Thoughts of the evening

I'm sitting in my apartment, hoping I'm not getting sick for the second time this month, listening to the non-stop bass of the girl above me and wondering about... well just wondering. And of course Friends is on in the back ground.

I have developed a small personality for the girl who lives above me. Our first and only encounter was only vocal. I was awoken by her LOUD music, so loud I swore it was in my apartment. No joke, I sat up thinking "Who turned on my radio and how do I shut it off?" So I wasted no time in getting my butt upstairs, knocking on her door and asking her to turn it down. Very bluntly, but I did say please. I think I scared the shit out of her, because she sounded like well, like I sacred the shit out of her. But now I hear her music on average once every other day, it's now just a low rumble. I have heard True Colors by Cyndi Lauper, Every Day by Dave Matthews, but I turn on my radio to drown it out when I hear Enya over and over again. Enya grates on my nerves. OK, so her small personality that I have invented is that I think she is a stripper. The only time I hear her walking around is when she has heels on. And her music comes on at the most random times, 4 or 5 in the evening, 10:30 or 11 at night, or something like 3:30 or 5 in the morning. I put the shoes and the music playing times together and came up with stripper. I'm almost positive that I'm wrong, but still. I like making up things about people, especially when all I know about them is through my ears.

Tomorrow is New Years Eve. I have a party that I'm going to with my friends Kerstin and Sommer. It's semi-formal and I'm wearing a strapless red dress and am planning on looking FIERCE! I'm very excited, and am hoping hoping hoping I feel all right tomorrow enough to go out. A pretty necklace, some cute black heels and a cute purse and I'm ready to dance the night away. And hopefully have some cutie buy me a drink or two and possibly kiss me at midnight! Everyone wants to be kissed at midnight, you know!

I got my latest writing assignment back and I got a much better response from my instructor than I expected. When I wrote it my mind and heart were on other things. But I guess I did better than I thought. And now for the next one, I get to revise and rework this last assignment into a full article. Wish me luck.

I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and it is wonderful! In the beginning it was a very quiet story, a family and their dogs. But now things have taken a turn for the dramatic side, and it pulls on my heart strings. And it's even turning a but fantasy-esque. I'm so intrigued by this story, when things happen it's written so well that you don't quite realize what has happened. A bit like House of Sand and Fog. When the the climax hit in that story I had to go back re-read it because it was written so beautifully I couldn't believe that it had happened. And the story of Edgar is written in the same manner. Beautiful and dramatic and so smooth, it all flows so well.

One more day and it's 2009. Resolutions? I'm not sure. Goals, I think so, not sure yet. Big promises like that intimidate me. I don't want to set myself up to be disappointed. Oh maybe that is my resolution, not to let things get me down. Sounds good, huh?

You've got to be kidding me!

I forgot about this guy until I found the note in my pocket. On Christmas eve day I had a customer at work who asked to have his small soy latte returned because we put a lid on it and that was environmentally sound. Yep, it happened.

OK OK OK.

1. It's a law for us to give them their drink with a lid on it so we don't spill and burn the customer or ourselves. But he said "That's bull shit. It's not a damn law, it's corporate shit. I'm a lawyer." Fine.
2. It's more environmentally sound to bring your own mug, you Jackass! The lid he didn't want is only half the garbage, there is still the cup. The cup that he didn't want to take his delicious drink in because it wasn't environmentally sound.
3. It's ridiculous!
4. And this is my job. Lucky me.

I did have a lady who clearly talks to herself day in and day out call me crazy and stupid today. Thanks. But aren't you the crazy one?! Miss-I-talk-to-no-one-ALL-THE-TIME!!!

I've had an off day and will blog more positive stuff within the next day or so. Once I get past the fact that sometimes I can't believe I get treated the way I do when I serve people coffee at work.

I'm going to age myself here...

I just went to dinner/grab a beer with some old friends from my camp counseling days. Which was fabulous! But that is not the aging part. Sitting at the table (yet not old enough to drink, I haven't decided if that was a good or bad thing yet) was one of my old campers. Yep, I'm old enough now where the campers I used to counsel are now going out for food, and at this time, non-alcoholic drinks with people I guess, whom we are both friends with.

This was a wonderful evening, don't get me wrong. It was great to see my friends who I haven't seen in several years, at least 5, if not more. But it was a very surreal moment for me when one of the young ones at the end of the table says, "Yeah, I remember you. You were my counselor, when I was like 10 or 11." And here she is at a bar with me. WEIRD. Just plain weird. And I'm almost positive that I was the only one who felt that way.

Keep in mind I was the oldest one at the table by at least 4 years. When I first met my two friends that were there tonight one of them was 16, and I was a month shy of 21. And when I first went to camp it was in the late 80's, the others at the table tonight (besides my 2 friends) were just being born.

I realize to those older than me, this may seem a bit silly. But you've been there, you've done that, and I guess now so have I. The talk was good and light hearted for a while. But later it just turned to talk of hooking up with people I had never met, parties with people I had never partied with, and I quickly lost interest. I bowed out not long after, saying I had to work in the morning (which I do) and was reading a really good book (which I am). But it wasn't until after I walked out the door that I realized that last statement may have been the one that aged me the most in their eyes.

Oh well. Laughter was had, memories were relived, old contacts were connected again, beer was drank. And now I'm going to go read my really good book.

Food for thought

It is a very humbling experience to walk the streets of downtown while carrying a large 12 pack of toilet paper. That was me today, along with a big bag of stocking stuffers and some uber cheap jeans I found. All in the slush and dodging cars in rush hour. Ahhh it's good to be home.

On another good-to-be-home-note, I just ate one of the best sandwiches ever. A Philly cheese steak from Galooney's. Delicious! I love their pizza and then some guys I work with raved about this sandwich so I tried it and yummy yummy-ness! It's all cheesy and spicy and the 6 inch is just the perfect size to fill you up and not over stuff you. Oh my god it was good! And to top it off it's a 2 block walk from my apartment. Awesome! I love finding the good local greasy spoon places!

Cold weather yet a warm body and soul

You can tell it's cold out when you get inside, take off all your layers, and realize that the spot on your scarf where your breath has been hitting it has little icicles on it. I walked to yoga today and therefore walked home when it was over and I was frigid. Plus walking there I didn't realize that the I was walking downhill the whole way. And therefore walking home was a constant uphill. So I am tired. Tired tired tired.

But yoga was fantastic! We did a half mala. Which is 54 sun salutations, constant movement, constant up and down, I really felt my blood flow. About half way through I really felt like I had gone through a barrier, and found a good zone to sit in. I seemed to stop thinking and instead was just being. It was nice. I don't remember individual moments of the class. I just seemed to let my other senses take control for a while and gave my brain a rest. In the end it felt amazing to know that my body could go as far as it did tonight. I was unsure about this yoga class but in the end felt like I had surpassed my own expectations. Yea me!

A book review, people watching, & my day off

I have picked up the book Sex and the City and am so tremendously bored. I hate that. This is one of the few cases where the movie/TV show is better than the book. It's written in a very elementary fashion, "Bla bla bla" he said. "Bla bla bla" she said and so on. No depth, no conclusion, the reader doesn't get to know the heart of the characters at all. And I think that is simply because there are too many of them. The TV show focused on these 4 women and we got to know and love and understand them. The book doesn't have a focus. It's focus is Manhattan, which is fine. But doesn't much of a city's personality come from the personality of it's inhabitants? And all these characters, no matter how small, are one-dimensional.

As an avid reader I quite often feel bad when I decide not to finish a book. But I've come to realize that there are too many good books out there to waste time on one that doesn't strike my fancy. So, see you later page-turning Sex and the City. I'll just stick to the DVDs. Those I love so much!

I saw a guy today that had on leather pants. Not a leather coat like so many people, but a very shiny pair of leather pants. And to top it off he had on an almost-orange pair of leather cowboy boots and this long, flowing dark brown hair. It was so long he actually tossed his head, the way a flirty girl in a bar does, when the wind took his hair and whipped it around his face. I wonder if those leather pants were a winter-only wear. You'd think that in the warmer months he'd have on something a little lighter, more breathable. But then again maybe not. Not many people can pull of leather pants (in fact I don't think this guy did) but the ones who do put them on, I'm guessing wear them more often than not. Leather=cool, pants=warmth therefore leather pants=must wear as often as possible.

I have spent the day today outside walking around the Uptown area, window-shopping and enjoying the sun. It is mighty cold here but I don't mind the cold as much when the sun is out. And today the sky is a lovely blue with not a cloud to be seen, the wind is minimal, and the snow is unmelting. It was a perfect day to wander from shop to shop, with my new imitation Ugg boots and my hat on, and of course my sun glasses. I did some Christmas shopping, bought myself a used copy of Eat, Pray, Love in hardcover no less, had lunch and sat and read in the booth of Bruegger's. And I have yoga tonight. I haven't been a few weeks and am looking forward to it.

This weekend is the last Holidazzle parade of the year. Thank god! And then it's back to the normal coffee-selling tactics, and no more mass ordering of mocha powder. Whew.

A fellow at the bus station

So I was sitting at the Uptown bus station today and a middle-aged handsome black man came up and stood near me to wait for the bus. He had on a fedora, a ankle-length black fur coat, these shiny brown leather shoes that might have been alligator or snake skin, he had on very nice, very expensive pair of glasses and had on two rings. One on his ring finger and one on his pinky. It takes a very unique man to wear and pull of a pinky ring. I complemented him on his coat and was slightly envious because he looked so wonderfully warm. He was so put together. Dapper. That is a good word for this fellow. (And it's not used nearly enough. Perhaps because not enough people are around for it to be used.) Anyway, this man was dapper and he pulled it off well. After he got on the bus I became curious about his life. He was dressed the way many people would dress if they went to a "Pimp and Hoes" party, only the stuff he was wearing was a little less flashy and definitely not from Spencer's Gifts. Was he a pimp? Was he a smooth, exceptionally dressed business man? Is this is only fancy outfit? Was he headed somewhere special or does he dress like this all the time? I wish I could know. I'm so curious.

Cabin fever

Being sick/confining oneself to her apartment slowly has the ability to send oneself to the nut-house. I have had myself lay low since yesterday and I'm starting to go a little coo-coo. And to add to it all I have an ice-cream shop across the street which makes it far too easy to get a tasty frozen treat every night. I do have to commend myself though, I've only gotten ice cream 3 times since I moved in and yes I'm counting. Don't judge.

I have spent a good chunk of the day on line, looking for writing inspiration. Also on facebook, that stupid site is like crack. I've napped, and of course watched some Friends. I've written some things, mostly ramblings, just a stream of consciousness sort of thing.

And I'm off tomorrow. Hopefully I'll kick this dumb cold in day 3 and I will have written a piece that is pure brilliance. Once again, heres hoping...

Using time to my advantage

I have a cold. I've spent yesterday in my jammies, going in and out of naps, and today involves the same. Although I am freshly showered now and a bit more aware of my day. I have confined myself to my apartment and I think it's a blessing in disguise. I haven't stopped moving since I moved back to Minnesota. I got a new job and dove into that right away. I moved and have been getting settled into my new place. Plus my mind hasn't stopped running around and around in the thoughts of my heart. All his busyness may be why I'm now sick. So now for the last 2 days I've been forced to sit and just be. Getting myself to stop and breathe has been a challenge. I find when I actually sit still I can't clear my head enough to figuratively sit still.

However I'm getting better at it. I have for the next 24 hours, time on my side (I'm off tomorrow and am hoping by then my cold will have been cured). The sun is shinning and is making the world a bright and beautiful place outside my window. I have been waiting for my thoughts to slow down enough for me to grab a hold of one and use it as inspiration to write something. But maybe I should just start writing and see what comes out. That is what all the books say to do.

Wish me luck. I have nothing on my schedule and that is a perfect opportunity to get the creative juices flowing. Here goes..

Note to self

When you utilize public transportation never go to Target and then leave with more than you can carry. It is a bad news bears situation. That was me today. I needed a coffee maker, which took up on reusable bag, and then some food and toothpaste, and such which then took up another bag. Plus it was snowing, had a bitter cold blowing down the buildings, and my tosies were cold in their thin socks. But I made it home in one piece, be it a over-loaded and slightly winded piece.

I need to invest in thicker socks and some sort of mid-thigh to ankle leg-warmer because that is the only part of me that is cold while I wait for the bus. I've got my whole body covered but my legs get mighty chilly.

I finished the best book last night! The author of Marley and Me, John Grogan, wrote a new book called The Longest Trip Home and it is so so so good! I read about the last half of it last night. I just couldn't put it down. It's a memoir divided into 3 parts, his childhood, his travels to separate from his parents and their beliefs, and then his travel back home both figuratively and literally speaking to his aging parents and accepting where he came from. It's written so well, a bit of comical relief at just the right points, and he really pulls at your heart strings with his bare feelings coming right from the heart. I found myself crying several times last night. He was talking about death and the ability to accept the fact that the end is coming. And I found myself sobbing, my tears falling back on to my pillow. I started to think about when my Grandma was dying. It was so hard to understand that her life was coming to an end, but once that fact sat in my heart without stinging, the actual death was easy. And that was exactly what the author was saying while he watched someone he loved dearly slip away. Death is a very peaceful moment. And that is all it is, a moment. It's the big wind-up to it with all the decisions, and the hard fact that this happens to everyone that brings the tears.
Thank you Mr. Grogan for writing your story and allowing others to read it. It was a lovely reminder of my loved ones and how much they mean to me.

I'm going to call my Grandpa now.

Coffee + Holidazzle = chicken w/ head cut off

Is it possible to sell $1000 of coffee drinks in 3 hours, you may ask? Tonight I have your answer and that is a definite YES. We sold that much coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies all before, during and after the Holidazzle parade. Good grief! That is insane! (If you don't know what the Holidazzle is, google it. Right now I have a love/hate relationship with it and don't want to describe it.) I am amazed that people will 1) wait that long to order 2) wait a little bit longer to pay and 3) wait even longer to get the drink and it's all for a SMALL HOT CHOCOLATE!!!
I have small hot chocolates at home and they are free. I understand, as a customer, it's all part of the Holidazzle experience, but my goodness.

We as Barnes and Noble cafe workers have it down to a science. Everyone has their job and things move pretty smoothly, it just never stops. Seriously. It was 3 hours of non-stop ordering of hot chocolates and ciders and coffees. I have lost my voice because I had to holler over the sound of the steamer. And I think I'm getting sick but I'm trying to kick that with lots and lots of water.

I kind of wish I had a great crazy customer story to go with this. But mostly it was just a constant line that slowly moved. It was a bit like herding cattle. Order with me, pay him, pick your drink up down there. "Could everyone who has ordered move down a bit so we can keep the line going? Thanks." was a common thing that was shouted out tonight.

A bottle was broken and we ran out of cider and chocolate chip cookies but mostly it was a smooth, but be it an insanely busy night. I am now having a beer, I feel like it is close to midnight and it's only 9:30.

And I have two more weekends of this. Lucky me. Lucky us. I do have to say that everyone I have working in the cafe is fantastic. They all pull together when needed, they all love to laugh, and mostly they all are good at their job. I think the cafe should get to close for a week after the Holidazzle parade is done for the year. To give us hard workers a day off. Alas, we still have to serve small coffees on a daily basis to the business people in the mornings. Sigh and smile.

My entertainment center

I just got back from a walk in the minimal winter wonderland we have, whilst eating an ice cream cone! Crazy Minnesotan!

On another note, I don't have cable yet. So when i turn on the TV it's just to watch DVDs. I've been having a Sex and the City marathon since I moved in, a few episodes ever few days. But mostly I've had the radio on. Which isn't that great either, seeing as how my radio is missing it's antennae. So I have very few stations that come in and sad to say none of them are my favorites. Oh well. But right now I'm watching TV, by using a huge second-hand rabbit ear antennae. Ridiculous and old school! Right now one of the metal ears is stretched out across the entry way to my kitchen. And the other is poking out in the middle of the room. I have to dodge these metal sticks every time I walk through my place! It's comical. At some point I'll either get cable or perhaps Netflix. Until then, I'm going to spend a good chunk of my TV watching time adjusting these goofy rabbit ears, in order to get my measly five channels to come in. Good grief.

Thoughts on the day of turkey and giving thanks

I just went and saw the movie Milk with Sean Penn. It was really really good. It's about the first openly gay man elected to political office in the late 1970's.

First off, Sean Penn is such an amazing actor. He truly becomes the character and puts all emotion into what he does. In this particular movie, when his character cried, I cried. I wanted to hug him. Sean Penn picks such interesting people to portray, and does a stand up job every time.

Secondly, I wish topics like this movie were taught in schools. In my classes we briefly covered civil rights, but I'd never heard of Harvey Milk. I wish there was just a class on social movements from history. Rather than just a history class, I wish they got more specific in the teachings.

In watching this movie I was reminded of all that people have gone through to get where we are today. And even today the travels, the fights, the paths aren't done, aren't completed. Right now I am so thankful for anyone who has fought for what they believe in. I'm thankful for the differences that get us talking and the similarities that pull us closer. I am amazed at all we as a human race have gone through. But I am even more enthralled with what a community, any community be it a race, a sex, a group with an opinion, have gone through to get us here today. The perseverance that some people have stored within them, is a bright shining star in their fight.

Today after dinner there was a healthy heated discussion on many issues, but mostly on human stereotypes and the ability to judge others. I wouldn't say this was the best topic to discuss on a day where we give thanks, but it surly made me appreciate the human spirit. For someone to have so much passion for something, to take that desire as far as riots, marches, supreme court, or just discussions at the dinner table. It all makes my spine tingle in excitement for our differences and the ability to accept.

Thanksgiving eve

I just had a great night! My closest family friends who I should just call simply call my family had a birthday party for their daughter. I used to babysit her but now she is 22 and a dear dear friend of mine. Although we rarely see each other seeing as how she is in college in Washington, but when we do it's like we got together last week. They had invited other close family friends and grandparents and I just love being at their house. One, it's always full of delicious food and wine, two you guaranteed to have a good time, and three it's full of love and caring and genuine interest in others. I love it. I saw many people who have known me for over 20 years and hadn't seen me in at least a year. And we greeted each other with open arms and big smiles. I am going back there tomorrow for Thanksgiving and am truly looking forward to it. My mom will be coming after work, I'll be with people who are very close to my heart and I'll be eating lots and lots of yummy food. Could the day get any better?!

Happy Turkey day, a few hours early!

I'm thankful for so much. Stay tuned for specifics...

Happiness is...old friends and ice cream

So ay work about a week or so ago I was walking out of cafe and there was an old friend of mine from high school looking at magazines. We hadn't seen each other in over 10 years and decided we had to get together at some point and catch up. After one failed attempt, my fault, we were able to meet this afternoon for happy hour. His wide came along whom I'd never met. And my goodness, she is a doll! We got caught up and talked about our own lives. It was really great. Plus I had some Blue Moon and uber cheap yet just as uberly good gorgonzola cheese fries and I left half in the bag. Gotta love public transportation for getting me home! But mostly it was so good to see my friend and meet his wife. Some times I still feel lost and lonely, (don't fret, it's only sometimes. Doesn't everyone feel that from time to time?) so when moments like this afternoon happen, I revel in them.

When I got home I realized it was still early. Damn the sun setting at 4 in the afternoon! And not too much later I didn't feel like sitting at home, so I took myself out for ice cream. Right across the street from my apartment is a little local ice cream shop! How great is that?! And then I went next door to a shop that has everything you should never need but everything you could ever want when it comes to stuff and decor. It's insanely ridiculous how much stuff they have in there. It's great for gifts and a little pick me up for yourself. I bought some Christmas cards. That's right. I'm sending out holiday cards this year. I'm all grown up!

And now it's me and my candles and my music (right now Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are serenading me. Haven't heard the album? You should!) And it's Turkey day in two days! Yippee!

Oh what a beautiful morning

Oh what a beautiful day!
I woke up this morning and the sun was shinning, it was lovely. Then I go out to head to my yoga class, and there is a small dusting of snow on the ground, it sparkles just a bit in the morning sun, there is no wind so it's a crisp winter morning. It was perfect. I walked to yoga, had a good, quiet class. Then went to Target for some more apartment necessities.

I am going back to work at Illusion Theatre tonight. I have been with them off and on for 10 years. And I just found out that 2 of my co-workers at Barnes and Noble work at the box office. So that is where I'll be working. It's an extra little job with a company that is easy to work for if you don't get to deep in it. Maybe I could do some running crew stuff too. I'd love to get back into theatre, if I don't have to be one of the main designers/collaborators. It gets to stressful in that position and then I hate doing theatre.

Until this evening I may jsut sit and enjoy the daylight coming in my window....

A brief summary

Tomorrow it will be a week in my place. I've gotten used to it faster than I would have thought but I think that is also because for two nights this week I went to mom's for dinner and got home after 9 or 10 at night. Thanks for the grub, Mom! I just got internet hooked up! A-woo-hoo! Now I don't have to go down to Caribou and buy unneeded coffee to get online. Although I'm sure I still will every now and then. ;-)

I do have to take a moment here and mope... No one but my mom and my aunt (which I whole heartedly appreciate) have called to see how the new place is, or how I am. No one. It's a bit sad and lonely but I'm getting past it.

Moving on.

I'm really getting into the swing of things at work and it's actually fun now. I'm getting the hang of my ordering, my crew and I laugh a lot, and I was told that I'm a very nice and patient manager. Which is always nice to hear. We just have the Hollidazzle Parade coming up and I'm nervous for that. Everyone who has done that before says it's no big deal, so I'm trying to keep my cool.

I'm reading Christopher Rice's newest book right now. He's a decent suspense writer. I've read all of his books. They flow well, and I never really know where he is headed in the story.

I'm working on my 5th writing assignment and really feeling like I'm not making any progress. I just haven't been able to focus. It's due in a little over a week and I need to buckle down and do it. Maybe I should stop blogging here and work on it.

Hmmmmm...

I'm off tomorrow and plan on having no plans. Sounds nice, huh?

A blog or two in one entry

MY first full day in my apartment is coming to an end. I got everything into the place yesterday by noon, and was half way unpacked by the time I went to bed at 8:30. I know, it's early and it was a Saturday night, but I was tired. As I lay there in my bed looking at all my half unpacked boxes, and randomness about, I noticed I was in my own space. And my own space has never been so still. There was no TV, no pets, no breathing from another being, just me. It was very weird.

When my mom left at about 5:30 I sat down in my chair and almost started to cry. All by myself. But I quickly got my act together and opened a beer, lit a candle, put some Dave Matthews in my stereo and continued my way around my new place. When I went to bed, I slept through the night, which surprised me. I thought I'd toss and turn from being in unfamiliar surroundings but it was a peaceful sleep. I was oddly comforted by the sounds of the street, the buses, the people walking by, I even heard a neighbor start to sing opera. (Or at least that is what it sounded like through the walls. It was a pleasant sound.)

I woke before my alarm, and got up and had some cereal. Then I continued to work around my stuff. The piles getting smaller, the boxes getting emptied. I left mid-morning and walked down to get Caribou Coffee. Yum, my favorite. Mom came over and helped me hang my curtains. I had music on all day. And by now I think most everything is where it should be.

I just did some yoga with the Beatles playing in the background. It's 7pm, and I'm starting to feel like this is mine. It's a curious feeling when you live by your self for the first time. No one to talk to any time, no one to check in with, no one to ask if it's OK to do this or that, cooking for yourself, having control of the remote (even though I don't have cable yet, but that is beside the point).

I still have so many things to get that I didn't even realize I didn't have. A strainer, a coffee maker, a cutting board, a silverwear holder, a knife block, more cleaning supplies, an iron, ice cube trays. Ice cube trays and a spare roll of toiletpaper should be left in any home you are leaving. A nice surprise for the next person moving in plus it's good karma.

Now it is the end of day 2. I'm getting more and more used to my place. I got internet coming at the end of the week, (I am currently sitting in a coffee shop using their free interwebs), I got the electric in my name, I'm trying to get back into the swing of my writing. I haven't done too much since I moved. I just found it hard, with my mind running and my heart trying to catch up. It was like I was just hanging in the breeze at mom's house, waiting for my space. And now that it is here, I am starting to feel more settled. It's nice.

The bus ride is about 25 minutes shorter which means I get 25 more mintues of sleep. And who doesn't love that?! I've already met a few of my neighbors. One was a woman old enough to be my grandma named Bernice. I know that there is a woman who lives in my building who has lived there her whole life, her parents used to be the caretakers. I am wondering if Bernice is that woman. She was very sweet, walks with a walker, and told me that if she doesn't say my name when we meet again, no to be upset. Her eyesight is failing and she has trouble seeing faces. She was a sweetheart. There is a fella that I heard yesterday morning playing his guitar and singing. I was instantly intrigued because he was playing "All Along the Watchtower" by Bob Dylan, and then Jimi Hendrix and then Dave Matthews. I traveled down the hallway a bit to listen. He was pretty good.

I could keep rambling here, but I don't have much more to say. Or at least of any importance. I'm just getting used to, well... used to things.

My kind of good Friday

First off, I have to write about this woman on the bus this afternoon... my word she was a riot! I had run to the bus and my coffee was spilling. I get on and tell the driver "Oh jeez, I've got coffee spillage, I'm a mess." So as the bus starts to move, I pretty much fall into the first available seat from the forward motion of the ginormous vehicle. And this woman across from me says "I hate it when I spill my coffee. You know what the solution is? Drink it from a straw." I giggled. And then I laughed inside even more when I got a focus on her. She was old enough to be my grandma, had big glasses, Bloody Mary red lipstick on and it was bleeding into the lines around her mouth, she had an almost purple (it was that one shade between red and purple that is still OK for a hair color) wig on, and a big bag in her lap. She then continued to talk and talk and talk. She said "I drink my coffee from a straw that way I don't mess my lipstick." And then she said some snide remark about Sarah Palin and lipstick that was very funny and if I weren't in a public spot I would have started in on my rant on the stupidity of Palin. I choose to save that for another time. But this woman was priceless. I wound up sitting next to her when I gave up my seat for a dad and his daughter. But she told me to sit down next to her and I didn't want to be rude. She told me that she has 4 kids, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. She's 76 or 86 I can't remember which and her mother is in her 90's and still ticking. She's going back to school, she said, for Criminal Justice. Which I can't decide if that is a good thing or a bad thing. She remembers where she was when Kennedy was shot, a department store in a small town in Minnesota. She was shopping for Western boots, she said. She talked and I listened because I thought she was so ridiculously intriguing that I wanted to hear what she would say next. I did get off much earlier than my usual stop to run an errand, but had I met this woman at another time I would have liked to talk to her more. Think of all the stuff she has seen, been through, experienced. And the best part is she was willing to talk about it. To anyone apparently. She seemed a bit crazy, but that made her all that more wonderful.

Secondly, I got my ass handed to me at work today. And when I say handed I mean the rushes of Debbie Downer morning people who want their dumb small coffee came in droves and I just simply couldn't move fast enough. I have a new found respect for anyone working in the food industry (even though I've done it before) and a new found respect for my awesome co-workers. They do seem to do this so much smoother than I feel I ever could. But one of them reassured me that they all feel like they are running around like (and I'm going to use a very true cliche here) chickens with their heads cut off. I couldn't keep the coffee brewed, just when I ran out that was when I needed a new cup. I couldn't keep on top of the nasty breakfast sandwiches that were being ordered and needed to be grilled. And just when I felt I was caught up, we had no one in line. I guess maybe that means that I was keeping pace with the line. Who knows? I guess it take patience and time to get used to flow. But wow-sers, that was a lot of coffee and a lot of bagels this morning. Too much coffee, maybe...

And now the most exciting thing...my move!

I stopped in at my apartment today, just to see that my keys worked and that the phone at the front door was hooked up to my phone and to see my place. It looks fantastic! I've never moved into such a clean and well cared for apartment. It's usually one or the other, not both at the same time. It's freshly painted, except for the main room, that I'll do myself. Everything is clean, and I mean everything. The stove is spotless, the freezer is defrosted, the storm windows are in, the wood floor is nice and clean. And the building manager even went through the move-in inspection with me since we were both there. Plus when I got back to mom's house I was able to go to Target and get a fantastic rug and a rod to hang my curtains on! I'm set. Just those things that you don't realize you need until you are in the place and food is all I need.

Oh seriously, this move is the best thing! I know I've been saying this for about 2 weeks, but I am so so so stinking excited about my new place! I can barley contain myself. Tonight I've been packing up the remainder of my stuff, clothes and books that I've had out since I got back to MN. And dancing up a storm to Elvis, Dixie Chicks, James Hunter, all this music that makes me shake my booty, and drinking Premium. Wish you could be here to laugh at me, don't you? I'm a good time!

Wish me luck on the move!

Heres to history part 2

The front of the Star Tribune struck me silent for a few moments just now. It's a photo of Bush and Obama in the Oval Office. The caption says they were discussing the economy and security issues. The headline read "The Transfer of Power Begins." When a picture says a thousand words, this is a prime example.
The word striking comes to mind, along with historical.
Differences
Similarities
Neat, and this is simply because the carpet in that room is immaculate. It looks like all the furnishings are fresh and new. Not several years old.
A bit dull, and this is also because it's all beige, with maybe a hint of blue.

I'm just struck by these two historical figures caught on film and appearing so laid back. They could be chatting about dinner plans, not the future of this country. And yet they also seem so unbelievably comfortable. Now granted I am no where near having the qualities to run for president let alone be elected but if it were me, I'd look a bit more nervous. This is probably listed in the long list as to why I will never run for public office. (Although if someone told me I could become royalty, I'd gladly wear a crown.)

Anyway...
This picture really is a transfer of power not just for the presidency but also for us as citizens. We are being given the option to have our future back, our choices be ours again, our hopes recognized and our fears settled. And because of this power transfer, both literally and figuratively, I have a huge optimistic bubble floating around me, rather than a weight on my shoulders.

Yippie!!

I signed my lease today! Yea me! I am getting so insanely excited to move. The building manager is so nice and easy to talk to. We chatted for a bit today about family and living in the city and other things. She gave me a whole packet on the building and who to call when and I even got address labels! How great is that? I then went across the street to the pharmacy to get my info in their system and they were even nice to talk to. "Welcome to the neighborhood!" they said. "Thanks!" I replied with a big smile. I seriously can not wait for this weekend! I get to hang up pictures and my curtains that I bought almost a year ago. I get to pull out all my books that have been in storage for over a year and a half. I can just feel good things coming around the corner!

Work is getting better. I had my first day off in 9 days on Saturday and I did some errands and had lunch with my friend Kerstin from college. We hadn't seen each other in several years, so it was great to get caught up. We laughed a lot, in fact my cheeks hurt by the time we left. Then yesterday I did nothing but walk the dog. And I mean nothing. I said I was going to read and write this weekend, yep didn't happen. I watched bad TV on Sunday and debated about going to get chocolate for almost 2 hours. See? Lay-zy! It was nice.

Hope the week is as good to you all as it has been to me so far!

The eve of my weekend

My first day off in 9 days is tomorrow! And I'm stoked. I plan on running one errand, grabbing coffee on the way home and then sitting in my cozy bed and reading and writing all day. Jealous?

This week at work has been good. Like all first few days at a new job, it was rough and I felt lost. But the people working with me have been very helpful and willing. I am tired, some days I'm catching the bus at 5:15am! Geez that is early! You know it's too early to be at work when the coffee places aren't even open. Uff-da. But I've been doing well. The new job keeps me busy so I don't have time to realize I'm tired. There is a lot of reorganizing to do, busy work but very necessary.

I move in a week from tomorrow! Can't hardly wait!

I saw one of the sweetest things on the bus a few days ago. Two fellas get on the bus and I couldn't quite tell if they were special, or just socially awkward. One of them had a baseball cap with the Batman logo on it, big coke bottle glasses, and his face twitched as he rode chatting with his friend. His friend was a short round fella, with short blonde hair that was receding and a constant smile on his chubby face. But the best part about the second guy was that he had a lunch box. And not just a lunch box but a WWE lunch box with I bet, his favorite wrestler on it. He carried that piece of middle school memorabilia with pride and it warmed my heart. The two just sat across from each other and chatted. Two friends coming home from work, thick glasses and lunch boxes and all. Very sweet.

I finished reading another book by Jodi Picoult, Perfect Match, god I love her writing! She is so good, and raises such interesting questions in the most intricate scenarios. I wanted to pick up another one of her books right after, but that is just too much. She really makes me think and I have to let the story that i just finished sit within for a while. So I'm reading Possible Side Effects by Augusten Burroughs. He's a fun read. He has lead sch an interesting life, being raised by his mom's shrink, having gone through AA, and just being an intriguing person. He writes about his life and some of what he describes you think "That is so outlandish, it couldn't have happened." But sure enough it happened to him. I love getting that insight to other peoples lives.

It was snowing here today. Winter is coming and it's kind of nice. Keep in mind this is coming from a girl who was away from a Minnesota winter for a year. We'll see if I change my tune come January.

Heres to history being made!

Yesterday at about 10pm central time I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. Barack Obama is our president! I couldn't be more thrilled! I was nervous the whole night, I was twitchy and spent a good chunk of the evening avoiding the TV. Plus we had two TV's on and sometimes they weren't saying the same thing. It was frustrating. So I spent some time drinking wine, eating lots of yummy food and chitty chatting.

On the way home, (mom and I were at an election party) we heard McCain's concession speech. And I do have to say I thought it was very upstanding. He was gracious and eloquent. If he had talked like that for the last two months I might have thought a little different of him. I still would have voted for Obama, don't get me wrong! But I commend McCain for finally bowing out with dignity.

Then I heard Obama's acceptance speech. And oh my... it brought tears to my eyes, I felt full of hope and high spirits. He is so well spoken and really says things that allow American people to believe that the government is working for them. He makes me feel like I have a say, that good things are going to happen, that there is going to be movements toward benefiting the majority of the American people. I think his speech is going to go down in history with "I have a dream" and Kennedy's inaugural speech, and "One small step for man, one giant step for mankind." They are going to review his speech and this election in history classes.

His speech was moving, uplifting, believable, and all inclusive. I applaud you Mr. Obama, soon to be Mr. President, for a job well done and for the beginning of a bright and refreshing new chapter! Thank you!

T minus 24+ hours and counting

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
It's a little over 24 hours until we will either cry or cheer and then proceed to drink out of joy or sadness/anger.
I am hoping, praying, and crossing every finger I have in hopes that we win.
In case you haven't picked up on it, I'm for Obama!
VOTE!

Thoughts from moments passed

I've noticed a lot of stuff lately, have spent much time sitting, waiting, and riding public transportation. The bus gets a variety of people...

1. A mother way too young to have had the 2 kids she did, pregnant with a 3rd, and smoking. What would she have done had I ripped that cigarette out of her hand? Probably said "Girl, you gonna get beat." Just like she told her son a few minutes earlier. Nice.
2. Crocs are white people shoes. I'm not being racist here, but look around. Only white people put those ugly things on their feet. And I plead guilty to it too. Those shoes are ugly but freakishly comfortable.
3. People really still go to the Mall of America as tourists. I thought that place lost it's flare years ago.
4. I think there was a girl on the bus this morning who was doing the walk (ride) of shame. She was on my bus last night leaving the MOA, and here she was this morning on the bus going back that direction in the same clothes as the night before. Now I understand that there are many reasons she could be on the bus wearing the same outfit, but the ride of shame is the most humorous.
5. I'm one of the few people who use the time waiting/riding to read. Most everyone else just sits, many with their bad music blaring from their headphones. (YOU'RE GOING TO GO DEAF!) How boring! When you just sit and wait and ride there is nothing more to do but read. It's fantastic!

As for me... this transition has been hard. I'm back in Minneapolis which is great but sometimes I still feel very lost. If I stay busy I'm OK. But when I have not much to do, or plenty of time to just think, my head and heart get all confused. A few nights ago my emotions hit a wall and I wound up crying in a public bathroom for a few minutes. I pulled it together and had some Davanni's garlic cheese bread and a diet coke, and I was better. There are many times where all I do is think think think. And still don't seem to have many answers or resolutions or clarification. Maybe that is the way it's supposed to be. When one question/problem is solved, another comes and stands right in front of you.

I move into my apartment in 13 days! A-woo-hoo! I think I might paint a wall... a nice earthy, warm tone. And I need a rug. Something with a big print on it.

I start at my store tomorrow! I'm excited but nervous. I had everything memorized at the MOA, placement and where things were and such. And now I have to start over. The wonderful woman who was training me was a dear and said I'm set, I should be fine. Heres hoping!

I'm shocked

I can't sleep so I thought I'd do some research for my next article for my writing class when I stumbled upon something that shocked me. And no it's not porn. It's a website for term papers. If this is not new news to you, well lucky you. Because it is to me! I'm shocked and rather angry that this website even exists. The home page says it has term papers since 1998 and that the reason they charge for them is because they have "more quality term papers on line than any other web site."

So what? You just go on the website, find your topic, find the paper that suits you best, pay for it and your set? You get a passing grade without learning anything! That sucks!

This is mostly annoying because the article that I'm researching is whether or not a college education is worth anything any more. It mostly stems from my experience, having a degree, using it for a while and then realizing that isn't what I really want to do any more. And most of what I have read says it depends on the field you want to go into. Which is pretty much where I stand. I think.

But having a website like the term papers on line one is ridiculous. Is learning not worth anything any more? And if you can't do research for your own term paper, how the hell are you going to function in the working world, no matter what career path you choose?

Hmmmm, maybe I can somehow include all of this in my article...

What I see, what I hear

Riding the bus I get to watch and listen to some exceptionally interesting people. One of them last week was the bus driver himself. He looked like a redneck Santa. All big and jolly with white beard but just a bit rough around the edges. I was the only one who got on at the stop that morning and he asked if I was headed to work and where it was that I was employed. Yes, I replied. And I work at Barnes and Noble which he was just thrilled about. He loves to read and was right there with me when I told him that I could read or a living I would. We talked a bit about what kind of books we like and he liked history and current events which then lead us to politics. He asked if I was voting and if I didn't mind him asking, who would I be voting for. "I have my Obama button on right now." I said. "Good girl." was his reply. I have no qualms stating my opinion (as everyone knows. "Big surprise, Sarah" I'm sure you're saying.) We chatted just a bit longer and it came to a stop when he said "All right, he comes another passenger. I gotta be careful what I say. Nice talking to you." Same here I told him. And that was that. He was such a pleasant spirit but even more so at 7:20 in the morning. I love striking up a conversation with someone and seeing where it takes you. We all have so many differences, but at the same time we are all so alike.

Last Thursday evening after my nice dinner with my college girlfriends, I was waiting at the bus stop to head home. (By the way, drinking two glasses of wine without a second thought is great when you take public transportation.) There was a woman probably in her mid-60's with a very Lutheran photo of Jesus. And when i saw Lutheran I mean angelic, peaceful, serene. The catholics like their Jesus a little bit more worn, with the crown of thorns and on the cross. Anyway, this sweet woman with her hair in the bun, thick and large lensed glasses, and her orthopedic oxfords on her feet set her Jesus photo on the bench, displayed nicely next to her bag. And waited. Not too long after she sat down another woman came up, maybe a few years younger, she didn't have as much gray and was wearing jeans (tapered jeans but not slacks like the other woman.) The woman who had just arrived looked at the photo, then at the photo's owner and said "What a lovely picture." And the older woman perked up right away, beamed and said "Why, yes." And without missing a beat the younger one said "He is a bit caucasian looking though. There were no white people there, it's the Middle East" And the woman with the Jesus photo looked like someone had just told her that the Toothfairy, Easter Bunny, and Santa were all not real. Her dreams were broken and to top it off she was offended. But I also think that she was so shocked she couldn't come up with a comeback quick enough. And then the younger woman tried to back peddle with stuff like "We all really don't know what he looks like, we won't know until we die. We can just pray and believe, Jesus loves us all." But I think the damage was done to this woman however. I wanted to say to her, "Even though I agree with her about Jesus not being white, you take your lovely photo of Jesus home, Sweetheart. It's a beautiful rendition, and I'm sure it will look wonderful in your home." Instead, I let the two battle it out, smirked at their attempt to be politically (religiously?) correct, and giggled to myself at how quickly we as humans can become offended. Me included, but whether it directly involves us or not, we all have opinions and many times it will take a verbal sledge hammer to knock them down.

I love people watching, people listening.

Quick and easy

I rode a hybrid bus today. How awesome is that?! Not only is it doing it's part to save the planet, but it's also the smoothest ride I've had in a long time. No shift shock, no large angry engine growling from the back, and you get no bounce back from the pot holes! It was fantastic!

Training at work is going well. I've been told that I pick up on things quickly and am good at suggestive selling. Plus it's fun and fast-paced, which makes the time go by really fast. Next week I'll be at my store, which will be a whole new ball game.

Oh and I pulled out my winter coat this morning. It's cold at 6:50 am! I don't know what I'm going to do when it's actually winter!

Day of rest? Not really

It is finally cold here. No you desert dwellers may be asking "Finally cold? What is this madness she speaks of?!" But I like the cold and the winter and wearing sweaters and scarfs and hats. It's cozy and playing in the snow is a blast. Plus it makes the warmer months that much more enjoyable. Now, unfortunately it's not the nice lovely cold, where the snow falls, new and soft it looks like little crystals. Or where you get to lay inside all day, reading, or having a movie marathon, eating yummy comfort food.

Today it's is windy and when I say windy I mean 30-50 miles an hour of sideways blowing winds, and it's not snowing and it's not raining, it's sleeting but the wet stuff isn't staying stuck to the ground. This kind of weather makes you want to stay inside because the cold bullets of water hitting your face sting like a son of a... But it's not so bad outside that you end up leaving the house to run errands, see a friend, go shopping. And getting slightly wet and a bit disgruntled in the end.


Ahhh well, I went to Target blew a lot of money on stuff for the new place, and then spent time packing more stuff in mom's basement.

Speaking of packing, man have I got a lot of shit. I've gone through every box I left here before the move to NM and got rid of many many things. But I've also come across so many things I forgot I had and then don't want to get rid of. Memorabilia, old papers from school, that sort of thing. However, my newest unanswered question is this... I am moving into a studio, where am I going to put the stuff I never look at but can't bear to get rid of?

Any thoughts?

Halloween is this Friday and I have no plans but some great costume ideas. I'd really like to go to a party. But no invites yet. If I sit at home I'll be very upset. And maybe a little blue too. We shall see.

A few excerpts from the new job and much other rambeling

It's the end of day two of the full training for the cafe position. And I am tired. I was the same way after being in receiving the first few days, not in music thought. That area is a breeze, but cafe... sometimes I feel like I'm running around doing things and I'm not even sure what I'm doing. It's constant motion and there is always something to wash or make or bake. It certainly keeps me busy and come 2 in the afternoon today I finally realized I was hungry. Being busy also makes me forget to eat. Unlike in music, if I didn't eat by 12:30, I was crab-by! I am enjoying it so far, having fun learning new things and getting the hang of all the gadgets and timers and machines.

The newest fun thing for me is eves-dropping on people on the bus. Yep, watch what you say I am listening and I will write about you if you catch my attention. Like this woman today who was pissing and moaning about work. (Which so many people do. Newsflash, if you don't like your job, find a new one.) But what got me about this lady was she did the whole less-is-more thing. For those of you not schooled in the lingo of "Waiting For Gufman" (great movie, watch it), less-is-more is when you are talking to someone you face them but close your eyes. And then when you look away you open your eyes. Back and forth, opening and closing at the wrong times. It's very annoying to those that are observant. I also think it's a subconscious effort to stay disconnected from people. (Mind you I never took a psychology class.) The guy she was talking to seemed not to mind, but I also think he didn't look at her much. The gaffawed about life and I moved to the back so their conversation was harder to hear thanks to the engine.

I have had two exceptionally interesting people come through the cafe in the last few days. One is a regular who talks to herself. Now when I was in NYC in Spetember my friends taught me a game called "Bluetooth or Crazy" meaning you have to guess if they are talking into a Bluetooth or are they just crazy. And this woman is CRAZY. She has full out conversations with no one and it's really hard to tell when she is ready to order. I keep thinking to myself "Should I be listening to his woman?" And you know how when most crazies talk to themselves, you can't really understand what they are saying? Well, not with this woman. You can understand every freaking word and yet it still makes no sense.

Another woman intrigued me very much. She came in with one of those walkers that also has a little seat on it to rest. But her seat and the storage space underneath it had a plastic tub on it. And on the tub that was placed on the seat was a handwritten sign that said "Do NOT steal. God is watching YOU." with lots of rosaries and crosses taped to the tub as well. She also came with her own seat cushion. I was very curious about her because that statement was so forward and a bit hostel. Was she homeless? She didn't seem so. Was this just the stuff that she carried with her on a daily basis? Very possibly. Did she have a job? I'm going to go with no, most people with a job don't have a cart like that to tote around. Plus the tape that was holding her signs and rosaries was very old and dirty and wasn't even fully doing it's job. Which then leads me to believe that she does move this cart around with her everywhere, hence the no job. And yes I'm assuming here but I am just basing all this off of what I observed.

As for me and my life... I'm having dinner in a couple of days with some old girlfriends from college. I've gotten back in touch with them thanks to facebook. I think the last time I saw them was senior week so I am very excited. I am reading The Devil Wears Prada. It's OK, I haven't seen the movie and so far it's a lot of work in the office and I am over half-way through. There are some parts that make me giggle but mostly this would fall under the fluff category, when I don't want to think to hard to read a book. I'm working on getting all my things packed and ready not move out of mom's basement in under a month. In fact I was out in the garage on Sunday where I had a box of baby dolls that I was hoping to keep for my kids and a mouse and it's ruddy little family had made it's home in bed with my dolls. I had to throw almost all of them out, they were covered in mouse filth. That made me sad.

Ohhhh I saw Religulous. And it's is brilliant! Bill Maher puts into words everything that has been running through my mind about organized religion. He preaches doubt, he says. And I think he raises some great questions. And when he questions someone on their beliefs, asks for an explanation, they can't give it. He does a much better job in making his point than I do here. I highly recommend it to anyone, despite what your beliefs are. For how can you grow any stronger in what you already believe if you don't continue to question it?

OK, this was long winded... thanks for making it through.

Added to my list of why Minnesota is great

I have discovered something that just adds to the joy of being back in Minneapolis. There is a place downtown called The Loft and it's a business that is available jsut for writers. They have classes, reading/writing groups, little studios you can rent out just for writing. It's fantastic!

Last winter sometime my mom had sent me one of their monthly newsletters and i was so enthralled with the place that she got me a membership too. Well, last night they had a new member open house and I went. About 15-25 people showed up and we got an introduction the The Loft, a tour of the space, and they told us of all the benefits that they offer for writers.

I couldn't stay through the tour or for the reading afterward because I was the fool who drove downtown with not enough quarters and my meter was running out. So I had to leave in a rush. But I left in an excited rush. I was so stoked to have found this place. It's in what used to be three separate warehouses that were gutted and pushed together but it still has all the original brick work and floors, and fire doors. There is so much character in the building alone, let alone all the support for writers that they offer, it oozes creativity. I can't hardly wait to go back!

And the Oscar goes to...

John McCain for successfully dodging the questions, blaming others, saying nothing of importance and laughing at inappropriate times. Congratulations!

God, I pray and VOTE! that I don't have to eat my words in 20 days.

Early yoga and mid-day riding

I just did yoga for the first time in at least a year. It felt so good to be just in the moment.

I did have trouble finding the place, it's in a park center, in the middle of a park, near downtown. And the last time I went to yoga with this teacher she had her own space and was fully equipped with mats and supplies. This time it was just an empty room. Another student got there not long after I did and I asked her if she was there for the same class as me. She said yes and I tried to make conversation that it was my first time at this space, and I wasn't sure if I was at the right spot, and I mentioned that I didn't have a mat. As she walked away from me she said "Well you need a mat."

I sat down on a bench and almost started to cry. I had gotten up early, taken the bus down there and I didn't have the one crucial element to do yoga. I was really looking forward to it and didn't want to to have to leave because I was mat-less. Jane, the teacher was kind and let me use the spare and her friend that came with her used Jane's mat. So it worked out.

I am not nearly as flexible as I used to be. Time to get back into yoga! I used to be able to do more of the poses without shaking as much as I did today. But that is the best part about yoga, you do what works for you. And this park/studio place is about a 10 minute walk from my new apartment.

I got on the bus after grabbing some coffee in Uptown and sat next to some people who were speaking another language. I had no idea what they were saying but it was a very rhythmic sound to it. If their language could become something we could see or touch I imagined it as breezy window curtians with weights at the bottom so the fabric doesn't blow all over the place. The language just sort of blows in a rhythm but has a weight to it in it's tone.

There was also a very large man both in height and width in a wheel chair, with ear plugs in, and sound asleep. I hope he didn't miss his stop.

I love riding the bus, so many things to look at and listen to. My, it's good to be home.

Awesome awesomeness!

I spent the first hour this morning sitting in my jammies wondering what I was going to do on a dreary, gray day. It was a tad lonely getting up, with the sun in hiding, no one at home but the dog, and knowing all my friends are at work. So I watched Ellen, I love her, she is so funny! I made really bad coffee and didn't finish it. I wondered the house with the dog on my tail (get it? dog, tail. No? Just me then?) trying to decide what to do. And then the phone rang. And it turns out my day was going to be great. I got the cafe manager position at Barnes and Noble! YEA ME! I had interviewed with the head of cafe for the region yesterday and then I just sat back on my haunches and waited. So this morning I almost forgot about it. Or at least hadn't thought about in the first hour or so that I was up.

So I took the dog for a walk up to Caribou Coffee for a morning treat of well-made caffeinated deliciousness. On the way Jake called to congratulate me which was great! (I sent him a text the moment I found out. What can I say? I was excited!) I drank my yummy yummy coffee on the walk home and spent the rest of the day organizing all my junk that has been in my mom's basement since college graduation. Around mid-afternoon the sun had come out and it was a gorgeous fall day so I went out to pick raspberries. (Yes, I live in the city and my mom has a ginormous raspberry bush in the backyard.)

Mid-pick with my fingers all juicy and stained, my phone rings. And it's the apartment that I turned in an application for. And the day gets better because I got the apartment! My first place that is all mine, my furniture, my decorating, my food, mine. I get to move in around November 15th. I can't hardly wait!

A day that was cold and damp both literally and figuratively wound up being absolutely fantastic! I have a job and a new place to live and I haven't even been home a week. I rock!

Mid-week home

So I rode the bus yesterday for the first time in something like 3 years. I got my all-access-ride-any-time pass and when I got on the bus it was like I had walked onto another planet. There was a new contraption for me to "touch and go" my bus pass, rather than slide it in the slot like a transfer. And I just stood there dumb-founded. It was rush hour, the bus was packed and there were two people behind me. I felt like a moron. I apologized quietly and to no one specific. What I really wanted to say was "I'm sorry everyone. I swear I'm not new! I'm just out of practice!" Instead I had the bus driver tell me how to pay properly, I walked back and took my seat, flushed top to bottom. But after I realized that no one really cares, and most people didn't even notice it was fine. Oddly enough it was a comforting feeling, being back on good public transportation, I sank right in and read my book. Glancing up occasionally to notice other people, what they were reading, the guy with the Dollywood shirt on wondering if he knows my friend Chet, or the uber cute red shoes on the girl in the back.

And today I took the bus down and even got some errands done. I got off and on and off and on again, all using my pass. I had another interview for my job, with the boss's boss. And I still have one more with the head of the department. I think it's going well, I'm hopeful. I also turned in an application for an apartment that I found yesterday and just loved. When I got there I was crabby, it was raining and I had smashed my finger trying to close my umbrella. But once I was in this old fantastic building and seeing where I could be living, it was like the sun was shining and I just won the lottery. This building was built in 1912 and was originally a hotel with a restaurant in the basement. It reminded me of The Shinning in it's decoration and history. It has hardwood floors, a deep tub, and big windows. I was sold on the place and couldn't stop talking about it for the rest of the day. So today I turned in my ap and now I wait. Keep your fingers crossed.

I stopped reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, just wasn't feeling it right now. And I picked up Water for Elephants which has gotten rave reviews. So far it flows well, has some funny parts, and leaves enough mystery for me to want to keep reading. And now that I'm on the bus I'll be reading more and more.

Tomorrow I'm hoping for a day at home, getting organized and repacked and stuff.

No "case of the Mondays" here!

"Monday morning, you sure looked fine!" (Fleetwood Mac, it's a good song, you should listen.)
Today was a day well spent. Mom worked but was a dear and let me have use of her car if I drove her to and from work. And since I was up before the sun I figured I'd stay up and get-along-little-doggy with my day.

1. I stopped to get Caribou Coffee. The best coffee EVER. For those who've only had Starbucks when it comes to chain coffees, that place ain't got nothing on Caribou when it comes to different drinks and service. My how I have missed it!
2. I walked the dog. I truly enjoy walking and taking the dog makes it fun. Someone to talk to even though he doesn't answer and someone to make me laugh even though he doesn't mean to.
3. I had an interview at my future Barnes and Noble and that was the most laid-back thing I've done in a while (when it comes to getting a job). I'm in like next spring's fashions. And it feels fantastic! I just have to interview with the DM to make sure that he thinks I'm fitting. But with the way it went today, should be just as smooth.
But keep your fingers crossed for me, just in case.
4. I got my hair did (yes, that was a Missy Elliot reference) at my old salon. Getting your hair cut can be a joy but getting it cut by someone who is as fun as the girl who did it today is wonderful. I shall be returning.
5. I apartment searched and got some appointments set up for showings. I saw one yesterday but later in the evening said no. It had no tub, and I like my bubble baths. But I have an showing (although shouldn't it be called a viewing seeing as how I am the viewer and they are the show-er) tonight and two tomorrow. And am waiting on a few more to call me back.
6. An I'm going to watch the Vikings game tonight with some extended family. I don't really care about the game (sorry Mom and Uncle Jon) but I'm more excited for the company I'll be keeping tonight. They are like my second parents and also my friends.

Tomorrow, another fun-filled day of getting settled back into home-city-home.

Back where I started from

So I have arrived back in Minneapolis and it's a weird feeling. It's so nice to be back in my city but knowing what I left behind, just has me in a pendulum of emotions. The room I'm staying in at my mom's house was so full of my stuff last night that there was barely room for me. Now I have the task of unpacking the stuff I'll need and repacking the stuff that can wait until I move into my own place. Some times all I feel like I'm doing is moving things around rather than doing anything productive. And maybe I am.

The rest of the trip went well. We stopped at the Corn Palace and that was one of the tackiest things I have ever seen. We stayed in Marshall because I wanted to know why someone decided to build a building and cover it with corn. Turns out the story isn't exciting at all. I was hoping for some nut-job who was bored or something like Field of Dreams, but no. The locals just wanted to put Marshall on the map and cover a building with corn. The inside is just a stadium where basketball games are played and concerts are held. But seeing the thing at night all lit up, all that came out of my mouth was "Oh my God!" It was awesomely tacky.

We also stopped at Wall Drug. Why I have never been there, I have no idea. That place was full of kitsch, everything that has no purpose was sold in every store. I highly recommend that place as a stop every time you drive through South Dakota.

I have already been apartment hunting. Mom and I went out and drove around and got phone numbers off of apartment buildings and tomorrow is the day I call and make appointments to see the places. Plus I have to go get my job all set up. That is a tomorrow thing too. Goodness Monday comes again and it's back to work.

If I stop and think about everything that involves this move, both in what I have done/need to do and emotionally I'll start to cry again. Moving is hard. And nothing makes it any easier. I sometimes feel so lost I can't put it into words. And then I'll see something, or remember something and I know that this is where I need to be.

I have some wine, my mom just made a fire in the fireplace, and I'm going to start making a scarf for a friend in Las Cruces. So tonight is a good night. I know I said I'd post pictures from the drive, but that is just going to have to wait. Right now, that isn't very high on the priority list.

Stay tuned, back home and it's fall. A whole new set of things is in-store for me.

Day two

We've made it to South Dakota, just in time for the Vice President debates. And can I just say "Shut the f up, Pallin!" Seriously, what the hell is she saying and does she really know anything substantial?! I don't want her to wink at the camera or at Joe Biden, I don't want her to mention another hockey mom, and you can tell when she starts talking about something that she really isn't sure on because she stops smiling and her eyes get flat. She smiles when she beats around the bush on topics and says shit like "Thanks but no thanks..." and "Well if I find any information, I'll get it to ya'." She is the tip of the iceberg on what is wrong with that political party.

OK, got that off my chest. If I offended anyone, sorry but it's my blog...

Our drive today was much better. Scenery-wise and emotional-wise. Colorado is gorgeous, all these trees and mountains and changing leaves. The last hour of Wyoming was painful. Just the same vast space to look at and I started to get bored. But the best part of today was seeing a few of my closest friends. I had coffee with my friends Ben and Ed in Denver in a fantastic little artsy neighborhood. It's so comforting when you can get together with friends who you don't see too often and have it be like it was just last week that you saw each other. Then we had lunch in Cheyenne with Hansen. And just like the coffee earlier in the morning, it was refreshing and so so so good to see my dear friend. When you have people in your life who stand behind you in everything you do, that is a rare find and something you don't want to let go of. Thanks Fellas, for your company today and your friendship always.

As for me and my emotions... I'm much more stable today. I only got choked up rather than sobbing several times like yesterday. I think it's the idea that I'm coming to terms with how quickly life can change. I knew this was coming but had no idea how hard it would be. No idea. I'm still nervous, it's such a large change that I chose to make. But the emotions aren't slapping me in the face over and over again like they were yesterday.

Tomorrow we are going to see Crazy Horse and hopefully make it across the state to see the Corn Palace. We are in Custer State Park right now, the Black Hills are so pretty, with the fall colors coming out.

I'm going to go step outside now and breathe in the fall air. A big deep breath to calm my soul.

Homeward bound

So many emotions and so little time. In the past 24 hours I think I've experienced all the possible feelings one human can feel without spontaneously combusting. It's very tiring. I wouldn't wish it on too many people. Yet amazingly here I am still awake and choosing to relive the feelings as I write about them. Maybe I'm a bit crazy. That is very possible.

My mother and I didn't stop to sight-see. I wasn't feeling like checking out the country-side other than through my rented tinted window. We've made it through New Mexico, that state takes forever to get through. And are slumbering in southern Colorado. I love Colorado. It's so pretty and calming and has fantastic seasons. Sigh... seasons.

We have plans with two of my closest friends from college in the next day or so. And also we are going to go through South Dakota and see Crazy Horse and The Corn Palace. And believe me, there will be pictures posted of an entire palace made of corn. How fantasticly tacky!

Think good travel thoughts for us!

The Sunday before I hit the road

Days of work I have left -2
Boxes I have packed and/or moved -at least 20 (not all mine, mind you)
How many beers I have consumed whilst packing - not enough
Level of emotions experienced in all of this -it's off the scale

After crying from saying good-bye to friends, having a good girls evening with several glasses of wine with Katya and Jamie, Thanks girls. I had a fantastic time.) and being excited and nervous about moving in general, those have all taken a back seat to my new discovery. I'm now nervous that I won't be able to fit everything in the car. I've already sent many things home in the mail and will be sending at least two more boxes. But goodness, after all that I still have a lot of stuff. We'll make it fit, it has to. We can't come back and get it. Simple as that.

I'm reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. It's good so far, a little slow moving but I'm not even 50 pages in. This book is in the Buddhism section at work and the quote on the cover says "The provocative, profound, and deeply affecting modern classic that has inspired millions." I'll let you know if I agree with that.

This is only going to get harder.

I just discovered how hard leaving is. I hate leaving my friends, no matter where I am living. It was such a quick goodbye that it ended up being unsatisfactory in my heart. I might have to remedy that. Like in the next 4 days. I need a big celebration of our friendship, not a quick hug and take care and then I'm out the door. I'm all stuffy from crying and like everyone else I look fabulous with puffy eyes.

One of my many lessons learned while in Las Cruces is that no matter where you live you can meet fantastic people. Which makes moving even harder.

I am not messing around and he better not be either.

If McCain doesn't show up for the debate tomorrow I pray to all the Lords above that all of the good citizens who were Pro-McCain wake the F up and vote for Obama. I understand that there is a "financial crisis" right now, but not going to a very important moment for the American people because he needs to "discuss what to do" is ridiculous. When in all actuality we all know that nothing is going to get taken care of in that one night. (And don't even get me started on "saving the economy" when without the people there is now economy. Maybe they should put just as much effort and time discussing how they are going to help the working class and the less fortunate as they do discussing the economy crisis.)
Seriously, if McCain doesn't show up for this elections first presidential debate, what else is he not going to show up for? Another Katrina disaster? A large forest fire in California? A chance to speak at a college graduation?
He's really not the brightest crayon in the box right now. Among other things.

I'm old

You know those days or moments when you wish you could lay around and do nothing but watch crappy television and nothing sounds better at the time? Well it's a totally different story when you have to lay and do nothing. I hurt my back this morning and I'm in pain when I stand, walk or do anything besides lay on my back on the floor. I even called out at work and I never do that. I like my job too much and I have to be almost out of it to not go into work. Well I think this constitutes as one of those moments. And now that I have to lay and do nothing I'm going stir crazy. Grrrr.
There is nothing worth while on tv, I'm reading a bit, it's even hard to type with my laptop on my belly.
I just hope that my back is better for tomorrow so I can go back to work. Mostly because I don't want to spend another day on the floor.
Maybe I'll try to count the bumps on the ceiling, that could take some time.

One week and counting

A week from today is my last day at work and a week from tomorrow is when I hit the road to travel home. It's exciting, scary, sad, nerve-wracking all at once. Some times I think it's not possible to feel so many feelings at one time. And then I go and pick up my life and all the emotions that come with it.

Here are some things I'm going to miss about Las Cruces (yes, believe it. I said it.) In no particular order...
1. My friends, but I really think that is a given. I don't think I'd have friends if I didn't miss them when I left. Or when they left, for that matter.
2. The mountains, they are quite pretty and calming and majestic to look at. We'll add White Sands and all the other nature hikes around here. I do like those.
3. Work. Even though I'm transferring with the company many of the people I work with are so much why I like working there.
4. High Desert, love the beer, love love the green chili cheese fries. Love the laid-back atmosphere. Love it.
5. Chopes, my favorite Mexican restaurant. They don't make Mexican like that in the homeland. In fact, I'm not even sure they make Mexican at all.
6. Coas, that place is a book-lovers dream.
7. Jake.

And here are some things I'm looking forward to whence I get home. (Yes, I said "whence")
1. My family and friends. Again, a given. But I'd be a total arse if I didn't put it down.
2. Caribou Coffee. In recently seeing some friends who don't live in Minnesota anymore either, I've found out that I'm not the only one who thinks Caribou is the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to coffee.
3. Premium Beer, Juicy Lucies, Uptown bar and Grill. Yummy yumminess.
4. The skyline. I think it's one of the prettiest things there is. I don't care if it's man-made.
5. Public Transportation. But more than that public transportation that runs quicker, smoother, and more often than here.
6. The lakes. Little pieces of serenity in the middle of a city.
7. The art, the theatre, all the possibilities for night life.

I think we all know that my Minnesota list could be much longer but in being fair, I'll keep the lists even.
Moving is hard. Packing sucks. And dealing with all the thoughts and emotions that can come with such a decision are really tough.

1 negative 3 positives

First off, I've never met a bunch of people who insist on playing loud bass-bumping music after 10 or 11 pm more than the jerks that live below me. Seriously, do they have no respect or consideration for anyone else that live around here? We have a family with a newborn and a two year old and another family with two other children all living within hearing distance. It's unbelievably rude. One of the many reasons moving home is a good thing for me.

Now that that is off my chest... lets do some good things.
1. I spoke with the manager of the downtown Barnes and Noble today to touch base. And he has told me more than once that when I get in town and I'm settled to give him a call for an interview. I mentioned today that the only thing I have to do when I get home is get a job. And he told me that once again that I come very highly recommended and that I have a job they just need to figure out which position I will be put in. That was a great to hear, it eased my mind and reminded me that I deserve the positions that I'm being offered.
2. I am reading another Jennifer Lancaster book and man she's funny. This one is about her journey to loose weight. She's honest and real about how hard it can be and still hilarious. I'd love to meet her and laugh over cocktails.
3. I'm so thankful for my mother. She is a saving grace in so many ways. But right now shes is making it possible for me to get home. And I can't express how grateful I am for her and all she does. Thank you, Mom. I love you.

Tomorrow is my day off and it's a day of busy work and packing and laundry. Busy but not at all exciting. I'll make it fun. I'm good at that. :-)

This was a good thing

I just did something fantastic for the writer in me. I went to a writers group that my friend Christian invited me to. He gets together every Thursday with friends and they all bring a fresh piece of writing. The goal is to share, critique and communicate new ideas. It was so refreshing and insightful. I've felt a bit alone in my writing which isn't a bad thing. It was just really really nice to be around other writers. We only had time to review another fellas writing but still it was nice to know that there are other people nervous or unsure and still wanting to write. Thanks Christian and friends!

A few more pics from NYC

 

 

 

 

So I haven't figured out how to put more than 4 photos in a blog. I wanted to add a few with my friends in them. Seriously, this trip was one of the best things I have done in months. Believe me, I'll go back there... someday

NYC pictures

 

 

 

 

Here are a few samples of my pics from New York. The greenery ones are Central Park. And I was a total tourist atop the Rockefeller Center with the bionaculars. That city is so fantastic and it's even better when your friends live there!

Back from NYC

OK OK OK I know I said I'd blog while in NYC but besides lack of immediate internet I was also too busy wandering the city to sit down and write. Sorry if you tuned in everyday for my big city update and thus were disappointed. Heres my tour of one of the best cities in the world in ten-yet-no-particular-order steps.
1. Went to the top of Rockefeller Center (Top Of The Rock, it's called) and that was spiritually awesome. I wanted to do the Empire State Building but my friends informed me that Rockefeller blocks Central Park. Well I didn't want that. Plus there were three levels on top of the Rockefeller. I was even a goofy tourist and put quarters in the binoculars and looked at the scenery up close.
2. I went into Barnes and Noble, one of them was 5 floors and the other one claims to be the biggest bookstore in the world. Knowing my little store here in LC, these two were HUGE! Literally so many books so little time.
3. I had one of the best cheese burgers EVER at a place called Five Napkin Burger. It's called that because you need that many napkins to eat it. It was juicy and big and so damn tasty that you almost hoped you wouldn't finish it so there would forever be more to eat. And fries that were the best kind of salty goodness I could imagine.
3. I saw Spamalot and it was hilarious!!! Witty, funny, quirky Broadway references. And so wonderfully performed that it reminded me that being an actor could be one of the best jobs on the planet. It was so funny!
4. I spent a nice afternoon in Central Park with Matt. It was sunny and fairly hot and we were a bit tired. But we wandered and talked and people watched. And when I say people watch I mean being in awe of the really pretty people running through the park and sunning themselves on the lawn. Central Park really is a little oasis, right in the heart of the city and yet it's so peaceful and quiet.
5. I was shown several things about New York that not many people don't get to see. All because I was walking around with New Yorkers and they showed me the non-tourist things.
6. As for celebrity sightings I only saw Perez Hilton and for those that don't know who this dirty man is, he's only famous because he blogs/gossips about actual famous people. And to top it off, I saw him twice in one day. It was very comical that that unattractive non-celebrity celebrity was my only celebrity sighting.
7. It was so great to be surrounded by culture and all sorts of people and places that never close. There was everything you could ever want at any time.
8. I went to the New York City Library, the one with the big lions out front from Ghostbusters. That was very grand and gorgeous. And calming. Quiet places tend to do that.
9. We took about an hour and sat in Bryant Park, what a lovely little place. And just talked and laughed and drank our Starbucks coffee.
10. And most important, my friends were so good to me. In more ways than one. I almost can't express how good it was to see some of my best friends and share old memories and create new ones. We laughed so much I think my stomach muscles hurt a bit. It was so so so great.
To my friends Thank You!

Now, I have downloaded my pictures I just haven't done anything more. I'll post a few good ones in my next entry.

New York City! Heeeeyyy!

"New York City here I come!"
I am visiting NYC and some of my closest friends tomorrow and I am very excited!
Top 5 Reasons My Trip to NYC is Going to Rock
5. It's NYC. It almost doesn't get any better.
4. I'm seeing some of my best friends who I haven't seen in over a year. There was a time where we saw each other every day.
3. I'm bringing some fabulous shoes, a new purse and will look like a million bucks. As I should.
2. I'm not on a time schedule out there but we've already planned some uber fun things.
1. I'm getting out of this tiny, boring desert town and into a city where I feel I belong.

I'll try to post things once or twice while I'm there. Broadway, Empire State Building, shopping, drinking, friends, laughter, ohhhh I'm so excited! :-)

Tuesday 9-9-08

I'm going to New York City in less than two days! I'm so stoked! I'm visiting some of my closest friends and I'm going to look fabulous doing it. There is no other way to look while in New York, I think.

Besides the upcoming cross-country adventure here are this moments good things.
1. I still really like my job, even though I'm moving. And it makes it even better that I get to stay with the company.
2. I'm watching Sex and the City, painted my toenails, and am drinking wine and truly enjoying my night.
3. For the first time in almost a week, I'm internally calm. Or at least calmer.

I'll blog about New York, promise. Stay tuned. A-woo-hoo!

Some of the people that come into my work

I saw some pretty odd things/people the past couple days at work that no one should ever see out in public let alone anywhere.
1. A girl no more than 20, probably 6 months pregnant with a pair of jeans on. But not maternity jeans. Regular jeans and the jeans were fully unbuttoned and unzipped, so much that I saw her underwear. Her leopard print underwear. Yep. Believe it. It happened. News flash, preggers - put on sweat pants!
2. The same day there was a fella with a fantastic old school Billy Ray Cyrus mullet. But that isn't the best part. He was kneeling down in the New Age section and almost had his whole ass hanging out of the back of his jeans. Hey Billy Ray, wear a belt! And can't he feel a draft?! C'mon!
3. On an up note I met a very sweet old woman who opened up a bit of her life to me. She comes in about once a week and flips through the country CDs. Her hair is styled the same every time, neat and pinned. And today she was dressed all in red with a big pin on that said "Red, White but not Blue!" and had a republican elephant on it. As we got to talking she told me how she was raised by her single mom because dad was in a VA hospital because he fought in World War I. She had three older brothers, all who were in WW II. And as a child she asked her mom if her brothers were going to come home. Here mother said "Oh absolutly." And they all did. She raised her children and was a stay-at-home mom. And she said that being a stay-at-home mom sometimes made her feel dumb because she wasn't working. But her when her son left for college he told her that she was the best and he was so thankful for all she did.
I think I saw her eyes get a little teary. But I don't think she was fully talking to me. I think she was remembering and taking herself back through her lovely life and I was lucky enough to get a glimpse of it.

Oh how witty...

John Stewart is currently doing his show from St Paul in honor of the RNC. And he was just quoted saying "St. Paul is so much cooler than Minneapolis." However I do not agree, but he's still funny. He also stated that if "They were actual Twin Cities than Minneapolis is the Danny DeVito to St. Paul's Arnold Schwarznegger." Hilarious!

Now, Steven Colbert is taking about the McCain/Palin ticket and he keeps putting up clips of Republicans saying that Palin has executive experience. That is the best they got? According to dictionary.com executive is
1. a person or group of persons having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization.
2. the person or persons in whom the supreme executive power of a government is vested.
3. the executive branch of a government.

I guess I have executive experience too. I have authority in my job over an organization. Oh and Cindy McCain was in a clip talking about Palin's foreign policy experience. And she said something like "Keep in mind, Alaska is the closest state to Russia..." Are you freaking kidding me?!

Thank god for humor and late night news shows, they make it all a bit more humorous. Although the repubs are doing a pretty good job all on their own.

Unbelievable!

There is no shame in my game in admitting this, I get sucked into the dumb shows on VH1 and MTV. Some people have their soap operas, I have my bad realty TV and gossip shows. But sometimes I get mad at what I'm watching and the feeling gets even worse when I don't shut it off.
Right now is a show called The Fabulous Life of... and it can range from world's richest kids to Hollywood superstars. And they even have a guy who sounds just like Robin Leach (I don't think it's the real guy. Isn't he dead? Anyway...) Today it's The Fabulous Life of Hollywood Babies. Really? I'm really watching this? Yes. Yes I am.
The Robin Leach voice is giving us the dollar amount of Christina Aguilara's nursery, or the 3 nurseries that Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony had created in each of their homes. Not just 1 home with 1 nursery, 3 homes with a nursery in each. Ridiculous!
Now I understand they have money to spend, but diamond encrusted cribs that the kid will out-grow in two years anyways? Is that really necessary? And I'm sure these people donate money to good causes, but why don't they spend $30,000 on a nursery and donate that other $10,000 to mom's who really need it? It's a baby; it doesn't give a rats ass if it sleeps in a room with an original mural done by an artist that the rest of the world has never heard of!
And don't get me started on selling baby pictures to magazines. They already make a gazillion dollars and now they are selling photos of their children. If they want the world to see the kid that badly just give the pictures away. Or donate the money, you rich snobs!
I think I'm mostly mad that I watch this crap in the first place. Damn cable.

Update, a la ME

I know, I know I'm slacking in the blogging department right now. But I've been saving up for mew things to write.
Last Saturday I closed at work and a couple came in who I think were on their first date. They both were dressed casual but nice, he had on khaki shorts and a pink polo (real men wear pink, you know) and she had on black capris and a green screen-print t-shirt and cute wedge shoes. They wandered into music and didn't really look at anything particular. He talked and talked and talked with his hands in his pockets and she had her arms crossed most of the time and nodded and giggled along. It was sweet to watch them stand just far enough away and sort of trail each other around the department. He talked a lot and I couldn't tell if her silence was because she was shy and nice or because she was counting the minutes until the date would be over. And I was trying to listen to see if his talking was a nervous talk (when they don't say anything of importance) or was he trying to impress her. I hope it works out for them. Once you get passed that awkward first date, the beginning is so much fun.

I found a book at work called Barguments. Basically it poses questions that are good enough yet simple enough to be discussed after three beers. My friend Joseph and I spent a good chunk of our work day flipping through and answering the questions. Here are some samples.
1. Who would win at an underwater race, Superman or Aquaman?
My answer... Superman. Simply because he's Super. Like my boss Steve says, if he can make the world spin in the other direction, he can beat Aquaman at a water race.
2. Top 3 guitar players in history.
My answer... Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and the third is up for debate... maybe Jimmy Page
3. After drinking a radioactive beer, you've developed a superpower. Pick from extraordinary hearing that lets you listen in whenever someone mentions your name or the ability to instantly detect lies told by strangers.
My answer.... the latter. I don't want to know everything people say about me. Plus what if I can listen in whenever someone says "Sarah" and it's not me they are talking about? That would get annoying. But working in customer service I get people who like to talk themselves up or simply just talk. And I like to see if the self-made millionaire really is rich and if they guy who owns three BMW's but I saw drive away in a rusty piece of crap is all that he says.

I'm reading a new book called Blackbird. It's a memoir about a woman's childhood, and she tells it from the eyes of a child. So far it's excellent and from what I've been told the drama hasn't even begun. It's written so well, she really embodies the voice of a child.

My friend Isaac said something very nice to me today. We were talking about my leaving Las Cruces and he wished for me that i continue to write. I let him read a piece that I had written about a friend of ours and he said he was amazed at my talent. He said my writing was relatable and he hopes I continue on the writing and story-telling path that I am on. That made me blush and felt very good to hear.

It's my day off tomorrow. I have no plans. Maybe I'll do a bit of everything...