All by Myself

In the course of 2 days, my playmates have abruptly abandoned me. I am pissed. Individually, it's a bummer. Collectively, I have to find a way to keep myself busy for the next 3 weeks, 2 of which I am not even working! And because I promised to help watch Smokin' Fairy's pets, I can't even leave Athens. Oy!

This also means I have to move by myself, which generally sucks. But it also means that I get my choice of places to squat, including an entire apartment, to which I now have Lil Sis' keys. Now I have to rely on my own motivation to go to the gym. And just when I discover a bitchin' bar, I don't have anyone to go with (without looking like some dorky alcoholic).

But I tend to get more work done without people to play with. Maybe with all this damn free time, I will be able to kill more of my reading list, eat less crap, and head to the gym more. And maybe pigs will fly.

on the tube: Cubs v Brewers. 5-1 Cubs @ top of 7th

Couch shuffle

Although not nearly as fun as the Court Street Shuffle (think pub crawl - there are like 32 bars along the strip), the Couch shuffle was pretty entertaining yesterday.

My lease is nearly up, and I am starting to pack and ideally give stuff away. The coffee maker is going to the Green Room, Lil Sis gets the dumpster dive TV, and Smokin' Fairy gets the red couch, which I am very sad to part with. If I could think of a practical way of getting it to CA, it would come with, because it is possibly the most wonderful couch ever. Second only to Comfy Couch in the costume shop at William and Mary, which was a 50s relic of pink velvet. Tucked under the weird ladybug-like blanket, it was like sleeping on a cloud under the window. As long as you didn't think too hard about anyone else who slept on it.

But since Smokin' Fairy is headed to Edinburgh Fringe on the fly, I pressed him into service early. To accommodate schedules, we had to shuffle couches during my lunch yesterday. A bit tricky, since Smokin' Fairy was running amok getting ready and Lil Sis and her toy SUV were sacked out after staying up till 6AM. Red Couch, though a sleeper, moves pretty well. It's heavy and cumbersome, but we were people on a mission without too many corners to negotiate. Got it into Lil Sis' car with the butt hanging out. So I sat on the couch in the car, clinging to the front seat, and Smokin' Fairy drove behind us. In order to make some room for Red Couch and too give me something to sit on for the next few days, we had to move his black IKEA FnF, which is now living in my apt. It's nice and lightweight (gotta love IKEA), and now vacuumed and Febreezed. But of course, there is still dog-hair. It looks kinda funny in my living room, since it is considerably smaller than red couch. But still pretty butt-friendly. So there were 2 girls, 2 boys, 2 couches, and one very helpful dog trying to negotiate space.

When I finally move out of my apartment this weekend, Smokin' Fairy's living room is going to turn into Festival du Couch (my red one, his black IKEA one, plus the white dog couch). Which, per Lil Sis' suggestion, will involve beer.

Now to finish packing the crap I can't give away.

on Pandora: "Fake Tales of San Francisco" - Arctic Monkeys

TOAST!

So I just had a bit of a manic moment. I don't have enough of these anymore. High school and college were always good for it. And to celebrate/proclaim my immaturity, I called Spamber. Who voluntarily lived with me for 2 years without killing me. Which meant I knew she could handle the crazy.

(A quick Spamber story - she has always been the ultimate elementary teacher. After a couple scoops of Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz at one of the THREE Ben & Jerry's scoop shops in the Burg, I was making mad-cow noises at tourons as we drove through CW. Spamber put on the childproof locks after having another roommate extricate my face from the window. When we got out of the car, she put me in time out. I wasn't allowed in the apartment until I could stand still for 10 seconds. She made me do laps around the apartment complex. I love her.)

Got home from a quick errand at the Kro and realised it was half-past snack time. I needed coffee, and have recently rediscovered the wonders of toast. Knocked out 2 slices no problem. Ate a third (all with marmalade). And had to convince myself not to eat the rest of the loaf, crispy and smeared in sticky orange goodness. So I called Spamber and screamed TOAAAAASSSSSST when she had the misfortune of not screening her calls.

Dude was totally accurate in his assessment of my toaster, which makes excellent toast. Crispy on the outside, with a nice soft core that can be dented with some more serious butter application. Yum!

Mamma Mia

A movie that combines ABBA, Greek scenery, hotties and Meryl Streep might as well have my name on it.

Last night, Lil Sis and I saw Mamma Mia, which was such a fun movie. I don't think I have laughed that hard at a movie since Little Miss Sunshine. There was also much shrieking at some of the reveals and most things involving Colin Firth. The movie seemed to be very aware of its own potential/permission for camp+silly+sequins. It looked like everyone involved was having a great time, super-tanned from all that dancing on Greek islands. It was gorgeous. I want my 30th birthday party to be like her hen party, complete with Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth and the performance by Donna and the Dynamos. That or the white party from Marie Antoinette.

I can't wait for it to come out on DVD, because it is one of those rainy-day gems. I had already discovered the power of ABBA to get me dancing and laughing after a bad day (LOLcats is also useful). And hot people, ideally acting silly, always makes things better.

PS. Poll - what do you think of Meryl Streep as an actress? I am trying to make a point to Smokin' Fairy

Lunchtime yoga

In theory = brilliant. In reality = doh

Instead of the usual lunch break, which consists of surfing, standing at the refrigerator only to end up licking peanut butter off a spoon, and the occasional picking up of crap strewn the night before, I tried something different today. I went to my yogadownload.com podcast for the 20minute hip-opener class.

I love these podcasts. Most of them involve slides of the different poses, since they can have different names depending on the instructor, style or location. Also, I can do it in my underwear. At my house at lunch. Or 3AM, which was always fun during the school year. And when I inevitably topple over, there is no one there to laugh at me. Nothing says zen like "Oh crap" and then crashing into the spool or something.

The actual lesson was ok. It was only audio, so it took me a second to remember what eagle pose was. But damn did I work up a sweat. Probably because the AC needs a new filter, and I refuse to crank it only during lunch. And apparently my hips needed opening more than usual, because I am extra chewy, even a bit wobbly. So my butt has to compensate, which made the walk back to work kinda funny. I'm sure the old guy who calls me Smiley got a chuckle.

Also, because of all that deep breathing I am bit too relaxed. Fortunately, I have refills on the SITD. But I need to sit a bit while my butt/hips recover.

on Pandora: "Just can't get enough" - Depeche Mode

Bad coffee day

I have gotten used to bad hair days (straight usually looks dirty, and short on me frequently looks unsymmetrical, flipping on one side and curling on the other). Now that my hair is starting to grow back, I just clip it back. (And actually, humidity looks surprisingly cute on my hair, giving it volume and some cute curls)

Bad coffee days on the other hand are really debilitating. You can't cover a bad coffee day with a hat. Woke up this morning feeling extra groggy, so I trudged up to Donkey for my usual Shot in the Dark with chocolate (small in a large cup to minimize spillage and maximize on caffeine, preferably light roast). But when I took my first sip at work, it just didn't taste right. Not enough chocolate? Burned espresso? I dunno. So I tried sugar-cream, but the cream is the powdered stuff, which just made bad coffee taste all chemical-y. Given that I was having problems keeping my eyes open and the only shirt I was willing to wear today was the snarky W&M shirt (chest stripe on the front, snark on the back), I knew that today was not the day to skip the coffee. So I went back to Donkey, used the free coffee I earned, and things are going better. Fortunately, my co-workers either sympathize with my bad coffee day or find it amusing.

I have a couple more sips to get in me before I am ready to tackle the monster copy project I have this week. It's oddly zen, once you get into the groove, but it requires enough caffeine to keep things in order, including the copy machine, which has been known to give me attitude.

on Pandora: "Dead Disco" - Metro

It's getting hot in here

Overall, it's been a pretty tame summer. Not outrageously hot/humid. Regular June afternoon storms. But this past week has been extra toasty. Like I have had the AC running non-stop for about 4 days, which for me, is unusual because I am an AC miser. (I try to turn it off over night or when I'm at work).

Smokin' Fairy prides himself on living without AC. And while I have done it (3 years in the unACed dorms in swampy Williamsburg will test the patience and deodorant of the best), the fact that I have it is mighty nice.

Yesterday, I tried reading outside in the sun, but barely lasted 30 minutes before I felt like I was melting into a puddle of sweat. It's been so hot, it's hard to get inspired to do much but lounge on the couch and pull chilly pillowcases out of the freezer. (I once babysat 2 girls who liked to put their nighties in the freezer, which seems a bit hardcore for me, but the pillowcase can be nice). And it's so hot even the animals are lazy. Catface has her spot under the neighbor's truck. Bud just pants like crazy, usually in the general direction of whatever you are eating. And Crazy squirrel, who is way to tame to be a squirrel, and who kinda freaks out Lil Sis, has taken to draping himself (herself?) over the wooden rail of the apartment building, pressing his/her butt up against the wall.


It reminds me of the squirrels who would spontaneously flatten themselves on the white pebbly pavement on Capitol Hill during the July that I worked up there. It looked like they were hit by imaginary cars.

I'm waiting for a storm to come through and cool things off at least a little bit. Or at least enough that a walk to the library or Donkey does not instantly necessitate a shower.

Gym buddy

Both Lil Sis and I have decided that we need to go to the gym more. Or at all. She's getting married in a few months, and I have a loving relationship with Ben & Jerry. And since it's the summer, there is no one at the gym! We don't have to fight for equipment or avoid the glares of the tanorexics and gym rats (although OU will never be as bad as the UVA set).

I have never had a gym buddy before, and I have always heard good things. About positive peer pressure and such. It's much harder to say no when there is someone else willing to go or suggesting to go, or expecting you to go. Because suddenly you become the bigger slacker. However, even more fun is having someone to talk to. Ideally about inappropriate topics like gyn appointments or something equally awkward.

This works in a gym setting because of the weird social contract that dictates that when you are on equipment with your iPod or magazine, you are invisible. Not unlike the iPod cloak of invisibility on public transit. But the beauty of the gym is that there is space to make an impression and then move on. While I would never dream of discussing inappropriate topics in public, watching boys blush to the backs of their legs as their butts clench in discomfort is just too funny. This makes me a bad person, but it makes the gym way more appealing.

Also, I have discovered my cardio machine of choice. It's like an elliptical with arms. And a personal fan. So besides being a less awkward than the gazelle and more intense and smooth than the elliptical, I get cool air blown at me as I sweat (I know, I'm a girl, I should glisten. I don't.)

That's on the agenda for today. After I do dishes and charge up the iPod. And think of some more awkward things to discuss with Lil Sis.

on the tube: Cubs v Astros on WGN (bottom of the 6th, Cubs up)

Dark Knight

Just damn cool.

Dark Knight has been on my radar since last summer when I saw all the trailers and covered vehicles on Franklin on my way home. And all I have heard ahead has been exultant. So when Athena Grand scheduled a midnight show, I got my ticket early.

In retrospect, seeing a 2.5hr movie at midnight when I had to be at work before 8 the next day was not my most brilliant move, but the movie was so damn cool, I can't say I actually regret it. I thought it was just going to be A. and me, but it turned into all of OVST and more people than I knew Athens had in July. Like I got there early at 11PM, and it was already packed! No real line or logic. And sadly, the crowd was just a bit cooler-than-thou or just apathetic, because I saw only one mask, no capes and not much actually excitement. Probably because Athens isn't exactly known for its nightlife options, especially during the week.

The movie was dark, twisty and very sleek. And extra special fun since it was shot in Chicago, so I got to play the "Where was that shot" game. Apparently both Wanted and Dark Knight were big fans of the same stretch of Halsted. Now I want to see Wall-E (Lil Sis and Smokin' Fairy loved it and want to see it again. I want to cheer for Atlee). And Mamma Mia, despite the crap I will inevitably incur from Kallisti.

on Pandora: "Impossible Germany" - Wilco

Return of the playmates

June in Athens without anyone to play with can be really bleak. There is only so much reading/video games you can do. It was good to lose a little weight and save some money instead of going out, but it was painfully dull.

But two of my favorite people to play with have returned to Athens! Which is why my entries have been a bit sparse of late. Lil Sis got back after the 4th of July and Smokin' Fairy got back on Monday.

Being geeks of a feather, Lil Sis and I have indulged our mutual geekness, by renting Moliere and playing alot of DDR. Which is best accompanied by red wine. We drove to Parkersburg on Friday to run an errand and enjoy something more closely resembling a city. Which pretty much boiled down to eating at Olive Garden and shopping. Because it is mad sale time and they have a Borders. There was much excitement. And for Lil Sis - vanilla latte.

Last night, Smokin' Fairy and I went classic. Cheeseburgers at Red Brick, then rented Batman Begins to watch at home and snark at. Which is tough, since it is a really cool movie. But after my 2 beers and some ice cream, I found this much easier.

Playmates also means that I haven't done laundry lately, which required some creative "professional" dressing this morning. So I guess I will be at the laundromat instead of the gym tonight.

on Pandora: "Flutter" - Bonobo

Resident expert

I love it when people ask me for information. Mostly because I usually either have the answer or can find it. And I am total sucker for trivia.

So when Spamber texted looking for a Chik-Fil-A in Charlottesville, I promptly called her back with landmark-based directions. And when she started describing what she was driving past, I knew exactly where she was (Taco Hell on 5th Ext).

I shouldn't know this, well at least not as readily. I know I lived there for 3 years, but it's been 2 years since I left. And based on my quicky trip a couple weeks ago, lots has changed. (No more Order From Horder makes me really sad).

It was pretty funny. In the same way that knowing which train line was featured on Wanted (it's the Brown line). Or how my brain can just default navigate Chicago, or home-in (ala pigeon) on the fam in NJ, regardless of where I'm coming from. It's not so much that I drive these paths that often or recently. Or that I have a particularly good sense of direction (it took the combined powers of both Cheese Fiend and me to navigate Europe).

tunage: "Crossing Boundaries" from WOUB/NPR

Office environment

Because of the nature of the services my temp gig provides (job placement and training), I work in a very supportive environment. Very positive, complimentary. I recommend everyone work in a place like this at least once.

Also, this gig has made me learn about some of the more sophisticated functions of MS Office. I always knew it was capable of making my life easier. And once I thoroughly conquered it, it was pretty cool. I love merges! Especially when the other option is filling out 92 forms by hand. The only thing better is the look of sheer amazement on my boss's face.

And despite the different environment, I have learned that some office personalities are universal. I have the person who I kid around with, the person who loves bureaucracy, the person who knows this is just a job.

And temp work helps me maintain my flexibility and chameleon. But I bet in a few months, I will be really happy not to be keeping normal business hours.

(I promise to write a more interesting entry later. With pictures.)

The Printer is my Nemesis

For the past 2 days, I have been locked in battle with all objects responsible for printing. They are the bane of my existence and rapidly driving me to drink. If a dinky ink-jet won't print an envelope without first jamming, then throwing a lights-n-sound hissy, how could I expect the big machine to do it? I have been trying to talk pretty at it, hand-feeding it envelopes. I am willing to accept misbehaving computers, because much more is asked of them than freakin' printers. And when I try to print something on letter-size, I suddenly get 25 copies. I hate wasting paper because technology is getting fussy. It's probably the humidity, which is so thick, it feels like swimming to work.

At least there is DDR and red wine at home.

Moldy muffin

What a bad omen for a Monday.

Last week, I got a little domestic. Did a bunch of cooking, used up a bunch of food. And made a batch of berry oat muffins. I think I kinda overloaded them with healthy-goodness because they were not as muffin-tasty as I would hope. But they were portable, healthy, and they filled the tank.

This morning, as usual, I stuck a muffin the the baggie and walked to work. Busted that out, took one bite and discovered that in all of its moistness, it had gotten moldy. Dammit! Then the laminator ate my project, which required minor paper-clip surgery.

Needless to say, it's just no good. Lunch isn't for another 2 hours, during which I have to wrestle an email data merge, purchasing shenanigans, and trying to ignore asshats. Oy.

on Pandora - "Walking in My Shoes" - Depeche Mode

Fourth of July

Without a doubt, Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Unlike Christmas, which I do like, but it's just such an Event. 4th of July is, by design, a leisurely day. Most people have the day off, even in the middle of the week. You get to wake up late, loll around the house/beach/yard. You get to hang out with friends or whoever you choose in a really low-pressure scene that usually involves a grill, alcohol, and the occasional water sport. And of course, fireworks.


I am a total 5-year old when it comes to fireworks. I make the goofiest noises, jump up and down and am generally gleeful. And up until this year, never was able to enjoy both explosives AND beer. The entire HRF costume shop was crowded on to Domestic God's upstairs deck, which has the perfect view of the Scottsville fireworks. Drinking beer, smelling fried chicken, hanging with a bunch of equally fun people. There is something about theatre people, that you don't need to be part of their specific group. If you are part of the larger group, somehow, it's just cool. I just fit in. The way 4th of July should be.

Driving zen

It's been a while since I did a real roadtrip. And driving from Athens to Charlottesville yesterday kinda hit the spot.

I love driving. Preferably fast. And ideally on fun roads. So being able to fly across the mountains of West Virginia was very satisfying. Being forced to drive the speed limit for fear of an exorbitant speeding ticket wasn't. Today, I got to drive up 20S, which is one of my favorite stretches of pavement to drive, along with the LSD.

Driving gives me a chance to spin my wheels, in every sense. I get to enjoy owning a little speedy Honda. And it gives me a chance to let the bees buzz around in my bonnet. But at the same time, I feel in control, because I am behind the wheel as opposed to fruitlessly obsessing and being stuck on the couch. OCD is just not pretty, but at least when it's in the car, it moves at 70mph, so it just looks like a blur.

Chicago movies

I had seen the ads for Wanted for weeks now, and in case I didn't love Angelina Jolie enough, James McAvoy is in it (he's new on my to-do list). And then, looking closer, I could have sworn they were riding the L in Chicago.



So when I saw it on Sunday I found out it was so totally Chicago. Which I should have remembered from all the April/August hoopla. But it was funny to see him coming out of his apartment on Clark, 2 blocks south of Wrigley Field and 2 blocks east of Redmonds and Sheffields (Redmonds = wings, Sheffields = best beer garden). Lots of local shots, driving down Lake under the L. I felt cool by association, especially since I love me some transit-surfing, admittedly not as hardcore, but still. I have also decided I need some wicked tats. And go to the gym and learn how to do smoky eye makeup. Because I want to be badass too. (And those scenes not shot in Chicago were shot in one of my other favorite cities - Prague!)

My movie-buddy and I spent the ride home checking the Cubs score (he grew up outside Chicago), and then pledged to see Dark Knight, which looks awesome. And mucked up my commute home for the entire month of August.

Accidentally cool

It almost never happens, but when it does, oh it is sweet.

At my temp gig, I have been working on the monthly newsletter in Publisher, a program I have never worked with. I've generally been winging it, with impressively good results. Not only does it look awesome, I also figured out how to make it the pretty HTML email newsletter they have lusted after for months. Which only cements my position as awesome in their eyes.

Yesterday, I walked over to Athens Book Center to snag some stripped magazines for the lobby. But of course, as soon as I left the store, it started raining. Again. Hard. That kinda pissed me off, because I walked over, trying to be a good person. I mean, it was shitty that it started raining when I was walking home for lunch, but at least I could quickly change into dry clothes. Yesterday was only saved by a few rounds of Wii Boxing and Ben & Jerry's Brownie Cheesecake ice cream.

Sorry the blog has been extra lame lately. But it just reflects the general lame that is my life of late.