Houston, Here I Am (For Now)

Baby I'm Back

2006-09-05T15:37:00.000-05:00

I've purchased a new computer chair, working on my final semester of graduate school, and am soooooo excited about the Season 4 Premier of Nip/Tuck tonight. My love for the highly superficial show is shared by my best bud, The Dirty Hooker. Her real name is Stephanie, but I rarely call her that. Anyway, she should be calling me any minute now to let me know what the scoop is for this evening. We will have drinks, drool over Christian (the dirty doctor), and imagine for an hour or so that this is all real.

In A Family Way

2005-06-22T07:53:00.000-05:00

So, I went to visit my cousin in Austin a couple of weeks ago. My other cousin from Wisconsin drove down for a visit as well. It's weird when you don't see someone you're related to for awhile. You know they are your family, but at the same time, they're so distant (in age, location, and personalities) it's hard to believe that you're related at all.

So, I haven't seen my cousin from Wisconsin for over 15 years. You expect to see a dramatic change in that amount of time. She looked older, but still the same. She also had a five year old son. I'm not used to spending time with kids, so this was an experience for me. Did you know that kids don't pick up after themselves?? They also pick a movie to watch and then don't pay attention to it. Then they have to follow you around so that you'll play with them, but the that's the thing you want to do least.

The kid was cute though. He didn't cry or have snot bubbles, which is how I imagined 5 year old kids to be. So I learned a little something. I'm sure the huge hangover I had Monday morning was fun for him. I wonder if he thought that's how most 31 year olds should be??

Anyway, here's to family. Pick up the phone and call someone in your family you haven't spoken to in awhile.

DO NOT USE 713TICKETS OR I WILL HATE YOU FOREVER

2005-06-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

I got this from a friend today. Please read. Sorry to be so serious, but this shit really makes me pissed off.

From Scott--

Hi everyone,
Sorry to get you all in such a huge forward, but this needs to come to light. I was contacted by a couple friends who forwarded this email and called me to let me know about 713-TICKETS and their unapologetic verbal gay-bashing. Please send this out to anyone you know (especially the press for you out-of-towners). Thanks for your help in holding the bigots accountable to their mouths.

From Hillary--

Please read the horrible story below and feel free to respond to the men/business owners who felt the need to mistreat members of the GLBT community AND community-at-large via their e-mail address: frtc@713-Tickets.com or by phone: 713-TICKETS.
"In each of us lies an advocate, an agent for tolerance, a voice that screams out for change...with small steps, come great rewards!"

The Story--

Please read below what happened to Vernon & I on Saturday evening...
Adam

On Saturday evening my boyfriend and I were driving on Kirby. While stopped at the traffic light on Westheimer, we kissed, only to be interrupted by someone honking their horn at us from behind. When we turned around, we saw a guy and his friend yelling at us. They yelled that we were FAGS and that we should die and go to hell. They followed us down the road yelling and harrassing us. They made a right on Shepperd but not before letting us further know their views on homosexuality! Unfortunately, this kind of thing happens quite often without us being able to do anything about it. These idiots didn't realize, however, that they were in a bright yellow hummer that had their company phone number,
713 TICKETS, in big font. The first thing we did was call the number to find out who was driving the car. It turns out the owner and one of his assistants were the people shouting at us. The receptionist apologized for his boss' behavior and gave us the boss' name, Kent Maree. His assistant, who was also shouting obscenties at us, is Max Velazquez. A friend of mine, who is black, called Kent this monring to ask if this is the way he treats all minorities. Kent responded by saying that it is
a free country and he can express his views as he wishes. He also let my friend know that Fags choose to be fags and they should burn in hell. Since this is a free country, I urge you all to please give Kent a call and let him know your opinion on the way he expresses his views and his business practices. Pass this on to as many people as you know so that they too can give Kent and Max a piece of their mind. Their number is 713TICKETS.

Visiting the Doctor

2005-06-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

There are a few things about going to the doctor that disturb me on many different levels. The first is the appointment time. Remember the WHEN that meant that a doctor appointment for 10:30 meant that you were in the room (naked or dressed) and so was the doctor. Or was it only like that in small town Wisconsin where I grew up????

Anyway, I went to the doctor yesterday and didn't see the actual doctor until 11:30, an hour after my scheduled appointment time. First we had to make sure the insurance was clear. Then I had to do my co-pay. Next was the obligatory wait (minimum of 15 minutes). Then, you get called back to be weighed (always a horrible experience) and have your blood pressure taken. Finally, the nurse says, "The doctor will be in momentarily." You get anxious, happy to finally be in the sanctity of the sterilized room. You wait a few minutes, sure that Dr. He or She will be in the minute you get up to read the magazine sitting near your discarded clothes. It's hot and the paper feels funny on your butt. You start to sweat, not sure if the doctor really will be in momentarily. You pick up the only non-parenting magazine in the cold, unfriendly room. As you flip through the pages of the 4 month old magazine you notice nipples in every advertisement. What's up with that?? You just recently bought padded bras that ensured the cold weather would not be revealed by the twins. You page through the entire Elle magazine and 25 minutes has passed. You start to question if this is actually an episode of the Twilight Zone. Where the hell is that doctor??? You open up drawers and cabinets hoping to find something that you can fit in your purse to make the visit worthwhile--or maybe not. You go back and sit on the crinkly paper. Finally, Dr. He or She knocks and asks if your ready. HELL YES I'M READY, I'VE BEEN IN HERE FOR 30 DAMN MINUTES. Has anyone ever taken 30 minutes to get ready for the doctor to come in?? And do they know how uncomfortable it is to sit on paper with your naked butt??

I miss the old days of going to the doctor and seeing Dr. He or She right away. If I ever found a clinic like that I would be a patient for life.

New Blog

2005-06-06T11:14:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I should continue on this old worn out blog or create a new fresher blog. I've been in quiet a slump lately. I think much of it is due to all this free time I seem to have on my hands now that the semester is over. But, I also think I miss home so much I can't seem to stop thinking about it. I look at the weather online everyday, wishing I could be in the wonderful upper mid-west climate. Instead I'm stuck in a virtual hell with heat and humidity that prevents outdoor activities until after dark.

I spoke to my friend Eddie this last weekend and he seems to think that journaling will help me out of the funk. I tend to agree, I always feel better after writing it all down. Sometimes though I feel the need to sensor myself since I know so many people personally who read this. I can't have all my skeletons jumping out of the closet at once, otherwise there really will be trouble.

Anyway, let me know what helps you out of the blues.

Groping???

2005-05-31T15:10:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize that groping was a third degree felony. How does one ask Christian Slater to wait around whilst one contacts the police?? Excuse me, but could you please wait so I can have you arrested and make a name for myself??

Mormon Movies

2005-05-23T12:59:00.000-05:00

One night last week I went out to rent a movie due to the limit of my Netflix (which I just increased to six at a time BTW). There wasn't much at the Hollywood Video I hadn't seen. I wandered through the titles aimlessly, searching for the perfect flick. From the corner of my eye I saw a movie that had won three awards for BEST PICTURE at unheard of film festivals.

I noticed the somewhat hot guy on the cover as I reached for the case. I turned the movie over to read the back; It sounded pretty amusing to me. The battle between small town Mormons and small town Baptists--what could be better than that???

When I got home I watched the previews and was surprised to a HUGE number of Mormon-y type movies. Now, I'm not a Mormon hater, and I don't know much about the religion, but it seemed like Mormon overload. Wasn't the fact that they had the hotel room market cornered enough??? Now they were invading my private home with their religious zeal.

Needless to say, I did watch the entire movie, but was surprised that the kissing that did occur in the movie, did not happen until after the engagement. THEY WERE ENGAGED BEFORE THEIR FIRST KISS!!!! So not only do I now know that I really don't want to be a Mormon, I also won't be renting films that win unheard of film festivals.

If there are any Mormons reading, I apologize for my rudeness, you know how us Catholics are!

FIRE!!!!!

2005-05-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

I had an "incident" the other morning. It was Sunday morning, I was watching a $1 movie from the grocery store because I had already sent back my Netflix. I thought hashbrowns sounded good for breakfast. I put some oil in a pan and went back to watching my movie. I became so engrossed in the movie until my smoke detector started beeping.

I quickly ran into the kitchen and pulled the pan off the stove. As I was holding it, the oil in the pan burst into flames. I blew on the flames (a big no no BTW). The flames got bigger and bigger. I ran outside and threw the pan on the cement. I ran inside, grabbed the fire extinguisher, pulled the pin, ran back to the pan, and pulled the trigger.

I think it's important to inform everyone that during moments of extreme stress, it's important to maintain composure. Anyway, after I pulled the trigger, I was treated to a burst of fire extinguisher shit in my face. It went up my nose, in my mouth, and in my hair. Thank goodness I wear glass, otherwise it would have been in my eyes. I twisted the extinguisher in the right direction, push the button again, and was treated to a scorched pan sans flames.

I freaked out about the shit I sprayed in my face. I called my mom, who told me to call 911. I called 911 and they said they would send someone over. I started to freak out. I thought the shit was toxic and it would be my last day. I would never see my Netflix movies lined up in my queue.

I started to cry, not only for my Netflix, but also my parents, the Toblerone in my fridge, my friends, and my future husband (who will never have any idea what he is missing out on). By the time the paramedics showed up, I had spit up a great deal of the shit in my mouth. There was tons of it coming out my nose. The crying had stimulated the gland that helps the formation of snot bubbles. The HOT (and I do mean HOT) paramedics were more amused by my situation then concerned. I'm sure they really appreciated the snot bubbles. They assured me that as long as none of the shit had gotten in my eyes, I would be fine.

I was embarrassed and upset. Why did the paramedics have to be HOT. I volunteer in the ER of one of the hospitals and the EMT's are never that hot. Anyway, I threw the pan out. I went shopping and got a larger, better fry pan.

I also vow to find a situation where the hottie paramedics will see me all pretty one day. It will happen, this I swear.

Technology is Amazing

2005-05-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

Scientists were able to recreate facial constructions of King Tut. Many questions pop into my mind about this amazing discovery. The most puzzling is did King Tut really have those pouty lips and well manicure eyebrows?

In My Absence

2005-04-26T08:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not sharing the last week of my life with everyone. Things have been a bit crazy around here. The end of the semester is quickly approaching and I have papers galore due. Here's a recap of the past week and a half's events.

Tax Day--I forgot to send in my taxes. I thought somewhere I remember my dad saying if you were getting a refund then there was no need to have the forms postmarked April 15. As I crawled into bed (at 11:30) I turned on the radio. The people on the radio began talking about how there was heavy traffic at both the airport and downtown Post Offices. Everything my dad ever said exited my mind as I quickly rushed to grab my car keys and tax forms. Yeah, my taxes had been done for weeks, but because I procrastinate about everything (including a federal refund) I had to rush to the post office. There was a lot of traffic. There was some running involved to get to the PO from my car. I did get my envelope stamped on the 15th. I decided to take up exercising.

Papers Due--I hate my visual design class this semester. The teacher wears smocks and lacks social skills. She is also self-taught in the area of visual design. I don't understand what her qualifications are to teach a graduate level visual design class. I had a paper due for her Wednesday night, it was 18 pages. Our final class is this week, she plans on teaching us how to do sentence diagramming. What does that have to do with visual design?

Boys in Bars--I went to some bar called JAX on Friday night. I met some people from work up there. I met a boy. He was vulgar. He said things that made me blush and I happen to be somewhat of a pervert. I don't think bars are the best places to meet boys, unless you want someone to lick your %$##& and diddle your *&^#%$. Boys will never learn. I told him he wasn't tall enough to ride this ride; then I walked away. I'm sure he thinks that I'm kicking my ass for not taking him up on his kind offer. FYI, I'm not.

Speaking of Boys in Bars--I once had a guy tell me that he found that he was attracted to me. It was as if he was amazed that he could be ATTRACTED to ME. I'm sure if I did a few shots of Petrone I would have found him attractive as well. I stuck to beer and went home early. It was a good night.

That's all for now, I better get back to work.

You've got the look

2005-04-14T09:49:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking of changing my look for the summer. I'm not sure what to do. I'm already working on being more girlie, but beyond that I'm not sure. Here is a recent photo. Take a look and give me some ideas.

Oh, and if you don't know what I look like, guess which one I am?

Gay Marriage

2005-04-12T18:27:00.000-05:00

Do you support gay marriage? Please click here to let someone know.

If you click and support I want to thank you. If you don't, then burn in hell. Have a nice day.

Newsworthy?

2005-04-12T09:44:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry but is this really newsworthy?

It must be a slow day of avoiding real news, like what DeLay is doing to fix his reputation. How many people do you think he'll have to buy off in order to stay in his current position?

What about this psycho? What kind of mother is she? I used to think my mom was bad, but she never did anything immoral!

What's news with you?

Cell Phones Suck...

2005-04-11T17:28:00.000-05:00

especially when your bill is huge. So, if you have my number and don't have Verizon don't call me during peak hours, EVER! Only call me nights after 9 pm and on the weekend.

Also if you happen to have some spare change lying around please pass it my way so I can pay this damn bill.

Stephen King is going to be where?

2005-04-11T08:31:00.000-05:00

I am a huge King fan. I've read everything he has written up to the last couple of gunslinger novels. I only wait to read those because of school. This summer I have a feeling that King and I will be spending lots of time together.

This morning as I was listening to my favorite AM talk radio show I heard the words Stephen King and book signing at Murder by the book in the same breath. I almost started freaking out right then and there. I wasn't quite sure if I heard it right. My heart was racing and the endorphines started pumping through my veins.

I logged on to my computer this morning hoping that it was true. Wrong! It is Ridley Pearson who will be signing tonight. I might have to change stations for my morning listening. Damn liars!

No one good ever signs books in Houston.

Double Feature

2005-04-09T21:08:00.000-05:00

I went to see Sin City today. Clive Owen is in it. He's hot and stuff. He did not get enough screen time. I wasn't overly impressed with the whole movie.

I also saw Sahara. It was very edge of your seat exciting. I highly recommend it.

Single?

2005-04-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

There are many good things about being single. You can do what you want, when you want. You don't have to call home to report to someone if you decide to go out with some friends at the spur of the moment. You are not responsible for anyone else. You don't have to worry about someone using the last of the toilet paper/shampoo/milk/toothpaste and not getting more. When you put something down, it will be in the same place when you pick it up. You can get up in the middle of the night and watch TV as loud as you want. You don't have to argue about what station/kind of music you'll be listening to in the car. No one keeps you up when you want to sleep.

There is a flip side to that coin. Days like today. I have some free time. I want to go out to eat and to a movie. I want to feel wanted. I want someone to say, "You look cute today. What are you doing different?" I want to laugh in public and not look crazy, because there is someone laughing right next to me. I want someone to pay half the rent. I want someone to buy me dinner. I want someone to hold my hand. I want someone to call me to say they'll be home soon. I want someone to spoon me when I'm upset and reassure me. I want someone who wants to be with me. I want someone who thinks that I'm better to be with than anyone else.

Am I asking for too much?

Beer

2005-04-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

I grew up (for the most part) in Wisconsin. My dad was in the Army for 20 years so we moved quite a bit, but for 6 plus years I lived in a sleepy little mid-west town. During my high school years we would party. Usually that involved drinking. OK, I lied, it always involved drinking.

I started out drinking wine coolers. They were all the rage in the late 80's. But, after the last Bartels & James was gone I had to resort to Old Style. Over the years my taste in beer has developed. Old Style, although cheap, no longer does it for me.

In college I went through another phase of fancy cocktails, but when the end of the month came we always drank Leinenkugels. It was $10 a case, plus deposit. The brewery was only 20 miles away. To this day I think it's the best beer I've ever had. They make all sorts of wonderful flavors, my favorite being the Honey Weiss. Throw a lemon in that and I'm in heaven.

I said all that to say this. Everyone has a favorite beer. After a bad day even an Old Milwaukee tastes good to me--as long as it's cold. The best beer of all though is a free beer. Followed by a beer in a frosty cold mug with little ice chips floating on the top.

That's what I'm drinking right now. Aren't you jealous?

I'm sorry, what was that?

2005-04-06T16:34:00.000-05:00

As I sit here, having just taken a nice long drink of the Diet Coke currently sitting to my left, I look at a sign at the top of my monitor that clearly states NO FOOD, DRINKS OR CELL PHONES. Now, as an English major I find this sign to be a little bit vague. Am I not to give these things to my computer? Is my computer caged like an animal at the zoo? Does it have a strict diet of floppy disks and CD's?

As I ponder these questions I take another drink only to hear a booming voice clearly state, "There are no drinks or food permitted in the computer lab. If you have to eat or take a drink you need to go outside."

I know this person (I use that term because I was unable to determine gender by voice or direct visual) was talking to me. But, I could care less because there are 10 cell phone that will ring in the next 30 minutes--one of which may be mine. I will answer the call, enjoy my conversation like the girl next to me is on her cell phone this very minute.

Is this what I get for my tuition? Computer "monitors" and grade school rules? Should I raise my hand when I have to get up to go pee? Is someone going to check my hall pass?

I'm in graduate school for crying out loud. I am too old to up up with this shit!

My Karma Must be Good Today

2005-04-05T12:28:00.000-05:00

My moon must be in the right position or some crazy shit because it's a good day today. My Netflix is shipping Elektra, Ray and Sideways, my homework for class tonight and tomorrow night is done. My hair looks good. I haven't been super hungry all day and I actually chose the grilled chicken over the breaded for lunch today.

Something bad is about to go down! Don't get too close, who knows when the good day will end.

A Miracle

2005-04-04T20:40:00.000-05:00

I went to visit my friend Stephanie tonight. She had her baby on Sunday. All 5 lbs. 8 oz. of her. She is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen, and so tiny. I could have held her all night. Baby made some of the cutest faces while in my arms. I can see why people want to have these little tiny humans.

Stephanie assured me that the epidermal was the way to go. I'm going to take her word for it. I don't think I want to do anything that requires me to wear an ice pack in my panties.

Once the new daddy emails the pictures of me hold the wee one I will post for all to see. Thank goodness I was having a good hair day today.

It's all the same to me

2005-04-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but yogurt tastes pretty much the same to me no matter what the flavor. The only real difference is if there are other things in the yogurt. Sometimes I'll add Grape Nuts or there are berrys with seeds. Like right now, I'm eating blackberry pie yogurt. But, the only difference from the strawberry yogurt I had yesterday is that this one has annoying little seeds that give me a mini-migrane when I try to bite them.

That raises another question: Should yogurt be chewed or do you just swallow it?

Texas Hold 'Em

2005-04-03T15:29:00.000-05:00

I've been dabbling in poker. I'm not much of a poker player since my face always reveals what is in my hand. Well, Friday night I went over to my friend Peter's house. He was hosting poker night. I didn't buy in right away. I drank a little to relax, bought $20 in chips and sat down--drink in hand. For some reason everything is more fun with alcohol, except losing money. We made it around the table of 8 once before I lost it all. So I figured drinking is more fun after you lose. I had a great time, but I think I shocked some people since my vocabulary consists mostly of 4-letter words after I've had a few too many. I ended up crashing there for the night.

Note to self: Always bring a designated driver.

Unexpected and Unwanted Surprises

2005-04-01T08:35:00.000-06:00

Ohhh, I googled the title of this post, click on the link to see what I found. EWWWW!

One of the things I hate about living in the big city is the unexpected traffic jam. I know I can expect one during rush hour (or hours) and sometimes at lunch. Last night, at 10 pm, as I drove home on 59 South, there was a back-up due to the 610 exit being closed. I blame it on the people who have to speed up and merge, but I also blame it on those idiots that drive 40 when the speed limit posted is clearly 65. I HATE those people, they can kiss my ass. I think I told most of them too, but my window may have been up--and it was dark.

Guest Blog By PPP

2005-03-29T21:26:00.000-06:00

(queue dramatic movie music—think Star Wars…or Jaws)
IT IS ME. THE MAN WITH THE PANTS. THE PANTS MADE OF PUMPKIN!!
Ok, I’m done shouting. So yes, I was able to convince Kat to let me make a guest blog on her website. How cool is that. Of course, I had to give up some editing rights. So, I really can’t be held responsible for anything that I write here. You will need to contact my editor.
So first, let’s discuss the name. I really have NO idea where she came up with the whole pumpkin pants thing. Honestly, I have never worn pants made of pumpkin. Or pants with pumpkins on them (although, I do have some Halloween boxers with ghosts and bats on them—they glow in the dark too). I don’t even have any orange pants. I’m so confused. I think it was just Kat’s way of being funny or cute or something. Well, somehow it worked and it stuck. Although, I will say that I think Kat is the only one that calls me that. Maybe Disco Mike, whom you met recently, will also call me that, but not very often.
Second, Kat is crazy. But that is why we love her. Honestly, my life would be so dull and boring without her. Of course, I would probably do a pretty good job of making my own drama, but that is not why I am here. That is for my shrink to figure out.
For instance, those of you that know Kit Kat, know that she is—what’s the word?--VOCAL when she’s driving. She sometimes has a bit of the rage. So, we are driving home one day, (we didn’t live IN the hood-but you kind of had to travel through part of the hood to get to our house) and Kat is yelling out the window at some people that pissed her off. Well, it’s all fun and games until they start following you!! I was waiting for the gunshots, but thankfully, they never came.
Something else you may not know about Kat. You are in for a fun, exciting, weird, dramatic, frustrating, annoying evening when Kat dips into the Gin. I can only imagine what it was like over Easter.
Well, I think I am done trashing Kat now. I mean, talking about Kat. (Damn that filter!)
Maybe I should talk about me a little. Let’s see, my job sucks, my love life is worse (boys are dumb) and I have no money. As Kat would say…”you’re a mess.”

Um, I’m being paged…I have to go.
PP Pants
Wait—I don’t really like the sound of that.
The pumpkin pants is out…

Holidays Suck

2005-03-28T07:21:00.000-06:00

I pretend to be a scrooge all year long. I don't need to spend the day with friends and family just because it's a holiday. How dumb is that?

That is until I end up watching three movies in a row as I sit on the couch eating raw cookie dough from the tube. Then it's not so dumb.

Yes, that is exactly what I did, right after I went into work for awhile. The worst part was (I know it's hard to believe it gets worse) that one of the movies that I watched was What the Bleep do We Know? Now, I usually don't rent those soul searching type movies that make me think. I thought this was an entertaining movie, not a documentary, for some reason they don't tell you that. So, as I sat there dining on some Pillsbury cookie dough I found myself thinking about all the things I don't want to think about.

Soon the cookie dough turned into gin and tonics and I was well on my way down. I went to bed fairly early knowing that the next day would be better. I beginning to think it will be better-- with a little gin and a little tonic.

Also, my spell checker is giving me problems, so if you see any misspelled words, keep it to yourself.

Neighbor Chef Guy

2005-03-24T23:38:00.000-06:00

Neighbor guy who's a chef is moving to Georgia this weekend. He got an offer that could be a great opportunity for him. We've had some laughs, had some beers, and he's cooked me some really great meals (venison and boar--not together). Of course I am completely and utterly in love with his dog. I'm gonna miss having them around. It's nice having a neighbor you can just go shoot the shit with sometimes. Now I'm left with the bible thumper that lives on the other side of me who always invites me to bible study. In case you didn't know, we don't have much in common.

Anyway, so tomorrow night neighbor chef guy and I are going to cook one more meal; I'm sure we'll out do ourselves. I can only imagine the succulent feast that we'll prepare. That will be it.

I'm convinced the next person that moves into that apartment won't be nearly as cool, and they probably won't have a dog either.

I hate them already, those bastards!

"Disco Mike" My weekend sponsor

2005-03-23T21:50:00.000-06:00

Hold down the applause at my return. It's no great feat. I'm lazy, but my creative juices (just the mental ones) have been awakened by Disco Mike. Who? you may ask. You know Disco Mike, that one guy. Yeah him, the one I keep asking to marry me, but he always turns me down. I don't know why. You don't know about him? Well, let me fill you in.

Way back in my past life in Minneapolis I had this friend Patty Pumpkin Pants, you all remember him right? We were roommates for a while--up until he realized women were moody sometimes! Anyway, Patty and Mike used to work together at some now extinct company called comDisco. Hence was born, Disco Mike. I've known Mike for about three, maybe four years. Patty and I would go over to Mike's house for bbq's and wine. Yes, those two things do go together. We would all stand around in the kitchen drinking and talking, but the funny thing is, Mike and I never really spent any time together without other people around. That all changed a couple of weeks ago.

Mike was lucky enough to end up presenting at some computer security thing in Houston. (He's kind of like Chandler from Friends, no one really knows what he does). He called to let me know and we made plans to get together while he was here. On a very nice Friday afternoon I ditched work early due to a bad case of Spring Fever and headed over to his hotel. I picked him up for a late lunch and we went to Pappasito's--a very yummy mexican restaurant. We caught up on events in our lives over a couple of margaritas. As we all know nothing helps a good time get better like alcohol. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves.

As the afternoon progressed we laughed some more as we tried to navigate our way through downtown Houston. With Mike in the passager's seat, map in hand, we were able to get around rather well. Unfortunately he wasn't aware that in order to make a turn he needed to let me know--ahead of time. We had a few close calls, but with the aid of a few nice people we yelled at out the window we managed to see most of downtown.

Our late lunch prompted a very late dinner. By 10 we had worked up enough of an appetite to catch a snack. We drove all over the ritzy River Oaks neighborhood trying to find a good sushi restaurant. Eventually we ended up at the one across the street from my apartment complex. The place is called Ginza, very good, even for strip mall sushi. Yes, you heard me, it was in a strip mall, there common here. What we thought would be a small snack ended up being a full meal. A little seaweed salad for starters, some wonderful sushi and we were stuffed. We ate it all though, who could let it go to waste.

After our wonderful dinner we went to find the boy bars. Yes I said find and I said boy bars. I'm not the same person I was in Minneapolis, if I was there would be no finding about the whole event. I would know where to park and which bartender made the best drinks. We had success in about 30 minutes. All we needed to do was follow the very tall "women" wearing their hooker shoes. I can't remember the name of the place we went to but it was loud and packed with boys. As we stood there talking some tiny, pocket-sized boy came up to us and threw his arm around our shoulders. He then proceeded to ask me some very personal questions about my sexual preference. He was convinced I liked girls. What a mess! Or, as Mike would say, damaged goods. We finally escaped the clutches of the midget freak guy and meandered around the bar. It was cool, whatever, you've seen one bar full of drunk homos you've seen them all. It takes a lot to impress me.

Saturday we had a master plan in order. We went to the book sale at the convention center (and yes, I do know how to show people a good time), caught some sun and the pool in my front yard and ate more sushi. That's right, we enjoyed it so much we had to go back for more. The lady was trying to convince us to try something new, but we had the same thing as the day before, just less of it. We had reservations at a fancy schmancy restaurant downtown at 8:30. We had a fiesta, got all gussied up and headed over to the restarant. Like most cities road construction creates havoc on the road, so we had a small amount of drama, but nothing too devestating. I think we were overly ambitious in our ordering. Two appetizers EACH and an entree. EEK, neither of us could finish. The longing for the banana's foster would not be satisfied. Our gluttenous behavior prevented us from even considering the most important part of the meal.

We did manage to hit one more bar before Mike had to get back to the hotel. We listened to some jazz and had a nightcap. The best thing about the weekend was how Mike and I really got to know each other. It's amazing how well we connected. (I know this sounds all serious so it won't last for long). Who knew that we would have such a great time hanging out together. Mike was also generous enough to sponsor me for the weekend. What's a sponsor you might ask. Well, I just recently found out. I kept saying I needed a sugar daddy so I didn't have to work. A girl I go to school told me about this sponsor thing. Apparently they just buy you stuff for nothing in return--well sexually anyway. You do have to spend time with them. So Mike was generous enough to sponsor me, but the funny thing is I felt like I should do something for him--you know, something. So, I made sure to buy a least one round of nightcaps that night.

OK, be safe! Don't give me any shit either for not blogging enough.

Back in the Saddle

2005-01-19T18:26:00.000-06:00

Ohhh cripes....for the love of horses. I don't know so much about that, but I do know that school has started again. I had class last night. It was fine and dandy, but I don't have my text books yet.....well, I do have one of them, but that's it. So we've already been inundated with homework and things aren't looking so bright.

Financial Aid is once again slow in responding to any of my concerns about how they handle student funds. I should charge them for the interest on my loan for the next two weeks. I'm accumulating said interest, but haven't seen any money yet. Those bastards. I vow to be prepared to fight to the end. I will overcome my hate/hate relationship with financial aid upon finding a sugar daddy (I am currently taking offers). Since we all know that won't happen for the next year and a half, I will minor in financial aid complaint letter writing. Let's see if it does any good.

Class was cancelled today so I took the neighbors dog for a loooooooooong walk. We returned some movies to the Blockbuster. Oh, yeah, I don't know if I mentioned the new neighbor...I would have checked my site prior to this post, but believe it or not I couldn't remember the name of this website until I typed my first words. Yeah, it's been that kind of day. So anyway, I have a new neighbor, his family is from Wisconsin, so you know he's good people. He just moved back from Hawaii, he's divorced, a chef, has a dog, and no furniture. He gave me the key to his apartment the first day we met (I look very trustworthy), so I could let the dog out. He works 12-14 hour days so that poor dog would be in agony and I would have to hear it. It works out well this way, I get some exercise and the dog gets to listen to me yell at him for pulling on the damn leash.

Well, I better get some stuff done around here.......take care!

Kinky Friedman.....For Gov'na???

2005-01-11T19:44:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been in Texas for a year and a half and I've heard the name Kinky Friedman, but I have no idea who he really is. So I went searching on the internet and added the link to his home page above. He's a singer/songwriter/entrepreneur. And now, he's running for govenor. What is it with celebrities and politics. Maybe celebrities don't quite have the power they did so many years ago and they are trying to break into another genre of entertainment. Didn't we learn from Jesse (that would be Ventura, the ex-govenor of Minnesota). Then Arnold, now this Kinky guy who refers to himself as the Kinkster.

I'm proud to say that I didn't vote for Jesse, but this Kinky guy, well he's a bit intriguing. I'll be following the election. I'd like to hear input from you dear reader (yes, Mom, I mean you). What's this guy's story. The election isn't until 2006 so he'll get into office when I am planning on moving out of Texas so maybe it will be safe to vote for him. We'll see.

Anyway, I have a new neighbor. I met him on Sunday whilst washing the Vue. He and his dog just moved here from Hawaii. He's a chef, so I made sure to make nice. I invited him over for dinner on Sunday night. I prepared a fine meal of spaghetti. I managed to finagle my way into caring for the pooch while he is at work It motivates me to go walking every night which is good. He's very attractive. Dark hair, wonderful eyes, nice smile. A bit of a sloppy kisser though. He also likes to sniff a lot. The dog I mean, not the man. So, I've made two new friends. It's nice that they live just next door.

Volunteering to be late

2005-01-06T19:27:00.000-06:00

The above link was the only one from google.com that quoted exactly "volunteering to be late". Did I spell something wrong?

Anyway, things are getting back into full swing here. I had a nice vacation with the family in Wisconsin the week leading up to Christmas. I flew into Milwaukee with a slight layover (five minutes) in Atlanta. The flight from Atlanta to Milwaukee was exciting. You wanna know why? I was sitting next to that guy. You know the one. Yes, you do. You know the one where the guy next to you talks the whole flight. But, he was actually funny, most of the time.....For those of you that don't know me, I'll laugh at just about anything. Anyway, he was way into me. I could tell by how his face lit up when he saw that the exit row seat next to him was mine. I flirted, he flirted, we stood up and of course I was about an inch taller than him. So, it's all good. Next time I'm in Atlanta I'm supposed to look him up.

I also sprained my thumb on that flight. It happened in this weird kind of embarrassing way, but I don't mind sharing. I had gone to the restroom and had forgotten to tie the waist of my, OH so comfortable fuzzy jogging suit. I was wearing slidey underwear, you know silky kind of, without being slutty, and with me trying to adjust myself in my seat my pants started to fall down. Well, I was trying to pull them up nonchalantly, but that isn't really my style, so instead my finger slipped and hit the center part when I was trying to slight raise my ass up off that tiny seat. Thank goodness I didn't break it, how would I ever live that down. It still hurts, but it's healing fine, thanks for asking.

Today, I had an interview for a volunteer position at the VA Hospital here in Houston. This is how I described the situation in an email to a friend. Keep in mind that I only am able to find my way around a city after getting lost....Several times:

Today I had an interview at the VA Hospital here in Houston. I decided to do this because I need to fill up my free time now that school is my boyfriend. If I stay focused on other things and less time at home, I won't realize how super quiet it is around there....Also I vow to turn up the radio to full volume while at home. Anyway, have you ever noticed that yahoo gives the shittiest directions. I printed off the directions and then took them to a woman I work with that has lived in Houston almost her entire life. She directs me to go around the city, taking a toll road (she must have some sort of affiliation with the transit authority), and coming in the "back" way. Well I went the way she told me and then I got lost. I had to call her and she's like how could you miss that exit. And I was like, well I hadn't gotten to the third toll yet so I wasn't looking for it.......So I got turned around and made it to the interview about an hour late. I felt so bad. The guy was pretty cool about it, I mean it is a volunteer position and all. Because I can only work Friday night or on the weekend, I might end up in the ER. Eventually when I am done with school for the summer I will be able to help with the research for the grant writing which will be super cool. Anyway, I hate getting lost. That Doris at work owes me $2.50.

Exciting huh? Now you know why I haven't been posting very often.

I do also want to refer all of you dear readers to a book I just bought. I'm sure you've heard of it....He's just not that into you. Well, I read it, and I'm that girl. Well, I was that girl. I'm not anymore. I just couldn't believe how close to home some of those stories hit. That's for another day and another blog. My mom reads this after all.

Catholic Guilt and Beggars

2004-12-14T22:35:00.000-06:00

I had a really hard time with the google on this one. Lots of sites were for musicians and BDSM (If you don't know what this means, don't expect me to explain it to you). Probably because so many of us can relate to it. I suffer from a severe case of Catholic Guilt in my everyday life. Trying to do the "right" thing, but oh so often being swayed to bid the work of EVIL.

Also, the link above is for the first link when I googled the title of this post. If you read mid-page about his new release you might realize why not many people are running out to buy this album.

I had to call Janie (AKA Mom) at work today to get her opinion on a particular matter concerning Catholic Guilt and beggars. There are lots of beggars in Houston. I see them everyday holding signs at busy intersections. Today I had to go run an errand during my lunch hour so I just picked up a meal to take back to work. As I was walking to my car a man walked up to me and asked me for food. Now, as usual, my first instinct was to say no. When people approach you like that, you already have a response ready. So I quickly hopped into my car and drove off. At the first stop sign I dialed the magic number to Janie's desk. I had to know how she would handle the situation. It took about 5 seconds for the guilt to sink in. He wasn't asking me for money, he was asking for food. YIKES!!!!

Janie said that she didn't know what she would do in that situation. Due to the lack of beggars in the hometown, population 800, it's not something she is confronted with at all. I told her that there were many other things I was going to burn in hell for, so I wasn't concerned that this would be the straw that broke the camel's back. BUT, I felt guilty none the less. So, I asked the lunch ladies what they would have done. The lunch ladies are the women I work with and generally eat lunch with almost everyday. THEY thought I should have given him my lunch. I know I didn't need to eat those yummy chicken strips with a side of jo jo's and green bean casserole, but I was hungry (not starving, but hungry).

So as I savored the crunchy coating on the chicken and the yummy goodness of the green bean casserole, I thought of the beggar and hoped that someone out there was less selfish than myself. From now on though I will keep a sack lunch of non-perishable items in my car so I can toss it to a beggar as I drive away.

Smoke Free

2004-11-22T08:12:00.000-06:00

I know it's hard to believe but I have been smoke free for a little over two months. This is quite the accomplishment for me. I was a closet smoker for 12 years. It started when I was 19. I only smoked when I drank, but soon enough I was drinking all the time (ahhh, the good college years). Then I started smoking when I drank coffee, when I drove, when I had a bad day, when I was bored, etc. I did quit for about 6 months while I was still in college, but then I started suffering from a broken heart and found comfort in my friend nicotine (I always rationalized that it was better than the other stuff out there). Anyway, I kept trying to cut back, but the triggers were too strong (those mentioned above).

I don't know what actually motivated me to quit. Part financial, part the aroma, part the stigmatism, part I just don't really want to anymore. Don't get me wrong, I occassionally get the urge. I've been under oodles of stress with work and school and the men in my life. There are still times when I really want one. For instance I went to PF Chang's the other night to visit a friend at work. As I was sitting there I saw many things. The hooker with a g-string showing off her butt cleavage, people enjoying a full meal with their cell phones attached to their ears, and that bitch at the bar smoking a cigarette. I was alone, with nothing to do with my hands, unable to have a cocktail due to some antibiotics that I was taking (I think I've been constantly sick since I quit smoking). Anyway, I saw her there, the one with the cigarette. She was laughing and looked happy about slowing killing herself, I was jealous, I wanted to be smoking and laughing. I hated her. I rationalized slowing getting up from my seat, walking over and taking the pack of cigarettes sitting by her glass of wine. I could easily take her, she was just a little thing. One swift kick and she would be down. But, reality took over and I was happy with my smoke free life.

Now, I'm not going to preach to smokers. I'm not going to be that ex-smoker that tells everyone they meet how crappy smoking is for you. But, I will hopefully be that person that doesn't take it up again. Well, maybe when I am a crochity old widow, I'll do it to piss other people off, but until then, I am ok with the idea.

Another Year Older and Deeper in Debt

2004-11-07T19:47:00.000-06:00

Caution: the above link is PORN. That's right PORN. Not CORN or even KORN, but PORN. I've decided to google my topics and so today I googled "What does 31 look like?" What I got was PORN, surprise, surprise.

Why would I google such a thing? Well, as of this last Tuesday I am 31. I know, I don't look 31, I definately don't act 31 and most of all I don't feel 31 (as if there is a feeling to such an age). I think you can feel 21 definately, that was a sick feeling. It felt like a spinning bed, spinning so much you poke one leg out from underneath the covers and rest it on the ground to prevent motion. It feels bile rising in your throat warning you to get your ass to a toilet/sink/garbagecan (preferably plastic) as soon as possible. As with anything significant ages that are considered milestones do have a feeling. Twenty-Five, that was a yucky feeling. Almost like 21 but less alcohol and less friends. Thirty, that was a sucky feeling as well. All alone on the one day of the year you need someone the most. Oh well. Thirty One, that didn't have a feeling, it was like any other day. Of course, there were people giving me presents and wishing me a happy day, but nothing like 21 and thank GOD, nothing like 25 or 30. I worked, at lunch at Chipotle (my favoritest of all fast food restaurants), went to class after some serious studying. To top the night off I went to Chili's and had a burger, which unfortunately was the worst mushroom and swiss I've ever had from there. I won't be returning anytime soon.

How have things been going otherwise. So much to tell so little time. My dearest mother (AKA Mommy Dearest) has bought for me a computer. Isn't she the coolest mom ever. In return for this purchase I have promised to blog more frequently. So, here is to another year.

I'm a full-time grad student, working full-time and attempting a social life, so if the updates are not as frequent as you like, email me and offer to be a guest. My email is o_cripes@hotmail.com.

Death to Snooty Librarian Wanna-be's on a Power Trip

2004-09-07T20:40:00.000-05:00

Yeah, it's been awhile, but what's new about that. Much has happened (of course) in the last month plus. I was accepted to grad school and am now much poorer than I have ever been. I moved into an apartment all by myself, which makes me even poorer than before and I am constantly stressed out by my daily life. People give me shit for no reason. For example:

I have a class where the librarian came to explain how the databases worked and where we could pull info from for our research papers. She then tells us that we can go to other universities and check out materials with what is called a TEXSHARE card. Now, I didn't remember the name of the card, but I went to the reference desk to get one just in case I may need it at some point or time. I tell her the use of the card and the librarian wanna-be bimbo pulls a fucking attitude with me. That bitch! She sends me off to another desk and I explain the same situation to someone and she knows exactly what I am talking about. But I have to go back to the initial place I started at. Damn, just my luck. So I go back, tell them I want to get a TEXSHARE card. That bitch started going on again about how I couldn't use it at Rice (big university here). Well, that's what the librarian from my class said, how am I to know any different, let go you HOOKER! So, she said that I have to get a card. I'm trying to understand. I ask her how to get a card. She says I have to apply for it. I ask how do I do that? She said she needs to see my ID. So I give her my ID and she pulls my account up in the system. Then she starts asking my address, then my phone number to verify that it was me. So I figure if that's how she wants to play it, I told her not in so many words what a bitch she was and that she stupid. I pick up my card in five minutes. Fuck that bitch!

But, I'm not bitter or anything.

I Sing to The Praises of Southern Fast Food Chain Restaurants

2004-07-21T19:52:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I've mentioned anything about some of these restaurants before, but I must sing the praises to two chains that have earned my attention and hard earned dollar. First there is Whataburger. They have pretty good burgers, but the two best things on the menu include their chicken finger with dipping gravy, that's right I said gravy. What restaurant up North include an item like this on their menu, I know of no such place. Also their breakfast taquitos.....mmmm, I like mine with bacon, egg, cheese and potatoes. I don't want to know the nutritional information associated with either, I'm afraid, very afraid.

The other restaurant is Jack In The Box. Now, they got a bad rap about 10 years ago when they had a food bourne illness breakout in their restaurants, but things look pretty good from the drivers seat of my car as I sit at the drive thru. Two exceptional items on the menu include the Chicken Sandwich which comes on a sour dough bun and their 2 for .99 cent tacos (especially good at 2 am after a few, or several, beers).

I can't decide which place I like better, but I keep telling myself I have to start that diet soon, so it won't really matter in the long run.....keep that in mind.

What closet?

2004-07-10T15:34:00.000-05:00

I got a phone call the other night from someone I have known for about 8 years. We met while working together in Eau Claire. Well, anyway, we were talking on the phone, catching up on each others lives and tells me that I need to sit down for the next bit of news. He then proceeds to tell me his is gay. Now, it doesn't bother me at all, but I was shocked. I mean I thought I had a highly tuned gaydar, but I was wrong. He's had me fooled. He said he has been trying to tell me for a year, but just didn't know how. I reminded him that I lived with a gay man, volunteered for gay support groups, spent most of the last 3 years in Minneapolis in gay bars. What made him think that I wouldn't understand? I don't know. It's funny how that works sometimes.....

In other news, one down 2 to go in the guy situation. Cedric has a live in girlfriend. That obviously isn't going to work for me. We're done. Let's see the other two drop like flies. Does anyone know an eligible, nice man in the Houston Metro area....??? For crying out loud.

Anywho, it's study time. That damn GRE is knocking at my door.

Hot Time Summer In the City........

2004-07-08T16:59:00.000-05:00

It is freaking hot here. Almost everyday when I get up to go to work the temperature is almost 80 degrees (I leave for work at 5:30 in the morning). By noon my hair is flat as can be, and by 3 I'm feeling all sticky and sweaty (or shwetty, whichever you prefer).

Not much excitement here in Houston. I take the GRE next Saturday. Am I scared? HELL YES. I must do well. I've been studying my vocabulary words and practicing my remedial algebra.

Rod and I are no longer spending any time together. He pissed me off almost two weeks ago. All he needs to do is call and apologize, but he hasn't and I have a strong suspicion that he won't. He's too damn stubborn. I apologized when he got pissed even though I thought I was in the right (because I usually am) just to keep the friendship. What am I so upset about? He hung up on me when I called to find out what time he was picking me up to go to a party. He said something like, "Damn Kat, you're not my woman, you can't talk to me like that." Then dead air. But, I thought I was his friend. Apparently not. BASTARD.

There is always someone waiting in the wings though. I'm pretty (that's what I tell everyone at work all the time), I'm funny, outgoing, positive, encouraging, helpful. Men should be beating down my door. There are actually three that I am talking to right now. Navy Recruiter guy made an appearance back on the scene about 3 weeks ago and we've been talking regularly. He's not a long term commitment type of guy, but I enjoy talking to him, and he looks soooooooo good in his uniform. Then there's Cedric. He is older (40), has a 15 year old son, owns his own business, tells great stories about his youth. Finally there is Greg. I haven't actually met Greg yet, but we have been exchanging emails for about 2 weeks now. He's tall, an artist, from Texas, seems smart, knows big words (surprising for a southerner I know), 35, single and no kids. I like him well enough via email, but It's always so different when you meet in person. They are never what you expect, blah, blah, blah. But, we'll see. I'm still not trying to get married, but I am thinking a nice long distance relationship might not be that bad, and then go from there.

Not much else to report (even though it's been a month). Still trying to get some photos scanned. I might have to have Joy do it since I am too cheap to do it myself. I'll post them once I can talk her into it. I always get my way......(insert evil laugh here).

Men are ODD!

2004-06-08T08:27:00.000-05:00

I have this friend Rod. We've been friends for a few months now, spending time together, he's been sort of a tour guide of the city for me. We have gone downtown a couple of times, he showed me Bryan/College Station (where Texas A & M is located, for those of you not in the know). We go to the movies, hang out, dine, drink, play video games, all sorts of friend stuff. Well he's gotten weird on me as of late.

I had the key to his apartment for a few months. A place for me to go and escape when I wanted. He has a big screen TV and movies I have never seen. It was a great place for me to go to occassionally. But, last night he asked for the key back. It wasn't that we fought about something. It was just like hey, give me my stuff back and let me give you your stuff back. I think he met someone. Now, I'm not jealous, just feeling like I'm out a friend. Someone that I spend so much time with may have met someone new and where do I go from here.

I haven't confronted him about it, and we never talked about why he's acting so crazy, but something's up and I don't know what it is. I felt like he was behaving as if he was never going to see me again. I know I'm probably going all crazy (it's a estrogen thing) over nothing, but still, in the back of my mind, it's there. Well, not much has been going on other than that. NO DRAMA.

I did get out of town for Memorial Day Weekend. That's a whole different story though.........

My Own Town

2004-05-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

I think that if I were to build my own town I would call it Kattywhompas. I'm not sure where it would be (yet), but it will be considered a proactive town that has much to offer. The town will be predestined as far as the number of residents (roughly 50,000), the types of businesses (no chains), and the districts. Now, the districts will fall into the directions of the compass.

The districts will be as follows:

Yuppie-ville (AKA North of Downtown): In this part of town there are the middle to upper class citizens. The average family will have 2.3 children, 2 pets, be dual income, and bike on the weekends. Of course some of the daddies drink and some of the mamma's cheat, but that's to be expected. The streets will have names like Volvo Lane, Saab Street, Farfenugin (sp) Parkway, White Collar Drive & Closet Eater Street. All of the schools will be with in walking distance, parks on every other block, the majority of the museums geared towards children will be in this part of town.

Meanwhile Village (AKA East of Downtown): This is often be referred to just as The Village. Most of your homosexuals will live in this part of town. Gays and lesbians living in harmony. Some of the better live theatre is found here along with some of those businesses that put black film up over their windows. The best athletic clubs will be here as well as the HQ for conservation. All of the public areas are well cared for by the dykes and beautifully decorated by the 'Mo's. The streets will have names like Rainbow Drive, Lipstick Lane, Man on Man Parkway, Work-Out Avenue, Bull Dyke Street and the feature will be Pink Triangle (where the central park for this neighborhood is located).

Southside (AKA The Hood): This is where the not so prominent people in society will reside. Most hood areas seem to be located on the south side, so it just seems like the logical place. The best part of this side of town are their greasy spoon diners and the drive in theatre. For the most part the residents are decent, but you have a few bad eggs, so to speak. The university is located downtown so there are quite a few college students that live in this part of town. The bars are mostly dives and you can find a fight any night of the week at the demolition derby. Some of the best hospitals are in this part of town. The streets have names like Cars On Block, Wifebeater Street, Drunk by Noon Drive, Good For Nothing Lane, Uncle Daddy Parkway, Kissin' Cousins Avenue, Welfare Street & Knocked Up Drive.

Uppity-ville (AKA The Westside): Most of your more successful residents of Kattywhompas will live here. The lawns are manicured and landscaped, the cars consist of Bentley's, Mercedes and Lexus. Parents are often absent from their children's lives which result in loud parties all weekend and puke on the sidewalks. The kids all have trust funds and don't understand the importance of a dollar. The streets have names like The Man Road, Trust Fund Drive, Affair Lane, Hilfiger Street, Trophy Wife Parkway & Implant Road.

Downtown: The best place to be in my opinion, is the cultural center of town. The building all sport lofts and keen architecture. The main road, Katty Mall, is for pedestrians only. All of the best shopping, restaurants and culture the town has to offer. A mixture of all different types of people live Downtown, truly a melting pot. There are abundant parks and walk ways and bike trails. There is a skyway for inclement weather, street vendors galore pushing their fresh produce and deliciously unhealthy (yet oddly satisfying) fare.

It's really an ideal place to live. Once I win the lottery (and one with a big jackpot too) it could all happen. You never know.

Writer's Block

2004-05-16T14:12:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday last week Joy and I went to a writers deal-e-o at the new Barnes & Noble on Hwy 6 and 529. It went alright. I felt more confident and at ease because Joy was there. The leader, whose name I cannot remember, had us work on two exercises. The first each of us picked a word and we had to use those words in the stories we wrote in 15 minutes time. The second exercise required someone to pick and emotion and we were to write on that for 15 minutes. The story as the result from the first exercise will be included at the bottom of this post. The selected words bolded. Please challenge yourself to do the same exercise.

The most interesting part of the evening was the only gentleman that was amongst our ranks. A retired Navy Vet, also a POW, a veterinarian and a local author. He was funny, thoughtful and comfortable among a group of women. He company was appreciated by all. The group meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month if anyone else is interested.

On with the Story--

As I sat in the car driving home from work the clouds opened up. It's amazing how quickly that can happen in Texas, one minute the sun is shining the next it's stormy. I looked at the other drivers around me. They all had frantic looks on their faces, anxious to get home.

Blue Beamer (I call him that because it's what he drove) was one of those drivers that kept their eyes straight ahead. His hands gripped the steering wheel at 10 and 2. I pictured him as the type of guy who was all business until I saw the feathered object hanging from his rear view mirror. Probably placed there by his wife or girlfriend to add some personality to the interior of the car.

The traffic inched forward and I noticed a young girl in the car on my other side. She was in her early twenties. She had the radio so loud I could almost hear it over the pitter patter of raindrops falling on my car. In certain parts of the song she was singing along to, she would shake her head as if she was crazy.

Traffic started to move again. I had my eyes on the car ahead of me, keeping a safe distance yet staying close enough so no one would feel the need to cut me off. The plates on the van ahead of me read MDR MAN. I wonder what that meant. I kept returning to Murder Man as the solution. I decided that isn't the type of person I really wanted to follow. I put on my turn signal to change lanes. I could see a neon sign up ahead indicating a restaurant. I check my blind spot one more time before moving over. As I got closer I was greeted with a welcoming sign that read, Martha's Cafe.

That's as far as I was able to get in 15 minutes. I think I might have to elaborate more. See where the story takes me and the characters go. As I write, I'll try to put it on here if I feel it's worthy. Tee Hee!

Anyway, I'm on a great quest. I want to be a writer.

Updated and Stylish

2004-05-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

Scholarships-Grants

2004-05-05T18:59:00.000-05:00

Trying to find scholarships and grants is a pain in the ass. Now, I haven't even been accepted to grad school, but if I am (which I better be, or heads will roll) I need to pay for it. Since the parent unlimited scholarship fund has contributed far more than I ever imagined possible, I need other resources. Preferably in the form of free money. So I found myself at the library, reading books on how to fund grad school. Now, I was a good student in college, and some people will tell you it's because I was in the easiest major that Stout offered, but I want to believe it was because I was smart enough to do well without ever studying and drinking 5 nights a week. Now, I'm not bragging, but a 3.2 is not that bad, but damn some of the qualifiers for scholarships and grants want you to have a 3.5 or higher. What the hell?

They offer scholarships based on all types of criteria including: sexual preference, hobbies (quilting being the oddest), parent status (single parent), parents work history (military service or tobacco farming), commuter student, non-traditional (that's me), first generation college student and so on and so forth. Well, I've decided that if I am ever wealthy enough I am going to create my own scholarship for someone like me. The criteria will be as follows: Over 6' tall, only child, single and childless, parents must live at least 3 states away from the school you go to, and the kicker, must have big feet. Part of that scholarship will go to buying new shoes. It's important.

Anyway, I've decided that I need to be more focused on this getting into grad school thing. Sometimes I get a crazy idea in my head and I don't follow through. I have poor follow through skills. FOCUS!!! I've got that written in my calendar so I don't forget. There are other things I have to do like, take the GRE. Write an essay. Get my recommendation letters together. Yikes, so much!

Moments of Youth!!

2004-04-27T12:47:00.000-05:00

I'm that person that bitches about those damn kids with their crappy music turned up so loud it shakes my windows. But, at the same time when a "good" song comes on I do the same damn thing. There is a difference there, the music I like isn't shit.

It was a nice day yesterday and I was driving around trying to get things done. While sitting at a stop light a great song came on, now I don't know the name of the song or even who performs it (I refuse to use the word sing for rap music--I digress) but I jam to it. It's that one where it goes, "E'rybody in the club get tipsy". Yeah, I know, sad, but I really do like it. That is when I have my moments of youth. I turn the stereo up and pretend like I'm dancing. I bop my head, do a little snapping of the fingers, tap my foot and sing along to the parts that I understand and know. For the rest I pretend like I know what the hell they are saying and play along.

Anywho, yesterday as I was doing this, I forgot that I was in Texas, I forgot that I was 30, I forgot that I'm under pressure to get some of my grad school stuff done, all I did was live in the moment. It was like a moment of clarity. I felt 22 again. Not a care in the world. Then the song ended and I felt like a damn fool hoping that some hottie wasn't trying to check me out only to be disappointed that I was some sort of freak! Then I found the song again on another station and I figured the hottie could go stick his thumb up his ass because I didn't care what he thought.

There is something about music. The longing for teenage romance when REO comes on, or the independence of listening to Ani DiFranco, the fun times when "She Bop" hits the airwaves, and the longing for days gone by when the 80's station plays something that you used to roller skate to, or that was a standard at all high school dances (ie-Friends in Low Places and anything Metallica).

Today, well, I'm 30 again, and getting accepted into and paying for grad school are things that are in the front of my mind, but I can't wait to hear that song next time I'm driving. You better bet all my windows will be down, the sun roof open and I'll be singing along to that song that makes me forget for just a minute that all I have to do is live.

Almost A Month!

2004-04-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've made an entry. Most of the 5 regulars probably stopped coming around so now that I have your attention (enter name here) I want to thank you for stopping by unexpectedly. Sorry about the condition of the place. I've been busy. Come on in, sit down, just move those magazines to the coffee table, right on that pile of books. So, how are the kids?

Well, I've done a lot of thinking the past four weeks. About my life, my future, my past (unfortunately), and my present. I've been thinking about stopping by here several time, but always found an excuse to keep right on going instead of stopping in for a visit. I've made some big decisions the past month as well. As you know I'm staying in Texas, for now. It was hard to break the news to Ms. Susan, but she took it well. She disappointed, and thinks I'm making a big mistake, but she understands. I've also aggressively begun my grad school application process. I could possibly be in school as early as this fall. YIKES!

I spoke about Rod a little bit before. Super nice guy, fun to be with. You remember him don't you? Well, we were spending lots of time together, and we aren't so much anymore. It happened right after the crawfish boil in my last entry. Actually, the day before Joy's wedding. I was spending too much time waiting around for him to get home and to get up to do things. I felt like a jilted girlfriend without all of the benefits. So after much thought and consideration (and realization), I told him that I was not going to be spending so much time at his house anymore. I needed to get out and meet people, not sit as his place wishing I had a life. I could do that at home. I was emotional that day (which is something I attribute to the wedding). I've been pretty good about not breaking down in tears every time I break a nail or get a runner in my hose. But, with the thought of Joy's impending marriage, and my eventual loneliness, I was trying to make a new something for myself. I don't know what, but a something none the less. So I changed my habits (except the drinking and smoking), colored my hair, and lied to myself about going on a new diet. So, as you can see it's really working out for me.

I've had some thoughts about this journal as well. Knowing that I have family and people that I know reading it, well, it's been difficult to write sometimes. I feel like I have to entertain people instead of writing what I really want to write. I also feel like I have to censor some things because I don't want my mom to have a heart attack. Just kidding. But, I think I have to protect her from my life, when I know she probably did things worse than I could ever think of, right MOM? So, I'm going to write like I don't think anyone is reading. Now, some of you may realize just how fucked up I am sometimes, but that's alright too. I also will not be disclosing this site to anyone new that I happen to meet. You, (insert name here), will be the only one who knows what deep thoughts linger in my mind.

If I haven't bored you to tears yet, well that's good. If I have, then go away, I didn't want you here in the first place. I can't promise daily entries, but I can promise frequent ones, so stop back, I'll try to pick up a little bit. Yes, those underwear hanging off the ceiling fan are clean! Quit asking about that!

Back to work for me!

Crawfish Boil

2004-03-24T18:55:00.000-06:00

Crawfish Boil, it's a phrase that I'm familiar with, but not something I had ever experienced until last Friday night. One of the girls that I work with invited me to an event that was beer friendly, so I decided to say what the heck, besides, I'm always up for an adventure.

Rod and I headed over to her house at about dusk. Considering Rod was familiar with events such as these, he knew we weren't interested in eating the first batch. When we arrived, finally--after driving around for about 20 minutes, the guests that were already there were eagerly sucking the heads (crawfish eating term) and eating, what I was soon to find out, some pretty tasty seafood.

Terri, the hostess with the most-ess, introduced us around. Most of the people were about our age and extremely friendly. We chatted away as we waited for the second batch of crawfish to hit the board. I tasted one of the mushrooms that cooked with the crawfish and it was pretty darn good, so I couldn't wait to try the rest. When the second batch came out there were about 20 anxious hungry people ready to dive in. Now, a crawfish is like a tiny lobster (for those of you who don't know). The spices that the crawfish are cooked in aren't always absorbed by the meat in the tail, so what some cleaver (and probably drunk) diner decided to do was suck the spices from the head, hence sucking the head. I didn't do that, but if you are quick enough to grab one of the larger crawfish, you can suck the claw, which is much easier to talk about when telling the people at work about it.

So, in conclusion, I discovered that I do indeed like crawfish, I like 'em spicy, and I like 'em hot. Once they cool off they are a little bit more difficult to peel. Good fun was had by all.

I Know!!!

2004-03-23T21:31:00.000-06:00

It's been a minute since I've posted, I know!!! Lots has happened in the last few weeks, so there is much to share. I haven't felt like much like posting due to the fact that there is so much I had to take into consideration when I decided to stay in Texas. Yes, it's true, I've decided to stay.

How did it all come about you ask. Well it all started about two weeks ago.........

We went out for cocktails one night after work. It was girls night out that because an after work party that became a tiny bit out of control. We drank, we laughed, we smoked, we gossiped, it was all together good, clean fun. The weather was perfect, the drinks were cold and the company was good. The conversation turned to my leaving. They were all sad about the upcoming date. I was sad too, but I had all but promised my first born that I was returning to Minneapolis.

What was keeping me from staying. I liked my job, I worked with fun people, the weather is great, I'm close to the ocean, Joy's here, I have family in Austin that I recently reconnected with, and Houston has the second best Creative Writing Master's Program. But still, I wasn't making enough money to support myself in the manner which allowed me to eat, pay rent and make a car payment. So, on a whim I went into my supervisors office (who was also not pleased with my decision to leave) and told her that in order for me to stay I needed to make x number of dollars. She took it to her supervisor and 3 hours later the decision to stay was decided (and final, for now anyway).

The hardest part of all this has been knowing that I have friends in Minneapolis that I love and want to spend time with, but the lure of a decent salary and a great education have come out the victor in this battle for my future. Besides, Troy is still emailing me, which I fear might lead to some poor decision making on my part if we were ever to run into each other. There is no guarantee that I would be able to find a decent job immediately upon my return. Living paycheck to paycheck at 30 isn't my idea of a bright future. So, I have to give it a shot. I don't know if it's the right decision, and I feel like I am letting some people down, but I as my disappointed but supportive mother said, I have to live for myself not for someone else (and she even meant herself when she said that).

So, I've already got almost enough furniture to fill a small apartment (supplied by my new friend Peter and his girlfriend Karen for a steal of a deal), I have my bed, which I have grown to love over the last several months, now all I need to find is a place to live once Joy sells this place. Thoughts of buy a super cheap house in a so-so neighborhood have been crossing my mind, as the mortgage would be cheaper than rent, but I half think that I should wait until I know if I can get into the University of Houston.

Speaking of which, I have two connections to the English department there. One of the supervisors at my job (who I handle some problems for, it's like I'm his go to girl), happens to know someone. So when I went into his office the other day to let him know that he can't call me short-timer anymore, gave me the hook up. When I was telling my friend Rod the story, he reminded me (not that I forgot) that his father is the head of the English department at the University of Houston. Rod offered to set up a meeting for me with his dad, which might give me a heads up on what they are looking for in their masters program students.

I've told almost everyone about these big changes, except for Susan. Susan is my good friend who is storing some of my shit for me at her house in Minneapolis, and up until the end of last week who I was going to be living with in about 7 weeks. I have to call her tonight and let her know, but I'm just so afraid of hurting her feelings. It makes me sad to think that she might really be upset with me about this whole situation. Especially after I told her two weeks ago I would "definitely" be back in Minneapolis at the end of April.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2004-03-10T09:53:00.000-06:00

To my mother and my best friend in honor of her birthday.

I think that I am pretty fortunate. For the past 30 years I have had the most supportive, loving, caring, understanding disciplinarian for a mom. Although every moment spent together in the past hasn't been the best of times (far from it actually), but over the last 10 years I have grown to appreciate the woman I call Mom.

She never scolds (anymore), but when I talk to her (almost on a daily basis) she listens and responds. Although I don't always like what she has to say I respect the words. When I told her I wanted to go to Stout, she didn't say, "NO". Instead she stood at the door as my father and I drove away, waving and crying. When I told her I wanted to quit my job, she didn't say, "NO". Instead she told me to do whatever I needed to. When I told her I was moving to Texas, she didn't say, "NO". She only told me to do what was best for me.

Some days it's really hard knowing that my mom is so far away, but it's comforting to know she is as close as a phone call.

Mom, even though I can never remember to put a damn card in the mail, or remember how to make egg rolls without calling you up, or make the right decisions, you have never made me feel bad about anything. I love you so much! I can't wait to see you in April.

Wonderful Weekend!

2004-03-08T11:34:00.000-06:00

Do you want to know what the best part about living in Texas is? No, well, tough shit, because you're about to find out (unless to exit this page now!). It is the weather in March. It has been sunny and 70+ for the last few days and I am loving it. The sun roof is open and the windows are down on the car. Windows in the house are open and I'm wearing shorts. Yes, it's true, shorts!

How was my weekend? Well, let me tell you. Friday night was girls night out, but that included Peter from my department, he brought his girlfriend so it was OK. We rushed to the bar at 4:00 on Friday afternoon. It's funny that now that I have decided to move back to Minneapolis, I'm now meeting people and making friends with some quality people. I am moving back, but damn, I could almost stay here now. Go to school here, work here, drink here, fall in love here..........well, maybe not that last one. Anywho, we had a great time and I laughed until I cried.

Saturday and Sunday I spent most of my time with Rod. We went to Katy Mills Mall, which is an outlet type mall, but huge, nothing like going to Woodbury. We got a game at the toy store and then went to the park to "play". It was more like "stand there and try not to hit the ball to far out of range so I have to actually run to get it". Once we realized that it was too much work we opted for just bouncing the balls on our paddles and seeing who could go the longest. We were tied, but I still had to buy the beer that night only because he cheated and tickled me whilst I bounced.....sounds almost dirty.

Sunday was a lazy day. Watched a little TV, took a little nap, enjoyed staying inside with all the windows open as the nice day passed me by. By the time all the napping was done and the TV had been watched we decided to go hit some golf balls. Now, I'm not one to brag, but damn I'm good. Not great, but good. Rod seemed pretty impressed with my abilities. I don't know why I have to keep reminding him that I have skills. Cripes!!

Anywho, today is back to work and reality. I'm sleepy but content with the great weekend I had. Hope to talk to y'all soon.

Stalker!

2004-03-02T12:10:00.000-06:00

Here he is again. Is he going to keep popping up from the past?

hey there, whats going on? do you still think of me
off and on?
write back.....
troy

Reality Bites!

2004-03-02T07:48:00.000-06:00

After a few disappointing moments in reality television I thought I could give it up. There was the whole Trista passing on Bachelor Bob before giving him a chance, then we see what a real pig Bachelor Bob is once he is the one choosing. The Surreal Life, The Real World, Road Rules, Survivor, The Mole, Big Brother, The Apprentice, Fear Factor, Temptation Island, the list goes on and on. No matter what the show is, it's all based on the same premise. Human emotions and human error. None was more obvious than the mistake made on Average Joe last night.

I had a bet going with Rod that she would pick the nerd. I am so stupid to think that this bitch would pick the guy that was best for her. Rod called her out while she was on a date with the geek. He practically said verbatim what she would say to the geek as she was giving him the blow off. Well, she got hers. The stud dumped her, why? Because she used to date Fabio, which according to Rod is a serious offense, but if you like someone, why would who they dated in the past make any difference unless they are still a major part of their life. I'm not understanding.

Anywho, now there is the Garden of Eden. I admit, I watched last night, and I'll be watching again tonight. It's disgusting. I can't stand myself.

Mom for a day....

2004-03-01T10:05:00.000-06:00

Elsa has a son who is three. I just adore him and think he is the cutest thing ever, BUT.......

We went to a movie and shopping yesterday. It was the longest stretch of time I have spent with her son. HE DROVE ME NUTS!!! Now all of my friends know how I feel about kids. In small doses they are very cute and adorable, even when they are being bratty, but anything over the 4-5 hour stretch and I'm ready to pull my hair out.

That's why it's so funny that almost all of my friends (who are straight) have kids. I know it's because I'm 30 now and my friends are in that age range, but it's insane. There are just things that these friends of mine are unable to do:

1. No more crazy nights out at the drop of a hat--They need a sitter and they can't stay out late, which brings me to point number......

2. No more partying til the break of dawn (not that I even want to do that anymore, but I can if I so desire)

3. No more compulsive shoe buying shopping sprees (the baby needs to eat you know)

4. Talk to other adults without the occasional use of baby talk or the inability to realize that us "singletons" can do for ourselves (ie- cutting up our food, warning us of the dangers of hot food, pinching our cheeks and the like)

5. Go somewhere for more than 2 hours without constantly calling the sitter or spouse to make sure the baby is OK

Well, the list goes on and on, what have you notice about your friends with kids? And don't they just drive you nuts?

You Have To Be At LEAST This Tall.......

2004-03-01T09:49:00.000-06:00

....To ride this ride. I don't understand why it is the short guys are always going after the tall chicks. As a woman of 6 feet in height, I am constantly amazed at the way short men flock to tall women. I must admit, most of the men I have dated have been shorter than me, not by much, but it has reeked havoc on my shoe shopping. I haven't bought heels in I don't know how long.

Elsa had a girlfriend come into town for the weekend and we went out on Saturday night. It was some frou-frou club called HUSH!! As in shut the hell up!! After the valet and entrance fee ($10) we were off to an interesting evening. Now, one of the nice things about Elsa is that she is 5'11. It's nice to not be freakishly tall (alone) in a group of people. Anywho, we were scoping for hotties and were disappointed in the lack of men over 6 feet. We searched high and low, but without much luck. So after feasting our eyes on one of the hired male dancers (he was offering body shots for $3, I'll be returning some night just for that experience) for about and hour we worked our way around the bar trying to look casual and approachable (and thirsty). We danced, we sat, we talked, we wandered, and then we went out to dance again.

Now, the three of us were just fine, looking all tall and cute dancing away. There was some salsa music on, I'm trying to keep the beat with my white girl dancing abilities (or honky groove--whichever you prefer) and some shortie rolls up on me. We start dancing, I figure what the hell, no one else has approached me yet. Now, his hair was bad, but the teeth were good and it was fun dancing with him. Elsa looked over at me and rolled her eyes, I returned the sympathetic gesture. Then the music changed and so did his dancing. He turned all "freaky" on me. I was backed up to the stage and he was in front of me with his butt pushed up against me. I kept pushing him away, but he didn't get it. That's when I broke out with the "I gotta a man" line. He's all like, "It's cool, we're just dancing". And, I was all like, "I can't dance with your ass pushing up against me." He just wasn't getting it. So I gave Elsa the "Let's get the hell outta here" look and off we went.

Now, when I'm sober it's really hard for me to be a bitch. I feel bad for those less fortunate. I didn't want to hurt his feelings, but I couldn't take the "dancing" anymore. Now of course as soon as we walk off the dance floor there is a tall drink of water and I couldn't have been thirstier, but we had to roll. It was a fun night, and I'm glad we went, but I have one rule from now on and forever more, you need to be at least this tall (6 feet) to get in line to ride this ride (among some other varying factors, of course).

I've turned!!!!

2004-02-26T22:52:00.000-06:00

Oh no, the results aren't good, I've almost turned into a southerner..........

Take the test and see how you rank.......

44% (Yankee). Barely into the Yankee category.

Things that irritate me......

2004-02-26T12:29:00.000-06:00

1) The publicity this Jesus movie is getting. So, Mel Gibson made a movie about the last few hours of Jesus' life, we all know how the story ends. There has been controversy about these event since they occurred, why is it everyone is going apeshit about it now? And besides, we all know how the damn thing ends anyway.

2) People who don't answer their cell phones when you call. The phone is obviously there for MY convenience. Bastards!

3) Lines for the bathroom. Also on the same string, when people don't flush.

4) Bad gas!

5) People who have to make a nuisance of themselves to push their floor on the elevator immediately upon boarding. When you're headed to the top floor, it's not that important to hit your floor right away when obviously other stops are required before yours. Also, I hate heavily scented people on the elevator, be it perfume or BO (prefer the former to the latter though).

6) Hearing just the last few bars of one of my favorite songs on the radio.

7) My inability to work all software programs with little to no training.

Ok, so the last one, well, I just felt like there should have been one more item on the list. Anywho, yeah, so if I have to hear one more thing about that damn movie I am going to pull my hair out. I don't know if y'all realize this, but southerners are extremely religious. Within days of starting this job I had a few people ask me what religion I was and where I went to church. Although they haven't been rude about it, I know that the fact that I haven't been born again, or saved by the crazy southern Baptist preacher down the street, they think less of me. Know, with all this movie hullabaloo (is that how you spell that?), religion is being thrown in my face all day long. From the radio to the little old ladies at lunch to the evening news. It's like 9/11 all over again. I just feel like I can't get away from it. I hate it when I'm force fed information I don't really care about. Yeah, I believe in God, yeah, I believe Jesus died for our sins, and yeah, I think I'm going to heaven, but do you honestly think me hearing about this movie all day (and that I should pray for the redemption of my soul) long is going to be a positive thing for me or a negative thing?

Pictures as Promised!

2004-02-26T05:47:00.000-06:00

The cousins (Diane, Greggy John and I)

Diane

Greggy John

Dorky Posers

After a few cocktails

Talking on the Phone!!

2004-02-25T14:50:00.000-06:00

I'm that person that everyone hates. I have the 45 minute drive home in the afternoon and I just hate making it by myself. I'll call and catch up with people, recount the previous evenings activities, or just make small talk so my drive will seem faster.

On a similar, but not related topic, I talked to Daddy J(eff) on the phone for awhile last night. I know I was telling him stuff that I was going to blog about today, but I can't remember what I even said. Sometimes when I talk things come right out of my mouth, and I don't even realize it. Well, Daddy J reminded me of a Fat Tuesday we celebrated a few years ago. We all lived in Minneapolis at the time. We had gone out to dinner at Old Chicago with Patty Pumpkin Pants, and then, because I was so insistent, we tried to make the rounds at the straight bars in the area. First we went to Lone Tree. We made friends with some guy in there and while Jeff was talking I got his drink order and went to the bar. Whilst I was away, the burly biker Jeff was talking to commented on how nice it was that "his woman" got a drink for him. "His Woman", that kills me. Jeff likes boys, well men, it's that DM that likes 'em younger. Well, we attempted a few more straight bars much to our dismay, the Breeders really can't throw a decent Mardi Gras. So, I finally conceded and we were off to Boy Bar. It was karoke night, we made fun of the regulars, we laughed, made friends with hotties and generally enjoyed ourselves. Much better than the 9PM bedtime I was thankful for last night.

Well, I still can't remember what I was originally going to post about today, so this is it. I hopefully can ask Joy to take a look at the family pics I took so she can fix 'em and I can post them sometime this week. OK, have a great day!

A Weekend In The Country

2004-02-23T11:08:00.000-06:00

I went to Austin this last weekend and had a wonderful time. I got to Diane's at about 12:30. The drive was only about 2 1/2 hours, so it was a full hours less than that damn Mapquest told me it would be. I met Diane's husband Tony, who is not only handy, but also a good cook. He was getting some work done outside while Diane and I had lunch and some drinks. It was nice to be around family. We shared about our lives, what's happened since we had seen each other almost 20 years ago. I can't remember the last time we had seen each other, but that does sound about right.

At about 2:30 my Auntie Joyce and Uncle Glenn arrived. I haven't seen them in quite a few years either, so it was a nice treat. Of course I was subjected to those painful questions about when am I going to get married and have kids. Yikes!!!!! NEVER!!!!!!

In another hour my other cousin Greggy John arrived with his wife, Angie. She's a little tiny thing, but I as deducted, could probably drink me under the table. Neighbors stopped by and Diane's friend and her mother came over. It was a regular little party. Everyone made me feel so welcome.

Greggy John and I played horseshoes, drank beer, laughed and we were all subjected to photos taken by Auntie Joyce and yours truly. For dinner we had a wonderful brisquet, potato salad, beans (both kinds) and some bread. It was so wonderfully nice out that we sat at picnic tables and enjoyed the weather. There was music from some concert nearby that created nice background noise. It was wonderful.

After dark, Tony started a bonfire. We sat around chatting, moving our chairs closer to and further from the fire as the temperature allowed. By 9ish everyone moved up to the house and discussion led to an adventure to downtown Austin. After getting lost and finding our way, fighting the crowds (honestly I have never seen so many cowboy hats in one place, not even in Houston), and finding adequate parking, we made our way to Polyesters. It's an 80's music bar. They had a Saturday Night Fever dance floor, drink specials (although not quite as cheap as drinking in Highland), a decent crowd (not enough eye candy for the ladies, but I won't complain) and great music. We wandered, we danced, we sat, we observed, and we drank, boy did we drink. I thought I was a trooper.

We finally made it home at about 2 maybe a little later. Diane and I heated up some left overs, well Diane heated them up as I ate from the smorgasboard. Nothing better then breakfast brisquet! We headed off to bed, and I slept until 11ish. It felt so good. I relaxed until about 2 when I took off for Houston. I was a little sore from the drinking, but not that hung over. It was definitely a 4 star weekend. I had a great time. When I get home tonight I'll post photos. I have to do some slight editing.

Anywho, I will be going back at least one more time before returning to Minneapolis, maybe twice.

Everybody's Working For the Weekend.....

2004-02-20T10:46:00.000-06:00

As much as I love the drama in my life, I also like to get away occasionally. This weekend, I am. My cousins whom I haven't seen in several years live in Austin. I called them about a month or so ago and made promises to visit, but things have been hectic, and I haven't had a chance. Well, Diane called last weekend and reminded me that I needed to visit, and this is the weekend. I am going to drive up there all by myself. It'll be me, some of that Diet Coke with Lime (damn I love that stuff), a pack of cigarettes (yeah, that whole quitting thing, it didn't take), and some music that you can sing along to. I am fully prepared for a super fun weekend.

This is how I imagine it:

I am going to be staying with Diane I think, even though Greggy John (he goes by Greg now he said, but it isn't the same) invited me to stay with him. It really doesn't matter as long as I have a dark room, a small radio, and a comfy bed. Anywho, I get to Diane's, we have lunch, grilled something or other, or sandwiches. We go sight-see for the day. They can show me the town. Then we rest, I take a nap and am recharged for some serious fun. It's funny because Greggy John asked me if I was a drinker at all........Of course I am, I'm half German, half Irish.......you think family would know.....just kidding. So we start out with cocktails at home, talk shit about the rest of the family. Then were off to 6th Street, this is where I heard all the action goes down. We laugh, and drink, and laugh some more. Off to bed eventually, and then breakfast in the morning, and back to Houston.

We'll see how it plays out. But, no matter what we do, it'll be nice to see them again, and to be around family.

Tonight, well, it's girls night out. Stephanie and I went out for a couple on Wednesday and after a few we became loud......I think the rest of the bar really got an ear full. We're going to try to repeat the performance. That might result in some interesting stories as well.

OK kiddos, have a great weekend and I'll be talking to you soon.

NRG Makes a Comeback....

2004-02-19T10:25:00.000-06:00

So, I hadn't really talked to NRG for several days, and because I was so tied up getting to know someone new I guess I was neglecting some of my duties as a friend. He was nice enough to call and wish me a Happy Valentines Day on Saturday even. I finally got around to calling him back on Tuesday, and I could tell how down he was. We've been talking more frequently now, and that's a good thing. He's the type of person that you can wallow around in your misery with, or you can improve your own mood by trying to improve his. Of course when the latter method is used, massive amounts of alcohol are always in order.

Today is a very difficult day for him, so I volunteered my services as a cheerer upper. The latter method will be in play if plans work out, so Friday's breakfast might call for a little hair of the dog. OK, I'm just kidding about that.

Girl Scout Cookies!!

2004-02-19T10:17:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again when Thin Mints and Samoas are on the brain. I have purchased some of these tasty treats, and am happy to say that I support the girl scout and consume their highly addictive cookies. Every time I think of the Girl Scouts, I always think of that line from the movie The Munsters, when the girl scout comes to the door and the character played by what's her name says, "Are they made with real Girl Scouts?" That cracks me up for some odd reason. So now I'll be thinking of that all day long.

Update!!

2004-02-19T10:09:00.000-06:00

Things with Rod and I are OK. Not great, but not bad either. We had drinks together last night, and although it was awkward at first, once I got a few beers in me everything was fine. I was chatting away and it was like we were friends again. I know this all seems odd, since I've only been hanging out with him for a week or so, but you know how it is when you meet someone, and you have an instant connection with them. It happens to me quite a bit, and those are the people in my life that I can't just let go. Although at times I don't communicate that very well, it's always implied. I need to get better at things like that, because it does seem sometimes that I take advantages that I shouldn't.

Special Way of Messing Things Up!!!

2004-02-17T03:34:00.000-06:00

Rod and I had a fight. I know, we've been hanging out for two weeks and already I've managed to mess things up. I don't want to bore you with all of the details, but let me give you the overview. We drove up to Bryan/College Station to visit with some of his friends and kill the day. We had a great day, we bowled, I met some of his friends, we talked, had lunch. I at least managed to wait until we were on the way back to Houston to open my mouth.

Now for those of you that know me, you know two things about me, I'm sarcastic, and I can't keep my mouth shut. There is no filter between my brain and my mouth, and sometimes whatever I'm thinking just falls out. It's a special gift I have. It's gotten me into sticky situations before, and probably will again.

Anyway, we're driving back, and we finished the first round. He asked me to grab him a new beer. In what I thought was a joking manner, I asked, "Do you expect me to wait on you hand and foot."

Later on he said that it didn't sound like I was joking, and the thing is, maybe I wasn't. But it was too late. The damage had been done, and he was upset. He didn't want to talk about it at all, but the silence was weighing heavy on me. I asked him to hear me out, he did, but it didn't help matters.

Now, after spending a little over a week hanging out with him, I've come to appreciate his sense of humor and enjoy his company. But, he doesn't want to talk to me, he said, until Monday. I've only slept two hours since this all happened. I don't know if it's the guilt, if it's anger, or if it's insomnia. Probably a combination of all three. One of things that weighs most heavily on my mind is when he asked if I was selfish. I told him that I was. Not as much as I used to be, but I am. I don't want to lie about it.

Anyway, I just had to get if off my chest. Hopefully, I'll be able to sleep tonight, but I don't know if it's going to be possible. There is nothing worse than feeling bad about something you can do absolutely nothing about.

All You Need is Love!!!

2004-02-13T07:27:00.000-06:00

As I sat around last night with Joy and Elsa, the topic of the big holiday came up. NO, it's not almost St. Patty's Day, or even Easter, or even President's Day, it's the dreaded holiday centered around heart shaped candies, whispered words of love and affection, and the disgusting thought of how to make it through the day without throwing up and this Hallmark inflicted celebration of LOVE!!!!!!

I asked Elsa what her and her man were going to do. "I don't know, maybe have a picnic in front of the fireplace if my roommate isn't going to be around." Then she told me she wasn't buying him anything big because he just got a job and he doesn't have enough money to really get her anything. Fair enough.

Then it was Joy's turn to share. Dinner and a movie, if he doesn't back out because there is something good on TV or something. Just jokes, but all kidding aside, what Joy really wants is a visible sign of her love's affections. She wants flowers. Now, she was telling us that Rob doesn't feel that it's necessary to bestow such gifts just because of some holiday, that it was something he could do anytime. Joy's thoughts, "Well, if he did it any other time of the year that would be fine, but he doesn't."

Now, I think that this holiday is a joke. I've never been with anyone on the sacred holiday for lovers. I've spent most years bitching about love, bitter that I can't find a decent man. What about the new guy? Well, it's only been a week. I like him, but I'm not looking for anything to screw up my master plan. Is he going to do anything for me, surprise me with dinner, shower me with gifts of jewels, I think not. What am I going to do for him? Well, I know he has a sweet tooth, so tonight after work or even tomorrow morning, I'm going to the Wal-Mart and I'm going to stock up on chocolate. But only the kinds that I like, just in case my sweet tooth kicks in.

In summary, I think this holiday is bogus, but I want to get something out of it. Like most women (I believe) this is an annually scheduled reminder to all the men out there that on this day, you better produce. It can be in the form of candy, flowers, jewels, or dinner, or for a low maintenance girl like me, you can just show up, but it better be something, because we expect it.

Girls Night Out!

2004-02-12T08:20:00.000-06:00

My new friend Elsa and I have already created a Thursday night tradition (for the next two months, anyway). It's Girls Night Out, or if we prefer, Girls Night In. This little event started two weeks ago when we had nothing better to do with our time. I went over to her place, we ordered pizza, and chill-laxed. Last Thursday, my place, still with the pizza, some good conversation, watched a little TV, which was soon followed by a food induced coma. I'll try to break out the camera to get some photos up. This is one of those events that I will definitely miss when I move, but I have to remember that new events will begin once I get back to the Twin Cities.

Size Does Matter!!!

2004-02-10T12:25:00.000-06:00

So, remember in that one post where I mentioned that I had gone on a "date" with some guy, whatever his name was. Yeah, great "date". What I didn't mention was that the "date" guy ended up talking to these two other guys at the bar. He waved me over to chat it up, even though I was heading out the door to get a good nights sleep, like all good girls do. Anyway, there was this guy George, he was coming on to me quite strongly, and it wasn't good. I notice his ring, and once again wondered why the hell people got married in the first place. There was this other guy there that I ended up talking to for awhile, Rod. Although at the time I thought he said his name was Rob. Anyway, he asked for my number and I decided why not. First of all, he's attractive. Second, he has straight teeth. And most importantly he was taller than me, by a good few inches in fact. Size does matter, I said to myself. I told him to call me Sunday, that I would have time by then to hang out.

Well, he called on Friday. And we hung out. We went to this place called Rico's which just opened by where we live. Great fajitas. Anyway, my friend Elsa also met us there, to act as a buffer in case I was too drunk when I met him, and didn't size him up quite right. Anyway, we had a great time. I don't know why this is, but I always seem to be most attracted to people that have the personalities where they can talk to anyone. Rod is definitely one of those people. We got to know each other, and it was nice. It was nice being out with someone who I didn't meet via the internet and who wanted to get to know me better after talking with me for only a few minutes in a bar. I've never really been picked up like that before.

So, since Friday, we've had two more meals together, gone to the movies, played video games, watched TV and gone out for cocktails, we even did karoke. Well, I did karoke while Rod cheered me on, even though I sucked. So, we'll see what happens. It's nice to hang out with someone who has a schedule similar to mine. Also, he does know that I am moving back to Minneapolis in April. So, now is not the time to get serious with someone. Anyway, I feel like I'm going on and on, so I'll stop. But, I met a nice guy. Maybe there is hope for me yet!

The Flasher!!

2004-02-06T15:49:00.000-06:00

I have picked up a bad personal habit, while at work. There is one lady that I just love to pick on, and she gives, just as good as she gets. I was telling her about the bras my mom ordered for me from Lands' End. I happened to be wearing one and I just gave her a quick peek with the up down flash of my shirt. She thinks I'm crazy. So, today she was telling someone else about the episode, and I decided that she needed to see the new minimizer bra I was sporting for the day.......

Although she claims to have severe retinal damage, I know she only fibs. As she was begging me not to flash her my bras anymore, I said, "Just wait until I get new panties." I can only assume she'll want me to show her those too!!!

Wicked Me!!!

2004-02-05T15:30:00.000-06:00

I admittedly have a wicked side. Sometimes I get off on being mean to people, I don't know what it is that gives me that little pleasure, but it feels good, and I shall continue. Last night was my most recent of Ev-eil behavior. Noah, Joy's son, finds it necessary to turn on the light to go up and down the stairs......E V E R Y T I M E!!!! I wasn't feeling so hot last night, a wee bit of hangover to work through yet, and well, I unscrewed the light bulb just enough so the light wouldn't turn on. Now, it wouldn't bother me so much if he turned if off right away, but he forgets (typical child behavior) and it drives me NUTS!!!!! So last night as I closed the door to my room, Noah stood at the bottom of the stairs, and when he flipped the switch, nothing......I giggled inside, just a bit. He was bummed that the light seemed to be burned out, but that was it. It wasn't as if I was out the hurt The Boy, it's just one of those things.

Update!!

2004-02-04T17:18:00.000-06:00

Every time I talk to my mom she's all like, "Why haven't you been updating your blog?"
Then I'm all like, "Well, I have nothing to say."
I didn't want to have a bitch blog for the last week. There has not been much of note to share anyway, except.............

My favorite cat died--

The least offensive of the cats had an unfortunate run in with a dog last week. Through his adept sense of timing, he managed to run out the door when I got home from work last week. He was the sweetest of the little furballs from hell. He didn't puke everywhere, he would lay with me to watch TV for hours on end, and he was so cute when he would take a drink out of my glass (afterwards which I immediately took to the sink to wash out). Here is a picture of Brown Cat (may he rest in peace) with Black & White Cat.

I'm Allergic to Something--

I've never had allergies at all, but it seems that something in those new razors with the aloe infused strip that goes all the way around it (I can't for the life of me think of the razor) anyway, I bought the sensitive skin version, and now am suffering from armpit itchy hell. It seems to be getting better some days, but others I'm super itchy. It's driving me nuts...........................arrrrgghhhhhhhhhhhh!

Superbowl Smooperbowl--

I didn't participate in any Superbowl related activities. From what I understand the downtown area was infused with stupid party seekers, and celebrity stalkers. I could have cared less (that is until I heard Brad Pitt was here). But, that beard of a wife of his obviously kept him busy, because he was unable to break away to give me a call. I heard he likes fat chicks........

Diet--

It's not going so well, since I stopped doing it last week. I got sick, and just didn't care anymore what I ate....I needed fruit, something ice creamy cold to ease the pain in my throat, something so infused with carbs and sugar that it would rot my teeth. So, I'm going to read the Atkins book, and then get back on, once I have the whole basis memorized and I don't have to call people and be like, "Now what do I need to do again?"

Dating--

NRG has been super busy and detained as of late, so I have once again found myself trying to be distracted from all of the free time I seem to have. I went out last night with some egotistical, uncommuicative guy last night. It was like meeting some friend at the bar and playing darts all night. I actually was reintroduced to some guy I met the last time I went to this bar, and ended up having a fabulous time, despite my "date". This other guy, who's name I can't remember to save my life, was a hoot, we did shots (Bull Blasters--jag and red bull, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm), played darts, and generally made fools of ourselves for the rest of the bar to enjoy. I didn't make it home until midnight, and I'm really paying for it today. For some odd reason the beer always tastes better when you have to get up super early in the morning.....I think that may be one of Murphy's laws.

Making Friends--

I made a new friend recently as well, her name is Elsa and she's fun. We hang out together quite a bit. She has a 3 year old son, who is just an angel (but give him 3 more years). We met online to, she started chatting with me, and before long I discovered that I went out on a date with her boyfriend back in December. To make a long story short, this guy is a loser, and I'm so glad he never called me, although at the time I was a bit disappointed. But, now Elsa and I are devising ways to get him. I don't know if it will happen, but we have great fun imagining how he's going to find out that Elsa and I know each other.

Greg the Landlord is an ASSHOLE!!!!

2004-01-27T05:04:00.000-06:00

Never rent from this guy, he will make your life a living hell.

Katrina, Kory and Roger,

The cleaning costs are $229 plus $35 for a torn screen.
(The torn screen was from Katrina's bedroom and was in the living room closet.)

($229 + $35) / 3 = $88 each

The damage to the balcony roof (wood) and the rubber membrane will cost approximately
$2000 to correct.

The damage was just outside the door along the South railing. It was hidden by the green
outdoor carpeting but was easy to find ... all I had to do was step on the spot and the
floor sagged and made a cracking wood sound. Lifting the green carpeting revealed the
punctured rubber membrane.

Do any of you know what was dropped. It was heavy enough to pierce the rubber membrane
and to crush the wood flooring underneath it.

Total costs including cleaning and repair to the balcony are in excess of $750 each which
exceeds your individual security deposits.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Best wishes,

Greg

If anyone wants to give me free legal advice, I would be more than happy to take it. I moved out 6 months ago, and all of my friends know that I would not damage the place I lived. When I moved out no one checked me out, even though I notified the management company 2 days in advance. Living in this place and renting from this guy have created me too many headaches to name. The least of which was, that when he couldn't handle his ex girlfriend dating other men, he decided to moved to Alaska and stuck me with two strangers (the other two named in the email). He claimed he was unable to let me out of my lease, even though the verbal agreement was that he would continue to live in the house (it was a roommate situation). Anyway, he's an asshole, never trust a Greg.

BRRRRRRRRRRRR!!

2004-01-27T04:57:00.000-06:00

The temperature in the house when I finally got out of bed was 55 degrees. I say got out of bed, because I was awake long before the battle between good (sleep) and evil (the anti-sleep) started at about 4. Evil won today at about 4:30. The nice thing about living with Joy is she hates the super cold. So the temperature in the house ranges from 70ish to 80ish. The thermostat never works quite right unfortunately, so we are forced to suffer through fluxuating temperatures. So today, I'm going into work early, where it's warm.

5 Days Later

2004-01-21T19:47:00.000-06:00

I hope no one thought I was dead. It's just been a slow news week. Here is the 5 Day Recap:

Saturday: Saw the Timberwolves lose to the Rockets in a miserable display of basketball. It's hard being one of six people cheering for the away team coincidently.

Sunday: Saw Along Came Polly. All the funny shit is in the preview, wait for video.

Monday: Work a half day (technically I didn't have to be there at all), and then spent the rest of the afternoon reading the Atkins book so I can figure out this diet and what I'm doing wrong.

Tuesday: Ate one of those low carb Weight Watchers meals for lunch, it sucked, I'm back to big salads. Highlight of the day was the Queer Eye holiday episode.

Today: LOOOOOOOOOOOONG Day at work, even though I was only there for 8 hours. Currently I am watching the American Idol try outs in Houston, it is the sorriest, saddest, funniest thing I have seen in awhile. I mean if you can't sing, you can't sing. Don't embarrass yourself on national television. I'm seriously embarrassed for these people.

Other news: I've told my supervisor that I am moving in April. She's wondering who is going to take my place. She asked me what it would take to make me stay. I told her a job, benefits, good salary. They won't be able to offer it to me, which is why I asked for it. I'm looking forward to spending time with my friends back in the Twin Cities. Sunday breakfast with Jim and the Boytoy, cooking meals for Ms. Susan, walking her dogs, walks around Lake Calhoun. It's all there waiting for me. Once again I'm on a search to find the ideal person to drive back with me. I asked NRG, but he was somewhat evasive. How, you ask? Well, he answered my question with a question. He asked me, "How cold is it in Minneapolis in April?" How do I answer that? Well, I told the truth naturally. I said like today (It was sunny and 50 that day, so I wasn't lying). I did neglect to mention that it could also be freezing cold. OOPS!! He'll know now.

You Know Who You Are!!!!!!!!

2004-01-16T15:36:00.000-06:00

Damn you girl that brought in doughnuts this morning. I know I am nice to your face, but I hate you none the less. You know I love Shipley doughnuts more than my own mother. Their tasty goodness that goes right to the hips. Yeah, I'll continue to be nice to you, but don't offer me a doughnut again, or else I'll kill you, I won't just hurt you, I'll kill you.

And F*^K you too, bitch that thought it was a good idea to make popcorn yesterday. I didn't like you before you made the popcorn and I sure as hell don't like you now. Just keep walking and stick that popcorn straight up your ass.

In diet news, I've lost 7.5 pounds since Monday.

Slow Week

2004-01-15T15:16:00.000-06:00

Things have been a bit slow here this week. My lack of energy since starting the Atkins diet is amazing. I get home at night, only to fall on the couch and surf the channels. According to my sources though, this will get much better after the second week. Maybe I can actually start exercising like I planned to 6 months ago. I can't hardly believe I've been in Houston for 6 months. The time really is flying, and before I know it, I'll be back in Minneapolis. Anyway, back to diet news. I've lost a total of 4.5 pounds since starting on Monday. I know that it's just water, but it feels good, so shut yer yap.

I've been reading the book Holes this week. It's actually really good. I managed to read half the book in 2 hours last night, so it's a quick read. I've been taping my shows this week too, and have been unable to force myself to watch anything. For some odd reason I'm going through this phase where I don't really want to watch anything. The only things I "NEED" to watch is Alias and Must See TV on Thursdays. Otherwise I've dropped everything else including 24. Which is unfortunate because I really do like that show, but I stopped caring.

I've been a bit homesick lately as well. On Tuesday night I spent most of the night on the phone. I called Ms. Susan. We chatted about me moving in and finding a third roommate (who will be as cool as us, it's going to be hard to do, I know), the men in our lives, and our jobs. Then I called Daddy Jeff. He thinks he's so funny with his little comments, and he thought he had to dig further into them then necessary. He's also afraid of getting me in trouble with the mom. So thank goodness he's been filtering his comments. I also talked to NRG for awhile. I do that sometimes, where I just need to talk, about anything and everything, lucky I have good enough friends to fulfill those needs.

Well, this weekend might prove to have a story or two. Joy and I are going to a Rockets game on Saturday. They play the Timberwolves. I called and left a message for NRG asking if he was interested. It's funny because when he called me back, I was all like, who is this. He referred to himself as NRG. He's too funny sometimes. Anyway, we're working on finding a third person to join us. If you know of anyone, let me know. I'll let you know the next time something exciting happens. Take care.

Automated Telephone Answering Systems

2004-01-13T10:53:00.000-06:00

Like everyone else out there, when I call a company I want to speak to a real person. I don't want to be told that I am in a cue, and I have about a 10 minute wait before a customer service representative will be with me. I also hate those automated systems that lead you through menus with options that don't even closely represent any service you need. The options must get screwed up sometimes. Today I had to call an insurance company, the most annoying part of my job, and their customer service options menu didn't offer any service I needed. So, I just picked a random number, 3 sounds good. Then I have a whole other list of options to pick from. The funny thing is, that they didn't seem to be related at all to option 3 that I had previously picked.

For example (just for fun):

Thank you for calling Kat's Company. In order to serve you better please pick from the following list.

For dog sitting services please pick 1.
For general house sitting services please pick 2.
For customer service please press 3.
If you have a good bit of juicy gossip you might like to share please press 4, where you will be connected directly to Kat.
If you are in need of a favor, press 5.
If you are interested in going out to boy bar press 6.
If you are interested in going out to regular bar press 7.
If you want to play cards press 8.

Now this is where most companies seem to have problems. There is a whole new menu to choose from at this point. The objective is to have options on this second menu that are clearly results of the initial option selected. So, here is how I would imagine a company might screw up my list. Let's say you pick any of the options.

If you need dog sitting this weekend, press 1.
If you are a good euchre player, press 2.
If you suck at euchre, please hang up the phone.
If you are issuing a complaint, press 3.
If your gossip is old news, press 4.

And so on, what I'm essentially trying to say is that the whole damn options menu is just a matter of frustrating you so much that you hang up the phone. It's a stalling tactic created by corporations. I think next time I call I'll just press random numbers until I get a live person on the phone, $40 says they can help me no matter what the issue is.........just think about it.

The Weekend

2004-01-12T20:59:00.000-06:00

I worked for a bit this weekend. Santos and I had dinner again on Saturday night. This time we went dutch. DAMN!!! That's ok. Afterwards I went out with NRG. He had some Navy banquet deal-e-o in Conroe which is an hour north of here. I drove up to meet him afterwards (the Navy got him a room for the night) and we watched TV and talked. It was like a big 'ol slumber party. Except for the lack of parental supervision. We also didn't drunk dial anyone. Next time. When I got up there was some crappy coffee to make, which I actually enjoyed because of the small hangover I had. And just so you know mom, I wore my pajamas, all night.

I got back to the city by 1ish on Sunday. It was actually a nice drive back down. And apparently there is an outlet mall in Conroe, so if I have any money before I leave, which I probably won't, but if I do, I'm going back to check it out.

Ok, well, that's everything. Maybe not overly exciting, but it's been keeping me busy none the less. I've got a major headache tonight. I don't know if it's my new diet (Atkins--I finally broke down) or if it's just because it's Monday. Either way, I'm going to bed early. Have a great day.

Friday

2004-01-12T20:45:00.000-06:00

So, a couple of us from work were supposed to go out for happy hour on Friday. There were emails exchanged and a meeting time and place agreed upon. At 4PM, I went in search of my crew, neither of which were where they were supposed to be. I tracked Santos down, who was in a meeting with my boss. Stephanie was wandering around. I thought we were still going to meet by the elevator, but then someone else told me she left already. I thought she just went to the place. But, I didn't know exactly where the Chili's was by work. So, I drove around in a panic trying to find the damn place. By the time I did, it was almost 5, and Stephanie wasn't there. Santos called about 2 minutes after I left a message saying that I was fed up and going home.

Well, I'm glad he talked me into not going. Although we lost Stephanie, Santos and I had a great time. We drank a few beers, talked about life and relationships and such, then had some dinner. We ate at a Japanese restaurant that had a sushi bar. I had a not so great experience with sushi about 2 years ago, so I wasn't thrilled, but decided to give it a try again. It was good. I love sushimi. I like wasabi too. It was a nice long meal, with good conversation. He also paid, which is something else I really like. I made sure to mention that I wasn't putting out at all before the waitress picked up his credit card. He said I wasn't his type because I was too tall. I just laughed at him. Everybody wants me!!! Apparently he didn't get the memo on that one. Silly goose.

Thursday

2004-01-12T20:34:00.000-06:00

Well, He did call, we did go out again, and yes, we did have fun. Let's just call this one IT Guy (and people say we aren't our jobs). IT Guy lives in Dallas and works in Houston, so he drives up on Sunday evenings for the week. They put him up in a hotel, kind of a good deal. Well, his hotel is fairly close to where I live. I went over there and we went out. There is a bar very close to his hotel so we went there. I think it was called Wink's. Well, much to my surprise the place was a swingers club. Yes, you read right, a swingers club. That's where couples hook up with each other and GET IT ON!!!!!

There are rules to Swingers Clubs. First rule is to not talk about swingers club. The second is all single men must sit at the bar, while couples and single women can sit in the booths and tables. The single men are not to approach anyone, that is up to people who are sitting at the booths. The server asked our names as we sat down, far away from other couples. We just observed and drank. We made jokes and snickered at the single men. It was all very awkward and a bit uncomfortable. We had our required number of drinks and left. All in all an interesting evening.

Sorry

2004-01-12T20:16:00.000-06:00

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blogging duties. Things have been busy, which is good, but the bad thing is they have firewalls up at my new job, which is preventing me from blogging on company time. DAMN!!! What they don't realize is that I'm less productive because I don't have an outlet while I'm taking a break. So now I just go talk to my co-workers, which happens to take longer than posting........ When will they ever figure it out?

This is how it's going to work for the reading.......I'm going to post for the days that I missed. I'll just create a new post for each day.....now unfortunately this one will probably be at the bottom, so just suffer.

A Good Date

2004-01-08T12:49:00.000-06:00

I actually had a good date. I know it's hard to believe, but it happened. Now, it's just a matter of him calling again. We had originally planned on going out tonight to a hockey game, but neither of us had much to do on Tuesday night, and decided that it was better to meet before committing ourselves to a date where we would be unable to easily get away. Some tactics included in getting away could be getting the call about a mysterious "accident", or going to the bathroom and never coming back. We decided before meeting face to face that we would be honest with each other if we didn't feel some type of attraction.

So, we arrived at the appointed place (Mike's Sports Bar) at almost the same time. We recognized each other right away due to the descriptions we exchanged, and he actually saw a photo of me with my glasses (very hard to miss). We got a drink, sat down and started talking. At first I think we were searching for things to talk about, but as we got more comfortable with each other (and a shot and another drink) the conversation flowed nicely. We played a game of pool, I jokingly said something about how glad I was that we didn't bet because I was losing (for those of you who know me, you know I HATE to lose), well we did end up betting. Big mistake. He won, which meant that I had to stay out at least until midnight. Apparently I didn't mind so much because we were out later than that.

On a scale of 1-10, I give the date an 8. Now, he just has to call again.

Orange Security

2004-01-07T12:50:00.000-06:00

As most of you know, we are at orange security level, whatever that means. While flying, you get to experience the full benefits of this heightened state of security. I found that it is an especially nice treat when you get to fly out of a small airport, like Madison for example. There are about 50 TSA's, but as they wonder around the airport filling us with a false sense of security, the line to get to the other side of the metal detection devices quickly builds up. This not only is a good way to increase the number of cranky air travelers, but also allows those new to the line a way to create conversation with perfect strangers. Now, I'm all for meeting new people, especially those that are a bit more colorful. But after spending a half an hour in the wrong line (due to my itinery that was incorrect) only to be rudely told that I am an idiot for not knowing the Northwest doesn't fly to Cleveland, but to have my bag carrying my delicates searched not once, but twice due to the ineptitude of said Northwest ticketing agent. Now, I am usually a patient person, all I ask is to be acknowledged while waiting a half hour in line. When that jackass told me that I was in the wrong line, my temper flared. What I said is unimportant, but let's just say that the people in line behind me were mentally clapping for me.

Now, that's not where the torture ends for us unsuspecting air traveling fools. They get us caged into the inner sanctum of the airport only to rape us of hard working money by overcharging us for bland food. Did you know that a turkey and swiss hoagie and a V8 costs more than $8 including tax at the Madison airport. When the lady behind the counter told me this I rolled my eyes, and she knowingly acknowledged my distain. I'm sure she feels guilty about the prices, but there is nothing she can do. Let's just say that I am glad I have no future air travel plans.

I have a couple of questions about the orange security:

Orange you supposed to be polite?

Orange you going to offer to aid me in my air travel ventures?

Orange you allowed to make eye contact and greet your guests with a smile, not a sneer?

Orange you going to pull your head out of your ass sometime soon?

My Dad

2004-01-05T10:49:00.000-06:00

My dad and I have had a roller coaster of a relationship since I started high school. He's a very "by the rules" type of guy who believes that routine and regulation should be adhered to at all costs. This sort of attitude has caused some problems for us in the past.

In a small town like Highland, the only thing to do on the weekend is drink and make out. Since no one wanted to make out with me, my only other alternative was drinking. So that's what I did. My mother, having grown up in the same small town did the exact same thing, understood. Although she didn't like it, it was just accepted. My dad on the other hand was anti underage drinking (with every law supporting his view). He grounded me for a whole summer because he found a bottle of brandy in my room. But, it didn't stop me once I was free to roam the streets again, I just had to be trickier about it. How sorry was I?

But, the older I get the more accommodating he is. There is always beer available in the fridge, he takes me out drinking when I come home to visit, one night we even did a couple of rounds of shots together. He's mellowed out quite a bit in the last couple of years. He's also gotten funny. I don't know exactly when it happened, but somewhere in the last ten years he's developed a sense of humor.

Now when I come to visit, we go shooting (weather permitting), down to the bar (weather always permits), or out driving around. So I must say that over the last 10 years our relationship has only gotten better. Now, if he would just stop making fun of women drivers............

I Must Be Old or Something

2004-01-02T07:25:00.000-06:00

Well, now that I have reached the ripe old age of 30 everything starts going downhill, or so it seems. New Years Eve. It's that night you prepare for by banking some sleep, you start to practice drinking shots to hone your skills, you make that whoop, whoop sound when you are alone so your tone and pitch is perfect once midnight on the 31st rolls around. OK, maybe not everyone is that serious but you plan to stay awake until midnight right? Possibly a little later.

Well, about that. I'm OLD. I was drunk by 9, sleepy by 10 and out by 11ish. I didn't see midnight, except through the back of my eyelids, and honestly it wasn't that memorable. I can't remember the last time I wasn't awake at midnight on this celebratory evening. I mean, bitch, please. But, I did have to wake up to pack to come back to Wisconsin. All in all it was a nice night, and I'm not complaining, I just feel old, because when I told my mom about it, she told me she was up later than I was. Yikes!!!!!!!!

Well, happy new year all. I'll be posting from Highland until the 6th, when I'll be making my way back to the warmth of Houston.

They just Never Give Up

2003-12-30T10:23:00.000-06:00

So, Troy is obsessed with me. I think it's lucky that I'm not still in Minneapolis. Otherwise there could be some Jerry Springer type episodes in my personal life which I will avoid by all means.

katrina....
thought i saw you in rainbow uptown saturday night. i
was in line so didn't go pursue. was it you?
troy

I guess once you've had Kat, you can never go back.....or something like that......

Rice Village

2003-12-29T12:23:00.000-06:00

So I went to the part of Houston called Rice Village today. It's not so great. I thought it might be like uptown with eclectic little shops and coffehouses galore. But, not so much. It was a commercialized outdoor Mecca.....kind of like the Mall O' America, but with no roof and no theme park. Had a nice little lunch at a Chinese place, which apparently wasn't good enough to remember the name of......and I also visited the coolest Half-Price Books I have ever been in. It was huge. They had things organzied out nicely....there were people swarming everywhere. I had a slight drool incident with the little hottie mchotterson behind the counter when I was paying for my books, but besides that, I think that they will let me return.

Relaxing....ahhhhhhh

2003-12-27T09:47:00.000-06:00

So, there hasn't been much to blog about because I haven't really done anything over the last couple of days. Sleep, eat, same ol'. NRG and I had some lunch yesterday and went to the bookstore. His facination lies with mysticism and religion.....mine lies with fiction and the occult. I introduced him to Half-Price Books, which he fell in love with immediately.

I am currently waiting for Jim and his boy toy to call so that I can get on the road to Austin. I'm super excited about the trip because I have never been and I get to see Jim and Shawn (AKA Boy Toy). Just don't tell Shawn I called him that, he doesn't like it very much.

The last couple of days have been very enriching. The house is clean, the laundry is done, and I feel good about the decisions I have made for my future. Returning to school, moving back to Minneapolis (if all goes as planned). It may be because of the beautiful day here today, but the future looks bright.

Ok, maybe something sordid will happen in Austin that I can report on. Otherwise, hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!!

Almost Christmas?

2003-12-23T10:44:00.000-06:00

Is it really almost Christmas? Because I didn't notice with the temperature almost reaching 80 yesterday and the 70 degree weather I am not enjoying today as I slave away inside the safety of my cubicle.

Serial Dater

2003-12-22T12:38:00.000-06:00

I have this problem. I'm a bit of a serial dater. I meet someone. They seem interested and ask me out.....and I have to say yes. It's one of my downfalls. My biggest problem sometimes is that I keep saying yes to things when I don't really mean it. I don't mean that mom, so quit yer worryin'.

Would you like to go out again? Yes!

Dinner? Yes!

Think we should live together? Yes! (But, don't tell my mom!)

Can I call you? Yes!

I have this thing with wanting to be liked. Not everyone likes to hear no. Sometimes, when the mood is right I find that NO is an easy word. But, when he's nice but you don't feel that strong of a connection, NO is the hardest word to say. I want every date to be like the first date. You talk, possibly hold hands, he buys you a drink or two, treats you like a lady. There isn't enough time in one date for him to go from gentleman to asshole. So, here I am with someone who wants to see me again, and I'm not sure if I'm so interested. How do I tell him without hurting his feelings? This one is too good for the "not interested I'm leaving speech".

Next!

Mr. Not So Much

2003-12-21T09:43:00.000-06:00

Here is the latest installment of people who have answered my ad and will never get a response. Again.....just because I'm not a size 2, it doesn't mean that I am interested in dating every guy out there that doesn't know what exercise is.......if you catch my drift.

Notice the evil eyebrow peaking up over the black line of anonymity. Also, holding a cute puppy (kitty or other small animal) does not make you that much more attractive. This reminds me of another rule of computer dating that I follow. Do not, under any circumstances, date anyone who had a photo of a vehicle in their profile. It's a sign, I believe, of virility, or lack there of. This is not a proven theory, but just a theory, like when you see a guy driving too fast down the road in his overpriced sports car you just want to holler, "Sorry about your dick, dude!"

No date for the movies

2003-12-19T18:31:00.000-06:00

What Bob Said

2003-12-19T18:27:00.000-06:00

Always, and I mean always, be nice to your server.

2003-12-19T13:09:00.000-06:00

THE MIKE'S--

So, not all of you know me, therefore would know about my friends......and their nicknames. Daddy Jeff happens to be a reader and commenter (but mostly just a catalyst for trouble when Eunice Crunch is around). Anyway, most of them have monikers before their names so that they are easily differentiated and described with little to no effort. I just bored myself by searching for the story of the Mikes in my archeives, but was unable to find one.....so here goes.....also, I need to stop starting most of my posts with so.......

Bathroom Mike--Not very proud of his appointed nickname but earned the first night I met him. Patty Pumpkin Pants and I had known met David (later to become Grandpa Pants--but that's a whole other story) a few weeks (days?) when he invited us to go to some holiday party with him and a friend. We accepted and made our way into NE Minneapolis one cold January (?) night. As the party began to die down we were unable to find one of our group, Mike. No where to be found, and neither was that hairdresser from Great Clips sporting the crappy jacket. After a bit of searching we found him making friends with poorly dressed hair dresser in the upstairs bathroom....enough said. He has also managed to earn the name Webcam Mike.....I'll let you wonder about that one.......

Disco Mike--Used to work for ComDisco.....

Jewish Mike---Catholic.....but really wishes he was Jewish

Lawyer Mike--Used to be a lawyer, I guess he still is, but non-practicing currently

Roommate Mike--Patty Pumpkin Pants' old roomie

So there are other nicknames out there for people we would see out all the time, but never knew their names......Ugly Rainbow Fag, Nicholas Cage Look-alike, The Humper, Rat Hair Boy....and so on......

2003-12-18T05:59:00.000-06:00

I'm pretty for crying out loud. Why do these old, scary men answer my damn personal ad!

It's not that I wouldn't date someone unattractive, and I'm sure this guy has some great personal habits (NASCAR being one of his favorite "sports"--no surprise there really). It's nice too how open his is about things, like mentioning that he doesn't have a car (so he's just looking for someone to drive.......), I wonder if he has a job? Guess I'll never know.....

2003-12-17T12:54:00.000-06:00

Joy, the boy and I stopped at Half Price Books last night. This is one of those places where I could spend hours of my time searching for books to occupy my lonely evenings. I had a specific book in mind, but of course ended up buying more. It's not that I don't currently have plenty of books to occupy my time, but I just like to have more of them.....than anyone. Anyway, one of the books that I was looking for was, The Devil Wears Prada. I wasn't sure where to look, so I go up to the counter to ask the nice man. I end up having to slowly repeat and than spell almost every word out to him. I was only slightly irritated, because he ended up making me laugh.

He said to me, "I don't even know what a PRADA is!"

I had to hold back the chuckle as I explained to him what a "PRADA" is.

I also spent some time in the relationships area looking for a book my friend Eddie recommended for me. He's going to be my life coach, whatever the hell that is, anyway I was baffled by the outrageous number of books that focused on the female orgasm and the ways to acheive said orgasm. I looked, but found none that covered the male orgasm, I think I have to look in the "When the Wind Blows" category or something like that.

2003-12-16T14:22:00.000-06:00

I had another one of those date things last night. After the huge disappointment on Saturday, OK, it really wasn't huge, just a disappointment, I don't want to be wasting time talking on the phone and getting to really like them before I see their jacked up teeth or some other little thing that will drive me to the point of insanity.

So last night I went for a walk with a nice man. He's a bit younger than I am (25), very tall (6'5"), a teacher (who doesn't like teachers), and very much a gentleman (let's see how long that lasts). We talked for a little over an hour (not just one of us, mind you) and I found him to be intelligent, well read, and a super hottie (nice teeth and hands). So, hopefully he'll call me tonight and we'll see what's going to happen with the first official date.

I wonder sometimes what attracts us to other people. Compared to my "date" (Boy Wonder or BW) on Saturday night, here are the differences, and let's call this Kat's dating guide(let's call last night's "date" Superman or SM):

1. BW was nervous and figety--SM confident and calm

2. BW had some funny colored jacked up teeth--SM straight and white teeth

3. BW bored me with job talk--SM avoided all topics that weren't about who we were (not what we were)

4. BW bald head-- SM bald head

5. BW didn't ask me one question--SM asked thoughtful questions

So those were some of the differences and in the case of #4 a similarity (I really do have a thing for bald men).

I'll let you know how it goes!

1.

2003-12-15T12:52:00.000-06:00

Don't get me wrong, I really like where I sit. It's a nice little cube at the end of the row, furthest from the main isle. I have privacy, my radio playing assorted tunes, bottled water, a secret stash of chocolate and I can kick my shoes off any time I like. The only thing I really hate about where I sit is that the printer is extremely close to my little piece of heaven. So people, with nothing to say, feel obligated to swing by and bore me with their idle chatter. How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting? Blah, blah, blah. I'm sick of it. I wish they would just leave me alone to work in peace.

I give them their space even though I have to pass by their cubes every time I get up from my desk, unless I'm just going to the printer of course. Does this make me some sort of bitch? I hope so, then maybe they'll just leave me alone!!!!

2003-12-15T05:50:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I joined Joy and her fiancee Rob, and their friends (and wedding party members) to a matinee performance by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. It was a spectacle to behold, with lights and loud music. I really enjoyed it. I found out from Dale, the best man, that a member from a group called Savatage writes all the music for the TSO. This is a group that I became somewhat familiar with while still in high school. One of their songs was used at a church retreat that I had gone to. It's off this album. Scroll down to the very last song called Believe. There is a little speaker symbol next to the length of the song. I think you all might enjoy it very much.

OK, well off to work for me. Have a great day!

2003-12-14T09:23:00.001-06:00

So they caught Saddam. I really hope that this is all I get to watch for the next week. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy, but really, I hate watching the same thing 100 times over.

2003-12-14T09:23:00.000-06:00

So last night I went out on a "date" with someone from Match.com. We have been chatting via email and a bit on the phone. So last night, neither of us had much to do and we met for a drink. We met at some place called Cacho's. It was the kind of place where you order your food in line and then you get a number and go back to pick it up when your number comes up. They had a bar area, and we went there to get a drink and we picked a table and sat. All I can say about this very short date, was that I have never talked so little, or been so uninterested. He managed to bore me for an hour about his job and his apartment. My neck and cheeks hurt from giving him the smile and nod for so long. I asked questions to appear to be interested, but was never asked any in return.

As it got closer to 9PM, I had one of two choices, I could either "go powder my nose" never to return, or go balls to the wall and tell him I just wasn't intereted. I opted for the latter. I came right out and told him that I wasn't feeling it, and that I wanted to go home alone. He was gracious, walked out with me and that was it. So, on to the next one I guess.

2003-12-12T14:36:00.000-06:00

Is this healthy, I mean seriously, NO means NO!

o.k. so i had to go back to your old message to get your address. you know you are such a beautiful person, AND I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU BACK. but nicole made me erase your phone #. meaning i don't have it anymore. you were such the most beautiful girlfriend to have and i miss it and i'm sooooo f***ing sorry i didn't spend time with you. fuck..but i miss you. i need you. call me. e-mail me. do something. i miss you like you wont believe....
troy

And he says I'm the one with issues. I don't think so. His phone number is deleted out of my cell and I have deleted his email.....I should be blocking him, don't you think?