tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59871242011-04-21T15:10:58.189-05:00thoughts of an old-fashioned modern girln.o.s.noreply@blogger.comBlogger1251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1156813340657443302006-08-28T20:01:00.000-05:002006-09-15T13:38:19.410-05:00

2006 Chicago TriathlonInternational DistanceIt took me 3 hours and 40 minutes. I am so happy! There is a race report in the works, but it might be a while...

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1147922366047191702006-05-17T22:16:00.000-05:002006-05-17T22:19:26.060-05:00

Yesterday, I changed the burned out bulb in my car's headlight. No small feat, so I'm proud, proud, proud - but maybe I'm a little too proud of myself. I seriously had this thought when I finished..."Hmmm...maybe I should become a mechanic!" Umm, slow your roll, babe.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1146936839683195012006-05-06T12:32:00.000-05:002006-05-06T12:33:59.696-05:00

I ran a 5k today! It took me 35:10, but I didn't stop. I have a lot of work to do before The Triathlon... :)

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1144117377429522332006-04-03T21:15:00.000-05:002006-04-03T21:22:57.443-05:00

So, it’s been forever and eight days since I wroteanything of substance on this site. I could botherwith excuses, like, my computer has basically beenunusable since last summer, but I won’t…okay, I guessI just did. Anyway, here’s a quick rundown of some ofwhat’s been happening for the past 9 months or so…Early last summer, I decided that I needed to executean aggressive strategy at work if I

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1138731812301761352006-01-31T12:21:00.000-06:002006-01-31T12:23:32.310-06:00

This is ridiculous. My last post is dated August 2005! A million little posts floating through my mind, but not one committed to paper (or screen). More on the way within a week, that's my promise to myself. 1000 Things, a reunion, and plans for the new year...

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1124465271983552202005-08-19T10:25:00.000-05:002005-08-19T10:27:51.990-05:00

well, that’s just the way it is…sometimes when everything seems at its worstwhen all conspiresand gnawsand the hours, days, weeksyearsseem wasted—stretched there upon my bedin the darklooking upward at the ceilingI get what many will consider an obnoxious thought:it’s still nice to be n.o.s.“well, that’s just the way it is…” from You Get So Alone At Times That It Just Makes Sense by Charles

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1122406666192018042005-07-26T14:36:00.000-05:002005-07-26T14:37:46.196-05:00

I haven't posted in forever and a day, but I'm still here! Working on a post about my recent college reunion and also on my 101 in 1001 list. Back soon...

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1114546590268319712005-04-26T15:08:00.000-05:002005-04-26T15:16:30.270-05:00

I’ve been meaning to complete a “101 Things in 1001 Days” list for about 1001 days now. My starter list is a long way short of 101 things, but here’s a taste:- (Learn how to) Design a great website- Visit Ipanema- See an opera performed in an Italian opera house - Learn Portuguese- Brush up on my Spanish- Make 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day a regular part of my diet- Become

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1114450626542530652005-04-25T12:36:00.000-05:002005-04-25T12:37:06.543-05:00

Occasionally, I’ll come across something I’ve written for the blog that for some reason went unposted. I don’t remember what incident or series of events prompted the post below, but it appears I was not in a very happy mood that day. 4/2/03I think I need to begin choosing my friends more wisely. I constantly feel as though other people’s favorite qualities in me are that I’ll listen to them

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1112996474619578622005-04-08T16:40:00.000-05:002005-04-08T16:41:14.620-05:00

That’s how much I spent filling up my tank last night. And when I say tank, I don’t mean my Army-issued all-terrain vehicle. I mean the gas tank on my mid-sized sedan. What the hell.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1112283277241944382005-03-31T09:32:00.000-06:002005-03-31T09:35:07.003-06:00

The last entry I posted was written last week. This entry was written this week, on Sunday night. What a difference a few days makes. I have mixed feelings about this show Grey’s Anatomy. It was literally hurting me to watch it; my chest was tight and I was on, not the verge of tears, but whatever is 3 steps away from that, feeling pangs of anxiety and ...jealousy. I kept turning away, as

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1112038510423063242005-03-28T13:32:00.000-06:002005-03-28T13:36:13.596-06:00

I’ve been avoiding posting because there’s so much to be said that I’m intimidated by the prospect of trying to capture it all. I suppose the first thing I’d like to enter into the record is the fact that I accomplished the two goals I set out for myself for the month of February, which I had dubbed money-making-scheme #1 and money-making-scheme #2. They were to be my first real, committed (

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1109912377603036892005-03-03T22:55:00.000-06:002005-03-03T22:59:37.603-06:00

So, of course I watched A.NTM on Wednesday. I also watched La.w & Order. I am almost positive that Estela (one of the girls who got cut on A.NTM) was in that night's episode of L.aw & Order. She was the chef's other girlfriend, not the dead woman but the one wearing the red robe when the police went to talk to her. Can someone please confirm or deny? It sure as heck looked like her to me,

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1109349798137203722005-02-25T10:30:00.000-06:002005-02-25T11:41:54.666-06:00

So, check this story out. If you can’t get past the link, I’ll recap it for you: New Yorker An.toinette Mi.llard was sued by American Express for racking up $1 million in unpaid credit card charges; she countersued AE for $2 million, saying the company "‘induced’ her into sign ing up for its prestigious, virtually no-limit Centurion card by falsely promising ‘that she could make flexible pay

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1108534150883013692005-02-16T00:08:00.000-06:002005-02-16T08:38:57.593-06:00

On Monday nights, I take a drawing class at a local art school. The teacher’s approach is very different from any that I’ve experienced before because he doesn’t just focus on looking at the surface of an object but encourages us to think about movement, understand structure, and employ our sense of touch. So far, what I like most is the fact that I am learning to see and think in new ways.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1108352668507663542005-02-13T21:41:00.000-06:002005-02-16T00:24:44.043-06:00

I LOVE that song.That is all.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1107801469261796732005-02-07T12:24:00.000-06:002005-02-07T12:39:07.060-06:00

I had planned to answer the kweshins from alissa’s site as my next post, but that ship has sailed. So, instead, I’ll talk about the movie I saw this weekend, Hotel Rwanda. First of all, Don Cheadle is the man. Anybody in the know already knew this, but it deserves to be added to the written record, so I’m putting it down here. He’s the man for a) being fantastic in the movie and b) being in

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1106945257597228412005-01-28T14:43:00.000-06:002005-01-28T14:47:37.596-06:00

I’m the kind of person who gets all goofy and excited over ridiculous little things. For example, when I got my I-PASS which allowed me to go through the tolls without stopping and throwing coins down the plastic gullet, I spent 2 weeks of commuting, clapping and dancing a little jig every time I drove through a toll, shouting "Yea, I-PASS!!!!!" Today at lunch, I went to the car wash for the

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1106869423459480382005-01-27T17:42:00.000-06:002005-01-28T11:37:22.966-06:00

So, as I’m sure I’ve mentioned, it arrived. Right on schedule. My 3-months-into-it-this-job-sucks realization. Not as much of a downer as the last time around because I expected less to begin with. But still no fun. My review which is being put off from the 3rd month to the 4th month due to scheduling difficulties should provide some opportunities to break out of the doldrums a bit. I am

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1106235696827685102005-01-20T09:38:00.000-06:002005-01-20T09:41:36.826-06:00

Today is Not One Damn Dime Day. Americans are being encouraged to cease all spending in order to protest Bush and his policies in Iraq. As it turns out, I don’t have one damn dime to spend anyway. Well, I literally have a dime; I also, very literally, do not have two dollars. I was feeling bad about it, but now we’ll just pretend I’m making a choice, so I can feel empowered instead of just

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1105932936907488512005-01-16T21:34:00.000-06:002005-01-16T21:37:14.756-06:00

Picture me one year ago today. I’m an addict. A junkie. My drug of choice? These. Dear, sweet, toasted snack of the gods. My name is n.o.s, and I’m a pretzelhead. Flash forward to December. I haven’t eaten them in months; I haven’t thought about them in weeks…until an innocent trip to the supermarket brings me face to face with my old nemesis. And it all comes rushing back.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1105730156862139962005-01-14T13:05:00.000-06:002005-01-14T13:15:56.863-06:00

According to the New York Times, obesity in Brazil is on the rise. If you go to the article, you'll see what is supposed to be an example of said obesity problem, a photo of some women on the beach wearing their teeny-weeny-Brazilian bikinis. Note a cor-de-rosa second from the left. Now, I am not yet at the dimpled-ass stage of life, but I feel like homegirl is the Brazilian soul sister to my

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1105573064881683632005-01-12T17:36:00.000-06:002005-01-12T17:37:44.880-06:00

I’m taking an art class! It’s a drawing class, and I’m so excited. I’m finally starting to make time for all that personal enrichment business I keep talking about. It was supposed to start tonight, but they are rescheduling for a different night of the week, so I'll just have to wait a little longer. Other things I’m looking into and/or thinking about taking classes in soon are Chicago

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1105487230973198132005-01-11T17:46:00.000-06:002005-01-11T17:54:59.220-06:00

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this show. It’s so many things I love rolled up into one spectacular hour of television. It’s a reality show. It’s a makeover show. It’s a reality makeover show where miserable, wretched brats are magically transformed into cuddly, beautifully well-behaved loveables by their Fairy Godmother, Supernanny. Perfection.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1105140079970605822005-01-07T17:20:00.000-06:002005-01-09T17:43:19.250-06:00

This may not make sense to anyone but me, but I need to put it in writing so that I’ll have it to look back at later. I went away to see my extended family over the Christmas holiday. I’m embarrassed to say that as the time approached I dreaded the trip, focusing on all the what-ifs and to-dos I could find to worry about: flying, money, packing,(ridiculous, really) rather than on the fact

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1105132214622632042005-01-07T15:08:00.000-06:002005-01-07T15:10:14.623-06:00

Placeholder...I hand-wrote an entry after returning from my Christmas trip and have yet to post it. This is just a personal reminder/guilt trip from me to moi. Carry on.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1103239463534460112004-12-16T17:22:00.000-06:002004-12-16T17:24:23.533-06:00

Tonight is the office Christmas party. But will I be there? No. Why? Because tonight is the 3-hour Apprentice finale extravaganza, beeeeeyooooooooooooooooooooooooooooottttccccchhhh!! Hooollllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Oh, erm...pardon me. Lost my mind briefly.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1102554708217438022004-12-08T19:09:00.000-06:002004-12-08T19:11:48.216-06:00

My baby’s in town! N.O.S has a boyfriend, you ask? Well, no, only in her imagination. Until a man comes to take its place, N.O.S’s baby is her car. And Baby is back…reunited and it feels so good. I rented a car while mine languished in my parents driveway in CA because I couldn’t afford the lump sum required to move it while still paying for the rental car required to get to work in the

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1100797320650720352004-11-18T10:58:00.000-06:002004-11-18T11:02:00.650-06:00

I've spent the past three days wearing my down jacket while sitting at me desk; but just now my co-worker--correction: my new favorite co-worker--gave me a space heater to put under my desk. I am a happy girl. In other good news, my girls are coming to town for a visit this weekend. Yea!

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1100629432105795802004-11-16T12:18:00.000-06:002004-11-16T12:23:52.106-06:00

So, I’ve been asking myself the same question 50 million other Americans have been asking themselves for a week now. What the hell happened? The same question we asked after the 2000 election (debacle), but this time there are no vindicating popular vote figures, no suspect Supreme Court decisions--just one whole percentage point of you lost, we won--suck it. And no amount of speculation about

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1099503941911577182004-11-03T12:45:00.000-06:002004-11-03T11:45:41.913-06:00

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1099422715876545752004-11-02T13:10:00.000-06:002004-11-02T13:11:55.876-06:00

John Kerry is going to win this election by a decisive margin. It will not be 49.995% to 49.994%. I'm talking at least one full percentage point. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1099272400562756752004-10-31T19:26:00.000-06:002004-10-31T19:37:25.566-06:00

Guess where I am right now. No, really, guess. No, that’s not it. Guess again. Nope. Last guess… That’s right! I’m in Chicagooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! It’s been such a whirlwind, so I’ve been completely out of touch with the blog and the rest of the blogosphere. But I’m back for now. I left my old job and NYC at the end of September, and within two weeks had started my new job and

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1095254325270050702004-09-15T08:17:00.000-05:002004-09-15T08:23:10.676-05:00

I'm hired! Details later...

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1094922018223902922004-09-11T12:58:00.000-05:002004-09-11T12:00:18.223-05:00

So, I finally heard from the company I’ve been pursuing since June. I had a phone interview with them last week. That went well, so they flew me out for in-person interviews with some of their staff in a marathon session that lasted all yesterday morning and into the lunch hour. I’ve been so up and down about my prospects, but I try to keep it steady and just focus on doing my best and letting

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1092328117360947262004-08-12T11:20:00.000-05:002004-09-17T16:00:30.146-05:00

So, yesterday was a great day. Work sucked as usual, but there was too much other good stuff for me to care. Now, let me start off by saying that I can be picky. Sometimes, I just know what I like and what I want and I’m willing to go wherever or do whatever to get it. Little things, big things, medium things; if my mind is made up and my heart is set on it, that’s pretty much all she wrote

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1091730242328331922004-08-05T13:16:00.000-05:002004-08-05T13:24:02.326-05:00

Not much new going on around here. I found another position to apply for which looks really cool; I don't have some of the experience they've asked for, but I know that I have the necessary skills, so, in keeping with my don't-take-yourself-out-of-the-game strategy, I am applying for it. I have spent so long on the darn cover letter, but it's worth it at this point, since that letter and my

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1091197020393068282004-07-30T09:16:00.000-05:002004-07-30T09:31:31.430-05:00

I am loving John Kerry right now.  I feel good about him as our candidate.  I was uncertain before.  Certain that Bush needed to go.  Uncertain how I felt about Kerry.  He was an unknown quantity then, but now… I feel good about what he’s bringing to the table.  I’m in it 100% from here on out – pin-wearing, volunteering, voting.  John Kerry for president. 

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1091107908852807182004-07-29T08:26:00.000-05:002004-07-29T08:31:48.853-05:00

I mentioned here a few weeks ago that I was somewhere in between thinking about and planning a move to Chicago.  I’m not making any progress with the job that I applied for at the company that I was *so* excited about there.  They are just refusing to contact me which I *cannot* understand.  I feel like my letter and resume more than merit a phone call or e-mail asking me in for an interview or a

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1088648061373367572004-06-30T21:03:00.000-05:002004-07-01T08:28:02.213-05:00

I did a bad thing today. Well, actually, it was the not-doing that was so wrong. I was leaving the sandwich place at lunch to head back to the office when I caught sight of something. The two windowed walls of the shop are lined with a bar-and-stool set-up for people who want to eat in. There was a woman sitting at the bar on one of the stools, eating a salad and talking on her cell phone.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1088602556686555302004-06-30T08:25:00.000-05:002004-06-30T08:37:51.176-05:00

My mom was in town this weekend, which was nice. She’s such a lovely lady. I guess that’s kind of a weird way to describe your own mother, but that’s what she is. She wanted to come see me this summer, and my sister’s very good friend was getting married in NY this weekend, so it was the perfect time, because she could see me and go to the wedding as well. My sister was in town for the

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1087874751907138272004-06-21T22:19:00.000-05:002004-06-23T10:24:05.323-05:00

I wrote this a couple months ago and wanted to post it in its own separate section of this site, but exactly how to do that is still beyond me, so I'm including it here as a regular-old post. Learn a little more about n.o.s. 1. I don’t like talking on the phone. I much prefer talking face-to-face. As far as I’m concerned, the phone is for conducting business and hammering out details….tell me

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1086577382487146052004-06-06T21:54:00.000-05:002004-06-06T22:03:02.486-05:00

I was in Chicago for a few days last week for a conference, and I really think it is my kind of town. I visited for the first time three years ago and really liked it. I thought to myself, I could live here…except for those famously frigid winters. There is a short stretch of street in downtown L.A. that would always give me a fond little memory of Chicago since that first time I visited, and

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1085717732399990862004-05-27T23:08:00.000-05:002004-05-27T23:15:32.400-05:00

I was waiting for the elevator today and a woman from another part of my floor asked, “Have you lost weight? Are you on a diet?” I said, “No. I’m not on a diet,” and didn’t speak further. I could’ve said, “Well, actually I’m on the Slim in 6 program and I had salad for lunch today which I’m very proud of. Would you like to see me in my bathing suit?” But I just hate that question. Have.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1085277417798837152004-05-22T20:51:00.000-05:002004-05-22T20:56:57.800-05:00

Before I get to the brassiere talk, let me just announce my latest celeb sighting: Kwame Jackson, eating outside at a restaurant on 34th and 3rd. I won’t even link him; if you don’t know who the man is by now, then nevermind. I also saw Jerry Springer and Jun from Big Brother yesterday. Anyway, about bras… So, I’ve been wearing the same old bras for I-won’

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1084933591685608722004-05-18T20:59:00.000-05:002004-05-19T09:58:00.880-05:00

I was crossing the street last week, listening to the Camp soundtrack on my iPod. I looked up and saw one of the actors from the movie right in front of me, crossing the street in the other direction. How weird is that? Out of all the sidewalks on all the streets in New York, out of all the albums I could have been listening to at that moment—a match. I’m almost getting used to coincidences

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1084836613752345372004-05-17T18:26:00.000-05:002004-05-17T18:30:13.753-05:00

My sister forwarded me this article from the L.A. Times about an interesting section of the Bush campaign website. The article begins: "Quick. Before they take it down. Go to your computer, log on to http://www.georgewbush.com - the official Bush/Cheney '04 reelection website. "OK, now notice how running horizontally along the top there's a row of file tabs: Economy, Compassion, Health Care

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1084285627168166542004-05-11T09:24:00.000-05:002004-05-11T09:36:54.516-05:00

I finally finished my part-time job about 2 weeks ago. It was a good gig while it lasted, but it took up most of my weekends and left me sooo tired. There are only a few new things going on around these parts. I’ve started a new workout plan. I’ll be looking for a new job because I am SO DONE with this one. I’m loving the weather. I discovered a new restaurant (well, a friend introduced me

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1082749642796316972004-04-23T14:47:00.000-05:002004-04-23T14:52:40.373-05:00

I'm bored... Thanks, Afrochelle!

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1082121877619655682004-04-16T08:24:00.000-05:002004-04-16T08:29:33.623-05:00

So, did I call it or what? I have to admit, though, that it was a VERY bittersweet moment. I thought Bill had really proven himself over the course of the program, but I had really grown to like Kwame a lot as we saw more of him these last few weeks. :( I think Kwame is extremely poised, talented, and intelligent, and I hope he is able to get some really great opportunities out of this

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1081535288990627812004-04-09T13:28:00.000-05:002004-04-09T13:33:17.560-05:00

Did anyone see last night’s episode of The Apprentice? Oma.rosa Mani.gault-Stall.worth. Oh my. What can I say? Any shred of credibility she had is shot. She told the most bald-faced lie on last night’s episode and demonstrated an appalling lack of competence. All I could ask was what were you thinking? (Part of me even wondered if she were intentionally screwing up in an attempt to

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1081263482240146972004-04-06T09:58:00.000-05:002004-04-06T10:04:52.403-05:00

My dad came into town for a visit this weekend. It was so nice to see him. It’s funny, when I left for college 8 (yikes!) years ago, I could not wait to escape the house and my parents, whom I loved, but could do without seeing everyday. Now, in my old age, I really do miss having them around. I don’t want to LIVE with them, but I wish they were only a car ride away from me, so I could just

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1080749228705281742004-03-31T10:07:00.000-06:002004-03-31T10:10:46.093-06:00

oh my gosh! what next?

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1080680594039518112004-03-30T15:03:00.000-06:002004-03-30T15:11:51.810-06:00

A couple years ago I noticed that there was something magical about track three. “ex-factor” There was just something about the third track on a CD. “mr. jones” Not always…but often enough to take notice, “ready or not” I was repeating the third track over and over. “i’m still in love with you” When asked what one cd I’d take with me to a deserted island (somehow equipped with a stereo

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1079022715915053352004-03-11T10:31:00.000-06:002004-03-15T15:44:51.000-06:00

Yesterday was a good day. There were no bells and whistles, no surprise parties, or gift-wrapped jaguars. ; ) It wasn’t that kind of a day, not something out of a movie. But it was a good day; and lately ordinary good days for me are extraordinary out of the ordinary. I woke up feeling good and well rested. The sun was out, and I smiled the whole way to work. I didn’t rush at all but got

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1078928423214771212004-03-10T08:20:00.000-06:002004-03-10T08:23:31.543-06:00

25 years and counting...

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1078167626918491422004-03-01T13:00:00.000-06:002004-03-01T13:04:23.763-06:00

There were so many people outside at lunch today. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought someone was giving away free money. Well, there wasn’t free money, but there was plenty of sunshine which is about as free as anything gets. The weather outside is…delightful. After a weekend of scrimping, scrambling, and sofa diving, I’m happy to be reminded that I’ll never be too broke for

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1077747767174528972004-02-25T16:22:00.000-06:002004-02-25T16:25:36.700-06:00

Beah: A Black Woman Speaks I don't know whether anyone will see this post in time...I went to a screening of Beah last week; it was excellent. I meant to post about it but didn't. Watch it if you get a chance (and have HBO). Tonight at 7:30.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1077739815536235102004-02-25T14:10:00.000-06:002004-02-25T14:13:05.093-06:00

Since Lent begins this week, I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to give up. Once for Lent I gave up soda. Another year I instituted a sun-up to sun-down fast. Most years I’ve given up nothing at all. This year I considered going the restricted-food route again but decided against it. Those fasts were heavy on the suffering, light on the growth; and once I got into the rhythm, they didn’

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1077646791119552032004-02-24T12:19:00.000-06:002004-02-24T12:23:48.513-06:00

*gasp* :o shocking! ;) (courtesy of Francesca)

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1077641364949567532004-02-24T10:49:00.000-06:002004-02-24T10:53:41.356-06:00

Whatever happened to Tevin Campbell? *singing* Can we taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalk…for a minute? Did you know that fiancé is the man and fiancée is the woman? I just found that out today! A few months ago, back when I was on my 80s video kick I watched Revenge of the Nerds for the first (and second times*), and now I’ve been seeing characters from the movie everywhere I turn. Lamar was on a

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1077558828789850252004-02-23T11:53:00.000-06:002004-02-23T12:12:56.046-06:00

I was at the market Saturday and for some reason this book (Confessions of a Shopaholic) caught my eye. It is not the type of book I normally read, but I was suddenly very much in the mood for it. It’s funny; the main character is a serious shopaholic, delusional and up to her eyeballs in debt. She’s not mentally-ill delusional, but the kind of delusional any of us might seem to be if someone

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1077030399184535892004-02-17T09:06:00.000-06:002004-02-17T09:10:16.436-06:00

Setting: Valentine’s Day. About 6 in the evening. Subway Station. Purchasing a Metrocard. Him: Excuse me, miss, excuse me. I'm not trying to bother you. I just want to tell you that I like your hair. Me: [not looking up] Oh, thank you. Him: You know why I say that? Me: [silent] Him: You know why I’m saying that? Because a lot of black women; they wear there hair straight and long with

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1076342139920827172004-02-09T09:55:00.000-06:002004-02-09T09:58:07.373-06:00

I posted a little something about Kitty Genovese a couple weeks ago. This article adds a different perspective, somewhat mitigating, perhaps; still a sad story, nonetheless.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1076095833679667202004-02-06T13:30:00.000-06:002004-02-06T13:38:59.716-06:00

Got to get this off my chest. I like Bill. He’s stepped up in all the challenges so far, especially last week’s where appeared to be running the show despite the fact that Kwame was supposed to be acting as the project manager. Overall, he seems like a good guy, and I think he’ll take it all the way. I used to like Nick a lot, but I’m iffy on him now because I'm finding he’s not proactive

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1075828924685788162004-02-03T11:22:00.000-06:002004-02-03T12:43:42.513-06:00

Has anyone out there ever been to the Fairway? I went grocery shopping there this weekend and it wasn’t until I actually got to the store that I remembered something. I remembered that the first and last time I had shopped there I had left shaking my head and saying, “I will *never* ever go back in that store.” Well, oops, I did it again, and on Super Bowl Sunday no less. It was a madhouse.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1075749682560668962004-02-02T13:21:00.000-06:002004-02-02T13:23:40.326-06:00

Another quote from MLK to kick off Black History Month (and the primary season) courtesy of odessa street. Cowardice asks the question, “Is it safe?” Expediency asks the question, “Is it politic?” Vanity asks the question, “Is it popular?” But conscience asks the question, “Is it right?” And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1075733105281937612004-02-02T08:45:00.000-06:002004-02-02T08:50:50.076-06:00

The Super Bowl Halftime Show. What I think can be summarized in two points. Point 1) Can you say dated? I feel like that would have been an excellent Halftime show for, say, Super Bowl XXXVI, February 2002. Nelly? P. Diddy? KID ROCK? You’d think MTV could put a little something better together. Point 2) Janet, why’d you let him rip your clothes off you like that? I don’t even think

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1075302008404841462004-01-28T09:00:00.000-06:002004-01-28T09:04:51.030-06:00

I was kind of hoping it would snow enough last night to shut things down; “things” being “my job.” But no such luck. It actually isn’t that bad, though; I’ve arranged to take tomorrow off. I am VERY excited about that. I tried to take last Thursday off, but there is a weekly meeting on Thursdays that I have to take the minutes for and I couldn’t get anyone to agree to take the notes in my

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1074699978541642182004-01-21T09:46:00.000-06:002004-01-21T09:49:18.733-06:00

I, like everyone else, can easily recite the well-known MLK sound bites, but it’s not often that we hear the breadth and depth of the man’s wisdom. Some of his words are below; we should all take the time to reflect on his message beyond these few lonely days in January. Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1074624973114547742004-01-20T12:56:00.000-06:002004-01-20T12:59:57.700-06:00

Breakfast: Oatmeal with dried cranberries …and a chocolate chip cookie. Lunch: Low-fat veggie chili, a cup of water …and Doritos. *whispers* and a cookie! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for dinner...

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1074181004416457852004-01-15T09:36:00.000-06:002004-01-15T09:44:58.466-06:00

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King The Hobbit is one of my two favorite books from childhood, so I am all over this LOTR trilogy. Budgetary constraints are forcing me to wait a bit before I see it, though. ;) 2. Monster (*wince* not sure about this one yet…) 3. Teacher’s Pet (no, really.) 4. Love Actually I was adamantly opposed to seeing this movie because I am not a

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1074099438309203582004-01-14T10:57:00.000-06:002004-01-14T10:59:09.310-06:00

I’ve literally been waiting for months for the appearance of a number of reality tv shows to begin their new season. The Apprentice on NBC began last week, and I’m already hooked. Read all about the show here if you want. Basically, 16 accomplished people with either “book smarts” (degrees up the wazoo) or “street smarts” (started their own companies at the age of 8 with only some ear wax and

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1073997175342484152004-01-13T06:32:00.000-06:002004-01-13T06:39:52.856-06:00

I really, really, really, really, really want to call in sick today. Really. I’m not sick, though. I actually feel pretty good because I got a good night’s rest. But I don’t want to waste all that goodness on The Man; I want to spend it on me. I have all sorts of errands to run, a fridge-full of good food to cook up for the week, a schedule to arrange, clothes to hang up, part-time jobs to

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1073926789075890482004-01-12T10:59:00.000-06:002004-01-12T15:34:20.910-06:00

In the elevator this morning. Security Guard: How are you? Me: Fine… Security Guard: (laughs) If I had the power, I’d tell you to go home…It looks like one of those days. Me: (to myself) Everyday is one of those days! Do I always look this bad? I think I’ve been sleep deprived since about the 4th grade. I had a bedtime of 9pm back then, but I’d stay up a few extra hours every night reading

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1073447377776467602004-01-06T21:49:00.000-06:002004-01-07T08:41:34.176-06:00

Oooooooh-whee! It sure has been a while. I got back from Orlando Sunday night and was back at work Monday. The vacation was wonderful. (I began reading The Secret History and Nickel and Dimed – thanks, Alissa!) and being at home was lovely, even though it was a little chilly. Still, a SoCal winter is really not something to complain about, so I won’t. The highlight of the vacation, though,

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1072109309961792992003-12-22T10:08:00.000-06:002003-12-22T10:16:11.003-06:00

Back at home in CA, that is, getting reacquainted with all the people, places, and things I missed while I’ve been away. I’m going to The Grove today to finish up my Christmas shopping, and I may stop here for lunch. I swore off meat for a year and a few months after reading Fast Food Nation and since jumping off the veggie wagon in early May I have steered clear of ground beef and fast food (

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071855371057793612003-12-19T11:36:00.000-06:002003-12-19T11:36:25.476-06:00

As of this Sunday, I will be out of the office for 2 blissful, sunshine-filled weeks, first in glorious Southern California and then in Orlando—that’s right—I’m goin’ to Disney World, baby! If you send me your address, I'll mail you a postcard with the Disney character of your choice; I love mailing people stuff. You KNOW you want to take me up on that. Am I right? I'm so right; don't be

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071808321392625092003-12-18T22:32:00.000-06:002003-12-18T22:32:15.720-06:00

On my way home from the cookie place yesterday as I approached the stairway leading up to my building, I came upon a group of people who appeared to be chatting, but were standing awkwardly, strung out along the stairs. As I approached, I could see that they were all gathered around a middle-aged man who was laying sprawled on the wet ground, eyes closed, and mouth slightly open, kind of

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071766286217195512003-12-18T10:51:00.000-06:002003-12-18T10:51:57.510-06:00

Normally, I am seriously on the late freight with Christmas presents, but this year I am actually sort of on a decent schedule, only by accident though. I randomly bought a present for my sister about a month ago which I had intended to send her then just as a surprise gift, but I didn’t send it, so now it’s her Christmas present. It’s so late that it’s early. I love that! I have two books

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071710559088130912003-12-17T19:22:00.000-06:002003-12-17T19:25:21.626-06:00

ChristmascookieschristmascookiesmunkyfunkyCHRISTMASCOOKIES mfcc. that’s all I could think after I left work tonight. Why? Because I was on a quest, one not of my own devising…The Boss requested that I purchase some Christmas cookies for a meeting tomorrow. Why? Why me? I’ve spent all day waiting to leave, and now I have to run some ridiculous errand. But were I to roll up in there

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071698058788281112003-12-17T15:54:00.000-06:002003-12-17T15:54:33.256-06:00

7 more minutes... ...nearly comatose

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071689624064674362003-12-17T13:33:00.000-06:002003-12-17T13:35:16.520-06:00

Today is the longest, slowest work day ever. Anybody know any jokes?

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071595202034246232003-12-16T11:20:00.000-06:002003-12-16T11:20:15.870-06:00

This post on "Company Policy" applies to so many things in life. Don't be a monkey! or a sheep...

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071518095930284732003-12-15T13:54:00.000-06:002003-12-15T13:56:10.183-06:00

Dooce does her readers the favor of telling us what she is reading and enjoying; I’d like to follow her lead for a moment and direct your attention to a little something called The Crazy Pants Motif.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071514301149160712003-12-15T12:51:00.000-06:002003-12-15T12:51:54.296-06:00

Last night I called a friend from home whom I haven’t spoken with in almost a year. It would seem from that piece of information alone that she must not be that important to me. Not true. I’m certainly embarrassed that I have neglected to call her although I think about her all the time; and I know she feels the same way. Time just flew by, even as it dragged. I feel surprised that an entire

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071256091891061972003-12-12T13:08:00.000-06:002003-12-12T13:08:24.866-06:00

I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened. –Mark Twain I found out today that I’ve been hired for a part-time job I applied for recently. I’ve been toying with the idea of this particular job for several months now but had continually shied away from the application process because it required a sort of audition rather than your typical interview. I

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071163046323410752003-12-11T11:17:00.000-06:002003-12-11T11:17:38.870-06:00

Clutter stresses me, yet I surround myself with it. My house, my desk, my closet, my purse. It’s everywhere, and it breeds and multiplies. If I’m not careful, I might end up like these guys in 50 years! Okay, not quite, but for a taste, let’s take a peek into my handbag. Here’s what’s in it right now: Keys Small zippered case holding metrocard and tiny subway maps Gum Work id 3 paperback

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071112805340474072003-12-10T21:20:00.000-06:002003-12-10T21:20:17.780-06:00

I have a new chair; I got it out of the dumpster. Okay, well, not the dumpster, the trash heap. Whenever anyone tells me they got their furniture on the curb, I’ve been like: ew, gross! cause who knows where it’s been, and it was thrown away for a reason, right? Well, I violated my own rule. As I was walking back to my apartment in the snow Saturday evening, I spotted a chair lying on top of

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1071085785998486652003-12-10T13:49:00.000-06:002003-12-10T13:52:45.656-06:00

I’ve been reading and hearing a lot of commentary about Average Joe lately; many real-life Average Joes are lamenting the fact that the average guy “lost.” I never saw the show, but as you can see that’s not going to stop me from commenting. If you are an average guy who jumps at the chance to be hooked up with a “hot” girl, can you really be surprised when she jumps at the chance to be

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070922065420520122003-12-08T16:21:00.000-06:002003-12-08T18:20:50.160-06:00

I was just talking to a woman at my office who is wearing a pair of shoes that she made. As in, designed and made herself with her own two hands. She took a YWCA course, and 10 sessions later she had a pair of her very own pumps. I am all over that--Manolo Blahnik better watch his back. They have handbag courses, too. I must save up some cash and take these classes. So, maybe, this is a

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070855861291902102003-12-07T21:57:00.000-06:002003-12-07T21:59:18.440-06:00

Tonight, I saw part of a “60 Minutes” segment about a lawsuit pending against Abercrombie & Fitch for employment discrimination. Basically, the suit alleges that the company discriminates against minorities in hiring and employment practices in favor of whites by, for example, automatically rejecting minority applicants and firing or reducing the working hours of employees who don’t fit the A&F

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070570434922797062003-12-04T14:40:00.000-06:002003-12-04T14:52:17.713-06:00

I keep a cluster of things pinned to my cubicle wall to give me inspiration when I’m feeling blue or bored. The Optimist Creed is up there along with a tribute that was printed on the package of a Luna bar: “To Peggy, the wisest woman I know. Because of you, I will never stop at ‘no.’ If I can’t see a way, I will make my own.” Also on the board is a photograph of Rell Sunn. The picture was

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070566075536015942003-12-04T13:27:00.000-06:002003-12-04T13:29:10.260-06:00

At my office, there is a small kitchenette which holds the standard equipment: a coffee maker, a selection of coffee, a water cooler, a microwave, and a small fridge. Someone at my office just left a note on the box of coffee canisters that reads as follows: Coffee Person- We like Nantucket Blend! Please bring it back… The note irritates me for two reasons. First, there is a note posted

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070555554102165492003-12-04T10:32:00.000-06:002003-12-04T10:35:01.036-06:00

So, the woman who writes the first blog I ever read has posted in the past about doing an internal cleanse. (Wait! Don't go!) As grossed out as I am after having read a bit more about it here, I am also intrigued and kind of want to do a cleanse of my own for the start of the new year. I don’t eat fast food everyday or anything like that, but I certainly don’t have the healthiest diet, either

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070479570398159762003-12-03T13:26:00.000-06:002003-12-03T13:26:20.806-06:00

I just went to someone's blog and was slapped in the face by two pictures of some women's butts, one of which was bouncing and jiggling. People, can you do us all a favor and warn us first, please?

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070430747589742062003-12-02T23:52:00.000-06:002003-12-02T23:52:37.510-06:00

Sometime during the last month, I saw a picture of Ralph Macchio in the paper. I think his image was in the back of my mind when I went to the video store over the Thanksgiving holiday because all of a sudden, I didn’t want to watch anything but The Karate Kid. I hadn’t seen the movie in years, but once I started watching, it all came flooding back. I was grinning like a fool the whole time.

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1070296137785973402003-12-01T10:28:00.000-06:002003-12-01T10:29:07.593-06:00

A mouse. In my house. I was sitting on the couch last night minding my own business when I am almost positive I saw a little furry behind and tail dart out from under the door to my bedroom and then back inside again. A mouse. In my house. What the hell? I was so freaked out. It was late, so I wanted to go to bed, but I didn’t want to go into my bedroom because that’s where the rodent

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1069710177409771372003-11-24T15:42:00.000-06:002003-11-24T15:43:38.560-06:00

I went to the gym this morning, and as a result I’m quite pleased with myself. I got a gym membership during the summer as part of an effort to live healthily and happily. I went a few times a week for the first few weeks, but then I kind of fell off the wagon. I met with a personal trainer, and signed up for a 3-session package deal, but we kept having to reschedule our meetings for one

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987124.post-1069269130476321052003-11-19T13:12:00.000-06:002003-11-19T13:15:46.486-06:00

Tha Shizzolator

n.o.s.noreply@blogger.com