Happy Anniversary?

Dictionary.com defines anniversary as 1.the yearly recurrence of the date of a past event: the tenth anniversary of their marriage. 2. the celebration or commemoration of such a date. 3.wedding anniversary.

As you can see, the dictionary even promotes an air of celebration with the word anniversary.  I have been hearing radio reports and news specials all about the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01.  But I wonder if there is a better word.  I am not comfortable with the connotations associated with an anniversary of such an horrific event.

what do you most enjoy or miss about being single?

I think I'm going to start planning my own honeymoon for one. Celebrate me and my choice to be single.

I have a lot of things that I enjoy about my single status. Since it's a weekend, it's fresh in my mind that I have spent the weekend reading, driving, shopping, and generally doing what I want to do. I make purchases without discussing it with someone else.

But most enjoy....
I most enjoy that I have space of my very own. I need solitude to rejuvenate and relax, and not having to share space when I come home is almost magical after a tough day.

what historical time period would you most like to visit

I am not the sort of history buff that enjoys the dates and names of specific events. But I am the sort of history buff that likes to imagine what it would be like to be a part of the suffragette movement, or march with MLK, or see Jesus perform a miracle, or be a person attending any key moment in the turn of events of humanity.

The key word in the question is "visit". I would not like to live with out the equal rights of voting and working that I have now, and I don't want to live without a hair straightener and takeout. Visiting a different era, like Back to the Future or Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, that could be interesting.

I think I would like to visit the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The eloquence of the letter, the feisty nature of the message, the heat of the summer and tempers of all involved would make for a great sense of patriotism and gratitude for their initiative. I would like to see the debates and hear the dissent. Oh the drama of forming a more perfect union of states that recognize the equality of all men!

what was the most fun you ever had at a party

Parties are not my sort of thing. I'm an introvert, or in the party scene a wallflower.

I've been to a few crazy bashes in my college days. I had one heck of a 23rd birthday - bring your own bottle of wine anyone? Actually, some people were supposed to bring cheese. I don't think anyone did. And there were no leftovers. And as fun as it is to throw a party with that much wine involved, there are two that are more fun in my mind.

When Stephanie was getting married, we threw one heck of a bachelorette party. A little NKOTB, a pineapple pillow, a great board game, and four women. Stir it all together and the neighborhood thinks about 200 people were at the party. Oh yeah!

And lastly there was the new year's that everyone stayed at my place. I made a million course meal and had a bottle of wine. But everyone brought wine too. And we had great conversation and ate great food. Then, sometime around midnight, our friends from New York called, having had just as much fun as we had. That's some party - four friends in Wisconsin plus two friends in New York land!

what would you like to most ask God

what does "in his image" really mean?

The Happiness Project

Our founding fathers believed that all people had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As I am reading the book The Happiness Project, I find that many people may not actually believe this profound thought.

I'm caught on the difference between happiness, joy and satisfaction. And for the last six chapters, I have been wondering what right a Christian has in doubting her own happiness, joy or satisfaction.

Now that the author is tackling the money issue, I am questioning her statement "Prosperity allows us to turn our attention to more transcendent matters - to year for lives not just of material comfort but of meaning, balance and joy." Really? The rich are the only ones who can search out happiness? That feels like a shallow statement, and highly elitist. Also, it is contrary to our forefathers, and dashing the hopes of all the individuals throughout the world currently fighting for freedom from oppression.

Money can cause strife, worry and discontent. But if it is "the root of all evil", can it bring happiness, joy or satisfaction? It brings a new pair of shoes that will go out of style. It brings a down payment on a house, that means a monthly obligation. It can buy education, which can enlighten or breed more discontent.

Money is necessary, since we do not live in a society that barters for goods and services. But it is not the answer to happiness. Take pleasure in your moments of happiness purchased, but base your life's happiness on things that are not as fleeting.

what's your favorite Easter memory

For me, I remember many Sundays with awesome dresses, hats, shoes and pictures. I remember a navy blue sailor type outfit for one year. I used to always wear hats for Easter Sunday.

And brunch is a mainstay on Easter Sunday. Buffet, made to order omelets, ham, scalloped potatoes.

Living in Milwaukee, far away from my parents on key holidays, I was invited to the Kaletas, the Welters and the Browns. And all celebrations were warm and fun.

I'm not sure if this memory took place on Easter, but it's about Easter. So I'm going to let this memory be my favorite Easter memory.

One Sunday, I was in the back seat of the car. We were driving to church. I was reading my Precious Moments Bible. It has these cute pictures of precious moments figures in various biblical scenes. I flipped to the end of Matthew, and I read of Jesus' death and resurrection. I remember crying, and praying. And since that day, I have known the constant love and joy of being a child of the King of Kings, a co-heir of Christ.

would you be likely to survive alone in the wilderness

For this question, I think we have to analyze the wording. Alone is okay with me. I have been known to take vacations alone, spend entire weekends alone. I am rejuvenated by alone-time.

The wilderness is the part that worries me. Big bugs and snakes are gross, and sticks get stuck to garments. It's all a very uncomfortable place for me.

I can't imagine that I would actually survive alone in the wilderness without serious trauma.

would you like a quiet life of safety or a life of great adventure and uncerntainty

Uncertainty is defined as doubt, hesitance or lack of assurance. How terrifying a thought to doubt or be unsure. However, the times in my life that I have felt proud of my accomplishments, it occurs to me that I forged into the unknown.

When I was in high school, I braved rejection and told a very cute, intellectual sort that I liked him. He didn't return my feelings. But I remember planning my outfit, preparing for the route I would take to run into to him, my sweaty palms... And learning that rejection didn't make the world end.

I chose a university many hours from my parents and course of study reserved for men. I didn't have funding for such a choice, but I worked hard. The local drug store, campus safety, and residence life all helped me pay my way through school.

I do enjoy playing things safe when it comes to jumping out of airplanes or climbing mountains. I do not think life is something to play safe. We have only one life, and God has made a beautiful earth full of beautiful people to see.

Uncertainty also means unpredictability. What fun I shall have!

what remains undone that you have wanted to get done for years

Well, it's been a year since I've posted on my blog - actually more. It's been a year. I turned thirty, which is a dramatic milestone in itself. I'm in a different state, and I have new friends.

I've found a great church at Clearview in Bloomington. And I am anxiously awaiting the reopening of the Farmer's market in Downtown!

But today's question from the cube is about what I haven't done that I've wanted to do. And in the answer to that question lies the reason why I am blogging once again! I need to exercise my writing muscle a little in preparation for writing essays for admission to grad school.

I remember being a young girl, early teens, investigating colleges and universities. I remember perusing course catalogs, excited for the prospect that I could study anything. Comparative Feminist Religion and Literature - absolutely! Hebrew - definitely! Chemistry - for sure! How beautiful that there is a place that you can go and learn whatever your heart's desire.

And picking one field of study is torture, pure torture. Picking something specialized, well you can see the issue. As a person who has the strength of learning, you've probably figured out that grad school has always been a nagging thought. So, nag no more, thought! I've requested information, I've purchased test prep books, and I am resolved to go back to school and continue my quest for knowledge!

Wish me luck :)

When you're down, what do you do to feel better?

I usually eat, shop, or call someone. If it is a deeper feeling, then I definitely pray and drink some tea.

Would you choose to be the worst player on a winning team or the best player on a losing team?

I think I would rather be the best on the losing team. I don't want to bring the team down.

I think I want this book....

A collection of British personal ads, featuring "If I wear a mask, will you call me batman?"

Check out NPR's story about this book.

What's your favorite quotation?

I love the story of Esther in the Bible. And I'd have to say that there is a scripture from this story that has always been a favorite :
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

If you could all human beings one virtue, which would you choose.

Honesty, and the desire for honesty. Most of my drama comes from people telling untruths or "protecting" someone's feelings.

Question of the moment

I recently bought a box of questions designed to inspire conversation in a group setting. Most of the groups I hang with have no problems creating conversation without inspiration. So I thought I would use the questions to help inspire my blog posts. Feel free to answer the questions yourself in the comments.

Here goes the first one:

If you decided to go on a spiritual journey, where would you go and what would you do?

I fear that my thoughts around this question are distinctly transcendental with a side of Buddhist. My life has been a series of spiritual journeys, guided by life lessons and meditations on the Bible. Every day that I wake up, I thank God for one more day on this earth. And while travel is something I would like to do, I don't think my spirituality nor my understanding of my purpose on earth would be particularly strengthened by a trip to a "spiritual" or "religious" place.

Instead, I will continue to start each day with a word of thanks and praise to God, ask for the strength to make it one more day as a believer, and meditate on his precious word. I think the journey God will lead me on will be as exciting and adventurous as any I could create for myself.

Andy Warhol

Today, I saw the Andy Warhol exhibit with Kari. I like art, but I don't always get art. Warhol is in the bucket of art that I don't get. I read everything the museum offered and truly don't understand what the purpose is. I saw the painting Eggs in black and white and in color. In impressionist art, the point of something like that would be to study the light and it's movement over the earth and other items. In modern and post modern art, I'm lost....

However, I still enjoyed the exhibit. I just left with a confusion headache.

Hello. My Name is Ashlee, and I'm an Introvert

This article, via Deidre, is spot on in describing introversion. For anyone who is an extrovert, there are some very key ideas proposed in here for dealing with those of us who are exhausted by dealing with other people.

And don't be surprised when I politely say "I'm an introvert. You are a wonderful person and I like you. But now please shush."

Doesn't it make you wonder

If you give someone a Nobel Peace Prize on less than one year's work, what if they suddenly tank for the next three?

React

I thought this story from WUWM was very timely, informative and emotional. Go have a listen.

Coco Before Chanel

Who wants to go see this with me?

The Vampire Diaries on the CW

Can you say "rip off". Because it is. A total rip off of the Twilight Saga. The weak attempts at changing the setting can't hide its complete lack of originality. That is all.

A mustang for me...

What does it take

So, a man in Milwaukee was finally arrested and charged with several of the murders he had committed. He is suspected of killing 9 women total. Since 8 of them were prostitutes, the city definitely had to wait until a non-prostitute was murdered to actually work the case....

Bliss

It's very much starting to look like fall. I'm listening to NPR. And I'm doing math. Could life be any better?

Ashlee's Yummy Potato Soup

2 tablespoons butter
Some Green Onions chopped up
A Leek chopped up
5 potatoes peeled and diced
16 ounces chicken stock
8 ounces heavy cream
pinch sage
black pepper

Melt butter in large pot. Add green onions and leek. Cook for a couple minutes, stirring. Add chicken stock. Add potatoes. Simmer on medium -low heat until potatoes are tender. Add heavy cream, sage and pepper to taste. Simmer an additional 15 minutes or until mixed and creamy.

Good to Know

Going into my 7th Holiday Season in retail, I'm still excited to celebrate Christmas!

Dear Sir,

I don't know you, I've only observed you while you were in the grocery store parking lot. However, I wanted to warn you about what I saw. Your yellow Pontiac solstice is a girl car, and would be cuter in just about any other color. The personalized tag ACES HI tells me that you wish you played poker professionally. I know someone making a crap-ton of money off of you. Furthermore, motorcycle boots are impractical and restrictive when not being used as foot protection on an actual motorcycle. Levi's 501's should be a few sizes larger than yours are, and muscle shirts falling off of the shoulder..... I can't even make an intelligible remark about that.

In short, you are trying so hard to be cool. It's just not working.

Sincerely
ashleethequeen

My First Job

I've been pretty blessed in the whole job experience. I've never worked food service as a job, though I have done concession stands for charity. I'd say I've really only had one truly crappy job.

The job of telemarketing is actually below food service for me. Considering that I think touching other people's used food is one of the most disgusting things on the planet, you might wonder how telemarketing ranks lower. I took the job with a small firm ran by the man the summer I had planned to go to France. I needed money to spend while I would be in France. We didn't actually sell anything, we offered trial packages of things like water coolers. I'm sure there was a catch, but being the 15 year old grunt worker of a contracted telemarketing firm, I didn't know what it was.

We would call a company, and ask to speak with an office manager. If the receptionist was smart, she would leave us on hold for a LONG time. We had goals for the number of accepted water coolers per hour, and we got yelled at for not making goal. So there wasn't time for being on hold. One time, the office manager actually answered the phone. At least he said he was. He started talking really low. I asked him to repeat what he said, and it was something really pervy. So I hung up on him. I got yelled at for that.

After about a month, I realized I couldn't stay at this place. I requested to speak with the man and told him I was quitting. I gave him a specific date. He got really mad. He didn't say anything to me. However, my parents had to report him to the chamber of commerce before he paid me my last check.

Interview

NPR interviewed Michael Steele this week about healthcare reform. Both Steele and the NPR reporter are very intelligent individuals. However, read or listen how the conversation moves to a cat fight that rivals 12 year old girls quibbling over who can be let in to the lame tree house club.

Looks like the inappropriate behavior was not limited to pick up lines Friday night.

I am outraged that this happened. I am more outraged that it more than likely would not have made news if the mayor had not been the victim.

INAPPROPRIATE

Last night, I went out dancing with Kari. I hadn't been out dancing on a Friday night since..... You know, I can't remember when I went out last. Kari is staying this weekend in Riverwest so she can dog sit, which made it easy to walk to The Mad Planet for good times. The club was a lot of fun. However, the men were very inappropriate all night long. Hanging out of windows and cat-calling. Honking the horn on the Jeep that sounded like La Cucaracha. Asking me what my relationship with Kari EXACTLY was (?). And finally shouting an off color comment about breasts.

Men of the world,
It is nice to know that you have finally grown a pair and are not afraid to talk to women. Now it's time to learn what might be more effective when you speak to the women.
Sincerely,
Ashlee The Queen

San Antonio Pictures

I've posted my vacation pictures from San Antonio.

The new Mercedes E Class warns you if you drift into the next lane and stops your car if you're too distracted to do it yourself.

Seriously people, just stop texting/emailing/blackberrying and drive.

$400 Million

NPR is reporting that MJ had over $400 Million in debt that his upcoming 50 shows in his 50th year would alleviate.
a. I cannot fathom $400 Million in debt
b. I cannot fathom the tour that would eradicate that debt
c. I don't know anyone who was planning to see a show on the tour

I'm so confused

Mighty Thesaurus

You may think that the thesaurus is a place of seriousness, and should only be used for serious activities like resumes and term papers.


You would be wrong.


Take effective: Use "playing hard ball", "wicked" or "trenchant" today instead of "effective". What results did you get? I predict that "playing hard ball" will not adequately convey your message. "Wicked" will convey the wrong message. And people won't know that "trenchant" could be quite insulting because people are generally dumb.


But when it's all said and done and people ask you "What's with you today?" Just tell them that the thesaurus made you do it.

I've been very interested in a series of stories on race relations in milwaukee produced by www.wuwm.com. They have interviewed a lot of community members and there's a lot of very healthy discussion, particularly about the city's segregation. Check it out.

Just because you are in charge does not mean you have power. And when you make assumptions about your own power, you find yourself digging a deep hole of impotence. It makes me wonder how miserable life is going to be in our region for the next 2 years or so.

Why are people such knobs

I don't understand why people think murder solves anything. I certainly don't understand why one would choose to murder in a church, a historical place of refuge from violence.

It's been too long since I've posted

At least that's what I've been told.

So, I'm posting pictures of my 3 new pairs of shoes. Please note that the black sandals in real life are cork soled with pink and green and black leather for the braids.

I think I want to be a writer. Like wake up tomorrow with an excess of talent that hasn't previously been discovered and be able to sit at a computer and express myself for hours on end.

I now own a spoonula.

I love my job

I really do. I love getting to catch the bad guys. I love investigating and teaching. I don't really like some of the trainings that they make us do, but they're not the most horrible thing anyone has ever asked me to do. and the one I went to today was actually pretty good. It was all about the difference between the generations in the workforce and what shaped them as they grew up. Learning about these differences should help us communicate with other generations.

I learned that I am considered Gen Y or millenial. There has been debate in the past at where that line is and I've seen the line between Gen X and Y be 1976 - 1983. This class put the line at 1978. There was a lot I identified with - and a bit that I didn't agree with at all. For instance, I agree that we need to be explained why something needs to be done before we do it. However, I did not grow up receiving trophies just because I showed up to the games in softball, and I don't need to be told how wonderful I am every day.

Vacation Pictures

From visiting New York

This solidifies it

I have to go to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band

Interesting.

I am in love with the new Dana Buchman line at Kohl's.

Well, I got a Sharp Acquos from the Circuit City going out of business sale. I'll be reading a manual and setting it up tomorrow. Probably after I clean my dirty and messy house.

Cute 5th Grader!

I love that they gave this 5th grader press credentials!

This American Life's Inauguration Show is very interesting. Particularly the first half about conservatives that are okay with Obama winning.

How do you pick a TV?

There are so many options.....

I've decided that it's either the Sony Bravia, Sharp Aquos or Vizio. I'm thinking 1080p at 32". That said, I can't decide which brand, or if I should pick Best Buy because of the service plan. Any thoughts?

Mucinex is a wonder drug.

Oh Jordan!

Do I Know You?

With a rare day off, one must take advantage of the opportunity to run errands. My usual grocery store closed for the holiday, so I took a trip to the local not-Pick n Save grocery store. It has a warehouse feel, but lacks the membership fees that typically accompany that atmosphere. I took my list and methodically selected the groceries from the shelves, only finding one impulse item. I had parked at the small entrance, and so I passed all the registers on the large side. There were three open registers by the small entrance, and I chose the smallest line. The cashier pulled my cart to the register. I handed my bags to the bag boy and turned to greet the cashier. The cashier kept her head down. She looked up to type on her register. She looked familiar.... I glanced at her name tag "Susie"**. That name.... Suddenly I remembered an associate that I'd terminated for theft. I took my receipt and my purchases, and hurried towards the door.

**Name changed because I signed the confidentiality part of the ethical standards at work.

Happy New Year!

I'm not making resolutions though.

Love Story

If I were going to write a love story, I don't think I would choose a romantic love. I don't even think I would choose a parental love. I think it would be a friendship love. I suppose having a theme is a good place to start. But I'm going to wait for a few more pieces to fall in place before I actually write my story down. I read the Tortilla Curtain once, and it felt so forced because the author only really worked a theme.

Because a drawer in your nightstand isn't good enough.....

Someone invented this.

Alley Cat!

My cat found her way into a bag. How cute!

Funny story

I bought pants to match these shoes that aren't available for purchase until 9/29.

Say "Hello"

To the new LPM!

(It's me!)

Did you watch history? 45 years to the day after MLKjr's "I Have a Dream" speech, America finally sees it.

*Ding* Round 3

This week I completed the third and final round of interviews for the open positions in the region. There is stiff competition, but I did my part. I hope to soon be announcing my new position. Maybe I can be a better regular blogger too....

It's been a busy month since I last posted. Not a lot eventful, but busy. June 7th we had a rainstorm that reminded me of back home. But the rivers and roads couldn't handle it. I had a really hard time getting home that night. The next day I had to learn a different way to and from my home. About a week later at the Fall's inventory, one of the bossmen in the region resigned. I went on vacation for a week to visit my family. I hadn't seen them in a year, and it had been two since I'd been home. I had a great time. Shopping, eating, watching my all-star nephew play ball, going to farmer's markets.... When I got back, I learned that my boss is going to the other district, and I'm getting a new boss. July 4th we had a picnic in the old neighborhood and I got to see my puppy. And yesterday was a great brewer's game with some coworkers.

Just in Time for June

Target now sells bridal gowns?

The Trains Hate Me

I get stopped by the train if I'm running late for work, have to go to the restroom or if I'm so tired I can't hardly keep my eyes open. That's the only time it stops me. When I'm running early or just out for a drive, it stays out of my way. The train hates me.

Here we are, two months into my new place. I love it. It's peaceful, beautiful and away. It's away from work, so I can't just stop by on my days off. It's away from stores that I like to shop at, so I save money. This past weekend, I was finally able to get out and walk some of the trails. I should have moved closer to nature sooner.

10 years

05.26.98

• The oh-so-original slogan we shouted to show our pride: 98!98!9-9-9-9-98!


• I was much more intense about everything.


• My friends were from various groups.


• I had not yet tasted alcohol.


• I worked at Walgreen's.


• I went to State in Debate, Forensics, Solo and Ensemble.


• I was 17.


• I drove an '82 Ford Granada that received a dent in the hood from my tochus when I decorated it for graduation.

Spring has sprung

It's spring! It's finally spring!

Eye opening 30 minutes explaining the housing bubble burst.

Exercise?

Try a Jedi Gym!

Email me if you want my home number. My cell doesn't work at home anymore :*(

A lot

I have moved. There are horses and a dog and some kitties. It's pretty much a return to my childhood and is quite refreshing. I'm unpacked, and learning the trash schedule. And I know my new phone number. Overall, I'm happier here and it's a good fit for now.

I hope to get back to making my list soon. And post regularly.

Top 100, Part deux

26. See a concert at Carnegie Hall

27. Be a regional level LPM.

28. Own a place that has a music room and a study.

29. Go on a cruise

30. Learn to play an instrument other than piano.

31. Love someone more than I love myself.

32. Puddle jump in another country

33. Drink wine in Napa.

34. Drink wine in France.

35. Buy shoes in France.

36. Buy a couture dress.

37. Have beautiful shoes custom made for my feet.

38. See the pyramids

39. Run a mile.

40. Sing in a choir again.

41. Walk the Susan Komen race for the cure.

42. Host a benefit.

43. Act in a minor local production.

44. Climb a small mountain.

45. Ride in a hot air balloon.

46. Go on a cruise.

47. Go white water rafting.

48. Own a foreign beautiful car.

49. Ride a motorcycle.

50. Spend a week at the Musee D'Orsee

Top 100 Things To Do

I regularly read www.mightygirl.net, and a while back she posted a series of blogs that I thought "neat, not for me" about. Now that I'm knee deep in bubble wrap and living a minimalist existence for the next three days, I'm remembering some goals I set for myself as a twelve-ish year-old. I was going to be a research MD that owned a horse farm in Texas with lots of cowboys. So, that's not exactly how things are going down now, but let's make a new list:
1. Get a dog.
2. Travel abroad alone
3. Live for at least one year in Northern France.
4. Learn to shoot a gun.
5. Try a roller coaster again as an adult.
6. Teach someone to read.
7. Get rid of all of my credit cards
8. Get my master's degree
9. Write a novel
10. Learn to ride a horse without a guide person
11. Get the $25K case
12. Always live somewhere that I have freedom to paint
13. Own a classic car
14. Attend a benefit gala
15. Tend my own herb garden
16. Learn to care for house plants
17. Learn to ballroom dance (more than the waltz)
18. Own a hang on the wall tv (I'm superficial too)
19. Keep my cholesterol in check
20. Fill up my iPod
21. Take pictures that someone calls amazing.
22. Learn to ride a bike
23. Participate in a "Take back the night" march.
24. See the stars again
25. Watch an Aurora Borealis

So, I'll go in 4 parts as well, because this is pretty difficult!

April Fool's

Only one person played a joke on me. And I really didn't fall for it.

I move Saturday.

Rehabilitation that works

At least, that's what I got out of this story.

Movie review

Paris je t'aime!

A collection of short films centering on love in Paris. With 20 defferent directors, you wouldn't think that this collection would weave together so well. I cannot be called upon to choose a favorite film. But my favorite quote is ("By acting like a man in love, he became a man in love again.")

I totally posted the French version of the quote and blogger edited it. Arg.

It's not funny

The snow needs to stop. The vernal equinox has passed. Spring is officially here. A foot of snow is incongrous and unnecessary.

Have a beer with me until this passes.

I will also need a phone, a vacuum cleaner, and handsoap. There's more, I'm sure.

Libiamo's was tasty

Howdy

Kari and I crossed Bella's Fat Cat off the list. Wait..... It wasn't on the list. Kari and I thought outside the box and ate at one of our favorite places despite it not being on the list last night. Bella's now has cheese for cheese fries. I have asked for cheese for cheese fries every time I eat there for the past 8 years or so. Go me!

This past Tuesday sucked. I took care of the change of address and stopping service of phone, internet and electricity. Then I got the "I think we need to talk" notice. And it was my last day off before working 7 in a row. Which means my next day off is still two days away. This Tuesday, I'll be painting and moving more stuff. I also have a doctor's appointment that I have moved around several times for work. Work tried to get me to work Tuesday. I threw down. I'm tired of moving my doctor's appointment.

On a fun note, I was a star in a training video for work Thursday and Friday!

Took care of Nessun Dorma today. Go us!

Check!

Sobelman's
Kari and I crossed this off of our list today. It was not my first time there, but it was hers. Our waitress was amazing, which is rare for me to say. And the burgers are truly awesome. Check it out for yourself!

bwahahahaha

This week

I've worked 6 days
I cleaned the kitchen in my new apartment
I got 2 cavities filled
I was called for jury duty
I got my first, and probably last, credit app
I participated in our district's first DA case of the year
I bought a grown up mirror
I got rid of A LOT of clothes

And I'm not done yet :)

One Month Left In Riverwest

So Kari and I have a "To Do" list of things that we haven't yet done, or things we've loved doing, while I've lived in this neighborhood the last five years. In no particular order:

Broad Vocabulary
Nessun Dorma
Cafe Brucke
The New Alterra
Mad Planet
Sobelman's
Sprecher Brewery
Italian restaurant from Steph
Oakland Trattoria
Palermo Villa
Third Ward Shopping
Coquette Cafe

I'm sad that my time will end before I get to spend a few nights enjoying my wonderful balcony once more. If I had known that the last time I sat on the balcony before winter arrived would have been my last time ever, I would have stayed out there much longer. There's a lesson in that, I suppose.

I don't want to move with about 48% of my being. But, it's very exciting all the same. I'm sure I'll make a similar list the next time I move!

Wisdom

“I think that voting is important because if voting wasn’t invented a lot of things would be weird. Like if we didn’t have an election for president and we did rock, paper, scissors for it, that’d be kind of weird,” Jordan says.

Kids in Wisconsin also voted today.

I VOTED!

Granted, it was just the Presidential Primary and one open alderperson's seat. But still....



I VOTED!

By April 15th

I will need a toaster and a wine rack.

Holy cow!

LOL

Read this and laugh.....

Note - I didn't laugh until he drew a diagram of a circular argument.

Taking Suggestions

...for someplace warmer than -3 degrees to live. Cold is stupid.

Last Week

While I was sick, life at work continued. It was inventory week, and Bayshore was mine to run. My boss made me go home Saturday and Monday, and requested that I stay home Tuesday. The unfortunate aspect of this came on Wednesday when I got in to work. I was feeling much better until I found that my store had done nothing more to prepare for inventory. By 3 Wednesday afternoon, I was done for. I went home and got in bed. I slept until 3 the next morning. I did my best to shake off this sickness and ran my stockroom inventory. I was home by 5 and in bed by 5:15. It took longer to fall asleep this time, as my cough would not settle down. I got up at 3 in the morning, shoveled my driveway and geared up for day 2. I dropped my coffee in the snow. And the inventory service only had 6 people to start the day with. But when all was said and done, it was 4 in the afternoon.

I'm still coughing, but I do feel better.

quote

When I was little I wanted to be the president, a firewoman, a teacher, a cheerleader and a writer. Now all I want is to be happy. And left alone. And I want to know who I am in the contest of a world full of hate and domination.

"Bloodlove" by Christine Doza

I am sick.

Why you are all glad I'm not an engineer after all:

Read me.

I don't understand how taxes are figured. I try every year to grasp what formula they use. And I can't get it.

Can't Get No Satisfaction.

It's incredibly unsatisfying when you need to cry, you feel the lump in your throat kind of need to cry, and it's not about something, but you can't seem to actually cry. I'm overwhelmed with a need. I have a box of tissue and my teddy bear. But the tears will not come.

I love coffee!

I guess I've been a bit busy

I've been neglecting my blog. I realized that while I was finally doing laundry today. I have a few posts that I've been "working on" for weeks. Which is to say that I had an idea, started a post, then got distracted and forgot about it.

Some distractions have been awesome: The Kaletas (all), The Donohues (all), boyfriend and puppy, good friends and good books.

Some distractions didn't suck too bad: Inventory stuff, resolving DA cases.

Some distractions I could do without: Bills, laundry, cooking.

I'm not resolving to post more frequently. But I am willing to promise to try to post more frequently. That sounds like I write for a politician.