This originally started out as a comment to this post on Feminist Mormon Housewives, but then I kept writing and writing and figured I'd just post it here. I guess I have a lot to say about singles wards.
While I enjoyed my college years in the singles ward immensely, I actually think there are a few big flaws with singles wards (having been in them for almost 10 years now I've had some time to mull this over). Singles wards exist in the main for people who are 18-30 and are kind of a way station for people waiting to get married - or at least that's what it feels like. This engenders a few problems.
First, the rapid and sometimes very young marriages. Now I have nothing against either of those ideas really, since my mom was 19 when my parents got married, they were married 7 months after they met, and they're still together almost 31 years later (and they weren't even Mormon!). However, since the divorce rate in the church is pretty much the same as outside the church, I think those very fast and very young marriages can lead to problems, particularly if the marriages happen for the wrong reasons - such as being driven by hormones or by peer/leader pressure.
Even though this pressure to get married ASAP may be more concentrated in the singles ward, I really think it has more to do with church culture as a whole than simply with the singles wards. When you're surrounded by other singles, the issue is amplified, but single friends of mine who go to a family ward and aren't married still don't really feel like they have a place within this church where the family is so central. In fact, I found myself getting frustrated in my singles ward Relief Society a few weeks ago when the lesson was basically about being a good spouse. The teacher suggested we think about the list of qualities we want in our future husband. Um, I haven't really done the whole list thing since I was 20 or so, realizing that the odds are I'm not going to measure up to a list of perfect qualities, and neither is the man I fall in love with. Sure, there are a few things I would like, but drawing up a non-negotiable list just sets us all up for disappointment (This was also a favorite in-class activity of several of my Young Women's leaders).
The second flaw is that most singles wards kick people out once they turn 31. I am almost 30 and have many friends who have been booted from the singles wards. They suddenly find themselves removed from their friends, often surrounded by young couples with babies, and with a virtual big red "Failure" stamped on their heads. Some people I know never make it past this stage - they may stop going to church altogether. Others pop back into the singles ward every other week because they don't really know what to do with themselves and don't feel comfortable reaching out to the women in the Relief Societies who they don't seem to have a lot in common with on the surface. At least in the singles ward you have the basic underlying fact of being single to unite you. You understand each others struggles in this family-oriented church.
One thing I think the church as an entity could do to alleviate some of this alienation is by really working to have a place for these older (ie 31+) singles. When I lived in Chicago I went to a family ward for the first year I was there. A singles branch existed, but it was on the southside and it was more convenient to go to the family ward, especially for people dependent on public transportation. The YSA organization as a whole was thriving and we had inter- and intra-stake activities often. They had stake reps and the YSA organization was treated almost like another auxiliary. I hear vague reports of Single Adult reps, but I never get the impression that they flourish like they should considering there are so many singles in the church over 31.
However, if you don’t kick people out at 31 you run into the situation like the one in Cambridge, MA – no one gets kicked out of the singles ward, no matter how old. Many people go to the family wards on their own volition as they progress through their 30’s and into their 40’s, but there is no rule that they must leave. On the surface, this doesn't seem like much of a problem. I met some amazing 31+ people in those wards.
There were times, though, when I personally was just tired of the whole singles ward “thing.” The games, sometimes feeling too old for the silly activities and getting-to-know-you parties, wondering if a boy would ever notice me, wanting to be more involved with something that felt real rather than being the 37th person on the Activities or Welcoming Committees because without Primary, Young Women’s, Young Men’s, etc., you quickly run out of callings for a ward of over 150 people. I talked to other friends about this and voiced a desire to go to a family ward (at 27! Shocking!). However, the only problem is that if I went to a family ward, I wouldn’t be able to see my friends every week and would lose a lot of my social connections. Because no one is ever kicked out of the singles wards, very, very few singles actually go to the family wards. My friends and I could always try to make the extra effort, but when Sunday night dinners are arranged in Relief Society or at Munch and Mingle, and when during the week we’re all so busy with school and work and life, church is often the only feasible time to connect.
I don’t really have an answer, except for an idea to completely revamp the system. Frankly, I think singles wards should only be for people 24 and under – basically college age, if you put in time for a mission. I really enjoyed the singles ward when I was in college. It was like a training ground. I was in the Relief Society presidency, where we didn’t have any huge issues, but just enough for us to get our feet wet and show us how this whole church bureaucracy thing worked. To me, it seems like singles wards should be just that: training for the future. You learn how things work, and then you move on, without the stigma of being 31 and not married {GASP!}. And you have the ability to move on without the fear of losing your entire social life if you do because there are a bunch of singles in the family ward too, or of being thought of as the weirdo who left the singles ward before she turned 31.
In addition to restricting singles wards to just that college-age group, there needs to be more of an organization for singles. Each ward would have reps, maybe a couple older and a couple younger, who would meet with other ward reps, and plan activities, both at the ward and stake level. As far as I know, some of these things are already in place, but they're not being emphasized. Not that the church needs to go as far as saying, "Hooray! You're single!" But how about a little less emphasis on being married instantly right this second as soon as you start dating, and a little more emphasis on developing yourself and building friendships and camaraderie in the meantime, without the need to segregate us off into singles wards?
For example, in Chicago the ward singles met for FHE and other smaller activites, plus we had a singles Sunday School class. We'd do Break-the-Fast every month with the other singles in the stake. It’s very easy now to blow off some of the bigger activities if you’re in a singles ward because you already have a large social scene. When I was in Chicago, you could bet that the majority of the active singles in the stake showed up for those large activities because those were THE ONLY big activities and gave all of us a chance to branch outside our ward group.
If you divided all the singles in, for example, the Longfellow Park wards in Cambridge among the family wards in the stake, not only would each family ward have a fairly decent-sized singles group, but there would be a huge influx of dynamic energy into those wards. I had a friend in Chicago who worked in the Young Women’s group in the family ward and loved it. As a fun, successful, intelligent, and well-educated single woman she was an amazing role model to those girls, many of whom came from inner-city Chicago. She was a different (not better, just different) voice for the girls to hear from every Sunday.
Personally and selfishly, I love a lot of aspects of the singles ward, particularly my amazing experiences in Relief Society. And having a quiet chapel to reflect in during the Sacrament is lovely. Being surrounded by women like me in Relief Society and listening to and relating to their thoughts and experiences has taught me so much. However, I know I could learn a lot from people who aren’t just like me.
In Chicago, my visiting teaching companion was also a single woman, but she was 15 years older than me. We taught a Puerto Rican woman with two little boys who was going through a divorce and suffered from sickle-cell anemia. We taught a very wise and hilarious African-American woman living in a poor neighborhood with a 15 year-old son who adored her. We taught an upwardly mobile 27 year-old new mother whose husband worked for an investment firm in downtown Chicago. Every single one of those women were so different from each other and from me. But we all shared with each other and learned and grew from those interactions. We are all sisters in the Gospel, after all. Not that Chicago was some utopia for singles like I may be painting it as. I did eventually go to the singles branch, but I thought the family wards did a pretty good job with the small number of singles they had and made us feel not quite so left out in the midst of the family ward.
I don't see the church doing a major overhaul of the singles program anytime soon, but I think there need to be changes. The numbers of older singles keep increasing, and the current system seems to be resulting in alienation and disenchantment with the church as an entity (not the Gospel, but the church). Frankly, if my choices are going to be A) a lesson on the traits I want in my future husband, or B) a lesson on why the teacher's husband is great and how they communicate and love one another, seconded and thirded by the other women in the room, I think I'll pick option C) neither, and try to find a church where I don't often feel like my worth is wrapped up in my marital status.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Five Years Ago...
I lived and worked in Chicago. Right before I left to catch the express El to the Loop at 7:50, the news report I had on said that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. Reports were sketchy, and the speculation was that it was a small propeller plane that had veered off course somehow.
45 minutes later, after a train ride closed off from the news, I walked into my office and was inundated by people running back and forth, catching snippets of frantic conversation. "...Another plane..." "...Large passenger planes..." "...Pentagon..." "...Pennsylvania..." "...Terrorists..."
I turned on the radio that the secretary before me had left at my desk and turned up the volume so everyone around me could hear all of the incoming reports. I called my mom, who I knew would still be asleep, and told her to turn on the TV. A few minutes later, the first tower fell. She started screaming, "Oh my God! It fell! All those people are dead!" She cried and I just sat frozen.
The second tower fell.
Speculations started coming in as to who was next. My dad worked in the Sears Tower, and the rumors made it a target too. He went home.
They evacuated the Loop. The firemen said we couldn't use the elevators and so we all walked down the stairs. As I hurried down 33 flights, surrounded by co-workers and all the other people in the building, all I could think about were the people on the stairs in the World Trade Center, those who made it, and those who didn't.
Out on the street, thousands of people hurrying toward the trains to get home. They ran the express trains longer, to get us out of the Loop more quickly.
I got home and turned on the news. I called friends and family and sometimes we talked and sometimes we just sat together in stunned silence.
A week later I went to the rally and wore my American flag pen made by a friend, who sold them and donated the money. I put money in the firemen's boots in Evanston and Chicago. Gradually, life restarted and the news wasn't on 24 hours a day. But I still cried a little every time a report came on about 9/11. It became easier over time to get on with things as before.
I was not in New York or in Washington, DC, but the events of that day affected me as an American and as a human being.
I know I am not the only person who will be writing about this today. It is cathartic to think about it, remember, and then hope for the future. I watched a news report the other day about the babies born after 9/11 whose dads died that day. It was so beautiful to see all those little 4 year-olds, a lot of whom look like their dads, and know that even for those people who suffered the most personal losses, life does go on.
45 minutes later, after a train ride closed off from the news, I walked into my office and was inundated by people running back and forth, catching snippets of frantic conversation. "...Another plane..." "...Large passenger planes..." "...Pentagon..." "...Pennsylvania..." "...Terrorists..."
I turned on the radio that the secretary before me had left at my desk and turned up the volume so everyone around me could hear all of the incoming reports. I called my mom, who I knew would still be asleep, and told her to turn on the TV. A few minutes later, the first tower fell. She started screaming, "Oh my God! It fell! All those people are dead!" She cried and I just sat frozen.
The second tower fell.
Speculations started coming in as to who was next. My dad worked in the Sears Tower, and the rumors made it a target too. He went home.
They evacuated the Loop. The firemen said we couldn't use the elevators and so we all walked down the stairs. As I hurried down 33 flights, surrounded by co-workers and all the other people in the building, all I could think about were the people on the stairs in the World Trade Center, those who made it, and those who didn't.
Out on the street, thousands of people hurrying toward the trains to get home. They ran the express trains longer, to get us out of the Loop more quickly.
I got home and turned on the news. I called friends and family and sometimes we talked and sometimes we just sat together in stunned silence.
A week later I went to the rally and wore my American flag pen made by a friend, who sold them and donated the money. I put money in the firemen's boots in Evanston and Chicago. Gradually, life restarted and the news wasn't on 24 hours a day. But I still cried a little every time a report came on about 9/11. It became easier over time to get on with things as before.
I was not in New York or in Washington, DC, but the events of that day affected me as an American and as a human being.
I know I am not the only person who will be writing about this today. It is cathartic to think about it, remember, and then hope for the future. I watched a news report the other day about the babies born after 9/11 whose dads died that day. It was so beautiful to see all those little 4 year-olds, a lot of whom look like their dads, and know that even for those people who suffered the most personal losses, life does go on.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Disassociation
I keep having the very weird feeling of not being quite sure what city I'm in. It's worse when I have just gotten back from Boston. It's even more worse when I try to remember if I live in the same city as certain friends of mine who have also moved around.
For instance, this morning I was jotting down names of people I want to invite to my 30th birthday party and I honestly had to think for a second if my friend Allen and I would be living in the same city at the time that I would be having the party. I know Allen from law school so for 3 years we were both in Boston. However, his girlfriend (now wife) and family lived in Virginia so he was always popping down to the DC area. Consequently, he was one of my biggest cheerleaders when I was deciding to move down to DC.
After graduation we both moved to the DC area, but then because of Jason I kept going back up to Boston. So this morning I thought for a split second that I needed to add Allen to the party list and then I thought, "No, wait, he's in DC."
Then I thought, "Oh, but where's the party going to be? {pause} Boston. Right, Boston."
Then I thought, "Where am I right now?"
Yes, that was my real and true thought process.
For instance, this morning I was jotting down names of people I want to invite to my 30th birthday party and I honestly had to think for a second if my friend Allen and I would be living in the same city at the time that I would be having the party. I know Allen from law school so for 3 years we were both in Boston. However, his girlfriend (now wife) and family lived in Virginia so he was always popping down to the DC area. Consequently, he was one of my biggest cheerleaders when I was deciding to move down to DC.
After graduation we both moved to the DC area, but then because of Jason I kept going back up to Boston. So this morning I thought for a split second that I needed to add Allen to the party list and then I thought, "No, wait, he's in DC."
Then I thought, "Oh, but where's the party going to be? {pause} Boston. Right, Boston."
Then I thought, "Where am I right now?"
Yes, that was my real and true thought process.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Working Long Hours
I managed to do 15.5 hours for Tuesday as well, but this morning I could just not drag myself out of bed to get here by 6 AM. I could get 15 or 15.5 against today because I did manage to get here at 7, but I would have to cut out the gym, and yesterday that afternoon endorphin rush was seriously the only thing that got me through until 11.
I could also still make 60 hours if I stay until 11 tonight and work 6-11 tomorrow, but since I'm going to Boston on Friday and I need to pack at some point AND I also need to be functional enough to leave my house at 4 AM on Friday for the airport and not die in a horrible car crash along the way as my car goes careening off the road while I sleep, I need to leave here by 9 PM tomorrow.
So the 60 hours will not be happening this week, but I will probably be able to get 58. See, they upped our hours to 60 last week, which makes me really happy since I'm trying to save money before I move back to Boston and am jobless for what will hopefully be a very finite period of time. I was hoping they would move us up to 60 for the month of September, but didn't hold out much hope since the client is being very miserly. We figured they would probably raise the hours as of October 1, when the client's fiscal year starts, but that wouldn't do me personally a lot of good since I'm leaving around then. So when they told us we could work 60 and I realized that would be 6 weeks of 10 hours more than I was expecting, I was thrilled.
Since we can now work 60, I feel that I should make my best effort to hit that every week because I only have a few weeks left. I got it last week, will be close this week, will make it next week, but will probably only get 50 the week after since that's the week Jason comes in Thursday afternoon and we're driving a truck full of my stuff up to Boston.
Working these long hours makes for an interesting mental state. Monday night I definitely felt the hours as I drove home. Everyone on 395 (and you wouldn't believe how many people were on 395 at 11 PM on a Monday night) wanted to go 70 and I only felt safe driving 55-60. They were all being aggressive, getting rightuponmytail and then zooming around me, which I was having a hard time coping with in my tired state of mind. Last night was better since I worked out in the afternoon and still had some of my buzz holding me up.
This morning, though, the idea of waking up at 5 AM was just not happening. So I reset my alarm about 5 times until I finally dragged myself awake at 6:10. Out the door by 6:30, in the office by 7. Ta-dah.
Did I mention how I'm not a morning person? Yeah, not at all. My natural inclination is to be a night owl and once I get past a certain point in the evening, I can usually stay up all night. These early mornings are killing me, but the siren call of a fat paycheck keeps me going. And the thundercloud of student loans looming behind me.
I could also still make 60 hours if I stay until 11 tonight and work 6-11 tomorrow, but since I'm going to Boston on Friday and I need to pack at some point AND I also need to be functional enough to leave my house at 4 AM on Friday for the airport and not die in a horrible car crash along the way as my car goes careening off the road while I sleep, I need to leave here by 9 PM tomorrow.
So the 60 hours will not be happening this week, but I will probably be able to get 58. See, they upped our hours to 60 last week, which makes me really happy since I'm trying to save money before I move back to Boston and am jobless for what will hopefully be a very finite period of time. I was hoping they would move us up to 60 for the month of September, but didn't hold out much hope since the client is being very miserly. We figured they would probably raise the hours as of October 1, when the client's fiscal year starts, but that wouldn't do me personally a lot of good since I'm leaving around then. So when they told us we could work 60 and I realized that would be 6 weeks of 10 hours more than I was expecting, I was thrilled.
Since we can now work 60, I feel that I should make my best effort to hit that every week because I only have a few weeks left. I got it last week, will be close this week, will make it next week, but will probably only get 50 the week after since that's the week Jason comes in Thursday afternoon and we're driving a truck full of my stuff up to Boston.
Working these long hours makes for an interesting mental state. Monday night I definitely felt the hours as I drove home. Everyone on 395 (and you wouldn't believe how many people were on 395 at 11 PM on a Monday night) wanted to go 70 and I only felt safe driving 55-60. They were all being aggressive, getting rightuponmytail and then zooming around me, which I was having a hard time coping with in my tired state of mind. Last night was better since I worked out in the afternoon and still had some of my buzz holding me up.
This morning, though, the idea of waking up at 5 AM was just not happening. So I reset my alarm about 5 times until I finally dragged myself awake at 6:10. Out the door by 6:30, in the office by 7. Ta-dah.
Did I mention how I'm not a morning person? Yeah, not at all. My natural inclination is to be a night owl and once I get past a certain point in the evening, I can usually stay up all night. These early mornings are killing me, but the siren call of a fat paycheck keeps me going. And the thundercloud of student loans looming behind me.
Monday, August 28, 2006
I Am Monday's Rock Star
I worked 15.5 hours today in a bid to get in 60 hours this week before I fly to Boston on Friday morning. That's right. 15.5. I am amazing.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Vroom Vroom
At what point do you decide that it's just not worth it to fix your current car and you should start looking elsewhere? I don't know, really, but my big mother garage bill prompted me to start looking around. And here's what I found:
Nice, yes?
Actually, it's a Hyundai Tiburon, making it probably the most economical sports car out there. I can get on board with that. I would really, really like something sporty next, since I have fond memories of driving my aunt's Mitsubishi Eclipse in South Florida on the way to the beach, all tan, with my hair blowing in the wind from the sunroof. Oh yeah, I'll be getting the sunroof option.
Assuming I get a job in Boston, which is kind of a big assumption, but I'm running with it, I think the next time Bunny needs some major repairs, it may be time for the sporty car.
In red.
Nice, yes?
Actually, it's a Hyundai Tiburon, making it probably the most economical sports car out there. I can get on board with that. I would really, really like something sporty next, since I have fond memories of driving my aunt's Mitsubishi Eclipse in South Florida on the way to the beach, all tan, with my hair blowing in the wind from the sunroof. Oh yeah, I'll be getting the sunroof option.
Assuming I get a job in Boston, which is kind of a big assumption, but I'm running with it, I think the next time Bunny needs some major repairs, it may be time for the sporty car.
In red.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Bunny's in the Shop
Bunny’s airbag light turned on, oh, about a year and a half ago. I know, I am so bad, and no one tell my insurance company, k? I came home to Cambridge from Christmas in Chicago and the light was on. I hoped maybe it was a fluke due to cold and such, but it stayed on. So there’s been something wrong since then.
I managed to make it through 2 safety inspections with the light on. The first time I think it was because I went to my boys at my neighborhood gas station (FYI for those of you in Cambridge: the station at Broadway and Prospect lets some things slide in case you’re worried about your own car passing inspection. They didn’t even mention the light). The second time I am almost ashamed to admit was a clear result of my feminine charms. The guy didn’t pass me and with one look at my sad/scared face, tried to hook the car up to their machine to read the light, but to no avail. Then I must have looked really depressed because he went ahead and passed me, but made me swear that I would get the light checked out as soon as I could. Um, yeah, that was 7 months ago. I know, I know…
Why have I been so lax about getting it checked out? Well, for one, nowhere I called except the dealership had the right machine to hook up to the electronics and figure out what was wrong with it. Second, the dealership was going to charge me $89 just to hook it up. Not to fix anything, mind you, just to hook the machine up to my car to get a little read out telling them what was wrong. And if my car salesman taught me anything, it was to never come to the dealership for service.* Third, I have been severely cash poor up until a few months ago so the idea of chucking out $89 just to hook up my car to a freaking machine did not appeal to me.
Jason told me to go to an Auto Zone shop and they’d have the right machines. I called, and sure enough they did. I liked the garage right away, as the guy who owns it reminds me of my Uncle George, who owns his own garage, especially since as I came in he was chatting with his daughter, who is about my cousin Amy’s age.
For just about $40 (labor cost basically) they hooked up the car to the machine and gave me the bad news – I needed to replace the airbag module. I’ve been ruminating on that for a couple of weeks. Earlier this week, they upped our hours to 60 again so I figured I needed to suck it up and get it done since I would have more money than I thought I would in the coming weeks. Plus, I needed an oil change. Plus a 60K mile check. Plus, Bunny almost overheated as I was driving home from work the other day, which completely freaked me out, so I had them check that too.
With all that stuff, plus the car I rented today to get to work, I budgeted in my head for about $1000. The guy just called me and quoted me something awful close to that. I asked him if there was anything they could shave off the list and he said he’d check with the mechanic and get back to me.
So then I called Jason who told me we can do the air filter, spark plugs and wires no problem. Three cheers for boys who know about cars! I called the shop back, and that shaved $300 off the price to something that didn’t make me hyperventilate and was more in the realm of what I was really expecting, even though I told myself that I was prepared for $1000. Turns out I wasn’t.
I asked Bunny to please just hold out until Friday without dying or overheating or anything like that, and she did. Despite the airbag thing, she’s a good little car. Plus, she is almost 7 years old, so stuff happens, right? It’s probably a little weird how much I love my car, but I do.
UPDATE: The mechanic just called again and they found the coolant leak, which explains the overheating issue. You know it’s a bad thing when your mechanic says, “I’m sorry” when he tells you the total. He tried to console me by saying, “Well, at least you'll have everything fixed now.” Sigh…
* As we were closing the sale and while his manager was around, Rob the salesman extolled the virtues of the dealership’s maintenance and gave me a coupon for $5 off my first oil change. I bought my car used and on a tight budget and really didn’t want to pay the extra $15 a month for a warranty that I would probably rarely use. And overall, I feel that my decision in that regard was right.
Anyway, after his manager walked away and into his office, Rob leaned in and told me “Don’t go to the dealership shop. It’s a total rip off. Tell you what, you go to Sam’s Auto Shop** right around the corner. He’ll take care of you.” All of this was said with a thick Boston accent.
** Not the real name.
I managed to make it through 2 safety inspections with the light on. The first time I think it was because I went to my boys at my neighborhood gas station (FYI for those of you in Cambridge: the station at Broadway and Prospect lets some things slide in case you’re worried about your own car passing inspection. They didn’t even mention the light). The second time I am almost ashamed to admit was a clear result of my feminine charms. The guy didn’t pass me and with one look at my sad/scared face, tried to hook the car up to their machine to read the light, but to no avail. Then I must have looked really depressed because he went ahead and passed me, but made me swear that I would get the light checked out as soon as I could. Um, yeah, that was 7 months ago. I know, I know…
Why have I been so lax about getting it checked out? Well, for one, nowhere I called except the dealership had the right machine to hook up to the electronics and figure out what was wrong with it. Second, the dealership was going to charge me $89 just to hook it up. Not to fix anything, mind you, just to hook the machine up to my car to get a little read out telling them what was wrong. And if my car salesman taught me anything, it was to never come to the dealership for service.* Third, I have been severely cash poor up until a few months ago so the idea of chucking out $89 just to hook up my car to a freaking machine did not appeal to me.
Jason told me to go to an Auto Zone shop and they’d have the right machines. I called, and sure enough they did. I liked the garage right away, as the guy who owns it reminds me of my Uncle George, who owns his own garage, especially since as I came in he was chatting with his daughter, who is about my cousin Amy’s age.
For just about $40 (labor cost basically) they hooked up the car to the machine and gave me the bad news – I needed to replace the airbag module. I’ve been ruminating on that for a couple of weeks. Earlier this week, they upped our hours to 60 again so I figured I needed to suck it up and get it done since I would have more money than I thought I would in the coming weeks. Plus, I needed an oil change. Plus a 60K mile check. Plus, Bunny almost overheated as I was driving home from work the other day, which completely freaked me out, so I had them check that too.
With all that stuff, plus the car I rented today to get to work, I budgeted in my head for about $1000. The guy just called me and quoted me something awful close to that. I asked him if there was anything they could shave off the list and he said he’d check with the mechanic and get back to me.
So then I called Jason who told me we can do the air filter, spark plugs and wires no problem. Three cheers for boys who know about cars! I called the shop back, and that shaved $300 off the price to something that didn’t make me hyperventilate and was more in the realm of what I was really expecting, even though I told myself that I was prepared for $1000. Turns out I wasn’t.
I asked Bunny to please just hold out until Friday without dying or overheating or anything like that, and she did. Despite the airbag thing, she’s a good little car. Plus, she is almost 7 years old, so stuff happens, right? It’s probably a little weird how much I love my car, but I do.
UPDATE: The mechanic just called again and they found the coolant leak, which explains the overheating issue. You know it’s a bad thing when your mechanic says, “I’m sorry” when he tells you the total. He tried to console me by saying, “Well, at least you'll have everything fixed now.” Sigh…
* As we were closing the sale and while his manager was around, Rob the salesman extolled the virtues of the dealership’s maintenance and gave me a coupon for $5 off my first oil change. I bought my car used and on a tight budget and really didn’t want to pay the extra $15 a month for a warranty that I would probably rarely use. And overall, I feel that my decision in that regard was right.
Anyway, after his manager walked away and into his office, Rob leaned in and told me “Don’t go to the dealership shop. It’s a total rip off. Tell you what, you go to Sam’s Auto Shop** right around the corner. He’ll take care of you.” All of this was said with a thick Boston accent.
** Not the real name.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Blast From the Past
While I'm in my no-caffeine haze (which has been lessened a bit with a Robek's pomegranate smoothie), I'm working and also cleaning out my Yahoo inbox because when my head is as foggy as it is right now, I can't concentrate on one thing for more than a few minutes.
Anyway, long, long ago before I met Jason (ie, last year), I ventured into the world of online dating. Here is a gem from the profile of a man who emailed me in August 2003:
The End
Anyway, long, long ago before I met Jason (ie, last year), I ventured into the world of online dating. Here is a gem from the profile of a man who emailed me in August 2003:
Sign me up!My situation is somewhat unique. I am actually not married, but am in a long-term relationship with a wonderful woman, with whom I am very close in all ways except sexually. I am looking for someone, perhaps similarly situated, who is understanding of my situation and would be open to becoming friends and, perhaps, entering into a casual relationship. I do not wish to hurt anyone, especially my partner, so a measure of discretion is a must. BTW, I do not have any kids.
The End
Can't Talk, Comin' Down
I am in the caffeine detox process. Yesterday was Day One, mostly because I forgot to buy myself a bottle of Diet Coke with Lime for Sunday. Every so often I like to detox because usually I can prove to myself that "Ha HA! I'm not a junkie!"
But, alas, this time I am. I think it's been too long since I last stopped with the caffeine. I don't have a migraine, but I have a light headache and my head just basically feels all foggy and weird. I'm having a harder time than usual focusing on work.
I really want a Diet Coke with Lime. Or a Diet Dr. Pepper. But I'm resisting their siren calls.
But, alas, this time I am. I think it's been too long since I last stopped with the caffeine. I don't have a migraine, but I have a light headache and my head just basically feels all foggy and weird. I'm having a harder time than usual focusing on work.
I really want a Diet Coke with Lime. Or a Diet Dr. Pepper. But I'm resisting their siren calls.
Friday, August 18, 2006
It's Getting Close
My birthday is a little less than 2 months away. You may ask, Kelly, why are you telling us this now? We still have almost 2 months to buy you spectacular gifts and all the brie and dark chocolate your heart could desire.
Well, because it's a biggie. That's right. It starts with a
3
and ends with a
0.
Can you believe it? Well I guess if you know I was born in 1976, then yes, yes you can. I made my Auntie Victoria feel very old the other day by mentioning this fact, though.
I would like to discuss an idea that I've been ruminating on and have blogged about before. I think that any single woman who turns 30 should be able to register. Why should the smug marrieds get all the fun? Target has Club Wedd, where people get to run around with a scanner gun, wrecking havoc on Michael Graves-designed kitchenware and bread machines. I have had many engaged friends tell me of the fun.
Well, shoot. Just because I haven't gotten hitched yet, I don't get matching plates and nice sheets and a Kitchen Aid mixer given to me by loving family and friends as my rightful due? Stuff that I chose, that is exactly what I want? That seems grossly unfair.
I think Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc. should start another registry: Club 30 or The 30 is the New 20 registry.* Any woman** about to turn 30 can register for what she really wants. Not only that, but she doesn't have to look to the guy schlepping along beside her and ask his opinion when really he's probably just thinking how long he has to do this before he can slip away to Electronics.
I in no way think a woman who is 30 is past marriage age. This just seems like a fair plan to me. Why did one of my peers get to receive posh presents at one point during her life without doing anything besides get married, while I'm still without a Kitchen Aid mixer. Not fair, is it?
Yes, I realize many women who have reached 30 are not without nice linens and dishes and appliances. But what about that waffle maker or egg poacher*** you've eyed, but couldn't justify buying? What about those sheets in an insanely high thread count that you have been drooling over, but your practical nature wouldn't allow? Or maybe it's just me. I would really like to prance around Target with a gun, zapping presents.
Just think about it, Target. I think you're missing out on a prospective goldmine. Plus, I think Target, as the most favorite store of pretty much any woman you ask between the ages of 22 and 50, has the power to pull it off.
* Feel free to enter in your own registry name ideas.
** Alright, I suppose guys could do this too, but would they want to?
*** I really want an egg poacher right now.
Well, because it's a biggie. That's right. It starts with a
3
and ends with a
0.
Can you believe it? Well I guess if you know I was born in 1976, then yes, yes you can. I made my Auntie Victoria feel very old the other day by mentioning this fact, though.
I would like to discuss an idea that I've been ruminating on and have blogged about before. I think that any single woman who turns 30 should be able to register. Why should the smug marrieds get all the fun? Target has Club Wedd, where people get to run around with a scanner gun, wrecking havoc on Michael Graves-designed kitchenware and bread machines. I have had many engaged friends tell me of the fun.
Well, shoot. Just because I haven't gotten hitched yet, I don't get matching plates and nice sheets and a Kitchen Aid mixer given to me by loving family and friends as my rightful due? Stuff that I chose, that is exactly what I want? That seems grossly unfair.
I think Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc. should start another registry: Club 30 or The 30 is the New 20 registry.* Any woman** about to turn 30 can register for what she really wants. Not only that, but she doesn't have to look to the guy schlepping along beside her and ask his opinion when really he's probably just thinking how long he has to do this before he can slip away to Electronics.
I in no way think a woman who is 30 is past marriage age. This just seems like a fair plan to me. Why did one of my peers get to receive posh presents at one point during her life without doing anything besides get married, while I'm still without a Kitchen Aid mixer. Not fair, is it?
Yes, I realize many women who have reached 30 are not without nice linens and dishes and appliances. But what about that waffle maker or egg poacher*** you've eyed, but couldn't justify buying? What about those sheets in an insanely high thread count that you have been drooling over, but your practical nature wouldn't allow? Or maybe it's just me. I would really like to prance around Target with a gun, zapping presents.
Just think about it, Target. I think you're missing out on a prospective goldmine. Plus, I think Target, as the most favorite store of pretty much any woman you ask between the ages of 22 and 50, has the power to pull it off.
* Feel free to enter in your own registry name ideas.
** Alright, I suppose guys could do this too, but would they want to?
*** I really want an egg poacher right now.
-Isms Rear Their Ugly Heads
Well, this was an uncomfortable experience.
I got to my parking garage after working out last night to find a black couple there already waiting for the attendant. We exchanged acknowledging nods and a few minutes later the attendant showed up (and I suppose it's applicable to the story to mention that he and all the other attendants are Latin). He glanced at the couple, then walked up to me to take my ticket. I motioned for the couple to go first. The man thanked me and stepped forward, to which the attendant waved him away and reached out for my ticket. I said, "Oh, but they were here first."
He still reached for my ticket and dismissed the couple. I looked at the couple and said "Sorry." while handing the attendant my money and ticket. As he was counting out my change, I said to him, "Can you please get their car first?" He looked at me and nodded.
While he was gone, the man in the couple said, "That guy is always rude to us. I don't know why."
The attendant came back with the couple's car, then got mine. After I got in, he leaned into the open window and said, "That black man is rude to us all the time." Not really knowing what to say, I kind of stammered, "Uh, ok, but they were still there before me." Then he said something the gist of which was how it was important to not let him get away with it.
I felt really uncomfortable, just wanting the attendant to take us customers in the order that we came and let us go on our merry way. Truth be told, I wanted to cover my ears and go "La la la, I'm not getting involved."
I realize that I am blessed to have grown up in a relatively diverse area, with open-minded parents who never made skin color or ethnicity an issue. Once I ventured outside of my comfortable enclave of acceptance (you know, when I was 8 or so), I realized how unideal the world really is. My black roommate during my first year of college got crap from the other black kids at our tiny liberal arts school because she hung out with me. A Mexican classmate's cousin was shot by a white policeman for what was determined to be no good reason, most likely because he was Mexican and out late. The black lady on the sidewalk outside my office the other day couldn't get a cab to stop for her.
I don't really have anything profound to say about it all. Racism, ethnicism and all those other -isms suck. They are everywhere. They are why we have reasons to be scared when we fly and why wars rage all over the world. Last night I got just a tiny taste of it, but I don't claim in any way to know how it feels, since I was merely a bystander of that particular power play.
I actually didn't go back to the garage today. I've been contemplating going to another one that is cheaper, if a teensy bit further from work. My boyfriend Fernando was keeping me there, but lately I've only been seeing the guy featured in this story. And frankly he wears a lot of cologne that I have to air out of my car for a couple of minutes after I drive off. Last night was kind of the icing on the cake, because I don't really want to deal with him anymore.
I got to my parking garage after working out last night to find a black couple there already waiting for the attendant. We exchanged acknowledging nods and a few minutes later the attendant showed up (and I suppose it's applicable to the story to mention that he and all the other attendants are Latin). He glanced at the couple, then walked up to me to take my ticket. I motioned for the couple to go first. The man thanked me and stepped forward, to which the attendant waved him away and reached out for my ticket. I said, "Oh, but they were here first."
He still reached for my ticket and dismissed the couple. I looked at the couple and said "Sorry." while handing the attendant my money and ticket. As he was counting out my change, I said to him, "Can you please get their car first?" He looked at me and nodded.
While he was gone, the man in the couple said, "That guy is always rude to us. I don't know why."
The attendant came back with the couple's car, then got mine. After I got in, he leaned into the open window and said, "That black man is rude to us all the time." Not really knowing what to say, I kind of stammered, "Uh, ok, but they were still there before me." Then he said something the gist of which was how it was important to not let him get away with it.
I felt really uncomfortable, just wanting the attendant to take us customers in the order that we came and let us go on our merry way. Truth be told, I wanted to cover my ears and go "La la la, I'm not getting involved."
I realize that I am blessed to have grown up in a relatively diverse area, with open-minded parents who never made skin color or ethnicity an issue. Once I ventured outside of my comfortable enclave of acceptance (you know, when I was 8 or so), I realized how unideal the world really is. My black roommate during my first year of college got crap from the other black kids at our tiny liberal arts school because she hung out with me. A Mexican classmate's cousin was shot by a white policeman for what was determined to be no good reason, most likely because he was Mexican and out late. The black lady on the sidewalk outside my office the other day couldn't get a cab to stop for her.
I don't really have anything profound to say about it all. Racism, ethnicism and all those other -isms suck. They are everywhere. They are why we have reasons to be scared when we fly and why wars rage all over the world. Last night I got just a tiny taste of it, but I don't claim in any way to know how it feels, since I was merely a bystander of that particular power play.
I actually didn't go back to the garage today. I've been contemplating going to another one that is cheaper, if a teensy bit further from work. My boyfriend Fernando was keeping me there, but lately I've only been seeing the guy featured in this story. And frankly he wears a lot of cologne that I have to air out of my car for a couple of minutes after I drive off. Last night was kind of the icing on the cake, because I don't really want to deal with him anymore.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Beddie-Bye
Mmmkay, so I like to decorate. I am a sucker for Trading Spaces, While You Were Out, House Invaders, and Thom on Queer Eye. I like putting together color schemes and have been having a lot of fun over the past week or so playing with the Color Visualizer at the Sherwin-Williams website.
So maybe you remember that I've been looking for a bed. It's time for a big girl bed, which means new bed linens. Hooray! Although I will be sad to let go of my bright turquoise duvet that made me so happy it was Spring and Summer, and my Waverly red-flowered sheets that put me in the mood for Autumn and pepped me up through Winter, I am very, very excited about new bedding. I've been spending lots of time at Overstock.com thinking, "Holy cow! They make 1200 thread count sheets?! I bet that's like sleeping in butter!"
A couple of weeks ago I bought this for Spring and Summer:
So maybe you remember that I've been looking for a bed. It's time for a big girl bed, which means new bed linens. Hooray! Although I will be sad to let go of my bright turquoise duvet that made me so happy it was Spring and Summer, and my Waverly red-flowered sheets that put me in the mood for Autumn and pepped me up through Winter, I am very, very excited about new bedding. I've been spending lots of time at Overstock.com thinking, "Holy cow! They make 1200 thread count sheets?! I bet that's like sleeping in butter!"
A couple of weeks ago I bought this for Spring and Summer:
I got the one with the blue border because I thought it looked light and airy. I heart Overstock.com. I got the duvet, 2 shams, and a down comforter for $100!
Yesterday, I saw this:
I want the chocolate (although according to the reviews the red is actually a deep red, which appeals to me too). It's microsuede. Can you imagine how luxurious that would be during the cold Boston winters? So soft...
The duvet and shams are $50. How frivolous would it be to buy even more bedding at this point, even though I know I want a Fall/Winter set too?
PLUS, Target has great sheet sets with dark brown in them right now. For example:
And also a brown and red floral that I can't find online. It's pretty. Trust me.
So I could get some sweet matching sheets, plus the striped ones would go with the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter duvets. Am I going bedding crazy?
As of today I actually have a bed to go along with my linens, both purchased and lusted after. The girl in my new/old room in Cambridge is selling hers and my fabulous future/past roommate Angie told me about it. So I bought it, which means I don't have to worry about buying a bed once I move to Boston (although I do still need a dresser and bookshelves) AND it's already in my bedroom. It's not fancy, just a frame, mattress, and boxspring, but it's almost new and was a good deal.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Wedding Weekend
Friday was the big day: Brandon and Sarah's wedding.
Aren't they sweet?
Jason DJ'd and emceed and did such a good job that people came up to him afterwards and told him he should really rethink his career choice because he missed his true calling. He was hilarious and charming and I got to look smug and say things like, "Yeah, I'm with the DJ."
There are a lot of other pictures, but I don't have copies of those yet (Ahem {Jason didn't copy them for me because he was tired or some nonsense} ahem).
Saturday we went to Costco first thing because if you're going to buy something on tax free day, it should really be this:
That's right, a big mother TV. Then we took the TV to Jason's new place in Providence, which is ni-hice. The rent prices alone are enough to make me move to Providence. So cheap. So much space.
However, the place was pretty filthy since the girls who lived there before him apparently didn't believe in cleaning. So guess who spent all day Monday cleaning? My mother would be so proud. I feel bad because I won't be there to help Jason move in 2 weeks, so I thought I would help him out since I knew he wouldn't really have the time between now and then to clean the place. It's beautiful now, if I do say so myself. Not only that, but I discovered that Jason is now the proud owner of a set of wine glasses and a quesadilla maker left by the prior renters (they left other stuff too, like 42 mirrors and an excess of down from someone's comforter, but the glasses and the quesadilla maker are the most fun).
On Monday night Jason took me out to dinner for our one-year anniversary, which is actually on the 20th, but we won't be together on the 20th. He also bought me pretty flowers on Saturday night. Do you believe we've been dating for a whole year? Yeah, 'cause I really, really don't. For some reason, I just have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we've been together for a whole year. Granted, it's been long distance so maybe that's why I'm not sick of him yet.
Just kidding, schnookie ookums.*
* Lest anyone worry, we do not in any way call each other disgusting pet names. Sometimes a "sweetie" or a "baby" will slip out when we're not being careful, but that's it.
Aren't they sweet?
Me and Miss Hass looking all awesome in our sunglasses
Me and Jason
(I tried to crop out Garrett, but the photo program on my work computer made the picture very, very small after I edited)
This picture makes me laugh because the photographer took a picture of all of the various friends of the bride and groom (and Jason was in there too since he's a brother and a friend). Afterwards, the friends dispersed and Jason and I stood there for a minute and put our arms around each other. His mom snapped our picture, then his uncle, and then there were 4 or 5 cameras pointed at us all of a sudden. Now I know how the celebrities feel, hounded by the paparazzi.
Lookie, Jason danced with me. He said he doesn't like to dance, but he sure spun me out onto the dance floor a bunch of times. I liked it!
Jason DJ'd and emceed and did such a good job that people came up to him afterwards and told him he should really rethink his career choice because he missed his true calling. He was hilarious and charming and I got to look smug and say things like, "Yeah, I'm with the DJ."There are a lot of other pictures, but I don't have copies of those yet (Ahem {Jason didn't copy them for me because he was tired or some nonsense} ahem).
Saturday we went to Costco first thing because if you're going to buy something on tax free day, it should really be this:
That's right, a big mother TV. Then we took the TV to Jason's new place in Providence, which is ni-hice. The rent prices alone are enough to make me move to Providence. So cheap. So much space.
However, the place was pretty filthy since the girls who lived there before him apparently didn't believe in cleaning. So guess who spent all day Monday cleaning? My mother would be so proud. I feel bad because I won't be there to help Jason move in 2 weeks, so I thought I would help him out since I knew he wouldn't really have the time between now and then to clean the place. It's beautiful now, if I do say so myself. Not only that, but I discovered that Jason is now the proud owner of a set of wine glasses and a quesadilla maker left by the prior renters (they left other stuff too, like 42 mirrors and an excess of down from someone's comforter, but the glasses and the quesadilla maker are the most fun).
On Monday night Jason took me out to dinner for our one-year anniversary, which is actually on the 20th, but we won't be together on the 20th. He also bought me pretty flowers on Saturday night. Do you believe we've been dating for a whole year? Yeah, 'cause I really, really don't. For some reason, I just have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we've been together for a whole year. Granted, it's been long distance so maybe that's why I'm not sick of him yet.
Just kidding, schnookie ookums.*
* Lest anyone worry, we do not in any way call each other disgusting pet names. Sometimes a "sweetie" or a "baby" will slip out when we're not being careful, but that's it.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Overboard
So I'm all for security, but it seems to me that banning ALL liquids and gels on flights is kind of extreme. I'm going to Boston tonight and was already kind of worried about the flight being delayed because of bad weather. Now it looks like my flight may be delayed because it's the last flight on the very day when the FAA decided to ban all liquids and gels on flights. I'm only one girl, and I know that I have to now repack my little carry-on roller and check it. Plus I'm leaving work an hour earlier than I was going to, just in case. Just in case the baggage check counters are backed up, just in case security is a madhouse, just in case it's pandemonium at Dulles.
I'm annoyed because I plan my packing so that I don't have to check a bag because it takes SOOO long after the flight to get the bag back. And there's always the chance of them losing the bag. I also have to ditch the hand lotion in my purse and I can't take a water bottle on the plane anymore.
At a time when they're allowing nail clippers and small scissors on the plane again, this seems a wee bit reactionary. I hate to say it, but there are always going to be sneaky ways for terrorists to do some damage. Just because they happened to use liquids this time, doesn't mean they'll do it next time, and it also doesn't mean they don't already have another plan up their sleeves. In reality, having gridlock at the airports and disrupting our lives is probably a lot of fun for them to watch.
I'm annoyed because I plan my packing so that I don't have to check a bag because it takes SOOO long after the flight to get the bag back. And there's always the chance of them losing the bag. I also have to ditch the hand lotion in my purse and I can't take a water bottle on the plane anymore.
At a time when they're allowing nail clippers and small scissors on the plane again, this seems a wee bit reactionary. I hate to say it, but there are always going to be sneaky ways for terrorists to do some damage. Just because they happened to use liquids this time, doesn't mean they'll do it next time, and it also doesn't mean they don't already have another plan up their sleeves. In reality, having gridlock at the airports and disrupting our lives is probably a lot of fun for them to watch.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
My Exciting Day (or, How Kelly Is A Really Cheap Date)
I find lots of simple things very, very exciting. For instance:
Item 1: Today I finally went to this Indian take-out* place just down the street from where I work that everyone at work always raves about. Now I know why. Oh. My. Gosh. I got the lamb briyani and a vegetable samosa. Silly me thought that a full order of briyani would be just enough for lunch. Yeah, no. It was enough for lunch and dinner and maybe a little snackie. No wonder the guy rang me up for a side order at first. That and the samosa came to $8.25. Lovely! Especially since we get reimbursed for lunch now up to $10.
Then I got super excited when I discovered how yummy the mango chutney is. I dipped my fork in, pooled a little over some lamb and rice, and took a bite. Heaven.
Item 2: I have figured out how to make my curly/wavey hair work even when I'm inundated by air conditioners all day while working in DC versus the humidity that keeps my hair bouncy while I'm in Boston. It's called Garnier Beach Hair spray or something like that. I spray it on my lightly damp or dry hair, scrunch away, and go. As of right now at 1 PM, I still have curls. This is compared to a couple of days ago when I tried my curly do with the curly mousse and had my hair in a clip by this time because it was almost completely flat, yet somehow still frizzy, which is always a nice combination.
However, I have a slight fear. I have had a really hard time finding this spray. It was recommended to me a couple of months ago and I finally found it a couple of weeks ago. And it was on clearance. And now it's not showing up on the Garnier website. No! I need this stuff. I have a request. If you live in an area where they are selling this magical potion, please buy me a bottle. I only have one and I'm worried I won't be able to find it anymore and then I will never have good curly hair again in dry and/or air conditioned climates.
And these are the things that are making my world thrilling right now.
* I always want to say "Indian take-away" thanks to my parents and my solid upbringing on British TV.
Item 1: Today I finally went to this Indian take-out* place just down the street from where I work that everyone at work always raves about. Now I know why. Oh. My. Gosh. I got the lamb briyani and a vegetable samosa. Silly me thought that a full order of briyani would be just enough for lunch. Yeah, no. It was enough for lunch and dinner and maybe a little snackie. No wonder the guy rang me up for a side order at first. That and the samosa came to $8.25. Lovely! Especially since we get reimbursed for lunch now up to $10.
Then I got super excited when I discovered how yummy the mango chutney is. I dipped my fork in, pooled a little over some lamb and rice, and took a bite. Heaven.
Item 2: I have figured out how to make my curly/wavey hair work even when I'm inundated by air conditioners all day while working in DC versus the humidity that keeps my hair bouncy while I'm in Boston. It's called Garnier Beach Hair spray or something like that. I spray it on my lightly damp or dry hair, scrunch away, and go. As of right now at 1 PM, I still have curls. This is compared to a couple of days ago when I tried my curly do with the curly mousse and had my hair in a clip by this time because it was almost completely flat, yet somehow still frizzy, which is always a nice combination.
However, I have a slight fear. I have had a really hard time finding this spray. It was recommended to me a couple of months ago and I finally found it a couple of weeks ago. And it was on clearance. And now it's not showing up on the Garnier website. No! I need this stuff. I have a request. If you live in an area where they are selling this magical potion, please buy me a bottle. I only have one and I'm worried I won't be able to find it anymore and then I will never have good curly hair again in dry and/or air conditioned climates.
And these are the things that are making my world thrilling right now.
* I always want to say "Indian take-away" thanks to my parents and my solid upbringing on British TV.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Tagged
Miss Hass tagged me.
What is your salad dressing of choice? Poppyseed and real bleu cheese. Not mixed together. I just can't pick one.
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Wendy's! Hooray for Wendy's! Except for the Wendy's on K in between 17th and 18th who gave me a hair in my salad last time I was there.
On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant? 20% usually
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Sushi and Alaskan snow crab legs
Name three foods you detest above all others. Cooked spinach makes me gag. Durien shakes. Um, I can't think of a 3rd. I like food.
What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant? Sesame chicken, crab rangoon, hot and sour soup
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushrooms and artichoke hearts (if they have them). I also like Hawaiian pizza.
What do you like to put on your toast? Pumpkin butter, strawberry or raspberry Polaner all fruit, crunchy PB&J
What is your favorite type of gum? Dentyne Fire and Orbits Sweetmint
What is your wallpaper on your computer? A bunch of rotating flowers courtesy of Mac. It was the screen from the opening credits of Plan Nine from Outer Space that said Written Directed Produced by Edward D. Wood, Jr.
What is your screensaver on your computer? Nothing right now
Are there naked pictures saved on your computer? I plead the 5th. But really, no, because my life isn't that interesting yet.
What kitchen appliance do you use the most? Let's talk about what appliance I'd like to use since I never have time to cook anymore and am actually sleeping at a friend's house sans access to any of my kitchen stuff. I would like to use a Kitchen Aid mixer, a bread machine, and a crock pot the most. I may or may not have only one out of those three appliances.
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? A little bit of jaw bone, two ingrown toenails, a baby tooth
Do you prefer to read when you go to the bathroom? I always say no, but I get bored easily and will usually wind up reading the directions and marketing hooplah on any toiletries within reach.
Oh. Have I overshared?
When was the last time you had a cavity? 4 years ago. My first and only. Of course I haven't been to the dentist in awhile, but I'm hoping my flossing, brushing, mouthwashing, retainer-wearing routine will save me whenever I do go back.
What is the heaviest item you lift regularly? My suitcase when I go to Boston.
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I don't think so, although once I got slammed in the head by a raquetball and I might have blacked out for a second. I can't be sure.
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No. But having said that, I think I need to be more of a "grab life by the cajones" kind of girl.
How do you express your artistic side? Writing, crocheting, concocting wild fantasies in my head
What color do you think you look best in? Dark red and dark teal
How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison? About 2.3 seconds. Then I'd cry and lose all street cred.
If we weren't bound by society's conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at? Um, ew.
Have you ever saved someone's life? No
Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000? I have to go with Nemesis on this - how public are we talking?
Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? Kiss? Sure. Make out with? I'd need more for that.
Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? No
Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? No. And I don't think anyone wants that anyway.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Probably. Depends on how hot.
Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000? Sure. My hair grows fast.
Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000? That would be rough, but I could probably do it. I like me some TV.
Would you never blog again for $50,000? Sure.
Who do you tag?
Jordan
Mary
Cousin Amy
k8
What is your salad dressing of choice? Poppyseed and real bleu cheese. Not mixed together. I just can't pick one.
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Wendy's! Hooray for Wendy's! Except for the Wendy's on K in between 17th and 18th who gave me a hair in my salad last time I was there.
On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant? 20% usually
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Sushi and Alaskan snow crab legs
Name three foods you detest above all others. Cooked spinach makes me gag. Durien shakes. Um, I can't think of a 3rd. I like food.
What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant? Sesame chicken, crab rangoon, hot and sour soup
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushrooms and artichoke hearts (if they have them). I also like Hawaiian pizza.
What do you like to put on your toast? Pumpkin butter, strawberry or raspberry Polaner all fruit, crunchy PB&J
What is your favorite type of gum? Dentyne Fire and Orbits Sweetmint
What is your wallpaper on your computer? A bunch of rotating flowers courtesy of Mac. It was the screen from the opening credits of Plan Nine from Outer Space that said Written Directed Produced by Edward D. Wood, Jr.
What is your screensaver on your computer? Nothing right now
Are there naked pictures saved on your computer? I plead the 5th. But really, no, because my life isn't that interesting yet.
What kitchen appliance do you use the most? Let's talk about what appliance I'd like to use since I never have time to cook anymore and am actually sleeping at a friend's house sans access to any of my kitchen stuff. I would like to use a Kitchen Aid mixer, a bread machine, and a crock pot the most. I may or may not have only one out of those three appliances.
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? A little bit of jaw bone, two ingrown toenails, a baby tooth
Do you prefer to read when you go to the bathroom? I always say no, but I get bored easily and will usually wind up reading the directions and marketing hooplah on any toiletries within reach.
Oh. Have I overshared?
When was the last time you had a cavity? 4 years ago. My first and only. Of course I haven't been to the dentist in awhile, but I'm hoping my flossing, brushing, mouthwashing, retainer-wearing routine will save me whenever I do go back.
What is the heaviest item you lift regularly? My suitcase when I go to Boston.
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I don't think so, although once I got slammed in the head by a raquetball and I might have blacked out for a second. I can't be sure.
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No. But having said that, I think I need to be more of a "grab life by the cajones" kind of girl.
How do you express your artistic side? Writing, crocheting, concocting wild fantasies in my head
What color do you think you look best in? Dark red and dark teal
How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison? About 2.3 seconds. Then I'd cry and lose all street cred.
If we weren't bound by society's conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at? Um, ew.
Have you ever saved someone's life? No
Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000? I have to go with Nemesis on this - how public are we talking?
Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? Kiss? Sure. Make out with? I'd need more for that.
Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? No
Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? No. And I don't think anyone wants that anyway.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Probably. Depends on how hot.
Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000? Sure. My hair grows fast.
Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000? That would be rough, but I could probably do it. I like me some TV.
Would you never blog again for $50,000? Sure.
Who do you tag?
Jordan
Mary
Cousin Amy
k8
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Bring Back the Pita!
Someone got here today by searching "Wendy's bring back the pita."
Amen, sister.
Or brother. But since the pitas were kind of salad-esque, I'm going to take a giant leap and assume this search was done by a woman.
Amen, sister.
Or brother. But since the pitas were kind of salad-esque, I'm going to take a giant leap and assume this search was done by a woman.
Moved
Well, my semi-move is done. I'm out of my apartment where I've been living by myself for the past month or so and ensconced with my friend Ryann and her two little girls. Oh and the little family from her ward whose air conditioning broke. She's got a full house!
The move went pretty quick and my stuff is in storage except for a couple of suitcases and a couple of boxes that I brought with me. Basically, I'm tired. And my latest Netflix shipment came before I left so I have movies to watch. It's an exciting Saturday night for Kelly.
The move went pretty quick and my stuff is in storage except for a couple of suitcases and a couple of boxes that I brought with me. Basically, I'm tired. And my latest Netflix shipment came before I left so I have movies to watch. It's an exciting Saturday night for Kelly.
Friday, August 04, 2006
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