When MY guy meets THE guys

So the weather was crappy and we didn't grill out and Troy's sister had some other things to attend to, so I haven't met her yet!!! She is supposed to be going to California on Friday for an indefinite amount of time. I really hope that I can meet her before she leaves. Troy is very close to her. Anyway, we ended up spending the evening at my place with some beers with Troy's friend Cherry. Kind of an odd name but Cherry's a pretty cool guy. We watched some Hockey and had some laughs. Pretty fun stuff. Although I think I had one too many beer because I woke up in the middle of the night with cotton mouth. I had to get up and get some water it was so bad. Then it was like I couldn't drink enough water. The sweet, sweet cold running down my throat and washing the cotton from my mouth. I had to get 2 refills. I didn't think water could taste so good.
Oh, I almost forgot. Gas is 7 cents cheaper at the gas stations than on Monday. I knew it. It's not 20 cents, but still it's enough. Damn gas, with all of its fluxuation. It kills me to pay $1.45 for gas, when 2 years ago I paid about a dollar a gallon. Bastards. Miss Susan thinks I am crazy because I am so worried about gas prices all of the time. She doesn't even pay attention. Patty Pumpkin Pants and I would bitch about it all the time. I don't know how you can drive down the street and not realize how much you paid for the tank of gas in your car and what the current price of gas is. Sometimes I get so happy when I fill up right before gas skyrockets. I guess it's just one of life's little pleasures.
Tonight I am having dinner with Jim. We are going to Chipotle. Yeah!! I talked to him on Monday night and he was telling me how he was getting a craving. He knows how much I love the place and of course wants to go with me. I just hope my tummy can handle it with all that beer I drank last night. I tried Premium for the first time in awhile. Maybe I should work more on the moderation thing, but I swear that Leinie's and Newcastle never make me feel like this. Oh, yeah, anyway, Jim hasn't met Troy yet, actually none of my friends have met Troy yet. It's not that I don't want them to, but we've only known each other for a week and my friends are busy people. Anyway, so Jim's going to grill me about Troy, then he wants us all to go out for drinks to grill Troy. Jim thinks it's better if he has a couple of cocktails in him first so that it's easier for him to ask the hard questions like, "Are you sure you're not gay?". I went out a couple of dates with this one guy a couple of years ago. One of my pre-requisites is that any guy that I am with has to be OK with my gay urban family, so I take the guy to a gay bar to test the waters. One of my ex's Matt, actually did a great job, not too nervous, but OK with the whole thing. This other guy, let's call him, Lying Bastard (LB), was a little to comfortable. He walked in and I think he actually enjoyed that half of the guy's were watching he strutted around. He even sang Karoke that night. I had my doubts by then. Although he never told me he was gay, he was still a LB, because he had a girlfriend. I wouldn't be surprised if he leaves her for one of the guy's he ended up talking to that night we went to the Saloon. So anyway, which is why my gay friends need to give me a final opinion on Troy's sexuality. I'm pretty sure he's not gay, I've come a long way since LB.
After I have dinner with Jim, I am taking some laundry over to Troy's. He has a free washer and dryer and I want to take full advantage of it. Ok all, only 35 more minutes until I can leave. I hope your day is grrrreat!

Seems a bit Seussy!

Things are a bit more normal today, still busy, but not like yesterday. There are just some things I hate doing at work, so I have been trying to do those first to get it over with, now I am in a lull and I don't feel like going back to it, but I have to. Last evening, Miss Susan and I went and ran some errands. She has a member ship to Costco, like Sam's Club, but it seems better. They sell "discounted" gas too, so I filled up at 5 cents cheaper than any of the other stations in town. With my luck gas will probably drop 20 cents today. Isn't that how it always is?
---Miss Susan stocked up on beer and wine and then we walked through the place in somewhat of a daze, the place was one big giant maze. There were tons of movies, and clothes, whosits and whatsits galore, we saw yard roosters and gazing balls, wouldn't pay that for an umbrella for sure, car stuff, yard stuff, house stuff and more. We bought bagels and rawhides (for the dogs of course). Doritos for those nights we can grill out and waited in line for damn near 20 minutes or more. It was 9 o'clock before we were aware, and our tummies were grumbling like a mad, mad bear. So we stopped on by the local DQ and got chili cheese dogs and a diet coke, too. I bet that is why my tummy is ticked, it's been rumbling for hours, why in the hell do you eat that shit!---
Feeling just a bit Suessy today I guess. Maybe that chili cheese dog inspired me....? Doubt it. It was close to 10 by the time we finished unloading all of her stuff from my car. I didn't realize time had flown by so fast. Yikes. Time to head home. I finally got Patty Pumpkin Pants on the phone. We caught up, I think we talked for 30 minutes, maybe less. I think we're good for a couple of days now.
So tonight I meet Troy's sister. Hopefully the weather will clear up because we are supposed to BBQ. It's a lot overcast and that just doesn't make for enjoyable grilling. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Have a great day!!!

Give Hugs

What a crazy day. I've been so busy. Well, I had a wonderful weekend. Troy and I hung out for a bit on Saturday, watched some TV. Then on Sunday we went and had lunch at Matt's. It's this great place that serves a burger called the Juicy Lucy. It's got cheese cooked between two patties of hamburger. Absolutely. no. calories. It's hard for me to lie sometimes. We took those over to Powderhorn Park and while we were eating we got to watch people get ready for the May Day celebration that is held there. It was great. Afterward we went to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and saw this. It was pretty cool. They have little postcards that you can fill out after you have been inspired. One 5 year old wrote that they were inspired to, "Give Hugs". Which I swear is the cutest thing ever..... After that we went to Lake Harriet and read the paper. What a wonderful day. Plus that night I got to watch a new episode of Alias, which is only one of the best shows on TV, EVER.
Today on the other hand is a totally different story. I can't type much longer because it's 3:30 and I am soooooo behind. I haven't even taken a lunch break and I'm behind. So, here's to a better Tuesday. Cheers All.

Chicago-Lake ATM

O-Cripes, what a day I've had. But, first let me tell about a little incident I like to call, Not Going To Chicago-Lake ATM Anymore, or NGTCLATMA for short. So I was sitting at the ATM (TYME Machine for all you Wisconsin folks) and like usual the person ahead of me is taking more than their fair share of time. I don't actually see them using the ATM, but the car is in park and it hasn't moved in over 5 minutes, but I am sure the financial business of the rusty dodge daytona's driver ahead of me is such that most transactions take about 20 minutes. So I patiently wait, the weather's nice my windows are all down the sun roof is open and I am feeling pretty cool. I'm singing along to the radio when all of a sudden this crusty looking old man comes up to my car. I'm close to freaking out. He is obviously drunk, or had lost his tongue, because he talked like the old lady in Throw Mamma From the Train. I couldn't understand a word he said, but I am assuming he wanted money. I say sorry, then I wonder why the hell I am apologizing. I'm sorry, I can't give you any money. You obviously don't have a job and haven't showered in quite a few days. I'm afraid that any money I give you will go to your next drink or to the drug dealer standing on the corner over there. I bet you're one of his regulars. I'm sorry, but I have my own financial woes and cannot afford to extend a helping hand, maybe next time, or not. I don't know if I am targeted because I look so nice, but I get asked for money all the time. I went to the gas station and I was pumping gas and some dude asked me for 2 bucks so he could put gas in his tank. What a small amount, but I'm not taking any chances. The next thing you know he's got a knife to your neck and your gagged and blindfolded in the back of some vehicle. I'm just not taking any chances. And I hate to think that some thinks I am an Uber-Bitch for not giving them money, but screw them, I work just like everyone else. Ok, I'm done, sorry to go on for so long. Ok so this crusty guy walks away and I quickly roll up my windows, because I obviously didn't want to do it while he was standing right there begging, how rude of me. He tries to talk to rusty daytona lady but she's not hearin' it. He walks back towards me and I think he is going to ignore me like I am ignoring him. He doesn't. That ASS! So, he's knocking on my window and I keep on pretending not to notice him. Finally I look over, because it's obvious he's not going away. He blows me a little kiss and walks away. My skin crawled. I was super grossed out, and felt like I needed a shower. Bleeeech!
So I deposited my check and was on my merry way after about 10 minutes. There were cars behind me and I bet they were damn impressed with the speed at which I made my deposit and withdrawal, in under 3 minutes. Now, I think that if you go to a drive up ATM and there is only one of them DO NOT GET IN LINE UNTIL YOU ARE PREPARED! If you have ever done this I forgive you if you never NEVER do it again. Ok, Now, I am really done.
So, I grilled out with Susan and Cheryl last night. Patty Pumpkin Pants never called. I think he is still pissed about the other night. I am feeling kinda bad right now about it, but I bet we'll forget all about it in a couple of days. Date #2 last night was short lived. Troy double booked himself so I swung by his place for a New York Minute and we made plans for Sunday. I think we are going to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. It's free, so it works for both of our budgets.
Today has been somewhat hellish. I'll survive, but I am again sleepy. I can't wait to go to bed tonight. No late night breakfasts, no bars, just sleep.
Ok, talk to you on Monday.....

First Date with Troy

Just sitting here today thinking what a great day to be alive. I got off the bus this morning only to see that the Thursday Nicollet Mall Farmers Market has restarted. I bought a bunch of bananas for a buck on my way to work and have scarfed down 3 so far. There are 3 more lonely looking bananas just waiting for me to eat them. They'll have to wait until tomorrow though, Miss Susan and I are going to buy fruit from the vendors for lunch. I think we may also sneak in a Vienna Hot Dog from the vendor on the street corner. I love Minneapolis.
Yesterday afternoon after I posted I encountered a classic case of NSOH. For those of you who didn't grow up in my family you may not know what that is. It stand for No Sense Of Humor. It's a disease that has afflicted many. Namely everyone who doesn't laugh at my jokes. Anyway, I had a customer, we'll call him Never Smiles (NS), that needed some lamination done. He is showing me his sample and he says about a half dozen times that he wants it exactly like the sample. So once he is finished explaining to me how to do my job I thought I would lighten things up by saying, "So you want it to look exactly like this", with a hint of sarcasm. He didn't get it. I thought maybe NS would crack a smile, but there was nothing except new dialogue about what we already had covered. Apparently he doesn't appreciate sarcasm very much.
Patty Pumpkin Pants and I never ended up going to the function with the free cocktails. Something happened at the last minute and we had to adjust our plans. So we were going to meet after he got off work, but we didn't do that either. It's all my fault of course. I was on a date, yes, you heard that right a date, and didn't want to leave. So I think he's (Patty) pissy with me, but he'll get over it. I told him we'd get together tonight, but I have date 2 tonight. So hopefully Patty doesn't mind a tag along. I felt so popular last night because my friend Dennis called too and wanted me to go out for cocktails, but not the free kind so I ended up passing. It was like the nice weather reminded people how to dial my number. Whoo Hoo.
Yah, so the date. His name is Troy, he's 30. Single, no kiddies, red head, nice guy. I didn't think they made them that nice anymore. Anyway we went to Minnehaha Falls and walked around and talked it was nice. But enough about that. I don't want things to go sour and have to complain about it so I'll just leave it at that.
Well, have a great day and maybe I'll talk to you again this afternoon if things are going to be boring..

Peeing when you get home

Well, I hate that the computer people have now prevented me from checking my hotmail account at work. Apparently they don't care that I have a lot of free time and it's the only thing that makes my day go faster. So, now I have to pop over to Kinko's everyday at lunch or before work to check out my email. It's just so inconvenient for me. Damn that Wells Fargo and their firewalls.
So, my drive back to the big city was fine. I was able to time it a manner that got me stuck in the middle of rush hour traffic. I just love rush hour, especially when I just want to get home and I have to pee. It makes it so much easier to deal with the fact that there are 1000 idiots on the road and they are all ahead of you. I decided to take a "shortcut" off of 94 and I ended up in Dinkytown which, believe me, is not the place you want to get lost in. They have dead end streets and crappy light signals that are never quite long enough to allow you to get through the light. I'm sure it ended up taking me twice as long to get home as it would have if I would have stayed on 94 just a little bit longer. I finally got home. I decided to wait until later to unload my belongings and headed to the front door. Now, I don't know if it's just me but there is something about the sound of a key in a lock that makes me have to pee really bad. The really great thing about where I live right now is that I have to door that I have to unlock and a flight of stairs to walk up before I get into my "living area". So by the time I hit that top step I am ready to go. I have my pants untied and practically unzipped before I walk into the bathroom. Now, it's like that every time I come home. It doesn't matter what time of day it is or the last time I used the rest room. But, you put me in a clinic with a nurse standing outside the door and a cup in my hand and there won't be a drop.
So, maybe that was a little too much info. But, that's what I'm here for, and that's what I do.
Tonight I am going to some little shin-dig with Patty Pumpkin Pants. He's going to ask some guy out, and I am excited that he wants me to be there for the big celebration or the big let down. Either way, I get free cocktails, which by the way are the best kind. The only problem is I have no idea what to wear.
Well, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood today and I ate lunch outside with Ms. Susan. We took a mini walk around the block also. I just love Minneapolis in the spring. I'm sure in a couple months I'll be bitching up a storm, it's not so much the heat as the humidity, blah, blah. Have a great day.

Unable to Operate a Digital Camera

Ok, so Mom wasn't so impressed with my late night photo taking abilities....
Here we go again. But, like so many other times....I have screwed something up and am unable to now download photos from the camera. So, y'all will just have to wait for a better picture.
I am getting ready to hit the road. Mom just finished hemming some pants for me, a load of laundry is in the dryer and I have finished my final sweep to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. Nothing exciting to report because I've been in Highland, so maybe something exciting will happen tonight so I have some way to kill time once I get to work tomorrow.
Take Care.

In Highland

Well here I am. This is me using my dad's digital camera. How cute am I? Don't answer that if you are going to be mean. So, I've been home for a whole day. Sometimes I just love coming home. My mom did my laundry for me and she let me sleep until 9AM. Wow!!! She is a little bit more aware of what she says sometimes now, she's afraid that it will end up for the world to read someday....
Which reminds me of a nice little story I wanted to let you dear readers know about. When I was young we would watch old movies together. I even remember we would watch some that would flash the dialogue on the screen and she would read it to me and we would laugh. Basil Rathbone was the name of one of the actors I believe.... Anyway some of the new ones from the 60's were my favorite, Singing in the Rain, Pillow Talk, Please Don't Eat the Daisy's, and on and on. As the opening credits would come up we would read the names. I thought my mom was so cool because she told me she used to date some of these people. Let's say that the name was Henry Davidson. She would say the name like she new the person, therefore I would ask, "Did you know him?" Then she would say, "Yes, we used to date in High School." Now my mom is from Highland so I should have known better, but I am so gullible sometimes.... I'd ask, "Really?" How stupid was I? Then she would laugh at me. I would have to laugh at me too. There are more fun mom stories to come, but I think I will save them for Mother's Day week. A new story for 5 days... I bet she's gonna love that idea.
I'll try to update before I leave the fogies house in the morning....

Stupid Cell Phone

What a weekend. I was very busy, but loved every minute of it. On Friday night after work a couple of the girls and I went out for a couple of beers and breakfast. We hit the breakfast joint at about 1:45am and I made it home by 3. I wanted to kick myself in the ass kind of because I knew I had to get up at 8 the next morning to help my friend Susan with some stuff. I made it home just in time to shower and get ready for another fun night of serving. I thought I would go straight home and get some shut-eye, but it didn't end up that way. More drinks and more late night breakfasts. I swear, I don't know why I think I am still 22 years old. We got the worst service in the world too. I think we waited for almost an hour to even get a glass of water. The server was horrible...he didn't even feel bad that we got crappy service. I hate that. But the other thing is too, I couldn't even complain, one of the other people had to do it. I come from a family that never complains about anything. Crappy service, whatever. I grew up that way, and for a long time I even shared the philosophy. I have found myself emerging though. I will let someone know that I want customer service and if I don't get it, then I get pissy. I don't know if it's from living in the big city or from getting s#$t on everytime someone was too lazy to do their job. Maybe I was just too tired to complain....Haven't you ever felt that way? Too tired to complain....
Anyway....I had to buy a new cell phone on Saturday. Tell me if you think this is the biggest pain in the ass ever. My phone died, it won't charge anymore. They don't make this phone anymore and there is nothing I can do about it and it ticks me off. So $100 later I have a new cell phone. I hate that I have to program the numbers all over again. I know like 50 people who's numbers I need to have in my phone. Thank god I just rolled out of bed and went straight to the cell phone store after only brushing my teeth, because the cell phone guy was kind of cute. I am sure he was really impressed with the hair sticking up all over the place. I had to make an excuse for my appearance so he knew I didn't look like trailer trash crap all the time. I don't think he cared though. Bastard.
On Sunday I made the long trip home. It only took me 4 hours and 15 minutes which isn't that bad. It's nice to be here, except it's a little too quiet at night. It makes me think I am in one of those B horror movies all I have to do is get a phone call and trip over a crack in the floor and I am dead meat. I am used to traffic out my window and the occasional siren to let me know that all is right with the world.....

I'm not young anymore

Have you ever tried to bargain with Father Time in the wee hours of the morning, just hoping that an extra 10 minutes of sleep will not throw you off schedule and ruin your whole day. That's how my morning started. But instead of bargaining I just said screw it, I'm sleeping in and instead of 10 minutes it was more like 25. It hasn't thrown my day off completely so I kind of wish I would have slept for and extra 40 minutes. I think I was having a pretty good dream too.
Last night I went to repay an old debt that I had. Just like every Thursday up until a couple of months ago I would make my way to Bumper's in Burnsville. There I would meet some of my old Kinko's buddies. We play NTN Trivia, talk about people and work and stuff and I would verbally abuse one of the other players. More of a stress reliever than anything for me. Well, I owed a Kinko's employee $100 for a couch I got over a year ago. Now, I don't know why I didn't just pay the man right away. I should have. One thing happened after another, I quit my job, I didn't have another one. It just never seemed like a good time. But, does it ever? I can finally sleep at night knowing I have paid this person off. Guilt is a terrible thing to live with. I should know, I lived with her for 18+ years. (Love you mom).
So, on Sunday I make my way to the big ol' town o' Highland. I have to take some stuff to store at the fogies (parent's) house, also I can spend some quality time with the mom. I am hoping to gently remind her that she needs to make a vest for my renaissance costume (she thinks I forgot, but I didn't). The whole point of the vest was to make me look bigger (as in the chest area, I've got the rest covered), and I don't think the costume really does me justice if it isn't cutting the circulation off to my legs.
Anyway, I'll be updating you from Highland on Monday and Tuesday. Back to the big city on Tuesday evening. I am hoping to post some photos too. My dad has a digital camera.
Oh, I almost forgot, if you would like to email me directly (always willing to be set up on a blind date, I am) it's o_cripes@hotmail.com or the Shout Out at the bottom of the post is for public comments. Thanks and have a great weekend.

Can the Government Screw anything else up......Oh yeah!

So, Tuesday was the day I got sick and taxes were due. I thought I had everything under control on Monday until I got an email from H & R Block saying that the government did not show my date of birth as November 2, 1973. After talking to the IRS I found out their records show I was born on the 12th of November. I call the Mom right away to find out the deal and she doesn't recall the year that I was born, let alone my birthday. I thought was in a state of shock. My own mother, the woman who brought me into this world, now forgets the best day of her life. I have to forgive her considering she is becoming senile in her old age. Her hopes and aspirations are to be like the old woman from that commercial that said, "Where's the beef?".
Anyway, this screw up on my birthdate has eliminated the possiblity of me e-filing this year, therefore I must now wait much longer to receive my refund. Of course I could have done my taxes months ago and already have the money spent, either way....
Because I am such a procrastinator at times, I also had to run to the Mall O' America to send my taxes this year. The post office store in the mall was open until 11PM for all those idiots like me who wait until the last minute to do that shit. So, I stopped by Sears on my way out the door and found the cutest Winnie the Pooh slippers I just had to have, of course they were 50% OFF which made it illogical not to buy them. So, while I was sick all day Wednesday I got to mope around in my new POOH SLIPPERS, which are super cute on me.
I caught up on my video releases viewing also while I was sick. I saw 5 movies in 2 days, let me tell you what to not waste your time on.
Auto Focus--This is a movie about Bob what's his name that was Hogan on Hogan's Heros. He some sort of sex maniac that wanted it all the time. And not just the one on one stuff either....he videotaped stuff and participated in, dare I say, orgies. All this while his good buddy was their taping and participating. Now, my friends and I are close, but not that close. It wasn't fun to watch, and I hated that Bob guy while I felt sorry for him at the same time. Not the feel good movie of the year.
Road to Perdition--This was good, although I did start watching it after taking some cough medicine and right after I put some fish sticks in the oven. I was kind of drousy and fell asleep 15 minutes into it, but the beeper for the fish sticks woke me up and I really didn't miss much. I was ticked that I had put the fish sticks in the oven, because I was so sleepy. But after I ate those, I was able to stay up and watch the rest of the movie. I enjoyed it. But, it did try to make viewers cry, Jude Law should never go bald. If he happens to get male pattern baldness, he should buy a rug, it scared me to look at the comb over he was sporting.
Red Dragon--Not quite Silence of the Lambs, better than Hannibal.
Who is Cletis Tout?--This movie surprised me. I thought it would be one of those confusing Magnolia type movies, but had to give it a chance because of Christian Slater. It's a love story, but not the mushy kind. Tim Allen is a hit man, Richard Dryfuss plays a jewel thief, Portia de Rossi (from Ally McBeal) is Dryfuss' daughter, it's funny, it's entertaining, it's worth renting.
Secretary--I wasn't sure what to think of this one. I had heard how demeaning it is to women but I feel that women libbers have screwed things up (no one ever holds the door open any more) so I gave it a chance. It's funny and touching. It gives hope to us romantics that are waiting to find our Prince Charming in a big world. Not that I am saying that this is how I want my life, but the odds of finding someone you are compatible with are risky, that's why I am still alone. So, let's just say, I felt good after watching this movie, not because of the content but because of the meaning (our what I got out of it).
I think I have babbled on enough. Talk to you soon.

Ok, my updates have been made with a little help from my friend Joy. In a few years maybe I will be able to do most of the stuff she can. She has helped me put comments on, for those of you who are interested in responding, and I have a counter. Whoo-Hoo. For some odd reason, I feel a little bit better right now. Ok, I am working on an update, but wanted to let y'all know where we were.

Going home sick today. Not feeling well. Update tomorrow.

Monday, Monday

Well, I just can't believe that my weekend is over already. I didn't get to sleep past 8AM once, and I only got 2 solid hours of TV time in. There was a wine class/seminar that I went to on Saturday and Sunday mornings for my serving job. At 9AM, yes that was 9AM on both days we began our class. Saturday--How do you serve wine? How do you taste wine? Blah, Blah, blah, blah. Thank goodness that we started drinking at 1PM otherwise it would have been a total waste of a day. I learned that I like B&G Vouvray which is a nice white, that is not sweet and not very oaky. I generally love big, tannic reds and usually stray from the whites. Anyway, we tasted and enjoyed and then I had to work at 3:45. So I stepped outside for a couple of minutes to clear my swimming head. I got out at 11:30ish and went to a local pub for some drinks with another employee. Now, I have heard rumors about the bartender buying a round, but I have never really experienced it -- Until Saturday. I am trying to drink as many beers as I can before 12:45, because the god forsaken bar time in this state is 1AM. Anyway, I was able to polish off 4 Newcastles (#1 Favorite Beer) in the allotted time. My drinking partner was able to do the same. We get the bill and it's only $20 some odd dollars. Now, I am no math genius, but 8 total beers X $5 something = about $40. Add 2, take away the 3, multiply by .6%, holy moley we didn't get charged for 4 beers. So, needless to say the sweetie got a $20 tip and a regular customer. Maybe that is how they sucker you in. I better get another free drink or I'll be ticked. Made it home by 1:30, sleep, sleep, sleep, up at 8:15 go to work in PJ's (which by the way is very appropriate at 9AM, but not so much when you leave at 4PM). I tried for a nap, but there was nothing good enough on TV, so I was able to fit in 2 hours of solid viewing time. Pat and I were meeting some friends at 7:30 for dinner so at quarter to I got ready and left. Where were we having dinner you ask. Oh at the place I work at. So essentially I spent the entire weekend at my second job. Which is fine, if you have nothing better to do like me.
Not a very exciting weekend at all, but I was able to waste about an hour working on this today. Hopefully my updates work and you can send feedback to be added at the ends of my new postings.
It's also a nice day today, which usually brings out the crazies. Hopefully I will have something fun to share later today or tomorrow.

Talking to yourself

Today when I was going to lunch I found that I was talking to myself....alot. I sometimes do that where I will run the events of my day through my mind and recount conversations that I had. Usually this happens when I am having an extremely bad day, such as today. What could I have said better, or even what could I have said period. Today I got a strange look from a passerby on the street. One nice thing about living in the big city is no one knows who you are and if you are caught doing something stupid or insane, you probably will never see the person again or if you do they generally aren't memorable enough to remember. Anyway, someone caught me talking to myself and gave me that strange look you give a crazy person. I hate it when that happens. I always hear people talking to themselves, not just under their breath either. In the big city people will talk loudly about the weather, how the government has screwed them over, the little green men are after them, and sometimes about what an ass you are because you don't throw change in their I'm hungry but what I am really going to do is go spend this money on liquor so I can forget how miserable my life is. I always tend to walk a little faster, hold onto whatever I am carrying tighter and avoid eye contact. The last one being the most important. It actually works in a variety of situations. For instance, I wait tables, someone is being an ass, so I pretend to focus on everything but them. When they have to repeat a stupid request or comment a second time, sometimes a light bulb goes off in their head. Boy I am dumb. I use this tactic instead of spitting on food or not washing my hands.
So today was a bad day for me. I don't really feel like explaining why, so I won't. But it made me realize that God works in mysterious way. So I walk over to Chipotle, my favorite fast food restaurant to get a burrito, because everyone knows that food will always make you feel better. Especially these burritos. First I see Luther. I met him a couple of years ago when I would spend my Sunday summer afternoons watching hot gay guys play softball. He is super happy to see me, which always makes me feel good. I told him what a crappy day I was having and he gave me a hugh hug. We walked and talked and he reminded me how beautiful and what a great person I am. Of course that will always make me feel better even if the guy is gay. So I go up the escalator, excited to eat and I see someone else I have seen in awhile. Mike. So we talk and catch up and he makes me feel even better. I get my lunch come back to my office and try to call my friend Scott who left me a message the night before. He eventually calls me back. We talk and he shares some exciting news with me that cheers me up. And I discover that he is helping some people with their taxes. Well, my tax guy up and moves to Chicago, leaving me with no other options. I was just going to go to H&R Block and get ripped off by them. Well, I work up the nerve to ask him to help me with my taxes, bribing him with dinner anywhere he chooses. I think he took the bait and I'm going over there Monday for taxes, play time with his wonderful dog, and dinner out. I'm really excited.
Well, I hope I have bored you, my dear reader (yes singluar I think I am the only reading this) with my hum drum thoughts. I hope I have an exciting weekend so I can share it with you on Monday.

What I do when I don't fall asleep in front of the TV

What a beautiful Friday. My boss called in sick to work today so again I am here all alone with nothing to do. My copier is broken but thank goodness I can still get on the internet.
Last evening I got quite a bit accomplished. Usually when I get home I will eat and sit in front of that damn TV for about 5 hours (or less if I happen to fall asleep in the living room). I've been trying to get things done around the house, especially with my upcoming trip home and eventual move to a better apartment. Last night I was able to sand some furniture items I am hoping to paint soon. I love that people leave stuff just sitting out on the curb if they don't want them. I scored a nice beverage service cart and a nightstandish type thing, I really don't know what it is, but it will look a lot better once I am done with it. Then of course it being Thursday I did have to tune into NBC for Friends, Scrubs, and Will & Grace. I called my friend Pat to see what he was up to after that and I ended up meeting him out for a cocktail and interesting conversation. I generally talk to Pat almost everyday right now (I rotate people so no one feels left out), and was surprised at how much we still had to cover. How was work? Do you like so and so any better? It was nice to catch up. We checked out this new place called AZIA. A wee bit overpriced. We each had two drinks and shared an appetizer and our bill was $27. Wow! It's always a reminder, "Katrina, you're not in Highland anymore."

Thoughts that I think

I've been an emailing, web surfing vixen all morning. I can't get enough of tOdd. Last evening I went to a friends house for some dinner and male bashing. Not exactly what I would consider my favorite thing to do on a Wednesday evening. I generally don't make friends with other women and didn't feel like making friends at all last night. So as soon as I could I left (Sorry Darcy). There comes a point when things stop being about me and we have to talk about someone else and sometimes I really don't care what the other person is saying. It's not that what they are saying isn't important, or that I can't empathize with them, but I just don't care sometimes. I am so mean sometimes.....just like my mother (love you janie).
This morning I found it difficult to get up and get to work. I wanted to lie in bed all day, but after 15 minutes hitting snooze I finally rolled out of bed. I know that I have to leave at 7:15 on the nose to catch my bus on time. I even set the clock ahead 2 minutes so that I wasn't cutting it so close. This morning I was ready to go, all I had to do was put on my socks and shoes. Well, I saw how long my toenails were getting and decided to clip them down quickly and go. I must have been in some time warp because it took almost 5 minutes to clip my toenails and the time on the clock was 7:15. So these are the thoughts that ran through my head from about 7:15 to 7:17 this morning.....
"Shoes, which pair of the fu**ing 8 pairs of black shoes I own will I wear today...."
"Damn, it's Thursday, I waitress tonight, better wear the granny looking ones Mom gave to me...."
"Bus Pass, I had it yesterday when I got on the bus haven't seen it since, where in the hell is the bus pass....yesterday's pockets, no time to look, I know it wasn't in there because I started this new thing where I clean out my pockets at night so I don't have to wonder what happened to that lipstick I like...."
"I'll just pay with cash, $1.75, change pitcher (I used a Leinie's pitcher to hold all my change in) I hope I can find enough in quarters so that I don't look silly paying with 175 pennies and holding this damn pitcher....."
"Waitressing supplies, change fund, hot pad, pens, face powder (it gets greasy there).....I got it throw it in bookbag"
"Damn doors, I could save at least 30 seconds if I didn't have to lock these doors, it sure would be nice to live in a place with door that locked automatically...and where I didn't have to pay to do my laundry"
"Ok, I could just drive up to the art institute and park my car and get on the bus there like I have the last two days or I could actually walk up to the stop and hope I haven't missed the bus at all. Shit there's the bus, I have a block and a half to go, I better run....
I am running, I hope he sees me running, I was running one day last week when that ass just kept going, maybe he didn't see me, I should be nicer, screw that I am there practically every morning.....tomorrow's Friday I can drive, just a little further, you've run a whole block and it feels like you've run the boston marathon, what the hell I have to start walking again.....catch my breath, catch my breath.
There, sitting down is good."
"Stay away from jazz and liquour....oh yes,oh yes, oh yes, they both, they both, they both, they both reached for the gun....damn that Chicago and that catchy tune...."
And the end.
So, here I sit at work, a little after 10 AM hoping this day will go by fast because there is nothing to do. My black and white copier broke down and I am waiting for the tech to return with a new part and my boss isn't here so I guess I'll get back to that internet surfing thing......

MOVIES.....No I can't go

Last night when I got home I felt like going to the movies. The really nice thing about Tuesday movie night is that the cheap theatres are only $1. Wow, only a buck you say.... So I called about 15 people, some of them I had to leave messages for, others were able to tell me they were busy right away. I decided to finish watching a movie I had started the previous night. Now, can anyone explain to me why when there is something on TV (or video) that you really want to see you are instantly tired? Sunday night I couldn't fall asleep, so I decided to turn on the TV. Two hours later I am still up, desperately wanting to sleep, but unable to. I figured out why, there was nothing good on, that's why. So last night I begin to watch the end of this movie and I fall asleep, I decided that I could use a nap and stopped the movie, WIDE AWAKE. So I pressed play and fell asleep in about 5 minutes. Remember earlier how I mentioned that I had called several people in order to find a "date" for cheap movie night. They began to call back the minute I fell asleep. Of course, they all said no, "Too busy, maybe next week". So at least I now I know I have a date next week, unless something better comes up.

This used to be my monthly newsletter

Cute Kid Story--

I went to help my friend Cindy paint her dining room on my last day of freedom before I started my new job. Her son was home all day with us and he is such a good, little cutie. He is fascinated with trains and he needed to tell me about his glass train. Cindy and I were talking and William needed to talk, but we were so involved we really didn’t pay attention to what he was saying. The more we talked the louder he got until finally he was so frustrated he said, “Kat, why do you have to talk to my mom so much?” Poor kid, he was just trying to share something with me. How cute. We finished painting before her husband got home, what a surprise, the dining room is painted and Kat is here to verbally abuse you, Yah!!! We had a nice meal, William was sitting next to me and he picks his heinie up off the seat and sticks it over in my direction and says, “Kat, do you wanna see my butt?” Of course I laughed and he continued to do it. Now, I am not one to judge, but he has to be learning this from somewhere. I confronted Phil (Cindy’s Husband) about it, but he “claimed” to have never used that line, but I think he was just trying to pull the wool over my eyes.

When I get Old—

My friend Susan and I have been spending quite a bit of time together. Breakfasts and shopping, hanging out and discussing what she is going to do with her life next. We had gone to this little place for breakfast one Saturday and we knew it was going to be good because the wait was about 30 minutes. While we were standing there waiting, we searched out hotties, and eavesdropped on others conversations. An older woman and someone who appeared to be her father were leaving the restaurant and she said to him, “Wait here while I pull the car around, since you forgot to put on your shoes today.” I think it was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. Here is the old man in the middle of winter wearing his house slippers and when he left he didn’t change into shoes. I just wanted to go over and give the old man a hug. Susan and I looked at each other and realized at the same time that we would be in that position eventually. I just hope that there will be someone there to take care of me when I reach that age.

Public Bathrooms—

So I am working in the Wells Fargo Tower downtown and I think this place has the worst smelling hand soap in the world. I don’t know what it is, but it smells like a nice combination of dirt, grass and garbage. Well, that is not the point of the story. If you feel uncomfortable where this is going, skip to the next paragraph. Anyway, I don’t mind what people do at home in the privacy of their own bathrooms. But, when it comes to public restrooms, lets avoid doing the things you would do at home. I already have stage fright going into public restrooms, that is unless I have had a couple of cocktails, but let’s face it, this is the middle of the day and I am at work, chances are that I am not drinking. Someone is clipping their fingernails in the restroom at work. I waited for her to stop, but it was so unnerving every time I heard the resounding snip. The thing is after I heard 10 snips I expected it to stop so I could proceed. But, she kept on going, now I would like to think that she wasn’t cutting her toenails, but seriously, it’s possible. I just want everyone to be aware that it isn’t proper etiquette, and besides that, it’s disturbing. I at least cut my nails at my desk when working.

Copies, Copies, Copies—

So after 3 weeks of working hard, we have a lull at work and here I sit playing internet games and typing my update. It’s amazing how quickly things change. Yesterday all I did was sit around too, although, both copiers did break down and I was waiting for service tech’s to visit. The day job is going ok. I don’t love it and would rather to be doing something else, but it pays the bills and it definitely is better than unemployment. There is also overtime available if the client is willing to pay for it. It’s nice to have the internet access, I can search for my dream job without having to get a phone line at home.

Auto Update—

So, I was walking to my house from the bus one day last week and all of a sudden I spy a note attached to the windshield of my car, what could it possibly be. A love note, has a secret, or not so secret, admirer stopped by and left and sweet memento to brighten my day. I seriously doubted that. Yah, it was a ticket, for expired plates. I can’t believe that I have had my car for a year already, it’s almost hard to believe. It seems just like yesterday that I smelled that new car smell and didn’t want anyone to eat or drink in it. Those days are gone and now I have a car I like just as much, but apparently never look at because I never noticed my tabs expired. What the hell!!! So I attempt to find out where in downtown Minneapolis I can renew my tabs before getting another ticket. I did put a note on my dash for any kind hearted officer to see and let them know that I wasn’t a horrible felon, but a forgetful and cute (I dotted my I’s with little hearts) woman who needed a big strong man to look out for her, and please don’t issue me another ticket. Well it worked and I eventually had to go to Bloomington on Monday night after work because there is no way I can navigate the skyway over to the Municipal Building. So I pay for my tabs, and I know it’s been a while since I had to do this, because I didn’t realize it would be so expensive. Damn Minnesota and their high taxes and living expenses. The best part is that you get to sit there and wait to give them money. Where else in our lives do we do this. If you went into any department store and you had to take a number and wait to give them money, would you return, I think not. Besides that you have to sit there and stare at people you cannot get ahead of in “line”. The ugly couple that thought it would be nice to give their 4 year old son a mullet hair cut.

Quarter Life Crisis—

I picked up the Star Tribune newspaper yesterday and as I eagerly paged through the sections to get to the crossword puzzles, a bald guy and an interesting story caught my eye. After reading the story I all of a sudden didn’t feel so alone. It was about 20 somethings like myself that were going through crisis because they 1) were not working in the field that their degree was in 2) Felt as if their lives were not fulfilling because they were or are not able to do the things their parents have done by their age ie: purchase a home, get married, have kids 3) Felt that they were not as successful or happy as their peers. Hello, I had to call my mom, I finally knew what was wrong with me. I have felt all these things. Sometimes maybe the feelings aren’t as strong because of other thoughts or fears that I have had, such as, I don’t know, maybe getting a job. So, now it is a relief to know that I am not alone.