one thousand nine-hundred and eighty-nine...

this is the post number I'm doing here.... for someone who doesn't talk a lot (outside those people she knows) I sure have posted a lot.... I guess it's been four years so it's not that big of a surprise...

Today I went to brunch with my dad and I ate a biscuit the size of a baby's head. Seriously.... maybe it was the size of a softball... but it was big and good...

This morning during class I told them all that I was going to run a half marathon this year... I guess I have to do it now don't I?

I have also contacted all my former co-workers from ww in Chicago to arrange a get together while I am there next month.... it should be fun.

It's back to the real world tomorrow... back to the gym and all the five million new people who will be there. Back to earning a living (with my new rate of pay!)... good times.

This year is shaping up to be a good one.

The storm (sort of) has past.

Well the "big storm" has come and gone... no one lost power. There's only a few more inches of snow... I'm supposed to start house/cat sitting for my favorite wayward cat Sammy. They house is down a big windy street by Carkeek Park (for those of you who live in Seattle)... in order to get to their house I will have to park on a back street and traverse the woods behind their house. I will have to do this at least a few times with a suitcase and other supplies in case I get snowed in...

My first priority however is THE GYM! I am going to either walk or drive very slowly and get my sweat on.

My legs are a bit sore today - I think it's because I walked in the snow yesterday... I am afraid that I have turned into one of those "gym people"... I just called. Cycling class has been canceled but the gym is open. I think I will attempt to walk there then.

After the gym I will pack a few things and try to get to my Sammy... that is assuming that Sammy's mom and dad get their flight out to Florida...

Jim Foreman is currently reporting from West Seattle... He encourages people not to turn left through the big piles of snow in the center of the streets... this is riveting television... thanks Jim.

Here I am, look at me!

I have survived my overnighter with Jackson the dog. He's a little guy with a lot of pep. We spent some quality time on the sofa this morning watching CBS Sunday Morning. I am back home now and Tucker (Stinky) is very happy I'm here. Well, she was happy but now she's just licking herself (I think she's licking her feet)...

I managed to send images for my show to the curator so she can in turn send them to her webmaster. I have to get a move on my "stalker" video... I think I want to include that in the show... what sort of music would a friendly stalker use in their music video... I guess I should just call myself a fan.

Yesterday I was going through a notebook and I found a note I wrote on the second day Ann hugged me (think it said that I didn't want her to think I was a freak even though I was...)... Oh I remember those days fondly. I think that was when my sister told me I should smell her...

Okay, I guess I better head off to the gym. The good looking man (Mr. Arms) wasn't there yesterday... maybe today!

The man with the legs...

was at the gym this morning... I think he was staring at me. Yikes! more later.

It's that time of the year...

I was out of sorts yesterday.

They say that switching to daylight savings time throws your body off and I have to agree. Or else it was all the sugar and carbs I ate (and the Fiber One bars)...

I ended up falling asleep at 7:30 again... at least I managed to make it to the gym this morning. This fitness kick has got to get easier sometime. I enjoy sweating a lot... but actually getting to the gym is hard.

It is raining this morning... I wish Fedex hadn't lost my box of things - in it was my nice red raincoat. Now it's gone. I supposed I could buy the one at Ann Taylor that costs $198.00 but that would be a bit extravagant.

On Sunday a Fedex driver commented on my post about Fedex sucking... He explained the conditions that they drive under etc... I posted the comment Here.

I was just really frustrated with Fedex in general... I bet my package will show up someday... I can only hope.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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...

Don't ask me what I'm doing up right now...

I don't know myself. After a good four hours sleep I find myself up... maybe it's because Maria is leaving this morning and I am a nervous nellie and don't want her to miss her plane. Yesterday I helped her vote on different outfits to take to Peru and Bolivia..

Considering I am fasionally challenged I don't know what sort of help I was.

Thanks to Jefferson I have a good recipe for Pesto and I made some last night. It was yummy.

Over all I think yesterday was one of my best yet in New York. I went to my ww meeting and got a bunch of good ideas. I found out about the New York city recreation centers. There are a bunch around town that you can join for cheap... they have gyms, pools aerobic classes etc... I went down to my local one (about a 15 minute walk) and signed myself up. Otto helped me... he was very friendly and they even gave me a swim cap that I can use when I go swimming later on (yes, I'm going to put on a bathing suit).

Later on in the afternoon I went to K-mart... it's conveniently located on the 6 which runs near my apartment. I bought two pillows and a new towell... I don't know if I can afford all these expenditures.. hopefully the job thing will come through soon. If not I guess I'll have to start looking in earnest for something.

Maybe Martha Stewart will ask me to work for her.

Well, I think my eyelids are getting heavy again so I will try to catch a few more zzz's.

Is it a streak yet?

I figure I have to get the exercise in while I can... so yes, I went to the gym again this morning. I worked on the six pack yesterday (okay, maybe it's more like a keg right now...)and it hurts.

I should really start packing for NY. I suppose I will have to eventually. But what does one take when they don't know what exactly they will need.

I'm ready to start "stalking" Ann. I think I should make a t-shirt that says I heart Ann. I could do it myself but that would take too much time. I should just go to a t-shirt shop...

So... I had a conversation with one of my sisters yesterday and she thought that I shouldn't tell people about my blog because it might scare them away (she said this only for my own good)... what I understand from our conversation is that she thinks I sound desperate and that it will turn people off (we're talking members of the opposite sex here)... I didn't immediately disagree - in my defense I think part of me being so revealing is part of what makes me me... when I talk about my woes of trying to get a date it is sometimes serious - but most often it is meant in jest... I know there are a lot of people who can relate to my lamentations about being a single woman in society. It's not as easy as going on a reality show and finding the man of your dreams or hitting the bars trolling for men.

What do you all think? Am I desperate? Should I hide my blog under a bushel?

You can pick you jaw off the floor now.

I actually went to the gym this morning.... and I also stepped on the scale too. As a result of that I'm going to going to the gym more often (well at least for the next week until I go to NY).

OH CRAP! is what I thought to myself as I saw the magic number... I knew it was going to be bad but it was three pounds higher than I thought it would be. On the bright side I will be walking much more in NY and hopefully running too. It sucks to love food (a little too much) and be (okay I've lost the point I was trying to make so I'll just move on to another subject.).

The other night I went to H & G's for dinner... my friend Ken was there. He asked me about my hair. He was referring to my grow out. NOTE TO ALL MEN Never ask a woman about an obvious streak in her hair unless you are absolutely sure it was meant to be there. He thought it was an artist thing but no, it's not. It's a good thing I'm a forgiving person otherwise I'd have to kick his ass. I may still kick his ass because it would make me feel better.

Last night I had my momma help me touch up the roots... another thing that sucks about being almost middle aged and single and living with your mother... oh crap... Did I ever realize that I was such a loser? Yes I did.

Oh, here's another thing.. everyone should go to see the show at Crawlspace Gallery It's called ...pass time and shows the work of Sean M Johnson and Kirk Lang. This is the show I was going to see on Saturday - I'm glad I waited until yesterday. I got to spend more time with the work... I'm not an art critic but it held my attention... that's saying a lot. I can't wait to start making things again... I heart art.

Let's get serious now...

I have to start thinking about my career now.... I've been in vacation mode long enough... not that I've been hanging around doing nothing but I need to start looking for jobs in my chosen career path. That would mean Art and Teaching.

Let me see - what's going on... I have been looking at the College Art Association Website at their job listings. I don't really have the greatest amount of experience to teach.. but I suppose I can just start applying for things and who knows maybe someone will want to interview me for something.

I've been hesitant to talk about my immediate future but if I'm going to blog I have to talk about what I'm doing... I am going to New York in two weeks for a few months. I'm going to be living in my friend Maria's apartment while she is in Latin America. You may all remember her from my trip to New York in February when I got stuck there.


On my agenda for New York is "stalking" Ann Curry, getting on as many television shows as possible and running in races through Central Park. I may also do some grocery store field trips. I've started a new blog called I Heart Ann. I am going to post pictures of her as I strive to become one of her personal assistants and/or groupie.

I'm really not psycho - I'm just going to play one on tv.

I've sent a few emails to temp agencies in New York to inquire about work. Although I don't enjoy working for Lawyers that much - I'm glad I have these mad administrative skills to fall back on. It should enable me to pay some bills and buy supplies for my artistic endeavors.

Now for something completely different, my aunt Lois is coming today. My uncle died a few weeks ago and there is a Masonic service for him tomorrow. I would go but I have to work. Now, back to Auntie Lois - she's groovy. She lives in Oregon and has had many a career - Christmas tree grower, country store owner, quarter horse breeder(?) and bull seller.

She has Hamilton family feet as well... maybe if she gets a bit tipsy I can break out my flex wax and cast her foot. She wouldn't even consider taking pictures of her feet for me.... hmm - the wheels are turning.

I didn't go out last night - too long of a day to drive all the way to Tacoma.

Maybe I'll be good and go to the gym.

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.

Hola and Howdy.

It's Monday morning - what up with all of you?

I've been to the gym and am currently microwaving my Smart Ones frozen dinner for breakfast. I know, you're thinking why is she having a frozen dinner for breakfast? It's because I can.

I'm going to get back on track this week - I've eaten like a pig the past two days... that birthday party killed me. Okay - it was the beer I drank at the birthday party that made me lose my good food judgment. But man, those cupcakes were good. As was the pasta salad and the chips and the burgers and the hotdog... oh, I forgot the ice cream.

Today it is back to work for me... I wonder what I'll wear today - I have to look cute and smell good. That's my advice to everyone... if you're a guy you can look good as opposed to cute (same thing I suppose)...

I tried to stay awake last night to watch the Two Coreys on A & E but I became comatose sometime in the middle of Gene Simmon's Family Jewels... (I think that show's kind of funny) and missed it all.

I guess that's it for now.