| Well, Hello |
[24 Jul 2008|12:47am] |
According to LJ, it has been 50 weeks since my last post. That was quite some time ago! I did some back reading to see what you all have been up to.....and I see it is making babies, working, traveling, and getting ready for weddings. You know, the usual! LOL!! Just crazy!
To be honest, I just don't post on LJ anymore, because, well....I haven't got much to say. I am also out of the habit of blogging and reading others blogs. I do hear all of the important news from the grapevine, so I do still keep tabs on all of you.
For those of you who don't know, I did have a death in the family. Octavius passed away a few weeks back. He got sick a few months ago, and they think he had cancer and it was a steady decline. He was 12 and had lead a full and spoiled life. But his last few days were not good ones, and I loved him enough to let him go. He was a great cat and companion and he is sorely missed by his Mommy. He will forever live on in my heart and memories. May he rest in peace.
My life? Blissfully boring. Seriously. I work alot, occasionally make some trips to the beach and sometimes various us cities, spend a couple nights at my local watering hole with my friends, on the RARE occasion I'll still hit the club, and yes, there is a new boy in my life (who is wonderfully sane and attentive....amazing,no?). But really my life is work, home, boy, friends, food and drink. (Mostly in that order). It is strange to feel so....settled in life. I guess that means I am old.
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| Friends and Life |
[05 Aug 2007|10:30pm] |
This entry is in no way is meant to dis or reflect upon current friendships. This is just a bunch of happy thoughts I am having. That being said......
So, I moved to VA 3 years ago. Time flies. Granted it wasn't a far move from MD to VA, but it is still life altering in some ways. I had a few friends here when I moved here and obviously have made many more. We all know that friendships wax and wain (sp?), like any other relationship. So, as I may have drifted from some friends and friends groups, I fell into others. I have met alot of people here. Some turned out to be good, true friends, some were just "friends of the moment" so to speak. No dis to them or anything, but they were the kind of friends that I made thru a job or something and once that ended, we naturally drifted apart.....not really having that much in common.
For a long time I was lonely for friends. Most of my friends here are busy....jobs, husbands, boyfriends, etc....you know, life. It's cool. But that left little time to hang out. And me being mostly single, with a much more free flowing schedule.....I started to crave companionship. I fell into another group of friends from Barnes and Noble. I adore these people. We hung out all the time, and I made quite a few true friends from it....one is even a very close friend. But alas, the downfall to this group was that most of them are transient and have subsequently, moved on to other places....and the ones who stayed are far younger than me. Age doesn't really mean that much to me....if you are cool, you're cool......however, there are times when life experience shows her head and I realize, some of these people can't relate to my station in life.
So, I got kinda lonely again. Then an awesome thing happened. A few months ago fate (I don't want to have the fate debate again people......don't even comment on that.....I believe in it, deal with it), stepped in and helped me out. I met this guy through myspace of all places. Who ever thought a networking site would actually work and I would meet cool people?????? We exchanged emails, phone calls, and eventually decied to meet. Admittedly, knowing that myspace can be a meat market site of sorts, I was kinda leary to meet him. It turned out that he offered friendship, and that friendship is very cool. Then through him I met some other cool people. Now all of a sudden I have a another new group of friends. It seems there is this gruesome foursome. It is me, the myspace guy, his best friend, and another girl who myspace guy met through a different networking site.
The awesome parts are that we are all in our early 30's, we all live in Arlington around Clarendon (maybe 5 minutes from eachother), we are all pretty social, and have similar lifestyles. For the past few weeks we have been hanging out all the time. The dynamics are so perfect....and comfortable......there is no wierdness or drama (at least not yet *knocks on wood*). I am so happy to have met these people.
For the first time in a long time I feel at ease with my life. I feel good and happy. I have old friends and new friends. I am enjoying running around the summer....swimming at pools, taking beachy vacations, staying up late drinking in bars, having wicked conversations, clubbing, eating in new restaraunts, chilling out watching movies.....and exploring DC more. It's pretty grand.
I as much as I was looking forward to the life change of moving to California and starting over, it seems my decision to stay was a right one. My life changed itself, and I started over with out uprooting myself. Odd, how things work out.
Fall is usually my time for real change. And for once, I don't dread it. I look forward to what lovely things fall will bring to me.
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| Guess What I Did Today..... |
[29 Jul 2007|11:39pm] |
I shot guns today. Yes, after years of wanting to learn and try, and many people offering to take me.......and no one following through with that offer......today someone did.
We went to the NRA range. He packed 3 pistols; a 22mm, a 9mm, and a 45mm....and 2 rifles; an ak-47 and an m-16. We did some basic unloaded lessons on ettiquette, handling, and loading. Then some target aiming and how to stand. Then we left for the range.
The range was wierd. Not quite like expected...but I honestly, didn't know what to expect. Mostly men were there, of course. I had to take a written test, and I once passed, we were given the go ahead. It was very loud, even with ear protection. I only did pistol shooting, even though he had prepped me on the rifles. I just couldn't do the big guns. It was odd enough getting used to the pistols. I did ok, especially for a first timer.
It was admittedly kinda scarey, but really fun. It took me awhile to get used to the explosion and the casings flying all over the place. But after I shot a few magazines (I think that is what they are called), I was more comfortable. I would and will go back. I don't know if I'll ever be ready to shoot the rifles.....he tried his hardest to get me to try it....but I couldn't do it. Maybe one day.....
So, today I did something new. Something I have wanted to learn. It was neat, and I have a burn mark on my arm (from the casing), to prove it.
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| It's Been Awhile...... |
[16 Jul 2007|01:48am] |
I honestly blog more on myspace now. Don't know why. But for a spin, I thought I'd write here, now.
So, it's late and I have had an odd day. I woke up late and puttered around, met up with a work friend and hit G-town for food and shoppping. Later, my friend came over and we did another tarot reading. Go ahead, mock me. I don't care. I place value in readings and hers are usually pretty good. She used her new Toth deck, which I prefer over the standard (and her old), rider-waite deck. The toth deck is a Crowley deck which I fondly call a "doom and gloom" deck. It really isn't......it is more of a deck that will answer your questions without any sugar coating. I needed some answers and answers I got.
Part of me hopes the reading will be wrong, and there is always that possibility, but, I know that is was probably right. I mean, there is a possibility the outcome COULD change if I choose an unknown different path to change them, but really, the universe knows what is in store for me. And it seems it is not time for me to get the things I want....or rather, THING that I want. But that's ok. Apparently, if I do or did get it, it wouldn't be so good. So, I move on.
There is much about my past I am still not over, or have not fully washed myself of. These things impede my growth. This I know. I just don't want to except it. I suppose when the time is right and the things are in place, what I seek will come and find me. This I except because that is how it has worked in the past. Doesn't make it any easier, though. *sigh*
This thursday or next will be Jess's last time coming out to DC clubs before she moves to Florida. For those that would like to say goodbuye, or maybe just feel like coming out, please make an appearance. I have to say, that I enjoy going to Club 5 on thursday nights. It is nice to be able to regularly get my dance on in a nice club where the floor isn't too packed. If we go out this week or if it is next, I'll make a post to let everyone know.
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| Wondering.... |
[24 May 2007|12:30am] |
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I am having a moment. I don't know where this moment came from, or what brought it on, but here it is. Lately, I have been thinking alot....about everything. It won't turn off. It isn't worry, or sadness. It is curiosity. It is hopefulness.
I often think about the future, or more specifically, my future. I used to say I wish I could wake up and be 50 and remarried and looking to retire in a decade or so, and already be there. Be done with the bullshit that is this life. Be finished with the squibbles with friends, the pointless romances, the dead end jobs....and just BE THERE. Contented.
BUT, I also know that skipping ahead means I'd miss the fun. I'd miss all the adventures with my friends, the learning experiences from the jobs, and I'd miss the best part about pointless romances.....the honeymoon period and the part where you find someone who isn't pointless. So, really I don't want to read the last chapter in the book. But, can I skip a few of the unnessecary this doesn't move the plot along/how much more charecter developement do we need chapters? I just want the good stuff. the juicy stuff. The stuff that reels you in.
Back to the thinking. My kind of thinking involves everything from random fluffy thoughts :"What should I wear tomorrow? Can I get away w/o painting my toenails one more day? How early should I get up to do my hair?"
to things like:
"What to I need to accomplish at work tomorrow? I hope I can get it all done and be out by 6pm. I need to train so and so on this and that. This needs to be done, that can wait. I need to call this person and arrange this thing. "
on a more personal scale:
"What can I get involved in to be more involved in the world around me? How can I find organizations whom help the people I want to help? What can I do for these organizations? Do I have the time? Fuck it....I'll make the time. I want to be better to the environment. Is organic drycleaning expensive? What is it exactly? When my car dies, I am getting a hybrid. But which one? I need to quit smoking. But it is so hard. Is one or two a day really that bad?"
and sometimes when it's really late:
"Why is it they always want you after you have gone? Why can't people see the errors and try to fix them? I wonder what so and so looks like now? Why don't I talk to so and so anymore? I should try to find them.....I miss that friendship. How is my cat doing? He seems fine, but what if he isn't? Should I shell out more cash to the vet for no real answers? What will I do when the sad day comes that he actually dies?"
Yeah, some thoughts are silly, some are morbid, and some are merely curious. But these and similar thoughts whirl through my head all day long. It doesn't keep me up at night, nor does it negatively impact my life; I just wonder if anyone else is like this? Are there people in the world who don't think? Are they happier being vapid? Or do I think too much? Perhaps we'll never know.
I ate too much popcorn.
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| Question |
[12 May 2007|12:37am] |
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Anyone know where I can take intensive language classes in DC or VA over the summer? The continuing education/once a week bullshit just doesn't cut it. I am eager to learn more spanish and japanese. Has anyone tried the Rosetta Stone cd-rom things? We sell them at work and extra discount days are coming up.....
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| Sometimes |
[10 May 2007|12:52am] |
I get so confused. I still don't know what I want......what I am doing.....and I am so freakin' impatient.
*sigh*
What day is it? When can I stop working again and take time off? You know.....I noticed that I seem to get jobs that end after a year or so and I wind up taking like a month off. This has happened almost 3 times in a row. How odd. Do you think it means anything? It will be nice to stop killing myself.
Do you believe in fate or destiny? I used to not fully, but I have to admit....I have come around. I think our paths are predetermined. I think no matter what choices I make, I'll still get to where I am supposed to be. It's like you know, instinctively some things...you just know. Like when you've nailed that job interview, or met a guy you know you'll wind up dating, or even some things you just know about yourself.
Why am I being so introspective? I admit I am a little PMS-y, but I think more change is upon me. Other than my summer being awsome.....I think it will also be something that could potentially change my life for awhile and thrust me into a new life cycle or phase. Just a funny feeling I have....
Or, I could just be full of nonsense. ;p
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| I Thought This Was Interesting |
[08 May 2007|12:52am] |
At job #2 (Bookstore), I managed to score register duty. This means I got some magazine time in. I know this may shock some of you, but I actually do read The Economist. There was a series of articles on world cities. You should really read it. It was very long and detailed. Here are some highlights I thought were interesting:
-in 1900, 13% of the world's population lived in cities.
-in 107 years that grew to 50% and NEXT month it will surpass 50%. Thus meaning that the majority of the world will live in a city.
-The United Nations forecasts 5 billion will live in cities by 2030 or 3 out of every 5 people.
-However, most of these people will live in slums.
-Within 10 years earth will have nearly 500 cities of more than 1 million people.
-by 2020 (according to the U.N.), 9 cities will have more than 20 million inhabitants: Delhi, Dhaka, Jakarta, Lagos, Mexico City, Mumbai, New York, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo.
-Greater Tokyo already has a population of more than 35 million....that is more than the population of the entire country of Canada.
I find things like this to be so fascinating. Can you imagine the earth being even more crowded than it is? I cannot even fathom what Tokyo will look like in 10 years....or what it must have been like say 100 years ago. It freaks me out and yet excites me how much the world and humanity can change over the course of a decade. All of the new inventions, society's fuck-ups, our little victories. The advancement of technology never ceases to amaze me. Think about it: 10 or so years ago there was this little know thing called "the internet" and some really important people carried these HUGE portable phones called "cell phones". Now, we can't even handle life without either. I freak if I get halfway to work and realize I forgot my phone. I mean, what if something happened?! Like I didn't cope just fine before.
"After this year the majority of people will live in cities. Human history will ever more emphatically become urban history."
-John Grimond
The Economist May 5th 2007
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[02 May 2007|12:35am] |
I am such a better mood. I have admittedly been freaking out about all sorts of things as of late. I have been filled with anxiety about my job, money, the move, my cat and just silly other things weighing on my brain. I stopped all that (or most of it), today. Why worry over things you can't predict? Isn't have the adventure not knowing? (I am not speaking of my cat's problems of course).
Today was a great day. I spent the day with my friends from the NYC Mexx stores and my boss whom I adore. We met for lunch at the Wasshington Hotel downtown. We ate tatty food in their rooftop cafe that overlooks the Whitehouse. It was pretty great. After lunch we just trolled long and checked out monuments and just, well, talked. The five of us get along very well, and I am sad that these people won't be a part of my work life anymore. But, this was a pleasant goodbye. I also got GREAT news about my store. It seems we will be open for a least a month longer than expected. That means less time for me to kill before I move and more money in my pocket. That news right there took a world of stress off me. :)
After the NYC crew caught their train home I wandered through Gtown and tried to get one of my many friends that work in DC to drink with me. No avail. But, it turns out that Jen's evening had freed up and we met up for drinks in Claredon. It was great to see her and catch up. We sat outside at Mexicali Blues, drank margaritas, eat burrtios, and laughed and talked. She told me some nice comments about things and that took more stress off.
Now that I am home, I think my cat is making more progress to being better. He sort of plateaued ove rthe past fews days.....but today he seems a bit more active and happy. That means the medicine is working, thank god. This takes much stress off me. He goes back to the vet for a follow up friday. I am hopeful about good news.
The warm weather and influence of others has awakened the social me. I predict many adventures for myelf over the summer. I am quite looking forward to it. But I want everyone to know right now, that I will put the SMACKDOWN on anyone who tries to bring some bullshit drama into my summer. Be forewarned....I WON'T HAVE IT. I am here for joy and fun only. Take your crazy and peddle it somewhere else.
Time for book and bed. :D
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[29 Apr 2007|11:09pm] |
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Such an awesome day today. I enjoyed some fine company, and some goos food (fish tacos at Mexicali Blues!). I do love Clarendon in the spring/summer. I hope to find as cute of a hangout neighborhood on the west coast.
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[29 Apr 2007|11:54am] |
Feeling hungover. Why do I let people talk me into going out all the time when I work 2 jobs?????? And apparently DC9 is so not the place anymore. I guess I'll stick to rnr hotel. (it's bigger anyway)
It has been a LONG week. Work has been getting more complex the closer we get to closing and, ok, it is totally stressing me out that I will have no real job for like 3 months before I move. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO? (don't answer that). Also, kitty decided to get sick on thursday. Like, really sick. I got home from work and he was completely unresponsive to me and he was not eating and drinking. As a matter of fact, he wouldn't leave the place where he was lying. Yup, I freaked. After a trip to the vet it has been discovered that he has liver problems. I have a bunch of drugs to give him and there has been marked improvement. 6 months ago on his last vet trip he weighed 22lbs. He now weighs 16. That is alot of weight to lose in 6 months for a cat. Ironically, he is at his goal weight.
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[27 Feb 2007|11:49pm] |
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Ella Fitzgerald |
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Remember that crazy customer I mentioned a few weeks ago? Well, I am not too concerned about her anymore. It seems the powers that be have decided to close the remaining 4 Mexx stores in the US. This will take place the begining of July. Sad? Yes I am. My work is my life in many ways and like my family....I care about my "children" or employees very much and I am sad to have us end things like this. Not to mention I love Mexx and was hoping to transfer back when they expanded to California in a few years.
Anxious? Yes. What will happen with me next? I hope that I will remain with Liz Claiborne and be able to transfer to Lucky Brand after we close. It would be nice to train in the Tysons store for a month or so, and then be transfered to Cali when a position opens or a new store opens. I also hope to keep my salary and not to have to take a paycut or a step down. And with any luck, this can all happen around the time my lease ends, so I will not have to break it....AND Lucky will pick up some of my moving expenses. Keep your fingers crossed on this.
Other options? I could transfer to Kate Spade or Juicy Couture (not so much with Juicy, but Kate would be ok). Or, I could leave the company all together and maybe go back to Barnes and Noble until I find something better. That last option would postpone California.
Or, I could take my severence package, sell most of my belonings and move to Hawaii and look for a new job.
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[13 Feb 2007|11:14pm] |
Lots to do tomorrow. Gotta hit Lotte Mart for tangerine plant to give to my employee's mother for chinese new years. Her mom is making dumplings for me and michelle. :D YUMMY DUMPLINGS.......I also will pick up a maneki neko (good luck kitty), for the store...we need some good mojo. Then I have to go into work to do admin junk I never seem to have time to do when I am actually at work. Then I head home to catch up on home chores (laundry, cleaning etc) and then it is off to The Birchmere for the Burlesqapades with my sister and some friends. Whew! I'll be beat by tomorrow night.
Happy Hallmark holiday everyone. Enjoy your Valentine's day.
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[13 Feb 2007|12:14am] |
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Bad Surf Music |
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My myspace page is officially private. I had enough of the "I have some something to wrap your mouth around" comments. (That was an actual message). People are stupid.
In had a customer FREAK OUT on me today because I refused to do her return. She was returning items to rebuy them with a coupon that she got later......even though the coupon said "not good on previous purchases". She got angry, screamed mutiple profanities at me, and it looked like she was going to get violent. I was in the process of calling security b/c she was freaking me out, when she tore up the coupon, threw it at me, screamed "fuck you" and stormed off. Now, how much do you wanna bet she'll complain to my boss and I'll still get in trouble? People these days....I swear. I would never do that! It was only $25 off!
In lighter news, I watched my first Frankie and Annette movie today...."Bikini Beach". It was amusingly bad. Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance at the end of the movie. He was sooo skinny!
So I try to be good all day about my food intake.....I am watching my weight (not dieting, just being more aware of what I eat and how much), and things went well. I had breakfast, I had some green tea, lots of water, more protein than carbs (it is soooo hard!) and was happy about it. Until I came home. The crackers and cheese won. Damn you tasty munster!!!! If I could, if I had a genie to grant my wishes, one wish would be to be able to eat whatever and never get sick, be unhealthy, or get fat. Then, I would live off cheese, crackers, potato chips, chipotle, baja fresh, sushi, FRENCH FRIES, bananas, and dark chocolate. A girl can dream.
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| This MIGHT be a bit Longer than the usual.... |
[12 Feb 2007|12:14am] |
So....my news? Hrm, where to start?
Last night I attended a fabu party at my friend Claire's house with my B/N friends. (We really like to party/get together alot, I noticed. Funny thing is, most of them don't even work there anymore, yet we all still get together at least once a month for some drinky fun.) It was a great crowd, hoola hoops were flying, pool was being shot, beer was being consumed (ah...Negra Modelo.....so tasty), and we even had the hookah going for awhile. And true to form with that crowd, I stayed out until almost sunrise, crawled home for a three hour catnap and then dragged myself into work at the real job Mexx. It was kinda a tough day. But, I downed some strawberry manilow (Jones), a latte, and some spanakopita (compliments of my resident Greekgirl employee), and was pretty good to go. We even beat out plan today by $1200. NICE.
California trip, booked. Santa Fe, booked. Barcelona....inches from being booked. *IF* I can take off for 5 days in May, I am totally flying out and meeting Carrie for some Spring in Spain action (that Spanish class I am currently taking will come in handy!). I managed to find a $515 roundtrip ticket....outta Philly (it is a direct flight!). I got friends in Philly I could leave my car with....I am willing to drive 3 hours to save $200. When I get the go ahead, and Carrie confirms dates, I am booking that flight and I am soooooo outta here (again). Now I just need a passport. :D
It seems I have the travel bug. A trip in March, one in April, maybe one in May, family beach trip in June, and I am thinking maybe Florida for a long weekend in July. I'll take august off from traveling (or I'll drive up to NYC and see my friend Mason). This is what I have always wanted to be able to do. It is so strange for me to be able to afford all this. I am not rolling in cash by any means, but, I have been pretty good and the raise from when I got promoted really helped. Not to mention, parttime at Barnes and Noble still brings in some meager cash. I like to daydream about a year from now when I am planning westcoast based trips.....Mexico, Hawaii, Seattle, SanFran, and I have a friend who might study in Beijing for a year next year. I am sure he could find some room on his couch for little 'ol me.
I saw Little Miss Sunshine tonight.....LOVED IT. All must rent it. (Or buy it used at Hollywood Video).
Hope it doesn't snow.
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[09 Feb 2007|01:44am] |
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Death From Above 1979 |
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Good news! I no longer feel like death! Now I just feel a bit icky. I even went to karaoke tonight. AND I only had one beer. :) I still didn't sing though. Perhaps one day........
Work was tough today. Business has been tough and I had a tough business conversation with my boss. I always put so much pressure on myself to succeed. But when I try to be zen about things, I guess I get too zen. Ahh, well. A happy medium will find me, I'm sure. I just don't wanna fuck up my pending transfer to Cali (that she is not aware of yet). I have 2 more interviews for asst mgr. I have liked 1 person so far....hopefully, I will like 1 out of tomorrow's 2 and my boss will like one of those, and I'll get a happy asst in a few weeks. That would rule! I am thinking this weekend should be pretty fruitful....we are doing some good promotions....and I sent out a shitload of mailers to my clients.*crosses fingers* Pray for good traffic and sales for me!!
Well, off to shower and to bed. I have to get up in 5.5 hours!
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[07 Feb 2007|10:25pm] |
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Sick. It got worse. I have fluid in my left ear now. It rules. I called out of job #2....pisses me off, how can I save buckets of money for my move, if I have to keep calling out of work? I have been pounding water and tea. I drink a lot of tea as is....but I am trying to increase my intake right now. All I really want is a slurpee. But I don't want to get bundled up to drive to 7-11.
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[07 Feb 2007|01:14am] |
This is where I complain about how I am sick and feel like ass. I would greatly appreciate it if someone would just cut off my nose.....I just don't think I can do it by myself. Oh, the stuffy head, the runny nose, the achy body.......I think more tea is in order.
Today work was crazy......lots to do as usual. I was feeling crappy and I had promised my sister I would see Squirrel Nut Zippers at The Birchmere with her. I was gonna bail on the show, but I felt bad since she really wanted to go, so I sucked it up and went. After some cajun gumbo, I felt a little more human. The 'Zippers were ok.....honestly I thought last time I saw them (which was *gasp!* 10 long years ago), they were much better. Katherine Whalen said this was their first time playing live in 5 years, so many they are just out of step. The opening band was called The Old Ceremony, and sadly, we missed most of their set. What I did hear I really liked. It was alot like Firewater. There was a violinist who played with them and the 'Zippers who was amazing. (And a cutie to boot! How can you not drool over a guy with dimples who can play a mean gypsy violin????)
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[05 Feb 2007|01:43am] |
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Massive Attack |
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I wish winter would end. I am tired of hibernating in my studio. I really want to be sitting outside with Carrie at 11th st lounge drinking margaritas and meeting random people that walk by. Or crowded in Matt's old backyard with the crew bullshitting and listening to our friends play guitar and sing. Or drinking beers on the porch with Frederico. Or strolling the boardwalk with Jessica. Or standing on the deck in Avalon at night just listening to the ocean. These are fond summer memories.
25 days until I fly to warmth and visit Adri.
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[31 Jan 2007|10:50pm] |
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Ella Fitzgerald |
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Feeling kinda sicky. Tired, scratchy throat. *grumble* I have managed to avoid sicknesss for so long. Seriously, I can't even remember the last time I was sick......how odd.
Got some decent resumes from Craig's list. hopefully, some of them will interview ok and at least one will pan out. I need management people! ASAP! Why is this so hard?
If I am feeling ok.....I'll be at Galaxy Hut for Karaoke tomorrow night. If anyone wants to meet up....just HOLA. I swear it is fun.
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