I got an e-mail today from my old BJJ instructor, Alex. Tall, tan, and hot as hell it was the first, and only e-mail I've received since the intial "You offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, can I come check out a class?"
The e-mail basically detailed how there were some upcoming tournaments in various places, and he needed to know who would be interested in competing. Certainly not me as I ran as far away from that scene about a month after entering it.
Call me a bit egotistical, but I would think that guys would WANT to wrestle a woman. Aside from being shorter, we're also more flexible. That means we can create holds your buddies can't. But no they'd rather wrestle a guy.
Did I mention I wore a tank top under the uniform?
I remember the one night Alex got lost in transit from one school to another. Since it was at a Tae Kwon Do, Dojo in which the instructor knew squat about BJJ he was letting WHITE BELTS run the class.
Aside from being insulted that someone of my rank was telling ME what to do, and that everything Kevin had taught me was wrong, I think that everyone that night failed to recognize what woud've happened if someone was seriously injured.
So I walked out...
If you want the truth, BJJ was a way for me to cheat the system. I love professional wrestling. Some girls dream of being a model, or a cheerleader, I get my kicks from dressing up, and parading around a ring. Except as I've proven with some BJJ moves, I can wrestle.
That being said, I'm too chicken shit to pay out the $3,000 and actually make a career out of it.
But maybe one day...
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
If the shoe fits...
I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm addicted to MySpace. Neither are my friends really, we like good human contact, or they're just too lazy to blog.
I ran across a very well written blog today on one of my friend's sites, and I have to admit that I was quite touched. True to his form, you can read the words and it's almost as if he's sitting right there in front of you. The words are poetic, yet clear. With my friend, you never need to guess what's he's thinking.
He is perhaps also one of the most impatient people you will ever meet! On the contrary the people he blogged about, only one of which I know is the total opposite. He is seemingly so patient, and continually understanding, even when you ask the same question 1,000 times, and the answer should be clear. And he has no idea of the impact that can make on a person's life.
Virtually all of my guy friends are people that I've dated, and things just didn't work out. It didn't mean they weren't good people, and I'm grateful that despite our differences, in regards to a relationship, that we were able to create a solid friendship out of which a relationship was not possible.
If I've learned one thing about myself, it's that I have a complete circle of friends. It's easy to only ask for 25% of what you need from each person, and to have your needs met 100% by the time all is said and done.
It is only when this delicate balance is upset do I find the need to go out and search for a "boyfriend".
There are many things for the future that I will need a man of boyfriend stature to provide to "complete" the dream. I want a loving home, a family, and a husband. I want that something to look forward to waking up to everyday, and coming home to at night. I want my work to be FOR something. To share with someone. And most importantly I want to live vicariously through my children, and get to be a kid again. (Not as bad as it sounds). ;)
However, when two people don't want the same things, all the love in the world between them doesn't matter....
I tried to take a shoe that was not my size, and make it fit to my specifications. When that didn't work, I knew I could never offer the shoe the kind of acceptance, and allowing that a shoe needs to be a shoe. And after much pushing and prodding, the delicate seams simply fell apart.
The most important part is to allow the shoe to do what it was meant to, to grace the feet of someone whom it fits, and will will love it till it falls apart, much like my stilettos right now. After all we do not have to hold to admire.
I ran across a very well written blog today on one of my friend's sites, and I have to admit that I was quite touched. True to his form, you can read the words and it's almost as if he's sitting right there in front of you. The words are poetic, yet clear. With my friend, you never need to guess what's he's thinking.
He is perhaps also one of the most impatient people you will ever meet! On the contrary the people he blogged about, only one of which I know is the total opposite. He is seemingly so patient, and continually understanding, even when you ask the same question 1,000 times, and the answer should be clear. And he has no idea of the impact that can make on a person's life.
Virtually all of my guy friends are people that I've dated, and things just didn't work out. It didn't mean they weren't good people, and I'm grateful that despite our differences, in regards to a relationship, that we were able to create a solid friendship out of which a relationship was not possible.
If I've learned one thing about myself, it's that I have a complete circle of friends. It's easy to only ask for 25% of what you need from each person, and to have your needs met 100% by the time all is said and done.
It is only when this delicate balance is upset do I find the need to go out and search for a "boyfriend".
There are many things for the future that I will need a man of boyfriend stature to provide to "complete" the dream. I want a loving home, a family, and a husband. I want that something to look forward to waking up to everyday, and coming home to at night. I want my work to be FOR something. To share with someone. And most importantly I want to live vicariously through my children, and get to be a kid again. (Not as bad as it sounds). ;)
However, when two people don't want the same things, all the love in the world between them doesn't matter....
I tried to take a shoe that was not my size, and make it fit to my specifications. When that didn't work, I knew I could never offer the shoe the kind of acceptance, and allowing that a shoe needs to be a shoe. And after much pushing and prodding, the delicate seams simply fell apart.
The most important part is to allow the shoe to do what it was meant to, to grace the feet of someone whom it fits, and will will love it till it falls apart, much like my stilettos right now. After all we do not have to hold to admire.
What I'm thinking...
Saturday I got a call for an application I had put in. Impulsively deciding if I was going to afford awesome vacations done up right, school, a new car, and about a billon other necessities, I was going to have to pick up a second job.
Apparently the company was very busy as he put me on hold temporarily, almost immediately returning. He asked if I would like to go in that night to get some extra hours, yet I had not been interviewed yet. I apologized, and informed him that I had made alternate plans for that evening. He understood, and told me to have a good night. My intitial reaction was, THAT's IT? You don't hire people, or reschedule interviews if at 5 p.m. they can't come in that very evening?
He immediately returned my call, and apologized saying he had the wrong person. I accepted his apology, and scheduled the interview for last night.
When I got there, I was immediately taken back, and told to sit down- with no indication of where. A few minutes passed, and the customer service girl snapped at me that I could have a seat in the breakroom. I told her, "Thanks, you said I could sit, but didn't say where..."
For 20 minutes I sat as people passed in and out of the breakroom without so much as a word to me. It's a bit like this when you're shopping there too...you have to track someone down to help you, they don't just ask you if you need any help.
By the time the man finally walked through the door I was ready to lay into him. I hate when people are late, as it makes it seem like they don't value that MY time is precious. Granted, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances, but it's called communication.
He asked me a series of questions, about what I do, and a series of seemingly-rhetorical questions. I say rhetorical because they want flawless answer, not the truth. Fortunately for them I work for a bunch of self-entitled, egotistical asses that live here so customer service is right up my alley.
He finished interviewing me, and returned me to the breakroom to wait for a 2nd interview which they couldn't do because of a shortage of managers. They aren't aware of what position they are going to provide me with, perhaps a floater position, and I haven't yet asked for the pay scale they plan to compensate me with.
I have to return tonight at 6 p.m. to complete the interview process, an I just might be inclined to tell them exactly what I'm thinking...
Apparently the company was very busy as he put me on hold temporarily, almost immediately returning. He asked if I would like to go in that night to get some extra hours, yet I had not been interviewed yet. I apologized, and informed him that I had made alternate plans for that evening. He understood, and told me to have a good night. My intitial reaction was, THAT's IT? You don't hire people, or reschedule interviews if at 5 p.m. they can't come in that very evening?
He immediately returned my call, and apologized saying he had the wrong person. I accepted his apology, and scheduled the interview for last night.
When I got there, I was immediately taken back, and told to sit down- with no indication of where. A few minutes passed, and the customer service girl snapped at me that I could have a seat in the breakroom. I told her, "Thanks, you said I could sit, but didn't say where..."
For 20 minutes I sat as people passed in and out of the breakroom without so much as a word to me. It's a bit like this when you're shopping there too...you have to track someone down to help you, they don't just ask you if you need any help.
By the time the man finally walked through the door I was ready to lay into him. I hate when people are late, as it makes it seem like they don't value that MY time is precious. Granted, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances, but it's called communication.
He asked me a series of questions, about what I do, and a series of seemingly-rhetorical questions. I say rhetorical because they want flawless answer, not the truth. Fortunately for them I work for a bunch of self-entitled, egotistical asses that live here so customer service is right up my alley.
He finished interviewing me, and returned me to the breakroom to wait for a 2nd interview which they couldn't do because of a shortage of managers. They aren't aware of what position they are going to provide me with, perhaps a floater position, and I haven't yet asked for the pay scale they plan to compensate me with.
I have to return tonight at 6 p.m. to complete the interview process, an I just might be inclined to tell them exactly what I'm thinking...
Monday, July 30, 2007
Over
And birthday week is finally over...!
Normally this would be a terrible event full of sadness, but towards the end even I was partied out....
Some highlights:
THE PLACES:
-Ron's Tavern has really good salads. They're big and heaping and you can tell they're fresh. The people however, not so much
-Red Hill Tavern is an awesome place to hit on a Friday night, as they cater to a much younger crowd. There will be people everywhere including the dance floor! But beware of Froggy!
-Cabana's is in a highly wooded area, the last place you'd expect to find a bar. Apparently their dirty martinis are really good, but the air is stuffy, It's really a ritzy bar that caters to a much older crowd. The kind that is completely conscious of how they eat, and what color underwear you have on!
-The Railroad is an awesome bar with really good bartenders. Their food is fantastic as well. Thursday night is ladies night where we go for $3 martinis and margaritas. But perhaps the best part is....the leopard print chair. Many a dirty girls have graced that chair and have been lucky their faces did not turn up on U-Tube.
-Never hit the Moon Saloon! The food is terrible. The drinks are worse, but they have dirty quizno with prizes that make it so worth it not to eat or drink for hours on end. Or take your secret bottle, and your drink to the bathroom with you, and mix your own!
THE PEOPLE:
-Perhaps the only noteworthy person of the birthday week is running into an old girl from high school named Danielle (she's too bitchy to be worth a name change), whom I was more disappointed that she hadn't changed since high school. But then again I'm accustomed to being friends with people who have solely one friend who hates me.
-And of course Whitney's drunken hugs, and love confessions. It was really quite hilarious...guess you had to be there...
-And Dom totally unrelated to birthday week, but cute the none the less maybe habitating in Jersey just a bit longer. It's just harder to fantasize about someone in a new location. ;)
Normally this would be a terrible event full of sadness, but towards the end even I was partied out....
Some highlights:
THE PLACES:
-Ron's Tavern has really good salads. They're big and heaping and you can tell they're fresh. The people however, not so much
-Red Hill Tavern is an awesome place to hit on a Friday night, as they cater to a much younger crowd. There will be people everywhere including the dance floor! But beware of Froggy!
-Cabana's is in a highly wooded area, the last place you'd expect to find a bar. Apparently their dirty martinis are really good, but the air is stuffy, It's really a ritzy bar that caters to a much older crowd. The kind that is completely conscious of how they eat, and what color underwear you have on!
-The Railroad is an awesome bar with really good bartenders. Their food is fantastic as well. Thursday night is ladies night where we go for $3 martinis and margaritas. But perhaps the best part is....the leopard print chair. Many a dirty girls have graced that chair and have been lucky their faces did not turn up on U-Tube.
-Never hit the Moon Saloon! The food is terrible. The drinks are worse, but they have dirty quizno with prizes that make it so worth it not to eat or drink for hours on end. Or take your secret bottle, and your drink to the bathroom with you, and mix your own!
THE PEOPLE:
-Perhaps the only noteworthy person of the birthday week is running into an old girl from high school named Danielle (she's too bitchy to be worth a name change), whom I was more disappointed that she hadn't changed since high school. But then again I'm accustomed to being friends with people who have solely one friend who hates me.
-And of course Whitney's drunken hugs, and love confessions. It was really quite hilarious...guess you had to be there...
-And Dom totally unrelated to birthday week, but cute the none the less maybe habitating in Jersey just a bit longer. It's just harder to fantasize about someone in a new location. ;)
Friday, July 27, 2007
Running Scared
"Well, I did my best to beat 'em, but in my head the demons said move on"
They say that the best way to show someone that you love them is by being there...
But the reality of the situation is that no one intends to run. I guess in a very subconscious way, by running we thinking we're avoiding going through the 4 phases of a relationship, by keeping it in the "honeymoon phase" where ideally there is no conflict.
However on a most basic level, at least for me when I'm sitting in the road, ready to throw my phone in frustration, all I want to do is avoid the drama that is associated with confrontation.
And all running ever got me was having to make apologies, and ending up right back where I started...because running hurts.
I guess the best way to explain it is it's like a roller coaster that's out of control- you want to let go and get off the ride (running), but instead you choose to hold on tighter.
Someone once said to me that I keep everyone at an arm's length distance. And he's right. Because I do not want attachments...and in my business that worked in the past for me.
But I have to laugh when I say I think I met my match. As many boundaries I've pushed of his, and walls I've knocked down, he's done the same for me, and I can say that I truly do trust him 100%. As scary as that may seem to me...
They say that the best way to show someone that you love them is by being there...
But the reality of the situation is that no one intends to run. I guess in a very subconscious way, by running we thinking we're avoiding going through the 4 phases of a relationship, by keeping it in the "honeymoon phase" where ideally there is no conflict.
However on a most basic level, at least for me when I'm sitting in the road, ready to throw my phone in frustration, all I want to do is avoid the drama that is associated with confrontation.
And all running ever got me was having to make apologies, and ending up right back where I started...because running hurts.
I guess the best way to explain it is it's like a roller coaster that's out of control- you want to let go and get off the ride (running), but instead you choose to hold on tighter.
Someone once said to me that I keep everyone at an arm's length distance. And he's right. Because I do not want attachments...and in my business that worked in the past for me.
But I have to laugh when I say I think I met my match. As many boundaries I've pushed of his, and walls I've knocked down, he's done the same for me, and I can say that I truly do trust him 100%. As scary as that may seem to me...
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Private Eye
When we were kids the news was constantly flooded with stories of children who could reach locks, but were not yet of the age to be able to understand the concept of "strangers", and often let predators into their homes to their mothers who were completely unaware.
And because my mother became obsessed with television programs such as "America's Most Wanted" and things of that nature, (which is now fed daily by Court TV), we were never one of those kids. We were always aware of people trying to abduct children and otherwise wreaking complete havoc.
In fact, if anyone knocked at our door, and our mother wasn't around...we ran. And if necessary we hid. Often times it was as simple as trying to sneak next door to our grandparents house. And we would spy until we were positive the person in question was gone.
My childhood instincts kicked into gear this morning when someone knocked on the office door prior to the office being open. I suppose the light from the pantry with the keys hanging in the door gave "me" away in an otherwise dark hallway.
Unfortunately for me, I was carrying an old bowl of popcorn back to our break room, and much to my dismay found the lifeguard had locked the room down solid. When I went to retrieve my keys from the door, was when I became witness to the loud banging of some impatient person, or someone not aware of the Office hours.
Thankfully our hallway is of the "L" shaped nature, and avoiding any sort of contact that is not behind our half door is quite easily avoided by an about face. However, today my room was limited to two locked doors, and a men's bathroom for cover.
I set the popcorn bowl on the floor and snuck as close to the end of the wall as possible so as not to give myself away and I waited....
Just as I was about to turn to check and see if the suspicious person in question was gone, the banging continued so I resumed my stance for another minute...
Finally when I was convinced the obnoxious noise was gone I carefully peaked around the corner. Much like the police do without the dramatic jump around.
I discovered whoever it was had left the main area, retrieved my keys and went about my business.
And because my mother became obsessed with television programs such as "America's Most Wanted" and things of that nature, (which is now fed daily by Court TV), we were never one of those kids. We were always aware of people trying to abduct children and otherwise wreaking complete havoc.
In fact, if anyone knocked at our door, and our mother wasn't around...we ran. And if necessary we hid. Often times it was as simple as trying to sneak next door to our grandparents house. And we would spy until we were positive the person in question was gone.
My childhood instincts kicked into gear this morning when someone knocked on the office door prior to the office being open. I suppose the light from the pantry with the keys hanging in the door gave "me" away in an otherwise dark hallway.
Unfortunately for me, I was carrying an old bowl of popcorn back to our break room, and much to my dismay found the lifeguard had locked the room down solid. When I went to retrieve my keys from the door, was when I became witness to the loud banging of some impatient person, or someone not aware of the Office hours.
Thankfully our hallway is of the "L" shaped nature, and avoiding any sort of contact that is not behind our half door is quite easily avoided by an about face. However, today my room was limited to two locked doors, and a men's bathroom for cover.
I set the popcorn bowl on the floor and snuck as close to the end of the wall as possible so as not to give myself away and I waited....
Just as I was about to turn to check and see if the suspicious person in question was gone, the banging continued so I resumed my stance for another minute...
Finally when I was convinced the obnoxious noise was gone I carefully peaked around the corner. Much like the police do without the dramatic jump around.
I discovered whoever it was had left the main area, retrieved my keys and went about my business.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Detoxed
The past 24 hours have been quite a whirlwind for me. I have:
1) Acquired a new car
Yes I was looking for a new car, and by golly you ask and you shall receive. I was completely blown away when the offer came in.
2) Put the finishing touches on my trip
Which include things I completely have not done prior to this adventure. They will include the beach, and Universal, Gatorland
3) Paid out a few hundred dollars for the peace of mind in knowing that I have a hotel, a rental car, and tickets to these events
4) Found a new appreciation for my best friend.
5) Laughed the hardest, you know one of those deep belly laughs, at old memories
6) Found a renewed determination
7) Refocused my goals
8) Found time to drink and talk with the girls
9) Resolved to repay a debt I walked out on
10) Fell in love again (with my new favorite purse! Haha just kidding...kind of)
1) Acquired a new car
Yes I was looking for a new car, and by golly you ask and you shall receive. I was completely blown away when the offer came in.
2) Put the finishing touches on my trip
Which include things I completely have not done prior to this adventure. They will include the beach, and Universal, Gatorland
3) Paid out a few hundred dollars for the peace of mind in knowing that I have a hotel, a rental car, and tickets to these events
4) Found a new appreciation for my best friend.
5) Laughed the hardest, you know one of those deep belly laughs, at old memories
6) Found a renewed determination
7) Refocused my goals
8) Found time to drink and talk with the girls
9) Resolved to repay a debt I walked out on
10) Fell in love again (with my new favorite purse! Haha just kidding...kind of)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Mission
I have a song stuck in my head: We're going to the chapel and we're gonna get maaarried....which I could completely understand if we were going to Las Vegas. (Although after the 6 loads of laundry I did this weekend...)
But Las Vegas doesn't seem to offer (at least to me) the same benefits as say the next best thing to a tropical vacation....
Effective September 26 I am saying "Adios" to PA, and at 6:55 p.m. I officially become a woman on a mission: to reclaim my tan.
4 days in sunny, fun-filled Florida with my favorite dining companion. I can't begin to emphasize how I'm wishing it was September already! ;)
One can only hope she gets to scream her head off....
But Las Vegas doesn't seem to offer (at least to me) the same benefits as say the next best thing to a tropical vacation....
Effective September 26 I am saying "Adios" to PA, and at 6:55 p.m. I officially become a woman on a mission: to reclaim my tan.
4 days in sunny, fun-filled Florida with my favorite dining companion. I can't begin to emphasize how I'm wishing it was September already! ;)
One can only hope she gets to scream her head off....
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Having these people around
I hate working out on Fridays. To me Fridays should be full of fun, and exitement and it happens to be my favorite day. Fridays you're full of hope and joy at what the weekend will bring. And because you know it will be so much fun you're anticipating grabbing a couple of hours of sleep before heading onto the next string of wild and crazy activities.
But last night's workout landed me dinner with two (2) of my friend Ozz's friends from his former job. Newlyweds, and new homeowners, they're quite the active couple. Turns out she is from Argentina, but she lived in Italy, and they met in New York.
The first time they were out to a Chinese restaurant his fortune cookie said to go for it despite his hesitation to which he framed. Eventually when he proposed he told her the story of the fortune cookie to which she handed him a framed fortune cookie as well. Not paying much mind to it, as he was awaiting an answer she goes look at the fortune cookie! It said "Despite your hesitation, say yes."
We met at their house for dinner, a cozy little place that the outside does not do justice. Nor could any adjectives I could provide you. We sat in their living room- a very spacious room in two wicker chairs and talked until they were prepared to go. Ironically enough we headed out to a Chinese buffet ourselves.
After a very relaxing dinner of talking and discovering all we had in common with one another, we headed back to the house for some cappucino, and and some mata.
Mata is a tradition in Argentina in which hot water is poured over a spice in a wooden cup (it's difficult to explain) and it is sipped through a metal straw. Unlike drinking anything with a straw in the U.S. it's generally used when people are playing games. The same straw is used for each person, but is cleaned everytime, and the server (one person) always passes to the left. When you begin sipping, you're committed to drink it until it slurps. It is then passed back to the server who prepares it for the next person.
Mata has a bit of a bitter taste, not like anything you've ever tasted before. Lemon and a bit of sugar can be added to sweeten it slightly.
After a bit more talking at their kitchen table while the mata was being prepared, we headed downstairs to their rec room to watch "Shooter" featuring Mark Wahlberg. If it haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!!
After the movie we said goodnight as it was already 2 a.m.! I headed home thinking all the way that I could definitely get used to having these people around...
But last night's workout landed me dinner with two (2) of my friend Ozz's friends from his former job. Newlyweds, and new homeowners, they're quite the active couple. Turns out she is from Argentina, but she lived in Italy, and they met in New York.
The first time they were out to a Chinese restaurant his fortune cookie said to go for it despite his hesitation to which he framed. Eventually when he proposed he told her the story of the fortune cookie to which she handed him a framed fortune cookie as well. Not paying much mind to it, as he was awaiting an answer she goes look at the fortune cookie! It said "Despite your hesitation, say yes."
We met at their house for dinner, a cozy little place that the outside does not do justice. Nor could any adjectives I could provide you. We sat in their living room- a very spacious room in two wicker chairs and talked until they were prepared to go. Ironically enough we headed out to a Chinese buffet ourselves.
After a very relaxing dinner of talking and discovering all we had in common with one another, we headed back to the house for some cappucino, and and some mata.
Mata is a tradition in Argentina in which hot water is poured over a spice in a wooden cup (it's difficult to explain) and it is sipped through a metal straw. Unlike drinking anything with a straw in the U.S. it's generally used when people are playing games. The same straw is used for each person, but is cleaned everytime, and the server (one person) always passes to the left. When you begin sipping, you're committed to drink it until it slurps. It is then passed back to the server who prepares it for the next person.
Mata has a bit of a bitter taste, not like anything you've ever tasted before. Lemon and a bit of sugar can be added to sweeten it slightly.
After a bit more talking at their kitchen table while the mata was being prepared, we headed downstairs to their rec room to watch "Shooter" featuring Mark Wahlberg. If it haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!!
After the movie we said goodnight as it was already 2 a.m.! I headed home thinking all the way that I could definitely get used to having these people around...
Thursday, July 19, 2007
My fingers are crossed...
After going out on the long, much needed vacation, I have finally determined what is causing the sheer exhaustion that is my life leaving me unable to function: stress. Apparently, I have been so stressed during the day, and restless at night that it's causing me to dream more than I normally would. My body is never at a true resting point, and therefore causing the issues.
My stepfather had to go to the hospital last night for a routine sleep-study test, so my mother asked me to stay at the house. Sleeping in a strange (but comfortable bed) did nothing to ease my anxiety and let me fall asleep. In fact, the dog kept me awake more than the previous night!
Dreams didn't seem to help matters either! The only dream I remember was I was walking to Josh's when a man grabbed me from my left side. I panicked and threw everything into all the training I've had, only it wasn't as forceful as I'd have liked it to be! Yet we ended up at dinner with my mother in which I told her I needed to go back to her house as I left some things there!
Undoubtedly I work in a stressful environment, and I'm getting it from every other imagineable direction. For example my grandfather blew up at me last night over whether or not I was eating dinner with them- before I said a word!
I did check Monster briefly this morning for jobs in Orlando, and the pay scale there. It does seem to be about the same as here, depending on experience.
In the meantime, my fingers are crossed.
My stepfather had to go to the hospital last night for a routine sleep-study test, so my mother asked me to stay at the house. Sleeping in a strange (but comfortable bed) did nothing to ease my anxiety and let me fall asleep. In fact, the dog kept me awake more than the previous night!
Dreams didn't seem to help matters either! The only dream I remember was I was walking to Josh's when a man grabbed me from my left side. I panicked and threw everything into all the training I've had, only it wasn't as forceful as I'd have liked it to be! Yet we ended up at dinner with my mother in which I told her I needed to go back to her house as I left some things there!
Undoubtedly I work in a stressful environment, and I'm getting it from every other imagineable direction. For example my grandfather blew up at me last night over whether or not I was eating dinner with them- before I said a word!
I did check Monster briefly this morning for jobs in Orlando, and the pay scale there. It does seem to be about the same as here, depending on experience.
In the meantime, my fingers are crossed.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
I just had to laugh...
When my brother and I were kids we used to have what was formerly known as the “WD Fund”. And I know if my brother is reading this right now he’s laughing his ass off.
We were convinced that if we saved all our change in an old JIF Peanut Butter Jar, we would be able to make it to Disney World on our change alone.
We used to sit down weekly (on average) and carefully count all our money out to ensure we were “still getting somewhere”.
Eventually the WD fund fell to the wayside, and Commerce Bank became about $200 in coins richer. That is to say, we cashed in our chips and divided the money equally between us.
These days the DW fund has a whole new meaning. It’s more careful planning, and security deposits, and apartment rentals. It’s new jobs, and a whole new (hopefully more exciting) life. And a much slower pace.
But when I got an e-mail from KB this morning asking how soon till we’re packed and leaving I thought of the good old DW Fund and I just had to laugh…
We were convinced that if we saved all our change in an old JIF Peanut Butter Jar, we would be able to make it to Disney World on our change alone.
We used to sit down weekly (on average) and carefully count all our money out to ensure we were “still getting somewhere”.
Eventually the WD fund fell to the wayside, and Commerce Bank became about $200 in coins richer. That is to say, we cashed in our chips and divided the money equally between us.
These days the DW fund has a whole new meaning. It’s more careful planning, and security deposits, and apartment rentals. It’s new jobs, and a whole new (hopefully more exciting) life. And a much slower pace.
But when I got an e-mail from KB this morning asking how soon till we’re packed and leaving I thought of the good old DW Fund and I just had to laugh…
Monday, July 16, 2007
Out of the loop
I'm not sure whether it's a blogger glitch, or an operator error, but there may be some blogs in July's section that I posted today that did not add on top of previously posted blogs. So if you've been reading prior to today scroll down and look for any titled blogs you may have missed. Or don't and keep yourself out of the loop.
Hopefully there will be no more of this in the future!
Hopefully there will be no more of this in the future!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Can't be too careful...
I kid you not when I say I just had a "near-death" experience...
A few months ago now, I was visiting my one friend Josh who lives in the city. He lives on a road that is divided in half horizontally by a vertically inclined road. Sometimes his half of the vertical road has parking, and other times it does not. For obvious reasons when it does not, I am forced to turn around and seek out parking at an alternate location. One such time, I encountered a problem- I had used a square block to turn around but there were cars parked on both side of the entrance/exit of the side road to the main road making it impossible for me to see oncoming traffic. In an effort to be careful and avoid an accident I edged out slowly to look for traffic when I made impact with a car I was unable to see until such a time. Very little damage to either car (he drove a Honda which needed the headlight replaced and the bumper reattached) resulted in me never using that side of the vertical street again.
About 12:30 a.m. this morning, I'm walking back to my car. Josh lives in a relatively safe neighborhood, so I didn't feel much apprehension when a car turned down the seemingly quiet street until it pulled over into an empty spot next to where I was walking on the curb....
Without thinking I began to run. Mind you my car was probably 50 feet at most at this point, and my shoes were by no means running shoes. I made it to my passenger side door and shoved the key inside thankful to not hear footsteps behind me....
I threw myself into the passenger side of my car and locked the door. I reopened it briefly to free my lanyard from the clutches of my door and slammed the key into the ignition. I climbed into the driver's side knocking the face-plate off of my head-unit (stereo system for the vocabulary-impaired), and only relaxing enough to pull out without taking everything with me when I realized there was a confused man and woman eyeing my car as they said goodnight.
I guess you can never be too careful...
A few months ago now, I was visiting my one friend Josh who lives in the city. He lives on a road that is divided in half horizontally by a vertically inclined road. Sometimes his half of the vertical road has parking, and other times it does not. For obvious reasons when it does not, I am forced to turn around and seek out parking at an alternate location. One such time, I encountered a problem- I had used a square block to turn around but there were cars parked on both side of the entrance/exit of the side road to the main road making it impossible for me to see oncoming traffic. In an effort to be careful and avoid an accident I edged out slowly to look for traffic when I made impact with a car I was unable to see until such a time. Very little damage to either car (he drove a Honda which needed the headlight replaced and the bumper reattached) resulted in me never using that side of the vertical street again.
About 12:30 a.m. this morning, I'm walking back to my car. Josh lives in a relatively safe neighborhood, so I didn't feel much apprehension when a car turned down the seemingly quiet street until it pulled over into an empty spot next to where I was walking on the curb....
Without thinking I began to run. Mind you my car was probably 50 feet at most at this point, and my shoes were by no means running shoes. I made it to my passenger side door and shoved the key inside thankful to not hear footsteps behind me....
I threw myself into the passenger side of my car and locked the door. I reopened it briefly to free my lanyard from the clutches of my door and slammed the key into the ignition. I climbed into the driver's side knocking the face-plate off of my head-unit (stereo system for the vocabulary-impaired), and only relaxing enough to pull out without taking everything with me when I realized there was a confused man and woman eyeing my car as they said goodnight.
I guess you can never be too careful...
Friday, July 13, 2007
Check Florida....
It is officially Thursday and I am one day away from potentially committing superstitious fraud. Well that is if my tatoo artist decides to write me back.
Way back when (and we're going back a few years now people), when train wreck friend and I were crazy about 2 wrestlers, we started discussing tattoos. You know the permanant kind.
The idea was not to get them on ourselves per say, but to get an animal version (teddy bear, dalmatian, whatever you're into), dressed as a particular person. So if I was into Jeff Hardy (pre-drug induced days-or at least seemingly so, of course) I'd wear an animal with his clothing and it would be a representation.
However let's assume "Jeff" and I by some freak accident became friends, and he saw me scantily clad, or worse yet naked. How the hell do you explain a tattoo of that nature?
So a lot of searching and cluelessness I've finally settled on a scorpion design I found on Miami Ink's website- with a lot of modifications.
And that's all set to go down around 7ish tomorrow night- Friday the 13th in Delaware.
And on the per chance I don't come back, check Florida.
Way back when (and we're going back a few years now people), when train wreck friend and I were crazy about 2 wrestlers, we started discussing tattoos. You know the permanant kind.
The idea was not to get them on ourselves per say, but to get an animal version (teddy bear, dalmatian, whatever you're into), dressed as a particular person. So if I was into Jeff Hardy (pre-drug induced days-or at least seemingly so, of course) I'd wear an animal with his clothing and it would be a representation.
However let's assume "Jeff" and I by some freak accident became friends, and he saw me scantily clad, or worse yet
So a lot of searching and cluelessness I've finally settled on a scorpion design I found on Miami Ink's website- with a lot of modifications.
And that's all set to go down around 7ish tomorrow night- Friday the 13th in Delaware.
And on the per chance I don't come back, check Florida.
Potential to end badly...
Thursday night I headed out with the girls to another version of girl's night out. Having made complete fools of ourselves prior to this particular outing, we decided to hit up some other locations.
We began with some appetizers for dinner. None of us really being hungry was a good thing, as the food was terrible!
"I hope the drinks are better than the food," I commented.
They definitely weren't. The drink wasn't the right color, and within two sips I was done with it. Who would've though sex on the beach could ever be a bad thing?
Granted Phoenixville has perked a bit since what I used to know it as, but the crowd was not...one I'd hang with too often and I bailed early.
While I was waiting for my tab though I was squeezed between a group of guys and this drunk skinny white girl who was slurring her words to some guy about how she didn't ask for another drink, but they gave one to her anyway.
However that was not the most exciting part of the evening. One of the girls I was out with is having a "purse party" on Saturday. You know Coach, Kate Spade things of the like. Only their not $400, they'd be like $100 because a stitch is slightly off and they can't sell the purse in the store.
I come to find out some girl I had a ton of problems with in high school (I was quiet, reserved, ok?) is going to be there. I'm not the same person I used to be in high school. I was quiet, really keeping to myself, and this girl just had it in for me. Now, if she were to start something she'd find herself in quite the predicament.
I'm still debating whether or not to go. If I don't go, it looks like I'm snubbing a pefectly good invitation. If I do go, it has the potential to end badly.
I'll keep you up-to-date on what I decide....
We began with some appetizers for dinner. None of us really being hungry was a good thing, as the food was terrible!
"I hope the drinks are better than the food," I commented.
They definitely weren't. The drink wasn't the right color, and within two sips I was done with it. Who would've though sex on the beach could ever be a bad thing?
Granted Phoenixville has perked a bit since what I used to know it as, but the crowd was not...one I'd hang with too often and I bailed early.
While I was waiting for my tab though I was squeezed between a group of guys and this drunk skinny white girl who was slurring her words to some guy about how she didn't ask for another drink, but they gave one to her anyway.
However that was not the most exciting part of the evening. One of the girls I was out with is having a "purse party" on Saturday. You know Coach, Kate Spade things of the like. Only their not $400, they'd be like $100 because a stitch is slightly off and they can't sell the purse in the store.
I come to find out some girl I had a ton of problems with in high school (I was quiet, reserved, ok?) is going to be there. I'm not the same person I used to be in high school. I was quiet, really keeping to myself, and this girl just had it in for me. Now, if she were to start something she'd find herself in quite the predicament.
I'm still debating whether or not to go. If I don't go, it looks like I'm snubbing a pefectly good invitation. If I do go, it has the potential to end badly.
I'll keep you up-to-date on what I decide....
All Year Round
I'm sure you all are shaking your heads wondering why out of several different countries, and a mix of 50 states why I chose Florida of all places.
I just got back from the most wonderful trip. I was pretty badly burnt, but for someone who usually avoids the sun, I was pretty damn happy.
I headed down to hang with KB's family on what could've and probably should've been a very awkward adventure. However, much to my surprise it was quite...comfortable.
A few highlights from my trip:
Every morning we awoke to a real breakfast being made (providing we were out of bed by 10 a.m.). I'm talking sausage, bacon, omelets, toast, or something of the sort.
My first day there we hung around due to a 7 a.m. flight out of Philly. (Which doesn't sound bad but when you consider the 3 a.m. bedtime to the 4 a.m. wake up call to be at the airport by 5 a.m., I was exhausted!) KB and I spent some time at the pool before getting ready to head to downtown Disney. We hopped a ferry to Port Orleans where we got to watch Bob Jackson perform show tunes. I had a blast singing!
My second day there I got to go to Disney World for the very first time. We hit Magic Kingdom and literally spent the day there walking around perusing the shops (and consequently being really goofy), and hitting all the rides. Dinner was complete with the characters.
My third day there we headed to MGM where you literally get to ride the movies. We caught a Beauty and the Beast live musical. I'm still kind of crushing on the "bad guy", but it was also this is what I wanted to do for the longest time! Now the wheels are spinning.
We rode the Tower of Terror. Probably the most awesome ride to date. I thought it took you up 13 floors and dropped you all the way down. No such luck. If you haven't ridden it, I won't spoil it for you, but note there are several drops.
Rockin' Rollercoaster was cool too. They blast you off immediately, as opposed to the traditional we have to climb this long hill and then drop you.
My next day there we just kind of hung out and went to downtown Disney to see Bob Jackson one last time.
My next trip will be a few days somewhere in the September-January range. I'm definitely looking at the cost of living, and transfer colleges down there as a possibility. After all, I wouldn't mind having a good tan all year round.
I just got back from the most wonderful trip. I was pretty badly burnt, but for someone who usually avoids the sun, I was pretty damn happy.
I headed down to hang with KB's family on what could've and probably should've been a very awkward adventure. However, much to my surprise it was quite...comfortable.
A few highlights from my trip:
Every morning we awoke to a real breakfast being made (providing we were out of bed by 10 a.m.). I'm talking sausage, bacon, omelets, toast, or something of the sort.
My first day there we hung around due to a 7 a.m. flight out of Philly. (Which doesn't sound bad but when you consider the 3 a.m. bedtime to the 4 a.m. wake up call to be at the airport by 5 a.m., I was exhausted!) KB and I spent some time at the pool before getting ready to head to downtown Disney. We hopped a ferry to Port Orleans where we got to watch Bob Jackson perform show tunes. I had a blast singing!
My second day there I got to go to Disney World for the very first time. We hit Magic Kingdom and literally spent the day there walking around perusing the shops (and consequently being really goofy), and hitting all the rides. Dinner was complete with the characters.
My third day there we headed to MGM where you literally get to ride the movies. We caught a Beauty and the Beast live musical. I'm still kind of crushing on the "bad guy", but it was also this is what I wanted to do for the longest time! Now the wheels are spinning.
We rode the Tower of Terror. Probably the most awesome ride to date. I thought it took you up 13 floors and dropped you all the way down. No such luck. If you haven't ridden it, I won't spoil it for you, but note there are several drops.
Rockin' Rollercoaster was cool too. They blast you off immediately, as opposed to the traditional we have to climb this long hill and then drop you.
My next day there we just kind of hung out and went to downtown Disney to see Bob Jackson one last time.
My next trip will be a few days somewhere in the September-January range. I'm definitely looking at the cost of living, and transfer colleges down there as a possibility. After all, I wouldn't mind having a good tan all year round.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
What horror movies are made of
I know, I haven't written. I'm a terrible serial writer, and probably a worse friend. That is to say if you don't call me, I'll think of you all the while meaning to call you till I finally break down and do it 3 months later.
Anyways about 2 weeks ago (see how far behind I am in blogging world?) I had the opportunity to go on a girls night out. Now, normally these things are 100% confidential and dishing the details would be against all girl codes associated. Like enough to get me kicked out of the wedding party, and uninvited to any subsequent weddings. (More about that later though).
$3 martinis (don't get too excited, they were small compared to the more expensive version) were too tempting to pass up, so I headed to a town I haven't seen since probably before grade school, and met up with the girls.
Not knowing there was a fully well-lit parking lot on the other side of the building I parked behind some other cars closest to the nearest exit. You know, just in case things got bad. The crowd was questionable at best, but we took ample time to talk and socialize with some guy who claims he went to my high school- but I simply don't remember. [May I add that a low-cut wrap-around shirt and jeans left me highly under-dressed compared to my counterparts]
Drinks led to a car ride (sober driver here people- I definitely don't condone drunk driving) to an overgrown path of some sort that looked like an abandoned village all it's own. I didn't tell the girls but the establishment we were looking for, I think was an old insane asylum. I love that kind of stuff. Leaving our car parked in the most obvious space, and trampling through overgrown puddles on some trail only led to a 12 a.m. screaming phone call of "Where the hell is this place?" Ultimately the bugs got the best of us and we trapsed back to the car that was thankfully still there.
We headed to a small town in the middle of nowhersville called Red Hill in which we continued our crazy antics- only this time on the dance floor. Perhaps nowheresville is more appropriately described as Creepsville as it seemed that all the creeps were out on a Thursday night. Some even went as far as to hump others on chairs.
There is one particular individual that night that stands out in my mind. An older gentleman with a kind of dorky, outdated look to him. He'd simply stare and hold out his arms as if I'd somehow want to run into his arms. Not. I ignored him and continued to do whatever means necessary to stay out of his reach.
Unfortunately, one of my girlfriends was not so lucky, and had to witness pictures of his "kids" only to find out later that he didn't have any kids, and if he wasn't at this tavern every night he'd probably be in a coma or something.
When we eventually got back to our cars, despite a near-death experience that left another girlfriend in a fit of tears in a Giant parking lot, I made my way back to my abandoned car. Creepy guy from the original bar spotted, and followed me appearing briefly at my window to "say goodbye".
I kid you not when I say I was glad to get the hell out of there, and better yet to have been driving my mother's car.
Anyways about 2 weeks ago (see how far behind I am in blogging world?) I had the opportunity to go on a girls night out. Now, normally these things are 100% confidential and dishing the details would be against all girl codes associated. Like enough to get me kicked out of the wedding party, and uninvited to any subsequent weddings. (More about that later though).
$3 martinis (don't get too excited, they were small compared to the more expensive version) were too tempting to pass up, so I headed to a town I haven't seen since probably before grade school, and met up with the girls.
Not knowing there was a fully well-lit parking lot on the other side of the building I parked behind some other cars closest to the nearest exit. You know, just in case things got bad. The crowd was questionable at best, but we took ample time to talk and socialize with some guy who claims he went to my high school- but I simply don't remember. [May I add that a low-cut wrap-around shirt and jeans left me highly under-dressed compared to my counterparts]
Drinks led to a car ride (sober driver here people- I definitely don't condone drunk driving) to an overgrown path of some sort that looked like an abandoned village all it's own. I didn't tell the girls but the establishment we were looking for, I think was an old insane asylum. I love that kind of stuff. Leaving our car parked in the most obvious space, and trampling through overgrown puddles on some trail only led to a 12 a.m. screaming phone call of "Where the hell is this place?" Ultimately the bugs got the best of us and we trapsed back to the car that was thankfully still there.
We headed to a small town in the middle of nowhersville called Red Hill in which we continued our crazy antics- only this time on the dance floor. Perhaps nowheresville is more appropriately described as Creepsville as it seemed that all the creeps were out on a Thursday night. Some even went as far as to hump others on chairs.
There is one particular individual that night that stands out in my mind. An older gentleman with a kind of dorky, outdated look to him. He'd simply stare and hold out his arms as if I'd somehow want to run into his arms. Not. I ignored him and continued to do whatever means necessary to stay out of his reach.
Unfortunately, one of my girlfriends was not so lucky, and had to witness pictures of his "kids" only to find out later that he didn't have any kids, and if he wasn't at this tavern every night he'd probably be in a coma or something.
When we eventually got back to our cars, despite a near-death experience that left another girlfriend in a fit of tears in a Giant parking lot, I made my way back to my abandoned car. Creepy guy from the original bar spotted, and followed me appearing briefly at my window to "say goodbye".
I kid you not when I say I was glad to get the hell out of there, and better yet to have been driving my mother's car.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
I'm keeping my fingers crossed
Never before have my liquid "foods" been imposed upon! That is, I'm not allowed to have any caffeine. AT ALL.
I seriously doubt you people know what I'm like when I'm forced to get up early, without caffeine. It aint pretty.
But here we are Day 2, while I used to stare longingly at good things like shoes, now I stare at the coffee pot, and sip my water willing it to taste like coffee. Or at the very least, have the same effect.
This also means no chocolate, which is a cardinal sin. I justify it to myself by saying well I don't need the sugar anyhow.
Yesterday was our first day of working out. After he essentially threatened to work me to death I was a bit apprehensive. But it actually wasn't so bad.
Today, I am feeling it a bit, (There was different inclines and speeds etc.) but I'm no worse for wear.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that is continues to come easily to me.
I seriously doubt you people know what I'm like when I'm forced to get up early, without caffeine. It aint pretty.
But here we are Day 2, while I used to stare longingly at good things like shoes, now I stare at the coffee pot, and sip my water willing it to taste like coffee. Or at the very least, have the same effect.
This also means no chocolate, which is a cardinal sin. I justify it to myself by saying well I don't need the sugar anyhow.
Yesterday was our first day of working out. After he essentially threatened to work me to death I was a bit apprehensive. But it actually wasn't so bad.
Today, I am feeling it a bit, (There was different inclines and speeds etc.) but I'm no worse for wear.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that is continues to come easily to me.
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