Vibrant.(Still) Unrepentant. Badass. Old. Queer

And I will be pulling handles and trimming in pottery class tonight. I enjoy trimming. But it seems like a waste of time to do it when I could be receiving instruction. I prefer to trim and pull handles in open studio. But one of us was too overhung to go to open studio on Sunday. So, today, I'll be trimming. And pulling handles. Maybe I'll have some glazing to do or maybe I'll stay late and make a pot or two. And, maybe, the sun will come out. Why isn't it Go Home Time, yet?

My boss treated us to Chinese takeout for lunch today. I had the Szechuan Homestyle Tofu. YUM! This was my fortune: You like participating in competitive sports. A-hahahahaha. *deep breath* a-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *ahem* No. I ate another fortune cookie: From now on your kindness will lead you to success. Much better ... but I guess that means I should stop sending " I hope you SCREW UP ROYALLY " vibes to the person who is interviewing for *my* job on Thursday.

Tonight will be my last opportunity to partake of the fabulous fermented beverages I do so love for an entire month . March was an exercise in Bacchanalian frivolity, and my liver could use the break. Some of you may doubt my resolve, but let me remind you of International Liver Resting Week 2007 , in which VUBOQ did not drink for an entire week ! Not convinced? Although I can not provide a link as this happened during my Diary-X days, after my 35th Birthday Party and resulting 2-day hangover and mysterious gaping wound between my eyebrows, VUBOQ gave up the booze for six months. SIX MONTHS! DURING PRIME AFTERNOON MARGARITA SEASON ! Is that not the epitome of resolve and determination? [And if you doubt the veracity of the above, please contact Tomokito . She witnessed the whole sordid affair.] One month should be a piece of cake. I, of course, am willing to accept Alcohol-Free April Partners , if anyone should so desire to join me in the detoxification process. I (We?) will be eating...

ack. The recruiter emailed that she has found another candidate for the organization to interview. This is good in that the process can move along quickly. This is bad in that it has raised all sorts of self-doubt. Like, what if they like that person better? What if that person is more qualified? Or gives better interview? I know ... It's hard to imagine, but it could happen. I should find out Friday (or next Monday) what will happen next. stressful. Not much else going on. Pottery class tonight. Alcohol-free April starts tomorrow. *w00t* More later. *smooches*

For Y's 40th Birthday Party, in addition to all the food we purchased, I decided a few homemade goodies would help to make it extra-special. First, I made Mel's delicious Chocolate Tofu Pie. Here it is in the blender: And, then, poured into two crusts (chocolate and graham, both purchased at Whole Foods): Easy peasy to make. And yummy (but not quite as sweet as I thought it would be. I might put in more maple syrup if I make them again). Next, I melted half a bag of semisweet chocolate chips and dipped strawberries in it: Warning: Do not let your children lick the bowl or they may end up looking like this: Next, I made chocolate chip cookies. I experimented by putting some Peanut Butter M&Ms in a few: This is the second batch (with no M&Ms): This is the third, and final, batch (with M&Ms): Colorful! Peanut butter-y! Finally, I used the last of the semisweet chocolate chips to make chocolate-covered pretzels: After all that, I was EXHAUSTED, but there was still ...

Y's 40th Birthday Party is tonight. I have been super busy food prep bunny today. Lots of fun photos to come (hopefully) tomorrow. Until then, here's a teaser: I made those. Yes, I did. Am I not the most cleverest everest? Stay tuned, kittens. *smooches*

Here's a link to the Dead at 40 Crossword Puzzle I made. [and, yes, I realize that some of these people died at 39 ... but, whatever, close enough.] Have fun! Let me know what you think :-) *smooches*

And, lo, there came from on high a call, which pierced the air with it's high-pitched screech. Yeah. That was me. After a very frustrating call with Y. GAH! This is a reconstruction of the conversation: V: So what kind of food do you want for your party on Saturday? Y: I don't care. V: Maybe a little hint? Y: I have eggrolls in the freezer. They have chicken in them. V: Um. OK. Anything else? Y: I just want people to be happy. V: Do you think they will be happy with only frozen chicken eggrolls? Y: I don't know. V: Do you want the food to focus around a specific theme? Like middle eastern or asian? We can get hummus and babaganouj and pita and, maybe, some spanakopita. Y: I guess we could. I don't know. Seems like I always have those things at parties. V: OK. You want something different. What? Y: I don't care if it has a theme. My only thing is that the guests are happy. V: The guests won't be happy if you don't decide on what food you want. ...

The recruiter called. They LOVED me. I'm a perfect fit. Not only because of my knowledge and skills, but also my winning personality. HURRAY! BUT ... before we break out the champagne ... I'm the first only candidate they've interviewed, so, in order to give due diligence to the process, they want to wait a few weeks to see if anyone else qualified will apply. My second interview will not be for another 2-3 weeks. GAH! The recruiter, of course, was all let me know if there are any changes in your circumstances during that time. I am assuming she means if I get any other job offers. We shall see ... My dear kittens, I hope your fingers don't cramp up from keeping them crossed all this time.

Good morning, Kittens! Yeah yeah yeah I know I know I know. I was supposed to blog all about BOSSY's Stopover in Vutopia last night ... but I was tired and opted for a martini and bed (not at the same time). You know how it is. Anyway, ShallowGal [She's a Hot Tranny Mess !] did a much better (and funnier) post about the gathering than I ever could. Go there. Read it, now . WAIT! Finish reading my post first, please. So, after leaving the bar, I forced BOSSY to ride the Metro (the horror!). Srsly, I love the Metro. I could ride it every day (and I might, if this job-thing happens). We had to change trains . So exciting this Big City Life. Then, we had to jog for the bus ! Exercise. It is good for us. Luckily, the bus stops directly in front of my building. We chatted. We had lots of water. Hydration, kittens. It is important. Y came over. I gave him his birthday present. We chatted. We went to bed. Well, BOSSY went to bed. I went to bed. Y stayed up until about 3AM grading pape...

The interview went very well. I'm sure they loved me (How could they not?). I am tired. And doing laundry. And eating pretzels. And soon to be drinking a martini. Interview details to come tomorrow. Many thanks for all the good vibes sent my way. *smooches*

This is me in my suit. My hair is a total fuckin' mess. Gah.

Good morning, Kittens! The BOSSY Outing to the Wilds of Virginia was too much fun. It was totes excellent meeting everyone. More to come on this later ... for now, here's my flickr set: Bossy's Road Trip DC . A piece of advice for those of you who will be meeting BOSSY (and other bloggers) in the coming weeks: It would be helpful when you introduce yourself to new people (like me!) to say your blog name along with your name [and, then, repeat it again at some point in the conversation. Yes, I'm bad with names]. OR, even better , get someone to bring nametags . Cheesy, I know, but super helpful ... I met some SuperFuntastic people last night ... If only I could remember their names (and their blogs). [Maybe they will find me and comment here today? Pleeeeze?] But, enough about that (for now), let's talk about ME! Like, oh.em.gee., I am approaching FULL ON FREAK OUT PANIC MODE. *deep breaths* This interview could be a MAJOR step forward in my career and I have CRAP hair ...

... a Christmas Tree on March 25th. In other news, BOSSY has arrived, and she's even more beautifuler in person. *smooches* [OMG UPDATE: I can't find my Burt's Bees Lip Balm! ACK!!! Must. Go. to. Whole. Foods.]

[Edited to Note: An ExtraSpecial Hello and *smooches* to the 40 Thousand Billion people clicking over from BOSSY! Take a seat. Stay for awhile. I'm usually not this boring. Ha! Who am I kidding? I'm always this boring ... Enjoy!] 1 task done. 8 GABILLION MORE TO GO!!!! And to start this post off with a bang, here's the question I submitted to my manager this morning for the weekly report: Q: What species of animal should be used for oral/dermal pharmacokinetics testing? A: According to 40 CFR 795.228(c)(1)(i), the rat shall be used for pharmacokinetics testing because it has been used extensively for metabolic and toxicological studies. For dermal bioavailability studies, the rat and the mini-pig* shall be used. OK. WAKE UP!!!! What else do I have to do today? GAH! ~Make Y's birthday card! Finish wrapping his present! ~Prepare for my SuperExciting Interview tomorrow! This morning, I found my suit (!), and I did a practice hair run this morning. Please tell me m...

1. Nap time. At work. A former co-worker dropped by for lunch. We went to Austin Grill. I ate too much, and I am sleeeeeeeeeeepy. 2. A way to rebuild my seriously deteriorated vocabulary and speaking skills within the next 2 days.

Or it could be my kidneys. Something. In *there*. Is hurting. And, given that in the past few weeks I have consumed more alcohol than one person should consume in a year, I'm going to say that it's my liver. Besides, I used to teach anatomy to high school students. I know where the liver is. Sort of. Hm. Maybe it is my kidneys. Anyway ... here are a few bits and bobs: ~Now that the Global Blogger Meetup is officially over, I need to do some tidying up on the column over there --> ~Don't forget there is still time to participate in the 10% Refund Challenge (or the I Owed the Tax Man Pity Party ). The drawings will be held on April 15th. Let me know if you are donating or owing. ~Pottery class starts up again today (Yay!) ~I have major cleaning and some shopping to do to prepare for a very special overnight houseguest who arrives sometime tomorrow. ~Tomorrow is also Y's big 4-0 ... but he has some school commitment. I think we will celebrate later this wee...

Click here for all the full-color fun! The last of the Global Bloggers have left. Y and I have made up for lost time. Now, I must knit. *smooches*

After hard-boiling the two dozen eggs for DUN's birthday cum Easter egg dying party, I noticed that three of the eggs had cracked. Instead of eating them instantly, I decided to do a practice dying run. Take a look at my flickr set here: Easter Eggs . The party starts at 6ish tonight. Should be a good time. *smooches*

I believe that everyone has *at least* one special talent, something at which they truly excel. Y's special talent seems to be an extraordinary ability to photograph me with the goofiest expressions EVAR! Exhibit A Exhibit 2 Exhibit III Looks like we're not going to the zoo (*sniff*). Instead, we're off to the Irish Pub. *w00t*

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, I'm back at work again. But only 'til 12:30. Yay! Yesterday was fun. I met Heidi and J for a bite to eat at Adega. Then, we parted ways: Them to the Sights of DC and Me to Get Some Nookie. Ah. Nookie. I feelz so much better. I got back home around 7:30ish. J fixed a delicious dinner (punjabi beans. yum). We had lots of wine. DUN came down for food and chat. We were also joined by Lil Meerkat's cousin, Buster (he's a bad, bad meerkat ... or whatever). Fun times, kittens. Fun. Times. I collapsed around 11. Today, we are going to the Zoo ! *w00t* The weather is nice, if a bit chilly. I'm sure the animals will be in fine form. I want to see the Golden Lion Tamarins and the Cassowaries . And, OMFG!, FLAMINGOES !!!!! GAH! TEH CUTE! After that, we'll wander through Woodley Park and Adams Morgan. Then, head over to Nellie's to meet a buncha buncha friends for Happy Hour! Who all is coming? Me, Y, Heidi, J, Tomokito, Mike, Jerry, Dana, RayandJoey...

And, I don't like it. Being "off" is much more fun. Fortunately, I'm only here until 12:30 today (and tomorrow)! *w00t!* So, I'm 38 years and 3 days old now ... and, look, OMG! GIGANTIC EYE WRINKLZ!!! [photo by goblinbox ] WTFBBQPONIEZZZ!!!11one Kill me now. *heh* Yesterday was a bit of a Do-Nothing Day. The weather was a bit coolcloudyrainyblah. Heidi and J and I wandered up to hiphappenin' downtown Silver Spring. We had a late lunch at Adega (mmm... portabello sammich) and ran some errands. Then, back home. I did laundry (teh funz!) and made green Thai curry (teh yumz!) and we watched Melrose Place on DVD. It was DUN's birthday, and she didn't have any major plans (as the SuperCute BF was headed to NJ). She joined us for curry and MP. Fun times. I didn't sleep well last night. *yawn* And I am needing to have some of teh buttsecks soon . Perhaps more later. *smooches* PS. the job interview is scheduled for 3/26. *w00t*

Yesterday, J and Heidi and I ventured forth unto the Capital, ending up at the National Gallery of Art. Heidi had fun. J? Not so much an art museum person, methinks. After awhile, I entertained myself by taking photos of paintings of St. Jerome ... while singing " Jesse. Now, Jerome " in my head. You can of course see my fabulous Jerome Series on my flickr page . I felt I was being a little unfaithful to Saint Anthony of Padua (my totally faves saint EVAR ...) but the NGA doesn't seem to have many artworks depicting my little Tony. After departing the NGA, we had an early-ish dinner at Teaism (veggie bento. YUM!). Once home, we had martinis (and I had cheesecake) and watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Bringing Up Baby . Check out Goblinbox's GBM photo set here . Fun times, kittens. Fun times. Let's see what happens today (besides laundry, of course). Oh, and just in time for Easter ... Jesus Forkin' Christ!

Birthday Cake Side-by-Side Photos: Which do you prefer? 2007 or 2008?

Yesterday, we finally dragged ourselves out of bed around 10ish ... who knew that all those margaritas and $2 cocktails would be so unforgiving? Around 2, Mush, Only Me, and I headed into the District for a little casual sightseeing ... We went to the Mall. There were Cherry Blossoms. I tried to eat them. We walked up to the Capitol Building and sat in the Grotto (which I lurve ... I'm not sure why). Then, we walked to Jaleo for tapas and the best sangria in DC. Mmm. Mmm. Delicious. Darryl joined us there, which was fun. I remembered that last year, I met friends at Jaleo on my birthday as well. The main difference was that last year it snowed. *kbrrr* We came back home. Mush made a delicious veggie chili. A few of the neighbors joined us. They left. We went to bed. All in all, a pretty durn good birthday :-) Thanks for all your comments and birthday wishes. *smooches*

Happy Birthday to me! Here's a picture of me and my cake from Saturday night (Mush took it on her phone): Not as cute as last year's I'm afeerd. I guess that's what happens as we get older ... Last night was SuperFun! We had Sunday Early Evening Margaritas at Alero. Then, we went to Cobalt for $2 vodka highballs. OMG. So drunk. And, this morning, so hungover. *oog* More later. I'll be uploading pictures in a bit. Maybe. Or, I'll be taking a nap. *smooches*

*oog* The Vodka and Dessert Birthday Extravaganza was a total blast. You can check out pictures here: Global Blogger Meet-Up Set . 25 people + over 5 liters of booze + not getting to bed 'til after 3AM = A Very Good Time. I could use a nap. Srsly. A few fun pix from Goblinbox: Punch ! Party ! Today we're doing Afternoon Margaritas (at some point) ... perhaps, Early Evening Margaritas instead ... and then heading to Cobalt. Yay! I guess the most important question is: How are *you* spending the Best Day of the Year Eve ?

Morning, Kittens! Everyone made it just fine and ON TIME! (Can you believe it? No flight delays! Even the Weather Gods themselves want the GBM to be a big success!) We ate pizza, drank wine, and -OMG- drank more wine. *oog* Why am I up? The pictures I took last night were gross, so here's one this morning of some Sleeping Bloggers. 2000 VUBOQ Points if you can guess who they are:

Let the Weekend of Craziness commence (in 30 minutes or so)! I may not have much time to post until mid-week, but I'll try! Srsly. Y'all need to be a part o' the fun vicariously. *Love and happy weekend smooches to all*

The house is CLEAN! I mean, not just regular clean, but you can eat out of the bathtub clean. And given how many people are going to be in my house this weekend, someone may have to eat out of the bathtub. I vote for Only Me . Hyphenated Non-IDentity arrives this afternoon, with the rest of the kittens getting in this evening or tonight. *whew* I have borrowed enough (hopefully) bedding from the Most Rockingest Neighbors EVER! So everyone will have many comfortable sleeps in my abode. I still feel like I have lots to do, but I'm not really sure what those things are ... Other than PANIC, because (get this) ... (are you ready?) ... Y's Mother *may* be coming to the Vodka and Dessert Birthday Extravaganza on Saturday! She arrives around noon today. Y was saying that she didn't really have anything to do on Saturday night, so he might just drop her off at a friend's house or something. Being the crazy idiot wonderful person I am, I said he should bring her to the...

I'm *almost* done with my shopping for the weekend. Can we talk about how full my fridge is right now [See the final 12 of 12 photo in the previous entry]? I have a few last minute things to pick up at Whole Foods [raspberry sorbet, bread, 2-bite cupcakes, rice]. I want to make a fun ice ring for the punch, but I need a bundt pan or something ... I'll be picking up some extra bedding and another air mattress from the Most Rockingest Neighbors EVER (!) tonight. I'll also be cleaning the bathroom, spare room, and my bedroom. Plus, I'm moving the Kitty Litter Box into my bedroom, so the guests can use that closet [Aren't I the greatest host ever?]. All the out-towners now have confirmed rides from the airport to my place [Thanks Sassy and Clio !]. Y bailed on driving me to BWI because he has a major deadline this Friday at Midnight. Plus, his mother is coming to visit from Israel (I think she arrives on Friday as well). Luckily, Clio stepped up to the plate! Y...

8:15AM. Going up. 6th floor: Boring Office. 10:30AM. Ack. Can't take it anymore. Going down. 10:35AM. Window cleaners. Eek. Scary. 11:45AM. Post-coital Lunch. Salsa and cheese on toast. 11:50AM. Post-coital partner. [Y usually is gone when I come home for lunch, but today he came to bed about 15 minutes before I got up for work. I figured he would sleep in a little later than usual.] 12:15PM. Pasta Vacation is Coming Soon [I have mad Spanish skillz]. 3:50PM. Welcome to the 6th Floor Jungle. 4:45PM. Yet to be written Thank You note to my aunt in Maine. 5:30PM. It is good to be home. Martini and goronzola on crackers. 6:45PM. Love me. Love my laundry. 7:00PM. One can never post enough photos of their pussy. 8:30PM. I can haz full refrigerator. The end. *whew*

Quoth the recruiter, "it's a match made in heaven." In-person interview will be either 3/17 (Happy Birthday) or 3/20!

True or False: 1. VUBOQ went home for his lunch break. 2. VUBOQ went home for his lunch break so he could have hot, steamy, sweaty buttsecks. 3. VUBOQ took pictures of teh buttsecks for his 12 of 12 photo essay to be posted later today.

The phone interview didn't happen because the recruiter was sick. Because I was waiting around for her to return my call, I missed the job fair. Her receptionist called around 2:30 to say she would call me this morning. The job fair ended at 4. No way I could get there on time. Alas. Bleah. I did get lots of cleaning done. Although I noticed when I'm stress cleaning, I clean weird things. Exhibit A: At 10:40PM, I was washing the tops of the doors and door frames. I also cleaned the top of my refrigerator (which only people over 5'11" can actually see). I spent about 1/2 my monthly food budget yesterday ordering from Peapod (Giant Groceries on-line delivery service). Today, I will be doing laundry and organizing my bedroom into something not-quite-so chaotic. And, OMG, it is totally shedding season. Cat hair. EVERYWHERE. I brushed like 10 brushfuls of cat hair of the PsychoKitty yesterday. TEN! If you're coming to my house at some point in the next week or...

The recruiter is out sick. She may call me this afternoon. I'm off to a job fair after lunch. In the meantime, here are some pottery pix: More later, perhaps. *smooches*

I have a phone interview with the recruiter tomorrow. ACK! *deep breaths* ACK!

Ah. Daylight Savings Time. How I love it. (*cough* *hack*) I thought that, since I spent most of yesterday overhung and in bed (or on sofa), the missed hour wouldn't be missed this morning. Boy. Was I wrong? Yes. *oog* Bah. DST can suck it. Princess. Friday night, I watched Music and Lyrics . VUBOQ *hearts* Drew Barrymore. Cute movie. Got sort of long though. Saturday, I did lots of work on the Never-Ending Cardigan of Doom. See: Since I took this picture, I have seamed the raglan edges and the side seams. I still have to seam the sleeves and pockets. Then, I have to pick up stitches around the neckline to knit the hood. Then, I have to pick up stitches on the pockets to knit their ribbed edges. Then, I have to pick up stitches around the front sides and hood to knit more ribbed edges. Then, I have to teach myself to crochet so I can crochet the button loops. Then, I have to buy buttons and sew them on and I'm done! [Estimated date of finishing: September 2008]. Later, Tomokito...

Haagen-Dazs Mocha Chip . Word. *happy weekend smooches*

I just sent off my application for the job. Ack. *deep breaths* Ack.

OMG! I love it when I walk to work, and somewhere along the way I discover that I am feeling SuperCute! Trust me, it doesn't happen every day... I think it's because I'm wearing new jeans! These aren't the Genetics Jeans (*heh*) I bought from Overstock.com (which should be arriving today!). Here's the new jeans story, which I forgot to blog about when it happened: A week or so ago, one of my co-workers couldn't find a sitter for her daughter. Thus, it became Bring Your Daughter to Work Day in my office. The child was well-behaved, but there's something about high-pitched kiddie voices in a quiet office that after about 5 hours started to drive me FRIGGIN' INSANE. I had to. get. out. Unfortunately, it was WAY cold, so I couldn't walk around outside. Instead, I ended up wandering the aisles of Marshalls in Shitty Palace Mall (aka. City Place). I hardly ever find anything that fits me in any Marshalls ... yet, lo and behold, I came across a cute pair of...