1.28.2004
Shoveling Snow
Why would I be shoveling snow at 3am?
Because some assclown was honking his horn at 2:30am, then it sounded like there was a fight going on down the street. . . and I realized the bars had just closed and I live in a college town.
Which basically means if it's snowing like this, they automatically assume they have no class tomorrow, and proceed to get completely drunk. . .then they stumble into the street, shouting and yelling and screaming as if it's 3pm not 3am, with an absolute disregard for anyone who might be trying to sleep. Or get back to sleep, as the case may be.
Despite my bitching, I'm actually kinda glad I went out to shovel, mainly because I don't feel like wearing my shoveling shoes tomorrow and partly because I'm scared that if I don't shovel, when I come back from Dad's in the next few days, I won't be able to get into the house. Because, of course, my downstairs neighbors seem to think that elves or brownies shovel the walkway. Bear in mind that I already have the opinion of them that they're . . . well. . . the word I used while discussing them with my mom was "flaky". That's probably the nicest way to put it, so I'll leave it at that.
At any rate, this whole winter thing had better stop really soon, because I've had it.
Why would I be shoveling snow at 3am?
Because some assclown was honking his horn at 2:30am, then it sounded like there was a fight going on down the street. . . and I realized the bars had just closed and I live in a college town.
Which basically means if it's snowing like this, they automatically assume they have no class tomorrow, and proceed to get completely drunk. . .then they stumble into the street, shouting and yelling and screaming as if it's 3pm not 3am, with an absolute disregard for anyone who might be trying to sleep. Or get back to sleep, as the case may be.
Despite my bitching, I'm actually kinda glad I went out to shovel, mainly because I don't feel like wearing my shoveling shoes tomorrow and partly because I'm scared that if I don't shovel, when I come back from Dad's in the next few days, I won't be able to get into the house. Because, of course, my downstairs neighbors seem to think that elves or brownies shovel the walkway. Bear in mind that I already have the opinion of them that they're . . . well. . . the word I used while discussing them with my mom was "flaky". That's probably the nicest way to put it, so I'll leave it at that.
At any rate, this whole winter thing had better stop really soon, because I've had it.
1.26.2004
Snow and Ice
Not to really push the issue but . . . for all the loathing I have for snow, I detest ice.
Oh, and Matt took me to buy a snow shovel yesterday. He recommended that I get a lighter (and also less expensive) all-plastic shovel rather than the one I did buy. Still a plastic shovel, but with a wooden handle and a metal edge to it. . . because we're going to get ice. It's also heavier than the other one. Yes, I realize that it will be more difficult to lift snow with the heavier shovel than it would to lift it with the other shovel. . . BUT we are supposed to get snow and ice. I'd rather have something I could use to break up the ice, or to scrape off frozen (and now iced) snow from the sidewalk or steps.
I have sworn that if I complain about the shovel/snow being too heavy, or if I bitch about my back hurting, that Matt is permitted to say that it's my own damn fault and "I told you so".
I pledge that I will not complain and I will be happy for the workout.
Not to really push the issue but . . . for all the loathing I have for snow, I detest ice.
Oh, and Matt took me to buy a snow shovel yesterday. He recommended that I get a lighter (and also less expensive) all-plastic shovel rather than the one I did buy. Still a plastic shovel, but with a wooden handle and a metal edge to it. . . because we're going to get ice. It's also heavier than the other one. Yes, I realize that it will be more difficult to lift snow with the heavier shovel than it would to lift it with the other shovel. . . BUT we are supposed to get snow and ice. I'd rather have something I could use to break up the ice, or to scrape off frozen (and now iced) snow from the sidewalk or steps.
I have sworn that if I complain about the shovel/snow being too heavy, or if I bitch about my back hurting, that Matt is permitted to say that it's my own damn fault and "I told you so".
I pledge that I will not complain and I will be happy for the workout.
1.23.2004
Take THAT Hollywood:
Lillian Moller Gilbreth - A Defense of the First "Supermom"
Quoted from the 1951 edition of her book Living With Our Children:
I must say I feel rather sad that today's children seem to get so much of the "either-or" teaching. "A girl is either smart or pretty." "A man can be either a top-flight technical person or a top-flight human relations person." "A woman can be a success at marriage, or at a career." Such thinking seems to me basically wrong. Why not try to be both smart and pretty? Adequate both technically and in human relations? A success at both marriage and a career?
Lillian Moller Gilbreth - A Defense of the First "Supermom"
Quoted from the 1951 edition of her book Living With Our Children:
I must say I feel rather sad that today's children seem to get so much of the "either-or" teaching. "A girl is either smart or pretty." "A man can be either a top-flight technical person or a top-flight human relations person." "A woman can be a success at marriage, or at a career." Such thinking seems to me basically wrong. Why not try to be both smart and pretty? Adequate both technically and in human relations? A success at both marriage and a career?
1.22.2004
OUCH!
I need a massage.
But I'm just gonna suck it up and do yoga instead. This will get my back un-kinked and make sure I can hit the gym tomorrow and Saturday morning, which is VERY important to me.
Wish me luck.
I need a massage.
But I'm just gonna suck it up and do yoga instead. This will get my back un-kinked and make sure I can hit the gym tomorrow and Saturday morning, which is VERY important to me.
Wish me luck.
1.21.2004
ICE
Of all the days I could have picked to wear heels to the office, I had to pick one of the iciest mornings I've had to walk outside in since last winter.
The only good point about this is I don't have to worry about the stump getting re-broken.
Of all the days I could have picked to wear heels to the office, I had to pick one of the iciest mornings I've had to walk outside in since last winter.
The only good point about this is I don't have to worry about the stump getting re-broken.
1.20.2004
Mmmm. . . Simpsons. . .
Thank you to Matt for providing me with this link:
The 100 Greatest Sports Moments in Simpsons History!
Read it, dammit.
Thank you to Matt for providing me with this link:
The 100 Greatest Sports Moments in Simpsons History!
Read it, dammit.
1.19.2004
Allergies Suck
My allergies kept me home today. My goal is to not let them keep me home again for the remainder of the season.
Which is why I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow morning to get things checked out.
This is my last sick day this quarter. I swear.
My allergies kept me home today. My goal is to not let them keep me home again for the remainder of the season.
Which is why I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow morning to get things checked out.
This is my last sick day this quarter. I swear.
1.17.2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Even if my sister doesn't read this blog, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
My baby sister, is now 18.
Weep for the passing of time.
Oh and here's a Public Service Announcement:
NEVER WORK OUT AND FORGET YOUR FILLED WATER BOTTLE BECAUSE YOU WILL GET DEHYDRATED AND ALL KINDS OF SICK AFTERWARDS.
That is all.
Even if my sister doesn't read this blog, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
My baby sister, is now 18.
Weep for the passing of time.
Oh and here's a Public Service Announcement:
NEVER WORK OUT AND FORGET YOUR FILLED WATER BOTTLE BECAUSE YOU WILL GET DEHYDRATED AND ALL KINDS OF SICK AFTERWARDS.
That is all.
1.16.2004
COLD!!!!!!
Because it's damn cold out there, I thought I'd add another book to your recommended reading list:
The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel
It's set during one of the Ice Ages, approximately 50,000 years ago, and is currently my bedside book. I'm inclined to comment on the irony, simply because it's cold enough outside to feel like an Ice Age.
Get me some hot chocolate and I'm set to read. . .
Because it's damn cold out there, I thought I'd add another book to your recommended reading list:
The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel
It's set during one of the Ice Ages, approximately 50,000 years ago, and is currently my bedside book. I'm inclined to comment on the irony, simply because it's cold enough outside to feel like an Ice Age.
Get me some hot chocolate and I'm set to read. . .
1.15.2004
Ode to a Duck. . .
Rubber ducky, you're the one,
You make bathtime lots of fun,
Rubber ducky, I'm awfully fond of you, too,
Bo-bo-dee-oh
Rubber ducky, joy of joys,
When I squeeze you, you make noise,
Rubber ducky, I'm awfully fond of you.
(bridge)
Ev'ry day when I
Make my way to the tubby,
I find a
Little fella who's
Cute and yellow and chubby,
Rub-a-dub-dubby.
Rubber ducky, you're the one,
You make bathtime lots of fun,
Rubber ducky, I'm awfully fond of you
Anyone who makes any jokes about Ernie will die a slow and painful death by spoon.
Rubber ducky, you're the one,
You make bathtime lots of fun,
Rubber ducky, I'm awfully fond of you, too,
Bo-bo-dee-oh
Rubber ducky, joy of joys,
When I squeeze you, you make noise,
Rubber ducky, I'm awfully fond of you.
(bridge)
Ev'ry day when I
Make my way to the tubby,
I find a
Little fella who's
Cute and yellow and chubby,
Rub-a-dub-dubby.
Rubber ducky, you're the one,
You make bathtime lots of fun,
Rubber ducky, I'm awfully fond of you
Anyone who makes any jokes about Ernie will die a slow and painful death by spoon.
1.14.2004
I Wonder If. . .
. . . it's at all possible to be allergic to my workplace.
I think it might be, but I can't be sure. Either that or I'm coming down with a nasty cold and I've been pushing myself too hard this week. . .
I should sleep my whole 8 hours tonight and see how that works out.
. . . it's at all possible to be allergic to my workplace.
I think it might be, but I can't be sure. Either that or I'm coming down with a nasty cold and I've been pushing myself too hard this week. . .
I should sleep my whole 8 hours tonight and see how that works out.
1.13.2004
Signs of the Season. . .
It was snowing today, which provided an appropriate contrast to the new 2004 Victoria's Secret Swimsuit catalogue that arrived in my mailbox today.
Oh yes, it's definitely Winter when you need page after page of barely-clad, tanned lingerie models peering into the camera with their smouldering "come-hither" looks just to keep warm.
And you're a straight chick.
Yes, Winter is upon us and I can't wait for Spring.
It was snowing today, which provided an appropriate contrast to the new 2004 Victoria's Secret Swimsuit catalogue that arrived in my mailbox today.
Oh yes, it's definitely Winter when you need page after page of barely-clad, tanned lingerie models peering into the camera with their smouldering "come-hither" looks just to keep warm.
And you're a straight chick.
Yes, Winter is upon us and I can't wait for Spring.
1.12.2004
Plumbing
Yeah, this is a late update, I know.
Although my pipes had thawed by Sunday afternoon, with a little help from Matt, the landlord still sent a plumber over to look at them this morning.
The plumber then told me that the taps were working fine, as if I didn't already know. . .which kind of irked me, but I was thankful that he came at all. I asked what could be done to prevent it. . . his recommendation: keep the tap running at a trickle overnight so the pipes don't freeze.
He also suggested:
(1) a space-heater in the vestibule (I don't think so, not with an active 2-year-old downstairs. . . I don't need a lawsuit, or an extension cord duct-taped to my stairs.)
(2) leave my apartment door open at night so the pipes get warm (Um, yeah. . .have you read the police blotters lately? Where there are college students, crime follows. Kids have nice stuff, especially after Christmas break!)
Needless to say, my paranoid ass is leaving the taps running tonight.
Yeah, this is a late update, I know.
Although my pipes had thawed by Sunday afternoon, with a little help from Matt, the landlord still sent a plumber over to look at them this morning.
The plumber then told me that the taps were working fine, as if I didn't already know. . .which kind of irked me, but I was thankful that he came at all. I asked what could be done to prevent it. . . his recommendation: keep the tap running at a trickle overnight so the pipes don't freeze.
He also suggested:
(1) a space-heater in the vestibule (I don't think so, not with an active 2-year-old downstairs. . . I don't need a lawsuit, or an extension cord duct-taped to my stairs.)
(2) leave my apartment door open at night so the pipes get warm (Um, yeah. . .have you read the police blotters lately? Where there are college students, crime follows. Kids have nice stuff, especially after Christmas break!)
Needless to say, my paranoid ass is leaving the taps running tonight.
1.11.2004
Mini-Crisis: Day 2
I still have no hot water in my bathroom, but I do have good friends whose hot water works just fine.
I'm thinking that after I hit the gym, we're going to Casa Fridays so I can shower and wash my hair. Then we watch football all day.
I am taking this all in stride, I think.
I still have no hot water in my bathroom, but I do have good friends whose hot water works just fine.
I'm thinking that after I hit the gym, we're going to Casa Fridays so I can shower and wash my hair. Then we watch football all day.
I am taking this all in stride, I think.
1.10.2004
Mini-crisis
Today I woke up and found that my bathroom had no hot water.
I had wanted to take a quick, post-yoga shower, but that has been delayed until after the plumber/handyman arrives and examines the pipes.
My best guess is that they're frozen because of the center-of-Hell cold we're experiencing, but that's just me.
I hope it gets fixed today because I have more training to do tomorrow. And I will need to shower.
Today I woke up and found that my bathroom had no hot water.
I had wanted to take a quick, post-yoga shower, but that has been delayed until after the plumber/handyman arrives and examines the pipes.
My best guess is that they're frozen because of the center-of-Hell cold we're experiencing, but that's just me.
I hope it gets fixed today because I have more training to do tomorrow. And I will need to shower.
1.09.2004
ACCOMPLISHMENT
I joined a gym 6 months ago.
Since starting, I have lost a total of 21.25 inches from various parts of my body, including 11 inches from my thighs.
I have also lost almost 2% of my body fat and a little over 3lbs.
If that's not incentive to keep going, what is?
I joined a gym 6 months ago.
Since starting, I have lost a total of 21.25 inches from various parts of my body, including 11 inches from my thighs.
I have also lost almost 2% of my body fat and a little over 3lbs.
If that's not incentive to keep going, what is?
Preoccupied. . .
Not that it's necessarily a bad thing in this case. . .
I am rather preoccupied with the actual workings of my life this week than I am with the hurts, real or imagined, that I have been posting about.
That being said, I want to settle my head before I start blogging bigtime again.
Not that it's necessarily a bad thing in this case. . .
I am rather preoccupied with the actual workings of my life this week than I am with the hurts, real or imagined, that I have been posting about.
That being said, I want to settle my head before I start blogging bigtime again.
1.07.2004
Best Reviewer Line EVER:
*MILD SPOILER ALERT*
Allow me to comment, though, that if you have not yet seen Kill Bill, SHAME ON YOU!
*SPOILER ALERT ENDED*
On Kill Bill - Vol. 1 -
And it literally becomes a dance movie in the final battle, when the lights go out and Uma Thurman and a horde of assassins are suddenly blue silhouettes gyrating against a grid: like An American in Paris with arterial spray.
Wow. Just wow.
*MILD SPOILER ALERT*
Allow me to comment, though, that if you have not yet seen Kill Bill, SHAME ON YOU!
*SPOILER ALERT ENDED*
On Kill Bill - Vol. 1 -
And it literally becomes a dance movie in the final battle, when the lights go out and Uma Thurman and a horde of assassins are suddenly blue silhouettes gyrating against a grid: like An American in Paris with arterial spray.
Wow. Just wow.
1.06.2004
Sleepyhead. . .
I am too tired to do anything today.
But I will say that I made some progress towards making things better with Dad. He wrote me an e-mail and I responded without getting angry or hurtful. It seems to have opened up a meaningful dialogue, so let's see how it goes.
I am too tired to do anything today.
But I will say that I made some progress towards making things better with Dad. He wrote me an e-mail and I responded without getting angry or hurtful. It seems to have opened up a meaningful dialogue, so let's see how it goes.
1.05.2004
Literary Dishes
Today I tried to make chicken paprikash in 30 minutes or fewer. Again.
Mission accomplished. . . and if I'd started the water for the noodles on time, it would've been perfectly 30 minutes.
The only reference, beside my own family, to chicken paprikash I have found is in Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula when Jonathan Harker writes about it in his journal, noting "(he) must get (the) receipt for Mina". . . it's my 30-minute tribute to Hungary, Stoker and, of course, Count Dracula.
Today I tried to make chicken paprikash in 30 minutes or fewer. Again.
Mission accomplished. . . and if I'd started the water for the noodles on time, it would've been perfectly 30 minutes.
The only reference, beside my own family, to chicken paprikash I have found is in Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula when Jonathan Harker writes about it in his journal, noting "(he) must get (the) receipt for Mina". . . it's my 30-minute tribute to Hungary, Stoker and, of course, Count Dracula.
Get Your ASS Outta Your Seat!!!!!
Today I mailed my registration for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
As part of my chronicle, I'm blogging my training process at The Journey of a Thousand Miles and hope to update it weekly.
I got my comments, so go leave one.
Today I mailed my registration for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
As part of my chronicle, I'm blogging my training process at The Journey of a Thousand Miles and hope to update it weekly.
I got my comments, so go leave one.
1.02.2004
Listmania. . .
At the risk of sounding like John Cusack's character in High Fidelity, I'm going through a list phase. Deal with it.
Today's list was begun yesterday, while watching the I Love the 80's marathon on VH1 yesterday. . .
Live-Action Guilty Pleasures Movies:
* The Goonies
* Wayne's World
* So I Married an Axe Murderer
* Mars Attacks!
* Labyrinth
* Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
* Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (without which I would never have seen The Seventh Seal and entered my elitist foreign directors phase)
* UHF
* Clueless
* Blast From the Past
* Little Nicky
* George of the Jungle
If I were to include animated films, it would add too many to count right now and my hands are goddamned tired.
At the risk of sounding like John Cusack's character in High Fidelity, I'm going through a list phase. Deal with it.
Today's list was begun yesterday, while watching the I Love the 80's marathon on VH1 yesterday. . .
Live-Action Guilty Pleasures Movies:
* The Goonies
* Wayne's World
* So I Married an Axe Murderer
* Mars Attacks!
* Labyrinth
* Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
* Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (without which I would never have seen The Seventh Seal and entered my elitist foreign directors phase)
* UHF
* Clueless
* Blast From the Past
* Little Nicky
* George of the Jungle
If I were to include animated films, it would add too many to count right now and my hands are goddamned tired.
