Just watching the news....

and learning about "Roofcrush". We're all going to die in our SUV's when they roll.

In other news, I'm peeved. Months ago I wrote about how the State of California is holding some money for me. I could only surmise, given the source, that the money was some settlement of my employment from summers ago at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in beautiful Redondo Beach (where the night manager whose name was Ronnie Redondo used to greet guests by saying "My name's Ronnie, welcome to my beach!")

But I digress. When I found out around the first of the year that the state was holding money for me, I dutifully filled out my paperwork and sent it off. Well haha. The joke is on me. The State of California is now holding my money FROM me. Now they're requiring I provide proof of association with the organization. Yes folks, that would be my W2s or paystubs from 1998 or 1999! Yeah, I just keep those laying around. They also want old utility bills proving I lived at my parent's house. Too bad the utility bills are in my parents' names. Easy as pie.

That said, I had an enjoyable evening of movies and knitting. It is almost weekend, and almost the end of the term. I'm counting down the hours to each!

Quote of the Day

"Jealousy in romance is like salt in food. A little can enhance
the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and,
under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening."

-Maya Angelou

Stupid Substitute Tricks

I was reminded tonight of stupid tricks that we used to play on Substitute Teachers in elementary school and middle school. Now I relate this story with some slight feelings of regret, both because I have friends who are now or have been substitute teachers and because in part it constitutes cruelty to old people.

So here's one for the memory books:

In 7th grade, we harassed a particularly difficult substitute teacher by humming in unison for approximately 10-15 minutes one morning. This had the desired effect of her thinking the batteries in her hearing aids were dying, and she commenced to banging them on the desktop. Unfortunately this encouraged us further. I think we drove her darn near batty that day.

Now why did this come to mind? Because my first class tonight was exceedingly boring and I wondered how we might get the professor to stop. He wasn't wearing hearing aids.

I thought this only happened in movies.

Well ok, maybe I didn't, but I also didn't expect it to crop up like this. My friend called me a few days ago to tell me that the jerk she dumped over a year ago was actually married when she was dating him, only she just found out now. What's worse? He was a newlywed at the time.

Now I never liked the guy and I always thought he was a little sketchy, but this? I never would have guessed.

I have to say, really it just sickens me. That someone could get married and so easily take up with someone else (no matter how much she rocks) is really just disgusting.

Here's to hoping these experiences are few and far between among my friends.

Ahhhh class.

Prof: "As we can see here in the Capital Asset Pricing Model..."

*cell phone rings*

Prof: "Turn it off."

*errant cell phone rings again*

Prof: *irritable* "I said, TURN IT OFF!"

*classmates stare wildly around the room to find errant cell phone*

*classmates stare at Professor's pocket*

Prof: "Oh, it's mine."

Update

Not too much to report. Those of you who check back fairly often may notice a few new links under Sites Worth Checking. These are sites that I've become addicted to checking and thought you might enjoy. Keep in mind I don't know these people; rather I just enjoy reading about their lives.

Life in the big city was rather boring this weekend. I allowed myself a little down time, completed quite a bit of homework, got some knitting in and finished a few freelance projects (read: money!). As of today finals are only two weeks away, and I have to say I'm thrilled for this term to be over.

Other than that, the boss is out of the office today so I'm relaxing in jeans and a sweatshirt and getting some necessary paperwork time. More news as it's fit to print.

When life gives you lemons...

You can make lemonade. Or you can fall asleep in the living room and wake up with the dog curled up next to you with the worst doggie breath ever and your friend smiling maniacally and holding pictures for blackmail. Ok maybe there aren't pictures, but I actually did conk out on the living room floor and woke up with Buddy curled up against me. I've got a nice case of carpet face to prove it. Good night all.

Torn...

I'm torn because something big has happened in my life and I want to journal about it, and yet I don't want to make it public business. Last night Wes and I broke up. I initiated it and it was my fault, but in the light of day I really regret that I did it and I can only hope that one day he will forgive me. I don't intend to write about it any more, but at the same time I don't want it to sound as though everything is ok simply because I don't mention it. I still love him more than I can find the words to say and I hope that one day everything will be better.

Popeline 2005

Not really going to comment on Popefest 2005, but just thought it was an appropriate title since it's STILL stealing all the headlines. Nevermind world hunger, AIDS epidemics or the war on terror. We want to know who's going to wear the funny looking hat in Rome.

Still Buddy-sitting and making it through the week, though I'm ready for my long winter's nap. Actually it's beautiful out today and I would love to just lay out on the quad and nap peacefully. (Of course in college this translated to one of my friends trying to do something funny to me while I slept.) Actually I just think I'm ready for some home time - I realized today that I haven't slept at home but one night in the last week. I want my tiny little messy studio life back. :)

I think tonight is finally going to be Netflix movie night - I'm heading home after work to pick things up and spent another night snuggling with Buddy. Wish it were a boy though!

The Victorian wedding... yours truly. 

What a wedding!

Well I have been errant long enough, I must post on the Victorian wedding. Despite all the effort it took to get there, I have to say it was one of the best events I've ever been to/a part of. I spent most of the week and weekend alternately laughing, sewing, enjoying the company of others and having a great time. I came home re-energized, with a new commitment towards working less and doing more socially. I realized that for the past year in school, and with working so much, I've spent very little time relaxing and enjoying myself, much less being around other people. I realized this weekend, through Adie's group of amazing friends, that I'm missing out and it's something I'm longing to change. Now if only I didn't have so much homework to catch up on...

I'm sitting for Buddy again this week, which will give me a sweet puppy companion, and I have plenty on my plate both work and school-wise, but the end of the semester is in sight and I'm looking towards summer with a renewed sense of who I am and what I want from life.

So congrats to the married couple, hello to all my new friends if you're reading and I hope to see you all again soon!

Nostalgia

I don't often wish for time to reverse and to be back in college. On the whole I found it a confusing time, rife with emotions and it is not without some embarassment on my part that I remember what I must have been like back then.

But some nights, I get a glimmer of that free spirited hope I had as an undergrad, when the world was full of possibilities and stolen romantic moments around every corner. Tonight I witnessed that glimmer. Walking through the quad tonight after class, I heard the sounds of a band set up almost in the dark. First I could just hear the low sounds of an electric bass, but as I got closer I noticed there were more guitars and several guys with husky voices. Nearby, just outside the library, people were wading in one of the fountains, half clothed, laughing and enjoying the warm spring night. And just beyond that a group was gathered cheering on a guy who had set up trashcans as skateboard jumps. Just as I passed them I heard cheers and applause - he had obviously conquered his challenge. And in that brief fleeting moment, I wanted to be 18, young and stupid again, looking forward to the rest of my life. No worries about bills, figuring out what to be when I grow up, worrying about where and when I would buy property and settle down to build a life. Just for a second, I wanted to go back.

Then I reached my car, and drove home.

Things I Learned Tonight in Class

Overheard in Finance:

Professor: "Do you get what I'm saying?"
Student: "Not so much."

Professor: "Normally the 5th number isn't important, but tonight it makes me happy."

Is this really what I'm paying over $1000 per unit for?

Let the Games Begin!

And so we begin the week of the wedding! A little woohoo to Adie and her groom-to-be. I just finished trimming the ball gown last night with black rose lattice trim. I have to admit, for all the effort and money, it really does look amazing. This is going to be an incredible wedding. I can't wait!

So the weekend was mostly homework and wandering about. Unfortunately, I have come to the conclusion that I have entirely too much to do, so this weekend I availed myself of my weekend job. Yup folks, after 5 straight years I turned in the ole resignation for the Norris Center. It has been great, but I'm swamped. That will take effect at the end of the month.

Otherwise I mostly chilled. My old roommate is going through some tough times, so she's been hanging with me more. I have to say, although I love living alone and cherish my alone time, it has been really nice to have some company. Last night we just hung out at the local Starbucks and I devoured yet another chapter of Finance. I can't wait till the semester is over!

Ok - daily news reel:

#1 on the list for the Darwin awards is the thief who laid low for years only to blow himself up by accident.

In other news, we must do something about the moose (meese?). While I'm all about saving the wildlife, I think I'd be more concerned about saving me if I was at risk for plowing into 1000 lbs. of Moosemeat.

All the news that's fit to print!

QOTD

“Reality is a crutch for people who can't cope with drugs.”

-Lily Tomlin

If your competitors are stupid...

In business, I would have thought normally this would be a positive. I mean heck.....if your competitors are stupid you benefit all that much more (providing you're not stupid). However, in dscussing pricing theory today, we discovered that if your competition prices a certain way you may not have much choice.

Here's what I learned today in class from the professor: "Pricing on the basis of cost is ass backwards. And if your competitors are stupid you're screwed!" Good to know. Good to know.

QOTD

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are."

-Chinese Proverb

MBA & Hi Tech Buzzwords

They say: Enterprise Solution
They mean: We need to take over your company's computer and software systems to deliver any value.

They say: CRM
They mean: We have a searchable customer database just like everyone else.

They say: Web-based
They mean: The earthquake hits, you're dead meat.

They say: World-class
They mean: Some geek in Ukraine bought our beta version.

Twinkies

I honestly believe that Twinkies are the strangest most durable invention ever. If I had to present one gift to the new Pope, I would give him Twinkies because I know, without a doubt, they will last until Christ rises again. They don't make Twinkies any more, I am sure of this. I believe they developed Twinkies in the 60's to deal with the munchies from a free-lovin' stoner crowd. And what better way to detox? So the Twinkie factories manufactured their ambrosia to the gods and stored them all in a bomb shelter deep below the Earth's surface. There, to this day, they ship out the excess supplies of Twinkies that will last long after our mortal lives are over.

For alternate theories and scientific properties, visit this veritable font of knowledge.

Have you ever wondered...

If your mother was disappointed in how you turned out? I'm pretty sure my mom's ok with me, but I'm not so sure Queen Elizabeth always enjoys being a mommy. Apparently, Old Chuckles has decided not to let his wedding conflict with the small item of the Pope's funeral. Too bad he couldn't choose to take back those irritable words he uttered in front of the press.

Also in the news - did you know that the color of your clothes can make you happy, sad or aggressive? Must have been a slow news day, huh?

Damn I hate this time change.

Yeah we lost an hour last night, so I was late all day. Yes I changed my clocks so technically I was on time, but my body is still off. Luckily I get to be closer in time to my best gal pal in Indiana. (They don't do Daylight Saving Time so for 6 mos. she's 3 hours later but now its back to 2!)

Now all I have to do is brave tomorrow's Finance Midterm and then its work work work and then onto Wedding #1. I'm already going crazy with all the thoughts of what to pack and what to do running though my head. Must put the trim on the beautiful dress - Gladys' Tailor in Rolling Hills Estates did an amazing job!

Off to bed - must get up at 7am to schedule for next semester classes. Just wish they could start now instead of continuing the ones I've got!

Why is it?

That men can lift up the toilet seat and still miss the bowl? And that they fail to clean it up afterwards?

If there are any men out there who can help me understand this I'd be grateful. This is a fact that most women discuss at one point or another, and is a constant source of conversation around here because we on the 3rd floor have one unisex bathroom and it shows. I posit that men have been pointing and shooting since age 3, so that by college age and beyond they should be able to aim it appropriately, but apparently this is not so. Anyone?

Wait... what was I going to say?

esprit d'escalier

Thinking of a witty remark too late; hindsight wit or afterwit.
Also such a remark.


Hmm... I'll probably think of something witty to say right after I hit the "publish" button.

Who closes an erotic festival for lack of interest?

Apparently those recalcitrant English men aren't any fun any more. I guess if Prince Charles is any indiciation...

TGIF! This weekend promises to be fun and lots of work. Tonight and tomorrow I host Bride #2 (chronologically speaking) for a night of fun and then off to the bridal shower we go. Then Sunday is studyaholics anonymous day for Finance midterm on Monday. Also get to pick up the 1880's ball gown - just need to add the trim and then I'm ready for the big day. Presents, bought, wrapped, stowed. Camera ready to roll. I think I'm set! Now if only I could find my mind...it's rolling around here somewhere. I think it might have fallen out last night when I was banging my head against the wall and rolled under the couch somewhere.