Day 150

 January 31, 2010

Well, today is a typical Sunday. Didn't really do much today, then went to work tonight. It's slow, as usual, since it's Sunday, so nothing too exciting happened. I'm exhausted from the week and the weekend, so I don't really feel like blogging. Nothing overly exciting happened to me today, for me to feel the need to urgently tell you about it.

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! Happy Monday! And Happy February! ;) Crazy, I know!

Note to self: Stop complaining about all of the little things that "go wrong" in your life. It could be so much worse! Suck it up, read the story below, and just be thankful you are healthy.

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in 2002. He was born with two legs. He, of course, could not walk when he was born. Even his mother didn't want him. His first owner also did not think he could survive and was thinking of putting him to sleep. But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him. She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself. She named him, Faith.

  

In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement. Later, she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward him for standing up and jumping around. Even the other dog at home encouraged him to walk. Amazingly, only after six months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs, and to jump to move forward. After further training, in the snow, he could now walk like a human being. 

  

Faith now loves to walk around. No matter where he goes, people are attracted to him. He is quickly becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared in various newspapers and on television shows. There is now a book entitled, "With a Little Faith," being published about him. He was even considered to appear in one of the Harry Potter movies. 

Jude has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world to preach, that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul. 

 

In life, there are always undesirable things. So, in order to feel better, you just need to look at life from another direction. I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day. Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.

Hope you enjoyed it! My friend, Jennifer, sent it to me in an e-mail! It's a tear-jerker! ;) 

Day 144

January 25, 2010


I wake up to an ungodly amount of rain! It reminds of the Forrest Gump quote, "One day it started raining, and it didn't quit...We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain...and big 'ol fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath." Today was terrible! Not looking forward to trenching through it to walk 30 minutes to work! Guess what? I didn't have to! My apartment offers a free shuttle! Whew hew! No battle of the umbrella for me today! It drops me off a block and a half from work! Wonderful! Made my morning! 


Also! No coffee for me today! No caffeine until I get to work at the restaurant! Then, I find out we have carbonated fruit punch and it makes my day even more! It's disgusting how much I love sugar, and how much sugar I actually consume. So unhealthy! 


I have the whole school teacher look going for me today. Hair up, glasses, skirt, ruffled blouse. It's kind of fun! Everyone at the restaurant liked it! I've been thinking lately...my favorite comment from someone is when someone tells me my hair looks pretty. I know it sounds stupid, but I love it. Sometimes I spend some time on it, so it's nice when people tell me it looks pretty! Anyways, moving on from corniness! 


So, tonight at work was fun! I made some extra money, which is fantastic! PLUS! I get to see two new NFL players! One I've already met when my brother was in town, and we went to the broadcast of Sports New York. I told him to come, and he did! Whew hew! Nothing like two months late, but he has been busy playing for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. He has to be so sad! Only one game away! Dang. 


A family of eight come in tonight. Come to find out, one of the guys is a professional football player, Heisman Trophy winner and probably getting into the Hall of Fame! He used to play for the Titans! 


It's a good night! On the walk home, I'm talking to my mom, I look over, and this old man trips and falls off of the curb. I'm thinking he just fell, but then he falls onto his back. Oh my God! He's having a heart attack! is what I'm thinking. I quickly hang up and go over to help him. His family just stands there, while me and another man help him up and get him back to his feet. It's my Good Samaritan move for the day! I love helping people! 


My friend from back home knows I want a pet. I'm too busy for a dog, but don't like full-size cats. Kittens, yes. Cats, heck no! So, she tells me about this cat she saw on some tv show. They don't get to be very big--stay like kittens is how she put it to me. Cool! I'll check it out! I don't really want to be the crazy, cat lady, but whatever. It's a Singapura cat. It looks like a pocket-size mountain lion! I don't think so. Sorry Kristi! Thanks for the suggestion, but just can't do it! ;) 


Note to self: A little email I received once about Natural Highs! What are your natural highs?? Hope this makes your day a little better and makes you smile! It does for me!


1. Falling in love
2. Laughing so hard, your face hurts
3. A hot shower
4. No lines at the supermarket
5. A special glance
6. Getting mail (I love getting mail!) 
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road
8. Lying in bed, listening to the rain
9. Hot towels, fresh out of the shower
10. Giggling (It makes you feel so good!)
11. The beach (Absolutely!)
12. Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter
13. Laughing at yourself (So important to be able to do this!)
14. Looking into their eyes and knowing they love you
15. Midnight phone calls that last for hours
16. Running through sprinklers
17. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful
18. Laughing at an inside joke with friends
19. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you
20. Waking up, realizing you still have a few hours to sleep
21. Your first kiss (either the very first, or with a new partner)
22. Making new friends, or spending time with old ones
23. Having someone play with your hair
24. Sweet dreams
25. Hot chocolate
26. Road trips
27. Swinging on swings (My favorite past-time)
28. Making eye contact with a cute stranger
29. Making chocolate chip cookies
30. Holding hands with someone you care about
31. Watching the expression on someone's face when they open a present from you
32. Watching the sunrise 
33. Getting out of bed every morning, thankful for another beautiful day
34. Getting a hug from someone you deeply care about
35. Knowing that somebody misses you
36. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think


Think about them. They're all true, aren't they? Goodnight everyone! ;)

Day 141 - Day 142

January 22, 2010 - January 23, 2010

The weekend, thus far, has been a rather relaxing one. Scheduling with friends this week doesn't make it possible to go out! So, Friday, I sleep in, considering my lack of sleep the nights before. It's quite nice! I pretty much just lie around all day and do nothing. It's nice. I was thinking though. A while back, I walk into my apartment, which is unlocked (weird)...I think I may have told you this already, and there was a note on my kitchen counter from my apartment building. They came in to check the smoke detector, or something. Well, when I sleep, all I sleep in is my underwear and that's all I wore Friday, while lounging. How awful would that have been if they walked in?? I bet they wouldn't expect a semi-naked woman walking around! Good morning to you! ;)

I can't be lazy all day, so I decide to go to the New York Public Library. Along the way, I get attacked by a pigeon! I hate those things! It flew right to my face! I feel like a moron because I'm tucking and rolling away from a damn bird in the middle of Times Square, saying, "Shit!" in front of tons of people! Anyways...can I just tell you the library is like a museum?! It's HUGE! The inside is gorgeous--marble, pillars, inscriptions, and books galore! So amazing! I get lost! It's a ton of fun! Then, I go home. I'm not really in the mood for exploration.

I have a bit of a melt down today. I'm just really frustrated with the job market right now. (Go figure, right?) I am absolutely loving my internship, but I can't do it forever. And with Meredith laying off 50 people, I'm not really banking on full-time work anytime soon. It's understandable. So, I'm on the hunt again. It sucks! I'm talking to my grandma and have tears rolling down my cheeks. Not many because I'm trying to hold it in as I walk down the street.

I wake up rather early Saturday morning. I get some things accomplished for Maddie's wedding, then I get ready for work. I stop on my way and get a Diet Mountain Dew. I know I've told you this before, but me and caffeine do not mix well. I brought a book to read, but was bouncing off the walls too much to sit still and read it! I pace. I get nervous. My body gets jittery. Not good. These are the signs of someone on cocaine...can you even imagine? I've NEVER EVER done this, nor will I EVER, but I would probably run two marathons in one day if I did! To curb my caffeine kick, I dance to "Roxanne" in the kitchen! Haha! The staff got dinner AND a show! Can't beat that! ;)

Work's fun tonight! I was having NFL player withdrawals, so it's nice to see the guys again! Not that they hold conversations with me, but "Hi" is good enough! ;) You're never going to believe what happened on the walk home! I'm talking to my grandma on the phone, I pass the fire station and guess what? There he is! All 6'8" of manliness staring right at me! God! This would happen while talking to the old lady! ;) And I'm having a really, really good hair day! I can't say, Oh, gotta go!, then hang up! That's way too obvious! I didn't have plans tonight, so it would have been fun to hang out there! I would have a hay-day sliding down the pole all night long! I've come to the decision, I'm going to start a fire in my apartment! I'll be the damsel in distress! ;) It's too perfect!

Also, on my walk home, I pass through Times Square, as usual, and come across a group of black men, dressed as King Arthur, preaching. I stop to see what's going on. They are protesting gay people, calling some of the men standing there, "homos." I don't like that word. It's not nice. They say it's against the Bible, whan, whan, whan! They're saying things like "men having sex with other men from behind is ridiculous." No, sir. You're King Henry lookin', knight in shining armor, get up is ridiculous! Then they say, "your face is a costume." Even better, "Your dad is a costume!" Hahahaha! Really? That's not even a good joke for a second grader! Idiot.

THEN he says, "you white people are the racist ones!" Okay! Now, I walk away. I'm pretty outspoken against people like this and I can't even deal with such ignorance! Excuse me, but with you and your "boys" parading down the streets of Times Square, acting and screaming the way you are, isn't being racist? I beg to differ. Every type of race has racism. Don't you dare going around, preaching like you are his all-mighty holy one, because as far as I'm concerned Sir Lancelot, God doesn't judge. You're judging. Are you perfect? Far from it! If you really knew the Bible, you would know God accepts all people--even your poor excuse of a man.

Note to self: When you realize you're not the big city girl you hoped and thought you were, what do you do now? It's a note to self I've been dealing with for the last couple of months. I absolutely love New York City, but deep down, it's not for me. I've been trying my hardest to make myself feel the passion for it I had before I moved here. I'm having a blast and have met so many great people, I can't even begin to explain it to you. But I like neighbors. I like hospitality. I like the homey feeling of places. It's not homey here. It's a great city, but very cold. I miss the Midwest values. You have no idea how nice it was to go home and get those values from everyone. To go on a date with someone and not have their intention be to sleep with you at the end of the night.

I don't want to move back to Iowa, but somewhere like Iowa, only warm all the time! I'm still looking for jobs in the city, but have also expanded my search to Florida, Texas, and Georgia. Even though I'm focusing on the bigger cities in these states, you still get the sense of family, friends, and home. It's just a bummer when you want something like this to work out so bad, but your heart just isn't in it. It makes me so sad, but I also need to focus on my future. I want to wake up to palm trees everyday, the smell of the ocean, and warm weather! I want to be a beach mom someday! (Not anytime soon!) I want a boat! Although things never work out like you think they will, this is the life I ultimately want for myself!

You know how they say, everything happens for a reason? I totally agree with this statement. I just want to know the reason as to why I can't find anything right now. Things didn't work out last summer because I was meant to move here. Things didn't work out with the hundreds of jobs I applied to while here because I was meant to work at Better Homes & Gardens. I want to know the reason for what's going on now! There's something coming up in my future, but what is it? I know you have to be patient, but that word really isn't in my vocabulary. I suppose I'll find out--let's just hope it's sooner than later!

Day 133

January 14, 2010

I got a lot of new clothes, and especially shoes for Christmas. So, I decided to wear some of my new items today, since it's so nice outside! However, the minute I step off of the elevator at 9:30 this morning, I kept getting stared at. Okay, I hate it when people do this. It makes me very self-conscience. I don't know why either. I did have a dress on, so I kept tugging at it, for fear that my booty is playing peek-a-boo with everyone. It isn't. It's covered. So, why are they staring? I don't know. But what I do know is I'm one of those people today who, at every reflective surface, checks herself out, just to make sure everything is covered and I my hair isn't in a mohawk or something.

On a more serious note: Haiti. Can you even believe it? It's horrible! My heart goes out to every single person over there. I'm at work today, and I'm on CNN.com, looking at all of the pictures. I feel sick to my stomach scrolling through. If you haven't seen them, check the website here! Your mouth won't close-mine didn't. Please keep them in your prayers. And the next time you complain about your day, remember these faces and scenes. Life could be so much worse.

I decide it's a good idea to watch a movie tonight. I don't feel like going out, so a movie night is necessary! I put in, P.S. I Love You. I love this movie! Probably the best romantic movie ever created--besides The Notebook. I always cry through the whole thing! Ladies, I know you do the same thing! He is absolutely perfect! My grandma sends me an e-mail today that says, "Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot; who calls you back when you hang up on him; who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat; or will stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead; who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats; who holds your hand in front of his friends; who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU. The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'" She's so sweet! I believe he's out there! Fireman? Hopefully I'll find out! ;)

My friend, Maddie, is getting married in May. I have been getting the creative itch lately in helping her create her invitations, save the dates, etc. I thought of a really cool bachelorette gift that I'm working on, so this takes up my whole night! I'm a bit of a computer nerd when it comes to design. I love it! I'm like a man watching football. Put me in front of a computer, with InDesign and Photoshop, and I could be lost for hours creating anything! I love it! If you ever need anything made, let me know! I'll gladly make it for you!

Note to self: Only in certain situations can you sit back and "let life happen." When it comes to your career, you can't just sit back and wait for things to happen. They never will, if you do this. You have to go after exactly what you want and don't give up until you get it! Otherwise, in ten years, you're going to look back and think, what happened with my life? I just sat back and let things happen, and look where I am. Exactly where I told myself I never wanted to be. You have to be feisty and take charge--it's your own destiny at stake, here. While you sit back and "let life happen," someone else is taking your job! Let love happen, let health happen, and let social things happen. Don't just let your career happen. I guarantee you, you will regret it in five years if you don't go after what you want!

Day 130

January 11, 2010

Before you leave your house in the morning, do you really look at yourself? I mean, really and truly evaluate how you look in your clothes? Some people should. I am all for expressing yourself through clothing and accessories, but when your booty looks like a bowl of cottage cheese on stilts, you may want to reconsider. ;) And I always feel bad for these people, especially when their weave looks like a tornado whipped through it and the other half got blown away. Self-expression is great, but so is self-awareness!

Today is a pretty low key day. I go to BH&G, then head to The Capital Grille. I'm thinking to myself, I have nothing to write about today. Aha! But then I remember. I pass the firehouse this morning and I get really excited because the door is open and I hear men playing with mechanical toys-they like to call them chainsaws. I look at the muscular bodies bent over on the cement, only to find two middle-aged men--not my hunka, hunka, burnin' love. So sad.

So, I'm walking to work with my iPod, where only one earphone works, so I'm a total gangster with one in my ear and the other hanging down by my side. It's pretty B.A. Only to add to my ghetto-fabulousness, "Gangter's Paradise" starts playing in my ears! Haha! I start laughing out loud because it reminds me of the Iowa State Fair. Coolio came to perform and I told my friend, Tim, that I was taking him to a concert, but didn't tell him which one for fear that he would all of a sudden, "have something to do." However, when he finds out it's Coolio, he's all about it. So, we go and meet up with my brother and one of his friends. Okay, I have never seen so many white people at a rap concert before. I'm pretty sure the only other black people were his "entourage," or whatever you call them. Ha! AND...every white person there thought they were black for about an hour and a half! It was great! Brett, his buddy, and Tim...I could have sworn they were born dark-skinned--bouncing up and down, lips pushed out, and one hand in the air, pumping it up and down with their palm facing down. You know what I'm talking about! LOL! Good times!

I did get the pleasure of seeing my doorman. Oh, let me tell you, I am so embarrassed, I don't even look up until the last possible minute that I have to. He greets me with a huge smile and a, "HEY! What are you doin?!" I respond with, "Hey, I just got off of work." I kind of continue to keep walking. He says, "Yeah, can you believe this weather?" I say, "I know it's freezing!" Then...it's the awkward silence, where we both just stand there and stare at each other, waiting for the other person to speak the next sentence. I say, "Alright, well have a great night! I'll see ya' later!" He says, "Oh, okay, goodnight!" Yikes! Why am I always like a little school girl when it comes to attractive men? Stupid! And he's my doorman! I can't do that! Do you know how awkward this would be? Bad idea! Just a bad, bad idea!

Well, this is the extent of my excitement for the day. I know it's hard to contain yourself, but I suppose not everyday can be filled with funny and mildly inappropriate behavior. I do behave myself 99 percent of the time! I do like to make my parents proud of me! ;)

Note to self: "Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart." - Anthony DiAngelo
This quote fits into my everyday thinking and my all-time favorite quote of, "Smile, you never who's watching." ;) It's great! Who doesn't love when you get a smile from a random stranger on the street? It makes you feel good! I always smile at people-who knows if that smile made their day, or if it turned their bad morning into an okay morning. A lot can be said about a smile. It gives people a glimpse into your personality and who you really are. Are you sassy? Are you sincere? Are you outgoing? ;) It's a powerful thing, and it's so simple to throw around. Why frown and get all wrinkly? Smiling not only makes you feel better, but could make the stranger walking past you feel better too! ;)

Day 125

January 6, 2010

How many times do you hit snooze in the morning before you actually wake up? Me? About four to five times. This seems to be the recurring trend lately. I hate mornings. I'm more of a night person. If I could work from 11 a.m. until about 5 p.m., I would consider myself one lucky woman! Some call it lazy...I call it, "the life."

Life is funny. I haven't quite figured out if life is about coincidence, or if life is about fate and reason. Maybe a little bit of both? I don't know. I'm leaning more towards fate and reason. At work tonight, a group of us get on the discussion of soul mates. Deep, right? =) We all think so too! My co-worker starts talking about the love of her life and it gets us talking/contemplating about love. Two of us believe that everyone has a soul mate--whether or not you end up with that person, who knows, but they're there. The other two don't believe in soul mates, but that there is more than one person for everyone. What do you think?

I think that there is more than one person compatible for you out there. That's obvious--it's what we like to call dating. However, I truly believe everyone has only one soul mate, and I think you know when you find them. We also talked about the saying, "when you know, you just know." I wonder if that's true. Or if it's only true to some people. I don't understand how you can just "know." I'm really excited to feel what it's like someday! I'm such a hopeless romantic!

Anyways...on a lighter note! On my walk home, I decide to stop and get a quesadilla--I haven't eaten since this morning! I walk into my favorite deli in the area, The Bread Factory. I order a veggie quesadilla and go to pay. The guy says, $7.49! "Excuse me? $8 for a quesadilla?" He doesn't answer me because he doesn't understand the words coming out of my mouth! I'm on the phone and I'm ranting and raving about how this quesadilla better be good for eight bucks! So, I go to pick up my quesadilla and the guy says in Spanglish, "You go home?"
Me: "Yes."
Him: "All by yourself?"
Me: "Yup."
Him: "Just one? Not two?"
Me: "Just me." Want to rub it in more, pal? Yes, I'm going home alone tonight. What's it to you?
Him: "Where you live?"
Me: "Around."
Him: "Where?"
Me: "Why?" Like I'm going to tell you where I live. You may or may not have just stepped onto U.S. soil. I'd be an idiot to tell you! Am I wanting to get thrown in a dumpster, dead? Nope!
Him: "You tell me if the quesadilla is good!"
Me: "The quesadilla better be good for eight bucks!" ;)

He proceeds to tell me his work schedule and when to come back in to tell him how good it is. Well, I'm going to tell him I am highly disappointed (because I am), and maybe I'll get a free cookie or something! Hehe! JK!

Note to self: When walking home...and all of a sudden you feel like you're in an old school gangster movie, walk faster. The streets are terribly quiet, it seems extra dark and overly abundant with only men. Since when do only men walk down my street at 11:30 p.m.? You see the scary man talking to himself, the Middle Eastern carrying an overly large package of something, talking on his phone in his crazy little language and looking around. Am I going to get blown up when I walk by you? The Asian man, walking with hands in pockets and no coat? Hmm...weird. A really tall man in an oversized, puffer coat with his hood pulled over his face. Is this really happening right now? Then you start playing those scary-movie songs in your head, waiting for something bad to happen. You just have a feeling someone strange is going to jump out as you approach the parking garage. You have turned into that young, tall, blonde female you see in the movies that everyone kills first! Yikes! Time to start running! ;)

Day 101

December 15, 2009

One hundred days of living in New York City!!! Oh yeah!! Did you think I would make it? To all you doubters...well...I did! Ha! It's been a whirlwind, that's for sure! I've never been such an emotional wreck in my whole entire life these last four months than I have been since I've moved here. I feel like I'm slightly bi-polar or something. No, I'm just kidding. But I will tell you, this city tests your personality and maturity. It makes you realize how strong of a person you are, your strengths, most definitely your weaknesses, and whether or not you have what it takes to hack it out here. It's an emotional struggle, but it's a true test of character and can only make you a better person!

I haven't even seen a quarter of what this city has to offer and I'm in love. So, what did I do to celebrate my 100th day here? Not a whole hell of a lot. I work from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. Exciting, huh? I will tell you, my internship is amazing today! My two editor's have their "beauty sale." I can't even tell you. I'm like a little girl at Barbie World! There is so much there and for a ridiculously cheap price tag. I'm talking $1 to $5 here! Needless to say, I go hog wild, stock up, and get some pretty great Christmas gifts! Oh yea!

So, everyone knows I have two jobs. One of my jobs, which shall remain nameless, really ticks me off today. I have a question...would you reprimand only one of two employees who did something wrong? And in front of other people? Probably not. I would at least hope not. I would hope you would have the decency and common respect to make it professional and take it to a private place. And if you're going to reprimand me...be fair, and reprimand the other person as well. We are both at fault. At least I'm adult enough to admit it.

Let's back up. I am human. As much as I like to think I'm perfect, I'm not. ;) I hate to break it to you and I know it's hard for people to believe this, but I will make mistakes. I know. Close your mouths. It does happen! ;) Don't talk to me like I'm an idiot.

So, here in the city, men like to holler after you as you walk down the street. As I'm walking home tonight, a man hollers after me. I ignore it, of course, because I'm not going to answer to, "Hey gorgeous, how you doin?" I got to thinking...are these people used to hollering after women and being ignored? After a while, wouldn't it get old to be constantly rejected? Haha! Or do most women actually stop and talk to these men? I find it comical. What am I suppose to say? "Oh hey, baby. What's your name? Want to go out? Can I ride on the spokes of your bike?" Sounds hott, right? Maybe I should try it. Yea, right! With my luck, I'll end up dead somewhere! I think I'll continue to ignore it.

I get to sleep in until 7:30 tomorrow morning! I'm so excited! And I don't have to work at the restaurant tomorrow night! Yay!!! I have a lot of wrapping to do after all of my great buys today! I love Christmas! Goodnight blog world! Until tomorrow.

Note to self: Kill people with kindness. It's a great satisfaction to be nice, (not fake), and know that the other person is just dying inside! The people, who are most irritating to you, are probably not happy people, so they feed off other people's negative energy. Just like I said yesterday, take your negative energy and turn it into something positive.

Day 96

December 10, 2009

Holy cold! What happened to fifty degrees from yesterday? I don't want the cold weather! I can't move my hands since I got home from work. And the one day I decide to NOT wear my Under Armour Cold Gear, it decides to turn into the frozen tundra! My heater hasn't stopped running either since I'm home! It must know how cold I get.

It's nice to relax; however, I am exhausted, so I want to go to bed ASAP! I'm sorry, but the rest of Brett's blogs are going to have to wait until tomorrow. I'm too tired to correct the punctuation and spelling errors tonight. I have a long, but exciting day ahead of me tomorrow! I cannot wait for Saturday! I get to sleep in before work.

I have decided that when winter really hits, I'm hibernating! I will only go to and from work. I really wanted to take a cab home tonight, too. But then my cheap side told me to buck up and save the seven bucks and just walk! If I only had the guts to spend money! I had buyer's remorse before I even left work.

So, remember me talking about how it's always good to laugh at yourself? Tonight at work, I do just that. I tell people, "Please watch your step." What do I do? Trip on the stairs. Then run into the wall. Yup...then when I try to make a joke about it, the guests sense of humor seems to have been checked with their coat at the door. No one is playful here! Why is it necessary to be serious all the time? Then, I'm freezing, because cold air is blowing through our vents. Nice. A rather handsome young man says to me, "Would you like to wear my coat?" I reply, "Of course I would!" thinking he's flirting with me. Not really remembering that I sat him...with another girl! Good thing his girlfriend had a good sense of humor. She laughs with us--probably thinking...ha! I got him, sister. You only wish you could be with him. True, ma'am. That's very true.

Update: mom's going to be okay! She broke her arm, but may not need surgery! She finds out in ten days, so let's hope that's not the case! I talk to her tonight and she says she doesn't like taking Vicatin because she isn't in control! Who cares?? They make you feel great! I've only taken them when I had my wisdom teeth out, but let me tell you...I've never felt so great in my life! Heck--take control! All you're going to be doing the next few days is watching TV by yourself. Make it more interesting!

Note to self: When in doubt, tell stupid jokes. When you're working, and you're tired, and your co-worker is having a bad day...be goofy! It's the cure to all things negative! Especially when you're tired, everything seems to be way funnier than it really probably is. Even if there is someone who is always a negative nelly, don't let it bother you! Goofiness is a great way to relieve stress and have a great time with a good friend!

Also, gloating is okay sometimes. Gloat in the fact that your intuition is probably always right and have confidence in what you really feel. When you realize that someone is still hanging on, regardless of if the person is a complete prick, take the upper hand and keep the ball in your court. If they want to play a game, play it. Just make sure you win--but ladies, you know we will! When you have control, keep it. Let the situation roll off your shoulders and don't really make it on the forefront of your mind. But in the back of your mind, you know they still care. And even though you may not want that person, it's always gratifying to know, they still want you.

*I apologize my blog is kind of lame today. I'm so tired, I can't really think straight. Plus, I'm so cold, I have brain freeze! Thanks for reading! Talk to you tomorrow!*

Day 78

November 23, 2009

Needless to say, Monday is brutal for me. I’m running on about ten hours of sleep the whole weekend and I have an interview in the morning, work at BHG all day, then go to The Capital Grille to work at night. Yeah, I know. It was awful! Stay tuned for Brett’s blog on his adventures of his Monday. He got to sleep in. Bastard.

The interview went well. I didn’t get the job. It was for a PR company that my boss from BHG referred me to. I have no experience in PR whatsoever, but my boss is great and is giving me interview experience and possibilities for paying jobs! She’s fabulous! I’m just hoping something at BHG comes up, to where I can take a position there! Again, please keep your fingers crossed for me!

The Capital Grille was great, as usual. They let me out early (9p.m.), which is fantastic and Brett meets me so we can go get a little Street Meat Monday. I just made that up, but it sounds cool, doesn’t it? =) What’s street meat you ask? Only the best gyros in the country! The place we went too; however, served it to you in platter form. So much better than gyro form. For six bucks, you get a large tin with lettuce and tomato blanketing the bottom, a heaping amount of lamb meet on top, with hot sauce, greek sauce, and pita bread! Amazing. I can’t even tell you. You will have to come out and visit to see for yourself!

After this, we just kind of hang out. Physically, I cannot move. I am so tired, an after eating such a fantastic, yet filling meal, I pretty much pass out immediately.

Note to self: Even if you’re not out doing something, sometimes hanging out with family at home is something enough. Enjoy the down time you have with family, because that’s when you can truly catch up on life and everything important that’s been going on. All the crazies this city produces do not distract you; you’re not dodging the slow pokes; and you’re not shouting over crowds. It’s nice to catch up in a quiet place and just have down time. Hanging out is one of the best things you can do in your life. This is when you really get to know what’s going on in someone’s life. And with a surprisingly, extremely insightful brother, you can really learn a lot about yourself, your past situations, and the outlook of your future.

CONTINUE READING ON TO LATER POSTS! ONCE YOU HIT DAY 84, YOU'RE ALL CAUGHT UP!!! ;) THANKS FOR BEING PATIENT!

Day 72

November 17, 2009

I am literally exhausted to the point where I don't feel like talking to anyone. I know, crazy right? I always feel like talking! I'm not used to this "real world" stuff. Getting up at 6:30 a.m. and working all day. I'm not complaining because I love it, but I'm just not used to it! Being a working woman is tough! I'm starting to re-think the stay-at-home-mom role. But then, I think that would even be tougher. But at least you have cartoons and toys all day! But I guess with my job, I have clothes and beauty products all day! I think I like this better! Kids + Ashley (right now) = Hell to the NO!

I get preached to twice tonight! That's right! Anything you want to know about Jesus, call me! I am well-informed. The lady with the microphone, standing on the street saved my soul, and two other younger gentlemen stop me and ask if I know who Mother, Jesus' female counterpart is. I reply kindly with, "No, and I'm running late, so I can't talk. Sorry." A tip from the boy as I leave: "Well, the next time someone asks you tell them no, and be sure to read the bible!" Okay. I grew up Catholic, where going to church and reading the Bible was a part of my everyday routine. I don't need to be saved by a homeless woman. I don't need to throw my hands up and scream, "Alleluia Jesus!" or "Save me Lord, Jesus!" as I walk down the street. I believe and have faith, but I don't find it necessary to get all Hallelujah, praise Jesus on other people while walking home. =)

So, I am talking to this kid and he says, "Hi Ashley, I'm Amish. Nice to meet you." I reply with, "Hey, I'm from the Midwest, so we have quite a few Amish people where I'm from." His reply, "Oh boy, I'm not Amish. That's my name." LOL! Oh good God! I just figured with all of the outrageous pick up lines I've heard since I've been out here, it was just another crazy one! Nope. Not this time! ;)

Listen to how smooth this one is: "As one scopes you out and it sparks the interest of a gentlemen, he notices the confidence, anticipates the intelligence, adores the beauty, and respects the swagger." Nice huh? That took some thought! Too bad he looks like Farnsworth Bentley!

So, I'm pretty sure my night consists of breakfast for dinner and "Eclipse," the following of "New Moon." Breakfast for dinner is the best! I love it! Pancakes and eggs at 6 p.m.? Yes, please! I'm starting to get better at cooking pancakes, too! The first time, they were a little more like crispy cakes. Tonight, they were pancakes! Mmm...and I made an over-easy egg without breaking the yolk! I keep impressing myself everyday. It must be those "I'm awesome" talks I give myself every morning! ;)

Note to self: Work hard and never take an opportunity for granted. You're given the opportunity for a reason--don't blow it.  When you realize that you are not the best and someone can take your place in a heartbeat, without thought, embrace what life has handed to you. You have earned it with your hard work and dedication. Continue to earn your place in life because drive, determination, and passion are all you need to make yourself successful.

Day 27

October 3, 2009

You know when you walk into a place and you see the greeter, standing there, with no smile on their face? You walk past and they say nothing to you—you then proceed to say, “Yeah, I wouldn’t be friendly either. I’d hate my life and job too, if I were them.” I now have a newfound respect and appreciation for these so-called greeters; because I am now a member of their club, as of today.

If I were someone else, I would think I was the biggest bitch ever. My so-called “approachability” everyone tells me I have is definitely thrown out the window today. It could be the fact I stand for eight hours in the SAME exact spot everyday; or the fact that I have to literally yell at the customers because the music is so loud that I lose my voice; or maybe because my feet are numb, I have shin splints, and my arthritic knee is throbbing from pain. I don’t know—I’m just throwing out possibilities.

On a lighter note! Happy 1^st Birthday to my nephew Caleb Allen Cummings. He’s not really my brother’s kid, but I call him my nephew because the proper family origin is too long to say! =) And frankly, I don’t know what the heck it is!

I talked to my best friend in Chicago today! I miss Abby and haven’t talked to her in forever. We are both so busy, but when we talk, it’s like we haven’t missed a beat! I love her and hope she can come out in December like she is talking about!

I hear two funny stories today. One: a man gets carpel tunnel from too much masturbation. LOL! That is awesome! Can we say sex addict anyone? I bet he can get some serious cash—he can procreate an entire town in Iowa with this talent! Two: this YouTube website. Check it out! It’s awesome! Something I am going to consider when I get married down the road. And I do mean, down the road—like three to five years from now! But, as we know, nothing ever works to plan. So, let’s just say someday! ;)

I have plans to go out dancing with friends, but am so exhausted from working every night until 11 or midnight, all I want to do is sleep. I know, I’m lame, but I don’t care. I haven’t had a chance to just relax by myself, comfortably, with furniture, since I got here. So, relaxation is the key to my becoming sane again! I have no work tomorrow and a laundry list of fun activities to do tomorrow! So, I’m going to rest up and enjoy my one day off! ;)

Note to self: When you go through a box of Oreos in less than a week, don’t buy more! You come to the realization that you need a life when all you do in the daytime is set at your computer, dip those delicious, chocolate-stuffed cookies in peanut butter, send out resume after resume, and be depressed about life because you can’t find a job! =) WTF? Who would have thought two college degrees later, you would be sitting in this position? Who knows, but sugar is the answer to all the world’s problems. It’s in our alcoholic beverages we drink, our desserts we eat, and it’s the flavor on our lip-gloss we wear for pretty lips and good kissing! Without sugar, life would be boring.