Weekend Update: I Won an Oscar Edition

Good Morning, Kittens.

 

OK.  I didn't win an Oscar ... but I did come out as a 24-year-old gay professional Cricket player, I just wish the papers would spell my last name correctly.  *sheesh*

 

So, lessee ... weekend weekend weekend.  Friday, I had happy hour at Nellie's with SCGB and some of his former classmates.  I left around 8.  Got home.  Ate food.  Drank wine.  Went to bed.

 

Saturday, I blobbed on the sofa.  I did a little cleaning.  I went to the grocery store.  I went for a 3.5 mile run (even though it was a little on the chilly side).  I made mashed potatoes. That night, I headed up to Tomokito's for wine and conversation.  SCGB stopped by for a little while.  I didn't get to bed until after 1.  How did that happen?

 

Sunday, I went to pottery studio.  I made this. Then, I went to a neighbor's apartment to watch the Oscars.  Good times. 

 

The other excitement is that I have this weird itchy rash all over (especially on my torso).  I think it is a combination of dry skin and an allergic reaction.  I spent most of the weekend trying to figure out what could be causing it.  At first I thought it might be from laundry detergent (and doing laundry at the laundromat).  But, I've been using the same detergent for nearly a year.  Then, as I was making my morning pot of tea on Saturday, it hit me.

 

I'm using a different tea than normal.  I ran out of tea bags earlier in the week and, one morning, I remembered that I had some tea leaves a friend brought me from India.  I am wondering if the tea might be the cause.  Maybe they used some weird chemical to process the tea?  Who knows? 

 

Needless to say, I have stopped using the tea.  Hopefully that will help. 

 

Meanwhile, I am trying not to scratch.  *ugh*

 

Hope you have a great day!

*smooches*

Good Intentions

Good morning, Kittens!

 

Happy Friday!  *does a Happy Friday My Co-Worker Brought in Doughnuts Dance*

 

Yesterday, I intended to go to the gym ... of course, we know what the Road to Hell is paved with, right? (Hint: Going to the Gym Intentions).  I got off the Metro at Silver Spring Station with enough time to catch the 5:41 bus.  It may have been early.  I may have missed it, but there were people waiting at the stop.  A #12 Bus arrived, but I knew a #15 would be along soon (and the #15 is a more direct route home than the #12).  At about 6PM, I started to wonder where the bus was, so I checked the schedule on my phone.  There should have been buses at 5:41, 5:49, and 5:57.  There were not.  The next bus was scheduled at 6:05.  At 6:06, I decided to walk home (in the rain).  I was about 5 minutes from home when a #15 (packed to overflowing) finally passed me ... which means it didn't leave Silver Spring Station until about 6:15.  Seriously,  WTF?  One should not have to wait nearly 30 minutes for a bus during rush hour. 

 

When I finally got home, I was well-peeved and not wanting to go to the gym.  So, I made a martini.  Well, I was going to make a martini.  But I was OUT OF GIN!  GAH! 

 

Life is so cruel.

 

And, my weekend plans:  Tonight, I may be going to happy hour (depending on if I can convince anyone else to go) at Nellie's.  Saturday, I am doing house work and I may be meeting up with the Guy Who Says Like A Lot.  Sunday, I will go to the pottery studio, and, afterwards, I might go to Mike Who Makes Cakes' house.

 

Fun times, for sure.

 

Have a great day!  *smooches*

There Was L

Good morning, Kittens!

 

Last night I did laundry!  In my building!  Yay!  Of course, we only have one working washing machine (out of 2), so it took me twice as long.  but, I didn't have to go to the laundromat.  Huzzah!

 

I also ended up with an unmatched sock.  Grr.  I hate that.

 

And, that's about all I did.  Fun times.

 

Today I am going to go to the gym after work.  and run on the treadmill.  and try not to die.

 

Have a great day!

*smooches*

GTL. Minus the T, and the G, and Possibly the L

Good Morning, Kittens.

 

Just a quick update today, because nothing has really happened of consequence.

 

Yesterday, I didn't go to the gym.  I am bad.  I decided, instead, to cook enough food to last for a couple of meals.

 

I made a basic pasta sauce.  I am thinking of following the Fabulous Lora's soup idea (which she blogged about here) with the sauce.  Each day I can add something new to it until it is gone.  Yay!  I started with onion, yellow bell pepper, a can of diced tomatoes, and spiced it all up with Herbs de Provence.  Nomz.  Maybe today I'll add mushrooms!  Or broccoli!  Mmmmm ...

 

So, rather than go to the gym, I cooked and ate.  Hm.  Counterproductive?  Perhaps.

 

Today, I need to do laundry.  Unless our machines are still broken (or have broken again or have exploded).  If the machines are non-working, I will go to the gym.  See?  Fit!  Healthy!  Yay!

 

But I will still have dirty clothes.  Life is hard.

 

Have a great day!

*smooches*

 

 

 

 

Weekend Update: Presidents' Day Edition

Guten Morgen, Mein Kittens!

 

Happy Tuesday!  So, my weekend was quite exciting ... well, not really, but it was still fun.

 

Friday, after work, I came home and sat on the sofa. 

 

Saturday morning, I woke up.  And did a little cleaning.  My building was having our doors and trim in the hallways painted.   So my door got painted.  Yay.

 

Saturday evening, Tomokito came down and we had martinis.  Yay!

 

After she left, I made some dinner and knitted and watched "Rush Hour 3."

 

Sunday, I blobbed around and then went to the pottery studio, where I threw these two soup mugs (I attached the handles in class on Monday).  When I got home, I changed and met a guy (who I dated during the summer, wanted to date more, he flaked out b/c of a variety of personal issues which he seems to have sorted out, and now we have been on two dates since then) in Downtown Silver Spring.  We saw "The King's Speech," which was good but not great.  The acting was awesome.  I think it is something I could've waited to see on DVD though.  After the movie, we ate Thai food.  Then, he drove me home and we made out for awhile in his car.  He's supernice and I have a great time when we are together; however, I still have some concerns about everything.  Thus, I am approaching it slowly and cautiously.  I do very like him though. We'll see what happens.

 

Monday, SCGB hosted a delicious brunch for the neighbors.  Tasty boozy deliciousness.  I had many mimosas.  And lots of good foodz.  The brunch ended around 2.  I went home and took a two hour nap.  Yay!  Once up, I made some tea.  And, then, I started thinking about dinner.  I decided to cook a recipe out of Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian": Chard with Shallots and Oranges.  Except I didn't have any shallots, or enough sugar, or sherry vinegar.  I left out the shallots, cut the sugar in half, and substituted rice wine vinegar.  I think it came out ok.  Although perhaps a bit less tangy than in should have been.  If I make it again, I might use grapefruit instead of the oranges.

 

After dinner, K-Factor and I went to pottery class.  I spent an inordinate amount of time trimming the lid and body of this cannister.  Then, I worked on the aforementioned soup mugs.  On the way home, the sleet started.  I hoped for a 2-hour government delay, but it was not to be.  *sigh*

 

Hope you have a great day!

*smooches*

 

Tulips: A Photo Series

Good Morning, Kittens and Happy Presidents' Day!

I'll be updating you on all my weekend excitement later, but, for now, how about a little photo series of the tulips I bought myself on Valentine's Day ...











I love the Hipstamatic photo app on my iPhone. *heart*

Have a great day! *smooches*

February Fake-Out

Good morning, kittens.

 

Today the temperature is supposed to reach a high in the low-to-mid 70s.  WTF?  "Is it still February? Has Spring arrived," you ask, as you start dusting off your patio furniture and polishing your margarita glasses.

 

Alas, I fear it is still February.  And this Cruel, Cold Bitch of a Month is Faking Us Out.  72 today.  Forecast of snow on Tuesday.  Mmhm.  That's right. Snow.  On Tuesday.  I would like to note now that February Sucks.  I am so glad it is the shortest month. 

 

Meanwhile, there is happier news for gay couples in Maryland.  Let's hope that this is not a February Fake-Out as well.  Because I so want to be gayrried to my partner of the past ... oh, wait.  Nevermind.  Well, all you happy gay couples in Maryland (and maybe some of the unhappy ones, too), make sure to invite me to all your weddings.  Perhaps I will catch the bouquet(s). 

 

In other news, I had a bit of an illness relapse this morning.  Yuck.  Now, I'm thinking happy hour tonight might not be such a great idea.  We shall see how I feel around lunch time.  Not many plans for the weekend.  I hope to be going to the pottery studio on Sunday afternoon and then catching a movie with a friend.  Monday, SCGB is hosting a Presidents' Day brunch.  I should probably go to the laundromat on Monday too (since our washing machines *still* seem to be borked).  Good times.

 

Have a great day!

*smooches*

 

 

Explosive Poo and My Secret Super Power

Good Afternoon, Kittens.

I am back at work (yay) after an exciting day off yesterday.

How exciting was it? Let's see ... I woke up yesterday morning feeling a little out of sorts. And that's when the explosive liquid poo started. Plus vomit. Joy. Needless to say, I called out sick.

And, this was my day:

1. sleep in bed.

2. bathroom.

3. sleep on sofa.

4. repeat.

Sometimes, just to mix it up, I'd reverse the order: Sofa, bathroom, bed.

Around 4PM, I decided to have some veggie broth. Tasty.

Later that evening, my parents called with sad news. My 39-year-old cousin had a stroke and died. Pretty shocking. And he leaves behind a 13-year-old son. Poor kid. I can't say I'm all that torn up about it because (1) I'm not close with that side of the family and (2) I'm an insensitive, unfeeling bastard.

This morning, I felt better (not 100%, but well enough to come to work). As I was getting ready for work, I had a shocking realization. The last time I was visited by the Explosive Poo Monster was the day of my Uncle's funeral five (maybe 6) years ago. and, now, on the day my cousin dies, the Same. Thing. Happens!

Apparently, my Secret Super Power has been revealed: Explosive Poo at the Death of a Relative.

I can't say I'm overly pleased.

And with that mental image, enjoy the rest of your day.

*smooches*

Weekend Update: I'm Too Old For This Edition

Good morning afternoon, kittens.

Happy Valentine's Day. I spent the morning in the laundromat. Yay. This afternoon, I am treating myself to a boozy lunch at Adega. Then, I'm going to go grocery shopping, iron, and end this Day of Romance at pottery class. Fun times.

This weekend was chock full of fun. Friday night, I did nothing. Yay!

On Saturday, I slept in. Did a little cleaning. At 2PM, I had a coffee date. He seems nice ... not exactly my physical type ... and was most definitely not over his most recent ex (even though they've been broken up for over a year). I think maybe we can hang out sometimes, but I see nothing romantic coming out of it.

Saturday evening, after a disco nap, Eric from Baltimore came down. We ordered pizza with Tomokito and SCGB and then we went to Town. On the way there, we were rearended (and not in the fun way!). BUT, it was a light tap with no damage to either car. *whew*

At Town, SuperCute Blogger Kris joined us, as well as a couple of other friends. We danced danced danced. Both Tomokito and I had drinks spilled on us (at separate times). SCGB made a dance floor Luv Connection. I got really drunk and made a facebook friend with a (cute) Howard med student. We piled back into the car and were home by 3.

Eric from Baltimore left. Tomokito, SCGB, and I decided to eat the rest of the pizza and have another round of drinks. I didn't get to bed until 430. *ugh*

I woke up at 8ish. Walked to the sofa. and fell back asleep. Until 2! SuperOverHung. *oog*

BUT, I went online and was chatting with this guy, and we decided to meet for dinner at Mandalay (in downtown Silver Spring). OMG. So delicious. Also, he is cute. And young (32). And says "like" way too much. He is also a phd in electrical engineering ... and you know how I totally go for guys with phds. Srsly. ANYWAY, I had fun. And, maybe we will go out again sometime.

When I got home, I joined SCGB for a nightcap and date recap. Good times.

and, that's about it. Have a great rest of your day!
*smooches*

Lack of Excitement

Good Morning, my sweet sweet kittens.

 

Not much has been going on, hence the lack of postings.  One day seamlessly melts into the next - eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep, work, try to do laundry but learn that BOTH machines are still borked, drink.  Wash.  Rinse.  Repeat.

 

I haven't even been able to drag my sorry self to the gym.   *ugh*

 

That is all going to change today though.  For today, Friday the 11th, the excitement begins ... after work.

 

Once home, I *am* (as Gawd as mah witness) going to the gym.  And I am going to do some sort of exercise like thing.  And try not to die.  After gyming, I am going home to order pizza and drink champagne.  And, maybe, just maybe, watch "Rush Hour 3."

 

Saturday, I am going to do housecleaning in the morning.  I am currently living in a cesspool of filth and humanity.  I think even the cat is disgusted by the layer of cat hair which coats all surfaces.  Saturday afternoon I have a little coffee date.  And, then, Saturday night, Eric from Baltimore is coming down and he and I and Tomokito and SCGB and -possibly- a few others are hitting Town to dance dance dance the night away.

 

Sunday, I am going to the gym again (if I can crawl out of bed).  And, then, I am going to the pottery studio.  Yay!

 

Monday (the dreaded V-Day), I am off.  Yay!  So, I will go to the laundromat (because, if I haven't mentioned it in awhile, BOTH our washing machines are borked).  Isn't that the most romantic Valentine's Day activity ever? AND, then, in the evening, I will go to pottery class. 

 

So exciting.

Have a great weekend!

*smooches*

Weekend Update: Nothing Could Be Finer Edition

Good morning, Kittens!

 

I am back from a fun-filled weekend in the Carolina Sunshine.  Yay!

 

Friday, after work, I met my friend, and college buddy, Karalee, for dinner at Mandalay.  It was delicious.  And we had a good time catching up.  It's been almost a year since we last got together.  Once home, Tomokito and I had cocktails.  And, then, I packed for my trip to Durham.

 

I left early Saturday morning on the MegaBus.  It made really good time.  And, after a stop in Richmond, I arrived in Durham about 25 minutes early.  Isa picked me up and we went to get food.

 

Actually, I lot of this trip involved Isa and me getting food.  Mmm.  Eating.

 

Saturday evening, we did a little shopping at A Southern Season.  I bought Moravian Ginger Cookies and Spicy Cheese Straws and Chocolate!  Yummy.  The Cheese Straws were for SCGB for taking care of Miss Isabella while I was out of town.  The Ginger Cookies were for Tomokito's husband (and Tomokito), who waited around for my new Verizon iPhone 4 to be delivered (since I was out of town).

 

Later, we watched Dana Carvey on SNL.  Parts of it were v. funny.

 

Sunday, in the morning, Isa and I did lots of prepwork for our Super Bowl eating festivities - 7 layer dip, banana bread, veg chili, mac 'n' cheese, chocolate cake. Then, we went shopping. And eating.  I bought a new rucksack.  Yay!  It is red and black plaid.

 

That evening, Isa's husband Ken arrived.  We ate.  And drank.  And watched the Super Bowl.  The gold team won!  YAY!

 

Monday, we went out for brunch.  And then we wandered around a cute little shopping district.  And, then, I got back on the MegaBus home.  It was a great trip.  So good to get away.

 

And even better to come home to a new Verizon iPhone 4!  YAY!

 

(p.s. if you want to play me on Words With Friends, my ID is sed317)

 

Have a great day!

*smooches*

Friday Roars in Like a Freight Train

Good morning, Kittens!

 

It is finally Friday!  Hurray!  I don't know how people work a 5-day work week.  It is exhausting.  At least I have a 3-day weekend this weekend (and the next TWO weekends).  Yay!

 

Yesterday, after work, I had a date.  We met at Banana Cafe.  He seems very nice.  Handsome.  Well-traveled.  He has already expressed an interest in getting together again.  We shall see.

 

Today, after work, I am meeting my college friend, Karalee, for dinner.  We are going to Mandalay in Silver Spring.  mmmm.  Delicious Burmese food.  At least I hope it will be delicious.  I haven't been to Mandalay in ages.

 

Tomorrow, I have to get up bright and early, because I am catching the MegaBus to Raleigh/Durham.  I'll be hanging out with my BFF from college, Isa, and -possibly- her husband, if he can get leave (he's in the military).  I'm not really looking forward to the bus ride (5.5 hours!), but it was super cheap ($4.50 RT).  And hanging with Isa will be chock full of awesomeness.  And, we'll watch the Super Bowl.  Which is apparently some sort of game that involves balls and feet.  I'm not really into the whole foot fetish thing, but there will be food and booze ... and that is always welcome.  I am super excited that after the fourth inning of the Super Bowl there will be a  very special episode of "Glee."  Yay!

 

I am catching a 3PM bus home on Monday.  So I will miss the first pottery class of the semester.  Waaaah.  Oh, well.  I will go on the following Sunday.

 

Good times, fer sure.

 

Have a wonderful day and a fantabulous weekend!

*smooches*

Or "Hear Me Baa" Even.

I am totally cursing the inability to edit posts after sending via email.  Stupid Evil Firewall of Doom.

Stupid Homophones.

Stupid inability to proofread properly this early in the morning.

I am Sheep. Here Me Baa.

Good morning, kittens.

 

As you may know, the Verizon iPhone went on sale this morning at 3AM.  I had debated setting my alarm to get up at that time to order it.  However, common sense and the Need for Sleep prevailed and I did not set my alarm.

 

However, at precisely 3:01 this morning, I awoke with a start.  I took that as a sign that GOD HIMSELF wanted me to buy the Verizon iPhone.  So I did.  And, then, I went back to bed.

 

My monthly phone bill is going to increase from about $70 to about $100.  Fortunately, because our wonderful President Obama reduced the Social Security Tax from 6.2% to 4.3%, my take home pay has increased about $60 per month.  Thus, I have enough to cover my increased bill *and* buy a fifth of Really Good Gin.  EVERY MONTH!  How sweet is that?  How awesome is President Obama? 

 

(Also, I should be getting a rather substantial bonus from my company, so that's how I'm paying for the Verizon iPhone itself.  Do you think since I have now mentioned "Verizon iPhone" 4 times in this relatively short post, Verizon will offer me some sort of sweet endorsement deal?  or a discount?  That would be fantastic. Verizon, I am waiting.)

 

We are not going to even think about how having a Verizon iPhone (5 times!) will totally enable my internet addiction.

 

In other news, Isabella is still 11.  She is loving her new Organic Catnip Mouse.  And, she sincerely thanks all of you who made a donation to either WARL or your local animal shelter in her honor.

 

Yesterday, I did laundry. Hurrah.  Both machines had been broken for nearly two weeks.  I was assured by the Board that they machines were fixed.  So, when I hauled over my Very Heavy Basket of Laundry to the laundry room, I was disappointed to learn that "fixed" means" "full of water" ... Well, one washer was working. The other was full of water.  It took me a bit longer than usual to do two loads.  And I didn't have the energy to start another one (although I really need to wash towels and sheets.  Maybe next week).

 

Oh, and on Tuesday, I had dinner with one of the guys from the Summer of Fun.  I can't remember his letter.  Maybe D?  I had been hoping that I would have been able to continue to date him beyond the Summer of Fun, but the Fates had other things in mind.  He was out of town a lot.  And going through a career crisis.  And a roommate crisis.  And, really, who needs to deal with all that?  Not me.  ANYWAY, all of that seems to be behind him.  We had a good dinner and a fun talk.  I don't foresee anything romantic happening though.  Alas.

 

AND, tonight, after work, I am finally meeting up with this guy who I've been trying to meet up with for weeks.  We've had to postpone twice.  Once because I was sick and once because he had some sort of work emergency.  Hopefully this time it will happen.  *fingers crossed*

 

I guess that's it.

Have a great day!

*smooches*

Happy Birthday!

Good Morning, Kittens!

Today is a Very Special Kitten's Birthday!

As I was cleaning out my file cabinet a few weekends ago, I happened across Isabella's medical records. According to those records, she was born on February 1, 2000! She and my brother have the Same Birthday!

(which I guess means that today is TWO Very Special Kittens' birthday ...)

Anyway, in honor of my sweet, sweet kitteh's birth, I made a donation to the Washington Animal Rescue League's Silver Whiskers Fund for Cats. It's a special program WARL has for the harder-to-adopt older kitteh:

The Silver Whiskers Club aids in the adoption of older cats, cats with chronic but manageable health problems, and cats with disabilities. It offers the following incentives to adopters of cats selected for participation:

• A comprehensive, free medical evaluation, including all appropriate diagnostics, prior to adoption;
• A complimentary pre-adoption consultation with a League veterinarian;
• Lifetime, free medical care and support for the cat at the League’s Medical Center for all pre-existing health conditions and those related to age as determined by League veterinarians. (The League will retain final determination that such care is necessary and beneficial for the cat and can be provided within the Medical Center’s regular parameters);
• No adoption fees for the cat;
• Free provision of all necessary equipment at the time of adoption (litter box, 40-pound bag of cat litter, cat bed, assortment of toys, cat carrier, scratching pad, cat collar, grooming brush, and nail clippers).

I think Isabella would be happy to know that I am helping to make homes for Cats of a Certain Age (which I am sure is Much, Much older than 11).

And, y'know, if you so choose to honor Isabella's birthday (or my brother's) by also making a donation to WARL's Silver Whiskers Club ~or~ your local animal shelter, I'm very sure that Isabella (and my brother) and all the cute homeless shelter pets-to-be would be most appreciative. Isabella might even send you a Thank You card!



Have a great day!
*smooches*

p.s. to donate to WARL's Silver Whiskers Club, go to the website. Click on "How You Can Help." Select "Donate Now," click the "Please direct my gift to:" radio button, and then choose the Silver Whiskers Club.

p.p.s. Many thanks and HUGE *SMOOCHES* to Michelle M for the fabulously improved photos of Miss Psychokitty Isabella, Giver of the Vomit of Joy, Attacker of Feet that Move in the Night, Killer of Alien Crickets (and Stinkbugs).