Through my eyes

Wedding plans

2011-09-23T05:37:00.001-07:00

Nate & I have finally decided on a destination for our wedding. Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. We've found a hotel with lots of fabulous excursions available including snorkling at a coral reef, it's going to be like swimming in Nate's fish tank...only bigger!
All we have to now is contact the hotel or get a travel agent to get all the travel information organized for our guests. We are designing & making our own handmade invites & will be working on those this weekend. We hope to get the invites out by the end of October.
Thanks to Brenda & her eagerness to assist me in some planning of all this I've found a style for my wedding dress. I won't give away details just yet.
I will try to keep the blog updated with details as the planning progrsses.
Have a great weekend everyone!

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

More thoughts on Happy Medium

2011-03-15T05:35:00.001-07:00

Ok, so i've been doing some thinking after my last post. Yes, it's sad about my friends situation but at the same time it's just a part of life. As we get older our lives develop, change, & grow so it's only natural that everyone goes their separate ways eventually. We may grow apart from people because our interest in activities change, people move, or when people get married & have kids there just isn't that much free time anymore. I have come to accept that getting older means change...for the better. Better for who? Everyone! The upside to all this is that we can still be in touch with everyone by facebook, e-mail, webcams, & phone. The other upside for me is that since Nate & I have found friends within each other I didn't lose anyone to do all those fun things that I enjoy...i gained one! We like to do all the same things it's really awesome! We enjoy going to concerts, plays, museums, walking around the city, drawing, painting, sitting around watching tv...it's reshreshing :) So no more mulling about with this whole situation. I have made certain choices in my life for a reason and I don't regret any of them.

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Happy Medium?

2011-03-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

So I've been living in Chicago for two years now, took a class at Columbia (my dream) last year, work is finally great, & I'm engaged. I don't think that I could ask for anything better. Except one thing...friends. I've sacraficed seeing my close friends often for making dreams and goals come true. I asked myself this question tonight, why is there always one thing out of balance in my life at all times? Maybe the universe is trying to keep me grounded or I wasn't meant to have a balanced life? Before I moved my personal life was a wreck, my job wasn't going well, I wasn't sure about going to school for business anymore & I was just unhappy with my surroundings. So I thought making a change was just what I needed. But I realized I miss my friends. I am going to be getting together this week to see two of my friends & I'm giddy as a school girl. But living 50 miles away doesn't give me the opportunity to just call them up last minute & get dinner or grab a drink. Sometimes I miss that the most.

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Samples

2011-02-11T05:54:00.001-08:00

So, I made some new samples for the bride to be I am working with for her invites. She wanted to add fushcia to her colors. So here is one of the new ones I made for her.

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Testing

2011-02-06T08:17:00.001-08:00

This is only a test :) seeing if my mobile blogging still works!

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Why me

2010-07-01T15:48:00.001-07:00

I don't want to write a whole story...I don't even want to get into the how's, why's or who's. I just want to ask the universe a question and let it answer me in time

Dear Universe,

Why am I always cleaning up other people's messes then getting left behind? Who's looking out for me?

That is all.

Ho Hum

2010-03-25T05:07:00.001-07:00

Feeling very broke these days...money wise. Also feel like I'm being pulled in many directions but my own. I have this ongoing issue that I always put things & people's needs before my own. The end result is feeling like I am not getting anything accomplised for myself and my goals. I have been making some improvements such as bringing my laptop on the train to get "computer" things done. I have been trying to make time for myself one day on a weekend but things always come up. Sick grandma's, bridal showers, family functions, friend gatherings. I'm torn between doing all these things for friends & family but it just puts my goals and hobbies on hold. I wish I didn't get in these moods but it happens. They usually pass in a day or two but until then I just want to be left alone.

Coffee Anyone?

2010-01-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

These two paragraphs are from a book I just finished reading a couple of weeks ago. I love finding random things like this that make you stop and think.

I watched Marilyn as she took her spoon, my spoon, the sugar container, the cream container, and the napkin holder and slowly positioned them in many different ways on the counter. She seemed hypnotized by the countless positions that these objects could be arranged in.

"I see you're into modern art," I joked. "Yeah, the meanings are endless," Marilyn responded in laughter. "So what meaning does your present work of art have?" I asked. "Well, the cup represents how deep life is and the coffee shows how dark life can be," Marilyn started. "The spoons represent the manner in which we dip into things we're not supposed to, and the cream shows that we artificially lighten what should remain dark." Of course we end up making a big mess. Marilyn pointed at the coffee trickling down the side of the cup and onto the saucer. "And then we try to cover ut all up, knowing that messes always soak through." She covered the coffee on the saucer with a napkin and watched it soak right through.

Art

2009-12-09T05:27:00.001-08:00

I am finally trying my hand at painting. This is my first attempt with acrylic paint. It's not done yet I still have a bit more work to put into it but I am seeing potential here. I have a few more idea's of what I want to do after I finish this one. There is also a very small art studio in Lincoln Square that teaches painting classes. I wouldn't mind trying that out sometime in the near future. What more can I say? I am just super excited to be doing this at all!

Goals

2009-11-24T05:54:00.001-08:00

So the year end is fast approaching and I am slowly crossing things off my "to do" list. Right now it's little things like cleaning, organizing, paying off bills and going through boxes to throw away or give away. The reason I am doing this is because next year when I get a couple life goals in order I don't want to have to worry about the small stuff.
Plus I realized I have become a pack rat with certain things I need and are just taking up space. So the little trinket stuff I want to one day put in photo albums or picture frames need to be organized for a future project. Boy I am just rambling on now. Time to go to work. Have a good day everyone!

To be or Not to be

2009-10-08T10:28:00.001-07:00

So I took out my chalks the other day and just made some abstract picture in my sketchbook. I was making dinner, listening to music, and creating this piece of art all from my cozy aptartment in Chicago. It felt so nice to do that...be creative. I still want to pursue my art but have been confused on how to do it. I have been getting advice from friends and family with no simple solution or easy way to do it...yet. It's time for more thinking and strategy planning.

Life happens

2009-09-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

So my life has taken yet another tumble. The guy I was seeing over the summer dumped me for the third time and my job has scaled back quite considerably. I really tried to do things right this time with meeting a guy and taking things slow. I did well until he felt we weren't compatible which is cool except he did this 3 times. I think karma is kicking my ass and I so deserve it. As far as my job...I am going back to being a teller for the credit union I work for and in the end it's for the best. The job just wasn't for me and I am sad but glad to be moving out of it. In so many ways I feel like I failed but it's probably a blessing in disguise. You know when things are just so out of whack that your self esteem goes to it's all time low? Well, that is how I have felt for the past 3 months but I am slowing getting it back and recovering from all of this. All I can say is thank goodness for friends and family I would not have survived without you. I love you :)

Tired

2009-07-07T08:41:00.001-07:00

I am mentally drained and
I'm tired of being strained
Push me in the lake
Just do it already for Goodness sake
I want to forgive and forget
about you and all my "not regrets"
It's not fair but I tried to fight
I lost a bet to myself
I was being selfish alright
It's not just me that got hurt I have to think about you and how you couldn't convert
We gave a go and now we're done
I just want to move on and shoot for the sun

The Whole Foods Boys

2009-04-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

So, I was in Whole Foods with my mom today and posed a question to myself. Why are almost all the guys who work at Whole Foods good looking? So instead of pondering over this I decided to write a poem about it. I've got the begining verse and just wanted to share so here goes:

Smelling sweet like the mango
Walking past him getting tangled
With another cart
One look at me and you've stolen my heart

I have a whole lot more just need to put it togehter. I was so excited about this I just had to post or bost whichever you want to call it.

Horoscope and Chicago Update

2009-04-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Gemini Horoscope for today -

You're not interested in simplicity, at all! In fact, you never are, that's just not your nature. If you refuse to live an austere lifestyle - that's ok - just don't force your crazy, complicated life on those you're romantically linked to.

Lidia says: True Dat! I am a social, emotional, and non-domestic mess these days.

Chicago update:

Well, I am happy to announce that Dana (my new roommate) and I were approved for an apartment on Monday! We just need to sign the lease and figure out our move date. If anyone is interested in assisting me move I promise to feed you beer and pizza afterwards! Whoo Hoo!

A sorta new poem

2009-04-06T07:37:00.001-07:00

City

you embrace me with your open arms
and all my conflictions disappear
I walk the streets and you're all around
in the city lights and the puddles on the ground

the tracks rattle with years of pain
much like my life that was off track w/ only me to blame
I lost my way down a crowded street
the busy traffic sounds like a crazy beat

tens years of wasted time
then one day it started to unwind
living in this place kills my inspirational grace
I need to break away explore what makes me
it's where I wants to be

I click my heels three times "there's no place like the city"
life's about quality, not working and feeling shitty
the train whistle blows the light blinds my eyes
reality sets in and I've been living a lie

spring comes so quickly on a breeze
snow melts and the ground starts to unfreeze
make your move from pawn to queen
I need to start living life so it seems

Columbia

2009-03-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

So for those of you who still read this...
I am very excited to say that this Satrday I am going to Columbia's open house, Columbia Art School that is.
It starts at 10:00am and goes until about 3:00pm. I am going to drive to Ravenswood and take the L from there so I can start to get aquainted w/ the public transportation. I am still planning to move to the city w/ my friend Dana by the end of May . I have to make an appointmentvw/ the apt. Finder company at the begining of April so we can start looking at places. I have to say that I am very excited for this change that is about to happen to my life. It will all eventually fall into place for me...i have foreseen it in my dreams.

My poor boxes

2009-02-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

This how Fed Ex packs your stuff if it falls apart on the journey home.

Toolz nite out!

2009-02-07T19:47:00.001-08:00

Kelly said it perfectly...we (the toolz) should not hang out all time because we would probably get into so much trouble. Kelly, Lynn, and I are having a sleepover tonight and at the spur of the moment on our way to dinner we went and got new piercings.

I heart..

2009-01-31T00:37:00.001-08:00

I heart Janes Addiction!

Ohio

2009-01-29T21:43:00.001-08:00

I just got back from Ohio today and usually my trips there are pretty uneventful as far as adventure & excitement but this trip is actually worth talking about. This was the first trip I have gone on w/out my manager Sassy so I was the hostess to one of our financial planners, Mike. Mike was invited to present a seminar on financial management at all three sites we visit. First of all our visit wasn't widely advertised to the employees so only two people came to the seminar on the first day and none the next two days. It snowed like crazy Tues night through Wed morning. We got 5 inches of snow and freezing rain which made driving conditions just aweful and this was my first time driving while traveling. I ended up with a minivan rental, which surprisingly handled well in the snow, but the sliding side door broke on Tues it wouldn't shut all the way. So Mike and I are driving around in this red minivan w/ a broken door and low tire. Everytime I started to accelerate this annoying dinging sound let me know the door was ajar. On Wed morning it took us a half hour to chip away about 3 inches of ice off the car and when we got to the site we had to unload boxes in about 3 inches of slush then I had to park the car in a parking lot so far away it could have been Illinois. I am so thankful that Mike has a sense of humor because we mostly laughed about all our mishaps and hardships we were encountering on this trip. I know that if Sassy had been with me there would have been a lot of, "For the love of Peter" being thrown about, that's her favorite saying instead of swearing. Mike did have a couple of appointments to speak w/ members indivually and a few members who had some good questions for him. I got 7 new accounts and 2 loan applications so it wasn't a total bust. This is definately one trip I will never forget.

Getting s*** done

2009-01-22T19:40:00.001-08:00

This past month, since Jan is almost over, has been about re-evaluating my life...again. I know I said I was going to move to cali two years ago and didn't but this year is different. I have been playing guitar, writing poetry, and drawing a lot! Lynn asked me a year ago to draw additional art for her armband tatoo and since at the time I wasn't inspired it went undone. I have started drawing her tat
and I like what has been produced so far. It's almost done I just have to add color. I just hope she likes it too.

Santa Cruz

2009-01-16T20:24:00.001-08:00

Seeing this picture makes me want to go back to Santa Cruz. Two years ago Lynn came with me to visit my mom in California. While spending the day in Santa Cruz we found a photo booth on the boardwalk so you know we had to get pics. Photo booths are are a toolz tradition. Kelly, Lynn and I (the toolz) started the trend back in our great america days. If I had a scanner I could upload photo booth pics from when we were all in high school. Those were the days.

Dorothy

2009-01-06T22:11:00.001-08:00

I click my heels three times, "There's no place like the city"
I don't want to go home, why do I feel so shitty
The train whistle blows
The light blinds my eyes
Reality sets in and I am living a lie

New Years in Chicago

2008-12-31T21:47:00.001-08:00

I drove to the city tonight to keep a friend company while he slaves a way in a bar...on New Years of all days. No one should be alone on this joyus day. Plus he knows a lot of good places to go after 2am. Heehee

My little punkin

2008-12-24T07:36:00.001-08:00

Logen can always make me smile and apparently I can do the same for him. I hadn't been able to spend too much time with Brenda or Logen lately because of my traveling and our schedules not meshing. However, I got to spend all day Sunday with them it totally made my weekend complete. Brenda went running around with me in sub-zero temps so I could finish my christmas shopping. Then I had dinner at her house. Pete made a beer can roast.
Logen is getting so big too. He can crawl and pull himself up and stand on his own. When he does this he laughs and squeals in victory. He smiles instantly when he sees me and it simply warms my heart to know that he recognizes me.

Be careful what you ask for Chris

2008-12-24T07:18:00.001-08:00

I've heard of asking for extra butter for your baked potato but this is crazy! I couldn't stop laughing when DJ brought it out.

Steve and Emma

2008-12-20T02:46:00.001-08:00

OK how cute is this? Steve and Emma cuddeling...how cute are they?

Snow, snow, snow, snow!

2008-12-19T05:38:00.001-08:00

This is me sitting in my car at 7:00am at work...for a change I was the first one there.

DJ

2008-12-05T19:26:00.001-08:00

Ijust love my friend DJ. He is my dancing diva partner. Together we are the Queens of the dance floor. Last time we went to the club in Kenosha we were belting out the 80's songs at the top of our lungs and right in some guys ear we were standing behind. Oh he also takes care of my bumps and bruises when gay guys fall on me. DJ is a unique and special person
and I am glad to call him family.

So hard to resist

2008-12-04T10:15:00.001-08:00

It's so hard not to eat all these wonderful cookies and brownies just planted in front of me. Today Sassy and I are at Hospira in Lake Forest for Member Appreciation day. So what that means is we set up a table in the cafeteria with our credit union brochures, pens, a giveawy item, raffle tickets for 4 $25.00 visa gift cards, cookies and brownies. My job in all this is to order food, pack the brochures and giveaways then Sassy and I wait for people to come by our table to promote or answer questions. I have had these last 6 months to reflect on my job and I have to say not eating all these goodies is the hardest part.

1st Snow

2008-11-24T11:03:00.001-08:00

Imqgine waking up at 6am and the first thing you see is snow. I was happy, excited, scared, relieved all at the same time. I absolutely love it when it snows because I get to use my four wheel drive on the jeep. I also love it because without snow all the holidays seem like to me is the dreaded thought of spending money I don't have. So the snow softens the blow on that one.

FYI: I have deleted yet anothered failed "friend" from my contacts. I am on strike...for a very long time!

Home sweet home

2008-11-17T07:35:00.001-08:00

It's good to have a couple days off of work this week. So I slept in, drank 3 cups of coffee, watched a movie, now just checking out my peeps on myspace. I was so busy with weekend I am content just being lazy. On a good note we raised $5100.00 at the Paws for Caws benefit Saturday. It's nice to know that St. Francis will get some extra help for the holidays. I just love walking the dogs on Thanksgiving and play with all the kitties in their cat house.

Mondays

2008-11-10T21:07:00.001-08:00

.I've said it before and I'll say it again...I am not a morning person. This morning when I left for work I set my coffee mug on the back bumper of my jeep so I could throw away some garbage before I got in the car. Well as you can see from the picture I forgot all about my precious morning juice when I got back in the car. I was half way down Jackson street and went to take a sip of coffee when I realized it wasn't there. I quickly took a side street back to my house and discovered the mug, still in tacked, laying in the road at the end of my driveway. If I hadn't run it over on my way up the driveway I would still my very first ALEC mug.
So I gathered what was left of the cup and brought it upstairs. Luckily I made 8 cups of coffee so I had enough to take another mug. The rest of my day went much better, I am catching up with stuff at work and home. I did laundry and uploaded a ton of photos to flickr. So click on the link to the right and check em out.

Rise and Shine

2008-11-08T17:12:00.001-08:00

I am not a morning person and usually don't get out of bed on the weekends until at least 9:00am. However, I was up early today to have breakfast with my old supervisor Kris. I met her at Emily's, 8am sharp then we went to a christmas craft show at my old church. The craft show wasn't that big so we left and parted ways. Since I was up I decided to go the used book store on Glen Flora. I sat there and readfor a little bit. It was peaceful and quiet I think I will spend more saturday mornings doing this.

Suprise!

2008-11-05T12:54:00.001-08:00

I received a very nice gift from our senior vice president today. Joe joined Sassy and I on our trip to Ohio this week to help assist with the new ATM's that went live this past Monday in Columbus. At 3:30 today Sassy called me and told me Joe wanted to talk to me in the lobby of our hotel. The first thing that went through my mind was, uh oh did I do something wrong? To my surprise he presented a $100.00 gift card to Macy's and thanked me for all the traveling I've been doing these past four weeks. I was speachless. I thanked him for his thoughtfulness and recognititon. He didn't have to give me anything because the travel is part of my job but this was a nice reminder of why I took this position.

Sleep

2008-11-04T03:25:00.001-08:00

I have been having trouble sleeping while I travel. I usually go to sleep around 9:30 - 10:00 pm and periodically wake up through out the night. Normally I get enough sleep even though this happens but last night I woke up at 4am and could not get back to sleep. It's now 6:30 and I've made some coffee, talked to Brenda and watched some tv. I am pretty sure I know why I have had trouble sleeping I just need to figure out how to fix it. Today is going to be a long day.

A ceiling of Monkeys

2008-11-01T10:28:00.001-07:00

This one is for Lynn. My mom and I went to San Jose on Friday and one of the things we did was go to the art museum. The first thing you see when you walk in are these wooden Monkeys hanging from the ceiling. It was so wild! So Lynn I hope you enjoy this as much as I did...i know how much you like Monkeys!

Am I the only one that finds this funny?

2008-10-31T07:03:00.001-07:00

While sassy and I were waiting at the baggage claim in New Jersey I found this sign and it I thought it was hilarious. Although it was 9:00pm and that was the fourth plane we had been on that week so it could have been me being tired and easily amused. But I pictured a room that was oddly shaped with all the oddly shapped stuff in it. Get it? Meow, meow, meow, pfft, pfft...only Lynn and Kelly will get that last part.

Leaving my heart in San Francisco...again

2008-10-30T14:38:00.001-07:00

My work week is officially done. I am now on a train from San Francisco to Mountain View where I will stay with my mom through the weekend. I realized how tired I am with this being my third week of travels. I was waiting for Sassy to pick my up at my room this morning, just sitting on the couch watching TV when it hit...damn I am drained. I feel very fortunate to be able to travel with my company and am enjoying it but I will be so glad after Nov 6th because I will be home 4 a whole month before I have to travel again.

California

2008-10-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

Well, it's Wednesday and my work week is almost over. Today Sassy and I are at Hospira in Morgan Hill. We had the most extrodinary drive here this morning. When we left the hotel it was chilly and very foggy. As we were driving down Highway 101 the sun sarted to peek through the fog and as the the sun got brighter the fog lifted reveiling the beautiful California mountains on either side of us. I know it probably doesn't as wonderful here as it was in person but it sure put a big ol smile on my face.

NYC

2008-10-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today was my day off from traveling and working this week. Sassy and I are staying in New Jersey just 7 mins from NYC so we drove into the city for some sightseeing. Our first stop was Time Square where Harold the gnome got his picture taken. We stopped in a couple shops then purchased tickets for a double decker bus tour. I highly recommend this tour if you are visiting because you can hop on and off the bus walk around and another bus shows up every 10 mins. So I got to see the World Trade Center site, all of downtown NY, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn bridge. We spent the whole day there and we did so much I can't list them all here but we ended the evening by eating a slice of NY pizza for dinner. This is truley an awesome city with lots of history and I have a feeling this will not be my one and only visit.

Harold the gnome

2008-10-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the Radisson in Irving TX. Unfortnately we are traveling for business so we don't always get to see the sights. In about 10 mins I will be off to the first benefit fair in Dallas TX from 9 - 3. Sassy and I then head to the airport, fly to Baltimore only to connect there to fly into Boston. We most likely won't get to our hotel until 1am. This is going to be the hardest day out of our travels. I am so grateful we get a day off onThursday.

Harold the gnome

2008-10-20T09:11:00.001-07:00

Today marks the first day of Harold the gnomes travel adventures. Harold came to me by means of my good friend DJ Allen. DJ felt Harold needed to get out and explore the great terrains our country and who better to that with than me. Our first stop is Dallas TX. Who knows what these next few days might expose him to but you never know Harold may just return a rhinestone cowboy.

Flamming Onion Volcano

2008-10-16T07:40:00.001-07:00

Wednesdays are always the longest work day while in Ohio. Sassy and I visit the Abbott site on Cleveland Ave for 1st shift and 2nd shift employees so our day isn't over until 7:30 pm. For dinner last night we went to a Japanese restaraunt where they cook in front of you so after our long day I was easily amused by the flamming tower of onions shown in the picture above. Today we make our journey home after we visit Ross park...things are pretty quiet here at the moment but I expect it to pick up around lunch. The plane comes in at 5pm and then it's off the fight the evils of rush hour traffic.

My office

2008-10-10T23:17:00.003-07:00

So this post goes along with the previous one. I have been packing all these boxes full of giveaways for the benefits fairs. Since there is no room in our supply room for these they ended up in my office. My desk has been quite messy too as you can see but I managed to clean it up before the end of the day. I am so glad this week is over and I can't wait to get into the city tonight and have some fun.

The Next Four Weeks

2008-10-09T20:39:00.001-07:00

As you can see I am preparing my IPOD for upcoming trips. This is the only time of the year I will be gone 4 weeks in a row because we have our monthly visit to Ohio and Abbott's Health Benefits Fairs. Abbott squeezes them all together within a two week time span and we try to visit them all but as always a couple are missed. Although New Jersey and one of our California destinations are just membership drives for my department that my manager had scheduled earlier in the year. Here is what I have coming up.

Oct 13 - 16
Ohio

Oct 20 - 24
Texas, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey

Oct 26 - Nov 2
California (the weekend into Nov I will be visiting my mom)

Nov 3 - 6
Ohio

So I am preparing all my fav songs to keep me company on this journey. I will be so thankful for the weekends when I can come home during my traveling...there's no place like home.

Monkey

2008-10-05T18:33:00.001-07:00

To start this blog off the picture is really bad & I apologize. But this show fuckin rocked! I have not been to a good Ska show in forever probably since high school. I really enjoyed all the bands that were at the Bottom Lounge including Monkey which was the band I wanted to see the most. During Monkey's set they were talking amongst themslves trying to figure out what song to play so I yell out "You don't know." and they totally played it and dedicated it to me because they said they don't play it live that much. I even got to shake the lead singers hand after their set. Oh and I bought all 3 of their cd's and a pin for my jean jacket. I tell you what life does not get any better than this.

Sunday

2008-09-28T16:31:00.001-07:00

Today is Sunday, usually my lazy day, and despite my hangover plus the dreary weather I wasn't setteling for being indoors. I decided at the last minute to hop on the train to Chicago to visit my friend Ted. I had to return a couple books and a travel coffee mug that he let me borrow. When I got there we went for coffee, soup, and cheese danish. Then we went to Reckless records for some light music browsing. Now I am on the train home. It was a good day and I did't spend more than $10 dollars.

My halloween costume

2008-09-27T17:51:00.001-07:00

So Brenda, Joe and I were checking out the Miller High Life girl on the tapper at Russ's. Brenda suggested Joe be her for Halloween but alas he said no and suggested that I be her. So you may be seeing me in a sombraro for Halloween.

Inspiration

2008-09-23T20:37:00.001-07:00

Lynn e-mailed me at work the other day and asked me what was inspiring me lately. Well it's been my recent times spent in Chicago, discovering some new bands, and playing my guitar. All these things have helped inspire me to start writing again. This year has been an adjustment for me, I've had some subtle life changes, some great, some disappointing, but adjusting to all of them has not been the easiest for me; sometimes I felt like I was on a roller coaster. So writing has helped me to get all this stuff out of my head and move on. Now I can get back to a semi-normal life because completely normal would just not be me.

Good fortune

2008-09-20T00:19:00.001-07:00

I have never been much of a gambler but tonight was totally my night. I've played "left, right, center" only 1 time before tonight and lost miserably. However, I won the jackpot twice tonight. I ended up walking out of the bar with as much money as I brought in. I love this game...that's close enough (for you Joe)

Home sweet home pic

2008-09-18T20:10:00.001-07:00

This was supposed to go with my last post

Home sweet home

2008-09-18T19:02:00.001-07:00

I am finally back home from Ohio. The trip was very sucessful, we got 32 new accounts. I decided to stay home after I got home so Bill and I lit a cozy fire and had a couple beers to relax...i love home.

Cleo

2008-09-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

I found Cleo sitting on my suitcase this morning. It was as if she was telling not to go to Ohio because she will miss me. I always miss her and think about her often when I travel but I know Bill will take good care of her while I'm gone.

Tony's dream job

2008-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

After dropping off my mom at O'hare airport for her return to Cali, Tony found this front to an "L" car. This will be him one day driving a real "L" car for the CTA.

Re: Michigan

2008-09-13T21:45:00.001-07:00

Coming home from my journey to Michigan with my mom gave me some time to think...which is always dangerous for me especially when I am away from home for more than a day. Let's just say I will be thinking a lot from now on.

Grandma's Pantry

2008-09-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

I always wondered what was in my grandma's pantry. Well yesterday I found out...baby clams who'd a thought. Do you know what's in your grandma's pantry?

Test

2008-09-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

mobile blogging test 2

test

2008-09-08T18:06:00.001-07:00

test mobile blogging...1

City Streets

2008-09-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

A month ago you were here
A month ago we drank beer

3 weeks ago I was in your arms
3 weeks ago I was wooed by your charm

2 weeks ago I drove from afar
2 weeks ago you kissed me outside a bar

1 week ago you laid in my bed
1 week ago I stroked the hair on your head

today I missed you
today I wished I could've kiss you

3 Generations

2008-09-07T20:19:00.001-07:00

3 generations of Italian's on my mom's side of the family...amazing!

Today's Horoscope

2008-09-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

My horoscope for September 7th: Although you may need to defend your right to do something your own way today, it's better to approach conflict from the perspective of cooperative negotiation, rather than adversarial conflict. You can see both sides of an issue now, and your willingness to admit that freely will strengthen, not weaken, your position.

My response to horoscope: Well I didn't approach conflict or have adversarial conflict other than a simple text with no response...and I didn't pursue it after that. Even though there was no response I certainly see both sides to the Gemini's issue we are faced with at the moment.

Today's Number 4:
Show others they can depend on you today; be focused and work hard. You may feel like procrastinating in the face of all the demands that are placed on you. It's important today to follow through on your words with action and avoid making promises you can't fulfill.

My response to today's #: I drove to the city today...didn't drink any alcohol (dependable). I procrastinated on my essay for my history class but got it done when I got home from Chicago. I didn't make any empty promises :)

Go Cubs Go!

2008-07-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

So my Father's Day present to my dad this year was tickets to a cubs game at Wrigley Field. The game was Sunday July 13th. Although the Cubs lost we had a blast. The game was pretty exciting at the end when we thought the cubs were going come back but alas it wasn't so. After the game we went to a couple bars in Wrigley ville and tossed back a few. I wish I could afford to go to more cubs games...instead I will have to hike it down to wrigley ville again sometime and just watch a game in one of the bars.

Just a dream?

2008-05-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

I must have been delirious
To have ever taken you serious
Why did I expose
Myself and my soul
I feel like I've been played
Why did you win me over like an ace of spades
No time and no place
Is good enough to save face
I'll keep falling for you
Because you'll come back too
We'll meet again and chat
I can't help but wear that hat
It's in my nature to wait an answer
Even though I where I stand

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-12T21:22:00.001-07:00

Now I am not even a real mom but I sure felt like one yesterday. My day started off at Pete and Brenda's for brunch. They made homemade waffles, egg mcmuffins, sausage, bacon, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, coffee, and juice. It was a feast fit for, well, a mom! Pete's parents, Brenda's sister in law, Jesse and I were all there. I got to see my godson Logen and hold him for a couple pictures.
Later that afternoon I went to my aunt Maryann's house for dinner, good company and just plain ol fun. My dad got me flowers for being a "mom" to him and my brother. Then later that night when I came home I found in cookies in the old fashioned milk box attached to the house from Logen. There they are in the pic to the left. It was such a good day and I am glad I got to spend it with people close to me.

A light at the end of my tunnel

2008-05-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

With the storms and the sort of foul mood I was in most of the day I was glad to get this picture on my way home from work. This just makes all my problems go away.

2008-04-12T16:42:00.001-07:00

All dressed up with somewhere to go! Tonight Jesse and I are going to Bistro 17 in Waukegan to celebrate our friend Jay's birthday. I haven't had too many opportunities to dress up lately so I decided "what the hell!" I put on a "fun" camisole, dressy jacket, and heels! Whoo Hoo. I think tonight is going to be a Martini night!

Proud Parents

2008-03-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

Pete and Brenda after the Baby Shower. Two more weeks
and Logen Wallace Gordan graces us with his presence!

Dreams

2008-03-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

What are dreams? I am sure there is a scientific explanation for them but since I am too lazy to look that up...I believe our dreams are one of the "unexplainable" things in our world. Somehow we are connected to the events that take place with what may be happening around us in real life. I have been having dreams of people that I haven't talked to or seen in a long time. I think I am having these dreams because I have been thinking about these people or vice versa they are thinking about me. I don't always remember my dreams but when I do they are vibrant with color, detail and I always remember exactly what happened...almost as if I when I am sleeping I pick and choose what dreams I want to remember. I remember dreams I've had in high school because they really made an impact on me at the time, believe it or not that was 10 years ago. I believe everything happens for a reason and dreams are one of those "things." A recent dream I've had was with my friend Stacy who moved to Seattle last August with her husband. I haven't talked to her in a while and I miss her, I often wonder if she thinks about us back here in Waukegan which is probably why I had a dream about her. So to wrap this up, I always take action or take some lesson away from my dreams. So, I will be dropping Stacy a line soon, that dream was a reminder to keep in touch with her and not forget our friendship like I have done with others who moved away in the past.

New Phone

2008-02-16T15:39:00.001-08:00

Today I became the proud owner of a Centro Palm. I had been thinking of getting a new phone for quite some time now since my razor face plate cracked. I've been researching phones for about a week now and decided to, yet again, join the 21st century. I figured instead of me carrying around a paper calendar in my purse I would finally consolidate my calendar, phone, pics, e-mail, and internet to a phone. I feel like I work hard and deserve to treat myself every now and then, well now happen to be this snazzy phone. Jesse was kind enough to go with me to the Sprint store today to help me make this huge purchase. I sometimes have a hard time justifying big purchases like this but so far I don't feel like I will regret this one. Hello Centro so we meet again or for the first time!

Cookies

2008-02-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

Brenda and I baked cookies last Saturday. The weather was cold with a dreadful 30 below with wind chill. So with the snow falling outside and declining temperatures it was a cozy 80 degrees in her kitchen. We made oatmeal cookies with orange flavored cranberries and chocolate chip cookies but instead of the chips we used x-mas colored reeces pieces. We even had enough so I could send a nice care package to my mom in California; who may I add rubbed in her 70 degree sunny weather. I would take even 30 degrees right now.

Snow

2008-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Look at all the snow. This past Wednesday a whole crap load of snow was dumped on us by mother nature. This was the best pic I took to portray the mass amount of frozen precipitation we received. I believe Waukegan got over 12 inches. We even ran low on salt which made for a messy commute for the next two days. The roads were snowy with chunks of ice underneath. I actually live for these days because I can put my Jeep Wrangler into 4 wheel drive and go on my Mary way. It's not only the feeling of safety I receive from driving my blue she-devil but the fun I can have as well. Sliding out and snow piles have never been so much fun! Supposedly we are in for more snow coming this Monday, somewhere around 8 more inches! I don't know if this is true but we'll see. Bring it on I am ready for it...I just hope I don't get stuck in my own driveway again :)

Makeover

2008-02-09T07:46:00.001-08:00

It's time for a makeover. I have two bedrooms in my apartment. This is the first time I've ever had two bedrooms so naturally I don't know what to do with other room. It's a bit of a mess right now because I still have boxes to unpack from my move last April and lots of art supplies that are very unorganized at the moment. I decided to make this room a craft/lounge room with the money that we will be receiving from our lovely government. At first I thought I would be an ass and invest the money just despite our president but then I thought I might as well help the economy since I haven't been spending too much money this year so far. I have some ideas for organizing and shelving I just need to get my ass in gear and decide on furniture. I will keep an update here on how it's going.

Update to my Public Speaking post

2008-01-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

I wrote the instructor to let her know I was dropping the Speech course and I would like to share what was said. This makes me feel better for when I do take the course again.

I wrote:

Renee,
>         I regret to inform you I have had to drop
> speech class from my schedule this semester. I
> volunteered to purchase the DVD's for myself and two
> of my classmates, Peter and Michelle, they sit to
> the right of me. I will be dropping off the dvd's at
> Columbia tomorrow to be placed in your mail box.
> Please tell my classmates not to worry about the
> cost they were very inexpensive. I hope to see you
> in a couple semesters to take the course again.
>
> Thank you and take care,
>

She wrote back:

Lidia,

I am so sorry to hear that you had to drop the course.
I appreciate you following thru with your commitment
to the other students, that shows a great amount of
integrity and respect. I wish all my students could be
like you.  I will look for the DVD's in my box.
Hopefully you will be able to take the class in the
near future.  Thanks for the email.

Need I say anymore. :)

Public Speaking

2008-01-22T16:57:00.001-08:00

I thought I was ready to take the dreaded Introduction to speech course that is on my agenda of classes to take for my associates. Just after the first class last Thursday I felt that now is just not the right time. On the first day all the students had to go up in front of the class and tell a little bit about themselves. When it was my turn to speak I panicked. I still went up and went through with it but when I looked out at all those faces everything became blurry, my heart started racing and my face turned beat red. On top of that the class was supposed to ask the speaker questions about themselves after they did their little intro...and nobody asked me questions, the instructor had to ask the questions. I was sympathetic to the other students who went up before me, I initiated some of the first questions if another student didn't speak up first. Why didn't I get the same common courtesy?
Then while reading the book material assigned, and during the preparation of my first speech I panicked just doing that. So needless to say I dropped the course and will attempt to take it a couple semesters from now. I feel like a failure in a way but I would have felt like more of a failure if I didn't pass the class.

2008

2008-01-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

So it's a new year and I am not making any resolutions. I never kept them in the past and don't want to be disappointed when I don't accomplish them. Last year was rough, personally and financially. I hope, not resolute, to be more frugal this year and do things that bring happiness in my life. It seems that my art class didn't go well. I think I am more of a free lance artist rather than a student. I am going to stick to random drawing and silly crafts.

School is going well. I got a "B" in my Statistics class and have signed up for speech this semester.

I do have to make a huge life decision that could possibly land me in California. It's just so hard to fathom leaving everyone and everything I've ever known behind. I think if I was going with someone I knew it would make it easier. It would be nice to be closer to my mom but I am scared about starting over with friends and leaving most of my family behind. Most of my friends here I have known 10+ years and the ones I've met recently are great! All of it is just scary. I don't know if I can actually go through with it.

Vegas in Christmas was a blast! However, 5 days is way too long to be there. We stayed at the Golden Nugget (picture above) in old part of Vegas and in the back of the Hotel is a small strip with a digital canopy covering the street. Every top of the hour is a show on the canopy and everyone just stops in their tracks to see it. The new part of Vegas is very glitzy and expensive. The hotels are gorgeous and each one has a unique look. The fountain shows in front of some of the hotels are very cool. My family and I drew names and bought cheezy souvenirs for our secret santa and let me tell ya there were some pretty interesting gifts.

So, I guess I just keep plugging away at school and look forward to some possible cool vacations this year...Italy may be one of them.

Sigh

2007-12-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

I don't want to see that you're not there
I don't want to see that you don't care
I am tired of being the crutch
I never really used to care that much
I feel like I am being used
I feel like I am being abused
My mind is a terrible thing to waist
My thoughts tend to stick to people like paste
Is there no hope for me
There is no future that I can see
I want to be great I want to be grand
but I mostly feel like a grain of sand
Lost among the many
Like I'm in a jar full of pennies

WTF!

2007-11-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

There are those moments in my life
When I wonder why is it all not suffice
Left turns when they should have been right
Backing down when I should fight
Settling for the mediocre
When everyone is mocking her

I have the world at my feet
But still it holds no joy
I play with my emotions
Like a broken toy
The longing passions are gone
Tomorrow's another day
So it begins as the night turns to dawn

Patience wears thin in my mind
While the world stands still
I keep running blind
I can't seem to find
The one thing to fill
The holes in my heart
and mend the person I have killed

California Revisited

2007-11-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

I passed by the place where we first met
I got that same feeling of pure kismet
I stood in the place where we first kissed
It's that spontaneous lust that I miss
I looked for your face in every passing man
But all I saw were blank faces
Bad haircuts, plain clothes and bad tans
All I wanted was your tight embraces
You must have felt my presence near
You must have known I was here
Because there you were on my screen
Staring me down and all I could do was scream

More random thoughts of a suburban girl

2007-09-26T21:28:00.001-07:00

I have been true, I have been kind
Being repulsive is just all in my mind
Signals are protruded to the universe
It's not just another line you've rehearsed
Damn, why don't you get the hint
Your messages go unanswered like a ball of lint
I asked for this
Just put me on that fucking list
Of people who want to be left alone
but long for the unknown
Music is my soul
There is always this empty hole
In my heart that I can't seem to fill
Only with empty men and cheap thrills
When will I have the answers to my life?
When will I be someone's wife?
I need to take care of a few things before then
It is then, and only then, I can say...when

A Heavy Heart

2007-09-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Whatever was missing we may never know
I was feeling good about it even after the show
It wasn't until the silence filled the air
That I realized you weren't really there
Nothing seemed to fill the void in my heart
You couldn't reassure me it was just a rocky start
The sadness over weighed the joy
My emotions were strong as I implored
I didn't know what to do, I didn't know what to say
So we made a mutual agreement and called it a day
I can't claim to be happy with how it all came about
I just wish my heart didn't have any doubt
So now the pressures off and we still hang heavy in my mind
But as least I know we will be civil and truly kind

Me, Myself, and I

2007-09-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

Clearly I am fighting a loosing battle
I wave the white flag and hop off my saddle
Late night conversations with a stranger
Are truly one sided and led me to danger
Where's the fun in the chase
If I I always win the race
It's time to lead, not follow
It's time for me not to feel hollow
Fulfilling the void with personal joys
Not being distracted by silly boys
I give up and surrender to me
I am in no hurry for love to be
It will be grand and he will be right
But that's far from my future's sight
Imagination takes me away
My slate is wiped clean for tomorrow is another day
Walk away with my held high
Waving my hand with a confident goodbye

Should I?

2007-08-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Should I text him?
Should I call him?
Should I bother him?
Should I keep my self busy?
Should I check myspace?
Should I be nervous?
Should I be scared?
Should I be thinking this hard?
Should I go to bed?
Should I go the bar?
Should I read a bit?
Should I make my lunch?
Nah...I'll just have a bicardi and coke and go to bed!

Mystery Man

2007-07-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

I've set us up to fail
Just send me your, "Dear John" letter in the mail
In two days we'll hit the streets
While I have no shoes on my bare feet
You've already lied
We should just say goodbye
To the times we could've had
Karma has come around and made me sad
Miles apart
And you have already broken my heart
I know this was never meant to be
We'll be together and you'll see
You'll only need me when it's convenient
If that's how you like it, so be it
I can play these games too
In the end it'll be, "Mr. who?"
Anger engulfs my soul
Because you'll find me dull
They were wrong about us
Even after all their fuss
It's only a short love affair
My soul is the one thing I can't share

Jesse's Jimmy Leg

2007-05-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

I got me a jimmy leg
But it ain't nothin but a peg leg
"Just stop it from shakin" she said
Otherwise you're gonna kick me in the head

Got me a jimmy leg
It shakes up in the air and in the bed
While I sleep it kicks the cat
Straight to the ground is where she sat
Out the window it goes
Where she lands, no one knows

I got me a jimmy leg
It feels like it's made out of solid lead
Like the lead that's in my head
It keeps me see'n read

Random Thoughts by a suburban girl

2007-05-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

this webpage is for me...only two people read it. one of them is me
I like Naked Raygun
Work is so stressful right now...my pile just keeps getting bigger
Pedicure on Saturday, pretty feet
I wish I could make a difference
does it smell like feet in here? Oh no it's just me
my car needs to be fixed. Malfunction indicator light, brakes and a/c
wine is good
sometimes i just want to run away from life
i miss my mom
i got my security deposit back from my old apartment
i bought a mushroom for the gnome in the backyard, it's cool
i wish i still skateboarded. i wish for a lot of things
love=patience
Turn up that song, I wanna rock out!
remember shows in Waukegan?
being alone isn't so great
when i was 19; was one of the greatest times of my life
i am going to draw again this year
that's it i'm going to have a smoke then go to bed

New Home

2007-05-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I am completely moved into my new place. I closed the door on another chapter of my life and opened another window to my future. My new place is a two flat and has two bedrooms, a huge living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Bonus features to this place are a washer n dryer in the basement, a backyard, and garage; which I get to park in. I am on the second floor and have a great view. I need to get a couple of window air conditioner because the couple of days it was 75 + degrees it was freaking hot up there. The great news is that I get my security deposit back from my old place to get the a/c. I have an idea of what I want to do with the second bedroom but need to go to a few garage sales to get some furniture. I would like to make it a craft/reading room. I need to get a desk, some shelves, a love seat and a small t.v. I think I will put my metal lunch boxes in there too. In due time I will have it all figured out, usually things just fall into place for me. I am still close to family and friends...and Russ's. This year is turning out to be a good one so far. Oh and I finished another semester at Columbia on Monday. I am taking the summer off and fall semester doesn't start until September. So I can focus on drawing, going to the gym, and having lots of fun!

Summer

2007-04-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

What is everyone doing this summer? Trying to make the transition from winter to spring to summer has been quite a tease this year. January was in the 50's then February and March was 20's or below, and April was 80's to snow mixed with rain. I am so ready for summer this year. Jesse and I have so many things planned out already plus with me moving to a bigger place where I can actually grill out is going to awesome! Let's see, April 27th we're going to see Naked Raygun then stay overnight in Chicago. May is the Des Planes river canoe marathon. We are going camping in June with a bunch of friends plus a couple weddings to go. July we are going to Point Bluff for camping and canoing. Then there is the usual local outings like Scoop The Loop, beach days, annual trip to Cali to see my mom, Jesse's annual picnic at Old School Forest Preserve, Blues Fest, Lake County Fair, and of course to end it all the Haunted House at the Lake County Fair grounds. A couple added perks this year is that Brenda is moving out on her own just a few blocks from me. She will be living in the same building with two of our other friends so we will be doing some bike riding along the North Shore Paths and to the Beach. So as you can tell I am really looking forward to this summer and can't wait for it to warm up. We're just getting started.

Calling Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard, Dr. Manhattan

2007-03-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than discovering a new band. Last summer at Rockfest in Waukegan Jesse invited Dr. Manhattan. They were the last band to perform and, let me tell you, it was well worth the wait. I was really impressed by their unique sound and ability to project their energy to the crowd. There were people dancing and running around and I found myself bopping my head. They have a guitarist, bassist, keyboard-ist (hee hee), and drummer. Jesse acquired a CD from the band that night and as soon as we got home I put them on my ipod. Jesse and I went to see them perform live at the Metro in Chicago Feb. 17th. The place was pretty packed and within 2 minutes of their first song I ditched my beer to be up front with the crazies. I felt like I was 18 again, screaming after every song, singing along to their lyrics, I don't know what came over me. I guess that tells you a lot about the band right there. They really know how to put on a great show for their audience and I can't wait to see them again. Check them out at their myspace page.

I am a genius

2007-02-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

I have been racking my brain for a long time now because I didn't know what to use my Credit Card Rewards Points for, but today I found out. I am going to use my points for a one night stay at a Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago the day Jesse and I go see Naked Raygun. Check out this hotel it is freakin fancy. Go to their website
I couldn't justify using my points for merchandise because one of the things I thought about purchasing with my points was a paper shredder. Now I can go to office max and buy a paper shredder for $25.00 I wasn't about to use 9,250 points on that thing. So since I have been sitting on my ass all morning I had some time to research vacation, flight, hotel, etc rewards. I am pretty proud of myself right now. The hotel is downtown and the show is at the House of Blues so April cannot come fast enough for me.

I must be getting old

2007-02-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

Things haven't been so exciting for me lately...but you know what? I am perfectly o.k. with that. After the holidays I started school, the weather turned super cold with below zero temperatures. So I haven't really been going out as much. I have this guilty conscience about getting average grades in high school so I am really trying to do well in college. So far I have a B average but I really would like an A average. So I have been studying a lot during the week and usually Sundays which hasn't left me with much time for fun. But that doesn't mean I don't plan to have fun ever. Tonight Lynn, Kelly, and I are going to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show live, Jesse and I are going to see a local band favorite of mine, Dr. Manhattan Feb. 18th, I took a couple days off in March for an unplanned vacation, and in April Jesse got us tickets to see Naked Raygun. I am especially excited about the concerts since we haven't been to one in a while. I am slowly re-discovering my old self since my life has changed a lot in the past 5 years. After Gary and I broke up I have been trying to re-discover myself again because he was a very controlling person and made me feel like I couldn't be myself. Enough of that! I am happy now and with Jesse who is a good person and allows me to be who I am. Whoa sorry about that people I tend to rample off the subject at time. I guess that is a good example of how my mind works. Cheers! Have a great weekend.

Overreaceted

2007-01-31T20:52:00.000-08:00

O.K. so I might have freaked, out just a tad, about my math test. I still didn't do well, I got a 60 on it. We went over the test in class tonight and I realized what I did wrong. The word problems are still confusing but the rest of it was fine. I just need to go back over the problems I got wrong and do the homework again for that section. I just get really nervous when the test is in front of me and I forget everything I learned. Well...not everything but I just couldn't seem to remember how to work out some of the problems. I hope that studying a little more will help. Sigh, there goes my "B" average.

One word says it all...Math

2007-01-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

I am feeling at my lowest tonight. I just got back from school about a half n hour ago knowing I didn't do well on my math test tonight. I am taking basic algebra and I can't seem to get it. I studied all weekend, I got all the answers right on my homework, Brenda has even been tutoring me. I get what we're doing in class, I get the homework, I even understand when Brenda explains it to me. However, when I take the tests it's all greek to me. I am starting to feel like I am not cut out for College. My last math teacher in Math 104 wasn't very good so I feel like I didn't learn anything to take with me to Math 106. The college even asked the teacher for Math 104 not to come back. Jesse suggested adjusting my study habits. I usually study at the kitchen table which is not comfortable because it's an old 1950's ice cream parlor table. I really wish I could fit a desk in my apartment so I could have a "proper" study area. I found a nice desk for cheap, Jesse and I even measured my apartment to see if it would fit but I think it would make my place look even smaller than it already is. Twice I have gone to Russ's to meet Brenda so she could help me study and maybe that isn't the right environment for that but I only have one beer and I understand what's going on with what I am learning. I don't want to study every free hour I have cause there is this thing I have outside of work and school called life. I just don't know what to do anymore. I have been feeling this way about a lot of things affecting me personally lately. Why does life have to be so complicated?

2007-01-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

January has always been a tradition for us Toolz to exchange our Christmas gifts. This year Lynn (left), Kelly (right) and myself went to Fridays for dinner, hung out @ Kelly's to open gifts and play guitar hero. Lynn raved about guitar hero for weeks and I wasn't really sure what all the fuss was about until I got play it myself. I love this game so much I think I need it. Anyway. The night was fun there was gifts, boobs, butts, and beers. That last part is a whole other blog story. Thanks Lynn and Kelly for gifts and a fun night.

Halloween update

2007-01-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween was great last year! I dressed up as corpse bride. It was the first year I wasn't a fairy in like...4 years. Below is Jesse as a knight. This is one of my favorite photos of the night at the Pub. On the right is me and my cousin Megan. We had a good time. I can't wait until Halloween this year.

Halloween

2006-09-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween is soon upon us and I need to think of a costume for this year. I am attending my uncle's 50th/costume party and I want to get away from my usual fairy costume. There is a new Halloween store opening up near my house where an old Franks Nursery was. It is going to be huge and I can't wait until it opens. In the past I have gone about 45 minutes away to this awesome costume shop so this year I won't have to drive so far. I really want to be Sailor Moon but I don't know if they make a costume for her anymore. I don't want to have to worry about a lot of make-up being involved, but I do want to wear a wig. Brenda mentioned maybe having a Halloween party at her house if her family can clean out the basement so I'll need a costume for that if it happens. If anyone has any ideas for a costume I would be happy to hear them. Do you think I am too old for trick or treating? Well...maybe I can't get treats but I can still do the tricks!

Currently Reading

2006-08-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I mentioned to some friends that I wanted to make more time for myself to read. Well, I have and I am currently reading an autobiography by Abbie Hoffman, a personal hero of mine. It's hard to find your identity in the world of politics today when you are me. I always see 2 sides to everything so I haven't quite found my place yet. But, one thing I am sure of is that I like the way this man thought, he was one in a million and I wish he was around today to see what is happening in the world. We could sure use a voice of reason. I don't think anyone out there today would be brave enough to stand against the government the way he did. If you don't know who he is or haven't seen "Steal this movie" I highy recommend either this book or the movie. RIP Abby.

Dormant talent

2006-07-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like the talents you used to posses back in the day have been dormant for years? I feel like every now and then because I am surrounded by friends who have these amazing talents and hobbies that are enriching their lives. Maybe it's a little jealousy too, who knows. I used to draw all the time and not a day went by when I didn't have the sketch book out. I used to sew a lot too and invent new accesories for my clothes or just enhance my current wardrobe with a snazzy piece of material sewn on a pocket. There was a time for about a year my friends and I went crazy with the iron-ons. We would print out pictures from the internet to iron-on paper then stick them on t-shirts, hee hee, we were so dorky. O.K. well those piddally things are not the enriching things I am speaking of. I'm talking about people who play instruments and are in bands or promoting bands. People who are involved in their communities organizing events so people can enjoy their hometown. Hell even a person who likes trains, antiques. Camera talents too I have a friend who is fascinated by cameras, old new, film, digital. These are the people who engross themselves in their hobbies and I look up to them because I have always started one hobby gotten bored then moved on to another. I haven't really found anything to engross myself in and for that I am a little jealous of those people who have. Should I feel more fullfilled with a "hobby" or is my life fine the way I am living it? I wish I had a "craft" room that way I could have all my hobbies accessible in 2 seconds. "Sigh" maybe one day I'll find what I'm looking for.

Pretty Feet

2006-07-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Look at those pretty feet. I love summer and this is just one of the reasons. I got my first pedicure last summer and now I have become a junkie. As soon as I see a chip in the paint I feel like I have to go back right away to get it fixed but it gets expensive @ $25.00 a session on top of a $5.00 tip. Suprisingly I have only gotton 3 pedicures this summer. This picture was taken at The Taste of Chicago, Jesse and I had just sat down in Grant Park to eat dinner and I just couldn't resist this shot. My top weakness is buying shoes and with these pretty feet I have been buying sandles left and right starting with my favorite pair I found back in January visiting my mom in California. When Jesse and I go shopping I tell him to remind me I have too many shoes so I don't go crazy when I see new ones I just have to have. Let those feet breathe and be free!