The best laid plans...

I had planned on moving the grass today here at Nancy's house but I can't get the mower to start...

Work this morning went really fast. It wasn't as bad as I thought I might be... I"m always expecting the worst. I think I might head out to Target to look at workout/running wear.

I should go to the gym and workout.

The Verdict.

I received a phone call from my friend Melinda and we went for a walk and then to dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Downtown Edmonds. It was good.

I also received a phone call from my territory manager and I am going to be working one or two ww meetings tomorrow morning. It's the two that are after my regular meeting at 7am. It will be nice to have some more money coming in.

BTW, I didn't get a paycheck... I'm figuring it has something to do with my moving and not having my information updated.

What's going on?

I'm actually in a good mood today. I've worked out, I haven't fallen off the good food bandwagon and I'm looking pretty cute. I guess that means I should go somewhere and be seen. I guess I'll see how that all pans out and I'll keep you updated.

Maybe I should go see a movie... maybe I should go for a walk? Maybe I should go to Target?? I haven't been there lately. I feel the need to get some new running clothes. I ran a bit this morning and it didn't hurt a bit... I should sign up for a race and get back to my work...

Tragedy will increase readership...

I posted that comment last night about the girl having her feet severed and it has blown my pageloads through the roof. I guess I'm just like other people... I want to have the gory details.

It turns out that on the AOL news page there is a link where you can read blogs on the subject. Somehow they found mine. I sure hope people weren't disapointed that I didn't have anything too exciting to say about the subject.

Crap-ola...

I just ate a whole sleeve of ritz crackers... I don't think they were very point friendly. Maybe once I get back to living at my own house I'll get back on track with my eating plan.

I think I get paid tomorrow for the WW meetings I've been working... maybe I'll be able to pay a few bills (like the one for almost $900 from the dentist).

I guess that's it for now....

Theme park horror!

I saw that a girl had her feet severed at an amusement park today.. it got me thinking how many accidents do happen and I found this website. I used to like amusement park rides but now I'm not so sure.

Things I miss about Chicago..

I miss my friends of course. Karolina sent me this picture yesterday. She was at the Field Museum and they had this model of the Space Needle. All of my other friends you know who you are... I miss you too.

I also miss Argo Tea and Intelligentsia Coffee. I've got a pot of Intelligentsia Black Cat Blend right here beside me.... I should plunge the pot and start caffeinating myself.

I'm a bit stiff this morning... not too bad. I just wish it was better... I suppose if I didn't eat like there was no tomorrow it might be better... I worked out with weights the other day... I think that's another reason I'm stiff.

Today I have my interview at another temp agengy.. then I might have lunch with Matt and Bryan again. I will try to stay on track...

I'm back..

Twice in one day. Can you believe it? I love having wifi in the range of the sofa.

I am happy to report that I went to the gym tonight. I went to the one near where I'm house sitting... it's not as nice am the one I usually go to but it will suffice.

I wish I didn't like food so much... okay maybe it's not that I like food - it's just that I eat when I'm lonely or bored (which is a lot). I suppose I could make myself go out and do things but it's just hard sometimes. Maybe by the time I turn 43 things will change. What the hell am I talking about?

Oh happy day!

I am not going to dwell on the fact that I have been eating like a pig for the past few days... I am not going to lament my lack of motivation in going out and meeting people and making new friends... and I am not going to complain about my pasty white skin that reflects the rays of the sun with a glare that would make Donny Osmonds teeth look dingy.

I am going to celebrate the fact that I am sitting on a sofa in front of a television and blogging.... I have figured out how to get my friend Nancy's wireless connection hooked up so I can get back to what is comfortable - being a couch potato! Oh, I have my coffee here too...

Last night I fell asleep on the sofa before 8pm, I went to bed a little after 10 and then woke up around 5:45... I could go to the gym - there's one up here where I'm house sitting... but I have my laptop and I feel good. Maybe this will be what gets me to quit eating so much... if my hands are busy I can't shovel the food into my mouth.

Okay, now is the time for pictures.
This is the house that I used to live in in Fremont. When I was working my temp job last week I walked over there and took a few pictures. I was 21 when I lived there... if you are a math wiz you will figure out that that was about 19 years ago. (Crap I'm getting old)!



Here is another picture of the Pirate (Mr. Wormy)... he was sitting up for treats last night and I tried to take some pictures of his trick. A fly decided to buzz around so he got distracted..

Now that I'm comfortable you will be hearing a lot more from me!

- I've been thinking about stories I can use in my artwork... about my quest to find true happiness only to be dashed by a lack of information and communication... I'll tell you all about the story of my coffee delivery to Doug at a later date.

Visiting with Dad...

I went over to help my father with some organizational items today.... it took a bit longer than expected but that's okay.

There are some very interesting things that happen when you live in a "retirement" community. Near the door of my father's apartment was a small wooden object that looked sort of like a door stop. It's was far from that... It turns out that when you go to your apartment for the evening you stick this little doo-hickey out under your door so it can be seen from the hallway. It means that the apartment is occupied. In the morning if you don't remove it by 10am the staff will come knocking to make sure you aren't dead. It's kind of funny in a twisted sort of way... but hey, I think I would want to be found if I was dead.

I wonder how the people who have to open the doors feel when they know they might be encountering death... I guess they're probably used to it.

right foot...

this morning I am off to the chiropractor again. I've been a bit stiff but hopefully this visit should clear things up for a while. I got a call from another temp agency and have an appointment to go see them on Thursday. It will be nice to be on a few radars so I can start paying off those bills.

Pirate is doing fine, he decided to wake me up at 5 this morning... I gave him some treats and then closed the door. Currently he is trying to cough up a hairball (It didn't come out though...).

I should get a move on if I want to look pretty for my adjustment.

Hello bling!

It's now official. I have bling. My gold crown was (installed?) put in this morning.... I haven't been able to chew on the left side of my mouth for a while... I've missed being able to chew with wild abandon.

I went to the gym after the dentist... I'm trying to work off all those carbs I had the past few days. Vegetables? what are those?.. I've been feeling sort of blue lately... it will turn back around... it always does. I need to get out more - that would cheer me up.

The day after...

I was going to try and be good and not overdo it when it came to eating yesterday.

I failed. but it's another day and I will get back on that horse and try to ride it out of town... (that sounds sort of dirty..).

I have one thing to say to people out there online looking for love. Please know how to spell and run a spell check before you submit anything for public perusal. I'm not going to go out with you if you can't spell "very" or differentiate "they're" and "there" or "you're" and "your".

Today I am washing dishes at church again. I will go to the gym and work out... I have to work off that Peanut Buster Parfait I ate last night....

What the???

Okay so nothing too exciting to talk about here... it's another week of trying to track points... trying to make myself go out and meet people... trying to get a little action (okay - so I exaggerate on that last item of action)...

I revised my profile on Yahoo Personals and opened it up for people to see. I have had a lot of views but I am not going to fork over money so I can talk to people.... there was a cute guy with tattoos on his calves who looked at my profile. I looked at his... if he were to email me I might spring the ten bucks (or whatever it is) to talk to him.

or maybe I'll just go stand on the corner with a sign that says "date me".

Mr. Wormy says good morning.

This is the Worminator - otherwise known as Mr. Wormy or Pirate.

He is a pretty good cat... doesn't make too much of a fuss and he asks to be let outside and then meows at the door when he wants to be let back in. Too bad I can't find a man with those qualities...

Today I am working and then it's off to the gym and then I am working at church washing dishes for a wedding. I better look okay - you never know, there might be single eligible men there... (even though I'll be in the kitchen...).

In search of...

the perfect fish taco.

Lately I have been having hankerings for fish tacos.... it all started back in Chicago with the Burrito House (one of my favorites)... and has continued onto the Rock Bottom Brewery Mahi Mahi tacos (pretty tasty)... the Blue Water Taco Grill (so-so) and today with Tacos Guaymas... it was pretty good too but I can do without the white sauce...

If anyone has suggestions for fish tacos in Seattle let me know. I am thinking I will be going to Taco Del Mar soon but I think they bread their fish and I probably don't need the extra points that are inherent with breaded anything.

how about those Mariners...

I must admit I did miss looking at all those cute ball players.... not that the Cubs are unattractive... but there's just something about those M's. Ichiro has very nice forearms.

This morning at the gym I saw a very nice looking man... I stared him down.... maybe he'll be there tomorrow.... too bad I looked like crap.

I have to get a move on - I don't want to be late. Wormie (Pirate) the cat says hi. I take some photos of him and post them later.

Have burger will travel...

I had a very yummy burger for dinner (I'm sure it's worth more points than I want to think about).

This afternoon at lunch I took a walk around the neighborhood where I used to live. I took some pictures of the house I used to live in... it's too bad I didn't appreciate it as much when I lived there.

Man I'm feeling old today. I guess that's it... sorry I'm not more exciting.

Should I stay or should I go now?

I am contemplating weather or not I should go to the gym. I'm sitting here - tired... I just want to go back to bed.

I am working again to day and then I am off to Edmonds to house sit for my friend Nancy. I worked with her a long time ago at the first Law Firm... she had quite the reputation (and she was very proud of it).... if we knew then where we'd be now.... She's starting an MFA Writing program in Vermont. It's a low residency program so she'll only be gone a few weeks a few times a year.

I think maybe I'll just hang out on the sofa for a while... I can always go to the gym later.

sorry to keep you hanging there...

my wifi connection was down today in addition to me being very busy.

The day started out with me taking my momma to have cataract surgery... I just dropped her off because I had to go to work...

I spent the day organizing files... it wasn't too bad... I am a bit rusty when it comes to using a PC though....

I will update in the morning but I need to go to bed now because I'm pooped.

Thank you Jesus.

I have a temp job for the next few days. It's going to be helping a sole practitioner clean out some files. It's in the Fremont area of Seattle.... they have some nice grocery stores there... I might have to do a grocery store field trip while I'm there.

Productivity is my middle name...

okay - really it's Lynn but for my purposes today it is Productivity.

I am going to take the time today to read my financial aid information and do my exit interviews so I can gets me my diploma!

I might also take a shower.

I have clothes!

and a new razor... (boy, were my legs starting to look scary!).... I have all my things and my futon is living in it's new room... I don't know If I can get a wireless signal in there so it won't be like old times when I could sit/blog/drink coffee all at the same time.

I will post the picture of the police car later (it came after the movers arrived - long story)...

I went to the gym tonight to work off the fish and chips I had for lunch today (they were good, but not as good as Spud!).

I finish my housesitting gig tomorrow and then start a new one on Wednesday.

I guess that's it for now. More tomorrow.

Where's my stuff?

Oh that's right... it's arriving today (my stuff that is). The movers are supposed to come sometime this morning. It will be nice to have something different to wear. I'm tired of the same workout clothes - I need a change.

My studio supplies are in there too... maybe I will work on something art-like finally....

here are a few pictures of Stinky and me...




She's the one in the brown.

Well, maybe I'll do something productive today. We'll just have to wait and see.

Saturday's all right for fighting.

Good news. I weighed in this morning and I was only up .8! I guess all that working out is paying off. Now I just have to reign in the emotional eating.

After the meeting and our coffee I went to the gym. I tried the step class again but my knee wasn't going to agree so I just hung out on the treadmill. I've decided that when I choose a specific piece of equipment I will take the one next to the cutest guy using that type of equipment. This morning I chose the treadmill next to a really cute guy... did he talk to me? No - but hey maybe someone will eventually notice my stunning beauty.

Someone in Washington DC really likes me...

Who are you?

The only problem with being able to track who visits your blog is not knowing who they are.... (sometimes I can tell other times I can't).

This person must like me. They've were reading for over two hours.

Are you single?

Ummm...

I'm thinking that maybe I won't eat everything in sight today. I will try to keep everything in check... I will not let anxiety rule my life, I will not let other people bring me down...

Maybe I'll try to find a leash today and take Tucker out for a walk. She doesn't like to go on walks - she will just wait there until you drag her. She makes a good dust mop.

Last night at first Thursday was pretty low key. I saw a few things that I liked - Ron Lambert at the Catherine Person Gallery was pretty interesting. He works with video in sculptures.... there were some nice plaster forms with mylar and inkjet prints... the craftsmanship was nice.

The show at SOIL was called Crud. I will have to go back an look again at it... I think I liked it though.

When I was walking through the galleries I was trying to envision where my work might fit and I haven't quite figured that out yet. Actually my work will fit into Crawl Space just fine I think... I have to set up a studio visit with them.

Okay - it's official. This is my last week of sitting on my ass feeling sorry for myself. I have to start working again and applying for things. Two weeks is long enough for having a pitty party / vacation.

Okay, I feel better.

rollercoaster...

I wish the mood swings would stop.... I guess I just have too much time on my hands.

I know eventually things will even out and it will feel "normal" again.

Today is first Thursday, I'm going to head downtown tonight and check out the shows and stop by the newly remodeled Seattle Art Museum to see me some art. Hopefully by getting back into the groove of going to things will snap me out of the funk.

Nightmares and Horoscopes.

Last night I had a dream that I was trying to get on a bus to go somewhere (Chicago or Portland?) and after a long string of setbacks I get to where the buses depart and it was gone. I said some choice expletives and then I woke up. This is the first time in a while I have woken up and I can remember.

After the dream I thought about just watching the Today show and drinking coffee but I made the mistake of reading my horoscope... it explicitly said I should go to the gym and work out until I felt the burn - so I did.

This afternoon I am having lunch with Matt and Bryan... it should be interesting. I'm sure at some point we will talk about boy things (that is sex and lack thereof) I'm like one of the guys with them (well at least with Matt. Bryan will just have to deal)...



Chris sent me this picture of my Spuds experience... I'm still trying to work off the weight I've gained since I've been home... but I must say the emotional eating is getting the upper hand at this point. Things will work out, they usually do...

I am a bad woman...

I have done something I shouldn't have... I am evil... and I should be reprimanded.

My evil twin (we're talking Sybil here - is that how you spell her name?) made me do it. I can't be nice and friendly all the time can I? Heck no... (see I used the word "heck" there...). I'm sure eventually the goodness will make its way back to the surface, but for now it can just stay buried.

Training continues...

I must say that I have missed getting really sweaty. At the gym that is... I never pictured myself being a runner but I think I'm turning into one. I spent an hour on the treadmill this morning - half of that time I was running.

My meeting at the temp agency went pretty well, I just have to expand on my resume and have my references checked and then I should be good to go. The WW meeting went well too. The terminology is different here but I'll figure it out.

Today I'm off to my Chiropractor for the last time (hopefully) for a while - the budget can't handle much more - and then to visit my sister and baby model niece Katie. Maybe I'll take photos.

The lifting...

Okay here's a phenomena that I've never experienced before until last weekend... being physically picked up and carried someplace by a member of the opposite sex.
It's strange - I'm not quite sure how to handle these sorts of things.

Next time you see me try to pick me up and carry me... Hopefully it will work.

Teeth - who needs them.

I am off to the dentist this morning to start getting my crown put on my tooth. For those of you who may have forgotten, it's the tooth that I had the root canal done on earlier this year - to the tune of $1,200 and some change.... It sucks not having dental insurance but what is a girl to do?

I also have an interview at a temp agency. It's a floor below where I used to work so I am going to have lunch with my friend Terry before hand (if I can chew...).

After the interview I thought I would wander around downtown and then I'm off to WW to work. I'm a bit freaked out (but not too much)... I don't like not knowing what's happening or where things are... I'm sure I'll find what I need and muddle through the meeting.

On the artistic front I started writing down ideas - some which I can't share yet, but I'm sure they will reveal themselves soon...



This photo was taken on my last Saturday in Chicago. Karolina and my baby model niece Katie...

Sunday morning workout.

SO.... I woke up this morning at 5:30... I worked out (I ran for 17 minutes straight and it didn't hurt..) that's a good thing.

I just got back from church... some of the ladies asked me if I wanted to join them for lunch. I have plans so I had to turn them down.

I will remember to tell you all about senior citizens secret signals soon. It's kind of fun.

Step one, two, three....

I just took my first step aerobics class in over two years.... I think I'm going to hurt tomorrow.

I feel like a (fill in the blank)...

Cow? Lump? 40 year old who can't stay up past 10:00pm? I would say all of the above.

Presently I am sitting in the office of the place that I am house sitting. I am going to go to WW, then for coffee and then the gym. Overall I think I'm up about 4 pounds since I moved back.... I just have to find things to keep me busy and not dwell on things that bring me down.

I have an interview at a temp agency on Monday. The woman seemed to think that they wouldn't have a hard time finding me work because of my background. I just need some income so I can quit worrying about the student loans.

I guess I better be off. I need to pull on the work out clothes.

Oh, I'm going out with a boy tonight... (when's the last time that happened??) okay - December...

Proof.

Proof that I received a diploma cover. When I come into some money maybe I'll order a commemorative photo.

aye yai yai yai yai! (phonetically spelled)

I'm feeling stressed today. I have student loans coming due, I have no income and I have a great urge to make myself feel better by shoveling food into my mouth.

I know my family will not let me become destitute but still I hate being reliant on other people. I think today I will go through items that I might be able to sell on craigslist and try to raise some cash. Too bad I don't believe in prostitution.... too bad I'm too old to sell my eggs. Too bad I don't have a sugar daddy.



These ducks were at Greenlake the other day... they were there yesterday as well... ya think they might live there?

Spud Before and After...





Remind me all to tell you about secret signals of senior citizens.

Chris here - fun

Spud - yummy, Greenlake - ducks

feel the burn...

I worked out this morning. I can't remember the last time actually perspired because of physical activity (okay - I'm sure I did when I ran the 10k but I seem to have blocked it out of my memory.) Now I'm scarfing down veggies for breakfast.

My friend Chris arrives today. I have to head off to the airport in about a half an hour to pick him up. We're going to Spud for lunch. Oh how I've missed the fish and chips from heaven... I'm sure there are other places around that make them better but you can't beat the ambiance of Spud.

Last night I went to the opening at the CMA - Kristine Veith's show. She is doing work with inflatables...(inflatable figures) she has a background in fibers (yay fibers).

It's nice to know that things don't change much... the people change, but the place remains the same... good art, good food, beer!

Hey MICHAEL (TCBFC) - send me an email.. I don't have your email address stored on my new hard drive!

send money now!

So... I re-signed up with my gym today. It cost me some dollars, but it will only be $9.90 a month for the rest of my life and that's not too bad.

They have new elliptical machines that have television sets in them so you know where I'll be! I'm going to go in first thing in the morning (that is if I don't have too much fun tonight at the CMA opening).

Today it is 77degrees, it's nice - not humid like Chicago. I've walked around Greenlake, did my pilates abs tape and then I walked to the Gym (sure, but I've eaten two cookies and cheese galore...).

I'll get back on track soon....

Chiropractor take two.

Today I am off to the chiropractor again... it should be nice. I love being able to move.

My wifi signal is good today (I borrow it from the neighbors)... it wasn't working a few days ago so that's why there were sparse postings.

Adjusting to my new life is going alright. I feel the urge to get off my butt and find some work. I emailed the WW territory manager and told her I was ready to work... I know in my head that my family will not let me become destitute but it sure is scary... all my old student loans are going back into repayment and I have that new one to think of.

I know everything will be fine, but I hate being in limbo.

How much food coud a jenerator eat...

My welcome home food fest is coming along swimmingly... I'm not going to step on the scale because I know what I will find and it won't be pretty.

I went to Pilgrim Firs on Saturday and had a splendid time. I wrote a post and I will tack it on the end of this post today.. I think it's kind of sappy and I wrote it when I was really tired. I was only there for 20 hours or so but it did me a world of good.

Yesterday I spent most of the day with my sister, brother in law and nephews in Olympia. We went to the farmers market and then we had birthday cake and watched Mary Poppins (I snoozed a little bit in the middle)... after dinner I came back home.

I'm still trying to process the whole being out of Grad school thing... I need to start working some more (making art that is)... I'm also trying to find ways to make money this summer...

If you're out there and have a job to give I need it.

Maybe I'll run around Greenlake today.

Here's the PF post
8431 steps, 3.85 miles, 2 activity points…
Pilgrim Firs.

It’s nice to be missed. I’m here at Pilgrim Firs (for those of you who don’t know it’s a camp that I went to as a kid and have counseled at summer camp for 17 of the last 19 summers.)

It’s one of those places that everyone should have, a place to be yourself, to experience a connected-ness with your friends and whatever your God might be. Some of the most important people of my life are those that I’ve met here. I have also made some very important decisions here.

Over the years I have received and written letters to people from within these cabin walls that have been the most honest communications possible. It’s where I met my very first boyfriend back in the 80’s and had my first “real” slow dance. It’s where I contemplated weather or not I liked drinking a little too much and it’s where I found my authentic self.

I guess I should go to bed now… I’ll talk more about this place at a later time… my back is killing me and I should try to get some sleep.

Reigning it in.

I need to regain some self control. I have succumbed to some of my favorite foods and now I need to toe the line.... I guess that's normal.

I've been waking up in the middle of the night thinking that I'm not here to stay... (it's a bit unsettling...)...

Yesterday my visit to the chiropractor was wonderful, my neck is much better and my hip doesn't hurt quite as much.

Last night I went to the opening of the University of Washington MFA show at the Henry Art Gallery. There's something to be said about University art as opposed to Art School art.... maybe it's the environment that it's in and the people who are there. The work was good.

I saw some of my friends and some professors... I really need to start working on things again... maybe today I'll do some audio recordings.

On the agenda today is my ww meeting, then I'm going to go to Pilgrim Firs for the afternoon for camp counselor training camp (which I don't really need, but I need to go to camp)... Tomorrow it's off to Olympia to see my nephews and celebrate Victor's birthday.

Things I have missed.

My car (although I didn't miss buying gas), a Dick's cheeseburger, my dog, green things (such as lawns), hills & mountains, Puget Sound.

This morning I slept in until 5am (that's 7 Chicago time)... I have a date with my chiropractor in 50 minutes. I am REALLY looking forward to that.

This morning I washed my car... it was growing thing in its crevices.

I'll post more later.

Back in Seattle

Okay, so you can have too much of a good thing. Last night we had one heck of a time at Friar Tuck’s. I got back to the hotel at 2:30… I think I sent some drunken emails… (I’ll find out later) and then fell asleep. Mom woke me up a bit before 5:00 and then we were off to the airport.

Currently I am on the plane… the hangover is in full force. But I have no regrets. I will talk more about last night later… we did do a killer rendition of These Boots Were made for Walking – I even had my own backup dancers.

The fat lady is singing...

I've gotten everything moved and I'm sitting here in the Hawthorne Terrace Best Western blogging on their high speed internet.

I will never see my apartment again (except in my memories and/or nightmares)). I will never have to find dog poop in the lobby or the stairwells... and I won't have to listen to my neighbor sing along to Roxette.

The picture up above is from graduation the other day... I have figured out how to use my new version of iPhoto (sort of). and I think it will be spiffy.

Tonight it's off to Friar Tuck's and then we get up bright and early to head for the airport (4:30 yikes).

I guess I better go... talk at you all later.

This time, will be the last time....

that we will blog like this. That is sitting on the futon in front of my television set with a cup of coffee.

The movers come today and then it's cleaning, checking out of the old apartment and into the hotel. Tonight we are going to Friar Tuck's down the street for karaoke and beer. Hopefully people will be able to come out. I'd like to say goodbye.

Let me take this moment to reflect on my time in Chicago.... it's been intense but fun. I've met some great people who will be my friends for life (you know who you are) and I've come to appreciate my family even more that I did before I left. I'm feeling exhausted but good. I've also learned that dogs are the best pets ever.

Along the ww / body image front... I think I'm more confident that I was when I left. I'm not too bad looking for a 40 year old broad. I have actually learned to throw away food - I can outwalk anyone and I generally feel good about myself.

Well, I guess that's it from the futon.. I wonder what Ann Curry is wearing today... she has an interview with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie coming up!

The countdown begins.

Only one night left in my apartment. I'm sort of sad, but not really.

It is very crowded with two people living here. I got all of my studio packed up yesterday and got checked out at the gallery. Today we get to clean my apartment and get the rest of my stuff packed up.

It's hard to be a slacker sitting next to your mother...

A new friend on the futon (take two).

Now my Momma is sitting next to me on the futon. We got up at 5:00 and have already begun cleaning up this pit I call an apartment. I am running out of time - but I have faith everything will work out.

I have to go to the studio today to finish cleaning and packing my stuff. I also have to go and finish de-installing my piece at G2.

Well, I guess I better get off my butt and move.

I'm feeling a bit better...

I only woke up a few times last night.

Am I an adult now? I think I am. I think I have been a while.

Now that I am semi coherent I will catch you up on the drama/fun of yesterday. I went to my last Weight Watchers meeting in the morning - I'm just a sap when it comes to saying goodbye. I couldn't say anything because I would have burst into tears and ruined my makeup, so Lisa who is the leader I've been working for (who was leading this meeting), told everyone that I was leaving.

After the meeting we went to Graduation. Man was it hot.... I got my diploma cover (diploma to be mailed later), some flowers from my sister and then we (Mom, Dad, Melissa, Hilary, Grant and Katie) went to the reception at the gallery where my mothers wallet was stolen (WELCOME TO CHICAGO!). She figured out it was gone in the car ride back to the hotel. By the time she called the credit card company there had been over 3,500 in charges made. Good thing she's staying until Thursday - we are trying to figure out how she's going to get on the airplane without id.

Later in the afternoon I purchased the Earth Shoes I've been looking at forever. I saved a whopping $11.00!

Finally, we went to dinner at Pizanno's and I ate cheese sticks, pizza and some yummy cookie ice cream thing.

I've started selling some of my things so I'm raking in the cash...

Today I have to deinstall my work and get some of the boxes from my studio. I'm not really sure how I'm going to fit all the stuff in my apartment plus accomadate my momma.

Although I'm still busy I don't feel quite as stressed out as I was a few days ago. Only four days until I get to live with my dog again. Oh the joy.

Check out the new title!

I am now officially a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and I am tired. I'll reflect more later but now I just need to veg out.

I've started selling stuff and treated myself to a pair of Earth shoes this afternoon. My eyelids are getting heavy and I think I need to close them.

Graduation Day.

I guess I'll have to officially change the title of my blog this evening.

I will update you all later... I have to meet my momma to go to my last Weight Watchers meeting.

I didn't sleep again last night... oh well I can sleep next week.

I don't think I have ever been this tired....

I mean that.

I guess I should just go to bed. I graduate tomorrow and then it's off into the big world for a nap.

Things have been crazy... I haven't even decided what to wear tomorrow.

My new hard drive was installed so I don't have any of my settings anymore... I guess that's good, but it's a bit annoying.

I'll catch you up on everything tomorrow.

I feel like crap!

I had a nightmare last night (okay, maybe it wasn't a nightmare, maybe just a bad dream). As a final project for Grad school we had to come up with a final assignment (or maybe it was a test) based on extremely vague instructions... it's one of those kind of dreams that you don't quite understand everything. I didn't sleep well as a result of that and other things.

I got to see the rest of my family last night... I sure miss them. I will be glad when this week is over, I don't feel like I am even close to being packed, let alone ready to move - mentally or physically. I feel like I could throw up and my eyelids are really heavy - I only have 20 minutes until I have to get ready for work.

When I become an official runner I'm sure I won't feel this bad because I will be getting regular exercise.

By the way, Katie my baby model niece sure is cute. I'll try to get a picture of her to post soon.

I have a friend on the futon...

Well, actually it's my sister Melissa. We've been hanging out for most of the afternoon. We are currently watching Grey's Anatomy and waiting for the rest of our family to arrive from the Emerald City. There were technical difficulties with their plane so they are really late. You know it's almost my bedtime...

I'm a bit gassy right now (I think it was the turkey burger I ate... or the sprouts... but you all can't smell it because you're on the computer and not really here!).

Okay, I better go now and focus on Grey's Anatomy.

Love you all!

I've got a funny feeling...

Maybe it's because I ate some of those bad Walgreen's cookies last night (I mean bad in a good way), or maybe it's because my family is coming into town today and I feel totally unprepared.

This morning I got a nice surprise when I checked my checking account balance... I got my refund from my state of Illinois taxes. It pays to be poor. I am officially $151.00 richer (I see a pair of Earth Shoes in my future)....

Well, let's get back to Art Star - It was alright. It was sort of like giving a lecture about myself and my work while being filmed. I'm not exactly sure what I said, but I never am. I did make the panel laugh a few times. If you can't impress them with your looks, impress them with your humor. The crew liked my work - I think that's the most important thing... I want regular people to enjoy my work.

I have a bit of a dilemma, the season finales of The Office and Grey's Anatomy are on tonight and I will have to wrangle my family. Maybe I should just break out the VCR tape and record it... It's not the same though.

Today is my last WW meeting at the Law Firm... I also work tomorrow morning and then I'm done.

I'll check back later.

Oh, I'd like to say hello to one of my faithful readers - Marty's Mom (I've forgotten her name)...

I came, I saw, I got out in time....

to watch America's Next Top Model. I'm watching as I type. It's down to Jaslene and Natasha.

It's been a long day... maybe I should go home soon. I still have to buy a bus pass though...

I'm going to say that Natasha is going to win it all!

Waiting to be an Art Star.

I'm sitting here waiting to talk about my stuff. They may run out of time before I get my turn. That would suck.

Oh well, I'll keep you updated.

Black coffee in bed (well, actually on the futon).

I do appreciate the time I had away from my laptop but I sure did miss the ritual of my morning routine.

I got an email from the producers of Art Star and I am going this afternoon to show them my work. It's going to be exciting... I guess I should go over my powerpoint presentation.



This is one of the photos I had on my camera which I couldn't get off my camera because of crusty's problems.

Well, I guess I should do something... only 17 minutes until the Today Show!

How the hell am I goint to talk about my work?

My baby's home... (again).

I got the call today that old crusty was fixed (it was a hard drive cable)... The good news is that it didn't cost me a cent.

I had dinner with PJ and then we walked to the Apple store to pick her up.

I got an email about my casting call time for Art Star. It's scheduled for 9:30 on Thursday which conflicts with work... I sent an email to see if I can change it. I would hate to see my work ethic get in the way of my art stardom.

I feel like I've been out of touch lately. I will post some photos soon.

When I grow up I want to be an Art Star.

I am trying to pull things together for an open call for Art Star.

It's a reality show that is going to follow six graduating MFA students for six months. They are going to provide studio space for the six months in New York and set us up with Gallerist and Critics... there will also be a show in Miami in December.

If I were to be chosen I could spend all my mornings at the Today Show and then go to Grocery Stores in the Afternoons. I would train for marathons on the weekends. (except for the fact that there is the Weekend Today show with Lester Holt and Campbell Brown....).

Maybe I'd work on my google project as well.

Note to self... take 46

Don't drink and text message... it's just a bad idea. I sort of feel like I ate a washcloth...

On Wednesday I am going to a casting call for "Art Star"... can you imaging me on television? I can... when I have more time I will let you know more about it.

I have to go back to packing up my studio... boy I have a lot of stuff. Anyone need some acrylic medium or mirrored tiles?

My poor little computer.

I had to take Old Crusty to the Apple Store yesterday. It's probably going to cost me 300 bucks to get her fixed... but what's another 300 bucks added onto grad school.

Guess what??? the school is charging us a $35.00 graduation fee. Like I have money falling out of my pockets.

I guess I'm going to have to change the title of the Blog after next weekend. If anyone has any thoughts about it let me know. I suppose it could just be called Jenerator's Rant but it sounds a bit sparse. Jenerator's Art World Rant.... Jenerator's find me a job Rant... Jenerator's reproduction challenge Rant... I guess I'll have to think about that one...

This afternoon I started packing up my studio... it's going to be a long process. I have a lot of stuff.

SIMON...if you read this part - I will send you pictures of stuff once my computer is fixed.

I'm feeling a bit of melancholy and nostalgia for my last week or so here... I'm a bit sad.. but happy as well.

Things on my to do list for Seattle.
Find a job.
Take walks.
Teach my dog how to walk on a leash (she doen't like doing that at all... but how am I going to attract single eligible men without her??? - yeah, I know... my sparkling personality!)
Hang out with my family.
Drive my car.
Visit my Chiropractor.
Visit Galleries.
Get a greek herb rotisserie chicken from Fred Meyer.
Learn how to fire a gas kiln.
Eat Spud fish and chips (in moderation).
Make art!

I am done.... nothing left to do...

That is except for packing and moving and cleaning.....

Today is my Hilary's birthday. She's older than me.

I almost forgot to call her... that would have been a big oopsie on my part.

Word to your mother.

It looks as though I am going to have to take my computer up to the apple store to get it fixed.

I'll keep you updated.

good news...

my hard drive isn't dead... it's something else... at least all my data is alive and well.

later

Happy Anniversary Ann!

Today was Ann Curry's 10th anniversary on the Today show. They did a swell retrospective of her time there... Elmo even made an appearance.

Maybe I should do a retrospective of my time in Grad School. That sounds like a good idea. Right?

Still waiting on the laptop. Maybe today.

My new yellow shoes hurt my feet. But don't they say No pain no gain??? I guess I'll just have to suffer in order to have cute feet.

Stick a fork in me... I'm done!

So... I had my last advising session today and now I'm done. To celebrate I bought a new pair of shoes. They're yellow (now if that doesn't say artist I don't know what does???).

My computer is still being fixed. That's alright. I can live without it... the only thing bad is that I can't blog as often as I'd like to.

I'll check back in later.

Updates...

My new hard drive is in and it will be installed today or tomorrow (I'm guessing tomorrow)... tonight is the last class of my graduate career. I'm a bit ambivalent about it.

I'm ready to be done.

This week on the today show they are having segments on having babies... it's official, I'm too old. (I know that's not really true...not that I really want one but you know...). I have my dog.

On a cheery note, it's nice outside so I am going to seize the day and take a walk.

Happy late Birthday Simon!

With the demise of my hard drive I am without my email addresses and calendar. It makes it a bit inconvenient but I'll adjust to it eventually.

Yesterday was Simon's birthday... check out the link to his website on the right.

Today I am giving a special tour for some professors from China.... later I'm going to pick up my new hard drive. Then I think I'll take nap.

More updates later.

Hola.

Have you ever had one of those days where you just wanted to do nothing? I'm having one of those.

I have things to do though so I must get moving.

computer dead.

I think... officially... just the hard drive.

so those of you checking up on me know what's going on...

opening tonight... see you there.

I knew I was going to be in trouble.

I bet you're thinking this will be an interesting post... might be.

Last night I was watching Lost and decided it would be a good idea to get into bed for the last part... I missed the last 20 minutes or so because I couldn't keep my eyes open.

I know Sawyer killed John's father for some reason (I think it's because he was responsible for the death of his true love).

If I had a reliable computer and internet connection I could watch online... but I don't so I can't.

I'm working today and then I have to work on my fellowship application. Tonight we get to document our work at the gallery.
At some point I need to find something to wear tomorrow night ... I need to look cute.

My postcards are in...

They are beautiful.

I went out to dinner with Karolina, her friends Mel and Alea (I'm not sure about the spelling)... Dan, Jefferson and Jeroen. We had pizza (well actually I had spaghetti)... I missed America's Next Top Model in order to go. It's alright... I can check online to see who's out.

I'm feeling a bit more normal now... a little full, but normal.

Stick a fork in me...

I'm done. My critique went well. I came to a few decisions regarding the piece.

Now I have that post critique exhaustion... My tooth is aching a bit. Hopefully I didn't mess it up with all my stress eating. If I cracked it they'll have to pull it out. That's me - the toothless wonder. At least it's in the back.

I got my first rejection letter. It was from Artist's Trust's Edge program... I can always re-apply. When Tim was here last week he had a big stack of rejection letters... so I just figure this is the beginning of my rejection stack.

I've been invited to go out for pizza... could be good, but it could be disaster.

Note to self.

Don't make cake when you are stressed.

I've been trying to get together things for my critique but things keep freezing up. I'm lucky I am able to post.

I'm sure I'm just working things up in my mind and it will be much better than I'm imagining. It usually is.

It's just 45 minutes out of my life.

I think I might throw up.

Dear critique panel..

If you've read any part of my blog you know that I've been having computer problems lately (there must be an artwork in there somewhere...). Well, let's just say that you may not get the nice handouts I've been preparing for my critique.

Maybe I'll get up early and try again.

See you tomorrow!

Words of wisdom...

I think I've said it before but just in case you weren't listening out there.

ALWAYS GO TO THE BATHROOM WHEN YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY!

This morning I was walking to the studio when I stopped at the Jewel on Clark and Division. I'd been drinking a lot of water to flush out my system from the corned beef incident last night... when I got to the back of the store both restrooms were occupied. I'm sure you've all had that experience before when you had to go but you couldn't. I thought I was going to die... luckily he men's room opened up and I found sweet relief.

I'm thinking I'll have that same euphoria when this week is over.

Oh Crap!

My laptop is a piece of it. I had a nice post written up and then it froze.

I was commenting on how I shouldn't buy a corned beef even when it is on sale. The water retention related to the consumption of it is horrible.

How in the hell???

I have to figure out what I'm doing with my critique... I'm tempted to send my panel the link to my blog and then they will read this (Hi critique panel!)... since my work is all about me and my obsessions and rituals I guess they should see all of them including the mundane daily rantings/observations/lamentations of a 40 year old single broad.

How does one go about talking about these sorts of things? I guess we'll all find out.

New link

I have put up a new link for my Running blog at the right... it's thoughtfully titled Jenerator Running!

I am so clever... That's why I'm soon to be a MFA'er.

Please no wisecracks about the action photos.

I'm tired of all this...

Three times this morning I've tried to post and three times my laptop has frozen up.

Matt Lauer is in Everett Washington (that's just north of Seattle)... Critique is on Wednesday... I have to get ready... and I need to eat more veggies... I must say that I haven't been too good at getting in the veggies lately.

Time is running out... money is running out... my clean clothes are running out...

At least I'm in a good mood!

Hello critique week.

There weren't a lot of people at the preview last night... but there was some really good cheese and free beer. I like cheese and beer, especially when they're free.

After the preview we went to Trader Todd's to celebrate my birthday with karaoke. I didn't actually karaoke because it was too crowded.... after a while we went to Friar Tucks where I got to drink a shot out of an inflatable sheep's ass. I can't say I've ever done that before. I did end up dancing a lot and dang, I am tired.

To get to my title - this is critique week. Mine is on Wednesday and I think I'm ready... I want to send everyone on my panel a link to the blog so they can get some background on me and my obsessions (although I don't think the posts lately have been too interesting). I have to get together a list of things I want to talk about during my critique and questions I have...
Maybe I'll do that later when I'm a little less drunk (oops I mean hungover).

I think once I get my act together today I'll take a walk to Target - now that's a surprise!

Nap time

Okay, so I've got everything done that I need to. Now I'm going to sleep for a few hours... that is if my neighbors are quiet.

Things to obsess over today...

Getting things set up in time.
Deciding what shoes to wear.
Printing business cards.
Not drinking too much tonight.
Not eating everything in sight.

I'm sure I'll think of more later.

Way way back....

I've been thinking about my artwork again and about how it really is all about me in some way or the other. I started thinking about one of my earliest rejections... that would be my running for Junior class vice president at Nathan Hale High School.

I lost to Linda Brown... I think I would have made a great Vice President... I was crushed... rejection is hard when you're 15 years old. I guess it's hard anytime, but I suppose if I'm going to be an artist I better get used to it.

Today was busy - I got most of the stuff done that I needed to. I went to Art Chicago this afternoon and introduced myself to Greg Kucera.... better start networking now. I saw work by Tim Roda and Drew Daly (both UW MFA Ceramics grads)... I really like their work.... maybe I'm partial to their work because I know them...

Tomorrow all I have to do is attach my exhibit list, print out a few business cards and look cute for the reception and karaoke!

I better go to bed soon.

make them stop...

I woke up and then the voices in my head started up again (they're real I tell you!). Last night my laptop started acting up again... its being very slow. Almost to the point of being aggravating. well, the voices were off and running and here I am...

I'm up so I should just stay up. right? Maybe I'll try to back to sleep for an hour or so. I think that's a good idea.

errrr... what am I doing?

I'm sitting here trying to figure out what to do next. I've got beautiful postcards to upload and order but I can't save the pages separately to upload them.... I should just go to bed.

I saw my friend Tim Roda today. He gave a talk at Columbia College Museum of Contemporary Photography. I really like his work (I actually own a piece of his that he made in grad school). You all should google him. He's here for the weekend, I said I'd take him around school if he had the time.

Tomorrow I need to finish installing and then I need to work, go to a panel discussion at Art Chicago and then back to school for the Student Leadership dinner.

I am going to bed... not much more can be done tonight.

Oh no, I forgot to have children!

How does one know when they are ready to reproduce? Maybe it just hits us one day - or maybe it's an accident...

I've always assumed that I'd have children some day but I don't have that urge to be pregnant.

I guess I could adopt if all my eggs shrivel up and fall out before I'm ready.

Oh well, on a brighter note I get to drink my coffee this morning for another hour or so. I have to work and then I'm going to finish installing my piece for the show (or at least try). Things never go as planned though...

I'm still having problems with my computer... it's better but I'm going to have to have an overhaul. Maybe I'll do it next week sometime (if I can prepare myself).

Back to my coffee.

Updates and Events...

So... installation took longer than I thought. They say it does, but do we ever pay attention? No. Let me just say that drilling holes into the ground is not as easy as you might think. My back is killing me.

I'm a bit on the tired side... I got an email saying that I had been nominated for a student leadership award... and I promptly deleted it. When I got home there was a message on the answering machine about it as well. There's some sort of dinner on Friday for it... hey, free dinner. I might just go. Maybe there's a cash award attached to it.

Next thing on the list. Tonight I took the polish off the toe I stubbed on my birthday... it's not pretty. It's turning black under the nail... needless to say I covered it back up.

I guess I should go to bed - it's way past my bedtime

What is a girl to do?

I have too much to do today. Work, pick up a birthday present at the post office, install, choose a business card, have children (oh wait, that's not today).

I'm beginning to feel a little sick to my stomach. It's nerves I think.... I just have a lot going on and its showing up in the tummy.

I should look for another race to sign up for before I move... oh yeah, I should also get a replacement microphone... I think I mentioned it - it wasn't working when I ran on Saturday.

Okay, I better get up and obsess about something... I'm not feeling the bogging juices this morning.

Jerry Saltz Rules...

The talk tonight was good. I couldn't really tell you what he said off the type of my head but basically it was entertaining and insightful. It was recorded for Chicago Public Radio.

My business card samples are beautiful! Here's a note, always get someone else to do the work that you don't think you can do yourself. It's the best solution for everyone around.

I didn't get to do any installation today. I'm going to do it tomorrow evening. I guess I should go to bed... It's been a long week and it's only Tuesday.

Still iffy...

This is one of my Birthday presents from Karolina. It's a fully compactable and transportable piece... the chopsticks holding up the sign are not included though...

My computer is working for now... but I'm using Firefox... Safari was having some problems.

On a good note, I got my replacement u-pass and I might actually be able to get most of my piece put in tomorrow. My friend Elisabeth is going to send me some business card samples tonight so I can go ahead and order them.

Now only if they weren't doing construction on the bathrooms on our floor in the studio...

computer stinky...

me cranky, grrrr.

so I've been up for 16-plus hours...

I never went back to sleep this morning after I woke up at 3:15... I think I'm doing fairly well though.

I have submitted my paperwork for the show, I have my critique panel (it should be good)... now all I have to do is install. Installation was canceled today for security reasons. so the next two days we're in there from 9 to 9.

Tomorrow night I am going to a talk by Jerry Saltz at the MCA. Saturday night before my birthday party there is a reception for the gallery people in town for Art Chicago. I suppose I should go and look cute. Greg Kucera is going to be there (at Art Chicago that is...). You never know who you might meet.

I'm happy to report that my toe is fine.

Puppet Bike.

I love the Puppet Bike here is their link. Puppet Bike
They dance for tips. I heart them.

Insomnia?

Okay, It's not insomnia but I woke up and started thinking about things and now I can't go back to sleep. I guess maybe I am worried about the show and getting my stuff up in time.

This morning I am meeting Karolina at 7am. We're going to Unique to get sweaters and then it's off to school. I didn't get to Home Depot so I will try to get there today. I have to submit my loan forms for the show by 5pm... I can't decide weather or not to put in the title or not... I do have the option to make my own labels but since my Word is making my computer crash that's probably not such a good idea.

MASH is on tv right now... maybe I'll try to watch it and go back to sleep for an hour and a half.

four - oh!

Here are some photos from my birthday breakfast.

Overall I had a good day.... food, flowers, cake, walking, shopping at Target and phone calls and emails from all my friends. I was thinking the only thing that would make it better would be if I could have sex... but then I though that sex has the potential to be disappointing so I guessed it was the best day possible.

The only bad thing that happened was that I stubbed my second toe on my left foot... it's one of those extra long toes that just seem to get in the way. It's a bit sore but I don't think it's broken... It happened last summer as well, no blood (but there might be some under the toenail). I'll keep you updated as to my toe health.

I got really pretty flowers... I'll post pictures later.

Hello 40.

I must say I don't feel much different. My knee still hurts although not as much. There's supposed to be a high of 80 degrees today (yippee!)...

I sat in bed this morning and opened my cards and presents. Mom gave me the DVD of Charlotte's Web - I do like a good pig movie. I also got some money so I can order business cards. Katie sent me a gift card from Target, she knows how to shop for her auntie.. I also got a card from Melissa Victor Max and Leo... Nothing from Dad though, I'm sure something will come (I hope)... he called on Friday so I know he's still alive and he talked about my birthday so I'm sure I'll get a call.

Today after breakfast (brunch) I may go to the studio and figure out the spacing of my piece. I may have to take one of the pieces out in order to conserve space... I also have to go to Home Depot and pick up some hardware.

If there's time left I'll go to Target and look at what's on sale. I'll look at the ad and see if they have any cute skirts.

Yesterday during my run I found that my clip on microphone wasn't working (grr).. so I had to hold the recorder in my hand and record that way. It was inconvenient to do this so I would put the recorder in my pocket for periods of time. Later on I will edit in music for people to run to as they listen to the podcast instead of listening to my recorder in the pocket.

The computer seems to be working as long as I don't open word (okay, I haven't tried yet)... but it hasn't crashed.

Happy Earth Day.