Friday, October 31, 2003
Pushed to an Existential Crisis
As I was trying to convince our friend Johnny Crozier to join us in tonight's festivities, he said...
"I really can't, Daniella. I'll go with you next year."
To which I replied, "But next year we'll be on our honeymoon at Halloween."
Then it hit me. This is my last Halloween as a single girl. Oh. My. God.
As I was trying to convince our friend Johnny Crozier to join us in tonight's festivities, he said...
"I really can't, Daniella. I'll go with you next year."
To which I replied, "But next year we'll be on our honeymoon at Halloween."
Then it hit me. This is my last Halloween as a single girl. Oh. My. God.
Wedding Dress Nightmare, re-revisited
Do you remember the trials and tribulations I went through a few months back? Let me refresh your memory. Here and here. Well, here's someone who had it pretty bad. Although, I still think my experience was worse. This girl didn't break out in hives and begin to hyperventilate like I did....
Do you remember the trials and tribulations I went through a few months back? Let me refresh your memory. Here and here. Well, here's someone who had it pretty bad. Although, I still think my experience was worse. This girl didn't break out in hives and begin to hyperventilate like I did....
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Wedding Blogging -- with Testosterone!
Salon has an article today about grooms starting wedding weblogs. Somehow, I just don't see John getting anywhere near that metrosexual... I still have to chase him around the house with tweezers (as he runs away screaming) just to make his eyebrows more manageable (he gets warlock eyebrows if I don't tweeze them!)
Salon has an article today about grooms starting wedding weblogs. Somehow, I just don't see John getting anywhere near that metrosexual... I still have to chase him around the house with tweezers (as he runs away screaming) just to make his eyebrows more manageable (he gets warlock eyebrows if I don't tweeze them!)
Sushi High
Am I the only person who gets a "sushi high"? When I eat sushi (which, if I could afford it, I would do every day), I get a feeling of euphoria.
Today a co-worker and I decided to splurge and go out for sushi. Our office cafeteria used to have sushi made to order every Tuesday and Thursday, but they recently discontinued it, much to my chagrin. So, my co-worker and I went to a place that's walking distance from our office and had an all out gorge fest -- which, since sushi is healthy and very low in anything I am not supposed to eat, I only feel guilty about from a monetary standpoint ($19.00 for lunch? Ouch.). Right now, I'm floating on a sea of endorphins... feel high, baby, HIGH!
Am I the only person who gets a "sushi high"? When I eat sushi (which, if I could afford it, I would do every day), I get a feeling of euphoria.
Today a co-worker and I decided to splurge and go out for sushi. Our office cafeteria used to have sushi made to order every Tuesday and Thursday, but they recently discontinued it, much to my chagrin. So, my co-worker and I went to a place that's walking distance from our office and had an all out gorge fest -- which, since sushi is healthy and very low in anything I am not supposed to eat, I only feel guilty about from a monetary standpoint ($19.00 for lunch? Ouch.). Right now, I'm floating on a sea of endorphins... feel high, baby, HIGH!
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
All Hallows Eve, Samhain, et al...
Decisons have been made. I will be in this and I will be dressed in my usual costumed fabulousness. Keep an eye out for a girl with hot pink afro-puffs and a 6' 2" bearded Viking. Or perhaps a girl with a tall, teased blue wig, angel wings and a bearded, 6' 2" Catholic school girl. We have not fully decided yet. Pictures will definitely be posted!
Decisons have been made. I will be in this and I will be dressed in my usual costumed fabulousness. Keep an eye out for a girl with hot pink afro-puffs and a 6' 2" bearded Viking. Or perhaps a girl with a tall, teased blue wig, angel wings and a bearded, 6' 2" Catholic school girl. We have not fully decided yet. Pictures will definitely be posted!
The Return of Jack Bauer
John and I have been waiting for the season premiere of 24 since... well, since last season ended. We really enjoyed the first episode (even the stupid Ford commercial wasn't as bad as we thought in the end). I was especially gratified that they are going to do something with the character of Kim Bauer, Jack's daughter. During Season 2, Kim was a damsel in distress who had nothing whatsoever to do with the storyline. I think they put it best last night on NPR's All Things Considered, when they asked director/producer Joel Surnow if Kim Bauer was going to continue her "Perils of Pauline ways." This season, which is set three years after Season 2, has Kim as a junior techie in the CTU. Hopefully, she will be a stronger woman and a stronger storyline.
I know where I'll be on Tuesday nights -- a 24 and Law & Order: SVU double header!
John and I have been waiting for the season premiere of 24 since... well, since last season ended. We really enjoyed the first episode (even the stupid Ford commercial wasn't as bad as we thought in the end). I was especially gratified that they are going to do something with the character of Kim Bauer, Jack's daughter. During Season 2, Kim was a damsel in distress who had nothing whatsoever to do with the storyline. I think they put it best last night on NPR's All Things Considered, when they asked director/producer Joel Surnow if Kim Bauer was going to continue her "Perils of Pauline ways." This season, which is set three years after Season 2, has Kim as a junior techie in the CTU. Hopefully, she will be a stronger woman and a stronger storyline.
I know where I'll be on Tuesday nights -- a 24 and Law & Order: SVU double header!
The Profound Wisdom of Jessica Simpson
You can click here to see what we can all learn from the reigning Princess of Dumb.
You can click here to see what we can all learn from the reigning Princess of Dumb.
More about Law & Order
Thanks to The Little Owl for letting us know about this. It's Law & Order: Artistic Intent. My favorite one is Lenny Grabs a Dog by Brandon Bird. See it here. See, I am among a legion of Law & Order junkies!
Thanks to The Little Owl for letting us know about this. It's Law & Order: Artistic Intent. My favorite one is Lenny Grabs a Dog by Brandon Bird. See it here. See, I am among a legion of Law & Order junkies!
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Halloween Advice
Need help, team... All you Gotham area bloggers - I need to know what's fun to do for my second-favorite holiday on Friday.
Everyone else... I need some costume suggestions. Click here and here to see what I looked like last year (I'm the one in the pink).
Need help, team... All you Gotham area bloggers - I need to know what's fun to do for my second-favorite holiday on Friday.
Everyone else... I need some costume suggestions. Click here and here to see what I looked like last year (I'm the one in the pink).
Friends, friends, friends
Despite being (cough, cough, hack) sick, John and I bravely went into the City last night to meet my friend Stephanie and her husband, Keith, for dinner. They were up from New Orleans for the weekend for a wedding on Long Island and stayed an extra day to be in Manhattan and have dinner with us.
It was my first time taking the PATH train without John as he was going to drive to our town after work and take NJ Transit directly into the City rather than coming to my office in Newark where the parking situation for non-employees is iffy. Anyway, I am a strong, capable woman who has no problem whatsoever traveling alone. I sat on the train and a very smelly, unkempt man sat down next to me. He began to eat a sandwich very noisily. He wiped his hands on his pants. I tried to move as far in the other direction as possible, practically sitting in the lap of the person sitting on my other side. He looked at me and let out a huge belch. Then he laughed.
Once I got to Herald's Square, I tried to figure out how to get to Keith's friend's apartment on the Upper East Side. It was pouring rain and I had not had the forethought to bring an umbrella. I took the F train to 63rd and Lex and thought I could catch the 6 train, which I could not. Despondent and very, very wet, I finally hopped a cab.
We went to dinner at Canyon Road and a great time hanging out with Steph and Keith. It was great to see friends from home, although I think it made me even more homesick for New Orleans.
Four weeks from today... I'll be home!
Despite being (cough, cough, hack) sick, John and I bravely went into the City last night to meet my friend Stephanie and her husband, Keith, for dinner. They were up from New Orleans for the weekend for a wedding on Long Island and stayed an extra day to be in Manhattan and have dinner with us.
It was my first time taking the PATH train without John as he was going to drive to our town after work and take NJ Transit directly into the City rather than coming to my office in Newark where the parking situation for non-employees is iffy. Anyway, I am a strong, capable woman who has no problem whatsoever traveling alone. I sat on the train and a very smelly, unkempt man sat down next to me. He began to eat a sandwich very noisily. He wiped his hands on his pants. I tried to move as far in the other direction as possible, practically sitting in the lap of the person sitting on my other side. He looked at me and let out a huge belch. Then he laughed.
Once I got to Herald's Square, I tried to figure out how to get to Keith's friend's apartment on the Upper East Side. It was pouring rain and I had not had the forethought to bring an umbrella. I took the F train to 63rd and Lex and thought I could catch the 6 train, which I could not. Despondent and very, very wet, I finally hopped a cab.
We went to dinner at Canyon Road and a great time hanging out with Steph and Keith. It was great to see friends from home, although I think it made me even more homesick for New Orleans.
Four weeks from today... I'll be home!
Monday, October 27, 2003
Gimme an S, Gimme a U, Gimme a C, Gimme a K! What's that spell?
I was going to do NaNoWriMo this year. I had the best intentions. I was really planning on doing it, I swear. But then I realized that I am lazy and I suck. So, I'm not going to do it. I have 12 essays to complete for my MBA applications and I need to clean the kitty litter. I am waaay, waaaay too busy to write a 50,000 word novel in month. But I'll do it next year. Really, I will.
I was going to do NaNoWriMo this year. I had the best intentions. I was really planning on doing it, I swear. But then I realized that I am lazy and I suck. So, I'm not going to do it. I have 12 essays to complete for my MBA applications and I need to clean the kitty litter. I am waaay, waaaay too busy to write a 50,000 word novel in month. But I'll do it next year. Really, I will.
Current balance of accounts...
Bought two roundtrip tickets home for Thanksgiving! Yeah!!!
Paid bills, including outrageously high cable bill, both car notes, both car insurances and both cell phones. Yeah!!
Bought a groceries. Yeah!!
Balance of checking account... $12.35.
Balance of savings account... $1.26.
Amount of money in wallet... $35.42.
Payday... three days away for John and four days away for me.
Things are lookin' good!
Bought two roundtrip tickets home for Thanksgiving! Yeah!!!
Paid bills, including outrageously high cable bill, both car notes, both car insurances and both cell phones. Yeah!!
Bought a groceries. Yeah!!
Balance of checking account... $12.35.
Balance of savings account... $1.26.
Amount of money in wallet... $35.42.
Payday... three days away for John and four days away for me.
Things are lookin' good!
Cough, cough, sneeze... ach-choo!
I am sick, sick, sick... want to curl up in a ball, drink lots of herb tea with honey and get lower back rubbed in small, concentric circles by attentive fiance. Instead I am at my cold, cold office working. Or not working as the case may be. Why am I here, you ask? Because I am an Adult, with a capital A, and Adults do not shirk their work responsibilities. That and I want to save my sick days for days when I am well and want to have a nice day off from work. Why would you waste a perfectly good sick day actually being sick???
I am sick, sick, sick... want to curl up in a ball, drink lots of herb tea with honey and get lower back rubbed in small, concentric circles by attentive fiance. Instead I am at my cold, cold office working. Or not working as the case may be. Why am I here, you ask? Because I am an Adult, with a capital A, and Adults do not shirk their work responsibilities. That and I want to save my sick days for days when I am well and want to have a nice day off from work. Why would you waste a perfectly good sick day actually being sick???
Choices, choices
I have blogged ad nauseum about my addiction to Law & Order in its various incarnations (I would probably watch Law & Order: Parking Meter Violations Bureau if they created such a series... I have it THAT bad!). Now I am faced with a serious dilemma...
Law & Order on TNT or Law & Order:SVU on USA Network? They are competing against each other... what do I do???
I have blogged ad nauseum about my addiction to Law & Order in its various incarnations (I would probably watch Law & Order: Parking Meter Violations Bureau if they created such a series... I have it THAT bad!). Now I am faced with a serious dilemma...
Law & Order on TNT or Law & Order:SVU on USA Network? They are competing against each other... what do I do???
New links all over da place!
Come and check out the latest additions to my daily or semi-daily reads (left hand side navigation panel). I have added Le Petit Hiboux (the little owl), a funny and witty young woman writing about life and love in the Big City, The Stiletto Philosophy, another funny young woman writing about the crazy life in my hometown, New Orleans and Easy Tiger, written by the Other Daniella in Australia. All three girls make me laugh, cry and think. They have all passed my rigorous blog standards, which are that I have been reading for at least two months and they have continued to pique my interest. Give these girls a read... perhaps they will also interest you!
Come and check out the latest additions to my daily or semi-daily reads (left hand side navigation panel). I have added Le Petit Hiboux (the little owl), a funny and witty young woman writing about life and love in the Big City, The Stiletto Philosophy, another funny young woman writing about the crazy life in my hometown, New Orleans and Easy Tiger, written by the Other Daniella in Australia. All three girls make me laugh, cry and think. They have all passed my rigorous blog standards, which are that I have been reading for at least two months and they have continued to pique my interest. Give these girls a read... perhaps they will also interest you!
Friday, October 24, 2003
America Undercover's Terror in Moscow
If you missed this last night, click the link above and get additional times that this gut wrenching documentary will be shown on HBO.
I watched this last night with tears in my eyes. What those people went through, and the level of ineptitude of the Russian response, was mind boggling.
If you missed this last night, click the link above and get additional times that this gut wrenching documentary will be shown on HBO.
I watched this last night with tears in my eyes. What those people went through, and the level of ineptitude of the Russian response, was mind boggling.
Thanks, Aleks, for this one....
The System
DEMOCRAT
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
You feel guilty for being successful.
REPUBLICAN
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
So?
SOCIALIST
You have two cows.
The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.
You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST
You have two cows.
The government seizes both and provides you with milk. You wait in line for
hours to get it.
It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
You sell one, buy a bull, and breed a herd of cows.
DEMOCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
The government taxes you to the point you have to sell both to support a man
in a foreign country who has only one cow, which was a gift from your
government.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
The government takes them both, shoots one, milks the other, pays you for
the milk, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one.
You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised
when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating
you have downsized and are reducing expenses.
Your stock goes up.
FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.
You go to lunch and drink wine.
Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and
produce twenty times the milk.
They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.
Most are at the top of their class at "Cow School".
GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent
quality milk and run a hundred miles an hour.
Unfortunately, they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows but you don't know where they are. While ambling around,
you see a beautiful woman. You break for lunch.
Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have some vodka.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You have some more vodka.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION
You have all the cows in Afghanistan, which are two.
You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's private parts.
Then you kill them and claim a US bomb blew them up while they were in the
hospital.
IRAQI CORPORATION
You have two cows.
They go in hiding.
They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION
You have two bulls.
Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
The System
DEMOCRAT
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
You feel guilty for being successful.
REPUBLICAN
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
So?
SOCIALIST
You have two cows.
The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.
You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST
You have two cows.
The government seizes both and provides you with milk. You wait in line for
hours to get it.
It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
You sell one, buy a bull, and breed a herd of cows.
DEMOCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
The government taxes you to the point you have to sell both to support a man
in a foreign country who has only one cow, which was a gift from your
government.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
The government takes them both, shoots one, milks the other, pays you for
the milk, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one.
You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised
when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating
you have downsized and are reducing expenses.
Your stock goes up.
FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.
You go to lunch and drink wine.
Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and
produce twenty times the milk.
They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.
Most are at the top of their class at "Cow School".
GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent
quality milk and run a hundred miles an hour.
Unfortunately, they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows but you don't know where they are. While ambling around,
you see a beautiful woman. You break for lunch.
Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have some vodka.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You have some more vodka.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION
You have all the cows in Afghanistan, which are two.
You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's private parts.
Then you kill them and claim a US bomb blew them up while they were in the
hospital.
IRAQI CORPORATION
You have two cows.
They go in hiding.
They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION
You have two bulls.
Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
EEEEEEEOOOOWWWWWWWW....
I drove back from John's parents' house by myself last night. John stayed behind to keep his mom company while his dad recuperates from his surgery. (Everything is going well, thanks for your kind thoughts). It was the first time that I had spent the night alone since we moved to New Jersey. So, I got home at about 9:30 PM, curled up with some tea and my kitties and watched Law & Order. Then as I got into my cold bed alone to watch the news, the weather guy announced, "expect snow flurries overnight and a high of 41 degrees tomorrow."
EEEEEOOOOOWWWWW.... the last time I saw significant snow, I was eight years old and we lived in Denver.
I drove back from John's parents' house by myself last night. John stayed behind to keep his mom company while his dad recuperates from his surgery. (Everything is going well, thanks for your kind thoughts). It was the first time that I had spent the night alone since we moved to New Jersey. So, I got home at about 9:30 PM, curled up with some tea and my kitties and watched Law & Order. Then as I got into my cold bed alone to watch the news, the weather guy announced, "expect snow flurries overnight and a high of 41 degrees tomorrow."
EEEEEOOOOOWWWWW.... the last time I saw significant snow, I was eight years old and we lived in Denver.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Benefits? WHAT F****ING BENEFITS????
I went through my annual enrollment for my employee benefits yesterday. During 2004, my benefits will cost me $2008.80. Last year the same exact benefits cost me $1402.23. I understand the cost of health, dental and life insurance are rising rapidly for employers. But passing a 30% (somebody check my math) increase on to your employees, many of whom did not receive a raise last year? That's practically criminal.
Now before all of you start yammering about profits, etc, I have to add that I am a stock owner of my company. As a matter of fact, shares of my company's stock is nearly 20% of my entire portfolio (including my 401(k) and my personal holdings). My point is: where is the balance between looking out for your stockholders and company profitability and looking out for your employees, which are the most irreplaceable asset (human capital) that any company has? I'm not saying that I have the answers, but a 30% increase (on top of a 20% increase last year) is untenable...
I went through my annual enrollment for my employee benefits yesterday. During 2004, my benefits will cost me $2008.80. Last year the same exact benefits cost me $1402.23. I understand the cost of health, dental and life insurance are rising rapidly for employers. But passing a 30% (somebody check my math) increase on to your employees, many of whom did not receive a raise last year? That's practically criminal.
Now before all of you start yammering about profits, etc, I have to add that I am a stock owner of my company. As a matter of fact, shares of my company's stock is nearly 20% of my entire portfolio (including my 401(k) and my personal holdings). My point is: where is the balance between looking out for your stockholders and company profitability and looking out for your employees, which are the most irreplaceable asset (human capital) that any company has? I'm not saying that I have the answers, but a 30% increase (on top of a 20% increase last year) is untenable...
Monday, October 20, 2003
Fabulous Party
We went to the coolest party this past weekend. Friends of friends of ours live in a huge house in the "quaint village" of Chester (description theirs, per the invitations). They had a "Fall Foliage Fest" in their backyard, complete with games (volleyball, croquet, soccer and bocce ball), hot cider and hot chocolate, a roaring fire pit, barbecue, and an outdoor movie screen (rigged up, ingeniously and rather MacGyver-style, with two by fours, large canvas and a laptop computer and proxima machine, along with giant speakers). We watched the latest Bond movie (thumbs down - the most ludicrous plot of all time), Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein, (thumb up, although I did nod off during a portion of it) and the Little Rascals (enthusiastic thumbs UP UP UP!). On the way home, we saw ten deer. And, no, we did not run over any of them!
Great party, all around!!!
We went to the coolest party this past weekend. Friends of friends of ours live in a huge house in the "quaint village" of Chester (description theirs, per the invitations). They had a "Fall Foliage Fest" in their backyard, complete with games (volleyball, croquet, soccer and bocce ball), hot cider and hot chocolate, a roaring fire pit, barbecue, and an outdoor movie screen (rigged up, ingeniously and rather MacGyver-style, with two by fours, large canvas and a laptop computer and proxima machine, along with giant speakers). We watched the latest Bond movie (thumbs down - the most ludicrous plot of all time), Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein, (thumb up, although I did nod off during a portion of it) and the Little Rascals (enthusiastic thumbs UP UP UP!). On the way home, we saw ten deer. And, no, we did not run over any of them!
Great party, all around!!!
For the next office party....
Thanks to the People's Republic of Seabrook for hipping me to the latest and, dare I say, greatest new office device to come along in a long, long time. Click here for details.
Thanks to the People's Republic of Seabrook for hipping me to the latest and, dare I say, greatest new office device to come along in a long, long time. Click here for details.
The Vacation in Paradise....
I know that I said that I would blog about our fabulous vacation on the Outer Banks in the world's poshest mansion, but nothing I could write about it would do it justice. I just got the pictures developed (on CD-ROM), so if you are one of my friends, and would like to see some pictures of what a vacation in a $5.4 million beach house looks like, drop me an email (link at bottom of left hand side navigation panel) and I will email you some pics.
I know that I said that I would blog about our fabulous vacation on the Outer Banks in the world's poshest mansion, but nothing I could write about it would do it justice. I just got the pictures developed (on CD-ROM), so if you are one of my friends, and would like to see some pictures of what a vacation in a $5.4 million beach house looks like, drop me an email (link at bottom of left hand side navigation panel) and I will email you some pics.
Friday, October 17, 2003
The Friday Five
1. Name five things in your refrigerator. yogurt, limes, leftover pot roast, beer and butter.
2. Name five things in your freezer. vodka, some sort of meat products (I don't know, this is John's area of expertise), blueberries (for smoothies), bananas (for smoothies) and peaches (for smoothies). Hey, I like smoothies for breakfast!
3. Name five things under your kitchen sink. clorox bleach, febreze, commet, trash bags and dishwasher detergent.
4. Name five things around your computer. tissue (got the sniffles), a calculator, my phone, electric pencil sharpener and a cup of Earl Gray tea (got the sniffles, remember?).
5. Name five things in your medicine cabinet. aspirin, ibuprofen, bronzer, deodorant and sunblock.
1. Name five things in your refrigerator. yogurt, limes, leftover pot roast, beer and butter.
2. Name five things in your freezer. vodka, some sort of meat products (I don't know, this is John's area of expertise), blueberries (for smoothies), bananas (for smoothies) and peaches (for smoothies). Hey, I like smoothies for breakfast!
3. Name five things under your kitchen sink. clorox bleach, febreze, commet, trash bags and dishwasher detergent.
4. Name five things around your computer. tissue (got the sniffles), a calculator, my phone, electric pencil sharpener and a cup of Earl Gray tea (got the sniffles, remember?).
5. Name five things in your medicine cabinet. aspirin, ibuprofen, bronzer, deodorant and sunblock.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
More Personality...
Take Free Myers-Briggs Personality Test
Keep in mind, your results are dependent on the accurate truth of your answers
| ESFJ - "Seller". Most sociable of all types. Nurturer of harmony. Outstanding host or hostesses. 12.3% of total population. |
Keep in mind, your results are dependent on the accurate truth of your answers
Personality or lack thereof?
Take Free Enneagram Personality Test
Take Free Enneagram Personality Test
Conscious self | Overall self |
 |  border="0"> |
| Enneagram Test Results
Your Unconscious-Overall type is 1w9 |
Am frighteningly busy...
Almost not worth going on vacation due to the large office mess you will face upon your return... 300 emails... 17 voicemail messages (all marked urgent even though you left an "I will be out of the office..." on your outgoing message)... mass confusion by bosses when they think they can do your job while you are gone and make huge problems...
Anyway, am on two minute break before I roll my sleeves up again and get back in there.
Just wanted to say one quick thing... one year from today, I will be walking down the aisle. Wow! I can't wait... have not ever been so sure of anything in my life!
Almost not worth going on vacation due to the large office mess you will face upon your return... 300 emails... 17 voicemail messages (all marked urgent even though you left an "I will be out of the office..." on your outgoing message)... mass confusion by bosses when they think they can do your job while you are gone and make huge problems...
Anyway, am on two minute break before I roll my sleeves up again and get back in there.
Just wanted to say one quick thing... one year from today, I will be walking down the aisle. Wow! I can't wait... have not ever been so sure of anything in my life!
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
A new nephew
Welcome to Ryan James Cunniffe, born Sunday evening, weighing in at 8 lbs 10 oz with a full head of hair, blue eyes, chubby cheeks with dimples and my fiance's (his uncle) chin. He is a marvel of human engineering, as in HE IS PERFECT. And I am assured that I am, officially, an aunt (albeit by marriage in a year) for the first time.
Welcome to Ryan James Cunniffe, born Sunday evening, weighing in at 8 lbs 10 oz with a full head of hair, blue eyes, chubby cheeks with dimples and my fiance's (his uncle) chin. He is a marvel of human engineering, as in HE IS PERFECT. And I am assured that I am, officially, an aunt (albeit by marriage in a year) for the first time.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
The depressed bunny
Last night, when driving back from a benefit concert in Bridgewater, NJ (a misnomer because there was no bridge and there was NO water), John and I ran over a rabbit. I was really upset about it and John appeased me by saying,
"well, he darted right out in front of the car. He must have had a death wish. He was probably suicidal."
So, John and I ran over a depressed bunny. Hope he's happier now. Don't they make bunny Prozac?
Last night, when driving back from a benefit concert in Bridgewater, NJ (a misnomer because there was no bridge and there was NO water), John and I ran over a rabbit. I was really upset about it and John appeased me by saying,
"well, he darted right out in front of the car. He must have had a death wish. He was probably suicidal."
So, John and I ran over a depressed bunny. Hope he's happier now. Don't they make bunny Prozac?
Friday, October 10, 2003
Gone fishin'
Blogging will be sporadic, if not completely non-existent, until Thursday, October 17th because we will be here getting some much needed R&R. We are bringing the laptop, but I don't know whether I will actually use it for anything except working on my grad school application essays.
Blogging will be sporadic, if not completely non-existent, until Thursday, October 17th because we will be here getting some much needed R&R. We are bringing the laptop, but I don't know whether I will actually use it for anything except working on my grad school application essays.
Welcome to the world
Welcome to Kilian Suheil Richardson, born the third beautiful son to my close friend (and my usher in my wedding) Darris Richardson and his wife, Nadja. Kilian was born on September 28th in Vilshofen, Bayern, Germany and weighed in at exactly 7 lbs.
Baby pictures will be emailed shortly by Darris and I will forward to the New Orleans crew as soon as I get them.
Congrats to Darris and Nadja!
Welcome to Kilian Suheil Richardson, born the third beautiful son to my close friend (and my usher in my wedding) Darris Richardson and his wife, Nadja. Kilian was born on September 28th in Vilshofen, Bayern, Germany and weighed in at exactly 7 lbs.
Baby pictures will be emailed shortly by Darris and I will forward to the New Orleans crew as soon as I get them.
Congrats to Darris and Nadja!
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Site Stats, re-revisited
I just have one thing to say to the person that got to my weblog by searching for "Public Masturbation" and to the person who got here by searching for "semi-used linens" -- dude, it ain't that kind of site, but now that you've been here... stay a while, we welcome perverts of all shapes and sizes.
I just have one thing to say to the person that got to my weblog by searching for "Public Masturbation" and to the person who got here by searching for "semi-used linens" -- dude, it ain't that kind of site, but now that you've been here... stay a while, we welcome perverts of all shapes and sizes.
In blogging years... I'm really, really OLD
According to this website, the average blog duration is four months and only 5.8% of bloggers are between the ages of 30 and 39. 91.1% of all bloggers are between 13 and 29 years old. I have been blogging for over eight months and plan to stick with it because I find it an enjoyable creative outlet.
The fact that I have a nano-audience (as Perseus refers to it) is not a factor in my decision to keep pluggin' away.
Happy bloggin' and thanks for reading!
According to this website, the average blog duration is four months and only 5.8% of bloggers are between the ages of 30 and 39. 91.1% of all bloggers are between 13 and 29 years old. I have been blogging for over eight months and plan to stick with it because I find it an enjoyable creative outlet.
The fact that I have a nano-audience (as Perseus refers to it) is not a factor in my decision to keep pluggin' away.
Happy bloggin' and thanks for reading!
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
In case of emergency meeting, break glass
You have to go into a meeting with important executives in your division. You have no corporate speak bullshit to say. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO???
Well, hotshot... it's the corporate jargon generator. Here is what it came up with for me:
aggregate strategic bandwidth
orchestrate intuitive applications
synergize one-to-one e-services
mesh collaborative convergence
Now, who wouldn't look good spouting this corporate speak at a business meeting? Go ahead, your next promotion is just a few clicks away. Me, I'm going to go sit in my cubicle, think outside the box, unleash world-class mindshare and creatively shift the paradigm. Just watch, in a few short weeks, I'll be the CEO!
You have to go into a meeting with important executives in your division. You have no corporate speak bullshit to say. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO???
Well, hotshot... it's the corporate jargon generator. Here is what it came up with for me:
aggregate strategic bandwidth
orchestrate intuitive applications
synergize one-to-one e-services
mesh collaborative convergence
Now, who wouldn't look good spouting this corporate speak at a business meeting? Go ahead, your next promotion is just a few clicks away. Me, I'm going to go sit in my cubicle, think outside the box, unleash world-class mindshare and creatively shift the paradigm. Just watch, in a few short weeks, I'll be the CEO!
Baby Day
Today is my future brother-in-law's wife's due date (I was referring to her as my future sister-in-law, but I was told it was not correct. She is, apparently, John's sister-in-law, but to me, she is just my future brother-in-law's wife. Or as one of my friends put it, "she is nothing to you. Nothing.") Anyway, everyone at her office has lost the baby pool as she is enormous and everyone thought this baby would be here by now...
So, everyone send good karma to Maria that this darn baby gets out ASAP as she is really miserable and ready to have her body back. Plus, John and I really want to meet our first niece or nephew!
Today is my future brother-in-law's wife's due date (I was referring to her as my future sister-in-law, but I was told it was not correct. She is, apparently, John's sister-in-law, but to me, she is just my future brother-in-law's wife. Or as one of my friends put it, "she is nothing to you. Nothing.") Anyway, everyone at her office has lost the baby pool as she is enormous and everyone thought this baby would be here by now...
So, everyone send good karma to Maria that this darn baby gets out ASAP as she is really miserable and ready to have her body back. Plus, John and I really want to meet our first niece or nephew!
Monday, October 06, 2003
Oh, the humanity!
My brief career as the right fullback for the as yet unnamed Nutley, New Jersey (hometown of Martha Stewart!) Town Women's Soccer Team, affectionately known (in my mind only) as the Nutley Nutbags, is over before it ever began. I got the call this morning from the team captain who informed me that not enough women signed up to field any additional teams, so our team would not have anyone with whom to play.
In other words, we'd be playing with ourselves -- hee hee... c'mon, a bit of levity on this dreary Monday!
My brief career as the right fullback for the as yet unnamed Nutley, New Jersey (hometown of Martha Stewart!) Town Women's Soccer Team, affectionately known (in my mind only) as the Nutley Nutbags, is over before it ever began. I got the call this morning from the team captain who informed me that not enough women signed up to field any additional teams, so our team would not have anyone with whom to play.
In other words, we'd be playing with ourselves -- hee hee... c'mon, a bit of levity on this dreary Monday!
All grown up
I realized last Friday as I was reconciling my records that I have taken one sick day this year. [I was going through my attendance to make sure I had enough vacation days left to go to North Carolina next week (beach, here I come!), go home for Thanksgiving and my birthday and take off time to be with John during his dad's surgery in a few weeks. Plus, I want to roll over at least five vacation days to next year as I will be traveling home quite a bit getting the last details of the wedding ironed out.]
Since I can have up to six sick days (try saying that fast three times) at full pay and I have taken only one and they don't roll over to the next year, I resolved to take some "me" time and call in sick when I feel blah. Blah is like sick, right?
Anyway, I couldn't fall asleep last night, so I woke up tired and cranky and it was about 35 degrees in our house this morning... So, what did I do?
I dutifully got out of bed and went to work. I felt guilty calling in sick. Guilty????
When did I get to be such an adult? Ick.
I realized last Friday as I was reconciling my records that I have taken one sick day this year. [I was going through my attendance to make sure I had enough vacation days left to go to North Carolina next week (beach, here I come!), go home for Thanksgiving and my birthday and take off time to be with John during his dad's surgery in a few weeks. Plus, I want to roll over at least five vacation days to next year as I will be traveling home quite a bit getting the last details of the wedding ironed out.]
Since I can have up to six sick days (try saying that fast three times) at full pay and I have taken only one and they don't roll over to the next year, I resolved to take some "me" time and call in sick when I feel blah. Blah is like sick, right?
Anyway, I couldn't fall asleep last night, so I woke up tired and cranky and it was about 35 degrees in our house this morning... So, what did I do?
I dutifully got out of bed and went to work. I felt guilty calling in sick. Guilty????
When did I get to be such an adult? Ick.
Weekend Review
Overall a winner... Friday was lay around the house and watch movies night. (Also recovering from outing with John's co-workers to celebrate his promotion the previous night -- more on that another blog entry - later!). Saturday morning was "see future brother-in-law, Pete, and Pete's about-to-burst pregnant wife, Maria." The baby is going to be popping out at any moment.
Saturday afternoon was buy Daniella some winter clothes (great idea about going to Loehmann's, Mom... thanks!), and Saturday night was a blast. We went into the City to have dinner and drinks with John's friend Mike and his new wife Elizabeth (who I loved. LOVED.). Then we took the train back to Joisey (on which I proceeded to embarrass John terribly by serenading him first with Al Green songs, then with Michael Jackson songs and finally the piece d'resistance -- "Like a Virgin" by Madonna -- his face turned so many shades of red, it was fabulous. My career as a NJ Transit performance artist has begun!) and met up with youngest future brother-in-law, Stephen, to hear a great New Jersey funk and blues band. Can't remember their name or I would hit you with link to them. They were, surprisingly, fantastic and I shook my booty till the wee hours.
And, of course, you have already heard about Sunday, which in addition to the aching belly, also included a looong crying jag courtesy of my good friend PMS.
Overall a winner... Friday was lay around the house and watch movies night. (Also recovering from outing with John's co-workers to celebrate his promotion the previous night -- more on that another blog entry - later!). Saturday morning was "see future brother-in-law, Pete, and Pete's about-to-burst pregnant wife, Maria." The baby is going to be popping out at any moment.
Saturday afternoon was buy Daniella some winter clothes (great idea about going to Loehmann's, Mom... thanks!), and Saturday night was a blast. We went into the City to have dinner and drinks with John's friend Mike and his new wife Elizabeth (who I loved. LOVED.). Then we took the train back to Joisey (on which I proceeded to embarrass John terribly by serenading him first with Al Green songs, then with Michael Jackson songs and finally the piece d'resistance -- "Like a Virgin" by Madonna -- his face turned so many shades of red, it was fabulous. My career as a NJ Transit performance artist has begun!) and met up with youngest future brother-in-law, Stephen, to hear a great New Jersey funk and blues band. Can't remember their name or I would hit you with link to them. They were, surprisingly, fantastic and I shook my booty till the wee hours.
And, of course, you have already heard about Sunday, which in addition to the aching belly, also included a looong crying jag courtesy of my good friend PMS.
Lust for Life
I spent yesterday on the couch with an aching belly, moaning for John to wait on me hand and foot. Which he did. Because he rocks and because he made me move to this god forsaken shithole of New Jersey and he owes me. Big.
Anyway, I had the aching belly because I drank a martini riddled with bugs. (Note to self: as this has happened twice now, do not order a dirty martini at an Irish pub. It will invariably have bugs in it. If you do order dirty martini in said Irish pub, check the drink for bugs before you gulp it down only noticing the little buggers when there is a sip or two left in your glass. Remember… Irish pub = beer. Drink beer!) Of course, I may have had an aching belly because I had several beers after the buggy martini. But that's not important to our discussion here.
Either way, I spent yesterday on the couch watching TV. Know what I noticed? Some moron ad exec thought it was a good idea to use Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” to sell family cruises. Did he listen to the lyrics of the song? I guess a song about doing heroin, drinking and fucking is a terrific way to get more families to go on your cruise… I bet Iggy is laughing his ass off every time he gets his royalty check!
I spent yesterday on the couch with an aching belly, moaning for John to wait on me hand and foot. Which he did. Because he rocks and because he made me move to this god forsaken shithole of New Jersey and he owes me. Big.
Anyway, I had the aching belly because I drank a martini riddled with bugs. (Note to self: as this has happened twice now, do not order a dirty martini at an Irish pub. It will invariably have bugs in it. If you do order dirty martini in said Irish pub, check the drink for bugs before you gulp it down only noticing the little buggers when there is a sip or two left in your glass. Remember… Irish pub = beer. Drink beer!) Of course, I may have had an aching belly because I had several beers after the buggy martini. But that's not important to our discussion here.
Either way, I spent yesterday on the couch watching TV. Know what I noticed? Some moron ad exec thought it was a good idea to use Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” to sell family cruises. Did he listen to the lyrics of the song? I guess a song about doing heroin, drinking and fucking is a terrific way to get more families to go on your cruise… I bet Iggy is laughing his ass off every time he gets his royalty check!
Friday, October 03, 2003
The Friday Five
1. What vehicle do you drive? 1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL in hunter green.
2. How long have you had it? two years
3. What is the coolest feature on your vehicle? The vertical adjustability of the seat -- I like to sit up high.
4. What is the most annoying thing about your vehicle? The cup holders are too shallow and placed directly in front of the ashtray where I keep change for tolls. Whenever I take a turn or go over a bump, anything in the cup holder tips over and spills its contents. The cup holders are basically useless.
5. If money were no object, what vehicle would you be driving right now? Porsche Boxter - silver. Yeah, I know. I'm having my mid-life crisis early.
1. What vehicle do you drive? 1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL in hunter green.
2. How long have you had it? two years
3. What is the coolest feature on your vehicle? The vertical adjustability of the seat -- I like to sit up high.
4. What is the most annoying thing about your vehicle? The cup holders are too shallow and placed directly in front of the ashtray where I keep change for tolls. Whenever I take a turn or go over a bump, anything in the cup holder tips over and spills its contents. The cup holders are basically useless.
5. If money were no object, what vehicle would you be driving right now? Porsche Boxter - silver. Yeah, I know. I'm having my mid-life crisis early.
No wonder my site stats went up!
In true narcissistic fashion, I sent my own info (as well as that of the Coffee Achiever) to Weblogger Central... and they published it!
Nothing like a little shameless self-promotion!
In true narcissistic fashion, I sent my own info (as well as that of the Coffee Achiever) to Weblogger Central... and they published it!
Nothing like a little shameless self-promotion!
Thursday, October 02, 2003
My man is smarter than your man!
John got the promotion for which he was competing with the rest of his department. One of the creative directors is leaving the company and John had to "compete" for the promotion with six other members of his team. He just called to tell me that he got it. As I knew he would, because I know how smart and talented he is!
So, my fiance is smarter than the average bear!!!
Yeah, John!!!
John got the promotion for which he was competing with the rest of his department. One of the creative directors is leaving the company and John had to "compete" for the promotion with six other members of his team. He just called to tell me that he got it. As I knew he would, because I know how smart and talented he is!
So, my fiance is smarter than the average bear!!!
Yeah, John!!!
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown...
The senior management of my division is almost all female. I was in the ladies' room at the office a few days ago doing my business. When I came out of the stall, my division head and my department head were both in there discussing something. As I washed my hands, we made some small talk. Then, my department head looked at me, looked at my division head and offered me a part of an important project.
As I walked out of the bathroom, all I could think about was...
This must be what the good ol' boy network is all about! Let 'em have their golf and their "gentlemen's clubs" -- we ladies always have the restroom! The glass ceiling was always about access. Women never had access to those who were in the position to help their careers. If you have no "face time" with the boss, you will not be top of mind for the next project/promotion/whatever. We're masking strides, girls! Look for me to be running the company in a few years (don't hold your breath!)!
The senior management of my division is almost all female. I was in the ladies' room at the office a few days ago doing my business. When I came out of the stall, my division head and my department head were both in there discussing something. As I washed my hands, we made some small talk. Then, my department head looked at me, looked at my division head and offered me a part of an important project.
As I walked out of the bathroom, all I could think about was...
This must be what the good ol' boy network is all about! Let 'em have their golf and their "gentlemen's clubs" -- we ladies always have the restroom! The glass ceiling was always about access. Women never had access to those who were in the position to help their careers. If you have no "face time" with the boss, you will not be top of mind for the next project/promotion/whatever. We're masking strides, girls! Look for me to be running the company in a few years (don't hold your breath!)!
