Spring Snow

Hello all. It snowed yesterday and will snow some today. That just isn't right! It's APRIL! However I expected this lingering snow storm, and at least it won't last for long. I was just starting to think how nice it is to walk on the sidewalk not like a granny. I would like to point out that I survived my first Chicago winter without falling on my ass. ::knocks on wood hoping that I didn't just jinx myself:: Although I have had a couple VERY close calls. Once I had to grab onto fence to keep myself from hitting the ground (I had groceries in hand!). It can be very deceiving with the layer of solid ice underneath the snow.

I don't have very much to update. I am planning my trips home for the summer. I am thinking that I will come during Memorial Day and the 4th of July. That just seems to work best with my work schedule since my office will be closed for the days surrounding the holidays. So, for those who care: I will be in the PA area on May 22-25 and July 2-6.

July: I am hoping that J-Bird (as Marley calls him) will come along for the 4th of July trip. I am expecting to spend most that time in NEPA and Philly with the familia.

May: I don't think Justin will be coming along as I am just sticking around the area after working in NJ for the week. I am up in the air with this one - not sure if I will be in Philly with Tom & Kandice or visiting Bill/Kate/Angela in C-burg.

*Note: these trips are tentative and not 100% planned yet. So don't mark your calendars just yet.

Also on the trip radar: Justin's friend from home is getting married in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) in December. I really want to go, however it's like $900 for the trip and it's right around the holidays. I don't think I will end up going. I've never spent $500+ on a vacation. I just don't have that kind of cashflow.

In other news, Justin surprised me with RENT tickets! The show was only in Chicago for two weeks and it was going off broadway. It was awesome and Justin actually liked it. We only got a couple pics on Justin's camera, so I can't share with you today.

Work has slowed to a crawl. Our schedule is cyclical and it gets a little slow at this time. It should pick up soon as we are planning summer activities for the interns. I'm getting a little spoiled though leaving early and signing on at home. I don't think I could really enjoy working from home all the time, at least not at age 24. The office has gotten eerily quiet, and I don't like it!

I'm bookless at the moment - waiting for A Clockwork Orange and Brave New World to arrive. I ordered them from Half.com. Still obsessed with American Idol, though it feels kinda crappy this year. Eh, it gives me something to look forward to. Have any of you watched Lie to Me on Wednesdays before AI8? I actually REALLY like it!

Justin will be in Miami this week for work (again). But he will be back for Easter and I think we are going to cook a big dinner. God bless, I'm sure you guys never saw this one coming ... me cooking a holiday meal! (This is kind of a big deal, even though it's only for like 2-3 people! Justin's roommate might be joining us.) So wish me luck, or send suggestions! I want to do a ham and mashed potatoes. Justin does not like creamed corn (how, I don't know), so I'm unsure for veggies. And, to make it a real Easter, I'm baking a pie. Hallelujah this should be interesting. ...Take me back to junior year of college and Kristy always reminding me to "check the meat".

Speaking of which, I'm considering going back to vegetarianism. I like the taste of meat, don't get me wrong. But lately it has been grossing me out. Chicken sub from Subway and wings, in particular. And they tasted good. I'm not sure. I think Justin has been loving it that I eat meat again. Maybe I will just not eat it as much, or only eat it when I really want it. Thoughts about dinner tonight: tuna cakes!

Wow - so this post became surprisingly long after I thought I had nothing to update. I hope people are reading this! If not, I will just use it when I write my book. ;-)

Directionally Challenged

Hello everyone. It's been some time again since the last time I wrote. Typically I think of something to write, and then I'm too tired. Or I have the computer up and in front of me, but I just can't think of anything important going on.

Currently: eating minestrone soup and drinking pepsi (lunch). Wearing gap jeans and a blue sweater (Kohls, one of my fave sweaters).

Just went and signed a lease for May 2009-April 2010. I was having serious commitment cold feet, but I figured that I should just do it (you know, like Nike). I mean, that was a pretty big thing for a place that I've only seen once and a roommate that I've only met once. But as soon as Elise (roomie) picked me up, it began. We were yapping (she's a talker) and she likes country music! We really have a lot in common - I think this is going to work out beautifully. Fun facts: Elise is 27, has two cats, works full time and goes to grad school. She's from Michigan and is a Packer fan.

And I think it's more than irony that we got together to sign the lease today. Last night I was having worrisome thoughts wondering if Chicago is the place for me. I mean, I haven't met a real friend yet. I feel like I miss out on so much back home, just not being with the fam or friends. Which is why God has set it up so that Elise and I would be together today.

Speaking of which ... I just finished the book, the Shack by WP Young. Bill had suggested it to me a while ago, but you can never really trust Bill's book judgement (especially since he hardly ever finishes them). But I saw it was a best seller or something from Barnes and Noble, and thought I should give it a try. And I am glad that I did. It was under the "Religious Fiction" section, so that should tell you a bit about it. It didn't "get" me until the end, and it was about forgiveness and righting the wrongs in relationships. This has made me want to go back to every person that I thought has ever wronged me, and forgive them. Or apologize to those who think that I have wronged them. It made me really think about how I treat people and how I act. This is a little deep, and it's probably hard for you to believe this. Especially if you knew me in my "Cold-Hearted Bitch" and "Honest Sunday" days. I think I've really grown up a lot, and learned a lot about myself and this ugly/beautiful world.

Now, back to the everyday, there have been layoffs on my team. YIKES. I made the cut, thank goodness, but I'm sure this isn't the end. We think they are going to wait until late summer and if things haven't improved, do some more. I still stand by the fact that it is completely out of my hands, and the best thing I can do is do my job.

I guess my biggest flaw is that I'm not really a proactive person. I like to sit around and wait for something to happen, and then react to it. I like someone else to make the decisions. You can spin this to a positive by saying it's being relaxed, laid back or easy to get along with. But what really am I going to get done by waiting on others? I don't like to make big decisions, but I'm terrified of the outcome if I don't.

Happy Birthday, Marley! She's 19, holy moly. I didn't do anything for St. Patrick's Day. That weekend Justin and I went back to Wisco to see his friend who is home from Afghanistan. It was pretty uneventful. Maybe I will add some pics on this from the weekend.

Yep, so that's all for now. See you next time, same bat time, same bat channel. <3

Ash Wednesday

It's been a while since I've been on here, so here are some updates.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kristy & Josh on their little baby Kailey Renee! Birthday- February 18th.

I'm eating some pasta now. It's Ash Wednesday, and I did eat meat today. I'm giving up going out to eat, so I had to pack my lunch this morning, which is actually pretty typical. But I didn't have much, and unless I wanted to eat a lettuce wrap, I was eating meat. I could have eatten a lettuce wrap no problem, but I didn't have cheese or anything else to put on it. And I didn't think that would hold me over. And I'm skipping getting ashes to watch American Idol (AI8). I would have been more inclined if it were the results show, but they are performing tonight!

Work has been up and down in terms of being busy. I have the feeling there is a change coming, ie. layoffs, to the team, but we never know anything. They say that anyone in this country has no promise of a job. But that doesn't really make me feel better. What makes me feel better is that I know that I have something of a backup plan. It's not ideal and would suck pretty bad, but it's a backup plan.

So, I'm getting these crazy hair ideas again! I wish it would just grow quickly, so I stop thinking about it. I want to dye it. I love my dark hair, I really do. But I get these crazy ideas of getting blonde highlights again or something like a thick streak of color. Obviously, I would never do that because I can think of 10 people that would kill me for it (at the top of the list: Justin and Kandice). My hair gets to this chin-length area and I HATE it. It's so dull and boring.

Recent drama/issues: I need to move out into a new apartment in May. I found this place that's pretty nice, it's in a decent area, and I really got along with the girl. The only problem is that it's a year lease (which will not work if I get laid off!) and it's a month and half security deposit. So that's like handing over $1600 in May. I don't really have that laying around, so I'm gonna have to work something out. But I'm freaking out if something happens, what would I do?

I haven't really been doing anything fun lately, Justin has been working like a madman. He worked both Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. Sucks. But hopefully it will get better soon.

I am starting to realllllly miss my PA friends and family.

Happy Valentine's Day

What a hallmark holiday. But I'm a total sucker for it. I got Justin a memory card and camera cover for his new digital camera. We are going for dinner tonight at Tavern at the Park. We haven't been there before, so it should be fun. Our reservation is for 9:00. I called a million places on Wednesday trying to make a reservation, and everywhere was full 5:00 to 10:00. How ridiculous!

Soo ... I found out this week that I am moving out in May. I had just assumed that their lease was ending, but they are having someone else moving in. Ugh. They did tell me that the sublet was January until May, so it was totally my fault. I still would have moved in anyway, since we had rodents in the old place. So I am keeping my eyes open for new places in May. I found some on Craigslist that I'm going to check out. It's nice that I have some time.

Other than that, things have been pretty standard. I got sick this week, and left work early, but now I feel alright. My stomach has been hurting off and on. I think the hair, nail and skin vitamins I was taking were making me sick. So I am no longer taking them. I guess I will just have to wait for my hair to grow. =(

The People on the El Go Round and Round

So I'm on the El on my way home and I wanted to tell you about all these random people. They are so interesting, they all have a story.

I first started to notice them when I saw the guy next to me was reading a comic book. Then the awkward couple sitting together. They were talking a little bit, but mainly sitting in silence. The obese lady that some actually gets up so she can sit down. The guy with the hard plastic orange backpack that looks like a rocket pack. Like flames are going to come out of the bottom and he's going to fly the rest of the way home. The annoying lady on the phone talking about how she had hot dogs for dinner last night.

And here's a story. So I'm at work yesterday and we're talking about nationality and stuff. I start telling stories about what the old guys at the Cottage and how they would ask if I was Italian, Hispanic, Greek, Native American, etc. The one time a native american guy told me I should be an actress because I looked exotic and different (picture long dark hair). And my one co-worker says, "Yeah, there aren't many people with such dark hair and pale skin." EEEEK!! Has it gotten that bad?! I told myself I wouldn't go tanning, but I think I am going to start in spring time. I can't be pale!

It's so friggin cold out again! It actually sucks when it gets just a little bit warmer for a day or two. Because then the next cold day feels even colder. Ugh. Almost spring?! Eh?

The L Word

Yep. Layoffs. It's a scary time right now. Apparently, my company is doing some layoffs and I've been freaking out ever since. There is no promise that anyone can give you, therefore you just hope for the best everytime you walk into the office. Every little odd thing that is unusual makes your heart drop. I am actually pretty cheap compared to my counterparts, but I guess I will see. I guess we all will just have to wait and see. Wish me the best.

On a more positive note, GO STEELERS! =)
They won the Superbowl yesterday! The Cardinals had one last touchdown at about 3:30 minutes left in the game and I almost started to cry. I was so nervous. But they came out victorious, thank you Santonio Holmes and my boy, Big Ben. Justin had some friends to his house, so we made a bunch of food! I made chocolate fondue dip and spinach artichoke dip! Yum!

The weekend was pretty uneventful. We had interviews on Friday and I was exhausted by the end of the day. Those days are about 13-14 hours of work, so it gets pretty tiring. And we had interviews today too, and all I want to do is go to sleep. Which is exactly what's going to happen after I finish this.

I saw this interesting article about the best careers for your Zodiac sign. I'm not going to copy/paste the whole thing, but I'll give you the link if you're interested. The following is my sign, Libra:
Libras—what would we do without them? They are good-looking and charming, gracious and entertaining. Their cooperative nature makes them excellent ambassadors and team leaders. If you ever have to deal with customer service over the phone, it will go much smoother if the operator is a Libra. More so than any sign, Libras are people people. They are not the type to slave away in some dark room; they thrive in buzzing, social environments. Many Libras gravitate toward the arts and will most likely be the lead singer of a band, interacting with the audience, rather than a brooding songwriter. Best jobs: diplomat, dancer, salesperson, host, negotiator, travel agent, supervisor.

Check out your own at: http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/32649/63415-career-zodiac-sign

I don't have much else going on. It's supposed to be like 40 degrees this weekend! Hallelujah! But I know that winter is not over yet. Punxataney Phil saw his shadow today, so 6 more weeks of winter. Although in Chicago, we still have like 3 months!

PS: Don't watch Beowulf. It sucks.

Welp, good night to all and to all a good night! Y

Football-less Sunday

The Cottage should have had their annual Christmas party this weekend. It's always the weekend before the Superbowl. I am keeping my eyes open for Superbowl party to go to. I'm pretty excited! GO STEELERS!

I don't have any pics for you from this weekend, even though I feel like I actually did something. On Friday night, Justin and I got some sushi (I love Friday night dinners!) and then hung out with Justin's friends. I ended up going home at about 12ish. I'm just not good at staying up on Friday nights.

Saturday was a good day. Justin and I got lunch and went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was really good, just super slow. Then I got a nap and we went to Nicki's apartment for a Recession Party. We also had a bday party for Justin's roommate's girlfriend. It was a good night.

EXCEPT when I accidentally put the wrong chemical on my contact and put it in my eye. It burned like hell and I managed somehow to get it out. But my eye is still bloodshot and dry. Ugh.

I feel like I had a lot to write about, but I can't think of any of it right now. How typical. I'm getting ready to head over to Justin's though to have dinner and watch a movie. It's still pretty frickin cold here and I'm not looking forward to walking there. Especially since I left my boots at work.

Just Thoughts

Attached to this blog are pics from Christmas. Marley kept saying that my mom looked like a Senator, and she wanted a picture shaking her hand. It was pretty funny. It's with Bernie and his two daughters for dinner on Christmas Eve.

So I'm on the train yesterday on my way home from work and I notice a lady sitting reading a book. She's elderly and is wearing a full length fur coat. And I wonder to myself, what is this lady doing on the el? You gotta figure that someone who can afford a $2,000+ coat would be taking a taxi. Typically at that time, you only see blue collar workers or corporate robots.

And then I thought, well maybe it was a gift. All of the more expensive things I own were gifts, and they all were given to me from Tommy. Tiffany's jewelry, Juicy boots, Kate Spade and Dooney purses to name a few. And these things aren't even outrageously expensive. I really want a pair of short black ugg boots, but I can't bring myself to buy them. And they will never go on sale. Maybe I will try some stores in March/April time.

Oh ... and here's a story. So I get home last night and my roommate is there and she proceeds to tell me that we have a mouse. And potentially it's more than one. Do they follow me?! She said she saw it last night. It ran behind the TV ... and right into .. you guessed it... MY BEDROOM. They ALWAYS go into my room. What the hell. I can't get away from the damn things. She said it was definitely a mouse because it was super tiny. She named it Gus Gus from Cinderella. My other roommate did get traps and set them up, but they are glue ones. I don't know how well they will work but we will see. Ugh. I should title this chapter in my life, My Rodent Lifestyle, the stories of Mickey, Gus Gus and the Rat House.

Sunday Funday

Well the weekend is almost over. I was pretty productive today so far, though. I went grocery shopping twice. Yes, twice. I only buy as much as I can carry. Plus I used the end of my roommate's butter, so I wanted to make sure to replace it. Got my laundry done, too. I would have gone to a movie today, but the football games are on! Go Steelers!!

The pictures here are from Adler's Planetarium. Justin and I went there yesterday. It was a lot of fun and so much better than sitting around. I feel like I'm so close to the city and I don't do all the fun things that are available. The only thing is that sitting around is free. We out last night to a bar called Local Option with Nicki (Justin's sister) and her friends. It was an interesting bar in that it really didn't have any domestic beers. They served Delirium (a Belgian beer that has been voted the best beer in the world or something).

That's all I really have to report for the weekend. Hope you had a good one too. The week should be good, we have an event going on that should keep me busy!

Love always.

Almost 700 miles away

And I still can't get away from Nanticoke! So we had a dinner last night for University of Chicago students. There are a good 60 people there total. Over dinner and casual conversation, one the students starts talking about her husband and how he's from Scranton, PA. Obviously I jump all over that and start talking about how I grew up there. And she says, "So you are a part of NEPA?" I almost died. This girl knew it all. She's talking about the Woodlands, Montage, and all of a sudden she mentions this video about how to speak and translate the language of NEPA. "Henna or no?" and "A couple two-tree". I was laughing like crazy. Everyone else at the table had no idea what we were talking about. But imagine! Someone here in Chicago that understands "didjaeatyet?" Highlight of my day.

Not a whole lot else is happening here. Still freezing. This morning wasn't too bad. Maybe because it's Friday and I can wear jeans today. I'm just more comfortable. Plus I walk faster in sneakers.

So I'm trying to grow my hair out. I really need to stop chopping it off, it looks so much better long. I am taking these Hair, Nail and Skin vitamins. I really think they help, it feels like my hair has grown some. I started taking them around Thanksgiving, so I want to do a little experiment to see how much it grows in a year with the vitamins.

Recipe for a good weekend: Friday night dinner, go to see a movie, get my laundry done, and see the Steelers win. I'm not sure exactly what we are doing for the weekend. I really want to get a nice dinner tonight and relax. I really want to get a pedicure too, but I'm not sure if I will. They just feel so useless in the winter. We will see how I feel.

The First

Hello everyone!! Welcome! So ... I had concocted this grand idea to start a blog. I feel that I don't keep up enough with people, so this is my sorry attempt. It actually feels rather arrogant to think that I could post my life up here and expect people to read it. But I'm going to give it a good college try.

The picture here is of Justin and I at the theater to see A Christmas Carol.

So it's hard to give an update because you all know pretty much whats going on. I live and work in Chicago. I've pretty much gotten used to it by now (the public transpo to work, walking everywhere, etc). The only thing is that it's sooo cold here. Today was supposed to be the coldest day in 10 years or something ... it was -10 degrees on my way to work. I wanted to cry waiting for the train ... my toes and legs were numb. Of course we have an event tonight, so I wore a dress to work, which didn't help any. Thank God for Amy (my co-worker) who gave me her old down coat because she got a new one. Or I'd be dead frozen on the sidewalk.

Overall, I'm doing just fine. Now that Justin's busy season has started, I don't get to see him as often as I'd like, but I can't complain. I have moved out of the rat house, my first apartment here. It was pretty gross there. We caught a mouse in my room and there was poop on my bed! Thats when I decided that I had to go. My new apartment is great. It's cheaper, in a great area and closer to Justin (walking distance, only about 3 blocks).

The only other update is Micka. For those who don't know, she got hit by a car last week and didn't make it. It completely broke my heart. I can't say that I've felt pain like that in quite a long time. I can't lie, I've always waited for that phone call. Micka was a bolter, once she was out, she was gone. But it's not the same as losing a 14 year old dog. When Sugar died, it was easier because it was more painful to watch her struggle while living. Micka was a blessing while I had her. Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all, right? She is with God now and I will always miss her. Y

I need to get some new batteries for my camera so I can get some pics up on here for you to see.