star wars snow

the snow is coming down hard, it's the sticky stuff perfect for making snowmen or whatever your heart desires, a snow girl or boyfriend (just watch out for the "cold" shoulder, hahahahaha). My brother and I sculpted Jabba the Hut as youngsters. Not so good for when you want to drive to Chicago, I have utmost confidence in the Golf though, have a trusty one myself.

That roomate of mine is a darn funny girl.

a bit o vermin never did any harm

Actually, I guess in some instances they have, wasn't the plague spread by rats or something. There was a cockroach in our office kitchen this morning, people are freaking out. I'm frankly surprised that we haven't had more and varied infestations, considering how old, disgusting and ugly our office building is. Company colors are turquoise and purple, imagine the now shabby decor, it isn't very inspiring. Of course the cockroach disgusts me, however I've dealt with living with vermin most of my life, we all just have to coexist.

Having lately been waking later and later, arriving to work between 45 min. to an hour late, I enlisted the help of my co-worker Angela to get me to work on time, I asked her to give me a wake up call. She did so at 6:30 a.m., at which time I had been sleeping soundly through my alarm for about 50 minutes. I still didn't make it to work until 8:25, what the hell is wrong with me?

McDonald's is pissing me off, I've been getting salads to attempt to combat my holiday intake of fat and sugar, and have noticed that Iceberg lettuce has replaced what was once was a variety of leafy greens. Iceberg has no nutritional value nor as much flavor, yet the price remains the same. Of course what should I expect from a corporation such as McDonald's. As a former employee I'm saddened and dissapointed, but I gave them my 2 cents.

I spy cheesecake in the fridge....

I beat the bank

I just narrowly escaped an overdraft or 2, phew, thanks to a little help from my trusty friend Jenny P., who forged my signature and deposited my check for me, I loooove that girl. I also love beating the bank.

Any desireable treats in the office have finally been eaten, so I am no longer gorging myself on fat and sugar, surely adding to my already ample love handles.

I'm tired, the good kind of tired that comes from only getting a couple hours sleep because you were up late getting a good wine buzz, talking to good friends, , Sal and MS flava, (and Jenni and Todd too though they turned in earlier), and being highly entertained by the humping dog. More shenanigans to come this weekend in the Windy City.

moving on?

Well, look at me, I emailed that Americorps lady that I corresponded with last year and just heard back that there may a position opening in the spring, so she's going to keep me posted, and I applied for another program as well, both in Philadelphia. Yikes, I may actually move out of Minnesota.

Though I hope it won't be until after early March, since Cassie and I are going to San Francisco for her spring break.

Possible dinner with Sally Poppins tonight? I need to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

the unclean animal

Three meals in a span of 2 1/2 days eating pork, plus the ham that was forced upon me to take home. I prefer the old fashioned processed ham to the wild boar or whatever my dad made. I'm not sure if he hunted that thing down himself, but it tasted weird.

Oh, what a lovely holiday I had, the best part was the time spent sleeping, oh glorious sleep, how I've missed thee. I had a few short hours with Romaine, Phil and the kids before they left for New York, watched my mother gush over the baby, who is of course "the prettiest baby she's ever seen" at least since the last time one of my sister's gave birth. Does anyone else start to feel like kids become sorta generic? Not to sound void of human attachment, I'll try to explain...you are with your family or friends and small children are present in varying ages and stages of development. Though children obviously develop differently and at differing paces, they basically all go through similar stages, each stage having its own endearing cuteness. Everyone observes the children doing cute things, everyone laughs and talks all cutesy, this cycle continues on and on, never seeming to end. I mean, I realize all kids have distinct personalities, but at some point it kinda all blends together, especially when there are a lot of them around, or maybe that's just me, not that I don't appreciate the cuteness and join in on the laughter as well, or enjoy the individuality of the small ones.

Anyways, just some random thoughts. I'd say the best quote of the weekend came from Doug, my mom's on again, off again beau, a struggling alcoholic, and a decent and entertaining man at least when he's sober, who often has random bits of wisdom to share. He does plastering and other construction type work for a living so I asked him if he had any projects outside of adding a sunroom onto my mom's house. His reply was, "nope, just here, and the one in my brain" well said Dougie, well said.

Other highlights included the random goat, the unexpected presence of my brother, stepmother Barb's use of the word "necking", and the gift of a fine french easel, given to me by my pa. I guess I have one less excuse for continuing to be a lame artist.

I also came home pleasantly surprised to find that the cats had behaved themselves while I was gone. In trying to positively reinforce Lucy's good behavior, I made sure to tell her how proud I am of her for being a good kitty.

the look, the feel

I look/feel like crap today, which was confirmed by my manager as I walked in late and disheveled this morning, she gave me the 'ol, "you still look tired". I feel exhausted and am really hoping to just relax at my mom's tonight, though my dad mentioned something about having dinner, which is sure to be lame. However I am getting my hair cut so maybe that will rejuvinate me. The cat has it out for me, of that I am certain (sorry to villify your cat Olivia, but she is being quite naughty).

Santa Baby?

Is anyone else entirely sick of that song?, cause I sure am

feline love/hate

My very own cat will be fat and lazy, I will not get a frisky kitten, or a spry young thing, I will search for a cat that moves only to eat and use the facilities, one that will be affectionate and share its blubber induced warmth with me on a cold winter's night. I have grown fond of George and Lucy, having shared space with them for a few months now. They, however, are energetic and consequently destructive, they have been known to destroy plants within minutes, pee in my laundry basket of clean clothes on more than one occasion, vomit on the floor, claw holes in clothing or other fabric items, chew on shoes or anything chewable, scratch annoyingly on plastic in the middle of the night... Lucy's blank stare is starting to look less innocent, I in fact wonder if she is holding some sort of grudge against me, and I'm finding it difficult to reason with a cat. Will I miss them when our time is through and they leave to live with Olivia's mother?? As that time draws near, I ponder these things in my heart, and my feelings are conflicting and confusing. I know I have at least learned from our relationship, keep things out of reach, get plants with sturdy leaves, etc., and for that I am grateful.

anonymity

I'm actually very virginal and prudish, despite my posts of late...don't want to give anyone the wrong impression of me.

Speaking of impressions...I sometimes forget that this thing (blog) is public and hell, people other than those I tell about it can come across it, since it isn't exactly anonymous, and write about my friends and my city. Anyways, I don't particularly mind someone that I don't know or haven't met or am unlikely to meet from some random part of the country or world reading this, or my friends either, but the thought that some random person in Mpls might come across this is embarrassing. Do you know how small this city is? well, it is. I envision someone reading this, thinking "OMG I know that girl, she's hangs out at such and such and she is beyond weird, I'm going to tell all my friends and we will laugh at her, not with her." So there it is, my insecurity brought out to the light, if any random Mpls/St. Paul dweller reads this, please don't make fun of me, I have a fragile ego, you can think I'm a huge nerd but please keep it to yourself.

I pray to God that I never have to pass a kidney stone.

Fujalicious had to cancel her plan to come tonight, I'm a little sad, but hopefully I'll see her soon over New years. Awww, we were going to stitch and bitch together, darn it.

sick, sick minds

I had a lovely, spacious box to mail christmas gifts to my sister and her family, but Lucy was naughty and peed in it (it appears that I can't leave any open box lying around, it will be degraded by Lucy). Fortunately there is always an abundance of desireable boxes here at work, ripe for the picking. I was perusing the fine selection this morning, my eye on a rather large box, wondering if was too large a parcel for the post however, and thinking out loud, said as much. Co-worker Holly came to my aid and took a peek online to check on package sizes. By the time she's done reading about how you have to measure the "length" and the "girth" in order to determine if it is a small or large "package", or if can even be shipped at all, we are in a fit of giggles. Much like the time when we were waiting for the elevator, my hands were full so I was trying to press the button with my elbow while Holly gets a soda. She comes back while I'm repeatedly trying to hit the button with my elbow (apparently harder than it seems), and asks me, "so you think if you rub it, it will come faster", why yes Holly, indeed I do.

I just decided I'd like to be a poet, I'm going to try my hand at it, soon you'll be seeing me at your local beatnik bistro, sharing my heart with finely crafted wordplay.

load off

My brother is o.k., just heard from my mom. He checked himself into the hospital, which is obviously good and it's good to know he's safe. There's always hope that he'll get the help he needs and it will make a difference, but at the same time it is what it is.

I've decided on going to Chicago for New Years, if nothing else I can hang out with Fuj. in Rockford and spend quality time with Ed and Jean, and of course hit up beef-a-roo.

Heading to the MOA tonight, was hoping it'd be avoidable, but alas, it is not.

knitting vs. crocheting

Still no word on my bro, he's supposed to work tomorrow though and my mother is keeping me posted. So..still a bit concerned but at this point there isn't much to be done, so just waiting for more info.

On a lighter note I'll share a funny (hopefully not only to me) anecdote from the other night. Roomate Betsy has been a loyal patron of a local establishment and enjoys the band that has the regular friday night gig there. I've had an open invintation to accomany her and finally had the chance to go the other night. She and I, bundled up and flask full of Jim Beam in hand, braved the elements for the oh, about 8 block walk. Upon arrival we find out that Truth isn't playing, Betsy is sad. She calls the ex who is a block away, we decide to join him. He and a regular at my local shop (they; Betsy, ex and regular, all went to college together) are chillin', I'm a bit tipsy from an empty stomach and shots of beam, and excited to be hanging out with a fellow regular outside the coffee shop realm. We all chat a bit, ex leaves, and we decide to head home, since regular is going to local shop he offers us a ride, and on the way we see even more regulars at a local bar outside smoking. I suggest we join them, which we do, though only one regular stays (so now its me, Betsy, and 2 regulars, confusing I know). Betsy is sans id, which is lost within the depths of her room apparently, so we leave shortly after arriving, and go to none other than the local shop. OK, this is the funny part, I'm tipsy, I'm excited to be hanging out with 2 regulars outside the local shop, Betsy and I start discussing a post New years party we are planning on having and how it is top priority to have cute boys there. I say, "Yeah, we are totally going to get laid by some hot guys" rather loudly. She agrees, adding that said hot males will read really good books, and of course this is very funny to us. Mind you, when I'm at the local shop I'm basically a loner, sitting in the corner keeping to myself with the occasional chat with a select few regulars, so I'm guessing my little comment came off as a bit shocking, even though I basically just like to use the term (or phrase?) "getting laid" at any opportunity since I like it so much, I mean, of course I wouldn't plan a party solely in the hopes that I might get some (would I?).

I sure hope that was funny.

proscrastinate

That's me, I'm a procrastinate, always have been, always will be I imagine. You know, the kind of person who will take the day off to finish the paper or project that was due that morning or afternoon. I gotta shop tomorrow, fing christmas, depletes me of my time and money buying uneeded things for people that don't need anything really, but I do like to receive nonetheless.

My mother called this afternoon, leaving only a message of "call me back ok" so I knew it was something. I was tipsy off a couple bloody's (still am) and apparently my brother is missing, as in he "borrowed" her truck and hasn't returned it since last night, she was hoping I had heard from him, which I haven't. Right now I'm kinda like, this is nothing unusual, he'll show up eventually, and a slight part of me is concerned. I think my brother and I are a lot alike, except that I managed to somehow stay out of trouble, but could easily see myself being unstable like he is, if I had been apart of the right circumstances. Well, I'm hoping no news is good news.

what the

I was blocked by a bright yellow hummer this morning while trying to cross the parking lot as a pedestrian, something tells me that they were unconcerned about pedestrians. Why why why do people drive around in hummers to go about their everyday lives??, it is so beyond ridiculous.

Like many I'm feeling rather downtrodden regarding the upcoming holiday and need to buy gifts. Reviewal of my budget tells me that I shouldn't attempt to go to Chicago for New Years, but since when did I care about my budget and being responsible. If I get feedback that my presence there is desired (ahem), I will likely pony up, if not then I will be sad and forlorn in Mpls since all my friends seem to be going to Chicago (and will save money). Not that I have issue with ringing in the new year alone, I am my own party.

way to go

Fwd:
Originally uploaded by snielson.

There's the Jayhawks (taken on my shitty phone camera) at first ave. (aren't they hot?) for their 35th anniversary celebration. Overall the night was great, although there was something like 8 bands in the main room and so they only each played maybe four songs. They also played some incredibly hot footage of Prince between bands. I was supposed to go with my ol' buddy Dan, but apparently he was arrested and shackled the previous evening for driving without a license and his car was impounded. I'm truly sorry for his misfortune, but when he was telling me about his night in the slammer I couldn't help but laugh. So Betsy and her friend met up with me later, I was already two giant Corona's toward drunk and had just been offered a third by some guy who said I was awesome and called me a monkey (apparently a compliment), which I don't think pleased his girlfriend much. Way to go first ave. you are dirty and you have a distinct odor (wouldn't have it any other way), but you can sure put on a good show, happy anniversary.

my mistake

The ban remains in effect for Mpls, its been scaled back for other cities in Henn. county, I heard the news on my clock radio so I was a bit groggy. Well, that's a bummer, it'd be nice if say First ave. still could allow smoking.

to look or not to look

Since I missed the Amazing Race last night for a free ticket to see A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie...do I see who won now? or should I wait until I have a chance to watch it, which may not be for a few days?? The suspense...is making me uncomfortable.

The play was rather enjoyable, it was "girls night out" for some of the church employees (my part time job), since I don't actually go to that church I don't know most of the people there. It was nice to spend some time with Jenny P., it's fun that we can still hang out and get all giggly like in the olden days. We went out to eat and I chuckled quietly to myself while overhearing a plot being formed by two of the women to evangelize the parents of her son's playmate, and just the basic concern of "are they Christian?" to which was the reply "I think they claim to be" implying that they don't REALLY live the "Christian" lifestyle, but of course they are still very nice people. Ha, if they had any knowledge of mine or Jenny's lifestyle (hers was waay more sordid than mine, but she recently has settled down), well, it'd be interesting to see their reaction. I wish I had the balls to slip in some inappropriate banter into smalltalk for entertainment purposes whilst sober and with church folk, but my inappropriateness usually only happens when I'm drunk. In any case, there's nothing like some Dickens, carol's, and a hilarious fake dog (I NEED one!) to spark an inkling of Christmas spirit, which quickly fizzled. However, as it is meant to do, it did make me feel as though I lack enough regard for the poor. It also put me in the mood to watch Little Women.

I've received advice from a couple people to try to seduce my crush, consequently "stealing" him from his new gal...and I see a few problems with this as follows:
1. I don't think I have the confidence or knowhow to attempt such an endeavor, resulting likely in humiliation without the desired result.
2. Though I'm fairly certain they have only been dating a month or two, I would feel bad chasing after someone's boyfriend, and
3. If he was interested in me in "that way" I think I'd know it by now.
It isn't like I'm devastated or anything. It's often just fun and distracting to have a crush (overanalyzing any look or conversation, getting all nervous and blushy, a reason to not look like a slob). I mean, I barely know the guy, though of course we could be deliriously happy if given the chance. Really though, I'm happy that he's getting some action, and I wish them the best (until he realizes she's lame and dumps her for me). Perhaps I'm sickly addicted to rejection, I mean, there's plenty of old men who want to get in my pants, but yet I pine for those who are unavailable or uninterested.

They are doing a trial period of scaling back the smoking ban in Mpls., interesting....

unrequited

I get home from work yesterday, and am pleased to see that Betsy has an attractive young man over, both are already drunk off Jim Beam and time spent at the Dragon. Betsy has been heartbroken as of last week. She had been hoping that things were rekindled with her ex, but he recently informed her otherwise, so I'm happy that she and her hot co-worker (who shares her love for 60's/70's soul and r&b) are hanging out outside of work. They take off and I make myself dinner, watch a little Felicity, then head over to the local shop to read. My crush is working and the place is packed, the only available seat is at the front counter, and I am pleased to take my seat, hoping for the opportunity to chat with my love interest. Instead I bury my nose in Harry Potter and keep to myself, listening in on his conversation with his buddy and adding a couple sarcastic comments when appropriate. The conversation turns toward christmas gifts and how the buddy hadn't gotten anything for his girlfriend yet, and then the dreaded words..."what did you get for (girlfriend's name here)?" Tickets to the ballet, how cliche huh? Said girlfriend shows up within the half hour and I'm subjected to pecks on the cheek and back rubbing within 3 feet of my presence. Thoughts of "this is totally lame" and "I'm way more attractive than she is" roll around in my head and I move to a recently emptied seat in the other room and attempt to get lost in the realm of Hogwarts, but to no avail. Well, it's getting late and there is still a couple episodes of Felicity waiting to be watched and cookie dough to be eaten in my depressed state so I head home. As I'm leaving I get asked out by yet another unattractive old guy who keeps talking about how I make him "melt" while I'm trying to make it clear that I just want to get home. Now I'm thinking about avoiding the local shop since I A. no longer have a chance with the object of my affection, and B. keep getting hit on by old men. Betsy comes home shortly after, still drunk, and makes me laugh hysterically by sharing excerpts of her scathing letter to the ex, and how hot, fun and manly her new crush is. She lends an understanding ear to my tale of unrequited love, I support her villification of her ex (with whom she is still obviously in love), we watch an old man cry on antiques roadshow and finally retire to our respective quarters.

Time for angsty chick music.

support what?

I just got an email asking to support the smoking ban from a co-worker, apparently they are considering "scaling back" the ban in Henn. cty. At first I thought, alright, maybe they will allow smoking in bars again, but after putting my coat on after an evening in smoky Costello's in St. Paul, it is pretty disgusting to smell of stale smoke. I actually like the ban, but I won't be opposed to letting bars that have more sales in liquor allow smoking, like in St. Paul.

It's balmy out today.

I think I'm going to join a choir that one of the nurses belongs to at some church, she seems pretty excited by the idea of me joining anyways. It's just an informal thing, so I think it would be fun, and maybe there will be hot choir boys in it. Nothing turns me on more than a guy with a lovely voice who likes to sing sacred music.

I have a lot going on this week, I'll be missing the amazing race finale (I know, I know) tomorrow to go to the Guthrie and ses A Christmas Carol, wed. night going to First Ave., thur. is book club, which I still have to read the book, good grief. I'd like to go to the Turf Club tomorrow night after the play too, hmmm, it's not like I really need a good nights sleep to function, right?

been thinking (yeah, I shocked myself too)

I imagine (or hope?) everyone looks at themselves, as I do sometimes (daily), and thinks, yeah, I'm just a bit f-ed up in the head, so yeah, just been thinking lately.

A valient effort in defending Jackson Browne, MS Flava, but I'm not buying it, best sophomore album my ass, and now, thanks to you, I have Dr. My Eyes in my head. Frampton, I'm actually pretty indifferent toward, but Browne, there's just something about that faux sensitivity that gets to me.

Happy birthday Sally Poppins, miss that dinosaur impression of yours.

and a bit more

I'm bored out of my gizzard today.

I'd like to know if anyone would admit to being an actual fan of Peter Frampton, other than my mother. Anyone? MS Flava, I bet you are, I mean, you like Jackson Browne.

and

I finally got my secret santa gift...some bath stuff.

Matt is booked for like 2 weeks, sigh, 2 whole weeks before I get to admire his dark handsomeness while he cuts my hair.

appearances

I was told today I look like fiestaware, I'm not sure how to take that.

I need a haircut.

cold as balls: the apartment chronicles

The hike in gas prices has prompted the 'ol landlord to keep our apartment at what feels like a balmy 50 degrees or so, I don't know how cold it really is, but it feels darn cold. In addition he's making us pay extra to help with the cost, the whole thing stinks, and causes goose pimples. My father was always a stickler about heat too, he was a hardy farm boy though, he and his brothers probably all snuggled in the same bed with one quilt to share or curled up on the dirt floor by the wood stove, so any requests I made for warmth received little sympathy. So though I'm no stranger to wearing a coat in my home, I had enjoyed as an adult to be able to turn up the heat if I so choose, but I have no control in our current situation.

America's favorite Amazing Race family (the Bransen's of course), have made it to the final three!! I think we should have a set time of prayer for them, tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. work for everyone?

solved mysteries and unmentionables to be mentioned

A helpful commenter has confirmed that humans unfortunately do not have gizzards. But, is there any sort of gizzard-like organ that has since gone into unuse (like the appendix from what I understand) or maybe serves a relatively similar function? Just a sampling of the thought-provoking questions that has come about, I can practically hear the synapses popping in my head.

There is also some intrigue in regards to my choice in longjohns. I will oblige those inquiring minds with detailed descriptions of my three pair...one is off-white, one heather gray, and one pale pink (today's choice), no butt flaps, and the gray and off-white ones are not necessarily designed for women if you know what I mean.

cold as balls...winter '05-'06

Getting to be that time of year again, I can say without a doubt its been cold as balls, broke out my longjohns this morning.

After Jenni and I had a hearty laugh over her gizzard comment, we pondered if human's have gizzards, I promised to google within a fortnight. A quick search for "do humans have gizzards", and humans+gizzards did not lend me much information about the subject except for scientific journals that were over my head, so it still remains a mystery.

"thank you for persevering"

That's what one of the nurses said to me last night at our office Christmas party. I wasn't really sure what she meant by that, persevering where? at work? my job isn't all that strenuous so that's no big deal, at the party? I guess I did get a bit lost on the way, but I quickly got on the correct route again, once again, not a big deal. In any case it was kind of her to say. I was actually being half hugged left and right and apparently my presence was appreciated since I was told as much more than once. Maybe I appear love deprived, so they were trying to make it up to me, who knows? The big boss's daughter (who works with us too) and I were like giggly schoolgirls, sharing dirty jokes and poking harmless fun at certain individuals. She's 20, so I threw in the "in my generation", into our conversation which I was quite pleased with. AND, I actually won something for once, a $25 gift certificate to the grocery store, I was so excited, I raised a fist in triumph. My experimental cake didn't turn out as great as I hoped, but it did look rather festive, I think I made myself sick prior by eating too much cake batter and cream cheese frosting.

I feel rejuvenated today, I slept until like 10:30 and had a pretty relaxing sunday, but soon I must depart to sing with the instant choir at church, where I feel inadequate with all those other vocally trained singers. My crush is looking rather handsome today, hmmmm.

hehe

Jenni said "bored out of his gizzard" the other night, now that's funny.

neighborhood Walgreens

neighborhood Walgreens
Originally uploaded by snielson.

Here's my neighborhood Walgreen's, I forgot I had one more pic left on my camera when I was dropping it off.

Me, Clara, Teddy, and Mark (a.k.a. Marcus)

Me, Clara, Teddy, and Mark
Originally uploaded by snielson.

Boy, do I look hot, especially with my greasy hair that was on it's fourth day of unwash, actually it also is wet since I had just gotten out of the shower. There's my brother who finally emerged, this is right before we hit the road to come back to MN.

Climbing

Climbing
Originally uploaded by snielson.

Ben, Teddy and Jade climbing. Teddy had no fear and went higher than Ben, I probably wouldn't have gotten much higher than Jade.

Romaine and Clara

Romaine and Clara
Originally uploaded by snielson.

I had to sneak this pic of Romaine since she hates having her picture taken...but that is her and baby Clara, Noelle's back and Tom

Noelle and Elle

Noelle and Elle
Originally uploaded by snielson.

sister Noelle and niece Elle

Tom, Jade, Teddy, and Phil throwing rocks

Tom, Jade, Teddy, and Phil throwing rocks
Originally uploaded by snielson.

My brother's-in-law with Jade and The Tedmeister

Jade and Cat

Jade and Cat
Originally uploaded by snielson.

Jade and one of the many cats

view from Romaine and Phil's

view from Romaine and Phil's
Originally uploaded by snielson.

they have a cute house, minus the cat smell, and with the surrounding mountains it is quite lovely.

Elle, Ben, Clara, and Jade

Elle, Ben, Clara, and Jade
Originally uploaded by snielson.

The nieces and nephews, minus Teddy, who was acting like a hellion at the moment.

bounty

I arrived to work pleased to find a cornucopia of parking available relatively close to my building. In order to avoid paying something like 10 cents/hr parking in the ramp I opt for street parking.

I just opened something called a "savings" account, apparently you leave money in it for emergency's or large purchases or to accrue interest, it's somewhat of a foreign concept to me and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Actually I opened it to pretend I might have a little chunk of money in it mostly for overdraft protection, but I'll surprise myself if I keep a balance of more than $1 in it.