And you can't be in Washington DC without seeing some political figures. But I'm pretty sure our forefathers didn't see this coming...
Monday, July 24, 2006
Weekend in Washington
I've been to many professional baseball parks in my travels and this past weekend found me in our nation's capital, visiting Jada, my sister J and, of course, catching a few Cubs games at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
And you can't be in Washington DC without seeing some political figures. But I'm pretty sure our forefathers didn't see this coming...
And you can't be in Washington DC without seeing some political figures. But I'm pretty sure our forefathers didn't see this coming...
Friday, July 21, 2006
On the road (?) again
In one of my favorite movies, "It's a Wonderful Life," Jimmy Stewart's character wistfully details his future, one he envisions will include travel to exotic destinations. George tells Uncle Billy, "the three most exciting sounds are plane motors, anchor chains, and train whistles."I couldn't agree more! Nothing puts me in a better mood than knowing I'm going on a trip.
Funny thing is, I've got so many trips planned for the next few months that I had to remember which airline I'm flying and out of which airport I'm leaving for my trip TODAY!!! Yep, I'm off to the East Coast where I'll visit Jada and my "Sister J" and, um, okay, so I'm going to two Cubs/Nationals games too! You knew THAT was happening.
I bought the game tickets months ago, before I ever met The Announcer (for the Nationals). But, yes, I did call and let him know I'd be in town. He sounded pleased, so we'll see. Hopefully, he can meet us for drinks tonight.
But what REALLY made my heart beat a bit faster today was the booking I made for my annual birthday trip in November. We have a precarious situation at my office currently, one that would prevent any normal human being from planning a disappearance. But, hey, this is me! and travel is a big part of who I am, so damned! I was defininitely going...somewhere!
For the past five years, I've been fortunate enough to be able to celebrate my birthday in another city, usually another country. It's totally hedonistic and I love it! Originally, the plan was to travel to new and exciting places every year without seeing the same country twice, at least until I'd seen every continent.
And then I went to Australia.
Unless you've been there, there is no way to explain the love affair I have with the land Down Under. The Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne. I can't help but smile when I think of my old friends, having visited them three or four times in the past six years.
I'm always home in time for Thanksgiving, and that's where it gets tricky. I try to use frequent flier miles for my birthday trips (who wants to pay for their own birthday??), but the freebies are severely limited and snatched up very quickly. So, when Erin of United's award travel told me that she could get me on flights to take me to and from Sydney, I wanted to crawl through the phone line and hug her!
Happy Friday everybody!!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
It's a look
My hair is getting pretty long. Actually, it's longer than its been in years. Celebrating this burst of cranial protein, I flat-ironed my hair yesterday. It's just something I do occasionally when I'm bored and I'd like a different look. Of course when I did it, I didn't realize that I'd uncovered my alter-ego...
Monday, July 10, 2006
Solitary Confinement
Yep folks, it was strep throat and for about two days, I was locked up. That's never a good thing for me. Makes me crazy.
On Thursday, I almost drowned in my own saliva because it hurt too bad to swallow. My wonderful doctor gave me some drugs, including a prescription for amoxycillin (sp?).
Okay, answer me this: if I can't even swallow my own spit, how I am expected to choke down this horse pill?? The answer? My answer for everything - - ice cream! My dad would've been proud to see me pulverizing a pill. I then sprinkled said drug on vanilla ice cream, added orange juice and VOILA! an amped-up dreamsicle!
After sleeping for no less than 11 hours, I awoke on Friday and COULD SWALLOW!!!! Okay, the throat was still sore, but solid food was no longer the enemy. Question of the day: does anyone know what Alexander Fleming was famous for?*
Sitting at home wallowing in my misery, I got a bit cranky (hard to believe, I know!!) and toyed with the idea of getting all dressed up and going out, spreading the joy of strep throat. Specifically, I planned to hook up with ex-boyfriends and play tonsil-hockey for a while and then merrily go on my way to the next victim. A modern day Typhoid Mary! Fortunately, I had not taken the other drugs yet, or else the trouble REALLY would've started.
The other drug my doctor prescribed was steroids. I wanted to say, "Hey doc, I'm not in the lineup today, what's with the juice?" She explained that the steroids would bring down the chipmunk-like swelling in my throat. The side effects she mentioned were hunger, sleep disruptions and possible depression. Little did she know...
I discovered a few other side effects when I went to bed on Friday. I set my alarm clock so that I didn't sleep all day on Saturday. I can't even explain why I set the alarm when I had nowhere to go and nothing to do on Saturday. Anyway, when I awoke to no alarm and checked the settings, I realized that I had set the alarm to wake me up Saturday NIGHT!
Steroid side effect #1: stupidity.
Saturday was so beautiful and warm that I wanted to get some sun, so I pulled on a bikini and trotted up to the rooftop deck where I knew I'd be alone. Everyone else has freedom!!! Everyone else is at.the.beach! Half asleep in the sun, I noticed that my tall, dark-haired, cute Irish neighbor had taken a spot about 10 feet away from me on the deck. A smile crept across my face as the fantasies began.
Steroid side effect #2: horniness.
In light of those two interactions, I guess it's probably a good thing I was quarantined.
*Oh, I forgot! My hero, Alexander Fleming, was a Scottish scientist who discovered penicillin in 1928. Why we won't have a worldwide holiday in his honor is beyond me!
On Thursday, I almost drowned in my own saliva because it hurt too bad to swallow. My wonderful doctor gave me some drugs, including a prescription for amoxycillin (sp?).
Okay, answer me this: if I can't even swallow my own spit, how I am expected to choke down this horse pill?? The answer? My answer for everything - - ice cream! My dad would've been proud to see me pulverizing a pill. I then sprinkled said drug on vanilla ice cream, added orange juice and VOILA! an amped-up dreamsicle!
After sleeping for no less than 11 hours, I awoke on Friday and COULD SWALLOW!!!! Okay, the throat was still sore, but solid food was no longer the enemy. Question of the day: does anyone know what Alexander Fleming was famous for?*
Sitting at home wallowing in my misery, I got a bit cranky (hard to believe, I know!!) and toyed with the idea of getting all dressed up and going out, spreading the joy of strep throat. Specifically, I planned to hook up with ex-boyfriends and play tonsil-hockey for a while and then merrily go on my way to the next victim. A modern day Typhoid Mary! Fortunately, I had not taken the other drugs yet, or else the trouble REALLY would've started.
The other drug my doctor prescribed was steroids. I wanted to say, "Hey doc, I'm not in the lineup today, what's with the juice?" She explained that the steroids would bring down the chipmunk-like swelling in my throat. The side effects she mentioned were hunger, sleep disruptions and possible depression. Little did she know...
I discovered a few other side effects when I went to bed on Friday. I set my alarm clock so that I didn't sleep all day on Saturday. I can't even explain why I set the alarm when I had nowhere to go and nothing to do on Saturday. Anyway, when I awoke to no alarm and checked the settings, I realized that I had set the alarm to wake me up Saturday NIGHT!
Steroid side effect #1: stupidity.
Saturday was so beautiful and warm that I wanted to get some sun, so I pulled on a bikini and trotted up to the rooftop deck where I knew I'd be alone. Everyone else has freedom!!! Everyone else is at.the.beach! Half asleep in the sun, I noticed that my tall, dark-haired, cute Irish neighbor had taken a spot about 10 feet away from me on the deck. A smile crept across my face as the fantasies began.
Steroid side effect #2: horniness.
In light of those two interactions, I guess it's probably a good thing I was quarantined.
*Oh, I forgot! My hero, Alexander Fleming, was a Scottish scientist who discovered penicillin in 1928. Why we won't have a worldwide holiday in his honor is beyond me!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Fire in the hole
Daggers. Hundreds of them. They sit poised just between the jagged shards of glass and just behind the pools of fiery gasoline that line my vocal cords. My body tenses to absorb the explosion of torture that comes with every swallow.
Sleep is not an option.
Is this what strep throat feels like?
I'll find out this afternoon.
Wish me luck.
Sleep is not an option.
Is this what strep throat feels like?
I'll find out this afternoon.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Belly lint??
On one of our rare sunny days recently, I threw on a bikini, packed up a mini-chair, book, radio and some sunscreen and trudged the two flights of stairs up to the roof of my building in search of a tan. Knowing I would get hungry the moment I finished applying sunscreen, I also packed a granola bar and a bottle of water. Smart, huh?
Reclining into my green sun chair, I crunched into the granola bar and was a bit embarrassed to see a tiny crumb of granola roll down my chest and disappear into the canyon of my belly button. I have to say that the "navel" is an area of the body that's always grossed me out. It's the leftover knot where once a life-giving hose was attached. Needless to say, I really didn't want to have to go digging in this mysterious crevice for a miniscule food item.
Not to attract the attention of my fellow sunbathers, I remained in the reclining position and brushed my hand down my belly in an attempt to dislodge the offending item. The crumb flew up in the air momentarily and then immediately disappeared once again...kind of like an ant on a trampoline.
After a few minutes of unsuccessful (but highly entertaining) brushing, I rolled over to my side and out skipping the bit of granola. At the same time, the sun went behind some newly arrived clouds and my fun in the sun was over.
I tried to avoid the concerned look of my neighboring sunbather as I quickly collected my belongings and retreated to my apartment for the evening.
Reclining into my green sun chair, I crunched into the granola bar and was a bit embarrassed to see a tiny crumb of granola roll down my chest and disappear into the canyon of my belly button. I have to say that the "navel" is an area of the body that's always grossed me out. It's the leftover knot where once a life-giving hose was attached. Needless to say, I really didn't want to have to go digging in this mysterious crevice for a miniscule food item.
Not to attract the attention of my fellow sunbathers, I remained in the reclining position and brushed my hand down my belly in an attempt to dislodge the offending item. The crumb flew up in the air momentarily and then immediately disappeared once again...kind of like an ant on a trampoline.
After a few minutes of unsuccessful (but highly entertaining) brushing, I rolled over to my side and out skipping the bit of granola. At the same time, the sun went behind some newly arrived clouds and my fun in the sun was over.
I tried to avoid the concerned look of my neighboring sunbather as I quickly collected my belongings and retreated to my apartment for the evening.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Bulls-eye
I'm sitting here at my desk with my mouth hanging open and staring at one of the TVs in our lobby.
The reason for my shock?
A manager for the Sears Tower (my office location) has just said that the Sears Tower is no more a target than any other building in the city or the country.
Um, what?!?!?!
So, why did the FBI just arrest a bunch of hoodlums in Miami who were trying to concoct a plan to blow up my place of business??
Let me guess...These goofballs held a meeting in their Florida warehouse where they randomly pulled out a map of the US, closed their eyes, spun around a few times and blindly pointed to the Sears Tower?!?!?
Kind of a terrorist pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.
CNN just featured some high-level flunkee from the Sears Tower management office who stated that our security is the "best in the business." (You'd think he was running for office!)
This crack security team is the same group of folks who recently trashed a local restaurant's food cart when they tried to make a delivery in the building but doesn't bat an eye when my outsdoorsy colleagues carry in several highly flammable cooktops for camping.
I carry a backpack and a purse to work every morning. I usually place the backpack on the conveyor belt so that the security guard can scan it (if he's looking at the screen and not chatting with a coworker). THEY DON'T SCAN MY PURSE....EVER!
Yep, just gives you that warm and cozy feeling of safety, don't it???
The reason for my shock?
A manager for the Sears Tower (my office location) has just said that the Sears Tower is no more a target than any other building in the city or the country.
Um, what?!?!?!
So, why did the FBI just arrest a bunch of hoodlums in Miami who were trying to concoct a plan to blow up my place of business??
Let me guess...These goofballs held a meeting in their Florida warehouse where they randomly pulled out a map of the US, closed their eyes, spun around a few times and blindly pointed to the Sears Tower?!?!?
Kind of a terrorist pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.
CNN just featured some high-level flunkee from the Sears Tower management office who stated that our security is the "best in the business." (You'd think he was running for office!)
This crack security team is the same group of folks who recently trashed a local restaurant's food cart when they tried to make a delivery in the building but doesn't bat an eye when my outsdoorsy colleagues carry in several highly flammable cooktops for camping.
I carry a backpack and a purse to work every morning. I usually place the backpack on the conveyor belt so that the security guard can scan it (if he's looking at the screen and not chatting with a coworker). THEY DON'T SCAN MY PURSE....EVER!
Yep, just gives you that warm and cozy feeling of safety, don't it???
Monday, June 19, 2006
Crumbs to a starving person
"I'm glad you handled everything."
I had to hold onto the corner of a desk to keep from falling down when one of our bosses said this to me today, the first day of a local conference at which my company exhibits. This guy has been here for over two years, but is just NOW learning some of the many reasons that I am a valuable employee (any why our new CEO is thrilled that I still work here after eight years).
The Exhibitors' Handbook instructed participants to send all of their conference materials to a conference services company, located about an hour away in the far northwest suburbs.
Our company, however, is located about a mile from the conference site, a veritable hop, skip and a jump away.
I dutifully ignored the silly, unnecessarily expensive shipping instructions and sent our materials directly the show site via a local messenger service.
Why was this a stroke of genius?
1) shipping costs will be approximately one-third to one-quarter of those from the conference services company, and
2) our materials arrived on site in one complete shipment unlike one of our competitor's materials, which were somehow shipped to Milwaukee!!!
Music to my ears!
I had to hold onto the corner of a desk to keep from falling down when one of our bosses said this to me today, the first day of a local conference at which my company exhibits. This guy has been here for over two years, but is just NOW learning some of the many reasons that I am a valuable employee (any why our new CEO is thrilled that I still work here after eight years).
The Exhibitors' Handbook instructed participants to send all of their conference materials to a conference services company, located about an hour away in the far northwest suburbs.
Our company, however, is located about a mile from the conference site, a veritable hop, skip and a jump away.
I dutifully ignored the silly, unnecessarily expensive shipping instructions and sent our materials directly the show site via a local messenger service.
Why was this a stroke of genius?
1) shipping costs will be approximately one-third to one-quarter of those from the conference services company, and
2) our materials arrived on site in one complete shipment unlike one of our competitor's materials, which were somehow shipped to Milwaukee!!!
Music to my ears!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Slow sports day
What's going on over at ESPN??? Since I work in an international company, we've been watching World Cup Soccer. Okay, the "foreigners" are watching and the Americans are enjoying a diversion from internet surfing.
First off, what the HELL, US team!?!?!? You guys looked like shit! Getting beat, 3-0 in the first round?!?!? We shoulda sent the Chicago Fire! I hear they're pretty good.
I left the televisions on ESPN after the soccer game (mostly because I was busy doing actual WORK, believe it or not!) and when I looked up, ESPN was broadcasting...get ready for this...CHAMPIONSHIP DOMINOES! No kidding! We didn't have the sound on, so I couldn't hear any of the commentary, but it appeared that the teams were made up of four black men.
Did R. Kelly finally get a new hobby?
First off, what the HELL, US team!?!?!? You guys looked like shit! Getting beat, 3-0 in the first round?!?!? We shoulda sent the Chicago Fire! I hear they're pretty good.
I left the televisions on ESPN after the soccer game (mostly because I was busy doing actual WORK, believe it or not!) and when I looked up, ESPN was broadcasting...get ready for this...CHAMPIONSHIP DOMINOES! No kidding! We didn't have the sound on, so I couldn't hear any of the commentary, but it appeared that the teams were made up of four black men.
Did R. Kelly finally get a new hobby?
15 seconds of fame, again
Yep, that's me you're seeing on our public television station in Chicago. According to one viewer/colleague in my office, I am now a celebrity.
Well, I don't know about that.
I think it was last year, I'm not sure. Anyway, I was standing in front of Wrigley Field before a Cubs game (rare occasion, I know) and some guy from Channel 11 came up to me and asked me if I wanted to do a station ID.
Those of you that know me know how shy I am. Wait, wait...I have to stop laughing so I can type this...
Anyway, I watch public television from time to time, so I knew what he was talking about when he asked about the station ID. They appear at the "top of the hour" and usually feature one or two Chicagoans doing whatever (selling hot dogs, delivering newspapers, waiting to buy Cubs tickets) who look at the camera and say, "Hi, I'm ..... You're watching Channel 11, WTTW Chicago" or something to that effect.
When my station ID started appearing last year, I was approached by random people who recognized me. It was pretty weird. The security guard from the building where I work saw the station ID, my aunt who was visiting from Florida saw it (and hence my mom), an ex-boyfriend saw it.
Wonder who will see me this year?
Well, I don't know about that.
I think it was last year, I'm not sure. Anyway, I was standing in front of Wrigley Field before a Cubs game (rare occasion, I know) and some guy from Channel 11 came up to me and asked me if I wanted to do a station ID.
Those of you that know me know how shy I am. Wait, wait...I have to stop laughing so I can type this...
Anyway, I watch public television from time to time, so I knew what he was talking about when he asked about the station ID. They appear at the "top of the hour" and usually feature one or two Chicagoans doing whatever (selling hot dogs, delivering newspapers, waiting to buy Cubs tickets) who look at the camera and say, "Hi, I'm ..... You're watching Channel 11, WTTW Chicago" or something to that effect.
When my station ID started appearing last year, I was approached by random people who recognized me. It was pretty weird. The security guard from the building where I work saw the station ID, my aunt who was visiting from Florida saw it (and hence my mom), an ex-boyfriend saw it.
Wonder who will see me this year?
Friday, June 09, 2006
Next!
It seems as though my social dance card is once again empty...or at least the pickings are VERY slim. Let's review:
The Announcer
After meeting him at a Cubs game several weeks ago and receiving an invitation to meet him in Milwaukee soon after, I never heard from him again. However, I had already purchased tickets to the Cubs/Nationals game in DC in July, so I'm weighing my options on whether or not to call him before I arrive in DC.
Status: Acquaintances, if that.
The Editor
Having met him for dinner, drinks and an unexpected goodnight kiss, I wasn't particularly surprised to find that he was looking for a date for an upcoming wedding. I have no interest in him as a friend much less as a potential date, so I politely declined the invitation.
Status: Dead in the water as far as I'm concerned.
Dancing Lawyer
He's been out of town the past few weekends, but he's managed to keep in touch via cell phone even when I was in St. Louis. If I could surgically remove several wonderful features of the Dancing Lawyer (good job, attentiveness, good manners) and insert them into an older, more sophisticated, more attractive, more wordly man - what a catch that would be!!!
Status: Terminal.
Flight Attendant
Quite possibly the worst would-be boyfriend (even if he didn't live out of town). Invited me to a Cubs game waaaayy in advance and then didn't contact me AT ALL until one hour (!) before said game! Uh, yeah, right! Since then, he's texted me a few times when he watching a Cubs game and he thinks I might be too. Too much work on my part for too little return. And he's not that cute.
Status: Not worth more than an occasional text, if that! DOA.
In light of this, I've decided to jump into summer with both feet and be EVERYWHERE! (Okay, even if Mother Nature isn't quite cooperating with her crappy 60s and 70s-ish weather!!!). So far, the activities include:
- a graduate school grad party tonight with FC2
- a day of volunteer service tomorrow (also with FC2) that should include painting and or planting stuff.
- bleacher seats for a Cubs night game on Wednesday.
- corporate outing at Arlington Park Racecourse in a few weeks.
- bar-b-q at Violet's place next week.
- volunteer bartending job for one night at a HUGE street festival in July.
- beach volleyball on Wednesday nights.
With all of that people-meeting, I hope my dance card won't be empty for long! Anybody wanna join me??
The Announcer
After meeting him at a Cubs game several weeks ago and receiving an invitation to meet him in Milwaukee soon after, I never heard from him again. However, I had already purchased tickets to the Cubs/Nationals game in DC in July, so I'm weighing my options on whether or not to call him before I arrive in DC.
Status: Acquaintances, if that.
The Editor
Having met him for dinner, drinks and an unexpected goodnight kiss, I wasn't particularly surprised to find that he was looking for a date for an upcoming wedding. I have no interest in him as a friend much less as a potential date, so I politely declined the invitation.
Status: Dead in the water as far as I'm concerned.
Dancing Lawyer
He's been out of town the past few weekends, but he's managed to keep in touch via cell phone even when I was in St. Louis. If I could surgically remove several wonderful features of the Dancing Lawyer (good job, attentiveness, good manners) and insert them into an older, more sophisticated, more attractive, more wordly man - what a catch that would be!!!
Status: Terminal.
Flight Attendant
Quite possibly the worst would-be boyfriend (even if he didn't live out of town). Invited me to a Cubs game waaaayy in advance and then didn't contact me AT ALL until one hour (!) before said game! Uh, yeah, right! Since then, he's texted me a few times when he watching a Cubs game and he thinks I might be too. Too much work on my part for too little return. And he's not that cute.
Status: Not worth more than an occasional text, if that! DOA.
In light of this, I've decided to jump into summer with both feet and be EVERYWHERE! (Okay, even if Mother Nature isn't quite cooperating with her crappy 60s and 70s-ish weather!!!). So far, the activities include:
- a graduate school grad party tonight with FC2
- a day of volunteer service tomorrow (also with FC2) that should include painting and or planting stuff.
- bleacher seats for a Cubs night game on Wednesday.
- corporate outing at Arlington Park Racecourse in a few weeks.
- bar-b-q at Violet's place next week.
- volunteer bartending job for one night at a HUGE street festival in July.
- beach volleyball on Wednesday nights.
With all of that people-meeting, I hope my dance card won't be empty for long! Anybody wanna join me??
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Monday, June 05, 2006
In enemy territory without reinforcements
On a whim, I decided to roadtrip to St. Louis and support my Cubs in their efforts against the rat-bastard Cardinals. Keep in mind that my boys are languishing in fifth place while St. Louis sits atop the division.
Here is my weekend, by the numbers:
300 - number of miles between Chicago and St. Louis.
3.5 - number of hours it took me to get to St. Louis on Saturday morning
0 - number of speeding tickets received (whew!)
2 - number of games my Cubs took from the Cardinals (of a 3-game series YAY!)
4 - number of blocks from the new Busch Stadium my hotel was located
3 - number of drinks offered to me by locals
65 - age of first St. Louis man I met (investment banker who drives a pickup truck...seriously!)
5 - number of Chicago Cubs personnel I met while at dinner Saturday night (including Dusty Baker, Ryan Dempster, Glendon Rusch, Derrek Lee and Jacque Jones)
11 - time of evening that Dancing Lawyer called me after I texted him about Cubs encounter.
88 - dollars spent on each ticket in the elite section of the new Busch Stadium
7 - inning in which the supposedly "elite" food court closed!
69 - price of my hotel room (and a Radisson next to the Arch, no less!)
15.75 - dollars spent to buy a flame-baked pizza and a large beer at Busch
The look on closer Ryan Dempster's face when a young Cubs fan repeatedly called to him to get an autograph - - except that he called him "Kerry Wood!"
PRICELESS!
Here is my weekend, by the numbers:
300 - number of miles between Chicago and St. Louis.3.5 - number of hours it took me to get to St. Louis on Saturday morning
0 - number of speeding tickets received (whew!)
2 - number of games my Cubs took from the Cardinals (of a 3-game series YAY!)
4 - number of blocks from the new Busch Stadium my hotel was located
3 - number of drinks offered to me by locals
65 - age of first St. Louis man I met (investment banker who drives a pickup truck...seriously!)
5 - number of Chicago Cubs personnel I met while at dinner Saturday night (including Dusty Baker, Ryan Dempster, Glendon Rusch, Derrek Lee and Jacque Jones)
11 - time of evening that Dancing Lawyer called me after I texted him about Cubs encounter.
88 - dollars spent on each ticket in the elite section of the new Busch Stadium
7 - inning in which the supposedly "elite" food court closed!
69 - price of my hotel room (and a Radisson next to the Arch, no less!)
15.75 - dollars spent to buy a flame-baked pizza and a large beer at Busch
The look on closer Ryan Dempster's face when a young Cubs fan repeatedly called to him to get an autograph - - except that he called him "Kerry Wood!"
PRICELESS!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
What.do.you.want?
Looking back on my "date" with The Editor, I don't think I mentioned that I came right out and asked him why he contacted me. Honestly, I didn't give a rat's ass about how the evening ended and if I was being abrupt. I mean JEEZ! we hadn't seen each other in over six years!
His answer?
"Well, I was thinking about you and when that basketball tournament came up, I knew you'd be interested in helping out."
NOT!!!
After the kiss, I knew the out-of-the-blue call had nothing to do with some shitty basketball tournament. But it gets better.
Friday: we met for drinks and dinner.
Saturday: email from The Editor thanking me for meeting him and saying he'll call me soon.
WHY???
On Monday, the other shoe finally dropped. The Editor sent me another email, asking me if I'd be interested in going to a wedding with him in June.
A HA!!
How do I nicely say, "not a chance in hell!"?
His answer?
"Well, I was thinking about you and when that basketball tournament came up, I knew you'd be interested in helping out."
NOT!!!
After the kiss, I knew the out-of-the-blue call had nothing to do with some shitty basketball tournament. But it gets better.
Friday: we met for drinks and dinner.
Saturday: email from The Editor thanking me for meeting him and saying he'll call me soon.
WHY???
On Monday, the other shoe finally dropped. The Editor sent me another email, asking me if I'd be interested in going to a wedding with him in June.
A HA!!
How do I nicely say, "not a chance in hell!"?
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Life Lessons I Learned from Baseball
1. Although you are ultimately responsible only for your own behavior, you will attain greater success if you work well with others.
2. Patience pays off.
3. Sometimes you have to make a small sacrifice for the greater good.
4. Don't make other people feel bad about their failure even when you succeed.
5. Try your hardest all the time and your efforts will eventually be rewarded.
6. Listen to your body's needs. If you're hurt, don't push it.
7. Use the right equipment for your job.
8. If you are fortunate enough to have a veteran near you, ask them questions and then LISTEN!
9. Sometimes you have to take risks to reap big benefits.
10. Flash can lead to fame, but consistency leads to longevity.
2. Patience pays off.
3. Sometimes you have to make a small sacrifice for the greater good.
4. Don't make other people feel bad about their failure even when you succeed.
5. Try your hardest all the time and your efforts will eventually be rewarded.
6. Listen to your body's needs. If you're hurt, don't push it.
7. Use the right equipment for your job.
8. If you are fortunate enough to have a veteran near you, ask them questions and then LISTEN!
9. Sometimes you have to take risks to reap big benefits.
10. Flash can lead to fame, but consistency leads to longevity.
Drinks with The Editor
So The Editor and I made plans to meet at a downtown bar after work Friday. He was driving from the far south suburbs and I was taking the "L" from the other side of downtown, so I wasn't surprised when I didn't see him when I walked in.
Since it was a beautifully warm afternoon, I raced up to the bar's rooftop deck when I arrived at 5-ish. The plan was to meet at 5:15-5:30, so I grabbed a quick beer and found a spot at a table. The Editor and I worked together for seven years in the sports department of a south suburban newspaper, but I hadn't seen him in about that many years.
Okay, this might sound bad, but I really didn't care if I saw The Editor or not. We were business friends* years ago, but not having him in my life in the past six or seven years hasn't exactly left a gaping hole. I admit to an itty-bitty amount of curiosity about his re-appearance in my life, but I certainly wouldn't die if I didn't find out.
So 5:15 passes and no Editor. 5:30 comes and goes. It's now 5:45 and I'm thinking that he should call if he's stuck in traffic or lost, so I call his cell phone.
He's downstairs at the bar and has been for over an hour! Says he'll finish his beer and be up in a little while.
Not surprisingly, he looks the same, but older. We have the type of conversation that you'd expect: reminiscing about people from the newsroom, sharing bits of updated info about our lives, wondering aloud about former colleagues with whom we've lost touch.
We decided to go downstairs and get some food, which The Editor ended up paying for. I was irritated because I had planned on paying my part (as friends do).
He said, "You can get the next one."
Um, what?
Leaving the restaurant, The Editor offered a ride home, but I preferred to take the "L" and end the evening soon. We hugged and then I found myself on the unavoidable end of a kiss!
So there it was, Date #4 whether I wanted it or not.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Business friends - - people with whom you have a temporary friendship because you work together. You probably wouldn't be friends without the work relationship.
Since it was a beautifully warm afternoon, I raced up to the bar's rooftop deck when I arrived at 5-ish. The plan was to meet at 5:15-5:30, so I grabbed a quick beer and found a spot at a table. The Editor and I worked together for seven years in the sports department of a south suburban newspaper, but I hadn't seen him in about that many years.
Okay, this might sound bad, but I really didn't care if I saw The Editor or not. We were business friends* years ago, but not having him in my life in the past six or seven years hasn't exactly left a gaping hole. I admit to an itty-bitty amount of curiosity about his re-appearance in my life, but I certainly wouldn't die if I didn't find out.
So 5:15 passes and no Editor. 5:30 comes and goes. It's now 5:45 and I'm thinking that he should call if he's stuck in traffic or lost, so I call his cell phone.
He's downstairs at the bar and has been for over an hour! Says he'll finish his beer and be up in a little while.
Not surprisingly, he looks the same, but older. We have the type of conversation that you'd expect: reminiscing about people from the newsroom, sharing bits of updated info about our lives, wondering aloud about former colleagues with whom we've lost touch.
We decided to go downstairs and get some food, which The Editor ended up paying for. I was irritated because I had planned on paying my part (as friends do).
He said, "You can get the next one."
Um, what?
Leaving the restaurant, The Editor offered a ride home, but I preferred to take the "L" and end the evening soon. We hugged and then I found myself on the unavoidable end of a kiss!
So there it was, Date #4 whether I wanted it or not.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Business friends - - people with whom you have a temporary friendship because you work together. You probably wouldn't be friends without the work relationship.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Reaching out
Not sure why, but I responded to the email from The Editor and made plans to meet him at an outdoor watering hole tonight after work. He originally wanted to know if I had any plans to be in his neighborhood (since I haven't been in his neighborhood in at least 10 years, I'd say no!)
Anyhoo, The Editor and I worked together about 10 years ago in the sports department of a medium-sized newspaper in the south suburbs. It was a pretty small department, probably seven or eight of us and we often hung out together, despite the fact that I was the only woman on the staff. There is one other fellow sportswriter that I see probably every year or two, but that's it for "keeping in touch."
I've moved on from that life (pretty far removed, I think), so I'm pretty curious as to why he contacted me. Unless his life has dramatically changed, he still lives in the same house, is friends with the same people and works with many of the same individuals that he has for the past, oh, 20 years or so!
He's never been married, never had kids, never traveled outside the US and probably never eaten anything more exotic than tacos.
What does he want with me?
Anyhoo, The Editor and I worked together about 10 years ago in the sports department of a medium-sized newspaper in the south suburbs. It was a pretty small department, probably seven or eight of us and we often hung out together, despite the fact that I was the only woman on the staff. There is one other fellow sportswriter that I see probably every year or two, but that's it for "keeping in touch."
I've moved on from that life (pretty far removed, I think), so I'm pretty curious as to why he contacted me. Unless his life has dramatically changed, he still lives in the same house, is friends with the same people and works with many of the same individuals that he has for the past, oh, 20 years or so!
He's never been married, never had kids, never traveled outside the US and probably never eaten anything more exotic than tacos.
What does he want with me?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Plan B
In an uncharacteristically disciplined move, I managed to plan and execute a three-day-a-week workout for a whole six months! The result?
Zilch! Absolutely no weight loss and no inches lost. I know they say "you're clothes will fit better." Bullshit! WTF?!?!
Those readers that actually know me in person know that I'm not fat. Far from it. I realize that, but I also know that in the last five years, I've gained a total of 15 pounds. I hadn't gained that much in the previous 15 years combined! When you're small, 15 pounds is like tying a pillow around your ass and trying to slip on a knit skirt over it.
Anyway, I've decided to go to Plan B.
Food is one of my favorite four-letter words, so Plan B might be tough to implement, but I'm going to give it a try...for two weeks. During this time, I will eat no white bread and no sugar. I didn't read this diet recipe in a book or hear about it on Oprah. It's just something I thought I'd try. To see if it makes a difference.
If, after two weeks, I see a difference, maybe I'll continue with it. We'll see.
We're talking no hot dogs, pizza or pretzels at Wrigley Field and no candy or ice cream after lunch at work. This is going to be hard work!
But here's the thing: It's "shorts" season and I'm getting tired of looking down and seeing jello!
Considering I have a bagel for breakfast almost every day and chocolate at least twice a week, you can see that I will have a problem with this. Do you realize how hard it is to avoid white bread when the lunch options in the city revolve around burgers, pizza and sandwiches??
So I am asking you, my lovely, no-doubt healthier-eating readers, to help me plan some meals. Please keep in mind that one cup of fruit in the morning will NOT keep me going until lunchtime!
My ass, abs and thighs thank you!
Zilch! Absolutely no weight loss and no inches lost. I know they say "you're clothes will fit better." Bullshit! WTF?!?!
Those readers that actually know me in person know that I'm not fat. Far from it. I realize that, but I also know that in the last five years, I've gained a total of 15 pounds. I hadn't gained that much in the previous 15 years combined! When you're small, 15 pounds is like tying a pillow around your ass and trying to slip on a knit skirt over it.
Anyway, I've decided to go to Plan B.
Food is one of my favorite four-letter words, so Plan B might be tough to implement, but I'm going to give it a try...for two weeks. During this time, I will eat no white bread and no sugar. I didn't read this diet recipe in a book or hear about it on Oprah. It's just something I thought I'd try. To see if it makes a difference.
If, after two weeks, I see a difference, maybe I'll continue with it. We'll see.
We're talking no hot dogs, pizza or pretzels at Wrigley Field and no candy or ice cream after lunch at work. This is going to be hard work!
But here's the thing: It's "shorts" season and I'm getting tired of looking down and seeing jello!
Considering I have a bagel for breakfast almost every day and chocolate at least twice a week, you can see that I will have a problem with this. Do you realize how hard it is to avoid white bread when the lunch options in the city revolve around burgers, pizza and sandwiches??
So I am asking you, my lovely, no-doubt healthier-eating readers, to help me plan some meals. Please keep in mind that one cup of fruit in the morning will NOT keep me going until lunchtime!
My ass, abs and thighs thank you!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Dating 101
So there I am last night, watching my beloved Cubs get their asses kicked by the God-forsaken Florida Marlins when my cell phone rings.
It's the Dancing Lawyer.
Honestly! I think he must've read "See Dick Date" or maybe "Dating for Dummies" because he's been incredibly by-the-book this whole time. For example,
1) he called me mid-week to plan a weekend date,
2) he selected a good restaurant (not too cheap/pricey/far away/strange food),
3) he did not keep me out ridiculously late on our date, and
4) he called me on Monday to say "hello" and see if I enjoyed the rest of my weekend.
Geez!
In a weird twist of cell phone fate, DL called just as I was busy answering a text from Flight Attendant. He sent a txt telling me that he was attending the aforementioned Cubs game, where he was sitting and what he was wearing. (No, I didn't spot him on TV.)
Can I get a show of hands to see who thought I would hear from FA again after our Cubs-game-date debacle?
Curiously enough, I think FA might invite me to another Cubs game. As I was deleting old text messages from him, I found one from a few weeks ago where he lists the games he will see in Chicago - - including games this Saturday and Sunday. We'll see if I get an invitation with more than an hour or so to spare.
I mean, seriously, didn't he read the book?
It's the Dancing Lawyer.
Honestly! I think he must've read "See Dick Date" or maybe "Dating for Dummies" because he's been incredibly by-the-book this whole time. For example,
1) he called me mid-week to plan a weekend date,
2) he selected a good restaurant (not too cheap/pricey/far away/strange food),
3) he did not keep me out ridiculously late on our date, and
4) he called me on Monday to say "hello" and see if I enjoyed the rest of my weekend.
Geez!
In a weird twist of cell phone fate, DL called just as I was busy answering a text from Flight Attendant. He sent a txt telling me that he was attending the aforementioned Cubs game, where he was sitting and what he was wearing. (No, I didn't spot him on TV.)
Can I get a show of hands to see who thought I would hear from FA again after our Cubs-game-date debacle?
Curiously enough, I think FA might invite me to another Cubs game. As I was deleting old text messages from him, I found one from a few weeks ago where he lists the games he will see in Chicago - - including games this Saturday and Sunday. We'll see if I get an invitation with more than an hour or so to spare.
I mean, seriously, didn't he read the book?
Monday, May 22, 2006
Song of my life
I went on a dinner date with Dancing Lawyer on Saturday night. We dined at a cute little family-owned Italian restaurant, a safe choice for a first date.
I don't know why I bothered to convene the wardrobe congress to decide my attire when Dancing Lawyer arrived dressed as though he just crawled out of bed: jeans, an unironed and untucked white dress shirt with the cuffs rolled over and the neck unbuttoned to display a white undershirt.
On the evening that we met, DL's hair situation was a mystery since he wore a baseball cap (backwards) all evening. This night, however, the thin blond coif was gelled into a stunted rhino horn. Add to that the slight goatee and he seemed to be quite...pointed. If his hair had been dark, he would've made a great Satan.
In a surprisingly thoughtful move, DL remembered part of our initial conversation and asked me about a situation at my office. I jumped in with what I hoped was an interesting (and not too long) story of international business. He bounced back with his own company's travails and the evening's conversation volleyed back and forth at a good pace.
He spoke of planning a trip with his brother. I REALLY didn't want to hit the "how old are you?" button, so I sidestepped it with "just one brother? older or younger?"
His older brother is 30!
I forced a forkful of gnocchi in my mouth (since it was already hanging open) and tried to think of a new topic - quick!
By dinner's end, I had decided that my new social strategy will include dating in bulk: if I can't get quality, go for quantity.
Stopping in the ladies room while DL paid the bill, I froze in my tracks when a line from the recorded background music hit my ears.
"They're all either too young or too old."
I don't know why I bothered to convene the wardrobe congress to decide my attire when Dancing Lawyer arrived dressed as though he just crawled out of bed: jeans, an unironed and untucked white dress shirt with the cuffs rolled over and the neck unbuttoned to display a white undershirt.
On the evening that we met, DL's hair situation was a mystery since he wore a baseball cap (backwards) all evening. This night, however, the thin blond coif was gelled into a stunted rhino horn. Add to that the slight goatee and he seemed to be quite...pointed. If his hair had been dark, he would've made a great Satan.
In a surprisingly thoughtful move, DL remembered part of our initial conversation and asked me about a situation at my office. I jumped in with what I hoped was an interesting (and not too long) story of international business. He bounced back with his own company's travails and the evening's conversation volleyed back and forth at a good pace.
He spoke of planning a trip with his brother. I REALLY didn't want to hit the "how old are you?" button, so I sidestepped it with "just one brother? older or younger?"
His older brother is 30!
I forced a forkful of gnocchi in my mouth (since it was already hanging open) and tried to think of a new topic - quick!
By dinner's end, I had decided that my new social strategy will include dating in bulk: if I can't get quality, go for quantity.
Stopping in the ladies room while DL paid the bill, I froze in my tracks when a line from the recorded background music hit my ears.
"They're all either too young or too old."
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