Black Friday

Black Friday. The name itself eludes to the blackness that clouds this day.

Today was my first experience on the consumer side of black friday, as I have always worked retail or customer service and this is the first time I have been able to be a black friday shopper.

It will likely be my last time doing so.

People mobbed into every store imaginable starting at 4am. The lines were generally horrendous, although all in all not nearly as bad as I imagined

I started off by staying up all night with Tom trying to orchestrate a plan of action. We headed off at 3:30am battle stations manned and ready to go. Stopped at 7/11 for a quick coffee and bagel, then off to Smith Haven Mall to catch JC Penney's opening at 4am, Macy's at 5am then Target and Best Buy at 6am.

Nothing was really that amazingly priced and the things that I did want to get that were crazy good deals were NOWHERE to be found. There wasn't even an empty spot on the shelf for many of them. Talk about the ol' bait and switch routine. I did wind up getting a few things checked off my list, but nothing I couldn't have gotten at a later date, perhaps even after the sun was up.

So staying up a full 24 hours to shop, really isn't the best thing I can recommend. I get home at 10:30 am after breakfast with Tom at Towers Diner to find out that a woman was trampled to death at a near by Wal-mart and another pregnant woman was knocked over and trampled on. At the hospital, she suffered a miscarriage as a result.

What kind of horrific mess is this whole thing that people just don't care? What happened to the joy of the season? Is that big screen tv really worth killing over? It's enough to make you realize that we aren't that far removed from the animal kingdom. Sad. Very sad.

Next year I think I will stick with Cyber Monday, the latest addition to the retail holiday freakshow. I did get Tom's present online. The item I knew he wanted and was excited that I finally got something that was what he really wanted. Then he found out it was available and was going to buy it himself, and I had to blurt out that I already ordered it. Nothing like spoiling my fun. Thanks for that one, Bonehead! Love him anyway. Despite my best efforts to the contrary! Haha.

Anyway, all for now, hopefully everyone who went out today returned home safely, sans battle wounds.

So...How Was YOUR Morning?

What a beautiful way to start my Tuesday morning. As you may or may not know, the last few days, my beloved dog Bear (aka Bear Bear) has been pooping in the house every morning. I thought it was a behavorial thing, so I have been trying to re-housetrain him, cutting back his food, no water after 9pm, no table scraps, etc, etc, etc to no avail.

We have realized it was the dog food that Nana bought that wasn't sitting well with either of them. Probably because its the cheaper one that is usually on sale. :(


So this morning I wake up to the unmistakable *thunk* of...well... poop hitting the floor. This was at precisely 7 o'plop in the morning.


I leap out of bed, still half asleep but eyes wide open leaping about the room grabbing pants and shoes to get the dog outside. I can't find my shoes. As Dane Cook would say, "Fuck shoes!" I throw the bedroom door open and race into the hallway...to find the kitchen covered in poop as well...


...poop...that could not possibly belong to my dog, who had been locked in my bedroom all night.


Where's Shadow (nana's dog)? Hiding in the tv room. AHA, so its not been ONLY my dog all along.





So barefoot and in a tank top and yoga pants I leap over the assorted poops and out the door with Bear and outside we go. I stand barefoot in the freezing rain waiting.....


............and waiting...........nothing.


Finally I can no longer stand the cold, so I put Bear's leash in the door and close it so that he is outside and the door is closed securely on the leash. I race upstairs, grab shoes and a coat and race back down the stairs......to witness bear pooping ALL over the front steps. I go BACK upstairs to get paper towels to clean, and Shadow is dancing at the door again. You have GOT to be kidding me.


So I take them both out and the both go AGAIN (this is a period of maybe 15-20 minutes). What the hell? Are the dogs posessed by poop deamons??


The rest of the morning consisted of trying to get a few more minutes of shut eye. Notice I said trying. It didn't work. Bear (now soaking wet from the rain) decided HE, not I, belonged laying on my bed. Ah, the joys of owning a dog.



And you thought YOUR morning was "shitty".

Carside Karaoke?

Sorry to all my "loyal fans" for having not blogged in a while. I haven't really been busy... just neglectful. I appologize for not having a better excuse!

Let me bring you up to speed...last Sunday Tom and I went to the Darkside...no, we did not become Sith. We went to Darkside Haunted House in Wading River. Supposedly one of the scariest on Long Island. I don't know if its the scariest or not, all I know is I screamed like a lunatic while Tom laughed at me and said how adorable I am when I am terrified. Thanks Tom.

We had some other rowdy shenanigans going on as well, but perhaps thats for a different blog. We had a blast checking out Xpressions...yes its a sex shop. We didn't buy anything, however I was THISCLOSE to purchasing the Cookie Kama Sutra to share with the girls on Cookie Day in December, just because it was hilarious! We spent a good amount of time giggling at all the riduclous items, the horrific videos and the scary guys in the anime porn section (also known as Hentai...) LOL

This Sunday was a little more family friendly. Tom and I went to see SAW 5...ok THAT part wasn't family friendly, although there was a couple with their 5 or 6 year old son at the movie. WTF?!? After that it was off to Taby's for dinner with Grandma, my dad's mom, who has been asking to meet Tom for the last few weeks. She seemed to like him, so thats good. And she only "slightly" embarassed me with childhood photos, although she promised she has boxes more that will come out next time. Oh joy. :)

After that, we spent the next few hours just talking about all sorts of things, pasts, presents, futures, etc. This resulted in becoming tired and loopy and after a quick trip to 7-11 for some munchies, we returned to the car, for some...uh...interesting karaoke. Let's just say, I hope we didn't wake up the neighborhood causing them to think someone was shooting dogs. It was bad but sooo good. Its always a blast, and I continue to marvel at how lucky I have been meeting someone who is "Awesome" and thinks I am awesome too. :-D

Remembering a Loss

Many people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, you probably have noticed alot of pink shirts and pink ribbons all around you.

What you may not know, is that October is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, with October 15th (this upcoming Wednesday) is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberence Day.

On September 3rd of last year, I lost my first pregnancy at 9 1/2 weeks. Though still early in the pregnancy, it is a devastating thing for any woman to go through. And I am certainly not alone. It is estimated that 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most occurring in the first trimester. Most miscarriages are unpredictable and unpreventable as much of conception and fetal development still remains a mystery. 983,000 babies died in 1996, from miscarriage and stillbirth. The numbers are staggering, with many women experiencing more than one loss, though having one miscarriage does not necessarily increase your odds of having another.

While I have moved on in my life, both physically and emotionally, I still think of my angel baby almost every day. I never got to know this life that was growing inside me, however, I felt an immediate attachment. It makes me sad, but I have grown to realize that these things happen for a reason as hard as that may be to comprehend.

If you have not read my blog on my myspace about the importance of butterflies to me, I hope that you will read it. I'm not a religious person, but I do believe that my angel came back to me, the morning after being released from the emergency room in the form of a butterfly.

On October 15th, I urge everyone to please light a candle at 7pm in whatever time zone you are located in. This way, there will be a continuous wave of candlelight throughout the night in memory of the people affected, and babies lost. I have included some links below for anyone interested, as well as some songs that have been a huge part of my healing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who have been there for me the last year, and to all of you who read this blog.

Songs:

Slipped Away- Avril Lavigne http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSW0oVouxXg

My Name- George Canyon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ff5qJrPT7k

Tears In Heaven- Eric Clapton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngpZaECKaBM

Literature and Links

http://www.october15th.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnancy_and_Infant_Loss_Remembrance_Day

Tom and Rose Take Manhattan

So I finally got a full weekend of Tom, which was actually miracle the whole thing came together so well.

Friday night we stayed at the apartment, which had no TV, (Not sure if I explained before, but it's Paul's apartment that he no longer lives in, so we go there if we need a place to hang out, or in this case sleep). Paul took the TV back, so we hung out and watched some shows on the laptop and then snuggled in on the Aerobed in the loft, which has a skylight looking up into the starry sky. Aside from the snoring and poking and blanket stealing, it was a great night.

Woke up Saturday morning at the crack of dawn, and we got all prettified to drive to Ronkonkoma and caught the train there to Penn Station. At Penn we stopped and got coffee and bagels (how "New York" of us!) at Hot and Crusty, a NY icon bakery. (Come to think of it, a really unappetizing name, unless of course, you know its a bakery.)

From there we ventured to Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum on 34th street. It's the closest I have come to a celebrity since I have been here sadly, (or ever for that matter) and it was a blast. I highly recommend the 4-D theater they have as well.

The rest of the day consisted of LOTS of walking, up and down Manhattan. We went Uptown, Downtown, Midtown, Central Park, Southstreet Seaport and everything in between. We have 220 pictures to prove it!

By the time we limped back onto the subway bound for Penn Station we flopped onto the LIRR train back to Ronkonkoma and passed out in the seats on each other's shoulders. I had such a blast, laughing and being my dorky self with someone who seems to appreciate me and my dorkiness. In fact, he's a pretty big dork right along with me, as you may see in the pics on my Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43365&l=6ebe0&id=595181704 I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime!

It was a loooong exhausting weekend, but it was amazing, and I will remember it always.

Poison!

Just because I like Poison....


She stepped off the bus out
onto the city streets
Just a small town girl with her whole life packed in a suitcase by her feet.

But somehow the lights don't shine as bright as they did
On her mama's TV screen.

And the work seemed harder,
Days seemed longer
Than she ever thought they'd be
But you know you got to stick to your guns

When it all comes down
Cause sometimes you can't choose
It's like heads they win,
Tales you're gonna lose.

Win big-Mama's fallen angel
Lose big-Livin' out her lies
Wants it all-Mama's fallen angel
Lose it all-Rollin' the dice of her life.

Now she found herself in the fast lane livin' day to day
Turned her back on her best friends, yeah
And let her family slip away

Just like a lost soul
Caught up in the Hollywood scene
All the parties and limousines
Such a good actress hiding all her pain
Trading her memories for fortune and fame.

Just step away from the edge of a fall
Caught between heaven and hell
Where's the girl I knew a year ago?

(Chorus)

Too much too soon
Or just a little too late
Cause when her ship came in
She wasn't there and it just wouldn't wait.

Cookie Day Lives On!

So I found out this evening what my Christmas present will be. Sure, its early, but its worth ruining the surprise. Tom is buying me a plane ticket to MN for Cookie Day.

Now, this may seem weird to you, however its actually really very sweet. I have been wanting to go back to MN to visit, especially to carry on the legacy of Cookie Day, but I wasn't sure about spending the money to go just for a day or two. Tonight I found out that Tom has been planning this for a while, and actually got Erica's screenname, and has been talking to her on AIM to ask her what to get me for Christmas. There has been mutiny afoot!

The only reason I find this out now is because I was pricing tickets myself. *Sigh* I have not had someone who put thought, research and foresight into planning a gift for me. I guess its a good sign right? He plans on being around at least till Christmas...even if its just for the cookies.

Sex Bomb and September

Betcha that got your attention, eh?

The two songs of the moment. #1 Sex Bomb-By Tom Jones, #2 September-By Earth Wind and Fire.

First of all, Sex Bomb....my new favorite at the moment. Such a ridiculous slutty song. It CRACKS me up every time I hear it. (Especially after Tom started singing it as "SEX TOM"....how completely hysterical with his sultry Tom Jones voice) Not to mention the Evgeni Plushenko video below....you must watch....NOW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx-ualuq45E&feature=related

Secondly, we have September.... "Do you remember, the 21st night of September? Love was changing the mind of pretenders, while chasing the clouds away. Our hearts were ringing, in the key that our souls were singing, as we danced in the night. Remember how the stars stole the night away, yeah yeah yeah."

So Tom Sunday just happened to be the 21st night of September. What did we do? We danced in the night, danced like bloody fools (and almost a bloody nose, when I managed to foul up a number of dance moves and with one, hit myself in the face.)

As usual, we had a blasty blast. He even brought a bottle of vino! (NOT a box of vino...ERICA) We drank from plastic cups and had a rolicking good time. Its a pleasant change from someone who brings a bottle of Jaeger, (all for themselves) and drinks the whole thing, throwsing things in fits of drunken rage...but alas, I digress...

We have so much fun, doing the dumbest things, that I could practically pee myself, but I dont, because that would be gross. Next time, I will have him teach me how to dance properly (I don't even spin the correct direction!) so that there are no further injuries.

Penthouse. Allow Me To Explain...

So I posted pics of my office up on facebook, but does anyone really know what I do for a living? Does anyone care? Probably not! But I am sitting at home on a Saturday afternoon bored outta my gourd, so I thought I would maybe clarify what exactly I do at Penthouse.

First of all, don't go getting your panties all in a bunch, its not THAT Penthouse (although there's contstant jokes around the office, and amongst people who call and come into the office).

For example, a delivery guy cracked the other day that "I know this is where they keep all the retired Penthouse models". Yes. They work back in the factory.

Penthouse Group is basically a manufacturer/vendor/supplier of beauty implements. In house, we manufacture powder puffs (quite a variety might I add) for a ton of major cosmetic brands (Estee Lauder, Chanel, Arden, Avon, etc) we also have suppliers that make other things like makeup sponges, manicure kits, lipstick and lotion tubes, compacts, etc. Believe it or not, its really interesting, especially if you like makeup!

Now without boring you with stories of flocked foam and double sewn Orlon puffs, it is a great place to work. My co-workers and everyone else so far has been awesome, and I have caught on quickly.

My typical day involves doing all the administrative office manager type work (shuffling papers and such) but my main responsibility is coordinating the shipping (incoming and outgoing) of all the products. I do everything from completing the daily and weekly reports for inventory, to preparing all the shipping documents for both domestic and international shipments. Keeping track of where they are and what's been sent as well as documenting the invoiced items.

Thrilling. I know.

However, I really do like the job, because I have my own office, no one bothers me and I am free to work at my own pace and prioritize as I see fit. (so far, they all seem to approve. YAY!) I am hoping that this is a company I can grow with, and it sounds like they already have some plans/hopes for me in the future. Maybe once I get my graphic design degree I can get into more of the design process. Sweet.

Anyway, the next time you see a powder puff, nail file or compact, think of me!

Tom Sunday, and The Work Week Begins...

So by now you have realized I talk alot about Tom Sunday. My favorite day of the week. (Usually Sundays suck because it means monday is coming up, but I actually anxiously await the end of the weekend) Why you may ask? Well I am in love with a very busy DJ/Insurance salesman/Gopher/VJ/KJ/Reverend/Bad-Ass Emcee. The only day we have together is Sunday, hence the name Tom Sunday (all this is really pointless, but hey, why not).

Anyway, so yesterday was fantastic, just like every other saturday. I realize more and more every Sunday that I am so glad I followed my instincts to come to New York in the first place. At first I thought it was bizarre that we had so much fun doing absolutely nothing at all, then I realized that is a remarkable thing in a relationship, when you can fuck around at a drugstore, a smelly Asian Market or Ikea and still have a blast. Can you imagine if we actually DID something when we went out? We both would pee ourselves at the mere thought of something exciting!

As you know, today being Monday meant the start of another workweek for me. They haven't fired me yet, so that's a good thing! :) I actually enjoy this job, because I get to kind of run my own show. I have a million things to do over the course of the day, and inevitably when I get them done, something will have changed and need to be RE-done. But I enjoy it. Today was Kim's last day (the lady I am replacing). I gotta get my office done up my style, with my pics and whatnot. Right now its kinda drab.

Tomorrow is going to be scary...my first day on my very own. Kim is gone. There's no one to save me now...Time to spread my wings and fly...or fall on my freakin' face. Guess we'll see...

Defining the Crossroads

So I was bored and read some of my old posts and I realized that I never really fully explained my reasoning for coming out to New York.

Beyond the obvious (the dramatic conclusion of a dead-end relationship) I decided that I was at a crossroads in my life. Approaching my "late 20's" scared me. I realized something had to be done. I decided that if I move into yet another apartment with no money saved up in the bank, I would just be treading water, merely delaying the next inevitable disaster. Now, at that point most people would move back home with their parents. If you know anything about me, you would know my parents and I dont necessarily see eye to eye on many things. Not to mention I have one younger brother at home (Connor is off at college this year at UMD, but Sean is only 13. HUGE age difference) and ZERO privacy.

That left me one other option: Move to New York semi-temporarily and live with Nana. So here I am. The rent is free and theres no utility bills. It was the perfect opportunity for me to really sock away some money and take care of "ME" for a change. I am always worried about what everyone else thinks or needs or wants. I rarely put myself first.

Well now, there's only me (Other than Nana and Tom really) so theres alot less to distract me. Tom is nothing short of fantastic when it comes to being supportive. He's a great sounding board and I know I have said it before, I know we met for a reason. He's great.

Also, I have to say, I am so lucky to have my girlfriends. They have been there for me and supported my decision to move out here. They were the only ones who really stay in touch and didn't forget about me the minute my car pulled away. They didn't feed me a bunch of bullshit like some people did and for that I am so thankful. I know I can call them (and I have) and vent about everything from Nana and her OCD to the job hunt to 'man troubles' and they will always be there. Girls...I salute you. Can't wait for the Girls in the City Week. Look out Manhattan...here comes trouble!!

ALS WALK PLEASE READ

As mentioned in a previous blog, my aunt Annie (Anastasia) Mitchell passed away August 17th of this year after a 3 year battle with ALS.

This year my mom is doing the ALS walk in Annie's honor. If anyone is interested in participating or donating please read the following.

The picture above is Anastasia's beautiful daughter Christina, who because of this vicious disease, will grow up without knowing what an amazing woman her mother was.

There is a link at the bottom. Thank you all in advance.

Here is her letter:

Dear Family and Friends,

My sister-in-law, Anastasia (Annie), lost her fight with ALS on August 17th of this year at the age of 46. Just three short years after being diagnosed Annie leaves behind her husband, Jim and two beautiful children Colin (12) and Christina (7). ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neuromuscular disease that can strike anyone without warning.

In order to help raise awareness and raise funds to help fight this horrible disease (for which there is no cure), I will be participating in this year's Walk to Defeat ALS on September 27th.The Walk to Defeat ALS® is The ALS Association's national signature event. Each year, nearly 100,000 patients, men, women, children and corporations join together to raise funds in support of internationally driven cutting-edge ALS research and community-based patient services programs.

Now in its ninth year, approximately 150 Walks will be held around the country in 2008.As a participant of the Walk, I am asking for your support by making a gift to The ALS Association or by joining me as a participant on Walk Day.

Supporting and joining the Walk to Defeat ALS® is very easy! Simply click on the link below to visit my personal fundraising page and donate directly online or join me as a Walk participant.You may also choose to send your contribution in the form of a check.

Please make all checks payable to The ALS Association.

Thank you again for supporting me in the fight against ALS. I appreciate your generosity and I will continue to update you with my progress as Walk Day nears.

Sincerely,Marie

http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/MinnesotaWalk?px=1961622&pg=personal&fr_id=4110&et=N2dn8rjIprTZ_AF6UBfR3w..&s_tafId=74440
Click here to view the team page for Team Anastasia

here to view the team page for Team Anastasia

If you are unable to make a financial donation, prayers for Anastasia and her family are very much appreciated.

Tomtom and the Job

Yes indeed. Started my new job on Tuesday. I like it alot so far. Its very independent, no one standing over my shoulder for 8 hours asking why I went to the restroom or anything like that. I hated that about my last job.

Anyway, I am basically in charge of the shipping also known as "traffic". Technically my title is Traffic Coordinator, but I do administrative stuff too. Basically the company produces packaging for cosmetics (Avon, Revlon, Estee Lauder, Chanel, etc etc etc) and ships them around the world. I am the one who inventories the stock, prepares the shipping documents and schedules the driver to pick up the shipments. This involves a TON of paperwork for customs as well as internal paperwork. It is alot to learn in such a short time, plus I have been sick on top of it, so hopefully Monday I will feel better and it will be easier to retain the information. Not to mention each company has its own policy on what has to be on the packing slip and bill of lading, some clients want two labels per box, some only one. Some have internal numbers, some require approval from their reps before shipping, etc.

As for Tom...(or "TomTom, Tom Kat, Reverand Dr. Tom..." and so on and so on) He will finally be meeting Nana on Sunday. (Be afraid for him!) He is coming over and I will be cooking dinner (Be even MORE afraid for him). lol nah, I am a good cook. Usually. I am excited because Nana is finally taking it seriously. Which makes me happy. It makes Tom happy too, because he no longer has to get naked OUTSIDE my house. Which is good. Now he can be naked inside too!!

On a side note, if you have the chance, you absolutely have to check out this morning show DJ here on Long Island. Tom mentioned him to me a couple weeks ago but since I never actually made it up for a morning, I didn't hear it till I started working, but HOLY CRAP...hilarious. The one you have to listen for is Randy. Imagine the gayest, flamiest fag you can think of, then multiply him by FAAAAABULOUS. Then you have Randy. Check out their website for pictures and for some sound clips, cause its freakin' hilarious. You cannot possibly have a bad morning when you listen to the "Queen" of Morning Radio.
Listen to the September 3rd Episode of "To Catch A Cheater" Parts 1 and 2
http://wbli.com/morningshow/catchcheater.html

Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend

Sorry it has been a while since I have blogged. I have been...well I am not going to lie, I definately haven't been busy. At least not in the pracitcal sense of the word. I have been busy enjoying my last days of unemployedness and am thrilled to report I start a new job on Tuesday, Sept 2nd. (today or tomorrow depending on what time zone you are in!) I am very excited, the pay and benefits are better than my last job. Woohoo!

Problem is...I work at 9am. It is currently 12:35 EST and I cannot fall asleep. WTF. I am baking chocolate chip cookies instead. I can't relax though, its too freakin exciting. Who would have thought anyone could be so excited over a job? Cause its money damnit.

The position I got is an administrative assistant for Penthouse Group...no...not THAT Penthouse, you dirty pervert. No, this one makes makeup brushes and applicators, not spread eagle centerfolds. Thank GOD. Althought....maybe a career in adult photography?? Nah. I don't have the legs for it :)

In a New York Minute....

So, another great night last night. Had dinner with Tom, his mother, her boyfriend and his grandfather. All went well...tried sushi for the first time....and maybe the last.

The food was great, the company was better. We then went to Paul's apartment and watched Kentucky Fried Movie. The movie was not so great, but we managed to make it a good time!

I am growing more and more in "cat butt" and hopefully I am not alone.

You know what they say....In a New York Minute, everything can change....

A Taste of the Good Life

ahhhhh.

The sigh of relaxation. I just came back from a fantastic weekend at Shelter Island. The family was going anyway for vacation, and since Annie (my aunt, see last post) passed away and that was her favorite place, it was only appropriate for us to keep the plans in tact.

Shelter Island, is a little known island off the coast of Greenport, NY. It's a very quaint town. They say if you want to "be seen" you go to the Hamptons, if you want to relax like a celeb, you go to Shelter Island. The water is beautiful, the beaches are pristine...everything is great. We had a seafood and steak barbeque on the beach.

Its even greater, when you get an invitation from the CFO of Sbarro (my dad's cousin Robert) to stay at his multi-million dollar beach house in Greenport rather than a stuffy tiny beach house with 20 of your closest relatives. Yes, Grandma, Cousin Nancy and I were invited to the Koebele estate, which is nothing short of breathtaking. Sun pours in every window, and every room has a skylight. The expansive deck leads down to the private dock off the canal lined with exquisite yachts.

Then upon returning to Shelter Island via ferry Saturday morning, we hit the beach again this time I took a ride on the boat. We had the Hobie as well as the powerboat. Since on the catamaran you can see the water below you, I elected to go on the power boat. Wind whipping my hair and the sun blasting down while speeding through the bay. Amazing!

I will post the pics as soon as I get them uploaded.

In Loving Memory

Yesterday, my aunt Anastasia Mitchell (Kotzamanis) passed away after a lengthy battle with ALS or Lou Gherig's Disease. She left behind two children under the age of 12.

Today is the wake, from 2-5 pm and from 7-9pm and tomorrow is the funeral.

Annie was an amazing, kind, friendly woman. She will be dearly missed.

Letters to my Cat Butt.

Without me realizing it, without really even looking that hard, without hardly any effort, I have met someone.

Now, this is going to sound totally corny and cliche, but I am so shocked that things could be so great with in so little time. I have never truly clicked with someone at all, let alone right away. He is really fantastic, he makes me laugh (granted, I'm usually laughing), he makes me happy and I am so amazed at how things have progressed already.

We spent the entire day together Sunday, and I do mean the entire day. I was proposed to with a potato peeler in the middle of Fortunoff, I whupped him a few times at various video games at Dave and Busters, and we swam under the stars. Perfection. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

It's totally cheesy and totally "e-Harmony" but we are definately on the same wavelength. So needless to say, Rose is quite thrilled at this new adventure. I didn't come to NY to find love, but gosh darnit it may have just found me. Things may get interesting around here. Better stay tuned. By the way....I peench. :-D

Tom: Don't be koi, you know you're my cat butt.

Choose Wisely....

I have come to notice that life is weird.

To elaborate, I have noticed things are happening in my life, on various levels that make me wonder what kind of crazy path am I on? If you take a step back, and look at things that happen, things that DON'T happen, and what that all means....whew. It's enough to make your head spin.

Take my situation for example. Uprooted at 3 years old, moved cross country to Minnesota. Grew up knowing that I was born in NY, but that Minnesota was my home. I knew no other home and lived in my little world, barely realizing that life continued on in NY when I was not there. Fast forward 22 years, here I am, back in NY. I have met someone, whom I almost did not give a chance. What made me reply to his message, I do not know. What made me take those first steps, I do not know.

Stepping back from that, and maybe getting just a tad ahead of myself the idea that I have clicked so well with someone who in the blink of an eye I may never have met....that just boggles my mind. So many factors, just slightly altered and poof...nothing. It just makes you wonder I guess, if things are planned out with a purpose? Do we have some pre-programmed plan? Are we just blindly following the path on the big GPS of life?

Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books as a kid? Where you had choices throughout the scripted story, and could wind up with any of the half dozen or so endings? Maybe that is more what life is like. Maybe there are chapters that we skip over, or go backwards because of choices we made. Maybe there are not limitless possibilities, but rather a few based on key choices throughout the journey.

Even though the journey here was easy, the stay so far has been a rocky one. Im stressed to the max, I still have no job, despite my best efforts. I have called in many a favor. However, things are starting to come together to where I am really enhancing my belief in fate. Things do happen for a reason, whatever the reason may be.

So far, I like what I see. :)

What Do I Want?

I have been reading the book 20 Something 20 Everything by Christine Hassler. If you haven't read it, or haven't heard of it....go get it. Now.

Without boring you with details, I will just share the jist of it and a part that I just read that is really sticking out in my head. It is basically a book about the "quarter life crisis" alot of women go through in their 20's. About all the "shoulds" in your life versus what your "wants" or desires are.

"We are truly suffering from a "should" epedemic that generates feelings of confusion and anxiety. Georgia, 20, is a junior in college. She and all her eight girlfriends from high school are doing what they are supposed to do: going to good colleges so they will have promising careers, getting into good relationships, and concerning themselves with looking really good.

I cannot think of one friend who is happy. My friend who has her career mapped out for her is clinically depressed. My friend who has a great guy she wants to marry has a workaholic mother whom she never sees and a stepfather she can't stand. Another friend, who is gorgeous, has an eating disorder. We are all doing the things we THINK we should be doing, but not one of us is happy."

That part really stuck out to me, as well as this one:

" If we peel away, one by one, our illusionary ideals, which are disguised as shoulds, we can find the root of what we really want."

I am going to really take a step back and identify what I am doing in my life because I "should" be, (or what I am NOT doing but "should" be doing) and really try to seperate that out. Who says what we should be doing? What makes them so God damn smart?

It seems to me that the people who are telling me what I should be doing are trying to live vicariously through me anyway. Get your own life. This one is mine!

Santan lotion, good for me.

It has been a week since I have been in the pool. It seems that if you don't wear sunscreen and then for a week straight sit out in the sun between the hours of 10am-4pm and are half Irish, you will burn. Badly. To the point of blisters.

I do not reccommend this strategy.

So, now that my boobs have healed I am onto bigger and better things.

I still have not gotten a job. Like Mr. Billy Madison over there, I have been floating around like a lump of crap. :) That's not entirely true, as I have been passing out resume's like they are cocaine. No one is interested though. I went to a temp agency on Thursday, and should hopefully have *something* early next week. The days are starting to run together. It could be April for all I know. That wouldn't bother me so much, except the bank account is starting to run dry. And I gotta start saving up for the girl's weekend in January! I can't wait!

I am trying to decide when I should come back to MN for a visit. So if anyone has any suggestions, you know where to reach me. :)

All for now!

Gone....In Sixty Seconds

Yesterday I was feeling very stressed. I hadn't heard one way or the other about the job (which of course means I will not hear anything till Monday) and that was driving me nuts. I got into it with my parents over my student loans and it was my first day on the nicotine patch to quit smoking.

Well, seeing that I was on the verge of going on a maniacal shooting rampage, Jerrell (my uncle) offered to take me for a ride in the Cuda. I was such a sourpuss that I almost didn't go.

I opened the door and sat down. Strapped in. He fired up the engine and revved it. The whole car vibrates and you can smell the old muscle car exhaust. We pulled away and went down the street with the windows open, people watch the car go by. As we drove, I still was grumpy, and didn't feel like cheering up. We slowed down and got in the turn lane for Cantiague Park. on the straightaway into the park, he suddenly gunned the engine.

As I was sinking into my seat from the force of the accelerator...I found myself grinning uncontrolably. It's really amazing the therapeutic power of several hundred horsepower and gasoline fumes! I honestly felt better.

Things have been going well on the date front as well....more on that later. Gotta leave you hanging right??

I think....I'm a tanorexic.

Ahem.

I think I have an addiction to tanning. Which will nicely complement my addiction to smoking, my addiction to french fries, my addiction to bad 80's music and my addicition to men that are bad for my health.

I spent several hours in the pool again today, turning me into what Nana calls a "mavraki"... a greek word for, well...use your imagination. I think I kind of look like an eggplant.

So now that I am drenched in lotion to prevent peeling, I am ready to blog.

The interview (second interview that is) went well. I couldn't help but notice the guy interviewing me today, was really, really, ridiculously good looking. Very distracting. Hope I get the job...for more reasons than one! :-D

Also on the docket-I got my nicotine patches today, going to try quitting once this pack is gone (only reason i say that is because i paid damn near 7 dollars for that pack! Not going to waste them! haha) We shall see how that goes. I have a 14 day supply to see if that will work for me. Cross your fingers!

Busy day. As you can see, I have attached a picture of myself above. Damn I am sexy.

Boats and Hoes

So I saw the movie Stepbrothers the other day. It wasn't epic, but it definately was better than I thought it would be. If you haven't seen it then you will not understand the title of this particular post.

More importantly, things are going well for me! I am going in tomorrow (Wednesday) for a second interview for the position I interviewed for on Monday. They said the top two applicants would meet with the bossman and I was one. Yay!

So things are really coming along. I am so excited. It's only been a week and things are really going great!

Burning skin, Burning Marlboros and Burning rubber

Alright, so I have to admit, I have been a little teeny bit too excited about the pool, and I have been bragging because its way exciting to have a pool at my disposal (nyah nyah nyah nyah!). HOWEVER, some of you will be happy to know that today, I went a little too far.

I spent a little over 4 hours in the pool today, with nothing between my half Irish ass and the sun but a measly SPF 15. Overall, I had a good base, so I just look like Pocahontas...but my thighs....yeah...ouch. I wish I could say my inner thighs are always getting sun, but um, they aren't.

Big news of the day though, is that Uncle Jerry has so innocently promised to let me drive the cuda (the 1974 Barracuda....red.....oh yes) IF I quit smoking.

Goodbye Marlboros...its been real!

In case you haven't seen "THE Cuda" you can check it out here: http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2p3si/cuda/

mmmmmmhmmm.

So far this NY thing isn't turning out half bad. I have to make it into the city once I have a steady paycheck and I need to make it to the ocean and swim at Jones Beach. Maybe after this burn heals...

Hold your breath...

HOOOOORAY!

I have an interview Monday with Pam from the swimwear designer company. They are interviewing me for an administrative assistant position in the purchacing dept. It's a brand-new position they just created to help the purchasing department get more organized. I would be doing typical admin stuff, as well as organizing swatches and trim samples, maintaining the fabric "library" and prepare and maintain fabric presentation boards. Sounds interesting...

It's not a creative position in itself however, it is a step in the right direction. Granted my coursework is in graphic design not fashion design, but still...

This company has the license rights to DKNY, Roxy and Juicy Coture just to name a few. Here's my chance to really get into the glamour of NYC :)

I am super excited, I cannot wait to find out more information on this job. Monday at 3pm EST...be wishing me luck!!

This could be my big break! Things are looking rosy for Rosie!!

Don't Jinx the Job...

Whew. So I got a call for an interview today on a job I applied for TODAY.

Not sure what that means...am I totally irresistable, or are they totally desperate? I would be ok with a 50/50 mix. :)

The job is a Purchasing Admin for a swimwear designer. (Free Speedo's anyone?) Should be interesting. I don't want to jinx anything, but I am curious to see what the job and pay are like. Can I afford my Cole Haan's and Coach purses? Probably not, but it will hopefully pay the bills.

I am hoping to meet Mr. Right, since I obviously have not met him yet. I'm taking things as they come, but its still in the back of my mind...do any straight men work for a swimwear designer?

If not, at least I will have someone to shop with!

Speaking of shopping I have to find something to wear to an interview. Ugh.

I miss everyone back home terribly, especially my girls. :-D I also miss a certain person who I became very close with unfortunately right before I left. Timing sucks sometimes. However, hopefully we will keep in touch, because he is a great person and I really enjoy his company. Guess we will see where that goes...a year is a long time!

Anyway enough of my rambling for now. More tomorrow!

It's a rough life.....

Let's see, what happened today... I lounged in the pool again, reading a smutty summer novel. Wound up with a slight sunburn.

God life is rough! :)

Actually I also looked for some jobs, got my resume redone and went shopping for an interview outfit. (Hopefully will have an interview to wear it to soon!)

I have only been here a few days, but I realize how much I miss my friends. The ones who matter, you know who you are, chances are you're the ones reading this anyway. I am so fortunate to have you all in my life, you have all been so supportive and encouraging and I could not have packed up and moved cross country without you!

More to come soon, hopefully something juicy!

I have arrived!

After 21 some-odd hours in the car, dog and cat in tow, I have reached my destination: The Big Apple!

Thrilled does not even begin to touch the tip of how excited I am about being here. There is something about being in New York that is absolutely electric. Even though I only lived here till I was four, New York never ever leaves you.

Crossing the George Washington and Throg's Neck Bridges with Manhattan just on the horizon with the sun setting behind it, was nothing short of magical. It's like something out of a movie. (I further enhanced the experience by choreographing my arrival to "New York, New York". Thanks Ol' Blue Eyes!)

Truly, I am so lucky to have this opportunity to start fresh, and let me tell you, I have never been more fired up about anything in my life. There have been multiple things that have made me realize that in this moment, this is EXACTLY where I am meant to be. I have never been huge on destiny or fate, but I do believe things happen for a reason. Right now, right this moment, I am supposed to be right here, writing this blog. This is fate. I am living it.

I will do my best to keep this updated, for those interested. I've never really gotten into Sex and the City, but I guess I better, because I'm living it! :)

Maybe you will see me on tv in my Prada peep toes strutting around my Upper East Side penthouse with my pool boy. Maybe not...

I did however, make my first mission to blow up a floating lounger with a cup holder. I plopped it in the middle of the pool tonight, and sat under the stars, and for the first time, truly believed that things are really taking shape for something great.

Stay Tuned....