This morning started out well. I snoozed once more than I should have, but managed to shower and dress fairly quickly. I only put on one outfit, as opposed to putting on pants and a top, deciding the top doesn't work, finding a top I like, but then having to change the pants and then searching for socks and shoes.
I left the house about five minutes later than planned, not bad. I drive to work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because I have class after work. Class gets out at nine, and I don't really like the idea of waiting for the bus or train to get to the train station to take Metra home that late at night.
Driving to work blows. What should be a 25-30 minute drive takes at least an hour and, if I don't get on the road by 6:45, it takes at least an hour and a half, sometimes more. So, I head out, all happy about being on time and planning to get gas on the way, because my light was on and I was low.
I usually go to the Shell station on Dempster, across the street from Notre Dame High School. They aren't always the cheapest, but usually they are so, even if they're a penny more, I'm okay with that, because they are consistently cheap. This gas station is not close to my house, but it is on the way to 94. As I neared the gas station I realized I didn't have my wallet. I went to bowling Monday night and took my wallet out of my purse. Then this morning, when I was switching purses, the wallet was on the floor, I didn't see it and didn't think about it.
So, I kept driving, muttering to myself, wondering what I should do. If I could get to work, I know one of my work friends would loan my money for gas. But would I get to work? Had it not been morning rush hour, maybe, but it was morning rush hour. Did I really want to risk it?
No.
So, I turned around and drove home. By the time I got home, got my wallet, got gas and got back on the road, it was an hour later than when I started.
If you think traffic stinks at 7am, you should see it at 8am. JEEBUS.
I took surface streets as far as I could without risking getting lost (I get lost easily) and then got on the highway.
I got to work at 9:15.
Ugh.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
I'm a very opinionated person. Thus far, in the decorating of our house, I've had an idea and Mr has accepted it (for the most part - he's made a few suggestions to tweak ideas and he's usually right). I've been pretty good. I was worried about my office, because I picked a pale pale mint color and I was afraid with the new white furniture it would look like a baby's room. But it was good.
The guest room was a flop. I picked what I thought was a lovely shade called "Butter Up!" It was not lovely. It was bad. So, we went back to the paint store and got a lovely blue/grey, which has turned out wonderfully. The nice part about being in school and completely overbooked is that Mr is entirely responsible for fixing up the house. This weekend, while I was reading and researching, he was priming, taping, and painting. Right now he's cleaning up and later we'll load in what furniture we have for the room.
We're also working on the bathroom. I have been completely uninspired. I don't really like anything. We went to a tile store - Mr used to be their accountant - and looked around. We were both getting frustrated. Mr was looking for stone type stuff and it all just looked too boring for me. Then. I saw the glass tiles. I love glass tiles. I just dig the way they look. We found a stone that we both liked and I was asking what decorative trim they have for it. She said there is none, and you can use whatever you want. After a bit of prodding, she made a suggestion and showed us the glass tile.
Mr is unsure. He thinks he'll break it. How you break 1" tiles that are 6 feet up the wall is beyond me, but he thinks they'll break. Really, he's worried that it will look weird. He's never seen glass and stone. I can't find examples, but I just know it will be good.
This is the stuff. We've picked a pretty neutral beige-y stone with traces of red/brown in it. This would run, probably in a row of three tiles, about six feet up, just under the shower head.
I'm thinking we'll paint the walls the light yellow color. I already found a paint at Sherwin Williams called "White Raisin" that looks really good.
The guest room was a flop. I picked what I thought was a lovely shade called "Butter Up!" It was not lovely. It was bad. So, we went back to the paint store and got a lovely blue/grey, which has turned out wonderfully. The nice part about being in school and completely overbooked is that Mr is entirely responsible for fixing up the house. This weekend, while I was reading and researching, he was priming, taping, and painting. Right now he's cleaning up and later we'll load in what furniture we have for the room.
We're also working on the bathroom. I have been completely uninspired. I don't really like anything. We went to a tile store - Mr used to be their accountant - and looked around. We were both getting frustrated. Mr was looking for stone type stuff and it all just looked too boring for me. Then. I saw the glass tiles. I love glass tiles. I just dig the way they look. We found a stone that we both liked and I was asking what decorative trim they have for it. She said there is none, and you can use whatever you want. After a bit of prodding, she made a suggestion and showed us the glass tile.
Mr is unsure. He thinks he'll break it. How you break 1" tiles that are 6 feet up the wall is beyond me, but he thinks they'll break. Really, he's worried that it will look weird. He's never seen glass and stone. I can't find examples, but I just know it will be good.
This is the stuff. We've picked a pretty neutral beige-y stone with traces of red/brown in it. This would run, probably in a row of three tiles, about six feet up, just under the shower head.
I'm thinking we'll paint the walls the light yellow color. I already found a paint at Sherwin Williams called "White Raisin" that looks really good.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Wedding Stuff
For some reason, I feel compelled to apologize whenever I talk about my wedding here. I don't know why. I mean, this blog has no express purpose than an outlet for me to discuss what comes to mind and, as a person planning a wedding, wedding stuff comes to mind frequently. Still, I feel bad. Oh well.
This weekend was good for wedding stuff. I took my dress to a wonderful seamstress on Friday who, for $275, will be able to shorten the gown without losing any of the beading. It isn't heavily beaded, but there is a lil' something on the bodice (where the only horizontal seam is) and at the hem. I was worried that they wouldn't be able to shorten it without losing some of the sparkle, which would really change the look of the dress.
$275 seems like a lot, but that includes all the fittings and other alterations that come with a wedding dress. I've heard horror stories of being told it will cost X and then finding out, too close to the wedding to do anything about it, that there's an extra charge for x, y, and z. So, I'm cool with the $275 since it is a flat rate.
The people who are doing it are really nice too. I like them. The woman's mother started a shop and she has taken over and turned it into a boutique - they sell bridesmaid, MOB, MOG and prom dresses there and her sister runs a tux shop next door. They have the only brown tuxedos in Chicagoland. This works out well for me since I was planning on doing very dark brown - like espresso - dresses for the bridesmaids with lavender/light purple bouquets.
I saw the color combo in an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings and loved it. I was so happy when I saw their brown tux, and then the tie selection that they have. They had a lavender striped tie that was just different shades of lavender. "Perfect!" I thought.
I brought home a brochure for Mr so he could see what I was planning. He was ok with the brown tux - it's very dark - but not at all ok with my choice of tie (this lilac one). "You can't make the guys wear purple. You might as well put them in dresses." Ugh. So, I'm not sure what to do. I don't want them in the brown tuxes if they're wearing all brown (ie a brown tie, too). I don't really want to change the color scheme and lose the brown altogether, but since the shade I like and wanted is super-dark brown, I think it would look bad with black tuxes.
So, my mom called me to catch up. I told her about the shop and the tuxes and her reaction was... not what I was looking for. She basically laughed at the idea of brown tuxes, saying that she "always" liked black tuxes because they are classic and won't look "silly" years from now. She said that my brother's wedding had brown and black and it looked fine. Which is true, but the bridesmaid dress I wore in that wedding was a much softer, lighter brown, not an almost-black. They got married in June. I'm getting married in October. I feel like it has to be richer, more saturated colors.
For the past three years I've been working in Marketing. I don't have a design degree, but a lot of what I do is design work. I've developed an appreciation for a well-executed color scheme and I'm a little more sensitive to how things are carried through. When I found this color palette in Martha Stewart, I thought it was great. I want it carried out through the whole wedding - dark brown, with punches of pale purple, accented by white. I don't want the brown too light because it is a fall wedding. I want the dominate color to be a rich, fall, hue. I don't like red or shades of red in weddings. I feel like a) red bridesmaid dresses are a little overwhelming on a large scale b)it's over done.
But I digress. My mom just doesn't get that to have the men in black throws off my color scheme. I mean, I was planning on invitations in dark brown ink, just to keep things unified. I know most people won't notice or comment. That isn't the point. I will notice. I didn't get too into it with her, because I know that she doesn't get it. She's not going to get it. But I wish she did.
So, now I'm wondering what other color combos I can use. I want a fall look, but I'm not crazy about jewel tones. I suppose I could do the chocolate/espresso and blue instead of purple. It would be the same effect, or pale green. But that means that Mr will have to like the brown tuxes and be ok with his guys wearing something other than black tux, white shirt, black vest, back tie - which is apparently what he's worn for every wedding he's been in.
If you got this far into the post, what do you think? Am I crazy with the brown tux?
This weekend was good for wedding stuff. I took my dress to a wonderful seamstress on Friday who, for $275, will be able to shorten the gown without losing any of the beading. It isn't heavily beaded, but there is a lil' something on the bodice (where the only horizontal seam is) and at the hem. I was worried that they wouldn't be able to shorten it without losing some of the sparkle, which would really change the look of the dress.
$275 seems like a lot, but that includes all the fittings and other alterations that come with a wedding dress. I've heard horror stories of being told it will cost X and then finding out, too close to the wedding to do anything about it, that there's an extra charge for x, y, and z. So, I'm cool with the $275 since it is a flat rate.
The people who are doing it are really nice too. I like them. The woman's mother started a shop and she has taken over and turned it into a boutique - they sell bridesmaid, MOB, MOG and prom dresses there and her sister runs a tux shop next door. They have the only brown tuxedos in Chicagoland. This works out well for me since I was planning on doing very dark brown - like espresso - dresses for the bridesmaids with lavender/light purple bouquets.
I saw the color combo in an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings and loved it. I was so happy when I saw their brown tux, and then the tie selection that they have. They had a lavender striped tie that was just different shades of lavender. "Perfect!" I thought.
I brought home a brochure for Mr so he could see what I was planning. He was ok with the brown tux - it's very dark - but not at all ok with my choice of tie (this lilac one). "You can't make the guys wear purple. You might as well put them in dresses." Ugh. So, I'm not sure what to do. I don't want them in the brown tuxes if they're wearing all brown (ie a brown tie, too). I don't really want to change the color scheme and lose the brown altogether, but since the shade I like and wanted is super-dark brown, I think it would look bad with black tuxes.
So, my mom called me to catch up. I told her about the shop and the tuxes and her reaction was... not what I was looking for. She basically laughed at the idea of brown tuxes, saying that she "always" liked black tuxes because they are classic and won't look "silly" years from now. She said that my brother's wedding had brown and black and it looked fine. Which is true, but the bridesmaid dress I wore in that wedding was a much softer, lighter brown, not an almost-black. They got married in June. I'm getting married in October. I feel like it has to be richer, more saturated colors.
For the past three years I've been working in Marketing. I don't have a design degree, but a lot of what I do is design work. I've developed an appreciation for a well-executed color scheme and I'm a little more sensitive to how things are carried through. When I found this color palette in Martha Stewart, I thought it was great. I want it carried out through the whole wedding - dark brown, with punches of pale purple, accented by white. I don't want the brown too light because it is a fall wedding. I want the dominate color to be a rich, fall, hue. I don't like red or shades of red in weddings. I feel like a) red bridesmaid dresses are a little overwhelming on a large scale b)it's over done.
But I digress. My mom just doesn't get that to have the men in black throws off my color scheme. I mean, I was planning on invitations in dark brown ink, just to keep things unified. I know most people won't notice or comment. That isn't the point. I will notice. I didn't get too into it with her, because I know that she doesn't get it. She's not going to get it. But I wish she did.
So, now I'm wondering what other color combos I can use. I want a fall look, but I'm not crazy about jewel tones. I suppose I could do the chocolate/espresso and blue instead of purple. It would be the same effect, or pale green. But that means that Mr will have to like the brown tuxes and be ok with his guys wearing something other than black tux, white shirt, black vest, back tie - which is apparently what he's worn for every wedding he's been in.
If you got this far into the post, what do you think? Am I crazy with the brown tux?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Way Back Wednesday
Actually, I stole this from a "Tuesday" meme, but I didn't like the Wednesday site I was sent to so... whatever.
I felt like doing a meme this morning, possibly because I particularly spas-tastic this morning and don't want to focus on work. Also note that it is almost noon and I'm talking about "this morning."
Anyway. Here it is:
What songs remind you of your first "real" boyfriend/girlfriend? My first boyfriend loved the song "La Bamba" because he saw that movie about Richie Valens starring Lou Diamond Phillips. I distinctly remember him telling me this when we were on a "date" - we went to Pizza Hut with his family.
Did you ever have a song that was considered "your song" when you were part of a couple or now? I don't think so. Even now, I have a favorite song, which I must dance to whenever I hear it, but it's more my thing and Mr humors me. Sometimes a random song will come on the radio and he'll call it our song - but it is always something that is very much not a "couple-y" song like "The Immigrant Song" by Led Zepplin. Not that I don't love that song - if I were a major league ball player, the intro would totally be my at-bat music.
If you could dedicate one song to someone you love, what song would it be? I don't know. My very favorite Elvis song is what we'll be dancing to at our wedding, and it makes me think of him now. Mostly because once, on valentine's day, he surprised me by having a Vermont Teddy Bear (this one, actually) sent to my office. The card was unsigned, but had some lines from the song in it. So, I guess I'd dedicate that song to him. That was a good Valentine's Day.
In your opinion, who writes the best love songs. This is subjective. Hhhmmmm... I don't know. Maybe Journey?
I felt like doing a meme this morning, possibly because I particularly spas-tastic this morning and don't want to focus on work. Also note that it is almost noon and I'm talking about "this morning."
Anyway. Here it is:
What songs remind you of your first "real" boyfriend/girlfriend? My first boyfriend loved the song "La Bamba" because he saw that movie about Richie Valens starring Lou Diamond Phillips. I distinctly remember him telling me this when we were on a "date" - we went to Pizza Hut with his family.
Did you ever have a song that was considered "your song" when you were part of a couple or now? I don't think so. Even now, I have a favorite song, which I must dance to whenever I hear it, but it's more my thing and Mr humors me. Sometimes a random song will come on the radio and he'll call it our song - but it is always something that is very much not a "couple-y" song like "The Immigrant Song" by Led Zepplin. Not that I don't love that song - if I were a major league ball player, the intro would totally be my at-bat music.
If you could dedicate one song to someone you love, what song would it be? I don't know. My very favorite Elvis song is what we'll be dancing to at our wedding, and it makes me think of him now. Mostly because once, on valentine's day, he surprised me by having a Vermont Teddy Bear (this one, actually) sent to my office. The card was unsigned, but had some lines from the song in it. So, I guess I'd dedicate that song to him. That was a good Valentine's Day.
In your opinion, who writes the best love songs. This is subjective. Hhhmmmm... I don't know. Maybe Journey?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Mission: Bubble Bath - Not Complete
So, I was so excited on Friday when my tub was "fixed" that I just posted right away. After the plumber left, I started to follow his instructions - to pour two cups of bleach down the drain to clear out any grease (also, I was supposed to let my husband know he should caulk the seal on the faucet [another thing not done by the moron who put in our tub]. He also left the panel off so that my husband could see what he had replaced. I think there was something else I was supposed to tell my husband, but I don't know, maybe I forgot because I'm just a stupid girl. I HATE it when people assume I can't do stuff because I don't have a penis.). Anyway. Where was I?
Bleach. Right. So, while the bleach was clearing things out I posted my joy and did some internet research on the best way to clean tub jets. Then, after some time had passed, I started cleaning the jets. Turns out, the waste/overflow system wasn't the only thing the douchebag who redid the bathroom didn't do properly. We once again had water in the living room, though not as much as before. We just noticed it because the big hole in the ceiling made the water really obvious.
The jets, or the pipes that connect to the jets are leaking. They are, naturally, the jets closest to the wall. And, since we installed a fancy-schmancy closet system that I don't want to take down and I also don't want to cut a hole in the closet and then repair the wall and repair the closet system, I have decided to get a new tub. Yes, the old tub works, and it is just the jets that don't work. However. Without being able to turn on the jets, I am unable to clean the jets. If I can't clean the jets I can't take a bath. In which case we are stuck with an awkward, ugly stupid shower.
So. We're completely remodeling the bathroom - new tub, tile, fixtures, vanity, toilet, etc. Totally new.
Do you realize how expensive bathrooms are? Sheez. I guess I know what I'm doing with my tax refund.
Bleach. Right. So, while the bleach was clearing things out I posted my joy and did some internet research on the best way to clean tub jets. Then, after some time had passed, I started cleaning the jets. Turns out, the waste/overflow system wasn't the only thing the douchebag who redid the bathroom didn't do properly. We once again had water in the living room, though not as much as before. We just noticed it because the big hole in the ceiling made the water really obvious.
The jets, or the pipes that connect to the jets are leaking. They are, naturally, the jets closest to the wall. And, since we installed a fancy-schmancy closet system that I don't want to take down and I also don't want to cut a hole in the closet and then repair the wall and repair the closet system, I have decided to get a new tub. Yes, the old tub works, and it is just the jets that don't work. However. Without being able to turn on the jets, I am unable to clean the jets. If I can't clean the jets I can't take a bath. In which case we are stuck with an awkward, ugly stupid shower.
So. We're completely remodeling the bathroom - new tub, tile, fixtures, vanity, toilet, etc. Totally new.
Do you realize how expensive bathrooms are? Sheez. I guess I know what I'm doing with my tax refund.
What Are You So Worried About?
What is the deal with homophobia? Honestly. I really don't understand what the problem is with allowing gay/lesbian/etc couples to marry.
This has been talked about all over the blogosphere, and I don't know that I have anything really of substance to add to the conversation, but I'm so confused.
Bitch PhD has a lovely entry on it here
And there are some other good points here (that's a really nice blog, by the way, that I should list in my links, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.)
This is an interesting tactic. I guess one of the reasons against a same-sex union is that they can't produce children. So, this is an interesting extrapolation of that conceit.
But what REALLY got me worked up this morning was this.
The Indiana Senate has passed an amendment clarifying that marriage is between one man and one woman. It has to pass the legislature and then the good people of Indiana will vote on it in the 2008 election.
I just don't get it. What are people afraid of? How can loving someone be wrong? Why do they care? What does it matter if I choose to love one man or two? Or a man and a woman? Why can't I declare them to be my family in a legal sense? Why is it that my relationship with Mr is A-OK but two women who love each other and want to dedicate their lives to each other are wrong? I don't see how being able to legally choose who is your family - and thereby who benefits from your health insurance, who can make decision about your health, who can raise your children - is any of the court's business. I've yet to hear an argument that makes sense.
I would really like to hear, honestly, what is so fucking scary about same-sex marriage. Or plural marriage, or whatever. Now, I know that plural marriage carries a whole lot of other taboos and most of these measures are directed at same-sex couples, but they are stipulating ONE man and ONE woman. Bigamy does have the potential for people (usually women) to get taken advantage of. However, so does lots of other socially-acceptable relationships.
I like to think that we live in a society where people are respected as people regardless of their religion, race, or sexual orientation. It frustrates me so much to see that we haven't come that far as a society after all.
If anyone out there has a logical explanation for me, I would really like to hear it. I don't think I have a ton of regular readers, but if you do feel inspired to comment or start a discussion, please keep it nice. I want to know your thoughts about the issue, not how you think I'm going to hell for thinking it is ok for people to love whomever they love.
This has been talked about all over the blogosphere, and I don't know that I have anything really of substance to add to the conversation, but I'm so confused.
Bitch PhD has a lovely entry on it here
And there are some other good points here (that's a really nice blog, by the way, that I should list in my links, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.)
This is an interesting tactic. I guess one of the reasons against a same-sex union is that they can't produce children. So, this is an interesting extrapolation of that conceit.
But what REALLY got me worked up this morning was this.
The Indiana Senate has passed an amendment clarifying that marriage is between one man and one woman. It has to pass the legislature and then the good people of Indiana will vote on it in the 2008 election.
I just don't get it. What are people afraid of? How can loving someone be wrong? Why do they care? What does it matter if I choose to love one man or two? Or a man and a woman? Why can't I declare them to be my family in a legal sense? Why is it that my relationship with Mr is A-OK but two women who love each other and want to dedicate their lives to each other are wrong? I don't see how being able to legally choose who is your family - and thereby who benefits from your health insurance, who can make decision about your health, who can raise your children - is any of the court's business. I've yet to hear an argument that makes sense.
I would really like to hear, honestly, what is so fucking scary about same-sex marriage. Or plural marriage, or whatever. Now, I know that plural marriage carries a whole lot of other taboos and most of these measures are directed at same-sex couples, but they are stipulating ONE man and ONE woman. Bigamy does have the potential for people (usually women) to get taken advantage of. However, so does lots of other socially-acceptable relationships.
I like to think that we live in a society where people are respected as people regardless of their religion, race, or sexual orientation. It frustrates me so much to see that we haven't come that far as a society after all.
If anyone out there has a logical explanation for me, I would really like to hear it. I don't think I have a ton of regular readers, but if you do feel inspired to comment or start a discussion, please keep it nice. I want to know your thoughts about the issue, not how you think I'm going to hell for thinking it is ok for people to love whomever they love.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Dogs Rule
I love this commercial. Even when I have something tivo'd, and can skip commercials, I watch this one.
Hank is a shelter dog. We got him at the Anti-Cruelty Society. He was in a cage with another puppy who was allegedly his brother. They were calling them Flip and Chip. Chip was kind of an asshole and would bite Hank and didn't like people. When we went to see Hank, we kept him out for a long time playing with him and talking about whether or not we'd give him a good home. This guy was at the shelter and had taken out Chip. You could tell he'd rather have Flip.
This commercial makes me want to adopt another dog, but I think Hank is enough. He's a good dog.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Mission: Bubble Bath
I have spent the majority of my day today with a plumber. He was very nice and I will love him always because...
(drumroll, please!)
My tub is fixed!
He had to cut a hole in my living room ceiling and there was a little drainage mishap (thankfully, I was pretty quick grabbing a bucket), but now my tub is functioning. I have to clean it and flush out and scrub the jets (I've instructed Mr to bring home a kid's toothbrush so I can really get in there) but, once I do all that work I plan on taking a long bubble bath, shaving and then showering.
Though I love baths, I do feel that you should take a shower after. I know it is a waste of water, but a) it is hard to wash your hair in the tub as you're rinsing into the water that all the dirt you scrubbed out is in and b) you're sitting in all the dirt you've scrubbed out. So, I always bathe until the water is cold, then rinse off and wash my hair in a shower after. Not really a great water-saver, but I don't do it very often and I haven't had a good shower in two weeks.
I've taken pictures of the event and the mess in the living room and once I replace the baterries in my camera, I'll post them here.
(drumroll, please!)
My tub is fixed!
He had to cut a hole in my living room ceiling and there was a little drainage mishap (thankfully, I was pretty quick grabbing a bucket), but now my tub is functioning. I have to clean it and flush out and scrub the jets (I've instructed Mr to bring home a kid's toothbrush so I can really get in there) but, once I do all that work I plan on taking a long bubble bath, shaving and then showering.
Though I love baths, I do feel that you should take a shower after. I know it is a waste of water, but a) it is hard to wash your hair in the tub as you're rinsing into the water that all the dirt you scrubbed out is in and b) you're sitting in all the dirt you've scrubbed out. So, I always bathe until the water is cold, then rinse off and wash my hair in a shower after. Not really a great water-saver, but I don't do it very often and I haven't had a good shower in two weeks.
I've taken pictures of the event and the mess in the living room and once I replace the baterries in my camera, I'll post them here.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Some Tips for Winter Weather
It is really f'ing cold out. So cold, in fact, that as soon as you walk outside, you can feel the little hairs in your nose freeze. That's cold.
My mornings start with Hank. I drag my butt out of bed and take Hank for a walk. These days, the walks are very short. Hank doesn't own any clothing (I tried to buy him a sweater and it didn't fit. It didn't seem right to have my dog try on clothes in the middle of Petsmart, but apparently, that is what people do). So, with no extra protection, I don't take Hank outside for very long. When I'm all bundled up in seventeen layers, one of which is a long down coat, and I'm freezing, I figure he shouldn't be out there in his doggy nakedness.
This morning was really cold, and my poor little nose felt like it was freezing. Since I took the train today, I decided that this was a situation that needed attending to. So, I took an extra scarf and wrapped it around my head like Randy in A Christmas Story. I thought I was so smart as I walked to the train. I was cold, but my nose was ok. And, since I'd left my mouth uncovered, it looked like I would get away without all that gross condesation that usually happens when you put a scarf over your face.
Not so much. I got to the train and I noticed something in my line of vision - like a stray hair or lint or something. I took off my mitten and tried to remove it. It was not lint. It was water. Not only had my nose been creating some lovely moisture, but my eyes, in an attempt to save themselves from freezing in their sockets, had started to tear. So, My eyes were not just glassy but totally wet. My mascara? Now all over my hand and, I presumed, my eyes. So, I got on the train, took off the second scarf and grabbed a little mirror that I have in my purse. Yep, raccoon eyes.
So, I try to wipe them clear. It's not really happening. Of course, I have no tissue in my bag, so I'm stuck with my hands.
Except.
Well, here's the thing. When Aunt Flo comes to visit, I generally keep pad wrappers for use in disposal of used ones. I recently got a coupon for Kotex, and so I bought some. I think I shall use them exclusively now. Kotex wrappers are different - they're sort of clothy instead of plastic. I happened to have one in my purse. Since it was all clothy and soft, I used it to clean up my eyes. I'm not ashamed to say. Well, ok I'm a little ashamed, but not too much. I even used it to blow my nose once the eyes were taken care of.
So, here are my winter weather tips:
1. Use waterproof mascara in really cold weather to prevent a problem like mine.
2. Carry tissues in your purse.
3. If you don't carry tissues, then switch to Kotex and keep a wrapper in your purse.
My mornings start with Hank. I drag my butt out of bed and take Hank for a walk. These days, the walks are very short. Hank doesn't own any clothing (I tried to buy him a sweater and it didn't fit. It didn't seem right to have my dog try on clothes in the middle of Petsmart, but apparently, that is what people do). So, with no extra protection, I don't take Hank outside for very long. When I'm all bundled up in seventeen layers, one of which is a long down coat, and I'm freezing, I figure he shouldn't be out there in his doggy nakedness.
This morning was really cold, and my poor little nose felt like it was freezing. Since I took the train today, I decided that this was a situation that needed attending to. So, I took an extra scarf and wrapped it around my head like Randy in A Christmas Story. I thought I was so smart as I walked to the train. I was cold, but my nose was ok. And, since I'd left my mouth uncovered, it looked like I would get away without all that gross condesation that usually happens when you put a scarf over your face.
Not so much. I got to the train and I noticed something in my line of vision - like a stray hair or lint or something. I took off my mitten and tried to remove it. It was not lint. It was water. Not only had my nose been creating some lovely moisture, but my eyes, in an attempt to save themselves from freezing in their sockets, had started to tear. So, My eyes were not just glassy but totally wet. My mascara? Now all over my hand and, I presumed, my eyes. So, I got on the train, took off the second scarf and grabbed a little mirror that I have in my purse. Yep, raccoon eyes.
So, I try to wipe them clear. It's not really happening. Of course, I have no tissue in my bag, so I'm stuck with my hands.
Except.
Well, here's the thing. When Aunt Flo comes to visit, I generally keep pad wrappers for use in disposal of used ones. I recently got a coupon for Kotex, and so I bought some. I think I shall use them exclusively now. Kotex wrappers are different - they're sort of clothy instead of plastic. I happened to have one in my purse. Since it was all clothy and soft, I used it to clean up my eyes. I'm not ashamed to say. Well, ok I'm a little ashamed, but not too much. I even used it to blow my nose once the eyes were taken care of.
So, here are my winter weather tips:
1. Use waterproof mascara in really cold weather to prevent a problem like mine.
2. Carry tissues in your purse.
3. If you don't carry tissues, then switch to Kotex and keep a wrapper in your purse.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
It's a two-fer!
So, I posted my life rating, which is fun, but I don't really have anything to say about that. I did think that I would score lower, because I thought I was answering the questions wrong, but I guess my life is pretty ok.
What I really wanted to talk about is rush-hour traffic reports.
Since my shower is still not fixed, I drive to work pretty much every day. I was driving Tuesdays and Wednesdays, because I have class after work and it is easier to drive than take the train. Now I drive on Mondays too so that I can shower at work. I leave pretty early to ensure that I'll get up to my desk on time and to minimize the chance that someone in my office will know that I'm in the shower. It's just not a conversation I really want to have.
ANYWAY. Yesterday I drove because it was Tuesday, though I skipped the shower (the showers here are not great, and I don't really like to use them, so I shower every other day). It took me over two hours to drive to work yesterday. Yuck.
So, today, I left at 6:30am. I wanted to get out earlier, but I overslept and traffic is usually light that early, so I thought it would be ok. It wasn't. I didn't get to work until ten to eight, which is better than a two hour drive, but only by forty minutes.
I understand why there is traffic, there's an accident, whatever, that's fine. What I can't stand are the traffic reports. Things like "it's getting pretty heavy on the big road that you drive on, so make sure to leave early today and give yourself some extra time." What?
I don't know about you, but my morning routine is pretty tightly scheduled. There is no leisurely unaccounted for time that I could use for driving. I don't sit and read the paper or make pancakes for breakfast. How am I supposed to give myself some extra time? I hate that. Plus, I don't listen to the radio in the morning - because I'm just trying to get out of the house, so when I hear you tell me to leave a little more time, I'M ALREADY IN MY CAR!
jeez.
What I really wanted to talk about is rush-hour traffic reports.
Since my shower is still not fixed, I drive to work pretty much every day. I was driving Tuesdays and Wednesdays, because I have class after work and it is easier to drive than take the train. Now I drive on Mondays too so that I can shower at work. I leave pretty early to ensure that I'll get up to my desk on time and to minimize the chance that someone in my office will know that I'm in the shower. It's just not a conversation I really want to have.
ANYWAY. Yesterday I drove because it was Tuesday, though I skipped the shower (the showers here are not great, and I don't really like to use them, so I shower every other day). It took me over two hours to drive to work yesterday. Yuck.
So, today, I left at 6:30am. I wanted to get out earlier, but I overslept and traffic is usually light that early, so I thought it would be ok. It wasn't. I didn't get to work until ten to eight, which is better than a two hour drive, but only by forty minutes.
I understand why there is traffic, there's an accident, whatever, that's fine. What I can't stand are the traffic reports. Things like "it's getting pretty heavy on the big road that you drive on, so make sure to leave early today and give yourself some extra time." What?
I don't know about you, but my morning routine is pretty tightly scheduled. There is no leisurely unaccounted for time that I could use for driving. I don't sit and read the paper or make pancakes for breakfast. How am I supposed to give myself some extra time? I hate that. Plus, I don't listen to the radio in the morning - because I'm just trying to get out of the house, so when I hear you tell me to leave a little more time, I'M ALREADY IN MY CAR!
jeez.
7.9 isn't too bad
| This Is My Life, Rated | |
| Life: |  7.9 |
| Mind: |  6.5 |
| Body: |  6.4 |
| Spirit: | 6.3 |
| Friends/Family: | 6.5 |
| Love: |  9.2 |
| Finance: |  8.4 |
| Take the Rate My Life Quiz | |
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Major Life Decision
I have decided that I would like to be a woman of leisure. I just have too many interests and not enough time to explore them. This whole working thing is just getting in the way. Here are some of the things I would do, if I had enough time:
1. Play guitar. I own a guitar and took lessons at The Old Town School of Folk Music. It was awesome and fun. I never have time to practice anymore. At the moment, all I can really play is "Hungry Heart" by Bruce Springsteen. But I ROCK IT. Think of what I could do if I had time to practice and take more lessons.
2. Knit. I taught myself to knit in college and made a scarf or two. I started a blanket for my cousin when she was pregnant with triplets. They are now almost five. The blanket is still not finished. I want to knit cozy socks and hats and maybe a cool felted purse like I saw on Knitty Gritty on the DIY network. I love shopping for and buying yarn. But knitting takes time and time I do not have.
3. Exercise. I realize this should be a part of my life in order for me to be healthy and it should probably be higher on this list but, quite frankly, it takes way too much effort. I'm a bad runner, I don't stretch and I tend to hurt myself. I do really well with gym equipment and group classes. Those things take time and money.
4. Dance. I used to be a dancer, in high school. I would really love to take tap dancing lessons again, because it is lots of fun.
That's it for now. I have to get back to work.
1. Play guitar. I own a guitar and took lessons at The Old Town School of Folk Music. It was awesome and fun. I never have time to practice anymore. At the moment, all I can really play is "Hungry Heart" by Bruce Springsteen. But I ROCK IT. Think of what I could do if I had time to practice and take more lessons.
2. Knit. I taught myself to knit in college and made a scarf or two. I started a blanket for my cousin when she was pregnant with triplets. They are now almost five. The blanket is still not finished. I want to knit cozy socks and hats and maybe a cool felted purse like I saw on Knitty Gritty on the DIY network. I love shopping for and buying yarn. But knitting takes time and time I do not have.
3. Exercise. I realize this should be a part of my life in order for me to be healthy and it should probably be higher on this list but, quite frankly, it takes way too much effort. I'm a bad runner, I don't stretch and I tend to hurt myself. I do really well with gym equipment and group classes. Those things take time and money.
4. Dance. I used to be a dancer, in high school. I would really love to take tap dancing lessons again, because it is lots of fun.
That's it for now. I have to get back to work.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Heh
i just bought my wedding dress.
it's awesome.
however, the beady stuff on the bottom hem and the bodice mean that to shorten it to fit me might mean losing some of the beady stuff which I'm not sure I want to part with. So I have to take it in for a consultation and, if it doesn't work, I'll have to return it.
i hope I don't have to return it. I really like it.
It's weird though. There's a wedding dress hanging in my closet.
it's awesome.
however, the beady stuff on the bottom hem and the bodice mean that to shorten it to fit me might mean losing some of the beady stuff which I'm not sure I want to part with. So I have to take it in for a consultation and, if it doesn't work, I'll have to return it.
i hope I don't have to return it. I really like it.
It's weird though. There's a wedding dress hanging in my closet.
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