Friday, October 29, 2004

Dude, You Are So Invited To My Next Party!

I received a note from my local assemblyman today.

At first I thought it was just another pitch for my vote, but it was on heavyweight stationary, my address was typed by a typewriter, and there was an actual stamp on it. This was honest to goodness mail.

Inside - a preprinted card that said "I read about you in the paper" and his photo along with a copy of the article about my party. Color me impressed. I'm not sure how I feel about him/his staff taking time to do this and spend 37 cents to send it to me, but it reminded me of a different time when your elected officials did mix with the common folks, when they did take note of accomplishments and achievements.

I was further impressed with the fact that he knew where to find me. The article did not give my exact address and I'm not listed in the phone book. I'm not a property owner, so not on the tax rolls. I'm sure he has access to the voter registration rolls and got my address that way. Impressive.

This is an official who I have known to actually take an active interest in his constituency. He actually shows up when invited to an event for the local historical society; he spends time at the county fair; he gets involved in his district. I'm pretty certain I've been in his presence before, maybe shook his hand and said hello.

I'm definitely going to invite him to the next party.

Worth The Wait

Yeah, I know I didn't post yesterday. But hopefully you'll agree that this one is worth the wait.

The hype from my party just won't die.

- Had a party on October 2.
- Invited snarky journalist who didn't show.
- Wrote article for social/gossip column in local paper; article published on Oct 12 with big, bold headline: "Read It and Weep, Snarky Journalist"
- Snarky Journalist responds in his 10/17 column.
- Friend Richard sends letter to editor on 10/19.
- Things quiet for a week.
- Yesterday letter to editor is in the paper.
- Yesterday was Snarky Journalist's birthday.
- I sent Snarky Journalist an e-card.
- So did several of my friends.
- Hilarity ensued.
- Loud bursts of laughter from my office periodically throughout the day yesterday.
- Went to Chamber mixer last night.
- Introduced myself as the Famous/Fabulous Kenna Fearing.
- Collected like, six business cards from single men.
- Saw someone who looked familiar; realized he works out at my gym.
Introduced myself using the line "I didn't recognize you with your clothes on."

I amuse myself.

P.S. For Amanda: Well, I guess I should say that the house I rent has five bathrooms. One downstairs for general public use; two upstairs - one for guest bedrooms and one for the staff quarters (you don't want the staff sharing a bathroom with your guests); and two for the first floor master suite - because as much as she loves her husband, she simply cannot share a bathroom with him. And as I told Jenica - all have functioning shower heads.

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

Busted

My internet connection seems to be down today; can't even get dictionary.com to load. Amazingly enough, I can pull pages using the Lotus Notes web browser (which I hate for a variety of reasons, but today it's my hero).

Was supposed to dine with Larry again on Friday, but a work trip has suddenly come up so he had to cancel. He apologized and said "now I really owe you" and I assured him that I couldn't wait to see how he would make it up to me. No pressure there!

Still, I'm troubled. I know the phrase is quickly becoming overused, but I really feel like he's "just not that into" me. He's still got his profile up on match.com and I can tell that he's logging in on a regular basis. Today I noticed that he's added a new photo. Obviously, for him, the search continues.

But you know what? That's okay. Really, I'm okay with it. Just underscores what I've been telling myself all along - the only one who's gonna take care of you is you. Sure, it would be nice to have a deeper relationship, but it's not like I lack for relationships in my life. After all, just yesterday I had a lovely lunch in the park with the Unemployed Boy Next Door. On Saturday I'm going to a party with my faithful sidekick Susan.

I'm too busy to sit around feeling sorry for myself.

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

'Tis The Season

Let the catalog deluge begin. In my mailbox today:

Land's End
L.L. Bean
Chef's

Lunch with the UBND

For the uninitiated among us, that's the Unemployed Boy Next Door.

While it's a bit on the chilly side here today, the sun is out and there isn't a cloud in the sky. A good day for a picnic in the park. The Boy packed his blanket and beer, we stopped at the deli along the way and shared a sandwich in the park. I needed the break.

One thing I'll say for the Boy, he knows how to listen. Sometimes you just need to rant and rave and say what's on your mind and just have someone listen. That's what I needed, and that's what I got.

Still on edge about all the uncertainties in my life - my job, my living arrangements, the status of my relationships. And yet - what am I complaining about? I've got clothes on my back, food on my table, family and friends just a stone's throw or a phone call away. What's wrong with that? Nothing. I've got lots to be grateful and thankful for, so instead of counting my perceived shortcomings, I'll try counting my blessings, thank you very much.

More on the UBND later - I know I left you hanging a few weeks back.

Monday, October 25, 2004

Will Wonders Never Cease?

Got an email from the Ex this morning - he remembered that my brother got married this past weekend and asked how it went. Shocker. He was never good with those kind of things - remembering dates and birthdays and anniversaries and such. And to think I almost called him on my way back into town yesterday ... I gave him the link to the online photos and told him I was always willing to take time to chat. Left the ball back in his court. We'll see how long before he actually proposes a meeting date/time.

In other news, I saw an ad in the paper yesterday for a job that might be right up my alley. The only problem is that a commute would be involved. And they probably won't want to pay me what I'm making now. And it's 50% travel. But no guts, no glory. I'm going to apply and see what happens.

Sunday, October 24, 2004

Drip, Drip, Drip ...

I have a leaky faucet.

I know that a nut or a bold needs to be tightened, but I don't know which one. I'll figure it out, I guess, but in the meantime - why is it that men have a gene that tells them how to fix a faucet, and women don't?

The wedding was beautiful. My brother started to cry when he saw his bride come down the aisle. She just beamed. I had on higher than normal heels (for six plus hours) and I ache all over today. The brick pillow and four hour drive home didn't help. Not to mention that I have to go to work tomorrow. Ugh. Is it Friday yet?

Saturday, October 23, 2004

In Case You Were Wondering ...

... why I bring my pillow with me when I travel, it's because hotel pillows are like bricks.

Didn't bring my pillow with me for this weekend wedding, and boy am I regretting it. Wedding isn't until 6:00 this evening, so I'm killing time waiting for the groom to wake up and take me for a ride. My brother, the groom, has several motorcycles and he thought that he would get in one last long ride in before tying the knot. And he's allowing me to accompany him.

It's going to be a beautiful wedding, but I'm afraid my sister is going to have a total meltdown. They asked her to do a reading so that she would be part of the wedding, but she's not very good at public speaking. Her face gets red, she stammers and her voice cracks. Add to that the fact that she's a wedding crier and well ... please send all your virtual strength and good wishes to her so that she can get through it.

Of course, it doesn't help that she's following the mellifluous tones of Lady Kenna.

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Restaurant Review

Who cares what the food was like - the conversation was great and 2 1/2 hours passed before we knew it. For enquiring minds who want to know:

My message to Larry this morning:

Larry - So much for a quick dinner - I was surprised to see it was 9:00 when we left. But I enjoyed every single minute and I hope you did too. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

His response:

Yep, I noticed that as well when I got in the Jeep. Thanks for making the time though, I always enjoy your company. If I don't talk to you prior I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Wishing you a great afternoon,
Larry

Our conversation really is much more sparkling and animated in person...

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Splitting Hairs

Didn't think it would happen, but I heard back from Mr. Muscle:

Dear Miss Kenna,

I was a male stripper for 15 years. What would make you write what you did ? I was never a Chippendale Dancer and I think I told a girl that once. Hence the comment. I worked for several different male dance groups such as US MALE, PRIME BEEF, NY UNDERCOVER, THE BACHELORS, RENO"S MEET THE MOTION, plus I did STRIP"O GRAMS for ZING-A-Gram for 4 years. Do me a favor, don't ever contact me again. Get your facts straight before you confront someone on something you have no idea about.

Jeff

Oh, I'm so sorry! Forgive me for confusing male strippers with Chippendale dancers. Apparently there is a huge difference. Poor guy has a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. Don't worry, Jeff, I won't bother you and your fragile ego again.

My Love Life

For those of you who are interested and/or keeping track, Larry and I are getting together for a quick dinner (pizza and beer) tonight.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

How To Vote

Go here:

http://www.theedgeofallegiance.com/howtovote.htm

Watch the video. Profanity in use so use caution at work. Sometimes you stumble onto some really cool stuff when you hit that "next blog" button.

And on another note - two thumbs up for "The Biggest Loser" A reality show with a real purpose. Guys losing 15 and 20 pounds in one week. And a positive update on the first chick voted out - she lost an additional 15 pounds after leaving the show. Way to go, Dana!

Son of A Bitch!

He lied to us - that muscle-bound motherfucker lied!!

Sorry for the language, but the son of a bitch lied and for no good reason. Flash back to June when I had my match.com mixer. I invited men from match.com that I wanted to meet, including one guy named Jeff.

Jeff was this big muscle-bound guy who was actually pretty soft-spoken (several friends speculated on steroid use) but he seemed to enjoy himself and actually posed for several pictures with yours truly. At one point he even confessed that he had been a male stripper for a while. I was playing hostess and didn't get to talk to him much, but my friends all thought he was interested and they all felt pretty strongly I'd hear from him again.

Never did.

I emailed him; no response. Saw he was online one day and tried sending him an instant message; he logged off shortly thereafter. Okay, I get the message. Not interested. So today I was checking my personal email via my RoadRunner account and I see this ad for their matchmaking service, love.com. I click on it, scroll through the men in my area and BAM! there's Jeff.

And one of the questions they ask you to answer is what is the best/worst lie you've ever told. Jeff's response:

I was a Chippendale's Dancer

I don't get it. Why did this man feel the need to lie? I decided to call him on it and sent him the following message:

Jeff - I can't believe you lied when you told us that you were a male stripper ...

What made you think you had to tell a lie to try to impress people? We were impressed by the fact that you had the guts to show up when so many others didn't. Had another party on October 2; didn't invite you because you never showed any interest or followed up in any way. A good time was had by all (and then I included a link to the stroy in local paper.)

Good luck in your search ...
(resisted the urge to add "you're gonna need it.")

Kenna
Motherfucking muscle-bound piece of shit for brains asshole.

I'm So Pathetic

I keep looking longingly at my monitor, hoping that wishing will make it so ... I want some damn email from Larry!

Haven't heard from him since our dinner date on Friday. Sent him a breezy note Sunday evening and so far, no reply. Not too obsessive here - after all, I did send it to his home email ... maybe he's been busy and hasn't checked it? Maybe he's just not that into me. No, that can't be it! Chances are, the poor boy is actually working for a living, unlike me, blogging "On Company Time."

I actually really hate knowing that I'm so caught up in this guy that I'm sitting around, waiting for the next contact. And I hate even more that I'm admitting it to you ... part of the reason I started that infamous other blog (I know, Deb, you told me to stop mentioning it). Because I'm not the kind of person that has to have someone in her life. I can get along just fine by myself, thank you very much. It's the rush, the excitement of something new and different that I get off on. The anticipation, having something to look forward to.

Was out of the office all day yesterday and am catching up on a few things today. Need to pull out the cover letter I wrote over the weekend and get that in the mail.

Next up: waiting to see if Phil wants to have lunch ... I gotta come up with better ways to waste my time.

Monday, October 18, 2004

Really?

Can't believe I was the 11th site returned for this search:

http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?srch=105&FORM=AS5&q=panty+hose+sex+pics

And Brian wasn't even on the first page!

Sunday, October 17, 2004

My Never-Ending Party

So you heard a bit about my party on October 2 (I know, I still haven't gotten around to posting any photos) and now it's time for the rest of the story.

As you may or may not know, Kenna Fearing is a pseudonym. My real name is rather generic, I'm sure there are hundreds if not thousands of unrelated people out there who share my name. In fact, I know that there is a young 20-something Sandra Bullock look-alike who lives in NYC and has the same name I have. I know this because a local reporter wrote about her in an article at the end of August in which he gushed that she was "perhaps the most spectacular looking girl on the planet."

Around that time I was in the midst of planning my party, and since I am a single, adventurous 30-something woman who had the balls to invite men from match.com to her last party, I couldn't resist - I invited the reporter to my party.

You don't even need the back story about how this guy is a snarky condescending prick to appreciate the chuckle I got when I found out that for a split second he got excited and thought that the young woman he lusted after had actually noticed him. He discreetly checked me out, discovered that I wasn't the exact person he hoped I'd be, and did not attend the party.

Of course, at the party I'd made copies of the article and had highlighted the phrase "perhaps the most spectacular looking girl on the planet" and we were all anxiously awaiting his arrival (not). He didn't show, so I wrote an article and sent it to another local 'journalist' - she of the 'society pages' and lo and behold - she published my article (and a photo) and added a big bold headline that said "Read It And Weep, Snarky Prick."

So today, condescending guy responds with a column titled "A Party? Why I'd Love To Come" (heh, yeah - I bet you would but if you don't bother to show up at the party there's no chance of that, buster [this snide comment just occurred to me ... I slay myself]).

Anyway, I find the whole thing rather amusing and I'll sum it up with this:

Fun party dress: $18 at end of season sale at Filene's

18 long stemmed, deep bowled martini glasses: $15.48 on sale at Mikasa outlet

Ingredients for several gallons of martinis: $99.76

Getting your name in the local paper along with the phrase "quite possibly the most spectacular looking girl on the planet" three times in the last 60 days: Priceless

Saturday, October 16, 2004

Unleashing the Beast

Still haven't put together a list of "100 Things About Me" so this is probably as close as you are going to get for now. Fire away. Thanks to my friend Marti for the chain email ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the next edition of Getting To Know Your Friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do.....and try not to be LAME and spoil the fun!

Copy (not forward) this entire e-mail and paste it into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all of the answers so that they apply to you. Then, send this to a bunch of people you know *INCLUDING* the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about your friends. It is fun and easy AND HELPS TO KNOW WHAT THEY LIKE


1. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING? my navy blue with snowflake jammies
2. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the hum of my laptop; other assorted house creaky noises
3. WHAT ARE THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF YOUR PHONE NUMBER? which one?
4. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? mango sorbet
5. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? green
6. WEATHER RIGHT NOW? gloomy and grey
7. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Phil
8. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THIS? Yes
9. HOW ARE YOU TODAY? tired, yet wired
10. FAVORITE DRINK? I don't really have an overwhelming favorite ...
11. FAVORITE SPORT? verbal jousting
12. HAIR COLOR? strawberry-ish blonde
13. EYE COLOR? hazel
14. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no
16. FAVORITE FOOD? macaroni & cheese
17. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Garden State
18. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? any hot lazy summer afternoon by the water
19. HAVE YOU EVER ASKED SOME ONE OUT? apparently, yes, just within the last 2 weeks!
20. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
21. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Vanilla
22. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO WRITE BACK? Yes
23. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Amanda
24. LEAST LIKELY? Zach Braff
25. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS? sweet!
26. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? None - I'm an intellectual slug lately
27. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mice!
28. FAVORITE BOARD GAME? Trivial Pursuit

Friday, October 15, 2004

Five Hours With Larry

I had a really nice evening. Larry came over at 6:00; we had dinner reservations at 7:00 and we were back here at the house around 9:00. I gave him the grand tour (even though he was here two weeks ago, he never got off the back porch) and then we sat and talked on the couch. He left around 11:00 and I sent him this email message a short time ago:

Dear Larry,

I know that you don't believe me and we are going to be having this conversation for a long time to come, but I really am an introvert!

But beyond that, I enjoyed spending time with you this evening and I'm disappointed that it will be another two weeks before we get together again. Until then, I'll leave you with this:

1) Does Kenna have a tatoo, and if so, what, and where?
2) Based on the contents of my refrigerator, what kind of person am I?
3) What is the one thing you'd really like to know but were afraid to ask?

That should keep you busy through the weekend ... hope you had a safe trip home.

Kenna
XXOO


In the course of our conversation, I told him that I'm an introvert, and for some strange reason, he doesn't believe me. Larry spent some time in the Air Force and I asked him if he had any tats, and somehow gave him the impression that I had one ... or several. He mentioned one match.com interaction where a woman basically sent him this questionnaire, and one of the questions was to detail the contents of his fridge - thus, question # 2. And, I really wondered - was there some question that was on his mind that he didn't dare ask - yet?

All in all, a great second date. Won't see him again for two weeks because next weekend is my brother's wedding - and even if it weren't too early in the relationship to invite him to come along, I'll be there for an extended weekend so it just wouldn't work out. But there's a chance that we'll do back to back dates on the 29th and 30th. We'll see.

Working On Company Time

Yeah, I know - sucks to be me today.

Have a meeting in NYC on Monday and I'm trying to pull all my shit together so I don't have to come in here over the weekend. And I'd like to try to get out of here on time or a few minutes early if possible so I can go home and make myself bee-yoo-tee-full for my dinner date. So - more later when I have more to tell.

And don't worry - I'll finish the UBND story eventually; I kind of like the idea of feeding it to you in installments - keeps you coming back for more!

P.S. Today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday! And Richard's birthday too - Happy Birthday Ricardo!!

Thursday, October 14, 2004

The Unemployed Boy Next Door

I didn't choose him as a neighbor; he was already there when I moved in.

It was the fall of 2001 and I had just moved into my little rented house and was throwing a (imagine this) party. I was readying for my little shindig, and the unemployed boy next door picked that day to walk on over and introduce himself. So being neighborly and such, I invited him to drop by.

And I haven't been able to get rid of him since.

Oh, he's not a bad person. He's just a little ... odd. As I said to a friend recently, "He's a strange bird, but he's my bird." At first, I knew very little about him, and I think that was by choice, on both our ends. He was somewhat secretive, and having just moved to (among other things) get a little distance from John who was the boy next door in my old apartment, I really wasn't looking to get involved either.

It was a gradual thing, getting to know the unemployed boy next door. The first winter was mild and I was able to handle most of the snow removal myself. I had another party in June 2002 and the boy began to come out of his shell. By winter of 2002, when the snow fell in copious amounts, he began to help in earnest, and while I didn't want to assume that he would bring the snow blower over, I often hoped that he would, because there was an awful lot of snow.

Slowly, he began to tell me more. He's divorced - has been for years. Claims he doesn't even know where his ex wife is or what she's doing. Being newly separated and not yet divorced at this point, I just couldn't imagine that he didn't even know where his ex-wife was. How could you spend so much time with someone and then just lose touch? I suppose it happens ... and I suppose one day it may happen to me too.

Initially, he just simply stated that he didn't work. Over the years he's changed his story slightly to say that he is retired. In his early 40s. My interest was piqued. After all, one of my secret fantasies is to be a kept woman. It would be nice to not have to work, to have a man take care of me. The boy is attractive and fit. Hmmm - what are the possibilities?

Then we went out to dinner. A real date. And my bubble was burst.

{this post in progress - you didn't really think you'd get the whole story in one telling, did you?}

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

This Just In ...

... from the unemployed boy next door:

Looks like this is the last nice day for awhile -- how about a sandwich in the park for lunch?

Hmm ... what to do, what to do? I don't have any lunch plans, but I'm not sure I want to chitchat with him in the park. He's curious about my personal life and wants more info, I'll bet you anything. Although there is nothing between us, he likes to know what is going on in other relationships in my life, gets off on it a bit, I think.

Haven't responded yet ... not quite sure what I want to do.

2:00 PM UPDATE: Decided to have lunch with the UBND after all. I had to go home to meet the sprinkler system guy, and took him up on his offer of lunch in the park. We got a sandwich at the deli and sat on a bench in the sun by the duck pond. Actually, very enjoyable. Of course he was looking for more details, but I didn't tell him any more than I wanted him to know.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

WTF?

So here I am, trying to watch "Sex and the City" on TBS and they get 10 minutes into the episode, and all of a sudden, "Save The Last Dance" is on. I should have just tuned into "Law & Order: SVU" as originally planned. Or maybe I should just hit the sack ... leave the alarm turned on ... get up at 6:00 a.m. and take a brisk walk.

Yeah, right.

The One With The Truth About London

When I visited my brother this weekend, he gave me a copy of the reading he would like me to do at his wedding. As you all know, I have a lovely speaking voice and great presentation skills. But I don't know if I'm going to be able to get through this one.

The reading is totally something out of Friends episode # 162, "The One With The Truth About London." You know the one:

Chandler becomes upset after learning that Monica only came to his room in London looking for Joey on the first night they were together. Joey is ordained as a minister through the Internet so that he can officiate the wedding. Phoebe becomes upset after taking headache medicine. Ross becomes upset after a baby-sitting Rachel teaches Ben how to play pranks.

Joey is working on his sermon and the conversation goes like this:

Joey: "Okay, you guys, I got a little more written. Are you ready? (reading) 'When I think of the love that these two givers and receivers share, I cannot help but envy the lifetime ahead of having and loving and giving and....' And then I can't think of a good word for right here."

Monica: "How about receiving?"

Joey: "Yes!"

and later:

Joey: "Now, now, listen. This is just a first draft, so... (starts to read) 'We are gathered here today on this joyous occasion to celebrate the special love that Monica and Chandler share.' (Monica and Chandler like it so far.) Eh? (He continues reading.) 'It is a love based on giving and receiving. As well as having and sharing. And the love that they give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have and receive.'"

I swear, that's all I could think about when I saw this reading:

Marriage Fulfills the Dreams and Love Two People Share

Everyone searches
for one special person
they can share their lives with;
the other half who makes them whole,
like two notes blending together
to make a beautiful song,
or the colors that complement
each other to form a rainbow.

It is everyone's wish
to have a lifetime of sunny days,
a rainbow after every storm;
a lifetime of loving and living
and growing and giving,
of sharing and caring;
a lifetime of days together,
learning from the bad times
and cherishing the good times.

Marriage is everything your heart desires,
and the strength, courage, and
determination to work for it.
In marriage you take care of each other's heart
and hold on to what you share.
You hold it gently, so it doesn't smother,
and firmly, so it doesn't slip away.
Hold it so that it can grow,
and you can grow together,
and live and laugh and love together always.

- Glenda Willm

I SO hope I don't lose it when I have to say "a lifetime of loving and living and growing and giving, of sharing and caring" because I really do want to do a good job for them. I think I got it out of my system - had a good laugh with my brother and his fiance about it. It's too late to change the reading since it's already been approved by the wedding nazi and my future sister-in-law really isn't prepared to do battle with her again. She already freaked out when it was suggested that the ushers walk down with the ringbearer (because you know, the ushers must already be up front waiting when the ringbearer comes down the aisle!).

I swear - next wedding, it's me, my man and whoever else happens to be on the beach.

Kenna Confesses

this is an audio post - click to play

Hmmm...

So I'm sitting here wondering what to do.

Part of me wants to update you on this morning's email exchanges with Larry (I gave myself permission to make contact today after maintaining internet silence all weekend) and part of me doesn't want to share.

I'm b'twixt and b'tween.

See, on the one hand, this is a fun time for me. I haven't had a new man in my life in ... gosh, years. And it's fun to allow yourself to get swept away in the excitement of a new relationship. (Can I even say that it's a relationship? I grabbed his ass and we went out to dinner once.)

On the other hand (careful, I'll be blunt here) - who gives a shit?

It really just comes down to this - what's this blog all about anyway? Why do I write? Why do you read? What are the rules? Do I have any obligations - to myself? To you, the reader? Or is this just a long winded tease ... by thinking out loud like this am I just teasing you by not giving you what you really want to hear - the content of those x-rated emails exchanged On Company Time earlier this morning?

Monday, October 11, 2004

Today's To-Do List

Okay, so I'm making some of this up as I go along so I can feel that sense of accomplishment in checking it off, but still ...

call for dentist appointment
call for doctor's appointment
call for appointment to winterize sprinkler system
clean stains on porch carpet
clean black beverage tubs and cooler
dump out week-old wine that wasn't consumed
go to gym
cook up bacon

thank you note to Nancy
put away martini glasses
empty suitcases
7:08 p.m.
update mailing list for women's group
daydream about Larry; but don't contact him
shower and get dressed
figure out how to get rid of underlining in my hyperlinks
throw away excessive wire hangers
(NO WIRE HANGERS!!)

(post in progress ...)

What A Difference A Day Makes

So glad I came home yesterday. I pulled out the down comforter last night and put it on my bed. So warm and cozy! I slept great last night. Allowed myself to sleep in and didn't get up until 8:30. Went to the gym and burned my 500 calories and came home and cooked myself a big breakfast. Have a number of things to do today - hopefully will FINALLY finish unpacking so I can feel settled in this house for the next 9 months. Just in time to start pulling out the Christmas decorations ...

Oh, and gas spiked up to $2.14 overnight, but interestingly enough, in the next town over where I go to the gym it's still $2.03 and $2.05. Guess you know where I buy my gas.

Sunday, October 10, 2004

Various

... driving home to visit my family this weekend was like taking a step back in time. It was Friday night and there was a high school football game at the stadium behind my brother's house. Opening day for the movie, "Friday Night Lights" wasn't it? Saturday morning I heard the factory whistle blow at 6:50 a.m. and again at 7:00. The factory doesn't operate anymore, and the whistle ... just for old time's sake, I guess.

... fall foliage report: peak to past peak

... I really hate the dead bugs on the front of my car after I've driven 226 miles

... what compelled my brother to ask "what's wrong with him?" when I told him that Larry was 40 and had never been married? My brother is 34 and is getting married for the second time in a few weeks; the first marriage lasted 18 months. My sister also asked the same question. She's 41 and has never been married either - but she's been with the same guy (now 49) for 20 (yes, that's right - 20!) freakin' years and she doesn't see anything wrong with that

... resisted the urge to call or drive by either the Ex's house or John's house on my way home. I'd be willing to bet that John will call me tomorrow to see if I have the day off and want to get together for "lunch." Anyone want to take that bet?

... did I mention that I had lunch with a very influential woman on Friday and told her I was looking to make a career change? Don't be surprised if there is more to come here.

... I listened to the Potato Month compilation CD on my way back and I think I definitely have to hear more of Rachael Yamagata - Letter Read is my new favorite song

... drove by the Mobil station and gas was $2.03; thought it might be cheaper at the local convenience store - nope, $2.05. Kept going and silly me - ended up paying $2.09 here in town.

Friday, October 08, 2004

$2.01

That's what I paid for gas last night. When did gas start creeping up again? It was spiraling down to $1.85 and all of a sudden (it seems) it's over $2/gallon again. I don't think we'll ever see the days of gas for less than $1/gallon again. Yes, I do remember those days. Even if we were to get back down to $1.20/gallon, that would be amazing. No, I'm afraid these increases are here to stay.

Which totally sucks now that the heating season is well, heating up again.

Slow day here at work. Have been working on my resume all morning because I am having lunch with a woman who is a vice president at a local convenience store chain. Do I want to work for a convenience store chain? Sure, why not? And even if I don't get a job there, this woman is very well connected and I'm sure she'll keep me in mind as she hears about other opportunities. I happen to know that she thinks highly of me - at least she did, I don't know if her impression changed after seeing me in my glory at the party last Saturday!

Big news - (well, big for me) - looks like I didn't scare Larry off. We're going to go out on a second date next week. This bodes well. Most guys don't come back after the initial meeting. I'm just too much woman and most men aren't able to handle a woman with this much personality and spunk. I literally scare them away. Of course, if you're not looking to "handle" your woman, then you just might be the man for me.

I was in a marriage where I tried to suppress my self - it didn't work. Here you go, this is who I am. Either you like me just the way I am, or you keep looking. Does this mean I'm inflexible and rigid when it comes to relationships? Hell, no! It just means I know what I want, I know why I want it, and I'm not afraid to ask for what I want.

Because to tell the truth - Larry didn't ask me out, I asked him out. At least that's what friend Mary told me last night. She said we were sitting and talking about restaurants at the party and when Larry mentioned a restaurant in his town, I asked "So, is that where you're taking me to dinner?" Most men would have run away screaming. He didn't. Way to go, Larry!

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

The Big Date

So, I went on my big date with Larry. Not bad!

I was a little hesitant going in, because I really blacked out and I didn't know what I said or did, and Larry didn't realize how little I remembered. It was humorous until he told me about the multiple orgasm conversation.

Somehow the topic of multiple orgasms came up, and apparently I began re-enacting that scene ... you know the one ... from "When Harry Met Sally" Larry thought it was funny. I was mortified. He also said I grabbed his ass, but he didn't mind that. Just wish I could remember.

So he refreshed my memory about the conversation we had already had, and spent two and a half hours getting to know each other over dinner. I think it's safe to say that we will be getting together again.

Word of the Day

un·to·ward
adj.

1) Not favorable; unpropitious.
2) Troublesome; adverse: an untoward incident.
3) Hard to guide or control; unruly.
4) Improper; unseemly.
5) Archaic. Awkward.

Sample sentence usage:
If any of my actions Saturday night were untoward, my apologies.

Blame It On The Vodka

I just realized what happened Saturday night. It was the Svedka.

Someone told me about this great new vodka, distilled five times and super smooth. What do I know about vodka, but amazingly enough it was also one of the cheapest vodkas in the liquor store. The Cosmopolitan martini I was making was 2 parts vodka to one part mixers, including triple sec which is not non-alcoholic. Super smooth = super potent. I might as well have injected the stuff.

You Think?

From maps.yahoo.com (emphasis mine):

"When using any driving directions or map, it's a good idea to do a reality check and make sure the road still exists, watch out for construction, and follow all traffic safety precautions. This is only to be used as an aid in planning."

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

That's What Friends Are For

I keep my friend Susan around for a good reason. She tells me like it is.

So, at this party the other night I made the mistake of not eating very much during the day and then compounded matters by drinking Cosmopolitan martinis - which quite literally make me crazy. I was totally trashed. I suspected it when I saw the first batch of photos, many of which I simply did not remember posing for, and it was confirmed when I picked up the second batch of photos last night.

Exchanged a series of emails with Susan today:

Me: How drunk was I?
Susan: Quite.

Me: Oh God. Why didn't you say something sooner? Did I do or say anything that will come back to haunt me or was I just very happy and overly affectionate?
Susan: Ha! I thought you knew. No need to worry. You were your usual happy, affectionate self and made sure everyone knew that you loved them. Lots of hugs and kisses and "I love you"s.

Later, a tidbit of a memory came back to me:

Me: I do have one memory of the evening that maybe you can confirm/clarify ... we must have been talking about my breasts, and I might have offered folks a feel? And Melissa took me up on it? Were you there for that?
Susan: Sorry, I missed that one. Doesn't surprise me though. You become very proud of your breasts when you're drunk and share them willingly with anyone who wants to look or touch. Nothing Melissa did that night would surprise me.

So I have 120 photos of the event, and yes, I will get around to posting a few (the boob shot already made its way to Boobiethon 2004) once I can make thumbnails and clear out some space in my directory to upload. But first I have to go to the gym and do penance for all the alcohol I drank and brie I ate (dinner last night and the night before - and I still have one that never made it to the oven).

Tomorrow night I have a dinner date with a man I met at the party (God only knows what we talked about or what I did to encourage him to set up that date!) and on Thursday I have a dinner date with Susan so she can give me the lowdown on her perspective of the evening and I can share the photos with her.

Monday, October 04, 2004

Fabulous!

Yes, it was another fabulous party. Will get around to posting pics at some point; have been busy cleaning the mess, enjoying a fantastic fall afternoon, taking a boob shot of myself for BoobieThon 2004, writing an article about the party for the society pages of the small local paper, disposing of dead mouse #5, eating leftover brie, and stowing away the martini glasses - none of which by the way, broke during the party. Sadly, can't say the same for my oversized pie plate, but on the plus side I did acquire a new glass platter and two serving baskets - Party rule #9: if you don't take it with you and you don't mark it with your name, it's mine.

Saturday, October 02, 2004

Mouse Free?

The traps I set Thursday night are still unsprung and empty. Maybe I just had that family of four and they are now all dead? Let's hope so.

Got up and went to the gym. Sweated off 489 calories. Not quite 500 but close enough. I'll burn the other eleven calories somewhere today. Things are pretty much set for the party - just need to do so picking up and tidying upstairs because I will have at least one overnight guest, and may want to give certain folks the entire grand tour, so best not to have my clothes draped over the chairs and such.

I may need to make another run to the liquor store ... premixed three different martinis last night and am just about out of triple sec, and getting low on the banana liqueur. Plus I need more gin, and while I'm at it, I might as well pick up more vodka. It's not like it will go bad - better to have it and not use it than to run out.

Need to prep my brie and the crab spread dish. Then cut up lemons and limes. Finally, a shower and do my nails. Plenty of time, I think.

Hey, if you're lucky maybe I'll do a drunken audio post during the party!