Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas

Christmas is here... bacon and hashbrowns are in my tummy and IT'S STILL SNOWING! I wish it would stop. I have things to do... places to go.

I managed to sleep in until a bit past 8 this morning. Now that's an accomplishment.

Santa visited and brought me a new sweater and Tucker gave me some new PJ's. I'm thinking I might take a shower and take a walk around the neighborhood next... maybe Starbucks is open??? I know Walgreen's is but they don't sell americanos.

This afternoon there was a change of plans and I'm supposed to go to Bellevue - it was supposed to be happening last night but it didn't. I fell asleep on the sofa before 8 and was in bed by 10 I had a few dreams which included me driving in snow, having my car stolen, counseling at summer camp, and Ann Curry. It's a long dream story...

Today I am also supposed to be going to where I was supposed to house sit earlier in the week but couldn't. I hope I can make it this time. I don't have to really be anywhere until Saturday (Olympia)....

Have I told you lately that I don't like snow that much? I'm also not that much of a fan of the Holidays but I won't go into that and depress you all... I don't dislike them but they don't make my heart all warm and fuzzy inside.

Later on I will post the video of the bacon frying this morning... once I can download it from my camera.

Let's go and spread some holiday cheer!

The storm is over...

I can't decide how I'm feeling this morning. I have a few things left to do before I go down to sit this afternoon. I have to burn my dvd and reprint the press release. I am also supposed to stop by school.

The worst of the rain is over but I didn't bring the right attire to deal with the aftermath. I think I've dried out - last night I took a bath before bed... I do like my baths. It did the trick to warm me up. I ended up going to Elephant and Castle for dinner, it's in my hotel. I had a nice bowl of French Onion soup and salad... If it hadn't been raining out I would have gone to Jewell of Dominick's and bought dinner there.

I think the best news today is that I managed to brew a full cup of coffee and it doesn't taste too bad.

I have to remember to call the gym today and sign up for cycling class on Monday night. It will be the only one of the two times I get to go in the next two weeks.

I suppose I should make another cup of coffee and think about getting ready.

More to come later.

What could be better?

What could be better than a good cup of coffee, a sofa and wifi? Well, I suppose financial security, the love of your life and six pack abs might be better but I don't have those right now so the coffee will have to do.

I am having a serious case of I don't want to go to work ever again... there's got to be more than this.

Camp is coming up and that will be good for me.

I have been put in charge of arranging field trips for the Crawl Space membership... we need to get out and see things but we don't always do it.... I have to figure out where we should go.

Okay - the bright spots in my life today??? Lunch with my lovely assistant Kristen and it's payday tomorrow.

Ready, Set, Go!

Well, another Monday is here to greet us with open arms... and kick us in the ass if we don't settle down.

I'm sitting here in the house where I am house sitting, I've got my french press next to me - I'm just waiting to plunge it. I feel the beginnings of some weirdness in the back of my throat, it's a little tender. I'm trying to determine what time I need to actually leave the house here to trek up the hill to get to the bus. I sure hope I don't screw up and make it to work late... It sure would be nice to just sleep a while... I don't think my week is as full as the last one was - that will be nice. I do have to work on a grant application for Crawl Space and get my hair cut (yay).

This afternoon I am having lunch with Lillian. She's a freshman at Western and I've known here since she was a very little person. It makes me feel old seeing all these ex little people become adults.

Okay, as always I should get a move on... shake a leg Peg...make like a tree and leave.. You get the idea.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Happy to report...

I have finished my bio and it is whisking it's way over the computer networks to where it needs to be.

Next on the agenda is to go and buy more coffee for the morning. I'm down to my last scoop and I don't think I'd be in a good situation tomorrow morning if I didn't have my full quota of caffeine.

The weather has officially changed to fall and I have had to break out the long underwear (it's some of my favorite)... I have more on the way (with my boots and winter coat) but it hasn't arrived yet. It's being sent to the studio which means I will have to go down there this week.

I like the studio, but the one think I learned in grad school is that I need to have a television near me while I'm working. I don't necessarily need to be interested in what's going on - it just needs to be on... I just don't want to spend time "working" without one around.

Since I've been posting photos here are some I took on the walk home over the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday and at Astor Place...

Where did the day go?

It's already 1:15 and I don't know what happened to the start of my day. I guess it all has to do with not hearing my alarm this morning. It sucks to only have a half an hour to get ready. Not that I need much more than that, but when you are someone who needs their morning cup (or three) of coffee it can be hard.

These are some of the photos I took in Central Park on Friday.







Tonight my studio mates and I are having a meeting about the open studio thing this weekend. I just need space for my "stalker" wall. I'm mainly going for the happy hour at the bar we're meeting at.

I better go and make my sign for I heart Ann tomorrow.

Here I am...

Sitting on the sofa watching the Today Show - going to drink some coffee. I'm going to have to change some of my habits... I can't eat or drink anything while I'm on the sofa... It will probably end up being a good weight loss strategy for me...

I slept pretty well last night. I was worn out... on the agenda today is to get a Duane Reade card, maybe find a good New York Map that I can map out Grocery stores and get to know my neighborhood a little bit better.

Here is a post from the airplane yesterday

9/2/07 10:10a.m. ish

So I’m winging my way across the country and I’ve had an inspiration for work… I love television and I love taking pictures…. Delta airlines is one of my new favorite airlines because they have television in the back of their seats… I was watching E – entertainment news weekend (or something like that) and the signal started breaking up… I sat there mesmerized for about 30 minutes at least taking pictures of the pixilated images. I may have to get them printed out. Maybe I should have brought my printer with me…

I have a few nice shots of Rachel Ray… my friend Brendan would really like it (she partially decapitated.

As I’m sitting here I think I am going to be poor…. (in New York that is…). I don’t think I have enough money for all my immediate expenditures.

Well back to television in the air… I’m watching the Food Network and the Paula person’s show is all about candy. They are making brittle. It looks really good but I am starting my new life as a healthy eater and I don’t think I would be able to control myself around it. She is a bit annoying… too peppy.

I’m a bit tired I should try to take a nap… but sleeping in airplanes is not something I do well.

What an exciting post that was!

Okay, I've been trying to upload a photo of the image from the plane but It's not working.

It's 9:13 now... I guess I should hose myself off and get moving.

A little bit awkward...

This morning I am meeting Lisa's friend Jason for coffee. On the outside I appear to be well put together but on the inside I'm a bit of a social nerd. I will be okay... I just have to ignore the voices in my head.

This afternoon I am going to be taking a trip to Olympia to see the boys - hopefully no one will throw up today... I am planning to go to the gym before this whole day gets going though. I need to start getting some exercise - being sick earlier in the week left me a little less than motivated.

After I'm done posting I am going to watch CBS Sunday Morning - it's one of my favorite shows.. I'm also going to try to change the photo on my profile. It's a bit old... we'll see how it goes.

What am I doing up now?

Once again I am up at the crack of dawn. It's 6:00 I've already done some cleaning and started some laundry. I picked up some new coffee at the store yesterday, it's not as good as Intelligentsia but what can you do?

Nancy is coming back tonight instead of tomorrow... it will be nice to sleep in my own bed for a while - that is until next week when I'm at camp.

Today's weather calls for SUN (I hope).. Let's see what Rich Marriot has to say... he's not as cute as Andy Avalos in Chicago but he's alright. Yay - sun and 80 degrees. I'm working on my suntan. Yes that's right people in Seattle can get suntans... it doesn't always rain.

This coffee kind of sucks. Anyone in Chicago want to send me some black cat blend? I'll pay for postage! and the coffee of course.

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...

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.

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.

Coffee doesn't taste the same anymore.

Yesterday morning I had a bit of trauma when I was getting ready for work. I have a towel bar in my shower that I place my coffee cup and big glass of water on while I'm showering. I have to finish the glass of water before I can get out (some people think it's weird, but it works for me)... well, I was reaching past the cups yesterday and my "Office" coffee cup that said "worlds best boss" on it went crashing into the bathtub. I must say if you are going to drop a cup of coffee the best place to do it is in the bathtub - but I lost one of my favorite cups. It said Dunder Miflin on the reverse side... I bought it at the NBC store when I was in New York.

I was surfing the classified online yesterday and saw that one of the private schools in Seattle is going to be hiring a ceramics/sculpture teacher. I am going to apply - even if I don't get an interview it will be good for me to go through the process. That's one thing I have to do today, get the resume and application out.

I'm also going to wait for my package! Watch, it will be stuff from WW... nothing too exciting. But it could be a new computer! (okay, maybe that's wishing for too much).

(Insert title of post here)

Once again I posted last night but then my computer froze up so I couldn't actually publish it.

For a rundown on what it said, I worked, advised, went to a mock interview and then I went to class. I tried to buy coffee yesterday but the pipes had frozen at Intelligentsia so I couldn't get it. I am drinking some coffee right now that's been in my refigerator for over a year (Trader Joe's) it's not too bad.

It's still cold.. supposed to climb into the low teens. I mentioned in the non post about it snowing yesterday so it wasn't as cold as the previous day but it was treacherous (in Seattle/Jim Foreman terminology not Chicago/Ellie Pai Hong treacherous).

Today I am giving a special tour at school... I can use the money because of the root canal... I'm going to work on my resume for a triage session for CAA which is being held this afternoon. I should work on my research paper at some point too... the clock is ticking and I'm going to run out of time...

That's it.