Year in Review

The Year 2006 Review:

• In February, I corresponded with the editor for STOMP! Fashion Magazine. Had an article finished, yet since I'm no photo major, it was declined. Oh well-learn from mistakes!
• In March I went to my former college to meet up with friends, especially one which had a baby and was visiting!
• Sadly, on March 18th I learned of a friend that committed suicide. Spent a lot of time that week with friends.
• April, I wrote for FuseBox Magazine, an online magazine that just vanished off the face of the Earth. Hmm, too bad, really, I liked it.
• In July, I had friends home for summer=good times. Also, I signed a contract for my book! Oh, and I went VIP to the Dave Matthews Band concert!
• August I went on my first ghost hunt ever with the Greater Pittsburgh Paranormal Society! I also went to see one of my favorite bands play, Slightly Stoopid!
• September I went to Vegas to visit one of my best friends who is getting married and has me as her maid of honor! Great time! Oh, and I met Howie Day, as well!
• September/October it was decided to sell my house.
• October 15th my mom moved away to South Carolina. :(
• Very end of November I moved out of my house and back home. I also broke up with my boyfriend of 3 years.
• December I have been celebrating the holidays, catching up and making new friends, having a fabulous time!

Favorite songs of 2006:

• "Summer Skin" - Death Cab for Cutie
• "There Goes the Fear" - Doves
• "Closer to the Sun" - Slightly Stoopid
• "Cubicle" - Rinocerose
• "What you Know about That" - T.I.
• "DARE" - Gorillaz
• "Bounce That" - Girl Talk
• "Stay or Leave" - Dave Matthews
• "Maneater" - Nelly Furtado
• "Hide & Seek" - Imogen Heap
• "Paint the Silence" - South
• "Somewhere Only We Know" - Keane
• "Mama's Room" - Under the Influence of Giants

And that's just a sampling...I am sure there are AT LEAST 25 more faves! haha

I'm sure I forgot to include a lot of things in general, but...oh well, maybe NEXT year!

I've been hit!

Uh oh! I've been tagged by Heather !

-Grab the book closest to you
-Open to page 123, go down to the fifth sentence
-Post the text of next 3 sentences on your blog
-Name of the book and the author
-Tag three people

Here goes:
"According to Swetnam, the B&O sent James B. Kirk to Pittsburgh to inconspicuously monitor the work they were secretly funding.
"Kirk came down here to look for a place to stay where he wouldn't be too prominent and nobody would notice him being around much," said Swetnam.
"He met up with the Shaw family here and liked them very much, so much that he wanted his wife to bring their two daughters and come over here."

(Wow, that's kind of boring, huh? Sorry everyone..haha)

Name of book: Ghost Stories of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County
By: Beth E. Trapani

Um...and since Heather tagged me, she would've been 1 of my 3. I only have 2 to tag I believe. Those 2 would be Steph, and Maria!

Aftermath

Well, it's been a week and 2 days since I broke things off with the (ex) bf. It's had its ups & downs. Ups being that I don't feel guilty for going out with my friends a lot, and when someone asks me to do something I can automatically say yes if I want, and know I mean it. But, it's downs are that sometimes I do miss him, of course. Knowing that he's very upset makes it harder, but his sister says he's getting better every day. I think the ups are more than the downs though.

Turns out that the ex is addicted to pain pills (he was prescribed them when he had jaw surgery about a year ago) and he's come clean with everyone about his problem and is getting help. His sister said he was taking 10-12 a day, and he told her he sometimes couldn't wait until I went out so he could sit on the couch pilled up. Unbelievable. I knew he was prescribed them, and he was always in pain...etc. but I didn't know he had a problem, let alone a BIG problem. So, obviously him going through withdrawal isn't pretty.

He's been calling my mom a lot. First, telling her he's getting help, then telling her he has started going to the gym, and he is fishing around trying to get info from her. He thinks there's more to the breakup, that there's some mystery reason that he HAS to find out. Mum said that he sorta wierds her out when he's talking to her, and she told me not to go anywhere to meet him, answer his calls or texts. I wasn't planning to anyways, because I know if I did, he'd just try to manipulate me somehow. He actually told my mom that he's convinced I'm on drugs, and that's why I've been behaving the way I've been, and why I broke up with him. !!!! Excuse me??? That's YOU, buddy! Unbelievable. My mom knows better, fortunately. She told him that when she talked to me she asked how I was doing concerning the breakup - and I told her I didn't want to talk about it. So, she left it at that and she isn't going to ask anymore. Then, she also told him that when he calls, she's not going to have anything to tell him. (Like she'd really tell him, anyways.) She tried to explain to him in the nicest way that I'm an independent person...blah blah blah - trying to help him understand, etc.

He did stop at my work the other day to give me a present he'd ordered for me before we broke up and he was going to give me for Christmas. He said maybe 4 words, then left. But, 5 minutes later he called, asked if I'd opened it and then talked for a few minutes. His reason for calling was to let me know his mom wanted to get a hold of a friend of mine.

So, afterwards, I called my mom at work. "Hold on, I have a beep." I clicked over, it was him again. This time his reason is to tell me he's taking care of the final TV bill. (I didn't even get into the $1300 final gas bill I got!) So I said, "Okay, great." Then, he was talking about how I should stop by to see the dog (at his parent's house) and I told him I probably would sometime that week. Then, he asked if I wanted to take the dog out to the park and talk. I told him I had plans, so he said, "What about tomorrow?" and I said, "Uhh...let me get back to you," and I didn't.

1. I don't want to see him, aka deal with his emotions: guilt tripping me, crying, manipulating...etc. and talk it all out.
2. It's waaaaaay too soon for something like that. Maybe in like 2 months or so.

I felt bad, but the next day is when my mom called and said he told her he thinks I'm on drugs.
So, I'm not feeling so bad anymore.
He needs to just focus on himself and get healthy.

The Breakup

Well, I did it. After all this time of thinking about it, I did it. The boyfriend and I are broken up. I moved out a week or so ago, but was still staying at the house with him and our dog. On a Saturday night he was being pouty because I was going to go out with friends and it turned into this huge discussion. He was asking me things and I had to be honest, so I told him I thought we were better as friends, etc. It did not go well. Waterworks. After about an hour of trying to stay strong, I started having second thoughts, and freaking out, getting upset, couldn't do it. He sucked me back in, and I know he did it purposely. He had said that if I broke up with him, he couldn't be my friend. He knows I care, so he used the waterworks as a ploy/guilt thing. So I couldn't go through with it. He's smart, huh?

Well, then most of last week, I wasn't happy. The plan was to keep going with the flow, and hopefully the relationship would faaaaade out. On Wednesday night, I had plans to go out and he actually came! He never comes out with me, he's not that type of person. I knew he was only doing it because of the talk from Saturday, and because he thought it would make me happy. But, that's not who he is. That night, we got in an argument where he had me in a corner talking for around 20 minutes being pouty and making me feel guilty once again.

Thanksgiving was good. We went to his parents, had fun. My mom actually came back home for a few days from her new home in South Carolina, so that was cool, too. Friday night we had a fundraiser, so the boyfriend and I went and met up with our friends there. It was a good night. Then, Saturday my mom and her b/f wanted to grab dinner and a movie, so we did. Afterwards, I was supposed to meet up with some people, but he did it again...pulling the silent treatment as soon as I mentioned it, and throwing in a *sigh* every 5 minutes. So, again, I caved, and stayed home.

Sunday I told him I had plans Monday evening. He called me at work around 11:30 Monday but after a few minutes of chatting, I had to go. Didn't talk to him the rest of the day. That evening, I didn't call him because he hadn't called me, he knew I had plans...AND I thought maybe he'd actually get something done and pack to move out (he still hadn't packed a thing, and our friend that bought our house already had 3/4 of his stuff in there). OH, and I sort of knew in the back of my head it would start a fight and give me just what I needed to be able to go through with breaking up this time. Sure did.

Yesterday. He pulled all the usual stops - trying to worry me - making me feel guilty - accusing me - everything. But, I refused to see him after work to talk like he'd originally wanted, because I knew he would do the same thing as the first time. I knew I had to go through with it this time. It was terrible. I've been upset, but I know that it's what's best. So, I just keep telling myself that, because if I think of how sad he is, it'll be too hard. He has our dog, I don't know when I will get to see him - that makes me very, very sad. I called his mom today, talked a bit. She understands and is helping him with it.

He thinks I didn't try, but little does he know that if I hadn't been trying - if I really didn't care (like he thinks I don't) then it would've been over months ago.

Most of my friends and family are saying I did the right thing. I can't wait until it gets easier, though. It hasn't been too bad, as long as I can keep busy and things like that it'll be okay. At least I did it before Christmas. I could've been a bitch and waited until he spent all kinds of money on me (though I would feel terrible). He should think of that, ha!

Tomkat's Catering

Today I read that Tom Cruise had the Italian restaurant that's been chosen for their wedding sign a contract to NOT reveal the menu!!! That is ridiculous! The consequences if they do? $935,000 fine!!!

I could imagine how this happened:

Tom: "It's a secret meal, not to be revealed. I don't want anyone to know of the secret potion being used to convert everyone to Scientology! Muah hah hah! I knew I could take on the world! I started with Kate...I hate when everyone calls her Katie, it's KATE people! *ahem* anyways, I realized how easy it is to make people think my way. It's like mind control!"

Staff at restaurant (amongst themselves): "Perhaps we should tell someone. This could get really dangerous, and what if the restaurant gets shut down! I've got a big family to feed!"

Tom: "I can hear you!!!! You cannot tell anyone! Sign this paper. You have to pay $4 kabillion dollars and 37 cents if you tell! ... Oh okay, I'll make it a bit easier on you, I'm sorry...$935,000 - is that better? Put on those BIG smiles, and ignore the paparazzi!"

HOT, HOT, and did I mention HOT!?!?!
I have yet another new actor love, Jonathan Rhys Meyer.

Wow, I watched Match Point last night, and he is beautiful. Those eyes!!! (Actually I guess in these pictures you can't really tell how blue and gorgeous they are, but oh well.)


Oh yeah, the movie itself is written by Woody Allen. I liked it, it was twisted.

Been awhile since my last post, so gimme a minute to think of key events/thoughts to point out to bring you up to speed:

I watched Must Love Dogs yesterday. Liked it. Love John Cusack.

Hmmm...
Wednesday is a friend's birthday so I need to remember to go get a card.

Last weekend I had a talk with my boyfriend's sister, who also happens to be a really good friend: we were talking about how her brother and I may not last very much longer. We are 2 very different people. I'd finally brought the situation up to her, and to my surprise she says she was wondering when I was going to say something. She says we will always be good friends. Also, her family was wondering why we were still together as well. She says it shouldn't be as hard as I thought to end things, but I am still afraid. I love him very much, but we just aren't good as a couple anymore. But...I am waiting to make any moves because right now we are still living together. I am moving out this weekend back into my dad's (we sold our house) and then after he gets used to the fact of us not being together all of the time, I'll sit down and have a talk with him. Anyone have any advice, or words of encouragement? Or, has anyone else been in this sort of situation before? I really believe that after giving it a lot of thought, that this is the best way to handle it. *sigh*

Halloween Costume Ideas

If you are stressed about what to be for Halloween, I have a few suggestions:

1. Batman (I know it's not very original, but Batman is so much fun with the mask and everything - I know I would enjoy being in Batman's company!)
2. Sherlock Holmes
3. Mario (as in Mario and Luigi Bros.)
4. a Riverdancer (a la Michael Flat)
5. Lil' Jon (Yeeeeaaaaah!)
6. a warlock
7. an opera singer
8. Kenny G
9. Sir Elton John
10. In very bad drag-wear

I know some of these aren't really that good, but when you're sitting there having cocktails trying to think of a costume for a friend...they are pretty funny. Just think of one of your silliest friends, picture them dressed up like Kenny G with the long hair complete with saxophone, and there ya go. Funny, right?

Tyson vs. Jones

I just read about a celebrity charity event in boxing. Apparently, Mike Tyson and Tom Jones will be throwing punches in the ring for charity, a charity that was made to throw Iron Mike back in the spotlight. First, he wanted to box a girl and now this? Not only is it funny just thinking of the odd pairing with Jones, but Tyson's comment made me not able to refrain from a little giggle.

"It's just going to be marvelous. Tom Jones is going
to be one of the boxers. What if I get beat? Who knows - I might even enjoy it!
I'm not interested in smashing people. This is gonna be fun."

...

Oh, okay then...so you're not interested in biting anyone else's ear off? hahahahaha

Source: Starpulse

What to eat?

Spinach. Man, Popeye would've been screwed if E-Coli broke out back in his Brutus fighting days. Right before the whole spinach epidemic broke out, friends of mine came over one night and brought it up in conversation. The both work in the restaurant industry, so they're pretty up to date on food news. When they told me I said, "What?! Are you serious? Of course - the day I make spinach & artichoke dip." That's my kind of luck. But, store bought spinach isn't as likely to cause a problem as spinach dishes in a restaurant. Yet, I am still left wondering, what CAN you eat, anymore?

Veruca Salt Comeback!

Last night was volcanic. I'd heard a few weeks ago that Chicago rockers Veruca Salt was coming to town. They have just released a new album, their first in 6 years titled IV. Excited, I e-mailed a friend that loves VS, looked up the information on their performance, and that was that.

I had (sort of) forgotten about it until yesterday. My VS loving friend called me up and said, "Isn't Veruca Salt playing at the Rex tonight?" I said yes, and she says, "So are we going?"
"I'm not sure," I say, "I'm kind of still sick." (I caught the fever cold thing going around that everyone has!)
"What?" she says, "but we have to go!"
"I'll get back with you," I told her.

Later in the day, I was feeling a little better than I had been, plus it was sunny outside. It put me in the state of mind that I knew I had to go.

And I'm glad I did.

I missed the first band that was opening, The Strays, but I did get to hear the second band, Agent Sparks. They're a crazy rockin' band. The music makes you not able to refrain from dancing, but not in a pop kind of way. They're a great prequel to hear before Veruca Salt.

I noticed that earlier in the day on 105.9 The X radio station, they played Veruca Salt. Afterwards, there was no mention of their concert in town or anything! Also, while I was at the Rex Theater in the restroom, there was a poster on the wall promoting The X! I think that they should have announced VS being in town, I'm sure a lot of people did not even know. It seems they only announce the huge events, and that is sad, because I am probably missing out on hearing a lot of bands, too!

When VS came on stage, the energy began buzzing around. A larger crowd formed in front of the stage, and everyone was happy. My friends and I made our way towards the front side of the stage. Ideally, I would have met the members of Veruca Salt. Though, I did talk for a moment with their videographer. He was standing in front of me taping the show so I asked him for his card. Yet, when the show came to an end, I had to get going and video man was nowhere to be found.

The band played older hits including Seether, and Volcano Girls, (which was awesome, by the way) along with some stuff from their new album. The main Volcano Girl, Louise Post (guitar, vocals) is the only original band member left, playing alongside her bandmates Kellii, Steve, and Nicole. Though the band has gone through close to a dozen members, I must say that Nicole on bass is very impressive. Each member has their own style that they bring to the group. Louise had a glam party girl look with a pink sparkling tunic, a furry coat, and moon boots all toned down with a pair of jeans. Kellii is the drummer comfortably perched in the back with his t-shirt and jeans. Steve had an AC/DC t-shirt on with his hair moving all around in his face beading with sweat. Nicole was picture perfect in a red and white striped tee, pencil skirt, knee socks, and a side ponytail. If I had to guess, I would say that "Perfect Love" will be their most popular track from the album, probably making airwaves soon. Although, "Centipede" does have a very hard edge that's perfect for blasting in your car. Welcome back VS! We've missed you!

Vegas was awesome, of course. I wonder if anyone comes back and says that it was awful? But, the sassy lady I went to see was one of my best friends, L. It was great to get to hang out with her and see her life out there. Her and her fiance both work at one of the top radio stations, so I got to tag along on a couple VIP events. (I must admit I feel very cool.) I am so excited to be her maid of honor, it's going to be such a great wedding. Not to mention, it means I must go there many more times. On the Saturday night of my visit, we went to a club, Jet in the Mirage. One of L's best friends, J, works there. He's kind of a big deal, too, so he walked us right in and led us to the VIP area. There, we sat next to the Prez of the Treasure Island hotel. L and everyone calls it "T.I." so everytime she'd say it I thought she meant the rapper and I'd start singing, "Whatchu know about that... ." Hahaha
So, the trip was great, it was just what I needed.

So of course, with the good always comes the bad.
My mum is moving away on the 15th. She will be states away, and I don't know HOW I am going to handle it. My parents have been divorced since I was little, and though my parents have always stayed very close friends, I grew up with it mainly being my mum and I. She taught me to be independent (and my, how I am) and responsible (well, as much as I can be...haha). It's always been the 2 of us, and she is my best friend. I call her and vent, and it seems she's the only one to understand. So, we're going to have a sleep-over one night before she leaves. I think (know) I will be inconsolable for awhile. :(

Vegas, baby!

Tomorrow I (finally) leave for Vegas!!! I'm coming into work in the morning, writing out my paycheck 2 days early, going to lunch with the Aunts, then on my way to the airport. I'm going to visit one of my best friends, L, who has lived out there for about a year now. She also just got engaged about 2 wks. ago and asked me to be the maid of honor!! So, it looks like this won't be my only trip there, yay! I'm very excited to see L, though. We are going to have a blast!!! She works in radio, so we're going to a benefit Thursday night. I bought a new cocktail dress!
I don't think I'm going to want to come back! But, I am leaving Monday morning. At least I know I'll be coming back probably in a few months, though. Maybe I'll just start a secret life out there! I'm excited to meet some people and possibly have some networking contacts out there. L's friend for example, just started up a magazine a few months ago.
But, anyways, packing stresses me out, so I haven't gotten too excited yet. But, I'm sure as soon as I board the plane I will be. I haven't ridden on a plane in about 7 years though!!! And when I did (that one and only time), it was with my dad. I just picture myself getting lost more than anything. Ohhh boy! I'll report back after my trip!

Rewind

Yesterday I was thinking, "How cool would it be to have the ability to rewind to another part of your life, just to see it over again?"

What made me think of this is quite interesting (and coincidental).

A few years ago my friend H dated a guy J. They lived together for awhile, but it ended up not working out. They are still friends, though.
H has told me stuff about J and she claims that I'd met him once, but I don't remember.

This is where things get crazy, so try to stay with me: it'll all piece together in the end, I swear.

In a previous post I talked about my friends that were going to Florida and how sad I was. Well, one of the last nights that I hung out with one of them, I lent him money. He was leaving the next morning, said he'd drop the money off at my house before he leaves. I end up calling him around noon and he says he was running late, but he gave my money to this guy J. I'd only met J maybe twice. I was at his apartment once with the guys hanging out. He gave me J's number, and told me to call him and meet up to get my money. Weird, I know, but that's my friends for ya.

Then, H and I were at lunch the other day and she brought up something about her J. He works at the same place as one of my exes, and apparently the ex and his new g/f go hang out at J's with him and his g/f.

Then, H tells me that J told her I was over his apartment hanging out for a while one day. He knew that H and I were friends from her mentioning me. He said he thought I knew who he was, but maybe not.

My mouth dropped. Okay, so this J that I met through my guy friends is H's ex! AND, he hangs out with my ex! Small, small world.

That's why I wish I could rewind back to when H says I supposedly met this J. Then I would be like, "Ohhhhh yeahhhh, NOW I remember." hahaha

NEED to Know!

Okay, this is a very serious question.

Think of someone well known that you would love to meet. Whether it be someone on TV, in the movies, in the tabloids, or in a band.

It's always more feasible to think of someone that is kind of famous, than someone very high profile like Tom Cruise, or Angelina Jolie.

What would you say in a letter to that person?

You know that this person gets fan mail, etc. from people all over, so your letter has to stand out. How would you do it?

What would it say?

We Do NOT Count Crows

Last night I was half watching tv, half reading my In Touch magazine. A commercial was on for some rock cd to call and buy. It had some good songs on it, not like I'm gonna call, but anyways...
A snippet of the song "A Long December" by Counting Crows was on. Immediately, the song made me smile because it makes me think of a certain moment in a certain period period of my life. But, that isn't the point.
Courtney Cox Arquette is in the video, didn't she date the lead singer? His name's Adam, but I forget the last name.
So, then I thought,

"Wow, she must feel sort of weird, or nostalgic
whenever she hears that song. Or any song by the Counting Crows."

DURITZ-That's his last name!!!!

Anyways, but just think about it. What if you dated a music artist? Then, when it didn't work out, you had to hear them. And we think it's bad now when we run into our exes.
I wouldn't be able to handle hearing songs by my ex all over the radio, or on tv commercials, or in movies...etc. I'd FREAK out! Especially, UGHHH what if...their hit song was about you?! Then, you'd hear it even more!!!

I wonder if David Arquette doesn't let Courtney listen to The Counting Crows?
He comes in one day after working and sees her hanging out in the living room humming along with her tunes of Adam and he's like,

"What? What is this?!!!? I thought we agreed that
this band is forbidden?"

So then, in a sudden rage he takes all of the cds and throws them out the window.

Poor Coco, when she's older she might like The Counting Crows. Instead of sneaking around a flask, or cigarettes, Coco will have to make a copy of the cd and label it differently out of fear, for the wrath of Daddy David is harsh!

Love & Hate

Today's topic is Love & Hate.

New Love: Ryan Carlson
24 year old progressive surfer. LOVE HIM.
Ryan's 540 Rodeo Flip

(Not new) Hate: People mis-treating animals. Especially babies. I just read in the paper today that these 2 men let their dogs chase down a fawn and kill it. People like that seriously and absolutely disgust me. What makes people think that that is okay? I very strongly believe that people who are cruel to animals should have the pain they've inflicted upon the animal inflicted on them.

That's enough for today. Happy thoughts. Ryan Carlson = happy thoughts.



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In Hot Water

If you're in hot water...I'm envious of you. Really. I DO NOT HAVE HOT WATER right now! Therefore, I've been having to shower at my mom's. Which of course, is a pain. It's like I have to schedule when a good time to go shower is. Like,

"Well...I've got some stuff to do after work, so maybe I should go shower on my lunch break."

Everything is going downhill. I won't get into details, but here's a little rundown:
~Boyfriend and I are pretty broke. Not broke enough for anyone to be able to tell though, unless I point it out. And I'm afraid we won't be able to come up for air.
~My friend is leaving to go back to college in FL tomorrow morning. Besides being home for approx. 2 wks. for Christmas, he won't really be around anymore because he graduates in May and then he'll be staying there or in NC.
~One of our friends, who is my closest guy friend, has been practically non-existent for the past 2 months. Above said friend only hung out with him about 3 times this summer when they used to hang out ALL the time.
~And yet another friend from "the group" (There is 4 of us...kind of like a family. If you've ever watched "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," that is us, and if you haven't watched it, what are you thinking?) is moving to FL in about 2 wks.
~So, I am stuck here with non-existent best friend.
It's all making me very sad. Yesterday I got upset about it and the boyfriend told me in a few months he'd get me a plane ticket to go see said FL friends.
I sure hope so, that would be awesome. But, we're so broke. I mean, broke as in MAYBE POSSIBLY having-to-move-back-in-with-rents-for-awhile broke. That is the worst thing ever.
So all of this is taking a toll on me. But, I am dealing surprisingly well. Normally I am the kind of person that FREAKS OUT and can't get a handle on all the stress, so I seclude myself from everything and everyone until I can. But, this time, I'm kind of just like "whatever." I won't let it bring me down. No matter what happens, life won't be over. I'll deal.

Plus, in September I am going to see one of my best girlfriends (who I haven't seen in forever) in Vegas where she lives now!!! It'll be the best thing to get away for a few days.

Oh yeah, have I mentioned that I have no car? Okay, that's a lie. I'm borrowing my mom's b/f's car, but I don't have MY car.

And, I HAVE NO HOT WATER!!!!

Ghost Stories

I have approx. 8 months to write a book.

I have 8 months to write a book about ghosts.

I have 8 months to write a book about ghosts in and around Pittsburgh.

I have 8 months to write a book about ghosts in and around Pittsburgh to be published by Schiffer Publishing.

My manuscript is due March 17th.

I have 8 months to research, visit, interview, write, revise, and write some more.

I have a lot of work to do.

But, it's exciting.

Anyone with stories, please contact me.

Tonto

This here is my newest friend Tonto. Remember how I said my Aunt and cousin have a raccoon?
Well, here he is. I finally got to meet him.
He was playing in his cage that sits outside. He's just a like a kitten! He ran up to where I sat outside of the cage and stuck his paws out (they look like hands!) and when my Diet Coke can got too close he'd try and grab it! (haha-now there's a commercial idea!) This picture was when I finally got him to chill out and I was rockin' him like a baby! Cuteness!

Community Conspiracy

Yesterday was such an odd day. I wish there was a better word to describe it, but I am at a loss for any synonyms right now.

The first thing that happened was I was sitting in my office and I saw a white truck with a long trailer attached and an excavator on it. I didn't pay too much attention, thinking they were there for the motorcycle shop next door. Well, a few minutes later I look out the window and instantly I see someone leaning in the driver's side of my car, open door and everything. For the first second, I thought maybe it was one of our employees doing something stupid. As I walk outside I realize, no, I have no idea who this man is, and the other one is standing on the other side. So, I yell out, "Excuse me? Can I help y--," when he shuts my car door and says, "Is this your car?" and I said,"Uhh. Yeah, what are you do---," and he says, "Can you move it? We can't get out." I was about to flip out saying, "Why the hell did you just invite yourself to look in my car and think that that's okay"...etc. but I just sort of flaunted my attitude and moved my car. I can't believe people! Who does that?!?!?

Later, I'm at home checking my email on my laptop. The boyfriend and his friend are downstairs playing XBox. There's a knock at the front door. I look out the peephole and see what looks like 2 girls. Thinking it might be one of the boyfriend's cousins and her friend, I open the door.

No. Instantly, I knew I'd made a mistake. At my door was Sister Lamb and Sister Nef. They introduce themselves and begin talking about God. Don't get me wrong, I love God. I'm just not comfortable with strangers showing up at my door at 7 pm to talk about him. In fact, I kind of just like to talk about him or think about him by myself, if that makes sense.
But, I'm not good at being mean unless it is very necessary, and they caught me off guard. Finally after a few minutes, when I could sneak in a word, I told them "Ya know, could you maybe come back, I'm not feeling very well." so they got out their little dayplanner's and wrote down Monday at 3 (I'll still be at work...shhhh.) Since I told them that I was new in area (I've already sinned since that's not true), they described to me how to get to their church and that I should come on Sundays at 9:30 and if I was uncomfortable with getting there, they could even meet me and I can follow them!
Hmmmm. Now I am afraid that they are going to stalk me. What if they wait outside Monday for me to come home? When they left, I'm not gonna lie, I was sort of panicked. I freak out easily I guess. They are just sooo happy and nice, that it is scary.

I watched them walk down the street to see if they'd go knock on a neighbor's door. No. They got in a silver 4 door sedan at the end of the block and drove off. I told the boyfriend I bet you one of the neighbors called the church and told them to come because we need "saving." hahaha

My neighbors are all elderly and very religious. So, think about it. The boyfriend and I live together, unmarried. *Gasp!* We have empty beer case boxes in our garbage. One of them even called the cops 2 days ago when they saw the boyfriend in our big backyard with a bebe gun. Keep in mind, that the pellets he was shooting couldn't even get through an aluminum pop can, there was hardly even a sound either. Plus, he wasn't aiming it near anyone or anyone's property. He was setting ugly little knick-knacks on some bricks and shooting them from maybe 6' away.

What if where I live is some cult and it's only just begun?!?!?!

FuseBox Magazine

Check out the June issue of FuseBox Magazine. Let me know what you think!

Baby Wildlife Can Be Cool

My Aunt and cousin have a raccoon.
Yup.
My Aunt told me one night they heard this noise outside and it was raining really hard. So, my Uncle went out to look, and realized there was a baby raccoon on the ground by a tree, crying. Of course, my Aunt and cousin insisted on helping the baby raccoon. They started to take care of it, even naming him Tonto.
Well, now my Aunt says that they have him outside in a cage, almost ready to be set free. They're getting him adjusted to the outdoors. They will let him free in about another week, but most likely Tonto won't go too far. He'll keep coming back, since they're his family now.
She also told me the other day my cousin went outside to see Tonto, and he was sprawled out on the cage crying for her to come get him. When she took him out, he actually was HUGGING her around the neck. How cute is that??!!
One day while discussing Tonto, another Aunt of mine reminded everyone about how her kids had a raccoon for awhile once. She said that a year or so after their raccoon left, he came back all of a sudden one day. He had a family now and was strutting them on by to show them he was okay and doing well.

Those are nice stories. Unfortunately, I of course with my luck, have a rabid raccoon outside of my office.
Yup.
He's big, and fat, and scary.
One morning we were here in the office and one of the guys goes, "Hey! There's that big raccoon out there under that car!"
So, we all look and another one of the guys, we call him Pork, goes outside (he's a redneck...as if you couldn't tell already).

1. It was morning, daytime. Raccoons aren't out in daytime.
2. They run from people. This raccoon didn't run.
3. This raccoon stared at Pork like it wanted to come eat him.

Then, finally it ran off. Pork even went out looking around for him.

But now, I live in fear every morning when I come to work.

I can see it's prints in the mud and I envision it popping out and clinging to my face.



Hmmmm...but next weekend I'll get to meet Tonto!

Carded Again

I never realized until last weekend when my friend Joni brought it up, how strict people around here are with carding. First, I went to the BP close by one night to grab cigarettes. I stood waiting for the lady to come to the counter when she interrupted my thoughts saying she could take me over at the Subway counter. So, I go over and I tell her I need cigarettes. She says, "Okaaaaay" in a snotty tone but nonetheless goes to get them. When she comes back she asks for my ID. I'm very used to being carded seeing as how when I have my hair thrown up and no makeup I look like I'm 15, so I already had the ID ready for her.
Not to mention, this lady was sort of creepy, too. I can't remember if she even had all of her teeth. And she had the nerve to be completely rude. When she saw my ID I saw her look at my birthdate, realize I am 23 (well over 18) and she said, "Oh, I'm sorry." I said, "Oh, don't worry, I'm used to it."
"Well, now I feel really bad," she said.
In my head I'm thinking, "Damn, I must've missed something. She must've been a real bitch if she feels bad and I don't even know what happened!"
I kept my mouth shut, though I did feel like saying, "Yeaaaah, I can buy alcohol, too!"

So then, my friend Joni comes into town and we make a trip to the liquor store. As soon as we get to the counter, the man says, "Do both of you have ID's?" with sort of with a snotty attitude, as well. Geez, can't anyone be nice about it? We say yeah, and hand them over. Then, he gives me a paper to sign even though Joni's paying for it. I said, "Why do I have to sign this?" and he goes into some big mumbo jumbo legal explanation and he apologized about it. Whoooaaaa, I told him, "Hey, it's okay, I was just wondering, I understand. I was just confused."

Then, Joni and I stopped at a local little store to grab cigarettes where they are a little bit cheaper. The same little old lady was working that is usually there when I walk in. I told her what we needed and she (of course) asked for our ID's. She told me I look like I'm about 15. I told her that she tells me that and cards me every single time I come in. She said it's hard to remember people and I wasn't mad. She's one of the few that are actually nice about it.

On my 21'st birthday, I went to the liquor store. I did not even get carded. How does that happen? I swear sometimes I don't get carded when you'd think it was very important that I did.

I know that these businesses are only being cautious, and that years later I'll be glad I look young. My mom already warned me that she got carded until she was 28. I don't mind much, but I dislike when people are so rude about it. Sometimes I just can't help but get this smirk on my face when they realize that not only can I buy cigarettes, but I can go to the bars, too! HA! What now?!!

Stupid Neighbor

The other morning, I let my dog Amigo out to go "potty". He always runs down into the yard, smells around, watches/chases birds...etc. Well, I noticed my neighbor was outside, and he had just broken off pieces of bread to throw in the yard for the birds. But, not his yard...my yard. He was standing on his porch throwing the bread over the fence into my yard. So, of course, Amigo runs over and starts eating the bread. I was standing on my porch, yelling "Come on Amigo!" But of course, he paid me no mind.

The neighbor though, was standing there and looking at me like I'm the jackass. What did he want me to do? Go running through my yard in my pajamas and slippers on that cool, not to mention dewy morning? No, don't think so. He's the one that threw the bread in MY yard. So, I just stood there waiting for Amigo to get every last bite, and finally go to the bathroom.

Well, this morning I let him out as usual. I noticed the neighbor outside again. "Ohhhhh great," I thought to myself. He kept looking over at me as he was doing who knows what over there, walking around, getting the newspaper...etc. I didn't like it, suddenly he makes me feel like he dislikes us. Then, I noticed that he was throwing bread over on his side of the fence. "Oh good, now he's thinking," I thought. They must be bird people because then I saw he had a cup of bird seed that he put in a feeder hanging down. When Amigo was done, and we came back in the house, I looked outside. He was back out on the porch, THROWING BREAD IN MY YARD AGAIN!!!!
AAAAAAAAGHHHH!
If I wasn't already running late for work, I should've let Amigo back out and he'd run over and eat the bread again! Haha!

Dad's Girlfriend

My dad has been with L for about 2 years. (For some reason, it really doesn't feel like it's been that long.) Anyways, L and I have always gotten along even though we really have nothing in common and nothing to ever talk about.

Lately, Dad has been talking about how he isn't sure how much longer he can be with her because of her pessimistic attitude. I always listen, and I've given L the benefit of the doubt. Until now.

Dad is building an addition onto his home that is twice the size of the original house. It's been an on-going project and last week he got some new furniture, and has been bugging me to come over.

So on Tuesday, the boyfriend had to take a part he'd picked up for my dad over to the house, so I went along, figuring I'd finally see the newest changes.
As we were leaving, Amigo (my dog) knew, and so he ran outside and wouldn't come back in the house. Fine, we took him with us.
We got out of the truck and Amigo went to run all about when suddenly Buster aka the Devil Cat, jumped out hissing at Amigo.

Buster is no ordinary cat, he's an outdoor cat that my Dad and L adopted and he is vicious. No provoking needed, he'll come after your ass.
So I say, "Oh, I didn't know the cat would be outside." Simple statement, right?
L says, "Well the cat's always outside in the summertime."
The boyfriend says, "Where's M?" (my Dad)
"He left to go get gas," L told us.

I stood there watching Amigo playfully run around while the evil cat sat under the truck watching. All of a sudden, the cat jumps out "yelling" at Amigo. I'm freaking out (just a little bit) saying, "Ohhh noo! The cat better not hurt Amigo!" and L says, "Don't worry, he won't do anything," to which I replied, "He attacked a DEER before." (Seriously, this cat is CRAZY.) And this whole time I wasn't even being a smartass but L totally misconstrued everything and got shitty with me! She was like, "Well, I don't know what to tell you Heather, I can't take him in because when he's mad like that you can't go near him."

I stood there staring at her amazed. Heather. The tone that she said my name in was painstakingly familiar. "Oh my gosh," I thought, "she is an exact replica of B!" B is my dad's old girlfriend. He left my mom for her, and was with her up until about 5 or 6 years ago. B ruined my childhood. She would lie and tell me, "Your dad said you can't do this...or that," and when I'd go ask him he wouldn't know what I was talking about. She was jealous that I was (and rightly so) more important to him, and jealous that I was a little bit spoiled. When I was in high school, my mom and I got in a big fight and I was thinking about staying at my dad's for awhile and B freaked out. She pretended to care but said, "You can't stay here."

My dad and I didn't even have a normal relationship until finally she was gone. And now, I'm standing here face to face with another B.

I had already started noticing little things about L that I didn't really like, but I was trying to ignore them. But now, I stood there surprised at her attitude and the boyfriend knew it, so he said, "You just wanna leave, then?" and I said, "Yeah," and got into the truck without saying another word.

Just like B, L was getting attitude with me when my Dad wasn't around to witness it.

So the next morning, I said to my dad, "Did L tell you we stopped by yesterday?"
Dad said, "Ohhh yeah, I heard Amigo met Buster...I'm sorry I wasn't there, I would've liked for you guys to stay a bit and for you to see the house."
To this I replied, "Yeah, well L had a bit of an attitude, so we left."

Dad says, "Oh, well she said the same thing about you. She said as soon as you got outta the truck you started bitching about the cat."
WHAT?

Skipping over some details, my parents went to lunch yesterday. (Yes, they are still friends. Yes, I am lucky.) My mom played stupid (of course she knew about the incident!) and asked Dad how everyone was, and how he and L and me and L were all getting along. Dad told her, "Well, they were fine until yesterday." So mom says, "Oh? What happened yesterday?" Dad tells her that L and I were on the defense about our animals and attitude was flying around. THEN, he told her what L had to say about me.

She said:
"I've never seen your daughter so aggressive with her attitude, ever before."
And that's not even so bad, the worst part is what's next:
"If it weren't for the fact that she's your daughter, I woulda laid into her."

EXCUSE ME?

Why my dad didn't bitch slap her at this point is beyond me. I'm actually upset that he wouldn't stick up for me, or tell her to go to hell, but I can't express that because I'm not supposed to know she said that. Parents significant others should never be allowed to talk about the other's kids like that.

My mom's boyfriend, J, would never ever say something like that, and if he did, my mom would put him right in his place.
And if someone told me, "If he wasn't your dad, I'd kick his ass," I would have a problem. So, why didn't he do anything?

Mom stuck up for me and said, "Yeah, well, I'm sure Heather was thinking the same thing, if L wasn't who she is, your girlfriend, you don't think she wouldn't have flipped out on her? She did the best thing to do in that situation and just left."

So L's demeanor is now becoming more and more like B's and I don't like it one bit. Now, I'm old enough that I don't have to deal with it either. When B was around I was a child and had no choice. But now, I do have a choice, and my choice is to not be around L. Hopefully, Dad will realize soon that she is just like B and tell her to hit the road, or else I fear that our father-daughter relationship will suffer once again.

Anyone else have some blood-boiling stories like mine?

6/6/06

Wondering what everyone else thought about today's date, I typed it in to Yahoo! Search.
Ever since I was little I've been interested in paranormal studies. Now 666, "The Mark of the Beast," or "Satan's Number" has always weirded me out a little bit. I don't like when my total at the convenience store adds up to $6.66, usually I'll throw something else on the counter to change it up real quick. Call me superstitious, fine, but whatever.

There's a lot of websites referencing 6/6/06. Some think it's WW3, some think it's the Rapture, some think the world will end, and others think it's just another ordinary day.

A not-so-scary result popped up into my Yahoo! Search, surprisingly. Did you know that today is National Hunger Awareness Day? Well, it is.

A scary-but-not-in-the-same-kinda-way result I got is National Day of Slayer. It's a band. And I've never heard of them, and frankly, I don't want to hear them.

Last, we've got the scary-Hollywood result. "The Omen" movie comes out today. So, that's what all the hype is about. (By the way, when you go to the movie's site you've got a nice little wait ahead of you...either it's for effect, or my computer is verrrrry slow.) Hmmmm, either way, I am too impatient. I just sat here watching the screen say, "On the first day..." and wait a few minutes to watch some scary scenes fly by, then "On the second day..." and after I saw "...the third day..." I decided I was done. Not to mention the "laaaa laaaa laaa laa" creepy music in the background was starting to get to me. Don't wanna get that song stuck in your head, that's for sure.

Some of these websites can really cause a person to bug out, and get caught up in all the theories. I'm deciding to play it NAIVE, and continue to look at the world through my rose colored glasses.

Good day!

Wow, So You're the Psycho

Last night I watched the movie Abandon (2002) starring Katie Holmes and Benjamin Bratt. It was the 2nd time I saw it. The first time was in the movie theatre when it came out, and then last night.

I forgot how much I liked the movie. What drew me to it in the first place was Katie Holmes. I've always liked her, as I was an avid fan of Dawson's Creek.

I don't know if it was obvious and I am just a little bit slow, but I didn't know what was going on until the last 10 minutes! I remember the first time I saw it being like, "Oh my gosh!!!!" and filled with surprise.

But, another reason I loved watching it last night was because of Charlie Hunnam who plays Embry Larkin. He's Katie's boyfriend that "disappeared" 2 years ago. They have him shown in flashbacks, etc. and wow, was I in love. Plus, with a name like Embry Larkin, who wouldn't?
Mmmmm, Embry Larkin. It's like a fairytale name, or something. PLUS, he was born in England, and I am English descent! Anyways, I found some pictures of him, and surprisingly in a lot of them, he wasn't very hot...at all. BUT, I did see some good ones, and I will just stick to looking at them so he's always very good looking and charming in my fantasy. I shall think of him only as Embry Larkin.

Marissa Cooper

So, I know that "The O.C." is just a drama and all, but I am really sad about Marissa's death.

I also know that there was mucho talk going on about her wanting to leave the show for a couple reasons. One, that she didn't want to be typecast playing roles of a spoiled brat, and another being that she has a movie, "Guilty Pleasures" coming out next year.

The season finale broke my heart! Just thinking of Ryan holding her in his arms and showing the flashbacks of the two of them makes me so sad! Good thing no one saw my face while watching it, my mouth was gaped open for probably 5 minutes in between me yelling, "Noooo!"

But, what am I going to do? I feel like a lost puppy. The reason I love the show so much is because of her and Ryan!

I am looking forward to the first episode of the 4th season to see everyone's reaction, but after that, who can say?

After watching the finale, I did what any normal 20-something obsessed- with-the-show person would do... I went to the bar.

Tanning + Heroin

Last night I was watching the news when I hear, "Stay tuned to see how teens are becoming addicted to tanning like it's heroin." Okay, so maybe that wasn't the exact quote, BUT there was definitely some correlation being made between tanning beds and being high on heroin.

Apparently, tanning is as addictive as heroin. Teenagers (girls especially) feel the need to tan atleast 5 times a week, or else they get anxious. They get a "high" after tanning, and the same way that anorexics never feel skinny enough, compulsive tanners never feel tan enough, hence their new name, tanorexics.

"Tanorexia is a real addiction, to be taken seriously," I've heard. But, last night while watching the news, I couldn't help but laugh. I also couldn't help but think that people are now just making things up because we've run out of relevant news.

"Let's talk about something different tonight on
our 6:00 segment," they probably say.
"Hmmm, okay, how about diseased thousand
legger insects hiding in your dishwasher? That oughtta freak 'em out."

*Note: I did infact open my dishwasher today to find one of those ugly centipede-y things running rapidly into hiding. I shrieked a little upon seeing it, though I'm sure it wasn't a disease infested monster capable of mutating itself into a big blob...errr...something like that.*

Ohhhh yeah, so about the correlation with the heroin. Who thinks of that? So now, kids can expect to see this on their SAT test:

Pick the set of words that correspond with
eachother best:
(eg. bark:tree)

a) dog:cat
b) lions:tigers:bears (oh my!)
c) couch:tv
d) TANNING:HEROIN

Riiiiiiight.
And what timing, because yesterday I found out about an old friend who has succumbed to the devils of heroin. He'd been shooting up for 2 months and noooooo one knew. Now he's in rehab.
Maybe I should suggest to him getting the special $29.99 tanning package?

The latest

Well, I don't really know where to begin. I've been in the weirdest mood the past 2 weeks. I'm slowly becoming back to normal, but - not just yet. I went to Morgantown 2 weekends ago, of course I had a blast. Friday night I was already drunk by the time we got to the bar, and once there, I saw a bunch of my friends from here at home. Fun times. Later, apparently I was laying on the kitchen floor back at Joni's with my legs in the air just yelling out, "YEEEEEAAAAAAAHHH!" Don't remember too much.
Saturday, Joni and I went over her friend Jenni's house to play some beer pong before hittin the bars again. Good thing I kept my mouth shut, because I was about to introduce myself to Jenni's boyfriend when they both said, "Man, you were so funny last night." "What? Okaaaaaay, apparently I've met you before" is what I thought to myself. Damn.
So then, we stopped to see a friend's band play for a bit, then I had to meet up with some friends at a certain bar. Joni doesn't like it there, so her and her posse went elsewhere while I waited in line by myself. Two girls behind me were like, "Oh my god, you're going in by yourself?" I was like, "Uhhh, yeah.....but I'm meeting people inside." They looked at me amazed, "Yeah, but still..." I sort of laughed and turned around. Wow. The day I'm too scared to walk into a bar by myself to meet up with friends will be a very, very odd day. Wierd.
So, anyhow, I met up with my friends and we had a grand old time. I was really excited to see my friend, "Witty." We'd been real good friends while I went to school there, we met through my other guy friends from here at home. We sort of liked eachother but after I left, there was nothing we could do. And I do miss him. He makes me laugh, a lot, and I like his humor, it's like mine. He just broke up with his psycho girlfriend that slept with his friend. In fact, Friday night she found him and was starting a scene at the bar in front of everyone. I was so drunk, I just remember looking at our friends and being like, "Whoa man," and then just thinking, "Eww, I can't be around this buzzkill." Nonetheless, it was great hanging out with him over the weekend. It made me a little bit sad, but that's how I am, and it sucks.
I didn't see "Neon" (if you've read earlier posts) at all over the weekend, which kind of sucks, but I really wasn't very upset about it.
I was upset that we didn't hang out much with our friend Brady, though. He was sick all weekend. He lives in the apartment below Joni and he is a lot of fun. Poor Joni, she had a crush on him up until a few days ago. He graduated last weekend and got a job in Colorado, so off he went. And that makes me a little bit sad, because I will most likely never see him again, whereas even though Joni's graduating and we won't be down there gettin crazy so much anymore, I'm sure I'll still see some of my other awesome friends, sometimes, someway.
Hmmm, I also have a very funny story to tell, but not now because it's lunch time and I'm hungry!

I wrote it when I was sober

"I wrote it when I was sober"

...That's a line from one of my new favorite songs.

Anyways, I'm sitting in our new office. We moved in about a week ago, but we still have no power!!!! Luckily, the computer is plugged into a huge heavy duty extension cord and our neighbors are letting us borrow some power. I like our new little location, because no one else is around so I can have dance parties by myself and sing loudly. :)
Ahhh, doesn't take much to make me happy, huh?

I am going to finally go get new tires on my car today. It's very necessary as tomorrow I am going to Morgantown for the weekend. My tires are about non-existent right now, they're so bald. But yeah, I am very excited to go visit this weekend (the whole weekend!) but sadly it is the last time. Joni is graduating. I know that's good, but I'm sad because we won't be having any more crazy times. I loved that even though I didn't go there anymore, I could still go down and stay with her and we'd have a blast, it was like I did still go there. My escape from the real world. I'm still friends with some other people there, though, I don't think I'll be able to go after she graduates b/c I'm not nearly as close with the other people there as I am with Joni. Where am I going to be able to escape to now? When I'm down there, I don't have a single care, and I'm completely myself and it's great. Oh well, that's why I gotta live it up this weekend, right? Take the camcorder to make the third and last video, and it must be the best, the ultimate. *sigh* I am going to miss a lot of people there. This'll be just as bad as when I left! haha
Oooooh! The power guy is outside~it's a miracle!
Well, I was gonna post a link to a new article, but it's not letting me. Hmm, figures.

Sun Spot Mind

One of my favorite movies is "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet.
Unfortunately, and very surprisingly, it did not get insanely popular like I would have expected. I don't want to ruin it for any that haven't seen it, but who hasn't at one time or another wished they could erase someone from their memory?
So, I have come to a conclusion. The title is too long. That's why no one has really bothered with this awesome movie. I can think of no other reason. I love the movie, and the only reason I probably haven't gotten it on DVD yet from my boyfriend is because he has no idea in hell what the title is.

"Honey, what's the name of that movie? Eternal spotting?"
"No, honey..."
"Sunless Mind?"
"No."
"Eternal Sunning in the Mind?"
"It's
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Todd."
"Eternal Sun of the Third Eye?
The Entity in my Eye? The All & Mighty
Sun Has Spots? How about, I'm
Eternally Going Out of my Mind?"
"Hmmph," I sigh. "Yes, honey, that's what
it's called."

Could you imagine the reporters on the red carpet for the premiere...

"Hi, yes hi Jim, so nice to see you, great suit, so
how did you like working with Kate in Eternalsunshineofthespotlessmind?"

"Excuse me, Kate? Hi, you look stunning, so what is your favorite part of Eternalsunshineofthespotlessmind?"

And, "So...(breathing heavily from talking so fast) in the movie (pause to
breathe) Eternal Sun..ugh (takes another breath) shine of the...awww hell, you
know what the name of the movie is, why do I have to keep saying it?"

So, I thought there must be other good movies out there that didn't get much exposure due to their long title. For example, how about "Wo hu cang long" or, better known to us in the US as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Whew, where'd that one come from? I also found out that the title for this movie in Hong Kong is Cantonese "Ngo foo chong lung." Would you be able to remember that title?

"Foo chun long? No go foo goo?"

The name for this movie in China in Mandarin is, "Wo hu cang long."

"Whoa, you can't hang? Whoa, you're cane's long?"

Though, the people that have watched this movie say it is very good, I have no opinion. I'm pretty sure that when anyone refers to it they probably just say, "You know, that crazy tiger and dragon movie where they fight on top of trees and fly."

So the moral of the story, the take home value, is if you're going to make a movie, keep it short and simple.

(Source)

Finally!!!

What we've all been waiting for...(especially my boyfriend)
It's coming!


:)

Sussudio

Sussudio

That's the song we jammed to Friday night. Yes, by Phil Collins.
I went out with the guys; Roman, Prez, Kayatin, Seth, and a few others. It was really fun. I think because it was the first time we all hung out together like old times with it not being about the sad stuff. When we hung out a few weeks ago, it was sad because all of a sudden you'd remember why. But Friday, it was like "Hey, let's all hang out for no reason other than we want to have fun together," you know what I mean?
So, it was a breath of fresh air. It made me happy that even 5 years later, we can and do still act the same as we've ever been. Joking around, making fun of eachother, laughing - but this time we're actually old enough to drink legally, and we're more responsible when we know we should be.

Found a new great song: "Breathe Me" - Sia

Yesterday was Todd's birthday. And boy, was it a goodie. It'd been awhile since he'd "gotten any" sooooo.....yeah. (As soon as he got home, and with no initiation on his part, so I'm sure he was psyched, lol.) Then, I got him the 1st season of House M.D. on DVD and the Madden 2006 PS2 game. Oh, and $20 towards his tattoo. He has an appt. on Thursday, so all he wanted for his bday was $ for that.

Well, that's it for now.

Weird Ways of the World

Talk about irony. I'm not sure if that's the right word or not, but let me explain. Wednesday night Todd and I went out to dinner with his parents and gram for his mom's birthday. After having a good meal, we were just sitting there having casual conversation while Todd's dad kept talking and talking to these 2 people he knew. We were pretty tired, and starting to get a little bit cranky, antsy..etc. but we couldn't leave because we rode with them.

So I say to Todd, "Hey, do you want to go into the bar area and have a cigarette?"

"Yeah," he says.

So, I lead the way and as I'm standing in the doorway I quickly glance wondering where to sit at the bar when I notice a guy in front of me to the right. I could tell right away from the back of him that it was Jeff. (Jeff is the only other guy that ever mattered, he was my world at one point in my life. It was sort of pathetic, though, we were high school sweethearts that started at the end of our senior year, and lasted for about 3 years, even though he was in college in South Carolina. That's all I'll say, as it's really complicated.) So, I realize it's Jeff, and then everything seemed to be in slow motion but I know it all went fast. I looked next to him, and I see Lauren. Lauren is Todd's ex.

Wide eyed, I jumped back behind the wall and loudly whispered, "Todd, no, no, get over here." and he says,
"What? Why?"
"Because both of our exes are in there, together.........how weird is that?!?!" I said.
"Oh my gosh! Okay, let's get outta here and go outside," Todd said.
And we did.
Todd graduated high school a year ahead of me. Jeff, Lauren, and I all graduated together.
You know DAMN well that mine and Todd's names have come up in some conversations. Maybe it was their icebreaker, "Hey, isn't it weird that we're hanging out and our exes are in a relationship together after being with us?" Oh gosh, I can only imagine.

I am a believer in everything happens for a reason, but I just don't know what the reason was for us to randomly run into the 2 of them. Therefore, it only confirms the world works in weird ways.

Here's to you...

Listening to: "Tiny Dancer" - Elton John

Last night I went to the viewing. Seeing Matt laying there in the casket was the worst thing ever. At first glance, I couldn't handle it and then after awhile I waited in line to give my condolences to his family and say a few words. Soon as I got to Matt I lost it, there's just something so unnerving about looking at a person who's passed that you care about. But, it's also hard not to look. But, the worst was when my friend Chelsea pointed out the Zippo lighter. The boys called themselves "The McGregor Boys" and that's what was engraved on the Zippo laying in the casket with him. Back when we all used to hang out all the time, I always tried to get them to let me be the McGregor girl. lol.
Afterwards, pretty much everyone went to this sports bar, Jay's. We joked that that's what Matt would've wanted us to do, drink. At one point, the bartender turned off the music and we had a moment of silence and then all of us had our drinks in the air saying, "To Matt Hunt"...and once again, I lost it.
I just kept thinking about how much I miss all of us being together, but then I'd remember why we were all together. A few times throughout the night, I felt like I would turn to look and see Matt. I really felt like he shouldn't be gone, that he should be there with us and we were all together for some other reason.
I think we're all still in a state of disbelief.

I Grieve

Currently listening to: "I Grieve" - Peter Gabriel

I've recieved bad news. A good friend of mine decided death was his only way out late Friday night. His father found him Saturday morning, he'd hung himself.
I've been at a loss for words. I sat crying and going through old pictures Saturday night when I found out. And yesterday, I cried, and slept. Today, I'm at work, but finding it hard to do anything. Wednesday is the funeral.

I am in complete disbelief. His name was Matt. We'd known eachother since elementary school. And from high school on, we were good friends. We just hung out a few months ago.

A little over a year ago, an old friend named Lindsay had killed herself. We were friends a long time ago and I hadn't talked to her in probably three years, but that was still hard. And at the funeral, Matt was there. Matt, and all my other guy friends with him. We went out for dinner and drinks afterwards. And now, we're going to be doing the same for him. It's very ironic to me.

Needless to say, it's been a rough time. And Wednesday will be the hardest day. Seeing my friends, mourning. I've been friends with Matt and all of his closest friends for as long as I can remember. They were all my best guy friends. And on Wednesday, for us all to be together for this terrible circumstance, it's going to be very, very hard. And very, very, sad.

The Power of TV

Does anyone else have certain shows they tend to watch every night? I mean, everyone has their BIG TV night, the night that their FAVE show is on...but what about the others that you just like to watch, but won't really die if you have to miss it?

The reason I thought of this, is because last night I watched the new show Sons and Daughters. If anyone else watched it, let me know what you thought. I thought it was really funny. Unfortunately, the boyfriend fell asleep so I was laughing all by my lonesome, which isn't really that different from any other time (I think everything is funny, usually).

Anyways, here's what I watch throughout the week.
Monday - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Wife Swap (or whatever else I see that catches my eye)
9:00
Beautiful People

Tuesday
8:00 - Usually Gilmore Girls
9:00 - Used to be Supernatural (they're switching to Thursday night at 9 now, so...I won't get to watch it anymore (you'll see why)) BUT NOW, I watch Sons and Daughters

Wednesday
8:00 - I like George Lopez and Freddie, but I've been watching Ghost Hunters - It's on until 11:00 on Wednesdays

Thursday
8:00 - Smallville
9:00 - THE OC - and NO OTHER SHOW will top it.
Like I said earlier, everyone has their BIG TV night, well this is mine. I won't even answer the phone if it dares to ring.

Friday & Saturday
Uhhh - If I'm not out - we usually rent movies

Sunday
FOX all the way:
The Simpsons
The War at Home
Family Guy
Free Ride

Overwhelmingly Frustrated

Man, I don't know what my problem is today, but I cannot stop thinking. I hate days like this.
The main reason I keep thinking so much, is because on Saturday I went to see my friends down at WVU for the night. And, we'll call him "Neon," (haha) met up with all of us as we were leaving the bar. Then, we went back to our friends apt. and kept drinking, hanging out...etc. This guy "Dave" asked us if we were "together" which was so weird, we weren't cuddling, or doing anything remotely "together", and people ALWAYS ask us that. So, we're like "No" at the same time, and my friend Joni seems to think right after that he said something like, "We used to hook up, though" or something like that. (Awesome, announce it to everyone!)

Yeah, so THEN me, Neon, and B went up onto Joni's roof (by this time everyone else was passing out) and it was light outside again.
So, somehow, we get on these crazy topics. Neon brings up when my boyfriend kicked him out of our apt. like 2 years ago (for being drunk and a little bit disrespectful), then says something like, "The truth's coming out!" (I hate when I am drinking and important things happen, I always screw it up and never remember enough information.)
Anyways, then we talk about the one time he wanted me to go eat w/ his 2 aunts that were visiting. And I never called to go, because it was "weird" and he's like, "What? How was it weird, explain this, I wanna hear it," which is so odd because Neon never shows any emotion except laughing everything off. B was like, "Uhhh, maybe I should leave you two alone" but we were like, "No, it's cool" and I changed the subject.
Because the time he did want me to go eat with him and his aunts, it was about a week after he told me he got back together with his ex girlfriend and I was really upset about it. Who does that? Who has relations with you, gets back with their ex, and THEN invites you out to eat with him and his aunts? It just all seemed a little backwards, and that's how it's always been. IT SUCKS.
So, everytime we hang out for awhile, I get all these mixed emotions from him all over again and then come home to be stuck with all these thoughts for a day or three. But, of course none of it matters, because I have my boyfriend.
I just can't help it. AAARRRGGGHH!

Hard Work Does Pay Off!

Today is such a great day.

Currently listening to: "It's a Wonderful Night" by Fatboy Slim

It's sunny outside, the warmest it's been in days, and I received an email today from the editor of a new magazine called STOMP Fashion Magazine!

She says I qualify to be a contributor, and wants to hear any story pitches I have! Also, she liked my clip on young mothers and wants to cover that topic in the magazine!

THAAAAAAANNNNNK YOOOOOOOOU!

Group pic at Bar 11 for my bday!

B is for Birthday

Soooo...last Saturday I went off for an adventure at WVU, and brought along the camcorder to document my week early birthday party. (Which I now realize was a mistake since I looked like a Make-a-Wish kid. (I'm special.))

I even titled the video "Fight Club" because the majority of it is me and my dear friend Joni getting our asses kicked.
All I was trying to do was have a little dance party and my friend Kevin knocked me onto the ground, yelled "Game OVERRRR" and then pulled on my leg and dragged me across the floor while I just laughed hysterically. When I finally made it all the way back up (5 min. later) I wailed my beer at him across the room and about 20 seconds later already forgot and drunkenly yelled, "Where's my beeeeeer?!?!"

I guess that's what happens when Joni and I spend $80 at the liquor store, start drinking wine at 7:00, then moving onto beer and multiple jager bombs.
Ahhh, such good times.

Then, Tuesday good ole Nate came over to hang out. We watched "Waiting" which was pretty funny especially since it has no point what-so-ever.

And now, the week is almost to an end. Ending on my birthday tomorrow! My plans (and hopefully they don't get ruined) are to go to dinner with a select few, then head up to Nate's to pre-game and then go into the city and barhop. I hope all my friends come.

Assorted

Well, it's Monday. The start of another long week. My weekend was pretty relaxing, and needed. Todd and I finally watched "Wedding Crashers" Saturday night. Hilarious. And last night I went to the Improv to see John Henton.
He was really funny! I had won tickets to the show and almost ended up not going because everyone bailed on me, including Todd! But, finally a friend of mine, Chelsea was able to go. Good timing too, because she had just broken up with her boyfriend that day.
Might go visit Nathan tonight and hang out. He's been bugging me because I never feel like driving to his apartment and I make him come to my house.
Found my scrapbook, too, with awesome pictures of all the good times.
And, finally got my piano (Casio professional keyboard) set up and out of my mom's house so it's about time I get back into playing.
Going to visit friends at WVU this Saturday. It'll be my birthday celebration with them a week prior to my actual birthday. YAY!

Humiliation on a Friday Night

I can't go out for awhile. And I especially can't go to my regular spot, The Rhythm House.

It all started when Erin came to see me at work (and it was a very nice day outside) saying she had tickets for free drinks from 6 - 7 at this new bar called Crazy Horse but she couldn't go, so did I want them?

Of course. Free alcohol, on a Friday? Count me in.

Well, neither Todd nor Nathan wanted to go. But, Marci did!

Marci never gets to go out, so it was quite exciting that while we were sipping our free pineapple vodkas, we found out she can stay out longer than planned.
We decided we wanted to dance. At the Rhythm House.

So, we're there, sipping some more pineapple vodkas, not free. Things start to get a little fuzzy.
And even fuzzier, as the events I am about to disclose are ones that I had to be told of the next day.
Apparently, I:
fell off of my barstool, landed on my back...
got up, walked a few steps, fell again...
finally made it over to my friend Holly, set down my drink...
only to knock it over 2 seconds later ALL over the bouncer
Then continuing my war-path:
I pulled out a barstool that some guy sat on so that he would fall (and experience the pain I endured???)
Had a "dance-off" with some boy and proceeded to tell him, "You got served."
Was convinced that the guys we talked to earlier (Marci knew them) stole our stuff.
Marci went to get the owner and went upstairs to watch security video tapes only for me 15 minutes later to realize, "Ohhhhhh, our stuff is over there by the DJ."
And then, I think I got kicked out.

Happy New Year

Well, hello 2006. It's going to be very hard to remember to write '06'. I hate that.

The holiday season went pretty good. Here are some of my favorite things I got for Xmas:
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2
The OC Season 2 DVD Boxed Set
my new leather coat
$$$

I got some cute clothes, too. A top from Urban Outfitters, Express, Charlotte Russe, a sweater from Gap, and comfy Bebe pants.

And Ebay....whoo! I got a Kenneth Cole brand new with tags wallet coming to me (I paid only $13) and a brand new DKNY sweater for $26 (originally $59) so I'm excited. Today I'm only working 1/2 day so I might stop at the mall. I have about $200 left and it's burning a hole in my pocket. But, I have been savvy with my spending. I've gone shopping a few times since Xmas, and have only bought maybe 2 things each time and they were on sale.

I do need to look for a new cell phone though. So I can't shop too much, need some of that money for a new phone.

Well, I really don't have anything else to write at the moment. Hope everyone had a good holiday!