Happy Thanksgiving!!

Ahh.. Thanksgiving. 2008 has been a crazy year...and I drafted a super mushy "thankful for" blog but then deleted it to replace with this one... I've got a TON to be thankful for this year and I'm reminded of it weekly...often daily. I've got amazing people in my life who check up on me, bring me food, cards, support, etc, when I break my friggin back. I have a great little dog who looks at me with adoring eyes like she's my biggest fan no matter what. I've got a small family, but it's quality, not quantity that matters...and I've got a lot of the former. :) I' have a great job...that makes me happy...in an economy where people aren't so lucky with either of those categories.

Anyway, I'm blessed...esp to have all of you... So, happy Thanksgiving from blog land to everyone out there who's made my year better...even by just a comment on the blogidy. :)

What are your family traditions on Thanksgiving, if you have any? Mom and I took forever to establish a new one of our very own...ya know with our family getting smaller then me going to college...etc.. etc.. But now, we go out to eat and see a movie.. almost every year. I used to want the big, family Thanksgiving we used to have when I was a kid, but I'm okay with our little intimate pair. :) I have plenty of time for the big, family Thanksgiving...and it will likely involve more of me cooking. So, uh, I can wait. hahaha!

Whatever you do or whoever you're with, have an OUTSTANDING holiday!! And...if you're venturing out on Black Friday, may God be with you... lol! :)

LOST!

DUDE. LOST.STARTS.SOON.

OMG....have you SEEN the preview? I just want Sayid to kick some ass. Like now.



Also, I've realized (duh) that I'm a marketing dream.. b/c I may or may not have bought a LOT of little coke bottles....b/c they're shaped like Christmas ornaments. Way to go, Coca Cola. haha....

Tomorrow at work I'll write my "I'm thankful for" post....b/c I think I'll be the only one there...so tonight, I blog about nothingness. Watch the Lost preview. It's awesomesauce. XOXO.

Also, in my ever-avoidance to do anything productive tonight, I researched Hef's new twins..and man alive are they trashy! GEEZ! Bar fights, etc.. SICK. And..they cant write or spell or speak very well. If you're looking for comedy, research them. They're entertainment. Before Hef, they were posing at some fishing tournament by a big fat trout or something. Wow. That's like Maddox and Zahara hitting the jackpot. Yeah, I said that.

Peace. TTY tomorrow!

Random good-mood-ness

Why today rocks:

1. My boss is taking some of us to lunch from her team.. to a really good restaurant! And I only found out today! SURPRISE! Even better! :)
2. I woke up in an awesome mood despite some "what the hell did I eat before bed" dreams...
3. Tulsa announced Winterfest on the news yesterday! I am SO FREAKING EXCITED! Carriage rides, outdoor ice skating, big Christmas tree...AGHH!!! I'm like a crazy person for big Christmas trees! (it's not that big, but still.. I'm SO PUMPED...It's reaching annoying levels)
4. I finished New Moon. I liked it better than someone told me I would..but only b/c that someone told me about Edward before I read it. If I'd been like "WTF" the whole book, I might have hated it. Excited for Eclipse! :)
5. It's almost the weekend..and it's only TUESDAY!

It's official.

I'm lame.

I was up til 1am reading New Moon and am now 100 pages from the end. And I dreamed about vampires. *Sigh*

I cant WAIT to finish New Moon and start on Eclipse. AND.. prepare yourself..in my ever research obsessed way, I went to stepheniemeyer.com to read part of the draft of Midnight Sun..aka Twilight as told from Edward's perspective. Wow.

Admittedly, I'm excited b/c I haven't seemed to be able to break back into my passion for reading since law school. Maybe this did it. Maybe. *shrug*

And I hear people are either on Team Edward or Team Jacob. TEAM EDWARD all the way, beeotch! (Again, I'm lame.)

I feel like I'm getting a cold. Boo.

"I leave you alone for a minute and the wolves descend.."

Predicting what's yet to come? I.think.so.

It's official. I'm hooked on these damn vampire novels. I saw the movie Friday...and am currently 250 pages into the second book (I SOO think Jacob is a werewolf  btw..but dont tell me). The movie started out a little cheesy..esp the first biology class scene. Not what I pictured. But, when Brandy and I stopped audibly correcting the missteps from the book, we were totally engrossed. And it was a pretty damn good adaptation (considering I read the book only last week). 

After reading reviews, I totally agree with why this pre teen series is such a hit. I mean..you have a romeo/juliet thing.. That ALWAYS works. We can ALL relate to Bella somehow.. (plus I LOVE her name). It's got that hint of completely starstruck romance that couldn't possibly be real...and I LOVE stories like that. Not just the romance...but the fantasy part. I used to read Dean Koontz b/c he often danced on the verge of sci fi. If I wanted to read something dull, I'd pick up John Grisham. Sorry, but I would. I kinda like darker stuff...not SUPER dark (b/c I'm not emo..hello...).  Anyway, critics are right..these books aren't exactly Machiavelli (thank GAWD). 

And good call on putting Edward on the sexiest men alive list. Good.call. hahaha..

DAMNIT. I hate that I cant find the "delete" key on this thing. I know how to delete, but where's backspace? AEHREIUHFDKFN! That's how I feel. 

Just watched Taylor Swift beat Carrie Underwood. This makes me happy. I think Carrie's a b*tch (from what I heard...and yeah, I believe what I hear). And Mariah always looks like she's about to throw down and have sex. Right there. And why does the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls look leather? Someone needs to tell her to stop tanning. Now. 

Back to my blog. Weekend was good! Friday was the movie then Sat was the OU game. I basically wanted to get outta the house Saturday night, but kinda wished I'd just stayed in..haha... I was kinda waiting on my friends to get out of the NIN concert and when they did, I think they took some angry teenage angst with them....haha... Today, laundry was calling my name. 

Hope you had a great weekend... Personally, I'm already looking really forward to the next one...mostly b/c it's 4 days! 

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!!!