$1.79

Gas has now drop 10 cents since my last post. Which means it dropped in two days. If we continuing dropping at 10 cents lets say per week (to be generous) we will be at $1.29 at Christmas, maybe $1.39 because of traveling. Today it is now more than half of what it was this summer. Since people are having trouble buying cars and paying loans i have an idea. Forget that your 401K down, it will be back up after your hair has fallen out. So your now paying half of what you used to for gas. Let's put that money toward your mortgage or your car loan or the new purchase of a car, rather than material things or a to "stimulate" the economy. It will be slow but then the banks can start trusting in the average person and we will be back on track.

Revenge of the gnome

I thought I found all the 40+ gnomes that lived in my dad's house. I was proven wrong. When I opened a box in the storage room labeled "Kitchen" I pulled out a sculpture that Mom had made. "Cool" I thought, "There must be more." So I started unwrapping the newspaper and there in my hand lay Caroline, the ballet gnome; Yule, the Christmas gnome; Val, the valentine gnome; etc. Total gnome count before Monday was 60+. Then I talked to my grandma in Oconomowoc who mentions she has more gnomes for me to take ((since she is moving (which will be a completely different blogpost)). I think my mom was crazy and my dad was crazier for letter her spend $30, even more for each gnome. I have no idea what value they added to everyday life but I have spent over one day trying to sell these creatures on ebay. I'll try to say goodbye but I know that is probably not the case.

$1.89

Gas is now $1.89.

Last Friday it was $1.99 which I didn't think it would hit that mark until the end of the year. Christmas has come early for gas guzzlers. Where will it be by the end the year, lower or higher? I was reading the December issue of Money Magazine which experts said the gas price may drop to the price it was last year...around $2.35. If the experts aren't on, who else isn't? The government. This price drop is a better bailout plan than Bush sending out checks to everyone but the rich.

My question is why is a half gallon of milk more expensive than gas?

My little sister got married

My little sister got married Nov. 1st in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. I don't think I've ever drank, partied and danced four days in a row. Whatever it took, money, stress, coffee we all made it work and it was so much fun. The highlight of the trip was party after the wedding. Most of the wedding party, friends, family crowded into the Tiki bar which had the best DJ ever. Within minutes of a song request the dj would play it. More than half of the bar was guest from the wedding. And most of us stayed to close it down. I also learned that you cannot take an open intoxicant into the car. Which I guess I wanted to do. But by the time I plopped myself into grandpa's big chair I was asleep.

The weather, the seafood, family and friends made for a very good beach wedding.

What a weekend

It was very hard to get up this morning. It could have been that I topped off constant blue moon beer drinking with a glass of red wine. Between gallery night on Friday, a birthday party, cleaning the house, buying pumpkins, cooking at 2am, and the third annual Mike and Gina pumpkin party I think I deserved to sleep in a little bit.

Homework for Republicans

If you haven't read the article in the Rolling Stone about John McCain I highly encourage you do so. If it doesn't change your vote I don't know what will.

Read it here

McCain

what I want to be when I grow up

Since my job at the University isn't very exciting at the movement I started to think of other things I could be.

1. An upholsterer bringing back to life old furniture with fashionable fabric
2. The first COOL woman cycling jersey designer
3. Founder of a green gym, where the equipment generates power when used
4. A designer of high fashion clutches and other bags
5. A photographer for National Geographic
6. An Art Director for a Luxury Travel magazine
7. Head of a nonprofit that helps women find and stay in a job
8. An organic farmer
9. Director of opening movie credits
10. A green remodeling expert

Solving the world's economic problem

Forget everything you learned about supply and demand.

I think that the top persons who make the most money in a company should reduce their pay by a small percentage and give themselves a pat on the back for doing a great job. Then whatever business they are in, they should lower the cost at whatever they are selling by another small percentage. Giving the consumer a better price leaves more money for them to pay their debt or spend on other services and products. Hence helping businesses and consumers. And send all oil executives to Mars, that includes you George W. This is my ideal world.

Cake

My weekend was great. Mike and I like to go to a fish fries on friday nights. So we drove to Pewaukee to a little place called the 5 o'clock club and we had a nice greasy fish fry.

On Saturdays Mike usually does yard work but took the day off to shop with me. We stopped at the Public Market because our friend works for Heavy Rotation, a graphic t-shirt shop. They were having an awesome sale on their shirts. Every shirt $5. I got one and Mike bought 5 or 6 or 10. He has a t-shirt addiction.

Since a furniture store in Racine was clearing out some fabric we made a day of hanging out in in Southern Wisconsin. After picking up a truckload of fabric we had our second fish fry at the YardArm. Their specialty is the "sanddollar". A thin fried potatoe slice sprinkled with cheese. Yummy.

I hadn't been to the Kenosha outlets in two years so I shooooped! I bought two dresses at Banana Republic. One which is replacing the outfit I bought a couple days ago to wear to an event later in the evening. Oh it was perfect a little short but at least it zippered all the way up! Ah fab, so many more stores to go in. Venturing to a newly built area I found white house black market and bcbg. So dangerous - I had to leave.

Tonight our friend Shanel, an amazing creative fabric goddess was putting on a runway showing featuring her new line of clothes. I helped her out with the invite (above) so I got comp tixs to the show. I had my hot new dress one, Mike looked awesome and we were going to my first ever fashion show. The things that Shanel showed were slamming.
I wish I owned at least half of them.

Afterwards Mike and I enjoyed a quiet moment at elsa's. I had the double trouble I'm in heaven chocolate cake. Mike had a BLT. We both had coffee and conversation. And then we crashed.

Ah Sunday the day I've been looking forward to for so so long - It's Packer football day. I wake up earlier than normal for a Sunday. Because I have so much energy I go for my first run since January.

We had some of our friends for the game and dinner. Brought in our cozy house, chocolate cake. I can't wait to finish dinner I just want to bite in no utensils to this jimmy covered cake. It's so good. It really needs to go home with the owner but it's left here. Left to be consumed for breakfast, for a little snack after lunch, right before bed, and whenever I'm upset about the pack blowing it.

this little piggy

I wasn't expecting to have a busy weekend but I did. My very first friend I made in college was Aaron. And if it weren't for him I would have never met Mike. He moved to New York 4 or so years ago. (Grandma you met him in Florida 6 years ago). Every time he comes to town I try to see him. This past Friday a group of us met out at a new bar in the Third Ward called Soho 7. He is one of the most energetic, good natured persons I've ever met.

The next morning I wake up to bacon and pancakes, not unusual for the weekend. But it just so happened to be the day my friends were throwing a pig roast. I think about the poor piggy covered in grease sitting next to my pancake... o your so very delicious.. and I'm going to see your cousin in a couple hours. Did I want to go to the pig roast? No, because I think there were better party themes to have than in honor of a pig. But what the heck all my friends will be there. So I went and ALL my college friends were there. Most are now married, engaged or have babies. One person I didn't even know was asking me about my bags, which I thought was very nice. My new friend Joy showed up and we got suckered into playing old college drinking drinking games. After seven+ hours the pig was done and I wasn't prepared to eat it so I had everything else but meat, plus all the beer I had I was full.

For the past couple months, Joy and I had talked about going to the dance club "Have a Nice Day Cafe" but never acted on it. It's one of those places you know are going are crawling with underage college kids and bachelorette parties. It took one call inviting us to a free beer party and we were there. It felt like high school dance party.

By midnight I was missing Mike so I finally made it back home. It was one of those nights were if you moved while sleeping you'd be running for the nearest receptacle.

By 9am the phone was ringing with an invitation to brunch and my sister frantic about finding a skirt to match her top for her bridal shower. I could have used an hour or two more of sleep. I met my friend Sue at Bean's and Barley, an organic restaurant and grocery store for breakfast. The last time I saw Sue was in December in Chicago so it was good to catch up. Sue and I could have talked for a couple more hours but I was already putting off the drama that would encounter me in West Bend.

If you don't live in Wisconsin, it rained all weekend. So I white knuckled the drive up. I could have used some aspirin because as soon as I walked through the door I have questions being slingshotted from both my grandma and her special friend and because they are hard of hearing they are louder than normal, and they usually talk at the same time.

This is now the second Packer game I missed this year. I am 0-2 while the Pack is 2-0. But I am the maid of honor and I must have a drink during this bridal shower. It didn't help me brush of the night of drinking and dancing but I made it threw it without throwing up. Grandma has a three prong which is like a cane with training wheels but she preferred me to help her up down and around the house. I think my other grandma has it right by drinking a martini once a day.

By 6pm I was back in Milwaukee cuddling up with Mike for the rest of the night.

Socks

Today is the first day I've put on socks since May. I don't like it, but I look back to summer and realize that I've had a pretty awesome summer. Mike has just made a fire and sadly we enter fall, but first a few highlights from Summer:

1. Seeing Amos Lee in Chicago
2. Wearing big summer hats at the market
2. Seeing Jeffery Focult play, twice
3. Moving into Mike's house
4. Hanging out at Pere Marquette Park Wednesday nights listening to live music
5. Seeing my friend Joey in a plaid jacket
6. Finishing the basement into my office
7. Celebrating 1 year since Mike and I have started dating
8. Eating Transfer Pizza
9. Game nights and cookouts
10. A weekend getaway to Shawano
11. Learning that my sister thinks Woolly Mammoths still exist
12. Dragging buckets of water out of Mike's basement
13. Using fresh herbs from the garden for cooking
14. Taking a hip hop dance class with Sara
15. Double date at Noah's Ark
16. Riding in the family's first 25 mile bike ride
17. Partying with the Sara's for their birthday at the ballpark
18. The Fantasy Football draft party where I got drunk before dinner time
19. Saz's sampler platter at Summerfest and State Fair - yum!
20. Standing through 3.5 hours of the best Springsteen concert ever AND hearing him play "Glory Days"

MarcusMonroe.com is live

It's been nonstop work. I just sent a 64 page manual off to print and I'm about to wrap up another 100+ page manual that I've been working on for over a year to the printers. But one of my quicker and creative projects was designing and developing this site for my friend Marcus Monroe. Marcus is an awesome juggler if you get a chance to see him next Summerfest you should.
Visitmarcusmonroe.com

Work Outing

Today we had our first work outing in two years. Two years ago, about 6-8 people went bowling at Landmark Lanes. Today we left it up to our newest student to pick a park to play disk golf. I arrived first, smack dab in the ghetto. According to my map there should be a park building adjacent to the parking lot I was in. This building was the restroom. Then I walked some more I saw hole #1 so I knew I was in the right place all I had to do was wait. A car pulls up - hurray. The window rolls down and some man is trying to talk to me but it sounds like a bad version of Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder, you know the ghetto slang but with some chew in your bottom lip. After the third time of this man apparently asking me something I figure out he is looking for a restroom. Ah ha! I've already located it - right this way. A woman struts out to the restroom. The man, whom I've already learned is from Mississippi get out of the car to talk to me while waiting for his Milwaukee cousin. In one hand is a strawberry wine cooler and the other hand is down by his twig and berries all while asking me where I'm from, where do I work, why am I here. The woman in the bathroom could have hurried it by the time Mr Srawberry Cooler finished is beverage but nope. He finished it, noticed something about my toes - In the middle of me trying to figure out what he was saying he reached down and gently slide his fingers across my toes.

Where are my coworkers?

Finally the woman comes out of the bathroom and I'm too in shock to exchange contact info with my new friend so I wave in shock as they leave.

Enter big white van. This van is moving pretty fast at me and I've seen enough movies to know that this is a kidnapping van and I must move away. So I walk around like I'm a park ranger checking to make tee #1 is where it should be.

Where are my coworkers?

Then something magical happens. Two buff shirtless men jump out of the van with golf discs! Then more jump out! They inform me that they are part of a band from Texas and invite me to come see there show on North Ave. Awesome. Then they ask me where tee #1 is. I put on my park ranger smile and point " It's right over there." Oh they are impressed. They think I know this course, which means they think I know how to disc golf. Then they ask me why I'm there by myself and I feel lonesome and a fool who doesn't know what a disk golf frisbee even looks like.

The shirtless wonders wander off and I'm left waiting again.

After multiple phone calls to coworkers I have numbers to I get no answer. Is this a joke? Should I go home? Should I go back to work?

Finally they arrive. I learn how to play disc golf and by the last hole I learned how to properly throw it.

One of my favorite Youtube videos

I could be telling you about my transition to the west side or my crazy week of work or what a soap opera Favre and the Packers have become. But instead I'll share with you one of my favorite youtube videos. Star Trek cribs:

Great James Brown Video

I started a hip hop dance class to learn some cool moves, but nothing compares to the Godfather of Soul.

The end of my alone time

For the past week and a half my roommate has been on vacation in Ireland. Tomorrow she comes back. It was nice to come home to an empty condo and do whatever I want. Like leave my tea cup out overnight, or watch TV all day or not shut the bathroom door. I could make a meal and not clean up right away and I could turn off the AC when it didn't need to be on. Well I guess I could do all these things anyway but it's nice just to be lazy once in a while.

Yesterday, for example, was a great day to be lazy. I also had the day off work. I got my oil changed at the mini dealership, got my emissions tested and by noon I was home and bored. So I started reading a book my roommate suggested, "The Monster of Florence." I knew this might happen but I just had to finish the book as soon as I got into it. I did break to try to get freelance work done but each attempt was unsuccessful. I don't remember if I ate lunch or dinner, but by 8:30pm I had finished. And I was literally disturbed by the true story. I was alone fearing a serial killer about the condo so I had a beer which somewhat put me to sleep.

So I wil be glad when my roommate comes home. At least there will be someone to hear me scream for help.

My purple wall

In 25 more days I will be moved into the Bf's house. We starting priming the basement, which will be my office/sewing room. I've always wanted a purple wall. So I'm getting in. Not a light lavendar purple, but a deep bold purple, a purple that says lick me.

Tara Road

Last night I stayed up to midnight finishing the book, Tara Road. Earlier I had starting making dinner, thought I might read 50 pages while eatting, I was halfway through already. Then, while forking my penne pasta with pesto, one of the characters, Danny, who I had doubts about was finally caught with another character he shouldn't be with. I had predicted it but didn't want to accept it so what do I do - sleep on it, wonder about it, let this character go on until the next day. No, he must meet his demise. I read on, 170+ pages so that it could be put to an end. Finally at midnight I had relief, and was very gratefully that I will never end up with somelike Danny, quite the opposite.

Transfer

Some mornings I wake up craving a garlic pizza made by Transfer. Transfer has become my new favorite pizza joint. I didn't have one before this, well maybe the $5 Little Ceasar Monday special back in college. So this new place opened up a couple months ago and was recommended by a co-worker who is friends with the group of people who opened up the joint. They make about 30 different pizza's. My favorite by far is the garlic special. There is no pizza sauce, rather a garlic sauce with a white chese and your choice of meat. This is what I wake up craving. It's so good. If you get a chance to go it's located on 1st and Mitchell.

45 more days

Until the mergering of things, or in other words I move into my boyfriends house in Tosa. I was thinking about the things I will like and I won't like.

Dislikes:
1. Being away from the eastside. Everything is so close, you can walk to the lake, to the coffee shop, cool boutiques and walk home drunk from the bars.
2. Having to shovel snow
3. Snoring
4. Not being able to bike to work
5. Smaller bathroom
6. Unexpected housing repairs
7. The watching of Motorweek
8. The potholes on Statestreet
9. Farting
10. Disrupting space


Likes:
1. Cooking for two and not one
2. Low bills
3. The parkway to run and bike
4. An Alterra coffe shop on the corner
5. Friendly neighboors
6. Gardening
7. The 60" TV
8. Sharing cars
9. Fresh herbs for cooking
10. But it all comes down to coming home to someone I love

Mexico

Here is one of the pictures from my six day Mexican vacation in Cabo. Besides a touch of food poisoning right before I got on the airplane from Milwaukee the trip was awesome. We had great weather, good company and awesome bartenders.

The frozen gin

There was a day a week ago that I was having a really bad day at work. So when Mike (the bF) picked me up I asked if we could go to the liquor store before dropping me off at my place. Sure! Of course I didn't know what I wanted. I needed to keep on working so wine was out of the question, and I would end up drinking too much beer if that was my choice. So I ended up in the hard booze section. When in doubt always get gin. So that's what I did - the best stuff - bombay saphirre. Oh so good. Add on a bottle of tonic and a lime and I was now happy holding my paper bag of wonderfulness.

And it did the trick that night and the night after that. Well, come a couple days ago when I now really need a cocktail (I didn't have one every night...stop dialing AA) I found that I had run out of tonic. I could either run to the store which would be a 15 minute trip OR keep right on working with gin on the rocks. I took the later and a lot more rocks. After trying to acquire a taste for straight gin my craving dissappeared. Now I had still a lot of gin left in my glass and I thought back to the Florida beach house where I learned from my Grandma that you could freeze your drink and take it back out whenever you wanted, add some more mixer and you're good to go. And that's what I did.

So happy that I didn't waste my top shelf gin I was very proud of myself. Until the next night where it disappeared, upon investigation the glass had made itself into the dishwasher. Apparently my roommate must think I'm an alcholic for putting a glass of water in the freezer.

The disappearance of my salad

Last night I was really hungry for one of my favorite salads. My favorite salad's original name was the "Jacked-Up Salad" consisting of lots of green, mandarins, nuts and the key ingredient, jack fruit. It has since switched names upon the changing of chefs. None-the-less, the now "Sweet-Sweet Salad" has not changed...until yesterday, or last Monday to be exact.

Pulling up to the Forty8 (located at 48th Street and National) last night everything seemed pretty much normal. I ordered a glass of wine and started looking over the menu. The menu was far from regular forty8 menu, where is my sweet-sweet salad, where did all the good food go, was was I going to eat??? I was in shock. I started to look at my boyfriend, raised an eyebrow, and started to look around at the interior trying to find an answer. The walls had been repainted, redecorated and there in the front corner hung my answer, two cowboy boots and a big shiny metal star. We've entered into a western bar.

Our server, slash bartender, slash bus boy, slash probably new owner could tell we were less then enthused after law and order interrogation on the newly bought forty8, the chefs and the disappearance of my salad. I shed a little tear in my cobb salad while billy ray cyrus played in the background.

HOTlanta

This weekend my boyfriend used his Christmas present. We boarded a plane Friday morning to Atlanta and the low sixties. His friend, who is a spitting image of Tim Van Vooren of Fox6 news, has been living in the city for some time now is half the reason why I decided to fly south this particular weekend. The main reason was Matt Costa, a friend of Jack Johnson and a stellar muscian, was playing at a small venue Saturday night. The show was awesome, someday he'll be filling up Alpine Valley but to say you saw him when you were 1 in a crowd of 100 is pretty damn cool. Then Sunday morning rolled around and Jeff (aka Tim Van Vooren) pulled out his Gibson guitar and strummed some tunes in the middle of the kitchen.

Sunday afternoon we explored the Art Musuem which was displaying a Georgia O'kefefe as well as some smaller exhibits which were equally as exciting, Aftrican Art and Contemporary Photographs which included Gary Winogrand. Then after we walked around for three hours in the museum we lunched at this diner called "Six Feet Under" housed directly opposite a graveyard. Creepy yes but the food was just outstanding.

Before we boarded our plane back we did a quick self guided tour of just a really cool neighborhood situated around a park that once was a camp during the civil war. The houses were a cross of vintage meets modern. Many of the houses in Atlanta are extended up, incorporating different yet complement materials to the orginial.

Despite the name Hotlanta is was rather brisk but a nice break from the Milwaukee weekend.

From the farm to dinosaurs

So you've all heard about the stories about my past roommate, the barn yard animal. I now have another grievance against a designosaurous. This species is known to surround itself with things it cannot detach from, making its surrounding unlikeable to those who enter. Usually you'll find this creature in front of a glowing computer monitor moving very slowly. Designosaurous do not adapt to change very well nor do they migrate. Thought to have nasty skin and a thick skull, communication is clearly very hard and not recommended unless the designosaurous approaches you. Designosaurous' are quiet defensive, so speak slowly and calmly, any sense of eye roll movement will put this beast into a crazy spiral. Remember designosaurous either were trained with or without computers. Technology paired with smart design can be quiet cumbersome. It's is hard to encourage futuristic design or even thoughtful design. Let the animal be until it is extinct. Do not put on the endangered species list and please pack aspirin or a six-pack to deal with day to day pitfalls due to this animal.

New Post - finally

So it's finally February and I've been asked to post.

What's new?
The weather: Coming back from Florida, I thought I missed the bitter coldfront in Milwaukee but turns out round 2 was this weekend. The weather currently is -2 in Milwaukee.

The man: My boyfriend is excellent, I can't wait to celebrate a hallmark holiday with him. He spolied me for Christmas and my birthday, he let me go on vacation for eight days without him and he takes care of me when I'm sick. We're looking forward to going to Atlanta in March to hang out with his good friend and go see Matt Costa in concert.

The sister's wedding: I'm still fighting to get the bridesmaids a fushia dress

The job: It's a love/hate relationship.

The bags: Took some time off selling and am started to sew sew sew to get my supply ready for market season. If you get a chance, buy the January Issue of M magazine and read the Green Article.

The Winter Weight: I've gained a winter belly! I stopped biking to work in October and because I've worked out only once I've started to notice that my jeans are getting a bit tighter. So my roomie and I are going to start working out at least twice a week.

christmas drinking

I've been out christmas drinking. it's great and it last the WHOLE month. And because it is my birthday next month (which I just realized today at the doctor's office) it continues into the first week of January ! So today after our work "holiday party" my boyfriend just met my coworkers. all went more than well. he said it was finally good to place a face to a name and vice versa. So hopefully it is just the same this weekend when he get to meet the whole Johnson family. I'm thinking my sister's fiance should take most of the burden for being one foot in and all, but in the end the bF is going to meet some really tall, really loud, really assertive Johnsons. No hugs, just handshakes, unless there's a diamond ring. That means hugs.

My sister's engaged!

Congrats to Danielle and Brandon who just got engaged on the beach in Florida. The wedding is going to be one hell of a party.

Store Bound

Exciting news from last week - After the Journal Setinel article ran, one of my college classmates contacted me about my bags. After selling one to her she asked me to sell on consignment at a new shop in her nonprofit. Long story short, there was a grand opening to the public this past Thursday and upon arriving she with much energy told me I've already sold one bag. My first bag sold at a store - how cool!

Also, after being peer pressured by my dad to call up the owner a West Bend bookstore to inquire about selling my bags - I set up a meeting. So I went in on Monday and to my suprise the owner wants a dozen to start with. So I am very excited about selling my bags at stores. Be sure to check out Fireside Books in West Bend this weekend and Horizon Home Hospice in Brown Deer.

Workaholic

I have no idea what a social life is anymore. If it’s a gin and tonic with my computer and sewing machine well that brings my posse to three. Four when the boyfriend calls. I have some updates.

1. My bags are now going to be sold at the just opening Grief Resource Center (8949 N. Deerbrook Trail, Brown Deer, WI 53223). Part of the proceeds go to help the organization.
2. I donated my time to design a Rodeo invite for my friend Brooke in Denver, CO. She works at the American Liver Foundation and one of the events is a rodeo. The committee like my design so much they are going to make a belt buckle from the main graphic!
3. I made it into the West Bend Daily News. Grandma says it’s the biggest picture she’s seen in that paper since the President (Regan) came to town. Read the article.
4. I carved two pumpkins at a pumpkin party my boyfriend and I hosted. My carving included a spider and a scary face. He out carved everyone with a total of four.
5. I have since moved into a new condo with a view of the lake. Besides keeping everything spotless it has been refreshing.
6. I’ve joined Facebook. So if you’re on there by my friend.
7. I’ve got asked to sell bags at a Jewish holiday boutique sale AND a posh house party both in November. So far my supply is 50+. But with the way those women shop in Mequon I may need to start a sweatshop.
8. I’ve introduced the boyfriend to my Grandma and “special friend” who live in Oconomowoc. Grandma was on her best behavior. I don’t count talking so loud that everyone in the restaurant was glaring her down. She can’t help it.
9. I’ve started a 403b if anyone cares. When the financial planner asked me what my future retirement plan is he laughed when I said marry rich and retire at 28.
10. On a relaxing note I did manage to break away for a colorful weekend in Fish Creek with the man. It was the perfect weekend getaway from the city.

Work in progress

Now that the leaves are turning and people are sitting inside drinking apple cider, people no longer shop outside. They shop inside and online. I've started putting my bags online. It is a temporary gallery page until I build a more sophisticated site equipped with a shopping cart. I'm also taking suggestion on names for the bags.
visit the site.

Moving!

Yes! I'm moving once again. It's been 1 year and 5 months since I've lived in my cozy upstairs bungalow.
Was I looking for another place? Not really.
Did I want to move again? Not really.
But... my co-worker/girl friend lives in a very amazing condo overlooking the lake. Her boyfriend/fiance bought the condo and has since moved to back to the homeland (Ireland). Until they figure out the future, she asked me to move in to keep company and help with the bills. Could I pass it up? Heck no! It has an awesome view of the lake, great (clean) kitchen, workout room, garage space, etc... An elevator up to the ninth floor replaces my three flights of stairs, yes I can't wait.
Will I miss the garbage in the freezer or the garbage can in the back yard or the text messages at 7am or fifth grade boxers hanging in the bathroom? I think not.

My roommate will burn the house down by the end of the year

That's right, I'm calling it. The barn yard animal will be too busy rummaging through his pigsty to remember to TURN OFF THE BURNER on the stove. I've now walked downstairs more than a handful of times when I'm about to leave when I see a small blue flame in the kitchen. Seriously man, you're 30 years old and can't turn off the gas? There is something wrong.
My patience level has hit an all time low with him. If you don't already know I'm moving out. (a different story).

I've since learned to stay away from the sharp silverware when we are both present in the kitchen. At one point I found my spoon I was stirring my hot cocoa in the spice cabinent, about 8 feet from where I left it. I was so mad I flung it into the sink from across the kitchen. Midway through the air and my cursing he entered the kitchen. I'm not a violent person, but sometimes I wish I had hearding whip or something of the sort because this is one astranged animal we are dealing with.

Close to the record

It's the last day of the month, sales are up in bags and I close out this week with 13 bags sold. For the two months I've sold 68 bags. That 68 bags "hopefully" being used for grocerys or other shopping items. If everyone took there bag to the store for a whole year just think at how many plastic or paper bags would be sparred, the number is in the thousands!

If you don't already have a resuable bag or need more I'll be at the Milwaukee Public Market's outdoor market throughout Septmeber. OR if you have any connections with furniture stores or interior designers and they have fabric that is discontinued, I would gladly recycle it!

Record breaking day

Saturday at the Market was a record breaking day. Mostly everyone who bought my bag said they saw my article. Even people passing by would whisper, "That was the girl from the article," or "I remember reading about that." My dad surprised me by riding down on his road bike all the way from West Bend. By the time he got there it was raining steadily and by 1:30 I packed up, early. Sold my total for Saturday was 13 and ending Sunday I sold 5 more which brings me to a total of 18. Whooo Hooo. I couldn't be happier.

To celebrate my success, my new friend took me out for a nice dinner at Lake Park Bistro. It was just amazing I haven't been somewhere that romantic and nice with the best company. After dinner I noticed a present with my name on it at his place. Even though he said it was something small it was really quite big - A signed print of Bruce Springsteen in the seventies. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

In Today's Paper

If you missed Wednesday's Milwaukee Journal, you missed a good article.
Here's the online version.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=646523

So far I've gotten emails and phone calls waiting for me at the market for bags. I hope to have a record breaking day this saturday.

Party Cloudy is Partly Sunny

What a great weekend. The forecast for this past saturday was party cloudy. I told this to another vendor and she said, well that means partly sunny. That optimism brought me a record shaking day selling eight bags. I even had a returning customer that was buying a bag for her mother. Wooo hooo. It was a good day.

A short catnap later I was on my way to Otto's to buy a 1/4 barrell for the fantasy football draft party taking place with 11 guys and me. I lost last year due to some key injuries, but this year I'm back in with a strong lineup, or so I hope. When I arrived at Jeff's I was told that it was also Greg's bachelor party. Ok so there is me, a bunch of dudes and one guys wife during the draft. Many beers later we close the draft and the only other female leaves me. Well do I go home at 9pm and fall asleep or am I one of the guys and throw back some more. No suprise - I partied until bar time wearing same short shorts and top I put on at 6:20 am. I thought I deserved it. And the guys needed some silly entertainment anyway.

And Sunday I payed for it..all...day...long.

Who wants to Save the Earth?

Well I think you all that live in Milwaukee should come visit me at some point in August at the Milwaukee Public Market on Saturdays from 8-2. Gina needs to sell some bags. Gina wants to save the earth and Gina also wants to buy new shoes.

Well the market was slow this past Saturday. I only sold one, and traded another for some salt scrub. But spending a Saturday outside with my friends is much better than being hungover and attached to my laptop.

So I have a lot more time on my hands being single. It's been almost a month now. I don't stay up late worry why I never got a phone call or wait around for him to be done with work or wait for the phone call saying he'll be busy working. Fapooii! I have my life back and I feel good. I don't feel bad. I suprisingly don't have feelings of resentment or need. I guess I went through those already during the later part of our relationship. I truly thought that he was different but I overlooked what I needed rather than realize what he could actually give me. A long but good lesson learned. So rather than tip toe into his schedule I went out. I met. And now I have met some pretty incredible people because I finally got mad and starting taking control.

Life is good.

Long Weekend

I am very glad that I have mondays off. It turns into my sunday.

Saturday again was the market. I didn't sell as many as hoped, but the word it getting out and people that cannot make it are asking for website to look at the bags. Maybe it will be up next week...or perhaps winter...depending on how much free time I can swing to complete it. After seven hours of the market (and a strong mimosa from the Wicked Hop) I headed back home, packed up my car again for a work picnic I was co-hosting at lake park. As soon as the food was set up and the beer was in the cooler, friends and co-workers were coming by the dozen. It was a perfect day to be outside grilling out and sipping cocktails.

After a couple hours there I had to head back home for a catnap before I slipped into my little red skirt for a posh birthday party. It was interesting, I was warmly welcomed by a group of girls who I could have prejudged as snobby and uninteresting. They were kind and sincere - it was a breath of fresh air to become friends with a new group of people who you just fit into. It felt good and I was happy. and the raspberry martini at Stir helped too.

and the rain cleared

Yesterday was my second time at the market. When I woke up it was thundering and drizzeling. When I packed up my car it was pouring. When I got to the market, blue skies! The day went by fast, I had friends come and visit me, even my dad, which was a surprise. None of them overlapped and it seemed I always had someone sitting next to me. Friends, family and co-workers have given me a this wonderful support system - I can only feel so blessed. I'll be happy to note that I sold seven bags. I doubt if next time I could double that - but who knows. I do have a lot of sewing to do between now and next saturday.

On a different note - the bF and I didn't work out. It has, yes, been upseting - but a relief once I got out of the box. He is and will be a good man but whether he is a good man for me is a very different question. Sometimes people are not as they seem and we envision them to be a certain way, pushing the red flags out of sight only taking in the good. It came to a point where enough red flags slammed me to break down and realize that I wasn't happy. I've learned a good lesson - you are in control of your own happiness, never ever ever let someone or something take happiness away.

gina

Market Day

Yesterday was my first day at the outdoor market outside the Milwaukee Public Market. Upon encouragement from friends, family and coworkers I decided to sell my grocery bags to the public. If you haven't already come into contact with one of my bags - they are meant for grocery shopping, eliminating paper and plastic bag us. They are even made from recycled fabric - by reusing materials they are saving space in landfills and the production of more fabric. I didn't realize how much time it would take to sew on handles, build my stand and get all the odd and end stuff together. I ran on coffee in the am and endorphines in the pm. I was so excited that I didn't even care I was getting five hours of sleep. But it payed off. It feels good. Everything was strangly fitting together at the end - it was like it was meant to happen. So at the end of Saturday I sold 3 bags, traded one for jewelery but recieved enourmous positive response from the vendors, the public market and potential customers. I think they'll come back and bring their friends. It's time to change the planet!

Gina tries to bake cookies

I had a chocolate craving so I decided to look up a reciepe for chocolate finger cookies. I following the instructions for the most part and this is what I got. A bunch of batter that won't stick together. I'm still hungry for chocolate so I decide what the heck I'll just put all the crumbles on a baking sheet. 20 minutes later I pull out the pan wait for the cool off to take place. I go back into the kitchen now on my hands and knees because I'm so in need of a sugar fix, I pick up one of the bigger crumbles, slam it into my mouth only to find that I really made pavement. So I went outside and fixed some potholes in the road.

No more surprises

Friday morning I woke up at 4:30am to Cooper peeing on my leg. I didn't care so I rolled over gave him a hug, just because I knew that this morning would probably be the last morning waking up with him. So it was, I found a new family to adopt the little guy. Cooper has a new brother, a yellow lab that right now is the same size he is. The perfect part about it is that Anthony and I can go visit any time.

Since waking up so early, my girlfriends might not know this.... but after grilling out I had to go home at take a nap at 9pm before going out to Brady Street. It served me well because by 12:15 I was walking into JoCats, my favorite little dance floor. I've learned my limits keeping it to a two drink night, it kept my occasional drunk loud mouth closed and hands from doing the "elanie".

Saturday was a blissful day because for the first time in over a month I got to sleep in to 8am. Yes that's right 8:00. I had lunch with my grandma in oconomowoc. I took my bike out for a quick 12 mile ride. Then bought some paint because I couldn't stand the blue in the living room. While downward spiraling from fumes and exhast my sis called asking me to come down to Riversplash. To shower or not to shower, I thought looking at my Cream Yellow arms. Nah - it will be sweaty down there anyway and no one will know. So I quicked cleaned off what paint I could see, threw on some clean clothes and biked down. Ride time: 7 minuetes. Parked: two blocks away. Anyone in a car was driving around in circles hoping to find rockstar parking until they grew frusterated and parked 10 blocks aways. I felt like I beat the system. Until I paid $5 for a beer.
So now beer in hand I was jamming to the LoveMonkeys making sure I didn't get hit with this fishbowl the underage drunk girl was swaying around overhead. Jeff and wingman made an apperance -wish I could have hung out with them more but 10:30 rolled around and I declared it my bedtime.

Sunday I woke up praying for it not to rain. It was bike riding day and soon to be my first ride ever. My longest ride was to the Newburg pond and back - maybe 35 miles when I was much much yonger. Now I was on my own (well with my sister and her roomie on my tail) for the 25 mile trek. I was concerned I was passing people too fast and I would loose stamina along the way. Rubish! The only people to pass me were true bicyclists. The ride took us through bayview, down to college ave, to st. francis. It was just beautiful! Humble houses were sandwhiched between greenery and the lake. Parks rolled throughout the area and the birds were cheering us on. I finished ahead of my pack and a couple minuetes later Danielle and friend crossed the line. I was hungery for a doughnut.

When I got home I decided to pass on the shower and tackle the rest of those blue walls, leaving just a few finishing touches for today. Then finally finally finally after over a year of dating I got to meet some of the extended family. It has been almost as difficult as a kid trying to go to Disney World. Can we go? Can we go? Can we go? So off we were to Burlington for an engagement party for his cousin. And it was just fine. I don't know what he was so worried about. Ah well now it's back to the work week!

Surprise

I got a surprise last Sunday. After spending the weekend with the girls up in Minneapolis shopping and 6 hours of driving back to Milwaukee. All I wanted to do was relax in West Bend with my boyfriend and family. Well, he need to do a pit stop at his parents house, pick up mail and move a pot. Why couldn't he do this on monday I don't know - so I rolled my eyes and kept driving. While coming outside he brought out a Trader Joe's paper bag with a big ball of white fur inside. "Cooper" came one week after celebrating our 1 year anniversary. It has taken me awhile to accept him but now I just adore him - especially when he's not chewing on my valuables.

Posting

So it has been over a month. I've been debating on whether or not to keep the blog. My dating and drinking days are over. (Which for the most part fueled this blog) And I'm assuming you don't really want to hear about work. Well it will be determined at some point. You'd be happy to know that I did work straight through the month of March. I did make time to go visit a friend in Denver, CO. It was refreshing to see the mountains again and I could very well see myself living there. One thing that I didn't like is the lack of lakes. Here in Wisconsin you can spend a whole day on a lake boating, but then we don't have enormous mountains to climb! This is a photo of me at the red rocks amphitheatre

Carry that Weight

Carry that weight

I’ve been carry excess baggage around and I want to get rid of it - baggage in the form of resentment.

First, is the person that I thought was my best friend since freshman science. We experienced growing up like brother and sister. The first time I got really hammered I was in his basement. The person he called when his dad left was me. The first person that was at the house when my mom died was him. We would do long Saturdays on the lake followed by a bonfire. And whenever there was a family function for either family the other was always there. Always. And then something happened. I don’t know what but he stopped coming to Milwaukee. He would always call to say he would come for a party, a birthday, a holiday and never showed up. And when I would be in West Bend trying to get together there would be continuous ringing on the other end. We haven’t spoke since the day before my Dad’s wedding. He was scheduled to come and instead of calling me he calls Sara, says he has to repair a roof and I haven’t heard anything since. Surely he would know more people there than most guests so there wouldn’t be a need to feel uncomfortable. But roof repair instead of a wedding? Did I do something or are you on something? I have no idea what happened and that’s what bothers me. We had a closeness that felt like family but now it feels more like another high school buddy that I no longer talk to.

Second, is a spectacular female is hopefully is still reading this because I have not responded to her in months (particularly because I didn’t know how to respond). The sleep-on it mentality has lasted a half-year. It is as if our friendship was as if one was on the other side of the world. Our mentalities, our schedules and perceptions of each other are extremely different. Each of these road blocked attempts of getting together. Married life is very different from single life. Schedules conflicted more than enough and the excuses for not getting together were abundant. The communication cleared died in the frustration of not understanding each other. We just gave up because we thought the other is just someone we didn’t want to be friends with. Clearly after being friends for almost 7 years, helping each other through the best and worst times there is indeed something there. There are times when I know she is the only person to call because I know she can help me through that situation. But I don’t instigate because I am woman hear my roar. I’m learning I cannot do everything by myself. She even knows that I tend not to ask for help. But one day I came down with some sickness where I was puking every hour. I obviously couldn’t go anywhere and had to turn my self in to request help. She came with a care package. And she watched me puke on the sidewalk while traffic went by. But I couldn’t be happier because I couldn’t care for myself. Thank you!

Third, is the result from my last post. If you were on the other end reading about how I felt about a situation someone was involved in, you’d be pissed. Obviously, or not so obviously, I unconditionally love my friends. I hope they know I am there for them and I do hope they know I respect their feelings. So much can get lost in emails and text messages. Here, I am posting on a blog! Miscommunication escalates and we both are unhappy. I’m sorry about what happened on Saturday it is neither of our faults. It was the situation. I’m ready to move on and learn from it. I am not going to lose another friend from it.

Today is Molly’s birthday. None of us can wish her one because she is not here. While I was in Australia she left me comments on here, which have been fun to go back to. She and I had our differences and for awhile we didn’t talk. But somehow things worked themselves out.

Saturday

I love my sweatpants, especially on Saturdays. Since I freelance on the weekends, this attire is the most accommodating for me. I can roll out of bed, start a pot of coffee and begin cranking away with designs. Yesterday, however, was entirely different. I had spent Friday night in West Bend. It was Christmas all over again – a full house. Two parents, four adult kids, one grandchild and two dogs. The house was waking up around 6 am and in full function clean mode by 7. I snuck back downstairs to futz with my sewing machine, that I just got repaired. So I pinned up my fabric, rethread the machine and started sliding the fabric through. Upon looking at what I just stitched there was clearly a problem. FUCK! I rethread and rethread and rethread only to run away quickly before smashing the machine with a ruler. All I wanted to do was sew. It’s meditative and relaxing. Now I have to get it repaired - again.

Next on the agenda is to buy a baby gift before my step-sister’s baby shower. Danielle and I head to Kohls. Shopping in the baby department is like petting a pet rodent. They are supposed to be cute and adorable. Petting is more a nervous stroke. Danielle and I were lost in a cage of blue and pink. We would hold something up “Is this cute?” “Should we get it?” (a crinkle in the forehead appears). As soon as we made peace with a couple one-z things, bibs and an outfit, we squirreled out of that section and never looked back. Now, I just adored my cousins when I babysat them and love my 3 year old
niece. I just couldn’t imagine a baby in my life at the current moment. Maybe in a good chunk of time I’ll be ready but the idea of not sleeping, lots of poo, losing my body for a year, baby food spit-up and a car seat in the mini does not excite me.

Danielle knows she will have a baby before me because I told her so. But she is all about throwing a party, so here’s the deal. When I get my first dog I want a dog shower. The best thing is that the dog will be there, unlike the baby shower when the baby is still whirling inside a tummy. Everyone can bring dog bones, dog treats, knitted dog outfits, dog togs, etc. Instead of the invites offering to watch the baby they will offer to walk the dog if I’m away for the weekend. Wouldn’t that be great!

So back to the house we went to honor the mother to be. And two drinks later it was over. I love my new sis and will love her baby I’m just not the type of person to gush over a stroller or the size of her belly. I want the old nichole back were we could both easily stir up a cocktail and just talk about normal stuff.

That was the morning. Now the evening.

I like La Fuenta for their mediocre food, quality service and pitchers of rainbow margaritas. The plan was a small group to La Fuenta. Then the party grew and someone suggested Botana’s, a Mexican restaurant down the street the rivaled La Fuenta’s food and service, so someone said… Four of us arrived at 8:00 and was told the wait would be 45 minutes. Fine - there is bar and tequila – we will be fine. After our entire party of nine arrive I make two pit stops up to the hostess, one at 8:45 confirming that we will be indeed be seated soon. And another at 9:00 at which time we are shown to our table.

Opening the menu I wanted the same plate I get at La Fuenta for the same price (The combo taco and enchilada for under $8.) They didn’t have it so I ordered 3 tacos for $8.25. Some time later our food came and out my 3 soft shell tacos with NO rice or beans. OK if most of you know me, I absolutely dislike soft shell tacos. If I want a taco I want it crispy and salty (like taco bell) and when does a meal NOT come with rice and beans. I was ticked. I cut 20 years off my age and became a six year old whipping the soft shells out from the meat and lettuce and pancaking them on the table while stabling my fork into a meal I wasn’t going to eat.

Now the thing with large groups of people is that it is always difficult to pay the bill. Someone needs change, someone needs to pay with their visa and someone is always stingy. So when I put in more than enough for my portion I had to seriously break out of this place. The time was now 10:30 and I wasn’t having a good time. Normally, I think it is rude for party of the party to walk away but I have my grandpa’s blood running through me and I have to move. Two hours is more than enough time invested in this Mexican disaster. The workers are now sitting at table around us, rolling up silverware for the next workday. Two members from our original foursome have already booked it. Sara and I batman and robin outta there ready to locate a new bar. The phone rings. One of the members of the party of 5 claims there isn’t enough cash. Obviously math and social responsibility isn’t in there skills set. Drinks plus dinner is going to total much more than what you’ve expected, especially if you’ve been drinking. They’ve asked Sara and I to leave the comfort of the warm car and bring more money inside. Now I have to pay even more for a meal that I didn’t enjoy? Now I’m ticked. I should have brought my sewing machine with because this would have been a great place to smash it.

So I storm in drop some bills and walk out. What I should have done is picked up the bill and helped them count their bills. I most likely came off as a very rude and unlikable, but that line was crossed. I was furious. My furious and Sara driving, we locate our old bartender at a pub called The Bottle. Awesome! I can relax have a beer and talk with my closest friend. It was really the most appropriate way to top of an awful day.

One Month Later....

So I haven't had too much going on besides work work and work. But here are some pics from the past month.


Jeff and I dancing at Buckhead - not sure what kind of dance that is but I had fun.


Me and the girls celebrating Annie's birthday on Brady Street.


Having a good time at Jo Cats with my new friend.


My and the family in Florida while it was in the negative weather in Wisconsin.

The Weekend Update: Putting stuff in the body

After being persuded to go out on Friday night, I did. 5 lovely ladies, my sis included, headed to Flannerys in a big yellow taxi cab. My intention was responsible drinking, I was very good for the first round, but then our friend the drink pourer came around. 5 shots, some booty shakes and being scared by a red bearded man, we danced back into the cab to the tune of Fergalicious. That's me eatting a pickle before going to JoCats.

Saturday night the bF and I ventured to the Southside for dinner. If you ever get a chance go to the Packing House on Layton for steaks. It's a brillant combo of soutside milwaukee meets log cabin fever. We were serenated by a 3 piece band, average age = 68. Then it was off to the Cactus Club for a grungier band. In order to wake up ordered a vodka red bull. Within the hour I was feeling like my insides were bleeding orange juice. I was quickly escorted into bed.

Sunday was another treat. Grandma's 81st birthday. Little did I know that putting food into my acid system wasn't a good choice. And on top of that taking Grandma's never ending stories created more misery. Why can't some people just be happy.

For a friend: A clean conscience makes a warm pillow

When in a relationship it takes effort, a lot of learning and patience to cohabit with another begin. What happens when that patience starts flaking away and and effort is the cold McDonalds fry that you just threw out your car? Upon learning that some relationships take a lot more work I feel very lucky for not having the headaches that others do. But where is the breaking point when it seems like the love of your life is a tsunami?

My Island

Friday Island: After stepping outside the 10 bus the sky is now black and the wind has a bite. All I want to do is make it inside without slipping on the sidewalk. I do and now all I care about is making a butt imprint in a chair. I don’t want to call to find out what anyone is doing tonight. It is too cold to put on the cute shoes and play paddy cake in the bars. I am my own island. I can watch Law and Order if I want to.

Saturday Afternoon Island: Upon much joking and signing of the catchy 7-mile fair commercial, my boyfriend takes the off ramp to bargains. If you were alone on an island what would you take with you? The Chinese man standing behind his swords would also take a toilet seat cover and a Prada clutch. And this was the case for most vendors in Racine. Batteries and granny panties, cell phone plates and Buddha statues, parakeets and a Steve Martin dvds… marketing gone wrong… not if the price is right. I bought myself a nice Coach bag for $55.

Saturday Night: The LoveMonkeys are in Appleton, this means road trip! Milwaukee represented with Danielle’s roomies and friends. On the side of mature were Carrie and me. We’ve grown up since last concert – we only get on stage now when asked. Then in the middle of the dance floor my sister was holding my downfall, the $3.50 Long Island Special. If it weren’t for the island I would equiped with bachelor party next to us with some napkins to keep their drool from hitting the floor.

Sunday Island: Upon waking up way to early Danielle and I wanted a head start back to Milwaukee. Our ears were still ringing and eyes half shut until we found a winter wonderland in front of Carrie’s apartment. And it began to look a lot like Christmas the closer we got to Milwaukee. We fa la la la-ed at 55 mph to West Bend. If only I had won the powerball I could have been on my way to my own snow free private island.

Vikidin or Jameson?

I don't think I like this getting old thing. For some reason I can't lift my arm - Doc thinks it's from using my mouse too much and told me I should take some time off work. Now I have incredible pain on my back shoulder blade shooting up to my neck. I saw a dog the other day with the white cone around its head. I kinda feel like that, not being able to look at my butt without spinning in a circle. I can't itch my ears without conducting an orchestra with my right arm first (this is what it takes to move my arm up). A physical thereapist recommended a doctor, my hippie coworker recommend Quantam Healing, my roomie recomened a chiropracter, my doctor recommended a physical therapist on monday, and a oncologist today and a bottle of vikeden, although I suppose a bottle of Jameson could do the trick.

Welcome 2007!

Ah my first post for 2007.

So much has happened since my last writing. We celebrated Christmas, a new year and my 25th birthday. All very exciting things capped off with a glass of something.

Christmas-
This years Christmas celebrated a blending of a family. The house was louder and wrapping paper lay in pieces. This year was the first year we celebrate Christmas at my Grandparent’s house. Usually we do it two weeks ahead of time because they jetset off to Florida for an extended winter stay. Due to a couple broken bones, things had to be postponed for grandma, Florida and martinis. Not to worry, at this time a flight is booked and the gin is flowing.

The week after Christmas was a drag. So…. I did a favor for my Grandma. Turns out her new car (first car that isn’t a station wagon) has cloth seats. Big problem. But her car in Florida is old and needs to be traded in, in West Bend. So the big boat and my boyfriend went 1411 miles to Fort Myers Beach, FL.

Florida-
This experience was so good. I got to spend an incredible amount of time with a man I adore in the SUN! This was his first time in Florida. It was my twenty something time in Florida. Spending it will someone who is seeing this area for the first time really forces you to take advantage of living in that moment right there. It’s exciting and new all over again. It was special.

Usually I rarely venture away from the island but this time there was someone that wanted to see it all. One day we went to Sanibel. Another day we walked to the pier and shopped downtown. The last day we went to the Everglades. I seriously thought the bF was joking about seeing alligators as we crossed the Georgia border into Florida. We signed up for a boat tour in hopes of seeing true Florida wildlife. The tour took us through the 1000 islands off the lower western tip. Soon enough we had dolphins jumping in circles and playing in the wake. It was just beautiful.

After not seeing any gators someone HAD to inquire about where to see some big ass gators. 15 minutes later we driving up to a 17 mile stretch of gator territory. The further you go, the bigger they get. I stayed my safe distance behind the wheel but Mr. Alligator Hunter ventured near the brush to uncover heaps of gators. We saw over 50 and that is enough for my lifetime. Those huge beasts are scary!

New Years-
This new years was by far the best. No traveling from bar to friends house to bar shivering from the cold and wondering when your heels are going to snap from dancing to much. Nope none of that. We dragged two beach chairs about 100 feet and sat next to the water with a bottle of champagne while watching the many fireworks shows along the beach. It was forth of July all over again.

The drive home – 44 Cracker Barrels

My birthday-
Woke up in Louisville. Ran errands in Milwaukee. Had dinner at Casablanca on Brady St and drinks with my great friend Sara.

My birthday celebration –
Had a blast with my close friends. We threw some darts and went dancing and my sister is no longer a Jo Cats virgin.

Times New Roman

So I'm the only one in the office which means my two-coworkers jobs have got handed down to me. I open up this crappy looking piece, all text and stupid bars cover the damn thing and on top of that the font Times is used. Yeah it's a step up from Times New Roman, but it's the same thing! This is newspaper type not type that sells classes. Get out of the eighties - your font choices have reached triple digits.

Lunch Break

Today I rode the bus to Brady Street to have lunch with some old co-workers. Then I rode it back to work. Across from me this 20 something year old wearing a blue fannel jacket was trying to sleep. A couple stops later he moved to the front of the bus but as he was getting his backpack a blue pabst light can fell from his coat. Hmm. So while picking up his empty - he drops another one. Two empty beer cans in his pocket. Wasn't there a trash can he could dispose them in? And was this his lunch? So he moved to the front of the bus, bounced his head and squinted at the person across from him.

I’m not drinky

Say’s the girl who’s celebrating her birthday.

Last night Sara and I headed down to Chicago to celebrate Sue’s birthday. I finally got to meet the best of the best of her boyfriends. We bonded over our glasses of water while digressing how rough it is being the designated driver. Then Sue would pop over dancing to the cover band playing Tom Petty motivating people to rally up for his next show at Summerfest. One thing I couldn’t understand is how different Sue is from her friends she grew up with. While both were polite and nice they seemed ultra-conservative. Neither was crazy dancing or bopping around talking to people. It just was strange seeing extension of someone who is so outgoing and fun not be somewhat the same. Not that I didn’t respect her friends which I did I just expected something else. And when the bar brought the bottle of Jameson up to the second floor that wasn’t expected – that was needed.

Now Sara and I haven’t done a little road trip in since we had a girl’s night in Appleton. I think that long rides draw out significant conversations. I know both of us tend to get stuck with emotions that we can’t work out by ourselves. While family or friends or work won’t go away – it’s nice to be taken away from their burdens to figure out where to venture from this point. The beauty of last night is that you can put it all out, get it out of your system and let the darkness and fog soak it up. The morning is an entirely new day.

Comfy!

Taa Daa!

My chair is finally done. The before shot is EXACTLY how the chair was found in a back alley of an apartment building in Shorewood. I covered it in a super soft white suede. It is one of those chairs that you cannot drink red wine or eat a cheesburger.

It's a blizzard!

It was a blizzard yesterday. I couldn't even cross the street without getting pelted with snow!

The Weekend Report: Thanksgiving in Cali

The extended weekend included a family outing to one of my favorite destinations, California. Rather than stay someplace we have already we decided Laguna Beach would be fun and entertaining. If I was 40 something, married to a venture capitalist yeah I might like botox Mondays and buying my spoiled brats a lotus for Christmas. But as you all know I am a bit more grounded than that. However, I do miss breakfast on the patio overlooking the ocean.

The last day was spent enjoying Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Soon I felt more at ease with the street performers and the bum eating the leftovers of my salad. There’s nothing pretentious about it. The bum isn’t fake, the woman strumming her guitar isn’t fake and certainly the man covered in silver isn’t fake. You could go up to each of the them and have a normal conversation – one that doesn’t include a brokerage account or jimmy choo shoes.

Feels like a Monday

It feels like a Monday. It was nonstop work today from 7:30-5 sans my 10 minutes emailing the girls about our Thursday Bob Seger adventure while shoving noodles in my mouth. But now I’m home and before I head off to upholstery I wanted to say that I had a great weekend. Friday night had dinner at Café Lulu in Bayview, then off to play pool at a pool hall in southside, Milwaukee. Thinking I had my fill of the southside – Sara and I headed back on Saturday to the budget cinema and watched a very stupid movie – but it was better than the basic channel tv movies. Later that night – when I wanted to call it quits from formatting this 100+ page manual and hit my bed Sara called, as planned.

Sara and I haven’t had an unplanned night out in the longest time and every single time it is unplanned it exceeds all expectations. Plus the both of us hadn’t had a night out together since Carrie came down we tap danced with 14 year old boys. So we started out at the Twisted Fork hoping to be served by the best bartender in town. He wasn’t there but this couple in their late 30’s provided great people watching. According to our instincts – this man and woman are on their second date. They were sharing a cosmo, which rarely takes place between those in a serious relationship. The man had his feet propped up on her seat, head titled back, crotch very visible to her eyes. It was like he was saying “Are you drunk enough, come back to my place, did I mention I have a Picasso?” She maintained eye contact, so she was into him but her back was tight and she was questioning if this guy is the guy for her. After ordering another martini we couldn’t take watching this four-play so we headed to Vittuci’s.

Vittuci’s was the same as always – just younger. A group of guys who we deemed college players turned out to be intellectual, serious and conservative UWM alumns.
Sara developed a small crush on the blond curly haired guy who is a teacher for inner city mentally handicapped kids. Ouuuuuu…..

Then the best part of every night is ending it at Jo Cats. We met up with another group of girls and rocked the dance floor Latino style. When we were all hot and sweaty it felt really good to walk out the door and let the cold neutralize the body. It was a good night. I couldn’t feel the cold air not because I was intoxicated, but because I was happy and full of energy. I work very hard and it’s hard to let loose but somedays you just deserve it.

Revenge of the Roommate

It was a weekend without the barn yard animal roommate. It was fabulous – not that I stayed in my apartment the whole time – it was just nice to know he wasn’t there and will be playing with a rifle and trees for the next months. It’s Sunday night and I’ve had a successful weekend, hanging out with my family, extending family, friends and the boyfriend who couldn’t talk. I’ve managed to work out a 4-day work schedule with every Monday off.

So this Monday I wake up rather early and think – yeah I should start working on my freelance projects. So I get up, hear the barn yarn animal downstairs and decided to wait to go downstairs until he leaves. Ugh! I can’t wait anymore I have to make my coffee and shower. On my way to the bathroom, there on the side of the counter top sit a long yellow plastic bread bag with now minus two pieces of bread, which reside on top of the bag covered in jam. Not even 30 seconds and he’s into my stuff. I hop in the shower and wait till he is gone to make sure that is my loaf I bread. I wildly open all the cupboards cursing at ‘W’ once confirming that that Home Pride loaf is indeed mine, it’s the only Home Pride load in the entire kitchen! Oh and what is this befriending his 7 boxes of granola bars? A half bag of sugar – huh…that kinda looks like mine. I dodge back to my cabinet – no sugar.

It turns out my nice lecture on respect is out the window, and now I want revenge. Any input?

I finally started yelling

I yelled at my roommate yesterday. It felt good.

Tuesdays are very busy for me – I work from 8-5, then run home to quick eat, then jump in my car and head to upholstery class. I don’t get home until 9:30 which this Tuesday I have to go straight to my laptop and work 3 more hours on freelance. This means I don’t have time for anything else. When I get home “W” has my hair dryer out and is sealing up the plastic on the windows. Fine – but how long was he in my room looking for my hair dryer? Then on my way to my upstairs room -hands full with cookies and milk, “W” tells me, not asks me, “ I’m going to need a hand in 5 minutes.” Seriously dude this wasn’t in my agenda and I head upstairs shaking my head. “And I’m going to wrap your skylight next.” At which point I have to put my foot down and tell him gently I want him no where upstairs.

The next morning I’m blow drying my hair when I look at my nicely covered chair I did last semester. Wait is that a shoe print? I run to my closet grab my sneakers and to my best judgement they are 2 inches shy of that mark. I run downstairs looking for the stepper but god saved him, he has already left for work.

Wed night I get home. There he is cluttering up the sink. I went in for the kill.
Me: “Did you step on my green chair?”
W: “Oh o, did I break it?”
Me: “ Why did you step on my chair?”
W: “Oh shoot I’m sorry”
Me: “ W, I worked long and hard on the chair for it NOT to be stepped on! You’re always disrespecting my stuff, you eat my bananas, you threw away my bridesmaid bouquet and you go through my room without even asking! I’m sick of hearing I’m sorry – just cut it out and respect my stuff”

That should do it – if not his raisin bran is going over the balcony.

seeking refuge

I've been somewhat hiding from posting anything. I've been conflicted.

Since then I've taken a big, (30+ people big) vacation up to Door County for Grandma's birthday. Besides wearing colored coded shirts it turned out well. The bF came up and suprisingly wasn't scared by my 6ft tall family on beer. The best part of the whole trip was at 2:00am when we decided to go for a walk because we couldn't sleep. We walked around in our sweats looking up at stars - just talking and fantasizing when two strangers come towards us stumbling and stuttering "Wheressss thhheee lexussssess weee neeeeed toooo geeeeeeet baaaack! to the harboooor" Nina and her brother-in-law, our new midnight friends, closed the resort bar and now need to get back to the "harbor", their lodge. We point them in the direction where they have to walk through 3 ft of woods. We it looks like the brother in law just about reaches the other side he falls, which results in a bit of blood running from his forehead down to his nose. Nina thinks this is absolutely hilarious and falls backward. They were going to back it back by themselves. So I grab the brother in law and the bF grabs Nina. The brother in law I'll call him bill is about 50, short and stalking, hair somewhat gray and in convinced we came to his brothers Italian resturaunt. "Surrree I saw you and your huuuuuusband. I'm suuuure of it!" I went along with him as to not cause any disagreement. Nina was this petite woman clad in expensive jewelry. I found out later that her husband was off in china. We finally made it to there lodge. Now Nina and Bill where are your keys to get into the building?
Bill: "Nina I gave you the f*cking keys! check your purse nina! Nina I'm freezing my balls off! Nina where's the f*cking key!"
Nina (now sitting, head at a 45 degree angle to the side and drooling from the corners of her mouth) I told you I don't have the key
My bF takes off running towards the main office to get a security which leaves me some quality time with bill and nina. Bill is now swaying and I have to put my arm around him so he doesn't fall over. Both think we are excellent people for helping them back and invite us in for a cocktail. Bill wants to give me some peanuts he found in his jacket. Finally a golf cart bounces through the woods with room key on board. Bill runs in and thanks the security guard because he "was freezing his balls off"

What an interesting way to end the evening. We slept very well and hope nina and bill were able to locate some aspirin in the morning.

Last weekend I spent with my sister my good friends carrie and sara and road trip to Oconomowoc to see the Love Monkeys at coconut Joe's. Ladies - if you want to here some good pickup lines this is the place to go.
- I accidentally bumped in a guy which he explains that this isn't a pickup line but I have the softest skin. I told him all women have soft skin - especially babies.
- A guy who my sister had pointed out that she gave him her number came up to me after and started sizing me up at which I stopped him and asked him " hey didn't my sister just give you her number?"
- A girl and behalf of some guy came up to me and said I should really say hi to this guy at the bar because he thinks I'm just amazing.
- A gentleman about 40 walked right up to me shook his head and said" If only I was 10 years younger" and walked away.
- A group of guys that look about 14 going on 15 became our groupies. The look in there eyes so desperately wanted their skinny bodies a chance at manhood.
- My sister threw an older (50year old), regular Love Monkey groupie my way. He told me how gorgeous and had to talk really close to my ear to tell me about the bar he almost bought because it was really loud but then he proceeded to put his mustache and lips on my cheek. (cringe! and proceed to my sister - how dare she!)
- This is the best one. A guy comes up to me at the end of the night and asks why us hotties aren't dancing anymore. Which I explain it is the end of the night and we are going to head home. Then he asks if talking to me is worth his time at which I say yes but if you're under 30 you could talk to my sister. What does he do? Stay and I'm not sure if he was trying to impress me but he explains that he is recently divorced - but it's just legal stuff 'cause you know I just didn't like the relationship and it just ended and it doesn't really matter. come have lunch with my on monday 'cause I don't work.

Good stuff I needed the humor because the rest of the weekend and the week became much serious.

Learning that the man who you fell in love with has changed is causing a huge strain. This is why I haven't been posting. I don't know what to say. I don't know how I feel because it changes from one day to the next. Because my mother passed so quickly I definitely have a fear of losing people and if I can control it then it's not a problem. So when the bF has some medical problems that need to be diagnosed it causes me great worry not only to his condition but to us because it's just not the same. How do I deal with things going from absolutely perfect to not perfect?

It's F**^&%$#%%# COLD!

I waited 15 minuetes for the bus. Which is enough time to curse Wisconsin and a handsome man for keeping me here. Thank you, I think.

Gross!

Yesterday while riding the bus home this woman pulled a kleenex out of her napsack, tore a piece off and put it in her mouth! GROSS!

The Weekend report: Turkey crossing

As the weather swings from warm to cold and back to semi-warm there's something that connects my mood to the weather. When it gets cold I get seasonal depression. I can't wear sandals and of course nothing seems to look good without my open toe heels. It's really an ordeal. It takes so much longer to get dressed - you're shivering right after you get out of the bath. You think you have to go to bed at 6pm just because it's pitch black outside. Now if it were 70 and dark that would be ok - I could still wear the shoes.

So I know it's coming and I'm spending yet another winter in Milwaukee. I'm in love what can I do? So I'm here and decided to go shopping for a fantastic fall wardrobe. I could be cold but I could be stylish -right? WRONG- turns out no one will be this season. I remember when I was back in the 6th grade. I thought I was so cool wearing black spandex with a huge patterned sweater. I don't want to go back the 6th grade, but the stores are flooded with sweaters and spandex. So what do I do? I can't convert - no way. I'm going to have to hire a therapist just to deal with the enormous buttons and masses of yarn. I will not but my cash to the 80's or happy pills. but what do I do now - shop at vintage stores to go back to 2005?

Ok so the turkeys....

I've spend a lot of time thinking about family and what I want to do with my life. Little did I know - that takes toll on the mind. If your my friends you now that I'm an incredibly impatient person. So of course I want everything to happen NOW! Of course, logically, I know nothing is going to change this minute. I have to deal with it. Emotional crap is tough stuff and I can understand when so many people are on antidepressants. It takes the edge of dealing with the unknown. So does red wine and a couple of good listeners.

This morning, when I was driving up a long drive way there were two turkeys. Huge turkeys. Then they decided to briskly wobble across. Thanksgiving is coming.

The weekend report: just smile at them and they’ll buy us a shot.

I’ve been very good about going out and being reasonable in drinking and blowing my money. But this weekend I brought drinking back. Go here we go.

1. Had to have a good base in the stomach so we started at Pitch’s for fine dining, minus the cracked out waitress, the golden girl wife who left her husband talking to the two year old who all he cared about was making the spoon stay on his nose. I had the poor-man’s lobster - I highly recommend it.
2. Loaded up my corona for some pre-party festivities at my place. Drinking games can be hazardous to your health if you don’t actively participate in the college lifestyle.
3. Walked across the street to Scafiddi’s where I lost in darts and don’t remember leaving the bar.
4. Walked further down the street to a new bar called the “Good Life” It was good and expensive and a bar that doesn’t have any single dollar bills doesn’t get a tip.
5. At Jo Cats I ended up with a broken finger nail from dancing. I don’t know how but I remember dancing and the next thing I know is that there is blood oozing out from under my fingernail. That ended the night.
6. Hey Sara, you forgot to leave your phone number on my pillow.
7. Woke up with an enormous headache and my slumber party friends all had found there way home, so I watched James Bond with my bowl of cereal. (without bananas because the stupid roommate ate my bananas.)
8. Convinced myself that I was able to play kickball in the rain. Our team lost by one point but I made an awesome catch it the muddy field.
9. Learned that if you run Roundy’s vodka through a brita pitcher 10 times it will be equivalent to top shelf. Hey Grandma – I wonder if you can do that with your Fleishman’s Gin?
10. Got a huge present – Fabric Samples to make my save the earth bags.
11. Cleaned up and headed to my friend’s condo warming party we are was force fed a large amount of food and alcohol.
12. Before I couldn’t drive I had to make it to Water St. to meet my sister and her friends out for a 21st birthday party.
13. Guys are gullible – my sis and I convinced a group we were twins. And if you look cute they will buy you shots. Hence taking me back to my parting like a 21 year old.
14. Rolled over to Buckhead where we were able to skip the whole line. We were that hot.
15. Made my way over to my co-worker/new bartender who hooked us up with the ski shot and some discounted beverages.
16. The rest is a blur, lots of dancing, lots of wandering.
17. Things that I do remember: Drunk calling the lead singer of the Love Monkeys to tell him to finish a Springsteen song on stage. Talking to some guy that liked my sister and hading me $20 to buy us all a round. Umm did he want me to put in a good word? Opps- but thanks for the drink. Dancing with my sis’s girl friend and having her tell me to smile at some guys so they buy us a shot – which they did! Then she dragged me to the bar, where she told me I needed another. I looked at my half full glass which she slammed and order two more which she threw $5 down and walked away. Sassy! Learned that the drunkest one of the group threw money off a bridge and threw her phone at a guy’s forehead and cracked the screen. Quality.
18. Woke up to my bathroom with my entire bottom cupboard out on the floor. Still can’t figure out what I was looking for.
19. Spent Sunday in West Bend sobering up and watching the Packers win.
20. Learned that sometimes it is refreshing to party like a kid again. I can’t do it every weekend or every month but it good to get some craziness out of your system. It was definitely needed.

Feeding Bees

Here's a picture I captured of bees eatting grape jelly.

I was up north last weekend for a great outting out of milwaukee. It was low-stress. I planted pansies.

Thursday - already?

I haven't forgotten about you. I've just been having a million guns of light aim at my face for 14 hours a day. It's fun. An especially when you get home and want to make dinner, except that the garbage can is in the backyard, the garbage that was in there is now in the freezer and my dishes that have been missing for two days are found on the balcony. What a whack job. This roomie claims he is a minimalist and likes things clean but everyday when I come down the stairs into the 2nd level there is his twin size matteresss with the mystery stain on it. Men don't get periods but this one shows evidence. There was no way it he brought a woman home under the sheets of this bed. No decent gal would sleep in a twin size mattress with a 29 year old. well unless of course she was freshly 18. (The roomie now has upgraded or in my terms downgraded to a futon). The same logic still applies and hence shows why no ladies friends of him have lasted. And I'm spent back to some computer radiation.