Brilliant

Also, looking for a new guitarist.


Nice find, K-did.

Updates!

This just in! Maddie tells Shell how it is and Maureenie has a sleepover.

Swine Flu-y

I've been sick since last Wednesday or Thursday, before the full madness of the swine flu hit. I'm always ahead of trends.

Anywho, I was pretty convinced there was a strong chance I had the swine flu, but also unmotivated to find out. When I say there was a strong chance, I mean I had flu-like symptoms. Like millions of people, all of the time. So really probably not much of a chance.

Yesterday I started getting lectured via IM by Dave about what a horrible person I was because I had traveled to an area with known swine flu cases, potentially had this fatal illness and was exposing people to it.

So, after days of Mr. Perfect making fun of me for saying I had swine flu, Dave then is mad at me for actually having it.

I was stressed out about this whole swine flu-y situation. Then Shea came to the rescue with http://doihavepigflu.com/

Thanks for clearing that up, Shea.

If you're still worried, this advice just in from Mr. Perfect's mom (funny, my mom knew I was sick... and said nothing. Ok, so maybe she's used to my hypochondriac histrionics?)

Just wanted to say hi, and that I love you guys. Was just listening to the news about swine flu. Best remedy is to WASH YOUR HANDS while singing happy birthday. (15 sec.) Also cough into the elbow region, not your hands. Be cautious about being around people with colds, and if you have a cold stay home.

Love ya,
just being MOM.

It's a Baaaaby!

KC Sponge started having contractions last night and is documenting her delivery (slowly) via Twitter. I'd have to say the best part so far, and by far was about her daughter Elle:



Good luck Sponge!

Conversations We've Had Tonight

Me: My mom is a fan of "Jesus Daily," (facebook) daily sayings of Jesus.
Mr. Perfect: Jesus still says stuff daily?

Mr. Perfect was telling me about work, mentioned something about medical issues...
Me: So I have the swine flu.
Mr. Perfect: If you really think you did, the smart thing would be to go get the flu shot.
Me: Oh no, that only works in the first 48 hours.
Mr. Perfect: Where did you hear that?
Me: The TV? Plus, I'm doing the world a service by fighting it with my natural immune system and not making it a stronger strain. Or something.
Mr. Perfect: What is your unnatural immune system?
Me:
Mr. Perfect: So I work with a pandemic expert wh-
Me: Are you going to tell him I have the swine flu?
Mr. Perfect: No.
Me: You really should, he'll want to know it's in DC now.
Mr. Perfect: No. Go to the doctor.
Me: No! I'm recovering. I'm beating it!
Mr. Perfect: I'm not talking to anyone about your swine flu!
Me: So you agree I have it?

Giggle With Gilda

On Friday night, it was finally here! Giggle with Gilda!
I was over at Rockhurst High earlier in the afternoon to help with setting up. I snuck some photos during their closed (ahem) rehearsals.

The afternoon went pretty quickly. Suddenly it was 6:30 and there were a ton of people lined up outside the Rose Theatre's doors. BTW, the Rose Theatre was pretty incredible. Not really a bad seat in the house.

Anywho, I knew I would be doing some backstage trouble-shooting, but didn't know exactly how much. It was great - I ended up hanging out with Mark Clegg a bit (he is just a super nice and friendly guy), gathering random last minute props for Second City (a clipboard! A broomstick!) running behind the back stage to raise the screen used to show a video, then scurry silently back (in heels, no less!), just to walk out in front of the audience with the mic stand. Ugh, this was an awkward moment.

As Mark and I stood back stage figuring out when he was going on, I realized I didn't know how long the cord was on his mic. Then I pictured him striding confidently out on stage, only to suddenly fly back as the shortness of the cord is revealed.

Not a pretty picture or way to start the event.

So instead, I picked up the mic stand, walked quickly out on the stage, set it down and left.

Without, as it was pointed out to me later, once looking up into the audience.

Erin and Tab made the trip to KC for the weekend and were in the audience, debating on yelling, "Woooooo ERINNN!!!"

God bless their little hearts, they didn't.

Mark went on and did a great job opening the show. Then we had a surprise announcement - a location! Gilda's Club has a physical home in KC! Very exciting news.

And finally... the show!

It was fabulous! I've seen Second City Touring Company at the last Giggle with Gilda event, a little over a year ago, and they were good, but this time it was really electric. I think it was a combination of a few things - the theatre was great and almost at capacity (800), the audience was fun and funny (necessary for an improv show), and really, Jason Sudeikis killed it.

It was interesting for me to see Jason transform as the night went on. When I spoke to him before rehearsals at 3p.m., he was distracted and a bit out of sorts or nervous. Before the show he seemed more relaxed, but quiet and focused. At intermission he was relaxing more. And finally, after the show, he was mellow and charming as he took time to speak with everyone who waited in line to speak with him or take a picture. Uh, and he did that for about 2 or 3 hours.

But back to the show - it was hi-larious. It's hard to describe an improv show after the fact. I think one of the most brilliant parts of a good improv show is that the audience leaves feeling like they are a part of a big inside joke. Basically, I thought about sharing all sorts of funny stories but, eh, you had to be there.

Jason with Second City after the show.

Ok, so when I met Jason at the NBC studios on Wednesday, I made sure to do the creepiest thing possible - tell him all about my friend Molly that is in love with him. Because that's what celebs like to hear. Hey! Let me tell you alllll about my creepy friend!

He was cool with it though, and when I told him I was sure she would get worse as the week went on, he told me he was counting on it.

Not willing to disappoint, I gave Jason a detailed update on her creepiness on Friday after the show. Come this think of it, this may have something to do with his changing disposition... Anywhore, some highlights include her explaining she "has been in love with him since the first time she saw him," and the one that actually got a physical reaction from Jason, "I was jealous of Liz Lemon when she was dating Floyd."

Wow.

So when I asked Jason for a photo, I told him it was mostly for Molly. He said we should make her jealous, so I made a ridiculous trampy face, which made the girl taking the photo laugh,which made me laugh and make this unfortunate face:

After the show I insisted that Shell and I get some pics with Jason (we had been working together on the event). She was hesitant until I suggested we go with mustaches in the photo, in homage of our favorite skit of the night. The skit was a musical, with Jason's hand as the singing mustache on a woman (youhadtobethere).

I think almost as good as the photos was the fact that I told him we wanted to do photos with mustaches and he was totally willing and didn't question why. I told him it was in honor of the skit and you could see a big light go off. Gotta love a man ready to pose with a 'stache with no reason though.

GNO with Jason.

It was a fabulous night with great food, friends, some family and a ton of laughs. But most important - it was a great fundraiser for Gilda's Club Kansas City. It seems like every day I hear about someone else who is affected by cancer, I'm glad that the doors of Gilda's Club will open soon to support that community.

Just been doing a little reading..

... and I'm getting more and more convinced I may have swine flu.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. - CDC

On the upside, people totally cleared the way for me on the metro when I coughed.

Umm, hello?

I'm back at the temp job after taking last week and yesterday off.
I didn't have anything to work on, so I went upstairs (all three flights, was ready to pass out at the top - it's like I have mono again!) and the office of my supervisor was completely empty.

As in, no one worked in there anymore.

Awk-ward!

The Holy Spirit Compels You!

Madeline is learning new words every day. In fact, I woke up to her yelling, "MY book!" at Maureen just the other day.
However, Maddie prefers not to speak in English.
Shell told me before my trip to KC about Madeline walking around all day "talking." I didn't get it until I heard it. And saw it.

Prepare yourself for the cutest 50 seconds of your life.

She has more to say -

Good News/Bad News

Good news: The air conditioner is on!!!

Bad news: It was turned on by Mr. Perfect after he came home at lunch and saw how I was pathetically laid out in front of the fan. He may have mentioned I looked like an iconic picture of a dog laying in front of a fan.

Good news: The A/C is on!!!

Bad news: It's April. And the A/C is on!

Good news: I am speaking with two recruiters this afternoon about job opportunities.

Bad news: Really none, just need to make sure my cold doesn't interfere via sneezes and coughs.

A few items

When I left DC for KC it was about 58-65 degrees most days.
It's 90 today.
I was only gone for a week!
AND it's APRIL!

While I don't think it's swine flu, I am still not a fan of whatever bug I caught. I'm taking a sick day from temping.

Headin' Home

After a really long week in KC, I'm in the airport waiting for my flight back home. I'm so exhausted but had a great time seeing friends, family, lots of cute little babies, some improv comedy and, of course, eating BBQ.

But now I'm ready to be home.
Sleeping.

WANT

A KSU Snugglie. Sweet.

This week

I've been running around like crazy with an event at work, catching up with friends, last minute Giggle with Gilda promos, and of course, these kids.

I think I have either allergies or a bit of a cold. I'm slightly exhausted, but pumped about tonight!

Giggle with Gilda updates!

Hey kids,
If you don't have your tickets yet for Giggle with Gilda, get on it, they're almost sold out!

I'm getting more and more excited for the event. I had a great time today getting a behind the scenes peak at the interviews Jason Sudeikis and his mom Kathy did with NBC.

See you at the show Friday!

Dear People on Conference Calls,

If you aren't talking, mute your line. Especially if you are:

1. In an airport. Although I enjoying hearing the gates for every flight, and I am impressed at how important you are that you travel, not everyone wants to hear it.
2. In a car. I don't want to hear you crash. Well, I might if number 7 applies to you.
3. Outside. In the wind.
4. Breathing hard. Ew.
5. Typing. I'm judging your 45 WPM. Pathetic.
6. Shuffling papers. Get organized, but not on this call.
7. Stupid.

Kthnxbai!

packing. bleh

I just finished packing for KC. I get in tomorrow and I'm around until Sunday. It will be a good trip, but ugh. Just not looking forward to hauling my crap around and the hustle. After all, it has been like, almost a month since I last flew, it was a record. I was settling!

Mixed Emotions

SNUGGIES! Inspired by... SNUGGIES!

So apparently I'm behind the times in our favorite fashion news - Snugglies. Somehow I totally missed out on the Seapelt. I'm looking at you Mom, K-did, Olivia and Vanessa. You guys are my Snugglie news correspondents! Come on!

Thankfully, Olivia is pulling her weight around here, and just clued me in to the Lippi Selk bag/outfit/thing.

While I do think it's kinda genius and would be awesome while camping, I'm totally freaked out and scared because apparently they not only allow you cross your legs or whatever, but they also turn you into dementors.

In Which I Become the Creepiest Person in the DC Washington

First, let me just say I call it the DC Washington because Maureen does, and I generally try to mimic her style as she's cuter/funnier/more fun than I.

Second, I win. I am officially the creepiest person. Ever.

Third, not only did the following happen, but that's the e-mail I sent.

And fourth, a bit o' background. B went to high school with my siblings in A-town, Kan. On with the show!

So today I was heating up my lunch at the place I'm temping at in Dupont Circle.

It's so painful, there's a window by the microwave that looks out (and up, it's a half-level down from ground level) at a courtyard of a small restaurant.

So I watch people eat their nice meals, enjoy a glass of wine, bask in the sun, all while nuking a frozen meal. Ah, the life of temp!

Anywhore, I was heating up my lunch and gazing longingly at the people relaxing outside. Specifically, the two guys at the table right by the window. I was staring at the guy facing me, wondering if he could see me and thinking how sad he would be for me/totally creeped out if he could.

Then I saw the logo on his shirt. (deleted) Hmm, that sounds familiar... I think that omg B is the other guy at the table!!

To complete the utter creepiness of this little lunch time escapade, I took a picture of you, B. (that is so so so so creepy)

I told a girl I work with the story and she was like, "did you tap on the window? Oh, yeah, I guess what do you do then?"

I'm pretty sure it would have looked like I was that woman locked away in the basement of a house for 20 years in Germany or wherever trying to get some one's attention (finally!) to rescue me. Actually, that description isn't so far off from the truth.

You should know I've re-read this and wow, it's just so creepy and perhaps I shouldn't send it but, eh. At least I didn't say all the creepy things Shell did when I called her to tell her (I'm watching you B... How was your lunch... etc etc).

I'd like to add that I sent that e-mail to B, Shell, etc and no one has written back. I mean, yeah, because what do you say to someone who confesses such creepery?

Signs I'm Pathetic, or, What it Feels Like for a Temp

I just got really excited when I noticed there is a now a trash can in my file/storage room office! What's next, I pondered?
A chair that isn't broken?!!

Then I realized how pathetic I've become and wept quietly before returning to data entry.

Loves it

Tony's take on Giggle with Gilda is awesome.

Violating the Treaty

Before I moved into our lovely abode, the roommates had an understanding, a truce, with well, with our other roommates.

The mice.

The agreement was if the mice didn't come out in the common area and hang out, wave hello, that sort of thing, then the humans wouldn't kill them.

The broke that agreement before I moved in and surely regretted it as they lost a number of friends.

So once again a truce was called, the treaty signed, and peace in Arlington.

Until last night.

Apparently one of the little renegades decided to come watch TV with our roommate Josh. He just saunters out in the open, as if it was nothing to get cozy and settle down for an evening of TV and perhaps some snacks. I could almost hear the mouse from up in my room, "Oh, hey man, what's up?"

Ok, so that's a lie. His voice was drowned out by Josh screaming, "LUPPY! The mice are baaack!"

And just like that, the war was on again.

Traps were set.

Sometime after I had fallen asleep, I think around midnight, Mr. Perfect got a phone call.
From our roommate.
Downstairs.
He was calling to let us know that one of the traps had gone off and maimed one of our foes. Apparently the bugger left a faint trail of blood behind. Utterly tragic. I mean, the fact that some mouse crawled into the wall to die/smell up the joint. Tragic for us.

This morning, as I reached into the cabinet above the stove, I saw something grey out of the corner of my eye - and on the floor.

A deadly successful trap, bearing its reward - a tiny corpse.

Of course, I left it there, not wanting to dispose of it before Mr. Perfect had a chance to enjoy the fruitful end of this, the first battle. (or... I didn't want to pick it up, either way)

This evening, as Mr. Perfect walked in the house, bearing groceries (duh, he's cooking crab-shrimp-scallop fettuccine alfredo as I type), I told him I left a surprise for him in the kitchen. Oh, and make sure you don't step on it.

He picked up our mini trophy and proclaimed the mama mouse to be dead and spoke of its massive size.

I wasn't impressed.

After all, as Mom said when I retold her the tale later, I was quite hardened to this warfare on the farm.

Some Needed Thoughts on Life

Joe's take on Frost is a great read.

Thanks Mr. P

See Also: FML

Also note, they're enjoying wine with their lunch (while I am stuck with whine).

Giggle With Gilda

Just bought my ticket!

Yes, I am a procrastinator.

Irony Overload

Just stated my obnoxiously loud girl: "When you hear her speak, you'd never think that voice would come out of her."

More like I prayed it wouldn't.

Die

Annoying lunch girl is back.
And loud as ever.

Tea Party FAIL

For more info on teabagging (and to see where I found this video) check out the Bloggess.

Of Montreal

Last night's Of Montreal concert was fabulous, but I did realize that I've been spoiled by the huge stages in Lawrence that I've previously seen them perform on. Their act was a downplayed and modified version, but still extremely enjoyable. (meaning there were still ninjas, but no suicide followed by resurrection. boooo! hisss!)

Now if only I could see OM without having to drive an hour... It was really bad on the drive home (around 1a.m.) last night. I would pass out, then wake up and tell Mr. Perfect about the totally insane dream I had (for example: women wearing burqas with a twist - a flap of cloth that covered their faces was printed with Saddam Hussein's face. The only appropriate response to this dream circa 2002 is OMGWTFPOLARBEAR!?!?!11?), then promptly pass back out and start the lovely cycle over.

Poor guy.

Pics to come.

Stop. Please.

Some girl that sounds kinda like Heidi Montag is screeching so loudly in the break room next to my closet office I'm ready to scream.

I just keep reminding myself that although this day has been quite annoying (stuck in metro while car ahead of us had issues, another metro car door slammed shut on me and another woman, rain, an interview I was late to, screeching girl) I am ... going... to... OF MONTREAL TONIGHT!!

*sigh*
:D

Gilda's Club Update

If you haven't yet, check out the story in today's KC Star about Gilda's Club Kansas City.
Then, make sure to get your tickets to Giggle with Gilda.
It's next Friday and I will be there!

Sad and Funny and... Sad

Lindsay Lohan's eHarmony Profile from Lindsay Lohan

Bragging Rights

Last week Mr. Perfect made dinner every night:
Monday - Chicken and shrimp Pad Thai
Tuesday - Lamb burgers with goat cheese and pepper relish on hard rolls
Wednesday - Pork chops with macaroni and cheese and broccoli
Thursday - Lamb chops with seasoned sweet and regular potatoes and a homemade mustard aioli sauce

Ok, and on Friday he ordered pizza, but it was at my request (that makes me sound really dumb).

Oh, and he came up with every menu on his own (except the Pad Thai, I e-mailed him a link and request), then did the grocery shopping on his way home from work.

Kids, I don't call him Mr. Perfect for no reason.
It ain't no joke.

Taking Care of Business

This is kinda incredible/gross/awesome.
Taking Care of Business

(previous link wasn't correct)

One Last Easter Bit for '09

This is possibly the most glorious depiction of Easter, ever.

Easter

Mass on Sunday was very interesting and included the priest saying, "Second collection? Eh, I don't even know what it's for. You were generous enough the first time, we're not doing it," and, while the hallelujahs were being totally butchered, "Eh, say your hallelujahs in the parking lot."

Obviously, I have found a new favorite priest.

After Mass, Mr. Perfect and I loaded up all our food and headed to Mark's for Easter lunch.

My massive cupcakes!

I bought Texas muffin pans (massive muffins) to make the cupcake baskets.

After the car ride to Mark's, the Twizzler basket handles started to fall. But, eh, still adorable.

Mr. Perfect's awesome eggs.

After an awesome meal (including the potatoes, which when reheated made the cream separate a bit, but were still tasty), it was time to dye the eggs!

And no, this doesn't say 82. I realized as I was drawing the 2 I should have added more space or a dash.

Easta Bunni 4Eva

I loved that Mark's M egg matched his shirt.

A D.C. egg.

When we were only down to a few eggs a conversation along these lines happened:

Me: Isn't someone going to make a penis egg?

Mark: I was just wondering if we were getting too old to draw penises on the eggs!

Me: Uh, absolutely not!

I don't know when you're too old to draw inappropriate things on Easter eggs, but I'm not looking forward to it.

Mark's penis hatching out of an egg. (at least that's what I think it is)

My blue balls penis.

Our first Easter!

If you do nothing else tonight

Watch this video - at the 8:30 mark specifically.

Thanks Dave for the link and K-diddy for watching all 20 minutes, then reporting back on the highlights.

IT'S GOT 55 POCKETS!

What's that saying

About a book and a cover? And judging..

Easter Prep & Hereford House Cheddar Ranch Potatoes

I'm pretty excited for Easter. We just got back from doing some major grocery shopping. Tomorrow we're heading to Mark's for a feast with friends! I'm making these and Mr. Perfect is working on these right now.

We're also going to make the most amazing potatoes you've ever had in your life. My uncle made these last time I was in KC and they were gone pretty much as soon as he put them out. And then Shell and I begged for the recipe. Since I'm not a jerk, I'll go ahead and share it with you before Easter. My uncle's notes/substitutions are in parenthesis.

Cheddar Ranch Potatoes - Hereford House Restaurant
Yield: 8 servings
2 cups Heavy Cream
1/4 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (the dry mix, used 3/4 packet)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. white pepper (used fresh ground black pepper)
2 1/2 lbs. potatoes, sliced (used 3 lbs. of Russets)
3/4 lb. White Cheddar Cheese, shredded (used Kraft Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese or use a good quality New York Sharp Cheddar)
(Added 1 small Yellow Onion, sliced)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, Ranch dressing mix, salt and pepper.
Mix well with a wire whip. In a casserole dish lay the potatoes out in layers. (included the sliced onion in with the layered potatoes in 9 X 13-in. pan)
Cover with the shredded cheese.
Pour the cream mixture over the top of the potatoes and cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil.
Place in oven and cook for 1 hour. Then remove from oven, remove foil and stir the potatoes around. Place the uncovered potatoes back in oven to cook an additional 30 minutes. (restaurant time and temp. It took nearly 2+ hrs. for the potatoes to get tender baking at 300 degrees in our oven. Next time would possibly try 350 degrees for approx. 1 to 1 1/4 hr. or just try to be more patient.)
Remove from oven and enjoy. (indeed.)

Success!!

I am, for the first time, a complete jittery mess from a latte I made!!!
This is a major break through and real asset to the house keeping I'm doing right now. It's incredible how much you can do when your buzzed out of your mind.

Oh, today is my first Good Friday off ever. And it's off from temping. I feel ... odd about that.

Oh Interwebs!

I had two e-mails with links to youtube videos that I was waiting until I got home to watch. Turns out they were the same thing.
Oh interwebs! I love how you bombard me with the same silliness all at once!

Not that I get vegetarians anway, but WTFPOLARBEAR?!?

Temp says:
Hope the Easter Bunny visits you.

(coworker) says:
i'm a vegatarian.. but thanks
haha.

Temp says:
I didn't say you had to eat him!


And yes, my name on IM at this job really is Temp. How can you not love that I no longer have a name. I am Temp.

Happy Easter! Now put Lucifer's testicles DOWN!

Check it out! Just in time for those Easter baskets... Summary: Are Your Children Playing With Lucifer's Testicles? is a Bible
based book for Christian parents who by lack of faith can't afford to send their
children to a decent Christian school. Their precious youngsters are
infected by the secular filth and lies being taught by unsaved teachers in
America's public school system. The book teaches parents how to easily
explain to their children that Easter (as it is celebrated by the Unsaved) has
absolutely nothing to do with Jesus Christ but is actually a holiday celebrating
lewd and sexually explicit pagan rituals of fertility. "It's not that
difficult to understand," says Author/Creation Scientist, Dr. Daniel Cameroon.
"In the old days, deluded pagans would gather round and hump like bunnies on
Easter Sunday because they thought it would make their tomatoes grow
faster." Dr. Cameroon explains that it doesn't matter what god or idol the
Pagans were humping under on Easter Sunday, because any god other than "Jesus" is "Satan." Dr. Cameroon dedicates four chapters in the book to Easter
Eggs. "Easter Eggs are one of the wiliest tools of the Devil," he says.
"Pagan kids didn't have anything to do on Easter Sunday because their mommies
and daddies were stuck in a false temple all day, naked and writhing around with
their neighbors in Satanic orgies of the flesh. You see, parents had to
come up with a way to occupy their children while they were away from home,
praying and fornicating under the altar of Satan. And since they didn't
have babysitters back then, they gave their kids eggs to play with and sometimes
paint," he says. "But the reason they chose eggs had nothing to do with any sort
of fertility or fertilizers a href="http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92577">(as some misguided Christian historians would have you believe)Nope, it was because of Lucifer's testicles! Glory to God! And I won't say a word more about it! I don't want to ruin the book for you!"

My favorite part was actually the price:
List Price: $18.95
Our Price: $27.99
You Save: Nothing. (Only Jesus Saves!)

Oh thank Heaven for Kevin!

It took me 25 years to design this!

My favs:
Cheap! 60lb! Can you tear it? Absolutely!
It doesn't fit in a Rolodex because doesn't belong in a Rolodex.
What do you do guaranteed?

And the winner...
Life is not about being liked, it's about being effective.

Thanks K-diddy... we've missed you(r links) around here.

Adam

Adam is either the coolest or dorkiest or best combo of the two kid ever.
I just love him.

Things I love about temping today

1) The two zits I got on my chin from resting it on my hand all day yesterday.

2) The fact that people in Maine don't feel the need to include their state or area code along with address/phone info. Nice thing is, they kinda don't. There's only one area code for the entire state. 2-0-7! Holla!

Playing Dead WIN

Instead of pouting while having a crappy day, Georgia shares this with the world.

And the world is now a better place...

It might be my favorite thing ever.

Happy Birthday Momma!

Mr. Perfect: i find it hilarious that only people dating your mom's kids wrote birthday messages on her wall

Because yes, my mom is on Facebook.

What he doesn't know is that I already IM'd her and sent her a someecard.

I should have sent this one:

Notes from Data Entry

I don't think I'd like to live on Drifter Place. Or Street. Or Avenue. Or whatever.

Just sayin'.

Ahh, Southwest

One of the best parts of this video isn't the flight attendant, it's the giggles coming from the people making the recording.

- List of the Day

Relax

You know what takes the pressure off?
Finding out that the previous temp finished 80 entries in nine days, after finishing 30 in the first two hours.

I feel like I'm Josh in Big - Slow down! You're going to make the rest of us look bad!

(ok, except there isn't a rest of us and I'm just kinda in this closet/filing room alone and apparently starting to talk/write to myself)

Bill Gates + Facebook = YES

One of my new favorite things.

Thanks Dave/Mr. Perfect

Don't move!

I'm temping again today.
It's for another non-profit.

This one is in an incredible building off of Dupont Circle. It's a really old house basically - but on the third story the building connects with two other buildings, one on each side, where they have offices. The offices in the main building are pretty awesome - extremely high ceilings, big windows, and the rooms themselves are massive.

So far so good, except for the fact that my chair is totally old, busted up and broken. When I move, the back of the seat falls all the way down. I guess I'll either stop moving or get very good at readjusting.

DATA ENTRY!!! WOOHOO!!

Temping and such

I made my travel today to come back to Kansas City April 20-26!

Yes, I will be at Gilda's Club's Giggle with Gilda event!! (along with Jason Sudeikis, no big deal)
If you haven't bought your tickets yet, get on it!

I'm also temping again tomorrow/the rest of the week. I'm hoping that it's low key enough for me to goof off most of the day, but the words data and entry did come up.

Ugh.

I'm sure I'll have stories though, even if they consist mostly of me wandering around Dupont, trying to figure out which way to go. I would be excited that I'm working in that area and try to meet up with Mark & co for lunch but, oh, I'm a temp and get like 15 minutes. Most of that time is spent trying to find a sammy.

I know, it's a tragically difficult life I live.

Currently.

Letter O FAIL

Straight from the Ward Parkway Starbucks (via PT)

Otters

Ostrich

....Oriental?

Poste Pics

Mr. Perfect's dad was in town last week and took us out for some great dinners (and brunch!). Poste was the best, easily.
Not only did the food taste great, and they brought us a ton of comped apps. (is it comped or comp'ed? Mr. Perfect and I just had a big aside trying to figure that one out. I went with his comped version, although I still think apostrophying it [new word] makes sense as it is a derivative of complimentary, right?), but the presentation was also fabulous.

Mr. Perfect had goat cheese ravioli with beets, pine nuts and shallots. It was a little too beety/earthy for me, but the goat cheese was AH-mazing!
I had the crispy skin bass topped with a wine-poached egg. How awesome is the coloring of that egg? Wait, it only gets better!

Pretty + tasty = yes

OMG, Gitmo is like, totally awesome!

Who the hell thought that Miss Universe and Miss USA should visit Gitmo?

And better yet, who allows them to write their own blogs about the experience?

Seriously, Miss Universe literally said she didn't want to leave.

Temp update

Me: (answer phone w/ greeting)
Caller: Hi Jackie!
Me: Jackie's not in today.
Caller: Oh. I know.
Me: ...
Caller: I know you. I know who you are.
Me: Uh. Who ... is... this?
Caller: Jason.
Me: .... Jason?
Caller: Jason (last name)
Me: ....
Caller: ....
Me: So, can I help you?
Caller: I guess that's all.


I don't know a Jason by that name.
And I never said my name.

I also keep answering the phone and using "of" instead of "for."
And yeah, that makes a huge difference.
For example, "Thank you for calling Food for Mouths." vs "Thank you for calling Food of Mouths."

"I Should be Shown Here" And Other Things Not to Say at an Art Show

Last night Mr. Perfect and I went to our friend Liz's first art show at Tryst in Adams Morgan. It was a great time.

Tryst is a great coffee shop/bar - it was a really big space with eclectic and funky furniture, plenty of tables and nooks to hide out in, and a great coffee shop decor. It's like a cleaner, bigger, better Murky's (although I can't vouch for Tryst's coffee and OMGWTFPOLARBEAR Murky is MOVING? I officially don't have a coffee shop. Well, outside Erin's Coffee Shop in the kitchen downstairs... dang.). Mr. Perfect and I really loved their pressed tin ceiling.

It was fun to people watch (I think coffee shops always offer the best people watching), especially as the band The Laughing Man performed. There was a funny mix of people there for the show, Tryst regulars, and people trying to study/work while The Laughing Man was playing. I was impressed with the study/work crowd's tenacity and focus.

And of course, the art was fabulous. Liz is a really talented photographer. She is one of those gifted people who look at a scene and see the angle that will really capture a story.

(see photos of confetti + floor here to see what I mean)

And beyond the angles, she sees a story where you don't.
While I don't know that I would ask a friend to be the photographer at my wedding (because hello, you want them to enjoy themselves), I'm pretty sure I would demand every shot she snapped and they would undoubtedly be better than all the ones I'm going to pay to have taken.

I think that is just a fact of life.

Since I've already displaying my obsession for Liz's talent (that sounds... creepy and dirty at the same time), why stop now? Compare my photos from our trip to Florida to her's.
Ouch.
It's like a confirmation of what I know deep down inside and try to ignore.
I.
Am.
Not.
An.
Artist.

(also, I take many many more photos of myself than legit photogs)

I think most people like to think of themselves as (secretly) talented in some type of art.
I found out in the course of one semester in high school that I can't draw.
Or paint.
Or sculpt.

Seriously, it was so bad my art teacher let me trace.
I wish I were joking.
And I'm pretty sure he didn't let anyone else.
I was just that bad.

It's annoying too - my sister is ridiculously talented (she can draw, paint, and sculpt - that bitch), my cousins are disgustingly talented, my uncle is an artist.
Yeah, apparently I really don't take after my mom's family.

But those photos man, those photos just really confirm it. Photography was my last hope. Although, honestly, I should have also known from a(nother) semester in high school that there wasn't any talent to speak of there either.

While I was looking around last night, admiring my favorite pieces (a goat I think would look smashing in any room of the house), I met a guy who most certainly has not had the benefit of a semester (or two or six) or art in high school to teach him about talent vs. luck.

He walked up to Mr. Perfect and I as we relaxed against the bar, listening to the funky sound of Laughing Man, and proceeded to ask us if we were here for the show. Why yes, we are. So was he.
Then it got supremely obnoxious in a hurry.
He told us he was a political consultant (duh, you're the only person here in a non-ironic blazer) and that while he was on a campaign trail he took about 30 absolutely incredible photos.... with his cell phone.
And he didn't know Liz had a blog.
But he thinks she should feature him on her blog.
Because all of his art friends tell him his photos are incredible, and he just needs a way to share them with the people.
Because the photos are so incredible. The granularity of the photos makes them look almost mystical.
And you know, he should have a forum like this to share these mystical photos.
Something like tonight, like here.
Because his photos should be up on the walls here too, he should have a show too.

Ew.

Liz's work is fabulous and available for purchase. You can contact her through her blog.

Well Said

be yourself. be true to who you are in real life. the digital space is just
an extention of you. don't foreget this. don't be fooled by how easy it is to
just say whatever you want to say and "be" whoever you want to be. don't use the digital space as a platform for creating the person you are not strong enough to
be in the real world. be you. becuase if someone gets to know you this way.
through your tweets and your blog and your thoughts. and if this person then
meets you in real life, and you're nothing like your blog or your tweets or
whatnot, there is a huge disconnect between who you really are. and this, i
think, is one of the fatal mistakes made by people who don't fully grasp the
usefulness of their blog and their tweets in keeping them connected to a network
of people. a network of people who could come in handy in the future for
whatever they may need. - Pensive Girl

So Far...

The name on the Facebook log-in page was something about Red-n-sexy. love it.

Umm, it's prayer time in the conference room. And they're singing. With piano accompaniment. I kinda dig it.

Things I've learned today

Really it's just thing.

In Kansas City you don't really need an umbrella. At least I didn't. Unless I decided, for some crazy reason, to walk somewhere in the rain.

In D.C. you most certainly need an umbrella.

I'm slightly drenched and impressing the people I'm temping for today. Yes, that's right, I'm temping today! So expect lots of fun updates about how bored I am and how I just hung up on someone while trying to transfer a call, again.

Speaking of temping, on my way back to the metro from the temp agency yesterday a man told/yelled at me, "...if you play me, you will lose your fucking head!"

Needless to say, I chose not to play him.

I can't stop watching it

And laughing

Words of Wisdom & the Ultimate Guilt Trip

Shell called me on my birthday to relay this convo:
Maureen with a very sad face: I miss Erin.
MaShell: I know, I do too.
Maureen: I have to find her a house. That way she can move back here and be my aunt again.
MaShell: She's still your aunt.
Maureen: No she's not. She moved. That's why I have to find her a house here.

In other, non-guilt related news:
Maureenie is so very midwestern.

Finally watching Grey Gardens...

... and wearing my Snuggie.

Seems terribly appropriate considering their crazy state.

You're eeen then you're out

Oh Shoebox, I love you!

OMFG!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know which is more awesomerest

Look what just came in the mail!

IT'S MILEY! and she sings!

AND HOLY MOTHER OF BIRTHDAY PRESENTS IT'S A FUCKING SNUGGIE!

I'm actually ridonkulously excited about the reading light too.

Carm, all I can say is thank you and you complete me.

Because you aren't exposed to enough random chemicals on a daily basis...

There's Jelly Bath.

Ew. Thanks Vanessa.

I don't know how I feel about this

A girl I went to high school with is Facebooking her contractions:

(name) IS HAVING STEADY CONTRACTIONS AND TRYING TO USE FACEBOOK TO KEEP HER MIND OFF IT BUT I AM THINKING ITS ABOUT EPIDURAL TIME