Becky

Weekend blogs are the coolest. Just chillin here in sun p. getting ready to head back to civilization.

actually I have to go now! byE

Jen

I love you Gwenoviere.*

I need to get my home computer working. Look what a slacker I have been at blogging this week! That is why I tried to write some stuff last night.

Anyway, ok, you know that one clown on the Bozo show?** What the hell was his name . . . Wizzo or something like that? He was the wizard clown (therefore the clever name.) Anyway, there is this guy in my photo grad seminar that looks just like him. I can’t stop thinking about it. And he dresses the same way, all eccentric and goofy. Seems like a nice guy though, so I feel guilty thinking like that.

Oh, and I hate clowns. They look all happy with their painted on smiles but can really be sad. That’s why all clowns are murderers or strippers.***

Is there any New Order fans out there reading this? I read the new Spin and I heard some news that I cannot believe. Is "We Laugh Indoors," by Death Cab for Cutie really a New Order cover? Or are they talking out of their assholes? Please help me readers. I must know the truth.

Ok, I have to get back to work.

Monday it is, then.

*Or however you spell it.
**Chicago/Illinois version of Bozo. I don’t think they have the same set up around the country.
***Imagine clown strippers! That is a story for another day when I have time to type.

Becky

Work+stress of thinking about being fired = bad

okay, I really don't think I am going to be fired, but we might have to have some "workplace reductions" and I have the lowest amount of experience and would be easiest to get rid of. boo. today I am definitely not "glad" to be working here.

but its friday and that is good and I get to see greg tonight before I head up to wisconsin tomorrow. I have to pick my gma up in milwaukee which means that I have to drive up 94 which I hear sucks major hardcore, so we'll see.

Maybe Mr. Pitt will hire me as his personal assistant. he pays as much as a plastic engineer, right?

Jen

This is a blog written last night at 9:30 pm. Stupid computer at home doesn’t work. BOO!

What’s this? An evening blog from me?

This week has been unbelievably hectic. Actually, at this moment, I’m at my parent’s house, now my sister and brother-in-law’s house, dog sitting. I’m thinking about charging for my animal watching services.

So, I went through my first full week of Grad school. I have to admit, it’s hard to get into the swing of things again. I was scared shitless on Tuesday, excited to learn again on Wednesday and bogged down with work by Thursday. At least I got a free lunch out of it.

The History of Photography is an incredible class. Peter Hales, my professor, is known to fail people. He gives tons of work. He’s a tough grader, but he is an excellent lecturer. As I’m writing this, I’m reminded that I have to order two books on-line. I think I have like 80 chapters to read by next week.

Today I had my Graduate Seminar with Bob Thall. He was one of the professors who did my interview. Basically, I need a start of a project by next Thursday. This is kinda how it happened. So, people are volunteering to show work next week, and I’m basically trying to avoid all eye contact, which is hard, considering there is only 12 people in this seminar.

B.T.: Jen?
Me: Yes?
B.T.: Great! You’re volunteering!
Me: Oh, no! I thought you were asking me a question! I meant no!
B.T.: I know you had Doug.* I think you can have work by next week.

Ideas! I need ideas!!!!

Right now, my P’s are in Las Vegas closing on the new house. I got a funny call from them tonight.

Ted: Can you do your mom and I a favor?
Me: Uh, yeah sure.
Ted: Can you look through the photos that we took of the model home and see how many windows are in the family room?
Me: Why?
Ted: Because your mom thinks there are three and our house only has two.
Me: So you’re in front of the house? On mom’s cell phone?
Ted: Yeah.
Me: You want me to look at the photos when you are right there? Why don’t you drive over to the model home and count the windows.
Ted: Can you just look at the photos? I’ll call you back in a half hour.

I haven’t heard from them. I’m guessing they took my advice.

Ok, I’m going to go and pick up my Pat. We’re not fighting- at least not right now.

See you tomorrow.

*Doug, a colleague of Bob’s and also, a professor of mine at UIC. Doug believes in a lot of work in small amounts of time.

does this make sense to you? if you control someone's mind you can control their life?

a hippie bum asked me this on my way to work today. my response? "i'm sleepy."

yesterday at class my professor went off on scientologists. you know dianetics, by L. Ron Hubbard. anyways i guess his brother was a scientolosist, and it seriously messed him up. scientology is something of a cult (sorry to any of you who are scientologists) which involves money and secrets, i'm not a particularly large fan. but i guess my professor, a pretty big dude, was walking past the scientology storefront at lincoln and armitage and saw a sign that said "struggling to deal with this tragedy? we can help." so he walked in and said in a very loud voice "i think it's ridiculous that you guys are trying to use this attack to lure people into your organization." some guy tried to drag him out, but the guy was pretty small, so he said a few more things and left. the next day the sign was gone.

i also read in the paper that NBCNews was running a grief counseling number at the bottom of their screen on 9/11/01, until they found out it was actually a scientologist hotline and they promptly pulled it. those scientologists are a shady bunch.

plus they made battlefield earth. that alone should damn them.

goddamn cubs.

Becky

You know when you look at a light and then look away and everything has this kind of fuzz around it?

Yeah, thats how I am all of the time with the cold. it takes me like 5 minutes to focus and read a paragraph. yuk.

but I did get to watch an entertaining episode of Love Cruise while in and out of sleep last night. now there's a show-hook ups, betrayals, voting people off? what more could you ask for?

ps-since I have no indie cred anyways, I will admit that I like Michael's new song and video (or short film if you will)

i was beaten by zach's kicker. his kicker. that shouldn't count

boston was a blast. great town. here's the rundown,

1-the freedom trail rocks. do it if you're there.

2-294 steps is a lot, but you can make it. i swear you can.

3-harvard is boring

4-fenway park is really cramped. and our seats faced right field. i had to turn my head at a 90 degree angle just to see home plate. plus the red sox lost. wrigley is better.

5-the JFK presidential library is really cool, but i'm a history dork.

6-public transportation rocks, unless it's raining and you have to catch a plane.

more later, but i really must try and catch up. i'm giving up tomorrow, but i should at least try today.

Becky

Hi. We are back. Boston is a very fun city with lots to do. I would tell you about them but I am sick right now (but don't tell work cause they will think I'm a slacker which I am but I don't want them to know about)

Thanks to Jen for keeping Rosa safe and sound these past few days. You made the trip possible to go on.

ps-the bunker hill memorial has 294 stairs. that is alot of stairs. I have the weakest calves ever. but not steel calves, like greg, according to airport security

pps-we went to the sam adams brewpub (sampler beer platter=awesome) and saw a very large man who snores all of the time-you could hear him accross the whole bar. sick!!!

Jen

Why do all stresses pile up at once?

Today was my first day back (at school) and what can I tell you? I am freaked out. Yup. Completely scared senseless. Ok, maybe it’s not so bad. Bibliography and research starts off my week. My professor is very cool and I’m excited to be working with her. I’m slightly intimidated by others in the class. I feel that they may have more experience then me. I will say that everyone was genuinely nice.

The weekend was ok. Nothing exceptional. No wait! It was fine until Pat and I had a fight. I hate fighting.

The good things though. . . let’s see. I ditched the one party Friday night -I wasn’t really in the mood- and had a nice evening at home with friends. I still have little Rosa, who has been a terrific cat besides the fact that she likes to eat my plants. I had a little too much fun on Saturday for Heidi’s birthday, and boy did I pay for it Sunday. Argh.

I’ve just been stressed for the most part, but excited and upset all at once as well.

Well, I’m at work, so I better get to it.

Tomorrow: History of 19th Century Photography. And Becky and Greg home from Boston.

Jen

With Becky and Greg in Boston and me doing school stuff, who will be here to blog on Monday?

Oh, alright. I’ll try to chime in.

Have a good weekend.

Becky

can't concentrate......must leave work..........need vacation now..........

I got yelled at this morning at work for being at a bar and not watching the president's speech last night. "but this could be the defining speech of your generation!" let's hope not.

I'm ready for some seafood. Boston, bring it on.

ps-I don't think there is a better bottle for a bottle band than red stripe. the tones are just so clear and ringing. not to mention fizzilicious.

Jen

Here comes your man.

Keep your eyes peeled.

Last night, after work, I had my first manicure ever. I got it as a birthday present from Barb, my work buddy. It was pretty cool, except they must have thought that I was the biggest asshole because I had no clue what I was doing. I kept moving my hands, “finger control” issues, if you will, and putting them in the wrong places. You can only say “I’m sorry” so much before it gets annoying. Anyway, I’m sitting at this nail-drying device and the manicurist starts giving me a back massage, which was very creepy. I’m thinking, “Is this right?” I left her three bucks. I felt bad for her. Imagine what kind of people she has to give back massages to.

Also, we had wings last night, first time in awhile. I gave Greg a beating for not blogging. Busy schmisy! Becky and I started our very own bottle band! We will be playing Monday open mic nights at Fizz. Don’t miss us!

Today I was nominated to go to this security meeting in the building. Hello? When did I become security officer of this office!!!! I can just see my introduction now. “Hello, I am the 23 year old representative from Suite 6550. I have no idea why I am here.”

The weekend seems pretty cool already. Tonight Gant and I get Rosa and of course get to hang out with the Boston duo- maybe play some cards? Maybe have a beer or two or three?

Later I have to stop by my friend’s party that he is spinning at. I will probably be yelled at if I don’t go.

I am actually really excited for Saturday. My friend, Heidi, is turning 21. I think I’ve only seen Heidi drink once in the 7 years I have known her. AND she drank Champaign. She’s not a fan of beer or anything like that. It’s Bora and my goal to get her drunk. There have been so many time when Bora and I have been completely trashed, and there Heidi is, dragging our sorry asses around. Ahhh, sweet revenge. In the nice way.

PS. This blog is sponsored by Red Stripe. Check out the bottle and see what I mean.

Jen

This is a quick post to say new Death Cab for Cutie album will be out on October 9th! Plus, a Metro show at the end of October! What good news!

Ok, maybe this won’t be so quick. I got this forward with all these Truly Tasteless jokes. Some are pretty funny. I’m not sure if you are familiar with the series of Truly Tasteless joke books*, but I happen to have all 5. I didn’t buy them or anything like that. Back in high school, I had a car with T-tops and I used to leave them open in the summer. Anyway, one day, I get into my car and someone, obviously a friend of mine, put a sock over my gearshift and left the book on my drivers seat. I acquired the rest from my friend, Nathan, who remembered me reading some of the jokes to him on the first night that we met.

The point of this story is, here are some jokes. Let the laughs begin.**

Which sexual position produces the ugliest children?
Ask your Mom.

What's the difference between a porcupine and a BMW?
A porcupine has the pricks on the outside.

What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant?
"Are you sure it's mine?"

Why does Mike Tyson cry during sex?
Mace will do that to you.

Why did OJ Simpson want to move to West Virginia?
Everyone has the same DNA.

*also reference the Simpson’s episode where Apu has 7 days of Valentine’s day surprises for his wife. Chief Wigam is reading jokes to his wife in bed from this book. Woo HOO!
**Ok some aren’t that funny. Alright! Some are terrible! I get it! Oh, and ok plus three does not believe in any of these jokes, so please don’t be offended. : )

Jen

. . .Your studies of fringe New York Streets. I was reading the pavement in every word you would speak.

The messes I get myself into.

Well, it’s been a busy morning. Although it has been busy, oh how the day drags. I’m thinking that it may be because I’m completely excited about next week and I can’t wait for this one to be over.

As it turns out, this weekend will be more packed than I expected. I was hoping to spend some quality time with Becky’s little kitty, Rosa. Gant and I will be cat sitters this weekend, and I figure that this will be the deciding factor if I want to get my own little furry friend.

I know that some people say you are either a cat person or a dog person. Up until a few years ago, I thought that was true. My one friend* back from Jr. High had this evil white cat appropriately named “Sassy,” which in my mind was the demon kitty. It would just stare at me and then attack. I wouldn’t even do anything to the stupid thing. Actually, I tried to avoid it at all costs. One night, I slept over there only to wake up with the furball sleeping on my head. I pushed it off and it jumped back at me and tore the hell out of my hands. I never stayed over there again.

Anyway, Rosa is a sweet thing and now I realize that not all cats are flesh-devouring creatures.

*This friend also had a mom that would wear only wigs. She never ever did her hair. And don’t you believe it was because she had some illness, she seriously did not care about her hair. I always thought her mom was pretty normal until the first time I ever stayed over there. She had a WIG ROOM. It was the scariest thing ever. It had about three shelves on two of the walls and each self had about five wigs apiece. THAT’S 30 WIGS!!!!

Safety meeting this morning and I had to sit next to the smelly guy. whats up with that?

ps-greg, I know you are busy, but fix our blog soon! it looks sad!

Becky

Maybe the dingo ate your baby.

Okay, is this week over yet? my car is now fixed ($125 later) boo! turns out it was from when I hit a car last year, dented my hood and ruined some wires that included a sensor for the car alarm. but you see, it wasn't my fault! the guy pulled out right in front of me! and then he drove away even though he had a dent in his car too!! (he knew he was guilty!). Lesson learned: be careful at the Kimball/Belmont exit off 90/94 cause it sucks!

sorry about that. today Greg is continuing his education and gets to be part of a real highschool classroom at Lane Tech High School on Chicago's north side. show those kids a thing or two greg!

Last night as I was driving home I found an urge to listen to cheesy love songs and I soon was listening to delilah on lite fm. now that was sad.

Jen

Ugh. 2 more hours of work to go.

I've been listening to the relatively new Built to Spill and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Keep it like a Secret is a beautiful compilation of music. Some of the best guitar sounds come from that album. Maybe I'm still getting used to Ancient Melodies. . . It seems kind of bland to me. Does anyone have any opinions about the album? Should I just keep on listening?

Brrr. It's cool outside and humid. Someone please explain that to me.

Becky

Does anyone have change for a button?

uh, Zach, could you please refer to Rod Roddy by his real name next time?

whatevs, I don't even know what summer is anymore as the seasons tend to blend together when you do the same thing everyday inside no matter what the weather is like outside. sometimes I hate being a grownup.

Jen

We had a slight computer problem so I had to log off. All is better now.

I have no idea why this week feels so long already. Work gets a big BOO from me this week. Bill is around, which is fine because I have more work to do. Unfortunately, he is a little sick, so his mood isn’t always the best.

Thank goodness for Yoga to relieve everyday stress.

I was so excited to use my U-Pass this morning. For those of you who don’t know what it is, it’s a CTA card that I bought from Columbia that allows me to ride the L and buses. The card only cost me $70 and I unlimited access from today all the way until the end of the semester in January. The card is sweet. No more waiting in line to use the machines to put money on my card. No more trying to find dollar bills that are actually accepted by the machines. I am one happy camper.

Speaking of school, the big day is next week, Tuesday. I am pretty scared about starting again. Last week, went I went to register, I found out how confusing Columbia is. Go here for your ID. Go here for your schedule. It’s like a maze. Columbia is only based out of two buildings and I still found myself getting lost.

I have only three classes- Graduate Seminar, which my project work will come from, History of 19th Century Photography, and Bibliography and Research. Seems easy? Right?

This reminds me- Greg, you were supposed to talk about a professor that you liked. Since you didn’t blog yesterday, it’s time to make up for that. Hmmm?

Jen

We are young, heartache to heartache we stand. . .

Thanks to Greg’s link, I was able to see a list of songs with questionable lyrics. Can someone tell me why Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” is on that list? I understand that battlefield is in the title, but it’s talking about love!!! Hee, hee.

Back in a few.

Becky

Please leave your ego at the door, along with your shoes and socks

Oh that Crazy Mary, she sure knows how to make Yoga fun and exciting. She was actually in NYC last week when the "disaster" happened. She refuses to call in an attack and she told us all to lighten up about it. kinda wierd.....

It's getting busy around here!

more later........

Jen

Where is everyone today?

Jen

We spread out and everyone is frightfully more aware.

Today we had an evacuation drill to see how quick we could get out of our floor where our office is located. We only went down to the 64th floor. It made me think of how scary that must be- and how tiresome- if evacuation is necessary. We only have 65 floors to walk down. Imagine if you are higher than that.

I forgot to tell my story of how I was stuck in the elevator on Friday when I was leaving work. I have to take two elevators to get up to our office. An express elevator goes from the 3rd floor lobby to the 46th sky lobby and then another one to get to the 65th. Anyway, I’m on the express elevator going down when it stops suddenly and shakes the entire car. I was one of three people, and we all looked kind of shocked. I must have look completely scared*, because everyone asked me how I was.

Anyway, 5 minutes go by and two things haven’t happened - we are not moving and a giant fireball has not engulfed us. We press the alarm, and after many failed communications, we get through to security. Of course, I’m supposed to meet Greg and Gant at the L and my cell phone doesn’t work in the elevator. The nicest man ever lets me use his phone to call Greg. Besides being incredibly thankful, it just showed me how generous people can be.

Anyway, the strangest part of the event was when they asked for all the passengers names. A little odd, if you ask me. Five minutes later, we hear footsteps on the roof of the elevator and then we are moving. 20 minutes from when I got on the elevator initially, I am walking the streets of Chicago again.

I know, I’m like a modern day, female, Indiana Jones. The adventures never stop!**

I’ve been reading Michael Moore’s Page and it is incredibly insightful. I’m thinking I may put a temporary link on the side bar.

Ok, I’m off to do some work and call my mom. There is a lot of stuff going on in the next month- especially with my parents moving to Las Vegas and school starting a week from today.

*To top it off, I have a major fear of elevators. This is not the first time I have gotten stuck in an elevator.
**Unbelievable amount of sarcasm in these sentences.

Jen

YAR?

FYI- I didn’t go to the show Saturday because I didn’t have a ticket. See, I thought that I was going to be out in California, so I didn’t buy one. That fell through, and by time I went to get a ticket, they were sold out. I am greatly disappointed that I didn’t get to see everyone.

Becky

ps-Happy New Year at sundown tonight! (that's for all you jewish people out there)

Jen

I want to rock with you all night.

I’ve lost my remote control and I can’t find it anywhere. I hate not being able to change the TV when I am in bed. My room is about 9 feet wide and maybe 13 feet long. Where could it possibly go?

I thank Jimmy and Hey May for making a great Friday, and of course, the crew who made the northbound journey. Here are some highlights that I’d like to add to Beck’s list (starting at 6 to add to the Madison highlights):

6) There are other people in this world who like old school Michael Jackson. I’m not talking about anything made in the Lisa Marie era. I’m talking late 70’s- all 80’s, WAY early 90’s M.J. Yes, I do know all the words to the rap in Black or White. Forgive me, I was in Jr. high when that shit came out.
7) How can you buy Cubs birthday cards in Wisconsin, but not here in Chicago? If someone sees one, let me know.
8) I want lessons on how to twirl drum sticks from Damon. He is my hero.
9) Please, PLEASE get rid of Rachel, Jimmy. She is no good! You guys are much better without her! BOO!
10) Gant’s heed is amazing. Tell me how he can sleep with it moving about like that. : )

Ok, work is tough today. Bill is back from vacation and I can no longer write. I’ll see if I can squeeze something in later.

why the hell you gotta go blue?

i'd just like to say that okplus3 supports panaphobic in it's quest against ATR. we've been waging a campaign in the shadows for months, but it's time to bring our opposition into the light.

that said, i'd like to say that it was cool hanging out with zach and marc and especially scott, who i've never met before. They are, of course, the boys from the hero. It was also cool to meet derrek. but i think chilling with all these people from the internet makes me an internet geek. oh well. rock hard.

sorry dereck! I had a little brainfreeze this morning, but you understand with it being monday and all, right?

we had a bit of a blog meeting at the merch booth on saturday night-it was great!

Becky

Attn: The Bass player from Reuben's Accomplice is Greg's Dad!!!!

Seriously though, he looked exactly what I would imagine Mr. R looked like 20 year ago. wierd okay, wierd.

My list of notes on this weekend: (sorry to copy the format, zach, but it just works so well!)
1. Wendy's is not always "fast" food.
2. Narc's at the Barrymore Theatre suck (so does standing in front of speakers but its better that having to try to rock out between seats)-so do crowdsurfers
3. Let's go Blue rules
4. My mom makes a killer breakfast
5. my car alarm sucks hardcore
6. the boys from panaphobic are way cool and should come up to chi-town more often. (ps-zach, I don't think either of us got your joke right away cause it was so loud and greg was totally wasted)
7. Sunday's are meant to be lazy (and to watch E celebrity profile)

Jen

Out of these shadows, comes the light.

Before our world was turned upside down, I had plans to talk about all these things on Tuesday morning. I wanted to talk about the Cubs game this blog went to on Monday. I’m not bad luck after all, because we won (ok only 50% bad luck.) Then there was an usher, by the name of Snaggletooth, who was trying to pick up the two tannest girls in the city of Chicago. Some fat head spilled my beer and I was pissed. All of this feels like ages ago.

We also decided on out Artist/Band of the Month for August. Usually, I go more in depth about why and how things are picked, but like I said before, it just seems so unimportant. However, we can only postpone things for so long, right?

Beck and I went on a CD buying excursion a few months ago and instead of buying stuff we already knew, we decided to pick up stuff that seemed interesting to us. I bought Spoon-Girls Can Tell and Becky picked up Rufus Wainright. Although we had big plans of exchanging CDs, it never happened (although a mix CD is on the way for Becky- as soon as I get that damn computer from my parents.)

For my birthday, I got a cool mix tape from Beck and right after Back to Back Hits of Blondie and Pat Benatar (bring it on, Pat!), there were a selection of songs from Rufus. His voice is incredible, the way it just floats over the melody. We couldn’t think of a better artist for August.

Ok plus three Artist of the Month for August: Rufus Wainwright.

That made me feel good.

Tonight is the Jimmy/Hey Mercedes show up in Madison, which is another blog excursion. I am so happy they didn’t cancel! We need that show!

I hope everyone has the best weekend possible. See your family, see your friends. Tell them how much you appreciate them.

PS. The above lyric is from the song Shadows by Rufus.

Becky

I like that article on the Guardian. You definitely get a different perspective of the united states from overseas. It also made me chuckle when guy mentioned something about "kerbside check-in" (hehehehe).

I just looked at CNN with one of those voting things and 80% of the votes were for bombing Afghanistan. That's the most scary part. Most of the people I work with can't handle that I am Jewish let alone grasp the fact that America has been involved in horrible terrorist acts that have killed millions of civilians abroad. what happened to the hippies? we need to stand up for peace and love!

if you're able to think clearly again, check this out. the alternative viewpoints may help you to move beyond the anger stage and help foster a better understanding for why this actually happened. or it might just make you hate me. whatever. mad props to liz for the link.

Jen

I heard that info on ABC- one of the "news" sources that was quoted in your article. I try not to believe everything I hear/see/read, but sometimes, especially now where the news is my only source for answers, it's hard distinguish what is real and what is not.

i'd just like to correct jenn, in that the people arrested at the airports had nothing to do with the hijackings as was originally reported. check it out

click this

i've found the news coverage to be very lacking in the substantiation area, bordering on yellow journalism, so i would take everything with a grain of salt. possibly two.

Jen

Americans Show Unity Against Terrorism - Friday, Sept. 14, 2001

Friday Night at 7:00 p.m. step out your door, stop your car, or step out of your establishment and light a candle. We will show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism. Please pass this to everyone on your e-mail list. We need to reach everyone across the United States quickly. The message: WE STAND UNITED - WE WILL NOT TOLERATE TERRORISM! Thank you. We need press to cover this - we need the world to see.

I got this e-mail this morning. I feel as if we have already become more united as a country due to what has happened. Well, in some ways we have, I guess, not so much in others. Anyway, I think us Ok bloggers may be out in the middle of nowhere or in the car at that time, but we should stop.

I’m sure that everyone heard this news already, but I think it’s just amazing that 9 (I think) more terrorists were arrested before they could board transcontinental airplanes. Can you even believe that? The fact that they thought they could get away with it again! My god.

I feel exhausted thinking about it. Last night, Pat came over and we watched the everlasting footage that goes on and on through the night. We feel asleep with the TV on and when I woke up at 7 this morning, it was still going on. We can even hear it in our sleep.

I want to write about other things, but I feel so trite doing so. So I apologize for changing the subject for the next post today. I think everyone can use a little break. Don’t you think so?

Becky

yay! my project at work got cancelled! now I have lots of time to sit at my desk and read CNN and think about what is going on in the world!

definitely looking forward to some rock and roll to soothe my soul this weekend.

Jen

I don’t know what to write.

I’ve been out of work for the past two days; two days that seem so unreal. On Tuesday morning, I only turned on the TV to see the forecast. Instead, my eyes were bombarded by some of the most horrible footage ever imaginable. I will always remember what I was doing, what I was wearing . . . and then coming downtown only to be ushered back home almost the second I stepped off the L. Then only to come home to see both towers, the same towers that stood untouched just hours earlier, collapse and forever change our history.

There is a reel of film footage in my head that plays almost as often as what we see on television. All I can think of is all those people that died so needlessly and the terror they must have gone through during the last minutes of their lives. And how lucky I am that my world keeps on going and more importantly, that everyone I know and love is safe.

My friend Brian said something like this to me - The country that you went to bed knowing last night is not the same one that you know and will go to bed with tonight. How true.

All of my thoughts go out to the people of New York and to anyone who knew, loved or cared about any of the victims. My heart is with you.

Becky

It's wierd to live through a day that you know will go down in history and not for anything good.

Today I had to write up a few reports on some tests we did yesterday and it felt wrong putting that date on them-its like they didn't deserve to be done on that date. but life goes on and if we let this ruin us that they have done more damage than they expected.

Last year I was in Israel for 10 days on a trip around the country. The wierd part is that I wasn't scared at all-everything seemed fine there, I mean there was alot of security in the airport and I saw alot more people walking around with guns that I ever had in my life, but I didn't feel like I was in danger or that people really hated me as much as I knew they did-muslims, jews and christians alike-alot of them hate americans no matter what faith you are. I would never go to Israel after this. I would be too scared.

Israel was set up to be a homeland and it seems that all thats come of it is destruction. At Passover you are always supposed to say "next year in Jerusalem" because a seder is never "right" unless it is in the holyland. but why? why do we need be in a certain land to practice our faith? doesn't that go against what "faith" really is?

hows that for makin a statement, huh? yeah, I can get personal so watch out.

ps-please don't cancel the jimmy/hey may shows! we need music to keep us going!!!!

may angels lead you in

i've felt an overwhelming urge to tear up over these past two days. i can't imagine the hell it must be to be in New York right now.

everyone hug your loved ones.

goodbye.

Becky

Okay, so I am the only one left at work today after the tragedy of this morning. take care of yourselves bloggers!

I feel so isolated in my little cubicle in the middle of this building in some silly suburb. I can't even comprehend what is happening right now.

Jen

Well, I’m registering for classes tomorrow at 4:30. I’m pretty excited. I’ve been out of school for 9 months now. Count them. 9 MONTHS. Although this isn’t a huge deal for most people, it is for me. Maybe because I’ve been doing this job full time now for those 9 months and it is not even remotely related to my field. When I graduated UIC with a major in Film/Photography/Electronic Media, I figured that I would probably ease into some sort of photo job. Probably due to laziness, and then a new found direction*, I never bothered to look really hard.

Anyway, Grad school is a welcomed distraction from these 9 months of monotony.

Can I possibly mention 9 months again?

Actually, just thinking of 9 months in general, can you even imagine carrying a child for that amount of time? Argh.

So, tonight is the game, and although some people on this blog** think that I am bad luck, I will only say that it was not I that caused the Cubs to lose last time, but my boss, Bill. Thank you.

*This direction was Grad school and wanting to teach photography.
**Becky and Greg

Becky

There's nothing like a good old Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam song for a top ten list.

Jen

Excellent choice for song 115. So, when are we going to make Fugazi Band/Artist of the Month? Time to make a decision. . .

You know what sucks? Trying to find a pair of shoes that you really like. You know what sucks even more? Finding the shoes you really like and THEN finding out that they don’t have them in your size. My feet are a normal size! Not gargantuan! At least Beck was successful.

The weekend was very good, especially with Built to Spill on Friday. They are incredible live. Please try and see them. Here are some highlights:

1) They opened with Time Trap. It’s an excellent opener. Plus I was so excited to hear two of my favorite BTS songs- Else and Car.
2) Doug Martsch sounds EXACTLY like he does on the albums. Incredible. But, if you don’t know what he looks like, you will be surprised when you see him. Mental picture of Doug Martsch not=to actual Doug Martsch.
3) Three covers. First cover- Zen Police by Cheap Trick. Second cover- a song by George Harrison, although the name of the song is not coming to mind. Third cover and last song- 10 minute version of Free Bird. Seriously. And let ME tell you. It rocked.

So there you have it.

I was made fun of by Pat because I kept telling him to remind me things about the show. Why? So that I could blog about it. I know, look for the L tattooed to my head. I try to hide it under my hair.

Becky

Good Morning and Happy Monday! I feel chipper after my relaxing weekend where lots was accomplished!

My right foot is definitely bigger than my left foot. I am reminded of this today as I am wearing my new shoes (woohoo!). The girls of the blog made a trip to the mall yesterday and I think that we spent more time driving to and from the mall than actually in it. but is was a good time-we both found shoes but Jen did not find her size so hopefully they will be found soon!

its getting busy again. whats up with that? cubs game tonight. I won $25 from our football pool (thanks for losing, Bears!) and it will all be spent on Old Style tonight. yum.

okay, my stuffs not publishing, but this is funny stuff from the onion:

On the topic of dress codes at school for girls:

"The way the kids dress these days, it's becoming almost impossible to tell the sluts from the regular girls."

"I don't know. I think some of those crotchless hot pants they sell in the JCPenney children's department are kind of cute."

hehehehehehehehe

Becky

Well, I am officially the lame-o of the blog this evening as I again have NO PLANS. but I am very very excited about this as my other nights with no plans turned out really busy for some reason. but I think that tonight proves that I don't need "friends" or "shows" or "whatevs" to have a good time. I can spend a friday night by myself and be perfectly happy. so take that!

okay enough ranting, I know the other bloggers would do fine on a friday night alone, but tonight is my night. I'm ready for some coffee, peirogies, a bubble bath, a hemmingway novel and the rest of Basil the Rat but maybe not in that order.

luckily its supposed to rain this weekend so I won't feel as lazy when I don't do anything.

the rock and the roll

this is a blog full of the rumors i've heard lately. here goes.

rumor one - a possible smoking popes reunion show. you all may hate the popes, but they will always be one of my favorites. there is a rumor that there will be a show to promote the release of their cover cd. that would kick large amounts of ass.

rumor two - new band. this is more than a rumor, since it seems to be in a couple places on the web. josh caterer, former singer in the popes, tom daily, of not rebecca, smoking popes and tom daily and mike felumlee, of the popes and alkaline trio. have started a new band called duvall. they supposadly have recorded a couple of tunes and are supposed to tour with dashboard confessional this fall. i'm very excited about this. i know a lot of people hate josh's voice, but i love it and it would rock my world to see him rock it out again. i haven't been this excited about a band that noone has seen live since i say the hey mercedes post on the braid website ages ago. rock!

that's it for the rumors. tonight i'm going to the house of blues to see r.l. burnside. he recorded this record with the john spencer blues explosion backing him that is just the rawest piece of blues work i've heard lately. he's an old mississippi blues man and hopefully he'll play the stripped down blues. i love lonnie brooks, a chicago blues man, but chicago electric blues gets tiring quick. i'm very hopeful for a rocking show, but we'll see.

my line from lead was "who's going to sizzler?!" along with a little dance. totally improvised. i look like an ass, but oh well. you should all see this movie, but that's impossible.

time to pretend to work. argghh.

Jen

Three in a row!

Why am I the only one writing today? This is the last one, I swear.

Anyway, I just heard Maybe I’m Amazed by Paul McCartney and I think it’s a beautiful song. I wish someone would write me a song like that.

I just had a cup of Green tea and I’m feeling better. It kicks ass. Drink some.

At 2:00, we have an office meeting and then I have to spend the rest of the day getting Bill ready for his trip to Utah. So, basically, that’s all for me today.

Buh.

Bye.

Jen

Hmm. . . Neat blog. I haven't had time to really read it, but it's got an incredible layout. Run your cursor past the tower of the computer. You won't be disappointed. Or maybe I am just easily amused.

Jen

Greg should get an Oscar for Best Supporting actor. Ok, maybe Best Cameo Role. Wait, is a cameo more for someone famous? Ok, Best 10 Second Appearance on Film.

I saw a little independent* film called Lead yesterday. A bunch of Greg’s friends plus a joint friend of ours (Go Brian!) put together a short one hour movie with the catch phrase of “four dorks and a duke.” Besides being extremely clever and funny, it’s put together really well. I wish that more people could see it.

Greg appearance is hilarious, and I’m not sure if it’s because we are friends or if it’s just really funny. Kidding. I believe that someone is going to the Sizzler . . .

It looks like the weekend will be action packed as usual. Tonight, Pat and I are going to see Built to Spill at the Metro! Very, very exciting. Tomorrow, Nathan, one of the friends who moved to California, is back for his brother's wedding. So, we are meeting up Saturday afternoonish. Then Beck, Greg and I are off to Brian’s going away party. Sunday, there are hopes of a Rockstar Wedding reception. I wonder if we can go?

I’m also hoping to get some relaxation time in to finally shake this thing I have. I’m so sick of being sick. It’s just so uncool.

Oh yeah! We need a Band/Artist of the Month for August. Guys? Any ideas?

Back later.

*I hate to use the word independent, not only for the connotations that come with the word, but also because it’s not like it’s out on some sort of independent market. Damn! I used the word again!

if you can't pass illinois' basic skills test on the first try, you shouldn't be a teacher. period.

it's called basic skills for a reason. even if it is a flawed test, which it is, and even if it, like all standardized tests, is biased towards a certain segment of society, it is still ridiculously easy. a failure to pass it speaks to a lack of dedication to education and most likely to a lack of performance in the classroom. for goodness sake, it's written on an 8th grade level!! just study and you'll pass and if you don't, then don't teach! the worst part of it is that the people who can't even pass this simple test end up becoming special ed teachers, cause it's easy to get a job in special ed. the students who need good teachers the most are being handed the worst. these are the teachers who treat teaching as a job rather than a career. argghh!!

on that tirade, i will sign off for the day. i got one hour to get a shit-load of work done. wish me luck!!

remind me to tell you about my professor tomorrow, he's got a pretty cool story.

Jen

I’ll give a brief of the weekend. No need to give an hourly update of my goings on. It just isn’t that important. I think you know what I mean.

I know, I quoted myself. There is a reason.

Grrr… I was doing my normal blog roundabout when I accidentally clicked on a link to a blog that I haven’t read in ages, only because it bores me to tears. So, while I’m there, I only get more pissed off. Basically, I agree with Greg; get out of his library and please stop thinking that you are the end-all be-all of all that exists. No one cares.

Right now, I have to e-mail my advisor at Columbia and get my Grad classes in order. School starts in two weeks!

That reminds me. I’ve been having the same dream these past few nights. I’m in my grammar school walking around the halls and no one is there. The school is completely deserted. I walk into my old classrooms and notice how small the desks and the lockers are. My view is distorted a bit, so everything looks kind of creepy. Anxiety about school, eh?

ps-any suggestions on where to go in Boston would be greatly appreciated.

Becky

Don't touch the crows!! Unless that is if you want to get the Plague or whatever the heck they found in those birds.

The good news: it's Thursday
The bad news: it's only 12:15 and I have to work a full day tomorrow! whats up with that?

I was very happy last night. partly because I had a full tank of gas. is that wierd?

I think I'm getting a little woozy from the fumes from all the spray paint around here.........

11/25/63 5:01 pm

that's what the digital clock in the washington street transfer tunnel said today. it's interesting because i should either not exist (if the clock is implying 1963) or be 85 (if the clock is suggesting 2063). neither of those possiblities make me feel particularly good.

today has been immensely boring, but tonight me and beck get to plan the trip to boston. i've always wanted to go to boston.

my trapper-keeper has ravenous puppies on it, thank you very much.

Jen

Sorry I wanna die. Do you still wanna die? Let’s get it on.

Last night, I had some sort of relapse and started feeling sick again. I had plans to stay home and veg. Those lasted for about an hour. Then Pat called me and told me that him and Kevin were coming over and we were going to go to Schubas to see Owls (AKA Cap’n Jazz minus our beloved Davey). I, being weak when it comes to seeing new bands (Ok, fine! I don’t even need to see a band! Call me up and I’ll go out! I can’t say no!), decided that my health was not as important. So here is what I have to say about Owls.

1) The music is good. There is a lot of guitar picking involved. Sounds more experimental than Cap’n Jazz.* I ran into the extra touring band member who was holding a full pint of beer as he came out of the bathroom. This has nothing to do with the music as much as the fact that I just wanted to write it.
2) The above lyric is from one of the songs. I couldn’t get over it because I just hated it so much. What do you think? This makes me a bit indifferent to their lyrics, then again, these were the only ones that I could really understand.
3) Tim Kinsella spends WAY too much time with his hand down his pants.

I’d buy the CD.

It was cool how Owls were very interactive with the audience. One guy yelled out, “What is this song about?” “Fucking Jesus.”** Tim Kinsella replies. I can’t finish the story, because well, I’m sure you can guess why. It gets rather descriptive, but boy, it was funny. Then Tim Kinsella says to -I think- the guitarist, whose birthday was yesterday, “Is your Grandma here for your birthday?”

Did I mention that I still feel sick today?

* I am terrible at describing bands.
**Hey, I didn’t say it! I’m just quoting the damn thing!

Jen

I just saw an Omish couple walk into the Sears Tower Sky Deck. Hardcore Omish. Very Interesting.

I saw Greg's Trapper Keeper. It has puppies on it.

Becky

I have to agree that Greg's solo was wicked hardcore. he was be-boppin and scattin all over the place!

Its wednesday! woohoo! Tonight I have big plans to do nothing. Isn't it great when you make specific plans to do nothing? I even got invited by friends to go shopping and turned them down so I can sit and veg on my couch and start the Hemmingway book that I just bought (okay, greg I kinda got it for you, but you didn't seem interested so I am reading it first!).

so Jimmy in Madison is shaping up! party in sun prairie at my parent's apartment. aw-yeah!

Hey Greg, what does your Trapper Keeper have on it? and did you get any cool folders?

studio magic

the studio is really fun, but damn does it wear you out. once again i recorded my parts like a champ. i even laid down a wicked solo with a little bit of bebop in it. hell's yeah!

in accordance with my quest to give the tribune company all of my monthly income, the blog and a player to be named later will be drinking beer and watching baseball in the bleachers at wrigley on monday. they need to stop this losing thing they started yesterday. it's starting to make me nervous. i have to go have a meeting. i'm assuming nothing important will happen in the meeting, cause that's the way meetings work, but i have to go anyway.

school starts today so i bought my trapper-keeper.

Jen

So, I’m on the L this morning, still feeling sick, and all these negative thoughts keep coming to mind. I keep thinking how this guy next to me seriously needs a breath mint and how I hate the lady standing next to me who keeps bumping my head with her bag every time she adjusts her stance and how I secretly would like to kick every stupid person off this slow moving train that stops every five minutes for no apparent reason. Then I think, what if the L was powered by positive thoughts only? Would I ever make it to work on time again?

Although my opening paragraph suggests that I am the most bitter person on this planet, I am not. I had a good weekend, despite whatever sort of illness/allergies attacked me. It’s just the L folks, that makes me an evil person in the morning, just the L.

I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Pat, and although I was either sneezing, blowing my nose or sniffling, it was great. Actually, awesome.

Also, Gant is finally moved in, and it’s so nice to live with roommates who I get along with and care about. My apartment is starting to feel like a home, finally. Too bad it had to happen a year after I moved in.

I’ll give a brief of the weekend. No need to give an hourly update of my goings on. It just isn’t that important. I think you know what I mean.

My weekend coincided with Becky and Greg’s for the most part, probably because we see each other a lot. Anyway, got to hang in the studio, which is always fun, although I took approx. zero photos. I just felt so sick. When I saw the ones that I took down in Champaign at the show, I figured that they somehow made up for the fact that I was such a slacker this weekend photo-wise.

I also went down to the camper thing again that I went to at the beginning of the summer. No Jerry Springer/COPS like adventures like last time, but then again, I wouldn’t know because I was asleep by 10. I know, I know. I swear I felt like death on Sunday night, but what are you going to do about it?

So there’s the haps.

Ok. First day back at work, so I better catch up. Sick days always put me behind.

PS. I bought my Jimmy/Hey May Tickets for the Madison show. I am not going to CA like I expected. BOO. But check out the page for the Barrymore Theater when you click on add tickets to cart. They say “Jimmy Eats World.” Tee hee.

Becky

What day is it?
Where am I?

I don't even know what to say about this weekend. I saw almost everybody that I know in Chicago this weekend and lots of people from out of town. Alot of money was spent, alot of booze was consumed (mostly by someone) but surprisingly not many hours were spent sleeping.

On top of all of it, my car alarm has decided that it want to go off every so often for no good reason-last weekend's waking up in the middle of the night was only a preview of what was to come. and it apparently takes "all day" to go through everything to see if there is a problem. thank you VW.

ps-I rented a video with episodes of Faulty Towers. good stuff. does anybody want a sibierian hamster?