The Newest Member of Our Family!

You thought I was going to show you a picture of my niece! Wrong, close though - same parents- it's Hilary and Grant's new car!

So, as I was leaving my apartment this morning there was a notice saying that there had been a total of three break ins in my building in less than two weeks.

I went to Karolina's building and put my name on the waiting list for October (that's when my lease is up). I also took pictures of the broken locks on the fire escape and the notices people have put up. I don't think I want to stay here. Hopefully when I get back from my vacation I will still have a television and printer...

Only one hour until I leave for the Airport. I bought a few magazines to read on the plane. Now I just have to look pretty in case there are single men on my flight!

I Heart Going Home.

Today I am going home for a visit. I am really excited... The last time I went home (in December/January) I was still in a funk from all the upheaval in my life. This time I've got many things to do; see my family (and greet my soon to be niece, see my friends, go to the dentist, see my Weight Watchers buddies, drive my car, and hold my wiener dog Tucker. I'm also looking forward to not sweating while I sleep!

Did you all see that Lindsey Lohan was called out on the carpet for partying too much? The Producer of the movie she's working on sent her a letter saying she needed to grow up and start behaving like an adult. Good for him.



I've forgotten how much I enjoy watching the Today Show - I'm going to find out if my medication is making me fat within the next half hour. There's also going to be a segment on Vanity Fair's most stylish list (or something like that).

If I have time I'll post again later (maybe from the airport) . I've got to get ready soon - I've chosen the perfect outfit to wear on the plane (a cute black dress!) because I might sit next to my future husband on the plane.

In A Pickle...

I received these pictures from my brother-in-law Grant this afternoon. The 2006 crop of "Gilly dills'" is underway. In case you're wondering about the name - their last name is Gilkinson.

Why the cucumbers are in the washing machine - you got me... maybe just a place to wash them...




I'd tell you how they taste, but I think they have to sit for a month or so...

I'm An Artist! Really.

Now that all of my busywork is done for the summer I need to start thinking about the direction of my work. I've decided to start exploring the role of humor in my work. I could tackle the big issues of poverty, famine, political tensions, Condoleeza Rice's outfits... but that's not me.

I discovered Google Earth this summer. It's pretty cool - you can type in where you want to go and it will take you there (it's satellite images of terrain...). In some instances you can turn on 3-d images of the buildings associated with the area you're looking at.

The title of my series is going to be "my sex life according to Google Earth". I have been finding all of the places I have had sex in my life and doing drawings from the images I take from Google Earth. I might do them large scale - to make up for the fact that my sex life is a little less interesting than you might think. The most interesting places were back when I was a youngster (and had more energy).

Maybe on my plane ride tomorrow I'll get to work on it... I'll post more later - I have laundry to check on.

So....

I'm sitting here in just my underwear (visualize a Victoria Secret's model) - sweating like a pig on a spit.

This morning I helped Karolina move... people were impressed with my muscles (I'm a brute). In thanks for our help Karolina bought us lunch at The Burrito House. I had a fish taco and a chicken taco, they were pretty dang good. Oh, when we were moving her stuff a cute boy smiled at me... and Jefferson commented that I had a cute ass (I think that's a good compliment coming from a gay man...) He said he had never seen me in such few clothes and that I was little (I was wearing a tank top and shorts). That was nice to hear.

I start training to be a weight watchers receptionist on the 17th of August, bright and early in the morning - 6:45.

Tomorrow I need to do some laundry and pack to get ready for my trip home. I sure hope it's a bit cooler in Seattle than it is here... Even if it is hot it won't be so humid. Maybe I'll sit next to my future husband on the plane!!! Maybe he'll be a Doctor or an Engineer?? or a Movie Star. Okay, I'm still a bit loopy from my hectic schedule the past six weeks.

So This Is It....

I'm done being a TA and although I am tired I feel my witty charm coming back... yippee. I also get to see my family on Monday so things are looking up.

I'll post more tomorrow, but I really enjoyed my class and I think the students made some really good work. I even got a few hugs!

I'm not feeling so bad about everything else that's screwed up in my life right now either so that's good. Everything is going to work out.

Things to do tomorrow...
WW meeting
Help Karolina move
fill out timesheet for this past week (it's going to be a big one - 12 and a half hours today alone!!!).
Dishes
Take a Nap.

This is it.

Today is my final day of being a TA. Overall I give it a Pass (we don't have real grades at the Art Institute). I am exhausted - I know I've said that before but I really mean it this time.

I can't even put together a coherent sentence. I just looked in the mirror and I've got bags the size of (fill in the blank) under my eyes.

What Else???

So I get a notice today that my lease renewal has not been received (I sent it in).... arrgh... I'm want to sign a 9 month lease because I'm moving home when I'm done with school and it is not feasible to sign a year lease.... Hopefully everything will work out. I REALLY miss my old landlady.

I think I should start a riot.... No, I'm too tired to riot. Four more sleeps till I'm home!

Cardinal's, Cancer and a Big Box Wage.

This morning on the news...Cardinal George has Cancer (they'll be holding a press conference after the surgery LIVE) and the City Counsel passed a minimum wage ordinance (which I think is good but the stores don't). Now you can all rest easily...

I'm hoping my luck starts Turing today... I'm still really tired and it's getting hot again (and humid). I'm going to be ready for a break. All the leaves fell off my orchid last night too - omen?

Let's see if I can be witty for a moment.

Nope - not working.

Did I mention that someone had their apartment broken into in my building? It was on the first floor but still - I'm not so confident in my the property management company. The person whose place was broken into put a notice up saying that she had some issues with them (such as they didn't even notify her that her door was kicked in - she had to find out when she got home...) Makes me have second thoughts about renewing my lease...

Could my life suck anymore?

Why yes it could! I get an email today telling me that they have changed the day of the class which I am going to TA for next fall. Of course they change it to a day that I have a class that I really want to take. I can TA for a Saturday class... but that just screws up everything... it will work out.

more eye sweating going on now...

Hmm..

This morning I am undecided as to what to do with my life (well, not my life per se...). I am really tired - I'm sick of being alone - I hate the thought of being dependent on other people - I guess I'm just exhausted and ready for a break from everything.

It would be nice if I could just disappear.

Maybe I'll be in a better mood later.

Sad...

So I've hurt someones feelings. I don't like when I do that. I didn't intend to do it. I think I'll just let my eyes sweat a little bit...

Tiredness.

I'm begining to feel the effects of working full time for the past five and a half weeks... I think I may end up sleeping for most of my vacation.

Today for class we are going to be going to Chinatown, I've never been there. We are going to be looking for "found objects" for the students to cast. I'm zoning - better go.

These are my feet - like the tan lines?

New Talk Show...

They've been advertising a new talk show with Greg Behrendt - He's the guy who wrote "He's just not that into you." Maybe they'll give me a talk show... Okay, I'm reaching for topics this morning...

I guess I could do more exercises on my ball....

I'm on the ball!

Many things have happened today. First off I went to Target and Cub Foods - I found a very cute dress at Target (hubba hubba!) but I digress. As I was taking the bus there I looked at the seat beside me an what was sitting there? It was a rhinestone! I think it's a sign that I need to make some more pushpins... or maybe it was just there and it's a very strange coincidence. Hmm...

Well, after Target I did some grocery shopping and then I went to Lush for a party they were having (I went for the goodie bag) - I needed coconut almond smoothie though - I have to pamper myself don't I? I also purchased a massage bar - hopefully it will help with my achy muscles (hip and shoulder).

On the way back I stopped by TJ Maxx and picked up an exercise ball kit for seven bucks! Here's a link so you can read all about it.

Pilates Yoga Exercise Ball Kit

As you can see I got it for a steal! I don't think it's worth $29.95 but who am I to judge - however, IS is worth $7.00.

I recently figured out how to see who is visiting my blog via my counter... I get a lot of people linking through the SAIC student web page site... I hope the people looking don't actually think that I'm a loser and they shouldn't go to school there! It's an excellent school and I highly recommend it. I just don't have really good documentation and I can't afford to pay for a "real" website right now.

Come check out the school - I'll probably be your tour guide if you take the tour!

One more week until I get to go home! I am excited to see my dog, my friends, my family, my dentist (it's been almost a year since my teeth have been cleaned). I also get to drive! I wonder if I remember how to do it??

Hopefully it won't be too smokey in the house... that's would be my only complaint.. my momma smokes and sometimes it doesn't smell so good in the house... but I love her anyway because she brought me to life (my daddy too!).

Today I also talked to my friend Nancy. I'm going to see her when I'm home as well... I really miss all of my friends in Seattle.. but I guess it's only ten more months until I can move back... that is unless I find my future husband in that time and decide to stay here. You never really know where you'll be a year from now - do you?

Today's List...

I did the following;
Went to a WW meeting.
Delivered papers to Kim (and saw a new neighborhood while I was at it!).
Stocked my fridge with fruit and veggies from Stanley's.
Watched television.
Made dinner.
Ate Dinner.
Blogged.
Next I will be going to bed.

Then it begins again.

Nine more sleeps until I get to see Tucker!

Yo!

I stayed out way to late last night. We had a surprise party for Jeroen (he's the one who had the hanging grass piece) and a good time was had by all. There was karaoke, eating (Karolina made a great spread!) and a bit too much beer for me. I ended up sleeping in a bit and skipping my usual 7:30 ww meeting. I am going to go at 10:30 instead.

Today I should probably do some grocery shoping so I have a better set up food wise. I've been not eating as well as I should be and it's going to show up the next time I have to step on the scale. Since I am going to be working for Weight Watchers I've got to keep myself on track. I also need to take a nap and clean my apartment a bit.

That's it for now. Word out...(I can't take myself seriously saying things like that....)

Coffee is my friend... so is Simon.

This morning I got an email from Simon. He's from Dundee (that's in Scotland for those who don't know). He's a painter. He's been gone this summer.

I'm sitting here drinking my coffee and thinking that I really like coffee... I also like the fact that it is Friday.

I'm not quite coherent yet. Maybe the coffee will kick in soon.

Ohh! Bon Jovi is playing here tonight! They give love a bad name you know???

I heart my class!

I've decided that I like my sculpture students a lot! They are just so interested in what is going on... (well, most of them). They are self-directed for the most part and I don't want to hit a single one! They also help clean up!

Tomorrow is FRIDAY! I'm so excited and I just can't hide it... and I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I want you!

Waking Up...

Waking up to a thunderstorm is something I'm not used to, this morning a little before five I had to get up an close my windows to keep the rain from coming in. Now my apartment feels like a sauna - great. As usual, the body is hurting and I am very tired... I may collapse come Saturday. I have to work tonight and I have a shindig to go to tomorrow night... Saturday I am going to relax, hopefully it will cool off enough that I can take a comfortable nap on the futon in the afternoon.

Only a week and a half and I get to sleep with my puppy! Okay, she's not a puppy - but she's cute like a puppy! Maybe I can train her to walk on my back and give me a massage! I could use one...

Hey, it might be a good day... I just ran my spell check and I didn't have any typos! That's a rare occurrence. (oops, I spelled occurrence wrong when I was congratulating myself!)

Bags the Size of....

I don't know exactly the size of the bags under my eyes, I just know they're big. I am TIRED this morning...The shoulder feels a bit better but a nice massage would do me wonders. I'm too tired to be scintillating.

Dagger The Wonderdog!

Dagger Mayfield is a dog I know (although not very well). He belongs to Amy Mayfield. This tattoo resides on the arm of Ryan Lieu. Amy just received her MFA from SAIC and Ryan is a Second year grad in Sculpture... He's doing the body casting workshops for the Early College Program.

I've always thought it would be interesting to get a tatoo.. but I don't think it would look good on my wrinkly body.

I should have known...

When I got to school today I realized that I forgot to rinse the conditioner out of my hair this morning. I also got a notice that I have yet another fire code violation in my studio... nothing major but I'll have to take care of it in the morning before class.

I'm also crampy. What a joy it is to be me.

My shoulder is killing me this morning. I found the image when I googled "shoulder pain". As I've said before it sucks getting old. I didn't sleep too well last night - I kept waking up because it was so hot, it's supposed to be hot again today and then cool off a bit tomorrow.

Heat plus shoulder pain plus PMS equals one semi-cranky woman!

This is Paul Konrad - he is the weather guy on WGN news.... I think he's better looking than Andy Avalos - but I'm not sure if I trust his weather predicting abilities as much...


I would like to take this opportunity to say hello to my Miller Nash friends. (That's where I used to work... and may have to work again in order to pay off the student loans!) Karen and Kristen if you're reading this Hi!

It's Odd

I have gone this entire day without any contact from my friends or family. It feels sometimes as if I am living in a void.

My sculpture class starts tomorrow. It should be good and a little more hands on than my last class.

It's still really hot. High point today was doing laundry... My life is full.

So This is What Hell Feels Like!

It is too stinking hot and icky... I feel like a dog has licked every inch of my body... ewww is right.

FEEL FREE!

To post comments on my blog. I like to know what people are thinking.... and who's watching me... I guess you could say I'm sort of voyeuristic.. or would be that be I like to be the subject of a voyeur???

Hmm...

This is a picture of my tired eyes... I've been up for five hours already and they're still looking like I've been drinking for a week. Not to mention that I need to take care of my eyebrows again...



For tonight's party I have decided to make skewers of fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes and basil drizzled with a bit of olive oil and basalmic vinegar. I really have to take a nap today or I won't make it.

Mayonnaise, Mustard and Diet Coke.

Tonight I came home with all of the above.

Well, I made it through my Architecture class and I am tired. The hardest part of the whole thing was deciding which two students would have their work photographed for the online exhibition. I think we made good choices, but there was a lot of good work to choose from.

One word of advice to anyone out there looking to get far in anything. There is something to be said about having a good work ethic. That's half the battle... If you put in the time and effort you will be rewarded - in recognition and or opportunities.

Oh, I might have met my future husband today... But I don't want to jinx it.

I'll post more this weekend when I am not so tired.

I heart blogs.

So I'm feeling a mixture of things this morning. First off I got an email from my father last night telling me about a woman he knew (a former student of his) who was murdered while on a hike in the Cascade Mountains. It's weird - I guess that's all I can say about that...

I have a headache this morning. I was up a little after 5:00 and I have a lot to do today. I am hoping things go smoothly setting up this morning - but I'm not convinced they will.

Yesterday I stepped on my computer cord and slipped (that damn cord got me once before). I didn't fall completely but it didn't help my hip/back any. I think it may be a five advil day. Yeah that sounds like a lot, but it's what I need...

Today I am going to have a donut.

Cross your fingers and hope that I survive today.

Everyone Should Wear a Well Fitting Bra.

That's what I think. This afternoon I went out for a walk before I had to come back for my workshop and I must say there was too much overflow if you know what I mean. All you women out there - you should be fitted for the correct bra size! your boob should sit in the cup - not overflow it... if you have large hoo-hahs they jiggle when your cup runeth over.



This is one of the images that came up when I googled "boob jiggle".

These girls here in class are lucky I'm not allowed to hit them. Because if I could I would.... I'm drinking on Saturday - definitely!

I really want....

I really could use a chiropractic adjustment, My hip is killing me this morning.

Today is the final prep for the show and critique tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to be a very long day. Tomorrow is going to be excruciatingly long as well. The good news is that there's going to be donuts at the critiqe - so I better plan accordingly. The models the students are building are looking pretty good, although, they are more designed oriented than architecturally oriented.

This weekend my there is going to be a party at my friend Tia's house to welcome back our friend Julie who has been in China. There should be some dancing going on!


Okay - my english muffin is ready, I better go.

Poor Bob Euker

No one is safe! Even Bob Euker gets stalked! I don't think I'd like being stalked. Unless it was by a little dog... but really - would a dog stalk someone? I must not be awake yet.

Only three more days of class... things seem to be shaping up. Hopefully everything will run smoothly.

Good news for all of you out there, only two and a half weeks and I'll be back to my witty postings... unless I've lost that capability forever.

I heart Nirvana.

So I'm watching Rockstar Supernova (sort of) and this broad is singing a Nirvana Song (Heart Shaped Box). I sometimes forget how good Nirvana was and is. I remember back to that last concert Nirvana played in Seattle... I was there - in the Arena at the Seattle Center - I got hit in the head with a lighter. Oh the good old days!

Hey, the Allstar Game is on! Maybe I'll see Ichiro! A-Rod is up to bat. A-ROD SUCKS!

I heart everyone!

So I'm sitting here in class and I have a bunch of information for my Faculty Person (Kim - who is awesome!). I don't usually use the word awesome - but I think she warrants it... anyway, she is just so stinking busy I'm just going to have to wait until later to give her all the information for the show on Friday. That's right, we have a show on Friday after the critique and there is just soooo much to do before then.

Well, I've put the feelers out for finding a roommate and or new apartment. Who knows what will happen... I don't want to move but as I think I said earlier (or maybe it was in an email...) I don't think my rinky dink apartment is worth $605.00 a month. Maybe 585 (a ten dollar increase...).

I heart hot water...

Tonight I took a nice long shower and I even scrubbed my feet. I feel much better now. It almost makes me not mind so much that my rent is being raised in October... Does anyone need a roommate out there? I'm easy.... to get along with that is.

Word to Your Mother.

Oh, Vanilla Ice - what an underrated performer you were.

Today our class is going to the Merchandise Mart. It's a building devoted to design - it has a bunch of showrooms and offices... I'll take my camera and try to take pictures for you all.

Only three more weeks of class and then I get to go home for a visit. I can't wait to see Tucker! I miss her a lot - for those of you Chicagoans maybe she can come to visit when I graduate.

Well, I better go take my cold shower, I will call the building manager today and let her know. I miss Shirley (my old landlady).

Big Fat and Smelly.

That's how I'm feeling this morning - Big Fat and Smelly. I still have no hot water (okay maybe it's lukewarm) and I'm feeling large and in charge.

Today my options are as follows. I could go to the Lakeview Garden walk and look at other peoples gardens. I could go to Target and try to cheer myself up by trying on size 4 clothing. I could go to Let's Pet Puppies and pet some. Or I could just hang out in my apartment all day and clean up a bit. I might end up cleaning anyway... it's beginning to get a bit messy.

I'll post later when I have something interesting to say.

My First Time

Today was the first time I've gone out in public in a halter top (well at least since I was in the 8th grade). At first I was a bit self conscious but I looked at some of the people out there and what they were wearing and I didn't feel too bad.

Today I went to my Weight Watchers meeting and then did some grocery shoping. I then came home and watched Beyond The Sea and tried to do dishes and take a shower but there seems to be a short supply of hot water in my apartment. If it doesn't get better soon I'll call the new building management.

I've eaten all of my points today and then some. I got my paperwork for working for WW and I have to be weighed in officially and I didn't really want to do that this morning. I may go tomorrow morning at 8:00am and then come back and watch CBS Sunday Morning.

I guess that's it for now... Oh, I did do my toenails this morning as well. They're pretty!

Photos from IIT.

These are pictures from our trip today. These are from the Student Center designed by Rem Koolhaus (he did the Seattle Public Library).

Even Luckier Day!

Today I went to cash in my winning scratch ticket and guess what? They gave me $50.00 instead of $30.00! Maybe I read the ticket wrong - or they screwed up - either way I'm a winner!

After tomorrow I will be half way done with my TA job. It's wearing me out, but I'm enjoying it. I'm starting to have a bunch of ideas of things I can work on and I'm getting excited.


This is a picture of the sign at the summer camp I have counseled at almost every summer since I was 21 (that makes it 18 years for those of you counting) I missed one year because of the Italian Class disaster, but that's another story for another time. I am not there this year because of my TA job. I really miss it a lot. I got an email from the camp manager letting me know that the letter I sent all the counselors arrived safely.

The dogwood tree next to the sign was planted in honor of my tenth anniversary counseling. Pilgrim Firs is one of, if not the most important places in the world to me. sob.

Julie Chen

Tonight the houseguests are chosen for Big Brother All Stars and I'm going to miss it, maybe we can move the workshop up a little bit so I can catch some of it. I'll cross my fingers.

I got paid today - it was almost enough to pay my rent next month (well, a little over $100 short). But I will get paid again before my rent is due. I did pay that stupid Doctor bill - Paying over $300 to get something cut off my chest seems a bit steep, and that was even with insurance. I suppose it's better than having skin cancer - and the ugly thing is off my chest. Now if only we could do something about my excess skin on my belly... Happy Thursday!

So You Think You Can Watch Rock Star???

As you might be able to tell from the title of this post I am back in my reality show television watching... I have been very busy this week with all my fireworks activity (and falling off the wagon.. but I'm didn't fall too far off... I'm back on again...whew!). Tonight I sort of watched Rock Star and I'm catching the tail end of So You Think You Can Dance. I missed How to Get the Guy on Monday... oh well I guess I'll just have to improvise when I go trolling for men.

I have to apologize for not having my usually witty posts. I find this working full time is wearing me down and I'm not up to snuff when posting. I used to be able to multitask.. I guess when you're making coffee and copies for attorneys it's a different sort of stress than working with a bunch of High School kids.

Friday we're going to the IIT Campus to draw the buildings by Mies van der Rohe. I'm excited to see a new part of the city...and It will be Friday! Thank you Jesus!

Luck

The other night as I was walking to watch the fireworks I happened upon a scratch ticket that hadn't been scratched off yet. I usually pick up the ones that are losers so I can send them in for the "Set for life" promotion (that's where you send in $30.00 of non winning tickets for a chance to win money every year for life..nothing like profiting from someone else's failures). Well, to get back to the story, yesterday I scratched off the ticket and it was worth $30.00! I can get my eyebrows waxed now! (or buy food...)

Have I mentioned my pulsating toe yet? I don't think so. I have been feeling the blood course through the big toe on my right feet and it is very strange.

Okay, they just had a promo on Today about a woman who had twins at the age of 59... there's still hope for me to reproduce - not that I want to right now. Maybe by the time I have babies it will be such an oddity that I will be on the Today show myself!

I Don't Think I'm Going to Make it.

If I make it through today I will be surprised. I am very tired and I would really like to sleep. I'm so tired I don't think I can write anything more.

I'm Getting Too Old For All This...

I just can't stay out late on weekdays. I feel like a fuddy duddy but I can't help it. We went to watch the fireworks tonight and I must say I wasn't very impressed. I also ate some chips and the like and now I'm burping up partially digested food (icky).

One of the students in the class I'm TA ing for was sent home this weekend for drinking. DUMB ASS! Oh well, hopefully he will learn something from all of this.

Tomorrow we are spending the day at school... and then there is the workshop. It should be a long day - and then later I'm supposed to go out again. I don't think I can make it. I guess that's it for now, I should get to bed. Only 27 more sleeps and I get to see my dog and my car! Oh, my family too!

Twins!

Karolina took this picture of Me and Simon a few months back while I was off the wagon. I look interesting.... We look so happy (or drunk).

I bleached my toe hair last night and today we are going to Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio in Oak Park. There are some Thunderstorms in the area, hopefully they will dissipate before we get there.

Toe Hair

Tonight I am bleaching my toe hair.

Today I went to a new area (new to me that is). It's called Lincolnwood and it has a mall! I miss malls. I went up there for flip flops and I found them. Maybe I'll post a picture of them when I have to toe hair taken care of.

I should do laundry tonight but I'm not in the mood... maybe I'll do one load to take care of my sweaty armpit stained tank tops.....

It's a Bust...

I walked to Famous Footwear to purchase a pair of flip flops but alas, they didn't have my size. I should have gone last weekend (but I didn't have money last weekend...). Well, I suppose I could go out to Oak Park tomorrow and check there. It's a nice train ride (sort of).

Today at weigh in I was down .4 pounds from last month - who knows maybe I am getting this whole weight thing down. Tonight Karolina and I are going to walk to Andrews job (Starbucks) and hang out. That's good, it will give me more exercise and a diversion from my apartment.

Right now on America's Test Kitchen there talking about curry. Yummy, I'm going to take notes.