I now know what it is like to work from home.....

Today I took a half day off from service to finish up the wedding stuff for Saturday. Ugggghhhh. I've been on the computer all day long. No, not looking at PerezHilton.com or blogging, but I've been typing, reformatting song lists, downloading files, burning discs, etc. etc. etc. I'm glad I only am required to spend about on 20% of my real job on the computer. I'd die if I had an office job. I guess if I did my own thing for a living it would be okay. Jason and I only spend 5 or 6 weekends out of the entire year DJing parties and weddings.

But I am happy to say it is noon and I am completely finished. It really didn't seem like 4 hours.

I saw Juno last night and I see now what the big deal is. I said before I love the soundtrack. Now I can say I love that movie. The art direction and costumes reminded me a lot of Napoleon Dynamite. Ellen Payge should we best female actor. She's brilliant. Reminded me of me when I was 16. Although, I don't my wit was quite as biting. Jennifer Garner's character was annoyingly perfect. Mostly annoying. I like the way it ended. You should go see it.

Why are we afraid of snakes?

I pondered this question today as I explored my backyard. Yes, I said explored. I know, 1/3 of an acre isn't gianormous but to me it is. I hadn't even gone in the backyard since I moved in. I took the day off from service to get some of my yard work done and send pictures into the insurance company.

So, back to exploring the backyard. Everything was a new discovery. I imagined that there was an old lady who loved to garden that lived in this house. Maybe she was responsible for all the stray cats in the area. They are lonesome without her. She spent a fortune on plants. Some still have the tags on them, just like leaving the tags on clothing. I discovered she planted grapevines, pear trees, tea roses, dogwoods, crape myrtle. Unfortunately, all the plants have been sadly uncared for. I can't tell what is what. The yard has pavers located everywhere in the yard. I think if I find enough of them, I will pave my slab in the back in lieu of resurfacing it.

So back to the question, Why are people so afraid of snakes? I told myself as I cleaned the yard: "I'll stay out here an hour, or until I see my first snake." Well, I was sadly disappointed as I didn't see one snake. Only one ugly lizard and a plastic frog in the front yard. Maybe we all have an innate hatred for snakes because that was the animal the devil used to seduce Eve. That sounds reasonable. But snakes do eat the rats and other pesky rodents so they aren't all bad.

I found so many different types of trash in the yard: tv antenna, a wine jug (not bottle, I said jug) forks, q tips, band aids (ukk!) soy sauce packets, with soy sauce still in it, yah! , a plug and light outlet, a brush, the list goes on and on. So did that sentence. I'm glad my English teacher isn't reading my blog now. Maybe she is. If she is, she's a loser.

Lazy Weekend......

This is actually an older picture but I still think it's cute and describes this weekend. Went for a long morning in service. Had a blast even in the rain. Corneck came over and talked for about 2 hours. Love that brother. He is so witty. Spent the rest of the weekend hanging pictures and finding out what I need for the spare room. For one, I need a bed. A mattress on storage boxes doesn't cut it. A nice lamp would also be nice. Need to go to Ikea.

Went to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. I had the grape martini which is "to die for" in the word of Debi. Everything to her is "to die for." But no, it was really a good martini made with Ciroc.

soooooooooooooo, this weekend has been a little on the dull side. I think Nate will be coming over tomorrow to see us. I will be happy to see him. I'm glad he's not moving. I would hate to see him go.

Friday

It's that time again. Time to spend time with the fam and regroup for the next week of foolishness. Going out early morn to get rid of all those pesky extra mags that pile up. Do some breakfasting. In the afternoon, we will give the yard the clean up it deserves. That's all.

We may have plans with Matt and Stefany. We'll see where that goes. Pretty much nothing to say right now that hasn't already been said.

Until next time.......

Where's my money?

This whole waiting 2 weeks for the ex-landlord to send us our deposit is really ticking me off. Plus, I just want my w2's so I can get my tax money back. Is that so wrong? Jeremy didn't invite me to his wedding. Jerk. I understand, he had limited seating and I've only known him for about a year. So I understand. Plus, I'll be going to 2 weddings next month. I'll be weddinged-out.

Compiling music for the wedding that is taking place in a week and 1/2. I really don't know these people so I don't know what they'd like to hear. Just trying to make sure I have lots of recent music to choose from and old faithfuls. Who doesn't love Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive?" Me, for one, but everyone else goes gaga for it. I like Cake's version better. Sounds more bitter, more realistic.

Think we're going to a b and b in St. Augustine in April for our anniversary. How exciting. I've been scouting places now for a month or so. Found one I think I like. The big draw is they have a gourmet chef on the premise. Awesome. It seems like a decent price as well.

Having Suzette's study today. I already looked at the lesson and we discuss how women are the "weaker vessel." I know that is going to stir up her opinion. I already am thinking of how to explain that to her. We'll see how that all works out.

Heath Ledger found dead

I find this news to be very sad and shocking. As most celebs go, he seemed very tame in comparison. But how come all actors or musicians always die in the buff? That always amazed me. Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Jim Morrison, Michael Hutchins, Anna Nicole Smith, and now Heath Ledger. They were all naked when they were discovered dead. It makes it that more interesting. It really makes you wonder what they did right up to the few minutes before they died.....most likely it involved something sexual and a eightball, but that is just a guess..........

Anyway, it is just a sad waste of talent. My thoughts are with his family......John 5:28,29

Crush your heart into mine

I'm gonna kill waste management for Orange city. Jay called 2 weeks ago and set up pick up for us when we moved in. They told us pick up was on Thurs. When Monday rolled around, everyone had their trash out. I rushed to get half of our crap out to the curb. After all that, they didn't pick up the trash. I thought to " Self, maybe trash pick up is on Thursday for us. I mean, that is what the lady said." Thursday comes and goes, and no trash pick up. "Ok, it will be Monday for sure." Monday was yesterday and what is at my curb? All my trash. Jason called and the city lady said we had not set up an account and paid our deposit. We are in city so the county lady should have told us that to begin with. Now I have to pay money and wait another week for them to pick up all of our trash. Isn't that ridiculous?

On a lighter note, on non-trash related news, my cousin is pregnant. Don't ask questions, it is a long story. No, she's not married. No she doesn't have a boyfriend. Like I said, don't ask questions.

Christina hasn't called,which makes me think she did not come up this week. Figures. The one time I need something from her she doesn't show.

Ironman is Coming!!!!!!

Saw the trailer on youtube. I have to admit when I heard Robert Downey Jr. was going to do it, I was skeptical. Don't get me wrong, I loooovvvvve rdj, but I just couldn't see him pulling it off. I still think he got shafted in the '93 Oscars. He so deserved best actor for Chaplin. What an amazing performance. I love the movie, but I'm a tad biased since I am one of the biggest Chaplin fans and Robert Downey Jr. is one of my faves. So glad he's off the drugs.

Made coconut sticky rice with mangoes for Elaine and I to devour for dessert tonight. I hope it turned out well. If not, we have a ton of Kozy Shack tapioca to substitute. Hope it doesn't come to that.

Christina is coming into town tomorrow. I need to go visit her soon. Haven't been to Miami in 6 months. It's been too long. Would love to see Pheobers. She's such a crazy cat. Gil's wedding is less than a month away. I am so excited for her. Just hope the dress fits. Last try-on it was a tad too big. Guess I'll have to eat some pancakes for a few days before the wedding.

How can you do karoke without me?

That's right. What's missing from this pic? Me. I would have done a mean Pat Benetar........Jerks:) just kidding

We Love Balls!!!!!!

Someone apparently spilled thousands of those Chucky Cheese-style balls on the Spanish steps in Rome and called it art. Hey, it's one more reason for me to go to Europe. This weekend will be bittersweet. Viola's funeral is today. There is also a friend who is getting married today and a friend having a baby, but they aren't priviledged enough to be mentioned. hehehe Blinds are up finally. Get to take the ghetto curtains made of sheets down. All that is left is the painting and the yard.

Soundtrack of My Life

I recently heard that someone is putting out a movie biography about Hugh Hefner. Interesting. I thought, "I wonder what the soundtrack will be?" On Hef's MySpace ( if you believe I actually have looked at his MySpace) his song is Frank Sinatra's "Fly me to the Moon."

Recently saw High Fidelity for like the 40th time. Great movie with great music and music talk. Love John Cusack. I have the same type of obsession with list making, esp. when it comes to music. So I sort of came up with a soundtrack to my life. It's kinda corny but here goes.

1. Yael Naim - Toxic
2. George Michael - Waiting for that Day
3. The Killers - Read my Mind
4. Morrissey- The More you Ignore me
5. Interpol- Evil
6. David Gray - You're the World to me
7. Vanessa Paradis - St. Germain
8. Coldplay - Warning Sign
9. Stevie Wonder - I Believe (When I Fall In Love it will be Forever)
10. Bill Withers - Lovely Day
11. Belle and Sebastian - Women's Realm
12. Bob Dylan - One more Cup of Coffee
13. Bjork - Army of me
14. Thievery Corporation feat. Nina Simone - Feeling Good

I can't really explain how all these songs fit. Maybe they don't fit. I don't know. I guess a made up list of songs for a made-up movie that is my life really doesn't matter.

Settled in......

I can't believe we have everything moved in and ready to go. Jas started the new job today. Had to make a happy (sarcastic) trip to Walmart to exchange the boots. I hate that place with a passion. He calls me back 30 minutes after I leave to say he doesn't need the boots at all. aaaagggghhhh! He gets the pleasure of returning these boots.

Just found out that my phone wasn't informing me of my voicemails. I had 12 over the weekend. Nothing too terribly important. Just this and that.

I feel so accomplished. I put together a mailbox and hooked up my dryer. I am so cool. I will be glad to go back to work and get back out in service. Time this month is of the greatest need. I need to get 50 hours between now and the 31st. Let's see how that goes.

What was with the Golden Globes last night? I know with the writer's strike, there were no actors to fill the seats. But why bother? Who wants to watch an hour of practically nothing? Who really cares? Everyone just watches those awards to see celebrities and what they are wearing.

It has been accomplished!!!!

Jason and I finally closed on the house. Immediately on Friday, we started moving in. We got almost everything in the house and half way unpacked by Friday night. We didn't actually go to bed until 3 am. Nice. The next day, we had to move over some odds and ends. But 5pm, we have almost everything in it's place. My daybed wouldn't go back together so it's getting the old heave ho.

Try living on three hours of sleep while going crazy. It's never fun. I didn't take a shower until last night. It reminded me of not showering when I visited South America. I dreaded showers because all showers were freezing cold. No joke.

We should be getting our deposit back from the landlord in a week or two. I was sad to hear that the landlords health is getting worse. I feel bad for his wife and the rest of the family.

The cats were the hardest thing to move. I put John in charge of that and Bronx went from sweet and innocent to murderous hellion cat. He didn't leave the box springs of my bed until yesterday evening. I haven't seen him eat since this morning. I think he's almost back to his old self. Bronx and Harlem are playing up a storm as we speak. They have made themselves at home.

It is so nice to have a brand new kitchen. I have so many cabinets that I can't use them all. I almost feel like I don't deserve it. I cook my first meal in it last night. Morningstar sausage with eggs, peppers, red potatoes, onions, and paprika. Not bad. Don't try the veggie patties by Morningstar. They are disgusting.

Things are really good. Jason and I aren't as stressed, atleast not at each other. It's so nice to get through things and just enjoy each other for a while. The next big project is painting and revamping the master bathroom. Just a little as we go. We don't want to put ourselves in debt just to decorate the house.

We had soooo much help moving. John, Todd, Harold, Rose, Jonathan, Kristine, Dave, Jim. It was amazing what we accomplished in two days. And Todd said we'd still have boxed after a month. He doesn't know me well, does he? I only have boxes of pictures that need to go up after we paint. Besides that, everything is where it should be.

The yard will need some attention, but that comes with time. Just like anything else.

Ear Candle Catastrophe

O K, I tried an ear candle with the help from my husband. Is this the most dangerous health feat in the world. I'm laying down with a candle attached to a pie pan in my ear. The candle is burning and the wax is melting. The house is smoky. I don't hear the crackling in my ear that the directions say should happen.

In the end, I got nothing out of my ear. The house smells like burnt wax. I just wasted 5 bucks at Debbie's Health Food. I have one more candle left, so I'll try again, if I'm brave.

Yael Naim

Check out this French folk singer. Her music is eerie but beautiful. She did a cover of Britney Spears' Toxic which is amazing.

Great Quote- and yes, I've been there, too.

"My brain feels like it's been penetrated by an angry break dancing ferret."
-Anthony Bourdain

Seu Jorge

My sister has a connection with this artist and the movie "The Life Aquatic" which Jay rented for me last night. About 2 years ago, my sister from Miami called me to say she had some friends over the night before. She met an artist at the resort she works at and she enjoyed his music so much she invited him over to her house with his entourage. That artist was Seu Jorge, the artist featured in the movie "The Life Aquatic."

My sister said his posse consisted wannabe hippies and musicians. Christina and her roommate Lona are nothing of the sort. But they enjoyed his company as he played his guitar on her couch until 4 in the morning.

The point of me saying all this is that, who am I kidding? I really don't have a point. I'm just trying to name drop like Christina. No seriously, I did like the movie and I like Seu Jorge's music. It is very relaxing. The movie is in classic Wes Anderson style. A little creepy but always insightful. Besides, I llllloooooovvvvvveeeee Angelica Houston. Who doesn't?

Also loving the Juno Soundtrack. Has some great tracks including Belle and Sebastian and a great Buddy Holly song. Need to go see the movie now. As soon as we move- less than 48 hours. yeah!

An Ode to No One

I'm never coming back
I'm never giving in
I'll never be the shine in your spit
I disconnect the act
I disconnect the dots
I disconnect the me in me
and you're mistaken, it's you that's faking
living and breathing and dying too
this message is for anyone who dares to hear a fool
you can't bring me back, you can't bring me back
'cause i give it all back to you
thru sacred alleys, the living wrecks
wreak their havoc upon this world
the disenchanted, the romantics
the body and face and soul of you is gone down that deep black hole
destroy the mind-destroy the body-but you cannot destroy the heart
and you, you make me so i need to disconnect
and you make it so real
i don't need your love to disconnect
to runaround kids in get-go cars
with vaseline afterbirths and neon coughs
galaxies full of nobodies
giving us the farewell runarounds
i took a virgin mary axe to his sweet baby jane, lost my innocence to a no good girl, scratch my face with anvil hands, and coil my tongue around a bumblebee mouth
and i give it all back to you
no way, i don't need it, i don't need your love to disconnect
and you make it, so real, i don't need your love to disconnect
no way to disconnect
and you make it so real
i don't need your love to disconnect
no way to disconnect

-Billy Corgan

Iron Chef America is Amazing!!!!!!

I am such a food nerd. Everyone gets into Lost and Heroes, but I can't wait for new episodes of Iron Chef America. There were two new episodes Sunday night. The first: Morimoto (the Japanese Iron Chef) and Wolfgang Puck. The Secret Ingredient: Eggs. The Winner: Puck.

They created a lot of interesting dishes including custards made with ostrich egg. Pucks sous chef made spun sugar as a garnish, which I would love to learn how to do. Actually, I'd love a sous chef, because I hate chopping vegggies. Love to cook, hate to chop. I think it is because I need some real knives. Eventually, when I move in and have my own kitchen, I will invest in some real knives and just learn to cut and chop everything better. Maybe then, I won't hate it so much.

The second episode featured the challenger who had me watching The Food Network in the beginning: Jamie Oliver.( aka The Naked Chef) He went head to head with Mario Batali The secret ingredient: a fish I had never heard of- Cobia. I am not sure if I am even spelling it right. When they revealed the secret ingredient, the fish were all still alive in a tank. I hated seeing the fish scooped out and chopped right before my eyes. I'm sure PETA was ticked. It was a little depressing seeing all those once live fish filleted and garnished in the final dishes an hour later. Jamie Oliver even made Guinness battered fish and chips with the cobia. I would have skipped the mashed peas he served with it.

The new Oliver episode with proceeded with a new series Jamie at Home, which is a lot like his original Naked Chef show or like the second Oliver's Twists. He made this pork stew that looked amazing. O K , I want kitchen right now. I want to spin sugar and make a roast, pronto.

Chip chap chip, whatever that means.....

Great first day of the circuit assembly. Yes, I had a part on the Theocratic school, which is not too difficult. The only difficult thing is sitting in front of an audience of 1600 and figuring out where to look. Should I look down, into the crowd, at the back wall?

I heard some crazy phrases that I never heard of before. What is "in the dutch" mean? What is a thundermug? I think that is another term for a chamberpot. Interesting discussion.

We move in five more days. I'm counting, can you tell?

The Darn Cat, again

Little Harlem had a field day on top of my laptop and screwed up all my settings. I know I'm kinda dumb when it comes to computers, but he somehow put my internet into safemode and I can't figure out how to get it out of it. I swear I think he's going to kill himself somehow. He likes to sneak into the refrigerator when we aren't looking. I am afraid he'll sneak into the dryer and get killed one day. I know people who have lost a kitten that way. But he does like to sleep in your lap on the couch, so I forgave him.

Yesterday, we had an excellent meeting with all the pioneers. So encouraging. It so reminds me that pioneering is such an important work in these last days. We need to keep bearing fruit, which isn't the same as making disciples. "Bearing fruit" means sowing kingdom seed. The O'brien's gave their life stories in an interview. I can't imagine living off 50 bucks a month. That would take some serious coupon clipping. I guess it shows that it can be done. Plus, we can live on so little if we have to. It's all about giving up the luxuries.

Orlando brought back an oldies station, I'm glad to report. Although, they took away ORock, which was the better of the two rock stations in this area. Jason won me 3 things during the lunch time trivia known as "The Nooner." Real Big Fish tickets, a Best Buy gift card, and tickets to Tori Amos(which I sold to Toby bc. we were out of town.)

My OCD cat

No seriously, my cat does have some kind of OCD complex. He's only 4 months old and he's obsessed with his right front paw. He is always sucking it. It' like some kind of comfort thing for him. I swear I didn't take him away from the bottle too soon. The doctor said he may need medication if this continues into adulthood. He saw another cat suck a bald patch on his arm. That cat had to go on amitriptyline.

He's such a sweetie kitty. He slept on the couch with Jason and I last night for like 2 hours. Bronx is so jealous. He spends most of his days on my bed. They are playing in the living room now as I type this. So they really don't hate each other that much.

New Wyclef.....

Carnival II is a great album. I am a little disappointed that there are no Creole tracks. No love

10 more days......and "You can put your weed in there."

I can't wait to move. As I've mentioned before, I hate my life in boxes. I guess it's the OCD in me to have everything where it should be. Plus, all of my candles and incense are boxed up. I have no ambiance.
I went with my mom yesterday to this store called Pipe Dreams in Sanford. You had to have your ID to enter because they sell tobacco and other smoking items. Lots of bongs, I mean "water pipes" and rolling papers etc. etc. Mom and I just went in to get incense. They even have a section that looks like a shelve with groceries. They are actually fake bottles and cans you can buyto hide "your stuff" in. Lots of concert t shirts and posters, candle holders, pipes, you know, head shop stuff. Jason didn't even know the term head shop.

head shop- n. Slang. A specialty shop that sells paraphernalia for drug users.

I am not a drug user and never will be, but I desperately needed incense. Plus, I have a 10% off card anytime I go in there. Awesome.

Oh, just read the list put out by Lake Superior State University. It's the 33rd annual list of words banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use. Awesome ranks on the list, so I guess I won't use it anymore. Also make the list of words and phrases:

"It is what it is...."
surge- speaking mainly of it's over use describing the Iraq war
awesome- yes, overused, mostly by people like me
perfect storm
webinar
waterboarding
organic
wordsmithing
author/authored
post-911
giveback
_is the new_
Black Friday
Random- How Random
Sweet- guilty, again
decimate
emotional
pop
under the bus

So, who makes up this list, really? I know LSSU did, but who makes up this committee? Prob a bunch of starchy old men. I guess it's probably important to expand your vocabulary. I remember how sick I was of heari g during the hurricanes a few years ago about "hunkering down." I am surprised that one didn't make the list. I'll have to check the list from a few years ago. I bet you 5 bucks it'll prob be there>^. .^<