Shout out to Regina...

So I'm sitting at the Gallery today and Regina Hackett from the PI comes in. I told her that I read her blog... then I said I had a blog. She asked me to write the address down. So I did.

Yikes!

Her blog is focused on art. Mine focuses on my favorite subject - ME! and my quest for a good reuben sandwich... and life happiness... and art.

So Regina if you're checking this out - I hope you aren't disappointed. I wish I could have told you about my time in New York and what I was doing there but I might be shot by the producers (er, I mean the people I was associated with). Oh how I long to be an Artstar...

Sunday is my fun-day!

Oh, the Bangles... whatever happened to them?

I got a phone call from my friend Tia yesterday. You may recall she is my friend who works at McMurdo Station and met Ann Curry when she was there. Well, she lives in Seattle now and happened to go into Crawl Space yesterday and found out that I was a member there. I'm so excited that she's here!

She makes the best jewelry... it's sterling silver (?) that is covered in hand made paper. since I am employed now I may have to buy a few more pieces from her.

Things seem to be falling into place.

On the workout front, I am only feeling my cycling class in my butt today... specifically where I sit.... tomorrow I'm sure I will feel differently. Last night I went to see Into the Wild. It's a really good movie... I know I say that about all the movies I've seen lately - but I don't go to see bad movies. At least not yet.

This afternoon I'm watching the gallery... everyone come down and see the show and check out the progress of my thin thigh campaign.

xoxo

Firm thighs here I come!

I discovered cycling class today. Right now I'm still basking in the endorphin soaked glow of my post workout shower.... I may not be able to walk tomorrow - but for now I am feeling groovy!

I will have firm thighs and a cute butt! okay, my butt is kind of cute now but it's going to be even cuter.

This afternoon I will wash dishes and then this evening I am going to go see Into the Wild. I think I can fork over three bucks for a movie...

This is pretty good... two posts in one day.

Good things about Saturday.

I could sleep in if I wanted to.

I get to see my friends at WW.

I get to wash dishes.

Tonight if I can stay up past 9pm I may try to do something - what exactly that is I don't know.

Yesterday I got a paycheck. I mean a real paycheck... it's strange having money. I looked at a lot of shoes yesterday, but didn't purchase any. I need to save.

I saw on the news last night that the credit card debt is almost at a trillion dollars (or was it a billion?). I only have 1500.00 so I consider myself lucky.... I think I'm doing alright.

PJ called last night. He's happy that I'm coming to visit. I'm happy too. I think I might act like a tourist while I'm there (Chicago). He conferred with a few people and we are going to have a party while I'm there. Now I have something more to look forward to.

I have to weigh in this morning... I don't think the news is going to be any different. Maybe I should pay for the meeting then I will get back on track.

Okay, now I'm just rambling... did you hear that jlo named her babies Max and Emme? That's kind of cute... just like me!

Hello Friday!

We have finally come to the end of the week. I have accomplished much... gone to the gym, gone to openings, clipped my toenails.

What more could I ask for? Not much I think.

Yesterday I made reservations to go back to Chicago for the first time since I left. I'll be going in April for a long weekend. It will be fun to see everyone and see what kind of work is being done by people. Maybe this can be a scouting mission for a curatorial endeavor. I'm kind of excited about seeing everyone... hopefully it won't be too cold... I don't like being cold.

On this weekends agenda is dish washing for cash money at church and watching the gallery.

Last night Scott Lawrimore called me Tiger. I think we're going to friends.... grrrrr.

Oh yeah, it's payday too. As Anne (Mathern) would say woot!

Open open open...

Tonight I am going to swing by the openings at Howard House and Lawrimore Project. In my never-ending quest to be a more art-like person I think it's a good thing to do.

Since I am staying out late this evening I skipped the gym today... that's just too long of a day for me.

Work was crazy yesterday... I answered the phones a bit more than I wanted to... but it's alright I guess. It's a job and tomorrow's payday (it's going to be sweet!)... I am finally going to start giving back some money to my wonderful mother show has supported me over the past two years. I also need to arrange for a trip to Chicago in April to check out the MFA show and see my friends.

uhhhhhh.... my mind just went blank there...

Have I told you all that I think Seattle needs a fashion intervention from Stacy London of TLC's What Not To Wear? They do... too much casual attire going on in the downtown sector. That's my 2 cents worth.

happy hump day!

I just like saying the word hump. Remember when you were young and said those sorts of words and just started laughing your ass off because they were almost dirty?

I've been to the gym. I've had my breakfast, and now I blog.

Crawl Space is trying to decide if we should get an intern/apprentice... someone to help us out without making any money... I think if I were younger and less experienced I might think it was groovy. Hmmmm. what could I have them help me with? I've been thinking Crawl Space needs to set up a kiosk in a mall. I don't think it's been done before... the intern could research how much it's going to cost to get a kiosk at Northgate or Southcenter and then scout for locations.

Just a thought.

It's good to have friends.

PJ is a good friend. In response to my question last night as to weather I need therapy or not he says no. I could go on and divulge more but I won't.

I went to the gym and ate a healthy breakfast this morning (aren't you glad I shared that with you?)... hopefully work will be less hectic. I'm having lunch with Bryan and Shirley today...

Thursday there are openings at Howard House and Lawrimore Project that I am going to check out (plus a new episode of lost is going to be on...).

So much to do, so little time.

I'm not in the mood to do anything.

I wonder if I had had a "normal" young adulthood would I like to go out and do things? All I can really imagine doing when the workday is done is going out to buy food or staying home and watching television for the most part. I really like the IDEA of going out and doing things but the energy I would have to expend seems to make it not worth the effort.

Maybe I need therapy.

Work was busy... I like working but I feel a bit of a dilemma - the "art" me and the "office" me are a bit at odds. Maybe when I start raking in the moola and can afford to make work/pay bills I will feel better about it. The old "office" me wants to turn my back on the "art" me and just buy cute shoes, find a nice boy and buy a house... but the art me wants to make things and travel the world. I suppose I could have worse problems.

I could have a rare disease that can't be cured or an ingrown toenail... I miss the Today show and Ann Curry (Meredith too...).

Yeah, I think therapy is in order... anyone know a good shrink?

ahhhh.

I slept in this morning... I felt a bit off yesterday but did manage to go see There Will be Blood. I enjoyed it greatly.

The Oscars weren't that exciting - nothing too shocking... not like when Crash won best picture for 2005. Now that was a good movie too....

I didn't go to the gym this morning... I should start going on a more regular basis if I want to even think about running in th St. Patrick's Day 5k. (I also shouldn't eat a whole can of frosting if I want thin thighs - but that's another story for another time).

I don't have anything too exciting on the schedule this week except for lunch with my friend Bryan and I'm washing dishes and watching the gallery this weekend. I bet something else will pop up though.

I think I used to be more interesting back in the old days....

Success!

I must admit that the show at Crawl Space is good. You should all go see it.

I'll try to post photos of the opening later.

I woke up this morning with a headache... people at work have been getting sick. I hope I'm not the next in line. I can't afford to be sick.

Tonight is the Oscars. I'm thinking of trying to catch There Will be Blood this afternoon so I will have seen three out of five of the best picture nominees.

So... I'm not in the mood to post so I'll stop now. More later.

I wish I was more popular.

Some days I look at my stat counter and I wish more people read this... but I supposed if I want more readers I should have more entertaining posts. Maybe I should post thrilling pictures of myself doing crazy stunts like watching television with only one eye... balancing a plate of food, a cup of coffee and carrying my dog all at once... Someone at Artist Trust did look at I heart Ann yesterday so that means I successfully mailed my grant application.

Okay, we're going nowhere here...

I am in charge of picking up the refreshments for tonight's opening. I am in a quandary because I'm a microbeer girl on a Raineer budget. Do I get beer that I would personally like to drink or do I get something less expensive? Maybe I'll get some of each. I'll let you know how it all pans out.

I have cramps.

I guess I should put the pedal to the metal, get a leg on... go with the flow (oops - maybe I shouldn't have said the last one with the talk of being crampy and all...).

Remember to come out to Crawl Space tonight for our opening... I promise there will be good food.

I came, I saw, I (what the hell am I saying?)...

This title came to me in a dream... and then its gone. I don't really know what I'm saying. It must be those endorphins kicking in from my visit to the gym this morning.

Yesterday I finished and mailed my grant application, I successfully avoided two birthday cakes at work and I think I stayed within my points range. That is no easy task sometimes.

I've been thinking that I need to start looking for some studio space... or eventually finding a place to live in which I can work as well. I love my momma but I'm almost 41 and it sometimes puts a damper on the social life. I've taken to saying that my mother lives with me as opposed to I live with my mother... it sounds better don't you think?
I bet you I could get on the Dr. Phil Show... "kids that won't ever move out show"...

I feel the urge to make things... I need to do it soon.

But then again, I have the urge to go shoe shopping as well...

I think I've finished my application...

I decided to forgo the gym this morning and instead work on my grant application. I have to mail it today. As with all things I end up waiting until the last minute. It's not that I procrastinate it's just that I am always revising things up to the end.

I suppose I should just get used to it.

I think it's done. I just have to cut and paste my project description. How do you concisely speak about stalking Ann Curry? It's a talent I guess.

Today at work we will be up to a full staff which is nice (I didn't hang up on anyone yesterday)...

I guess I should get the lead out! See you later... and remember to go to Crawl Space on Saturday for our talk by SAM curator Marisa Sanchez about our show Coming Of Age.

See you there!

Workout day 2.

As Bart Simpson would say Don't have a cow man!

Yes, two days in a row at the gym. I did abs. I'm going to be sore.

This morning I get to answer phones at work all by myself. Hopefully I won't hang up on anyone. I'm sure it will be fine. It's just a half an hour out of my life right?

Yesterday I ran into Robert. He delivers supplies for Pot O'Gold coffee service. He used to deliver things to Miller Nash. I haven't seen him in at least three years - he was so excited to see me (and he commented about my weight loss). I've been this size for a while now so I forget sometimes that people haven't seen the new me. I told him what I've been up to and he thought it was great. It made my day...

Okay, I better get a move on so I can prepare myself for the answering frenzy.

The best laid plans...

so the Today show commemorative post didn't happen... Sue me.

I just got back from the gym so I'm feeling a bit energetic. That will probably last about two hours and then I'll start yawning.

I did get most of my GAP application done yesterday. It just needs some tweaking now. I guess I know what I'll be doing at lunch.

Stinky got the full treatment yesterday, she got her toenails cut, a bath and she even went for a long walk. She's a funny dog. She won't walk on a leash but she'll walk along side you. I guess she's like her momma and needs her freedom.

Today who knows what will be in store for me at work. I can't decide if I really like being employed. I know I like the paychecks... maybe I should think about applying for teaching jobs sometime soon. hmmm... something to think about.

Oops.

I forgot to post yesterday.

Melissa and the boys spent the night on Saturday so we had two little people running around yesterday morning (my usual posting time).

Let's see... what to tell you. Yesterday I went to lecture of Patti Warashina at Bellevue Community College and then I did a little retail therapy at Bellevue Square (not a lot but enough). I bought some more long underwear. You might be asking yourself why I need long underwear if I'm no longer living in Chicago. It's because I am cold ALL THE TIME (Okay, I'm not cold right now).... but as the day wears on I'm usually a bit chilly. Now's the time when winter items go on sale so I was all over it.

I had dinner last night with my other lovely sister Hilary, Grant, Katie and Ken (he's a friend of ours)... we had steak. hmmm... steak.

Today I am going to finish up my GAP Application. I've been slacking too long. It's due on Friday so if I can put it all together today and get it mailed in tomorrow I'll be ahead of the curve.

Later I will do my Today show memorial post.

Try to enjoy your three day weekend if you have one!

It's a long row to hoe. Or is it tough?

It's been a long week. I've started a new job, I went to the gym, I only fell down once. (as I was walking into the office yesterday my new shoes decided to go for a ride and take me to slate floors with them...)

I do like having a paycheck and it's almost worth the humiliation and damaged pride of falling down in front of people. At least there weren't any cute boys around.

I think today I may go to the Lake City branch of the Seattle public library to work on my application. I think I should probably go check on prices for framing though first. So much to do so little time. I'll check back later.

The best intentions.

You are probably wondering why I'm starting a post at 5:30 am. It's because I WAS going to go to the gym and I did, but no one was there to open it up. I waited as long as I could but at a certain point my desire to be warm and or need for coffee won over and I went to the Starbucks' drive thru. (is that how you spell it?)...

Now I'm back at home with Stinky on my lap while I write this.

I wonder if Mieko's is aware that someones exercise routine could hinge on their not being open when they say they are. Someone with little willpower, someone on the edge of giving it all up. You only need a little excuse not to exercise (that's why I'm sitting here).

Okay, enough about that. Valentine's day came and went without much drama. I received a cupcake in the shape of a heart from the receptionist, My friend Andrew sent me a valentine (it was sort of like a christmas letter updating everyone on his life)... he's a boy so I think that counts. Momma and I went out to Claire's Pantry for a romantic dinner, and then I fell asleep in the middle of Lost. I guess I'll just have to watch it next week. Oh, I'm happy to report that I gave away the cupcake....

Today is payday (two in one week!)... I think I'll pay my car insurance. Then put some money aside for my student loan payment. This weekend I have to finish up my GAP Grant application... maybe I'll even go to a movie. We'll have to see how it plays out.

On Presidents day last year I made my first trip to the Today show. You might recall that I got stuck there at the CAA Conference. Those were some good times! I'll do a special anniversary post next week.

Okay, time for more coffee.

It's a miracle!

I went to the gym this morning. I've showered and I'm fixing myself a good breakfast to eat while I post (banana, english muffin with a fake sausage patty and low fat cheese).

Happy Valentine's Day! Stinky did not get me a valentine, but that's alright because I know she loves me.

I think I will try to document all the temptations that exist at work for me (ie candy)... and you'll see what I'm up against. I have forgotten about all that stuff... and I walked less than 5,000 steps yesterday. That's not good. I will try to be better today - at least I'm off to a good start with the gym.

Okay, remember to tell everyone of your valentine's how you feel! Spread the love!

Work shmurk.

I have completed my first day on the job. Nothing too exciting to report. I sat at the reception desk for a while, went to lunch and then learned a bit about filing.

I know the most important things. 1) Where the bathroom is. 2) Where the coffee is. 3)Where my desk is.

The end.

What's the deal?

I had really good intentions of getting up early and going to the gym before I headed off to my new job this morning. I was all set, but then I couldn't get to sleep last night. It wasn't really bad but you know how I need my sleep - five hours wasn't going to cut it.

In my never-ending quest to look cute I have not decided what I will wear today. I have a few ideas though. I have decided that I am not digging my haircut, it's too generic... I've suffered through it for over three weeks and I think it's time to make a change.

Now onto another thing I am passionate about - my laptop. Old crusty is beginning to show signs of old-ness. I'm a digital girl on a dial up budget. I've got to quit pooping around and get to work and in order to do that I need a faster connection speed. My iPod is having issues as well. I used to be able to have a majority of my songs on it and then all of a sudden there's not enough room. I think maybe it's just happened in the last upgrade of iTunes - it makes me cranky though.

Maybe someday I will find a nice balance of crankiness/cute-ness/financial sufficiency and work out ethics.

Running!

Yesterday I hit the motherload when it came to mail geared towards running. I think it's a sign that I need to go to the gym. Or at least by a new running outfit.

Today is the last day of my temp job. I overheard them talking about me yesterday and how I was doing such a good job that they are sad to see me leave. You all know how I like to be affirmed so it made me feel good.

The other night I had a discussion with a friend of mine... he said something that has stuck with me... he said that I seemed lonely. I guess I am at times... On the outside I appear to know a lot of people and have a lot going on (which is true), but I am in fact lonely at times. It's stuck in my head now. Will I always feel this way? I don't think I'm always lonely... hmmm.

So... Next subject. Crawl Space! We are having a Centennial Video Special which opens on the 23rd of Feb. There will be a lecture by Marisa Sanchez of the Seattle Art Museum who curated the show at 7pm. I will post more information as I have it. Mark it on your calendars now!

It's Monday!

I think I'm doing alright for a Monday. I went to see No Country for Old Men yesterday. I liked it. I'm not sure I liked it more than Juno, but I did like it.

This week I have to prepare myself for another Valentine's day being a single gal. I suppose I should be used to it since I was only ever not single for two (count them) two Valentine's days back in the 80's. It will be strange watching people at the office get flowers and such. Maybe I can make it into art of some sort...

Did I happen to mention that at my new place of employment they have Mrs. Fields cookies and brownies brought in every Friday afternoon? This is going to take some willpower on my part to keep them out of my mouth (or some major point calculation).

I wore my new shoes yesterday and they are cute! There's something to be said about wearing cute shoes to improve your mood.

Hey look! It's a photo I took of the Seattle Public Library a few weeks ago. I'm sorry I haven't posted any photos lately but it takes about five hours to upload them.

Happy Monday!

ouch

Yesterday I decided to roll around on my exercise ball. Now my back/shoulder hurts. That's what I get for becoming physically active.

Today I need to clean, exercise and then I'm supposed to be going to a movie this afternoon. I think we're going to see No Country for Old Men (at least that's what I'm rooting for). I'd also like to see There Will be Blood as well.

I didn't get a lot done with my application yesterday - I got into one of my moods and then it all went out the window. Hopefully today will be better.

tomorrow night I have a Crawl Space meeting... it's going to be my first one so it should be fun. I also start my new job on Wednesday - it should be a good week.

Last Friday my lovely assistant Kristen and I went to Red Robin after work - she'd had a bad day. I'm always up for nursing a bad day with some buffalo style clucks and fries (not to mention beer). I'm sure it's not doing anything for my healthy eating plan though.

I have got to suck it up soon and get a faster internet connection speed...

Have a good Sunday and I'll see you later (or tomorrow).

aggravation or anxiety?

I can't decide which I'm experiencing at the moment.

I am sitting here trying to fill out my GAP application but it's not happening. I want to eat a lot of sugar, take a long bath and then a nap. In all reality I should just suck it up and work on the application and then go to the gym.

Heartburn is also at the table here with me. Maybe I just need to expend some excess energy (running?)... Maybe I need some meditation or yoga classes. Maybe I just need to get some. It's hard to do that when you're not a floozy. sometimes I wish I was. I wish I wasn't a social hermit.

SNAP OUT OF IT!

Maybe tea would do me some good.

I returned a frame to Michael's this morning, on the way there I stopped by the Rack and bought another pair of shoes. They're Michael Korrs and they are very cute. I guess I should suck it up and work on my application now.

I should give myself at least 20 minutes and then I can slack off.

Let's apply ourselves!

Today I am going to break down and work on my Gap application. It's an grant application - I'm going to request money to get my I heart Ann images printed and framed.

I will actually be going someplace that has free wifi to work on it so I might even do a mid day post if you're lucky.

Yay!

Outerwear and the Northwest.

I have become an outerwear snob. I have noticed that far too many people in the pacific northwest think that a ski parka is a suitable replacement for a coat when you're wearing a dress. You all look like schlubs! Stacy London would have a field day here in the city. I just want to have one big intervention and rid us of this problem once and for all.

Last night I went to first Thursday... I'll have a report later. I've almost been too busy this week. I will probably collapse on the sofa tonight when I get home.

This weekend I need to work on my gap application and get stuff put together for the Crawl Space website.

Now that I have a new job I'll have to start thinking about finding some space to make artwork - there's just not enough room in the dining room anymore.

TGIF

Financial Security.

I was offered a job yesterday that I can't pass up. My former boss needs someone to help out in her file room now. I'm starting next Wednesday. She is willing to let me do the things I need to do in regards to my artwork so that is a plus. She's the type of boss that makes you want to work hard. She treats her staff well which is nice. There may be other opportunities to grow there as well.

I'll even get more money. Yay!

Tip of the day... don't burn your bridges because you never know when you will need to cross back (that should be published somewhere don't you think?).

Tonight is First Thursday and I'm ready and raring to go. Also I didn't mention it last week but Lost is back on the air which is good. Now I just have to manage to get home by 9:00. It shouldn't be a problem...

With a new job and all I might even be able to pay my student loans and have money for rent. eventually

What's love got to do with it?

Wasn't that a good movie? The title doesn't have anything to do with this post... it just came to me.

I am happy to report that I survived last night's event. If I talked to you last night and you're reading this blog I hope you're not too disappointed with the content. It was nice seeing old friends yesterday and I managed to stay away from the food table for the majority of the night. The only negative thing is that I realized after someone accidentally knocked the brownie I was eating from my hand that I have been off sugar for over a week (at least I thought I was)...

Tonight I have to rest because tomorrow is first Thursday. I have to be in top form.

I broke down and bought shoes yesterday, two pairs. I'll try to take pictures and show you soon. I may have to do something with my toenails in order to wear one of the pairs. Oh, the perils of having bad feet (they're cute but they are the bane of my existence).

On the horizon I am looking forward to getting all my paperwork together to do taxes... do you believe that?

Sculpture and photography? - Okay.

They are putting out a press release for the 4culture shows and they are listing my work as Sculpture and Photography. I guess that's close enough... I suppose personal documentarian slash stalker isn't really a medium in itself so that will just have to do. How about blogger/stalker? blogger/stalker/runner? digital documentarian? If you think of anything better let me know.

Tonight I am going the the University of Washington Scholarships for Scholars event. It will be groovy to see people. If I had some money I'd try to buy some art but I don't so I can't.

My ex boss Shirley says she needs me desperately. for a job that is... it would be nice to work for her again. I'm not absolutely sure I should commit to anything permanently - but for her I might. Happy Tuesday - or should I say Super Tuesday!

Another week of bliss.

Yesterday Kristen and I ended up going to the Green Lake Bar and Grill instead of Julia's. The line there was too long.

We both had omelettes with tons of port products and cheese. It was good but I'm not looking forward to getting on the scale anytime soon.

Yesterday I also registered for the St. Patrick's Day Dash (run?). I guess I have to fully commit. I did start practicing my running at the gallery the other day... (is that the correct term "practice running"?).

This week I've got a full slate. The UW thing tomorrow, First Thursday on Thursday, work, looking for a soul mate.

How about that Superbowl last night? I was rooting for the Giants because I did live in New York for a few months.... the commercials were alright. I hate to admit that my favorite one was the Fedex carrier pigeons one. Too bad Fedex still sucks for damaging and losing my box of Today show memorabilia.

mmmmm... brunch!

I'm going to brunch this morning with my lovely assistant Kristen. We're going to Julia's in Wallingford. I'll report back later on how it is.

Yesterday I did a pilates bun and thigh video tape. My buns are barking today. I also ran around the inside of the gallery when it was slow... I suppose it's better than just sitting there doing nothing.

I've got to run... I'll check in later.

When all is said and done.

I will be 74 years old when my student loans are paid in full. That's kind of sad in a way... $375.00 a month for 30 years... there goes the possibility of owning a home... having children (although I wasn't counting on that last one)... buying a new car.

Let's take a moment of silence for a profession that only pays a few people the big bucks. (imagine the trumpet starting to play tapps right now...)

Okay, let's get down to business... Today is February 1st. It's the beginning of registration for the St. Patrick's Day Dash. I'm going to do it again this year to kick off the thin thigh/Jenerator Running project for the year. Okay, maybe I'll run a bit before that actually race, but I will be making a recording of myself for others to enjoy at a later date. It's all a part of my master plan to rule the world of Artists who are also runners.

First things first though, I need to pick out a cute outfit for the race and maybe save up for a new pair of running shoes. I will keep you updated.

I better get a move on...

Pinch and a punch everyone!

I've been suppressed.

I have been suppressed about a lot of things for a long time... one of them in particular I can't really talk about. My friends know, some strangers even... I realize my posts have lost their luster in the past eight months - but there's a reason. Soon enough (hopefully) I will be back to my old cynically optimistic self.

I've had a filter on my fingers and being that I like to follow rules they haven't been functioning to the fullest.

On another note, I went to the library yesterday and found through iTunes that I can subscribe to the Today show video cast. I downloaded the mornings episode and then updated to the latest version of iTunes. It turns out when I updated the version my Today show episode disappeared. That sucks. I have just opened iTunes and I have resubscribed to the video cast. The only problem is that it will take fifty hours to download with dial up. I suppose I could suck it up and help pay for a higher speed connection. Okay I take that all back.... I found the episode in my list. What a dork I am.

On the schedule next week for me I am attending the Scholarship For Scholars event at the UW for the MFA Ceramics Program. It's a raffle of the current faculty's work and a silent auction of Alumni and others work. Twenty bucks gets you in the door with a hand made cup and all the food and drinks you can consume (within reason).

I'll be there - it's Tuesday at 6:00. I tried to put a link but my dial up won't let me. go to http://depts.washington.edu/teapot for more info.

I got a list of the other people who were selected for shows at 4Culture and started googling them last night. I know who a lot of them are. It should be a good lineup.

One thing they don't teach you in art school is that if you are ever selected for anything you'll usually get a call. If you don't hear anything for a long time you've probably not been selected. This actually goes for a lot of things, jobs - television shows, pageants (okay I'm not too sure about the last one...).

Look! It's a mid day post!

I decided to trudge my old laptop downtown with me today and see if I could update all my itunes etc....

I am coming to you live from the Seattle Public Library (ala Architect Rem Koolhaus) I sure hope I spelled his name right but I don't have time to check.

I must say it's a more architecturally interesting library than the John Merlo branch of the Chicago public library system.... and so far the clientele here smell better.

There don't seem to be too many freakish people.

I'll update you later as to what my overall consensus is of this trip.

Payday part deaux.

I get money today! I have over eleven hours of overtime so I'm psyched. I will pay a big chunk of my visa bill, I'll try to give some to my momma for bills and I am going to set some aside for either my student loan payment or my income tax payment.

I'm thinking I'll have to pay taxes this year because It was crazy - I think I counted at least 5 w2's and over 7 statements of interest paid on student loans. I also received some money while I was in New York that I'll have to pay taxes on... For the first time ever I am having someone else do my taxes. Hopefully my life will be more normal this year and I can do it via the internet for free next year.

My cold seems to be getting better, my head hurts a bit but that's it. I'm not sick enough not to go to work.

I think that's it for now - this morning I need to call 4culture and get the details on the whole show thing.

Damn, now I have to make work.

I got a phone call this afternoon telling me that I had been selected to have a show at Gallery 4culture during the next exhibition cycle.

Now I have to work.

Now if that benefactor would just show up....

Oops!

I forgot to post this morning. I guess that's what happens when you have 10 hours of sleep and a sore throat. It's official... I've caught the office sickness. Hopefully it won't get too bad though.

I am happy to report that my hair is not bugging me as much as it was a few weeks ago. It still sucks though.

Oh, I'm trying to cut back on sugar too this week. That should be fun. I'll keep you posted! ha ha ha ha ha! Now I have to get to work.

Note to self number 893.

Yesterday I bought some Orbit gum. I decided to get my favorite flavor (citrus mint) and try a new flavor as well (maui mellon).

I sat on the sofa last night watching the Hallmark Hall of Fame special (the Russell Girl) and chewing this gum stick by stick. It was my attempt to not put anymore food in my mouth. It worked, but it had an unfortunate side effect. The gum has sorbitol in it... if you've ever had massive amounts of sorbitol you will know that it can have some undesired gastrointestinal effects. Sure it's not as bad as eating three Fiber One bars....

It's snowing this morning so I'm going to cut this short. I have to leave a bit early so I'm not late.

Sleeping in (sort of)...

I actually slept in until 7:25 this morning. I suppose that isn't late for a lot of you out there, but for me it's an accomplishment.

Yesterday I ended up working until 6:30. I don't really mind because I'm going to get a whopping big paycheck and I will be able to pay down that visa bill I racked up while in New York.

I am thinking of taking a trip to Chicago in April to check out the MFA show and to see all my friends. I miss them a bunch. It's not that I don't have friends here, but they didn't necessarily go through the same crap that I did in school.

Today is my brother in law Grant's birthday. We're going to have dinner at his house. It should be interesting for many reasons.

Things I should do today...
go to the gym
eat wisely
clean my room
work on my grant application
wash my car...

maybe I can get part of one of those things done... (does that sound weird? - my grammar is not so good today...)

I'm not here....

I'm at work once again. Hey, it's money. I think my lovely assistant Kristen and I may do something today... maybe troll for men? That could be fun.

Titles for future posts...

What would Dr. Phil Do?

and

Shopping with your skinny friend... a guide book for the fat girl.

okay, maybe these are titles for posts... maybe they're titles for short stories or books...

Umm...

I worked until 9:00 last night so I'm a bit tired and I'm not firing on all cylinders. I guess that's alright. To illustrate that last point I just sat here staring at the screen for about three minutes without making a single move. I guess this post will be short.

Hopefully I can write something more meaningful this weekend. I love you all. And I mean it.

The Today Show is Everywhere...

On Tuesday I was on the bus riding home and a guy standing right in front of me had his iPhone out watching the Today Show! I wanted to tap him on the leg and ask him if he was as big as a fan as I am but I thought he might think I was a perv or a freak.

I may be a freak but I'm definitely not a perv.

I got an email from the woman who owns the gallery in Chicago. I'm still on for a September show so that's good. She also wanted to know if I was interested in participating in a group show this summer. I don't know what's all entailed in it but what the heck!

I got a late start this morning so I should probably go.

Payday!

Good news, I get paid today. Then I promptly have to pay some bills.

Now if I would only get paid for National Portfolio Day. Now you're probably saying to yourself "she hasn't been paid for that yet?"... that would be correct! It's been almost four months and I still haven't been paid. You know that money could have been earning interest in my savings account. Maybe I'll harass people about it today.

We've been experiencing a cold snap here in Seattle. It's not anything near the weather in Chicago but it's still cold. In Chicago I could bundle up and look like a weirdo and it was alright. Not so much here. I need some warmer clothes... let me revise that, warmer, more fashionable clothes.

I better get a move on and look for those warmer clothes...

Oscar Smoshcar!

This morning I woke up early to watch the announcement of the 2007 Academy Awards nominations. Unlike other years I didn't take notes... I figured staying horizontal while I watched it was a good thing.

I am happy to see that Juno as a movie and Ellen Page were both nominated.... I now have a list of movies that I would like to see. (maybe I'll make my lovely assistant Kristen go with me)...

those movies are - No Country For Old Men, There Will Be Blood and the Diving Bell and the Butterfly. I suppose there are others I could see (maybe Eastern Promises or Michael Clayton - but those first three are the top.).

On another note, I am thinking that I should start making some work... sometimes I think it would be nice to have a studio - but that costs money. I will be getting a paycheck this week... I find that I have mixed emotions about working - I have to work to earn money, but I find I don't have a lot of time to think about my other endeavors. I suppose things will be different in March (maybe)... I'm in a lull. I think I'm okay with that though. I don't really want to get stuck in one of those downward spirals that I get into sometimes.

Yo.

I slept in a little bit this morning which was nice. The office that I am working in right now is closed today but I am going in to help out... It will be nice to have a paycheck on Wednesday. Then I can pay a big chunk of my credit card bill.

I don't have anything too exciting to report this morning. I did go to the gym yesterday and I survived. Maybe I'll go tonight. I'll let you know.

Once again.

Last night my brain got in the way again. I was all set to go to the opening at Crawl Space and I didn't do it. I talked myself out of going outside. It's a strange thing, I'm fairly outgoing when I interact with people about my work, but when I have to go be social I sometimes have a hard time getting out the door.

I ended up watching Cinderella Story starring Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray. I'm sure Crawl Space would have been more entertaining. I guess I'll just have to keep practicing going out in the evening.

The grant writing workshop I went to yesterday was pretty good, but some of the questions people asked dealt with all this minutia detail crap and we ended up going long and being rushed. Maybe I just don't have the patience for stupid people (or people who are not fully aware...). I should get started on my application earlier rather than later.

Today my sisters, brother's-in-Law and I are going to lunch. Hopefully there won't be blood.

I WILL go to the gym today as well.

Word to your mother!

Errr... part 2.

So... I'm sitting here (actually I'm standing) getting ready to make my move.

I have to go to work this morning and then I'm off to a grant writing workshop put on by Artist Trust. I would really like to be back in bed.

I guess I should go.

Before I do I would like to say good morning to my brother-in-law Grant. He's a regular reader along with Marty's Mom.

I have to wonder.

I check out my stat counter to see who's checking in on me and how they find the blog. It concerns me that people search for the term "fill my ass" on Google. Okay, maybe it doesn't concern me per se but it makes me wonder what these people are trying to find.

I realize that you may also wonder why my blog turns up when they search this term. It's because of this post here. It was back in June of 2006 after my experience with the Levis Intellifit Pit in Chicago. I actually tried on jeans at Target and they didn't look too bad. The lesson we can take from all of this? If you use the word ass in your post you're likely to have a variety of people see your words.... and ass.

So there you go.... did you notice my hair in that post? I'd take that long mess over my 70's inspired 'do right now.

Sleep won out over the gym again today...

I better get ready for work.

I am channeling 70's teen heartthrobs

I'm referring to my hair. I'm still not digging it. It's a bit too shaggy.

The job went well... I have my own little dungeon to work in.

I decided to sleep in a little bit today so the gym did not make it on my calendar. I should probably find a way to get it in so that I can continue on my thin thigh campaign.

Off to work I go...

I don't think I mentioned it but I have a job finally. You are now looking at a legal document clerk... (okay you're not looking at me but you know what I mean).

I will be gainfully employed for the next few weeks. It will be good to get out of the house and making a bit of money so I can pay those bills.

Coming up this Saturday is the Matt Mitros show a Crawl Space. Now that I'm a member I have to publicize publicize publicize! So come on out Saturday night it should be fun.

Well, since I'm not sweating it out at the gym right now I should probably take a shower... see you later.

Just call me David.

I got my hair cut today and I think I look a bit like David Cassidy from his Partridge Family days. I would include a picture but because of dial up it would take forever.

Just visualize David.

hello my friend dial up!

Back to the slowness of dial up.

Today I have scheduled a beautification process (haircut for those of you who don't know my terminology yet). I decided to wait until 1pm so that there will be less ice on the roads.

Linny has been gone the past two days on the Today show. They said that he was in Washington DC getting a checkup at the VA hospital. It's nice to know that nothing bad happened to him.

I'll update more later.

I am a superior human being.

I keep telling myself that and eventually I am expecting to believe it.

If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know that I really love award shows. Last night should have been a highlight for me - the Golden Globes... but no. A press conference will never do for the glitz and glamor that is the Golden Globes.

Maybe I should start an awards show for artists. (Now that's a Donny Deutsch big idea!)

How would that work? I'll have to think about it....

Cravings and crawling...

I have been really craving buffalo flavored things. I bought some Frank's Hot Sauce the other week and the bottle is half gone. Last night I even put it on popcorn... they should make buffalo flavored powder to shake on things.

Camp was good. I really didn't end up doing anything. I just stood around and then cleaned up. That's alright I suppose - I did get to catch up with some of my friends and got to eat some good old camp food.

When I got home I got an email from Crawl Space. They think I'm a spiffy dresser and would like me to join them. (I made up the part about the dressing... but I'm sure they think I am) They are going to send me information on membership this week. It's going to be nice to jump in and learn about other aspects of the art business. Now if I could just sell something...

Pirate's mom comes back tomorrow night and I'll go back to my little stinky and my momma. Maybe someday I'll get a job and be able to move out on my own.

In terms of my lifestyle makeover - it turns out that my friend Nick is doing personal training and I may enlist his help in my firm thigh campaign. I also tossed around the idea of running a half marathon with my friend Bryan - I don't know if that will actually happen... it might. maybe I'll check that out now....

camp...

I'm off to be "craft goddess" today. I prefer the term "art goddess" though.
I'll take my camera and try to get some good shots of my handiwork.

It's good to be back.

In my rounds of the openings last night I managed to see a bunch of people from my school days. As promised I checked out the Ken Fandell show at Howard House and Eric Eley's show at Platform (both were good - I'll have to go back when it's quiet though).

I also managed to finally get down to Lawrimore Project. It's a really nice space. I'd like to live there.

Today I'm delivering my application to 4Culture and then I'm having lunch with my friend Bryan. I also have to get supplies put together for my art making activities tomorrow.

Dang, I forgot that I had this post going... now an hour and a half later here it is...

Why did you move back to Seattle?

I keep getting asked that question. Why wouldn't I move back to Seattle???

Seattle is home.

Seattle CAN have a great art scene.

Seattle has hills and green spaces.

and the most important thing - Seattle has Stinky.

feeling better.

today is a new day and I feel a bit better...

on the agenda today we have the following,

Showering

I am meeting with my first ceramics instructor Sam Scott this afternoon to discuss life and my career.

I also want to go to openings tonight... there are two shows I want to see..
Ken Fandell at Howard House (he teaches at SAIC) and Eric Eley at Platform.

I finally feel like I need to get back into the swing of "art things" I can't sit on my ass forever.

I am happy to report that I finished my 4culture application yesterday, now I just have to deliver it. The problem I think I may have with my portfolio is that some of my work needs to have a description in order to fully appreciate it. I mean just looking at a Google Earth images does not convey the fact that these are places chronicling my sex life.. or looking at prints of celebrities does not convey the fact that I went to the Today show every day for 57 days and I am the person standing behind the celebrities - I'm just saying that trying to convey the scope of my work is not easy when you only have a space of two inches by 1/4 inch.

Maybe in March things will get better... or they could be worse... it depends on how you look at it. I can't divulge more but then I'd have to kill you.

I guess that's it for now.

Stress is working it's way...

if I had access to the following things I would eat them right now.

A pound of bacon.

ding dongs

Cherry Cordial ice cream

chocolate cream pie with whipped cream on top (any kind of whipped cream - it could even be the fake stuff).

Potato chips with ranch dip.

Buffalo Wings with blue cheese dressing

Cheese sticks (the deep fried variety - they have to be breaded and fried)

nachos

Pop Secret Homestyle brand popcorn

fish and chips

spaghetti and meatballs

chocolate milk

big hunks

ginger lemon creme cookies


I would eat those all and then I would explode. I'm sure I would be missed.

What is the problem?

I'm thinking today I may start the official documentation process of my firm thigh campaign. I realize that my thighs are not large by any means but I have body image issues (sort of)... I mean I know that I am little on the outside, but I don't feel little on the inside. It's much better than it used to be but I still have a long way to go. I took photos of my thighs the other day and I'm thinking of making casts of them as well... There's also a pair of Nike exercise pants that I think would be good for documentation photos... Maybe I'll take a look at them today.

Yes, I'm still unemployed - but I have a few irons in the fire.


Okay, does anyone have a problem with the Spears family naming their daughter after both their names? I'm talking Jamie Lynn here...(mom's name is Lynn, dad's name is Jamie).

confusion

I had my studio visit tonight. I think it went alright - one thing is sure, I can't really answer specific questions about my work. Maybe it's not that I can't answer them, it's that I can't follow the questions when they're being asked and then I have a hard time with my train of thought during the answer.

If I just talk about my work it's fine... Maybe I could just hire someone to talk about my work for me.

Tuesday morning is alright for fighting...

not that I'm going to do any fighting today but you never know...

I am taking dad to the doctor today so I actually set my alarm for a reasonable time. Currently I am watching the Today show... I think Ann is sick (oh yay, she's back). I miss going there everyday.

Yesterday I got a check from Fedex for my lost box - but I also got an email from my room mate Chris, he said that Fedex tried to deliver my box to the apartment but he wasn't there. This gives me hope that the box is still in existence somewhere. Keep your fingers crossed.

I have a studio visit with Crawl Space members tonight... It's hard to have a studio visit when you don't have a studio per se. I guess I'll manage.

Yesterday I went to Cloud City Coffee to work on my Gallery4Culture Application. Who knows, maybe the third time is the charm... I figured I should get out of the house and work on it. When I was finished there I went to the gym and continued on my firm thigh campaign. I ran/walked for over an hour - my lower half is very sore today.

I forgot to mention that it was Stinky's birthday on Sunday, she's 7 now. We spent some quality time on the sofa to celebrate.

Well, that's it for now.

I've got a gig.

okay, I supposed doing an art project at camp is not really a gig - but it's something. I have to come up with a project for junior high kids by Saturday.

I have officially overcome my time change dilemma. I slept in until 8 this morning. If I end up getting a job I'm going to have to make some adjustments.

My firm thigh campaign is going alright. I didn't work out yesterday but I could feel the workout from the day before. The eating plan on the other hand is not going so well. I am succumbing to emotional eating... you know how I get... I try to not do it but it's hard. Hopefully this week will be better.

I just requested information on the 3 day walk for breast cancer... maybe that would be a good thing for my thighs...

Okay, it's time to get off my ass and get moving (after I finish my coffee).

Bring on the infomercials!

Pirate woke me up at 5:30. I don't know what in the hell he was doing... on the bright side of that is that I get to watch all these great infomercials.

I am all ready to buy Sheer Cover mineral makeup and now I'm watching a program on a body shaper... I wish I had money. It would be nice to suck in all the excess skin that lives on my mid section. It's not the most attractive thing but you cover it up with your clothes.

Okay, on other fronts - my eating plan fell apart last night, but today is a new day and I'm back on the wagon.

I am using my new french press. I give it a thumbs up - it's stainless steel and it keeps the coffee warm.

My witty gene must have left me in New York.... maybe it will come back soon.

I suppose I should get some things done today... I have a meeting with the Crawl Space Members on Tuesday... I should probably throw some sort of presentation together... maybe a nice slideshow is in order...

I'll check back later.

It's worse than expected.

I am back on the wagon of wise food choices (I hope). I weighed in this morning and it wasn't pretty. I don't even want to talk about it.

I'm trying to watch the Seahawks but it's too painful...

I wish I didn't like to eat. I wish I didn't have any debt. I wish I had firmer thighs.

Oh, that's another thing - I announced to my meeting this morning that I was going to get smaller thighs for the new year... I guess since I announced it I have to do it. Too bad you just can't buy them on ebay.

Consolidation.

I am officially consolidated. My loans that is. The plus side of this is that I only have one payment monthly, the minus is that I will be 80 years old by the time I get it all paid off (there goes the possibility of buying a house!).

Poor Britney Spears. Enough said about that.

I am sitting here drinking coffee made in my new thermal french press. The mix was not quite right - or maybe it's the coffee I bought at Whole Foods. I find something I like and then I can't get it anymore. I found coffee at Whole Foods in New York but it's not here... the pretzel bread that they have at Trader Joe's in Chicago they don't have here (or New York in fact). What else is there??? I'm sure I'll think of something...

Yesterday I started reading through the November issue of Art In America. There was an article about art blogging. I've only read about half of it but it seemed interesting since I am a blogger and an artist.

I've done it!

The past three nights I have stayed up close to or past 11:00 pm. I think I'm finally over the time change thing...

If you didn't notice I have discovered the bold feature of the blog. I knew it was there I just never thought to use it. (after looking at this post - you can't tell that it's bold so never mind...).

Weighing in...

Tomorrow I have to weigh in for the month... it's not going to be pretty - but it could be the thing to kick me in the ass. Maybe.

Today - it's the gym and I have to work on applications. I may have a studio meeting with Crawl Space this weekend or early next week... too bad I don't have a studio per se. I do have a mother that makes great pies though. Who doesn't like pie? I'll woo them with it.

Those damn feet.

Too bad I can't show the picture of my cousin Tracy's feet.

I had a great idea for a show. I think it would be groovy for UW students who have studied in the Studio Art Program in Rome show their work at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery on campus. I just have to figure out who to pitch this idea to. I don't know how they come up with the programming for the gallery. I suppose I could just ask the gallery director.

I was going to go to first Thursday tonight but I didn't. Can I be an artist without schmoozing? I'm not sure, but I don't think so. There's always next month.

I was contacted by Law Dawgs (my temp agency) today. They are submitting my resume for a position as Paralegal Assistant. It seems right up my alley... copying, filing, sorting, creating trial notebooks... I hope I get it because I'd like to pay off my visa bill.

I'm watching the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch - I have a bunch of ideas... about art that is. If only I could make millions... or find a benefactor/boyfriend.

What's the point.

I am sitting here trying to figure out how to stop eating... okay, not how to stop eating, but how to quit mindlessly eating..... I gave that book away when I was in New York and never got it back... I think I'll need to order myself another copy.

Volunteering yesterday was fun. Okay, not really fun but I did get to meet some people which was nice. I felt like I was accomplishing something.

Today I think I shall work on applications for shows and grants... I have to quit sitting on my ass thinking about it and just do it.

Okay, I better just do it.

Good news, bad news

Let's start this morning off with some bacon... this is what I ate Christmas morning...
it was good.



Last night I decided I would check and see if I could find out any information on my Fedex claim. I was messing around the site and clicked on the tracking number for the lost package. It is back in the system but it is in Brooklyn... I'm not sure if this is my package - I sure hope it is... I sent an email to see if it's mine. Keep your fingers crossed.

Okay, here's the bad news. I only walked .66 miles yesterday... that's not good. I was going to get back on track with the exercise/better eating plan (no it's not a resolution because I've been doing it for a while)... I will go to the gym later - with all the other million people who are trying to get their crap together.

Last night I almost stayed up until 11. I was watching Law and Order SVU - I missed the last few minutes so if anyone can tell me what happened let me know.

Let's see what else can I tell you... I ordered a thermal french press to replace the one I left in New York. I've been using a single french press while I'm at Nancy's... it's very inconvenient.. you can only make one cup of coffee at a time. I figured I'd get the thermal pot so my coffee will stay hot. It should arrive on the 7th. Can I wait that long?

This is a picture of the Pirate (you've seen him before...) His mom misses him a lot so I said I would post a picture of him. I'm sure there will be more later but he would only pose for a few shots, this was the best one.



This afternoon I am volunteering at Artist Trust to help with a mailing for the Art Auction. I figured it's a good way to get to know people around town... I'll let you know how it goes.

New Year's Eve redeaux.

Well, I did watch the ball drop. (Dick Clark doesn't look so good...)

My lovely assistant Kristen and I went to Red Robin for dinner. A good thing about being old is that you can sit in the bar and not get carded... I had some very yummy buffalo clucks and fries. I ate every last one of them plus some extra fries.

After dinner we went to see Carlie Wilson's War. It was pretty good - but I did start dozing off in the middle of it. I managed to get the gist of the movie though.

I made it back by 10:15 or so and then fell asleep on the sofa. I did wake up at 11:59 and was able to switch to ABC and see the big ball.

I slept in this morning until 7:20 - that's pretty good.

Today I am planning on going to the gym along with five million other people and then I'm going to try not to eat crap. Maybe I should go see another movie.

I'm sitting here on the sofa watching the Today show and drinking my coffee... Kenneth Babyface Edmonds is going to be on the show - He was there earlier in the year while I was there. He's cute. and he can sing.

Well, I guess I should start surfing the internet or something. I have to find a job in order to pay my bills...

It's almost the New Year!

So, as I wait here to go to dinner and a movie with my fabulous assistant Kristen I am going to reflect on the past year. I have succeeded in doing the following (keep in mind this is only a partial list)...

I met Ann Curry.
I received a Masters degree.
I lived in New York for almost four months (I'm still not an artstar... maybe I'll become one in April or May?).
I went out on two coffee dates. (That's two more than 2006!)
I managed to answer phones at a law firm for a day and not get fired.
I made great art only to have it destroyed by Fedex.
I managed to keep from diving head first into a potato chip bag or cookie box every time I was stressed out or bored (don't get me wrong I still have my moments).
I started wearing makeup on a regular basis because I am cute and I need to flaunt it sometimes.
I have managed somehow to still be loved by my family - especially my momma considering how much money I've borrowed from her over the past year...

I am actually going out on New Years Eve! Okay, so I'll probably be in bed by 11:00 At least it's a start.

The one thing I have not succeeded in doing is getting paid for National Portfolio day. I guess you can't have everything.

Fedex is watching me...

I checked into my stats counter and someone who works at Fedex checked out my blog. Now don't get me wrong, I have never had any major problems with Fedex before - it's just that twice in one day having things be f'd up is just not right.

I will probably use them again but when they lose a box of yours and don't even tell you? That sucks.

The family get together was nice yesterday. I got pictures of my cousin Tracy's feet. They are beautiful in their own deformed way... I'm not going to post a picture of them, you'll just have to wait until I have a show.

Tonight I am supposed to go out with my lovely assistant Kristen. I haven't seen her since I got back from New York. We are most likely going to see a movie and have dinner. I've been into movies lately - Juno still is my favorite....

In case I don't get back here today - everyone have a safe New Year's Eve and I hope you all get lucky as the clock strikes midnight.

I want to be alone...

So, I'm house sitting for my friend Nancy. She has this big house in Edmonds and has recently had her upstairs remodeled. It is beautiful! I did some cleaning yesterday when I got here because her entire household was sick over the holidays... It kept me busy which was nice. It would be nice to have a house someday - but in reality I don't think it's going to feasible because how much can one make as an artist/legal temp?

Onto other things. I've been having a hard time staying up in the evenings. Last night I think I made it until 8:30 before I fell asleep on the sofa. I woke up at 9:30 to go to bed and this morning I was up at 5:30. I guess there are worse things that could be going on. I just have to figure out how I can stay up until midnight on New Years Eve. I suppose I don't have to stay up until midnight but it would be fun.

Today we are having a family get together - hey, I could take pictures of Hamilton Family feet! I have to get more batteries for my camera. This is exciting!

ummmm...

Not much to report today. I am watching Pirate the cat for a few weeks, I have to make artichoke dip for a family get together tomorrow and I have to do laundry.

I know, It sounds like fun doesn't it?

My "free" wifi is gone again. I guess I'll just have to suffer for my art.

Fedex sucks.

I tried tracking one of the boxes that I sent to myself from New York. It contained all my memorabilia from the Today Show plus some other personal items (my favorite raincoat, shoes etc...). When I went to put in the number there was no record of the box. I inquired about it online and when I got a response I was told that my package was damaged. I'm not exactly sure if it is no longer in existence or what. I am envisioning my things being strewn around the back of a truck and flying out onto the highway.

Considering that most of the frames were broken when I received them via Fedex AND they damaged/lost my research for I heart Ann I don't think I'm going to use them again. They suck.

I realize that it's just stuff, but it was my stuff collected over the period of three plus months. How can you put a value on that?

A receptionist I am not...

I only hung up on a few people yesterday. It was pretty slow as suspected though. No major catastrophes to report.

I am glad to be back to the world of unemployment today.

My photos arrived from New York yesterday... I'm going to open the boxes up today and see what the damage is. Hopefully not too great. When we packed our things I didn't have a lot of time and the bubble wrap I was reusing was a bit sketchy. We'll see if everything is in one piece. If the frames are broken that's okay - it's the photos that I worry about. They were not cheap.

Maybe I'll go do that now.

More later people.

Update... the small photos made it, the larger ones were not so lucky... the glass broke and the surface of the photos are scratched. There's 600 plus dollars down the drain... but I guess that I should look at this as an opportunity to do them better. Right?

Back to the hamster wheel of life...

I suppose answering phones for one day wouldn't be considered the hamster wheel of life but it's the best title I could come up with this morning.

I'm a bit concerned that I will hang up on someone - but I guess that stuff happens. I do suspect it will be really slow. What the hell, it's money.

Christmas went well. I think this is the first year I haven't been in the dumps about anything. I guess it's because I have been through the fire (grad school and New York) and I actually have no great stress overshadowing everything.

I am actually going to do something on New Years eve as well (I know, it's hard to believe isn't it?).

The reindeer in our front yard have been on the DL since their escapade Christmas eve... At least they're getting some action (insert smiley faced emoticon here)...

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Eve antics...

Here is a brief recap of last nights events...

Katie sat on Grandma's lap...



Bailey sat next to Grandpa...



Katie got a new sleeping bag from Grandma...



Some Christmas Merrymakers decided that our raindeer weren't having enough fun...





Merry Christmas everyone!

Winter white teeth...

In my never ending quest to better myself I bought teeth whitening strips yesterday (Target brand of course)... as I type I am sitting here with blue strips on my teeth trying to make my pearly whites a little less dingy... I suppose I could give up the coffee but what fun is that?

I am happy to report that I got my Christmas shopping done yesterday - I figured I'd just get people what they asked for (for the most part). I also went to church yesterday, the sermon was about the risk of giving gifts... basically what I took away is that when you give gifts you give a part of yourself with it - and that can be scary. What if what you give is not wanted? ... it's a risky situation... maybe I'll reflect more later, but for now I need to hose myself off and do some grocery shopping.

I took this picture yesterday - I look the lease deranged.

I'm here, really.

I realized that I didn't post yesterday and some of you may think that something happened to me.

No. I'm still around, just a bit disorganized (okay maybe disorganized is not the word...)...

You would be proud of me... I actually went out and saw a movie with my friend Margie on Friday. I saw Sweeney Todd. It's a bit gory but that Johnny Depp sure is cute even when he's wielding a razor.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I guess that means that I should start doing some Christmas shopping for my family. It's hard to buy things when you haven't been around them for a few years... I found the other day while I was looking at things that I would much rather be buying things for myself.

I was supposed to go to my best friends house tomorrow afternoon, but she has pneumonia and the flu so that's out of the question. It's off to my sisters house for prime rib (yummy) and then my other sisters house on Christmas day for tamales and ham... (yummy, yummy).

Did I happen to mention that I have a job the day after Christmas? Someone is impressed enough with my skills that they're willing to let me answer their phones.

Yesterday I worked at a wedding washing dishes... not that bad a job... they pay is good and the hours short...

I think I'm just rambling now... after Christmas is over I have to get back to the work of being an artist... I've got to start working on grant applications and applying for shows... I should just enjoy myself right now...

some photos...

It's been a while since I posted any photos so here is a selection from the past week.

This guy was at the airport in Newark. I was hoping that he would sit next to me on the airplane but no such luck.



These are his shoes (pretty nice!)



This is the view from my seat on the airplane. Sometimes I wish I could sit by the window, but considering I went to the bathroom eleven times during the flight it's sort of out of the question...



At Seatac Airport they have an Alasan Amber Lounge.... you know if it wasn't 10:45am and my mother wasn't waiting for me I would have been there!



This is Stinky - but you knew that. She gave me a Christmas card this morning.



Today I am having lunch with my old boss. I haven't seen her in almost two years - it will be nice. She's one of the best people I know.

I have a one day temp job next Wednesday. Someone is going to trust me answering their phones. It should be alright.... who's going to want to call their attorney on the day after Christmas anyway right? I'll just apologize in case I hang up on someone.

Since the holiday is fast approaching I was thinking that I should probably finish my Christmas shopping sometime soon.

Positive things about getting up at 4 am.

Okay, so I can't really think of anything significant at this moment, but I did find out that I DO have "free" wifi from my neighbors (at least for the time being).

Today I get to hang out with my niece Katie. She's a model you know... maybe we'll dress her up and start with some runway lessons. I've watched enough America's Next Top Model to know how to do it.

Yesterday I visited a bunch of my ex co-workers. I've spread the word that I need a job... hopefully something will come up.

I don't think I mentioned it but I did go on the NBC Studio tour my last day in New York...

This picture was in the NBC Experience Store by the line to get into the tour. Look! It's Ann on the right! (and that Katie person)...



I am beginning to miss my friends at the today show... I wonder how they're doing.

Now that I have wifi I will try to post more often.

Maybe I'll go to the gym and work on those thighs. Maybe I'll win the lottery.... If I can manage to clean up a little bit today that will be an accomplishment.

People are sick I tell you....

I have a stat counter on my blog which shows me what people search for in Google that somehow points them to my blog...

People recently have been searching for Ann Curry boobs.... now that's just wrong.

Okay, maybe it's a nice woman in middle America wanting to achieve the same look in cleavage but I doubt it.

Does anyone want to buy some art?

I have my first student loan installment due the day after tomorrow and I don't have any money to pay it with. I know where you can get some really good art for bargain prices... It's a good investment... someday I'm going to be big and you'll say to yourself - "Damn, I should of bought that work while it was still reasonably priced!"

Just throwing that out there...

Today I have a date with my chiropractor (yay)... then it's off to the gym and then some cleaning around the house. Maybe I'll see what things I have that I could try to sell on craigslist...

I'll keep you updated.

Dial up is slow, but it turns out that I have unlimited hours... reminds me of the old days back in Chicago when I would sit on the futon with my coffee and my laptop...

I better get going. Oh, if you have a job for me let me know. I have my Masters degree...

Stinky Dogbottom loves me.

Stinky and I cuddled together last night... she had her little wiener dog head on the pillow next to me and we both fell asleep before we could find out who won Survivor China (it was Todd).

This dial up is killing me.

Today is my dad's 81st birthday. We're going out to dinner at the Wedgewood Broiler... yum yum! I may have to have beef. I heart beef almost as much as the Today Show and Ann Curry.

I think I may also go to the gym and start working on getting my thin thighs... I have to start working on another project and it might as well be Jenerator Running.

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

Welcome home.

I made it to Seattle without a hitch and everything is hunky dory except for the fact that the wifi I used to "borrow" from my neighbors is gone.

That sucks... so here I am via dial up. I'll try to find someplace tomorrow with wifi and do a more proper post.

It't time for me to watch Survivor and go to bed.

waiting

I'm sitting here waiting for the shuttle. They called around 3am to let me know that I was going to be the last pickup so I could sleep in another hour. I was awake when they called... I haven't really been back to sleep since then.

It's hailing/sleeting outside. The flight is still on as scheduled....

see you in Seattle.

I should go to bed now.

Considering I need to be up at 3ish I should go to bed now.

Today I weighed in (only up .8) wandered around, took the NBC Studio Tour (I used a coupon), did a bit of retail therapy and then went to dinner with Chad.

Here's some photos.







The next update should come from Seattle...

one more day...

Yesterday I managed to find a nice polka dot suitcase to pack my belongings in. I think everything should work out as long as the weather cooperates.

I'm trying to figure out what I should do on my last day. maybe I should go to the Met... I haven't been to a museum since I've been here (bad artist). Maybe I'll go to the Carnegie Deli and get a Rueben sandwich.... I'm not going to weigh in until next week because... oh hell, I should just weigh in this morning because it's good for me... and I'll have a realistic picture of what I've been doing to myself the past few weeks.

I do know that I have to get some batteries for my camera.

Here is a nice picture of Ann



Google Alerts is a great thing. You enter a certain search criteria and when someone posts something containing those parameters it lets you know. I got an alert this morning... someone liked my work in Miami. It's nice to be liked.... in fact I'm a positive affirmation slut. I want all the kudos and attention I can get... maybe it's because I never got attention when I was a lonely fat girl... I got some but not a lot.

Thinking about that leads me to another quick story related to body image. When we were flying back from Miami I sat in the middle seat. I sat next to a lady and we started talking a little bit. She said she was relieved when a "skinny woman" sat down next to her - me a skinny woman? yes, I guess I am... I still revert back to my fat girl thinking at time... I remember when I used to not quite fit in the airplane seats. I never needed a seatbelt extender but I was never comfortable...

Yesterday was my last day at the Today Show. It was kind of sad... I've made some friends there - Richie who lets the people into the building, Walter, who guards the revolving door, Dominic and Dennis... William who takes the pictures. Rick and all the guys at the entrance (Rick wasn't there all week - so I didn't get to say goodbye to him... he did give me a hug before I left for Miami though)... I found a weird little family at the Today show... I know that if I needed something I could go to them and they would help me... Linny, and Sonia - maybe even Meredith Vieira too.

I have to say overall I had a good time... I think if I had found a job I couldn't have experienced the show to the full extent required of my work.

Well, I guess that's it for now. More later.

I'm a liar.

I said that when I was done with
I heart Ann that I would spend more time doing quality blogging and I haven't been doing such a great job.

Yesterday I managed to get two boxes shipped to Seattle. I also went to see the movie Juno. It's the first movie since Little Miss Sunshine that I could see myself watching again. If it's not in your area you have something to look forward to.

These are photos from Title This on Monday.

This is Michele Gondry and Ornette Coleman



These are Ornette's shoes.



These are Michele's shoes.



On the agenda today is my last Today show appearance (I gave Meredith a postcard yesterday)... I'm having lunch with Chad and I need to buy a suitcase. There is also a pastel Christmas party at my friend Megan's place. If I can make it that long I will go... I have to see how the rest of the day goes.

It looks as though the weather will cooperate and I will make it back to Seattle... I've already started looking for jobs. I have to start paying those bills. If any of you know of anything keep me in mind.

Well, I better get going. I want to look cute today - my future benefactor/boyfriend may be watching today.

What do I do now?

I have been feeling a bit moody. I think it's a combination of the end of my time in New York, the holidays and missing my dog. (and others).

There's supposed to be a big storm brewing... hopefully it won't wreak havoc with my flight on Sunday. Not that I would mind staying here it's just that I would like to be home. I'm going to take a sign to the Today show tomorrow. It should be good. I'll have an I heart Ann update as well... then I'll have to get packing.

This is Miss Puerto Rico (after she was attacked with pepper spray)



These were her shoes...



This is me and Matt...



These photos were on a card that Sonia loaned me. They're a few weeks old.

Back to real life...

So, I've survived Miami and my whole New York experience which I can't really talk about just yet...

I'm tired and exhausted and don't want to face the challenge of packing and sending my things back to Seattle.

The positive side to all of this is that I keep seeing dogs on the street and know that soon enough I'll back in my Stinky's four little arms.

Maybe I'll take a nap.

Photos from Miami

A few photos from yesterdays activities.













I didn't end up selling anything but that's alright. I made some good contacts and I got free beer and some bacon.

After Title This today I am going to come home and take a nap.

Back in New York...

I must go to bed. I'm going to Today tomorrow and then I'm going to be a Jury member on Title This (the gameshow).

Will have a recap of Miami tomorrow.