Happy Birthday to me!!!

I finally get my birthday present from my parents almost 4 months later! They are going to Houston to pick up my bedframe from IKEA today...I think...at least those were the plans yesterday.

On another note, this is the first New Year's Eve that I have not had concrete plans....I'm hoping that the outcome will be better than past "planned New Year's Eves" Let's take a recount of the past couple of years....

2000 - With my parents. My friend's parents were too scared to let them out on New Year's Eve 1999-2000 b/c what if the world ended. Nothing exciting...nothing memorable...oh well!

2001 - Spent it again with the 'rents. Friends came over and we had yummy gourmet food. One friend was asleep by 11pm...I have such exciting friends....oh well!

2002 - My single Uncle let me and my friends have run of his apartment and bought us a couple of bottles of booze (we weren't quite yet 21). Steph got extremely trashed, supposedly hit on best friend's boyfriend, and woke up not remembering a thing. Friend wouldn't talk to her for a month and the friendship hasn't been the same since....oh well!

2003 - Tried to break the Dallas trend and moved the partying to Austin. Co-hosted a party with Faye, drank too much of everything, walked around with my personal bottle of champagne, had minor breakdown that resulted in beating an ex-boyfriend with a jacket in the middle of the street. I was very sick the next day and barely made it back to Dallas alive....oh well!

2004 - Figured Austin was too much and decided to move the party back to Dallas again for New Years. Rented a hotel room in Downtown and partied on Greenville with my Dallas girls. We got drunk before going out (bottle of champagne each), partied on Greenville (very expensive drinks), came home and roamed the hotel for unsuspecting boys. We met some boys from Gainesville, FL, hung out in their room, met thier friend, made out with him all night, woke up next morning, realized that I had no idea what his name was, left the hotel with a hangover and a red face....not quite so bad as previous years but expensive and a bit embarrassing...oh well!

2005 - ?? Remains to be seen!!

Santa Baby!

Wow! Christmas was kind this year. I got my digital camera...so be expecting more posts with illustrations! I knew I was getting that but then my mom surpised me and my sister with ipods for each of us. It was totally awesome. Yes, it definitely was a good Christmas.

Another good thing...there were 3 family parties this weekend and no fights!!! Yea!! Unlike Thanksgiving, my extended family was able to put aside their differences and get along and at least act like they like each other. It made things so much more enjoyable.

Other stuff that was good this weekend...

Frois Gras 3 nights in a row
escargots
lots of chocolate
Seeing all the family
still being considered a kid by the family
shopping with my mom and sister (yes on Christmas eve...we're insane)
champagne 3 nights in a row
presents, presents, presents
seeing my new little cousin (he is so adorable)
watching my little bro competitively wrestle on video


Things I missed this weekend....

seeing all my Dallas friends (*tear*)
my boyfriend
my cozy apartment with my own bed & lots of clothes
creamed spinach (they promised at Thanksgiving that they would have it :( )
spending more time with my family


Well the goods out weigh the bads, so that means it definitely was a swell time in D-town. Now I look forward to a rockin' New Year's Eve.

Clowns on bikes and scary shoe polish guys

So I took some time off of work and Jeff and I decided to go to New Orleans for a little break. The drive wasn't so bad...8hrs...long but doable. After trying 3 different hotels, we finally found the one we were supposed to stay at....it kinda sucked. They were doing construction right in front of our hotel room. We walked Bourbon St. and within 30 seconds of walking we were accosted by a clown on a bike. He seemed friendly and made balloon hats for us and only charged us a "donation" of $10. So generous don't you think? We continued on our stroll and the first bar I dragged Jeff into happened to be a gay bar. (Hey I was just going towards the loudest music!) Jeff was immediately a hit and was asked to take off his clothes for money in their calendar contest. He wasn't really feelin' it so he politely declined..we downed our drink and went along our way. (I supposedly owe him big time and will now have to drug to a strip bar like Sugar's or something.) We got hammered and spent the evening at Pat O'Brien's drinking and eating popcorn.

The rest of the time was similar to the first day...people asking for money for "services" (Everyone wanted to polish Jeff's shoes...if I had to hear, "I know where you got your shoes" one more time I was gonna deck someone!) and drinking and taking pictures. Jeff got to use his new camera a lot and there are bijillion pictures of me, New Orleans, and various other things along the trip. Oh and Jeff won at Roulette so that was pretty cool....I just sat on the side lines and looked pretty.

So overall the trip to New Orleans was a success. I only got testy on Saturday for lack of food and the only options being junk food. On the way back I got to meet Jeff's family and they are wonderful. Super nice and sweet. His sibblings are so cute and adorable. They had pretend Christmas for me Sunday afternoon and gave me a gift. I wish I had something to give them too. His mom said that she liked me to my face...so I think its a pretty good sign that they approve.

It was definitely an action packed 4 days and now I'm back at work trying to stay busy and dreaming of Christmas.

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers

I just licked a scented marker to see if it tasted like it smelled...that is how incredibly bored I am. And, no it did not taste how it smells.

Anyway, had a fun weekend. Had Renee and Amy over Friday night for drinks and a movie....Jeff passed out and Amy and Renee held him down and put lipstick on him (haha teaches him to ever fall asleep in a room full of girls). Had he been a heavier sleeper, he would have ended up with his fingernails painted too.

Saturday, got up early and walked around Town Lake. It was nice and relaxing even though it was really crowded with morning joggers and walkers. Spent the day running around doing errands....Jeff bought a really, really, really nice and expensive camera. I bought clothes.

Went downtown Sat. night. Met up with Erin at Blind Pig. Drank some but stayed sober since I was DD. Boys drank too much and I had a sick boyfriend on my hands all Sunday.

Sunday, as always...worked.

Tonight I want to go view the meteor shower...I'm a nerd.

BANG!!!

A bird just flew into the window. I screamed then laughed....it fell into the bushes, got up, and then flew away. Happy Monday everyone!

Yea!....Doh!

Yesterday I got a good review from my boss. I haven't had one of those things since March (see Yea Me!). We have these things called shoppers and they rate us on our leasing ability. I got an A on my shopping report. I was really scared when I found out I had been shopped because last time, back in July, I got like a 50 out of 100...oops!

Anyway, my boss calls me into his office to tell me and it makes me super excited. So, being me and how I cannot hold any kind of emotion back, I do a little dance in the middle of the office provoking everyone to ask me why I was so happy. I proceeded to brag that I had gotten an A on my shopping report and I would now have the pleasure of getting a little bonus for my wonderful efforts (I'm not modest at all!). I immediately got called back into the big man's office and got in trouble for bragging and telling everyone how good I did...doh! But I think I had a right to let everyone know how much I rock!!

Sweet Sound of Silence

Two weeks ago I came back to work from my weekend only to find a giant 7 foot frosty the snowman sitting next to my desk. Now, I wouldn't normally complain about a 7 foot snowman by my desk except for two reasons.

1. It was well before Thanksgiving that they set up the monstrosity, violating my strict rule of one holiday at a time. (Please do not ask about this rule or you will be subjected to an hour long rant....just ask Jeff)

2. Since it was a blow up snowman it required a fan going inside of it 24/7 to keep it upright. This noise is very loud and very annoying driving me slightly crazy....kind of like the drip from a faucet.

So, said snowman was making me a very angry crazy person. But today I got the approval to move the horrible loud snowman to outside the office. Now, I get sweet sweet peace and quiet. I no longer have a constant hum in my ears. I can hear people when they talk to me. Its a wonderful new world that I can now enjoy!!!

Damn it!!

Oh I forgot to mention. I managed to put my sleeve of my white sweater in nice and sticky, brownish caramel sauce. It wouldn't be so bad except its dry clean only and its the first time wearing it since it was last dry cleaned....damn it!!!

Pass the turkey with a side of hate and spite!!

Dear Lord! Thanksgiving was a treat this year. We slaved over hot stoves and ovens with love and care to end up having a big family wide fight at the dinner table over plans for Christmas. Then it became a blaming game over who was more spoiled than whom or who needs to grow up...etc. I found things to do to avoid getting involved. I cleared the table, cut the desserts, etc..and my sweetie called just in time to save me from the brunt of the screams and yells. Jeff and I were in the middle of a convo when my aunt bursts outside in tears and walks down the street....oops.

A few minutes later my mom opens the door and walks down the driveway in tears as well. Supposedly at that point all hell broke loose in my house. I end the conversation and try to calm my mom and find my aunt. We decide that taking a walk around the block will calm the nerves and give people time to cool down. So me, my stepdad, my aunt, and the dogs go for a stroll to work off the turkey, stuffing, cakes, pies and glasses of wine and some of the anger. We come back in the house and things seemed to have calmed down and things went back to semi normalcy.

Now that half the family has left for the evening, the other half is sitting talking about them and what is wrong with them. I'm sitting in the dining room typing to F and listening in to them and chiming in whenever I miss a particularly juicy part. Ahhh...my family...I love them so, every disfunctional member.

I curse you!

Do you ever feel like you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Under sheer boredom and pure insanity I took it upon myself to create a new poster/flyer project. Yes dear friends, I do remember last weeks flyer woes but I have nothing better to do. Maybe I'll learn one day.....

Anyway, I'm sure my boss will tell me that it isn't along the theme that he would like to create in our "poster/flyer campaign" but I can tell you that I don't care b/c I don't see anyone else doing it. Nope, so he is just gonna have to accept it!

Rescue Me!

...or rather my food! My food is being held captive by a 2-hour meeting. I'm hungry. I need someone to rescue my food. Maybe I'll just go upstairs and eat and save my food for dinner....hmm....what should I do? Devise an escape plan or claim my food as a loss?

Hola Mr. Fireman

The stupid fire alarm has gone off about a hundred times today at work and each time it scares the living day lights out of me. This is very annoying. Its especially annoying b/c the alarm is not followed by hot fire fighters....now thats tragic!

Rush Hour

I got a 1/2 of a mile away from my apartment this morning before realizing that I had forgotten my purse inside. So I had to turn around and get it making me even more late...oops. On a positive note, however, since it is Veteran's Day there was barely any traffic and I just zoomed down the highway and Lamar. Yea for holidays!

I brought a book today to work to keep me occupied while awaiting out "open house" that no one is going to attend....I realized I had already read the book...darn. So, I decided to do the NY Times Crossword Puzzle...I realized I'm an idiot. So, now I'm trying to keep myself busy and staring at a plate of 4 dozen chocolate chip cookies that seem to be calling my name. Why must the cookies taunt me so?

Back to School

On a wild hair I decided to apply to the Pratt Institute for the Spring semester. It doesn't require a GRE score but I'll still study for the GRE so that just in case I don't get in I'll be able to apply to Columbia, UT and Chicago Art Institute for the fall. I need to get references for application. I hope my profs still remember me...eeps. What do you think? Am I ready for grad school? Am I ready for New York?? We shall see where the winds of fate will take me.

What time is it?

I have spent the last 2 hours creating a flyer because the other 3 flyers I created last week were not good enough. Now, I'm being told...

"Just create one with no pictures...we need to get these flyers out today!"

....Excuse me?!? Why don't we just use the stupid flyers I created last week which have cute pictures, sayings and give all the correct information? Ahhhh I give up...plus I was using adobe photoshop and I have no clue how to use the stupid functions. I'm going cross-eyed from staring at the damn computer screen so long. Then to top it off. The computer's time was wrong so I got so excited when I saw that it was 3:30pm...but in reality it was only 2:30pm :( . I don't know if I can handle working until 7pm.

At least I know the managers will not be here for the rest of the week so I can do nothing...wait thats my problem right now! Oh well.

On a totally different subject, I went on ACC's website and checked out the courses I need to get into Columbia's M.S. Architecture program and its going to cost me at least a grand. Jeez...why does education have to be so expensive. Do you think my parents would help me out a bit with the cost? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Also, I need to take the GRE and I've been putting that off big time. I need to do that ASAP.

Well...back to work or at least the lack there of! Oh what is everyone's status on their novel for Nat'l. Novel writing month? I have a premise and main characters and about a page of text and that is it.

(The Sounds of Hair Being Pulled Out)

Bumper to bumper traffic, 2 popped balloons in my face and already a unplanned meeting....wow! My Monday is going to be a real winner.

Four Weddings & a Funeral

Nahh...just one wedding and hopefully no funerals. Friday night I went to my friend Rachel's wedding. It was way out in the middle of no where. It was so weird seeing my friend from high school who is my age getting married. We are the same age and there is no way that I feel old enough to get married. It was just surreal...it seemed like pretend but a very expensive sort of make believe. It was beautiful though. I have to give her props on the location, decorations, dresses, food, music, etc. For a 22 yr old arranging her first wedding with out any major help, she did an excellent job. Kudos to you Rachel if you read this and a huge congratulations!

Halloween weekend was very lokey for me. Jeff had been invited to several parties on Friday and I had been invited to one too but after the wedding we just went home b/c we were both tired and I had to be at work at 7am on Sat. (stupid work!).

Saturday I worked the Longhorn Saturday and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be, especially since I had to do it all by my lonesome self. The rest of the day was just lazy. We went and had drinks with some of Jeff's friends that evening, took a nap, went to an extremely small and fairly boring apartment party, went and watched Texas Chainsaw Massacre, then went downtown to watch all the crazies. I think this was the first Halloween that I haven't dressed up... (Sidenote: Jeff and I think that the girl Alex brought with him downtown was hitting on me...which isn't too much of a surprise since she is bi). We stayed an extra hour downtown since it was the time change this weekend and then ended up at Metro coffee house where I haven't been in at least 4 yrs. Hey for anyone that is interested...it is now a non-smoking facility. (That had always been my big complaint about Metro and my reason for not going to drink there)

Sunday did the work thing once again. Not too bad of a day. I made Jeff and me our last fatty dinner since we both have decided to eat healthy from now on. I made NY strip steak with bernaise sauce, roasted rosemary potatoes, and asparagus. For appetizers I had prosciutto on melba toasts and fresh mozzarella and grape tomatoes. Sooooo yummmmyyyy!!!! Cooking one big time consuming meal, however, gets cooking into my blood and I decided to keep on cooking after dinner and made meringues with the leftover egg whites and then I made muffins for breakfast. My apartment smells like a bakery. I enjoyed it. For awhile I had forgotten how much I enjoyed cooking b/c it gets boring cooking just for yourself.

Anyway, here it is Monday and I'm at work trying to avoid doing any work. Its another week of drudgery and balloon blowing.

PS. Its National Novel Writing Month and Flaminia and Jeff are trying to convince me to try and write a novel since they are writing one. I might but it has to be 50,000 words...thats kinda scary to think about. What would I write a novel about...hmmmmm.....

B.A. My Ass

I got a college degree to get up every morning and blow up sixteen orange & white balloons to put on the corner of a building.

Just Rain on my Parade

For all who don't know, Friday was my 23rd birthday. Luckily, I had the day off and so I spent it pampering myself. Slept in late, took a leisurely shower, shopped, got a pedicure....overall, it was a very relaxing day. Oh and I got F's card in the mail and the cute H&M earings....why doesn't TX have an H&M? WHY?!?

Jeff took me out to eat at Mushashino for sushi. I had this amazing avacado appetizer but Jeff didn't like it....so I ate it all. Then I had a spider roll...it was muey bueno and a spicy tuna handroll. I realized I had never had a handroll before and had to ask the sushi guy how to eat it....teehee. After a very yummy dinner, Jeff gave me my b-day present. His first idea (it was truely a wonderful idea!) had been to give me Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" painting but little did he know I already had it. He still gave it to me but my real gift was him filling up my wine rack with wine...now thats a gift I can truely appreciate! So, the evening went exceedingly well also!

I decided to invite people downtown to drink it up. So people met me at my house for a little pre-partying and then we headed down to sixth. It was my original plan to not drink that much because I was going to have to work the next morning at 7am...but....the office told me I didn't have to come in so I proceeded to get trashed. I started at Aquarium so that I could get my free t-shirt and as we got ready to move on to Touche's for the famous blowjob shot...we realized it was pouring. At this point we were trashed enough not to care and Renee and I drank more and went pretty crazy. We were all ready to go at 2 but the rain hadn't let up yet so Jeff and I decided to make a dash for it anyway. We were soaked through by the time we got to the car but with enough alcohol in my system, I didn't really care. It was very cute b/c we made out in the rain. Yes...awwww......an no Kate you can not puke!

Anyway, needless to say Saturday I was not feeling my personal best which was absolutely wonderful since my mother and brother were coming into town for a wedding. I survived and enjoyed their visit. They met Jeff and approved of him so that was good. Oh and my sister sent some super cute earings with my mom and some awesome venom lipgloss so now my lips will be nice and pouty!

Sunday, I worked and relaxed and it was just a normal typical sunday.

I HATE MY JOB

When I applied for this damn job...it did not mention anything about lifting heavy boxes or signs. My boss just made me carry out a sign to the corner of the street that was literally as big as me. To top it off I slept on my neck wrong and I have crick in it! If I wanted a fuckin' manual labor job I would have applied to be a construction worker! I at least would get paid well for carrying heavy things as opposed to the crap I get paid now.

Sigh....what a way to start out my Thursday morning.

3:30 AM Football Tickets

How I scored UT vs. Missouri at 3:30 in the morning Friday before the game:

Friday night Renee, Lissette and I went downtown to meet some friends from Houston staying at the Hilton. It was already midnight by the time we got there so we had minimal partying time. At two after trying to get everyone back together we headed back to the Hilton. There we hung out for almost an hour trying to figure out rides, where people are staying and then someone brought up blueberry pancakes. That opened up a whole other can of worms. Meanwhile, Lissette is chatting with this guy on the bench who is just listening and laughing at our loud, drunk selves. The game gets mentioned and poof....he gives us 2 tickets to the game, a parking permit for campus garages or lots, and 2 wrist bands to get into the Goal Post Club.

Moral of the story:
It pays to hang out in front of the Hilton at 3 am even when you aren't a paying customer!

Sun, Sand, & Mojitos

So the trip to Puerto Rico might be back on thanks to F and if I can find a decently priced plane ticket. God! I need a break and I don't know if I can wait until December....of course mean bad work might not let me off!

OOHHH the gods, fates, almighty deities, spirits, creatures, nymphs, and all that is good and holy please be kind and make this work out so that I might keep my sanity!

Yea!

I received two pieces of very good information on Saturday from my family.

First good piece of information is that I have a distantly related person on the Arts District board in Dallas....could this be my chance to get involved in the arts world?

Second, is that when I was born my mother registered me with the French government meaning that I am a citizen of France or at least can receive a French passport (now Euro passport). France, right now, is offering free higher education to French residents. I could go to France and get my MA for free....how 'bout them apples?!?!? To make things even better (and makes me an asset to international companies) is that I do not have to get a work visa if I go to france...or a student visa if I go to school there. Also, since it is a Euro passport, I think I can work pretty much anywhere in Europe. Hootie-hoo!!!

The baptism party rocked on Saturday. My cousin Noelle knows how to throw amazing shindigs. She had a jazz band playing and catered food and her house and backyard are so gorgeous. I felt like I was a part of a Homes & Garden photo shoot. I drank champagne from 3pm to 8pm and it was so decadent and wonderful....I'm always going to drink champagne at parties from now on!

Can I take it back?

So yesterday, I get a call from Jeff while I am still at work and he's telling me that he wants to dye his hair. I wanted to tell him no and to back away from the hair coloring section of the store....and I did but in the end I told him to go ahead and do it if he thinks its going to look good. I don't want to be one of those girlfriends who tells their boyfriend no for everything. So he did it.

Later that night he comes by to show me and when I open the door, he has my sweater (I left it over at his house) on his head. Dear folks, this is never a good sign. After about 5 min of coercing and trying to drag the sweater off his head....the hair is revealed! My god, it was awful! He looked like Eminem. I couldn't believe that he did that to his hair...it was completely yellow..not blond...not orange but YELLOW. For a brief moment I entertained the thought of calling off the relationship right there....I can handle many things but I cannot handle bad hair on a guy!

Supposedly he's going to dye it back today and go get a haircut. I'm not sure now b/c I teased him so much he threatened to keep it that way for the next two months until it grows out.

Sheesh! What a way to woo a girl....blind her with your dazzling yellow locks!

BF... What?!?

So yesterday I went to lunch with the cool boss and we sat around and talked. He started asking me about Jeff. He met Jeff on Saturday at this kick ass tailgate that he threw where we had to drink 40oz. Anyway, he asked me if it was serious and I said well no, not right now and kinda pussy footed around the question. I'm a very noncommittal person. So, he was like, "Man, my friends were asking who you were and who that guy was....Steph, you tend to sell yourself short! You don't need to settle for anyone!" It kinda sounded like he was telling me I could do better than Jeff. I probably should have been offended but I was really flattered that my boss and his friends think I'm pretty cute. He did tell me that I need to increase my self esteem....I didn't think I had that low of one! Then later...or maybe earlier that day...can't remember I was talking to F online and she said her Italian guy friends saw a pic of me online and wanted to talk to me. Jeez, Jeff came into my life at the wrong point....I could be playing around with some hot Italian or a big shot ex UT Football player.

Ok, now in reference to my subject title. Jeff and I are hanging out. I made him dinner and we were supposed to meet his friends at Hooters later but we ended up canceling b/c it was to far, etc. We were sitting on the couch watching CSI. Earlier I had told him about the incident with my boss and had playfully asked him when we acted upset..."What?!? You don't like other guys thinking your girlfriend is attractive?" We haven't talked about our status yet but he's referred to me as his girlfriend a couple of times but I have yet to call him my boyfriend. Anyway, we were sitting on the couch and he goes:

Jeff: Can I ask you a stupid question?
Me: Huh?!? Uh, yeah sure.
Jeff: Will you be my girlfriend?

For a split second I thought he was joking and almost laughed and told him to shut up but instead yes came out of my mouth. It was so middle school. It made me laugh....not at him but b/c it was cute/sweet situ.

So, in conclusion, I guess I am a taken woman. I am in a *gasp* relationship...we shall see how long this lasts for the commitment-phobic Steph!

What you should never say to another girl.....

I was eating lunch yesterday with a friend from work who is a male. He and I were talking and all of a sudden he changed the subject.

To me, a girl, he says, "You know, Lisa (one of my co-workers), would be a beautiful girl if she just lost a little weight." "She just seems to have gotten a little chunkier lately"...etc.

OMG, I was so horrified that he would say that to me. I didn't know what to say. I was like George you cannot say that. That is so mean. That kind of ended the lunch there.

Uno Momento

So here is to add to your cute/awww/eeewww/*retch* factor. Last night Jeff and I went to dinner at Cheesecake Factory. When he got up to go to the bathroom, the waitress came by and told me that she just wanted to say how cute a couple we made..etc, etc. Didn't know how quite to respond so I just said thank you. I thought it was kinda funny.

I did what?!?

So F came into A-town this weekend and we proceeded to paint the town red. I picked Dr. F up in Dallas and we headed down to Austin in my rental SUV totally chillin'. We stopped and picked up some kick ass $3.50 sunglasses at Fossil which will play a part in the weekend's festivities later on.

Once in town we restocked my liquor cabinet. The liqour store guy actually had to yell to the back to bring out more boxes. Unfortunately, it was a sad preparty compared to our last soiree but thats ok b/c F and I have a tendency to create parties just by ourselves. Jeff came over and played sober boy to our drunk giggly selves. We cruised down to 6th with F hanging out the side window for lack of a sunroof. Hit the street, F in her muy bueno blue jean corset and me in my lace up black mini-dress and big curly Texas sized hair. We detour to 4th and meet Emily and her hot boss and his very muy bueno friends at the new hip bar Foundation. We drink our expensive drink and then get a call that there are more people down on 6th and so we head on down there. I forgot to mention that F and I are wearing matching underware which after a couple more drinks...I proceed to show everyone.

The next chain of events is pretty hazy. I know there was alcohol and there were a lot of people and I know we headed back to 4th to meet up with Scotland and Geoff....otherwise things get pretty hazy. I ended up meeting some very cute Italian Castilian residents and made Jeff a little jealous I think by flirting with Matteo.

We ended the night with 2 girls and like 8 guys in the hot tub at my complex. Then this weird trio showed up and one guy kept on rubbing my feet....I got freaked out and got up and left. Regardless, the night ended strong and I felt like shit the next day!

On Sat, F and I did a little fruitless shopping and then once again got ready to go downtown. I made Mojitos and then we headed back down to 6th but this time armed with some pretty awesome shades. F's glasses were New York chic...my glasses were just plain goofy. They were 3 times the size of my face and I entertained myself by making everyone we came across wear them. They were my distiguishing detail of the night. Case in point, I was walking in a crowd down 6th with F and then Jeff appears out of no where and kisses me right there in the middle. I was so shocked that he just happened to come across me in a crowd but he later admitted that it was the glasses that he noticed. I managed not to get so drunk downtown this time since I had to work the next day. We headed back to my apartment for more partying mojito and hot tub style. This time the odds were a little better 4 girls and 8 guys....including our Italian friends and F's Jersey boy (he goes way back to her b-day). I headed to bed around 6am or so and then got up while everyone else's lazy ass stayed in bed to go to work.

I spent my sunday evening mourning the loss of F and my party pal and all around best source of entertainment and cleaning my reck of an apartment. Jeff was a sweetie and came over to help clean and stuff... and thats my weekend in a nutshell or something considerably larger.

Le Sob!

My car is totalled. The adjuster called....I have no more car. What is a girl to do? I would like to cry right now.

International Whore

I have become an international student whore. No, I'm not sleeping with a bunch of foreign exchange students. Last night I went to Cain & Abel's with my co-workers. When I got there I had to wait in line but a couple of international students who are staying at the Castilian recognized me and waived me up to where they were in line. It was an Australian and a couple of Italians. Once in I went over to the corner where all the people I know were drinking. In this corner was Patrick (Pat), the cute Australian that tried to get into the Castilian but we were full so now he lives at Dobie. I crush on him deeply! To the group we had several more Aussies join up and let me say that they were definitely not bad looking. Our fine Italian friends joined up with us for a bit to say hi. Then, later on a Mexican from Mexico City and a Puerto Rican showed up and let me say...Jose is hot. I crush on him too! I would have to say that we must of had the most international corner in all of C&A's. I love the accents, the kissing on the cheek everytime we say hello or goodbye....I love the international men.

Oh and here's an update on my stalker cable guy. Yesterday he called me while was at work. I missed the call and I returned it thinking it was the insurance company or rental car company...no it was "Terence" The Cable Guy. I was taken aback and in my confusion I told him I wasn't allowed to talk on the phone at work and that I can't talk until after 6pm....oopps. Anyway, when I got back from the gym later that evening. I had a missed call from the cable guy at 6:20....he sure doesn't waste any time! I need advice on what to do....remember folks, he knows where I live and my phone number.

Accounts of an Eventful Weekend

So my weekend could be described as interesting...well interesting for me at least. Let me begin.

Friday was my first time to have a day off in 2 weeks and also the first time to spend an entire day at my new apartment. The day started off kinda crappy because I thought the cable guy was supposed to show up in the morning to install internet and cable at my apt. When I called Time Warner to see where in the hell he was, I was informed that the appointment was for sat morning...doh! Oh well! The day was still young and not much wasted so I decided to enjoy the complex pool and catch some rays. There was a creepy guy at the pool who sat in the lawn chair directly across from me while I laid out. It was odd to say the least. Anyway, I got nice and pink and headed back inside to take care of some errands before rush hour traffic started. I got dressed and while lazing on the couch I heard a big crash. I looked outside and nothing looked amiss so I just shrugged and continued with my plans. I head out the door to go to Ulta to pick up aloe for my slight sunburn and as I go towards my door, I notice a lot of people standing by my car and my car is at a weird angle. On closer inspection of my car, there is a open bed trailer sticking out the side of it. I laughed...my car is cursed. The hitch went through the bumper and knocked the front end of my car into the car next to me. The drive shaft might be bent. It smokes when you try to drive it....I don't think that is a good thing. So anyway, my car is not drivable and I am in a rental. Way to enjoy a day off!

Well thankfully nothing else happened to make my day worse. I went downtown later in the evening...uneventful. Came home and went to bed so that I could get up early for the cable guy. Cable guy shows up of course not until 11. That was an interesting experience. They guy sets up my internet and tells me that I look familiar. I profess no prior knowledge of him but maybe he's seen me downtown sometime. The convo ends and he leaves. I get a phone call 30min later from a weird number and its some guy named Anthony. It kinda goes like this:

Me: Do I know you?
Him: I just talked to you?
Me: You did? Are you sure?
Him: Yeah, Im the cable guy...remember?
Me: Oh yeah, hey!...is there something you needed from me?
Him: No, but I remember where I know you from.
Me: Really? Where?
Him: Downtown...we were supposed to go on a date
Me: Huh?!? Are you sure?!? Maybe I was really drunk...sorry that it didn't happen.
Him: Yeah well what are you doing today?
Me: Ummm...I'm about to leave and have lunch with some friends
Him: Oh well do you have a boyfriend?
Me: Well I'm seeing several people...(good friends...I'm not seeing anyone)
Him: Well would you like to do something sometime.
Me: Uhhhh....sure.....if you give me a call maybe we could do something.
Him: ok, well i'll do that
Me: Alright well it was nice talking to you...I have to go now..bye!

It was weird to say the least....I'm creeped out b/c now this stranged, stocker dude has my number and knows where I live....hmmm scary.

Went to lunch with Faye and Emily and then spent the rest of the day doing random things. Decided at the last minute to go out with Emily. Headed downtown and met up with her guy friends. Drank too much and flirted with every single one of them...it was great. Oh F and Red...you might be interested to know that Buddha Boy was there and his hair is short now and I did not end the night making out with him! I rock! Instead I ended up leaving with the group of guys instead of Emily. It was muy bueno! Then Emily calls me and her keys are in my purse and she is downtown. So one of the guys (Jeff is is name...I had been kinda interested in him during the evening) drove me down there to drop it off. We do the key thing and instead of heading back to Miles' place (Em's friend and one of the guys) we head up north towards jeep's place with the intention of watching a movie. We start watching the movie and then we start kissing and then.... Hey! I don't kiss and tell but for all you nosy people, nothing happened and he drove me home in the morning. I went to work and spent the day trying to recover from a very bad hangover....Its been awhile since I've been this hung over.

Now its time to get ready for another work week. Jeff is supposedly supposed to call me for dinner on Wed. We shall see if it will happen.

Updates

So for those of you who are wondering whats up in my life, I thought I'd give you an update. Sorry its been so long since I've posted but with one thing or another I've not had time or info to post.

So I went to Florida at the end of July for a couple of days and except for some problems with the flight down there, all went well. I got nice an toasty and finally looked like I had enjoyed some out doors this summer.

I have finally made the move out of west campus and into an apartment off of 183 and Capital of TX Hwy. Fun stuff. The apartment is so much nicer but I hate the morning commute...let me rephrase that...I hate that I have a morning commute. I've been working so much lately that I have yet to have time to finish unpacking my apartment and it is still really rough looking in there. I did manage to install a glass shelf by myself with my very own power tools! I rock!

Otherwise, not much else going on. I have made friends with a nice Aussie named Pat and a couple of Latin American dudes that are just too cute! We shall wait and see if this develops into more than a Cain & Abel's Tuesday night thing.

Right now I'm looking for fellow music lovers who would like to go to the ACL Festival. I would love to have some company.

I guess you can look forward to more updates as soon as I get internet at my new place. Its slow to come b/c I have to keep cancelling my appointments.

We like to party....yea! We like to party!!!

That song totally fit this past weekend.  Talk about a total blast.

Friday started with Kate and Jo coming into Austin.  We immediately headed over to Trudy's for a margarita and Tex-Mex...yum yum!  We then completed the evening with going to the movies to see Bourne Supremacy...Matt Damon..yum yum.

Saturday we went to the mall and Flaminia made it into town....yes, the fun is about to begin!  We got the apartment ready for a kick ass pre-party with all friends invited.   Let me just say that 4 girls sharing one bathroom is not my ideal situation.  We all got prettied up for party and later downtown.  Some dumb guys who do not understand the words 9:30 showed up with only Flaminia dressed and ready and the rest of us with our hair curlers.  People started showing up and then more people started calling to see what was up and decided to show up as well.  It was a rockin' party with free flowing alcohol.  At around 11:30 we pushed everyone out to head downtown.

Rockin' in the Tundra we hooted and hollered our way downtown, scaring all the cars along the way.  We met up with everyone again at the Library where the Long Island's called our name.  We drank there for a while.  I ran into the guy I dated last summer.  We started talking and he asked me why we stopped dating....hmmm...(ps he looked really cute..sigh!)  I told him it was because he stopped calling me...he then countered by saying that I could have called him...oooppss!  I did call but after a week and half of him not calling me I erased his number because I got pissed off.  Anyway, we exchanged numbers again and in my drunken state I could not work my phone to save my life.  Side note:  You know most when they drunk become obsessed with drunk dialing people.  Me, on the other hand, I lose the ability to work my phone.  Well I wonder if he will call or if it will be last summer all over again....we shall see!  So after drinking at the Library we headed over to a bar and the name escapes me now but Flaminia's friend Tiny was dj-ing there.  He played some booty music and don't think we didn't have a bunch of girlies dancin' up on each other!  OMG it was a blast and ended waaaayyy too fast.  Eventually we headed home after many drinks and hijinks!

The night ended with a bunch of girls showing each other their nipples and compairing their color gradient.  It was very interesting.  I also drunkenly tried to detain a friend from leaving my apartment but she was so insistant that I gave up and lost interest.  I got a visit from a neighbor who convinced us to stumbled down the complex and help finish their keg.  I headed down with only one flip flop and came back with none...hmmm...  Anyway, turns out the neighbor was a bit of an octapus and couldn't keep his hands to himself.  After he walked me back to my apartment I kinda shut the door in his face....oops (i'm real neighborly).  I then passed out in drunken haze.

Sunday I got up and went to work surprisingly chipper.   It was a boring day with nobody coming at all.  Then I headed over to the lake to meet Flaminia and her sister and her sister's friends.  I got there and it was all rainy and overcast at the lake.  We stayed for just a bit and headed over to Phillip of Scotland's house.  I then went home and tried to make some sense of the wreck called my apartment.

So, in conclusion, it was not my typical boring weekend.  Oh yes and maybe soon there will be pictures to grace your screen as well!

Ohhh I wish I were an Oscar Meyer Wiener....

So the highlight of my day today was (dramatic pause) the Oscar Meyer Wiener Mobile!!!!!  As I was coming out of the elevators I looked out the main entrance and low and behold there in the parking lot across the street was the mobile.  I ran into the office and convinced everyone that we needed a picture in front of it and funny enough everyone agreed!!!  That just proves that we are all just kids at heart hoping for a Oscar Meyer Wiener Mobile whistle.  So we all headed over there and started striking poses for the camera.  We heard from a bystandered that driver....a Ms. French's Mustard had just left the vehicle.  (What I would have given to see the people dressed up in their costumes!)  Here is evidence of our office escapade.



It definitely created a break in the monotony of my day.

Also today we had Dobie's corporate office come and take a tour at the Castilian.  They specifically asked for me too...yikes!  My boss says that they could be potentially shopping me so that they can see if they might want to steal me from the Castilian.  I highly doubt that is the case but I wouldn't be opposed to everyone thinking that if it gets me a raise in the end!

Still waiting to hear if my application was approved by the apartment people....nothin' so far....

Oh I wish I were an Oscar Meyer Wiener because that is truely what I want to be....lalalala...

Zee Pictures

I have stolen pictures off Kathleen's website from last weekend....enjoy!

Me and Ricky in the back of Lalana's car
 

This was right before I fell asleep....I didn't even get to finish my beer...wait I don't think I even drank a beer!
 

Hooooottt boy...baby you got it!  We were all alustin' after Armondo!....mmmmmm
 
 
 
 
OOPPPSS!!! I almost forgot the munchkin's!!!
 

I'm Back From Outer Space

Oh yes dear folks!  I am back to grace your computer screens with my antics and situational woes.  What is going on in my life you ask?!?  Well let me tell you!
 
Right now I'm in the process of looking for a new apartment.  My current lease is up August 10th, so I'm just a tad bit stressed in this issue.  My inability to find a decent apartment here in central Austin has forced me to seek accommodations in the dreaded Northwest Austin Area.  Don't get me wrong!  It is a very nice area and I've been able to find apartments within my budget that are really nice.  Its just that I don't want to move so far away from Austin's cultural center.  I definitely don't need to be so close to shopping centers.  Oh well...c'est la vie.
 
This past weekend I went out dashing duo of Kathleen and Lalana.  It was Kathleen's b-day so we've been partying it up.  We went out Friday night and on our manhunt, Kathleen and I pick up a nice fresh pair of 21 yr old twins.  Kathleen taught Boy and Boy's Brother a tough life lesson about older women (we tease you and then we don't respond to you when you call).  It was a fun 6th Street time.  Last night, however, I shamed myself.  I became the person I hate ... The Party-pooper!!!!!! Yes (sigh) I fell asleep after 2 beers and a shot of whiskey!  While the rest of the party played beer pong, I drifted off into slumber....I am so ashamed.  I just might have to relinquish my party hat for this major faux pas!  Mind you it wasn't even 2am yet either!  Hopefully next weekend I will be able to redeem myself!
 
Other than that not too much going on in my life.
 
Oh I ordered a luggage set...I'm so excited!  I can't wait to get it! I'm so lame...

I'm watching you!

I had another plant stolen while I was in Dallas this weekend. Now I can't help but wonder everytime I run into a neighbor if maybe they are the theif. I give them an evil eye and continue on my way leaving the person wondering what they did to deserve such a nasty look. I know I should move the plants inside but I feel that I would be showing defeat and I refuse to give these plant stealing slimebags the satisfaction!

Oh on another topic but still complaining of course,my apartment leaked again so that when I returned after a weekend away, a nice mouldy smell greated me. I can't wait to move but I can't find a place where I would like to go. Uggg!!!

Help!

I'm applying to an assitant curatorial position at the Dallas Museum of Art. If anyone has any kind of connection that could somehow help me,please, please, please let me know! This job sounds realy awesome and I would love to get it. I've even brought out the old resume and cover letter to polish them up a bit for review. The qualifications seem to totally match what I've done in the past. Its just a matter of getting an interview!

Grrrrrrr...!!!!!

This is my big fat grumpy GRRRR to the world! I am not in a good mood at all. I probably should not talk to anyone today or I'll be liable to bite their head off.

On Thursday I got my replacement phone and stupid Sprint couldn't transfer my numbers and they wouldn't let me take my new phone and old phone home to sit there and leisurely transfer my numbers....Oh no..I had to sit there and write down all my f***in numbers! So, if I don't call you, its not because I don't like you, its because I don't have your number in my phone or I didn't get a chance to write it down. Stupid heads! Sprint Sucks and the Samsung phone I have sucks even more than that!

So rest of weekend goes without a hitch..yea! Kate came for her b-day on Friday and it was muy bien. I had a lot of fun and ate such yummy food. Barbeque and Mexican food in one weekend...could it get any better?...well add in Chinese and Sushi and it would have been perfect.

Then today I was walking out of my house and it looked strangely empty around my apartment. Those of you who have been to my place know that I keep a ton of plants around my door. Well some jackass took off with my little tree that I had sitting next to one of the chairs! What the hell?...I can understand a chair or a table but now the dumbasses are stealing trees?!? What is this world coming to? Haha they didn't even take the little overspill water pot so I hope it leaks water all over their living room or front porch and then dies and litters annoying leaves all over the place!!!!!

I was considering renewing my lease at my place but now the tree incident has cured my moment of amnesia and now I've added something else to the running talley of why I hate my apartment..Lets review shall we?:

1. Stereo stollen from car in parking lot - $200
2. Chairs stollen from front porch - $15
3. Purse stollen from kitchen table in apartment $200
4. Plant knocked down and destroyed - $10
5. Tree taken from porch - $15
6. Leak seeping from under apartment wetting carpet - $0 (but made a smelly apt)
7. Loud neighbors - $0 but caused many sleepless nights
8. Broken mailbox - $0 but mail could be taken at any minute

Moving from that hell hole in August - Priceless

Yeah I don't know when my tally became a credit card advertisement but it just seemed to go there. And Renee - your point was proven. Last night I did not want to listen to anyone telling me not to renew (because it seemed the simplest, easiest thing to do) but now I was proven wrong.

So now I'm looking for a new place and I can't wait!!

Free Water Anyone?

So I went to my boss' bbq on Sunday and the Castilian's Ozarka delivery guy just happened to be his neighbor. I mentioned how he looked familiar and he took that to mean that I was deeply and madly inlove with him. He hit on me big time. Within five minutes of meeting him, I knew what he expected out of a wife, how much he made and exactly what he thought of me. He started talking about when we are dating how I won't want to tell anyone that I'm dating the Ozarka water guy, etc. People, this all happened within the first 30minutes of meeting this dude. I faked going to the bathroom to escape him and fled home in a hurry. Of course the five or six? beers that my boss forced on me didn't help my judgement. I think I might have given him my number...ooops! Alright, Alright! I feel bad and I have to see the guy every week. I thought I'd throw him a bone or two. He might have had a slight drunken chance if it wasn't for the fact that he dipped..GROSS!!!

I think I must attract weird people. One of the football coaches heading up the Mac Brown Football camp hit on me yesterday too. He tried to get me to go downtown with him. The entire time he is trying to coherse me he's spitting whatever the hell he was eating all over me...again GROSS!!! I guess I just can't get away.

What Pin-up am I?

My sister complained that I never put up any quizes on my blog...so here you go


You're Brigitte Bardot!


What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Kids! Don't Look!

So Thursday night I agreed to babysit this family that I usually babysit for. Well the deal was that I was supposed to pick her up at home and take her out to get something to eat for dinner. I was totally cool with that. I was working on ZERO hrs of sleep so I had brought somethings over to occupy her and keep me awake. I had brought my entire collection of nail polish. As I picked it up to move it over so that she could sit in my back seat, it all dumped out on the floor of my car. So we're picking it up when what did I grab from between the seats? No, not nail polish....A Condom! Ooops I guess I didn't clean out my car as well as I thought..hehee..I quickly shoved it back into its place before she could see it. God, I hope she didn't see it! I'm guess/hoping that it was a leftover from the night of Ben's house. I wanted to laugh so much when I found it because then the little girl would want to know what I was laughing about and I really didn't want to explain to her parents why I have condoms in my car. Oh well...at least I was able to avoid that embarassment!

A gaggle, a pod, a flock...???

As I was driving into work today I happened to observe a National Geographic moment...well maybe more of a GQ moment. What, might you ask, could I mean? Well dear folks, on the wild streets of Austin, I witnessed a pack of running boys. Now is that the correct term? A pack? I mean it is a flock of birds or a pod of whales but what do we use to reference running guys? They moved in unison...muscles flexed, bodies glistening with sweat. It was beautiful. They were like one organic being, one mind, one purpose...to run. Cars stopped, heads turned....it was nature at its best.

Ahhh....boys....

Drinkie-poo!

How come I can not go downtown without drinking or getting drunk? I have no self control. hmmmmm....I wish I had someone to booty-call....

Anyway so I went to a bbq earlier today and it was mucho fun. I drank beers, ate undercooked hamburgers, and saw multiple guys buns! Can't get any better than that! Thanks F for the invite, totally superceded my plan to enjoy Barton Springs. I had a lot more fun.

I love bbqs. They are vital to any good summer. I love eating outside too. Despite bugs and wind and the glaring Texas sun, I love picnicing, barbequeing and anything else like that. Its like an adventure every meal. That was one of my favorite parts of France when I stayed there for awhile was that everyone ate their meals outside when it was nice weather.

Wow, I totally went off on a tangent. Back to drinking....I enjoyed myself tonight I pretty much drank all day...oops is that bad? I'm not sure? I found out though how small a world it is. I ran into someone who knows all these people that I grew up with...it was crazy man!

Anyway it was a good day followed by a good night.

Boobies?

Last night I flashed a straight guy in a gay bar. Does it get any better than that? I think not!

Yup

I spent an hour trying to fit the contents of two peoples kitchen cabinents into my kitchen. Its like a wall of dry goods in there. I have at this point 3 soy sauce bottles, 3 honeybears, 4 bottles of olive oil and numerous other canned goods. I believe I'll be eating chinese noodles for the rest of my life. I can't bare to throw any of it away either. My bursting kitchen is a sad replacement for the friends who've left. Well at least I can't eat my sorrows away.

I then went back into work to do some spring cleaning in the office. We were done with work at 9:30 but we stayed till about 11pm to hear some very interesting stuff that goes on on the job. Lets just say that for those of you who've heard me discuss it earlier...all my theories are fairly true. I was hired for a reason and it wasn't necessarily because of my amazing work ethic or killer resume. I just hope that I can take the information given to me and utilize it but at the same time keep focused and just do the work and not get wrapped up in office politics..one can only hope but I think shit might hit the fan soon. Another employee gave their two week notice today...things are looking grim.

A Curse on My Head...

So when I went home this past weekend I spent some time with my grandparents being the good grandchild that I am. We were siting in the backyard sipping our drinks when my future and what I'm planning to do came up in the conversation. I was discussing my plans to go to grad school probably out of state next fall and other stuff. I have this thing all planned out and serious relationships/marriage is definitely not in the books for a long time. My grandfather who this entire time has been feeding the squirrels nuts chimes in his opinion.

Grandpa: Well Stephanie, you might not want to leave Texas. A lot could happen in a year....you could get married! (spoken in a heavily french accented english)

Me: What?!? Married! I don't think so...not for a long while

Grandpa: You never know! (a little smirk on his face)

This got everyone to chime in on it and sit there and exclaim how in a year and a half I could meet, fall in love and marry someone!
It felt like a very dark omen! I would like to inform everyone FAT CHANCE!!!!

Slightly Disturbing....

Omg I've been working like crazy lately. I get home and I can't even keep my eyes open. I've had to decline so many invites out this week due to sheer exhaustion. I'm gonna start losing all my friends if I'm not careful but tomorrow I'm gonna party hard even though on Saturday I have to get up and go to work at 10am....C'est la vie! I won't complain when I get a fat check in the bank later on I guess.

Anyway...So I'm at work and I'm giving a tour of the building to a couple of 18 yr old boys. One is kinda geeky while the other one was pretty cute (waaaaayyy to young of course!). I take them on the tour and the cute one keeps on staring at me very intensely. Its a little unnerving but I've had to deal with worse! We're standing outside the door and I'm describing to them the different events that go on in the building for the residents. I'm trying to do the good salesperson thing and divide my attention equally between the two of them. I'm looking at the cute one and his hand which is by his face catches my eye. As I'm talking he slowly moves his hand from his face and runs it even more slowly and I guess one could say seductively down the front of his chest. I follow the hand just as your eyes would follow someones hands while they are talking. I've seen guys who sit there and rub their chest while talking to people...I guess a male thing to say "oh look at me and see how strong and broad I am!" I didn't think anything of it until it continued down further to the stomach and then further where it stopped in the groin region. I was mortified. I quickly turned away because I didn't know if I just made something more out of it or if he was being suggestive. Somehow I managed to continue talking as if nothing ever happened eventhough I was probably beet red! I felt like from that point on that he was always too close to me and I tried to make special efforts of keeping a wide berth of him.

I don't know why I reacted so strongly to gesture. I usally don't even notice things like that or even read into them. I finally understood how some women feel when they've been harassed. I mean I've had cat calls and whistles but this was a place of business and I don't know but I felt a little violated at the time. I was fine and comfortable with the guys again by the end of the tour, joking and laughing with them. I didn't even have a problem giving them a sales pitch at the very end. It was just that brief instant. Well anyway since I'm too tired to do anything else...I've pretty much only have work stories to discuss.

Homer rolling in his grave...

I went on Saturday to see the movie Troy. I have to admit that it was not quite as exciting as I had anticipated. The moment I got into the theater, I started to question how they were going to fit 10 years of war in 3 hrs of movie. So needless to say they just glanced over the main events. I'd say the highlight was a nude Brad Pitt. How can that man be 40 and look that damn good?!? My sister and I just kept repeating over and over in the movie..hmmmm..Brad Pitt...naked...skirt....etc. I didn't realize men could look that tasty in skirts...leather ones for that matter. I guess you learn something new every day. Overall, I'm glad I saw the film but definitely won't go down in my book as one of the greats.

Mo' Money, Mo Money, MO'!

Most people know by know that I graduated in December - that was five months ago. I went home this weekend and along with my sister's graduation cards were two from me! Woohoo for late graduation cards! I got me some money to go play with!

By the way, one of the cards contained 25 $1 bills...I think I know what that needs to be used for...and its not 25 cokes from the coke machine!

A plastic city

So I went home to Dallas this weekend for my sister's graduation. I spent a good 30min trying to avoid running into people that I graduated with. I was totally successful! I didn't say hi to a single one of them.....is that bad? I discovered that highschool girls are looking older and older (clothes and makeup wise) lately. My sis's friend and my little cousin's friends all had on gobs and gobs of makeup and the most revealing outfits even though it was freakin' 50 degrees outside. I felt old and dowdy.

Later after family dinner at a not so great Mexican food restaurant I headed to uptown Dallas to hand with the great Linds. I was really excited because I hardly ever get to see her anymore. I get directions from her friend David and I find the place no problemo except that he told me to go to TABC and when I called to see if I was at the right place, I kept on telling him I was outside of Thomas Avenue Beverage Company. It took us literally 10minutes to realize we were both talking about the same place. Despite it being uptown, it was a total chill bar and had a whole Austiny vibe to it. Then the suggestion was made to go to Manhattan's a bar/club off of McKinney Avenue. This was the epitomy of Dallas. Majority of the women were blond, tan, and wearing expensive clothing (don't forget about the louises!). Oh yeah and of course I couldn't turn with out having a fake boob in my face. It was so scary! I felt so uncomfortable and out of place! Dallas scares me now! The atmosphere at the bar was so agitated. I guess it was because we got there late and everyone was so extremely drunk. I cannot count how many times I had someone fall on me! (the problem with being smaller than everyone else!) It was an interesting experience and it was worth it cause I got to hang out with Lindsey.

My mom tried to convince me to move back to Dallas when my lease is up in August. I just don't think I could live in that atmosphere without totally losing myself. I don't want to look like those people. Oh well I guess Dallas isn't for everyone and neither is Austin (although I think it a wonderful city!).

Finally an Update...

God! Its been insane at work! I worked six days last week but I definitely made up for all that work in my partying on Friday and Saturday night.

Friday: The party started at 4pm with Mexican Martini's at Trudy's. Me and some co-workers were saying our final goodbye to Ashley the girl who is leaving for a better job (lucky duck!). Then I was whisked away to Saba for amazing Mojitos (the frozen mojito that I had at Cuba Libre last weekend in Dallas was far better though) and especially yummy quesadillas. Home again to recuperate and ready ourselves for a night out on the town. F wore her scandalous corset top out and it was definitely a hit with the guys. Kate and I were a little more subdued however. Night ended at Lucky with John Apostol and Phillip of Scotland and 3 very trashed ladies (well 2 very trashed ladies - F threw up at the end of the night and Kate reminded me that I was in the middle of the floor dancing by myself....oops). Went home and passed out only to wake up every freakin' hour until I decided to get up at 10 with a not happy stomach and a headache to match

Lazy Saturday...had Dim Sum for lunch with Kate, F, and Phillip(not of Scotland) followed by an afternoon of movies. PS: do not allow movie dudes to convince you that a french film about the Marquis de Sade as an animal with a talking penis puppet is a good movie to watch. Bought some more chairs for the outside of my apt to replace those stolen. Cooked damn good turkey burgers and watched Y tu maman tambien with F. Got ready again to go out.

Headed to 6th ready for action..parked in secret scary rapist alley way (dangerous but hey its free!). Not so heavy on the drinking this night however. Downed a long island at Library, tried to find Rugby dudes at Daqueri Factory (which is located right across the street from Library but in our eagerness to find our manly men we trekked all the way down to I-35 looking for the dumb place) and then left and went to 4th when we didn't see our Rugby guys. Kate had never been to the Apple Bar so we stopped in and had some damn good martinis then continued on our Journey which eventually led us to Fado. Once in Fado, we immediately run into a group of 16 irishmen from NY. They buy us a couple rounds of drinks and all three girls fawn over a red-head irish dude who while his name is Joe we called Jamie (those of you who've read Outlander will understand). We all head out to my place to afterhours party with our Irishmen (why are american women suckers for an accent?). Some New Zelander Rugby players talk to us for a couple of minutes and while they are much hotter than our Irish dudes we already committed into hanging out with them (Sigh...I love a rugged Kiwi or Aussie). F promised me that we would run into the Kiwis again and that pacified me for the time being. Guys come over (sucks because only one of the irish guys we had been talking to showed up - red, the other two were these other guys that I wouldn't write home about.) Sit around talking - embarassing sex stories come up, I start to yawn and we kick them out only to have one dude who barely spoke the whole night knock on the door again and ask F to hook up later (laugh!). Another one called five min later and asked the same thing (she's one sexy mama!). Hungry, 4am run to Taco C, fall into bed and here I am at work avoiding stuff I should be doing.

Overall, good weekend...sad that I won't be in town for a repeat next weekend and that these awesome party ladies will be leaving me soon for bigger better things. A-town isn't looking so bright anymore....but good times are still to come and I have an awesome bonus in my bank account...things could be worse in the world!

You want me to do what?!?

So this morning I had to take a drug test. Now I've been working since I was 15 and I've had several different jobs in several different companies and this is the first time that I've ever had to take a drug test or as I like to affectionately refer to it, a pee test. I got to the place at 8am when it opened and I wasn't 'ready' yet so I drank some water. I drank some more water and decided I would try my luck....but NOPE! I was like a camel. There was nothin'. I sat there for an hour waiting to pee and I couldn't. Of course once I did go I had to pee every 30min because of all the freakin' water I drank. Pee tests are so retarded!

oops

I went to Target to take back some shoes that I realized (after wearing them) that they were the wrong size. The stupid lady wouldn't let me return them cause they looked like they had been worn...bitch! I tried to convince her that I only wore them around my house...damn it she was on to me though. So I gave up and to calm my anger I went and bought more shit at Target. I actually went up and down each aisle looking for stuff I didn't need but once I saw had to have. Its sad...I might have to join shop-a-holics help group.

Interesting...

So just in case any one was wondering... I'm a Wild Rose....Colorful and yet unpicked! haha! Thanks F for the link!

Mmm the supply closet

I have mentioned previously my love of office supplies. It just might get me into trouble. I had to order supplies today and I spent almost $200 and I only purchase like 6 items...oops. I'm not going to be around when they get the bill this weekend..hahaha. I spent almost 10 minutes picking out post-it notes (which my boss tried to dissuade me from ordering...but every office must have a supply of post-it notes!!!!). I think I need a hobby!

More from the book

Why is it that I only come across the sleezy funny parts when I'm on the stationary bike at the gym? I thought I would share this part:

Ok remember how I said that these guys are sharing a tent....now they are faced with the option of each having their own tents and this is what they have to say...
"Well, my brother, here you may have a tent of your own and you will not have to share mine." Baba pointed to a black tent only a little smaller than the one that flew his pennant....Rory noted a fleeting expression of sadness on his face.

Rory also felt a little sad at being separated from Baba. He had enjoyed the feeling of proximity when they had shared the same tent and, he had to confess to himself, he had enjoyed Almera (his nighttime bed mate) when he could hear Baba's all-too-audible enjoyment of his own woman.

"It is not of my comfort I think, my brother. It is of yours. As for me, I welcome the little sounds of yoru happiness. When I hear your gaspings for breath and the pleading moans and entreaties of Almera it spurs me on to greaterjoys, knowing that you are happy,too."

"And I too shall feel lonely, Baba, because if you have enjoyed my sounds, I have taken pleasure in yours..."

In case you are wondering, they decide to continue sharing a tent.

Later, there is a section about these women who they sleep with that do their "training" on wooden pegs....she goes into an complimentory explaination to Rory how the largest dummy/peg that she "trained on" did not compare to him and that she didn't think she could handle all his "manliness"! Again I was at the gym while reading this trying so hard not to laugh.

Sorry I have not too much interesting going on in my life...just boring ol' work

PS: They are hiring if any one needs a full time job and can handle working with me all day!

A little sumthin'

Why do dried apples taste better than real apples? I just had a dried apple slice and before that a real apple and I'd have to say..I like the dried one best. I bet you couldn't tell that I'm bored!

Cheap in more ways than one

So on Saturday, Kate and I ventured into the book mecca known as Half-Priced Books. Our goal - sleezy, cheap books. An hour later, we walked out of there having been chastized by an old man about falling books and some history books and my one cheesy, sleezy book that I thought was called Manhound. (On later inspection...the name disappointingly turned out to be Mahound)

So I began to read "Manhound", a novel about a 'penniless nobleman drawn into the lucrative, violent, lustfeeding, exotic life of the African slave trade.' (Must note that this book only cost $1.98) I would like to devote some space to quoting this fine fine literary work for everyone's enjoyment.

So in this section Rory (our main character - the penniless nobleman) has met a befriended the Shango of Sa'aqs, more familiarly known as Baba. Baba is explaining that Rory must hide his naked body from view when bathing b/c his religion will be obvious since he like other Christians would not be circumcized while Arabs are.

"But the knife has never touched me, Baba, fate must have intended me to be a True Believer. Look!" Rory peeled off his sweaty trousers and stood naked before Baba. "Regard me, Baba, and see how well I can qualify. When I was a young boy I started to out grow my own skin. Nature removed the hood, for there was not enough skin left to cover me."......"But the lasses all seemed to like it even better than had it been fully clothed"....He walked a couple of steps nearer to Baba and arched his body. "Look, my friend and brother."
Can you tell this book was writen by a guy and not a woman?
(Dear friends I am reading this while at the gym and I'm dying trying not to laugh outloud and look like a total idiot!)

In this section - Baba has given Rory a slave woman to sleep with and as he awakes, she has already left for the day. (by the way I think these guys shared the tent during the night, leading one to believe that both got an eyeful of each other's actions - they might have enjoyed it...considering they were all too happy to compare each other's peepees!)

"She departed with your bedmate. Ah if she were only here now." His hands sought the hardness of himself under the sheet.....(Baba speaking) "I sent them away for a very good reason. A woman is too enervating in the morning and can only make a man feel drained all day. The erection that a man awakes with is not one of passion; merely an indication that his bladder is full. (Is this true?) Two things are needed to put an end to a stiff yard (yes it really says that!). At night a man ejaculates his semen and he goes limp; in the morning he pisses and it brings about the same result."



Hmm...when taken out of context this doesn't sound so funny...but believe me it is! I'm sure you can look forward to more amusing quotes from the cheapest, cheesiest book I think I've ever read!

Weekend O' Fun

This weekend was a blast. Friday, we headed down to Fado for a more chill environment. We braved the rain and founch a bitchin' parking spot not far from the bars. We stood around and chilled for awhile. We met so older British dudes who are firefighters here for special task training. Supposedly London is expecting an event similar to 911 and so the firefighters have been sent to get training from the good ol' US of A. Enjoyed talking to them and getting free drinks (mind you I had to work the next morning...oooops!). Later I went inside for the millionth time to pee and ran across some of F's rugby chums. I was so impressed that I recognized them that I rushed to inform her and when she couldn't find them, I drug her ass right over to them (praying that I hadn't mistaken them!). We chilled with the boys for a while and then somehow I ended up in a very hot rugby boy sandwich (not an unpleasant thing at all!). Right when my desire to dance with above mentioned boys, overcame my surprise of being smushed between two very manly bodies, Kate (the dear dear girl but has awful timing) demands that we leave, she having had way toooooo much to drink. We barely get her back to the car with F yelling at how bad she had to pee. Drop a stumbling Kate at her apt and as we are driving back to mine, F makes me pull over less than a block from my house to do a drive by squating. I honked to try and scare her but it didn't and in fact it was perfect timing b/c a car was fastly approaching behind me (lets hope they didn't notice the white ass next to my car!). Home and then off to work the next day.

Shopping shopping shopping after work on Saturday....then babysitting at the Hewletts. Free pizza and $50 - can't complain too much. Hurried home and changed for another night out but this time slumming it on 6th. Actually I'm gonna cheat and just paste an exerpt from F's page on last night:

Last night, Farouche & I went downtown [drink at home before I headed out]. Met up with Panda, an old friend of mine. As soon as he started dancing, I told him needed to call 1-900-JOIN-A-BOY-BAND. [drink] I was drancing with Panda & Friends, I turned around to see Farouche making out with Buddha Boy from a few weeks ago. I pulled her away and shoo-ed him off. [drink] He is annoying and I don't think she would have done it if it hadn't been drinking. (Very true! I don't think I would of...at least I hope...I just have a hard time denying a kiss!)

We met a dude who looked like Mozart on Acid (I personally thought he looked more like Beethoven), who had a bruised eye. When I asked him what happened, he said a mime had socked him in the face. (he also said he was a mime...have I ever mentioned how street performers have a knack for singling me out of a crowd?) [drink] Mime boy & Farouche were talking to each other right behind my back and I turned around and caught them kissing. Wow, Farouche had a lucky night. [drink] The only thing I was makin' out with was my pizza later on that night.

We were talking to a witty dude from Seattle [shot: Sex with an Alligator] when I got shoved from behind really hard. I turned around, of course, & shoved back. [drink] Three guys were yelling at each other and shoving each other, so I stepped in the middle of them to try to get them to stop. I had their attention and was ready to implement my plan (which involved us doing shots naked-- that would get guys to stop fighting) but dumbass Seattle boy grabbed my arm and PULLED me away.. which Pissed. Me. Off. The fight broke out, tables turned over, drinks were sent flying [not mine], until the bouncers had the dudes on the ground, cowering and crying. Quite a sight to see. [drink]

Later we went to Steve's house and Flaminia and Steve did not have a happy encounter. I stayed a little longer but Steve was extremely drunk and I was tired and not drunk enough to be around drunk people so I left.

I followed up today with some dim sum and even more shopping! God, I love shopping.

PS. F got me an awesome discount at Ross today! Sometimes you have to thank god for the morons in this world!

Ok maybe work doesn't suck that bad

The training session was so boring and there were some real morons in there. But hey I endured it and ended getting out at 2:30 instead of 5! I had cancelled lunch with Kate but she was a sweetie and gave it to me this morning before I left for work. So for lunch, my co-worker and I hung out at Central Market and had a glass of wine and lunch. It made the second half of the training session that much better!

Went to the UT Fashion show. Very interesting one designer's creations looked like a circus barfed on the girls and then there was this horrible mistake with a parachute jumpsuit and what looked to be red duct tape. There were a couple there though that were really nice.

The piece de resistance of the evening had to be the Hula Hut Shrimp Tubular Taco...yum yum!!! I did not enjoy my rita enough to warrent paying 5.25 (stupid over priced drinks!!!). Oh well I guess its off to bed soon to dream of scary clothes and tiny margaritas.

Work Sucks

I get home today and there is a message from my boss on the answering machine..

"Yeah you have a training session with the Apartment Locators tomorrow...please be at work at 8am and you and Ashley can go over there together for the day."

What so now I have to have work follow me home? I hate it when people from work call me at home..it totally sucks. Besides I had already said how I was going to take off early tomorrow for my drug test (yes I have to have a pee test done!). Now I have to be at this thing till 5 and I have to miss lunch with Kate! It is totally no fair!

On the plus, I'm going to UT's fashion show tomorrow night. Free stuff and plenty of entertainment...should be lots of fun! Everyone should check it out.

Should I be concerned?

So I come home this evening and I see that I have a message. In my mind I think, "Oh great another solicitor trying to sell me satellite television!" I press play and prepare to hit delete when I hear:

"Listen here! Stop calling my house and hanging up! Greg is my man. All you are is a piece of ass to him! I'm serious! Stay out of our lives....."

Yes dear friends..it is Martha again! Her paranoid delusions are back and they've taken a fancy to me. (To further understand please see previous entry March 19th) I think I should be mildly concerned but instead the message just made me laugh....it was almost exciting like a long forgotten friend calling to see how things were going.

So I'm going to save the message and it will be on display for the rest of the month or at least until I figure out how to save it on tape to keep for posterity. For all of you who might have questioned my Martha encounters...here is proof!

PS: All bad things that go on in my life will now be attributed to Martha. I have found my scapegoat.

Grumble...

I'm so hungry that I'm considering gnawing my arm off. I hate that I didn't get asked when I would take my lunch but was told that I would have to take it after this one girl got back to lunch. I deserve to be consulted damn it!!! And to top it all off I have to eat lunch with my manager and talk about health insurance instead of reading my book which is what I had planned to do! hmrph!

Names

Wow! There's a whole philosophy dealing with names... interesting. Lindsey here is the website that you asked for....back to work! So much to do that I don't know where to start.

Brrrr.....

I was in Florida this past week visiting the Lovely Renee Gick and her one-woman show. Florida was freakin' freezing cold!!!! I, of course, over packed but I packed tons of skirts, tanks and t-shirts....no one told me I would need sweaters and jackets!!!! I don't think I was warm at any point during my sojourn into the oldest city in the US, St. Augustine. Meanwhile, Renee's senior art show was sizzlin' hot! She was awesome. Her small paintings were so personal and intimate. I can't wait for the day when I could say, "I knew her when..." Other than that, it was just a way too short but relaxing visit. P.S. I'm not a big fan of inflatible mattresses.

Oh what a stinky world we live in!

I've started a plan to create a nicer smelling world. I came up with this little thing while at the gym yesterday. Seriously People! You are sweating - USE DEODORANT !!! So I think what I'm going to do is buy a whole bunch of deodorant samples and pass them out to people. Do you think people would be offended? I mean maybe they never considered the possibility of deodorant? They could really like it if they tried it! I mean no one would avoid them anymore or wrinkle their nose in disgust. Ok if thats not a good idea then how about those trucks that used to spray DDT in the streets...how about we bring them back and instead of DDT we use Lysol? Then not only would the people smell good but the streets would smell mountain fresh. Its something to think about at least. Hmmm I think I'm going to make it my goal to make the world really smell like roses!

My mental filter doesn't exist.

My parents woke me up early this morning for church and I was not happy to say the least. I got ready and it took forever considering I don't have an actual room for myself and so I split my time between getting ready in the computer/guest room and my sister's room. I had to take a cold shower and it just wasn't a pleasant morning for me. So I'm running late for the 9:30 church service that I do not want to go to and my mom is complaining b/c she doesn't understand why I can't be ready on time since I know when church starts. That was the last straw to my crappy morning and so I blew up and let her have it. Here's a little dialogue so that you can see how it went.

Mom: Why is it taking you so long? Everyone is in the car waiting!
Me: I'm trying I said I would be there in a minute! (damn this sucks...I hate my outfit, makeup, shoes, etc!)
Mom: Why aren't you ready yet? you know what time church starts!
Me: There are no (don't say fucking..say freakin'..this is your mom you are talking to! don't say fuckin'!don't say fuckin") FUCKIN' clocks visible so that I can tell time in this stupid house!

At this point I have not only shocked my mom but also myself from using the word F***. I've never said that in my parents presence before and now I've just yelled it at her. I think my mouth actually dropped open when I said it ...afterwards I mumbled and apology for yelling it saying that I meant something else and it came out all wrong. I was so upset about being rushed, blamed for the whole family being late and yelling expletives at my mom that I was miserable and silent the rest of the morning. I think I'm going to ignor that it ever happened.

What's in a name?

Ok are we defined by our names? Here is something I found on a site describing a person named Stephanie...either I'm defined by name or my self perception is way off!

"Your name of Stephanie gives you a very idealistic but passive outlook on life. You desire culture and all the refinements of life but you are inclined to live in your dreams. Although you would like to do many things, procrastination undermines your accomplishment and success in life. You do not like to create issues and will do anything to avoid a conflict. Making decisions is difficult for you without the support and approval of others. This name gives you a very sensitive nature, making you feel much that you do not understand. Your feelings are easily hurt, at which times you are inclined to withdraw and become uncommunicative. Although you desire the friendship and association of others, you find it difficult to express your thoughts through the spoken word, and others find you hard to get to know. It is much more natural for you to express your deeper thoughts in writing. Inner tension can deplete your physical vitality. You are inclined to indulge in rich foods that lack proper nourishment. The physical weaknesses due to this name centre in the heart and respiratory organs, and in the fluid functions. "

...Welll everything but the whole unhealthy rich foods thing and physical weakness bit other than that I think its me.

Worthless...

God! I hate horomones! I hate genetics! I hate genetically induced horomones! The hate list could go on but it might get a little psycho. How could a perfectly fine day turn so shitty with no major event cause such a 180 change?

Le Sigh....

Today while at the gym I noticed that my red shirt boy cut his hair. I'm deeply grieved by this fact and I think this might be the end of my crush because his hair was one of the reasons why I crushed on him. Still hot body though. I think I care too much about guy's hair. I actually stopped talking to a guy cause once he took off his baseball cap his hair was absolutely horrible with it parted in the middle and in a bowl cut too!!! Does this mean I'm superficial?

The Weekend Update

The festivities began on Thurday with margaritas at El Arroyo. It was muy bien. We noticed an increasing trend..it seemed that everyone had blond hair and short frilly skirts. I couldn't get away and so many people where those damn skirts and they shouldn't. We left had dinner at my place and then my sister came into town with a couple of friends. Kate, Flaminia, Renee, Amy and I were all fairly well toasted by that point and were extremely giddy when they showed up. My sis and her friends left shortly after that to do the whole round-up party thing (yes I know my pure and innocent sister was drinkin' it up with frat boys!) There was discussion of going out but in the end we were all tired.

On Friday we went to our fourth and probably final Bob Pease event. It was wonderful! I love seeing people dressed in their white and khaki. We drank our screw drivers and ate our crawfish till we were blissfully happy, commenting on pass drunken experiences at Bob Pease. Its the best party of the year...when else do you have a perfectly good excuse to start drinking and listening to jazz at 3 in the afternoon? The drinking continued at my place and then continued on downtown...Friday was marathon day!!!

Downtown was good but so crowded. I ran into Kellen (summer guy) and then I ran into really annoying boy from last weekend (I'm so glad nothing further than kissing went on...he was wearing the gayest of hats). I ran into my favorite old neighbors at the Aquarium and we made it a point to hang out sometime. I miss them so much..I hate the complex now! We left kinda early and tried to wind our way through a sea of Texas Roundup people...were who should meet up with us again but Kellen who graciously offered to hang out with me and the gimp Flaminia until Kate arrived with the car....I don't know what to think about him right now (more on this later).

On arriving at home I enter my apt. to find my sister her friend Ashley and 4 strange guys sitting around drinking. I was taken back but thankfully for their sake drunk enough to be totally ok with the whole thing. The boys were sweet and young...I think they said 17! The whole situation made me laugh all night long...especially when one of them tried to put the moves on me (I felt bad for him so I let him keep his arm around my shoulder while sitting on the couch). It was cute but definitely in the style of Mrs. Robinson. I get them to finally leave and as my sister and I are heading to bed, there is a knock on the door...it was them and hahaha!!! Their car had been towed!!!!!!!! It was great! another weekend driving people to get their car out of jail. The total is 4 now. I really need to start getting commission from J&J.

Saturday was so gorgeous that i just wanted to bask in the sunshine all day. We went to Freebirds (it was very very yummy!) and then after getting a little toasty out in the sun we went to Coppertank for a football party and after having 5 songs dedicated to our group from the lead singer we felt like it was time to jet. We then picked up the Gimp and went and had crawfish at this guys place out in the hills by the lake. It was...interesting. Very nice people but it was just an awkward small group. Left and then Renee and I went to the Orange and White game. It was cool and we got to chat. Left and went and ate, picked up Kate and watch Matchstick men (it was ok but I was so tired that I kept on falling asleep while watching it). Then the time changed and I lost an hour of sleep (damn that daylight savings!). Now I'm at work.

On a sad note, my grandma is the hospital this weekend having surgery on her gallbladder. She has to get it removed. I feel so horrible for not being able to visit her in the hospital but I couldn't get out of work. It is so weird b/c my grandma is never ever sick!

Laundry

Ahhh the art of doing laundry in an apartment. Its a complex tango filled with timed movements and intricate steps. First there is the cursory inspection to see if the machines are available....you even have to take into consideration the clothes in the dryers. Next there is the mad dash to gather clothes, detergent, fabric softener, and yes the very elusive quarter. You find yourself facing the washing machine with a mound of clothes knowing that you must now exhibit your abilities in the fine talent of separation....dark, white, delicate, sheets...what dry clean only?!? NOOOOO!!! How dare you intrude on our intimate paring of soap and dirty clothes! Now's the time for the passionate pouring of the Tide and Downy followed by the deep dipping of the clothes to be later spun into a torrent of soapy water and what is soon to be clean springlike smelling fabric.

Yet we all know about the trips and missed steps that dampen the laundry experience...the folly of bleach, the errant sock, the damn red panty mixed with white t-shirts....delicacy must be encouraged at all times. Then there are always the uncertain moments when you are faced with the decision...should I take this person's now dry clothes out of the dryer and place it on the table or wait 10 to 15 minutes. Its a difficult question and one must consider the outcome...will some one exact revenge on my beautiful pile of nice heavenly smelling laundry? There is also the risk that someone might take your clothes and leave you feeling empty and hollow when your favorite bra goes missing and a pair of panties have disappeared. But when you are done and the mountain of clothes complete you are satisfied knowing that it is all fresh. And eventhough the harrowing experience has left you spent and tired you know that you'll have to dance this dance at least one more time...the next time you run out of clean underware.

Mystery man in the red shirt

My red shirt boy was at the gym today. He is so extremely cute and his body is sooooooooooo nice. I think I'm in love...of course I have this awful habit of getting a crush on a person from afar and then when I finally meet them....they totally let me down (I hate it when people can't carry on an intellegent conversation!). OMG he is so cute and I look so gross that I could never approach him and be like "Hey! How's it going?" and not die from mortification. I wish I had balls of steel!

ARRRGG!! Shiver me timbers!

I have completed reading Kate's book. I now want to move to Zanzibar and be ravished by a slave-trading but really deep down sensitive and caring pirate. Does anyone know how to get this goal accomplished? I would be very grateful. Thank you.

A cold panic...

I had to go to this spaghetti supper for the little girl I babysit. Her mom had a meeting to attend and the little girl's girl scout troop was producing this affair. I got in there and all it was was a sea of children and parents. I got a glimpse of my future and I was terrified. All I kept thinking about was "is this all I have to look forward to?" I can't explain it but I found myself in a dead panic. I couldn't breathe and all I wanted to do was run. It just looked so horrifying...so monotonous....so incredibly boring. Do I have to look like those moms? Do I have talk about the same things? Do I have to sit there and only discuss my children and their achievements? If that is all my life is going to be, please bash my head against a wall. I cannot..let me repeat, CANNOT have my life turn out like those people in that room!!!!!! I know I know...I'll change my tune when I'm ready but right now that type of life seems so foreign and miserable to me that I can't understand ever wanting it.....suburbia - my hell!

Move over Florence Nightingale...there's a new chippie in town!!

Poor Italy! She kicked her knee out of joint. She was in so much pain yesterday that she was in tears and could barely walk.

She had left a message on my voice mail to ask if I would call her. Italy's always scoffed at physical discomfort that the distress in her voice led me to think someone had died not that she was injured. Hastily I returned her call and she informed me in a pained voice that she couldn't walk and needed to go to the urgent care at UT. Couple of hours later I got a call to come and pick her up. I got to play nurse for an hour while we got her prescription and food and I got her home. I think thats the most helpful I've ever been when a friend has been sick or hurt....I'm not very good with the whole nursing the sick since I'm rarely sick and hurt. I have a hard time being sympathetic and want to tell people "Buck up! The pain won't last!" Its a downfall..yes I know... Anyway here is a shout out to Italy and her bravery for her injured knee and I it feels better soon (I'm sure the vicodin will help with a lot of that!).

Side note: Its kinda scary how easily one can obtain someone else's prescription. I went in there and asked for it and they asked for my id which I explained I had left in the car with the injured person. She looked at me and said please sign the little slip and I paid and walked away with a full prescription of vicodin. I'm a bit concerned but it definitely made things easier last night.

Warning!!!!

To all out there...my apartment complex tows! I have driven out now 2 nights in a row to pick up friends' cars at J&J Towing (which when I learn how to fly a fighter jet, I will bomb). Kate, however, was a trooper and when we offered to scrap our plans for the evening and go pick up her car... she simply laughed and said that there was nothing she could do anyway so she might as well get some free drinks downtown until her car reached the towing company's place. What a champ!!!!

Photo Opt

There might be incriminating photos of me out there. I hope I never decide to run for public office.

A brief rundown

1 Scotchman, 1 burned cheese fondue disaster, 1 happy hour, 2 towings, 1 make-out session in the middle of the bar, and 3 days later its finally Sunday and maybe it will be relaxing. I'll further elaborate at a later point.

Hello.....God???!!???

So no crazy lady phone call this week so far.....tomorrow is my day off. Do you think she might call again?

An embarassment remembered

Isn't it wonderful when you are in the middle of a crowded place and all of a sudden you remember something funny or embarassing that you had totally forgotten about? It happened to me today while I was at the gym. I remembered that when I was out downtown for St. Pat's day while we were at a bar, I thought I saw this guy named John that I hadn't seen forever across the room. So naturally I smiled and kinda laughed like hey imagine running into you here. However...yes there is always a however in situations like these, the more the alcohol glaze wore off the less and less this guy looked like John (meanwhile I've been staring and smiling at this dude for a couple of minutes wondering why he's smiling back but hasn't made his way over to talk to me) and the more I began to realize that no this wasn't John....yes dear friends I had been making myself look like a complete idiot for some random guy who once I really got a good look at him looked nothing like my friend. I felt so moronic. I hid in shame behind Emily's back....its funny now. Anyway, I'm at the gym today and I start laughing about it so I look like some crazy person laughing at nothing there. Whats worse is that I get the giggles and I can't stop laughing. So there I am on the eliptical machine smiling like a goof..thinking I need to stop smiling cause I look retarded which then only makes me laugh harder. Its a vicious vicious cycle. Oh well...

For the Irish in us all...

I've been told that I need to update my blog page. I guess I have been lacking in that department. I've been busy with work and I went home to Dallas over the weekend...so there really hasn't been much to talk about especially since a bunch of people are out of town for spring break. I did end up going downtown on St. Patrick's Day...here is a little account for all of you who are interested.

Wednesday: So I'm bummed because no one is in town so I've decided to just have a total chill week and ignore that it is St. Patrick's day. No one at work seemed to really care or want to do anything...they aren't a big party crowd. So imagine my excitement when I get back from the gym and I have a missed call from Miss Emily about going out with the UT Rugby team for St. Patty's day. Woohooo is all I had to say! So we head downtown, forgetting that not only is it a drinker's holiday but also SXSW. There were people all over the place...it was cra-a-zy. We meet the boys at Daiquiri Factory (yes I know, very unIrish) Then its a haze as to all the bars we went to. I believe there was the Firehouse, Library, Aquarium, the Drink, Coppertank and Fuel. There were probably more but i can't remember. We had a ton of fun and slowly began to lose our Rugby guys. Finally we ditched them because one of them was being way too territorial over Emily....but it was ok that we lost them because at the Aquarium where we ended the night, we ran into some very cute Frat boys who tried to invite us back to the house....maybe we would have gone had I not had to work at 8am Thursday morning. They left with promises to call (yeah right!) and we stayed and hung out with Robert at the Aquarium till 2:30. I ended up sequestering a cowboy hat from him and I was satisfied with the evening. Went home and went to bed thoroughly dreading the next morning.

Thursday: It was horrible. I was so hungover and it ended up being one of our busiest days all week. I didn't get to eat lunch until almost 3pm. Then I had to stay until 7pm. It totally sucked. What was worse was that I was dead set on going to the gym and actually drove all the way out there only to realize that I hadn't put my gym bag in the car that morning. Yes I felt like a moron. So I just went home and ended up sleeping. On a positive note though, I did get my plane ticket to visit Renee in Florida and I got the ok from work too! I'm so incredibly excited about it.

Today/Friday: I think that my hangover was delayed a day because this morning I felt worse than I did Thursday morning. I had the worse headache in the world and still do! I woke up to my phone ringing and this woman asking for me. She asked if I knew a guy named Greg somebody or another and I was like "yeah it sounds familiar but I don't know". She was like well people keep on calling my house asking for a Stephanie Howard and I was wondering if maybe you were at one point living with my husband or something. OMG I was so taken back and confused especially since I just woke up. She then proceeded to tell me about her life and her lying cheating husband who picks up prostitutes and comes home diseased. She even told me how she once had to clean crabs off of her "old man". I assured her that I'm not messing around with anyone and I've never had that phone number and I have no idea why people would be calling asking for me there. It was such a mess. I told her that I would try and look into it for her. I just wanted the crazy woman off the phone so that I could go back to sleep. Finally with much assurance on my part that I'm not messing around with her husband or have any knowledge of him, I'm allowed to go back to sleep. I wake up 2 hrs. later with someone calling and asking for a "Greg"...when I sleepily reply "you have the wrong number"...they hang up just as I realize its the crazy woman again. I, of course, was now up and very awake and getting really freaked out....and so my Friday continues. I hope she doesn't call again.

Martha, since you now know my address and phone number and name, if you happen to come across my blogger too, take note of this: You are a crazy delusional bitch who needs to leave a man if he's seen whores and skanks and coming home with STD's. I am not the person you want. Stephanie is a common name and Howard is a very common name too so more than likely there is another one somewhere in Austin. I just have the undesirable luck of being listed in the phone book. Please stop calling me and kick that trash of a husband to the curb. Thanks.