Saturday, August 30, 2003

Jen

looking for the patterns in static they start to make sense the longer i'm at it

What? I'm at work? Can't stop staring at the computer.

Friday, August 29, 2003

Mike

Tonight is the first annual "Booze and Snooze" co-ed slumber party at my friend Carrie's place, which should be cheeky fun for all involved. Tomorrow I have to work (booooo!) in the afternoon, but my evening is looking pretty free at the moment. I'm sure I'll find something to do.

I'm in the bowling league with some of my former Hesterman crew (Cat, Corey) plus a bunch of other friends. There are twelve of us in all, so we formed three teams of four. It rules.

Jen

Time is on my side, yes it is.

I have a paper cut on my lip. It sucks. As a habit, I tend to stick mail in my mouth as I am opening the door to my house. I usually have my hands full, so this is the easiest way. So, like an idiot, I rip the stupid envolpe from my lips when I get inside and now I have this papercut. In Jackass the moive, there is a scene where they all sit around and give each other paper cuts in odd and very painful places like between toes and on tounges. That was a very painful scene for me to watch. Stupid envelope. Stupid lips!

It's definitly one of those lazy Fridays. On my way to the ladies room, I walked past the Freshman Seminar office and they were watching Chicago. Not like they do all that much in there anyway, but watching a movie seems a little much. I have done 3 things today: 1) make a new credit card from for book sales 2) copy down all deposits and organize book sale receipts. 3)Type up invoice. Writing it out seems like a hell of a lot more work than it was. The point is I've checked my e-mail at least 8 times and the only messages I have been getting are for hot action or for penis enlargement. I'm bored!

I just checked my e-mail again! two messages! woo hoo!

Why my landlord is a liar:

Wednesday night, when I got home, my a/c was up and running. Nathan wasn't sure what he did to fix it, but whateves- we were thankful it was working again. So, yesterday morning, Ernie called to tell me why the air conditioning wasn't working for those two days. According to him, we put a bag in front of the return vent and therefore, that was enogh to stop the air flow. Although this already sounds like bullshit, I told him that in no way shape or form would I have put a plastic bag over the return vent. Then, he told me it was there and he saw it. Now, I didn't talk to Nathan about there being a bag blocking the vent, but please, why in gods name would I , or anyone in my house, do that? So, I told him, "Don't think that I didn't speak to Nathan. He was here when you fixed it." Then he shut up. I can't believe that I caught that bastard in lie! What is this guy's problem? He tried to accuse me of stopping my air from working on the two most humid days of the summer. Why is my landlord a crazy old paranoid vet?

What's everyone's weekend plans? Mike, who are you in a bowling league with? I've been itching to go bowling for awhile now. . .

Thursday, August 28, 2003

Mike

Worst "Theft" Ever:
I was at Best Buy this evening, attempting to return a new CD player that no longer played CDs. After waiting in line for a while, the clueless-looking returns counter guy took my CD player as I explained the problem to him. He took it to the backroom, fiddled around with it for about 25 minutes, came back to the front counter, and claimed that it worked again.

Best Buy Guy: "I don't think there's a problem. It works just fine with this Matchbox 20 CD inside!" (he put a creepy emphasis on the words "Matchbox 20")

Me: "I'm not taking this back until I take a listen for myself." (Yes, I foolishly volunteered to listen to Matchbox 20.)

It worked, and I agreed to take it back. However, the guy forget to take the CD and batteries out. I realized his mistake before I exited the store, but I headed for my car and never looked back. If I can save just one future customer from having to hear Rob Thomas' voice as they test their CD player, I've done a good thing.

Estimated Street Value of My Loot: $1.38

I highly recommend league bowling at Diversey. Last night was only my first night, and I already managed to break one of my bowling shoes. I don't know how it happened, but about 1/4 of the sole on my right shoe just snapped off. Crazy.

I'm up for a get-together one of these weekends. Most Fridays for the next few weeks are bad, but Saturdays are good.

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Becky

It's good to be back in the office and actually have time to blog. Last night we had dinner with some friends from work who are in from out of town. One of the girls used to live in Chicago and we met up with some of her old co workers. At one point this one guy starts talking about how he has a bathtub full of ice for unsuspecting women he brings home. yikes.

Oh my how long ago I started this blog. Glad to hear the bachelorette party was fun - I'll be interested to hear how the "gifts" were received.

This blog needs a get-together but unfortunately it will have to be in a few weeks as this weekend is a wedding in Michigan and the weekend after will be meeting the new niece weekend! but apparently my sister Laura is still "pg" according to my mom. and we still don't know the "secret" name which supposedly starts with a "T". My mom assumes its going to be a "wierd" name. I think its going to be T-rex, but that's just me.

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Jen

I don't know if anyone remembers the Billboard project that I used to bitch about, but apparently it's getting some press of the Wooster Collective which is a website highlighting cool street art. Check it out if you have time!

Jen

I'm waiting for something to go wrong

I had a great birthday weekend minus the fact that I am now 25 years old. I had the peeps over on Friday, hung out with the lady friends on Saturday and went out to dinner for my birthday. Nice.

I know I bitched about the bachlorette party last week, but it did turn out to be fun. We went to a group bachlorette party at yes, gulp, Excalibur, which I though would completely suck. It turned out to be a good time, and my first experience with a male stripper. "Officer Chico" was, um, interesting? Lots of things I didn't really expect but expected at the same time. You get it, right?

Later we went to White Star, which I know for a fact that I will never ever go to again. "Mr. White Pants" as he has come to be known, was this guy with a black shirt and white pants that would not leave our group alone. We would push him away and he'd be back in 5 minutes, like we were kidding about not wanting him around. The dance floor was so crowded that you were constantly touching someone else, and many a person took advantage of that by groping you as they walked by. feel. so. dirty.

Today, I am once again tired due to a lack of sleep. To top it off, my air conditioner isn't working, and my apartment feels disgusting. I hope little Josie is doing ok today. I had to call crazy old Ernie which, as always, is very UNPLEASANT.

It looks like we have some cool things to do on Thursday in honor of Mars. Check it out.

Speaking of Mars, has anyone heard that new Mars Volta song that is on the radio? It is so awesome. I need that album now!

Friday, August 22, 2003

I've got a pretty solid weekend lined up so far. Kicking things off tonight is a party for my friend Dan's cousin, who is moving this week to either England or California. I'm really not sure and, let's be honest, those two locations are so close together that they're easy to confuse. On Saturday afternoon I'll be heading out to IKEA for some picture frames and other miscellaneous apartment stuff that disappeared when my roommate moved. As for Saturday night, I really have no plans just yet.

For those who haven't picked it up yet, the new Superchunk compilation "Cup of Sand" is great. Even though I already had about half of the tracks on various singles and EPs, the rest is killer.

Jen

I got this link today. It's kind of long, so be prepared. A guy rapping about not copying a game onto a floppy is not only ridiculous, but obviously, really dated. You will love the clothing.

Have a good weekend!

Ps. You'll need Windows Media player to view it

Jen

Friami International Fryport

Wednesday, we finally broke down and bought ourselves a new grill. Actually, due to some unexpected cash Nathan’s way, we were able to go through with it. It didn’t look like anything was coming of the whole Ernie thing taking/throwing away our precious grill, especially after telling me that it was “my problem” that it was gone. Now we have a sweet new Weber that we are testing out tonight. It will be a cozy cookout involving “Grecky” (the name for the unit otherwise know as Becky and Greg), Christie and Mike, Chris Ryan, Nathan and hopefully Eugene later. Peter will once again be out at the cabin, so he will be missing out on the birthday/cookout festivities.

I’m having a hugely difficult time focusing due to my lack of sleep. I always tell myself I’m only going out for one beer and that somehow multiplies.

I have some accounting stuff to do today that I’ve been putting off for sometime now. It’s torture inputting all those numbers. It’s funny when you think about it. At my old job, I somehow ended up being the office accountant even though when I got the job I was only 18 and had no experience with accounting. Now, I’ve changed jobs and hired for a completely different purpose and yet, I find myself doing the accounting yet again. Maybe that’s not as funny as just ironic. As yes, irony.

I’m sure everyone’s read the new Onion by now, but this article is the most brilliant thing. That and Friami International Fryport. So, so funny.

Tomorrow night I am going to friend’s bachelorette party. I love my friend, can even say I adore her, but I am so very tired of spending money on wedding festivities. I am on this horrible budget so every penny counts. Not only do I have to get her a gift, but I also have to help pay for “entertainment.” Weddings are a combination of give and take. We throw her a shower, she throws a bridal luncheon. We throw a bachelorette party, we get . . . Wait, what do we get? I’m sorry that I’m coming off bitter. I’m actually really excited to be hanging with the girls and spending time with my dear friend before she ties the knot. I just wish it were slightly cheaper.

Mike – have any plans for the weekend?

Wednesday, August 20, 2003

Jen

frozen television tears

I'm haighly annoyed today, but eh, what am I going to do about it? I guess I could look here or here for some laughs. Fine, it worked.

I saw 28 days later recently, and for those of you that don't know about it, it's a British zombie flick shot entirely on video. The scripting was really good, but had the qualities of usual zombie flicks from Resident Evil to the orginal day of the living dead. I was impressed by the shots of London completely empty. I've been to London, and can't ever remember any place whithin the city without people. Also, the zombies or as they are called in the moive "the infected" are much quicker and detirmined than usual zombies. I watch a lot of zombie movies - actually, just horror movies in general.

Oh, just got a call from downstairs. Looks like I have a package!

Birthday countdown until I'm 25: 5 days.

Tuesday, August 19, 2003

Becky

Checking in from Sunny California from a class break. Its great to be out here, but not alot of time to do stuff with class being 8-5 and work to be done after class boo. I'd rather be in yoga tonight. but whatever.

Mike, nice show review - I always enjoyed those on your old blog. but don't give up on live music - you might need to branch out as you might be going to shows of bands that you are too used to seeing/listening too. All I know is I felt the same way last year and then my friend took me to see Mates of State who I had never heard of before and it was awesome and I totally got that feeling again....

anywho. Can I now tell you about how much pain/itchiness I am in right now thanks to the mosquitos on Lake Ripley??!! ayyy!!!

gotta run!

:)

Sunday, August 17, 2003

Mike

Goose Island Fest - Day 1:
When it comes to music fests, you don't find too many these days that are hosted by a steel mill. Before checking out the address of the show, I assumed that "A. Finkl & Sons" was the name of some trendy bar I had never been to but, sure enough, it turned out to be that weird industrial area I used to drive by every day on the way to my last job. When I actually got to the show, it wasn't clear exactly where the bands were playing, as you couldn't hear them from the main entrance. It was probably a good 1/4 mile walk before I saw any signs indicating that there was even a show at all. Eventually I found my way to a nice spot near the stage where Bob Mould was just about to start. His set, much to my disappointment, was a solo acoustic performance of mostly his more recent material. I've never been a big fan of the whole "guy with just his guitar" thing in a live setting, especially when it's a huge outdoor show with questionable acoustics. At this point in the show, most of the people were more concerned with getting drinks anyway. There were a few strong points in Mould's set (mostly the Husker Du nuggets he busted out a few times), but most if it just sounded muddy and repetitive. Even a few songs on electric guitar didn't really get the crowd going.
Rock-O-Meter Rating: 5.6

Up next were Guided By Voices, who lived up to my high expectations. Bob Pollard, 45 year old alcoholic frontman, knows how to get the crowd's attention. If you're looking for the finest jumps and high leg kicks that rock has to offer, look no further than this band. I was laughing my ass off at some of the stuff he was doing on stage. The band was incredibly tight on stage, which came as a bit of a surprise based on the amount of beer that they went through before the set was over. I think Bob Pollard was already on drink number three before the second song was over. The only low point of the set was when two guys with backbacks decided that it would be a great idea to stand about 1/10th of an inch in front of me, resting their backpacks on my chest. I was afraid that I would be left with permanent JanSport logo imprints on my body, but the two guys eventually moved to a different spot. Why do people think that backbacks are necessary at concerts, anyway? What are they storing in there? Life-saving medication? Fritos? A smaller backback? It will forever be a mystery to me.
Rock-O-Meter Rating: 8.1

After what felt like an eternity (but was probably closer to 25 minutes), Sonic Youth finally hit the stage. I wish I could say that it was a life-changing experience, but I was just too damn tired by this point to really enjoy myself. Most of the songs were culled from Murray Street, a fine album, but it would have been nice to hear more oldies from the Sister/Daydream Nation era. I know that played at least one Sister tune, but I don't think they actually played anything from Daydream Nation. Kim Gordon, dressed like a hooker you would find in the parking lot of a Ponderosa parking lot in Gary, Indiana, still rocks pretty hard for a woman in her early 50s. Thurston Moore still looks like Beck, and Steve Shelley is quite the drummer. Lee Renaldo didn't get enough chances to sing, but his one vocal performance of the night, on "Karen Revivited," was easily the highlight for me. I could have done without the multiple guitar/bass feedback freakouts that reared their heads throughout the night, but the actual songs were performed with a good deal of energy.
Rock-O-Meter Rating: 7.8

With that said (or typed out, as the case may be), I think I'm done with live music for a while. I've been in a show-going slump for a while, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I still love recorded music as much as I ever have, but the live experience just doesn't cut it for me anymore. Sure, the performances at Goose Island Fest were solid, but I didn't get that tingly feeling I used to get at shows, say, 5 or 6 years ago. I feel like I'm going to shows just so I don't miss out on some big event, but I always feel let down when it's all over. I think I need to bowl more.

Friday, August 15, 2003

Jen

Here's an idea how much work I've gotten done today: I told David that I'm really yawny today and he asked me if I was Yanni, "the performer" -if you will. (notice sarcasm) Then we started discussing what Yanni actually does. Does he play an instrument? Is he like Kenny G or some bullshit like that? Our favorite line to say is “you know what we should do? Look it up on the internet!” So we did just that. Apparently his fans love him because "he's true to himself."

Off to the cabin soon.

Jen

opinions are like kisses, always giving them away

It's very tempting to see Sonic Youth tonight, but alas, it's either a free night at the cabin or $20 some odd bucks plus extra cash for drinks at a show. Is that really a good comparison? I was planning to see Ben Gibbard so that would be close to the same thing. Anyway, it looks like I will be heading up to the cabin tonight, especially now that I know that Mike and Christie are going up this eve.

Hot Stuff! Sorry. Here is an interview with The Plan that Christie forwarded me. Not the best interview, but it's interesting anyway.

I have the new DCFC thanks to Kai and well, Greg - for burning me a copy after getting it from Kai. I'm very excited to listen to it!

ok, I have nothing else to say. I'm tired. I wish I was sleeping.

Thursday, August 14, 2003

Mike
Jen - If by "the cabin" you secretly mean Goose Island Fest on Friday, I'll be there!

I'm in need of some new tunes, so I think a trip to Reckless one of these days is called for. My local shop, Planet of Sound, isn't too shabby, but the used section is often chock full of crap (Royal Crown Revue, anyone?). I'm looking forward to the new Guided By Voices album and Superchunk singles compilation out on Tuesday.

I have nothing else to say today.

Jen

Why am I a magnet?

Yesterday, I was harassed by this German guy while he took pictures of me and asked me if I had Ishimoto prints in the box I was carrying. Lot's of freaks here at work.

One time, a woman actually brought her cat into the museum. she was carrying it like it was a baby wrapped in a blanket, so at first it was hard to tell that it actually was not a baby. Then we heard it meowing. She then came up to the front desk and asked us if she could let it run around because it was tired of being held. Um, you should have thought of that before bringing your cat to a MUSEUM. NOT A PETTING ZOO, A MUSEUM! Anyway, her boyfriend/husband/whateves walk in and she tells her cat, "Daddy's here now."

Who's going to Fizz tonight? Who's going to the cabin this weekend?

Jen

Here's a little something to brighten your day. Use headphones if you got 'em.

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Jen

occupied by what other persons are occupied with and vise versa

I'm taking a break from accessioning some new prints into the collection. Actually, they aren't really new, they are definitly from the 80's - the clothing, everytime, gives it away. We had a fire here at work quite a few years ago, and the whole collection went off to a storage facility while they got treated for smoke damage. We've been getting back small shipments of prints since then and finally, we decided to take the whole lot back, treated or not. A lot of the photographs coming back from storage don't look or even smell of fire or smoke, but we have to keep them separate from treated photographs in order not to contaminate the treated photos. This batch was supposed to be accessioned (basically, officially added) to the collection back in 97, so I guess we are finally catching up on our work.

How do I always miss Ben Gibbard/any Ben Gibbard project whenever he is in town? The one and only time I saw Death Cab for Cutie was at the Fireside some 2? 3? years ago. I just need to get off my ass and get tickets right away as opposed to waiting until the last minute like normal.

I saw Laurel Canyon last night and was thankful not to have to see too much of Francis McDormand's naked body. I watched it with Nathan and Peter - both of whom had already seen it- and had to deal with chants of "Orgy" during most of the flick. The 'orgy' was not that spectactular.

I went to a surprise birthday party on Saturday and mid-party, we (Brian - of this blog, Nathan, Bob and Joe) made a trip to the convenient porn shop just down the block. The downstairs was very Alice-in-Wonderland-like, small looking doors, purple walls, black and white checkered tile. . . Anyway, Crazy Joey tried all the doors and found a viewing booth that was "occupied." He probably gave the poor guy a heart attack. I also saw a midget blow-up doll which was the first I have seen of it's kind.

That was my weekend. Oh, and I also managed for the first time to take the top of my Jeep. So cool! I kind of pamper the car- that's why it's been so long. Anyway, I watched the video that came along with my Jeep and I finally figured how to take the damn top off. In the video, I also saw helpful driving hints, and the guy demonstrating the techniques drove over a log. I'm not talking firewood, I'm talking full fledge tree that fell in his path. I want to drive over logs!

Monday, August 11, 2003

Mike

"What do you do in your lovely job?" - Becky

I do financial aid-related stuff for a "university" that will remain nameless (at least on this blog). I put "university" in quotes because it's really not much of a school, but there are campuses throughout the US. You can frequently catch commercials for my employer during airings of Ricki Lake and Jerry Springer.

I'd love to get together one of these days. I've got plans for Friday (Sonic Youth @ Goose Island Fest), but Saturday and most future weekends are open. Your 'hood or mine is fine - I'm willing to travel.

I had a pretty fun weekend. On Friday, I shot some pool at Lucky Strike. The fun ended for a while on Saturday when I went to work (6 day work weeks - woo!), but I managed to work my way over to the Lincoln Tap Room for my friend Lindsay's birthday during the evening. I must have offended the waitress in some previous life, because she skipped right over me 3 times when taking drink orders, and then failed to return with my change after the last drink. I had to yell out my order as she walked away.

That's enough negativity for one post - cheese rules!

Greg

i always wait too long to buy tickets to shows. curses.

i am indeed a drywall master. it wasn't the best work i've ever done, but it looks okay. still 35 more sheets to hang though. anybody need some drywall done? you gotta provide the tools however.

i feel kinda weird applying for this job. especially since i definately sat in that language lab during high school, but the teacher job market appears to have dryed up, and i don't have one, so i guess i've got to.

Becky

Hey folks!

Blogger is like a new surprise everytime I log in - I never know what its going to look like! I hope you all had great weekends. Mike, welcome to the blog - I will try to post as much as possible, but I seem to go in spurts when I have time at work. What do you do in your lovely job? We should all get together soon - maybe a bar? maybe bowling?

We did alot of drywalling this weekend. Well, Greg did alot of drywalling the whole weekend, and I was a drywalling apprentice on Sunday (I got to galavant on saturday with my mom). If you do happen to find yourself in Madison on a saturday morning get your ass out of bed and go to the farmer's market that is around the capitol early before the crouds start because it is awesome!!! they have alot of free samples which was the best part - and lots and lots of cheese :).

Today, in a word, I am exhausted. And work is not very exciting. Oh, and Jen I have to go to Iowa tomorrow so Yoga is a no-go. I'll check it later if anything funny comes to me.

wait - I do have a story about how greg and I ended up driving through the ghetto of milwaukee last Friday by accident - very exciting - and I pulled up behind a pick-up truck that had a hood on the bed and it looked like there was a dog in the back. Upon further inspection I found that this "dog" had some sort of beard and that it was really a goat and not a dog at all!! a pet goat of sorts in the hood of milwaukee. excellent.

Friday, August 08, 2003

Jen

For some reason, our archive thing isn't working so well, and because I'm slightly bored today, I really wanted to see if I wrote the story down about the woman who told me I reminded her of her unborn fetus. Found it! So here it is:


Tues. Feb 11, 2003

Ok, one short story and then I'm off for home and yoga. Nate and I are at Cody's on Saturday night, sitting at the bar, enjoying $1.75 Schlitz (this is only important due to the fact that they are soooo cheap.) This women sits down next to me -she's in her fifties (I find this out later), she's smoking (she just started a year ago because she rather die younger than older) and she orders a glass of wine (only important because we are at a bar that also serves $1.75 Schlitz.) Anyway, I have the pleasure of talking to her for a majority of the night, and she's a real cool lady. I'm not sure exactly what I said, but she then tells me, "You're like the daughter I aborted 24 years ago." Hmmm. How does one respond to that?

Ok, that's all.

Jen

spoken like a champion

On Wednesday night, I went to Cody's, a great little bar on Paulina and Barry, with my friend Eugene. I went into the ladies room where of course, a drunk woman starts to talk to me. Everytime I'm at that bar, someone, usually an older woman who has had to much to drink, will start up some conversation with me. One time, I was told by an older woman that I looked like what she thought her unborn fetus would be like if it had grown up. Creepy. So, of course, I walk in and she has her stall door wide open, and I try to avoid any awkward eye contact in the process of going into my stall. Then she starts talking.

Drunk lady (slurred speech): I'm sorry I left the door open.
Me: It's cool. Don't worry.
DL: You know what?

At this point even if you don't respond, she's going to talk anyway.

DL: I hate men.
Me: Oh really?
DL: yeah, the bartender cut me off.
Me: Maybe he was just looking out for you.
DL: On no. that bastard always cuts me off.

Me exiting the stall. Drunk Lady is wearing a fanny pack and a hot pink tank top.

DL: How old do I look? (talking extremely close to me.)
Me: (thinking she looks about 45) 35?
DL: Can you believe I'm 43? I'm a grown woman! I have a husband and a daughter and he cuts me off!
Me: (Completely speechless)
DL: (poking me with her finger) Can you help me?
Me: Um, sure.
DL: are you here alone?
Me: no I'm with a friend of mine.
DL: My name is Kathleen, what's your's? (Now hanging onto me and using me as a complete support)
Me: Jen.
CL: I like Jennifer better! (poking me again) Now let's go out and you play along.

Anyway, I go back by Eugene and she comes up to me when the bartender is serving us and she gives me a hug. She then tries to convince the bartender that I'm her niece and she wants to buy me a drink. He sends her on her way, but the best part of the story comes next. Apparently, as I talk to the bartender more, it turns out that everytime she comes in, she gets really drunk and then accuses him of cutting her off but he never initially says anything to her. She basically asks him why she's being cut off, and then he realizes that she's too drunk and then he really does stop serving her.

I took the day off yesterday because I can only really work 30 hours a week. Non-profit organizations. Love em, but they don't pay well!!! Hey Mike, if someone does give you a bag full of cash, can you send some my way?

Is anyone as shocked as I am to see greg write?!?!

Wednesday, August 06, 2003

it's been a while since i've been here, so i thought i'd come back positive. i need a job, but all the jobs seem to be filled:

-----Original Message-----
From: Feaman, Scott [mailto:sfeaman@cps.k12.il.us]
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 6:54 PM
To: Greg R_
Subject: RE: Social Studies Vacancy

Greg,

The vacancy has been filled. Thank you for your interest
in Lake View.

Mr. Feaman


-----Original Message-----
From: Coles, Linda [mailto:lhcoles@cps.k12.il.us]
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 5:12 PM
To: Greg R__
Subject: RE: History Vacancy

Mr. R__,

I am in receipt of your resume; however, the history position listed on the web site has been filled. Human Resources has not removed the vacancies yet. I will keep your resume on file for one year. As we build our program, we will be hiring teachers each year. Thank you for your interest in King College Prep.

Be blessed.

etc., etc., etc.

things are looking up. at this rate, i'll be at
sylvan in no time. anybody need a history teacher? anybody? didn't think so.

Thanks for the flattering words, Jen. I wouldn't have joined the 'ole OK+3 team if I didn't think I was surrounding myself with cool/smart/funny people.

Time is definitely moving much faster now that I am no longer an undergrad and have a real* job. I feel like I just graduated from U of I, but I've been out for over 3 years now. Whenever August comes to a close, I feel like it's time to load up my Geo Prizm with plastic crates and head down to Champaign, but it never happens (not that this is a bad thing). All I get to look forward to is another crappy semester of NIU graduate school in Naperville, and working for the man. That may sound depressing, but at least I have Steve Guttenberg movies to keep me happy until retirement.

*awful, mind-numbing, repetitive, spirit-crushing

If anyone has any large sacks of money lying around their apartments/houses/trailers/condos, please send them my way. I have to pay rent for 1.5 people until a replacement for the roommate who just moved to California is found.

Getting co-workers to say semi-naughty things at work:
Me: "Check out what these outsourcing people messed up this time!" (*as I point to the person's name, and the mistake*)
Co-Worker: "Ahh...C. Boub* strikes again." (*pronounced "See boob")
Me: "What was that again?"
Co-Worker: "C. Boub"
Me: "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Jen

all straight lines circle sometimes

Thank god I'm not alone.

Hmm, come to think of it, Halloween was the last time I saw Mike. It didn't seem like it was really that long ago, but I guess as you get older, time just moves faster. What a sad thought.

A not so sad thought is that I think that Mike is hilarious and I know I will now have more funny things to read.

I am so happy to say that I did not have to listen to any Chemical Brothers yesterday and that I am still a sane human being with no new criminal record to speak of. This person that I am working with has a tendency to get on my nerves, even without the Chemical Brothers, due to constant talk of a rich uncle and how he plans on buying yaht somewhere in Turkey. I can't imagine what is wrong with the yahts here in America, but apparently, the one he has - heard about? seen? I don't know - in Turkey is "so worth the money."

I have been calling people for interviews all this morning. We need to hire some new staff for fall, and with my promotion!!!!, I have to set up interviews and make decisions as to who to hire. I've already done two interviews, and I feel bad asking them questions like "Tell me why you want this job?" or "Tell me some things about yourself." What I'm really worried about is that they fit in with everyone here. Last fall, a new hire, either hated every one here so much or just had stability problems that she told off everyone in the prep room (our little downstair room for framing, matting, eating, you name it) and then tore a piece of cardboard in half. It was kind of a weird sight, because the cardboard tearing was really unnecessary. To make things worse, I kept running into her after that. Very Scary.

I know I've talking about my stupid grill a lot, but for the record, it was confirmed that my grill was thrown away by my landlord. I saw him Sunday and basically yelled at him for the fact that they were missing, without accussing him, and then he told me that it was my problem. Asshole.

Beck - did yoga kick your ass light night, or what? I was exhausted afterwards. I had strange dreams of kegstands and the crow positiion.

My budget lunch for today is White Cheddar Easy Mac.
Dream Lunch - Pad Thai at My Thai. Yum.

Tuesday, August 05, 2003

You're not alone:
I have arrived to provide you fine readers with zany work anecdotes and healthy doses of random 80s TV trivia. Becky, you don't know me, but I know Jen, Greg, and Brian. I met them at a Halloween party last year and, strangely enough, that was also the last time I saw them. Hopefully there will be additional gatherings in the near future.

Can anyone translate this opening line from a work email I got today? I have no idea what this person was trying to say:
Since we often tend to hear the bad news loader, here is some GOOD NEWS!.....

?!?

Becky

Hello!! It's great to have the blog back - well done Jen. I am back in my office for today although I have a lovely trip to Iowa tomorrow. Hopefully there will be some yoga here tonight.

So I have so much to say I don't even know where to start. Last week was my first trip back to California since I moved back from there in late December. It was fun and I'll tell you bits and pieces as they come to me, but it helped remind me how much I love Chicago and that this is my home.

Jen

I'm going to get you a gun

I'm tired of being alone on this blog. Is anyone going to write besides me?

I swear, if I have to hear one more freakin minute of the Chemical Brothers, I will kill myself and take the coworker down with me who constantly keeps playing the same god damn cd.

PS. sorry about the string of Dismemberment plan quotes. Does anyone one else miss them besides me?

Friday, August 01, 2003

Jen

we're going to be miles away when the cops come


I was outside last night, trying to scrub this dark, molasses-like tree sap off my car (yes, I washed my car and it rained last night.) when I had a very interesting conversation with my next door neighbor. Apparently, he saw my grill before it's disappearence last Thursday and he said, "you know, Ernie probably thought it was Mike's (he used to live in the coach house behind my apt.) grill so that's why he threw it out." So, with this information, I can almost safely assume that he either threw my grill away or took it because he thought that Mike left it on his move. My neighbor also suggested that I deduct the amount of a new grill from my rent check, but I don't think that's the best way to get the attention of guy who spent time in 'Nam.

so, I had a discussion with the roomates and we think that it's best if I write a letter to include with the rent that my grill is now missing and I'm wondering if he may have any knowledge as to it's whereabouts. I hope this goes over with him okay, because I'd hate any early morning wake-ups telling me that grills are a fire hazard and that "The Inspectors" would have disposed of my grill anyway.

Besides being in love with my new car that is taking me to the poor house, I have applied for a second job at Fizz, the bar/restaurant that my friends and I always meet at for 25 cent wings and $2.50 microbrews every Thursday night for the past two years or so. The way that I see it is, I'd be there anyway, so might as well make some cash doing it.

I love working here at the Museum, but the pay isn't great. I wouldn't quit working here of course, but I do need a supplement to my income. I've gone on a pseudo budget, I plan on not spending money on anything during the week - like no eating out, or going to bars, etc - and then I'm allowed to have one fun night out and another budget night doing something else. It kinda sucks, and I haven't even a)been following this plan too closely and b) doing this for more than 5 days. I really have no sense of restraint when spending money. I'm not going to say that I'm not a consumer when I definitly am; it is unfortunately, the American Way. I'm not proud of my habits, but I do it anyway.

I won't know if I get the job until next week, but I'm hoping and praying that they take me because it's not cheap putting gas in my Jeep and certainly not cheaper making car payments.

PS. sold the not running, and spiteful "onda" for a horrible $400. I cried like a baby. That car and I shared a lot of memories (even if a good half were of other cars hitting us.) The guy who bought my little hunk of junk shook my hand and said thanks. I said "Take good care of her." I am such a sap.