I was checking out the latest messages in my Orkut communties when I noticed something that excited me in my Krispy Kremes community. I noticed that Emotion Eric is a member of the same community and was checking it out the same time I was.
For those of you not familiar with Emotion Eric, you need to visit his website. Spend some time taking it in. You'll be glad you did.
Anyway, back to my story. I click on his profile and it turns out that there are only 5 degrees of separation between the two of us. Five degrees between me and an internet icon. Cool.
Monday, May 31, 2004
Friday, May 28, 2004
What Feels Like the Day After the Movie
The b/f and I just got back from the film, The Day After Tomorrow, a film whose premise is that global warming leads to ecological disaster.
I must start with the pre-movie. I have a huge pet peeve about people being rude and unruly at movie theatres. Being from the Midwest, almost anything qualifies. Usually teenagers and the ever-annoying "tween" (even the term is annoying) get on my nerves by loudly talking pre-movie. But, you may ask, why complain when the movie hasn't started. Because me and my companion(s) speak quietly, allowing everyone else around to comfortably conduct their own quiet conversations.
Lately, the subject of my annoyance is the "complainer." At a recent outdoor concert, the annoyances merged in a trio of teens who had snide comments about everyone around them, including the performers. Tonight, it took the form of the twentysomething woman sitting next to me.
It started during "The Twenty." (For those who don't have "The Twenty" in their area, "The Twenty" is 20 minutes of slickly produced entertainment "news" programming that airs before the twenty minutes of trailers that airs before the movie.) She started with snide political comments during the spot on the new TNT drama about counter-terrorism. I found myself thinking, "Wow. I could actually have intellectually stimulating, ranting conversation about politics with this woman."
I contemplated making an affirming side remark completed with an imagined scenario of us having a pleasant, thought-provoking exchange. Then I had 2 other thoughts: 1) I'm not in the Midwest anymore. I can no longer strike up conversations with strangers. 2) She'll probably just be rude to me. So I kept quiet which proved to be a wise decision because...
1) She started complaining to her companion about how the two guys in front of us were taking an extra seat between them for their food and personal items, which only affirmed...
2) While she was saying many of the things I was thinking, I had the good sense and common sense to keep these thoughts to myself. No one wants to hear a bunch of whining when they go out for an evening of movie entertainment. That's what blogs are for.
Who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll actually get around to sharing my thoughts on the movie.
I must start with the pre-movie. I have a huge pet peeve about people being rude and unruly at movie theatres. Being from the Midwest, almost anything qualifies. Usually teenagers and the ever-annoying "tween" (even the term is annoying) get on my nerves by loudly talking pre-movie. But, you may ask, why complain when the movie hasn't started. Because me and my companion(s) speak quietly, allowing everyone else around to comfortably conduct their own quiet conversations.
Lately, the subject of my annoyance is the "complainer." At a recent outdoor concert, the annoyances merged in a trio of teens who had snide comments about everyone around them, including the performers. Tonight, it took the form of the twentysomething woman sitting next to me.
It started during "The Twenty." (For those who don't have "The Twenty" in their area, "The Twenty" is 20 minutes of slickly produced entertainment "news" programming that airs before the twenty minutes of trailers that airs before the movie.) She started with snide political comments during the spot on the new TNT drama about counter-terrorism. I found myself thinking, "Wow. I could actually have intellectually stimulating, ranting conversation about politics with this woman."
I contemplated making an affirming side remark completed with an imagined scenario of us having a pleasant, thought-provoking exchange. Then I had 2 other thoughts: 1) I'm not in the Midwest anymore. I can no longer strike up conversations with strangers. 2) She'll probably just be rude to me. So I kept quiet which proved to be a wise decision because...
1) She started complaining to her companion about how the two guys in front of us were taking an extra seat between them for their food and personal items, which only affirmed...
2) While she was saying many of the things I was thinking, I had the good sense and common sense to keep these thoughts to myself. No one wants to hear a bunch of whining when they go out for an evening of movie entertainment. That's what blogs are for.
Who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll actually get around to sharing my thoughts on the movie.
More Quizilla Filler
I generally try not to do too many of the Quizilla quizes, but I spotted this one and I knew I must take it.
You are the 1908 Metropolitan Map! One of the
first full maps of the underground, you are a
pioneer. You are a realist and geographically
accurate, with places of interest. Sit down
and have a cup of tea, love.
Which London Underground Map Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Not necessarily what I would have preferred, but fun nonetheless.
Oh, and I learned about the quiz at Watermark.
You are the 1908 Metropolitan Map! One of the
first full maps of the underground, you are a
pioneer. You are a realist and geographically
accurate, with places of interest. Sit down
and have a cup of tea, love.
Which London Underground Map Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Not necessarily what I would have preferred, but fun nonetheless.
Oh, and I learned about the quiz at Watermark.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
10 Minutes in My Head
Last night, as I was falling asleep, I was thinking of things I could use to play with the cat, who is having some issues and needs to burn a little more energy before I go to bed. For some reason, Play-Doh popped into my head.
The more I thought of it, the more I thought a cat would not enjoy Play-Doh because it couldn't do anything with it (not malleable enough.) Then I thought, "Maybe if it was thinned out a bit."
With a vision of goopy Play-Doh in my head, I was reminded of gooey plaster-of-Paris and making those great handprints in grade school.
From there, I flashbacked to getting a cast on my arm when I broke it the summer before 1st grade. That cheesecloth-like fabric dunked in runny plaster.
I was then reminded of paper-mache pinata construction, realizing that for roughly 6 weeks, my arm was a heavy-duty pinata.
Maybe the path wasn't pretty, but the trip was fun.
I really am like this. My boyfriend can even verify that my stories often turn out like this. My political conversations with my mom often take journeys like this train of thought did.
The more I thought of it, the more I thought a cat would not enjoy Play-Doh because it couldn't do anything with it (not malleable enough.) Then I thought, "Maybe if it was thinned out a bit."
With a vision of goopy Play-Doh in my head, I was reminded of gooey plaster-of-Paris and making those great handprints in grade school.
From there, I flashbacked to getting a cast on my arm when I broke it the summer before 1st grade. That cheesecloth-like fabric dunked in runny plaster.
I was then reminded of paper-mache pinata construction, realizing that for roughly 6 weeks, my arm was a heavy-duty pinata.
Maybe the path wasn't pretty, but the trip was fun.
I really am like this. My boyfriend can even verify that my stories often turn out like this. My political conversations with my mom often take journeys like this train of thought did.
Monday, May 24, 2004
Tonight's Safety Lesson
If you should spot a cat on the floor, getting ready to play with a plastic bag, do not sneak up on it in a crouching position with the intent of picking it up. I tried. The results, albeit humorous, were not pleasant.
The cat jumped. Unfortunately, I was pretty stealth and my face was about 4-5 inches above said cat. Far enough for him to build some speed, close enough to feel the full force. He hit me in the face making contact from nose to chin. My nose is still tender and my buckteeth ache. Tylenol has been consumed.
The cat clawed. My arm has a little momento.
The cat is already napping. He is little concerned about the incident.
I am fuming, both at him and my own stupidity. Next time, I will startle him from a distance.
The cat jumped. Unfortunately, I was pretty stealth and my face was about 4-5 inches above said cat. Far enough for him to build some speed, close enough to feel the full force. He hit me in the face making contact from nose to chin. My nose is still tender and my buckteeth ache. Tylenol has been consumed.
The cat clawed. My arm has a little momento.
The cat is already napping. He is little concerned about the incident.
I am fuming, both at him and my own stupidity. Next time, I will startle him from a distance.
I now know I need to step up the posting when the USDOJ only checks in weekly instead of daily. I need to step up my game like the Minnesota Timberwolves.
I've been a bit torn about the NBA playoff series between the LA Lakers and the Timberwolves. Not that it matters terribly much to me either way.
My mom grew up in Minnesota, and as a result cheered for the Lakers because they originally were based out of Minnesota. As a result, I grew up cheering for the Lakers. I now wonder if my mom is torn on what team to cheer for. I tend to want the Timberwolves to win because...
1) Minnesota hasn't had a championship since the '91 World Series.
2) Everyone loves and underdog and I think it's safe to say that they are the underdog.
3) I am really, really, really tired about hearing the local obsession. If the Lakers lose, the Lakers fans go away and I can move before the next season starts.
That being so, go Timberwolves!
I've been a bit torn about the NBA playoff series between the LA Lakers and the Timberwolves. Not that it matters terribly much to me either way.
My mom grew up in Minnesota, and as a result cheered for the Lakers because they originally were based out of Minnesota. As a result, I grew up cheering for the Lakers. I now wonder if my mom is torn on what team to cheer for. I tend to want the Timberwolves to win because...
1) Minnesota hasn't had a championship since the '91 World Series.
2) Everyone loves and underdog and I think it's safe to say that they are the underdog.
3) I am really, really, really tired about hearing the local obsession. If the Lakers lose, the Lakers fans go away and I can move before the next season starts.
That being so, go Timberwolves!
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
A Mediocre Californian
I use the term "Californian" loosely in reference to myself.
I do have some color now, as in sunburn from our trip to the San Diego Zoo on Saturday. My nose is starting to peel, but the burn on my arms is turning to tan which means I'm no longer so pale as to be confused for being British.
I've been eating more produce and funky uses of it. Pesto pizza with artichokes is not the meat and potatoes fare on which I was raised. I've been enjoying the strawberries since we got here, but only tried the cherries today. I'm hooked. When we move in the fall, I will miss fresh fruit.
One thing I won't miss is the Lakers. I never thought I'd say it, as I was raised a Lakers fan, but now they seem so whiney. Granted, I'm probably biased on MSNBC Sports Whiners of the Week for that one. They just seem so glory and attention hungry. Then again, so are a lot of professional athletes, which probably explains why I don't watch a lot of professional sports. I'm just keeping my views to myself lest I be pelted with avocados and artichokes.
I do have some color now, as in sunburn from our trip to the San Diego Zoo on Saturday. My nose is starting to peel, but the burn on my arms is turning to tan which means I'm no longer so pale as to be confused for being British.
I've been eating more produce and funky uses of it. Pesto pizza with artichokes is not the meat and potatoes fare on which I was raised. I've been enjoying the strawberries since we got here, but only tried the cherries today. I'm hooked. When we move in the fall, I will miss fresh fruit.
One thing I won't miss is the Lakers. I never thought I'd say it, as I was raised a Lakers fan, but now they seem so whiney. Granted, I'm probably biased on MSNBC Sports Whiners of the Week for that one. They just seem so glory and attention hungry. Then again, so are a lot of professional athletes, which probably explains why I don't watch a lot of professional sports. I'm just keeping my views to myself lest I be pelted with avocados and artichokes.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Merry Christmas! S***ter's Full!
It was one of those days. Fellow office worker went home with the stomach flu. This is her second round. Both of her sons have had a second round. I'm waiting for mine. I've been taking lots of Tylenol (though not more than recommended.) In the meantime, lots of work for me.
I later went down the way to use the restroom only to discover that it was flooded due to a sewage back up. Imagine the smell. Imagine my response considering I'm already feeling questionable and worried that I might come down with another round of the stomach flu. I shut myself away in my office trying not to think of the smell creeping in as workers came in to fix the situation.
I couldn't help but think of the funniest line from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, a technicality as it is the only funny line in the movie.
On the brightside, I got my first paycheck.
On the disappointing side, the bank was closed so I will have to wait until tomorrow to open my California bank account and get some cash. Ooooooh, cash. Cash=Krispy Kreme. Hmmmmmm.
I later went down the way to use the restroom only to discover that it was flooded due to a sewage back up. Imagine the smell. Imagine my response considering I'm already feeling questionable and worried that I might come down with another round of the stomach flu. I shut myself away in my office trying not to think of the smell creeping in as workers came in to fix the situation.
I couldn't help but think of the funniest line from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, a technicality as it is the only funny line in the movie.
On the brightside, I got my first paycheck.
On the disappointing side, the bank was closed so I will have to wait until tomorrow to open my California bank account and get some cash. Ooooooh, cash. Cash=Krispy Kreme. Hmmmmmm.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Time for a Keanu "Whoa"
I hadn't logged into Blogger for a few days and it shows. They've unveiled their new look and I'm still processing it. Don't know if I like it yet. Guess I'll have to explore it a little. In the meantime, my original reason for logging in to post was to share that apparently I really am blue.
What Color is Your Brain?
brought to you by Quizilla
What Color is Your Brain?
brought to you by Quizilla
Friday, May 07, 2004
Not Gonna Do It
I'm sure many blogs out there are commenting on a certain series finale that aired last not. I'm fighting the urge. Here you will find nothing good or bad about it. What you will find is that I have added commenting to the blog. So if you see something and the mood strikes you, say something back. I'd like to hear some feedback. Though at the first sign of criticism I will crumble like a house of cards into tears.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
The Blogger Family
I keep having bits of the Addams Family theme song playing in my head with the above substituted. I've noticed a lot of the interconnectivity of blogs, from the sidelines of course. Well, now a few really nice bloggers have taken notice of little ol' me. I guess the Misc Karen fan club will have to step up their attention. First, the Rant King blogrolled me. Then I got word of a second link on another blog, and after much searching, I'm pleased to report that the folkbum gave me a little sympathy (check the 3:54 PM entry for April 26). Anyway, back to the Friends finale.
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Tired, Warm Fuzzies
Oh, me so sleepy, I sleep a long time.
Turns out I had the stomach flu. One of my new co-workers was out sick yesterday with all the same symptoms. We even had similar pounding headaches this morning. We felt equally crappy at work too.
Work. I have a job. Granted, it's not a great job and with my degrees, I could do a lot better. But it's a job and soon I will have a paycheck. Next month's bills will not be paid out of my dwindling savings. The thought brings a smile to my face. But by day's end, I was exhausted. Not only was I working all day, the first day in over 5 months, but it was on the tail end of the flu.
I barely had the energy for websurfing. I'm glad that I at least swung by the blog as apparently someone else has linked to me too. I've got readers. Readers give me the strength to write when I'm pooped. Also, I have a ton of respect for those who update frequently even with busy lives.
Turns out I had the stomach flu. One of my new co-workers was out sick yesterday with all the same symptoms. We even had similar pounding headaches this morning. We felt equally crappy at work too.
Work. I have a job. Granted, it's not a great job and with my degrees, I could do a lot better. But it's a job and soon I will have a paycheck. Next month's bills will not be paid out of my dwindling savings. The thought brings a smile to my face. But by day's end, I was exhausted. Not only was I working all day, the first day in over 5 months, but it was on the tail end of the flu.
I barely had the energy for websurfing. I'm glad that I at least swung by the blog as apparently someone else has linked to me too. I've got readers. Readers give me the strength to write when I'm pooped. Also, I have a ton of respect for those who update frequently even with busy lives.
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Victory Is Mine, Kinda
Apparently my background check has finally come back clean and I can now start my new receptionist job. Woo hoo! Apparently they wanted me to come in today as the other woman who works in the office is out sick today. They have been informed that I am sick too but hope to be in tomorrow. I am soooo excited to have a job and not spending my days at home with the cat turning into a cliche. A paycheck. I will soon be drawing a paycheck. I have new energy despite living on Pepsi all morning.
Whiner Perspective
I am a whiner, a worrier, and a complainer. I know that these are not flattering qualities. I try to minimize how much I impose it on people. Yes, I'm aware that I've been complaining a lot in the blog. Don't worry. When I get out of hand with it, God gives me reminders to stop being a schmuck.
How, you may ask, does God do this? Well, it's simple. I get sick. Last December, when I was all stressed about moving to California, I woke on my second to last Monday at my job with bronchitis. No warning. Though, I do on average get a nasty case of it every two years thanks to my asthma. Well, it was just over two years. I called in sick immediately and called my doctor for an appointment. Doc was skeptical that I came down with a serious case of bronchitis, but he nevertheless wrote me a prescription for a really strong antibiotic and a new inhaler. I went to fill the prescriptions and found out that my crappy health insurance was only good for prescriptions filled by the medco website. I didn't feel like waiting 5 days for antibiotics, and since they were generics, I ponied up. Suddenly the move didn't seem to be such a big deal, but getting better did.
By Friday morning, I had only worked 4 hours and was even more congested than before. The meds weren't even making a dent. I called and set up another appointment. Doc was surprised to see me again before I had even done the entire antibiotic run. I explained how much worse it was and how my health insurance was going to expire at the end of the month, the same time I was driving all the way to California for a move. Time was of the essence. He agreed that I was doing even worse and ordered chest x-rays to rule out pneumonia (which I luckily didn't have). He came in with samples for better antibiotics and inhaler plus a prescription for the rest of the antibiotic run. He said to try the antibiotic over the weekend before filling the expensive prescription. When I casually mentioned my insurance's prescription policy, he gave me the entire run in samples. That doctor rocked. Probably still does.
Fast forward to now. Why, you may ask, all this back story. Because I'm sick again. Suddenly I'm not so cranky about the NASCAR weekend or when I will get to work. (I'm rather glad I didn't start yesterday because it would have looked really bad if I called in sick on my second day.) Starting at 1 AM this morning my digestive system decided it didn't like what I had eaten. Repeatedly, for at least four hours. I'm practically giddy that all systems have been quiet for over 2 hours. And while I could complain a lot about being sick, I'd rather say that I have the best boyfriend in the world. He was up early before work, getting me things to make me feel better. He's spending his lunch break running to the grocery store to get 7UP, ginger ale, and Gatorade for me. I am so lucky.
How, you may ask, does God do this? Well, it's simple. I get sick. Last December, when I was all stressed about moving to California, I woke on my second to last Monday at my job with bronchitis. No warning. Though, I do on average get a nasty case of it every two years thanks to my asthma. Well, it was just over two years. I called in sick immediately and called my doctor for an appointment. Doc was skeptical that I came down with a serious case of bronchitis, but he nevertheless wrote me a prescription for a really strong antibiotic and a new inhaler. I went to fill the prescriptions and found out that my crappy health insurance was only good for prescriptions filled by the medco website. I didn't feel like waiting 5 days for antibiotics, and since they were generics, I ponied up. Suddenly the move didn't seem to be such a big deal, but getting better did.
By Friday morning, I had only worked 4 hours and was even more congested than before. The meds weren't even making a dent. I called and set up another appointment. Doc was surprised to see me again before I had even done the entire antibiotic run. I explained how much worse it was and how my health insurance was going to expire at the end of the month, the same time I was driving all the way to California for a move. Time was of the essence. He agreed that I was doing even worse and ordered chest x-rays to rule out pneumonia (which I luckily didn't have). He came in with samples for better antibiotics and inhaler plus a prescription for the rest of the antibiotic run. He said to try the antibiotic over the weekend before filling the expensive prescription. When I casually mentioned my insurance's prescription policy, he gave me the entire run in samples. That doctor rocked. Probably still does.
Fast forward to now. Why, you may ask, all this back story. Because I'm sick again. Suddenly I'm not so cranky about the NASCAR weekend or when I will get to work. (I'm rather glad I didn't start yesterday because it would have looked really bad if I called in sick on my second day.) Starting at 1 AM this morning my digestive system decided it didn't like what I had eaten. Repeatedly, for at least four hours. I'm practically giddy that all systems have been quiet for over 2 hours. And while I could complain a lot about being sick, I'd rather say that I have the best boyfriend in the world. He was up early before work, getting me things to make me feel better. He's spending his lunch break running to the grocery store to get 7UP, ginger ale, and Gatorade for me. I am so lucky.
Monday, May 03, 2004
No Job for You
Okay, I got up at 6 AM to get ready for work just in case I actually had a job today. I arrived 15 minutes early. Turns out my paperwork didn't make it through yet. So now I get to chill out home, waiting for a call. However, considering today's forecast is for a high of at least 100, I don't know how much chillin' will be going on. Then again, I don't really "chill" at all.
I think I will lay down for a bit of a nap and then tackle the task of writing about the "excitement" of watching cars drive in circles for 2 1/2 hours during 95+ weather.
I think I will lay down for a bit of a nap and then tackle the task of writing about the "excitement" of watching cars drive in circles for 2 1/2 hours during 95+ weather.
Sunday, May 02, 2004
I've Been Blogrolled!
For those unfamiliar with the term "blogroll," bloggers frequently will have a list of other weblogs for their own readers to check out. This list is called a blogroll. For the first time ever, I've been listed on someone's blogroll. Well, more specifically, it is The Rant King to whom I am indebted. So thank you oh Rant King, whoever you might be. Maybe I'll send an e-mail to say "Hi!" and "Thanks!"
The way I found out that I had been linked his site was when I noticed on my own blog this evening that I am a Wiggly Worm in the TTLB Ecosystem. You can see this on the right hand margin of my blog (or perhaps I am an even a more evolved lifeform by the time you read this.) The folks at The Truth Laid Bear have created a system that pretty much pertains to the "ecosystem" of personal sites and blogs. You can register you site with them and they will moniter how many people link to your site, thereby establishing your rank in the ecosystem. They even provide the code for you to simply insert on your site to show your ranking. It even updates itself. Cool, huh? So thanks to the "bear" for providing this free service.
I could right a lot more about this weekend, but, well, I might be starting my new job tomorrow. (It depends on whether the paperwork has gone through that would make the job officially mine. But they were hoping I could start tomorrow. I'm going in on the off-chance that it is done. Otherwise, it is another day of unemployment until I find out that I have the all clear.) For those really curious, my weekend was far more exciting. Probably too exciting for me. Tune in tomorrow for The NASCAR Weekend from Hell.
The way I found out that I had been linked his site was when I noticed on my own blog this evening that I am a Wiggly Worm in the TTLB Ecosystem. You can see this on the right hand margin of my blog (or perhaps I am an even a more evolved lifeform by the time you read this.) The folks at The Truth Laid Bear have created a system that pretty much pertains to the "ecosystem" of personal sites and blogs. You can register you site with them and they will moniter how many people link to your site, thereby establishing your rank in the ecosystem. They even provide the code for you to simply insert on your site to show your ranking. It even updates itself. Cool, huh? So thanks to the "bear" for providing this free service.
I could right a lot more about this weekend, but, well, I might be starting my new job tomorrow. (It depends on whether the paperwork has gone through that would make the job officially mine. But they were hoping I could start tomorrow. I'm going in on the off-chance that it is done. Otherwise, it is another day of unemployment until I find out that I have the all clear.) For those really curious, my weekend was far more exciting. Probably too exciting for me. Tune in tomorrow for The NASCAR Weekend from Hell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)