Today is my mom's 60th birthday, but if she asks how you found out her age, you didn't hear anything from me! Me and my other siblings are throwing a surprise party for her at a restaurant in Burnsville tonight, and even my grandma and aunt from Kansas are coming up to help celebrate. I'm very excited about it as she deserves every bit of the fun and attention, not just today but every day.
My sister and I were looking through a box of my mom's pictures a couple of weeks ago to make up a photo display for the party, and judging from some of the photos, my mom (and my parents together) looked like she's had some crazy adventures when she was younger. It's amazing how much one picture can say.
Looking at my mom's college days and when she was married to my dad and they were living here and out in California, it makes me wish I knew my parents at those various stages in their life. I don't know many of their stories, or anything really about when they were married, and some of those stories I'm missing out on. It makes me wonder just how much I am like my parents. That's not to say I don't think I'm anything like my parents, but I want to know what things we had in common - like what they were involved in and what they were like when they were my age - if they had similar problems or joys, and see if I can relate. Overall, I'm more similar to my dad (if you want to know specifically how I'm more similar to him, just ask).
My siblings always make fun of me and say I'm a clone of my father, which I have been coming to the conclusion, good or bad, that I have many of his mannerisms; but at least I'll have youthful good looks and won't look a day over 40 until I'm probably 80, which more than most people can say!
I am definitely my parent's child, smoldering good looks and all.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
My Kind of Town
Well, apparently I’m not one of the cool kids who got to go on a cruise, but I at least got to go to Chicago this weekend. So THERE!
It was a rather unpleasant two and a half days, which I’d rather not get into on this post or else it’ll just angry up the blood again. Let’s just say rude and ungrateful people suck.
Matty and I got to at least spend a little less than a day on our own in Chicago, so once we left the beast behind, we made our way to our hotel to check in. We got into our room and were finally able to shower and change clothes after having stewed in our own filth for two days. We were so rank that you could actually see the stink lines coming off our bodies.
Once we were all dolled up and ready to show Chicago’s gay boys how to work it, we went to dinner and then headed to the bars. It was pretty dead at most of the watering holes, but it was a Sunday night, so I wasn’t expecting anything huge… but I still had a blast. We went to Cocktail, Roscoe’s, Side Track, and Hydrate. Matty got drunk, which is always fun because then he tells me a lot of nice flattering things, which a boy like me likes to hear every once in a while. There was also a late night stop at Walgreen’s on Halsted. Late night Walgreen’s shopping sprees are always fun when you’re drunk!
Overall it was a rather pleasant way to forget all of the chaos and bitterness involved in the move. Plus it reminded me why I want to move to Chicago and just how much I’m in love with Matty.
It was a rather unpleasant two and a half days, which I’d rather not get into on this post or else it’ll just angry up the blood again. Let’s just say rude and ungrateful people suck.
Matty and I got to at least spend a little less than a day on our own in Chicago, so once we left the beast behind, we made our way to our hotel to check in. We got into our room and were finally able to shower and change clothes after having stewed in our own filth for two days. We were so rank that you could actually see the stink lines coming off our bodies.
Once we were all dolled up and ready to show Chicago’s gay boys how to work it, we went to dinner and then headed to the bars. It was pretty dead at most of the watering holes, but it was a Sunday night, so I wasn’t expecting anything huge… but I still had a blast. We went to Cocktail, Roscoe’s, Side Track, and Hydrate. Matty got drunk, which is always fun because then he tells me a lot of nice flattering things, which a boy like me likes to hear every once in a while. There was also a late night stop at Walgreen’s on Halsted. Late night Walgreen’s shopping sprees are always fun when you’re drunk!
Overall it was a rather pleasant way to forget all of the chaos and bitterness involved in the move. Plus it reminded me why I want to move to Chicago and just how much I’m in love with Matty.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
75 Things About Me
This was going to be "100 Things About Me" but I had to actually get some real work done...
1. I have really blue eyes, and I know how to use them to my advantage.
2. I have 3 sisters, and 2 brothers.
3. I broke my collar bone senior year of college playing football with choir boys and girls.
4. My first job was selling baby clothes and baby furniture at Sears.
5. I originally went to Gustavus Adolphus College to study to become a high school English teacher.
6. I made out with my 9th grade girlfriend, Kim Olson, in the preschool rooms in the basement of my church.
7. I can sing the entire musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”.
8. I tried smoking when I lived in Paris because everyone else was doing it. It never really caught on with me, but when I came back, I used to smoke when I drank.
9. I saw Dennis Quaid at the Houston Airport on choir tour when we were waiting for our plane back to Minnesota. I followed his children around the bookstore there. They look most like his ex-wife Meg Ryan.
10. I wet the bed until I was in 6th grade.
11. I pick at my scabs.
12. I’m in love with my Chapstick Lip Moisturizer.
13. I saw Pope John Paul II on New Years Day 2003 at the Vatican and listened to his New Years address to the public. It was one of the coolest moments in my life, even though I’m not Catholic.
14. When I was 6, I was the ring bearer in my brother’s wedding and I pooped my pants because I got super nervous. My dad threw my underwear away in the boy’s bathroom at the church and I had to go commando down the aisle with the flower girl, whose nickname was Peaches.
15. I was an uncle for the first time at age 7.
16. I don’t write my check card receipts into my checkbook. I should start doing that.
17. I love Drea DiBartolo’s stuffed baked clams.
18. I lost my virginity in a tent set up in the living room in an apartment in College View, my senior year of college. It was with an ex-girlfriend of mine.
19. I hate math and science.
20. I get hot flashes at least once a week.
21. I don’t “pass wind” in front of girls unless I know them really, really well.
22. I love Starbuck’s caramel macchiato.
23. Michael Bublé makes me want to spooge a little.
24. I used to let my nieces give me a make-over when they were younger.
25. My sister Allison used to practice painting nails on me.
26. I think Matt Marshall is HOT.
27. Sometimes the Boy and I go to Abercrombie & Fitch just to see if there are hot boys working.
28. I love dipping apple slices in peanut butter.
29. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is one of my favorite books and movies.
30. My parents were going to name me Andrew Robert or Joshua Robert, but my mom liked the nickname Robbie.
31. Santa at my dad’s house brought us all a stocking full of office supplies when I was 8. I still complain about that Christmas to my dad, that an 8 year old should get toys – not a stapler and tape.
32. I have never cheated on a significant other, and I don't plan on ever doing that.
33. I like ankle socks.
34. I prefer tighty whities over boxers, but will wear both.
35. Someday I want to live in Chicago.
36. I used to steal food from the cafeteria at Gustavus when I worked there freshman year.
37. I got severely constipated after I had my jaw surgery and had to ask my mom to go buy me a laxative.
38. I got an “A” on my senior thesis in college, and it’s my pride and joy – all 33 pages of it.
39. I think Michelle Kwan is too old to be competing in this year’s Olympics.
40. I love my featherbed.
41. My favorite episode of Will & Grace is “Old Fashioned Piano Party”.
42. Rachel is my best friend.
43. I got drunk for the first time when I was 15 at my cousin Natalie’s wedding.
44. I love the game Dance, Dance Revolution.
45. I used to model for the salon my mom works at when I was in pre-school.
46. I dyed my hair my sophomore year of college and it turned out a bright orange color. It was supposed to be a light blonde. I looked like a leprechaun.
47. My sisters and I used to dance around to the Beach Boys in our living room when we were kids.
48. Of all my siblings, I’m closest with my sister Allison.
49. It took 2 nurses and 30 minutes to give me my vaccinations when I was 11 years old. I screamed bloody murder.
50. I was in a car accident with my mom the summer after 7th grade.
51. My dream is to be a writer or journalist.
52. My boyfriend’s name is Matt… there – the mystery of “The Boy” is solved.
53. I don’t understand teenage girls’ obsession with looking like hoochies.
54. I think Nicole Richie needs to eat something.
55. I am a hair snob… I only buy expensive salon products.
56. I get expensive salon products at a 40% discount because my mom works at a salon.
57. When I was a young child, my mom told me they took our dog, Shadow, out to live on a farm. I didn’t realize they actually had him put to sleep until I was in college.
58. My hands shake all the time… the doctor calls it “intentional tremor”, and it’s not life threatening.
59. I have a lead foot, and drive 80-85 miles per hour on the freeway.
60. It’s always been easier for me to make friends with girls than boys.
61. I cry when I watch the movie “My Girl”. 100% guaranteed every time. “Where are his glasses?! He can’t see without his glasses!” How can you not cry during that scene?!
62. I want to be an interior decorator.
63. I can’t pee when someone is looking.
64. I sucked my thumb when I was a kid.
65. I slept with my security blankie until I graduated from high school. I still sleep with it sometimes. We have a special bond.
66. I have never seen “Debbie Does Dallas”, but I kind of want to.
67. I stepped on a toothpick once and it went through my foot.
68. I lost my first tooth at my grandma’s house and cried even though it didn’t hurt.
69. I like to snuggle with Matt.
70. I decorate cakes better than Martha Stewart.
71. I called in sick one morning so I could sleep in. I lied and said I had a migraine. I only took the morning off, and worked the afternoon.
72. When you Google my name, a website comes up for Robert Hill Productions. “Robert Hill” is a porn producer.
73. There is another Robert Hill on the “No-Fly List” issued by the government. Every time I go to the airport to check-in, I have to wait 10 minutes while they verify I’m not THAT Robert Hill.
74. I used to dance/jump along to the Pointer Sister’s “Jump (For My Love)” when I was little and my mom played it on our stereo.
75. My Jetta’s name is Max Wang. He is the younger brother of my old Jetta, Gretta Wang. (Yes, I name my cars!)
1. I have really blue eyes, and I know how to use them to my advantage.
2. I have 3 sisters, and 2 brothers.
3. I broke my collar bone senior year of college playing football with choir boys and girls.
4. My first job was selling baby clothes and baby furniture at Sears.
5. I originally went to Gustavus Adolphus College to study to become a high school English teacher.
6. I made out with my 9th grade girlfriend, Kim Olson, in the preschool rooms in the basement of my church.
7. I can sing the entire musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”.
8. I tried smoking when I lived in Paris because everyone else was doing it. It never really caught on with me, but when I came back, I used to smoke when I drank.
9. I saw Dennis Quaid at the Houston Airport on choir tour when we were waiting for our plane back to Minnesota. I followed his children around the bookstore there. They look most like his ex-wife Meg Ryan.
10. I wet the bed until I was in 6th grade.
11. I pick at my scabs.
12. I’m in love with my Chapstick Lip Moisturizer.
13. I saw Pope John Paul II on New Years Day 2003 at the Vatican and listened to his New Years address to the public. It was one of the coolest moments in my life, even though I’m not Catholic.
14. When I was 6, I was the ring bearer in my brother’s wedding and I pooped my pants because I got super nervous. My dad threw my underwear away in the boy’s bathroom at the church and I had to go commando down the aisle with the flower girl, whose nickname was Peaches.
15. I was an uncle for the first time at age 7.
16. I don’t write my check card receipts into my checkbook. I should start doing that.
17. I love Drea DiBartolo’s stuffed baked clams.
18. I lost my virginity in a tent set up in the living room in an apartment in College View, my senior year of college. It was with an ex-girlfriend of mine.
19. I hate math and science.
20. I get hot flashes at least once a week.
21. I don’t “pass wind” in front of girls unless I know them really, really well.
22. I love Starbuck’s caramel macchiato.
23. Michael Bublé makes me want to spooge a little.
24. I used to let my nieces give me a make-over when they were younger.
25. My sister Allison used to practice painting nails on me.
26. I think Matt Marshall is HOT.
27. Sometimes the Boy and I go to Abercrombie & Fitch just to see if there are hot boys working.
28. I love dipping apple slices in peanut butter.
29. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is one of my favorite books and movies.
30. My parents were going to name me Andrew Robert or Joshua Robert, but my mom liked the nickname Robbie.
31. Santa at my dad’s house brought us all a stocking full of office supplies when I was 8. I still complain about that Christmas to my dad, that an 8 year old should get toys – not a stapler and tape.
32. I have never cheated on a significant other, and I don't plan on ever doing that.
33. I like ankle socks.
34. I prefer tighty whities over boxers, but will wear both.
35. Someday I want to live in Chicago.
36. I used to steal food from the cafeteria at Gustavus when I worked there freshman year.
37. I got severely constipated after I had my jaw surgery and had to ask my mom to go buy me a laxative.
38. I got an “A” on my senior thesis in college, and it’s my pride and joy – all 33 pages of it.
39. I think Michelle Kwan is too old to be competing in this year’s Olympics.
40. I love my featherbed.
41. My favorite episode of Will & Grace is “Old Fashioned Piano Party”.
42. Rachel is my best friend.
43. I got drunk for the first time when I was 15 at my cousin Natalie’s wedding.
44. I love the game Dance, Dance Revolution.
45. I used to model for the salon my mom works at when I was in pre-school.
46. I dyed my hair my sophomore year of college and it turned out a bright orange color. It was supposed to be a light blonde. I looked like a leprechaun.
47. My sisters and I used to dance around to the Beach Boys in our living room when we were kids.
48. Of all my siblings, I’m closest with my sister Allison.
49. It took 2 nurses and 30 minutes to give me my vaccinations when I was 11 years old. I screamed bloody murder.
50. I was in a car accident with my mom the summer after 7th grade.
51. My dream is to be a writer or journalist.
52. My boyfriend’s name is Matt… there – the mystery of “The Boy” is solved.
53. I don’t understand teenage girls’ obsession with looking like hoochies.
54. I think Nicole Richie needs to eat something.
55. I am a hair snob… I only buy expensive salon products.
56. I get expensive salon products at a 40% discount because my mom works at a salon.
57. When I was a young child, my mom told me they took our dog, Shadow, out to live on a farm. I didn’t realize they actually had him put to sleep until I was in college.
58. My hands shake all the time… the doctor calls it “intentional tremor”, and it’s not life threatening.
59. I have a lead foot, and drive 80-85 miles per hour on the freeway.
60. It’s always been easier for me to make friends with girls than boys.
61. I cry when I watch the movie “My Girl”. 100% guaranteed every time. “Where are his glasses?! He can’t see without his glasses!” How can you not cry during that scene?!
62. I want to be an interior decorator.
63. I can’t pee when someone is looking.
64. I sucked my thumb when I was a kid.
65. I slept with my security blankie until I graduated from high school. I still sleep with it sometimes. We have a special bond.
66. I have never seen “Debbie Does Dallas”, but I kind of want to.
67. I stepped on a toothpick once and it went through my foot.
68. I lost my first tooth at my grandma’s house and cried even though it didn’t hurt.
69. I like to snuggle with Matt.
70. I decorate cakes better than Martha Stewart.
71. I called in sick one morning so I could sleep in. I lied and said I had a migraine. I only took the morning off, and worked the afternoon.
72. When you Google my name, a website comes up for Robert Hill Productions. “Robert Hill” is a porn producer.
73. There is another Robert Hill on the “No-Fly List” issued by the government. Every time I go to the airport to check-in, I have to wait 10 minutes while they verify I’m not THAT Robert Hill.
74. I used to dance/jump along to the Pointer Sister’s “Jump (For My Love)” when I was little and my mom played it on our stereo.
75. My Jetta’s name is Max Wang. He is the younger brother of my old Jetta, Gretta Wang. (Yes, I name my cars!)
Le Fabuleux Destin de Rob
I'm sitting here listening to a track from the soundtrack to Amelie, "Une Comptine d'une autre ete", and it's making me miss my hometown of Paris. Paris was always good to me.
When this song is playing in the movie, we see Amelie doing the little eccentricities that bring her joy and comfort - cracking the sugar coating on creme brulee with a spoon, plunging her hand into a sack of grain at the outdoor market, and skipping stones on the Canal de St. Martin. Listening to this song always makes me think of all of the joy and comfort Paris brought to me, and all of the little things I fell in love with there.
The city is rich in history and culture, which I immersed myself in, but for the most part one of my favorite things to do was observe the locals and tourists. I would take the Metro from my apartment to the stop "Cite", emerge from the caverous underground station, and there in all it's majesty stands Notre Dame cathedral . There, I would find a spot to sit and just watch. Little French children with balloon-tied wrists chasing pidgeons. The Batobus traversing down the Seine, filled to the brim with tourists snapping photos. Mothers pushing their children in the stroller. An old man wearing a beret surveying the bouquinistes along the Seine. Out of all the places to people watch this was my favorite. By the end of my stalking the locals, I usually had quite an appetite.
I'd then walk across a bridge to the other side of the river to the Latin Quarter, and here nestled among the intimate cobblestone streets and alley-ways was one of the best Greek restaurants in all of Paris. You could get a world class gyro with fries and a Coke for 6 Euro. In Paris, that's a great bargain.
One (of the many) other thing I loved to do in Paris was go to the outdoor markets on the weekends. Rain or shine, you could always find outdoor markets along neighborhood streets. A gathering of neighbors and friends, vibrant colors, and fresh smells were abundant under the red and yellow striped tents. Each market was unique and usually had one stand that sold something different than the last.
The list could go on and on, but it would only make me miss Paris even more. I wish I could go back and visit, but since that is not a possibility at the moment, I'll only have my memories. As Gertrude Stein once wrote: "America is my country and Paris is my hometown." How true it is.
Monday, January 16, 2006
My Ho Runner
As I was driving to work this morning I saw a burgundy Oldsmobile Delta '88. It instantly reminded me of my old Delta '88 I drove in high school. Granted the one I drove had oxidized paint from having been in Florida for 3 years with my sister, the radio only worked if you put the fuse in or else the antenna would run continuously, and you could house a family of 10 in the backseat - it was a great car. My dad used to drive it before I drove it, and his license plates read "I'm Easy". Classy...
That was a sexy car.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Equals...
Most Addicting Game EVER
Move the red block around without getting hit by the blue blocks or touching the black edges! You'll be hooked!!!
http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html
Procrastinate now, don't put it off...
http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html
Procrastinate now, don't put it off...
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Would you like some food with that grease?
I went to Culver's on my lunch break today because my nieces gave me a gift card for there, and now I feel like I'm going to yak all over my computer screen. I've never enjoyed Culver's all that much because their food is covered in grease, marinated in grease, infused with grease... however you want to put it. You could take a bite and watch the grease spray out.
Oh well, it didn't cost me anything, just the gas to get there! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to haul ass to the boy's room and throw up...
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
The Soundtrack of You
We make many happy memories during our time here on Earth, and a smell, a sight, or perhaps a song can make those periods from our life surface. We smile upon these memories - a time spent with friends or family, a first date, a vacation, a kiss - and then let out a sigh and relive the moment in our mind.
For me, the strongest tie I have to most of my memories is music. A particular song I hear can take me back to my bedroom at my host parent's apartment in Paris, overlooking Rue de Charonne and the bustling markets... to my small dorm room when all of my friends and I would cram in together like sardines and watch movies under mountains of pillows and blankets... or to the Boy's bed, laying together, hands intertwined in the blue early morning light. Compile these songs together, and you'd have my personal soundtrack.
If you had a personal soundtrack, what would be on your list? Here are a few tracks from mine (believe me, the list could go on and on):
"Kissing" by Bliss
"The Scientist" by Coldplay
"Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk
"Call On Me" - Eric Prydz vs. Retarded Funk Remix by Eric Prydz
"Fernando" by ABBA
"Stole" by Kelly Rowland
"Jump (For My Love)" by The Pointer Sisters
"Mr. Man" by Alicia Keys
"Goodbye Is All We Have" by Allison Krauss and Union Station
"Smoke" by Ben Folds Five
"Bootylicious" by Destiny's Child
"Winding Road" by Bonnie Sommerville
"Little Wing" by The Corrs
"Shine" by Cyndi Lauper
"Agnus Dei" by The Dale Warland Singers
"The Stone" by Dave Matthews Band
"Case of You" by Diana Krall
"Over My Head (Cable Car)" by The Fray
"Proud" by Heather Small
"Beautiful" by India.Arie
"The Truth" by India.Arie
"Naked As We Came" by Iron & Wine
"Sodom, South Georgia" by Iron & Wine
"Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight
"Home to Me" by Josh Kelley
"Cry Me A River" by Justin Timberlake
"Dreamer" by Ozzy Osbourne
"How Many Licks" by Li'l Kim
"Tu es mon autre" by Lara Fabian
"L'accordeoniste" by Edith Piaf
"Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera, Li'l Kim, Pink, and Mya
"What's Your Fantasy" by Ludacris
"In The Waiting Line" by Zero 7
"Do What You Have To Do" by Sarah McLachlan
"New Slang" by The Shins
"Me and Julio" by Simon & Garfunkel
"Strange" by Tori Amos
"Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve
"We're Going To Be Friends" by The White Stripes
For me, the strongest tie I have to most of my memories is music. A particular song I hear can take me back to my bedroom at my host parent's apartment in Paris, overlooking Rue de Charonne and the bustling markets... to my small dorm room when all of my friends and I would cram in together like sardines and watch movies under mountains of pillows and blankets... or to the Boy's bed, laying together, hands intertwined in the blue early morning light. Compile these songs together, and you'd have my personal soundtrack.
If you had a personal soundtrack, what would be on your list? Here are a few tracks from mine (believe me, the list could go on and on):
"Kissing" by Bliss
"The Scientist" by Coldplay
"Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk
"Call On Me" - Eric Prydz vs. Retarded Funk Remix by Eric Prydz
"Fernando" by ABBA
"Stole" by Kelly Rowland
"Jump (For My Love)" by The Pointer Sisters
"Mr. Man" by Alicia Keys
"Goodbye Is All We Have" by Allison Krauss and Union Station
"Smoke" by Ben Folds Five
"Bootylicious" by Destiny's Child
"Winding Road" by Bonnie Sommerville
"Little Wing" by The Corrs
"Shine" by Cyndi Lauper
"Agnus Dei" by The Dale Warland Singers
"The Stone" by Dave Matthews Band
"Case of You" by Diana Krall
"Over My Head (Cable Car)" by The Fray
"Proud" by Heather Small
"Beautiful" by India.Arie
"The Truth" by India.Arie
"Naked As We Came" by Iron & Wine
"Sodom, South Georgia" by Iron & Wine
"Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight
"Home to Me" by Josh Kelley
"Cry Me A River" by Justin Timberlake
"Dreamer" by Ozzy Osbourne
"How Many Licks" by Li'l Kim
"Tu es mon autre" by Lara Fabian
"L'accordeoniste" by Edith Piaf
"Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera, Li'l Kim, Pink, and Mya
"What's Your Fantasy" by Ludacris
"In The Waiting Line" by Zero 7
"Do What You Have To Do" by Sarah McLachlan
"New Slang" by The Shins
"Me and Julio" by Simon & Garfunkel
"Strange" by Tori Amos
"Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve
"We're Going To Be Friends" by The White Stripes
Monday, January 09, 2006
I Heart Girl Talk
In the midst of all the puking and whatnot between myself and the Boy this weekend (we were both sick) we managed to have a great time on Friday night playing Girl Talk: Secret Diary Edition with my bestie Rachel. Having never played this game before and it being from the 80's, it provided some much needed laughs...
Imagine three 20-somethings sitting around a St. Paul apartment playing a game geared toward 1980's teenage girls with bad crimped hair and large puffy bangs, dressed in pastels. Funny, I know - but it was a blast, really! And the best part was that you could win "Hot Boy Cards" (at least that's what we called them) which had a picture of a boy and a description of him. They had the bad boy, the sensitive boy, the jock, the nerd... you catch my drift. I won Mitch, Cody, Michael, and Brad. They're so dreamy!
And at the end of the game, the winner got to read the embarrassing secrets that we each wrote down and put into the "Personal and Confidential" file at the beginning of the game... and believe me friends, there was one particular secret from the Boy that was VERY funny...
*** Just look at how much fun the girls are having on the cover of the game box... talk about fugly though... honestly, what were people thinking back then with their personal style choices? I'm not saying I was any better, but still... permed hair? And that sexy little pink sweater vest the girl on the right is wearing (probably with a pink paisley button down shirt underneath)? And the hot teal denim shirt the other girl is sporting with the matching teal bulb earrings?
H-O-T!!!***
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Dance Like Nobody's Watching
If you've ever watched the "Golden Girls" on a regular basis (in syndication on Lifetime every weekday from 5pm-6pm CST!), apparently all of life's problems can be fixed by sitting at the kitchen table and talking with your 4 elderly roommates. You can always find Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia gathered in the kitchen hashing out their problems at 2am. I, on the other hand, find it much more helpful to do the following:
"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." ~Mark Twain
The Boy and I do this on a regular basis. We find ourselves caught up in singing the theme to "Golden Girls" in a very low bass voice and then laughing ourselves silly afterwards, or dancing to classics like Ace of Base's "All That She Wants". It was a long process to woo the Boy into singing in front of me and for me to dance in front of him, but now it's not a problem. It makes all of my problems from the day disappear.
Dancing in any form - car dancing, in a club, or in the comfort of your own home - is one of the most liberating things a person can do. Dance it.
Love someone - anyone - everyone. Love can be contagious. Love it.
Sing at the top of your lungs in the car. Who cares if you get funny stares from other drivers? Sing it.
Live like today is your last day on earth. Smile and love your life. Live it.
We all have our problems from day to day. Try not to let them get you down. I posted earlier about hating my job. Its not a definite punishment - it will pass. Mark Twain was a smart man.
Boy on the Verge
I'm being whiny about my job today. This isn't a rare occurrence, but I flew off the handle this morning 5 minutes after I sat down at my desk because the company I work for is an evil corporation. So, here are "10 Reason Why I Hate My Job".
In no particular order...
[Imagine me shaking my fist angrily and shouting "ROTTEN!!!"]
10. I am the only person in the entire company that does what I do... the work load gets a little overwhelming... a LOT.
9. Total lack of communication between management and the "underdogs"... a.k.a. ME.
8. Stupid Aramark jacked up the prices in the vending machines AGAIN! I'm not going to pay $1.25 for a Dr. Pepper people!
7. Damn boxelder bugs... we have some sort of infestation here and they feel the need to do kamikaze dives into my face. Just die off already!
6. Second shift workers... in the words of Karen Walker, "Lordy, Lordy... look at all the freaks."
5. Coverage... when my sister is out, they make me cover for her and do her job... this puts me very far behind in my own work, and they wonder why we aren't getting paid by our customers!
4. Building maintenance... shoveling? What's that?! De-icing the sidewalks? No way Jose!!! We like to see the employees biff it on their way in and out of the building!
3. Pay... my pay sucks. I should be making substantially more that what I am making now... "He earns minor duckets at a thankless job".
2. No Year-End Bonus... we get nothing... no "thank you", no "good work", no money... nothing! I got a little jealous this year because all of my friends received bonuses ranging from $200-$1000...
1. People telling me to do things that aren't a part of my job... this is a regular occurrence and I must continuously remind my "slow" co-workers that it's not my job or problem to deal with.
There you have it... I'll try and stop whining now...
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Thankful, Part One
Ok, ok, ok. So I've been inspired by the posts and newspaper articles I've been reading, and I decided that perhaps it's time to put up my list of the "Things I am Thankful For In 2005/Best of 2005". So, in no particular order, here it goes friends!
My nephew, Luke: Luke turned 1 this last November and I have been so thankful for having him in my life. I am lucky and get to see him at least once every week (it's usually 2-3 times a week) and he brings the biggest smile to my face. He is such an entertaining little guy and most of our conversations include him saying "na-na", "ba-ba", and "da-da"... among other incoherent phrases.
The Boy: We met on October 1st, and we're still going strong. He has changed my life for the bettter since meeting him and I couldn't have asked for a better guy! He treats me like a prince and keeps me active in my old age... and he's just like me, which is scary sometimes, but a good scary.
New York City: I ventured to the Big Apple for the very first time this last year in August with my friend Missy. It was hotter than heck, but I still loved every minute of it! Highlights include buying hotdogs from Habib in Central Park and seeing the musical "Avenue Q" and seeing the puppet sex... believe me, once you see puppets having sex and the puppeteers making sex noises, you've seen everything.
Rachel Time: This consisted of watching Project Runway and hating Wendy Pepper AND watching Dancing With The Stars and hating Kelly Monaco whilst stuffing our faces with Chipotle, LeAnn Chin, the Ho, or Subway... oh, and occassionally compairing our stomach blubber and doing clay facial masks.
Easter 2005: I went to Kansas with my mom to visit my grandma, aunt and uncle. I have never spent Easter with my mom's family before and so I am thankful for that opportunity. Plus the Easter Bunny in Kansas puts cash in the eggs... I made out with $25! Woo!
Las Vegas: I went here in December with the Boy. It was our first out of state trip with each other. We were forced to spend every moment together (except for when I was hungover all day that Saturday), and we never got sick of each other...
Bertachel: This new fashion label was created this last year by Rachel and I. It's our future clothing line, which will be all the rage in a few years once we get it going. Our dream, our baby.
This is all so far folks, I'll try and think of some more later while I'm on the elliptical machine...
My nephew, Luke: Luke turned 1 this last November and I have been so thankful for having him in my life. I am lucky and get to see him at least once every week (it's usually 2-3 times a week) and he brings the biggest smile to my face. He is such an entertaining little guy and most of our conversations include him saying "na-na", "ba-ba", and "da-da"... among other incoherent phrases.
The Boy: We met on October 1st, and we're still going strong. He has changed my life for the bettter since meeting him and I couldn't have asked for a better guy! He treats me like a prince and keeps me active in my old age... and he's just like me, which is scary sometimes, but a good scary.
New York City: I ventured to the Big Apple for the very first time this last year in August with my friend Missy. It was hotter than heck, but I still loved every minute of it! Highlights include buying hotdogs from Habib in Central Park and seeing the musical "Avenue Q" and seeing the puppet sex... believe me, once you see puppets having sex and the puppeteers making sex noises, you've seen everything.
Rachel Time: This consisted of watching Project Runway and hating Wendy Pepper AND watching Dancing With The Stars and hating Kelly Monaco whilst stuffing our faces with Chipotle, LeAnn Chin, the Ho, or Subway... oh, and occassionally compairing our stomach blubber and doing clay facial masks.
Easter 2005: I went to Kansas with my mom to visit my grandma, aunt and uncle. I have never spent Easter with my mom's family before and so I am thankful for that opportunity. Plus the Easter Bunny in Kansas puts cash in the eggs... I made out with $25! Woo!
Las Vegas: I went here in December with the Boy. It was our first out of state trip with each other. We were forced to spend every moment together (except for when I was hungover all day that Saturday), and we never got sick of each other...
Bertachel: This new fashion label was created this last year by Rachel and I. It's our future clothing line, which will be all the rage in a few years once we get it going. Our dream, our baby.
This is all so far folks, I'll try and think of some more later while I'm on the elliptical machine...
Monday, January 02, 2006
R.I.P. iPod
Today is a sad, sad day for me. My beloved iPod, which has been in my possession for a mere 5 months, has died.
I had it connected to my computer and it was being updated by iTunes and being charged. At the same time my mom and I were installing a new light fixture in the bathroom, so she switched off the electricity to the whole house instead of just the bathroom, and it surged my iPod and completely fried it. I just now discovered it has passed on, and I'm super pissed... there's $325 I'll never see again!
R.I.P. My iPod that I bought in New York City at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. August 6th, 2005-January 2nd, 2006.
I had it connected to my computer and it was being updated by iTunes and being charged. At the same time my mom and I were installing a new light fixture in the bathroom, so she switched off the electricity to the whole house instead of just the bathroom, and it surged my iPod and completely fried it. I just now discovered it has passed on, and I'm super pissed... there's $325 I'll never see again!
R.I.P. My iPod that I bought in New York City at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. August 6th, 2005-January 2nd, 2006.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Miss D
I went out to dinner last night with the Boy and one of his girl friends, Drea. I was a little nervous to meet her, as I always am when I meet one of his friends for the first time. All I had been told about her is that she was Italian and somewhat upfront. This didn’t help my situation any, as I am very shy when I first meet someone and I didn’t want to give off the wrong impression.
The three of us met at Old Chicago for dinner. The Boy and I walked in the door and Drea had just arrived. The usual introductions were made, and so far, so good. I could tell I was going to like her company. We found a table in the bar area and ordered a much needed drink and deep dish pizza. After inhaling half of my Honeyweiss and a few slices of pizza, my nerves were finally starting to calm down and I could truly begin to appreciate my new acquaintance and the evening.
I began to loosen up and make more eye contact with Drea. Being shy straight off the bat is not a good thing to have to deal with. The longer you let it hold you back, the harder it is going to be to jump into the conversation and get to know someone. I began to speak more and throw in my two cents, and after a while, I was able to be myself.
Drea is one of the most fascinating people I have met in a long time. She is from Chicago and is here in Minnesota finishing Veterinary School at the U; however, she didn’t go to school here all four years. Prior to transferring to Minnesota, she spent 3 years in Grenada (in the Caribbean) – I never got around to asking her why she decided to come to the frozen tundra. She is now basically done with school and has found a job back in Chicago, so the Boy and I are going to help her move back to the Windy City in January. But I digress…
We got to talking about her experiences in vet school and how excited she is to move back to Chicago. We talked all about the neighborhoods the Boy and I were thinking of moving to when we move out there and which neighborhoods to avoid living in. All the talk about Chicago made me want to move there even more. The Boy kept using the phrase “when we move out there” with such confidence that it made the notion of us actually making this move together more real and that it’s actually going to happen. He wants to make the move with me and that made me feel so good.
We consumed more Schnapps and Honeyweiss, we laughed, we talked more, and I felt like I had known Drea for longer than the 2 or 3 hours that we had been sitting in Old Chicago. It was a comfortable setting.
The evening came to a close and we parted ways. Plans for New Years Eve were made, and we three are going to make filets and baked clams on Saturday night. It was great to meet someone who is so warm and full of life. I’m just sad that I didn’t get to meet her until three weeks before she moves to Chicago!
The three of us met at Old Chicago for dinner. The Boy and I walked in the door and Drea had just arrived. The usual introductions were made, and so far, so good. I could tell I was going to like her company. We found a table in the bar area and ordered a much needed drink and deep dish pizza. After inhaling half of my Honeyweiss and a few slices of pizza, my nerves were finally starting to calm down and I could truly begin to appreciate my new acquaintance and the evening.
I began to loosen up and make more eye contact with Drea. Being shy straight off the bat is not a good thing to have to deal with. The longer you let it hold you back, the harder it is going to be to jump into the conversation and get to know someone. I began to speak more and throw in my two cents, and after a while, I was able to be myself.
Drea is one of the most fascinating people I have met in a long time. She is from Chicago and is here in Minnesota finishing Veterinary School at the U; however, she didn’t go to school here all four years. Prior to transferring to Minnesota, she spent 3 years in Grenada (in the Caribbean) – I never got around to asking her why she decided to come to the frozen tundra. She is now basically done with school and has found a job back in Chicago, so the Boy and I are going to help her move back to the Windy City in January. But I digress…
We got to talking about her experiences in vet school and how excited she is to move back to Chicago. We talked all about the neighborhoods the Boy and I were thinking of moving to when we move out there and which neighborhoods to avoid living in. All the talk about Chicago made me want to move there even more. The Boy kept using the phrase “when we move out there” with such confidence that it made the notion of us actually making this move together more real and that it’s actually going to happen. He wants to make the move with me and that made me feel so good.
We consumed more Schnapps and Honeyweiss, we laughed, we talked more, and I felt like I had known Drea for longer than the 2 or 3 hours that we had been sitting in Old Chicago. It was a comfortable setting.
The evening came to a close and we parted ways. Plans for New Years Eve were made, and we three are going to make filets and baked clams on Saturday night. It was great to meet someone who is so warm and full of life. I’m just sad that I didn’t get to meet her until three weeks before she moves to Chicago!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
The Story of Us – A History of Two Best Friends
Reflecting upon another fabulous and hilarious night with my bestie Rachel, I felt compelled to write the story of how she and I became best friends. WARNING: This is lengthy… so try and keep up! :)
There I was, a freshman in college standing in Bjorling Recital Hall, wearing a heinous orange t-shirt, trying to resemble a rock quarry worker for the dress rehearsal of the Collegiate Chorus’ “The Flower That Shattered the Stone”. I was the last person in line waiting to get on stage, aimlessly looking around and wondering how the hell I had been talked into joining this strange ensemble. As I was beginning to imagine all the teasing I was going to endure from my friends after they saw this little musical, my thoughts were interrupted by an overly bouncy and perky Asian girl, who clearly possessed the personality like those residents from the North Side of campus. The North Side, known for their rambunctious “social activities” and partying, was very well known and I had never really associated with them. This crazy Asian surprisingly lived on the tranquil and sleepy South Side, but was obviously a wannabe North Sider. But all of my perceptions of North and South Side changed forever on that night I’ll keep locked in my heart forever… for that perky Asian who should have been from the North Side, evolved into my best friend.
***
I thought to myself, Lord, they are going to give me so much sh** for doing this musical… how am I ever going to live this down?! Just then a lovely and overly hyper Asian bounced on over to me and introduced herself as Rachel. Rachel and I were having a surprisingly pleasant conversation despite the clear differences in personality, and I think we were maybe five minutes into it when she discovered I speak French. Once this little tidbit was revealed, Rachel immediately stopped and said, “Oh my GOD! What does ‘Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir?’ mean?!” I was shy and kind played dumb at first, but then with some prodding revealed that it means “Will you sleep with me tonight?” We both laughed, and I’ll admit, by the end of the conversation, I had a bit of a crush.
The musical went off without a hitch. The main characters sang their parts beautifully, namely one Miss Ali, who had the lead role and nearly brought tears to my eyes every time I heard her sing “Make Them Hear You” from the musical “Ragtime”. Of course my friends sat in the front row and I couldn’t look at them for fear I’d burst out laughing, and I got my ample share of jabs and teasing from them, but they liked the show.
The last song was sung, the crowd cheered, and then there was the traditional gathering outside the recital hall where we could meet and greet the audience. I found my friends and was talking to them when I was sought out by Rachel and her friend Lisa. “Lisa, this is Rob; Rob this is Lisa. He’s my boy toy!” Mind you dear reader, that the words “boy toy” were not just spoken normally, but rather said with a musical touch and to add icing to the cake, Rachel accompanied this musical tribute with what is now deemed the “Boy Toy Jig”. Yes friends, she did a little dance. Imagine if you will a fully clothed burlesque dancer shaking her ta-ta’s and wiggling her body like a little wiggle worm… it was that classy… but it will forever remain etched in my memory as the first time I knew Rachel would be one of those special people in my life.
***
The year ended and I didn’t talk to Rachel over the summer. In fact, I didn’t talk to her until fall semester of sophomore year when I joined Chapel Choir. Walking up the stairs to the balcony in Christ Chapel, hearing the chatter and laughing of choir friends reuniting – there she was, as crazy as I remembered her. This year she lived on the North Side and had a new permed hair style, while I remained on the nerdy South Side with my former butt-part hair style.
Rachel and I began to hang out after choir when I was invited to eat dinner with her and her other choir cronies after rehearsal one evening. We found we complimented one another very well and surprisingly had a lot in common. I’m normally very shy when I first meet someone, but once you get to know me, I bloom like a flower and my true colors are revealed. It turned out I could be just as crazy as Rachel and the rest of the North Side.
We had become pretty good friends at this point and Rachel often traveled to the South Side (and I to the North Side) to visit and we would cause a ruckus in Sohre Hall – falling into garbage cans, shopping for man bras for a particular someone-who-shall-remain-nameless, and debating whether or not another particular someone-who-shall-remain-nameless would end up dating Marissa Kolander or be gay. Good times had by all!
Eventually, this friendship turned into romantic feelings and it all came full circle one November evening in Uhler Hall, while Rachel and I were visiting one of her friends nicknamed “Hobie”. We both had a little bit to drink – ok a lot to drink – and ended up sitting at the top of the stairwell outside Hobie’s room and our “feelings” were revealed. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination!
Our romantic relationship lasted 3 weeks and it was ended sitting outside the Courtyard Café a day or two before Thanksgiving Break. Let’s just say it didn’t end well, and Rachel and I didn’t speak to each other for the rest of the year, and all of junior year, except for one brief encounter just before the Gustavus Choir, which Rachel was now a member of, left for their tour of Italy for J-Term.
***
It was a cold January day our junior year. I had just returned from Paris and studying abroad for a semester, and I was at Gustavus visiting friends and wishing the choir happy trails as their buses were loading to head to the airport. Rachel and I bumped into each other and we said “hello” and I briefly told her about my study abroad experience and that they would have an amazing time in Rome. That was the extent of our communication junior year.
Fast forward to December of senior year – Rachel’s apartment in College View for a post Christmas in Christ Chapel party.
***
Another performance of “C in CC” under my belt – it was time to unwind and have some fun before it all started again the next day. It turned out that Rachel was having a “C in CC” choir party at her apartment, so I figured, eh, it can’t hurt. I’ll know lots of people there. I arrived and approached the “bar”, a.k.a. the kitchen counter, and Rachel was standing there pouring drinks and taking shots… being just as crazy and fun as I had always known. A conversation ensued that would reveal many, many secrets about our sophomore year relationship and the evil forces driving the break-up, and in a matter of minutes, a year and a half of bitterness and confusion ended and we were on speaking terms again. I felt great. It felt like I had my friend back.
From there on out, we hung out, went to the bar together, and we were able to rekindle that special bond we had before. For length reasons, I’m going to leave out some details, but since Rachel and I mended our relationship that December, we have become best friends and our bond has become so strong. We realized that we could never date again, for reasons that are now clear cut and obvious (namely because I’m gay!), but I couldn’t have asked for a better way to have it.
I could not have asked for a more faithful and loyal friend. We have persevered through so many trials and tribulations and we’re still standing by each other’s side. She and I are so much alike that it’s scary. We now claim that we’re twins that were separated at birth, except she stole all the Asian looks while we were still in the womb, and we found each other 20 years later at Gustavus…
So, if you’re still with me at this point, good job. And here’s to you, Rachel – may we always be best friends and Twins. Your friendship is highly valued. And cue Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings”…
Thus endeth the second sappy post in two days… LOL.
There I was, a freshman in college standing in Bjorling Recital Hall, wearing a heinous orange t-shirt, trying to resemble a rock quarry worker for the dress rehearsal of the Collegiate Chorus’ “The Flower That Shattered the Stone”. I was the last person in line waiting to get on stage, aimlessly looking around and wondering how the hell I had been talked into joining this strange ensemble. As I was beginning to imagine all the teasing I was going to endure from my friends after they saw this little musical, my thoughts were interrupted by an overly bouncy and perky Asian girl, who clearly possessed the personality like those residents from the North Side of campus. The North Side, known for their rambunctious “social activities” and partying, was very well known and I had never really associated with them. This crazy Asian surprisingly lived on the tranquil and sleepy South Side, but was obviously a wannabe North Sider. But all of my perceptions of North and South Side changed forever on that night I’ll keep locked in my heart forever… for that perky Asian who should have been from the North Side, evolved into my best friend.
***
I thought to myself, Lord, they are going to give me so much sh** for doing this musical… how am I ever going to live this down?! Just then a lovely and overly hyper Asian bounced on over to me and introduced herself as Rachel. Rachel and I were having a surprisingly pleasant conversation despite the clear differences in personality, and I think we were maybe five minutes into it when she discovered I speak French. Once this little tidbit was revealed, Rachel immediately stopped and said, “Oh my GOD! What does ‘Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir?’ mean?!” I was shy and kind played dumb at first, but then with some prodding revealed that it means “Will you sleep with me tonight?” We both laughed, and I’ll admit, by the end of the conversation, I had a bit of a crush.
The musical went off without a hitch. The main characters sang their parts beautifully, namely one Miss Ali, who had the lead role and nearly brought tears to my eyes every time I heard her sing “Make Them Hear You” from the musical “Ragtime”. Of course my friends sat in the front row and I couldn’t look at them for fear I’d burst out laughing, and I got my ample share of jabs and teasing from them, but they liked the show.
The last song was sung, the crowd cheered, and then there was the traditional gathering outside the recital hall where we could meet and greet the audience. I found my friends and was talking to them when I was sought out by Rachel and her friend Lisa. “Lisa, this is Rob; Rob this is Lisa. He’s my boy toy!” Mind you dear reader, that the words “boy toy” were not just spoken normally, but rather said with a musical touch and to add icing to the cake, Rachel accompanied this musical tribute with what is now deemed the “Boy Toy Jig”. Yes friends, she did a little dance. Imagine if you will a fully clothed burlesque dancer shaking her ta-ta’s and wiggling her body like a little wiggle worm… it was that classy… but it will forever remain etched in my memory as the first time I knew Rachel would be one of those special people in my life.
***
The year ended and I didn’t talk to Rachel over the summer. In fact, I didn’t talk to her until fall semester of sophomore year when I joined Chapel Choir. Walking up the stairs to the balcony in Christ Chapel, hearing the chatter and laughing of choir friends reuniting – there she was, as crazy as I remembered her. This year she lived on the North Side and had a new permed hair style, while I remained on the nerdy South Side with my former butt-part hair style.
Rachel and I began to hang out after choir when I was invited to eat dinner with her and her other choir cronies after rehearsal one evening. We found we complimented one another very well and surprisingly had a lot in common. I’m normally very shy when I first meet someone, but once you get to know me, I bloom like a flower and my true colors are revealed. It turned out I could be just as crazy as Rachel and the rest of the North Side.
We had become pretty good friends at this point and Rachel often traveled to the South Side (and I to the North Side) to visit and we would cause a ruckus in Sohre Hall – falling into garbage cans, shopping for man bras for a particular someone-who-shall-remain-nameless, and debating whether or not another particular someone-who-shall-remain-nameless would end up dating Marissa Kolander or be gay. Good times had by all!
Eventually, this friendship turned into romantic feelings and it all came full circle one November evening in Uhler Hall, while Rachel and I were visiting one of her friends nicknamed “Hobie”. We both had a little bit to drink – ok a lot to drink – and ended up sitting at the top of the stairwell outside Hobie’s room and our “feelings” were revealed. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination!
Our romantic relationship lasted 3 weeks and it was ended sitting outside the Courtyard Café a day or two before Thanksgiving Break. Let’s just say it didn’t end well, and Rachel and I didn’t speak to each other for the rest of the year, and all of junior year, except for one brief encounter just before the Gustavus Choir, which Rachel was now a member of, left for their tour of Italy for J-Term.
***
It was a cold January day our junior year. I had just returned from Paris and studying abroad for a semester, and I was at Gustavus visiting friends and wishing the choir happy trails as their buses were loading to head to the airport. Rachel and I bumped into each other and we said “hello” and I briefly told her about my study abroad experience and that they would have an amazing time in Rome. That was the extent of our communication junior year.
Fast forward to December of senior year – Rachel’s apartment in College View for a post Christmas in Christ Chapel party.
***
Another performance of “C in CC” under my belt – it was time to unwind and have some fun before it all started again the next day. It turned out that Rachel was having a “C in CC” choir party at her apartment, so I figured, eh, it can’t hurt. I’ll know lots of people there. I arrived and approached the “bar”, a.k.a. the kitchen counter, and Rachel was standing there pouring drinks and taking shots… being just as crazy and fun as I had always known. A conversation ensued that would reveal many, many secrets about our sophomore year relationship and the evil forces driving the break-up, and in a matter of minutes, a year and a half of bitterness and confusion ended and we were on speaking terms again. I felt great. It felt like I had my friend back.
From there on out, we hung out, went to the bar together, and we were able to rekindle that special bond we had before. For length reasons, I’m going to leave out some details, but since Rachel and I mended our relationship that December, we have become best friends and our bond has become so strong. We realized that we could never date again, for reasons that are now clear cut and obvious (namely because I’m gay!), but I couldn’t have asked for a better way to have it.
I could not have asked for a more faithful and loyal friend. We have persevered through so many trials and tribulations and we’re still standing by each other’s side. She and I are so much alike that it’s scary. We now claim that we’re twins that were separated at birth, except she stole all the Asian looks while we were still in the womb, and we found each other 20 years later at Gustavus…
So, if you’re still with me at this point, good job. And here’s to you, Rachel – may we always be best friends and Twins. Your friendship is highly valued. And cue Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings”…
Thus endeth the second sappy post in two days… LOL.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Feels Like Home
The Boy and I got to talking about Chicago last night while making dinner at his apartment, and we’ve come to the conclusion that we both want to move there. Chicago is a beautiful and bustling metropolis filled with excitement, entertainment galore, and good people. We’d fit in perfectly and it is a good possibility that at this time next year, we’ll be living there.
Though we talked about a lot of different topics, our talk last night was one of those talks that made me stop and realize just how important the Boy is in my life and how happy he makes me. There are some things in life that you are so unsure about, but when something or someone comes along in life that makes you smile all day thinking about them, or makes you want to climb to the top of the highest mountain and preach your love for them to the world – that’s just wonderful.
I don’t think I have ever felt so sure of anything for quite some time. I’ve come a long way since graduating from college, and the Boy has helped me through a lot since we started dating. I’m sure you’re probably getting sick of me gushing about him, but just know this – for those of you who know me, the Boy has made me the happiest I’ve been in a long time and he’s gone above and beyond all of my expectations. I just hope I’m doing the same for him.
So I’ll close this post with a quote from the genius musings of one Miss Carrie Bradshaw from the final episode of “Sex and the City”:
“…I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic; those that are old and familiar; those that bring up lots of questions; those that bring you somewhere unexpected; those that bring you far from where you started; and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you, you love - well, that's just fabulous.”
Though we talked about a lot of different topics, our talk last night was one of those talks that made me stop and realize just how important the Boy is in my life and how happy he makes me. There are some things in life that you are so unsure about, but when something or someone comes along in life that makes you smile all day thinking about them, or makes you want to climb to the top of the highest mountain and preach your love for them to the world – that’s just wonderful.
I don’t think I have ever felt so sure of anything for quite some time. I’ve come a long way since graduating from college, and the Boy has helped me through a lot since we started dating. I’m sure you’re probably getting sick of me gushing about him, but just know this – for those of you who know me, the Boy has made me the happiest I’ve been in a long time and he’s gone above and beyond all of my expectations. I just hope I’m doing the same for him.
So I’ll close this post with a quote from the genius musings of one Miss Carrie Bradshaw from the final episode of “Sex and the City”:
“…I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic; those that are old and familiar; those that bring up lots of questions; those that bring you somewhere unexpected; those that bring you far from where you started; and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you, you love - well, that's just fabulous.”
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Aaaand cue Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye...
Another Christmas has come and gone! I finally got into the spirit of the season on Christmas morning when I saw all of our stockings had been filled to the brim by “Santa”. I felt like a little kid again because I couldn’t wait to see what I got… and then I was tortured by having to wait all day to get to open my gifts. I got a lot of great things this year, and as usual, my mom was in tune with her children’s wants and needs for presents. So, I’m giving props to my mom for another fabulous Christmas!
I enjoyed Christmas immensely this year, as we did it in a little bit different form at my mom’s. Normally we have a nice brunch in the morning with the whole family and open our presents and stockings; however, none of my siblings could make it over to the matriarch’s abode until Christmas afternoon - so we still had the extended family over for brunch, and then it was just my mom and her 4 kids, 1 grandkid, my sister’s husband, my brother’s fiancée, and a partridge in a pear tree for Christmas afternoon.
The siblings arrived around 3pm, and we opened presents and stockings and ate some food. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company… it was just a nice intimate setting and you could feel the love circulating about the room. I felt like Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen should be popping up in our living room singing “White Christmas”. Overall, it was a nice thing to have that day, and it made me realize just how much I love and appreciate the family I have.
So, here’s a belated Merry Christmas to everyone – I hope your holiday was everything you hoped for!
I enjoyed Christmas immensely this year, as we did it in a little bit different form at my mom’s. Normally we have a nice brunch in the morning with the whole family and open our presents and stockings; however, none of my siblings could make it over to the matriarch’s abode until Christmas afternoon - so we still had the extended family over for brunch, and then it was just my mom and her 4 kids, 1 grandkid, my sister’s husband, my brother’s fiancée, and a partridge in a pear tree for Christmas afternoon.
The siblings arrived around 3pm, and we opened presents and stockings and ate some food. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company… it was just a nice intimate setting and you could feel the love circulating about the room. I felt like Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen should be popping up in our living room singing “White Christmas”. Overall, it was a nice thing to have that day, and it made me realize just how much I love and appreciate the family I have.
So, here’s a belated Merry Christmas to everyone – I hope your holiday was everything you hoped for!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wanted: Christmas Spirit
Is it me or did the Christmas season sneak up on us all too quickly? I am not really in the Christmas spirit yet, which is sad because it’s about 2 days away now and I should be shaking my presents under the tree trying to figure out if I’m getting clothes or… clothes.
I think it’s the fact that I’m a big boy now and I’m making my contribution to society by working at a thankless job. It doesn’t allow time to get in the spirit… It’s not like the good old days when you’d get 2-3 weeks off from school to recuperate, play in the snow, and tear open your presents, acting surprised that your parents got you that Nintendo (even though you knew that’s what you were getting because you snooped around in their closet while they were gone one day). And the presents – I know it’s about the giving and not the receiving, but now that I’m an adult, the gifts I get from family aren’t as thrilling anymore. I think things started going downhill when I turned 18. When your dad accidentally gives your little brother a Christmas present that was intended for you, leaving you present-less with no gifts to open, it makes enjoying receiving presents a little less fun. This actually happened to me a few years ago, but I ended up getting $80 in cash from my dad to replace the unpleasantness… :) Ever since then, my dad’s gifts have been minimal, and we get cash. A little impersonal, but hey, at least I can get something I actually want!
Speaking of giving gifts, I have already bought most of my gifts for everyone… this is a rare occurrence, so take note! I only have to buy my future sister-in-law a whimsical snowman cake plate from Marshall Fields, a knife set (who buys knives as a gift?! Apparently I do...) for my mom, and I have one or two more things to buy the Boy. Though I know what I need to buy and where to buy it, it’s now a matter of me getting to those places, shoving women, children, and the elderly out of my way so I can get to my purchases quickly and maintain my sanity. I’ve only had to flip someone off and mouth f*** you once this season while driving near a mall! I’m doing great!
I think it’s the fact that I’m a big boy now and I’m making my contribution to society by working at a thankless job. It doesn’t allow time to get in the spirit… It’s not like the good old days when you’d get 2-3 weeks off from school to recuperate, play in the snow, and tear open your presents, acting surprised that your parents got you that Nintendo (even though you knew that’s what you were getting because you snooped around in their closet while they were gone one day). And the presents – I know it’s about the giving and not the receiving, but now that I’m an adult, the gifts I get from family aren’t as thrilling anymore. I think things started going downhill when I turned 18. When your dad accidentally gives your little brother a Christmas present that was intended for you, leaving you present-less with no gifts to open, it makes enjoying receiving presents a little less fun. This actually happened to me a few years ago, but I ended up getting $80 in cash from my dad to replace the unpleasantness… :) Ever since then, my dad’s gifts have been minimal, and we get cash. A little impersonal, but hey, at least I can get something I actually want!
Speaking of giving gifts, I have already bought most of my gifts for everyone… this is a rare occurrence, so take note! I only have to buy my future sister-in-law a whimsical snowman cake plate from Marshall Fields, a knife set (who buys knives as a gift?! Apparently I do...) for my mom, and I have one or two more things to buy the Boy. Though I know what I need to buy and where to buy it, it’s now a matter of me getting to those places, shoving women, children, and the elderly out of my way so I can get to my purchases quickly and maintain my sanity. I’ve only had to flip someone off and mouth f*** you once this season while driving near a mall! I’m doing great!
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