was trite. However, he brought much joy every time that I saw him play and generally folks that I brought to his performance had not much to complain of!
He was just shy of his 29 birthday. What a sad day for blues it is that he is gone.
Hopefully he will Rest In Peace as it appears that he did not in life.
(Not to be presumptuous on his cause of death... but not the "best" hotel to be caught dead in.)

Forgiveness

2008-04-14T20:47:00.002-04:00

The act of forgiveness is supposed to help us get over divorce, bad breakups, and numerous other transgressions done to us by others.
Curiously, this one simple act is the way to catapult us to getting to the next stage of our lives.
Simple, huh?
Not really.
Forgiving someone is easy, meaning it is another.
For women, this simple act of contrition can be heartfelt one day and not the next. (It really depends on the day of the month.)

I forgive you for breaking my heart and telling me that you do not love me.
Thank you for repeating it back to me when I asked you to.
I had very happy moments with you, and enjoyed our intimacy (and not just the naked kind!). It's hard to not have you in my life any more (especially when I know that you are nearby).

I find that I forgive you, but I cannot always forget you. (Especially when friends speak of you nonchalantly.)

My response to my self is simple: You do not love me, relationships take two people, and even I am not that good to pull that off.

At the end of the week

2008-04-12T09:03:00.002-04:00

I am still not enough in a hurry to get creamed by a Marta bus.

Getting wet doesn't bother me, it is just too dangerous to run in flip flops while it is raining.

Sleeping in when the weather is overcast and wet is a small, wonderful pleasure.

Having a good workout is a good end to the week.

Dealbreaker

2008-04-12T09:01:00.002-04:00

Backing your muscle car into TWO spaces.

Stuff

2008-04-01T18:28:00.001-04:00

Moving.
You never realize how many things that you have accumulated until you move.
And, how much of it do you really need?
I purged before I moved.
I am purging after I moved.
I have quite a collection of stuff.
Remember the comedian XXXXX and his discussion of "stuff".
And how you just keep buying bigger and bigger houses to store all of it?
Now I get it.
I am hoping to have less "stuff" and less to keep track of, to move next time.
I had the pep talk from my friend last night about the "pack rat" scale. Judging from what I had moved to my new apartment, I am still a 7. (And I thought that I had gone to a 5! Silly me!)
But, I am "healed". I now have about 5 boxes to donate, and growing.

Cable guy

2008-04-01T18:26:00.000-04:00

Waiting for the cable guy today, that was supposed to be here yesterday.
Then first thing this am ~ 10:15AM he claimed. Then he called at 11AM saying that he was "hung" up and was on his way. It is now 11:55AM.

Irritating people at the lunch table...

2008-03-26T19:55:00.003-04:00

So today, I went to Publix for lunch. They have good lunches, and considering the traffic that I would have to face driving down Cheshire Bridge Rd... due to "utility construction", it seemed a far better choice.
An fellow employee's husband took it upon himself to wax philosophic about the female race while I was at lunch. It didn't take me long to get offended by his comments. He would look at me specifically and say, "You, insert offending comment here, do this" or "you do that". After a few comments I got offended, after which he backpedaled and said, "Oh, no, I am not talking about YOU, I am talking about ALL women." After which when I attempted to explain that by using the term "you" generally doesn't mean "all women", it generally means the person that you are saying you to. (Little grammar lesson, which didn't really sink in.)
Next I was accused of talking in circles (well aren't you doing the same thing? I asked, no response as he dove into the next topic.)
It was exhausting, and another female employee took over as I attempted to bury my head into a magazine. She had more energy for his unfocused conversations.
His wife came over and defended him later, saying it was an odd conversation topic, but one he was fond of- and she often found him to be correct on many of his views.
Wow!

270 million

2008-02-21T23:50:00.002-05:00

Wow! Think about all of those zeros...
Today at work we all talked about what our numbers were going to be so that we could win the big prize tomorrow night.
Even a customer, who had just recently one a quick pick, was quick to say what the "cash option" would be, and had it figured, within a million or so what you would get after taxes.
Needless to say, it was an interesting reverie as I drove home from work. The drive was a little longer than normal due to all of the rain, so the dreamin' went on for a while, and oh, it was nice. (Also nice to know that my imagination is still just as good as it was when I was young!)
When I discussed it with a friend over dinner, she laughed and said she just had the same conversation with someone else today. Their conclusion was that although money may not bring you happiness, it sure would make living a lot easier... I'll say!
Don't forget to get your ticket, can't win if you don't play!

Walmart or Target?

2008-02-18T20:57:00.002-05:00

Long ago I identified myself as a "Target" girl. I was quickly seduced by their clean bright displays and merchandise with a little more "flair". (And no, not talking about the kind of flair found in "Office Space".)
The seduction began when I moved to Orlando after my first graduation from college, and finally getting my own place. (AKA, not having to live with Mom anymore.)
It's probably the first place I was not PROMPTED to shop at, it wasn't the only choice Orlando had to offer it's inhabitants.
And the shoes!
Tonight I went to WalMart. The only reason that I have had the occasion to shop there in the last few years is because of my nephews. They live on Oahu, and WalMart is about it for them for that kind of store. AND there are "toys" that are unique to them, or at least for me it seemed when an Auntie was sent in search of the latest and greatest collectible for her nephews.
Last Christmas I dove in, fought the crowds, and crowded aisles and melee of merchandise piled in random order throughout the store. I purchased the toys, and of course found DVD's for other gifts. Getting to the register at last (as the place is several football fields of confusion), I made my purchase and drove home. Upon arriving, I discovered that most of the toys needed for the nephews had disappeared, and were not in the bag.
It being Christmas, I fought my way back, as I had procrastinated and time was of the essence. Another line, an explanation, then a gesture for me to go find my items... AGAIN!
This did not increase my love of the store.
Tonight I went back. My nephew would be happiest with a gift card, my sister says.
I tried to combine my shopping by looking at some other items on the list. Passing by the books, I saw the latest Stephen King, Janet Evanovich, and John Grisham novels. Avoiding the grocery store and heading back to the electronic department to look at TV's (who knew that Polaroid made TV's?) I did notice some things for pets. I found bowls for the cats. Then when I paid at the register I noticed sadly on the receipt, that they weren't clearly marked for prices, and I paid more for them.
While I attempt to convince myself that WalMart isn't so bad, even the woman at the cash register didn't smile as she was checking me out.

Sticking it to the apartment man!

2008-01-27T15:14:00.000-05:00

So, as some of my readers know, I have been looking at a new place to live. (Upon threat of rent raise #2 in the amount of $100)
I found a place around the price that they were raising my rent to, but newer, and cooler! (I am excited by the air hockey table!)
Today.... I gave notice. I was pleased to tell them WHY I am moving.

Things I hear in OTHER people's offices

2008-01-22T20:21:00.000-05:00

-A woman talking about grinding her teeth and drooling in her sleep... claimed that she had to change the sheets every few days as she drooled so much! (Her husband says that her teeth grinding reminds him of chalk on a chalkboard!)
-Another woman talking about possible medical procedure where she had to collect her excrement for several days, demanded to know from colleagues.... "could you look at someones shit for a living?"

Snide comments from ex-boyfriends

2008-01-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

So, while out on a call from work today, I ran into an ex-boyfriend from about 6 yrs ago.
He immediately wanted me to see the pix of his latest progeny... a year old boy.
His daughter from a much earlier, previous marriage, also already has a child.
He then turns to me and asks me what I am waiting for.
A guy that wants to be more than a sperm donor, might have been a good reply.
But, of course, all I thought of at the moment was... "well, school's kept me busy", etc.
And then all I could manage to stutter was, "guess I haven't found the right guy yet..."
On some level, my reply wasn't very nice... but neither was the question.

Gotta Love Matthew McConaughey!

2008-01-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

His announcement of his girls pregnancy,""We are stoked and wowed by this miracle of creation and this gift from God, and so excited for the adventure that will come in raising this child, being a mother and a father," he said. McConaughey goes on to say, "Wish us the best, keep us in your prayers, and God bless evolution."

Like totally dude, for sure, pass the bong!

What is up with this?

2008-01-15T19:35:00.001-05:00

Being a single woman myself, I am occasionally ashamed of the tactics that women worldwide employ in order to marry. I have heard of pregnancy scares, creation of illusionary men to make another jealous, or simply that you must "play the game".
On the way home this evening, I listened while a professional matchmaker peddled her latest book on "How to Date Men". Then of course, she rattled off the depressing factoids that every major city has more single women than men, and how competitive things have become. Apparently if you listen to her (of course, I believe a second book was mentioned on "Dating to Marry"), and follow her advice... you will no doubt land a big fish.
I am completely offended when I hear things like this, or turn on the TV to see the latest "Bachelor" episode where woman throw themselves physically, and emotionally into this contest, and subsequently at the shows latest star. (and humiliating themselves along the way, it wouldn't be good ratings without it!)

Listening to this "advice" and seeing TV shows that further objectify women as helpless creatures that become trophies for men to prance around in front of friends and business colleagues is really offensive. Isn't this 2008? I mean, isn't that what woman suffrage was all about, so that we could get further away from these antiquated beliefs?

And even better... now we are turning dating and marriage into a marketing tactic, like we (women) are in fact some sort of commodity?

And what DO men do to improve themselves?
We accept their pot-bellied, balding selves, even as they tell us.... "Honey, I think that you need to lose a few pounds..."

Vets have undiagnosed PTSD, causing violence

2008-01-13T09:46:00.001-05:00

Intriguing article showing another backlash from our "war on terror",
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/us/13vets.html?hp

Weekend at Bernie's lives!

2008-01-12T08:26:00.001-05:00

Here is a gem that I found in the New York Times today:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/nyregion/09dead.html?em&ex=1200286800&en=f3b580d5a24c1a19&ei=5087%0A
Talk about your dumb crooks!

Fun little quiz

2008-01-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

Quiz results:

What is Your World View?

You scored as a Cultural Creative

Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.

Romanticist

81%

Cultural Creative

81%

Materialist

69%

Modernist

56%

Postmodernist

50%

Existentialist

31%

Idealist

31%

Fundamentalist

25%

See how you do!
http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=3305N

Fighting the good fight

2008-01-06T15:31:00.000-05:00

I just got back from lunch with a friend that just returned from a trip overseas. She was quite vibrant for someone who just traveled out of a time zone 10 hours ahead of our own. She also had some great stories about her trip with her family. I hope that she has the opportunity to share them with everyone! They are great stories.
I am fighting the urge to lay down on the couch and lay my feet in the sun. It is almost 70 here today, unbelievably, after being 15 last week.
No, I will finish some of this porch project! Wish me luck!

Listening to

2008-01-04T22:44:00.000-05:00

Obama's speech from last night. You know, despite all of the annoying emails that his campaign sends out to everyone... I like his message.
Call me Pollyanna, but he has me with, "We are not the red states of America, or the blue states of America... we are the UNITED states of America."

DUN!

2007-12-27T21:43:00.000-05:00

That is done for you folks up north. I am finished. A card carrying degree holder you may say. Don't ask me why I always take the hardest path possible, I will figure it out eventually I hope. I did it, I finished my undergrad in Psychology in a little over 3 years, going some part, some full time, while of course working full time.
I finished my thesis. After all of the pain, the uncertainty, I actually got an A. Talk about being way off the mark in your performance analysis.
Can you say "Magna cum laude".
I know you can!

Hmmmm

2007-12-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

Actually catching up on life here in the ATL... Graduation, then Christmas came like a bobsled team on a luge. Little breathing room here in between Christmas and New Years Eve... the holiday to end all holidays (sarcasm!?).
Reading the New York Times book section to see what I have been missing out on, I catch an add for photos of Natalie Portman in the NY magazine. The tag line is "Natalie Portman, smart, beautiful, REAL. Natalie Portman rewrites the rules for Hollywood." I was really excited... this means to me, a natural side of an actress. Instead... we get glammed up, sureal photos of Natalie in designer dresses that you do not even get a sense of really... but judge for yourself...
http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2007/12/02/style/t/index.html?WT.mc_id=TM-D-I-NYT-AD-BIG-TM2-ROS-1207-NA&WT.mc_ev=click&mkt=TM-D-I-NYT-AD-BIG-TM2-ROS-1207-NA#pageName=02portman_img

Academic hazing continues....

2007-10-21T12:11:00.000-04:00

Or, as some like to call it, "thesis".
Sorry for the slow posting... but this is really kicking my ass.
Only 15 pages in so far (just the intro and methods) with a 3 page bibliography. I don't see the end in sight!

Is it my imagination?

2007-10-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

Or is Prez Bush trying to start ANOTHER war? Think he sees more $ in Iran?

Cat vs Vet, vet wins only with sedation

2007-08-06T22:23:00.000-04:00

So riddle me this... how can an 8 pound cat be so bad that the vet doesn't want to touch her to give shots?
I'll tell you... a hissing, spitting, black and white demon cat!
But $70 worth of sedation apparently did the trick.
Can I have some?

TV proves what the world already knows!

2007-08-06T22:07:00.000-04:00

I turned on for the last five minutes of yet another reality show that was based on a man choosing between younger or older woman. Surprisingly, he chose the younger woman.

Take a hint

2007-07-27T19:24:00.000-04:00

No, I will not go away with you for a weekend after we have had one date.
No, I do not think that it was necessary for you to buy me a birthday present after one date.
And when you call me at 6 AM on a Sunday morning and I say, "We are NOT on the same page, DO NOT EVER CALL ME AGAIN, " it really means do not call me, EVER AGAIN.
I am not going to pick up if you do.

Frustration

2007-07-27T19:14:00.000-04:00

Computers are extremely frustrating, even when you know what you are doing. Not everything works the same, even on similar platforms. (Especially Windows!)
I have been going through "growing pains" where nothing has been going correctly on installations lately.
Drivers won't install, internet access goes away, you name it, it happens.
And it has been happening on Friday, of all days. Perhaps I should start taking Fridays off!?!

Taking things personally

2007-07-27T19:07:00.000-04:00

You don't buy me a birthday card or show up on my birthday just to say hello, I will take it personally. You don't show up at a show I asked you to go to because it suddenly doesn't fit into your schedule, I will take it personally. You suddenly forget that we are alternating to buy a shared coffee "supply" at the office, I will take it personally. I drive while you fly somewhere in the passenger seat and barely acknowledge that I am there other than your "driver", I did take it personally.
It's not nice, no matter that you act as if you never remembered, noticed, or cared.
In fact, that makes it worse.

Scares me

2007-07-09T21:20:00.001-04:00

Admittedly, I am not the sveltest person on the planet, but I saw a girl running tonight on Peachtree that could have easily had 20 extra pounds on her frame. Her bones were jutting out everywhere, knee, elbow, shoulder. Even from a distance I could see them, and it was almost nightfall. I wonder how much like bones they look like in daylight?

We are a nation prone to self loathing.
Feel fat? Join a gym. Or better yet, don't eat. Drink coffee, but with no cream because it may have too many calories. Lettuce, iceberg lettuce is perfect. By the time that you eat it, your calories are negative. Don't like your breasts? Augment them. Spots on your face? We have creams, face peals. Don't have time to diet? Get your stomach stapled. Need to feel young again? Buy a sports car, dye your hair. Need a drink? Go to the bar or grocery store. Need a pick me up? Instead of coffee, or latte, find someone with some cocaine or meth. Feel bad about what you just drank or ate or did? Go to the gym. Punish yourself.

We do all of these things so that we can look into the mirror and rationalize that because we are thin, with white teeth, clear skin, dress in this label, wear the right makeup, carry the right purse, have the right haircut, car, home, that we are worthy. Worthy of what?
Do we know what we want or have we just been seduced by sexy advertising?

And now... to top it off, it's been shown that people that are overweight also have overweight friends. (Like it's some sort of contagion.) Does that mean that we should all dump our overweight friends for newer sleeker models? (And unfortunately, if your friends lose weight... aparently that is not contagious.)

Does money buy happiness? If you are thin will you be happy? If your teeth are the perfect shade of white, is it nirvana? What if you dress like a model? Or have tits the size of dolly? What about a schlong as long as a porn stars?

Too much, too quickly

2007-07-01T15:11:00.000-04:00

4 phone calls in a day with no message is excessive after a first date.
2 phone calls in a day to let someone know that you have only been on one date with that you are thinking of them is excessive.
Texting someone back, "What time?" after they have texted you, "Noticed your calls, not feeling well, will call you later" is EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE.
Do not be surprised when this person does not call back and does not want to see you again.

And my first movie will be scored by...

2007-06-30T00:48:00.001-04:00

Zoe Keating. She is an amazing cellist, that accompanies, well, herself.
I heard her tonight at Eyedrum, a local "artist" hangout. She was introduced by the "Ghost Project", who were just a mere prelude to Zoe's genious!
(However, applaud out to the drummer in the Ghost Project, because he was truly having the best time of anyone on the stage, I think his name was Davis something....)
I love my apple computer even more after seeing Zoe, and well, of course, the cello. This is because (as my astute reader pointed out), she used her Mac to record her tracks as she played them, and added them back in later to compliment what she played, as she played. Does that make sense?
Hopefully soon, I will wind down and go to sleep.... work in the am.

Not much to report

2007-06-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

I'm amazed at the news reportage in the Atlanta area.
I actually watched a local news station in the last few days.
One of the stories the first day was how when someone stole a pickup truck conveniently attached to boat even more conveniently with the keys inside it at a gas station, they also got the family pet.
The family was on the news begging for the return of their dog (but they couldn't seem to remember how long they had it), nor are they concerned as much about the truck or the boat.
Tonight, a brief storm caused a few lightning touchdowns that sparked some small fires. No one was hurt.
Oddly, they did not report the shooting that occurred overnight that was just blocks away from me.
Priorities?

Online dating

2007-06-25T19:44:00.000-04:00

I am not sure why, but I am performing this form of torture currently on myself.
I have been in school so long that I no longer seem to meet new people, and by that, I mean new men. (I am working on an undergrad and do not consider 20 year olds to count! Now, I've met one or two hot grad students... but why are they married already?)
Since it took so long to get over the last one, it took me a while to notice... and there was that guy at the G Love concert that initially seemed promising... until he proved that he was a bit flaky.
I have a few friends that insist that in this day and age, that this is the way to go (internet dating), and it was how my best friend met his current boyfriend... although we won't talk about the website that they met on!
I chose "match" and another site called "engage" that another friend turned me onto. The engage site is lesser known and the idea is that friends can help you look for people.
Match is better known, and has a guarantee of six months or your money back... if you follow the rules. (which of course I am!) It's funny though, they get some of your money, and then on their website they advertise to you, a paying member, other ways that you can pay them to improve your "dating" experience. It's all the same web site and people, but it's better because they can match you "chemically" (which isn't really chemical, just a more thorough questionnaire for you to fill out...).
So far, a lot of winking from me, a few emails back and forth and then they (the guy) seems to disappear into some crevasse that formed in the Atlanta area.
The fun part is reading the profiles, "obviously I would like someone stable(Sorry...No more emotionally unstable women for me, I think I have met my quota!)". I personally do not think that most people realize that they are "unstable", so good luck fella! Perhaps he should do some sort of psychological testing? Oddly though, I think that if this dude found a totally smoking hot babe (with big tits in a tight top (sorry to steal that Smoove!)), she could be schizophrenic, as long as he gets to sleep with her. Am I right?
I am definitely more definite in my search though, I know from my last experience what I am NOT looking for at least!
My search has been slower, but I finally meet someone this week... stay tuned.

Taking me back....

2007-06-07T20:54:00.000-04:00

Just Like Heaven

"Show me how you do that trick
The one that makes me scream" she said
"The one that makes me laugh" she said
And threw her arms around my neck
"Show me how you do it
And I promise you I promise that
I'll run away with you
I'll run away with you"

Spinning on that dizzy edge
I kissed her face and kissed her head
And dreamed of all the different ways I had
To make her glow
"Why are you so far away?" she said
"Why won't you ever know that I'm in love with you
That I'm in love with you"

You
Soft and only
You
Lost and lonely
You
Strange as angels
Dancing in the deepest oceans
Twisting in the water
You're just like a dream

Daylight licked me into shape
I must have been asleep for days
And moving lips to breathe her name
I opened up my eyes
And found myself alone alone
Alone above a raging sea
That stole the only girl I loved
And drowned her deep inside of me

You
Soft and only
You
Lost and lonely
You
Just like heaven

Doctors, Geesh!

2007-06-04T21:49:00.000-04:00

Why is that doctors make you be early, and if you are late or cancel you must pay....
However, if they are late... you simply wait. (because now you have to pay ahead of time...)
I saw the doctor today at 5:20PM.
My appointment was 3:40PM.
The last 20 minutes were in paper shorts so the doc could have a better look at my knee.
It was chilly.

It's just time

2007-05-30T21:37:00.000-04:00

for random thoughts...
I'm back! I'm almost back in the time zone literally too.
And my neighbor has a grill on his balcony, making me want to tattle on him. (My apartment smells like lighter fluid, is that a bad sign?)
Atlanta did not smell like it was burning today, but lots of sinuses are still bad.
Do you think Atlanta is coming down with TB? After all, CDC did not tell the guy with the rare form of it that he couldn't ABSOLUTELY travel. And while he was in Italy, scared for his life, he decided to travel no matter what the cost...
Darwin award?
But on which side?

Amazing people

2007-05-02T22:34:00.000-04:00

In our everyday existence.
In my mundane, yet slightly different from the norm, daily job... I most recently met a gentleman, a hero in fact.
He was a hostage way back in '79-80 in the Iranian hostage crisis.
Oddly, I remember this well, even though I was only about 8 years old.
Imagine if you can, being in front of a firing squad?
Imagine, if you can, being tortured for a month solid?
Or how about being in solitary confinement for years?
Or in a cell handcuffed to another human being?
What kind of person would you be?

Oddly, he reminded me that there are people everwhere, everyday doing incredible things that do not get the credit or recognition that they deserve.
What is the difference between courage and stupidity? (he asked)
Nothing. (he answered.)

What do you think of the war?
We shouldn't have gone to begin with. (he answered)

I like that occasionally I pay attention. It's amazing what you see and hear.

Poised

2007-05-02T22:24:00.000-04:00

Like a cat on balcony looking at a bird that is easy prey in the tree next to it... that is where I am.

Sadly, it is all I can confidently and vehemently discuss, which makes me feel trite, braggart, ridiculous. However, I feel that it could be my redemption to an extremely stressful existence which I am weary of.

What could I possibly mean? My VACATION of course! Silly, even as I have all of these ill feelings of discussing it, here I am blogging about it.

I am going on vacation. I cannot relax at the moment, even as I think about it. It is somewhere I have never been, so how can I imagine a realistic moment of relaxation?

Pre-fantasy is generally unsuccessful, so why attempt it? Why not accept the experience as it happens, un-preconceived so to speak. I read, I can "plan" only so far as to know what I would like to happen when I am there... but I'm content to roll with it.

Traffic in Atlanta

2007-04-25T20:21:00.000-04:00

Remember, an hour is not a reasonable amount of time to get ANYWHERE but 1 block away during rush hour in Atlanta!

Joys of being single

2007-04-25T20:16:00.000-04:00

1. No one can tell you how to spend your money.
2. You can season your food how YOU like!
3. Mistakes in the kitchen aren't as crucial, you mixed it, you can eat it, or not!
4. My cats can sleep where they want, when they want, and with me!
5. No fighting over the remote! AND I CAN WATCH 3 DIFFERENT SHOWS, AT THE SAME TIME!
6. No calling if you are going to be late!
7. It's ok to not clean up that project yet, if you aren't done yet!
8. TV in bed, as late as you want.
9. Drinking straight out of the carton/container, etc.
10. Your cats could care less if you are in a bad mood!
PS... Most important, I get to travel without a thought!

Tragedy

2007-04-18T08:18:00.000-04:00

I am very sad by what happened at Virginia Tech. It is a shame that equal time is not given to the many young men and women that have died in our war overseas.

White Bunny in Black Mercedes

2007-04-16T22:07:00.001-04:00

Driving the streets of Atlanta is always interesting and a challenge.
The scenery can be interesting, especially when you are driving down Ponce de Leon, and downtown.
It is always a challenge to avoid the individuals that play "Beat the Car" and dart out in front of traffic, attempting to challenge the green light that says to cars "GO!".
In Buckhead, my civic was almost swallowed in it's entirety by a rather large hole in the street that had been attempted to have been covered up by a metal plate. (But, unsucessfully...) My alignment has to be out now!
In the midst of all the chaos I was pleasantly surprised to look into my rearview tonight to see a rather attractive white bunny with pink ears in a black benz...

Saturday

2007-04-14T08:26:00.000-04:00

While most of you slugs get to go the Dogwood Festival or perhaps even the Thrashers game, I get to go set up for a trade show. Yes, I do know how to live on the edge. (And of course, I do value my employment as well.)
Fortunately for me, it is predicted to rain today. So have fun getting wet! Don't forget your galoshes!

Ikea, YOU do the work, that's why it's cheap!

2007-03-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

I visited my favorite cheap store today, yes, Ikea. I love going simply to buy sheets, guilt free, as they are sooooo cheap.
Tonight I went and got a new shower curtain, yes, a truly exciting item.
And I only managed to buy one item not "on the list".
A $7 wok.
Yeah, $7.
I was reminded at the checkout why the wok was $7, as I had to check myself out, and charge myself .05 for each bag that I used.

Cheating on Motorola

2007-03-26T22:32:00.000-04:00

So, I had more troubles with my phone. Instead of rolling over and having them "flash" the software, I went straight to the manager of the store... well, after a 20-30 minute wait anyway. After telling him my exhausting story, he said, "Well I hear that you are frustrated."
DAMN STRAIGHT.
He offered me a different phone, an LG. It's not an exciting looking phone, like a RAZR, KRAZR, Blackberry, Crackberry... but it looked very functional.
Of course, I made him tell me why it was a better phone than the one that I had.
I was very difficult to convince. (Not really!)
After roughly an hour and a bit, I was off with my new LG, leaving my Motorola in the dust.
I was assured by Mr. Manager, that he, "was confident that I would have a positive experience with it." I took this to mean, that Motorola that you bought is a piece, and I can give you a functional piece of machinery to carry you through to the end of your contract.
Time will tell...
As long as I don't have to spend every Sunday in the Verizon store, I know that I will be a happy camper.

Starbucks and the almighty dollar

2007-03-23T19:46:00.000-04:00

Starbucks would probably be perfect if they served anything alcoholic (wine or beer), to bring you down from the caffeinne buzz... and did not charge for the internet.
I do know a wonderful Atlanta creation called "Octane", and it's perfect for just this reason!

verizon un-customer service

2007-03-18T23:44:00.000-04:00

After having problems with my phone (after paying for a replacement this time!), I have been back for "flashes" to the software twice. I also have had two separate phone calls to customer service to troubleshoot this same problem.
Sadly, I am stuck in a contract with them until November!

Apple "Photo Booth"

2007-03-12T15:49:00.000-04:00

I have an apple laptop that I use through work. I recently took it to Ohio with me to visit relatives.
Little did I know, that my nephews would have a blast with the "Photo Booth" application. And little did I know how many pix that they took until just now.
I want to show you some of the images that they left behind!

Atlanta traffic transgressions

2007-03-12T15:29:00.000-04:00

When I decided to skip out of school today, so as to not be sitting in a room with no windows, on the seventh floor of an unnamed school building, the last thing that I expected to do was to sit in traffic.
I decided that my throat was scratchy, perhaps I was coming down with something fatal, or minimally, uncomfortable, so I left.
I drove through downtown Atlanta, which is perilous itself, as drivers will randomly turn with no signal, or dive into your lane unannounced, and of course the pedestrians that taunt the drivers block after block. I assumed that I was homefree on the highway.
Of course, you know that it did not happen this way. I had decided to go to Buford Highway, famous for it's oriental restaurants, to get pho. I decided a dose of oriental "chicken noodle soup" would be just the thing to make me feel better. (and if not... the coffee would certainly make me wake up!) However, I went up 85 north to get there.
It took less than two miles when I noticed up ahead that not only was 85 south closed, but so was the left side of 85 north. Getting closer, I noticed a truck that had apparently landed on another truck on 85 north. Drivers no where in sight, and may not have been present... I think that the trucks came from the other side of the road... from a truck towing cars (which is why 85 south apparently was closed).
I did finally have lunch, it just took an extra 20 minutes to get there, and of course, about 30 minutes to get back on Buford Highway.
*Happily, lunch and coffee did not disappoint. However, the second cup of coffee probably did not help for positive, patient attitude in traffic.

The American public screams, "Someone, please wipe my ass!"

2007-02-07T21:01:00.000-05:00

It's obvioulsy been a long hard day at the salt mine for me to write the title to this blog.
It's just been two days of people looking at me with really, stupid looks. The look that says that the light is on but there is no one home.
If you have a computer, why would you not know how to install software on it?
And how is it my responsibility? (Except giving me that OH! Please! You gotta help1)
Guess what?
NO!!
I don't have to.
And you can't make me.
NA! NA!

Pizza Hut's not so customer friendly service Super Bowl Sunday

2007-02-05T15:37:00.000-05:00

I had guests over for Super Bowl. I also saved coupons from the paper thinking that Super Bowl Sunday would be an excellent time to use them.
We settled on Pizza Hut for sustenance, wanting to get both wings and pizza at the same time.
I find on the web, phone numbers for nearby locations, noted on the site to be delivery locations! Wow, amazing how easy this is!!!
Next I call a number paired with a location said to be 2 miles from my house. YIPPEE!
So easy!!!
I wait, as it is Super Bowl Sunday, on hold for 5 minutes. The operator gets all of my information to tell me that she cannot deliver to me. I am given an 800 number to call for this information.
I call the 800 number and retrieve two phone #s said to deliver to me.
One of the numbers is from the same location I had tried before... but a different number.
I try that first, as mentioned before, they are supposed to be 2 miles from my apartment.
I am on hold again for a while. Once again, I give the operator my information, and once again, I am told that this location cannot deliver.
I am diligent in my Pizza Hut coupon use and try the number that this operator gives me.
For the third time I wait to give my information to someone, she eventually gets on the line, gets it, and tells me, well you may have guessed.
She offered to give me an 800 number to find out who delivers to me. I told her thank you no... already called it and they gave me her #... and then I called Giorgio's. (For the record, I generally go to Giorgio's, but I thought I would actually try to save a buck. It just wasted a half hour of my time instead!)

Not very patient with caffeine...

2007-02-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

No big surprise, I overcaffeinated myself this morning and found it to be horrendous to wait an extra ten minutes to meet with the honors advisor. What was worse was watching for 15 minutes with nothing to read, examine, listen to, etc, the woman who would interview me walk from one office to another and have multiple conversations with other people (just not me!).
Result me + caffeine = extremely impatient

A pack of crazed Shih Tzu's?

2007-01-22T11:52:00.000-05:00

I did not believe the headline myself...
see for yourself!
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2007/01/18/0119metstraydogs.html

College and bureaucracy

2007-01-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

I found myself with plenty of spare time today when a two hour lab was 1/2 hour long. I decided to put this time to good use, and get some "paperwork" done!
First, I needed to apply, and of course PAY for graduation. (Which is amazing in itself... shouldn't this be part of my tuition?)
I went to the "One Stop Shop", which by it's very name, would imply that I could do this here. However, I was informed that they could not.
While at this same location, I also asked if I could put money on my "Panther card", to which I also received a negative.
I am still not sure what they CAN do at the "One Stop Shop".
After this, I stopped by Auxiliary services to get money on my "Panther card", and stopped next door to pay for more parking. (Yes, my tuition pays a $25 fee for semester for the privilege of getting a discount at any lot around campus... which still has to be paid for each and every time that you park!)
Then... I had to wait an hour for the cashiers office to open so that I could pay them for graduation. Unfortunately, they were unable to tell me how many tickets that I would get for family! (Do you see a pattern here?)
Next, I had to find the Honors office to apply. I had the opportunity to see Smoove's favorite location of the GSU campus, sorority offices. Oddly, on the other side were rooms that I can only classify as Frat hang out rooms. I swear someone was watching porn! (Or at least the moaning sounded like it!)
After the walk through that hallway I did finally find the Honors office. Surprisingly, I have to interview for it. (Not terribly worried, every interview I have had to date at GSU has been approximately five minutes of this is how to register, these are the signatures that you have to collect etc...)
Ah! Wonder what else I can get into, after all, it's still only 11:30AM!

While in Buckhead

2007-01-15T00:15:00.000-05:00

I spotted an older woman, say fifty-something, with black leather pants and a ying/yang symboled belt... go momma go!
Also spied a poor pup stuffed in a too small over the shoulder bag, momma says, "He just loves going out with me, rather than being at home!"

The dame looks for a new companion

2007-01-15T00:13:00.000-05:00

"Notes on a scandal" definitely recommended! Judi looks for a new "friendship" with Ms. Blanchett, and a scandal definitely ensues!
Kudos to my fellow movie-goer with a stomach of steel--the favored snack is popcorn with jalepeno peppers on the side, a spot of Hi-C Cherry drink to wash it all down. (and perhaps a touch of chocolate for dessert!)

Where service sucks, and the worst restaurant ever

2006-12-28T21:53:00.000-05:00

I am in Bluffton, SC, which is right outside the more popular spot of Hilton Head. I think that my dad brought me here when I was young, to frolic the beach and ride rides. I am here now for a customer.
After my day, a cold threatening my hearing, breathing and thinking capability, I attempted to look on the internet for a good restaurant.
After checking out a slew of reviews, I jump in the rental and head towards Hilton Head to see how far I can get before I feel, well, worse than I was when I left.
I get to destination A, a restaurant that claimed wonderful views and great fare. I did see water, and sail boats. Unfortunately, the restaurant was the size of my hotel room, above a marina, filled with people twice my age. I left.
The next choice, as it was 500 yards down the main road, was the Crazy Crab. This was recommended to me twice, by two different people that were not even together. (I think that the owner must give some sort of referral fee!)
I like crab legs, therefore they were eaten. However, they were overcooked. As was the lobster hunk, shrimp, potato, and half ear of corn that I received. They tasted as though they had been in a pot of water for the better half of the day, as if the chef were trying to return them to their original life. The hushpuppies were overdone.
The wait staff, non-existent for the first half of my meal. I do not recommend the Crazy Crab in Hilton Head.
To save this entire experience, I did attempt to go to another restuarant for dessert, hopefully something edible. Two of the wait staff walked directly past me, not acknowledging my presence. After waiting at the bar for 5 mins to get a take out order from the bartended who walked away from the bar when I entered... I went to Kroger. After picking up a bar of chocolate, the first line that I went to, I was told that they could not help me, as TWO cashiers were waiting for someone to return to the line. Next I went to the self help line. When my money would not feed, I attempted to use my ATM card... which made the machine say "wait for cashier". When none appeared, I again pulled out money and tried that again. That finally worked... and I was able to finally eat my Hersheys chocolate!
(*the things that women do for chocolate!)

Hurry up and wait

2006-12-28T19:02:00.000-05:00

If flying is so much faster, why all the lines in the airport?

Outfits

2006-12-28T19:01:00.000-05:00

High heeled black boots with a velour black workout outfit?
What say you?

All the worrying for naught

2006-12-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately my father WAS RIGHT, he said that 90% of the things that we worry about never happen...
And they don't!

Driving 40 miles to save $10 bucks...

2006-12-27T20:04:00.000-05:00

Is it really that worth it? Isn't your time worth $10 bucks?
I mean REALLY!!!!!!!!!!

Karma for Smartass

2006-12-27T19:57:00.000-05:00

I love being behind the counter sometimes because occasionally, you meet some really cool peeople, and then sometimes you don't.
A man came in today and was looking at some camera equipment.
While he was talking with me, the following transpired on his cell phone.
First
Ring, answer, pause, No, you need to dial 770, not 404. Click.
Ring, answer, "Thanks for calling AMC at Stonecrest" (from the customer in front of me)
Pause. "No, that's sold out." Pause. "No, that is also sold out." Pause "No, that is sold out all week, especially if you keep calling my number, DIAL 7-7-0!" Click.
Ring. Customer disconnects phone.
Wow! Oddly, while he talked to them his voice raised constantly. While he spoke with me, it was the same even tone.... he was trying to get me to match a price on a camera with another companies... who did not have it in stock.... although neither did we!
Karma?
Probably...

Don't want to be the yenta

2006-12-27T19:54:00.000-05:00

If a friend likes another friend through a middle friend, should the middle friend get involved?
I chose not to this time. I am sure that the one friend may be upset... but I don't think that I should get involved.
What are the thoughts of the internet universe?

The Loud's have moved out!

2006-12-26T18:21:00.000-05:00

My neighbors have moved! I affectionately call them the Loud's because when they walk from the parking lot to their apartment, you can hear their conversation (in Indian).
I tried to say some parting words to the husband that fell on an awkward silence from him. (Fortunately, I was walking...)
I will miss the delicious smells that came from their apartment every Sunday!:)

Bad dreams

2006-12-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

Last night I dreamt that I was going to rob a bank with a group of people. I knew that it was something that I did not want to do, plus I was supposed to carry a very large gun... with the intent of killing or stopping whatever got in the way.
In the crazy way that dreams go, aliens attacked, and the bank robbery was well, put on hold.

The end of the nightmare!

2006-12-24T10:51:00.000-05:00

Car buying over, I held my breath and signed the papers for a new civic lx coupe! With manual transmission... It's a blast to drive! Plus great gas mileage. I never thought that I would get to the point in my life that a civic would be exciting!

Buying a car sux!

2006-12-11T20:50:00.000-05:00

The great white whale is gone, long live Moby Dick.
However, there are benefits to having a car... even the whale.
Buying a car is hell... a battlefield filled with mines, everyone trying to get as much money as possible... and pay as little as possible.
Buy used, people whisper in my ear...
You'll save so much money...
However, what about the fact that it has so many miles already on it... wasn't that what happened with the last one?
I fixed it ad infinitum.
Eeeekkkkkkkk
What's a girl to do?

Cat in my final!

2006-12-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

So while I took my drugs and behavior final today, I heard the tinkling of a bell. It was like someone had brought their cat in to help them out... perhaps the bell had meanings... 1 tinkle for "A", 2 for "B" and so on!???
Maybe I should have listened harder!

Chrysler, the devil!

2006-11-27T23:23:00.000-05:00

My car did it again, it refused to start and had to be towed. This time however, I was not in the comfort of my home... but in the parking deck of school.
It really is interesting, to get towed, that is.
First, I have roadside assistance on my car... did I remember the code for it? NO! A phone call to Verizon ensued with no less than a 20 plus minute wait time for that number. (By the was it is #ROAD!) The first part, admittedly... my error. However, it took Verizon's roadside assistance 28 minutes to get my information (and yes, believe it or not, parking lots do NOT have addresses that even the parking lot attendant knows!!!!).
Conveniently after being on the phone for over an hour straight (hanging up and attempting to "sneak" in another way into the Verizon helpline), my battery began to die. I have a car charger, but power in the car being the main issue, that was not going to happen.
The tow truck driver and I are now on a first name basis... he is J, and J likes his cell phone. After J's third phone call, again explaining to him that my cell phone battery was dying, he finally arrived.
The car goes up, he navigates very well out of the garage, and then he needs the address of the garage. (I gave the address/name to the first gentleman that I spoke to on the phone... not having the exact address, I was delighted that Verizon's customer service would be providing that to the driver!)
The driver called me not only once to thank me for my patience after he left, but he also called because he could not find the garage!

Finally! Someone proved it, as we always knew!

2006-11-21T07:05:00.000-05:00

Follow this link to see the proven formula in beer goggling:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41057000/jpg/_41057834_equation203.jpg
Equation breakdown:

An = number of units of alcohol consumed
S = smokiness of the room (graded from 0-10, where 0 clear air; 10 extremely smoky)
L = luminance of 'person of interest' (candelas per square metre; typically 1 pitch black; 150 as seen in normal room lighting)
Vo = Snellen visual acuity (6/6 normal; 6/12 just meets driving standard)
d = distance from 'person of interest' (metres; 0.5 to 3 metres)

First ice!

2006-11-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

Monday was the first official day of my winter, as ice had to be scraped off of the windshield on the way to work this morning!
Of course, it's Tuesday now and only 50 degrees. I do love living in the South!

Things that I have seen on the sidewalk at Georgia State

2006-11-12T11:23:00.000-05:00

Chicken bones are very popular.
Mashed broccoli.
White yarn draped down Courtland.

I can't write

2006-11-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

My teacher told me so. Well, he really just told the entire class to "tighten up their prose". That's why no blogs... writer's block.
I seem to have overcome that after the fourth re-write of a paper that my instructor actually liked.

Unexpected random acts of kindness!

2006-10-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

I was driving home through midtown Atlanta last night. As I drove down Piedmont, an unexpected taxi (VAN taxi!) did not slow down at his stop sign on 13th street and it seemed obvious that he was coming into my lane. I am not by nature a horn-blower, but have learned certain skills from our friend over at Propeller Skies. Subsequently, I blew my horn rapidly, quickly, and several times. The van stopped, I continued, no harm no foul! etc etc etc
However, the taxi driver stopped next to me at the next light and asked me to roll down my window. I rolled my window down, (seeing no obvious signs of a gun), and he apologized.
Wow!
People can still surprise you, can't they?

Insanity: doing something over and over again and expecting different results!

2006-10-01T12:08:00.000-04:00

How come when things are over, all you can remember is the good things?
Is that why we return to old lovers? stay in jobs that we complain about? re-live the glory days of our high school years?
In thinking of a former relationship, and wondering how he is doing, why am I not able to think of the end? It was final, infinitely final. What he said to me would not encourage/entice any "ex" to ever call him again. He made that very simple. So, why do I still miss him?
It has been easy not to call. I remember the words, I replay them in my head. Generally this is enough to discourage me even before I go to the phone. However, I made it to looking up his phone number the other day.
Oddly, what stopped me then was I realized that I still had no real reason to call.
And he hasn't.
So, that is the answer.

Hoping for a Hollywood ending...

2006-10-01T12:06:00.000-04:00

Which I know undoubtedly will not come. Lately it seems like anything that can go wrong will...
And secretly wishing the impossible would happen suddenly does not seem so farfetched.