Excitement

Good Morning, Kittens.

 

Yesterday was quite the day.  After lunch, I decided to check my bank account to see if I check I had written had cleared.  And, SURPRISE!, I had completely forgotten about my student loan payment coming out.  So, my bank account was at $19.86.  Which would be fine, except the check was for $20.  And had been cashed that morning.  Normally, when my checking account is getting low, I simply transfer money from my ING Direct savings account.  However, that can take up to two business days. Too much time to prevent a check from rubberizing.

 

Luckily, I happened to have $40 in cash on me, so I left work and hoofed it to the nearest bank (3 metro stops away).  I made it.  The check cleared late last night.  Hurrah.

 

and *whew*

 

After work, I went to the pottery studio to pick up some glazed pieces: 2 platter/bowl things, 1 large-ish bowl, 1 vase, and a mug.  I still have one plate that needs to be glaze-fired.  Picking up the pottery took a lot less time than I thought it would, so -even though I was meeting my friend, CJ, at 7:45- I still had time to go home first.  Yay.

 

And, good thing I did!  I had a package waiting for me!  A friend of mine in California sent me a bottle of delicious newly pressed extra virgin olive oil and some linen coasters as a thank you gift for the scarf I knit for him.  Yay!  I am so excited about the olive oil.  I may buy some bread on the way home tonight and have some for dinner.

 

Then, I met CJ at Mi Rancho and ate lots and lots of cheesy enchiladas.  mmmm.  Tasty.

 

All in all, a busy good day.

 

Today is going to be equally as crazy.  I have a presentation later this morning. And I have a boatload of errands to run - buy catfood, return cardigan, check on the Washington Sports Club in downtown Silver Spring. 

 

*whew*  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

 

Have a great day!

*smooches*

Weekend Update: Thanksgiving Edition

Good Morning, Kittens!

and, weeeeeee're back. Who missed me the most?

So, the four-day weekend was Chock Full o' FUN and ADVENTURE ... actually, I spend most of it like Isabella, curled up on the sofa. I watched movies. I knat. I drank. like. a. fucking. fish.

Oh, hello, Glass of Wine, who is helping me type.

Thursday (aka Thanksgiving), I got up EARLY (like 6AM) to run the Turkey Chase 10K with some of my neighbors. I finished in 1:03:22, which is not too bad considering the course is HILLY and it was COLD and WET out.

After the run, we went to K-Factor's for a delicious brunch. Mimosas! Coffee with Candy Cane Vodka! Brunch ended, and I headed downstairs to nap and knit and nap and knit and cook.

I had Thanksgiving Dinner at my neighbors' apartment. I made braised butternut squash with pesto pasta:

and spicy sauteed brussels sprouts with hazelnuts:

Nomz.

Friday and Saturday were lots of the same - food, booze, knitting, naps, shopping, food, booze, naps, knitting, booze, friends ... Good times.

I am making some progress on my seamless sweater:

Sunday, I did some winterizing of my drafty bathroom window. Then, I went for a run. The highlight though was seeing BURLESQUE with friends.

And then having booze with friends.

And then totally dreading going back to work.

How about a photo of habenero peppers ...

Have a great day!
*smooches*

How's Your Cat?

Good morning, kittens!

 

One of the many things I am thankful for during this Season of Being Thankful is that I have managed to live in this area for longer than I've lived anywhere else.  The bonus of putting down roots is that you interact with the same people on a regular basis - the server at Adega, the teller at BOFA, the crossing guard at the metro station.

 

I used to see her every morning on my walk to work.  As we waited for the lights to change, we would exchange general pleasantries ... talking about the weather, the holidays, and our pets.  She eventually moved to a different school, and, now, works evenings at the Silver Spring Metro Station Bus-terfuck.

 

Yesterday, standing at the intersection of Wayne and Dixon Avenues, we caught the light just right ...

 

Crossing Guard: How's your cat?

Me: She's doing well.

Crossing Guard: How old is she now?

Me: Hm ... maybe 9 or 10?

Crossing Guard: Yeah, I was thinking it's been maybe 5 or 6 years. 

Me: Wow, it has been a long time.  She's as crazy as ever.  And your dog?

Crossing Guard: He's good too. He still likes to chew on everything though.

 

And, then, the light changed.  We waved good-bye and she stepped out to stop a left-turning car from running over us.

 

Have a great day!

*smooches*

The Exciting Life of Vuboq

Good Morning, Kittens.

 

Lessee ... yesterday, I worked.  It wasn't fun.

Then, I went home.

And I had a martini.

And I made a clever twitter response to Puntabulous.  But, I can't access *new* Twitter here at work for some reason ... you'll just have to go here.

And I burned my frozen pizza for dinner.

And I goofed around on the internetz.

And I watched part of a DVD.

And I went to bed before 9:30.

 

And, when the alarm went off this morning (at 5:15), I felt like I hadn't slept at all.

*ugh*

 

On the plus side, my neighbor signed for my new digital camera, so it was outside my door waiting for me this morning. It's an Olympus FE-4030.  I'm not sure what that means, but this is what it looks like. 14 megapixels seems like a lot.

 

No real plans for today, although I feel like there is something I have to do today after work. I can't remember what it is ... oh, well.

 

Have a great day!  *smooches*

 

 

Weekend Update: No Dates, but Still Fun Edition

Good morning, kittens!

 

Hallelujah, it's a short week.  only 3 days of work.  Yay!  Love it!

 

So, the weekend ... lessee.  Friday night, I stayed in and had cocktails with Peter and Tomoko.  That was fun.  Then, on Saturday, we had Co-op Yard Work Day to rake leaves.  After that, I went to the grocery store.  And, I made Candy Cane Vodka (finished product).  Later, I spoke with the Young'un and learned that we wouldn't be having out date.  He has a sinus infection and wasn't feeling well. Boo.  *sad face* ... Instead, I got to have dinner with K-Factor and the Canadian.  We went to Adega.  And drank a lot of wine.  Then, we came back to my place and drank prosecco and watched Moulin Rouge.  After they left, I watched A Single Man, which was pretty durn awesome (although sad).

 

Sunday, K-Factor and I went to the pottery studio.  I had two completed pieces (they are gifts, so no pictures yet).  Also, K-Factor found a mug that I had made and completely forgotten about, so I glazed that one.  Yay.  I have a lot of things in the kiln right now: the aforementioned forgotten mug, two wedding presents, a large oval bowl, and a vase.  I may go pick them up on Wednesday after work (if I have time).

 

Once home, I had to go back to the Whole Foods to pick up a few things I forgot.  Then, Carolyn called and we met at El Golfo for dinner.  Mmmm.  Spinach Enchiladas. Once home, I goofed around for a bit and went to bed. 

 

So exciting is my life.

 

Not much going on today (no more pottery class until next year.  *sigh*).  I guess I will do a little cleaning and tidying when I get home.  Fun times.

 

Have a great day!  *smooches*

Friday. At Last.

Good morning, kittens!

 

My date yesterday was a bit of a bust.  Boo. He got caught up in a meeting.  Of course, he didn't tell me this until 30 minutes after we were supposed to meet ... using the old "my cell phone battery died" excuse.  hello? who hasn't used that one before?  So, then, I was like, Fine.  I'm going home.  [I did get a very apologetic text much later in the evening ... ]

 

On the way home, I bought a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau.  Hurrah.  It was fruity and delicious. When I got home, I had two packages waiting for me.  The first was from my parents.  It was filled with yummy baked goods and a gift card to Whole Foods.  Something about my 5th anniversary of home ownership.  Has it really been five years?  i've lived with that crappy kitchen for FIVE years?  *sigh*

 

Anyway, the second package was the clothes I ordered from Macy's.  Dark blue Hilfiger cords and two cardigans.  One cardigan I am going to return because it seems poorly made.  The other one I am still debating.  I'm not sure if I am a fan of the epaulets.  Here's a picture of me in the cords and questionable cardigan.  What do you think?

 

Not much going on this weekend (yet).  Tonight, I'm cleaning and cooking and maybe watching a DVD (I got "A Single Man" from Netflix yesterday).  And, I need to start my experimental seasonal vodka infusion - Candy Cane Vodka!  Yum?  Tomorrow is Yard Work Day.  Raking!  Cleaning!  Fun!  And, then, I need to go for a run.  The Turkey Chase 10K is less than a week away.  Saturday night, I *think* the Young'un is coming over.  At least, I hope he is.  We haven't really confirmed anything.  No plans for Sunday, although I might go to the pottery studio to see if I have anything to pick up.

 

And there you have it. 

 

Happy Friday!  And have a great day!

*smooches*

Dull Should Be My Middle Name

Good Morning, Kittens.

 

There is a reason I haven't posted in a couple of days: Nothing has happened.

My life is on the Fast Lane to Snoozeville. Get up.  Go to Work.  Come Home.  Martini Time.  Eat.  Go to Bed.  Wash. Rinse. Repeat.  Dull.

 

I don't even have the energy to counter all the spurious* claims about how those stupid fullbody airport scanners make us safer.  I mean, really, if they were so fantastic, why do you still have to take EVERYTHING out of your pockets before entering.  And remove your belt?  And, wouldn't the one country with the hands-down best airport security (hint: Israel) be using them?

 

Hmm.  In the end, it's all a part of the Safety Wool TSA places over our heads before we board.  Just like sex (only much less fun), flying will never be 100% safe ...

 

Meanwhile, the social life is picking up (sort of).  Most likely, I will be going out with the Young'un on Saturday night.  And, I have a date with a not-so young'un after work today. It's also Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Huzzah!  Let's all get really drunk on not great but greatly marketed wine and then make out.  Yay!

 

I want Panera for lunch today.

 

Have a great day!  *smooches*

 

*I am not entirely certain I used this word correctly, but I am too lazy to look it up.  Let's just pretend it means what I think it means.

The First Day Back is Always the Worst

Good Morning, Kittens.

 

I'm getting back into the swing of things at work.  I still wish I were on vacation.  And, now that I've been on the job for a year, I'm formulating a plan to be out of this job in a year or so ... if I can hold onto it for that long.  Maybe at some point I'll decide what I want to do when I grow up ... if I grow up.  Step 1: Update the old resume and Network Network Network.

 

Anyway, there was a cloud over work yesterday.  One of the soldiers unexpectedly passed away over the weekend. People moved around in a fog and work wasn't really getting done.  I didn't know her, but had seen her around the building from time to time. I doubt the rain today will improve the gloom.

 

After work, I rushed home to get ready for pottery class. K-Factor is on work travel, so she couldn't drive us there.  It was the last class, so I didn't have much to do.  I could have done some hand-building, but wasn't in the mood.  Instead, I glazed a vase, a bowl, a plate, and 2 wedding presents.  Another bowl and a platter were in the kiln being glaze fired.  Maybe I can get them all back next week.  That would be awesome.  I did get another finished mug.  SCGB drove me home.  Yay!

 

Once home, I intended to have a quick snack and go to bed; however, the evils of the internet sucked me in and I was up until nearly 11.  Ugh.  I am draggy this morning.

 

Not much exciting going on today.  I have a lunch meeting in Alexandria.  And, no evening plans.  I guess I will try to get caught up on some housework.  My after work running plans will probably not happen because of the rain.  I don't like running in the rain.  Maybe I should consider joining the gym. 

 

Also no plans to see the guy from last week.  We text quite a bit, but he hasn't indicated a time he can meet up again.  So, I sit here pining away ... and not being productive.

 

Such is my lot.

 

Sorry for the rambling post.  I must be in a mood.

 

*smooches*

 

 

Weekend Update: The End of the Vacation Edition

Good Morning, Kittens.

And, I'm back to the grind. Woo hoo.

So, how was my weekend?

BEAUTIFUL!

The weather was stunning! On Saturday, I went for a 6+ mile run. It was fabulous. Well, as fabulous as a 6+ mile run can be.

After I got back, Tomokito and I went to El Golfo. We had many many many glasses of sangria. And, I had my usual: spinach enchiladas. Deliciousness!

I was supposed to go to Mike (Who Makes Cakes)'s for Game Night, but he canceled because of a date. Boo. Instead, I cast on a sweater ... I'm going to attempt Elizabeth Zimmerman's seamless sweater with this yummy navy blue cotton. Later, SCGB stopped by for several cocktails. mmm. cocktails. I tried a variation on an Old Fashioned. It didn't work. Oh, well ...

Sunday, I was uberproductive. I did lots of cleaning/organizing. Then, I went shopping (and bought way too much stuff, both in the stores and online ... some of which I actually needed!).

I ironed 14 shirts and a pair of pants. I repaired two broken mugs (and nearly glued my fingers together in the process). And, then, I cooked a fabulous dinner of baby bok choy and tofu.

Today is my penultimate pottery class. Lots of glazing and maybe some fun handbuilding will be in store.

Have a fabulous day. *happy smooches*

No One Reads Blogs on Friday Evening. Except Maybe Me.

Good Evening, Kittens!

I totally meant to post this morning ... except -well- I had a "visitor." Remember how I mentioned previously that I was stood up? Or, (after reading my last post) maybe I didn't. Perhaps, it was on Twitter.

Hm. Or maybe I didn't there either. ANYWAY, Wednesday evening, I was supposed to have a date. But he never showed. Yesterday though, he texted and had a Very Good Excuse. Trust me.

SO, I invited him over last night. He was having dinner with friends and drove over after that. We talked and watched a movie. And then we made out.

And we ended up having a little happy sleepover.

(And, just so you don't think I fall into bed with every guy on the first date (which I don't), I have been chatting with this guy since early May. But he was out west and only recently moved back to the Old Line State.)

Yeah. So it was fun. I see there being some potential. Also some potential problems. But, whatever. We're going to let it ride ... and see if there will be a second date.

After he left (hm. I may have to come up with a nickname at some point), I headed into DC to meet the Most Fabulous ShallowGal for lunch and to deliver her prize (see photo above). If you remember, she won First Prize in the Show Me Your Best Mug Shot contest. (Michelle M. won Second Prize. I still haven't chosen the 3rd and 4th Prize Winners. What can I say? I'm slow.)

We had lunch at Busboys and Poets. It was delicious. And, there was some delicious Eye Candy ... and surreptitiously taking a picture of it was an adventure in hilarity. "OK, ShallowGal. I'm going to pretend to take a picture of you, but I'm really going to be taking pictures of Mr. Yummilicious over there."

This is the best one we got:

He's the one on the right. Although the guy on the left wasn't so bad either ...

After lunch, ShallowGal and I parted ways. *sniff* I came home and took a nap. Naps are awesome.

Now, I am having a martini.

Unfortunately, I don't have many exciting plans for this weekend. Lots of cleaning and organizing. Lunch with Tomokito. A run. Game Night with Mike (Who Makes Cakes). And that's about it.

Have a great weekend! *smooches*

Pottery Pix

Good Morning, Kittens! Happy Veteran's Day (also known as Day 2 of my Staycation)!

My plans today are in flux. I was supposed to have a lunch/movie date with a friend, but he texted last night that he has a 102 degree fever. Boo on illness! BOO! So, I will probably just blob around the house doing housework. And I might go for a run if it warms up a bit.

And, maybe, I'll see if Tomokito is off and we can do afternoon drinks or something.

Yesterday, my big excitement (other than getting stood up. bastard) was a trip to the pottery studio. I trimmed a big bowl and glazed a platter. I was surprised that I only had one thing out of the kiln. But, then, K-Factor texted to tell me she had picked up two pieces during class on Monday.

The mug that was still at the studio needs to be worked on a bit.

Anyway, last night K-Factor brought down my pottery. I am very pleased with the mug! The bowl is OK (I messed up the glaze on the bottom, which you can't see in the photo).

Bowl:





Mug:



Have a great day!
*smooches*

Week Update: Michigan Editigan

Good Morning, Kittens!

I am back from a fabulous few booze- and food-filled days visiting my fantastic cousin (and cousin-in-law) *and* GayProf in the Great Frozen Tundra ... where actually (and luckily) it was quite mild, temperature-wise.

My arrival to the Frozen Tundra was uneventful. Suzanne picked me up at the airport around noon. I was still in the throes of the Worst Cold Ever, so we worked on rearranging our plans to hang out in Detroit that evening. Instead, Detroit came to us! Several of Suzanne and GayProf's friends joined us for dinner. We made chili. GayProf brought cornbread. We drank LOTS of wine.

On Sunday, Suzanne and I wandered around the town. We ate lunch/brunch at Seva, a vegetarian restaurant. And, then, toured Suzanne's workplace, the Kelsey Museum. (They've recently undergone a HUGE renovation project ... and need to update their website).

Later that afternoon, GayProf came over and we had cocktails (!) and played this superfun game, RoboRally. I am totally getting that game for my brother for Xmas. Then, we had dinner. And lots of wine.

Monday, Suzanne and I chilled and did stuff. Like, y'know, talking and reading each other's tarot. Then, we walked over to GayProf's house and we made tamales!

On the way to his house, we walked by this amazing chickenwire leaf objet d'art ...

GayProf had done all the prep work for the tamales ...



So all Suzanne and I (and GayProf helped, too) had to do was assemble them. Easy! Fun!



Especially with Chef's Little Helper!



After assembly, they had to steam for an hour or so.



Then, we ate them. With friends! Nomz. And may have had lots and lots of wine.

Tuesday, I spent the morning reading and relaxing. GayProf picked me up around noon to drive to the airport. Once there, I discovered my flight was going to be delayed by several hours. Ugh. Of course, I had signed up for text alerts. As I was complaining via text to GayProf about this, the text alert *finally* came through. Thanks for the notice, Southwest.

So, what does one do with several hours to kill in an airport?

duh

Eventually, we were all boarded and we headed off into the sunset ... or whatever.


*smooches*

Sick. Again.

Good morning, Kittens.

 

I am -yet, again- a coughing, hacking mucous-y mess.  WTF?  I left work early yesterday.  Got home.  Napped until 4.  Made soup.  Ate soup.  Went to bed at 7:30 and slept through the night.  Well, I woke up a couple of times for water.  But, still ... ugh.

 

And, tomorrow is the start of my Fabulous Detroit Vacation (which will be spent mostly in Ann Arbor).  I am totally going to go on the drugs for the flight.  Super Shuttle is picking me up between 7:15-30.  My flight is at 10:15.  I arrive in Motor City around noon.  The Fabulous Cousin will pick me up. Yay.  In the evening, we're going to dinner with a group of friends and, then, depending on how I feel out to da clubz.  Or home to bed.  No other plans right now.  But, I'll be gone 'til Tuesday.  Should be a blast.

 

Assuming I can shake this disease.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

*germy smooches*

Drama. I No Like It.

Oh.  Hai, Kittens.

 

Busy busy day here at the office.  Huge deadline approaching tomorrow.  ACK.  Panic.  Plus, I feel like I am coming down with a cold.  *ugh*  Just in time for my fabulous holiday in Michigan.  *sigh*   I am thinking healthy thoughts and taking lots of vitamins.  Maybe it will not become something too awful.

 

Yesterday, I was a total bum after work.  I did make another batch of habenero hot sauce.  yay!

And I ate lots of party leftovers.

And I may have had a glass of wine or two (or three).

 

Then, I went to bed.

 

Today, assuming I survive this workday, I will be doing laundry and cooking brussel sprouts.  Nomz.

 

The Drama so far today ...

 

I had a brief tiff with our financial guy.  Long story short, people in my office need to know how much money is paid on certain utility bills.  Financial Guy was all, "Well, you can get that from Steven."  To which, I replied, "I don't write the checks.  I have the bills, but I don't know how much of each bill is actually paid by our office." (I have been told that we only pay a mysterious percentage of our utilities.  DC Government pays the rest.)  He kept insisting that I did.  I cut him off and said, "No.  I don't know that information."  He got all huffy and stormed out of the office, saying something like "if you don't want to listen to me, you can find the info yourself."

 

What a douche.

 

Now, lunch.  And more reports to work on.  Fun.

 

*smooches*

Weekend Update: Sanity Edition

Good afternoon, Kittens!

What a totally insane weekend! Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until David gets back to NYC to see more pictures (than the few I took with my cell phone). His camera's batteries died, so I loaned him my rechargeable ones.

Anyway, David arrived Friday around 4:45. Which was near perfect timing, since I finished work at 4. Once he disembarked, we headed up to the Convention Center so I could pick up my (and a couple neighbor's) Marine Corps Marathon 10K Packets.

After that, we headed back to the Spring, did a little grocery shopping, and then went to El Golfo with SCGB for dinner. Mmmm. Once home, Tomoko came down and the four of us watched a movie and drank wine. Yay! Wine!

Saturday morning, we slept in a little and then, once Eric from Baltimore arrived, headed to the Rally to Restore Sanity. It was INSANE. Metro was crazy busy, so we ended up taking the bus (which was probably the thing to do). The crowd at the Mall was huge. See:



And there were people with signs:



After awhile, Eric from Baltimore got bored and left. About an hour later, my legs started to hurt. And I started to think, "Hm. I have to run 6.2 miles tomorrow. Maybe I shouldn't be standing up so much?" So, I struggled through the crowd and walked to the Navy Memorial where I sat in the sun and people watched until the Rally ended and David found me.

Then, we walked up to U Street for a late lunch/early dinner at Ulah Bistro. nom. Even several hours after the Rally ended, metro was still packed. Un.Pleasant. We did make it home though (yay!) and we walked to the Giant to buy supplies for my Post-10K Party.

Sunday morning, we had to get up SUPEREARLY. OMG. We left home at 6:15ish. The race started at 8. We met up with our friends and everyone had a great run! Yay! I finished in 59 minutes 23 seconds. Which was a smidge under my goal of one hour. Hurrah.

Once home, I cleaned up and walked to the Whole Foods to finish party shopping. I then cleaned the house and did food prep. David, who had met friends for brunch, helped a lot when he got back. Yay!



Party started around 4. About 10 people came. Lots of snacks. I made ginger-infused vodka, which we mixed with the pineapple/orange/lemon punch. Delicious.

I may have gotten a little tipsy.

This morning, we got to sleep in. yay! And then we headed into DC for lunch at Jaleo and wandering around the National Portrait Gallery/Museum of American Art. David boarded his bus at 3. I am typing this up and then I am taking a nap.

Pottery class later tonight. Hurrah. But back to work tomorrow. *sad face*

Have a great evening! *smoooches*