But I have been stuck at my parents house for over a week now, and I want to go home. But I have no car. I am at the mercy of my mother and will go home when she takes me home.

They aren't getting on my nerves. I'm not having a bad time. I just miss my home and my solitude.

Labels: Rants

My mom making grilled cheese sandwiches for Christmas Eve Dinner. This is my Dad's family's tradition started when he was a little kid, and they didn't have enough money for anything but chili and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ever since I can remember I've had to wear this (now too small) Santa hat and hand out presents on Christmas morning.

Murphy and his new toy. It has six squeakers. It is very, very annoying.

Snacking on antipasti all day and sipping mimosas.

My first Christmas tree ornament.

My favorite Christmas tree ornament.

The ubiquitous made-in-first-grade Christmas tree ornament.

The star my dad and I made together before my parents were married. We were huddled up in my old bedroom trying to cut up the tinsel with plastic safety scissors working feverishly to surprise my mom.

My stocking. It's big. What can I say, I'm and only child.

Kitty hiding under the tree with her Christmas present. Funny story, two days before Christmas when nobody was in the room kitty found her other present (a cat-nip filled scratching post), ripped all the wrapping paper off, and shredded it into a huge red and green mess scattered around the room.

Labels: Dad, Holiday, Kitty, Mom, Murphy

Fortunately for us, the new mall in the area is an outside mall, and the shops weren't very busy, so it was a really pleasant day.

I really only had one sweater to return it was very cute (my mom has great taste) but something about the proportion, I think the length, was very unflattering. I was also in the market for a dress to wear on New Year's so we did a little shopping.

These two cute little sweaters (From New York & Company) were a gift from my mom, they are two items I'd never pick out for myself, but they look great on me. Go mom.

Into J. Jill to exchange the sweater that looked weird for these two tops (both on sale).

We popped into Banana Republic, and that's where the real shopping got going. If you are in need of a party dress they have a bunch on sale right now. I tried most of them on, and this is the one I decided to buy.

It looks completely different on me than it does on the model here.

I was also trying on sale rack sweaters and needed a pair of jeans to try them on with. I just grabbed these guys because they were closest to the fitting rooms and they fit so well I had to take them. They are cute. Super cute.

My two favorite buys of the day weren't available on line, but were also from Banana. I'm sure I'll wear them soon so I can post pictures. One is just a really cute little short sleeved sweater. The second is a dress I tried on in my search for a cute party dress. It was too classic for a New Year's Eve party, but it fit so well, that my mom *insisted* on buying it for me. I imagine it will become my new go-to outfit very soon.

Labels: Product Endorsement

Because of the weather and because I'm the world's worst driver I came over to my parents house pretty early this year to miss driving in this big snowstorm. On Friday night Jill and I went out with Sameera and her girlfriend Alli and had a great time despite the cold weather. The following pictures fall into the following categories: pretty, pretty ridiculous, finger mustache, giant cocktail that tasted like cleaning fluid, Jill Show: Part 367, dance party USA, Chip's crazy cowboy boots, and I wish all these girls would quit smoking.

I have been drinking since about 8 this morning (family tradition) and I'm feeling quite lazy and happy so you can figure out which picture goes in each category yourself.

As far as the rest of my plans last weekend went, I had to let The Bartender go (and I bailed on the Christmas party). I may have to just stop dating until I get The Boy out of my system, I'm not really sure anyone will get a fair chance until that happens. As luck would have it, as soon as I realized this to be the case, he pretty much stopped calling me. Bad dating karma in action.

Merry Christmas! (If that's your thing, if not Merry Whatever-You Celebrate)

Labels: Jill, Sameera, Suzie

I would rather play hooky and watch "Drama in the Daytime" on TNT all day. Oh well, not in the cards.

Tonight I am drinking a glass of wine and watching Blazing Saddles. Funny flick. I wrapped all my Christmas gifts and am now just sitting here. Pretty exciting stuff.

Last night I had a date. A blind date. Do you know how long it's been since I've been on a blind date? Not as bad as I remembered. This is the guy I met online and asked out. We've had to reschedule five times, so even though I wasn't in the mood, I couldn't cancel again. I am glad I didn't, it was fun. I'm sure we'll go out again.

This is what I was going to wear.

But I wore this instead (I hope that isn't really what I look like, weird picture).

I am going to The Bartenders Corporate (day job) Christmas party on Saturday night. I really really want to cancel. I think The Bartender is on the way out. I feel bad, he's a fun guy, but I just don't think anything more is there.

Jill's famous quote when things were fizzling with Frank "Don't touch me, I can't stand when you touch me" pretty much sums it up. I don't know what it is, but every little thing gets on my nerves. Well that and he e-mails me about twenty times a day. And sends text messages. And calls. A lot.

Maybe Saturday night will change my mind, but I doubt it. It's hard to date someone when you like someone else more. Speaking of that someone else, I am pretty excited for New Years. We are heading up to Basalt for the weekend. Jill's going to ski and I'm going to lay around and read by the fire and flirt with rich tourists. Yay! I'll probably get my flirt on with one particular local too.

Labels: Dudes, Update, Video

I started out cute.

But man, adolescence was cruel to me. I mean it was certainly cruel to everyone, but I didn't grow out of it until college. I should point out that I went to college with 2500 other nerds, so maybe grew out of it is a relative term.

Cabbage Patch Kid

I chose this picture because despite the boy-scout standard issue haircut, you can still tell I'm a girl (I think it's the lipstick). In the other pictures I look so much like a little boy that you would have called shenanigans when I said they were pictures of me.

Poodle Perm

Which is why my mom started perming my hair. Oh misery.

Huge Hair

I am sorry to say that the poodle perm doesn't even hold a candle to the monstrosity I was responsible for when I was allowed to choose my own hairstyle.

I am bereft that I don't have the following year's picture. I was wearing a black bowler hat and had banana curls framing my face. I looked like an Hasidic Jew.
Ruffle Shorts

I thought this coordinated ensemble was the tops. That's right. I wish you could see the shorts more clearly. They are cut off jean shorts with huge ruffles sewn in. I had several pair.

Dance Recital

I was every bit the ham and picture whore back then as I am now.

Inhaler

Brownies

This one is actually really cute, I wanted to include it because Jill's in it too. We were so doofy (well I guess we still are).

High School

Look at this picture and tell me you are surprised that no one tried to shag me until college. I guarantee there's a yin-yang necklace hidden under that shirt.

Painting

I cracked up when I found this picture, that look on Jill's face is classic.

My mom had painted my bedroom walls a very bright coral color. It gave me wicked headaches so one day when she was at work Jill and I painted the walls a calming sea green. Turns out the ceiling was pink, you just couldn't tell because the walls were so bright. The room looked like a big watermelon, so to complete the look we painted black seeds on the pink ceiling. When my mom got home from work she lost her shit. I moved out ten years ago and she has redecorated he whole house, including that room, but she told me she just couldn't paint over it, so the watermelon stands.

Laura Ashley

Shooting a Gun

Roller blading

I think this is the prized jewel of the collection. Those velvet stretch pants had a matching headband (the stuffed puffy kind). I am especially excited about those sunnies. Oh, the 80's.

Labels: Stupid

In seventh grade I had a big crush on a boy Nick Something. He was a little chubby and had brown hair and a big nose, I thought he was really cute. One day in the library I was flirting with him and I kicked him in the shin wearing these big wooden clogs (hey it was 1992). He was not impressed.

In eighth grade during a break between class we were all milling around in the hallway and flirting and whispering as preteens are bound to do. I was standing against my locker and I remember this blond boy Brock who we'd known since elementary school walking down the hallway. One of his friends tripped him and he fell, two hands stretched in front of him and landed with one hand on each of my tiny 12 year old booblettes. I was so humiliated I ran away crying. I was forced to go back to class and sat there with puffy eyes and a hot red face thinking the world had come to an end. Later he told everyone that I stuffed my bra.

Then in high school there was this boy Gresham. I get all googly just remembering him, even though now that I think about it I guess he wasn't really that special. He wasn't very bright, but he was kind of a bad boy. I used to tutor him in math- for free, I think he just wanted me to do his homework. He was the neighborhood pizza delivery boy and we would order pizza all the time so he would have to come over to our friend Mindy's house. Smooth, I know.

Sometimes he'd stop and offer me a ride home in his Dodge Neon (it was green), he'd been held back a year or two and had his drivers license before anyone else. I thought he was just the bee's knees, and even though he was cool and I was not, he was always nice to me.

I used to wear these really strange outfits, one in particular I remember specifically, it was a navy blue tank dress two sizes too big that came down to my knees, rainbow striped toe socks and sandals. One day we were talking and he asked me why I always dressed like that. He was really nice when he asked, I think he was trying to help me up my cool factor, but I was so clueless all I thought was "wow, he noticed my outfit!"

And then I started wearing it all the time, I think to get his attention. I was clueless. Thank god high school was only four years.

Labels: Stupid

It all starts with that radar that dudes have. You know what I'm talking about, as soon as you are about to get over them they pop back into your life and say all the right things. The Boy has been calling with a lot more frequency lately (yeah, we're back to the nickname).

I think he called me three times this week, once just to see how my day was, and once to ask how things with law school admissions are going. He's an awesome guy, but not very sensitive, this was out of character. Usually he just calls to talk about nothing or to tell me a funny story or ask if I'm watching the Bronco game. I was a little caught off guard. Not to mention all the emailing lately, and the soliciting of opinions on what color Harley to buy.

So forgive me, but I've been getting all sorts of twitterpated all over again. I have to say it reached a fever pitch on Friday when he asked me to come up and visit this weekend. I seriously considered it even thought I had a date with The Bartender planned for Saturday night.

So things have been going nicely with The Bartender, Saturday was our fourth date and we've been getting to know each other for a couple of weeks now. Nice guy, maybe a little much, but I'm not marrying the guy, just dating him. He showed up with a little present, a half a dozen nice wine glasses, I think extras from the restaurant and a great bottle of wine.

The plan was takeout and a movie. Somehow it turned into a sleep over, I don't remember inviting him to stay, but he showed up with an overnight bag. Not a XXX type of sleep over, more like a PG-13 sleep over. Early to bed (him, I stayed up and watched another movie) and then beer and football on Sunday.

The movie we were watching was Beerfest, juvenile but very funny movie (what can I say, my sense of humor is about as developed as that of a teenage boy). The Boy loves this movie, and every third thing out of his mouth is a movie quote. In fact, most of our time spent on the river this summer was just Mak, Kate, Brandon and The Boy quoting this movie to each other over and over and over. So forgive me, but I started thinking of him.

Nothing ruins a good date better than a preoccupation with someone else you'd rather be on a date with.

I must make this clear, what I am about to tell you, I am not proud of. You might say I am a little ashamed. And this might be why I have such bad dating Karma. Here goes. After a few glasses of wine The Bartender was asleep on the couch and I was watching the movie alone at this point and cracking up. My laptop was right there and I fired off an email to The Boy. Something flippant and inconsequential, but still, I was on a date.

It's not like I am even a little serious with The Bartender (I am in the process of getting more irons in the fire) but it is just plain wrong to email one guy while on a date with another. We may not be exclusive, but fidelity should at least be guaranteed until the end of the date.

The dating gods punished me though. He emailed me back. "Nice. I am watching a bad movie and thinking of you."

Now I'm so stuck in my head over analyzing ever little thing he said to me this week. Did I mention I might actually be crazy? Oh, and obviously an asshole.

Labels: Stupid

Unfortunately, being sick is not like being hungover. I found this out the hard way this morning. I was thinking that my tried and true hangover helper would make me feel better, I feel just like I have a wicked hangover after all. As soon as the local pizza joint opened at 10:30 this morning I peeled myself off of the bathroom floor (it has become easier to just stay in close proximity) and ordered a medium cheese and a 2 liter or Mountain Dew. I then snuggled down on the couch and waited.

I waited, got hot, then cold, then hot again, and then I got that cold sweaty feeling that means RUN back to the bathroom. One thing about throwing up this much is where does it come from? How is there anything left to come up. Sorry, this is all probably too much information.

Anyway, as I was doubled over the john praying that this time would be quick and painless (it wasn't) I heard the tell-tale sound of the elevator signaling the pizza had arrived. I swear my face was bright red my hair, sticking up in crazy peaks, and tears were streaming out of my eyes when I opened the door, the delivery man looked horrified. I can only imagine.

This is turning into a really long story about pizza. Sorry if the payoff is a bit disappointing.

So, I ate some pizza and sipped some Mountain Dew and it totally helped! But only for about twenty minutes and then things got much, much worse.

The moral of this story ladies and gentleman, is that being sick is definitely not like being hungover.

Labels: Rants

I feel unbelievably bad.

I hope your Friday is going better than mine.

Labels: Rants

I do eat up the drama, but this is about the clothes. OK, it's mostly about the clothes.
Click here to see a slide show of the designs. (via Bravotv.com)

I really liked this weeks challenge, but I think some designers handled it better than others! The challenge was to turn the women's favorite outfits (pre-weight loss) into something new illustrating the designers POV, but designed with the model in mind.

Great big props (are people still saying props?) to all of this weeks models, I can't even stick to a plan to loose five pounds let alone 100. I wish I was a little more on the ball, because I think it would be really cool to show the before shots of the clothes and what the designers did with them. The designs follow in order of my favorite to my least favorite.

Design by Christian, modeled by Kerry

Alright Christian, this really was fierce! Really, it's all about the shirts because simply cropping and taking in the pants was a bit of a cop out (even if it was the best way to go). The black shirt is great, it is exactly what Kerry asked for, and the styling is spot on. I agree with the judges on this win.

Design by Rami, modeled by Lisa

This is really beautiful and Lisa worked it on the runway, you could tell that she absolutely loved it. I am so on the fence about Rami, it seems to me that the judges fawn him when he doesn't really deserve their praise, and when he really does, they just shuffle him into the middle of the pack. This deserved to be in the to

Design by Victorya, modeled by Ory

I think Victorya suffered this week not from her design, but because her model wasn't young and saucy. Strike the second half of that, Ory was plenty saucy. While I would never wear a dress like this, on Ory it's beautiful and very age appropriate. It's really designed with her in mind and would be ideal for a cocktail party. Although this isn't the best shot of the dress, it looked great on the runway.

Design by Ricky, modeled by Penny

This is super casual, but looks great on the model, and Penny shined on the runway, you could tell she loved it. Both the fit and styling are right on.

Design by Kevin, modeled by Elyse

The judges went crazy over this, and the model loved it, but for me it's just meh. It looks like something you'd find in an expensive shop for women with too much money but bad taste.

Design by Jillian, modeled by Erika

While this is a beautiful dress, I can't get over the fact that Jillian didn't use the original fabric. It in no way deserved a place in the top three. It's a well made garment, and the model looks great, but it's cheating.

Design by Sweet P, modeled by Chris

This looks like Sweet P. And I don't mean that in a good way. I don't really jive on her aesthetic. Or her styling. The dress is fine for lunch in the summer with bare legs and sandals, but it looks awkward with black hose and slingbacks.

Design by Kit, modeled by Alicia

There certainly isn't anything wrong with this garment, but Kit said it herself, it just isn't fashion forward. I don't like it. But that might just be personal preference, because the model seemed to really like it.

Design by Chris, modeled by Silvia

Oh Chris, too much. it's like he just can't help it, I guess we could blame the time crunch, but really I just question his taste level. I know the designers are all glad to have him back, but from a design standpoint, I'd rather see what Jack could do.

Design by Elisa, modeled by Tracy

I think Elisa's got skills, but this is just weird. The layering and the asymmetry are kind of strange. I thought it looked better without the red shirt with those wonky tails, but the styling is still off and age inappropriate. Not that she should dress like an old lady, but this isn't right either.

Design by Steven, modeled by Laura

Steven and Jillian both used new material for the majority of their garment's, but Jillian's was pretty and well made while Steven's is dowdy and dated. I don't agree with the judges that she looks like a French maid at a funeral, and I agree with Steven that the white polyester was horrible. However, When Laura showed up she looked young and vibrant and in love with her wedding dress. I think this would be a huge disappointment and she left looking ten years older.

Labels: Project Runway

Labels: Video

I used to rearrange all the furniture in my bedroom in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. Or I'd categorize my books, one night alphabetically, another night topically, the next night by size. Now I clean my apartment, straighten up my linen closet or clean out my fridge and cabinets.

Sometimes I study or write, these days I write here on this blog. I know better than to pick up a book and read, that ensures I'll still be up when the sun rises.

The only thing that ever worked was medication, prescription strength sleeping pills that my doctor has said, in no uncertain terms, he will not be prescribing anymore. He wants me to go to a sleep therapist. Please, I'm not into homeopathic medicine.

I am really weird about doctors, I get sick a lot, but I am incredibly reluctant to go to the doctor. When I do finally go in, I get kind of embarrassed to talk about what's going on. I know this is actually pretty common, my mom clips articles about it from her magazine for me. I follow the advice they give and I make a list of things to discuss so I don't chicken out, but I often do anyway. I took me probably three years to tell my doctor that I have such a huge problem sleeping, and even then I don't think he ever really listened to me.

I used to self medicate I'd drink at night so that I'd be able to fall asleep. I know how stupid that sounds, and how unhealthy. A few vodka and sodas or a bottle of wine usually did the trick.

It wasn't until I broke my foot that I realized I'd started drinking too much, but then, I had the Vicodin which made me sleepy anyway. After a few weeks I stopped taking the pain killers, and for a while I didn't have any trouble sleeping. It's been a year and a half of regular, peaceful sleep, until now.

I haven't had more than two or three hours of sleep a night all week. It is killing me. During the day I am having trouble focusing and I am having wicked headaches. At night I lay in bed and stare at the ceiling. I tried the good old standby, vodka and soda, but to no avail. I couldn't sleep, but I did fire off some drunken e-mails at 3:30 in the morning. Apparently I need a breathalyzer for my computer too.

Hopefully this is all finals stress related and once this week is over I'll go back to my normal 8-10 hours of blissful sleep each night. Until then however I'll just continue my appreciation of bad TV at 3 in the morning.

Labels: Rants

Sarah and I met Jill at The Kitchen [Upstairs], a comfortable space in what used to be a small book store, we had some wine and snacks. We all started with a glass of the red Vin du Jour ($5) Tuesdays wine was a palatable Shiraz-Grenache blend, and shared House Cut garlic Fries ($3) and Macaroni and Cheese ($4) and The Kitchen Tomato Soup with olive oil ($3). The fries were perfect, thick cut and piping hot topped with shaved garlic, the mac and cheese left a lot to be desired, the soup was silky and tangy.

We talked about boys and work and made eyes at good looking college boys at the next table. The Bartender joined us after a bit and was charming and funny and friendly. The four of us shared three entrees for supper.

Flat Bread - with la quercia prosciutto & burrata cheese ($15)
So good, the flat bread was really light and crisp, the prosciutto nicely salty, and the cheese creamy and fresh.

Red Snapper - with parsnip puree, baby spinach & preserved lemon tapanade ($26)
The snapper was replaced with some gorgeous tuna, grilled medium rare, it was good, but the potatoes with tapenade stole the show. I'd never considered this flavor combo before, but I just may throw some lemon zest and kalamata olives in nest time I make mashers.

Coleman Ranch Hanger Steak - with french fries & greens ($24)
I was french fried out at this point, but the marinated hanger steak was so good that I actually moaned aloud when I took my first bite. I wish I had the recipe.

I have certainly been enjoying The Bartender's company lately. He is fun and funny and thoughtful. But the thing is, and I was the same way when I was in the industry, he's just a little too... "I'm the guy" if you know what I mean. We go out and he knows everybody and has to schmooze, and a lot of these everybodies are hot young women. I'm not jealous, because we're just getting to know each other, and he is so obviously interested in me, and so cute about it. We said good night and he kissed me on the cheek, then later sent me a text asking if that was OK. Cute.

Labels: Food, Jill, Restaurants, Sarah

We were at camp for 5 weeks. We sang songs and played color wars (sort of like paint ball meets tag) and we were old enough that camp had become co-ed.

I'm not now, but for a long time I was naive and innocent and shy. Painfully shy. The story of my first kiss is both embarrassing and cute.

His name was Oliver, but he was French (from France!) so think of the French pronunciation, Ol-iv-ee-ay (I am phonetically challenged), one of his parents grew up in Colorado, and didn't want him missing out. That's actually the same reason my parents sent me to camp. We were both quiet, and shy, and blushed when the more "experienced" campers talked about making out and blow jobs and smoking pot.

One night we were all playing truth or dare. Everyone knew that I "liked" him and he "liked" me. One of us, I can't remember who, chose dare. They dared us to kiss, we did, the quickest and most chaste of pecks, and then we both hid, heads buried in our sleeping bags, holding hands all night. No amount of coaxing would get me out of that bag even though I was awake and listening for hours.

I remember my face was hot all night long. I was so shy and embarrassed about it, that I never talked to him again. I wouldn't even sign his camp yearbook. Smooth, I know.

Labels: Stupid

So I stayed up, but only until 8. Once the clock rolled over from 7:59 to 8:00 I just could not resist anymore and I thought if 8 PM is good enough for small children everywhere, it's good enough for me. I brushed my teeth and was in bed by 8:02 PM.

I leaned over to check that my alarm was set, the clock read 8:02, I pushed the alarm button but the clock still showed 8:02. I took a full minute of pushing the alarm button and letting it go for me to realize that the alarm wasn't broken, it didn't click in my brain until the time changed to 8:03 that the alarm was set for 8:02 am.

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Every month I look forward to my new issue of Food and Wine. I love reading about the food and the wine, but lately I've really noticed the people they write about. They are all so good looking and interesting and successful. It makes me wonder what would have to transpire in one's life to end up with a career as a successful chef or sommelier or mixologist or cult jeans designer.

That's right in this months Food and Wine there is a story about Scott Morrison, creator of Paper Denim & Cloth and Earnest Sewn. Apparently he is a spirits aficionado so I guess that qualifies him to appear in Food and Wine, what struck me was how stylish and hip he and his friends all seem. And how stylish and hip I am not.

How do you meet people like that? Not in the engineering industry, that's for sure.
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Last night was laundry night. I live in the type of low-class apartment complex with washers and dryers in the basement that everyone has to share. I started a load of laundry, checked the time and went upstairs to wait 32 minutes. The wash was done at 7:30, but I didn't make it downstairs to start the dryers until 7:36. Six minutes late, and someone had unceremoniously thrown my wet clothes into a pile and put their own laundry in. I felt conflicted, I try not to forget about the laundry since everyone in the building shares, but it was only six minutes! Maybe don't touch my panties and stuff.

I decided it wasn't a big deal, threw the laundry in the dryer, and went back upstairs for 50 minutes. This time I wasn't taking any chances so I went back downstairs 48 minutes later. I opened the door to the laundry room and with 2 minutes left on the dryer's timer some woman was taking my laundry out of the machines. So not cool. I didn't say anything, just cocked one eyebrow at her. She was caught red handed, what could she say? She stammered some sort of apology and ran out of the room.

That's right, you'd better run bitch.

Labels: Stupid

Today I am going to take advantage of the cozy interior of my apartment today and work on a huge paper I have due for finals.

Labels: Rants

This is my grown up (sort of) version of that.

Joel McHale

Christian Bale

Michael Vartan

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Christopher Meloni

Andy Samberg

Labels: Dudes

Suzie is in the midst of planning her wedding, and it was kind of fun looking at venues and dresses and menus, but I left relieved that I'm not planning such a wedding. Looks like a lot of work.

I came across this great site, Posh Girl Vintage, during a search for vintage gowns, and I am in love with it. I've actually been kind of stalking it today. It breaks my heart that clothes don't look like this anymore. Most of these styles would really flatter some one with my body type (tiny boobs, big ol' hips), and I would have loved being able to dress up like this.

I love dressing up, I think it's because being girlie and pretty is so much the opposite of my everyday. That's why I always end up overdressed when we just have plans for dinner. It's so fun to be pretty once in awhile. Planning outfits and getting creative with the contents of my closet always makes vacations and events so much fun, I'm looking forward to New Years, I've already picked out my outfit.

Tomorrow night I'm meeting Jill at The Kitchen[Upstairs] for wine and mussels. We'll be there about 5:30 if you don't have plans and want to join us. I think The Bartender is going to meet us as well. I don't usually introduce men to Jill this early, but his office (day job) is right around the corner, and really they've already met.

I've updated my links, added a few new blogs that I've been reading, enjoy, and have a good Monday!

Labels: Update

"For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation."

Rainer Maria Rilke

Labels: Quote

Can I blame Jill? It was her idea. Sort of. OK, my fault, really.

Labels: Rants

Passing notes...

I like the size of this guys neck.

Bad picture quality (old camera phone) but that says "Lecture Notes and Coarse [sic] Supplements"

Recipe for Choucroute

This on is my favorite, kind of like geek graffiti. If you can't tell that says PV=nRT, that would be the ideal gas law.

Labels: Metallurgy

Labels: Rants

Spoiler, consider yourself warned!

I do eat up the drama, but this is about the clothes. OK, it's mostly about the clothes.

I"m not really a fan of the typical Project Runway team challenges, but I liked this one because each designer designed their own piece, but was challenged to make it cohesive with another designers piece, another point of View.

Design by Jillian Modeled by Lauren

I think the judges got it right this week. I love this design, and would run out and buy it tomorrow if it were available.

Design by Kevin Modeled by Ashley

This collection is definitely cohesive, but this is my least favorite of the three. Something about the fit of the bust, and how Kevin just keeps talking about how he's straight (we get it), and probably something about how the model is posing in this picture makes this look a little vulgar to me.

Design by Rami Modeled by Amanda

I think the judges ooh and aah over Rami too much, but this week I was right there with them. I would also buy this, I love the neckline and the high waisted shorts.

Design by Kit Modeled by Marie

I love the dress, but the styling reminds me of that rule, before you leave the house take off one thing, that scarf is just distracting.

Design by Jack Modeled by Lisa

This dress looks like it belongs in my closet, not as much a part of the collection though. And what's with the leggings!

Design by Christian Modeled by Lea

Everything Christian designs looks soooo close to me. Skirt? Cute. Jacket? Cute. Weird neckline on that shirt? No thanks.

Design by Sweet P Modeled by Katie

I dig it, especially the hemline. I love that kind of creative detail.

Design by Steven Modeled by Sam

WTF is this! It's looks like something you'd see on late night Cinemax.

Design by Chris Modeled by Marcia

Talk about costume-y, each piece in this collection looks so strange next to the others.

Design by Victorya Modeled by Jacqueline

It looks like Project Runway on Ice. Not good.

Design by Elisa Modeled by Aviva

I like Elisa, she's got some tricks up her sleeve.

Design by Ricky Modeled by Christina

Hmm. I almost dig it, but it also looks like an ice skating outfit, but where Victorya's was bad from the waist down, this one is bad from the from the bust up. It's like 2 halves of one good outfit and one bad outfit in one of those flip books with the pages turned a little wonky.

Labels: Project Runway

Everything was great, the conversation was awesome, and the atmosphere was really comfortable. When I eat out by myself or with one other person, I really like sitting at the bar. I don't know why, but I like things a little more casual, and the service is invariably better.
The Bartender was a friend of the manager of this particular restaurant, so he had great suggestions about the wine and pizza and practically forced a cannoli on us at the end of the night.

The end of the night. Walk to the car. First kiss... the kiss... the kiss was weird.

I wasn't bad exactly, and certainly not the worst kiss ever. The worst kiss, hands down, goes to the prettiest boy I ever went out with in college. When he kissed me his tongue darted in and out of my mouth and felt like one of those goldfish in an overly full tank at the Petco.

Back to the first kiss, not bad, exactly, and totally not his fault. I could not stop grinning, and then laughing, and then the whole thing derailed. I was cracking up, he was cracking up. It took the two of us about five minutes to get our shit together and try it again.

The first kiss was weird, but the second kiss was pretty darn good.

Labels: Dudes

Labels: Metallurgy

I am looking forward to my little date tonight, although I must say that The Bartender is starting to creep up on the dangerous line between very interested and overbearing. But I know from overbearing, so I think I'll cut him some slack.

How fickle am I... Jared wasn't interested enough, The Bartender is too interested, I think I'll just chill out a little.

Speaking of Jared I'm not calling him. I know "friends" would call if they were going to be in town, but it's just a little too soon, and I haven't quite gotten over how nice it is to wake up with him in my bed just yet.

On a completely unrelated note, my parents are in the process of copying all of their LP's onto CD, and last time I was over for a visit my dad insisted I download Ike and Tina's 'Nuff Said onto my laptop. It has never been released on CD, and that probably explains why I'd never heard this album, but it seriously rocks. If you're a fan and you want a listen let me know, and we'll make that happen.

Labels: Update

2. Jelly Belly makes peanut butter jelly beans. Yuck.

3. I drank some wine and wrote my Christmas cards tonight, you should get yours soon. Sorry if they are overly schmoopie. But you know, I love you guys.

4. Seriously, peanut butter jelly beans?

Labels: Update

Seriously I just watched it like 5 times.

Labels: Video

How busy you ask? Well I'm working all week, and I am trying to finish up a huge end of term project. No worries, it's not all work and no play... I have my second date with The Bartender tomorrow night, and I have a lunch date with a new guy on Friday. And get this, I asked him out! I don't know if I've ever done that before, but once I got over the initial shyness, it was easy, and to be perfectly honest, he acted like he'd hit the jackpot. Who doesn't love a little positive feedback!

On top of all that, Jill and I both feel like we need to get out of town for the weekend, so we are heading up to Basalt to visit Kate and attend Sarah's birthday party (thanks for the invite!).

Here is my dilemma... do I call Jared and tell him we are coming to town, I mean we are friends, or do I do nothing. I am not heading up to visit him, but I like seeing him... I think I'll just let it go, maybe I'll just not over analyze it like I do everything else.

Good luck to me.

Labels: Dudes

When I dropped out of college (because I really wasn't good at it, and wasn't sure about engineering) I was a really good waitress. But being a waitress isn't enough. I couldn't be proud of that, so I went back to school. Turns out with a little motivation I was an excellent student. I had no problem getting job offers and I was a good engineer. But soon enough, being an engineer wasn't enough, so, back to school for a graduate degree. Soon enough having a masters degree started feeling like it wouldn't be enough, and I started looking into law schools.

The thing is, I am so excited about law school, and right now I can't think of anything that I'd rather do with my life, but what if once I'm a lawyer that doesn't feel like enough. What happens then? I am terrified that I will feel like something is missing forever. I am doing my best to find that thing that will make me feel inspired, that perfect career or the perfect knowledge of the perfect interest that will satisfy me. But it just occurred to me that it may never be enough. What then?

Labels: Schmaltz

That's right folks, meet The Hulk.

Labels: Dudes, Mak and Kate, Stupid

However, lately I've been rethinking my dating habits. I mean, following my dating rules hasn't really been working out so well, maybe the time is ripe to change it up a bit. So when a charming bartender asked for my number I gave it to him.

Jill and I spent most of Friday night sitting at the bar at Brasserie Ten Ten, we spent a good portion of the night chatting with the other patrons, and the bartender spent a good portion of the night passing notes with me. I know how juvenile that sounds, and it absolutely was, but I loved it. It was flirtatious but not pushy, and had a very conspiratorial vibe that made me laugh out loud more than once.

So, I gave the funny attractive bartender my number, and Jill and I left to go spread our love around a little more. Not physically, get your mind out of the gutter. So we had a great night dancing and laughing, and making Frito Pie at 2:30 in the morning in Jill's kitchen.

I didn't give it too much thought, but I wasn't too surprised Saturday night when my phone rang. We had an instant rapport, and a quick "how about coffee sometime" turned into a three hour conversation. I hate talking on the phone, but this was so easy. I finally said enough is enough, and we planned on Sunday Brunch.

I think Sunday Brunch is the perfect first date. It's a very low pressure situation, there is a time limit (or at least there was today- the Bronco's played at 2), and there are cocktails available.

We met at Table Mountain Inn, and I'm sure put on quite the show for the bartender (I like to sit at the bar, nice and casual). I don't have much else to say about it, but it probably falls into my list of top five first dates. Easy conversation, lots of laughter, and I'm looking forward to our second date later this week. Good stuff.

Labels: Dudes

Last night I went up to Boulder to meet Jill for happy hour. Earlier in November Jill and I met Ivory and Suzie at Brasserie Ten Ten for dinner. I arrived early and Jill and I sat at the bar and had a glass of wine while we waited. We had such a lovely time, the bartenders were really nice, the other patrons at the bar were as well. We chit chatted with strangers and joked with some of the servers, it was a great atmosphere.

We were in the mood for more of the same so we went back, and we weren't disappointed. We ended up staying until almost 11! The bartenders were charming, we had a great conversation with a gentleman sitting next to us, and then another great conversation with a fun couple who had recently gotten hitched. She is a lawyer and had some great advice for me.

At eleven we left to go dancing. After a few cocktails we always decide this is a great idea, and we never remember that it might not be until we are in the door.

Jill bustin' a move.

I love this self-portrait!

Another action shot.....

You know things are getting rowdy when I start winking.

Lately I have been a magnet for very young boys. This one was particularly solicitous, and a nice dancing partner.

This picture reminded me of this little segment from The Soup:

This boy was so nice, after dancing for a little while I needed to sit for a spell, my stupid ankle sometimes acts up in this cold weather. He kept me company even though I told him, repeatedly, to go find some girls his own age. Poor guy, I can be such a pain in the ass.

Unfortunately the evening ended with me drunk dialing Jared at 2:30 in the morning. I didn't mean to, but last time he was in town he asked me why I never drunk dial him, and it sort of planted the seed. I have since deleted his number from my phone, but I have to admit that as far as drunk dials go it was pretty tame. I just said hello and happy birthday. He called me this morning and I wasn't the least bit embarrassed, so I'm not even sure it qualifies as a proper drunk dial.

I did meet one awesome guy (not the youngster up there), but I don't want to jinx it, so I'll wait and tell you about it later.

Labels: Dudes, Jill, Video