Update or something

This is going to be scattered.  No intro, just gonna dive right in.

1. Goals 2010: nothing new really. 
a.  I've managed not to buy too many new clothes since cleaning everything out.  I've also managed not to remember to put them out on morning when Purple Heart is supposed to be here.  Maybe I'll just take them to Goodwill. 
b.  I have been keeping up with the gym and consequently eating more and also things that are bad for me.  That's just how my brain works.  "I went to the gym...mmm cake!"  I have put on some muscle.  My lower body is looking pretty awesome.  Thank you crossramp!
c. I'm still blogging.

2.  I'm so sick of seeing the trailer for the new Miley Cyrus movie.  If I ever met her, I'm pretty sure I'd punch her in the face.  That's not a threat...swearsies.

3.  The universe decided to make me be super busy workwise at both jobs because I'm off next week.  Awesome.  I'm training someone at job#2 and I'm pretty much the worse trainer ever because I don't really know the new way to do.  They changed protocol and whatnot in the two years since I was there.  Annnd I have like 4 boxes of product to get through at job#1 and like 3 meetings this week.

4.  I haven't been sleeping well.  Going to try to get some shuteye after I'm done posting.  Tylenol PM has been my biffle this week.  NABM (new annoying boss man) asked me if I was "in a mood" the fifth time he came in to bother me today.  I might have to shut my door to get through the rest of the week.

5.  I've been watching Top Model and Tyra has worn a jumpsuit (one piece outfit that's like a dress except the bottom has pant legs instead of a skirt) every episode.  I know you're skinny again, sweetie, but no.

Optimism is for People Who Don't Work with Jerks and also Why is it Monsoon Season?

Disclaimer:  This is a rant...you've been warned.  There's also some profanity.  Which I don't use all that often.  At least not out loud...or if I'm driving.  We'll save the road rage for another day.

 

I hate people today.  A LOT.  I have like 4 boxes of product sitting in my office and then I get pulled into a meeting (and now I'm typing a quick post, sue me).  I work for a non-profit and I work on our retail website (yep, non-profit retailer).  We have this nifty site that is hosted by a company in Ireland (I like talking to them on the phone) and we do the products and programming or whatever.  Well I don't do the programming.  I don't speak htmljavascriptwhatever.  I do all the design stuff. 

 

Anywho--I'm aggravated (to put it mildly) with our I.T. Manager (HP).  HP is technically an outsourced company.  When I started here we had another outsourced company doing our programming, design, and "marketing".  They didn't do much, so we kicked them to curb.  I started to do the design elements and we hired a new programmer.  Who only works part-time, once every three weeks according to my non-scientific calculations.  TT also happens to be HP's son.  Moral business practice?  I think not. TT full time job is that he's a minister.  How can I get mad at a minister.  I can't, it's physically impossible.  I can in theory be irritated that I don't see the changes that I sent to him three weeks ago, but then I speak to him or see him and he's just so wholesome and nice that I lose my nerve and the edge is filed away.  I feel like I'm treading water because people are looking to me for changes and I have to wait on other people.  Awesome.

 

The president of our company, GM, was also in the meeting.  He described his vision of what he'd like to see on the web.  I feel like it may make a lot of the work I've done over the last 18 months obsolete and leaves me wondering why we've wasted so much money on things the way that they are.  Then HP says "Well we really need to get a full-time programmer...blahblah".  NO SHIT.  I've been saying that for like a year.  Thanks for listening, you condescending asshole. 

 

HP would like a programmer, but doesn't know where the money will come from.  How about taking a a pay cut?  You only make more than GM and your department has the biggest budget.  I really wish that some people would just get their shit together.

 

Ok I'm done.

 

Probably.

 

PS. I'll be in Florida this time next week.  Hoping I don't have a heart attack before then.  And that I don't kill someone.  Murder would probably put a damper on my trip.

 

PPS. Rain makes me sad and I'd like to be at home in bed, but I have to go to job #2 and train someone tonight.  And why did I agree to work Saturday AND Sunday this weekend when it'll be like 80 EFFING DEGREES?  Because I'm an idiot---that's why.

Food Hangover

I've got a HUGE food hangover yesterday. It's a really strange sensation when combined with the fact that my muscles are kind of achy (hopefully from the gym and not from eating too much).  Anyway, I spent the afternoon and evening on Saturday with my aunt (Chow Pie), my little cousin (Katie), and my uncle. 

Chow Pie was nesting...we made an Italian Feast--from scratch.  Chow Pie had the sauce going when I got there, she threw the meatball ingredients in the bowl and I mixed and rolled them, with the supervision of Katie, of course.  We ended up with 42.  Katie counted them.  Several times.  Chow Pie made the bread sticks and mixed the dough for the pasta.  That's right, we cranked out that pasta ourselves.

All in all I spent about 7 hours over there, which is the norm.  We played, and watched cartoons, and I even gave the little monster a bath.  It's nice to know that I can borrow a kid whenever I'm feeling maternal.  And then I can give her back when she decides to throw a tantrum.  I have pictures also, which aren't loading for me.  Hopefully I can get them to work soon.

Hope everyone had a great weekend =)

My Moment of Genius (Probably for the Year)

I've coined a new phrase.  It's going to be epic and take over the "As they say..." category.  One day it will be in the "You know that old saying..." category.  But I just made it up today, so it's still a baby phrase.  Not an old man phrase.  I'm really not making sense, even to myself.  That can't be good.

Okay, here's the set up.  I'm sitting in my office working(ish) and newannoyingbossman comes in to tell me that Pres (the president of our company) just spoke to him and we're going to work on getting the structural foundation of the website (which I work on for job #1) working 100% before I learn flash (Adobe Flash, which I don't know. Yet.)  "We're going to hold off on all the bells and whistles" says NABM.  Then I say (this is my moment of genius...can you feel the tension?)

Wait for it...

"It doesn't make sense to build the bicycle without the wheels".

Bells and whistles...bicycle...get it?

Feel free to use this phrase whenever appropriate.  You're welcome

Coconuts, Babies, and Economics.

 Coco is one of biffles (biffles=BFFLs=soul sista*).  That's not her actual name...I just shortened her nickname.  I'm lazy like that.  Anywhatsit, this is text message conversation we had earlier today.  I'm probably not ready for kids yet.

*I've never said "soul sista" before in my life

Coco:  E had her baby today!  (E is one of Coco's old roommates.  She just got married and then had to have babies right away.)

Me:  Ooo good for her!

Me: i want one...i need to get married lol.

Coco:  Lol u serious?! Please come to wic with me one day  (wic is short for women, infants, and children...it's for lower-income families to get help with pediatrics and whatnot)

Me:  i'm gonna have a good baby.

Me:  boyfriend before baby...gotta do that shit in order.

Coco:  Haha hell yea

Coco:  Don't you want to have 3 baby daddys?

Me:  that might make it easier to pay for stuff...

Coco:  It def does

Me:  it's not slutty.  it's economical*.   

*The Mormons got it backward--one wife, multiple husbands would have worked much better.  Maybe polygamy wouldn't have been outlawed.

It's MS Awareness Month

 

MS stands for Multiple Sclerosis.  Since it's MS Awareness Month, you all are going to get an education about what MS is, and what it can do to the body. 

 

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.

MS is thought to be an Autoimmune Disease.  The body's own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The nerve fibers themselves can also be damaged. The damaged myelin forms scar tissue (sclerosis), which gives the disease its name. When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted, producing the variety of symptoms that can occur.  Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease and continue to lead satisfying, productive lives. (Courtesy of NationalMSSociety.org).

Since MS is different for everyone, drugs and drug combinations have a different effect on each person.  As of now, the causes of MS aren't known and there are a range of symptoms which can be misdiagnosed since there isn't currently an "MS Test". 

My cousin was diagnosed with MS in February of last year.  You can read her story here.  I did the MS Walk last year (Go Mighty Slugs!) raised money to help find a cure.  I plan on volunteering at the walk instead of forming a team this year.

Spring is in the Air

I don't really have a favorite season.  I love the time between the season when you can feel the change in the air.  The beginnings are definitely the best, but by the end of all of them, I'm ready for the following season.   This is why I'm so excited about the weather right now.  I can feel Spring creeping up.  This means being outside (yay), having the windows open (!!), wearing skirts (yes!), and sandals (yes, please!!!).

Unfortunately, this also means I've got to shave my legs more often.  The Yeti look doesn't really work.  And it's pedicure time!  Sometimes I hate the upkeep that's required in warm weather--but I do love getting pedicures.  Believe me, guys don't know what they're missing.  

 

Spring also means it's only a few short months until summer...and going to the shore!

Life Lessons: Mall Edition

Here are some things that I have learned whilst shopping at the ginormous mall in my area.  I'm mostly sure that these don't only apply to me, but to you as well.

1. The thing you just bought on Saturday will be on sale for a lot cheaper come Monday.  (This means YOU Bath & Body Works.  Scent Bugs for HALF THE PRICE I JUST PAID....jerks...Of course, it could just be an online deal...then you'd have to pay for shipping.  So really, I don't think they're jerks and my room smells like heaven and puppies and clean sheets and I love Bath & Body Works.)

 

2.  You won't be able to find the boots/shirt/dress you want/need when you're actually looking for it--it took me like a year to find brown flat calf-high boots that I'm in love with (thanks, Kimmie K)

 

3.  You can divide the cost of something (shoes, DVDs, etc) by the number of times that you use it and you get it's real value.  I'm pretty sure my iPod owes me money by now.

 

4.  Never EVER make eye contact with the people working at the kiosks.  They just want to massage your hands, straighten your hair, or sell you a super stretchy leash for the dog you don't have.  And they always have an accent--it's to get you into your trap.  Just say "No, thank you" and high-tail it outta there, otherwise they'll follow you with those cell phone covers.

 

5. People walk slower on the weekends. True story.  I forgot how annoyed I get with slow walkers.  And is it necessary for you to roam left to right as you're walking so I can't pass you?  I think not...people need to be more considerate.

 

6. Mall shopping will make you miss the simplicity that is Target.  Target has it all.  I go to Target that's 15 minutes away waaayyy more than I go to the mall that's 3 minutes away.  Unless I'm just looking for clothes or shoes.  (PS... Am I the only one that can't spend less than $25 at Target in any given trip?)

7.  You can find awesome stuff on clearance if you have the patience to look.  Just try to go during the workweek or else the racks will be a mess and you'll want to punch the teeny-boppers that are in your store in the face.  And usually they frown upon that in public.

Wanna Be On Top?

America's Next Top Model premieres tonight.  I love this show...even thought Tyra has been getting crazier and crazier with every season.  I've been watching ever since cycle 2.  If there's a marathon on..there goes my day/night/weekend/social life.

Don't judge me.

Perez Hilton is appearing in tonight's episode apparently.  I don't like him.  Perhaps I'll mute the tv.  There's also some new "reality" show on tonight...High Society.  I'm sure I'll get sucked into that one too.

Updated:  I didn't get sucked in to the other show...I'm old and went to bed.

Have You Any Idea Why A Raven's Like A Writing Desk?

Saturday night I saw Alice in Wonderland.  I liked it...a lot.  Give me Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, and/or Helena Bonham Carter and I am a happy camper.  I do feel like Tim Burton was held back some because it was a Disney movie...but I still thought it was good.  I went in with no expectations.  I tried to not read any reviews or anything.  All of the 3-D shows were sold out, so I had to see it in 2-D.  Hopefully I'll get back to see it in 3-D so I can get the whole experience.

 

I'm no movie critic or student of film, so I'll just say I liked it, and leave it at that.  I always love the imagination that goes into a Tim Burton film.  And Johnny Depp does strange characters so  well.  I really wanted to get up to MOMA to see the exhibit, but I hardly get down to Philly as much as I'd like, let alone NYC.

Geese Are Creepy Mother F*ckers

Every day around mid-morning I go into the lunchroom and rinse out my coffee/tea cup and get some water or whatever.  There are two floor-to-ceiling windows in there.  I turn around because I heard a noise and I see this staring at me:

This isn't an actual picture of the creepy geese, but it's close enough.  Anyway, the one goose was STARING at me.  The entire time I was in there.  He was following me around the room...stalking me.  I just know he was waiting for me to leave work so it could attack me...those things are vicious.  I've got to watch my back.

Passive Aggressive Notes Are *Always* the Answer

As I've mentioned here, my coworkers are less than thoughtful when it comes to the common areas (the lunchroom, the bathrooms).  So I left this little love note on the ice bin today.

 

I taped it on there on Monday, and it's still there.  And the bin hasn't been left empty as far as I can tell.

Also, new boss is a little annoying and driving up a wall.  He's in my door/office/face a lot.  Hopefully things will calm down once he gets back in the flow of things.  I need my space.  This is going to take some getting used to.

The Aunts Go Marching 2-by-2

I have a big family.  I love it.  I love family parties and visiting relatives and seeing pictures of my cousins growing up.  Saturday was the first family food fest of 2010.  All of my aunts and my dad were here (I live with one of my aunts in my grandparent's house) for a big family dinner.  That was a total of 20 people--and that's not even including most of my cousins.

All of my cousins, except one, on my dad's side are older than me.  There's a big age difference between my dad and 5 of the oldest aunts, so there's a bit of an age difference between me and my cousins.  Anywho, my cousin brought over his 2 kids.  They're 2 and almost 4 and they make me want to get married and have kids rightthissecond.  Ethan, the 4 year old, made his dad save the seat next to him at dinner so I could sit there (squee!).  We colored, played with cars, and read books.  Also, I think my balance ball is their new favorite toy.

Now for the important stuff.  The menu: shrimp and various dips for appetizers, homemade mac n cheese, homemade pork bbq, cole slaw, chicken, and salad.  And my great grandma's chocolate fudge cake.  I'm going to take a moment to revel in your jealousy.  I'm pretty sure I came out even calorie-wise.  That's why I play with the kids-helps burn off dinner.  Plus I went to the gym....and now I'm sore.

PS  I'm thinking of doing a "Tour de Aunts" at some point.  I've got one in Florida, one in the Outer Banks, one in Delaware, and one in Jersey.  ROAD TRIP!!!