The Good, The Bad & The Fabulous

The Good:

I look nice and "buff" for my trip. Might not have lost as much weight as I wanted, but feeling good about my body.

The Bad:

My car (that was hit by a semi while parked) still isn't fixed. But will be good as new when I get back from vacation. Fingers crossed.

The Fabulous:

The forecast for part of the time I will be in West Palm Beach! Peace out freaders! :)

What's Your Beef Wednesday :: The Blogging/Social Media Edition

Thought I'd throw it back to an old blog tradition - the What's Your Beef Wednesday tradition that is. If you're a new reader, I got this idea for a post from my favorite local radio station. They do this segment every Wednesday morning and I think it's great.

Basically I vent in the post, you vent in the comments. It's stress relieving. Here goes:

• Plagiarism. I was completely surprised and disgusted by this story. Blogging is supposed to be an outlet, a way to tell stories about what is going on IN YOUR OWN LIFE. Why would anyone even be interested in retelling someone else's life happenings? I truly don't see the benefit. The strangest part to me was that she even continued the charade in real life.
  
• Obsessive Tweeting. Yes, if I follow you, I do want to know what's going on in your life, hear witty things that you have to say, or watch hilarious YouTube video links you post. But I also need a breather every once in awhile.
  
• Facebook version 3,989. Really, Facebook, we like it the way it is. Or was... or... JUST STOP CHANGING IT ALREADY.
  
• Non-responsiveness. When I leave a comment on a blog post, one of these things is happening: I have something funny/witty to say, thought the post was exceptional, have my own personal experience/advice to share, or have a legitimate question. As long as it's not a hypothetical question or something really personal, can I have an answer?
  
• The way Blogger handles comments. This goes along with the last bullet. Sometimes I can't answer questions people pose to me because of the way Blogger allows comments. That is one thing I do like about Wordpress, you have to leave an e-mail address!
• Tweet Spammers. Enough already. Quit following me. No, I do not plan on following you back.

And one final, unrelated to blogging/social media, beef:

• Hershey is duping us. They made the Cadbury Creme eggs noticeably SMALLER this year. The proof from a Conan O'Brien show. Did they think this one would get by us? (Thanks for sharing Liz.)
  

Now it's your turn. What's your beef today (blogging related or otherwise)? Feel free to use caps, it really helps get the point across.


The WYBW Archives:
Volume One
Volume Two :: The Men Suck Edition
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five :: The Road Rage Edition

A Walking Contradiction

I believe in lasting love, but am convinced I'll never find it myself.

I am a registered democrat, but tolerable of guns and the death penalty and wary about unions and universal health care.

I am the daughter of a banker, but often spend frivolously and haven't balanced my checkbook in quite awhile.

I graduated summa cum laude from college, but only scored an 1120 on my SATs.

I am offended when others don't trust me, but find it hard to trust the guys I'm dating.

I want to see the world and crave adventure, but have only been on a plane once.

I am a hard-core Mac lover, but spend most of my time on a PC.

I was voted as having the best big blog on 20-something bloggers, then promptly dropped off the face of the internet for months with little desire to blog at all.

I act and feel confident about myself (sometimes even cocky) when I meet someone new, but can very easily lose all of that confidence at one fell swoop.

And most definitively:
I choose to wear my heart on my sleeve, but adhere it with super glue and avoid anything that has even the slightest chance of tearing it off.

Regenerate.

Getting lots of sleep, canceling plans with friends and a general lackluster are all things I've been experiencing as of late. It started with a really bad cold a few weeks ago so I canceled plans 2 nights in a row. But once I was feeling up to par, I found myself continuing to cancel plans for things I normally look forward to during the week. Then I slept until noon on a Saturday when I didn't have plans until the evening. And again today. Generally, all things out of character for me.

I described all of this to my therapist tonight and she smiled at me and said, "Every once in awhile, people need time to regenerate." She went on to tell me that wanting time alone to process my thoughts outside of friends is normal. Sometimes the need to feel socially "on" is overwhelming and a little me time is well-deserved. Suddenly, I felt less guilty about it. It wasn't that these things were bothering me because I thought something was wrong, I was worried because I was liking them too much.

I vowed to make more time for me. Because what's a better time then now when I'm single? Things I am putting on my list of things to do just for me:

• Complete Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred
  
• Buy my new MacBook and start my freelancing website
  
• Rent the Twilight movie again
  
• Read Jodi Picoult's new book
  
• Get another massage and pedicure
  
• Organize my shoes in my closet
  
• Break out the journal again
  
• Learn one new recipe
  
• Buy a new dress that I look and feel fabulous in

I can't wait.

I'm Not Gonna Write You A Love Song

From my last post (and part 2 that is coming soon), you've probably gathered I've had to break off a few "relationships" lately. Some of you have asked me (after seeing certain Facebook status messages) to share my methods.

Last fall, when I was single for the first time in a long time, I had absolutely NO clue how to end things appropriately with someone I was just casually dating. I've since had some practice and have a few guidelines that I follow, appropriate or not... I'm sure you'll tell me (especially the few male readers I have).

1. The Fade Away: This is when you completely stop responding to all communication, hoping the guy will eventually get the hint that you aren't interested in pursuing a relationship anymore. It's not the nicest thing to do, but if there is no emotional connection it's sometimes the easiest.
   
   My rule of thumb: I only do this with guys I've had one date with. It has the potential to severely backfire otherwise.
   
   
2. The Text Message: I believe this is an acceptable way to end things with someone you've had only a few dates with, and also have used text messaging as a means of communication with before. If he sends you a message about getting together again sometime, the Fade-Away would be pretty rude considering you've been out more than once, which is normally perceived as being interested. So, the polite thing to do is to let him know that you aren't feeling it anymore. It can be tricky because you're normally limited to 160 characters. Keep it short, simple and to the point.
   
   My drafted response: I'm not really feeling a spark between us that should be there at this point. I hope you understand. Take care.
   
   
3. The E-Mail: I find this to be the best approach when you find you get nervous or can't say what you really mean when face-to-face. Or, when you know you wouldn't be able to go through with it if you saw them in person again.
   
   Courtesy of my IBFF:
   
   Dear ______,
   
   I wanted to thank you again for the __(insert date location and activity here)___ the other night. It has been great getting to know you these past few (weeks, hours, days - pick one.) I do, however, feel that our connection is more of a friendship than a romance. Perhaps I am being presumptuous, and you may have felt that way too? Either way, thank you again, and I wish you the best.
   
   Sincerely,
   ________
   
   
4. In Person: Yes, if you've been seriously dating and have an emotional connection with them, it is the right thing to do to break-up face-to-face. Do you really want to be perceived as a cold, heartless bitch?

Have anything to add? Share your methods in the comments if you want.


Disclaimer: If the guy has been a complete and total asshole, there is no need to follow any of the above guidelines. In fact, knee him right in the family jewels. That should send the message loud and clear. (Only kidding!) ... ;)

My Idea Of A Perfect Week

How beautiful is THAT forecast?

Also:
Another date :)
Volleyball night
Happy hour with a few friends
So You Think You Can Dance with Anna
And a visit from my future roomie!

A more detailed update on life soon :)

What do you guys have planned this week? Anything fun I should add to my list? ;)

Gay, Straight, Or Taken?

The age old question every single girl asks herself when she sees hottie material. (It's also a reality dating show on Lifetime, quite lame, but gets the point across.)

In the real world, it's not as simple as picking the straight available man, however. There are many sub-categories your potential suitor could fall into that parallel hiding his wedding ring in his back pocket. I will detail below a few I have encountered myself in recent dating escapades (all of which you will want to AVOID at all costs):

---

The wallflower: He's usually alone at the bar. Leaning against the wall, beer in hand, watching you from afar. He may shift positions to get closer to where you're seated. You smile, he winks. But when you make eye contact for too long he looks away, fearful that you may have caught him checking out your cleavage. When your friend makes a trip to the restroom, the empty chair... remains empty.

• Why you want to steer clear: If he can't grow a pair and actually TALK to you, who's going to be making all the moves in bed? Sounds like too much work if you ask me.

The smooth-talker: He brings his A-game round one. "You have a beautiful smile" is his leading line. Not lame, but not sleazy either. It's easy to fall for his quick wit and irresistible charm. By the end of the night, he thinks he has this one in the bag.

• Why you don't want to go back to his place: His A-game will only last that one round. The sweet compliments and tender kisses are out the window on date #2. He's the guy who likes to hit it and quit it. If you know what I mean...

The booty call: This guy will usually be with a bunch of friends at the bar. A crowd pleaser. Normally gathered around the pool table, arcade bowling machine or dart board. He'll ask you to join in, this way the whole group can flirt with you. He doesn't seem to mind that you're getting everyone else's attention.

• Why you shouldn't hand out the digits: This guy isn't interested in a serious relationship. He thinks you have a nice ass and would be fun to make out with. His calls will consistently come Sunday evenings after 10 p.m. or after a late night at the strip joint.

The extracurricular overachiever:: In conversation you find out that after his 9-5, he works a second job three times a week. He seems put-together, determined, with a good head on his shoulders. He then goes into detail about his many hobbies: biking, golf, hiking, the two softball leagues he plays for every week. How he barely has time for sleep, and comes home to Conan O'Brien every night.

• Why you shouldn't pencil him in for a date: Don't get me wrong, it's nice when your significant other has a life outside of you. If I didn't have my weekly date nights with Anna, happy hours with different friends, volunteer work or (soon-to-be) golf lessons, I would be a pretty boring person. But, with a life as jam packed as his seems, you will find it impossible to squeeze into his routine. And besides, where does sex fit in to that schedule of his? Dead last. RUN.

And finally,

The over-exaggerator: Constantly references his many "achievements". How he turned down Harvard to stay close to home and care for his elderly relative or neighbor. That he could have taken that fantastic corporate job right out of college that paid six figures, but it was his dream to Save Darfur.

• Why you should avoid a kiss from those tainted lips: With so many lies escaping that dirty mouth of his, how will you ever know where it's really been? And girls, if he's not being up front about something as simple as what he does for a living, should you believe it when he tells you he's pleased every woman he's ever been with? I think not.

---

Have any categories of your own to share?

Oh, and just in case you fear you won't be able to resist guys like the ones mentioned above due to their six pack abs, cute dimples, nice ass or fabulous head of hair; simply wear this t-shirt:



Because you're worth it ;)

Happiness Is...

• finally spending time with my niece outside of the hospital
  
  
• a So You Think You Can Dance marathon with the best friend ever
  
• wine & pizza, yeah we're classy like that
  
• a wii bowling tournament
  
• dancing with "the baby" to cell phone ring tones
  
• knowing tomorrow is FINALLY Friday
  
• having a jam-packed weekend scheduled
  
• receiving text messages that are too cute for words
  
• when you CAN'T STOP smiling :)

What has made you guys happy lately? Fill me in!

My Birthday In Numbers (And Pictures)

I have come to realize I am truly lucky. I have some of the best friends in the world, spread out far and wide. I love each and every one of you. THANK YOU for making my birthday unforgettable.

1 Flower delivery

• I was SHOCKED by this delivery at work! Aren't they gorgeous? Thank you to my other half, you are truly amazing. (And how did you know that was one thing a guy's NEVER done for me?)
  
  
  
  

1 Care package

• From my long time friend Rachel. Love you girl!
  
  

2 E-cards
3 Glasses of wine
4 Pieces of flair
5 E-mails
6 Facebook messages
8 Birthday cards
9 Phone calls
12 Text messages
25 Years under my belt
26 Sexual favors
36 Facebook wall posts
75 Blog comments
200 dollars in spending $
Tons of Birthday wishes

Not to mention:

• A stick of gum (inside joke)
  
• Lunch at Noodles
  
• Ice Cream at Jeni's
  
• Happy Hour and drinks with friends/co-workers
  
• Homemade Birthday dinner with the bestest (which included CHEESECAKE! does she know me or what?)
  
• Dinner tonight with my lovely hometown ladies
  
• A new birthday outfit worn with a pair of HOTT red pumps!
  
  

WHAT A DAY!

Remedies For Heartache

A bakesale...


A new scent...


A new pair of shoes...


And best of all, a new 'do!



Still pondering yesterday's post. Don't worry - I'll let you guys know what I decide.

Things I've Been Pondering

In no particular order.

• Why do contestants on Deal or No Deal think "strength" and "determination" have anything to do with winning the game? Have they never seen the show before? Last night was a Star Wars themed episode and the woman had left a foreign country (Vietnam I think?) and made it to the U.S. as a child. I'm sure she's a very strong person and has been through a lot in her life, but really? It's a game of chance. Crossing your fingers would have the same effect.
  
  
• If Reverend Wright supports Obama why is he continuing to preach his extremist views knowing they will be detrimental to the campaign? He has to realize what he's doing. Is this a backlash for being disinvited to speak on the day of Senator Obama’s presidential announcement?
  
  
• Why would Miley Cyrus' parents even allow her to pose in a photo shoot topless in the first place? I understand that she is regretting her actions now after the negative attention the photos received from the media. But would she have had the same reaction if the press would have adored the photos? Regardless, she's 15 years old. Someone should have put a stop to the shoot as soon as the words "Miley, we're going to have you remove your top now" were uttered.
  
  
• Why does Google reader take so long to show published posts?I know this has been a pet peeve of a lot of bloggers lately, but really I just don't understand it. I normally publish posts before work in the morning and sometimes the time stamp shows 3 or 4 in the afternoon! I'm not editing posts after I hit publish (which I know can delay it sometimes). What's the dilly yo?
  
  
• Why do I worry about everything? Is it a woman thing? Am I alone? I feel like no matter how great my job/relationships/life/health is going, there's always something on my mind.
  
  
• And lastly, how in the world can we justify SNOW flurries on April 29? For those of you who still think Al Gore is full of shit, ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?!

Looking Forward

to hanging out with Kari tonight. Girl talk, dinner, maybe some knitting will actually be accomplished this time. Now I just have to convince her that alcohol should be involved!

to going out with the "Lunch Bunch" tomorrow afternoon. Lunch at a local cafe to celebrate the birthday of one of our "members".

to date night with my main squeeze tomorrow. Sounds ridiculous, but it's been two days and I miss him!

to a birthday celebration Saturday night for a friend (and co-worker). Bowling and FREE BEER. To do: learn to like beer by Saturday.

to seeing Mr. Billy Joel himself live and in concert Sunday night!! Hopefully taking Clancy's parents to one of our new favorite restaurants beforehand. I've been looking forward to this weekend for so long :)

to a much needed, no reason at all vacation day on Monday. They're predicting highs in the 70s and sunny skies. I'm thinking a bike ride is in order.

to summer! My 26th birthday(!!), the birth of my niece, possible road trips to Virginia and Chicago, my cousin's graduation party, Clancy's birthday, his work picnic in Hershey, PA, my work picnic at King's Island and hopefully spending some time on the beaches of Lake Erie and visiting Niagara Falls. And of course a ton of swimming, tanning, and bike riding. I love this time of year!

What are you looking forward to?

A Lot To Love*

Saw this first on She Likes Purple awhile ago and finally got around to doing it myself! (Surprisingly, this is the cut-down version!)

I love laughing, the uncontrollable kind that leaves you trying to catch your breath and in tears at the same time. I love getting chills when lyrics to a song touch my heart. I love how my hair blows and the wind feels on my face when I open the sunroof. I love blaring music and singing along as I drive. I love catching all the green lights. I love road trips. I love visiting someplace new and doing all the touristy things.

I love how it feels sinking in to a bubble bath. I love wrapping up in a warm robe afterwards. I love relaxing in front of a bonfire and the smell that permeates your clothes for hours. I love getting my hair shampooed at the salon. I love freshly painted fingernails. I love pink roses and sunflowers. I love the colors pink, green and brown. I love chick flicks and chick lit. I love hitting the snooze button.

I love leaving the house confident in how I look. I love how that confidence puts an extra bounce in my step and a smile on my face. I love the smell of a new magazine and using those subscription cards as bookmarks. I love tiny baby clothes. I love seeing a man hold a newborn. I love hearing a baby laugh. I love floppy puppy ears.

I love cheesecake. I love coming across the cheesiest potato chip in the bag. I love a peanut butter and fluff sandwich. I love the accomplishment of successfully making a new dish. I love fried pickles. I love trying exotic foods even though most of the time I know I'll hate them. I love gelatis from Rita's Italian Ice. I love cereal for dinner. I love dipping my oreos in milk. I love mixing jello and cool whip together.

I love how I have a connection to anyone at the push of a cell phone button or mouse click. I love hearing the sound of my phone alerting me to a new voicemail or text. I love checking my mailbox after work. I love hand written notes and letters. I love cards for special occasions or for no occasion at all.

I love the way I sign the M in my first name. I love brightly colored outwear, especially my green peacoat. I love wearing heels. I love the way "come fuck me" boots make me feel powerful. I love eyeliner and I don't know how I ever got by without it. I love sparkling rings and dangling earrings. I love to read. I love a challenge. I love word games. I love my daily dose of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. I love learning something new.

I love browsing typography websites. I love downloading fonts I know I'll never use, but are too cool to pass up. I love looking at billboards. I love seeing my design work in print. I love art exhibits. I love amazing photographs and taking photographs of my own. I love blogging. I love palm trees. I love when the weather is sunny enough to wear sunglasses and warm enough to wear flip flops. I love digging my toes in the sand.

I love trying on clothes in the dressing room, sneaking in with an item count way over the limit. I love catching a clearance sale at my favorite store not knowing about it beforehand. I love grocery shopping, especially when I have time to write a detailed list and cross things off as I get them.

I love reality TV even though it rots my brain. I love DVRing shows I know I'll never get around to. I love catching marathons of a favorite show on the weekend. I love witty one-liners, plot twists and to-be-continueds. I love riding. I love taking a walk, no destination or plan. I love listening to live music. I love hearing a new band or artist for the first time and falling head over feet.

I love surprises. I love snuggling. I love how my naked skin feels on warm, freshly washed sheets. I love making memories. I love how a passionate kiss makes my toes curl. I love bear hugs, the lifting you off your feet kind. I love hearing the words "I miss(ed) you".

I LOVE love.


---


*I challenge you to make your own list or leave a love of yours in the comments. The only catch? You can't include a single person you know on your list. No "I love the way my husband laughs" or "I love hearing my little girl call for me." It'll be tough, I know. But this particular little exercise is about stripping away everyone who defines you and figuring out what you (not his partner; not their mother/daughter/sister/friend) love.

One More Day

Doesn't it seem like this week is dragging?

Going to break out the bullet points today guys:

• Bought whole wheat poptarts last time I went grocery shopping (trying to be healthier and all). They're actually not too bad.
  
  
• Apparently I'm a bangable blogger? Can't decide if I should be flattered or offended. Twitterers tell me both. What do you guys think?
  
  
• Finally got a new cell phone. The T-mobile shadow. I pretty much am in love with it. And my ringtone? Popular from Wicked the musical. Does that make me egotistical? "Popular. I knooow about Popuuular." hehe
  
  
• Working on my knitting project I mentioned on Monday, I dropped a few stitches. Ended up having to unravel the whole thing. Talk about heartbreaking. Don't worry, I don't give up easily. Attempt #2 has begun.
  
  
• So not to throw everyone off tomorrow, I'm letting you know that I will be posting a piece of fiction. I joined the Choose Your Own Blogventure team and at 10 AM tomorrow everyone will be posting their part. Basically the story starts with NPW and you can follow it along by choosing what you want the main character to do at the end of each entry. Fun, right? Hope you guys enjoy it!

Last Night On The Bachelor (Alternatively Titled: Why The Hell Do I Still Watch Reality TV?)

No, that question wasn't rhetorical. I really have no idea.

• First of all, what do the contestants do for a living? How can they put their jobs (and lives) on hold for weeks at a time? Sure I have some vacation time stored up, but not enough to sign up to be on The Bachelor. What do they do, take a leave of absence?
  
• Some of the girls are 22. Twenty-two years old. Have they even had enough time to give dating a shot? Most likely they just graduated from college!
  
• I know they want to make a good first impression, but toting your guitar or clarinet along for the ride is a tad over the top. Save that for date #2 maybe?
  
• No matter how hot the guy is, or how laid back, sneaking your underwear in his pocket is not going to make him think highly of you. He might (and this is a big might) have sex with you, but he'll still think you're a skank. And for those of you who watched it last night, do you think those were the underwear she had on or she brought an extra pair just for that purpose?
  
• There is always one girl who gets so shitfaced she falls asleep. I find this odd. You make the effort to sign up for the show, take the time off work, and then get drunk the first night?! Big surprise - the drunk girl this season was the same girl from above bullet. No, she didn't get a rose.
  
• Does anyone else think it's strange that they couldn't find a suitable bachelor in our own country, so they got one from overseas? Apparently, he's here to "steal our women". What if the girl that "wins" doesn't want to pack up and move to London? Then what?
  
• Yes, I will keep The Bachelor on my DVR rotation.
  
• No, I still don't know why.

Consequence Free

I want to eat an entire sleeve of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies and not gain a pound.

I want to test my car's fabulous horsepower at 80 mph and not get a speeding ticket.

I want to skip paying my rent this month in order to update my wardrobe and not get evicted.

I want to tell a girl I don't like very much that she sucks donkey balls and not get bitch slapped.

I want to stay out late, drink my cares away and not feel it the next morning.

I want to shout from the mountaintops how I feel about about this election and not offend anyone.

I want to punch Eliot Spitzer in the face (because apparently his wife won't) and not get arrested.

I want to wear my heart on my sleeve and not worry about getting hurt.


I wanna be consequence free*. Don't you? And what would you want to do?

*See sidebar for song inspiration, I heart Great Big Sea.

I almost forgot! I have written a post over at genpink.com. An ABC series on 20something life is going on over there and I took on "K is for Kitchen". I'm such a guest posting machine this week!

Seriously?

I mean come on.

• My DVR is empty. And no I didn't clear it out by watching them all in one night. The shows? They're GONE.
  
• The models on Deal or No Deal make more money in one month than I do in a year. And they're only working 1 or 2 days. The entire month. And they get to wear amazing clothes. And shoes.
  
• I waited in line to pick up my prescriptions at the Walmart pharmacy last night for A HALF HOUR. This happens every time I go. Please remind me why I keep shopping there? Oh, that's right. I spend about half of what I do on groceries when I shop there rather than a chain grocery store.
  
• My Google Reader has been at 1000+ for what seems like forever. I keep lingering over the 'mark all as read' button so I can start fresh.
  
• Speaking of Google Reader, I post in the morning and it doesn't show up until after I get home from work most days. Does anyone know how I can fix that? It's really annoying.
  
• It was in the high 60s on Monday. 60s. Temperatures have since plummeted into the twenties. And we're in for a huge snow storm this weekend.
  
• Said snow storm might hinder me from visiting my grandmother in the hospital(in Erie). She fell and broke both of her legs and has to have surgery. I am going to be really upset if I can't make it up this weekend. Please keep her in your thoughts.

It doesn't feel like Friday.

Will you cheer me up? Tell me a joke?

Sorry for the super bitchy post. At least it's been awhile.

What's Your Beef Wednesday :: The Road Rage Edition

It's been a few weeks and I have some pent up beefs. Let's get to it.

• Inclement Weather. Anytime the smallest amount of precipitation falls, the new speed limit on the highway becomes 25 mph here in Columbus. Yesterday we had on and off downpours during our morning commute. It took me so long to get to work you would have thought inches of snow were falling. Ridiculous.
  
  
• Windshield Wipers. I'm glad you're actually using them (because there are definitely people who avoid them like the plague), but can you pick an appropriate speed and stick to it? It's downpouring, OK put the blades on high. But if it stops raining will you shut them off? You look like a dumb ass sitting there with your wipers flapping at full speed when there ISN'T ANY RAIN FALLING.
  
  
• Rubbernecking. I know. There's an accident over on the other side of the highway. Police cars, ambulances, the works. CAN YOU PLEASE STOP LOOKING OVER THERE AND KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD? This lane of traffic should not be moving as slowly as the lanes on the other side of the median where the accident actually took place.
  
  
• Tailgating and the Like. If I can't even see the hood of your car in my rearview mirror you are TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT. Back the hell up now before I slam on my brakes. And there are quite a few people who have the opposite problem. I know there's a car about a mile in front of you tapping on his brakes. Do you really need to start braking when you are SEVEN CAR LENGTHS behind him? Slow your roll a little, but there is no reason to leave that much room. You know a few of the rush hour weasels are going to sneak in front of you. And I just might be one of them.
  
  
• Speed Limits. Are around for a reason. Let's at least try to drive, at minimum, the posted miles per hour. OK? It's RUSH HOUR. See the RUSH in there? Get some lead in your foot and pick up the pace granny. It's 65 and we should not be going 50. In the fast lane.
  
  And one non-road rage related beef for today:
  
  
• Lazy Elevator Riders. I got on the elevator this morning with another guy. He pressed his floor, I pressed mine. We start going up. The elevator comes to a stop of the 15th floor (which isn't the destination for either of us). We both look puzzled, but then a lady gets on. PRESSES THE 16TH FLOOR BUTTON and steps back. Seriously? You couldn't take the stairs for one floor? She gets off and my fellow passenger starts snickering. I couldn't help but laugh as well, but I was still miffed. That might be the laziest thing I've ever seen.

Let it out. What's YOUR beef, road rage related or otherwise? And feel free to use ALL CAPS. I feel it helps emphasize how irritated you really are. :)


Volume One
Volume Two :: The Men Suck Edition
Volume Three
Volume Four

What I Learned This Weekend

I had a fabulous weekend. Hope you all did too! Here's a weekend recap "What I Learned" style:

• Virginia is even more awesome in person than her blog leads you to believe.
  
  
• If John McCain becomes President, it's because no one was listening to a word he said. They were all focused on the facial abnormality jutting from the left side of his face. Has anyone else noticed this?
  
  
• When visiting rich people in gated communities, be aware that the security guards may be dressed as if they're on safari. Hat and all.
  
  
• An anti-Superbowl party for two can be just as fun as a Superbowl party. Halftime show listening to the great Tom Petty, movies, pizza and more. Who needs football?
  
  
• I won the Best Big Blog category in the 20 Something Blogger Awards. Holy cow! Thanks guys!!
  
  
• Dane Cook is not a great actor, but he needs to have a spot in my Top 5.
  
  
• Ben & Jerry's Half Baked ice cream really is that good.
  
  
• 3M makes non-slip pads for the bottom of heels/boots. They totally up-sold me at Baker's when I bought new boots this weekend. I'm a sucker.
  
  
• My cat, Holly, has magical powers and can get into my purse and pull out whatever she fancies. I'm talking anything, even if the purse is half zipped and what she is after is at the bottom stuffed between my wallet and cell phone. Opposable thumb, who needs that?
  
  
• I want Jessica Alba's body. (OK to clarify - PRE-pregnancy Jessica!!)
  
  
• Apparently I didn't know the correct lyrics to Benny & the Jets. But I've decided to make it my new ring tone after seeing 27 Dresses. Is that scene not the best?
  
  
• The 4th season of The L-Word came out on DVD.
  
  
• I am an exceptional player of Scramble - the new game on Facebook that is much like Boggle. 1st place in the live games? But of course. Move over Scrabulous, I've found my new best friend.
  
  
• Washing cashmere can be done without ruining the sweater, however be prepared for de-linting everything you own.
  
  
• I will never look at penguins the same after seeing the unrated edition of Good Luck Chuck. Stuffed penguins + Dane Cook = hilarious yet disturbing sex scenes.
  
  
• And just this morning: my favorite radio station marries couples at White Castle every year on Valentine's Day. The officiator? Reverend Slider. Disturbing, no? Excuse me while I go sign up.

Happy Monday!

Looking Forward

to my lunch hour. Time to step away from the chaos that is outsource printing and relax. How do you mess up an Excel spreadsheet? Do share.

to a new Project Runway tomorrow. For some reason hearing "Make it work!" brings me much joy. Tim Gunn is just adorable. (edit:: Tiff informed me that there's not a new episode tomorrow. And Cashmere Mafia's a repeat as well. Very sad news. But we have Lost to look forward to soon!)

to meeting Virginia. Happy hour plans in the works. And she's a Lost fan, we're bound to get along!

to my mom's visit. She'll be down for work and plans on staying over night at my place. Mani/pedi plans? I think so. I've already asked her to bring along her foot bath!

to an all girls weekend. Hard to imagine but we managed to work out the kinks and bring together the busy schedules of 5 working women. Dinner, drinks, country music, good conversation, great friends, and the hostess' husband away on a ski trip. Cannot. wait.

to our Cleveland trip to see Wicked - a second time together. Better seats than the last time, even better company and an entire Monday off work to explore the city. Any suggestions?

to hearing what you, my freaders, are looking forward to.