It Ain't Over

Just when I thought that maybe my neighbor had learned to park... nada. Letting Antonio out this morning, I found that my neighbor has opted to park ON the curb in her attempt to get NEAR it. Ah well... at least she didn't hit my car again.

Pain and Suffering Continued

You know what it feels like? Like an Indian Sunburn. Remember those? I'm sure that's not the "PC" term, but it burns... I went and got gauze and paper tape. I guess we'll see if that helps.

Band-Aids Are Evil

It's been only three days since the dermatologist, and my leg is already SORE from the stupid band-aids. The stitches are FINE, but my skin hurts so bad. The "after care" says that if my skin is irritated, to use tape and gauze bad. Wha? Like I just keep that around? Man... this stinks. And I have over a week more to go.

Dammit.

25 Random Things (Reposted)

Today was a strange day at work - just really weird. This economy makes everything vulnerable. So I'm bailing on creativity and posting the "25 Random Things" meme from Facebook on my blog. I felt kind of "in touch with my feelings" writing it, so it seems appropriate to repost, even though most of you know me on Facebook, too. This is enough emoting for one day. :)

Rules: Once you've been tagged, write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. Blah, blah, blah...

1. I'm an introvert even though some of my newer friends don't understand that.
2. I never stop loving anyone I've loved. It's a different love, but it never stops.
3. I'm a workaholic. Times three.
4. I can't take a compliment. I try, but I have a really hard time.
5. I only really regret two things in my life. And no, I don't want to tell you.
6. I give myself 100% to everything I do.
7. I have almost zero patience.
8. My favorite foods are nachos, steak and cheese.
9. My favorite condiment is mustard. (But not honey mustard)
10. My mom is one of my best friends - I'm so lucky. :)
11. I've never broken a bone, but I've had four surgeries.
12. I've had two seizures. Hopefully no more. Ever.
13. I'm a perfectionist... and I tend to expect too much from people because I expect so much from myself. It is very unfair of me.
14. I HATE boat shoes. HATE THEM.
15. I HATE playing pretend with kids. Love the kids... hate the pretend-play.
16. I have insomnia... and it's miserable.
17. I love blankets.Especially hand-made ones.
18. I have met my soul mate.
19. I would love to have a house full of animals someday, but my high standards for cleanliness might interfere with that.
20. I miss Elliott more than words can explain, and I miss and talk to my grandma a lot.
21. I wish I lived closer to my family, but I don't think that will ever happen again.
22. I wish I could make money creatively - singing, creating, crocheting, writing, etc.
23. I wish my mom would write a book of poetry to pass on to her children and grandchildren.
24. I wanted (and maybe still want) to be an architect. So did (does) my dad. I'm SO his kid.
25. I feel the most like the "true" me when I am with my bestest of friends. I love you guys.

Boo-boo

This isn't gross, is it? I definitely don't like the idea of stitches through my skin, but I'm kind of fascinated with it too. The key to painless stitches? Keep 'em neosporin'd. Dry = bad. But this doesn't look so horrible one day after, does it?

Dermatology

Hmmm... so most of my skin damage is risk-free. No surgery needed. But three of my suspicious moles had to go. I actually did okay - the shots hurt worse than the removal. But now I'm perplexed. According to my instructions, I can't get the bandages wet for 24 hours. That's 2 PM tomorrow! Do I have to, like, sponge bathe myself?

GRRR!

A New List

I feel myself throwing up a wall again - that survival wall. I'm going to take my own advice and create some goals to help me get through this. Working always helps - it's so easy to throw myself into ten hour days, but I need to take on a few challenges to have that feeling of accomplishment. Success always breeds positive feelings.

- Work on Elliott blanket (what will it take to finish this, I wonder?)
- Get TVs changed out
- List one TV on Craig's List
- Drop trunk full of Goodwill off for those less fortunate
- Make a baby blanket for my cousin and his wife (anyone have pattern suggestions?)
- Start working on designs for above baby shower invitations
- Work up to my new 10 lb weights
- Lose 5 of my 10 lbs
- Make up a package/write a letter for my CCF child and send it
- Plan a girl's dinner
- Confirm wine dinner for 2/8
- Work on recipe book
- Try a few new recipes (TBD)

That's it for now. That's a lot. I think I can start a few today, too. Good times.

January

I feel like crap today. Crap. Crapola. I am going to try to buy New Kids tickets in about 30 minutes, then I'm heading to Nicole's to help her move. At least I have things to do. You know that January has never been my month? Something ALWAYS happens to me in January. Last year? Elliott got terribly sick and needed surgery, and I got in my first car accident. Years before: seizures, arguments, finding out about lies/cheating... and lots of other stuff. I hate January. And this year? Jesus. Another car accident and a very private matter that I'm not comfortable talking about on here. I just want to say that I hate this month (yes, I am choosing to blame it on the month). I think the stars must align against me or something. You know what? Let's check my horoscope for the hell of it.

Your New Year gets off to a very 'new energy' kind of start on the 1st. You feel fresh, hopeful and strong -- ready to take on the world, and you will! Eat a healthy breakfast, do a good, sweaty workout and spend some quality time with close friends. Don't worry: You'll still have time to plan your year's biggest moves. On the 5th and 6th, the crazier your concept, the bigger its chances for success, so go wild! You are ready to unveil your fantastic new plan on the 10th. On the 14th, you're in full communication mode, so say whatever has been on your mind all this time. You could be feeling a little bit insecure on the 19th, but don't undersell yourself -- particularly when it comes to taking on a work project. You can do this! On the 24th, you are more than ready to work a little more balance into your life. Go to yoga, go for a swim, start weight training -- you can't live a purely intellectual life, after all! You'll already be feeling more intuitive on the 29th. On the 30th, slow down!

Hmph. Okay... so weight training according to this. Good thing I just got new 10 lb. weights.

I'm emoting. I'll go back to holding it in now...

My Toe

I haven't yet discussed my toe problem on this blog, but... I think I sprained it. (Left foot, "pointer" toe.) Last week while at BMA I had to stop and take off my toe ring because I thought that was causing the pain I was feeling - but it hurt for DAYS. I taped it to my middle toe while in heels for a few days at work, and it feels better, but still not perfect. Can you sprain a toe?

Now I haven't worn my toe ring in a week, the longest time since I lost it four years ago for six weeks (and when I thought I lost it in Los Angeles). Can I put it back on? Grrr... I don't like my naked toe. I just don't.

Ford Fusion

So I've got my rental, and it's a Ford Fusion. I'm pretty sure that the neighbor has a rental, too, because I haven't seen her car for a few days. Ah, well... my series is delayed for a week or so.

I am actually quite surprised at the Fusion. It's nice! Nice, of course, minus the heavy smoke smell in the car. I'm going to leave the windows open in the parking lot at work tomorrow and air that sucker out. It's really, really bad. But I do like the car - it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that my Chevy Malibu does, but it's quick, light and a smooth ride.

Who knew Fords were okay?

Inauguration Day Funnies

Today was amazing. Obama's inauguration speech was one of the best speeches of our time, and overall, the atmosphere in DC (and around the country as far as I can tell) was peaceful, hopeful and kind. Rarely do we see Americans in this way - especially in times of crisis.

But... in lieu of something profound to say (although today was, in fact, quite profound), I have something funny. Many of you have probably see this, but I saw it for the first time last week and IT'S FUNNY. I love our President. I love the fact that he is intelligent, thoughtful, yet he has a "cool" factor that made America's youth rally to vote for him. His presidency is historic, momentous, and downright awesome.

And with that... "Whatever I Like."

Her Story Continues...

Volume II, January 19, 2009. 8:00 PM.

After being disappointed with decent parking yesterday, today I've been rewarded with another example of my neighbor's classic parking style. It's dark outside, but follow the line of the curb and you'll see how bad her parking actually is. Drinking at by 8 PM? Where was happy hour?

Goodness

We've all already Facebook'd about it, but what a bummer. The Ravens did not play their best - that's for sure. The whole first half was loose and sloppy, and made Flacco look like the rookie that he is. Oh well... there is always next year.

A New Series

A new series. I'm SO excited because I now have a regular topic to blog about again. My neighbor - is a HORRIBLE parker. Yes, THAT neighbor. And my dislike for her and her drunkenness is not culminating in violence, but in public humiliation... without her knowledge, of course.

I'm not sure what to call this new series - and I'm taking suggestions. Tales of the Pathetic Parker? Documenting a Drunk Driver? An (un)Neighborly Nuisance? Let me know.

For now, I'll reward you with Volume I, January 17, 2009. 10:30 AM. You think she was drinking last night?

New Books

YAY! New books!! (Don't worry - they were all SEVERELY on sale!) I desperately want to start reading them now, but I have to finish Searching for Life first. Sigh.

The Death of Cheese (To Me)

OMG, I love cheese. Like... it's my favorite kind of food love. Right up there with nachos (which have cheese) and steak. I ALWAYS have cheese in my refrigerator... and now... I feel like we have to break up.

Read below...

Cheese — it's grosser than you thought
Behind the taste lie bacteria, stomach lining, pesticides and pure fat
By Amelia Tomas
updated 3:07 p.m. ET, Tues., Jan. 13, 2009

Cheese makes some foodies jump up and down like little kids, but behind that heavenly taste and texture lies bacteria, mammal stomach lining and pure fat.

To ripen cheese and add flavor, bacterial strains are freely injected and smeared into the substance. But not all have been accounted for, a new study finds.

Researchers at Newcastle University in England have now identified eight previously undiscovered microbes on the French, brie-like cheese called Reblochon. The potential benefits of these new microbes are still unknown.

The study is detailed in the December issue of the journal International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Flourishing microbes are consumed with every bite of cheese (though the cooling temperatures in refrigerators do slow down bacterial growth, they do not kill them in cheese or in any other food). Bacteria (either naturally swimming around the milk or manually injected) and enzymes derived from the inner stomach linings of any slaughtered milk-producing mammal (called rennet) are added to coagulate the milk into curds.

Two proteins arise from curdled milk and manufacturers capitalize on them: The first is whey, which is essentially leftover liquid from curdled milk (and is increasingly being used as an ingredient in producing other foods). The second is casein, which makes up the bulk of the solid part of cheese, along with fat.

Fat is what gives cheese its taste, and 70 to 80 percent of the calories in cheese come from pure fat.

Factories are adding more bacterial groups into cheese to achieve enhanced flavors.

Cheese might be a hot commodity, but like other dairy products, it can have some unhealthy aspects. Other ways to get your calcium fix include eating the following foods: fortified grains, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, cabbage, kelp, seaweed, watercress, chickpeas, broccoli, red beans, soybeans, tofu, seeds and raw nuts. With all that variety, there's hope for any cheese addict. Only it won't taste, or smell, the same.

Original link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28641673/

So... who wishes they were me right now?

Really. C'mon, anyone?

Me: You're not even talking to me.
Her: Is there a problem?
Me: YOU JUST HIT MY CAR, AND IT'S ONE IN THE MORNING!
Her: So, is there a problem?
Me: Seriously?
Her: Is there damage?
Me: My car is right there - go look at it!
Her: So, is there damage?
Me: My car is right there. You. Just. Hit. It. Walk over and look at it!
Her: (silence) *Note: She hasn't moved.
Me: (dialing 911)

If my neighbor as an example isn't enough of a reason to reconsider driving drunk... I don't know what is. Her boyfriend kept answering questions for her, and she was unable to answer even a single question with any sort of lucidity. She had no idea what she had even done.

Now, of course, it's 1:30 AM, and not only am I MAD... but I'm freakin' AWAKE. There's no better punishment for an insomniac than to keep her up EVEN MORE in the middle of the night.

Goodnight, neighbor. You're gonna love talking to me when you're sober tomorrow.

Book Review: Almost Moon

Well, I love Alice Sebold - I read Lovely Bones first - and it was amazing, then I read Lucky. And although I appreciate, or LIKE, her style, and I tend to like darker stories/tones, this one... I just don't know.

She left you wondering too much this time; and with the story she told, I didn't want to wonder. I wanted a clear, concise ending. I wanted finality. And I didn't get it. I started pulling away about mid-book... something just didn't feel right. Something seemed off. Not that it was becoming more intense or more desperate, but more disconnected, maybe. I won't blame it on poor writing, not at all... but the story in Almost Moon left me disjointed. Uncomfortable.

I like the book. I'd recommend it for the quality of writing, but this isn't what I wanted. I wanted something tighter, cleaner, more obvious. I wanted something more final. And this time, Alice Sebold just left my soul hanging.

Good Day

Today has been good so far. I canceled my Verizon DSL (any minute now...), found out that my Sprint PCS plan has FINALLY expired (I'm going Verizon), admitted that I lost a coworker's Fast Park pass (and ordered us both new ones), and I'm still planning on exercising tonight (soon, too... before I lose momentum).

I feel like I accomplished things. Oh! And my work email inbox was at 50 emails when I left. HOO-AH! I know, I'm cool... and you wanna be like me.

That said, I need assistance. I am considering the DARE, the VOYAGER or the enV2 from Verizon, but leaning towards the DARE because it's shiny, thin, and touch screen. All rank higher than 4/5 on phonescoop.com. Thoughts? Suggestions? Opinions? Tell me now - it's probably all going down within the next two weeks. Help!

Sunday Night Football

So I guess we're playing the Steelers next week, huh? What the heck, Chargers? That was painful. Good going on that last TD, but a little too late. You hurt my heart.

Antonio once again had to put up with the affections of one Miss Delilah, and after a lot of running around, they fell asleep under the Elliott blanket that I was working on. I am pretty sure neither of them knew they were even touching - they were completely asleep. But when I took the blanket off of them, I was crazy shocked with how strangely they were positioned. They were obviously oblivious to how they were sleeping... tres weird.

Updated Book List

Book List
Searching for Life: The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo and the Disappeared Children of Argentina by Rita Arditti - In Progress
Almost Moon by Alice Sebold - In Progress
Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
World Without End by Ken Follett
The Cuba Wars by Daniel P. Erikson
Discovery of Atlantis by Robert Sarmast
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody
A Ship Made of Paper by Scott Spencer
1984 by George Orwell
The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings
Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss

I'm also going to read a Richard Russo book - but don't know where to start. Suggestions?

I Love Memes, Sometimes

I especially love being tagged - although Cassie is the only one who ever really does. So here we go...

Q. five names you go by:
Charissa
Rissa
Costa
C Squared
C$

Q. three things you are wearing right now:
Long sleeved tee
PJ shorts
Pink slippers

Q. two things you want very badly at the moment:
D$
To be ten pounds lighter

Q. two things you did last night:
Ate pizza (doesn't help with the answer above)
Cuddled with Antonio

Q. two things you ate today:
Pizza (again, doesn't help with answer above)
Orange juice (I haven't eaten much yet)

Q. two people you last talked to on the phone:
Dad
Lots and lots of work people

Q. two things you are going to do tomorrow:
Go to work
Exercise

Q. two longest car rides:
St Louis from Ohio when I was 21. Ten freaking hours.
Florida with Brooke, Steph and Angie - I drove the first seven.

Q. two of your favorite beverages:
Iced tea - sugar, baby
Dr Pepper

Q. the people you’d like to tag
Cheryl
Summer
Missy

Bal-ti-mooore

Interesting to return to Baltimore where our Mayor has been indicted, it's 36 degrees and raining, and the Ravens win a very important game. Highlights of my trip include NOT partying like a rock star (you heard me right - I'm saving myself for the inauguration), John Mayer's ACOUSTIC private show (thanks you, RIM/Blackberry!), and I think I've discovered that I'm on another reading kick. I am halfway through both books on my list - see sidebar, and I have a whole new list I want to read which I'll review in the next few days. John Mayer videos coming tomorrow... for now? I'm hanging with A-dog. Glad to be home.

Vegas Notes

Oh boy, I'm tired. It's only 6:45 here, but 9:45 at home in MD! I should be prepping for bed! Luckily (and I mean that) I have no plans for tonight, so I ordered some Chili, and I'll hit the sack in about an hour. Earlier I was tempted to meet up with coworkers for a few drinks, but I can do that anytime. I'd like to try to avoid completely adapting to West Coast time, if at all possible.

So I walked about half of the CES show floor today - of course not everything was setup because the show officially opens tomorrow - but I made a few mental notes of things I saw - both useful and not.

1. OMG Jeopardy is going to be taped from a set in the Central Hall tomorrow night. How cool is that? Unfortunately I am not planning on being at the convention center tomorrow, and even if I was... there weren't that many seats. But cool. Pic is on my Facebook page.
2. I think the best HD TV I saw "in action" today was from Pioneer. It was actually playing off of a BR disc from an HD Blu-Ray player, but it was AWESOME. I'm sure the model will be somewhere, but this baby looked better than anything else I saw running. It was incredible.
3. Maybe I missed this (because I should have known about it, honestly), but iLuv has an Internet Radio that is flipping international. What was my first thought? ("My mom would LOVE this.") 15,000 radio stations. Scroll by country. It's Wi Fi and Ethernet capable. So neat.
4. LG burst my bubble and announced their phone-watch, and it's a touch-screen watch phone like Dick Tracy had that also does video. Cool, but I don't think it's a US launch. At least not soon. Just my guess. What is wrong with our carriers? This is totally nerd-friendly.
5. FAAAAAAARRRRRRR too many skinny jeans. Really. Girls - ever heard of boot cut? Oh, and far too many hair bumps. (Girls, you know what I'm talking about.) What? Is it the 80s again? Are we at a beauty contest? Ugh.

Okay - to my delicious chili and goodnight. Thanks for reading.

Vegas Bound

I'm headed to Vegas in the early morning, and I still have a lot to do. My girlfriend is coming to stay with Antonio so that he has some sense of "normal," so I'm washing sheets, vacuuming, dusting, etc... and I still need to pack! Two loads of laundry are in process, and I am NOT in the mood to do any of this. Remember, I'll be at CES, so check my Facebook for updates while I am gone.

In the spirit of the new year, I've been thinking about my resolutions. Somehow this year i feel a little more serious and determined about all of them, so it will be interesting to see how I do. Unfortunately, though, because of my Vegas trip, these will be hard to start now... traveling always makes life more complicated.

Walk Antonio more - when warmer, when possible
Stop biting my nails for good - three days and I've only bitten one; that's a start
Stop texting while driving - haven't done this for a few days now
Monitor drinking and driving - be more cautious and more responsible
Lose ten pounds - my recent personal stresses haven't done me any favors
Pay it forward more - practice more random acts of kindness

That's only six, but they are significant. I'm REALLY worried about the nail biting on the plane. Traveling is bad news for my nails... cross your fingers for me.

Weekends

Man, have I been lazy. I have spent countless hours crocheting and copying recipes, I've watched First Knight, Robin Hood, Nine Months and went with Nicole to see Seven Pounds. I cooked squash and Nicole and I cooked Pork Chops, sweet potatoes and spinach. And now I'm purging again: Three trash bags, a trunk of more stuff to go to storage, reorganized some kitchen cabinets, and I'm considering taking on the closet. I haven't worked on work at all. And I should. Really.

First, Seven Pounds. So good. You should see it. Will Smith is incredible. It's hard to give too much feedback without giving the storyline away, but the concept is heavy, maybe unrealistic to some extent (yes, a jellyfish, R), but I still think it was well acted. Really well acted. Now Nicole and I are stoked to see that new Clint Eastwood move (I forget the title) that was shown during the previews. It looks crazy good. And I don't even really like Clint Eastwood.

Second, the pork chops were easy, but note for all: Pork Chops NEED to be on the bottom when layering to bake. They were dry - the major mistake when making pork chops - but they were still tasty. Recipe below.

Orange Pork Chops
- Need: pork chops, oil, sweet potatoes, orange, cinnamon dash dash, salt and pepper
- Brown pork in oil.
- Cut sweet potato into 1/2 inch slices.
- Place meat and potato slices in baking dish and cover with orange slices.
- Bake covered at 350 degrees for one hour or until meat is tender.

Third, Annie, I am so sorry. Here is the lentil soup recipe.

Pam Costa's Lentil Soup Recipe
- 1 package on lentils (rinse well)
- Soak for a couple of hours, then simmer, add salt and pepper (heavy on the pepper) and add three bullion cubes (I did both chicken and beef).
- To make meat balls (not "normal" meatballs), you will need: ground beef (I used turkey), eggs, onions, bread crumbs, little salt.
- Brown meat balls and then add to simmering soup. Cook for an hour or so. Cool. Better when reheated.

Fourth, I'm pondering cooking again today. My choices are:
- Stuffed green peppers
- Stir-fry veggies/rice
- Baked chicken/rice

Lastly, did I mention I am going to CES again? I'm actually not that excited, I think MacWorld and CES are going to be relatively disappointing this year. It's my third year, and it's frustrating to get excited about new gadgets when they never launch, are delayed by a year, or only launch in Europe. I guess I'm not expecting to be surprised. Either way, I'll be mobile-posting to my Facebook page. So if we're friends, enjoy! If not, ask me to be friends now. I leave early Wednesday.

Baked Winter Squash

I'm proud of myself, not that it was hard, but I guess it would have helped if I actually liked squash. It was good, but not my cup of tea. Oh well... anyone want the other half?

Happy New Year!

Yeah... I had a minor headache this morning. The worst was driving home at 7:30 AM from Jill's without sunglasses. That was unpleasant. But I slept with Antonio for hours and now I feel much better. Thanks to my favorite Prevatts for hosting yet another fun NYE party.

I've posted more to my Facebook, but here are a few photos. (Jill! I can't believe I don't have a photo of us! Do you have one?!?)

Me and Jaclyn

Me and Nicole