Pepe - Redux

Here is a picture of my future niece. Her name is no longer Pepe... even though I still like to call her that.

Today I went to the studio and worked a little more - I also cleaned up a little bit. On the way home I stopped at Home Depot and bought myself an orchid. I think I'll call her Iris the second. I also bought a candle holder from Pier One (they are closing their store) for her to sit on. Hopefully I won't kill her. I will try to get some pictures posted of my trip - the ones from Taliesin I can't show you though or they will sue my pants off.

I'm almost irresistible, but not quite.

Not much time..

I have to get ready to go to the beautiful land of cheese! I will take many pictures and hopefully post some tomorrow night.

Have a great day!

Once hair hits the mattress sex can't be far behind.

That is a quote from today's critique.... I'll expand on that later, maybe.

Tonight The Office, Tomorrow Dickeyville.

Not that this is a picture of the office or of Dickeyville, it is of yours truly coloring my hair last night. It's much better now.

Today we had critiques for my collecting class... I remember why undergrad critiques can be soooooo painful. Mine went well.

Tonight I am making a barley salad with capers and low fat feta to take on the field trip. I found a cooler for $4.00 at the Brown Elephant. It should work just fine.

I should get going now, I have to check Craigslist to see if anyone missed my connection and I also have to play today's Davinci Code puzzle on google so I can win a trip somewhere.... I don't remember where.

Winnie the Bulldog.

So I have been going out of my way to smile at people as I walk around this big city... The day before yesterday I saw a nice looking guy with a bulldog. He said Hi to me (obviously because you can NOT not smile at a cute little bulldog puppy and he was being friendly) and I said hi back. Because I'm not getting any younger I decided to post a missed connection on Craigslist. Well, I got a response this evening - the dogs name is Winnie and the guy is married.

Oh well, I let him know that if he ever needed a dog sitter to let me know.

Some of my work...

Some of my friends have asked me if I had any updated pictures of my work. This is what my studio looks like now. I consider it a transformation of everyday objects into extraordinary things. An everyday experience of the sublime. (did that sound convincing?). I have to get ready for my critique....

I've been thinking that I should design (or have someone design) packaging for my work so that people could just install it themselves at home. I think they could sell big at Home Depot.


Today I have advising and I might clean up my studio a little bit because I have a critique for my collecting class tomorrow.

Yesterday I bought a 1GB card for my digital camera. Friday and Saturday my Self Taught Artist (environment) class is traveling to Wisconsin to the Dickeyville Grotto and Taliesin. I am going to be in photo heaven. I will definitely post photos next week of my adventure. I also plan on eating good cheese and drinking some Wisconsin beer.

To Tell The Truth (no, not the game show).

So, I've been thinking about the various people I have had crushes on over the years... Tony the Cute Checkout Boy from Safeway. Mark Tabor who worked in the mailroom at my mothers office, Doug Jeck (one of my undergrad professors), Damon Sleister in the 7th grade and then there was Michael the Cute Boy from Church. Yes, this is the same Michael who sent me a Birthday card yesterday. I'm not sure he actually ever knew that I gave him that title and was hoping that he would father my children, but alas some things aren't meant to be.

Now that time has passed the truth can be told. I actually made some artwork about my obsession with him.



This is a picture of it... it is a shrine which contains a coke bottle that he left in our pickup truck when he moved away from Seattle. I kept it, with the coke still inside and enclosed it in this. It's on a pedestal that is operated by remote control, when it is turned on the bottle lights up and the pedestal spins around and then there's the music. A beautiful rendition of me singing Close To You by the Carpenters.

My professors really liked it.. the only thing they suggested was that maybe I should have considered the "container" a little bit more.

So Michael, if you're reading this there you have it! I figure we've been friends long enough that you can handle the truth. Personally, I'm glad to get that off my chest.

Now, I'm obsessed with other things such as television, plastic and food.

Ahhh... I'm a slug

I am sooo tired. I don't really want to do anything today, I should get myself together and get to the studio. I basically have three, maybe four days to get my crap together for my critique. My advisor Stephanie said I shouldn't worry, and that I have a good critique panel (which is good).

Yesterday when I got home I had a birthday card from my friend Michael and his wife Dina in North Carolina, and one from my dad which had a post it saying that my present was coming shortly. Hmmmm I wonder what it is. I still have not got my card from Melissa, Victor and the boys. I also got a birthday email from my friend Nancy.

Did I mention that I got a bookcase for my birthday from Hilary and Grant? It's very nice. I finally have someplace to put all the crap I've been storing in cardboard boxes on my floor. Maybe I'll do some redecorating after critique week. Maybe I'll buy a plant too (it would go nicely on top of my bookcase!).





Last night I watched Un Chien Andalou - weird "surreal" movie. It might be more interesting if I wasn't so tired when I watched it. I was even so tired that I didn't watch What About Brian.. I kept falling asleep. Oh well, they'll probably cancel it anyway so what's the point...

Back to me... I got an Amazon.com gift certificate from my friend Laura - I have to figure out what I really want... Shoes? A Dust Buster? A book? (like I'm actually going to read anything!) I've been thinking about a pair of crocs... maybe I'll get them.

My stolen wifi is iffy so I better get this posted before I lose it again.
xo
J

Too much food, too little sleep...

Not much time to post. I have a brand new bookcase (yay). I'm still recovering from all my food consumption. I need to rest. I'm pooped.

It's all about Matt!

So, today was my 39th Birthday and I ate my way through Chicago. Well, actually I weighed in this morning and I have stayed the same the past week. I think since this morning I have probably gained 6 pounds. I'll go weigh myself when I'm done and let you know for sure.

As I said, today is my birthday... I got calls from all of my family, my nephew Max tried to sing to me and then asked for Grandma Shirley (who lives in Seattle). My friends Deborah and Matt called me as well, (Malyn emailed me yesterday!)... it is really good to have a few good friends who remember those special days.

Today Hilary and I went to the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. We then had my birthday dinner at the Weber Grill. It's was alright, but it wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be. We both had prime rib and baked potatoes. We ordered it medium but it was well done, and the horsradish wasn't spicy enough. I managed to eat most of it though... I am going to have to live off my fat stores for the rest of the week.

Okay, back to Matt. He is one of my best friends in the entire world. He is the type of friend everyone should have (I think he must have been a woman in a former life because he's not like normal men). He always is very thoughtful, and remembers birthdays and such. He sent me an Easter card last week, it was nice for him to remember. He works for the money grubbing assholes that I worked for a long long long time ago.. He also writes screenplays... he's changing one into a novel which I think will be good.

I could tell more about Matt but I think children read my blog... more later, I'm tired.

Tomorrow's the day... critique week...

So the critique week schedule came out... I'm not as afraid as I thought I might be. One of the second year fiber grads is on my panel and her husband is from Seattle so it can't be that bad.

Today my sister and I went to meet a former coworker of hers. She took us out to lunch. I swear I am going to gain a million pounds before she leaves... We then went to my studio and I showed her my stuff... she took photos. We then went to Marshall Fields and looked at maternity clothes and shoes.. Finally we went back to her hotel room and I got to watch What Not to Wear (which I miss horribly) and 20/20.

When I got back to my apartment I had a birthday card from my aunt and uncle and a birthday package from my best friend in the entire world. I can't open it though... it says so on the outside - dang! I guess I'll just have to go to bed and wake up and open it... Maybe I'll wo-man handle it and try to figure out what's inside....

Well, I'm sleepy and I have to weigh in bright and early in the morning.

See you on my Birthday!
xo
Jen

Puffy

I had too much to eat for dinner last night. I went to pick up my sister at the airport and we took a cab back to her hotel. It's kind of nice seeing the city from a different perspective. At the hotel we watched Survivor - poor Bruce, he got all blocked up... I know how that feels. We then went to the Melrose Diner for dinner, it was alright - but nothing special. That didn't stop me from eating like Shane during the last immunity challenge on Survivor.

This morning I have class and then I'll be doing some more sightseeing with Hilary. Maybe we'll go to school and check out my studio and the museum... So much to do... so little time.

I'm sorry dave...

I'm in love with Stanley Kubrick (even though he's dead).

Hal...

I should get out...

I've done the dishes, hosed off, washed my delicates and swept... I should go take a walk but Martha is on... Maybe I'll watch 2001 a space oddyssey.... I don't know.

Things I want for my birthday.
Bookcase
Running Shoes
Cash
iTunes Gift Cards
Merrel Shoes
a date (okay, actually I would settle for sex.... but not with just anyone.)

I am so funny... My eyebrows hurt. I'm not sure if I'll go back to the Aveda Institute again...

Hmm. what else do I want? A dustbuster... a new computer and ipod.
World Peace
Eternal skinniness...
Tummy tuck
Netflicks subscription
a massage

Link a dink dink...

Giardino dei Tarrochi is a Garden in Italy created by the artist Niki de St. Phalle. I got an email from one of my peeps in my program saying that she was going to visit next month... I want to go too! I went there when I was an undergrad, and I really want to go back.

Songs that make me want to cry...

You're Beautiful - James Blunt
Grazed Knees, Run, Chocolate - Snow Patroll
Change - Tracey Chapman
Collide - Howie Day (I think that's who sings it...)
The Blowers Daughter, Volcano - Damien Rice
Various Tori Amos songs.....
Lover's in a Dangerous Time - Bruce Cockburn
Be Still My Heart - The Postal Service



I know there's more - feel free to add any...

These are the ones that I came up with yesterday.

Orchids

This morning on the Today show there is going to be segment on orchids. I own an orchid that lives in Seattle with my dog and her grandma. Her name (the Orchid) is Iris. I kept having a problem remembering what she was... not that I don't know the difference between and iris and an orchid, just my brain doesn't always catch up with my mouth. I've had three plants since I've moved to Chicago. Two out of the three are dead, the last one (a primrose) is going downhill fast. I think it's because I don't have a lot of sunlight in my apartment.

Today my sister is coming. I'm looking forward to seeing her.

so they look like worms...

My brows are done... they look a little like worms... a little sparse, but anything was better than how they were.

When I went to the library to return Billy Elliot I hit the motherload. I picked up 2001 A Space Oddesy, Un Chein Andalou, Fellini's Roma, and Poison (a 1991 Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner).

I'm watching Access Hollywood, poor Nick Lachey... he still loves Jessica. I have to now go try to win the Davinci Code Sweepstakes... back later.

Goodbyebrows!

Oh what a glorious day it will be! I am going in to the Aveda Institue for a brow design... That should take a few pounds off when I weigh in on Saturday.

tomorrow my sister Hilary arrives for my Birthday weekend! Woo Hoo... well sort of, usually I am very excited for my birthday. This year I am excited, but not as much as usual... I think it's because my friends in Chicago don't know me as well and I don't feel quite as comfortable reminding them every waking hour that my birthday is coming up. I'm expecting it to be low key.

I'm going to work in the studio this morning and then go to they library to return Billy Elliot. I hope someone gets me a Netficks subscription for my birthday so I can watch many many more movies and not have to go to the library to get them.

Updates....

Here's a picture of my wall. I registered today and I got everything I wanted except for one Grad Advisor... but that's alright. I'm taking two art history classes and a writing class called Text Off the Page. I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully having two art history classes won't be too much for me to handle...

Today a gentleman with a suitcase and a 40 ouncer said hi to me... I smiled and he said "there you go honey!" and started laughing... It made my evening.

I walked to Whole Foods on Ashland to buy some organic Soy Ginger sauce. My friend Julie made dumplings for Easter appetizers and brought this sauce to dip them in. It was all yummy!

I find I'm having a bit of trouble staying on track with my eating... I'm trying, but not as hard as I was before I hit goal. I just have to be in control.

Title and Registration...

The glove compartment, is an accurately named... everybody knows it....

Okay the tribute to Death Cab is over.... I have to register for classes today. Oh the decisions... I'm thinking I might take two art history classes... one on Frank Lloyd Wright and one on American Interior Design. I hope that's not a bad idea... I suppose If I do that I wouldn't have to take an art history class my last semester... hmmm.

There are just too many opportunities when it comes to classes. Someone asked me yesterday what I wanted from an advisor... that is a very good question. I wish I knew the answer... if anyone knows that answer to that please let me know.

I just spilled coffee on myself...

Hopefully this isn't foreshadowing the rest of the day. Today I have another grad tour to go on... I should study up on the program information... I feel like I've been slacking when it comes to that....

I stepped on the scale this morning and it only read 140.6 so if I stay on the straight and narrow for the rest of the week I should be okay.

I am getting severely sidetracked here trying to post... so I better go.

Music for the soul...

My Favorite Song!

If I figured it out this should be a link to Christ the Lord is Risen Today complete with organ accompaniment. Let's cross our fingers.

I've fallen off the wagon.

Tomorrow is going to be a better day. I have to get back on track... I've eaten like a pig this weekend. Tonight for dinner we had tandori chicken and pork vindaloo. Not to mention some yummy dumplings and other goodies. I am stuffed! Fortunately I gave most of my candy away before I left. I'm not overly full but I could definitely not eat for a few days and be fine.

Right now I am watching What About Brian on television. Brian and Marjorie just kissed... but she's engaged to Brian's best friend. It sucks being in love with someone you can't be with.... Why can't life be like a fairy tale? It would be nice wouldn't it?

I added a counter to my site...

so I can see how many people are not visiting me... It's thundering... I don't see any rain, but I'm sure it will come.

Freddy Garcia needs a shave and a haircut.

I remember Freddy from his days pitching for the Mariners. He has let himself go. He used to be so attractive, what happened? I guess moving to Chicago has taken its toll on him. Okay so I have a photo from his Seattle days, but I swear he used to be cute.... I'm watching the game right now... his hair is just awful!

Oh, btw (by the way) church was fine... and long as usual. I actually shed a few tears during the singing of my favorite hymn. I was putting together my Easter cake and had some left over pieces.. I started snacking on them... I think I should just make a special care package of the leftovers for Andrew (Karolina's boyfriend) he likes cake a lot! Maybe that way I won't be tempted to eat them.

Lamb Cakes and Easter Bunnies!

Happy Easter everyone! I am making a cake to take to my friend Jefferson's house this afternoon. I am tempted to try to create a lamb cake. People in Seattle don't make lamb cakes... they are kind of cute I think. Yesterday I saw some butter in the shape of a lamb as well.

For Easter dinner we are having Pork vindaloo (I don't know if that's how you spell it...) and other Indian food. Yum Yum. I am the first to admit that I don't stray far from the cuisine that I am used to but Jefferson is an excellent cook and I am looking forward to it. I'll have to look up the points for various foods before I go.

I get to sing my favorite song today...Aaaaaaleeeeeeuuuuuuuuia! (I'm not a bible thumper by any means but I am spiritual and do like to sing...).

My family in Seattle is having ell my other at my sister Melissa's house. She wouldn't tell my other sister Hilary what they were having... I'm sure I'll hear stories from them... Hilary is pregnant and has some strong aversions to food... Hilary and Melissa have a history of not always getting along. I am the intermediary for the most part, but since I am not in Seattle anymore they have to interact with each other more regular basis.

I'll post more later when more of my coffee has kicked in.

Iffy wifi and sore legs.

Today I weighed in and was only up .8 which is still under my goal. I didn't eat the healthiest food last week so I'm sure that's why I was up. After the meeting I went to home depot and bought a heat gun and then went to the studio and worked for a few hours. Once I was done there I went to Stanley's to buy produce and then I walked to Whole Foods and had some samples. Then I walked all the way home from there... My right leg is killing me - I think it's because I wore my flip flops the whole way. Now I'm laying on the sofa watching Frasier and resting my legs and back. It sucks getting old.

My free wifi seems to be acting up today. I guess good things don't always last. Oh well... we'll see if it stays around.

Tomorrow I'm going to go to Church because it's Easter, hopefully we will sing my favorite church song of all time "Christ the Lord is Risen Today". As hymns go it's top notch! When I was walking today I found another UCC Church. I may have to visit there some day. It seems a little more my style, but who knows... It's called St. Paul's. I'm tired so I'm going to rest now.

I have another job.

Today I found out that I am going to be employed for six weeks this summer... 35 hours a week... I worked that much when I worked in the Law Firm, I guess I can TA a class (which I'm sure will be more enjoyable than working for Attorneys...). It's kind of scary! I am going to be TAing for Sculpture classes which should be fun!

I made an appointment to get my eyebrows waxed next Wednesday... a little birthday present to myself! Tonight I am going to my friend Karolina's house for a get together. I'm not going to stay out late because I have to weigh in tomorrow...

I should eat something now so I don't overindulge tonight.
xo
jen

more from the studio... and Chicago newscasts.

First, here's a picture from my studio wall again. Second, what is up with newscasts (specifically morning newscasts) in Chicago? Where is the serious news reporting? Sure, they get the news read but the anchors are always joking around and doing skits etc... is this what the world is coming to? There isn't enough news to fill up the time? My question is did the reporters go to acting school or did they get their degrees in journalism?

I am a Rock Star!

Not really, but my presentation went alright. Everybody sang Rhinestone Cowboy and some people even danced.

I'm eating dinner right now so I better get to eating it before it gets cold. I'm having Gorton's grilled salmon and broccoli and cauliflower... hmmm. good for me (not necessarily good...).

My Body Is Hurting...

One thing about getting up there in years is that my body hurts a lot sometimes. I can't sleep over a certain number of hours because my body can't take it. Just sitting here my knee is killing me because the circulation is being cut off.

Okay, this afternoon I have to give my presentation, I think it will be fairly entertaining... I've included a montage of rhinestones to the song Rhinestone Cowboy... I've printed out the lyrics so people can sing along.... I'll let you know how it goes later.

Detail from my studio wall and Liberace.

I took this picture today. I like to part about not using it in an icemaker. I've been working on my presentation... I have some nice images of Liberace, Sasha Cohen, Cher and Jonbenet Ramsey... and I downloaded Rhinestone Cowboy by Glenn Campbell and printed out the lyrics so we could all sing along together at the end of the lecture. At least that will be fun!

I think I sat in urine.

Never sit in the very back of an El train..the kind with the cars that have its own little room at the end...I was riding the Red Line this afternoon and apparently I wasn't thinking. I think I sat in urine. Okay maybe not, I just smelled my skirt and it seems to be okay.... I'm never going to attempt to sit in that area again.

Now I have to work on my presentation.

I hate technology....

I have a Powerbook G4 and I love it except for the fact I don't know how to freaking use it! My startup disk is almost full so I am trying to clear up space but I don't really know how. I just feel like a big dork when I try to do anything on it. I am trying to copy folders onto a CD so I can permanently delete them, but I don't have enough space on my startup disk to even do this! ARRRRGH!!!! I need to find a friend who knows how to do these things and will help me.

I think I'm going to cry...

Maybe I'll run after men again today.

I'm in love.... sort of.

I went for a run today and saw a very attractive man running along the lake. I ran after him for a while but I had to stop after about 2 miles because I have exercise induced asthma and I was tired. When I got home I posted a message on Craigslist telling this mystery man that I thought I loved him (or at least I love his calves). I got one response from a guy who said he almost lost it when he saw my post, but I was there a few hours earlier than he was. I wonder if he has nice calves? Maybe I should ask him.

I've been looking for images of Rhinestones for my presentation on Thursday. I should really buckle down and get to it. I guess there's always tomorrow. Here's a picture of a tiara. I like tiaras.

I overestimated my popularity.

Only 32 people have viewed my profile, not 36. Oh well - people get the word out!

WIFI is Back!

Could my life get any better??? well - I suppose if I were to find the man of my dreams, find a cure for world hunger and eliminate PMS altogether it could... but the chances of those things happening right now are slim. So I will celebrate the little things I have in my life.

I am currently sitting on the futon/sofa/bed in my yoga pants and sports bra contemplating walking to school. Today I have to buy coffee at Intelligentsia (it's two dollars off on Tuesday) and that's about it. Well, I do have to give a research presentation on Thursday which I haven't started yet - well not REALLY started, I've sort of started. I am eating a warm bulgur salad with feta, capers and dill (it's a Weight Watchers recipe which is pretty good!). Martha is on next... Joan Rivers is her guest - I might get sucked in.

We'll see.

Is it too early to start drinking beer? Maybe I could walk up by Wrigley Field and troll for men? Nah.... well maybe.

36 people have viewed my profile.

I credit CC (if I knew how to link to her blog I would - see Meals I have Eaten on my links) with my surge in popularity. I posed my Ruben sandwich question to her (where to find the best one - or at least a good one) and she (well her boyfriend) went looking for one.

I'm sure people looking at my blog will realize that I am not a writer... just a rambler, that's why I'm a visual artists.

My wifi connection is gone. Wah!

Well, I better get a move on. I'm procrastinating. I have to loofah the fake tan blotches off my knees and ankles.

Bunny

My mom sent me this bunny last week for Easter/My Birthday. It's very cute and goes well with my stuffed wiener dog and teddy bear.

I still have the wifi (keep your fingers crossed that it stays around.) so I want to get all my computer upkeep taken care of while I can.

I took a bath and listened to the Mountain (KMTT Seattle) on the computer - it reminded me of old times.

My Eyebrows Are Furry!

I look like I have catepillars on my face.

This afternoon I walked home from school along lakeshore drive and my feet hurt... but I got 4 exercise points. The weather is nice (about 70 degrees) and people are out on the street! or path I should say...

Today in my advising session it was suggested that I try to make work that is ugly or non-attractive using the same materials I use right now. I'm pretty excited about this. I have to find a heat gun!

I'm listing to my Lost Podcast on my laptop... I seem to have free wifi in my apartment right now so I am taking this opportunity to download all my podcasts and free music.

I better pay attention to that... Oh, I used my self tanner this morning and I have big blotches on my ankles... I may have to loofa them a bit.

bye...

Jelly Bean Hangover

This morning I am feeling a bit bad (but not too bad). I ate jelly beans last night and I ate a few too many. I guess there are some things I just can't go near.. ie big bags of candy. I also am a bit crampy - I love PMS almost as much as I like avocados which is not much.

Today I have to meet with Stephanie my advisor at 8:30 and then go on another tour - today it's with Andre - maybe I'll find my future husband today... It's supposed to get up into the 70's the next few days - maybe I'll break out the self tanner soon.
xo
Jen

Size 4

Okay so I skipped out on Church and the studio today. Instead I went to Target to buy Clorox Wipes. While I was there I decided to try on a skirt that I saw there last week - guess what?? I'm sure you put two and two together and realized that I was a size 4 (granted it's a Cherokee 4 but still it's a 4!). I also tried on some shirts and the medium was way too big and the small wasn't even tight. After I was done I walked all the way home - over three miles.

My walk took me past Wrigley Field, there is a game there this evening. I hope to go to at least one game this season, I've only ever been to American League games so it would be interesting to see a National League game.

Now I'm watching Fantasy Island. I can't believe I actually watched this show when I was little, it sucks!

I have to work on my research presentation now... I have to give it on Thursday.... I still don't know exactly what I'm going to do but I'm not too worried.

Sunday - The Morning After.

Okay, last night I had my ruben sandwich - Yummy and I had two of the ESB's. I am a lightweight now... let's just say I fell asleep on the sofa at 7:30 and never really regained consciousness until 6:30 this morning. I guess that's not so bad... You have to live a little once in a while.

This morning I watched CBS Sunday Morning as usual, they had a segment on meditation. Back in the 70's my dad tried to get me and my sisters to start doing TM.... let's just say it did not go over well and I didn't stick with it. It seems like something I might want to try now. It might do something to my artwork (or not).

Boy, I am hungry... I ate a bunch of left over veggies this morning but I think I might need some protein to make the pangs go away.

I feel like running this morning but I should go to church and the studio... nah... at least not the studio.

Did I happen to mention that I got a TA position for next fall??? It's for the Intro to Fibers class with Jerry - he's teaching the collecting class that I'm taking right now. I'm psyched! I'm going to have to practice all my domestic fiber techniques this summer that I might need. I barely know how to knit...

Okay, I better get my butt in gear.

GOAL!!! GOAL!!! GOAL!!!

If you haven't' figured it out I finally reached goal this morning. I was down 3.2 pounds last week and I am officially under 140. I don't think I've been under 140 since high school... Now I only have to make it six weeks on maintenance and then I'll be lifetime and I won't have to pay (thank you Jesus).

I am drinking one of my ESB's to celebrate. It tastes really good! Now I remember why I don't drink so often.... I like it almost a little too much for my own good.

I am going to be searching for a good place to get a Ruben sandwich. I decided once I hit my goal I would have a Ruben, I haven't found a good recommendation yet so I bought the fixings for one, I'm going to have one for dinner and when I do get a good recommendation I'm going to go out.

I'm getting sleepy (damn beer!). I better go. More later.

Friday Night Fun!

Okay, not really... if you call filling in an Excell spread sheet with my weights for the last three years having fun I guess I am. Well, today I found out that I get to be a TA next fall for the Intro to Fibers class. I'm really excited... I get to earn money and I get to gain some teaching experience!

Tomorrow I get to weigh in. Hopefully I'll hit goal, but if I don't that will be all right because I will get there eventually.

Maybe I should just go to sleep now so I can wake up sooner!

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!

36 Hours to Go

Only 36 hours to go until weigh in... I've been doing so well, maybe I will finally reach my goal after almost three years. I just have to stay on the straight and narrow. I think I will plan ahead for tomorrow so I don't have any slip ups!

Okay, I have to watch Survivor now.

Later.

Class is starting late....

Okay I have to go.

April Babies Unite!

People who know me well know that I love celebrating my birthday. In the past I usually have a countdown and made cupcakes or something for my big day. This moring I received an email from my friend E-chieh who shares the same birthday as me... I also have a new friend Marty here in Chicago who has the same birthday as well (April 22 - Earth day, National Jellybean Day too!).

Last year my birthday was interesting but I can't go into it here. Hopefully this year will be good and I won't be too traumatized to enjoy it... my sister is coming for the weekend so that will be nice.

Yesterday I had my interview for the TA positions. They brought up the fact that there might be the possibility of teaching a workshop geared towards my interests (using found objects/installation). That would be less hours a week (six), but it would pay $20.00 an hour instead of 11.80. It would be scary but I would do it for the experience.

Today my friend Marty (the fellow April baby) is showing her 3-D film for her Fibers/Material Studies lecture. I'll let you know later how it goes. I'm looking forward to it. I'll try to post the jpeg of her flyer...

Mollie Sue Out / Jade still a bitch!

I watched Americas Next Top Model and I must say I am disappointed with the decision to boot Mollie Sue. Bad Tyra. That Jade is bad news... I think she should shrivel up and fall off the edge of a cliff.

Okay, I guess I should pay attention to Lost. Oh, I also watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding, it was very good.

The End

I HEART BEER!

Well, actually I don't heart it as much as I used to... but today as I was walking around the magnificent mile (which really isn't THAT magnificent but it will do), I stopped by the new Dominick's store to check things out. The store is supposed to cater to those people of a certain lifestyle (not me) with more disposable income and not a lot of time to prepare food etc... (big ass wine selection, large selection of prepare ahead meals, fancy sandwiches...). When I was looking at the beer selection I was pleased to find Redhook ESB ON SALE! I saw some Redhook Blond Ale at Binny's Beverage Depot the other day, but I passed on it because if I'm going to get beer, I'm going to get something I really like (like Alaskan Amber which you can't find anywhere here except on Alaska Airline flights out of O'hare but then you have to fork over $5.00 a bottle.

Anyways.... I splurged and bought some and here's a picture of one of the bottles.

Ick.. I keep getting a whiff of B.O. but it's not me, I checked... Okay, I guess that's it for now. Oh, except that I checked out the following DVD's from the Library; The Return of the King, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Malena (Italian film...). I suppose I better start watching.

xo
Jen

Theme Parks and Katie Couric

This morning I am contemplating the career moves of Katie Couric... is it a good idea for her to leave the Today show? I'm not sure, Howard Stern seems to think it's a death sentence for her. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I've heard (according to Access Hollywood) that Meredith Vierra from The View has been pegged to be her replacement. I think they should give the job to Ann Curry because she's my idol.

I have also been thinking about theme parks this morning. I really miss going to theme parks...not that I ever really went to any when I was in Seattle (Enchanted Village -no Seattle Center - not since High School). There is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor just 45 minutes outside of Chicago... maybe I could find me a nice boy to take me there on a date! I would really like to go... here's the website address if you want to check it out and take me!

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/greatamerica/index.asp

It looks like it doesn't open until the end of April (and it looks expensive). So I guess I'll just have to wait. Maybe I could post my request on Craigslist.....

Oh well, I better get going. I have advising this morning and my interview. I also have to return dvd's to the library. I have to look pretty (not that that's hard for me!!!!).

Leftovers!

Tonight I had leftovers for dinner (garlic chicken). My critique went well, I was given a lot of artists to look at and things to think about.

My best friend just sent me an email saying that she just unexpectedly met her ex husbands new girlfriend. I feel for her... it sucks that I'm all the way here and can't be closer to spend some girlfriend time with her.

I better get going because I have a buttload of things to do.

Oh, I ran into my friend Simon today and he said it looked like I was losing more weight... yippee.

139.2

Okay, this morning I stepped on the scale and I was down to 139.2. I know I'm not supposed to weigh myself every morning, but I can't help it. I hope I hit my goal on Saturday so I can call up that weight watchers lady and say "Please hire me!".

Today I am meeting with Sue Spaid, she is a writer/critic and fellow blogger. I haven't met with anyone besides my Grad Advisors since I've been here so it will be interesting to see what someone else has to say about my work. This afternoon there is also the Oddesy Travel grants shindig. I said if I could have $1,500 to travel I would go to Barcelona and photograph all of the Gaudi architecture. I don't know if that's enough to merit an award, but you never know unless you try.

Tomorrow I have advising and then the interview for the TA position, keep your fingers crossed.

Okay, I should finish my coffee and get hosed off so I can get to school.

Oh yeah, funny thing yesterday, when I walked into my studio (I hadn't been there for a few days) I actually felt glad to be there. Interesting.

Thai Food

Okay, I'm the first to admit that I am stuck in my ways and I have never been to a thai restaurant... until today. After the tour (my new job - I just tagged along today) Deb took me to My Thai and I had garlic chicken. It was good and I have to get out more.

When I got home I got a letter from the Weight Watchers people saying that I couldn't work for them until I got to my goal weight (which is just 2 pounds away) so I went for a walk to make sure I stay on track and reach my goal.

Tonight for dinner I had a ground turkey patty and broccoli with cheese sauce. Yum. Now I'm watching Wife Swap and then I'll watch Super Nanny and the Apprentice.

Spring cleaning.

First off last night we didn't go to see comedy. I went to bed early and was woken up at 3:30 (after the time change) by my neighbor Azzi. I may have to kick her ass sometime soon.
Today I cleaned my apartment and then went for a walk. I haven't been to church in three weeks.... but once I get to drinking my coffee and reading my paper then I don't want to go to church. I haven't' been to the studio either this weekend.

This week should be busy, I start my new job giving tours tomorrow, then Tuesday I meet with a visiting artist. Wednesday I have graduate advising and then an interview for a summer TA position. Thursday I have class all day and my friend Marty is giving her lecture (and showing a 3-D movie) and then Friday I have class.

I'm watching extreme makeover home edition... it always makes me cry...

Ohh.. I found Weight Watchers snack cakes at the store today... I bought the lemon ones. they are yummy!

I guess that's it.

Pictures from my studio

I posted this picture on repurpose this, but I thought I had gotten a little text heavy in my recent posts so here it is.

Two Pounds to go!

So, I weighed in this morning and I was down 2.2 pounds which means I only have 2 pounds to go until I hit goal. I've only been working on it for almost three years... hopefully I will reach goal by the end of April (just in time for Critique Week!) - that's going to be stressful and may push me over the edge... Okay, maybe not.

Yesterday I went to a meeting about being a TA for the Early College Program at school. It's for High School kids who are interested in pursuing art as a career. I think I would be an excellent TA but I'm not going to get my hopes up. I can always sell my body to science if need be. Surprisingly I fell asleep last night amid all the noise coming from next door. I must have been tired. My friend Karolina called me and I didn't even notice.

Tonight some of my friends and I are going to Second City to see comedy.. I'm going to even take a shower and put on makeup because I might just meet my future husband there!

Well, I guess that's it for now.