i hate it when blogger eats my posts. it ate one this morning and i've been too frustated to post ever since. the basic gist of it was (is it jist or gist?) becky should get cable. the cubs game is coming together with jenn, beck, me, marc, zach and maybe ryan to be in attendence. that makes 3 blogs, but we're always open for more. if you wanna go email me. (i'm too exhausted to make a link, so just use the one on the sidebar) what a long horrible day, to be followed by a long horrible group meeting about a long wonderful anthology of high school narratives by gays and lesbians. to work. or sleep. whichever comes first.

Jen

HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY, CHRISTIE BORA!*

And yes, I love you too.

Gold Coast chicken breast sandwich = yummy. But $4.19 worth of yum? I don’t think so. I’d give it a $3.50 yummy (due to the fact that they skimped our big time with the chicken, but had nice veggies and roll to accompany it), but no way in hell $4.19. Too bad I already ate it.

Why is it -7 degrees outside? What day is it? Did you say May 31st? Are you serious?

I’m very excited about what’s going on tonight. Becky and I are going to see that show with (insert band name here) at the Metro. You’re going to have to pardon me, because I cannot remember what they are called. Um, Beck? Then maybe wings for dinner? Then join up with Jer at Gunther Murphy’s for a P-U-N-K show? Meet Bora and Mike for some B-day celebrating? Do you want more questions? I’ll give you more questions!

Anyway, the thing about going to shows is that most likely, it will be warm in there. Even if you don’t rock out like you’re watching The Plan, you will still be hot. Here is the problem, due to the bone chillin’ (quoting Byron Allen from Channel 5? Weather) temperatures outside, I have to wear a sweatshirt or coat or something of that nature. Then, you get inside; you’re hot and have to take it off. Then you go back outside, and you’re warm for awhile and then cold again. There is no way to avoid it. So, you’re standing there, at the show, holding your stupid coat. I could do the wrap around the waist thing, but I fear it might be too 1997.

*As I said before, all ads on the OK plus Three blog can be purchased through me. Although a dollar per word may seem expensive, think of how many people will know it’s your (insert special event here)!

Jen

Love is. . . What I got.

Sublime? 1997?

My outfit today is so 1997. I don’t actually look all that 1997 (maybe a little post grunge . . .) but, it’s just that this skirt I’m wearing is from 1997. (God, I was 18!) I wore it on my first interview here at work. How scary is that? I told Barb how I felt so 1997 and she tried to think of a popular song from that year. I'm having a complete brain block of any songs that came out during that year. Anyone remember some good 1997 hits? Let me know. Can I mention 1997 one more time in this paragraph?

Today I was on the phone with the IL Dept. of Revenue for about a half hour. Fraud, you say? There was a little mix-up with some social security numbers . . . anyway, being the sleuth that I am, I found the problem right away and now I have to write this letter to them explaining the problem. Bah, I say! Bah! I’m having a hard time coming up with exactly what I want to say. Maybe I’ll figure it out after I eat my yummy chicken breast sandwich from Gold Coast. Mmmmm. . . Gold Coast.

Becky

You are so good looking

It's been a run of good Seinfeld episodes on re-runs and I heard this morning on fox news that if you watch next week you might be able to win a trip to Universal Studios. Does it get any better than that?
I have been watching Fox alot lately cause thats like the only channel I get in the tv in my bedroom cause I had to switch the antenna to the big mother-of-a-tv in the living room. but I am going to have to do something about it cause their weather girl in the morning sucks!

anyways, today on the ride in I listened to the new classic rock station in chicago-97.1, the drive. I admit that I am a big lover of classic rock, so it was nice to hear some beatles, chicago, bob seger and the stones this morning.

Jen

Ahhh, wait. It looks like there is more space dust on here.

How to Cook for Forty Humans

I’ve finished the sequence. Excellent.

Becky "It's no Home Run Inn" Giesfeldt

Okay, I know that I can't complain about a free lunch, but that fried chicken I would barely even refer to as fried chicken. You know its bad when the highlight of the lunch is the bread and butter.

Anyways, today has been a frusterating day of scheduling and rescheduling and getting upset over nothing (sorry). I am looking forward to going home and eating this pizza for dinner. yum.

Jen

How to Cook Forty Humans

GRRRR…..

The band, who put out Weezer two weeks ago, spent Sunday in a Washington, D.C., recording studio laying down demos for 12 new songs, band assistant Karl Koch wrote on the official Weezer Web site.

For the rest of this lame article, you can go here. Seriously though, no more Weezer talk for awhile, I promise.

It looks like we have one confirmation for the Cubs game. Wait. This is Greg's territory. I'll back off.

I was just reading the MSN news. I do not want Pat going home to visit the P's again. People are crazy in Streamwood! Unfortunately, the article sucked. It's approximately 7 lines long. Do I feel satisfied with this as a news source? Absolutely not.

All this cooking humans stuff is making me hungry. Burrito Buggy it is.

Jen

How to Cook for Humans

Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve been meaning to write this for ages. Anyway, if you have time, there is a new blogger on the scene. Check out why don’t we do it in the road? Lisa has been writing me, and I said I’d give her a link. Cool.

Jen

How to Cook Humans

Notice the slew of old Simpson episodes? It’s great though. It’s just so strange to think that when I was growing up and watching them, they looked and talked like that. They have smoothly evolved into the Simpsons that we know and love today. Anyone notice how Lisa is the character that went through the least amount of change?

Anyway, the Power Bar before Yoga helped me out big time. I was a bit frightened of them before, because one time I ate one after yoga and got this massive stomach ache. Also, they look and taste a little funky. Through trial and error (and also, better reading of the packaging) I have discovered that it’s best to eat one before hand. I also had this crazy thing called a Balance Bar this morning. Not bad, not bad. All my thanks go to Tim this morning, because I needed the extra boost.

I’m a little sleepy today and I look a little disheveled. I went to Pat’s yesterday night and to avoid waking up early, I took a shower, and then fell asleep. The hair (meaning mine) has a mind of it’s own today. God, I need a haircut.

Some how I got out of a very long, and most likely, boring, meeting this morning. All I know is that I am unbelievably thankful. Why is it only 10:57? Why?

i love it when a plan comes together

this post is dedicated to Hannibal, who always had the wherewithal to deal with B.A. and Murdock

yesterday was average - work, school and the other thing - but i did do some reflecting on this summer and i have come to the conclusion that it will be hard on my pocketbook, but easy on my ears. new records by jimmy and the boys are guaranteed, while i seem to remember that the plan and the ring were nearing completion of their new albums. oh joy of joys. then there's the inevitable tours. and the seven inches and by the end of the summer i’m out several bills. but i had a lot of fun doing it.

cubs win. and no one's told me where my mixtape goes. plus, no suggestions on where to point my browser. i guess you all hate me. or are busy. preliminary date for the blogger trip to see the cubs is sunday june 24th. you guys better let me know if that works for you soon, since when the cubs heat up so do ticket sales. everyone's invited. you just gotta email me beck or jenn. later.

Becky

Good morning, good morning.

Some people are missing out on the wonderful world of yoga. Actually we almost missed out on it last night cause I was moving a little slow and we got there right at 7:30 and Mary would not buzz us in. Mary?!?! Whats up with that? We had to call another number and sneak into yoga! but it was good and my monkey arms came in handy alot.

So my living room is starting to look totally KA now that I have my posters hung up and my tv audio running through my stereo. I even got a new plant at Target yesterday.

This weekend is shaping up. I think that we are going to this festival on saturday after a brief visit from the 'rents for lunch. should be a rockin and rollin good time.

Jen

Frustrated Incorporated.

Remember this song? Whatever happened to Soul Asylum anyway? XRT, keep bringing on the hits.

i have run out of things to look at on the internet

does this ever happen to you? when the blogs don't update and i've read everything about the cubs and cnn doesn't have any new stories and when i've already read the onion and i'm tired of searching i don't know what to do. any suggestions? please let me know. and who gets this mixtape?

Jen

Today is Tuesday. If you read the blog, and especially on Tuesdays, you know that I have to mention this or it just isn’t a day. So, I’d like to extend an invite to Mr. Robert Nanna of the current Hey Mercedes fame, that if he’d like to give the ole’ yoga a shot, he can contact either “8 arms Becky” or “sticky-chi-mat Jen.” Class is at 7:30. Get there early because the place fills up fast.

I do not know if Mr.T is a born again (although quite interested in knowing if he is or not.) I do know that he lives in River Forest and pities the fool. Enough of the jibba-jabba.

Becky

Wierd Mary at work just told me that Mr. T is a Born Again Christian. Is this true? is she making this up? anybody?

Today I got to laugh at everybody who laughed at me on Friday for going to the Cubs game. The weather was like a nightmare here in Willowbrook, but a patch of sunny sky landed over Wrigley for the afternoon and it was a great game.

Hey Jen, I think I am Bohemian Like You.......

blogger, i'm back!!

really, i am. i almost forgot to do a big company wide memo today. good thing beck reminded me. i would've been in some trouble for that.

i've spent the last 2 hours looking up articles about the cubs, i think i'm obsessed. what i really need is a nap. or an airplane. but work will have to do.

Jen

Oh blogger! How I missed you! Let’s kiss!

What a weekend! Friday: Tequila Roadhouse (free drinks of any kind for an hour!) + Mexican food + a friend that is officially the loudest puker ever = messy couch.

Saturday: Rain = no Plan show

Nevertheless, I did have a great time at Dave and Busters with the fam and Pat. I kicked some booty on the Harley Davidson game. Is this a hint? How does “Jen on a hog” sound?

I want to thank everyone for making it to my party Saturday night at Chris’. Who would have thought that those old 45’s of We’re not gonna take it and the Superbowl Shuffle would come in handy? Guys, you don’t know this, but we (me, Pat, Eugene, Jordan and Pat W.) stayed there until 5. Chris kicked us out. The last thing I remember about the night is curling up into the fetal position on Pat’s couch because it was cold in his apt, and having a quesadilla (wrapped in foil) thrown at me by Eugene, where I then cradled it like a baby. I was not drunk, just tired. The next morning, I went to eat my quesadilla only to find a large bite taken out of it. Yes, it is gross, but I ate it. I came within a ½ inch border of the bite though. No one would fess up to eating it.

The rest of the weekend was relaxing. It consisted of much sleeping, playing cards, watching movies and video games. Pat and I went head to head in battle mode of Mario Cart for Super Nintendo. He won by two games. I was so, so close! We are up for a rematch later this week.

Anyone heard the new Peter Gabriel song? Do you like it? Does anyone care?

hooray for blogspot!!!

thank god you're back blog. i've missed you. i've had no one to make out with. except for shorty. the big rock show was a bog disappointment. didn't even go cause of the crappy rain. but shorty did get a "new" tv, although it definately involved disaster. let's put it this way, don't try to transport a 1988 television in the trunk of a 1996 impala if it's raining. it may never work again and shorty may hurt her back.

cubs win cubs win. i witnessed near perfection by kerry wood at the wrigley field on friday. probably the closest to a no-hitter i have ever seen or ever will see in person. a beautiful game. i should work, but more later. i'll cover your blank pages today.

oh yeah, watched finding forrester yesterday. it was okay, forrester seemd like a mix of hemmingway and salinger, and the first ten minutes were just weird and stupid, but it definately was worth the watch. hey Zach, have you seen it? he's in it. for at least 2.5 minutes.

Becky

Okay, it's working again and very nicely coinciding with a lack of things that I have to do this week which is good. Except for Friday when apparently some marketing people are coming into town and going to cut into some of my summer hours of fun. I hate you, marketing!

So here I am on Tuesday morning, even though it is monday to us, and I have alot of time and nothing witty to say! The weekend was good, save a few hours on saturday that involved moving a television that a) didn't even come close to fitting in my trunk (I told you so greg) so we have to drive to get greg's dad's car, b) got wedged into the truck of the impala only to get harcore rained on for about 40 minutes, c) ruined my back when I had to help lift it out of the trunk (mary, help!) and d) didn't work when we plugged it in.

Luckily it came back to life when it dried out and now I have a sweet tv from 1988 with big speakers and a wooden entertaintment center built around it. cheers to greg for keeping me sane.

Is it Friday yet? I am getting ready for a zoo at my apt when my sister and her fiancee come with the two dogs and two cats for the nite on friday. woohoo blogspot is back!!

What do you mean you cant find our blog??????

Jen

Harpoooon!

It's a drink, I swear I'm not just being mean.

Hey, blogger. I can't even get to AYWAW?!!!! What is up with you?

Anyway, since this isn't posting, I will tell the location of the Weezer show as I know it: It's at the Fireside 2 in Dundee on Route 31, just shy of Route 72. The show is at 1 or 2 this afternoon. Soon, a bunch of poor, misguided souls will be rocking out to the standstill of Rivers Cuomo.

Give me some time. I think I can learn to accept them once again.

Last night, the Tikki Bar rocked. Even the announcing card paid a little visit. Be prepared to hear it all weekend. And I mean ALL WEEKEND. I wish that when you opened this page, the tune from the announcing card played. Greg, can you set it up?

I went downstairs to get some mail for the office and I noticed that everyone was leaving for a nice half day. Hmmm. . . wish I had one of those. I hope you two (B & G) are having fun at the game. sniffle, sniffle. I want to go too!

I can't wait for Saturday. Here are the events: Plan show, 3:45. Mom's b-day, free dinner! and Dave and Busters with the fam, which seems to freak out the general public. Chris' BYOHCL (bring your own hard core liquor) party. All should be a good time.

Ok, folks. I'm out for the day (I'll still be here at work, just not posting), dreaming of half days, cubs games and summer sausage (I actually hate red meat and any sausage of any kind, but it seemed to fit the sentence.) If anyone reads this on Saturday, or whenever this can be read again, have a great memorial day weekend!

Jen

Well, it's almost 5 and still no blog access. To quote Greg, "arrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!" At least I'll have tons to catch up on when all is up and running.

Three things I wish would happen in the nearest of near future: 1)Blog would work and I could catch up on my reading. 2)Bill would call into the office and give me and Barb the day off tomorrow. 3)Rivers would get his head out of his arsehole and realize how damn charmed he is and stop acting like the biggest prick ever.

i repeat: arrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!

Jen

What’s up with you blogger?

Ah…. I guess I should actually read the blogger home page once in awhile… It may take up to 72 hours to do this server change. Man, I feel so cut off from the world. How is Zach’s job going? Marc’s classes? What about Jason in Europe? I don’t even know what everyone else is doing, because I can’t read about it. Good thing that AYWAW? is still up and running, same with amplified.

Since I figure no one will read this until Saturday (maybe Friday) or so, I can say that I know where the secret Weezer show is this Friday. Jer called me this morning and told me. I still don’t know if I care enough to go. If this gets posted before Friday night and you want to know where the show is, e-mail me. Here are my current problems with Weezer. This is going to make me sound like a music snob, so deal:

1) Rivers: When did he become such a prick? First of all, he is not exciting live. He just stands there. I mean, I get excited just singing along to OLD Weezer songs. Even if Rivers doesn’t give two shits, at least act like you care for the fans. They are the one’s who fork out the cash to see his sorry ass. Secondly, what's this bullshit about calling Pinkerton a bomb? (I'm not the only one who feels this way.) Finally, I spoke to Jer about this last night. Rivers did an interview with rolling stone and all he talked about was his heavy drug use. What happened to the dorks we used to know and love? This leads me to #2.

2) Lame title “Hash Pipe”: Ok, there are tons of bands out there that write songs about drugs, that’s basically what all Pixies songs are about. Anyway, there are plenty of ways to write a song about a hash pipe and not actually say it. Do not blatantly name a song “Hash Pipe.” It’s just lame.

3) Why I miss Matt Sharp: To me, he was the personality of the band. He made shows so exciting and fun. This Mikey guy seems ok, but come on! He’s no Matt!

4) Tragically hip?: What is with their tragically hip outfits on the green album? (At least Pat Wilson kinda has it straight. . . ) Where are the holy, ugly sweaters and polyester shirts? I miss you!

arrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!

I hate blogspot!

excellent game yesterday, but i was a little hung over when i finnally dragged myself into work. fortunately my train went express from montrose to logan so i got here early. that means i can leave early. plan show on saturday is a definate. chris' party on saturday is an affirmitive. more when someone can read this.

Jen

Well, I guess I can post Ok. Strange.

Stomach ache +Yoga + no Becky = FOOD POISONING

In my mind, at least. The last time I had the above three, I got really sick. Call me superstitious.

Anyway, Eric and Donna broke up!!!! WHY?!?!

I guess the new Sears opens on State Street today. Although I could care less about Sears, starting June 12th, this will be going on:

CREEPY!!!!! (This is my title for the article I found on MSN)

The Skinny
Four Australian artists make up the Urban Dream Capsule, presented by Performing Arts Chicago for two weeks as part of Puppetropolis Chicago, the city's newest summer festival. The men live in--and never leave--four display windows in the new Sears on State Street. They interact with audiences outside 24 hours a day and inside during store hours.

The Details
Having appeared in six other cities around the world, the UDC transforms the ordinary into extraordinary artistic and humorous expressions. The men have all the comforts of home--full kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom--but communicate with the outside world only through email, fax and notes on a dry-erase board.

So, so, strange. But I will check it out.

Jen

What is wrong with my dumb computer? Why can't I read blogs today?

Becky

Good morning! I am here and very well rested. I was a bit of a slacker last night, as I ditched yoga as well as a chance to go to the cubs game. But I feel rejuvinated today so it is all worth it. I actually practiced some yoga at home so I didn't feel too bad. Jen, how was Crazy Mary?

Greg, thanks for the call during the 7th inning stretch. can you belive that I was already asleep by then?

There are a few perks to my job:

1. all of the plastic food and trash bags you could ever want
2. free (yet gross) coffee in the morning
3. a lovely cubicle to call my own
4. summer hours=fridays we work from 8-12:30

This will be the first friday of perk #4. Of course I will have to go here to celebrate.

ps-you can get soft chocolate chip cookies at costco. I will be going there at 11 to pick up 100. don't ask.

Jen

I heard all three guilty pleasures today. WOO HOO. NO sucky Jeffrey Gains or new REM (although I kinda like the video.) Heard the new Radiohead twice. I also heard Johnny B. Good. I like variety. I spoke to soon! Sucky REM song on!

Yoga and relaxation tonight, and a new blog day dawns tomorrow.

thai-m to go!

i couldn't help myself.

i was just convinced by my buddy pavlo to ditch class and go to the cub's game tonight. it was some tough convincing. if you're watching the game on tv, i'll be the one shivering. later.

Jen

Thai This

I had lunch at My Thai with Tim MAC and had the Rama (lama-ding-dong) Chicken. Tim thinks that the ultimate job would be writing jingles for Thai restaurants. I think that naming them is damn fun. Here are some favorites, besides My Thai: Mr. Thai, Once upon a Thai, Thai me down, Where’s my Thai? and All Thai’d Up. Ok, the last three are not really restaurants (or are they?), but look how fun it is to make up names!

we're tired, we're cranky and we hate the government!!

when i was 14 i was at a bill clinton rally in minneapolis and there we these anarchist protesters shouting that. it's been in my head ever since. they also shouted things like "more oral sex" but i never knew why.

charlotte was beautiful, fun and sexy. okay maybe not beautiful. it was damn hot and i couldn't hear a word barbara bush was saying but graduation was still good. i couldn't help but think of that simpsons episode where bart and homer are feuding with george bush . . . perfection.

i'm gonnna look up some cubs dates later on today, so get ready for some baseball!!! on a similar note, me and beck are gonna go to the game tomorrow night if you would like to join us. rock over london. time for work.

Jen

AKA: Official President of the Becky and Greg Fan Club. Can someone hit me?

Three guilty pleasures: “Drops of Jupiter,” by Train; “Bohemian Like You,” by the Dandy Warhols; new David Grey song.

I can’t help it, I really like these songs even though I don’t want to.

Danny’s kicked some booty last night. Even Chris came out with me and the YOSH! where we met up with Eugene and some of his buddies.

I have tons of crap to do today at work. Janet is on her honeymoon and it’s still just Barb, Bill and me.

Hopefully a bigger blog will come later.

Becky "I'm back, I'm safe and I'm tired" Giesfeldt

Hello everybody! We are back in the lovely state of Illinois. What is with the cold weather? What is with airplanes being delayed?

Today I am going to be super safe. We just had our monthly safety meeting and soon I am meeting with some product safety and regulatory people. however, I can't get too excited cause I am very very very tired from the fact that yesterday we left for graduation in Winston-Salem at 8:00, sat through a very very very long ceremony (but we did get to hear from the silver fox), drove back to charlotte, ate stir-fry (far inferior to the wonderful FTG) waited in the airport, flew back to chicago, waited for a ride to greg's house, then I drove back to the city and was in bed at approximately 12:30 am. where am I now? what day is it?

okay, time for meeting.

ps-summer hours start on friday. more on that later.

Jen

I promised my self I wouldn’t blog about certain things, but I am extremely pissed off at a reoccurring dumb-ass in my life. I will not name names, but please do not read this blog, do not e-mail me, do not accuse me of things because you are paranoid and finally, stay the fuck out of my life because I want absolutely nothing to do with yours. Thank you.

On a lighter note, I filled out the FASFA and it looks like I’ll get plenty of cash for grad school. WOO HOO! Those dumb-asses that run this program have failed to realize that I have been independent for the past two years. I had to struggle by with very little cash and had to pay for school out of my very empty pockets. Not this time though. I owe approximately my left kidney for my four and a half (yes, I know) years at UIC and my 6 month stay in Newcastle, England. I already got my first statement and I guess my first payment WAS due in July. Ha! Not anymore, now that I am going back to school.

Tonight, I’m going back home to pick up my laundry (I know, I just wrote that I have been independent. But it’s FREE to wash clothes at home!) and then off to Danny’s to hang out with the Yosh! (Ken) and Eugene. Pat is back in the suburbs for the next two days and then he’ll be back on Wednesday. So, that is really all that is up.

Sorry for the fit up above, I’m just sick of stupid people.

I saw a very interesting segment on Dateline at 3:00 in the morning (I couldn’t sleep) about men being sexually harassed by other men. It was about these three guys who worked at a meatpacking plant (no pun intended) that were harassed. It was so strange to hear these guys talking about sexual harassment. Hmmm. I should go home.

Tomorrow. . . Becky and Greg are back.

Jen

If it's not Scottish it's crap, SIR!

No one on Friday’s wish list call list called me. John Cusack, what are you thinking!

Two things on Friday’s “I wish that would happen to me,” list came true. Can you guess which two?

Greg and Beck are still on their mini vacation in Charlotte. I’m sure it’s not raining there. Anyway, Donna and Eric, as I like to call them, will be back tomorrow to blog-blog away!

Does anyone watch “That 70’s show”? (the link for "that 70's show" is down) I always watch the Wednesday episode, because I am at Yoga on Tuesdays when it is normally on. Anyway, a few weeks ago there was the episode where Donna and Eric face off against Jackie and Kelso in Fes’s version of the Newly Wed Game. For those of you that have not met my beloved Becky and Greg, they are that cute. Seriously. Anyway, Eric and Donna get a question right and say “we are the best couple in the world!” Now, Beck and Greg don’t ever say this, but they could.

Of course, I saw commercials that hinted at Donna and Eric’s break-up. Say it ain’t so! I can’t watch the episode, but I’d appreciate it if someone could tape it for me.

I found out who does that crappy cover of “in your eyes.” Does anyone know who Jeffrey Gains is? Would anyone like to hunt him down and beat him senseless with me? God, that cover sucks!

Also, finally heard the new Weezer all the way through (I had selected songs that I downloaded off Napster) and I have decided that although some songs are catchy, the lyrics aren’t as personal as usual and the tunes are standard. I still feel let down. Perhaps I need to listen more. I dunno.

Oh, and Marc, I agree that Brad Pitt is actually very good in Seven even though I am not a big fan of the pretty boy. I find that in some roles, he completely blows (aka, Legends of the Fall, a River Runs Through It- I couldn’t even watch them all the way through) but he rocks in Fight Club and 7 Monkeys. Go figure.

Jen

If it’s not right it’s wrong, SIR!

It’s going to be very hard to blog today, it’s just me, Barb and Bill. He is keeping a tight watch on us. Ugh.

Anyway, I’m feeling much better today. I’m still coughing but the sore throat is finally gone. Yay! I wasn’t much company this weekend though; I slept a lot. Good thing Pat likes to sleep too!

Anyway, some interesting folks showed up at Pat’s rooftop barbecue Saturday night. Two girls, who I will probably never see again, showed up with Frank and Kevin. One, Emily, was very nice and then got kinda annoying and the other, Ashley, was annoying from the get go.

Anyway, Emily was arrested for armed robbery, which was hard for me to believe due to the fact she’s small and nice. (You don’t have to be big and mean to be an armed robber, but it didn’t seem to fit her profile, get it?) I guess she had to spend some time in boot camp and she talked a lot about it (this was not the annoying part.) Then she began doing push-ups and screaming out such things as the very above statement or “If it’s not gay it’s straight, SIR!” Ok, she didn’t say that, but it was something along those lines. That is when she got annoying.

Ashley, on the other hand, just bothered the hell out of me. She kept calling Pat “Billy,” and when she started hiccuping in her drunken stupor in Pat’s kitchen, she would yell fuck after each hiccup. Now that was annoying. Plus they were drinking all this alcohol on Pat’s roof and didn’t clean it up. So “Blah” to them.

Jen

Work is almost over and I am damn happy about it. I really have no major plans for the weekend except for hanging out with Pat. Excellent.

Three things that I wish would happen to me this weekend: 1) Fran’s cousin will call me and offer me job working costumes on his musical that will soon be playing in Chicago. 2) Throat will stop hurting and I will no longer be sick. 3) Pat will give me back massage.

Oh, one more list. . .

Three people that I wish would call me this weekend: 1) Fran’s cousin with job! 2) Nathan- I misplaced your cell phone number again! Duh! 3) John Cusack – because he is my hero.

Jen

I just heard that cover of Bizarre Love Triangle by Frente- remember them? It brought me back to a very fond memory of high school and when Q101 was actually a decent station. Ahhh. . . memories. It’s REM day on XRT, which I think, is good, as long as they don’t play that new song that sucks ass. I just can’t stand it.

Last night the wings were good and the company even better. Unfortunately, as much as I love my friends, everyone always cuts out early. We didn’t even party like 1997, it was more like 1915. Ok, I’m just being rude now. So, it’s 11, I have nothing to do, and I’m wide-awake. Good thing for Jim! To the rescue again! Anyway, we went to Cody’s and played pool. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Cody’s? It’s on the corner of Barry and Paulina. I used to live a block away from it, so access was much easier (now I live five blocks away and I am much lazier.) Anyway, it has this dart room, which even has a separate level for viewing. The beer garden is also really nice. One of the best parts is that people usually bring their dogs in the bar (sorry, no English Bulldogs last night.) I highly recommend it.

I also just had the spicy chicken at Silk Road. Anyone remember my tongue incident? Just wanted to let you know that the tongue is doing fine, so the spicy chicken was not the cause of it. I actually blame the Tropicana strawberry/banana/orange juice I had Thursday morning before “The Incident.” My throat, on the other hand, still hurts.

Jen

Well, it looks like I’ll be running the blog for the next few posts. Donna and Eric, um… I mean Becky and Greg are in Charlotte for the weekend with Becky’s family. Now, I know Becky and Greg have been dating for awhile and they’re in love, blah, blah, blah, but I was kinda hoping that I could go too! Just kidding. How creepy would that be? Anyway, someone has to be here to hold down the fort.

This morning on the L, I sat behind two of the most interesting people. They both take the L in the morning around the same time that I do. One, which I like to call “red head braided guy” I actually haven’t seen in awhile. He was sitting next to “old rockstar guy” who I have been in the same L car with all week. Anyway, let me describe them both to you. “Red head braided guy” is this tall older fella who has bright red hair. It’s a weird hairstyle though; imagine a mullet like do. The top is really short and kinda wavy and the back is super long. He always braids it, and the braid is probably a good foot and a half long. He’s really creepy and interesting all at once. He eyes women in this really strange manner. This woman sat down next to him when “old rockstar guy” got up and his eyes followed her down into her seat where he proceeded to stare at her purse. At least that I what I think he was looking at. He also kept turning around and looking at me. I gave him weird looks because it freaked me out.

"Old rockstar guy,” fascinates me more than anything and does not creep me out. He kinda reminds me of Keith Richards and he has this dark black messy hair. He always wears this jean jacket that’s all ripped up and frayed, and he has the pocket chain. I wonder where he works because he gets off at the Chicago stop.

This is what I do when I am out of reading material. I watch people. Anyone want to donate a good book to me?

PS. The word for the day is creepy. Everytime you read it, scream real loud.

you can only party '97 stylee on thursdays. time to jet. off to meet becky. unless becky's sister has a computer in north carolina (which i sincerely hope she does) it looks like no blogging for me or beck until tuesday. i wish i had marc's laptop. or bob's for that matter. see you tonight jenny mcjenn.

Jen

MMMM….. cookies and cream. Yum.

Back from my little break and it rocked. I was going to write about stuff that has happened to me and I realize now that it’s not all that interesting. I went to that training class on Tuesday regarding the new software we are using and I walked away with free cake, so that was cool. I also had to transport these lab kits disguised in a web van bag. I didn’t really want to be holding boxes that say, “Biohazard” and “contains syringes” for all those heroin addicts out there that might need a new one.

Pat is currently located in Streamwood doing male bonding stuff with his friend, Mike. They have completely fixed up Pat’s car – everything from brakes to realignment. So, I told him that he’d have to drive everywhere now. He didn’t take well to that. I have been doing the home scene these past few. Since I have been sick, I have been really tired and basically feeling the need to veg. Last night, I hung out with my buddy, Jim, which is always cool. We lost touch about 9 months ago when we both moved into new places at the same time and both had Ameritech problems. On a whim, Jim tried my number again and well, it was the same as before. Obviously, we have a lot of catching up to do.

So, that’s about all. I really want to get the hell-o operator out of here, but I have an hour and 15 minutes to go. I’m very excited about the wing-age tonight. When I was talking to Bora this morning, I told her I wanted to “party like it’s 1999” tonight due to the awesome news about grad school. Then I was reminded that it is a Thursday night, so I guess we can only party like it’s 1998.

Jen

My throat still hurts so I have decided to go get ice cream from Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins. Now, I know I write a lot about eating ice cream, so if you haven’t seen me before you might think I weigh close to 300 pounds. I will testify and say that I am a mere 289 pounds, so do not worry about my health. Also, even though this sounds like a haven for large people and a disgusting combination of food stores, I will testify and say yes, larger, or “horizontally challenged” people do hang out here and no, it is not as disgusting as one may think. Let’s say you want a doughnut. Then have a doughnut! Ice Cream? Then have ice cream! What about both? Then have both! It’s that easy!

I feel like wingy tonight

Could work go any slower?! I have stuff to do, I am just getting so excited for vacation and the purchase of this that I just can't be bothered to do anything. My plan for the afternoon is to clean the cubicle and read my favorite magazine and yours, Packaging World.

Jen

I AM IN!!!!!!

I am officially announcing my enrollment in Grad school at Columbia College right here in beautiful Chicago. I am one of 12 accepted in the program. GO ME!

I found out Tuesday night before yoga. They called me because I guess people weren’t responding to acceptance letters, well, because no one was getting them. Anyway, I cried like a baby for a few minutes, and now, I am just happy. I believe we are having celebratory wings this eve. Anyone want to join us?

Yesterday, I was unable to blog due to stupid people. The company that services our DSL line was bought out and the new company changed our IP address and forgot what they changed it to. Anyway, stupidity kept me from e-mail and blog, which pissed me off more than anything. To top it off, I was super crabby due to the persistent pains in my throat.

However, I am back and ready to share some things that have happened to me over the past few days. But first. . .

Did anyone read the hey may blog? Anyway, Bob Nanna is moving and I was so desperately hoping that he lived alone in accordance with my dream, but I’m guessing no such luck. Damn. I’d also like to make my own comments about the River Kwai, which is a very shithole-esqe place right near my home. As I read in Amplified, Nanette seems to think the place is pretty cool, and I will agree.

Last year, when I only lived a block away from the place, Bora and I were bound and determined to get in there, but the hours are pretty strange. Who the hell wants Thai food between 10 pm and 6 am? We also heard some rumors about the “Thai nazi.” The Small Medium at Large folks that lived near by said that they tried to get a table and the “Thai Nazi” said it would be about four hours. No food is that good, at least that is what we thought.

Anyway, one Friday when Bora was visiting home from Austin, TX, we decided to go there. We went to Cody’s for a few beers, then got there exactly when it opened. Anyway, we placed our orders at 10, got seated at 11:30 and actually began eating at 1. Seriously. The food rocked (imagine the devil horns) and they give you tons of food for very little cash. Bora and I had the pleasure of dinning on plastic lawn chairs and a slanted table. You can see back into the kitchens and the food is cooked on a series of ovens that look like they belong in my kitchen at my apartment. It’s a very cool atmosphere and we think the Thai nazi liked us, but who knows. He refilled our water glasses approx. 15 times. One time, (which made me giggle like a schoolgirl) he refilled Bora’s water and he got it all over her sleeve. She looked so surprised and I couldn’t stop laughing. It was also 1:30 and we were eating dinner.

stop your messing around

just sitting here jamming to sublime's 40 oz. and before you start poking fun, shut up. it's an excellant record and perfect for keeping me moving during work. i needed a break from the indie/emo/whatever you call it world anyway. somtimes my ears just need some good old-fashioned ska/reggae.

so i was getting on the train on tuesday and there were three cops getting on with me. there was this poor guy who had just tipped back a 40 as they boarded. in standard play form here's what went down:

female cop: what do you have there?

fat cop #1: looks like he had the taste for one

fat cop #2: you'll be getting off with us!

40 drinker: where are you guys getting off?

fat cop #1: where are you getting off?!? you don't get to ask questions! we'll ask the questions!! (i know this sounds like a bad movie about nazis, but it's what he really said)

they then took him off and were interrogating him on the clark/division platform as my train pulled away.

where's jenn? where's our mixtape assignments? Speakin of the hero, when do you guys wanna go to the cubs game? you got a month preference? any other bloggers or blog readers out there wanna make the trip? they just might lose. but they'll probably lose. i guess i should work.

Becky

People with kids are funny-I just saw this big, grizzly looking guy at work whistling a song from Aladdin.

Bloggers? Where are you? My posts are not funny enough to keep this thing going on my own....

Jen, you would be very proud of me cause I actually practiced Yoga last night!! It worked out very well with the new extra-super-duper sticky mat and the hardwood floor in my new place (I'm so glad that my floors are not softwood).

Vacation starts today at 4:00. WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Becky

Driving can be interesting. Driving can be frightening. I've experienced both in the last 24 hours.

Yesterday was an interesting drive home. The highlight came when I was at the intersection of D&D (damen and diversey) and there was a guy trying to get money from people waiting for the light. First, he would offer to sell them some drawing on a napkin. Then, when the people refused he just started dancing, first with the robot and then when people still refused he would turn on the breakdancing moves. I have to say I was a little relieved when he didn't make it to my car, although I almost ran over him cause he did not even flinch when the cars started to move.

Anyways, this morning I think that god was telling me not to go to work. It was a little scary when I turned onto the stevenson and I saw the huge black cloud and the rain coming towards my car. but here I am safe and sound and ready to go pick up 12 lbs of fruit salad at 9:00.

Jen

How hot is it outside?

Today I have to do some out of work training down the street from us. Blah. I have to learn this new program that helps us get information on people. Yes, once again, vague. Still, I am excused for about an hour and a half today plus traveling time. I still think this is really stupid for me to go, because I won’t be here forever. When I tell Bill this, he says, “You want to be a photo teacher, right? Well, go and learn this and come back and teach us!” He thinks this is a good answer. I think this is a waste of my time, and theirs. Oh well.

Tim saw Sting yesterday at some restaurant. Barb and I think that an even bigger coincidence happened last night. We left work at different times last night, and yet, when the L stopped at Belmont, there we were, in the same car. Now tell me how strange that is.

Here is a good story involving porn. Ok, last week I had these virus thingys e-mailed to me and basically, the rest of the office. Since Bill doesn’t know anything about computers, he opened it. The virus turned out to be a porn virus of sorts; whenever he tired to shut down a program, a picture of a large breasted, naked woman would appear on his computer screen. Well, while this was going on, a guest stopped by and began to tell Bill about his sister that had just passed away and how she was in heaven, blah, blah, and Bill goes to shut down the program he is in and the big breasted lady pops up on the screen. The guest, who’s boss is a Jewish Carpenter* can only say, “that is disgusting.” Bill has to talk his way out of it for the next ten minutes. The good thing is, Bill has a sense of humor. So, we all got a good laugh out of that one. Oh, porn!

Ok, I want someone to e-mail me. I didn’t get any new e-mail today and I want to read something. So, if you want to tell me about your pet hamster, write me. Even if you just want to say, “hello, I read your lovely blog,” feel free.


*Three best Jesus related bumper stickers ever:

3. Anything that has “WWJD” on it.
2. “Coming soon . . . Jesus Christ.”
1. “My boss is a Jewish Carpenter.”

They make me giggle like a schoolgirl.

i feel like death

so i was up late last night working on a paper for my human development class. i tried to nab the red line into the loop so i could switch to the blue line back out, but the trains weren't moving. there were trains there, but they were dark and definately weren't gonna take me anwhere. the dude on the pa system said the was an emergency situation at the belmont stop so they had to turn off power to all four tracks. rumor was that some dude had tried to cross the tracks to the other platform and got hit by a train. that combined with the electrocution he most surely recieved must have been very gruesome. i don't know if this is true or not, but it at least makes the hour i had to wait for a train bearable. it took me 2 and a half hours to get home. since i left at 11:30, that means i was in bed by 2 a.m. i'm so tired. that trip usually takes about 52 minutes. sorry to bore you all with a train story. i'm gonna go look up cubs tickets now. are you guys still in? anyone else wanna watch the 2nd place cubs? hopefully they'll get it back together. i promise there will be beer.

i was just looking for a link to old style, and found out that it is now owned by pabst. who would've thought the same brewer produces such fine liquors as pabst, schlitz, old style, old milwaukee and stroh's. ah to work there.

Becky

Hiya everybody! The phone problem is solved once and for all, not without a minor freak-out incident, but it's done. Is it my fault that when the Ameritech guy took off without telling me or fixing anything that I was a little upset? okay, he did come back like an hour later and fixed everything but it wasn't a fun hour.

Okay, enough about that. If you want to learn about an interesting experiment (almost as interesting as the one that I am running!) check this out. You get to see some toasters on fire.

Other than that nothing too interesting to report. Have a good tuesday.

ps-one hour=four hours for photo developing at osco on southport

Jen

Oh lookie! My Friday post finally showed up!

Jen

A blogger is down! I repeat a blogger is down!

Why is blogger sucking right now? I tried to post a blog approximately 15 times on Friday and I was denied each time. It looks like ok plus three has been abandoned! Good thing Beck and Greg got one in already!

My throat still hurts. My condition was not helped at all on Friday night, where the whole gang went to Champaign to see our very own Greggy be a rockstar with his band (where I got to be on stage and take photos!) and then later going to that country western bar, where I drank old style and had a shot of mouth wash that went down surprising smooth. Hmmm.

I still don’t have a voice really, and I have to be at crappy ass work and answer phones.

I slept a lot this weekend, probably because I am sick, even though I am in denial right now. Saturday was tame. I just hung out with Pat, which is fine. Sometimes you need a few days like that.

I’m figuring that this may be the longest blog ever. Probably because, if I ever get in the damn thing, I might only be able to make one post.

Barb just gave me these weird cheetos that make your tongue change different colors rather than orange. The o’s make your tongue green and the x’s blue, and yet, they still taste like cheetos! Amazing!

I haven’t heard the new Weezer song yet, but I kinda don’t care. All I’ve heard is that it doesn’t sound like the old Weezer that we know and love. So, I won’t be rushing out to by the green album; that is not until they put out a single with a better title than “hash pipe.” Unless, of course, someone wants to buy it for me, in which case I will not refuse it.

Ok, maybe it's not that long after all. At least I will finally get to post!

ugghhhh

finally. and now i'm too tired to write. damn.

Becky

Sorry about the lack of posting. Work has been crazy here! my new experiment is a little out of control, but everything should settle down in a few days. today is super busy cause I have to leave at 11 to go meet up with the lovely folks at Ameritech. The newest complication is that I cannot get ahold of my landlord to open up the basement for the phone dude. Please esma, answer your phone!! I need you!!

Crazy weekend was tops. DAB rocked hard on friday and the Herrington was the most beautiful hotel I have ever been in on saturday.
okay, back the the digital camera and mold food.

Jen

My throat hurts big time. I believe that it is a combination of alcohol, smoky environment, sauna-like atmosphere and screaming/singing along at the Plan show last night. Oh, and staying up way too late. I think that is also a contributing factor.

Now, this is the part of the blog where I talk about the show and the people we were with. The Plan kicked some booty and I was especially pleased that they played “onward, fat girl,” which I don’t think I ever heard live before. I don’t think they played anything off of “Is terrified” besides “Ice of Boston”. I know that they have tons of cool new stuff to play, but I like the old stuff too, you know? I think I’m one of the first ones to write about the ok plus three and panaphobic meeting yesterday. I don’t really know what to say about it, so I won’t? No really, it was a good time with good people.

I ended up going to Rainbo last night after the show, which turned out to be cool, but strange. Anyway, ran into my buddy Frank, and he is having a gallery opening with my other friend Kevin. Here is the info for any video/film fans that appreciate art and free alcohol. It is at Drive Thru Studio at 626 West 18th Street. Reception starts at 7 pm.

I get off early today so I can catch the train with Greg. The ok plus three mobile (aka Becky’s very cool car) is heading down south tonight for the DAB show. I will be ready to take some cool photos of the band that DAB can hopefully use.

Only 2 more hours… can this day drag anymore?

PS. The tape is going to be listened to tonight on the way to Champaign, if the rest of this blog doesn’t mind. And even though you don't think so, I will finish my tape next week, promise.

Jen

Um…. morning.

Two things happened to me yesterday. One good: Pat got his flat tire fixed and he can drive again! Thank you! One bad: some asshole thought it would be a jolly time to walk on the hood of my car then precede jump on the roof, therefore denting it in and leaving many scratches and footprints. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw it. Pat flagged down some cops and all they said they could do was file a report for my insurance company. So, in order to avoid higher car insurance bills, I didn’t even bother. Pat spent a good 20 minutes popping the roof out. He a did a pretty good job and it looks almost normal.

I never ever had a problem where Pat lived until now. He lives near the Robert Taylor Homes, and as I told everyone, including my mom (who doesn’t know about the above incident) that I never feel unsafe over there, which is true. I used to have to walk through the projects to get to school and I never had any problems until now. So I’m really pissed and I feel kinda violated. Why would someone just randomly pick my car and want to damage it? I don’t know.

To quote Japhy of the Dharma Bums, by Jack Keroauc, “Bad Karma produces good Karma.” So, at this point, I like to write a little something about what I said yesterday. I was pretty pissed at a certain person, so I will say I’m sorry for writing those things – I was just in a mood. He is an all around good guy, so I feel bad ripping on him like I did.

Ahhh, I feel better. Now all I have to do is make final arrangements for tonights gathering with some good Normal folks, and wait anxiously for The Plan.

happy 5 days after cinco de maio

i'm back from observations at New Trier and Foreman high schools. For those of you who don't know, New Trier is a high school on the north shore of chicago. everyone is rich and the high school has an atm. an atm!! Foreman is a high school on the west side in a predominately latino neighborhood. They teach the recorder there. i know it because i heard it.

the observations were interesting, Foreman was a bit of an eye-opener after being raised in a lily-white suburb, but i think it made me look forward to the challange of multi-cultural education. cause it's gonna be a challange. i can't believe i'm almost 23.

vacation days make for tons of work. i hope you all are chillin' out there. i know i'll be chilling at the d-plan show tonight.

Becky

When it rains it pours.

Jen

Three things that I wish would happen to a certain someone who pissed me off this morning: 1) while riding bike, hit a pothole and bust up both bike and leg 2) have dad write you out of will and 3) get really bad stomach ache.

Jen

I finally have time to read the blogs because there is no Bill. And guess what? No one is writing! What is going on here?

I keep getting all these weird virus e-mail things to my outlook e-mail address. It sucks. I get all excited because I see the little envelope on the corner of my computer screen to let me know I have mail, and then I check and it’s another virus thing. Talk about disappointment!

Here are three things that I wish would happen to me: 1) get a letter from Columbia telling me that I’m in! 2) have a nice dinner waiting for me when I get home to Pat’s tonight (this may be the most far fetched) and 3) have that guy that gives me $100 a day for being me stop by.

Back in the day when Bora and I used to live together, whenever we were hungry, we wished we had a food court in our attic. We also wanted the L to make a personal stop on Fletcher. Since neither of those were ever going to happen, we usually wished that when we were hungry, the doorbell would ring and some guy would be at the door with the food we wanted. Then we thought, if he’s coming with food, he might as well have $50 to give us just for being us that day. Then it escalated to $100 a day for being us, you know, sort of an allowance for rockin’. One time, it even went as far as him showing up with a car full of stuff we wanted, like a new computer or a guitar. When I told Pat about this, he thought that it should be based on how you were that day. So if you were an asshole, the amount you got decreased. You could also get a bonus if you were good. Really though, I’m waiting for the deliveryman to drop off my $100 check any minute..

Jen

I realize I’ve been “Grrrr”ing a lot lately, but that’s only because the world is full of idiots. I would like to address how pissed off I am at certain person here at work, but I fear that he may peek in on the blog every now and then. I will say that although, I do slack off and come into work late, (I’ll be the first to admit it) I do not take three hour lunches, get calls from friends all day and then basically live off my father’s income. And to get even higher on my soapbox, this job is not my life. If I am fired, I’ll obviously be upset, (because I do like it here, even though I bitch) but it will not kill me. I am 22 years old with a college degree and I can work anywhere I want. I have no one to support but me. So there.

Yoga did rock last night except for Mr. yoga-first-timer next to me yesterday. I don’t have a problem with people who go to yoga for the first time, as a matter of fact, I encourage it. There are just some things you (meaning Mr. yoga-first-timer) need to be more considerate of. A) My mat is my space and your mat is yours. B) Put away your equipment when you are done! (Hmmm, watch how the meaning of that sentence changes when I put things in quotation marks.… Put away your “equipment” when you are “done”! Now it sounds dirty. Tee hee.) And as Crazy Mary says, c) “You are not at yoga to impress anyone.” Don’t force yourself into a position and then have that look on your face like it’s the most painful thing on earth. Another Crazy Mary saying, “Yoga can change to fit everyone.” I am very glad we had our own mats. No more using smelling, sweaty old mats! Mine does have that battle scar when it fought the washing machine in hand-to-hand combat and almost lost.

Under the Milkyway, by the Church playing on my Real Jukebox.

Becky

Puro Dolar. (Pure Pain)

Not only is that the name of an excellent song that is a favorite among greg's house, but also what I woke up to this morning with one of the worst charlie horses I have ever had. The good part was now that I don't have a roomate so I can scream as loud as I want. Usually its my foot that cramps up (ask greg, its really funny when it happens when we are on the phone) but at like 4 am my leg just went nuts. I blame yoga. but yoga was good, especially with the newly washed mats that are extra-sticky.

So Greg is gone again today! and I am stuck here waiting for bowls that are lost in the wal-mart warehouse. he's chillin on the northwest side right now hopefully he will stop at jade dragon and get a heart with my name it in.

Jen

It’s a beautiful day. Don’t let it slip away.

Ok, so I quoted U2- sue me.

Honestly, it is so great outside. I had my nice 15 minute walk (one way- 30 minutes round trip, obviously) to Columbia to get the portfolio. All pictures are there and in tact. Before that, though, I got some ice cream and sat in the park on Michigan Ave. and Harrison across from Columbia. I took a bit over an hour to do what might take 40 minutes. 20 minutes isn’t a big thing when you come down to it, is it really? Anyway, I was so nervous about running into photo faculty at Columbia, but that thankfully didn’t happen. I just don’t think that I could have handled something like, “Well, there’s always next year.” Of course, when I said my name to the receptionist at the photo dept. she said, “you were accepted, right?” Then again, what does she know?

So, here I am, back at work, blah, blah, blah. And tonight is Yoga!!!!!! Just what I needed. Becky- I’ll call you when I get home.

Becky

Sometimes it pays to be nice......

today there was a guy in town from one of our plants to work on another project but I had worked with him before and he invited me to go out to lunch with them! woohoo!! free food and enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow!!

So that was good, but I still have no bowls because walmart sucks. And then greg just called and is all happy-go-lucky while he drives home from Wilmette on a BEAUTIFUL day and I sit here in my cubicle and rot. but what can you do? I just have to make to to next weekend when we get to go the Charlotte for graduation.

Jen

Well, I got six nips at the resume at monster and two e-mails already. I do have to say it works quick. I just don’t want to get stuck doing this for the rest of my life. And it looks like the bites are from companies who want me to do what I do here. I’m wondering if I could possibly be any more vague. Tee hee.

I happened to come across this blog and the picture at the top of the post is just too funny not to link to. Reminds me of my bitch session about gas. I hate high gas prices!

Becky, I completely sympathize about your Ameritech problems. I know that I have blogged about my experience with them in the past, so I will not bore you again with the story. I do know how much it sucked not have a home phone for close to two months. So, a big GRRR goes out to the a-holes at Ameritech for screwing over their customers yet again.

Can someone tell me why Gatorade is so good? and why I want to drink it all the time?

I have to walk my butt over to Columbia today and pick up my portfolio. I’m already getting bitter in preparation of failure, you know, just in case. You can never be too careful. My friend Jason suggests:

“here's how to cope (if you don't have another method...). do the fetal-position whimpering thing for somewhere between 30-45 minutes. walk around feeling shitty and directionless for somewhere between one day and four months. find another fortress to attack. attack.”

I find this to be good advice… at least part of it. I’m hoping not to be directionless for four months.

Still, I may be bitter and may refer to people at Columbia as “assholes” only because I am trying to be positive and that cheers me up. Hopefully, I’ll know in a few days if I’m in or not. Not=bite back at companies who e-mailed me. In=either stay at this job or walk dogs all summer. Doesn’t that sound like fun? (This is not sarcasm. I would really like to walk dogs.)

Jen

Hello, hello and hello.

I got this forward and it is too amusing not to post. So, here it is.

THE TOP 10 TIMES IN HISTORY WHEN USING THE “F” WORD WAS APPROPRIATE:

10) “What the *&%# was that?” – Mayor of Hiroshima – August 1945

9) “Where did al these *&%#ing Indians come from?” – Custer 1877

8) “Any *&%#ing idiot could understand that.” – Einstein 1938

7) “It does SO *&%#ing look like her!” – Picasso 1926

6) “How the *&%# did you work that out?” – Pythagoras 126 BC

5) “You want WHAT on the *&%#ing ceiling?” –Michelangelo 1566

4) “I don’t suppose it’s going to *&%#ing rain. . .” – Joan of Arc 1434

3) “Scattered *&%#ing showers. . . my ass!” -Noah 314 BC

2) “ I need this parade like a need a *&%#ing hole in my head!” -JFK 1963

1) “Aw c’mon, who the *&%# is going to find out?” –Bill Clinton 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.…

Who thinks # two is better than one? Huh? Even three is better. . .

More in a wee bit.

Becky "arrrrggghhh" Giesfeldt

I HATE AMERITECH SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Umm yeah, we can just switch over your phone line no problem. That's what I heard a week ago, and now they have to come in the basement and do "work" on the lines. The only time I could get an appointment is monday the 14 (yeah, that's in like a week) and they will come sometime between the hours of 12-5. Hey great! thanks for narrowing it down and making me miss work! jerks.........

On a lighter note-my new coffee table rules!!!!! Thanks to greg for helping me set it up. I might be poor, but my apartment looks nice!

ps-greg is going to be outtie today cause he's got to do some observation at an pretentious north side high school. Any guesses as to which one? there could be free glad bags in store for you!!

Jen

Remember, kids, if you work hard and honest and true at this craft of music, you will probably never make a red cent, but you will eventually have some bizarre scrapes with the mass-media machine that will puzzle you and delight your mom.

A little something from Travis of my favorite Plan. Mmmmm. . . Travis. Yes, I am one of those girls who digs Travis. Honestly, can it be helped?

Well, I was curious where the hell the Centrum (1309 N. Ashland) is located because well, I drive down Ashland all the time to go to Pat’s place from mine. My keen sense of city street numbers tells me that it is located just north of Division. I know there is a K-mart and a Jewel over there, but a place called the Centrum? Honest to god, I’ve never seen it.

I just filled out a new resume at monster. Hopefully, I’ll get some bites from the art world.

What else… Oh yeah, does anyone watch King of the Hill? Well, I do, and I am very excited to say that No Doubt will play two tunes on the season finale on May 13. The episode, called “Kidney Boy and Hamster Girl: A Love Story," will have Bobby Hill help Arlen High win a No Doubt prom concert in a radio-station contest. Guess who will be watching.

Bob Nanna mentioned this link, and I seriously suggest checking it out if you have not yet. It is so funny, fool!

Did I mention that I hate Rod Stewart? Did I also mention that sometimes I have no idea why I listen to XRT?

Becky

Hey Jen: Happy Graduation!

Hey Greg: Snap out of it!! (anybody know the movie, anybody?)
Just kidding, you will feel much better after you help me buy a coffee table tonight and eat a big bowl of linguini with clam sauce, I promise. I am on the phone will Wal-Mart right now trying to figure out when the 100 glass bowls I ordered are coming in. I need to start my experiment, dammit!

I wish I had a hula hoop.

i'm in a bit of a funk.

i had a shitty weekend. my band was supposed to play at a party on saturday, but the cops shut the party down before we could play so everyone got into a little fight. it was very annoying. can't people just deal? i mean these things happen. oh well.

i also feel pretty crappy today. i've got that sinking unsettled feeling like everything isn't quite in it's place. i think that started with my bad day on friday. oh well. i just need some relaxing which me and beck should get tonight over dinner and furniture shopping. am i whipped or what? plus i don't have to go to work tomorrow so that'll rock.

i wish i had the mousercize record.

Jen

Greg, your blogging abilities are piss poor. Your lovely girlfriend managed to get two action packed ones in this morning and yet, there is nothing from you.

I hope you know I’m just kidding (about your abilities as a blogger, not what I said about Becky.)

Saturday night continued: Had a marathon dinner with parents, similar to the fashion of Gant Luxton. If you know Gant, then you know what I mean. We went to Santorini’s (which sounds surprisingly Italian for being in Greek Town) and dinner kicked some booty. Pat’s chicken was so awesome and I was jealous that I did not order it myself. After dinner, pat and I went home and watched the x-files. Then we went to Rainbo, had a few drinks with friends and then went to the lakefront where I got a $50.00 parking ticket. I think we left the car for about an hour and there it was. Bastards. Then as we were driving home, Pat made a U turn downtown in front of a cop. We were paranoid about getting another ticket but thank goodness, we did not. Got home, watched a special on Michael J. Fox. On that topic, who thinks that the Back to the Future Thrillogy is one of the best out there? I do.

Sunday: Woke up very, very late. Called the Yosh (aka Ken) and Pat, Ken and I drove out to Pat W.’s house for a graduation party. Subway was the caterer (and we know how I love the Subway). Mmmmm. . . Then Pat broke Pat W.’s basketball hoop when jumping up to see if he could dunk one. It was a good night. Here’s a little tidbit that was oh so awkward….

Pat W.’s mom: So (to me and Pat) are you planning on moving out to California with Pat when he moves?

Talk about being put on the spot. Still, Pat’s mom rocks.

Then we drove home and saw four cop cars bust one car just past the toll on 90. We got cut off by two just after we paid toll ourselves. It was pretty damn cool.

The shitty cover of in your eyes, (originally by Peter Gabriel) is on XRT. This man should die for what he’s done.

Jen

4 days and counting until the Plan show! Who’s excited?

Here is quick-as-possible run down of the GRADUTAION weekend:

Friday night: Ken and Pat W.’s senior gallery show. Free alcohol and cool photos. Good work everyone! I saw a lot of people who I haven’t seen in ages. Plus, Ken surprised me with a little present. Besides his self-portrait, he had two framed Polaroids that he took of me up as well. He untitled the piece “pre-mid life crisis” due to how I freak out over certain things and also, they kinda looked like it too. One time we took the Polaroid to Ikea and set up shots of us (kinda like how I did for my senior show at UIC). I pretended to be drunk at the kitchen table. Ken was watering plants. Anyway, he put that one up and this other one, which would take way too long to explain. I know, I said “quick-as-possible!” Ok- later, went to Danny’s. I don’t know if you’ve ever been there, but it is the first floor of a house turned into a bar. Very cool. Then went to Pat’s and went to bed.

Saturday: Woke up very late. Went home, took shower, grabbed my robe, etc. and went back to school. Hung out with all my buddies before graduation. We all took a swig of rum from Frank’s flask (are you a reader now, Frank?) and then it was time! Here’s my opinion of the ceremony: 1) The speakers all sucked. All they did was talk about themselves. I was expecting something a bit more motivational. 2) I realized that I didn’t know a lot of people in the art and architecture department. At least I got to sit next to Kevin, Frank, Pat W. and Ken. 3) UIC is very disorganized. Finally 4) If I hadn’t spelled out my name phonetically on my card, they would have never said my last name right. We all got card that we gave to the speaker just before walking on stage. I realized that there was no way in hell he’d get it right, so I used Ken’s pen and Pat’s back and wrote “pronounced Cha-now-ski.” It worked. Too bad they said my middle name was Louis in the program.

More later.

Becky

Keep the River on Your Right: A Modern Cannibal Tale

This is the movie that I saw this weekend. A documentary about a gay jewish guy from brooklyn who got a fulbright and went to peru to paint and had some interesting experiences. Check out this review. It was pretty good, I only fell asleep during it for a few minutes cause I was exhausted from moving. Plus I love going to the Music Box. and I didn't get lice like my friend Beth said I would cause she saw on Oprah that like 35% of all people get lice from movie theatres. I say, whatever, Oprah...

Jen

Idle now: I rearrange the furniture as you sleep.

So, true. I fell asleep watching TV in Pat’s room, and when I woke up, I nearly walked into the couch. He had moved everything. Just as I leaving to go to work, he woke up and said, “How does the living room look?”

I had every intention of going home last night, but I was just so tired. GRADUATION!!!!! takes a lot out of you. This morning, I had no really clean clothes. I used Pat’s handy trick of Fabreezing clothes to make them smell pleasant. April Fresh! Thank god that Bill is in Washington DC. I doubt he’d appreciate my frayed bottom cropped jeans as much as I do.

Before I get into the recap of the GRADUATION festivities, I’d like to tell you about this woman I saw this morning walking to the L. Now, Imagine a very thick, Da Bears Chicago accent:

Woman: Stop sightseeing and you might get something done.

Who was she talking to?

Two very small dogs.

PS Guess what I found in my inbox this morning? Two more e-mails from crushlink. GRRRRRR!!!!

Becky

Yay!! The new apartment is looking good!! I am obsessed with furniture shopping now!!

Jen, you definitely have to come over to see it soon. Hopefully tomorrow before Yoga.

So work is okay today cause I have a new experiment to work on, but it kinda sucks cause Wierd Mary is back. Today she is wearing pants that are way way way too tight and I am forced to see things that I really don't want to see. Including the huge wallet that she keeps in one of her front pockets. dude, you're a girl, get a purse or something.

Go Cubs, hooray for first place.

ps-I got a cactus for my desk this weekend. it looks good and hopefully I won't kill it.

Jen

She said you'd fold faster than Superman on laundry day.

Zach, I would never a)get a tattoo of something so stupid (although I do love baseball) and b)get something so terrible, so large and in a place that can be seen by way too many. Thanks for the notes. I'm still deciding on where(i already know what) my tattoo should go. How do people feel about them on backs?

I'm glad Greg chimed in. I was getting worried. Becky, how was lunch? One more thing for Beck. I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your potted plant. See, if I worked there, I could have saved it! It's one of the many things I do here that is not related to my job!

Ok, time to do one last blog check of the regular blogs I visit, check the e-mail and go. I will be so very disappointed if there is another crushlink e-mail. Grrrr....

Have a good weekend. I know I will.

crappiest day ever.

more tomorrow.

maybe.

blagh.

mmmmm...dim sum.........
gotta run to a meeting :)

Jen

High fives are not only welcomed, they are encouraged.

Columbia just called, and I nearly almost grabbed my garbage can to vomit. They only told me to come and pick up my portfolio. Still no news on if I’m in or not. The guy said that my letter was in the mail and he couldn’t tell me one way or the other if I made the cut. Overwhelming sense of dread hangs over me. Blah. Shitty weather, too. Still, I’m positive and in a wonderful mood. Called the shop and someone returned the jeans I wanted in the bigger size! Excellent.

Where is Greg? Still aching from moving Beck’s couch?

Jen

Countdown: 1 day until graduation! Woo hoo!!!

Saturday is the big day number 1 and Sunday is big day number 2. There is a small graduation ceremony for art students on Saturday night and the all school one is Sunday morning. I am more excited about Saturday’s due to the fact that it’s smaller and more personal. I’d like to tell UIC to take a flying leap for two things though. 1) not letting us walk at the big ceremony. I went to Loyola’s graduation last year (when Bora graduated) and although their school is not quite as large as UIC, they all got to walk. And 2) not having a ceremony in December for people who got out of there in four and a half years rather than five. I’m pretty pissed that my tassel says ’01 on it, because I officially graduated on December 12, 2000- that’s what my diploma says. Bastards.

Tonight is Ken and Pat’s (not my Pat) senior show. It is located at the New Works gallery at the Art and Architecture building at UIC. The reception is from 6:30 to 10. If you are in the city, like photography and want free alcohol, please stop by. I will be there at 7ish and then hopefully meet up with Becky later? Just as a note, I helped Ken with his project.

Last night I found these incredible pair of jeans when I went shopping. They fit well, but I figured they might be a little cooler baggier. Anyway, they didn’t have a size bigger and I’m regretting not buying them. So, I am on the hunt to find them again. I’m calling back the shop and asking them to hold them. You can’t be too safe, especially when it comes to awesome fitting jeans.

Tina won survivor- can you believe it? Didn’t Colby’s head look huge? What’s your take on it?

Oh yeah, Becky- nice pick on the Plan song. I want more votes! E-mail me!!!!

B "Who really needs a shower" ecky

Well, it's official I am moved into the new apartment. There are only a few things missing, like a working bathroom and kitchen, but no big deal. It's a great place, pretty big with nice hard wood floors and lots of windows. I would like to thank greg and pavlo and jenny and katie for all of their help cause I couldn't have done it alone!

Tomorrow is going to be chock full of fun things, like going to get a parking permit and buying an ironing board. I know, I live an exciting life.

Tonight = Rockin de mayo and I am very excited that I no longer live a million miles from the El, so I can get there quite easily!

Jen

Ok, I just checked my email and I got another goddamn crushlink admirer. Does everyone know how much I can’t stand not knowing? Is that why you are sending them to me?

I forgot to tell everyone. I am going to die on February 5th, 2016.

The Final Destination DVD does not lie. (I saw it at Jer’s house last night) The death clock could not possibly be wrong. At least I outlive Jer by 4 years. Unfortunately, he dies the day before the New Year. He doesn’t even get to see 2013.

Becky :(

Today my plant at work officially died. I knew that it was coming for some time now but I still was not prepared. Looking over at the empty pot is quite depressing. I need to replace him, and I really want to get one of these. I think it will help me with my chi and the yoga. No yoga this week due to moving and dogsitting. More next week on the 8 limbs...

Jen, I've only had the tape to listen too, but I am going to have to cast my vote for What do you want me to say as well. Travis rocks!

Jen

I’m taking down votes for their favorite Plan song:

Jason: The City
Zach: Ok jokes over
Greg: Spider in the snow
Me: What do you want me to say?

What’s yours?

I had a photo class reunion today when I went to UIC to get my graduation tickets. All my friends are having their senior show, and were prepping and painting the gallery for the opening reception tomorrow night. I’ll post the info if anyone wants to go. Um, Greg, you remember how I was at my gallery opening. . . I bet he has a very funny and embarrassing story to tell about me, so why am I reminding him?

I also ran into someone whom I only see on rare occasions. I saw this guy, Andrew Elsseser, who I knew back in high school. I was waiting on the platform to go back to work and there he was. He didn’t recognize me with my brown hair, so I think I surprised him when he did realize it was me. One time I just bumped into him while crossing the street at Jackson and Franklin. Another time, I was walking to class. Strange how things work, eh?

smoking popes=really good band

jesus=really nice guy

smoking popes + jesus=ahhh...who the fuck cares.

i thought the show was awesome. i love rocking to popes. the whole revelation of the christian thing didn't mess me up too much, at least he wasn't obnoxious about it like jars of clay or insert your favorite christian band here. what i didn't like was when he left the popes. so much good music was left to be played. and i can't find a copy of his solo stuff to save a life.

okay, so who knows what op906 is? i can't remember.

Jen

Since we are already at Hint Five of what my job might be, I thought I list all hints and see if anyone can guess. Yes, I have already said I am an assistant, but who do I work for? Greg, Becky and Marc- you can't say a thing.

Hint One: It has absolutley nothing to do with plants.

Hint Two: It has nothing to do with PhotoShop.

Hint Three: It has nothing to do with fixing computers.

Hint Four (which I already gave away): I celebrate assistant's(blah) day.

Hint Five: It has nothing to do with politics.

Somtimes I don't even really know what my job entails. Hmmm....

Lunch time. Plus I have to go to UIC to get extra tickets for graduation.

Jen

Sorry for the late blog. Bill is leaving for Washing DC on Saturday, and I’m arranging his meetings with Senator Durbin and Senator Fitzgerald. It’s taking me forever to get all the groups organized that will be meeting with the Senators and there is this one guy, who is meeting with state representative, Judy Biggert, who won’t e-mail me back because he’s a hole. Ok, so I don’t really know if he’s a hole or not, but three other people want to go with him on this meeting. Hint five about my job: It has nothing to do with politics.

Band of the Month for April: Smoking Popes.

I found the Popes live disk used at my favorite, little Record Emporium down the street from me. Greg and I were lucky to be in attendance at the last Popes show at the Metro where/when this was recorded. We were right near the stage too, so I swear you can hear us (ok, not really, but I like to imagine it was us.) Here is a recap of an interesting moment at the show.
Josh: Here’s is my favorite song, you may know it.
Crowd plus Greg and Jen: Screams. (we didn’t say the word screams, we just screamed- get it?)
Josh: It’s about a relationship, my relationship with Jesus.
Crowd: Screams.
Jen and Greg: Huh?
Josh: Right on.

I may have paraphrased a little bit, but this whole speech is on the CD right before he played, “I know you love me,” off Destination Failure. He did actually say “right on.” I believe that we were very freaked out and confused. Ever since then, I’ve been wondering what other songs are about Jesus. I know I can’t ever listen to that song without thinking about that. Greg, what’s your take on the night?

Anyway, the cover of “Ramblin’ Rose” is excellent, and the song “Stars” kicks my ass. Go Smoking Popes.

rock on with your socks on.

i hate driving. i guess mostly i hate drivers, especially rush hour drivers.

i had a big bitch session planned for how pissed off the people in my teacher education classes make me because they refuse to critically examine themselves and realize that they are racist/sexist/classist even though they don't believe they are. but i'm too tired today. and i have to move a couch tonight.

my freind berko called me from wrigley field last night to share the 7th inning stretch over a cell phone. isn't that nice?

time for work. and thanks for finally posting. just kidding.

Becky

Well, it's almost over. I am almost officially moved in. The place is coming along, and there have been guys working on it to hopefully have it all finished by today. However it was a little disturbing yesterday when I went over there and a guy was painting my kitchen here's how it went, Jen style:
Me: We are going to leave now, do you have keys to lock up when you leave?
Guy: I do not have any keys
Me: How did you get in here?
Guy: I came in through the window
Me: ????????? (strange facial expression)
Guy: I had no other way of getting in-I had to paint.

well, apparently he is dedicated to his job. I just hope he doesn't tell his buddies cause they might break it and steal my 9" tv or my collection of crosby still and nash cd's. Also, there are two windows that don't open and one that doesn't close. sounds like a palace, huh?

Jen

My heart tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear, ”Don’t be a pussy all your life.”

If you know where this line came from, then you will know what band got the most play in the month of April in my room.

I was just informed that the artist that does the very rockin’ posters for Fugazi is Jay Ryan. Thank you, Jason for letting me know. I haven’t seen the posters for this show yet, but the drawings on the ticket are done in the same style. So, until someone proves me wrong, which could be at any moment, we will assume that is it done by the same guy.

Greg, I think I may have a little present for you!!! I believe that I own all three of the above items mentioned in your blog. I too loved the Chipmunks Christmas and Mousercize! Albums. I even have the little booklet that goes along with mousercize.

I almost forgot. Nathan, of westward-bound fame (I guess now just plain, westward fame), called me last night on my cell phone (which was dead) and did not leave his new LA number. If you read this, which I know you do, call me back!

PS. I think I like Mix Tape Fiasco better than challenge- especially after what Zach has planned for us!

51% of all dinners tonight will be prepared by Mom. 12% will be prepared by Dad. Go Mom!!

"Nuggets are not just for children"

Today I was granted access to the market research data base so I can learn about all of our dollars well spent. So far the chicken research has been the most interesting. Did you know that fried chicken consumption has gone up in the last ten years, but mostly with people buying fried chicken that's not called "fried chicken". Chew on that bone for awhile......

Jen

I have been forced to blog by a certain someone and I am not ready. I will blog when I am ready to blog. Thank you.

PS Lunch was so awesome.

Hey and he kinda looks like you too!! Just kidding! today I found a bar on metromix called shorty's. I think its my calling.........

oh shit!!

This guy's last name is suspicously close to mine. R/R? Is this article trying to tell me somethinh?

more on mousercizing!

when i was little (cause i'm so big now) i had this little tan fisher price record player. i'm sure everyone had the damn thing, but i loved mine. i had a ton of kid records, but my two favorite were Mousercize! and the chipmunks chirstmas album.

Mousercize! was awesome. it was a takeoff of the whole jazzercize trend in the early 80's and it allowed kids to exercise to songs sung by Mickey and the Gang with tons of witty banter between Mickey, Donald, Minnie and so forth. I used to love to listen to that record. There may have been a sequal but i'm not sure. and it might have come from a tv show. i'm pretty sure i wore the wax off that one.

my other favorite record was the christmas record by the chipmunks. it was so awesome. whenever i think of christmas i can't help but think about this record, and the chipmunks version of "all i want for christmas are my two front teeth" and other christmas standards. i gotta find that record. it has to be in the attic somewhere.

speaking of children's things that i found recently, do you guys remember teddy ruxpin? i never watched the show all that much, but i loved the talking doll. It was a doll of teddy that had a tape deck in back. you would put in tapes and teddy's mouth would move and you would follow along to the book. it was awesome. i just found one of the tapes and i was playing it on my stereo. it's got some hilarious songs on it. mostly about being freinds. it's in mono though which is sad.

i better work before i get fired.

rock over spencer stuart!!

. . . you've got the jitters . . .

i would have to say my favorite plan song is spider in the snow, but it's constantly changing. however, my copy of emergency and i is currently being held hostage by my favorite iowa resident. to tell the truth, he has my copy of the ice of boston too. this sucks.

i propose we change the name of the mixtape challenge to the mixtape fiasco. i love fiascos. my mixtape is currently in the works. in my head. i'm not sure exactly what it will contain, but i have a couple of ideas. watch out for a ton of songs off the Mousercize! record.

shorty's on the phone. gotta jet.

Jen

You say life is impossible. I say life is uinstoppable; and it is.

I feel as if I have a very tall order to live up to, now that I am the first official(!) victim of the mix tape exchange, or challenge, as I like to say. I think I’ll have to work on the tape Monday night. I have reserved Sunday as “get over hangover day” (because I will partying like a rockstar after graduation on Saturday night) and also, I will be working to make a Best of The Plan CD for Bora and Becky to prepare them for the show on Thursday. It will be hard to make a best of The Plan due to the fact that everything The Plan puts out rocks. I’m confined to 80 minutes of music on a CDR. That is not enough time really. Probably my favorite song of all time is “What do you want me to say?” which is the first plan song I ever heard off the 7inch with “Since you Died.” I’d love to hear what your favorite Plan song is. (I sound like Mr. Rogers there.) Let me know.

Pat got us tickets for the Fugazi/Shellac show. I love the artist who designs their posters and tickets. Does anyone know who that is?

Today I’m getting taken out to lunch for my graduation! I love free lunch. I wonder where we are going? Did I mention that I also love surprises? Anyway, I had to bring in my diploma in to work today to collect. I kinda felt like an ass carrying it around, even though it was in an envelope.

I have decided what the band of the month is for April. More on that later.

Becky "I've got them! I've got them" Gies

It's true! I've got the keys to the new place! The dude was only about 35 minutes late, but who's counting. I made him help me carry my rug in as punishment. The place is like totally under construction now, which is good cause I am getting a new paint job and a new bathroom and good stuff like that, but it's also bad for the moving of stuff in.

Anyways, I have been thinking about this whole "mix tape exchange" thing and I am definitely in, but my tape might be delayed due to the move. I was thinking that most of the indie stuff I know is through Greg and Jen so I am going to branch out and include a bunch of different genres of music, so it will be some kind of a blues/folk/classic rock/funk/pop/hiphop mixy mix. Time to get excited.