Real Good Guac

Bam Baby!

2011-05-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of graduating about a week and a half ago. It was a great weekend. I had friends/family/future family/fiance all here in the same place. It was wonderful to see all of my favorite people together and enjoying each other's company. Also, excuse to get dressy!

Today was my last day with New York State Library Development. My student assistant job ends once you graduate so there were three of us leaving this semester. It was so nice to hear everyone wishing us well.

It was strange thinking about my graduation - last exam ever! last paper ever! last group presentation ever! no more classes? boo
As hard as school can be, I love an interesting, well taught class. I'll miss class discussion and learning from practicing school librarians.

I received many lovely cards for graduation and my last day at work - last cards with hats that have tassels!

The Right Stuff

2011-04-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

My graduation looms! I seriously cannot believe that I'll be done with grad school and have a masters degree in less than a month. It makes me a little sad. I'll miss my classes and my nice little downtown campus. I won't miss the pointless assignments that I sometimes got, although those were def outnumbered by the useful assignments grad school offered. I really liked learning about libraries, so mostly I'll miss that.

To witness my awesome graduation I have my parents, Anna, Rachel, Thuan, and Brian all visiting. Albany will be hoping! Hopefully I can juggle everyone and keep them entertained.

My last spring break as a student finishes up this week. I spent it dog-sitting (what else?). The dog was pretty nice but did throw up at 2 am. I played catch with him a couple time in the yard. The next day I realized it must have been years since I last threw a ball repeatedly since my arm was really sore.

The best part of dog-sitting is the cable! The only channel I really miss is Bravo. I love Bravo. And Bravo doesn't put their episodes online so I have to search for sad bootlegged versions on YouTube.

Because I'm a showoff

2011-04-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Watch it

2011-04-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

The month of March was full of dog-sitting. I dog, house, and teenager sat for three different families, five dogs, one bunny, and one teenager. Taking care of the teenager was by far the easiest. The dogs were all pretty good. There was only one "accident" inside a house and nobody got loose. There was a ridiculous amount of barking though. Annnnd the bunny bit me. It really hurt. I wore gloves after that when it was feeding time.

I love the side job of dog-sitting (and the cable) but it is exhausting. I was dreaming of my own bed and sleeping in. I really liked having a dog in my family but I now realize that I got the pleasure of sleeping in only because my parents got up and let the dog out.

After about ten years without wearing a watch (other than when I run) I broke down and got one.
It's a perfect teacher watch. I really don't know how I functioned without one before. I look at it all the time.

My only bridesmaid and bff Anna and I have very different taste. This has become amplified by the bridesmaid dress search. It also came to mind when I bought my watch. She recently bought a watch too which is pink with diamonds all around (I'm pretty sure hearts were on there somewhere too). I'm not worried though, since she will look slammin' in whatever she wears to the wedding.

I ran my second 5k last weekend. It was about 25 degrees outside but I felt good. I ran behind local anchor Benita Zahn for about a mile and had the good fortune to watch her leopard print scrunchie the whole time. I'm signed up for a thrid 5k at the end of April and will probably run the huge deal of the Freihofer's Run for Women at the beginning of June.

Ugh the job search continues. There really might only be a handful of jobs for me to apply for in the area. So basically I feel like this all the time:

Dear god just retire, pretty please?

He can't swim!

2011-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Winter keeps slogging along here in upstate New York. We had 50-60 degree weather for about 3 days last week and it was a total tease. When the cold came back it felt like a slap in the face. I'm so sick of running on a treadmill in my apartment's sad excuse for a "workout" room. More like a smelly closet with three machines and a tv. Let me outside winter weather!

I'm on a lovely winter break this week from both my master and my elementary school internship (these breaks were nonexistent in MI, I have no idea why). I did a solo week last week at my internship so the break was very much a welcome one. The solo week went well, although I did feel like I was running to keep up a couple times. It feels like the students there are getting used to me and off I go soon (I'm done there next week). Next I will concur middle schoolers.

The break isn't a huge break on the work level. I'm using the pause in homework to catch up on my resume, cover letter, portfolio, online portfolio, LinkedIn account, getting fingerprinted, and going to the dentist. It's been very productive so far.

Brian visited last weekend which was fun as usual. It's good to see him since we def won't see each other next month. I'll be dog/house sitting the whole month for three different families. I met one of the dogs this week, a very friendly Portugese water dog. I feel closer to the Obama's already.

Old School Stuff

2011-02-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

I'm in the last weeks of my first student teaching post. I'll be really sad to leave. The school librarian I'm working with is awesome and the library aid is really nice. I'll be sad not to see them every week. Being in an elementary school has changed my outlook on my ideal job. I always thought I would be happiest in a high school library but now I think I might prefer an elementary school. It makes me ridiculously happy to help students find books on what they want: karate, scary stories, chickens, robots, Shiloh, etc. It's pretty great.

I call Brian by his last name all the time. I'm now realizing that I might need to take that down a notch since when we get hitched it will be my name too. Gotta say, I'm a little sad to see my last name go. My initials now are so nice plus they are the same backwards or forwards.

I just started training for another 5k. I have a really hard time committing to running regularly unless there is an end goal to work towards. I think this training will be much easier that the last time since I can actually run for more than 5 minutes now.

Check it

2011-01-16T10:41:00.001-08:00

"A Wrinkle In Time" In 90 Seconds from James Kennedy on Vimeo.

This is pretty great.

Can I just say something, "Isn't copying wrong?"

2011-01-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

The holidays flew by as they always do. Brian was here for 10 days which was really nice except he was sick for about 4 of those days. We don't get to see each other that much so that was a bummer. Overall Christmas time in Albany was really nice. The food was delicious and the company was lovely.

Right after Bri left, I started one of my student teaching posts at an elementary school library. I'm currently splitting my time between there and work, next week school classes will be thrown in there as well. I really lucked out with my mentor school librarian, she is also an adjunct professor and was probably one of my favorite professors. She really knows her stuff and immediately threw me into working. I've already taught multiple library lessons by myself, booktalked, collaborated with teachers, and attended faculty meetings. I'm being worked to the bone, but I know I'm going to learn a lot.

Since I have two internships/student teaching posts, I am only taking two classes this last semester. One class is online and the other is at the undergraduate level. In all my graduate semesters I have never felt more relaxed about my work load.

While the New Year's celebration came and went without too much fanfare (Brian wasn't really eating food yet), 2011 is going to be a big year for me. It will contain:
-last classes ever (unless I need some sort of other degree but I can't see that happening)
-graduation grad school (never really thought that would happen until a couple years ago)
-hopefully getting job in a school library or library field (please please please)
-moving back in with Brian (the sooner the better)
-further planning of wedding (I'm so glad I have till summer 2012 to finalize everything, no stressing out here)

Mamacita, donde esta Santa Claus?

2010-12-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

The holidays are here! Thank goodness we got another dusting of snow last night, I was starting to see the grass and it was a little disturbing. The big bummer with any snow fall for me is the maintenance man for my apartment complex snow blowing around 5:30 am. We had about a quarter of and inch but I guess shoveling is out of the question for some individuals. The other bummer about winter in my apartment is that we don't control the indoor temperature. Since I'm in a second floor place, we hover in the high 70s most of the time and that's with our windows constantly cracked open.

I always eagerly anticipate my winter break but this one has been pretty boring so far with no roommate or Brian around. I go to work everyday which is fine, but when I go home I get really restless. I'm used to thinking about so many assignments and projects that my head feels a bit empty. To make up for it, I've been watching a lot of online TV shows: Parks and Rec, Bones, Castle, The Office (again), Arrested Development (again), Top Chef (bootlegged since Bravo is stupid), etc. I've also been reading a lot of books. Current YA favs: The Sky is Everywhere and Before I Die.

There was a lovely Fowler get-together last night. I love Fowler people and I'm so thankful I decided on a pretty big whim to apply to work there near the end of 2004. I would have never met Brian otherwise and moved to New York and decided to enter grad school for librarianship. Seriously, right now I could be living in Michigan, doing god-knows what, and scoping out dudes on Match.com. My current life is obv better than the alternative.

Spreading the cheer out the window

2010-12-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

School ended last week which was a huge relief. Even though I only had four classes, as opposed to the five I took on during my first two semesters, the ones I had this semester were more challenging. Sadly I did finish all of my school librarianship class requirements. In my next and final semester I will be completing my last two education courses and two 150 hour internships. I am very excited to start my internships. My first one is under a school librarian who was also my adjunct professor recently, so hopefully I am learning from the best. I'm starting on Jan 3rd, so the winter break will seem shorter this year.

It is very strange to be contemplating graduation yet again. When I graduated from college in 2007 I felt much more unsure of my career path yet the job market was better. Now I feel confident in the direction I am headed and love my chosen focus in librarianship, but the possibility of finding a job seems bleak.

Thanksgiving already seems so far away. I spent the holiday in the Midwest and packed my time full with family and friends. I also completed my first 5k during the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot. Thankfully it was not too cold and I was able to complete the run without walking once (my ultimate goal). Since I've never been an athlete this was a pretty big accomplishment for me. I'll have to find another 5k soon because after I finished, my motivation to run took a nose dive.

Christmas will be upon us soon. I finished my shopping yesterday and today Albany got it's first snow fall. I really needed some snow to get into the spirit, so now I feel much better. Brian will come to visit for the holiday and I am looking forward to some Bri cooking.

I got marbles in my mouth

2010-10-27T04:17:00.000-07:00

So I've been avoiding blogging since there always seems to be something I should be doing instead (homework/reading books). Also Brian left last week so I've been trying to hang out with him a lot before he took off for WI again.

So in no particular order (although I will try for chronological) lately I,

-attended a lovely Camp Fowler wedding for Darrick and Katherine. They looked super happy and put on a lovely wedding. I really liked seeing a wedding at camp since Brian and I are looking to do ours there in 2012.

-got the new Guster album: love it.

-visited Eric and Miriam again. Last time we went their place still had that moved-in-recently look too it. Now it looked like a real house where adults lived. Crazy! I really liked all their stuff on the walls and made a mental note to get some of that eventually.

-had a weekend trip to Boston w/ Brian where we: went to a museum, had lobster rolls, visited his cousin, and had the best soup ever! I never tried a lobster roll before and now I can cross that off my bucket list.

-took a midterm, presented two presentations, and turned in an 8 page paper all in the same week Brian left! It was intense.

-scheduled my last semester of grad school. Thank god all the classes I need are being offered, it was close.

-I've been training for the GRPS Turkey Trot 5k in Grand Rapids. I've never been an athlete so this is a lot for me. Surprisingly (to me) the training is going really well. My schedule makes it hard since I'm not home from about 8-10 a few days a week and the complex workout room is only open 9-9 (a joke). Running in the dark in the morning kinda sucks. But each Saturday, when I ramp up the distance I'm running, its the farthest I've ever run continuously in my whole life. I feel pretty good about that.

Anyway, fun times...

I can't believe I'm going to be done with graduate school come May. That really isn't that far off. I never really thought I could go to grad school, so I'm really happy I did and I'm really happy I found what I'm interested in and can make a career out of it. Recently at one of my field studies, a 5th grader asked me, "Ms. Stevens, in college do you get to study whatever you want?" I told him that after he took some general courses he could. I said that I liked libraries so I get to study libraries in my classes. The little boy and the girl next to him got so excited I didn't want to burst the bubble about endless gen eds. Man, he still has a lot of "general" schooling head of him. With his 5th grade class we introduced a site called Glogster for making online posters. They 5th graders love it and they also love the brightest colors imaginable.

My Other Fav Band with my Fav Lost character

2010-09-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Band

2010-09-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

I Whip My Hair Back and Forth

2010-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Summer flew by somehow. I went to Camp Fowler again to rock out a cabin. I rocked it out alright. 13 former staff members were volunteering that week. It was great to see so many old friends and meet some new ones. The week meant a lot to me, as it always does. I was exhausted after it, but no matter what, I still love Camp Fowler.

Brian and I have been really busy doing things on the weekends this summer. Last weekend we both had Friday through Monday off. It kinda felt like last summer when we both didn't have jobs (not by choice), only this time we have some dinero so we can afford things. We (Brian) made a couple awesome meals and I bought running shoes. I want to do a 5k this fall so I can cross it off my bucket list. We also went on a couple bike rides along the Hudson. Brian has a nice new road bike. I have a hand-me-down bike from the 80s I got free from my boss called Jazz. Jazz is awful and I think it made its last ride with me this past weekend. Stupid Jazz kept squeaking and the wonky wheels kept holding me back. Needless to say Brian beat me every time on the bike rides.

Grad school started up again last week. This week is a Jewish holiday so I really only had one class. I hate starting school one week only to have no class the next. I want a week off like, right before finals so I can study and write all the papers I've put off.

I'm down to four classes instead of five, like I had last year, this semester. It kinda feels like I'm slacking.

As of July 8th...

2010-07-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know about a week and a half ago Brian proposed. It was a pretty intense moment for me. I felt really overwhelmed and honestly didn't know if I should believe what was happening. I kept asking if he was for real and if he was serious. I forgot to say yes right away and started bawling my eyes out. Needless to say, he got me pretty good. I had no idea it was coming and was shocked to say the least.

After the initial shock, we both got on the phone to call those close to us. It was great hearing everyone's happy reactions. It was also great to post on Facebook and hear from people I haven't heard from in years (freshman year RA?) that they were happy too.

The weekend after we went to Burlington, Vermont. It was a wonderful relaxing weekend which was made all the more relaxing knowing we were engaged. Brian and I didn't really do that much there other than drink some good beer, eat some great food and walk around looking at the beautiful views.

This past weekend I took my first teacher certification test. I had a really dumb moment and forgot my IDs in the car Brian dropped me off in. Thankfully they still let me start the test while he brought them over and everything was ok. The test went pretty well I think but its only the first of three. Those plus all the other things I need to fulfill to receive my teacher certification (to be a school librarian you need one) will probably end up setting me back around $1000. Pretty annoying, like grad school isn't expensive.

I also won tickets again from the same site that I won the DMB tickets from (I'm never this lucky something bad must be coming soon!). Brian and I were able to go see the NYC Ballet at SPAC on Saturday. We were both pleasantly surprised to really enjoy our first ballet. One of the principle dancers we saw was even from my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI.

Bucket (of chicken) List

2010-07-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have been thinking about all the things we have always wanted to do this summer and then we have been trying to make them happen. I have always wanted to try some Popeye's chicken so we finally got some. It was really good and Brian was pretty surprised to enjoy the experience as much as I did. He actually liked the side of mashed potatoes and gravy more than me.

This past weekend we got to house/dog sit for a family friend of Brian's. Brian and I both like dogs, but I love dogs and I really like springer spaniels. Coincidentally Brian and my families both have springers as our family pets. Brian's dog Molly had puppies a long time ago and the dog we sat for was one of her puppies. The now 11 year-old the dog Jackson was the spitting image of his mom. Just like him mom he likes his front paw held and howls for attention. I took Jackson for walks and tried to get him out from under the bed when that fireworks started to go off (5 hours later he emerged). It was nice hanging out with a dog again all weekend and I found myself a little sad when I had to leave.

The heat wave going on here is no joke. If you know me well you know I hate to sweat so this isn't a good time for me. I had to break down and get an air conditioner since our second floor apartment is above 100 degrees even at night. My un-air conditioned car rides still are pretty brutal though.

With my Spanish finally over thought my schedule would feel a lot more open but the summer weekends are already filling up fast! Hopefully I get to do everything I want to during my last school break (as a student anyway).

Why are you screaming?

2010-06-22T11:51:00.001-07:00

Brian and I attended two Phish shows this weekend. While my first SPAC Phish show experience last summer left me un-enthused for more (I was body slammed multiple times and stepped on), I was ready to give it a second shot.

After picking Brian up from his corporate jet ride Saturday (true story) we headed off to try and score some tickets since Brian didn't have any for Saturday. As we were pulling in for parking, we were able to buy some from a couple nice guys about our age, for really cheap. As we pulled away we realized that we only gave them half the money we should have. I quickly got out of the car and ran over to them. The guys were so excited I was offered shots of Wild Turkey. Total mistake. I felt gross for a good 20 mins after that. The show was much more enjoyable than I expected. I didn't get body slammed, so that made the night a success. After the intermission a man in front of us stayed sitting as everyone stood up to watch (lawn seats). His head was between his legs so it wasn't until he got up and was dragged away by his girl friend that we realized he had gotten sick and puked right on the ground. Brian spent much of the rest of the evening yelling, "Thrown up! Look out!" at all the people trying to walk around it.

The next day we got there earlier and took a stroll down to the water. As we reached the stream a guy walked over to us and told there was a naked guy being arrested in the water. Sure enough, we could just make out the lower half of his body being held down on the bank further upstream by police. Another dude near us exclaimed, "That must be the same naked guy we saw running in the parking lot!". Well duh, there probably isn't multiple naked guys running around here. The poor crazy naked man had apparently run down to the water and was splashing around happily until the cops came. They came on foot, on horses, on 4-wheelers, and by car all for one naked guy. We were told to clear off, but not before I saw his little legs kicking in the water. The craziness of the night did not stop there. During Phish songs fans are known to throw glow sticks into the air. Hundreds go up at high points in songs which is one of my favorite things about these shows. During one of these glow stick wars someone held up a large cylinder with something lit up at the top like fire. Unlike other New Yorker's I knew immediately what it was. Illegal in New York, but not in Michigan, this guy was ready to shoot off a huge firework straight out of his hand. The thing went off and shot up right over the huge lawn crowd. I was freaking out since that is one of the most dangerous stupid things you can do with fireworks. Luckily it went off correctly and didn't kill this idiot of hurt anyone in the crowd. Obv I need to go to more of these shows just for the weird things that happen.

You make want to say

2010-06-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had a great time visiting my friend Rachel in Boston. Rachel is leaving the east (like my good friends Anna and Thuan) and moving to the good old Midwestern city Chicago. When I first moved to Albany 2+ years ago I had several friends in the region to visit and one by one they have all left. I liked having them within driving distance but Chicago is always fun to visit.

In Boston we were able to watch the Pride Parade from the roof of Rach's apartment since it was right on her street. We had a great view for the hour plus long parade and got very excited whenever someone would see us and wave. Alexis Arquette was the parade marshal which I thought was awesome since her performance in The Wedding Singer is one of my favs (Do You Really Want to Hurt Me song! anyone else remember that?). Neither Rachel or her roommate knew who she was so I was alone in my excitement. During the parade it started to rain and near the end it was truly pouring. This was when we decided to head to a sports bar to watch the World Cup game. Before crossing the street I looked down and literally saw red glitter being washed away with the rain down the road.

My Spanish class only has four more classes. It went so fast. Awesome. Everything we do looks familiar from high school which is helpful. I also only need a passing grade to get credit at UA which is also helpful.

You know you want to be in a calendar

2010-06-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Obv I quit blogging for a bit there. When your stressing about 5 classes and your bf leaving again the blog is the last thing on your mind. But happily the classes are now over and Brian was unexpectedly reassigned to Saratoga for the summer. Having him around will make summer much less boring. We made another list of things to do this summer and have already crossed something off (hiking!).

On a bummer note, my summer six-week Spanish class started last week. The thing is 8 hours a week. Two nights from 6-9:50 p.m. Awful. The teacher is nice and the class isn't too hard. But after work, the last thing I want to do is drive over to the community college in my un-air-conditioned car and take this class. Its pretty hard to swallow since this isn't a class I wanted or a class I really need to graduate. Its a class I have to take since Michigan (and probably every other state) doesn't offer regent scores. Ughhhh. The class is full of 19 year-olds who look like they have laid by the pool all day.

I was able to go to full-time hours at work this summer. I would have found a second job if I had to stay part-time but this is much better. I avoid working in the mall at all costs plus now my nights and weekends are free.

I still feel like I am forgetting something all the time. After a two semesters of plugging away with 5 classes a term and work on the side, I was perpetually busy. I was making to-do lists like mad woman. I tried to make a to-do list last week and it only had 3 things on it...so I really need to embrace the relaxation.

2010-03-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Stop talking about Chatroulette

2010-02-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

Well a snow storm has finally found Albany and another is soon to follow tomorrow. This is great news since it finally looks like winter outside. I hate it when everything is grey and brown and love it when it all gets covered up by pure white snow. The snow that fell yesterday and is still falling is the super heavy wet stuff. So if you get to park on the street like me, you will have a great time shoveling yourself out. I almost broke my back for about 15 minutes this morning doing just that. I felt very empowered once I got out. Finding a parking spot (also in the street) for work was more of a challenge since it seemed like everyone else who had left a spot didn't need to shovel out. I guess they have four-wheel drive or people to push them. I wasn't going to chance my little Ford Focus on a spot like that when I don't have a shovel in my trunk (grave mistake). Thankfully I found a mostly plowed spot and didn't have to pay $10 to park in the lot (knock on wood never have).

They canceled classes last night and today until 12:35 which is great if you have classes then but I don't so it was a total bummer.

I'm heading down to the city this weekend on my second megabus trip (only $20.50!). My good friend Thuan decided to take off for Vietnam until August so obv I need to pay my respects before she flies away. My mission this week is to achieve a comfortable level of work before Friday so I can enjoy the trip and not have a freak out.

Mostly I need to so some "Research Methods" i.e. statistics homework. That class makes me thank my lucky stars I took three math classes in college. That's about the only plus side to my bachelor of science degree. I thought I was really smart doing a B.S. instead of a B.A. to get out of a language course. Now, in a grad program in NY, they tell me its a language course is a requirement for any degree in the state.
"Oh you took it Spanish high school, did you get over 85 on your Regents?"
"No I'm from Michigan, where Regents don't exist, so even though I took 4 years of that stuff I guess it won't matter here huh?"
"Right, sorry."
Awesome. Don't get me wrong I'm very thankful I didn't have to deal with Regents, but seriously, there should be a way to get out of this course (other than a test which I would fail since it's been eight years since I thought about Spanish).

Last weekend we saw our friend Eric preach which was pretty cool. He was able to hold my attention and Brian's the whole time, which is no small feat.

Cooking with Brian

2010-02-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

On Valentine's Day Brian decided it was time to make a new favorite meal - avacado bacon burgers. That's my guy.

Needless to say these bad boys were awesome and with it we drank a whole bottle of delicious Traverse City cherry wine.

Biblioburro!

2010-02-21T15:08:00.001-08:00

I'd like to hear you read some words

2010-02-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

School is up and running again which will result in a direct decrease of blog posts. This semester is going to be a rough one, particularly because I now have to split my time not just between school and work, but between school, work, and Brian. Just my luck he gets a rotation here during my busiest semester. When I'm bored this summer I'm going to be wishing I had the bf around.

I set the grade point average high last semester and want a repeat. I feel a lot of pressure to do well in school. The placement of this pressure comes entirely from my own brain and I need to take a chill pill for my own sanity. Making endless lists can only get you so far in the relaxation department.

Having taken my Young Adult literature class I have now moved on to the Children's literature class. I have to read 45 kids books. This might seem easy but believe me picking out a good picture book is harder than it looks. I know what ones I used to like, but twenty years later, those are out of date and the new ones look much different.

Lost is on again tonight. This is another problem for my productivity.

That's Debatable

2010-01-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

My Midwest visit was pretty whirlwind trip. I was in Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Chicago and Madison.

Breakdown of trip

Milwaukee - Brian had to work a number of days so I got to relax, read, work out, and watch full seasons of The Office and Lost online. When he didn't work we watched the Tudors together, cooked delicious meals, went to a great brewery tour, and visited a wonderful art museum.
Grand Rapids- Obv saw family and went to the Christmas Eve service at Aberdeen. Opened presents with the fam and ate a lot of food. Went to dinner and Founders (finally) with City grads and introduced Brian to Steak n' Shake.
Traverse City - Stayed with Grandma, visited with family including my cousin John's adorable children, and ate a great meal. Bought many Cherry Republic products.
Chicago - Saw Anna's great new apartment and rang in the New Year with her, Rachel, Brian and many others at a super fun house party. Explored Chicago neighborhoods.
Madison - Visited Brian's old friends Maria and Genevieve with respective husbands and bf. We ate a great meal that included fried mac n' cheese and went to a raucous hockey game.

It was great to see so many of my friends and family. It was also great to stay with Brian and see where he has been living. The only bad part of my trip was the temperature. It was absolutely freezing the whole time. When I landed back in Albany the 20 degree weather felt balmy and nice.

Once again I have been reading like a crazy person. I love the newly refurbished local library that just reopened and I go there all the time. I feel like I choose the right career path which is immensely satisfying. Also my grades were fabulous which, I had decided, also reflects my correct career decision.

The Tree

2009-12-21T07:42:00.001-08:00

Simply Having a Wonderful...

2009-12-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

Going down to the city was fun as always. I took the Megabus down for the first time which worked out well. It was much nicer to read a book and relax then driving down. The only issue I had was with the older man sitting in front of me who asked me to stop talking on my phone since he had a migraine.

Back in Albany I can finally relax a little after the busy semester. Last week I still felt like I should be doing something (a paper), but this week I have been vegging out a lot.

After our young adult literature professor gave a lecture about staying on top of the pop culture that teenagers are into, I compromised my own desires and watched the movie Twilight. Seriously, if any of you were considering the same, stop yourself. I was expecting this movie to be bad, but it was worse than expected. Sadly I will probably compromise my own reading desires and try to read the book. We'll see how that goes.

Tonight I am going to go see Wicked here in town which is very exciting. I have only seen a couple Broadway productions so this is a treat. I read the book and found it annoying after the halfway point. I believe the play differs from the book so I am keeping an open mind.

Saturday I fly to the Midwest for my Milwaukee introduction. I can't wait to see where Brian has been living and meet his roommates. Hopefully in between the holiday festivities we have time to see some of Milwaukee before he moves on to his next assigned city.

This is pretty lame/depressing...

2009-12-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

In New York

Library funding has already been cut three times in the last 20 months going from $102 million in 2007 to $99 million in 2008, to $91 million in April 2009 and now $87 million with this latest round of deficit reductions. This $4.2 million cut brings Library Aid down to 1998 levels.

http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1865

You got it, you got it

2009-12-08T09:21:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was pretty great, at least at first. Brian came to visit and we had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with his family. While he was here we went to a Phish concert in town and the next day drove down to the city to see Guster. Guster was amazing (possibly the best concert ever), but when we pulled off the highway back in Albany my car decided to freak out. A thousand dollars and several public transportation trips later, my car works again. I keep saying I want this car to last through grad school , but I don't know if it will make it.

The semester ended for me with my last paper turned in on Sunday. Being done with my first semester of grad school feels like a big accomplishment. I worked pretty hard to complete everything and hopefully I'll get some stellar grades to prove it. Classes don't start up again until January 20th which is a large span of time to be bored. I only work fifteen hours a week at my job, so my daily agenda is wide open. I foresee many hours wasted away watching TV and movies, but mostly reading books. I haven't had a winter break from college since the break of Dec 2006 - Jan 2007, so I'm pretty stoked.

Although I will have lots of free time, I actually have a bunch of things coming up. This weekend I'm headed for NYC for Thuan and Rach's birthdays. The next weekend I'm Milwaukee bound to stay with Brian until we head to Michigan for Christmas and possible Chicago for NYE.

The New York Public Library

2009-11-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

All in Moderation

2009-11-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Not updating my blog is due to immense amounts of homework. Visits home and visits from Brian are great but they make my homework completion more difficult. That being said, it all gets done eventually and right now its all getting done at once. I have about five big papers or projects due the week after Thanksgiving but Brian is coming to visit for Thanksgiving. This means like ususal I have to work ahead like mad and finish everything early. But so far with grad school, everything I freak out about turns out fine and I'm knocking out good grades like it's my business.

Any way since I last wrote: GR trip awesome - it had a good balance of family, friends, relaxation, and fun activities. Special congrats to Matt and Jess! ArtPrize was amazing and maybe the best idea Grand Rapids ever had; I hope it continues in the future.

Brian visit Halloween weekend - also awesome obv. I hate not seeing him all the time. This summer with my unemplyment/15 hours a week of work and his unemployment/15 hour a week of work - we hung out a lot. The last couple weeks he has been doing 12 hour night shifts which means I get to talk to him at most for 15 minutes those days. I can't wait for those day to be over this week.

I am so excited to be finishing this semester. Seriously. I hope that the rest of my classes are more interesting and I can wrestle this degree into the ground and make it happen in two years. Christmas break is going to be awesome and I will read lots of books like a good librarian wannabe.

Dentist

2009-10-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Dentist over. 25 years + candy addiction + brushing + irregular flossing = still 0 cavities.

My hygentist (who looked younger than me)asked if my hometown put floride in the drinking water. I told her that my hometown was actually the first town ever to put floride in the drinking water. She paused and asked if I was perhaps from Grand Rapids Michigan. She had to learn about us in school.

Gets Me Every Time

2009-10-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Is it Thursday night yet? Love it!

The Early (Book) Worm

2009-09-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Another week down. I can already feel my first semester in grad school slipping silently by. Seriously its almost October? In less than two weeks I'll be in Grand Rapids for a wedding (accompanied by Brian which might be the best part). I seem to be planning out my semester by when we'll see each other next. This makes the weeks go by even faster.

I feel like it's almost X-mas. I already started shopping for gifts. A big thing for me lately is planning ahead. I don't have much of a social life so my weekend have been spent getting homework done for the rest of the week (aside from Mad Men marathons). An assignment was finished a record six days early (ridiculous)this week. My workload is heavy enough that I think of this as smart, not pathetic (its probably pathetic).

My beloved four-year old blue fleece has been needing some serious backup. Going into the state's huge educational building I cannot be the girl in a bright blue fleece and its def not as warm as it used to be. Even though my funds are tight, I went to the mall on Saturday to see what I could do. I was on a mission to find the best deal on a fall coat. Of course I started in the Gap, like I always do, I always have a coupon. But I told myself I needed to see what else was out there. After an ill-fitted corduroy jacket, a cheap cotton one, and several military looking ones, I was right back at the Gap buying the jacket I really wanted all along. Why do I fight it?

What it's all about

2009-09-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

The lack of updates is due to all of these things happening in the span of one week:
-Starting grad school (with five classes)
-Starting new hours at work
-attending a wedding in Boston (Brian was best man)
-Moving into my new apartment
-Brian moving to Wisconsin

Then after that week we had another wedding. Needless to say after having this past weekend off I finally feel like I can breath a little. Although both weddings were a pleasure to attend and beautiful, I was stressed out.

My classes are a lot of work. Five during the first semester might have been a mistake. I believe that I can muddle though the semester and get all the work done, there just might be some new grey hairs in the process. I really can't complain too much. For a long time I've wanted to go to grad school. I'm so glad to be there and am really interested in most of what I am studying. My young adult literature class is a particular joy to be in; a relief since I think I want to be a high school media specialist.

Now I'm just left adjusting to a new apartment. The place is huge, for much less than Brian and I were paying before. The weird thing is that my roommates never seem to be there. They go home to parents or to boyfriends places. I am alone much of the time. Going from living with your bf in a one-bedroom to being alone in a three-bedroom is a big difference. But again I can't complain. Both of the girls I live with are really nice when I see them.

Ch-ch-changes

2009-08-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

This has been a very busy time. Our weekends are packed and in between the weekends we have to work and try to pack up the apartment.

I went to my first Phish concert with Brian. I have to say I enjoyed the music much more than I expected to. Thankfully I missed the one long jam when I went to the bathroom. I get bored when those go on too long. I loved all the glow stick throwing and the energy. That was the positives. And overall it was a positive experience.

The negative: It poured hard right before the concert started. All the males proceeded to take their wet shirts off (not as attractive as you might imagine). We had a blanket on the ground that we ended up leaving there since no one noticed it and stepped on it, covering it with mud and some gum (nice). I was worrying about the blanket and our backpack the whole time since no one seemed to care what they stepped on with their muddy feet. Most of the people barreling though the crowd were boys, who were larger than me (normal), unfortunately this meant that when they barreled into me, I got knocked over. I also was stepped on several times and punched in the back. I am not used to that many people in a concert space (obv).

This past weekend we went down to Long Island to visit Brian's grandma and to attend a lovely engagement party. As soon as we got to Long Island we headed to Jones Beach. I was excited to try swimming in the Atlantic Ocean (a first). Because of Hurricane Bill the wind was incredibly strong and the waves were intense. The waves were super fun for about 20 minutes. Then I got hit with a huge one that sucked me right down which was followed quickly by a second wave knocking me again and giving me a mouthful of gross saltwater. I was scooped right up by my lifeguard bf Brian who is now my unofficial hero. I knew I kept him around for a reason. I also decided Lake Michigan is much better for playing in. The salt water tastes awful and stings my contacts.

Again I hate moving. Although I enjoy throwing dirty shaggy pillows that no one wants out of my new place.

What? No milk song?

2009-08-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Brian and I were at camp last week and loved it. After all of the changes that have been thrust upon us so quickly neither of us was super excited to go up to camp (normally we're pumped) last week. But once it came time to leave we were both really sad to go. I love spending time with friends from Fowler, I feel like I laugh so much there.

We were both volunteer cabin counselors for the middle-school aged week. I had a great cabin of girls who were neither too annoying or too naughty. Sadly the same cannot be said for Brian's cabin who had an extra dose of crazy.

Now we are back and can't ignore the fact that we have to move out of our cozy apartment. I have no idea where to find boxes here to pack things. And I really don't know if I have room in my new place for all the stuff I brought from Michigan almost two years ago.

The next few weekends are going to be jammed full with friends before Brian leaves and I start school. This weekend we have Thuan and Rachel visiting, obviously awesome. Next weekend we have an engagement party and staying with Mema on Long Island. Then the last weekend of August we are hosting a goodbye party for Brian which is also (for me at least) a goodby party for our apartment together. Hopefully I don't lose my marbles in between all the plans.

Hand to Page Combat

2009-07-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

It really is crazy to think that I will be walking into my first day of classes in two years. I am expecting grad school to be very challenging. Brian never studied harder in his life than in his first year of grad school and I should expect the same. As a planner at heart I hate the fact that I don't really understand what my classes are going to be about. I was a Communications major in undergrad and the classes were pretty much obvious in their name. Public Relations Writing was obviously going to be lots of press releases. But The Information Environment, Information Knowledge and Organization? I have no clue.

My Young Adult Literature class is a little easier to approach. Like the dork that I am (and since I have plenty of free time), I have already pushed through much of the reading list for the class. This includes almost twenty books written for the teenagers. So far most of them have been very nice reads. The stories are fast paced and the reading is quick. Right now I am reading Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Summary below:

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.

She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

I would never have picked this book up on my own, but I'm so glad I picked it off of the Sci-fi list for my class. I can't put it down.

Fierce

2009-07-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

I never know what kind of things I will find at our local library. Sometimes I find a million things I want all at once and other times I come home with nothing. On Monday night, I was ready to leave empty handed when I came across my very favorite TV show back from the days when I had cable. I was lucky enough to find Project Runway season 4 (which I had never seen). Our lovely library lets you take the whole season at once, but you only get two days to watch until the DVDs must be returned. Needless to say for the last two days I have been watching Project Runway all the way though. I didn't realize how much I missed it. Watching it again was great and the season may have been the best one I've seen yet. Now I'm just waiting to find season 5, but I have to wait for August for that one to come out.

Things have been pretty busy for Brian and I. Even without much to do (without full-time jobs and all), we always end up busy. Two weekends ago we had Anna up for a visit and really enjoyed the 4th of July fireworks that Albany has to offer. This past weekend we had Brian's friend PJ and his girlfriend Katie staying with us and attending Tim's wedding. The wedding was great and kicked off our Wedding 2009 season with a bang.

I find it really hard to believe that July is already half way over. The weather is so cool that it just doesn't feel like the dog days of summer at all. I've already been at my part-time job at NYS Library Development for a month or so. It reminds me of my days temping at OMH a lot, which if you have a good memory, were really boring. But at least this one will look good on the ol' resume.

Express Yourself

2009-06-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Well this week I started at the New York State Library. So far they really don't have much for me to do there. Another job sitting and waiting for the clock to tick faster. But at least this job will look great on the resume.

The best thing about the job is the view out the window. I am on the tenth floor of the building which sits on a high point in Albany. I felt like I was getting vertigo for a bit my first day, but who knows what vertigo even feels like, maybe it was nothing.

Having something to do two days a week isn't so bad. Most people work five days then have two off, for me its the opposite.

Lately we have been going to the local library all the time. The DVD selection is great and Brian has been getting CDs out like its his job. I have been reading so much, I don't think I've read this much since my summer breaks during middle/high school. If I was in a summer reading program now, I would get tons of points for all the books I'm reading.

You can really feel the heat coming now. The weather has been so rainy lately, but now that it has stopped, the heat has started. I love going to the neighboorhood pool here so I hope to go all the time and get a fabulous tan.

Feeling hot hot hot

2009-06-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

I turn 25 tomorrow, kinda feeling old. Thank god I have some sort of plan for my life right now or I might be freaking out about 25 more.

The best thing about having a birthday in Albany is going to Bombers and getting your free giant margarita. We now have a new option of a glass boot filled with free birthday beer at the Beer Garden. We tried going there for Brian's birthday but the boot had been broken. Apparently eight boots have been broken since the place opened about a month ago. As much as I like all that free beer I like a free margarita more.

I haven't been writing on this blog as much. Being unemployed is a trial to be sure. When you meet people they automatically ask what you do and when you do nothing that's a bit of a downer question. Anyway, I just really don't have much to write about on this blog unless people want to know all the books and movies I have been consuming.

Since last writing I attended two graduation ceremonies. My friend Anna graduated from Seton Hall becoming a Speech Pathologist. It was a really nice ceremony and all of her friends came out to support her since her family couldn't make it. Brian's ceremony was equally nice. While I sat with his parents I could tell how proud they were of him (me too). I got excited watching him graduate knowing I would be in the same spot in two years, graduating from my program. We figured out Brian's cousin should be at the same ceremony at U Albany with me, so that will be fun.

On Thursday I head off to Michigan for a whirlwind three day visit. I am so excited to go down to Festival again! I really think that Festival weekend is the most fun you can have in Grand Rapids all year long. I haven't been able to attend since the summer of 2007.

Lately our apartment building is like a revolving door. People moving out and in all the time. We can't tell if this is more than normal since we don't usually spend so much time in our apartment. Either way we have new neighbors next to us, hopefully they will be on the quiet side.

Pups

2009-05-06T07:31:00.001-07:00

For quite a while now, I have been informing Brian that as soon as our living arrangements allow, I really want a puppy. I have not had a puppy of my own to play with since the 2nd grade when we got our first family dog Shelby. Shelby was so cute and little; we picked the smallest girl and the runt of the litter. She may have chewed up everything and peed on stuff in the beginning but it was totally worth it. When my whole family walked in the door with a full grown 2-year old that was Bailey (our current dog) I was pretty bummed that we missed out on his puppy year. Bailey would have been a very cute puppy. Brian family's dog gave birth to a litter of adorable Springer pups and I love looking at pictures of them.

But the more I think about having a dog, I don't know if I ever will. I hate things being dirty, I hate washing animals, and I hate the hair. I hate the way my hands feel after petting a dog or cat. I don't like the way houses can come to smell like the animals that live there and not the people. Maybe a puppy isn't in my future, but I still love to see them.

Not again

2009-04-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well the weather is warm again and here in our apartment/neighborhood that means a lot of things.
-The living room will soon become a boiler
-The window air conditioner will create a nice ice box in our bedroom
-Everyone will descend on Washington Park to lay out and throw things at each other
-Dogs will be everywhere
-Everyone will try to sit outside at Lark Tavern and Lionheart
-Our neighbors will have parties with lost of people outside on their patios

-Most importantly, the wasps and carpenter bees are back!!!

They look like this! Ugh that noise makes my whole body tense up. I can hear them from across the street! Those females want to drill into my life.

The horrid things buzz around our screens and swoop at you when you are trying to innocently get up the stairs to your door. After a lot of research today I learned that they are rarely aggressive, yeah, whatever. I also learned that they return to where they are born every year and are pretty hard to get ride of. This information combined with the fact that our landlord has more important things on his mind means that I will spend another summer not sitting on our little porch. I hate them.

This week was also free food week for us.
Monday - free Bombers
Tuesday - free Ben and Jerry's
Wednesday - sadly none
Thursday - free Chipotle
Friday - we tried to use a Friendly's coupon for free ice cream and they called us fraudulent
Today - We are going to try again with a different Friendly's

Butterfly in the sky

2009-04-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well after lots of studying for the hellish GMATs and lots of applications, I ended up getting into two SUNY Albany grad programs: the MBA program and the Masters of Science in Information Studies. I choose Information Studies and plan take courses to become a school media specialist (librarian). I blame all that working with kids I did, my parents for making me read so much, and obviously Reading Rainbow with some Wishbone thrown in.

I am really excited to go back to school full-time and start a new chapter (books!) of my life.

In other unemployment news, I am still unemployed. This left me free to go visit the fam in GR on easter. The 11 hour drive was pretty good. There was no traffic at any of the borders (never happens) and a book on tape made the time fly. The visit was really nice, I got to see lots of family and many friends. I think Bailey misses me already.

Brian and I have been going to a rescue mission to serve dinner about once a week. They really needed us yesterday when we showed up. It's always nice to feel needed there and we have become friendly with a lot of the staff. One of the guys was working on a word puzzle. He walked up to me to ask a question, "You should know this, is the term administration?"
I ask in what context, he can't seem to be able figure out how to answer me. I tell him administration is a word and it can be correct. We go round and round. He asks Brian, he asks other people, everyone is confused. He comes back to me, "This administration term is for a 20 day cycle. Maybe a 14-20 day cycle".
Ohhhh now I get what he doesn't want to ask, "Do you mean the female cycle?" I ask him.
"Yeah, yeah that cycle!"
"That is called MENstruation not administration."

And for good measure Wishbone as Mr. Darcy:

Keep it cool, what's the name of this club?

2009-04-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

We had a special election yesterday which Brian and his parents voted in. It was kinda of a big deal with national coverage and all that jazz. A couple weeks ago I found out that two guys I graduated high school with were working on this same campaign for the democratic candidate. I went out to volunteer for a day which was pretty interesting. I was skittish about making phone calls before I got there but I eased into it and it was pretty easy. I was calling those listed on the absentee list, so it was mostly older people who have trouble getting out. Some where nice and some were not. Now this democratic candidate is ahead by 50 something votes and those absentee calls might matter. Like I said to Brian in a close race like this, how can you argue that your vote doesn't matter.

I have been reading all the books that I'd been meaning to read and watching all the movies I'd been meaning to watch. Most have been worth it. Ghost Town not so much.

This past Friday we went to the dinner dance Brian's program puts on every year. The food was awesome but sadly the DJ was not. He decided we loved 90s songs many of us had never heard and played them all night long.

Pancakes at my place!

2009-03-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

It is currently 56 degrees here in Albany, NY. Tomorrow they say it will be 59. This means two things; I get to wear my sunglasses all the time (I enjoy wearing sunglasses) and that the wasps are back to hovering right outside out apartment windows (terrifying).

Last weekend I went down to stay with my friend Thuan and see Anna in the city. I love visiting, but lord, all that walking wore me out. I think my feet are still recovering. We had a really good time. Thuan cooked us the most delicious Vietnamese meal which included some of her best egg-rolls ever. Her place is great and all her friends were super nice and fun to hang out with. I used my trusty TomTom to drive in and out of the city. It went surprisingly well, I only got honked at twice.

As I mentioned before in this blog, I have been looking forward to jury duty for a long time. Yesterday was finally the day! When the whole jury pool was finally in the court room the judge read the charges. It was for a murder case, a stabbing! Pretty intense stuff. Then they began pulling random juror numbers to begin the questioning for jury selection. I was the second number called. The questioning went on for what seemed like two hours, which was just of the thirty or so jurors, like myself, that had their numbers pulled in the first group. I really didn't have to answer them for many of their questions. Most of the other people were older than me and had way more life experience that might hinder then from being open-minded. In the end I, along with most all of the first group, was excused. I am curious why I was excused. It may have been because the accused was a young person like myself or because I had a family member in the military. I guess I'll never know.

I've always wanted to be on a jury, but a murder trial may have been too intense for me. Now I get to wait another six years for my next chance.

Take a look

2009-03-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Being unemployed has its ups and downs.

Between Tuesday when I got my new library card (very overdue) and Sunday I read three books. Three books in less than a week is more books than I have read in the last couple months. Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy reading.

I have also been happy to sleep in everyday of the week.

We went to a U Albany basketball game this weekend. Another loss, but this time it was heart breaking. The team played much better than the last time we saw them, but it wasn't enough.

Picking up the Pieces

2009-03-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

I was gearing up to write a post on Friday afternoon at work, when something truly surprising happened; I got laid off. My boss walked in with my pay check and with it was another envelope. He started to explain that he was really sorry, and work was slow, and checks weren't coming in, and they couldn't afford to keep me. For a couple beats I thought it was a joke and did a head tilt at him, an are-you-for-real look. It wouldn't be the first time he jokingly fired someone. But after those beats I could tell that it wasn't a joke, he was serious and he looked like he might cry.

So now I'm part of the sad statistics of the US of A. I felt really sad and angry about it for a couple days. I wish I had some warning. He told me they were turned down for a loan so things must have been bad for a while and I didn't know about it. I hate thinking the guys knew all week and still talked to me as if things were normal. But it didn't matter much as I packed up my few belongings (and the good pens) and took off.

Now comes the hassle of figuring out unemployment, figuring out if I'm starting school in the fall, and figuring out what to do with myself. Mostly right now I'm in a waiting pattern. I'm really thankful that I don't have a mortgage or a car payment, things could be a lot worse I guess.

Other than that the Bachelor was nuts last night. I knew most of what happened in advance since I spend a lot of time on the internet and the show was leaked all over the place. I think Jason made a mistake and he did his best to correct it. Like him, I thought Molly was better anyway.

As a "wise" man once said...

2009-02-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

"You have a blog, blog on it"

This weekend I visited my friend Rachel in Boston for Valentine's Day single girl weekend. I am not really single but it was a lot of fun to hang out with a group of hilarious, nice females. We all put on our skirts and dresses and enjoyed a truly delicious Valentine's Day dinner. The restaurant decided to play Eleanor Rigby which is about all the lonely people (and faces in jars). My table was having none of that.

Boston is very easy to get to from Albany.

I have a new site I visit all the time: http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/
Check it!

A couple weekends ago we attended a U Albany basketball game. It had been promoted as the, Big Purple Growl, and was kinda of a big deal. UA played awful and was lucky enough to stay within about ten points of the winners the whole game. The place was packed and the whole crowd was behind them, but Albany never rallied. Coming from GVSU this wasn't fun for me. The games I usually attended at college were almost always a win for us, often by huge margins.

On the way to work I always see the Hudson River. There have been some really cool ice flows lately. Since I am driving I don't really get a good look at them. When I was a freshmen in college, I took the bus from campus to downtown Grand Rapids all year to get to work. I would walk across the Grand River on my way to work. One of my favorite things (when I wasn't cursing the cold or the bus) was seeing the river everyday.

Note to Nicole: I gave up Diet Coke on New Years of 2007. Do you not remember my resolution?

Love it!

2009-01-20T12:15:00.001-08:00

Bringing the LOLs

2009-01-17T16:01:00.001-08:00

I really did laugh out loud, see if you can't.

Lucky or Unlucky?

2009-01-15T14:00:00.001-08:00

I've got two pieces of news this week:

1) The County of Albany wants me
2) My mouth had turned against me

Lets cover number 1 first. As I have mentioned before in this blog, it has always been a dream (deluded?) to be a part of a jury. I was pretty sad to get my summons for Grand Rapids a couple months ago, which was well past my residency there. But the heavens were listening and I received my jury questionnaire for Albany County yesterday. I haven't even been a resident a year yet. What are the chances!

Next up 2. My whole life I have never once had a cavity. Sadly this fact ceased to be true yesterday when I was informed I had some small decay on a molar. I guess it's my own fault for not seeing a dentist since July 2007. The news made me feel very deflated. I always thought I was impervious in some way to tooth decay.

On a side note: I really enjoy hearing hygentists and doctors talk to each other as they refer to teeth by letters and numbers. They know I have no clue what teeth they are talking about and I like it that way too.

There are two right behind you

2009-01-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Right now the other two people at my work are sitting in dark playing some shooter computer game.

I really don't know why they need me here half the time.

Lately our apartment has been pretty hot. For those of you who don't know, heat is included in our rent so we have no control over the temperature in our apartment. If we leave the windows closed it can easily get up to 87 degrees. Obviously this is why we try to open windows as often as possible. It usually get to a comfortable 78 or so.

While we have gotten pretty used to this, it's kinda awkward when we go to a regular home. A normal household keeps their thermostat anywhere from 68-73 degrees. This can feel really cold to us and we have to wear extra clothing when we visit other people's houses.

Here we go again

2009-01-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

I had a really nice holiday season. Going home to Michigan was really nice. My grandma was pleasant to stay with and loves Brian a whole lot. Being at my old house was just as it should be: relaxing and nice. I also got to see lots of family and friends which is always a blessing. It already seems like a long time ago.

For the new year we cooked some good food and stayed home. Just what we needed after lots of traveling.

We decided we might want to try flying more to Michigan.

I spent more minutes than I like describing, to people at get-togethers, what I do at my job. I feel like I need to make excuses for not doing something better, but the truth is, this job is a job until the next thing comes in my life and I should be grateful to have it. The economy sucks right now.

Things I can appreciate about my current employment:
-I get to go home early a lot without docked pay
-I can surf the Internet all day long
-I can watch movies and TV shows at work
-All the guys I work with are very nice and sometimes funny
-Often I get free pizza or a Quiznos sub
-I have learned a few new skills
-The boss says "thank you" when I do simple tasks

Tis the season to not write a blog

2008-12-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Man oh man I have sucked at blogging lately, sorry.

There finally is some snow in the capital region. Being from Michigan I'm used to snow from November to March...at least. It's hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit without it.

Although after the snow, people were driving 35 mph on the highway. Really unnecessary.

We opened gifts at Brian's parent's house last night. The whole evening was really nice. I got some sweet boots.

We opened present there so early because we are leaving on Friday for a week in Michigan. Hopefully the weather will be on our side. I am looking forward to some time in Grand Rapids. My trips there always feel rushed so it will be nice to have more than a weekend to enjoy the place. I can't wait to see all my friends and family.

My dad brought up a valid point, I did just see my friends in the city. But seeing old friends is always better in the town where you all grew up.

We traveled to the city last weekend for Thuan's b-day and to visit Mema. Both were great.

I may introduce Brian to Steak n' Shake while in the mitten. I feel it might not live up to the hype.

The best of the Midwest

2008-11-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Recap!

Anna came to visit for a weekend. I had a really great time with her. We went to the mall (of course) and shopped for four hours. I don't think I could enjoy shopping that long with anyone else. We also drank sangria and watched a chick flick. Pretty much the usual stuff. I loved it and Brian tolerated all the giggling.

I came out to my car last week and discovered a flat tire. My little girly arms could not move the lug nuts (I lift weights, so disappointing) so I had to call a tow company to help me. The tow guy said I shouldn't drive to work on the spare so then I went to the shop for a new tire. It all took a long time and was very frustrating. But now I have one shiny new tire.

This weekend we attended a beautiful wedding in Madison, Wisconsin. Congratulations to Maria and Cameron!
The wedding was really nice and it was great to see all of Brian's friends. The food at the wedding made my personal list of top wedding foods of 2008. The dancing was super fun. And the hotel had a whirlpool!
Then came the plane ride back...long story short we didn't get home to Albany until 4am. Brian and I do not stay up that late.

Madison is much closer to Grand Rapids than Albany. So close and yet so far. It looked and felt a lot like GR. The building are much flatter and there is much more open space than in the East. Also it was about 15 degrees out when the sun went down.

Voting

2008-11-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

I voted this morning for the first time in the state of New York. I hate to say it, but I think I like voting in Michigan better.

Reasons:

-The old ladies are really nice at my old Michigan voting place
-My name was right next to my mom's (Susan and Sandra) and the ladies would tell me if my mom had voted yet
-The school gym I would vote in is much larger than the tiny room at the senior citizen center
-I had to ask for help to close the curtain
-Punching the paper is easier than the giant machine
-I liked seeing my paper ballot zip into the machine to count my vote
-I did not get a sticker! This reason counts like ten times, the sticker was one of my favorite things.

I even took a picture of one once.

(Side note: I loved that world map back there)

Anyway, Brian and I first talked about Obama in the summer of 2005 at Camp Fowler. We joked about making Obama 08' shirts. I am very excited for the results and plan on watching the news all night long.

I was also incredibly surprised and discouraged talking to my co-worker about the election. He does not believe in voting or really the government. He believes that people in the government, at all levels, are out for themselves and no one else. I felt awful for him. I would hate to go through life believing people are inherently selfish. I can understand feeling like your vote may not mean anything on a national level, but voting can really count for you on a local level. In Grand Rapids I voted in several very close races and for many close proposals (zoo expansion anyone). He needs to snap out of it.

Woah

2008-10-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we think our neighborhood is crap. Some examples:
-I had just finished showering last week when I heard pounding on our neighbors door. I, obviously, go look out the peephole to see it was a police man who wanted to see her! Then he pounded on my door. When I opened up I was presented with a mug shot and asked if this was our neighbor (it was). Pretty much my crime drama dream come true. So now I'm insanely curious what she did and why the cops had to come find her. She's still next door five days later.
-There was almost no room to park last night because someone had dumped a giant red couch next to the dumpster. Lot of people who don't live in the building dump their trash with us. Next to Price Chopper it's probably the easiest place around.
-There was a shooting of a UAlbany student about a mile away from us. Pretty sad.

Our rent is good though.

I don't really know how to feel about an encounter I had at Geneseo (Brian's school) last weekend. A (gay) guy from his swim team came up and started dancing with me. After like two seconds he pointed at me and yelled, "YEAH FRESHMAN!!".

"Um, I'm 24."

I look to my boyfriend for help only to see him doubled over with laughter.

Awesome. He thought I was a recruit.

Everything!

2008-10-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Oh blog..its been to long.

A dream come true arrived in the mail for me. Unfortunately it arrived in Michigan. I finally got a jury summons. Sadly I no longer live in Michigan and could not become the awesome jury member I've always wanted to be. Ever since I read John Grisham's Runaway Jury I've wanted to join in the fun. I guess I'll have to wait a little bit longer.

Last weekend we went apple picking again. The place was really really full of children and pregnant women. They were everywhere you looked. We waited in line for doughnuts for over an hour. They were worth the wait. Also in line was a surgically enhanced lady. I had never seen one so close before. Her lips were huge to match her chest.

This weekend we visited Brian's old college. There was an alumni swim meet for his old swim team. The whole weekend was a fun time. There were a couple moments I looked around to find myself the only female in the room. A lot of testosterone going around to say the least. All the boys were super excited to be there again. I asked Brian what I should take picture of at the meet, his reply, "Everything!".

I recently had to get my heart looked at with an ultra-sound machine. I'm pretty sure it was called an echo cardiogram. I need to get checked out every five years or so to see if I was lucky enough to avoid my dad's genetic heart condition. I liked watching my heart work on the screen. I did not like the goop all over the front of my torso.

Spooktacular

2008-10-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's fall again. So far we have had a fairly pleasant Autumn. Sometimes fall can be rainy and awful. I was thinking about what I was doing last fall. I was working at Bed, Bath and Beyond, one of the lower points of my life so far, where Halloween crap was in full swing. Plenty of people bought tons of Halloween and then Thanksgiving and then Christmas junk. I really don't see the point of decorating according to season or holiday unless you are a homemaker with no children. Who has time to redecorate every month? Most of that fare is pretty ugly anyway.

Actually, if the purpose was to scare the pants off of a 2nd grader, I know it would have worked on me.

My parents came to visit for four whole days here in Albany. I think they had a good time and it gave me the opportunity to act like a tourist. We went on some of Brian's old field trips and then some: capital building, viewing deck of Corning Tower, church flea market, Saratoga, Saratoga battlefields, FDR estate Hyde Park, theater, and Fowler + Auger Falls. It was a very nice visit overall. The best part might have been the ziti Brian made for us.

Two weekends ago I traveled to Boston to visit Rachel and see Thuan and Anna. We always have fun when we all get together. I feel very lucky to have old friends so close by geographically.

With the past two weekends so full, studying for the big test hasn't been easy. Trying to study on weekday evenings is difficult when the Office and ANTM is on.

2008-09-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

This was also, too crazy to keep from you.

I might hate math

2008-09-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

So I will be taking the GMAT soon as part of my quest to go back to school again in the fall. This meant I had to start studying my math and grammar. I was actually pretty good at math in school. Tex told me I should be a mathematician at parent-teacher conferences. Unfortunately I cannot remember anything that I learned. Brian (weirdo) can remember the formula for a circle's radius, I sure can't. Math was much like Spanish class for me, as soon as I learned what I needed to pass the course, I promptly forgot everything. This worked out better for Math than Spanish. On the GMAT you don't get a calculator. I have a real problem with this. They first gave me a calculator in the 2nd grade and I always had one in class past 7th. Why should I be expected to divide big numbers and fractions in my head, that's not a requirement in life.

Anyway I'm sure it will all be OK.

As you can probably tell by my last two post I've been politically occupied online. I have all day to read the NYT op-eds. I hope this election goes the right way.

Big Brother ends tonight. There goes one time-waster. I really hope Dan(from the mitten!) wins.

I have now lived in our apartment and thus Albany for over a year. Hitting that mark is the closest thing Brian and I have to a real anniversary date. We will be staying in our little place for at least one more year. It suits us just fine for now.

I am slowly losing my patience here at Abacus. I can't wait to start school and leave this job behind.

Les Mis

2008-09-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

I know I need to write a real post soon. Until then, I loved this-

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Les Misbarack | Funny Jokes at JibJab

Now that's more like it

2008-08-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Just one reason I like Obama

"We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers.''

-Barack Obama

You wanna hear some blues?

2008-08-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

You may know that I really enjoy guacamole. We have made lots of guac lately and it rocks. I think I may have mastered the art of picking out just the right avocados. Not too swishy, just just swishy enough.

John Mayer was pretty great. It was the only big concert Brian and I went to this summer and we both agreed we picked the right one to attend. The weather was totally on our side, it was a beautiful night. We even ran into one of my favorite Fowler campers. At SPAC we usually run into campers, but that will probably happen less and less as the summers go by.

I forgot to mention last weekend we also volunteered on a Habitat for Humanity house. I had done this a couple times before in Michigan with my youth group, but it was a first for Brian. This site was a little more unorganized than the ones I had been on previously. Basically it was a bunch of retired men in charge, so there was no rush. Then some people came who really didn't want to do much of anything. When they requested more people to get onto the roof to nail, I looked around at a bunch of grown people staring at their feet and figured it was time to get up there. I actually really like working on the roof, I thought it would be scary, but it wasn't so bad. Overall it was a great experience and I think we should do it again.

It is now post time, and party time

2008-08-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have been trying to squeeze as much into the last weekends of summer as we can. We finally fulfilled my dream of going to a drive-in movie, which there are several of close by. In Michigan I can only think of one, and it was a long drive. Anyway I really liked it a lot. It was nice to sit outside, and we could talk without bothering anyone. Cheap side: we saw two movies for $8 a person, can't beat that.

We have been going to our neighborhood pool a lot this summer and we made another trip this weekend. I won't lie it's pretty ghetto, but again pretty cheap (free). We can't bring any bags in, you have to put the bag in a locker or just carry stuff in. Whateves

SPAC is next on the list, we are heading there tonight for the John Mayer concert. I've never seen him, but I have heard good things. I think SPAC is a great place to see live music. Our second summer at camp we were there for three different concerts and they were all great. It's really nice have music available close by. In GR you pretty much had to drive to Detroit or Chicago for a lot of acts (unless it's country music, then there's no problem really).

Brian starts school on Tuesday, so I will probably need to entertain myself a little bit more. I might start knitting again.

Splash and Dash

2008-08-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Well swimming is over and going to sleep on time can start up again. Gymnastics were also keeping me up. I was completely taken in by the so-not-sixteenness of the Chinese gymnastics. They were so tiny! Not cool man.

On an Olympic note: I love the movie Cool Runnings. Here is a clip, go to 9.35 for the song that never gets old.

Dwindling photo cred

2008-08-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

http://herald.rca.org/inprint/churchnews0908.html

Just a little bit about the new dining hall at camp.

There was a factory, Now there are mountians and rivers

2008-08-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

I listen to NPR a few hours everyday at work. I like Diane Rehm, she is a pro. Today they were talking about student loans and a caller ended up sobbing on air over his financial troubles. I had to turn it off it was so depressing. I get sad about my student loans sometimes, but I know how lucky I am to have as little as I do. I would never be driven to sobs on the Diane Rehm show.

Also NPR related: I don't think it's my Michigan bias, but quite a lot of callers from my home state.

We have been watching the Olympics like the rest of the world. Swimming is a lot more fun to watch with a swimmer.

We bought a converter box for our TV. The picture is really clear...when it comes through right. ABC and CBS are good, but NBC is super finicky. We spent about half an hour getting a good picture to watch some diving.

I think I am finally getting used to the regular gym visits (only took two months). There are so many weirdos at the Y. I got so used to the GVSU workout facility where we all could have come from the same dutch family. Our Y includes:
- a guy who wears a horrible toupee while lifting, seriously doll hair
- a fairly old man who doesn't notice his shorts are really really falling down his backside
- a horrible grunting man, several times I have thought he was having some sort of medical emergency
- a guy who works out in belted pleated khakis and a black button up short sleeved shirt, and a walkman

We finally made it to camp this weekend. So good. It was great to see friends again. Weather was on our side on Saturday, we enjoyed a beautiful canoe ride to the outlet and a nice time on the raft. Dinner was delicious in Wells. Melodies was good for beer and some Olympic viewing. It was pouring and chilly when we left on Sunday, it's easier to leave when it's raining.

Que pasa

2008-07-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

I just ran our of tissues at my office desk. I need more. I am pretty attached to both tissues and chap stick. I probably don't need either of them, but I can't help myself.

Summer is in full swing and that means Big Brother has returned to CBS. I'm more sucked in this time since I can read stuff about real time happenings in the house all day long. So far the cutest thing that has happened is swimming lessons. Two house guest that didn't know how to swim at all are getting get instruction from a patient fellow house guest. Of course stuff like that never gets to TV.

Brian thinks we are watching to much television. He may be right. Once we get our Netflix in the mail and we feel like we should finish them as soon as possible to receive our next instalment. We just completed Flight of the Conchords: Season One. Hilarious. Last night we watched the first disc of Big Love, which was good but creepy.

Since we work out after work around five days a week, I've had a hard time phoning friends to chat.
Since I have tons of time at work, I'm trying email.

Update: My hand is still tingly. I don't think I have carpel tunnel. I haven't been working here that long. I think I may have slept on my hand all night or something last Monday. Anyway, I think it is gradually getting better, although still weird.

Can't be good right?

2008-07-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Since Tuesday I have had half a tingly hand. On my right hand, the ring finger and pinky finger along with the rest of my hand below those fingers are all numb and tingly feeling. Sometimes it gets worse, sometimes its almost gone, but never really gone yet. It doesn't hurt.

I have no idea.

That was fun, I should do it again sometime.

2008-07-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Let's see whose armpit smells worse?

2008-07-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Brian and I workout maybe five days a week on average. This is a lot for little me. We were lifting every other workout session, but I think I need to scale back. My arms were getting bigger and I don't really want them to get any larger. Huge arms might look awkward on my body. Watching TV at the Y makes the cardio portion go much faster. The problem with the TVs, is there are only three of them. Usually one is on sports and two are on news, sometimes that ratio is reversed. I would really like to watch MTV or Bravo.

We saw two of Brian's cousins from Long Island this weekend. One brought her photo album from her recent Sweet 16 party. It was seriously nicer than some weddings I've attended. As nice as I'm sure it was, I was pretty happy on my 16th birthday with pizza and a basement.

Sunday was a nice day. We finally made it to an early summer church service (9 am, why?). We sure picked the right day, there was communion and a baptism. The baby was super chubby and cute, she didn't cry at all. Later we tried to go to the local pool. We had to wait awhile to get in, someone had an accident in there. I always thought pooping was bad to pick up at the museum, but a pool totally tops that. After a quick dip, we headed to a Valleycats game. The ballpark was small compared to the huge Grand Rapids Whitecaps park, but just as fun. The game was really fun despite the whining children...but then it got rained out. Still a very relaxing day that seemed to go on forever.

These are their stories...

2008-07-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

So at work about 75 percent or more of my time is spent doing nothing. I try to pass the time surfing the web. But lately one thing has occupied my time here. I have been watching Law and Order SVU a lot. Who doesn't like Ice-T? I can watch it instanly through Netflixs.

I think I need to scale back some of this. I have become increasingly nervous that some crazy person will scale the side of my building at night and hurt me. I am most paranoid in the morning when I'm alone in the apartment. It's all pretty ridiculous but I can't help myself. I used to really work myself up in my attic bedroom at my parents house. I would work out scenarios in my mind of how I would react to my attackers. Most of the reactions included hiding.

On a lighter note we got a free Sam's Club membership through my work. Here we come free samples!

Not now chief, I'm in the zone

2008-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked our final wedding of the summer. It was by far the biggest and most expensive wedding I've ever attended. It was beautiful and probably exactly what they wanted, but it was kinda a lot for me. My favorite part may have been the great brunch they had for guests on Sunday morning.

The wedding included both Catholic and Jewish traditions. I was pretty stoked to yell "mazel tov" after the wine bottle was stomped.

The bride was wearing a strapless gown. They all are these days.

I just had my three month review at Abacus. The easiest review ever. My boss hates doing them and it shows. He ended it as quickly as possible and I was more than OK with that. Quick and painless.

I've been missing the Michigan beach this summer. I tried to enjoy it last year as much as possible before I left. Hopefully next summer we can stay long enough in the mitten for a beach visit.

Ticky Tacky

2008-06-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Brian and I just got back from a wonderful weekend with friends in the city. I really do consider myself very lucky to still be so close to my friends from high school. Thuan, Rachel, Anna and I had a great time staying with Thuan in her summer apartment. Thaun was a great host and made us delicious food.

We were super tired after the weekend but, as Brian said, "It's a good kind of tired".

When we got home we both felt like this:

Now we have a four day work week and its time for a trip to Mich. I can't wait to see my family and Eric getting married :)

Watch or Warning?

2008-06-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

We finally got around to making my birthday cake. My personal favorite, fun-fetti with chocolate frosting. I never used to be very fond of cake. Then I started working where they threw kids bday parites and learned to like it very much. The cake was delicious.

We just survived our first heat wave (90s for four days) in the apartment. It was so so so hot. And so so so humid. The dew point was reaching the 60s and 70s. I really don't like sweating very much, so I was kinda miserable.

to a happy song

2008-06-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

So basically I really like Weezer. Next to the Beatles they are probably my favorite band. I was very excited that their new album came out on my birthday (totally a sign), and Brian was nice enough to present me with it. You can tell Rivers is much happier than he has been in years. I'm pretty sure this is because he got married to the Asian girl of his dreams. In his words "Goddamn you half-Japanese girls. Do it to me every time".

My birthday was super fun. Danielle and Annie came to dinner at Bombers with us. I got a delisious pitcher of margarita mostly to myself. After a stop at our place we headed to karaoke. We met up with Dan and Chris who both sang. Brian sang too, which is always a treat. Even I sang (doesn't happen often) with Danielle - Toxic by Britney Spears. I think Toxic rock.

They say it's your birthday

2008-06-03T09:35:00.001-07:00

Today I turn 24, my favorite number. Hopefully it will be a good year.

Freihofer's Run for Women is a 5k that they hold in Albany every year. Lucky for us it loops past our apartment near the start and back for the finish. It was really cool watching all the females run.

What really suprised me was the age of all the girls running. There was a six-year old running! We saw so many little girls running alongside the older people. They had legs as big as my little wrist! And they were passing people, lots of people. A lot of the girls were among the front of the pack finishing. I was amazed. Brian decided that I will run it next year. I decided I would see about that. I could run by our place next year, see Brian and give him the finger while I pant down the hill. Could be fun.

And... I'm spent

2008-05-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

So Brian and I finally signed up for the YMCA. We have been planning to join for months now. When you join the Y you can meet with a fitness instructor for free. This seemed like a good idea until he asked what I wanted to get out of working out.
"Um I just want to be in better shape..yeah."
I felt pretty awkward talking about fitness but the guy had really good advice and showed us the proper way to use everything and in what order we should go. Apparently strength training comes before cardio. I can honestly say I have never worked out so much in my life. When we do our strength training it takes a good hour and a half to get everything in. I've never stayed at the gym that long.

Last weekend I went to the Jersey Shore with Anna and Rachel and a bunch of Anna's friends for her birthday. I wasn't sure it would be my deal and it wasn't really. I liked the beach and hanging out but the giant packed club with super expensive drinks, not so much. Anna was hilarious though :)

My own birthday is coming up. I don't have much planned other than a giant birthday margarita at Bombers.

There is a dedication for the new dining hall at Fowler this weekend. I'm really looking forward to seeing camp again. It's too bad we really don't have time to volunteer for a whole week this summer. I know other summers will come, but I'm still sad not to spend more time there. Hopefully we can make a couple weekend visits. Rain is predicted for the dedication day. When I think back to weekends at camp it rained a lot.

No You're the Best

2008-05-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Holy crap look what I found

2008-05-15T12:03:00.001-07:00

Who knew red nail polish was the devil?

I've got a crush...

2008-05-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Words cannot describe my feelings when I discovered that Obama would be visiting Grand Rapids.

Urgh. I was not a happy camper, that is for sure.

Like the dork that I am I actually thought about this kind of thing happening when I moved. By living in Grand Rapids, Michigan I have been lucky enough to attend rallies for Al Gore, Kerry and see President Bush. I also saw Bob Dole's running mate. His name escapes me, but I remember he threw a football. I really enjoyed being a part of these big rallies. It's very exciting especially when you are rooting for whoever is there.

On Tuesday I got on the Internet at work as I always do and it took about five minutes to discover that Obama would be having a rally at the arena. I pretty much flipped out. Ugh, how am I missing this? I love Obama! Brian and I discussed him in the summer of 2005, we have been fans for a long time. Soon it seems that everyone I know was posting on facebook that they were attending.

Then on Wednesday to my horror I find out that this will be the event that Edwards endorses Obama at. Sadness.

Oh well.

I don't think they will be coming here...

Taken in GR :(

Wait what?

2008-05-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was Tulip Fest in Albany, New York, located in Washington Park just a block or so away from our apartment. For those readers from my native city of Grand Rapids, Michigan it might be compared to our Tulip Time or the Festival of the Arts. But there were some significant differences.

-There was a lot of drinking. This doesn't happen at events put on in Holland, MI period.
-There was a lot of open underage drinking. People were not even using plastic cups, they just carried cases into the park. Seriously Festival would be a whole lot crazier if that could fly in GR.
-There was a pony ride!! Wow this one I really wish could happen in MI.
-There were baby sheep to pet! Ditto from above, who doesn't love petting baby animals.
-I had heard of the band that played on Saturday. While Tulip Time gets some big names, Festival really only gets local bands (which is great). But the crowd in Albany was way way bigger than would fit at the Calder Stage.
-I felt like there should have been more tulips.
-There wasn't really any Dutchness going on. Brunettes definitely outnumbered the blonds. I did not see one wooden shoe. They did burn a floating windmill.

Do do do

2008-05-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

We attended our first wedding of the summer last friday. It was a very nice ceremony and a really great reception. Brian got to see a lot of his old swimming friends so that was good. The weird thing that I noticed during the wedding was that god, or the bible, or anything religios was not touched on at all. All the weddings I have ever attended they at least read some Corintians or something.

I cannot wait for the summer to start. Brian will finally have some free time and there are so many things we can do in Albany in the summer. In GR I did always feel limited to my choices for things to do. My friends and I saw a lot of movies.

This weekend I watched The Business of Being Born -

http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/

Synopsis: "The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal.

Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?"

Anyway this movie kind of blew my mind and even though I will not be having a baby for a long long time, I will definetly keep the points that they made in mind. In America having a mid wife seems like nutty thing, but America also has the second worst infant mortality rates out of the develped countries. I would really recomend this movie.

That's what she said

2008-04-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

So last Friday it was the first really nice day that felt like it could be summer. I got home and decided to sit on our back porch and read. I got all ready and walked out to settle down. As soon as I exited out back door I saw about three huge bees and two wasps. If you have ever been in my presence while a bee is near, you know that these are not my favorite creatures. Anything with black and yellow stripes that flies is not my friend. In the sixth grade I was yelling and running around on the playground when a bee flew right in my mouth and stung my tongue. A couple years ago I was stung waiting for the bus to campus and my hand was painfully swelled through two classes.

On my tongue! Who could blame me for hating them?

Needless to say the bees right outside my door are soooo not cool. I jumped right back in and watched as bees and wasps flew around our place all afternoon. I now have come to the conclusion that they are either hiving on the roof (we are on the top floor) or in the eves right above our back stairs. Now I can't even enter up the back. I become paralyzed with fear when they get close to me. And the bees are so so big! I never saw any so large in Michigan. They are the size of one of my fingers in width and more than a quarter in length.

I opened my window today at work for the first time. The breeze felt so nice and cool.

And then a bee flew in. Just as I was flipping out, it found it's way out the window. I can never enjoy the breeze again.

Along with the bees of summer, come my least favorite piece of apparel - the culotte or gaucho. Every girl around the GV campus would rock a pair of culottes with her flip flops and sun glasses. Seriously I just saw my first culotte of the season at the bank and I hate them so much.

Woah dude

2008-04-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

I was bored and tried this.
So Ginny and I look like each other, that's pretty cool.
Yeah...

Bill! Bill! Bill! Bill!

2008-04-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

We went down to the city for 24 hours and had a good time. On the subway I saw a girl wearing glasses without lenses. I have always had a real problem with people who wear glasses as a fasion statement. I had to get glasses when I was six and felt it was my cross to bear everyday. Being called four-eyes is not a thing to aim for.

Bill Nye is back! I loved his science show as a kid (maybe later than that as well) He wrote an article about his green living. Some great Bill quotes from the article:

"I drink my lemonade in a beaker. "
"I like to carry a pocketknife that’s small enough that they let me take it through airport security. It was given to me by the actor Bob Picardo, who is on “Stargate,” and his wife. It’s shaped like a baseball bat. It’s freakin’ cool. "
"I love swing dancing. I go two nights a week, often four. The big thing you wear is swing pants. They are high-waisted and baggy. You also wear short-sleeved shirts and special shoes. "
"My neighbor has lived here since 1947. She is 82 and charming. Quite often on Sundays we sit on her back porch and eat scones that I make."

What a nice guy. I had a feeling he was a nice guy. Article link below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/magazine/20wwln-domains-t.html?ex=1366257600&en=4b92d379b0618ae9&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Olympic Gold!

2008-04-18T07:11:00.001-07:00

So back in my past I used to love watching figure skating. And most of all I loved Kristi Yamaguchi. Needless to say I have now become obsessed with her on Dancing with the Stars. She is so pretty and graceful I can't stand it. Kristi has gotten the best scores every week so far. If she doesn't win I will probably be upset. I thought last week was her personal best. Sorry for such a long video, you can totally fast forward until the good dancing part. So good!

My new job is going pretty well. I think I will fit in here fine. I already play Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon with them.

And I have another video here - but it's really the new Weezer song Pork & Beans from their album that will be released June 24. I think it sounds great.

Stay Classy Cincinnati

2008-04-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

New things

2008-04-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

So since I last posted I fell into a big-feeling-sorry-for-myself couple of weeks. At the Office of Mental Health they had informed us months ago that they would be keeping two or three of us four temps past the end date, which was March 31st. They did not let us know who was saying or going until around March 19th, giving us booted temps less than two weeks to find new employment. Well they decided to keep Dumb and Dumber (Horrible Helen and Tyler). They told Jen and I that there wasn't really a good reason for the choice and we had been great workers, etc. More than anything this angered us because it felt like the stupid people won. Anyway I was flipping my shit for a number of days.

I went on two interviews in one day and a day after that got an offer for a job. Today is my second day on the new job. After all my worry, I got really lucky and can't complain at all about what happened to me. As Tyler put it, I was the luckiest of all the temps. I am not temping anymore and have health insurance = a win for Sandy over Horrible Helen. I will never have to see her again. Thank God.

The new place is good so far. These guys are total computer nerds but super nice.

Sandy moment story:

I have on occasion what I call "Sandy moments". The last one that took the cake was when I turned off my car while still in drive. When I went to leave I thought my car was broke. Nicole and I took the bus home in the cold without jackets. Then I called my dad to help me, and he figured it out in two seconds.

This new one had way more drama. We were leaving for Buffalo that evening so Brian and I wanted to get out the door quick. I was hurrying home from work, holding groceries, my lunch bag, mail, purse, and file folder w/ all tax info as I walked up the stairs to get into my apartment. I stopped at the door to get in and my key would not turn for some reason. I dropped everything but my purse and ran to the back entrance of the building get into our back door instead. I got in fine and opened the door. All my stuff was gone!

I was freaking out, I questioned the girl next door and called the police. I was looking up stolen identity stuff (you need a police report to file for a credit freeze), and calling netflix since the discs were in the mail pile. Brian came home and he called his parents to let them know what was going on. He got a call back from them a second later and he walked out the the apartment. He came back with everything I thought I had lost. Hurray, nothing was stolen!

What did I do wrong? I walked up to the second floor and tried to get into the wrong apartment, we live on the third floor. Then I got in my apartment and thought everything had been taken. So I wasted an hour of my life, had to cancel the police, and hang my head in shame. So yeah, that's a Sandy moment for sure.

TweedleDee and TweedleDum

2008-03-13T10:49:00.001-07:00

So Horrible Helen and Tyler are super fun in meetings. We had one this morning explaining a new database. They pretty much ran the meeting by creatively rephrasing everything we were told. I think they believe it makes them look smarter.

Supervisor: "So make sure to write the ID number on the top left hand corner of the sheet and then maybe your initials."

Tyler interrupts" "So we will just grab one off the stack, jot the ID and then our initials next to it?"

Supervisor: "Um yes!" (Nervous laughter)

Two minutes later...

Supervisor: Make sure to pay attention so the letters you are choosing, are the right ones."

Horrible Helen covers her face and mines hitting lots of keys without looking. She repeats to make sure the supervisor sees.

I'm the one in the headband.

Detroit What

2008-03-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

We had a really good time this weekend at a dinner dance for Brian's MBA program. I might have had more fun than him. It was nice to dress up again. I hadn't attended a dance since the Presidents Ball with all the girls on my floor freshman year at GV. And before that it was the City dances. I did miss my own personal make-up artist (Emily), and getting ready with my friends. Brian only takes about 20 minutes to get completely ready and that includes a shower. He told me I should take something like 30 at the most.

Right.

Anna is coming to visit this weekend and will be our first official guest to stay over. I'm sure we will have a great time, probably induced by green beer.

After that is Easter weekend, and various activities including an Eric visit and a play and of course Easter.

And after that we are making a quick visit to Michigan. Thankfully Brian will be making the long drive with me. It is soooo much better to drive 11 hours with someone other than yourself.

Smoochies

2008-03-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Horrible Helen tried to kiss me on the cheeck.

I was sitting at my computer. She put her hands on my shoulders and leaned down for the kill. I strained with all my might, so that my face would not connect with hers. Ugh. She got the message I think (I try to make my body language obvious).

"I can't give you a smooch?"

"No."

There is no one I want a kiss from less.

"I'm just talking to myself" "Did you hear anything good?"

2008-03-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

My new fav odd couple:

My life has become consumed by tabloid culture. I have to fill my time at work somehow. And the only thing here to amuse me is a computer. I can only read real articles for so long, and spider solitaire ends up putting me in a haze after a couple hours, and that leaves...Perez Hilton (among others).

Don't hate me, I hate myself enough for this.

I also watch too much TV. I read a ton at work (on the computer) so reading a book doesn't appeal to me as much as it should. I think I need to go for walks or somethings.

We are going on a GR weekend trip, the last weekend in March. Should be exciting. I haven't made the drive since September, should be fun (not). At least I will have someone to talk to this time around. Not to mention cruise control, it will be sooo much better with cruise control.

Fine eyes

2008-02-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

I was pretty excited to watch the Oscar's last Sunday. Now that I think about it I don't know why I was so excited. usually I have seen most of the movies up for awards but this year I had viewed next to none of them (Atonement and Definitely, Maybe are all I've seen in a theater since I left MI). But as usual, I got ready to enjoy the show. I love seeing all the gowns and all the stars. Then I flipped the channels during commercials and saw that PBS was showing the last two hours of the Pride and Prejudice mini-series. Well it was pretty much curtains for the Oscar's after that. No one can resist Mr. Darcy.

Ugh I really miss the museum now and then. I got bored at work and looked up what people were posting on their blogs about the museum (I'm a creepster). Lots of cute families have been going there. I really want to see the new Bob the Builder exhibit. It is very strange to see events pass by at the museum that I have always worked.

Bye!

2008-02-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Michigan, I've defected to New York.

I'm officially a New Yorker now. The license, the plate, the registration, the title and the inspection all switched. I was actually pretty nervous about the inspection. We don't have inspections in Michigan so I didn't know what to expect. But nothing was wrong I guess. They also don't tape your registration to your windshield ( I had to do that too).

Everyone at work had about the same reaction..."What Michigan doesn't inspect!?" "How do they know your car is safe?"
-Well I guess they just trust you to keep a working car on the road and a non-working car off. So are Michiganders more trustworthy? Probably not...I knew lots of people who drove around with a check engine light on.

Happy Valentines Day! (tomorrow)

Peter here at work is scrambling for a last minute gift and reservations. I feel a little bad for him. But not that bad, he totally didn't prepare. His wife is going to be pissed.

You are strong!

2008-02-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Well this weekend was spent in Buffalo for the big swimming competition. Brian and lots of other alumni came to support their team. But mostly the audience was filled with fanatical parents. I have never seen anything like it. People were dressing in matching shirts and hats. They were waving signs and chatting over and over again. They cheered for every little thing. The weirdest one I witnessed was a women crouching over the edge of the balcony to scream at her daughter, who was swimming (her head is literally under water, not to mention everyone else is yelling too) "YOU ARE STRONG KRISSY!".

The event Brian used to swim is ridiculously long, like 60 some laps in the pool. I would literally die.

Of course Geneseo won, and it was really exciting to see them so excited.

Two bad things from the trip:

-I got sick. Head cold + loud space = pain
-There was a blizzard the entire ride back, making the trip really long. (Apparently here people turn on their emergency flashing lights just to make sure you see them)

Back to work on a Monday, Horrible Helen and Tyler have already discussed royal marriages and various nuts. I think they are nutty.

MI vs. NY

2008-02-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

So I have been in the process the last couple of weeks changing my residency to New York State. If you can avoid changing states at any point in your life, do it. Here is a list of what I had to do:

1st: At the DMV turn over Michigan license (so cute!) and register for a new New York one (bad, they didn't tell me when they were taking the picture)
2nd: Obtain insurance for NY. This was a real pain it took three phone calls, after I did insurance online to get something that said New York State on it.
3rd: Go back to the DMV and switch over title and registration.
4th: Get an inspection on your car within ten days.
5th: Figure out how to mount a front plate to the front of my car.

Ugh

On the other hand I didn't have to deal with a solid Michigan snow storm last week.

And now for something completely different:
Antiques Road Show is my new favorite TV show. I love the stories, the suspense and the surprise. And all the old ladies tickled pink over their tea sets.

Anyway

2008-02-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

Life may not be as bad as it seems. I'm not this guy.

I'm also in a new area with no contacts, I shouldn't be so hard on myself.

We are going to a big swim-meet-thing for Brian's college this weekend. Should be a good time. I will probably have to make convo with other girlfriends who don't know what is going on. They wil have lots of free pizza and wings-a big plus. I've really been craving pizza.

Then next weekend I'm going down to Anna's again, this time because Rachel is visiting. I usually never see her, so I am very excited.

Today Horrible Helen wore an orange shirt. When she came back from her cruise last week she had re-dyed her hair. The 2 inches of grey were gone and her hair was one whole color again. Apparently it takes 4 boxed to get he whole length of hair covered in the dye. She says it is red, but it's definitely orange in hue, and it matches her shirt perfectly. Not a great color for a pale person.