Standard. Friday. Airports.

So there's an awesome little store in the Plaza called Standard...and I was hoping to peruse their online store...til I realized they only post the "I'm a name brand and therefore you're spending three times on me as opposed to everything else in the store" stuff. Annoying. Whatever. I hate when stuff in the store ISNT online. Pshhht. Anyway, it's right by Brio...the restaurant we ate at for Lin's bachelorette party! Ah memories...

Anyway, I love corporate travel. It's so fast and easy...and I usually dont have to check a bag. I did, however, realize heaving my rollie-bag in the overhead bins is rough with my back. Pish posh. And...as expedient as it is to not have to call someone if you're running late, etc.. b/c you're already parked there, sometimes I really miss having someone there to greet me. I KNOW that sounds lame as hell. But, ya know...when you were a kid, traveling was exciting. And it's so nice to see a smiling face waiting for you upon your return.... I'm lame sauce. Officially. hahaha...

I also MAY have gotten REALLY freaked out when I realized the airport said "KCI" and I'd flown into "MCI." I was like "Uh ohhhh..." and hurriedly googled on the palm...only to discover they never changed their airport code. I thought "Whew. Same airport. Thank GAWD." Yes, I really am that blonde sometimes. Whatever.

Off to do my expense report now. Happy Friday the week before Black Friday. :)

I may have spent over an hour at Urban Outfitters today

Work trip=good. Jax=tired.

1. Caitlin and I had babies. OR we went to visit Liz...who has TWINS now!!! And once I picked little Nathan (girl is Eleanor) up, I couldnt.put.him.down. Cute. I dont think Liz minded that we gave her a break....and then gave them back. haha...

2. SO glad I got to stay with Lin and Eric!!! I havent hung with her in what seems like forever. We had a blast...even though it was short lived. 

3. My work trip was good, but the market is much different than what I'm used to... Plus, it was weird to feel like a newbie..unable to tell the difference between execs, associates, legislators, etc.. (b/c Ive gotten to know TONS of people in my market by name and face..). This will for sure be a challenge for the next few months, but I'm up for it and excited.

4. My "Im an overly tense jackass" is going away. I spent the day on the plaza after my work meeting. I got some super quality Jax time and it was AWESOME. I also loved how nice everyone in KC is..It's like a bigger Tulsa. :) Anyway, sometimes I get my panties in a wad and thankfully, they're working their way out of it...haha.. Kinda wish it was Friday so I didnt have to work tomorrow...but the macbook is sucking me in again so I must to go sleeeeeep...haha... 

Night night, everyone!!! 

Teetering on the edge...

I'm annoyed. I can feel I'm annoyed. I'm not cranky. I'm just teetering on "this could be an ugly mood if I'm not careful..." But, I wont let it. Decided.

I've had more than one instance this week where I can hear myself saying "stop talking..shhh..stopit..." but then I just.keep.going. I do it when I've got something on my mind, when I'm nervous, when I'm tired... I dunno. It's like I'm on speed. I havent said anything BAD at all, but I just havent been very "chill" this week and I can feel it..and it bugs me b/c I cant figure out why.

I think I've just had a lot on my mind lately, that's all...It's likely just lack of sleep (thanks, macbook..haha) plus this new job thing plus the holidays approaching quickly... Whatever. And my apt's messy. That annoys me since I dont have time to clean it. Pshaw.

Anyway, I am HORRIBLE with directions so I've mapquested (and printed)

* directions from airport to Lin's

* from Lin's to meeting

* from meeting to shopping (to kill time after meeting before flight)

* from shopping to airport

Comedy. Thinking of Lin made me start going through my photos last night.. I dont have my old photos on CDs..(not all of them) so I couldnt post all the ones I really wanted to. I found one of Alove and I that I'd printed... We had taken Lin's dad's car key (with his permission and he was a leetle drunk) to get our bags fm his car. We then proceeded to drunkenly fall down the stairs..pictured holding up the key like we'd saved it from our fall. HILARIOUS. I guess I've made a habit of the stairs thing now.. Whatever...After that, I kinda remember a parking garage, getting lost, and walking in my dress barefoot in the rain in downtown KC. *shrug*

Found this one...which I still have framed.. Cuteness.. :) We look like babies!!

In other news, I got the coat rack together!!!! Last night Sarah came over and helped me then we grabbed a quick dinner! HOORAY COAT RACK! Hooray Sarah! hahaha!

I just wasnt into packing last night OR taking my dog to mom's...sooo.. I'll be leaving early to make my flight. Wish me luck at my meeting tomorrow! Nervous!

Lates!

The monitor intaller people were scared of Johan

TODAY:

* Work.got.busy. Trying to get approvals, making corrections, getting more approvals, getting quotes, blahidy blah.
* The person who I'm filling in for on maternity leave in March...just went on bedrest full time. Soooo now that meeting I'm attending in KS has become less of a "shadowing" opportunity and more of a "this is your new job" LOL! Today, I was asked "Have you been briefed on our stance on the issues so when asked on Thurs, you can respond appropriately?" I responded with "Um. Stance? No. That would be good to have..." *NERVOUS*
* I went to get my contacts and effectively forgot to get lunch while I was out b/c my head was spinning a little.
* I then forgot something in my car and upon returning to it, realized I'd left my building entry badge in my office.. so I walked around the entire perimeter of the building annoyed at myself.
* I got back in my office to find people installing a flat panel monitor (whatever) the size of my torso. It's nice...but dude.. IT'S HUGE.

It's been a good day.. just a busy day! But, I wouldnt be blogging if I wasnt in a good place with my workload, so I'm taking comfort in that... :)

Peace, lovelies.

A case of the Mondays..

We have a dress for your day policy in effect. That means I can wear jeans to work unless I have impt meetings. Actually, we're ENCOURAGED to participate in the jeans wearing. Whatever. Some chick had on boots with fur in the cafeteria this morning..and I couldnt help but wonder what kind of day SHE was dressing for...Hmm..

Anyway....wanna know what I find annoying? I still havent figured out how to smile for a picture with my hair in a way I like it. (the picture, not the hair..I know I like the hair). I realize this doesnt matter to any of you, but I find it annoying b/c smiling isnt brain surgery. Blah. Best tip I ever got...was from the DMV lady! hahaha! She said "Hey, ya know you'd take a better picture if you didnt smile so big..." So, I toned it down...and like it..although sometimes it looks fake. :) haha! I'm so vain..I prolly think this song is about me...Whatever.

I actually got on dell.com this morning and made a computer...b/c I wanted to see the price difference..of which there wasnt much of one after shipping and handling..like 150 bucks. I'm SO bad at spending money...I tend to buy things in intervals instead of in bulk. I just like to make sound, financial decisions, not sporatic tech-loving cash drops..haha..But I think I made a good computer decision (back me up here peeps). One thing I LOVE is the photo retouching tool.. b/c you all know I'm obsessed with that little scar on my chin. I hate it. HATE.IT. So I can just remove it! HA! :)

Gawd, I have a case of the Mondays. BAD. I dont know what my problem is. I was thinking about last year...about New Years...about sitting at the airport on the phone with Lauren...and it made me have a heavy, heavy sigh. To be honest, I dont care if I get dressed up, dress down, or even dressed at all...haha.. but the only thing I want at all is to start the year with promise... :) Oh and.. I dont want any ice storms. Thanks. haha!!

I'm waiting on inspiration to hit me for an article...*sigh* Maybe it'll hit after salad.. And...I GET TO SEE CAITLIN THIS WEEK! Hooray!!!!!

I want to go home and play with my computer. That is all.

The rest of the weekend!

Things this weekend....

1. Saw BOND! Loved it! Daniel Craig rocks my socks off. And Olga is haute. HAUTE. Lotsa action...Good.

2. Gave myself points for being classy and mature. I realize life isn't a points system, but whatever. 

3. Went to Leon's. Took pictures. (obviously) haha

4. Realized I LOVE my skinny jeans...and planned to buy more before..

5. I bought a macbook!!

6. Went to the GYM and worked.out. Getting ready to head back there, I think! (I'm taking it easy..no worries...the exercise bike is my friend)

7. Gracie found a new place to sleep...and ate my blinds (behind her) in the process. Hell. Oh..and she's doing her "I'm tired and a pirate" face... She closes one eye and it's hilarious.

8. Once again was defeated by the coat rack. Seriously people, if the coat rack were as easy as the macbook, I'd already have it assembled. BLAH.

9. downloaded songs..and now cant get them off my old computer. BLAH. New favs: Rehab by Rihanna and Get Up by 50. 

10. Went to the wine bar and had RED wine. I think I might be developing a taste for it..might be... Granted it was a pinot noir, not something REALLY red...but whatever. 

I'm gonna go work out or play with the computer now... b/c I truly am that exciting. I guess I'll be putting off my bedroom redecorating thing since I just dropped serious cash on this computer and I still need a car, but I think I'm okay with that...:) 

"I'm not buying a mac..."

So, I bought a macbook! LOL! 

Today, I woke up bright and early to the sound of "GO! GO! You can do it! The finish line is right there!" followed by the screech of a 12 year old (assuming) playing an electric guitar outside.my.apartment. HOLY GAWD.

Things about living where I live that suck: the heater's old, it's drafty, the stairs are steep (haha) and sometimes runs go right.by.my.building. This time, there was apparently an amateur band with children playing guitars and screaming songs. Yeah. I heard the noise, peered in between my blinds with my non-contact-wearing squinty eyes, sleepy hair...and stared. furiously. 

So, I got up and went to work. I had to get stuff done...and as I was getting dressed through the blaring music, I looked at my computer. And got angry at it. VERY.FRIGGING.ANGRY. I was also angry at all the dog hair that seems to have taken over my rugs and baseboards since last week but that's another story. So, I decided then and there...I was buying a computer today.

 I had to sit super still to get my last one to work. It was like an act of magic. Really. Ooh ooh! The power light is on..No..wait...it's not..yes...yes it is.. GRACIE, why did you move?! Its off now! And then the damn thing would say "preparing to hibernate" And I would say some horrible things. It was just ugly all around. Even getting the network keys off it today was a race between myself and the computer... Gracie was cheering. 

So, went to work, researched on CNET and basically thought I knew what I wanted. Went to Best Buy and realized I was wrong. After buying the antivirus and all the other shit I'd need for the cheaper computer, it would have only been a hundred dollar difference between it and the macbook. AND after some skillful negotiating, the guy said he'd give me a discount on the mac. Made some calls (THANKS AGAIN!!!!!) and decided to go for it!! 

So, here I am. Once I stop trying to out-think this computer and realize it isnt trying to f*ck me, I think I'll love it! So far, I kinda already do....but feel very.uninformed. VERY. 

YAY for a fun new computer!! YAY YAY YAY!!! 

Long, but interesting...I promise..

Yeah yeah it's long...Deal with it. I added pictures to entertain.

Went to the doctor yesterday. While I was bored, I took a picture of a poster in his office and highlighted what I fractured....

I kinda expected some AWESOME news and when I didnt immediately get it, I was pissed. He told me, I could heal wrong and face a long road ahead...and basically I wasn't out of the dark just b/c I felt better. THEN I HAD XRAYS! Annnd..I'm healing better than 90% of his other patients with the same injuries! HOORAY! I'm a medical marvel! Alright, not really..but he was surprised.

He'd originally planned to send me to two other scans yesterday for bone density, etc. Once he saw my xrays, he decided not to!!!! I guess compressions get worse before they get better. The bone often hasnt fully compressed at the initial injury, so that's why I had to go back. One of my bones compressed more (t7) and the other did not! That's apparently good news!

So, wasn't as rockstar as I thought, but I'm doing quite well! I'm permitted to work out a little (like a bike or something) but just stop if it hurts. I "might" have problems in 20 years...like disk problems. And I will likely have arthritis in it. And I'm gonna lose a little height...Crazy, huh?! (He was trying to give me all the scenarios). He said I might have issues from here on out...but then again, I might just have them sporatically. Just depends. But, hey, I feel pretty damn lucky.

So...happy hour pics as promised!

Sarah with her beer basket...and her baby...lol!


Listening for the little one....Yeah. Sarah's face is priceless.


Cute tastic.


So, guess who is now going to Mahogany tonight?! Yeah, that's me... I'm awesomesauce. Apparently, my presence is desired....haha! :)

READ ME!!!! So, how WEIRD is this:
I had a boyfriend at the age of...well..young. He was a jerk. Long story short, we ahem...had some experiences I think I've blogged about before that I'm not extremely proud of and cant stand remembering. *shudder* blah. He was crazypants. He still IS crazypants (He found me on facebook). Anyway, aside from the name changing (cause he did), slight stalking (cause he did) and moving far far away (thank GAWD he did), I havent heard from him except facebook..where he inevitably creeped me out again...hahahah..

Okay...so...our parents HATED each other..and hated each other's kids. I mean.. I likely appeared as some corrupting hussy. And he appeared as a crazypants abusive stalker (he really was though). Anyway...guess who put two and two together that I now WORK with his MOTHER. OH.MY.GAWD. She totally doesnt remember who I am...I am confident of that. I'll keep it that way b/c I love her..She's fab and fun to work with (she's not in my dept) and frankly, I woulda hated me at "x" years old if I were his mother, too...so no hard feelings. But, WHOA. SMALL.WORLD.

I am going to get a salad now in preparation for my binge eating at Mahogany. That is all.

Johan the crow must go.

The above is a picture of Johan. I named him. Johan VonCrow. He travels offices in our dept as a prank. When I was out with the broken back, he made his way into MY office perched atop my computer like you see here.

Someone impt just came in who I'd never met...and I think Johan scared her...It might be time for him to leave. haha...People are gonna start to think I'm crazy..well...crazier...

The alum thing was fun last night! Not a ton of people were there, but we had a good time...Sarah won beer..which I found comical since she's a little on the impregnated side of things. I took a few funny photos and shall post later. :)

Other thing I did last night that made me VERY happy: curled up in bed with my dog and my Glamour magazine...a cherished routine. If I have time, I always read it in bed the day I get it. I only made it halfway before passing out last night, but I look forward to the rest...It's the little things, people...

Dude. I head back to the doctah today...I bet he'll clear me to run marathons, people! I'm doing so much better. Granted I cant stretch, arch, jump, dance...Blah. But, I am a speed walker. SPEED.

Accidentally passed up a work dinner at Mahogany this week. Blah. How'd I manage that?! *sigh* Also just got invited to a meeting in KC next week...so trying to find a hotel and flights and hoping I get to see Caitlin! Woo hoo!

Countdown to Bond.James Bond. has begun.....

Quantum of Solace.

Yeah yeah, it's a movie..but what a good name. I decided it shall be my blog title today b/c I enjoy it...and b/c I wanna get the hell outta here to head to happy hour and needed a title.

Things:
1. Got tix to Bond. One showing was already sold out. That either means people dont have lives...or I'm not the only one excited.
2. Everything in my fridge says "with added calcium" or is already a product with it naturally. Whatever.
3. I woke up SO late today. I mean..SO LATE that I'm gonna have to wash my hair before happy hour b/c I didnt do it this morning. Yeah.
4. TU happy hour tonight. See you there.
5. No one died on Gossip Girl. I stayed up late to watch it on my dvr and was disappointed. Grr.
6. I'm dying to work out. Hopefully doc will release me to do SOMETHING tomorrow when I see him.
7. I've officially commenced Christmas shopping...well..idea shopping more like it. Whatever. I dont even know what I want for Christmas. *sigh* Do you?
8. My work inbox is out.of.control. I have things tagged, starred, etc and I dont think my system makes sense anymore.
9. 2009 is around.the.corner. Can you believe it? I'm looking forward to it actually... not that 2008 was bad at all...but I'm ready for a new year. :) I'm all weird about my love of New Years though. You people know that. I always blog about it.

See ya at happy hour if you're coming! :)

Getting dressed in the dark ;)

So, I did it. I broke em out. I woke up at some ridiculous hour only to be FREEZING my BUTT off. I sleepily fumbled through my drawer (in the dark) til I felt the ever-so-cute-and comfy...and more importantly WARM...thermal pj pants. Half the contents of my bottom drawer were on the floor at this point, but whatever. Stupid cold weather. In some aspects, it's fun...but then I think.... ice storms, power outages and defrosting (Oh my! haha) *sigh* Eh well...it also means Christmas lights, holiday cards, hot chocolate, Christmas MUSIC, dressing my dog in a Santa outfit she hates, New Years...I could go on and on. Yay! :)

Every winter I've promised myself to not be in this apt by NEXT winter. Alas, here I am...I forget how COLD it gets. I really really want to completely revamp the bedroom slowly but surely from furniture on up, so maybe it's the time to get a cozy rug and some thick curtains in the process to keep my thermal loving ass warm at night. Who knows.

You know what comes out this week, people?! BOND! JAMES BOND! I know some of you wouldnt take me for an action flick girl..but I LOVE it. Romantic comedies are for when I'm sick at home and half drugged out. Otherwise, let's blow some shit up! WOO HOO! haha.. (Daniel Craig isnt so bad, either).

Speaking of movies, I somehow booked myself for Twilight next Friday evening (opening night). I dont even know what it's really about. Maybe I'll grab the book and read it this weekend...maybe (doubtful). My friend, Brandy, is apparently crazy-obsessed. Wanna go? We can likely get more tickets. Do you know what it's about? Vampires, right? Vampires scare the HELL out of me...so this might be a bad idea. *nervous face*

So, I head back to the doctor on Wed for more xrays to see how I'm healing! I think I'm healing quite well, but hey...they didnt give me the letters "MD" after my name, so whatever. I'll get his opinion. Cross your fingers.

I'm working my way through the thank-you's. It meant SO very much to have so many people supporting me and being there...whether it was cooking things, flowers, cards, a text, a visit, a phone call...Just meant a lot, people. :) I know why I have the friends I have...not that I didnt know that before...but I'm just so very blessed.

Anyway, I hear someone DIES tonight on Gossip Girl (hear that Sarah H and Lauren?!) DIES! WHAT?! O.M.G. I hope it's Bart. I'm over him. Gooooodbye Bart.

Venturing into the rain now...It's lunchtime, people! :)

This is what a good weekend looks like. :)

1. A haircut I'm super happy with!

2. Low key, good times hanging at oscars since my back is getting betttttter!!! The pic with Michele is as random as it looks.. haha.. dont ask. :)

So, I had my stylist add a little dark to blend the front of it better, but add blonde everywhere else. I'm stayin blonde. :) She didnt wanna do too much b/c she didn't want me to change my mind (again) and damage it.

I also got some cute-tastic skinny jeans! Annnnnd I got....a COAT RACK! I've been wanting one for so.long. but am really just too lazy to order one online. Seems contradictory-online ordering and lazy...Anyway, I didnt care enough. But, today, at Bed, Bath and Beyond, there it was....the perfect standing coat rack! But, here is my gripe...

Coat rack sale sign "59.99" except...the litttttle price on the box says "49.99" ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! So, I took a picture with my phone. You cant see the little price very well (upper left) but it's.the.point.

I still got it for 49.99, but seriously...Happy holidays, let's raise the prices! haha.. Speaking of holidays, I think I'm gonna be one of those people...ya know..the ones up at a a ridic hour to get a sale the day afer Turkey Day. My home laptop is about to die. It's seriously on it's last leg. Sometimes I'll be working and it'll just shut off. And it takes a charge abooout 1/2 the time. So, if you see laptop sales, you just lemme know! I dont need anything fabulous. I basically need the internet and word processing with enough memory to hold my pics. I'll stalk cnet for reviews.

So, how many uninformed things have YOU heard since the election? Me? Quite.a.few. And I know I'm not the only one. Maybe I'll do a post devoted to it....

Alright. I'm boring. Sorry. But, I'm happy to be boring today.

Are you going to the TU Young Alum happy hour on Tuesday? You should be. That is all. :)